Unniyappam
Unniyappam is a popular Kerala snack. It is made during most of the festivals and as offerings to Lord Ganesha in the temples. Speaking of Lord Ganesha and unniyappam, I should definitely mention the famous Kottarakara Ganapathy Kovil where unniyappam is the main offering.
Traditionally, unniyappams were made after soaking rice overnight and grinding it to a semi-coarse batter. But in this recipe, I have deviated from the traditional method and I am using wheat flour to make healthy unniyappams. Read more…
Semiya Payasam
Semiya payasam or vermicelli payasam is a sweet and delicious Indian dessert prepared with semiya (vermicelli), milk, ghee, sugar and roasted nuts. In this recipe, you can substitute milk and sugar with condensed milk also (which is what I generally do!) This payasam/ kheer can be served warm or cold according to preferences. This kheer always becomes thick as it cools. You can add hot or cold milk to adjust the consistency of the kheer before serving.
Pazham Pori
Pazham pori also known as ‘Ethekka appam’ is an all-time favourite evening snack of malayalis. It is a very easy and quick recipe and you don’t have to be an experienced cook to make this snack. The banana to be used for this recipe is a special type of banana called ‘Ethapazham’. Usually all-purpose flour is used for this recipe but I always opt for the healthier wheat flour. I add a tablespoon of rice flour or semolina to make the pazham poris crispier.
Theralli Appam
Theralli appam is a tasty and simple recipe. This recipe is generally prepared during auspicious occasions or during festivals. This recipe is generally prepared during ‘Thrikarthika’ or ‘Attukal Pongala’. Every year millions of women offer pongala (prayer offering) to Attuakal Devi. People arrive from different places of the World, set up hearths with bricks and they make payasam (similar to chakkara pongal) and theralli appam. The real flavour of this recipe not only comes from the ingredients but also from the leaves they are rolled in i.e. Bay leaves or Vazhana ela as called in Malayalam. These leaves have a distinct aroma. When you steam these leaves your house will be filled with that lovely aroma.