Crunchy Snack balls – Guest Post from Sridevi

Its day 5 and there is one more energy balls recipe, this time it is from Sridevi – Coconut Craze. During my Initial days of blogging I was checking my wordpress reader and saw Sridevi’s post notification, the word coconut intrigued me to visit her space, and from that day onwards her blog has become one of my regular blogs to visit. Her food pics speaks a lot, I adore her recipe collections some of her baked recipes are in my to do list. She is very friendly and gave me great support ever since my initials days and till date. Though she was busy when I asked for Guest post Sridevi allocated sometime and sent me this post. Crunchy snacks balls are waiting, over to Sridevi,

I have a sweet little treat as a guest post for Vidya Srinivasan of Traditionally Modern Food. Vidya, is a very enthusiastic blogger and has presented us with many wonderful recipes. I appreciate her friendliness and hard work. She has been encouraging me with suggestions and comments which helped me improve my posts considerably. I like her baked recipes that have a traditional element in it. She gives them a modern twist making them less oily and yummy. When she asked me to do a guest post for her, I was in the middle of some activities. I managed to squeeze in some time and came up with this easy recipe.

She suggested a kid friendly recipe and I thought of all things kids can hold in their hands, carry around and eat. My foremost concern was to make it nutritional. I wanted to try something without any artificial additives. It should be attractive to children, easy to make and delicious. I had a lot of things to consider. Honestly, it made me scratch my head and think a bit. Finally, I came up with this ladoo. Hope you like it!

facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coconut-craze/281334571966246

Energizer ladoos

Imagine a guilt free snack! A snack that is handy and provide energy to play for a long time!

These crunchy snack balls will provide you all of the above. They are gluten free and refined sugar free if you do not use powdered sugar to decorate. This is a convenient snack to can grab and go!

I developed this recipe inspired by a snack ball we make at home. It is from a mix called avalouse podi made using rice flour, coconut and cumin seeds, fried to a grainy texture.  Back home, it is our homemade breakfast cereal that is eaten with sugar and slices of banana. They also make it into snack balls adding melted brown sugar or honey.

I thought it was an appropriate snack and tried to add a few more ingredients to enhance it. When I took a bite, I was reminded of my aunt who makes them when we go on vacation to our grandmother’s house.

For simplicity, I took equal quantities of most ingredients. You may increase or decrease it as desired.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup rice
• 1/4 cup oats rolled or steel cut oats
• 1/4 cup quinoa
• 1/4 cup dry coconut
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 12-15 pitted dates
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• honey to bind

Method:

1. Soak pitted dates in water for 20 minutes.
2. Chop soaked dates into small bits.
3. Take a heavy bottom pan and roast oats, rice and quinoa each separately until golden brown.
4. Toast grated dry coconut. (If it is fresh coconut, grate it finely and toast with rice until it becomes dry.)
5. Add raw almonds and chopped dates to the roasted ingredients and pulse it in a blender in small batches.
6. Powder it to get a coarse texture.
7. Mix the powder with coconut oil.
8. Add enough honey to the mixture to make it moist enough to hold.
9. Roll them in your hand into small balls.

I made 16 balls with this mixture. They harden after they rest a while. Store them in air tight containers or in a refrigerator for weeks. You feel a satisfactory crunch when you chew it.

Sprinkle powdered sugar for an attractive coating or dust with chocolate powder if your kids like it.

This is exclusively a kid friendly snack but if you have a kid in you, go ahead and enjoy it! When I made this at home, surprisingly, it was the oldest member in the house who loved it the most. So there is no age limit to taste one and run back for more!

Thanks you for inviting me and having me post in your space, Vidya!

