Geetha's Kitchen

"Kappa Puzhukku" Woody looking cassava, yuca, or tapioca roots (Manihot esculenta), are marketed as yuca (yoo-ka) in the U.S.; they should not be confused with yucca (yuk-ka) which is an unrelated plant altogether. Cassava originated from South America and traveled with the explorers to other tropical and subtropical areas of the world. In India cassava is known as tapioca (in English), as kolli, kappa, marachini, marakkizhangu, etc in Malayalam and Tamil, and manioc or mandioca in other countries. Cassava/tapioca has a unique and delicious flavor and is utilized in various ways in Kerala - freshly boiled/steamed, in curries and stews, as chips and papadams. Kappa Puzhukku is a tasty traditional offering in Kerala homes and snack shops. The bland starchy roots cook up translucent and buttery tasting; they readily absorb whatever seasonings they are cooked with and provide delectable and filling fare. Puzhukku means boiled or stewed; they are simple curries t...

Pumpkin Pie, freshly baked This is truly an amazing pie using fresh pumpkin/squash! And very easy to boot; who needs more complications when one is trying to cook a big feast!? Just put all the ingredients in the blender, give a whirl and off into the oven. I make it as the last recipe for the day; the pie bakes as I finish all the clean-up. Then relax and enjoy the evening with an amazing pie. A friend gave me a recipe and the important assignment of making dessert for Thanksgiving dinner. I adapted the recipe to suit what I had on hand. The recipe called for cooked pumpkin; and I had none. So I used fresh butternut squash that I had and it worked! Same with the spices; I only had fresh ginger and whole nutmeg and cloves which I used. This recipe is Gluten, Dairy, and Fat Free! It looks too good to be true but I guess you just have to see - well actually taste :P - for yourself to believe it. I love that it is so guilt-free too ;D --who needs all the extra calories from the ...