Traditional Horse and Camel Festival (pictures)

VCC 312 - Kakarakaya Pulusu Pachadi

Here is another very traditional homely favorite dish recipe is kindly contributed by Swapna to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of kakarakaya pulusu pachadi are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 311 - Kakarakaya with Tamarind and Jaggery

This very traditional homely favorite dish recipe is kindly contributed by Swapna to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of kakarakaya with tamarind and jaggery are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 310 - Green Tomato Chutney

Here is a tangy-nutty chutney recipe which goes as an accompaniment to idlees kindly contributed by Manasi to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of green tomato chutney are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 309 - Dalia Upma

Here is a delicious breakfast dish recipe kindly contributed by Manasi to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of dalia upma are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 308 - Naral Wadi

Here is another traditional dish recipe kindly contributed by Manasi (mom's recipe) to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of naral wadi are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 307 - Dabeli Roti

Here is a traditional street-food dish recipe kindly contributed by Manasi to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of dabeli roti are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 306 - Peeth Perleli Bhaji

Here is another delicious dish recipe kindly contributed by Manasi to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of peeth perleli bhaji are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 305 - Ksheera Anna

Here is another traditional rice dish recipe kindly contributed by Manasi to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of ksheera anna are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 304 - Misal

This traditional Maharashtrian dish recipe is kindly contributed by Manasi to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of misal are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 303 - Beetroot Kootu

This colorful homely favorite dish recipe is kindly contributed by Priya MN to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

Beetroot kootu recipe
(unedited)

Ingredients:
Beetroot - 1 large (chopped into fine bits)
Potato - 1 medium (chopped into fine bits)
Carrot - 1 medium (chopped into fine bits)
Tomato - 1 medium (chopped into fine bits)
Onion (optional) - 1 small (chopped into fine bits)
Green Chilli - 5-6 (each slit into 4 pieces)
Curry leaves - 1-2 sprigs
Coriander leaves - for garnishing
Moong dal - 2 handfuls
Whole lentils or toor dal - 1 handful
Salt - to taste
Coconut (optional) - 1 -2 tbspn

Method: Saute onion in 1 teaspoon of oil. Add moong dal and lentils along with all the ingredients in a large pot. I prefer to cook in a pot rather than in a pressure cooker because I find the former to be more tasty. When the dal and vegetables are cooked well, your beetroot kootu is ready. I prefer a semi-liquid kutu. I also like a lot of green chillies because it complements the sweetness of beetroot and carrots. Garnish with coriander leaves and coconut. You may add lime juice. This kootu goes well with rice and rotis. This dish is low-cal and nutritious and is a regular at meals in my home.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 302 - Navaratan Kurma

This all-time homely favorite navratan kurma recipe is another kind contribution by Swapna to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of naan are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 301 - Naan

Here is a naan recipe kindly contributed by Swapna to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of naan are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 300 - Sprouted Moong

Here is a nutritious dish recipe kindly contributed by Sonu to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of sprouted moong are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 299 - Upma

Here is another breakfast dish recipe kindly contributed by Sonu to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of upma are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 298 - Masala Khichdi

This dish recipe is another kind contribution by Sonu to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of masala khichdi are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 297 - Sabudana Khichdi

This delicious khichdi dish recipe is another kind contribution by Sonu to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of sabudana khichdi are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 296 - Chhole Masala

Here is another delicious dish recipe kindly contributed by Sonu to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of chhole masala are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 295 - Baigan Bhartha

This homely favorite dish recipe is kindly contributed by Sonu to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of baigan bhartha are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 294 - Aloo Paratha

This homely favorite dish recipe is kindly contributed by Sonu to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of aloo paratha are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 293 - Erissheri

This very traditional family dish recipe has come from God's own country Kerala kindly contributed by Jaiprakash to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details and history of the dish erissheri are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 292 - Chicken Thoran

Here is another traditional chicken dish recipe kindly contributed by Annita to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of chicken thoran are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 291 - Bellam Garelu

This traditional Andhra sweet dish recipe is kindly contributed by Sailaja to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

In Sailu's own words, "I really appreciate the group book project 'You can cook for FAHC campaign. I feel honored to be able to contribute to such a worthy cause. Kudos to the entire FAHC team for your dedication and relentless effort in bringing out this cook book. God Bless You All! I am contributing a traditional Andhra sweet dish recipe - Bellam Garelu to the group book project."