Oats Quinoa Balls – Guest post from Malar

Day 2 of my guest post series and today its from Malar, neither my blog nor my immediate family needs intro for her. WordPress gave us intro and initially we started talking through comments, but within no time it has changed to a stage where almost every week we started talking over the phone and most of the days during our one hour talk (may be more if my son didn’t wake up during his nap) we seldom talks about blog. As Malar mentioned below during our initial days we both decided to do guest post in each other’s space, but taking advantage of our friendship kept postponing, finally “March” has become a auspicious month for both of us to write a post for each other (oh yes, can see my post in Malar’s page in sometime). I can continue writing about Malar and her space but its time to handover to Malar:-)

Over to Malar,

Hi I am Malar , so excited to do a guest post for Vidya’s Traditionally Modern Food, a fabulous blog. My blog is Malar’s Kitchen. You can find various Indian recipes along with few other cuisine recipes. I have a lot of chettinad recipes too, if it might excite you.

Vidya and myself, we started following each other during our initials days of blogging, eventually we got along so well. From blogging she turned out to be a very good friend of mine. We chit chat a lot, just not blogging many personal stuffs too  It was long time back we decided that we should do guest post for each other and being friends, we took enough advantage of postponing 😉 Finally I am here with a guest post for her with Oats Quinoa Balls. Few details on my blog.

Blog link: https://malarmuthu.wordpress.com/

FB link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Malars-Kitchen/1516965231871483

Pinterest link: https://www.pinterest.com/vijimalar/recipe/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/malarskitchen

Hopping on to the recipe…..

Ingredients:

Oats – 1 cup

Quinoa – ¼ cup

Water – ¾ cup

Flax seeds – ¼ cup

Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon

Dry Fruits – 1/3 cup (I have used cranberries)

Jaggery – ½ cup (Can be replaced by sugar)

Method:

• Dry roast Oats for 3 to 4 mins, until nice aroma rises.
• Dry roast flax seeds for 2 mins.
• Now powder oats and flax seeds either together or separately.
• Clean quinoa and cook with water in high for 6 mins, simmer for 12 mins.
• Switch off when quinoa turns fluffy and soft.
• Heat jaggery with just enough water to bring it to boiling state.
• Now mix all of the together along with dry fruits and vanilla extract.
• Form a nice dough. Make small balls out of it.
• Healthy oats quinoa balls are ready. Place in an airtight container in fridge stay well up to 20 days.
• You can add any sort of dry fruits, cashews, almonds, walnuts. I wanted to use up my cranberries , so I have used only this 

Baked Quinoa Croquettes – Guest Post from Anupama

Its guest post day, and today we have Anupama from Easy bites Online. Social media is playing a great role in finding new people, I happened to see Anupama’s post in a FB group and started visiting her space. I am a big fan of her healthy recipes. I  apporached her to do a guest post for Toddler friendly recipes, she instantly agreed and here is her healthy snacks.

Anupama says,

Quinoa, although less known, this super grain is making a definite way into our lives, rightly so if you ask me. Packed with all the eight essential amino acids (and thereby a complete protein), fiber, magnesium, phosphorous and iron, quinoa has made its way for sure into my kitchen.

Nearly every meal of ours entails either rice or wheat, our habitual grains. I am aware that to bring in quinoa can be tricky especially with picky toddlers!

When Vidya Srinivasan, from Traditionally Modern Food, asked me for a toddler-friendly guest post on her blog, I could not refuse; not because I find it hard to say ‘No’ to anyone, but because being such a professional, enthusiastic blogger, lovely and a thoughtful person that she is, I simply could not bring myself to say no. I feel this has opened up another channel to know Vidya and her wonderful blog better. Do visit her blog for numerous delicious, healthy recipes.

I decided this would be another opportunity to bring in quinoa and make it toddler-friendly!

An eye-catching finger food presented to hungry kids after school is sure to entice them to dig in. As anticipated, the array of Baked Quinoa Croquettes sitting at the table with some ketchup, drew my kids to it. They simply grabbed one each, dug into the dip and ‘puff’ it was gone.

These are baked, however, can be deep-fried too.

