Cooking time – 40mins with preparation

Total Calories per piece – 340 cal

What you need:

1. Self-raising flour [maida] – 1 ½ cup [660 cal]
2. Sugar [fine/powdered] – 1 cup [700 cal]
3. Unsweetened cocoa powder – 3 tablespoons [you can use hot chocolate powder instead but remember to reduce the amount of sugar you add since it already has sugar] [40 cal]
4. Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
5. Salt – ½ teaspoon
6. Vanilla essence – 1 teaspoon
7. White vinegar – 1 teaspoon
8. Vegetable oil – 5 teaspoons [200]
9. Lemonade/Soda water – 1 cup [100]

Total calories per cake [5 pieces] – 1700 cal.

How to do:

With many of my experiments to perfect the art of eggless baking, I am penning down the one that gave me best results. Though its eggless, you can get the fluffiness and soft texture for the cake, but it would not rise as much as a cake with eggs would do. Usage of soda water and baking powder gives you a good substitute for eggs in terms of binding and rising. Here is my recipe.

1. First of all, let us mix all our dry ingredients. Sift the flour and cocoa powder to avoid any lumps.
2. Take a mixing bowl and mix flour, cocoa powder and sugar well.
3. Now, add in the baking powder and salt and mix well. I prefer using a egg beating machine, but you can always use spatula.
4. Lets add our wet ingredients. Add in vanilla essence, vinegar, oil and finally soda and keep mixing and make sure it doesn’t have any lumps.
5. Mix till you get a flowing consistency [ see picture]
6. Take a baking tray [make sure its thin and not so deep] and line it with butter/oil so that cake  won’t stick to it.
7. Pour the cake mix and put it in a preheated oven at 180 deg C for about 25mins.
8. To check if its done, you can prick a toothpick/knife edge through it and if it comes out clean,  voilá , your cake is done J
9. Take it out and let it cool down to room temperature before you do any icing.
10. I use a ready-made icing mixture for now, still to learn to decorate cakes. Depending on the level the cake rises, I tend to make sandwich cakes with chocolate spread in between. Yum Yum , I tell you its delicious!

That’s it, your delicious, eggless, butterless cake done

Go on surprise ur friends and treat yourself!!

Love

Sahaja

This is an entry to my own event which I got from one of my best buddies online…Sailaja Aunty! I was away hence delay in mailing. But it qualifies the event coz it was sent before the deadline

Here is recipe in aunty’s own words!!

Unfotunately the photos were not clear. but do try and see the dish for yourself

Heyyyy I am back!!! With loads of stories and a mouth-watering roundup of the event Single Serving Recipes!!!

First of all, I am so sorry for delay….sudden trip to Netherlands, delayed everything!! I should have done this like 10 days before….Sorry Sorry  

Coming to my experience, Wow, I should say, the blogger world is very nice and friendly….and most importantly, enthusiastic!! I came to know and discover many awesome blogs, from whom I can learn a lot both cooking wise and photography wise too!!! Some photos I got are soooo beautiful that I was looking at them for so long!!

Snacks – Tiffins!

It all started with a mail from Kavya ,  asking if she can use EGG and I said Yes, she sent me the first entry YayyySpanish Omlete !!  

Two days later, I was more than glad, when I saw my mail box with two recipes from a new friend Asha of Aromahope which are  also quite new to me …Mixed Vegetables and Averekalu Uppittu and Tomato, Peas and Carrots Uppittu

My new friend, on wordpress, Valli of Vallisworld sent me, Saggubiyyam Upma which I know is favorite of most of AP and maharashtra people Others, I strongly suggest you try this, you would love this for sure!!

Minna Sodhi of Mohani’s Kitchen sent me Pao Bhaji! reminds me of homeee shweet home!!

AnuSriram of Chandrabhaga sends me in the snacky tasty Cutlet Chat!! Man reminds me of college, how we used to sneak off to have chats Yummicious

Cham of Spice Club sends a special Vegan Thai treat the photo which left me mouthwatering! I am sure you would agree with me!!

One Pot Rice Dishes!

Ohh Ya, thats not all from Valli of Vallisworld, another one to be added to “Must Try” list is “Mamidikaya Pulihora”. My mom generally makes it for festivals in Summer but ya my anytime favorite !!Pooja of Sai Kitchen gives me another recipe of Mamidikaya Pulihora  toowhich is easy and yummy

Srilakshmi of Annapurna sent the best suitable entry for people like me, who dont finish the food made at once, ofocurse since its only one person!!! Quick Rice Makeover :) …Please do make this and enjoy!!

