Lime n' Mint

Recently I visited Cochin,Kerala(southern state in India), with my family. One of our friends took me to the beautifully built Godess Rajarajeshwari Temple in Chottanikkara ,Ernakulam,fondly called by locals Godess Bhagavathy Temple.Godess Bhagavathi's sitting posture idol inside the temple is, very lovely and adorable. This is my first time in Kerala, before this I haven't seen Kerala temples. I love those beautifully built traditional  Kerala style slope roof  architecture. As usual I have captured some pictures of surroundings of the temple. From 28th september to 6th October, Navaratri begins. As you know, Navaratri is the  famous 9 days festival celebrated in India on the honor of Godess Shakti or Devi. Therefore I thought this is an appropriate time to post about  my visit of this temple Pictures: One the way of the temple Lotus flower Flower vendors

In India  we have so many festivals each festival has its own identity. One thing common in all festival is the many many varieties of sweet/salty/spicy savories. Festival celebration means gathering with relatives,wearing new clothes,eating good food. All over India Snacks are very important food for festivals,either Sweet savories or Salt savories.Lots of lots of varieties are made in homes. Between October and November, Deepavali or Deewali is major big festival celebrated all over India. In this festival every house is filled with sweet snacks and Salt and spicy crunchy snacks. I thought to post some Snacks recipes  what i know ....Todays my recipes is Murukku, it is a South Indian Salt Crispy Crunchy Snack.

Todays my recipe is simple and tasty Aloo Palak curry. 

Turmeric as we know is a popular tuber here in India, it has medicinal properties. It is used as food colour enhancer(Yellow), it is auspicious to use it during Marriages and Festivals. In the market recently I discovered them selling the fresh leaves of this tuber. Here in the Konkan coast along Goa, Udupi and Mangalore Banana leaves,  Jackfruit leaves or leaves of turmeric are used to make Steamed Dumplings. So I decided to use these Turmeric Leaves I try out this recipe.  I made two versions of these Dumplings with usual Idly batter ; one Sweet and the other Salty. Both are steamed in Turmeric Leaves .

Todays my recipe is simple cabbage curry topping with grated fresh coconut.

Vinayaka Chavithi or Ganesh Chaturthi Wishes to All Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the favorite festivals of Hindus. Ganesh Chaturthi is Birthday of Lord Ganesha - the God of Wisdom. Lord Ganesha is one of the favorite God for children he is fondly called by them Elephant God. According to Hindu Calender  today is his Birthday. Yesterday i went to market to buy some flowers and fruits. To my Surprise the market was filled with so many flower vendors and fruit vendors for Ganesh chatuthi celebrations.It has been raining heavily here in Udupi..When i reached near Udupi-temple's market suddenly rain stopped, so I quickly jumped at the chance to buy flowers and fruits.This market was real visual treat for; In the street the vendors arrange and keep their basket full of natural flowers and fruits and ericanut flowers,turmeric leaves,fresh erica nut fruits,bunches of long sugar canes and lots more.I enjoyed this pleasant surprise and thought to share the pictures I'v captur