The recipe details of bellam garelu are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

Aditya and his love for lollipops!

This 2-year-old guy likes to dunk into these delicious lollipops very much... a piece of hard candy fixed to the end of a small stick which is primarily made of sugar, water, corn syrup, and flavorings.

I am quite concerned about the artificial flavorings used and the chemical intakes. Has anyone tried making a traditional lollipop candy at home with natural flavorings for your kids? I am curious to know. Cheers!

VCC 290 - Chocolate Brownies

This heavenly dish recipe which is perfect for this valentine season is kindly contributed by Chandrika to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

In Chandrika's own words, "This recipe is a chocolate lover's delight! A favorite in the West, this dessert is so easy to make, that you can whip it up in a jiffy!"

The recipe details of chocolate brownies are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 289 - Prawns and Mango Curry

Here is a traditional Mangalorean prawns curry recipe kindly contributed by Veena to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of prawns and mango curry are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 288 - Gul Poli

This traditional festival food recipe is a kind contribution by Aarti Mahajan-Ekatpure to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

Endorsement statement: "My Dhaba's group book project 'You Can Cook for FAHC Campaign' is a wonderful step towards one of the major hindrance to developement of the nation - Poverty. Its my pleasure to be a very small part of this initiative and am glad that I am contributing to it."

In Aarti's own words, "I would like to share the recipe of Gulpoli, a sweet prepared on occasion of Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra, India.

One of my favorite festive food is Gulpoli.Once ready, I control my temptation for few hours since Gulpoli tastes best when eaten 4-5 hours after preparation as it becomes hard and crispy then. Since the Makar Sankranti festival is celebrated in the mid winter in India, the food prepared for this festival is such that it keeps the body warm and gives high energy. Hence til(sesame seeds) and gul(jaggery, brown sugar) are basically used in the preparation of sweets for this festival.

This is my mom's recipe which she has learnt from my paternal grandmother. This Sankranti was my first one after marriage, away from home, and hence my first try at Gulpoli. But it turned out so well that I happen to try it 2-3 times a month. The cold weather in Belgium too supports my decision of preparing Gulpoli quite often."

The recipe details of gul poli are as below.

Gul Poli Recipe

Ingredients:
For dough:
Plain flour(Maida) : 1/2 cup
Wheat flour (Atta) : 1/2 cup
2 tbsp cooking oil
Luke warm water
A pinch of salt

For filling:
Jaggery : 1 and 1/2 cup
Sesame seeds: 4 tspn
Poppy seeds: 2 tspn
Gram flour: 3 tbspn
Cardamom powder: 1 tspn
Nutmeg powder: 1 tspn
Cashewnuts : 4-5
Almonds: 1-2

Ghee for roasting

Method:
Dough preparation:
1) Sieve the flours so as to avoid lumps .
2) Mix the flours. Prepare a hollow space in the center to put oil.
3) Heat oil and add it to the flour.
4) Mix hot oil with flour using a spoon.
5) Add a pinch of salt.
6) Add luke warm water and make a soft dough.
7) Leave aside covered by wet cloth for 2 hrs.

Filling preparation:
1) If the jaggery is soft, break it in small lumps by hand. If hard, just grate it.
2) Roast poppy seeds, sesame seeds and gram flour separately.
3) Grind poppy seeds, sesame seeds, cashews and almonds together to a smooth paste.
4) Mix Jaggery, gram flour, ground paste, cardamom powder and nutmeg powder.
5) Make 4-5 small balls about one inch diameter for filling.