Priya of Priyaeasyandtasty recipes sends me another awesome onepot rice dish, French beans and red bell pepper rice!Oh ya  there are more delicacies too… Soyachunks Pulao which is quite innovative and I bet its nutritious! Kalonji masala rice which is new to me, would be trying it soon !!

I was so glad that I was getting such nice responses from new friends, I was even more happy, when Parita of Parita’s Kitchen sent me 4 entries in a row …Guess , the smile on my face it was def ear to ear !! Yayy thanks Parita!! Here are the flavorful recipes,  Chilla with Gram Flour, Bell Pepper and spring onion Parathas, Sweet corn frankies [my favorite!!] and Masala Khichdi …..I am sure most of your cravings would be satisfied atleast by one of these entries… Such a variety of cusines I felt

Home Oriya Food was great too sending me in two entries …Chowmein and Veg Fried Rice…Common now get your noodles and veggies out to try these two!! Simple and yum yum . 

Rekha of Plantain Leaf sends me in Soya Nuggets Pulao and Broken Wheat Vegetable Pulao both  of which are absolutely new to me!!  She also sent me another innovative recipe called More Kali which is rice rava upma with butter.

While Manjusha of Kitchen Clicks sends me the hot favorite of South Indians - Curd Rice!! My best friend has curd rice even in five star hotel after a chinese dinner ;P haha! It cools the body and its always better to avoid overheating! She also sent me my all time favorite Bisi Bela Bath !! I love it and truly my favorite!! 

Sudheshna of Bengali Cusine, sent me veggie fried rice but hold on, its Microwave fried rice!! 10 mins to make  Lubna, one of my first friends who encouraged me a lot for starting and maintaining this blog….sends me in two entries, both of which are rice dishes!!  Coriander Rice and tomato rice! Sweatha of Tastucurryleaf send me Chcikpea Vegetable rice

Kalva of Curry in Kadai sent me Spicy gingery Vegetable Fried Rice . This is another one I tried even before completion of event …Its easy and perfect for single serving…After a long day’s work, you can treat yourself with something like this!!

Maya from konkan world sent me the recipe of Tomato Rice...Amazing isnt it? its the same name but how many different varities you can make…and how different they taste quick and easy one here

Sailaja Aunty, specially sent me the recipe of Kobbari Annam or Coconut rice . She does not have a blog but you can see the recipe by clicking on the links [which links to my post!]

Usha of Myspicykitchen sends me Cucumber Yogurt rice . Prathibha of thechefandthekitchen sends me in Maavinikaay Chitrannam [mango rice] . She also sent me two more recipes Atukula Upma and Sabudhana Upma too.

Roti/Rolls

Easy Crafts (EC) of Simple Indian Food sent me the recipe of Missi Roti .  I feel this is bengali dish but am not sure….EC you could help me with this …This is perfect to make on long days as well…tasty, full and easy to make which makes perfectt for my event Thanks EC

Then its Koshy from Koshy Mostofa, believe me, you need to try it!! Vegetable Lasgna . Its one of my fav orders if I go to a non Indian restaurant here  

Few days later, I got entry from Pavitra of Dishes from my kitchen with her brand new recipe, TOFU ROLL! Dont know if you guys know , to me this is was new and I tried too…Its very nice and easy to make…perfect for my event

Curries/Side dishes with rice!

Kayal of Kayalcooks sent me this awesome dish, which I love too!! Arai keerai Kootu  My grandmom makes it too, now I shall follow this recipe and see how well I get along! surprise surprise to Ammamma !! thanks Kayal

Now came, all new flavor from Ujwala of  Cusine point . All new flavor coz, she sent me  mango pachadi recipe which is my all time fav and mom used to say when i first moved out of india, that if you are too tired to make anything, cook some rice and eat with mamidi pachadi Aww mouthwatering even thinking abt it !! Go on, try it , you would understand what i mean

Pavani of Cooks Hideout came out with a new recipe called Sambar Semya :) Looks delicious and am def gonna try this what say you?  :)  Thanks Pavani  

Mia of Swaadu sends me in Ariyam kadalayum which I think is a malayali dish ….made for breakfasts in Kerala ! Why not go ahead try this nutritious recipe girls!

Smoothies/Juices/Lassi

Divya of Divya Dilse sent me a breakfast smoothie, delicious, filling and ofcourse nutritious!  

Preeti of Khaugiri sends me in a very special recipe called Mattha or Dodakyache Gole!

    Thanks one and all for the enthusiasm , encouragement and love shown to make this event succesful

If I missed any, please do accept my apologies and mail me so that I can update [hope i dint ! fingers crossed!]

Love

Me

Thanks a lot for the awesome response on the event – I am sooo glad and thankful for the encouragement!

