These simple tricks will make cooking easy for you.
Rasam is one of the staple dishes of South India, usually eaten with white rice and accompanied by a side of vegetables.
South Indian cuisine is famous for its vibrant and diverse flavours, from dry, fluffy idli accompanied by spicy sambhar to crispy dosa with coconut chutney. While these dishes are delicious, preparing them at home can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you perfect your South Indian cooking:
Rasam
A staple in South Indian meals, rasam is typically served with rice and a side of vegetables. It is a flavorful blend of tamarind, tomatoes, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and other spices. For a unique twist, try using the water from boiled peas when preparing rasam. This addition enhances the flavor and adds a delicious richness to the dish.
Banana stems
Banana leaves are often used as side dishes in South Indian cuisine, but banana stems can turn black if not stored properly. To prevent this, soak the stems in tamarind water instead of buttermilk. This simple trick helps keep the stems fresh and visually appealing.
Bonds
Bondas are deep-fried snacks that range from savory to slightly sweet depending on the region. To add a new dimension of flavour, experiment with mixing dates (khajur) into the urad dal mixture. Grinding a portion of dal with dates will impart a subtle sweetness to bondas, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.
Dahi Vadas
Dahi vadas are usually served with spicy and tangy chutneys, but if you don't have chutneys, sprinkle roasted cumin seeds on top. This simple addition will enhance the aroma and flavour of the dish, making it equally delicious.
Sautéed beets
If you are making stir-fried beetroot and don't have grated coconut, try using roasted chickpea powder (sattu) instead. It adds a wonderful aroma and texture to the dish.
Curd storage
To prevent curd from turning sour or spoiling, add a little crushed ginger to it before storing. This helps maintain its freshness for longer.
Adding salt
Mixing a small amount of salt with flour can help prevent insect infestations.
Dosa stuck to the tawa
To prevent dosas from sticking to the hot tawa, rub a mixture of tamarind and oil on them, or simply use an onion. This will ensure that your dosa turns out crispy and perfect every time.
These tips will help you enhance your South Indian dishes, making them tastier and easier to prepare.