Steps for Gulpoli:
1) Knead the dough well. Make 4-5 equal parts of dough, nearly same size as dough for chapati.
2) Roll th dough on rolling board till it becomes 3-4 inch in diamater.
3) Place a ball of filling in the center and close it by getting the edges together at top. Take care not to let the filling come out.
4) With the use of flour, just press the dough by both palms so as to equally spread the filling inside towards the edges as well.
5) Using flour, roll it to nearly 7-8 inches in diameter.
6) Heat the frying pan and put some ghee.
7) Roast the gulpoli on the frying pan on both sides using ghee till it turns brownish.
8) Serve hot with ghee or eat crispy gulpoli after 4-5 hours.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 287 - Kootu with Dill

This traditional Karnataka dish recipe is another kind contribution by Vani to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of kootu with dill are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 286 - Bisi Bele Bhath

Here is another traditional dish recipe kindly contributed by Vani to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of bisi bele bhath are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 285 - Thinglaware (thing-La-wah-ray)

Here is Konkani dish recipe from kindly contributed by Vani to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

In Vani's own words, "here is a Konkani dish for your FAHC campaign. Thinglaware (thing-La-wah-ray) is a Konkani curry made with navy beans. Coconut plays a major role in Konkani cooking. This curry had a simple coconut gravy with garlic tadka. I love to have this with rotis or white bread but it also goes well with white rice."

The recipe details of thinglaware (thing-La-wah-ray) are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 284 - Nadan Kozhi Curry

Here is another regional chicken dish recipe from God's own country Kerala kindly contributed by Shaheen Shahnaz to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of nadan kozhi curry are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign
The recipe

VCC 283 - Thenga Chor

This is a coconut rice dish recipe from God's own country Kerala kindly contributed by Shahnaz to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of thenga chor are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 282 - Kozhi Ishtoo

Here is another regional chicken dish recipe from God's own country Kerala kindly contributed by Shahnaz to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of kozhi-ishtoo are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 281 - Chemmeen-Muringakka Chaaru

This is a very delicious regional dish recipe from God's own country Kerala kindly contributed by Shahnaz to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of chemmeen-muringakka charu are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 280 - Beerakaya Tokku Pachadi

Here is another traditional dish recipe kindly contributed by Swapna to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of beerakaya tokku pachadi are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 279 - Vegetable Balls in Garlic Sauce

This dish recipe is another kind contribution by Supriya to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

In Supriya's own words, "I am glad to see many bloggers around the world contributing their recipes for this noble cause. I feel humble and blessed to be a part of FAHC."

The recipe details of veg balls in garlic sauce are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 278 - Palak Kofta Curry

Here is another traditional dish recipe kindly contributed by Supriya to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

In Supriya's own words, "I am glad to see many bloggers around the world contributing their recipes for this noble cause. I feel humble and blessed to be a part of FAHC"

The recipe details of palak kofta curry are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 277 - Bachali Koora Ava Rasam

Here is another traditional dish recipe kindly contributed by Swapna to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of bachali koora ava rasam are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 276 - BaleKai Gojju

Here is a very traditional Kannadiga (from Karnataka, India) dish recipe kindly contributed by Seema to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of balekai gojju are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 273, 274, 275 - Menthi Podi, Capsicum Menthi Curry, Brinjal with Menthi Podi

These traditional recipes are kindly contributed by Swapna to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

Menthi Podi

Capsicum Menthi Curry
Vankaya with Menthi Podi

The recipe details of menthi podi, capsicum menthi curry, and brinjal with menthi podi are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

Nucleus of the idea for the campaign - Feed a Hungry Child

We know that time flies. We wanted to give you a heads up on the group cookbook project – You Can Cook. We would like to thank everyone who showed up, participated, and are helping us throughout this project. The total recipe contributions received so far in the project is 165 recipes. So, what now? We want more recipe contributions in the cookbook project. The goal of the cookbook project is to gather 365 traditional/heirloom recipes, so we have decided to extend the deadline for submission of recipe contributions to February 28, 2007.

Long way to go for us together moving along with this project. Submission guidelines are here and also here. Please do pitch in and contribute your favorite recipes.

