Kaya Vattan (Plantain Semi dry)

Plantain has been a staple vegetable due to its abundant growth in Kerala soils. Out of its many creations here is one dish which is very local to Kannur. And if you are wondering whats with the name, it gets the name from the cut of the vegetable Kaya = plantain  and vattan =  round.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Ingredients 

Raw Plantain (Cut in rounds):  1
Garlic (crushed): 1 pod
Green Chilli (Slit): 2 
Turmeric Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
Grated Coconut: 1/4 cup
Cumin seeds: 1 1/2 teaspoon
Coconut oil: 1 tablespoon
Water: 1/4 cup
Curry Leaves: Handful
Salt to taste

Plantain can leave lots of stain so before you cut put some oil on your hand and knife  and soak the cut plantain in some turmeric and salt water. 

In a deep pan saute the crushed garlic in 1/2 tablespoon of coconut oil. Add the cut plantain, slit green chili, turmeric powder and water.  Cover and cook until its soft. Add salt. Meanwhile coarsely grind the coconut and cumin seeds. Add this to the cooked plantain and let it all simmer for other 5-10 mins. Mix well and add the remaining coconut oil and curry leaves. 

Cranberry Orange Loaf

Inspired by a recent Facebook post of a dear cousin with a picture of some delicious cranberry orange loaf, we decided to give it a try. The results were truly a bakers delight. A slice of this loaf which is fused with the tartness of cranberries paired with citrusy oranges is great for your next tea party.

Prep Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

All purpose flour: 2 cups

Baking powder: 2 1/2 teaspoons

Eggs: 2

Butter: 1/4 cup or 4 tablespoons

Sugar: 1 cup

*Orange juice: 1 cup

*Cranberries/Craisins: 3/4 cup

Chopped walnut/pecans: 1/4 cup

Orange zest: 3/4 tablespoon

* Fresh squeezed orange juice tastes better over store bought orange juice.

* You can use fresh or frozen cranberries. But we used the dried cranberries (craisins).

Beat the sugar and butter until smooth. Add eggs and beat until ivory. Meanwhile sieve the flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt and keep it aside. Add the orange zest and orange juice to batter.  Slowly fold in the flour and mix well until its all smooth. Coat the nuts and craisins with 2 tablespoons of flour before you add them, else they will completely sink in. Mix thoroughly and note the batter should be a little thick and not very runny.

Grease a loaf pan with butter and pour in the batter.

Preheat the oven to 375 F . Bake for about 30 mins or until the center comes clean when poked. Once done take it out and let it cool.

Optional: Mix 4 tablespoons of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of orange juice to make a glaze and brush liberally all over the loaf.

Slice and serve warm with tea. Bon Appetite

Soy Kheema Mattar

Just like you would make the meat kheema mattar, we tried a version with soy granules which makes  a healthier option and another new recipe for vegetarians. Soy granules are a great way to add tons of protein to your daily diet. So definitely give this one a try.

Prep Time: 25 mins
Ingredients

Soy Granules: 1 cup
* We used the Nutrela soy granules we found at the Indian grocery store
Onions (finely chopped): 1/2 cup
Tomato (pureed): 2 med sized
Green peas (mattar): 1/3 cup
Ginger-garlic paste: 1 teaspoon
Green chillies: 2-3
Cumin seeds/Jeera: 1 1/2 teaspoons
Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon
Chilli powder: 2 teaspoons
Coriander powder : 2 teaspoons
Garam masala: 1 teaspoon
Chicken masala: 1 teaspoon (optional)
Whole spices: 2 Bay leaves, 4cloves, 1 star anise and 1 cardamom
Coriander leaves to garnish
Oil
Water to cook the soy granules

Boil 3 cups of water with some salt, turmeric powder and chilli powder. Add the granules and let it cook. It will expand a bit and soften up. Cover and leave it on low gas for about 5-10 mins. Turn off the gas and keep aside. Heat oil in a deep kadai or dish. Add the cumin seeds. Add the green chillies and ginger garlic paste and saute. Now add all the whole spices, saute. Put the chopped onions and fry. Add some salt and all the spice powders and saute well. When the onions have cooked, add the tomato puree and 1/4 cup of water  and cover cook. Now strain the soy granules and add to this mixture. Add the green peas and let it all simmer in the gravy on low heat. Adjust the spices accordingly. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with rotis.

Chocolate Chip Cookie

Here is our try at  America's Favorite, the yummylicious chocolate chip cookie. Have them plain or dunk them in your milk coz they'll bring a smile with every little bite.

Prep Time: 20 - 25 mins
Ingredients

Whole Purpose flour: 1 cup
Sugar: 3/4 - 1 cup
Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
Egg: 1
Butter: 1 stick or 1/2 cup
Vanilla Essence: 1 teaspoon
Walnut (chopped): 1/3 cup
chocolate chips: 1/3 cup

Beat the sugar and butter until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla essence and beat well. Meanwhile sieve the flour, baking powder with a pinch of salt and keep aside. Slowly fold the flour into the beaten mixture. Finally add the nuts and the chocolate chips.  Mix everything into a smooth dough. 

Preheat the oven for 375° F. Scoop out the dough and put it on to the ungreased cookie sheet. The trick to get round cookies is to use a mini ice cream scoop. Do not flatten them out before you bake.

Bake for about 10 minutes or until the sides of the cookies are golden brown. Though the center might look uncooked, take it out and cool it down for another 15 minutes. Serve warm.
If you leave them inside the oven for longer they might turn into crispy cookies.