Think Chettinad recipes and you are immediately reminded of the scrumptious vellai paniyaram, adikoozh, kandharappam, masala seeyam, meen varuval and chicken chettinad. Most of the Chettinad curries are best complimented with rice and rice based accompaniments like appams, idlis, dosais, adais and idiyappams. Popular TV chef Revathy Shanmugam tells you how to make easy Chettinad recipes at home.

CHETTINAD SOUP

A perfect appetizer

Ingredients 

Sundaikkai (Turkey Berry)          1cup
Onion                                               2
Tomatoes                                        3
Cookedtoor dal                             ½ cup
Garlic [pounded]                         1tbsp
Green chilies                                     3
Turmeric powder                       ¼ tsp
Coriander leaves
Salt  to taste
Milk [boiled]                              ¼ cup

Seasoning

Aniseeds                                      ½ tsp
Black pepper                               1tsp
Cinnamon                                   1 piece
Cloves                                          2
Oil                                               2tsp
Ghee                                           2tsp

Preperation

1. Chop the tomatoes and onions.Wash and pound the Sundaikkai.
2. Heat oil and ghee in a wok.Add the seasoning ingredients along with onions,tomatoes, sundaikkai and the slit green chilies. Sauté for five minutes.
3. Add cooked toor dal, turmeric powder, salt and three cups of water. Boil for five minutes and add pounded garlic and milk. Bring down and keep the vessel covered for five minutes.
4. Strainand add coriander and boil further [if needed]. Serve hot.