Let me also share with you today about the nucleus of the idea for Feed a Hungry Child campaign - how and why it is conceived, etc.

It was after my beloved mother's demise in April 2006 which was a terrible shock in itself but also coupled with a lot of guilt for not being with her at a time when she wanted me by her side. I really wanted to do something in her name and received many valuable suggestions from well wishers - construct a much needed waiting shed in my native village, set up a scholarship in the local school or even sponsor 2-3 less priviledged children until they are on independant but nothing really worked out.

At the time, I was fully immersed in my hobby, this My Dhaba blog, on which I have been documenting all my mom's, sister's (who died an unnatural death at the age of 29), and my recipes into a collection of traditional Indian home cooking recipes and was aiming to publish a cookbook my own by Dec 2006 - You can Cook. This was documented in post at here - the 2006 new year questions. The nucleus of the idea took shape at this point - maybe I could combine my two objectives into one. A few months of thinking resulted into this two-pronged campaign, i.e., that of documenting disappearing recipes along with practical hands-on cooking advice as well the larger goal of raising funds from the sales of the book for the Feed a Hungry Child campaign. The concept of Feed a Hungry Child campaign's group cookbook project 'You can Cook' was born. Getting a cookbook published entirely from the public domain has become the plus point of the project.

The support from blogger friends and food lovers from all around the world has been very good throughout. We now have a very well-committed project team; a project manager and subject matter experts in the areas of content development, book publishing, charity formation and fundraising, and marketing and sales aspects of the campaign. We are on a look out for some more valuable experts' help and leadership advice. It will provide clarity and guidance that will ensure objective of Feeding a Hungry Child is realised effectively and efficiently.

If you are available and want to work with us, please let us know asap. Time, skills, or funds - we appreciate every bit of help we get!

Last word - kindly pass it on to your contacts and help us in getting the word out.

FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 272 - Banana Boat

Here is another creative snack recipe for kids kindly contributed by Hemapriya to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of biscotti are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 271 - Biscotti

Here is another snack recipe for kids kindly contributed by Hemapriya to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of biscotti are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 270 - Javarisi Mixture

Here is a snack recipe for kids kindly contributed by Hemapriya to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of javarisi mixture are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 269 - Cilantro Kofta

Here is a cilantro kofta recipe kindly contributed by Hemapriya to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of cilantro kofta are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 268 - Kola Urundai Kulambu

This delicious meat dish recipe is kindly contributed by Hemapriya to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of kola urundai kulambu are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 267 - Baked Chicken Breast

Here is a baked chicken breast recipe kindly contributed by Hemapriya to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of baked chicken breast are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 266 - Tandhoori Chicken

This chicken tandoori recipe is kindly contributed by Hemapriya to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of tandhoori chicken are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 265 - Kurlyo Sukke

Here is a classic Mangalorean-style crab dish recipe kindly contributed by Veena to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

Kurlyo Sukke aka Crab Masala recipe
Serves: 5-6 people
Cooking time : 20 minutes
(unedited)

Ingredients
Crabs 2 kg
Coconut gratings 1 cup
Onion 1 medium
Salt to taste
Oil 2 tbsp for seasoning

Make powder of:
Kashmiri Red chilli 10
Short Red Chilli 5
Pepper 1tsp.
Cumin Seeds 2tsp.
Turmeric Powder 1tsp.

Grind:
Tamarind marble size with above Masala Powder. Grind(coarsly) Seperately Coconut.

Method: Heat Oil in a Cooking Vessel, add chopped onion and fry for sometime, add crabs and fry. after sometime add masala. when half done add coconut. Add extra water if needed. make it dry. Serve hot with boiled rice.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign

VCC 263, 264 - Sai Bhaji and Sai Bhaji ki Tikki

Here are two very traditional dish recipes kindly contributed by Sonu to the group cookbook project 'You Can Cook' for 'Feed a Hungry Child' campaign.

The recipe details of sai bhaji and sai bhaji ki tikki are here.

VCC: VCC Q4-2006: FAHC: FAHC-campaign