One small update, due to office work, I am off from today until 27th to Netherlands…and due to this, I might not be able to post the round up in time for 22nd….Hence I thought of an idea…

I am extending the date till 30th of this month for Single Serving event

So people, who have not yet sent the entries…you have more time now  :D yayyyyy!

Waiting for your entries

Love

Sahaja

But before that, as a coincidence, I got the foodbuzz cards on my budday too so gift u c , lucky I am and happy too!I also got best wishes and ecards from Blogging buddy Lubna of Kitchen flavours

Vegetable Biryani

What you need?

Veggies : you can use as many varieties as you want…but I used these

• Potatoes – 3 small sized cut into big sized cubes
• Carrots – 1 small sized cut into big pieces
• Beans – 1/2 cup cit into big pieces
• Cauliflower – 1/2 cup cut into bite size florets
• peas – 1/4 cup

For the Biryani Masala :

• Cloves – 4-6
• Cinnamon – 1 inch piece
• Cardamom – 3-4
• Bay Leaf – 1
• Coriander seeds – 1 tsp
• Cumin seeds – 2 tsp

Other Ingridients :

• Basmati rice – 2 cups
• Onions – 1 large one finely chopped
• Tomatoes – 1 large cubed
• Mint Leaves – 1/2 cup finely chopped
• Onion – 1 small one sliced longitudinally
• Oil – 3-4 tsp
• Coriander leaves – to garnish
• turmeric – 1/4 tsp
• ginger – 1/2 tsp
• garlic – 1/2 tsp
• Salt – to taste
• red chillies – 2 or red chilli powder
• Saffron –  a pinch if available.

How to do?

• Cook the rice adding 3 cups of water for 2 cups of rice so that it doesnt get cook completely.
• Microwave or steam the veggies till they cooked till 75% . keep them in vegetable stock and add along with water.
• Add saffron with water and soak it.
• In a heavy bottommed  and deep pan , heat oil and add ginger , garlic, green chillies , finely chopped onions and saute till onions are translucent.
• Now add the spices, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and bay leaf and saute well….now mix in turmeric powder and red chilli powder.
• Add tomatoes now and saute well till fully cooked and become soft.
• Now add saffron, mint leaves, salt and microwaved/steamed veggies.
• Mix well and remember to do entire process in low heat. 
• Seperate the mixture into 2 parts with one in the pan.
• Now add the rice and spread it on the half of the mixture…Over it, spread the remaining mixture , and spread rice just like before.
• But dont mix with rice, but cook it for 15 mins with closed lid. [take care that there is enough water].
• Meantime, fry or caramalize the sliced onions.
• Remove from heat, garnish with coriander and caramalized onions and serve hot  with raita or kurma.

Cook and enjoy and tel me your comments

Hence, this goes for my event SINGLE SERVING RECIPES @ SPICYRASAM. 

Thanks for sending in ur entries and ppl who dont know abt this, click on the image below and do send me ur delicious recipes!

What you need?

• Boiled  Rice – 1 cup
• Green chillies – 3-4 med sized.
• Ground nuts – 1/4 cup
• Curry leaves – 1 twig
• Lemon – 1 or 4 tsp of lemon juice
• Tadka Ingridients - 2 tsp
• Hing/ Asafoetodia – pinch
• Oil – 2tsp
• Turmeric – 1tsp
• Salt – to taste

How to do?

• Take a pan, heat 1 1/2 tsp oil in it.
• Add the tadka ingridients , wait for the mustard seeds to pop and then add curry leaves and hing and half of turmeric.
• Now add the ground nuts and let them roast till you lose the raw smell of groundnuts…take care not to char them. Instead, you can directly use roasted ground nuts and add them to this.
• meanwhile, in a plate, spread the rice for the moisture to get out.
• Add remaining oil and turmeric mix well . take care not to crush the grains.
• Take the tadka we prepared and mix with the turmeric rice.
• Now add lemon juice and Mix well .
• Garnish with coriander and serve hot !!

Tip : For people who do not want ground nuts since they are fat causing, you could add more of bengal gram and urad dal in tadka so that it compensates the nutty feeling.

So guys as simple as that!! So what are you waiting for? try it

Today is the start of Chaitra Maasam , new year according to Telugu Calender. And Chaitram marks the advent of Spring in deccan India…..a season, where the cuckoos starts singing, where the forests and trees grow green ….and most importantly, the season of Mangoes start!! Yum Yum….you guys must already be enjoying…gosh, we dont get good mangoes here! [only tinned and i dont like them]

Ugadi [yug+adi in sanskrit] is a celebration of New Years eve on Deccan area of India.

Andhra people call it Ugadi, Kannadigas call Yugaadi/Ugadi and its also celebrated in Maharashtra as Gudi Padwa!