Website : http://easybitesonline.com

Google Plus : https://plus.google.com/+AnuNagarajaebo

Facebook : http://facebook.com/blogebo

Twitter : http://twitter.com/@easybitesonline/

Pinterest : http://pinterest.com/anagarajakumar

Ingredients:

cooked quinoa – 1/2 cup

cooked mashed or cooked grated potato – 3/4 cup

paneer – 1/4 cup (Indian cottage cheese)

finely chopped onion – 1/2 cup

finely chopped green bell pepper – 1/4 cup

garlic – 1 clove chopped fine

ginger – 1 tsp grated fine

fresh mint leaves – 6-8 roughly chopped

fresh coriander chopped fine – 2 tbsp

raisins, roughly chopped cashews – couple of tbsp as stuffing (optional)

salt and pepper to taste

lemon juice – 2 tsp (or to taste)

corn slurry prepared using a tbsp of corn flour mixed in 1 tbsp of water

bread crumbs prepared using brown bread powdered in a blender

olive oil – few tsp to drizzle over and to grease the tray

Method:

– First cook quinoa as per the instructions on the pack.

– Add this 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa to a bowl, add the rest of the ingredients.

– Mix everything well. it should come together nicely like a dough.

– Now take small portions of the mixture of the size of a golf ball.

– Flatten it over your palm using your fingers.

– Place a couple of raisins and cashew pieces (if preferred). cover this up by bringing together the mixture all around and over the stuffing. make a ball shaped croquette.

– Now, dip this in cornflour slurry, then roll over bread crumbs to cover all over. Pat gently all over to allow bread crumbs to stick well.

– Place this on a plate or tray. Repeat the same with the rest of the mixture.

– Pre-heat the oven to 190 deg C.

– Allow these balls to sit for 10-15 min. this will allow the corn flour to harden a bit. This will ensure that the balls do not open up when deep-fried. It retains its shape well too when baked.

-Now drizzle over or brush gently some olive oil over each of the balls.

-Place them on a lined, greased baking tray.

-Bake them for 22-25 min or until nicely browned up.

-Serve with ketchup.

Notes:

Since this is meant for kids, green chili has not been used. but if tolerated, can be used.

If preferred, the cornflour slurry can also be seasoned with salt and pepper powder.

The finer you chop the vegetables, the easier it will be to prepare balls.

Stuffing with raisins, nuts is optional. if stuffing is not preferred, make smaller balls.

Keep an eye on the bake.

Allow it to cool slightly before you attempt to remove from the tray. Use a flat plastic ladle to gently dislodge it from the tray.

Paneer kofta

I prepared this yummy paneer kofta when making Malai Kofta. After tasting some koftas, I felt it was a easy tea time snack. Infact that day we ate some Kofta just like that! I used the paniyaram pan, and it reduced oil usage significantly.

Ingredients:

Paneer grated – 200 grams

Pepper powder – 1/4 tsp

Cardamom powder – 1/4 tsp (Optional)

Cornstarch/ All purpose flour  – 2 tablespoon (I used all purpose flour)

Rice flour – 1 tsp

Sugar – 1/8 tsp (Optional)

Salt – as needed

Mixed nut – 2 tbsp (You can finely chop or use blender)

Method:

• Grate the paneer and mash it with hand. Add all purpose flour and rice flour, salt, pepper powder, sugar and cardamom powder

• Make a soft dough and divide into small portion  and stuff chopped nuts into each portion. Shape them into balls

• Take a Panniyaram pan and once the pan is hot, grease them with oil and place the balls. Cook till they are golden brown both sides

• Delicious easy and quick Kofta is ready. Serve it with ketchup

My Notes:

• Add cornflour/ all purpose flour if you think its not binded properly
• Instead of using paniyaram pan can also deep fry them or bake it in 350 degree Fahrenheit

 Taking this to Fiesta Friday 27 

Whole Moong Bean Paniyaram

When I was thinking what to prepare for breakfast next day, I saw a fresh pack of whole moong bean in the kitchen. Usually I do pesaruttu with whole moong bean for breakfast. Thought of doing something else this time, and my Tamilian roots thought about paniyaram. Previously I did Adai paniyaram with lentils and rice, this time wanted to skip rice.

