Oats Idli

SrilathaBreakfast, Snacks And Light meals, South Indian Leave a Comment

Oats are good for you. Let’s just accept that. But one could get tired of eating oats only as a porridgy thing. I needed to find ways to incorporate oats in our meals without getting bored of it. Tried oats dosa – did not like it. Tried it instead of rice with rasam and yogurt. Meh. Rasam was alright, but didn’t care for it with sambar or yogurt. Tried idlis. And…we had a winner! Technically, this is oats rava idli as I add a litlte bit of rava (1 part rava to 3 parts oats so there’s definitely more oats). This is a quick recipe, and with the right chutney/podi, will definitely satisfy your idli craving as well – and there’s no need to soak, grind, ferment, etc. On to the recipe now!

Venn Pongal

SrilathaSouth Indian Leave a Comment

Ven pongal (white pongal) is a simple and soothing comfort food. The main ingredients are white rice and split moong dal, with very few spices/seasonings. It is easy to digest and therefore makes a great comfort when you’re sick and craving something warm. It is made during the month of Margazhi/dhanur (roughly mid December- mid Jan) in the early mornings. My memories of school days during this time is going to the temple early in the morning to get the hot prasadam of pongal (sweet and savory).
A point about pongal: If you don’t have fresh ginger, curry leaves, black pepper, cumin, cashews, and ghee, don’t even attempt it because none of these ingredients are optional for a good pongal.