Cooking for Avantika

The word Sharad means winter and Purnima is a full moon. So, this is about the first full moon of the winter season which is to arrive soon. The moon on this day is said to be relatively closest to earth and it thus drips Amrit or the nectar of immortality on those whom it touches with its light. This nectar is often described as 16kala or all the 16 attributes of the moon light, but more about that a little later. The day also marks the end of Monsoon season. It is also celebrated as the birth of goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi or Sri-Devi or Param Shakti (translated as The Supreme Power) was born or manifested on this day. She is probably the most sought after goddess who everyone worships most religiously yet few realize. While most associate Lakshmi with only wealth, or more precisely material wealth, she stands for much more. Belief has it that on the night of Sharad Purnima, the mythical goddess mounted atop an owl, Lakshmi, visits every home to see wh...

There are times when you need to stir up meals quickly at short notice and your body doesn't need grains; vegetables can be very forgiving when you need something cooked, yet light but satisfying. Broccoli is one such vegetable that can be made edible as quickly as can be done. Here's what you need: 1/2 cup broken broccoli florets (rested for a while after separation) Olive oil 1/2 tsp finely chopped garlic Sendha Namak (Rock Salt) and black pepper Shredded cheese for garnish Here's what you do: Heat a pan and add olive oil to it. Spread the oil to coat the PAN and quickly add garlic. Stir the garlic as it sizzles and quickly add broccoli as the garlic starts browning. Make sure flame is not too high. Medium to Low is good. Add rock salt and stir to coat. Keep stirring. Cover for a few seconds when it looks done (This makes it slightly soft). Garnish with cheese and add black pepper as desired before serving. It's best enjoyed slightly warm.

Today, I am cooking with one of your father's most un-favorite vegetable which you at the age of 2 - 3 would completely gobble up. I absolutely love it too. Drumsticks! I don't blame him for not liking it, he has never tried it and he probably never ever will. So here comes what you need: 2-3 long drumsticks, washed, lightly scraped if rough and chopped into two inch pieces. Sunflower Oil and a cup of Coconut milk. All the other ingredients shown in the picture below: You need onions, tomatoes, ginger, Garlic, jeera, black pepper, curry leaves, turmeric, red chilli powder, corriander seeds powder and cinnamon. And Sendha namak And heres what you do: Steam/Boil the drumsticks and keep aside. Heat oil in a kadai, add jeera and black pepper, followed by ginger, garlic and curry leaves. Mix well. When the curry leaves are crisp, add onion and cook till translucent. Next add tomato and the dry spices and sendha namak. Cook covered with a water filled plate on t...