Geetha's Kitchen

A rich and delicious Korma-like stew, Masala Kadapa is a fabulous taste treat served with Idlis and Dosai in Kumbakonam -Thanjavur area, the Eastern part of South India. Masala Kadapa is just like Simple Kadapa  but is enriched with the fragrant addition of a few more spices. It is phenomenal as a side served with Pongal, plain rice, etc. also. Although split and skinless yellow moong/mung dal is the traditional dal used in this stew, I have used others with good results. For example, if I make Sambar or a Red Lentil dish, I usually cook a little extra Toor Dal/red lentils and put aside to use in making Rasam, mulagutal, etc. I also often add cooked whole Peas, Chickpeas, etc in addition to whichever dal I use if they happened to be available.  The traditional Kadapa uses only potatoes; I love to add lots of vegetables in my recipes as they make them filling and rich in nutrients. I have included carrots, green beans, cauliflower and green peas in addition to the ...

Apple & Zucchini Raita  Apple & Zucchini Raita is a delicious new variation of the classic Non-dairy Zucchini Raita and  the original  Pachadi/Raita . In Apple & Zucchini Raita, the mild, tender zucchinis shine and the apple adds sweet crunch - a fabulous combination, a match made in foodie heaven! Apple & Zucchini Raita is a wonderful starter/appetizer by itself or paired with warm Roti, naan, parathas, etc (Indian flat breads), fried or roasted papadams, and/or your favorite crackers/chips. The raita makes a nice side for Upma ,  Cheela , Uthappam , Dosa, Adai, Idlis - both the traditional and the quick types. The raita is fabulous with any meal anytime! NOTE: Any non-dairy yogurt will work; use a plain unsweetened and unflavored non-dairy yogurt such as cashew, almond, soy, or coconut milk yogurt. We love the homemade cashew/tofu/soy yogurt too; the recipe is given below. The tadka/thalippu is optional; while it adds a nutty...

Shiitake & Cremini Mushroom Larb Flavorful Mushroom Larb In Cabbage/Lettuce Cups is a fabulous treat composed of tasty, toasty mushrooms flavored with scallions, garlic, ginger, and mint. The brilliant mix of fragrant fresh herbs, crunchy toasted peanuts, the umami of the browned caramelized mushrooms, and the pungent, salt, sweet, and hot flavors make every bite of larb very interesting and extremely satisfying. This is one of my favorite way to enjoy mushrooms. Mushroom Larb makes a protein-rich, easy, and sumptuous lunch, light dinner or an appetizing and refreshingly pleasing starter. Mushroom Larb is gluten and dairy free.  Delicious Mushroom Larb is a one-pot dish as all cooking is done in one pan; after the mushrooms are done, all the other ingredients are added right into the same pan. I like to call them Laos/Thai tacos; the larb is served in lettuce/cabbage cups/boats and picked up with hands to enjoy without any need for utensils. Although one can serv...

Mexican Style Street Corn Salad, vibrant with the flavors of the roasted corn, lime juice, fresh and crisp greens, and zippy south of the border seasonings, is a truly delicious salad.This is a naturally gluten, dairy and oil free recipe. Mexican Style Street Corn Salad is filled with tasty morsels of corn, peppers, assorted greens and nutty seeds. The mango is the perfect cool sweet touch to the refreshing and spicy fresh flavors of the other ingredients. Mexican Style Street Corn Salad with Mangoes Notes: Canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce is available in most markets; puree the contents of the can and store in jars in the fridge. Frozen corn maybe used instead of fresh; pan toast in a skillet until slightly browned. Some markets sell frozen roasted corn which just needs thawing out. Chipotle Crema Dressing dressing is lovely slathered on barbecued corn on the cobs or toasted frozen corn kernels; so save any extra in a covered container. Instead of vegan mayo...

Zucchini Kimchi Easy Zucchini Kimchi is exactly that and tasty as can be. This is a fantastic recipe for a beginner's first foray into kimchi making; it goes together in minutes and the results are very impressive. Another great way to enjoy the abundant harvest especially if you grow these generous veggies or know someone who does! The tasty kimchi maybe served with any meal that needs a flavorful side. We love fresh small batches of kimchi. I slice and salt the zucchini while preparing a meal or cooking. When the rest of the work is done, it takes a couple of minutes to finish the kimchi. This recipe is gluten and dairy free; and oil free too if the sesame oil is not used. Once you start making and enjoying this kimchi, you will find many ways to enjoy every morsel. I love to pile them on my avocado or peanut butter toast for a lovely savory breakfast, brunch or snack! You may like to double the recipe because it disappears very fast! NOTES: If Korean r...

Simple yet luscious Chopped Salad With Non-Dairy Raita Dressing came into being when I wanted a salad to coordinate with an Indian themed meal. The salad turned out fabulous with requests for more! Chopped Salad With Raita Dressing Chopped Salad With Non-Dairy Raita Dressing is a wonderful recipe good and good for you with all the pro- and pre- biotic components. The radishes and grapes add spicy crunch and cool sweetness to this wonderful and satisfying salad. The dressing and salad (without the tomatoes) maybe prepared a day ahead and reserved in the fridge separately. Add the tomatoes and the dressing to the salad just before serving. NOTES: Watermelon instead of or in addition to the grapes is wonderful in this salad especially on a warm day or evening. Spinach or other greens maybe used instead of the romaine lettuce. 4 Servings INGREDIENTS: Raita Dressing 1/4 cup Raw Cashews, soaked in warm water for 30 minutes 1/2 cup thick non-dairy Plain Yogurt...