Whole Moong Bean Paniyaram:

Preparation Time : 10 mins | Soaking Time : 4 hours | Cooking Time : 10 mins | Serves : 3

Recipe Category: Breakfast

Ingredients:

Whole Green Moong bean/Mung Bean –  1 cup

Toor dal – 1/4 cup

Channa dal – 2 tbsp

Onion – 1 finely chopped

Cumin Seeds – 1/4 tsp

Green Chilli – 1

Ginger – 1/4 tsp

Hing – a generous pinch

Oil – 2 tbsp

salt as needed

Method:

• Soak the three lentils together for about 4 hours (I soaked in warm water)
• Drain the water, and Grind into a coarse paste, along with green chillies, cumin seeds and ginger, by adding water
• Mix with onion, hing and salt. If required add some more water for the batter

• Heat the paniyaram pan. Add a little oil to each hole. Spoon the batter into the pan

• After one side is cooked well, turn the paniyaram and cook the other side. Serve with any chutney

 

My Notes:

• Instead of oil you can even use cooking spray
• If you do not have kuzhi paniyaram pan, you can deep fry them in oil or make dosage
• You can add any veggies of your choice
• Instead of green mong bean, yellow moong dal can also be used

 

 

 

Masala Paniyaram

During our childhood days, whenever we get bored of idli/dosa, kuzhi paniyaram  is an immediate alternative Amma prepares with idli/dosa batter. For preparing this dish, Kuzhi paniyaram  stand and left over idli/dosa batter is all that’s needed. I tried savory version. If you don’t have kuzhi paniyaram pan, try frying it in oil to enjoy quick snack 🙂 For a variation you can Aldo check Adai paniyaram

Masala Paniyaram (Savory Rice Ball):

Preparation Time : 10 mins | Cooking Time : 10 mins | Serves : 3

Recipe Category: Breakfast

Ingredients:

Dosa/Idly batter – 2 cups

Idli Podi – 1 tsp

Finely chopped Onion – 1

Grated Carrots – 2

Hing – a generous pinch

Curry leaves – few, roughly chopped

Ginger – 1/8 tsp (optional)

Coriander leaves – Handful

Oil – to cook

Method

• Add onion, carrot, Idli podi, coriander leaves, curry leaves, hing and ginger to the Idli batter

• Heat the paniyaram pan. Add a little oil to each hole. Spoon the batter into the pan and cook for 2 minutes on one side

• After one side is cooked well, turn the paniyarams and cook the other side. Flip carefully and cook until it is done

• Serve with any chutney

My Notes:

• Green chilli can be used instead of Idli podi
• Can add 2 tbsp of wheat flour for a soft texture

Check my other recipes using Idli/Dosa Batter,

Idli Fry

Idli Upma

Kaima Idli

Masala Idli

Vegetable Waffle Dosai

Adai Paniyaram – Savory Lentils & Rice Balls

Adai paniyaram is a different version of Kuzhi Paniyaram. Normally we make masala paniyaram with left over idly batter, for a change I tried Panniyaram with leftover Adai batter for breakfast. Adai batter is a mixture of rice and various lentils with flavors of ginger and red chillies. With this batter we generally make Adai Dosai.

Adai Paniyaram:

Preparation Time : 10 mins | Soaking time: 4 hours | Cooking Time : 10 mins | Serves : 3

Recipe Category: Breakfast

Ingredients:

Boiled Rice (Boiled Rice used for making Idli/Dosa) – 1/4 cup

Raw Rice  – 1/4 cup

Moong dal –  1/4 cup

Toor dal – 1/4 cup

Channa dal – 1/8 cup

Onion – 1 finely chopped

Red chillies – 3

Curry leaves few

Ginger – 1/4 tsp

Coriander leaves a small bunch

Hing a generous pinch

Oil – 2 tbsp

salt as needed

Method:

• Soak the rice and the lentils together for about 3 hours
• Drain the water, and Grind into  course paste along with red chillies and ginger. Add required amount of water
• Mix with onion, coriander leaves, curry leaves, hing and salt.  Adjust the qty of water as needed
• Heat the paniyaram pan. Add a little oil to each hole. Spoon the batter into the pan

• After one side is cooked well, turn the paniyaram and cook the other side. Serve with any chutney / jaggery / aviyal

My Notes:

Instead of oil you can even use cooking spray