To me, its Telugu New Year! Let me give you a brief idea of what its about and how we celebrate it!

Mostly, the family gets together, we used to meet up in our granny’s place in the evening…all of our cousins with pattu pavada and poola jada… But the day starts with pooja , and we make a spcial prasad for today….its called “Ugadi pachadi”

Its main ingridients are :

• Neem Buds/Flowers for bitterness – depicting the bad experiences we might face in life – sadness
• Raw Mango for tang – for the share of happiness we get
• Tamarind Juice for sourness – for anguish and anger we might feel
• Green Chilli/Pepper for heat – for the ambiguity or fear we may feel
• Jaggery for sweetness – for those sweet moments of surprise in store for us…
• Pinch of Salt for saltiness – for the flavor of year…

All in all, we call them as “Shadruchulu” the six tastes/flavors of Life….I think, the philosophy behind it is, we cant expect to have a fully happy life or fully sad one…..Life is a mixture of all these emotions!

Just like, all the flavors together make a delicious recipe, Our Life also with all the emotions tastes delicious! So it is to remind ourselves of what we might get in new year and to encourage us to accept all of them as they come and still enjoying! Isnt it a wonderful way to start a year???

Later, through the day, we listen to PANCHANGA SRAVANAM – from a priest which tells us what to expect in the year, how could it be etc based on positions of planets. Whether one believes in them or not, I find them fun to read! As long as you know, YOU are the sole person responsible for yourself, believing these wont hurt…..The moment, we tend to depend on someone else’s prediction that on ourselves, failures are bound to happen…what say?Image Source : Google Images.

I remember, when we were kids, nannamma [fathers mom] used to tell us lotsa stories, which not only were fun but also imparted knowledge and manners into us! If not for our grannys , we children would be unaware of all those epics which we thought as bed-time stories!!

So Guys and Girls, please feel free to say how it is in Gudi Padwa and Yugadi.

And Virodhi Nama Samvatsara Subhakankshalu!

Well, after participating in the events hosted by fellow foodies…..loking at their enthusiasm , encouragement and organisation I felt, may be I should try organising one myself??

*******************************Cut*****************************************************

Scene 2 :

Since, I am alone , its quite difficult cooking food for one person, so there lies my innovation [as always, necessity is mother of invention u c]…..But, ya my knowledge is quite limited, so I thought, why not take the help of my friends….i.e – you girls and guys!!

And as a result of Scene 1 and Scene 2 , Here I present,

 Single Serving Recipes @ SpicyRasam!

What is Single Serving Recipes? About and Rules :

• Any Vegetarian recipe that can be served to a single person as a single course meal will fall into this category!
• Single Course could still be having a side dish along,but preferably single easy to cook dish!
• Should be posted in between 22nd March to 22nd April 23:00 GMT, linking to this announcement!
• You could use recipes from your archive , but you need to repost linking to this announcement between the above dates.
• You can send more than one recipe !
• Once posted, please leave a comment here

Please send a mail to therainbowhues(at)gmail(dot)com with the following details

• Your Name :
• Your Blog Name:
• URL to the post :
• Picture of the recipe:

Thanks a lot…..and I am all eyes to see your entries….So hurry up and girls I need your support so do spread the word too  :) !!

PS: Also, this is the first event, please feel free to suggest any improvements and advises are highly appreciated

When I went to University, I found, most of my friends dont like it in curry, and I figured out that its coz of the sweetness it carries over….most people like curries to be hot! So this recipe is for those, who do not want the dominating sweet taste. Doing it with onions gives, the masala tint to curry even without adding much masala. So people , try this and i am sure u’ll love it

What You Need?

• Ridge gourd – 3 medium sized
• Onion – 1 large
• green chillies – 3-5 medium sized
• Salt – to taste
• Coriander – to garnish

For Popu/Tadka -

• Urad dal [black gram]- 1/2 tsp
• Chana dal [yellow split lentils]  - 1/2 tsp
• Jeera [cumin seeds] -1/4 tsp
• Mustard seeds -1/2 tsp
• Curry leaves – 1 twig

How to make?

• finely chop the onion and green chillies and grind them with a pinch of salt added, into a paste. It need not be very smooth, I would suggest 1min in blender/mixie.
• Now, take a pan, heat oil in it.
• Add the popu/tadka ingridients…..one by one, starting with mustard seeds. Wait till they pop and the dals turn slight brown.
• Now add the paste we made before….on a low flame, cook for 3-4mins
• Now to this add the cut ridge gourd pieces and cook on low heat for 5mins with lid closed.
• Add salt, mix well.
• Garnish with coriander and lemon juice if you would like and serve hot with rice/roti.

Hope you like this….Its simple, easy to make and not so many ingridients!