As we hiked in the Malnad region, I came across a creeper with flowers that I had not seen before and took pictures to identify. Found out that it is the Honey Suckle Mistletoe plant. Other common … [Read More...]
Halasinahannina Gidde – Halasinahannina Gatti – Jackfruit Idli – Pelatha Gidde
In Mysuru, we do get Jackfruit and it is enjoyed as is and was not aware of the various dishes that can be prepared out of this fruit. When I heard about this dish, I wanted to taste it and … [Read More...]
Dates and Tamarind Sparkler – Kharjur Sharbat – Kharjurada Panaka
Tomorrow is Rama Navami and custom beckons us to prepare Kosambari and Panaka (Salad and Juice). Dates and Tamarind sparkler is a healthy and refreshing drink sans … [Read More...]
Mixed Fruit Arrangement
Doctors advice that we need to include different color fruits and vegetables in our diet. India being a tropical country has vibrant color fruits available throughout the year. A fruit … [Read More...]
Happy Ugadi 2024
I wish you all a very happy Ugadi and Hindu New Year. This year it is the Sri Krodhi Nama Samvatsara. Wish you a prosperous and healthy new year! Habbada Adige (festive food) plays a very … [Read More...]
April 2024 Hints
April hints are as follows: Add a pinch of sugar to the water while blanching any greens. The sugar helps to retain the color even during cooking. Add a pinch of salt to the water used to … [Read More...]
Vegetarian Recipes
Bhelpuri – Puffed Rice Street Food – Puffed Rice Salad – Chat Recipe
Bhelpuri is a sweet, spicy and tangy snack prepared using puffed Rice. Cuisine: North Indian Time Required: 30 Minutes Ingredients: 8 Cups Puffed Rice/Churmur/Kadalepuri 6 small flat … [Read More...]
Menasina Saaru – Pepper Rasam – Pepper Lentil Soup
Pepper Rasam is a thin curry also known as Rasam. This is unique to Sagar district. Tastes great during winter and adds warmth to the body to fight cold and cough. Time Required: 25 … [Read More...]
Guava Raitha – Amrud Raitha Recipe – Peru Raitha Recipe – Guava in Yogurt Sauce
A yogurt dish prepared using ripe Guava. Cuisine: North Karnataka Time Required: 10 Minutes Serves: 2 Ingredients 2 Ripe Guavas 1½ Cups Curds/Yoghurt 1 – 2 Green Chilies, Chopped … [Read More...]
Strawberry Mojito
This is a favorite summer drink in Cuba. Here is the recipe of rum-less Mojito. Cuisine: Cuba Time Required: 15 Minutes Ingredients: 10 – 12 Strawberries 3tbsp Sugar Juice of one … [Read More...]
Masoor Dal Chutney
Time Required: 15 Minutes Ingredients: ½ Cup Masoor Dal / Red Lentils 6 – 8 Red Chilies 1 tsp Oil 3 – 2” pieces of Tamarind ½ Cup Fresh grated Coconut A Bengal dal size Hing / … [Read More...]
Kharabhath – Khara Bath Recipe – Masala Bath Recipe – Rawa Masala Bath Recipe
A variation of Uppittu/Upma. This is a tasty breakfast or evening snack prepared using semolina and vegetables. When this is served along with Kesaribhath/Sajjige a sweet dish it is called … [Read More...]
Bagara Baingan – Eggplant in spicy Gravy Recipe – Brinjal in spicy Gravy Recipe
A side dish prepared using Egg Plants / Aubergine. This dish is from Andhra Pradesh. Time Required: 40 Minutes Ingredients: 5 Brinjals Lemon sized Tamarind, soaked in water 1 big … [Read More...]
Bombay Sandwich Masala Powder – Mumbai Sandwich Masala Powder
Bombay Sandwich Masala Powder is another taste enhancer for the Bombay Sandwich. Having this condiment in the kitchen can sure enhance the taste of the Sandwich along with the Sandwich … [Read More...]
Travel
Lalgarh Palace, Bikaner
An architect’s delight, the Lalgarh palace in Bikaner was built between 1902 and 1926. Built in Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural styles, the building was custom-built by Maharaja Ganga Singh … [Read More...]
Jaya Lakshmi Vilas Mansion Mysore
Tucked in the lush greenery of Manasagangotri is a quaint and grand mansion known as Jaya lakshmi Vilas Mansion in Mysore. This is part of the heritage buildings of Mysore and was built for Maharaja … [Read More...]
Kodandarama Temple, Hiremagalur
Hiremagalur means the town of the eldest daughter. This town is situated 4 Km from Chikkamagalur, Karnataka. Hiremagalur was a thriving town in the 9th and 11th centuries. Nine siddhas … [Read More...]
Coorg
South Indian heroine Suhasini wearing coorgi style saree and crooning the song “Madikeri sepoyi…” (Madikeri soldier) on mist covered hills of Madikeri / Coorg in the Kannada movie Muththina Hara is … [Read More...]
Kunti Betta
Kunti Betta / hill was the destination for a cycling and rock climbing expedition during my college days. With non gear cycles like BSA-SLR, Hero, Nataraj etc., loads of determination, and … [Read More...]
City Palace Jaipur
City Palace Jaipur, as the name indicates, the magnificent palace is situated in the heart of old Jaipur city. The City Palace Jaipur is a fine example of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The … [Read More...]
Udaipur
Udaipur is a charming city in Rajasthan. It is popularly known as City of lakes and was the capital of Mewar kingdom. Maharana Udai Singh II founded Udaipur in 1559. When Chittor fort was … [Read More...]
Festivals
Makara Sankranti
Sankranthi is a harvest festival and “Sankranthi” means movement. It is a celebration of the sun entering from the zodiac sign Dhanur/Sagittarius into Makara/Capricorn. So this Makara Sankranti … [Read More...]
Halloween
Halloween is celebrated each year on October 31. This celebration was started in Ireland by the Celts 2000 years ago. It is a believed that on this day the ghosts of the dead return to earth. … [Read More...]
Oiling ritual song – ಎಣ್ಣೆ ಹಚ್ಚುವಾಗ ಹೇಳುವ ಹಾಡು
This is a beautiful song written by Sri Purandara Dasaru to sing during the head oiling ritual, which is the beginning of auspicious occasions like festivals, weddings, upanayana (sacred thread … [Read More...]
Madhwa Navami
Prathoma Hanumanamah| Dwithiyo Bheemayevacha| Poornaprajna Thrithyasto| Bhagavatkarya Sadhakaha|| The above shloka/chanting is all about the three avatars/incarnations of Sri Madhwacharya. … [Read More...]
Dasara – Celebration of Dussehra in different regions of India – Navratri Celebrations
In Mysore, we always looked forward to Dasara, which is the Nada Habba (festival of Karnataka state) and it is not only celebrated in homes but the whole city seems to wake up from the slumber to 10 … [Read More...]
Panchamrutha Abhishekha
"Panch" means 5 and "Amrutha" means nectar in Sanskrit. Panchamrutha Abhishekha is a Hindu ritual performed at all homes and temples, where the idols are bathed with Milk, Curds, Honey, Sugar and … [Read More...]
Naga Rangoli – Snake Floor Design
The Naga rangolis / patterns shown below are drawn on Nagara Chauthi and Nagara Panchami festivals. Click on the image to see a bigger image. Rangoli drawn on Nagara Chauthi: Rangoli … [Read More...]