#29 : Nuvvula Podi ~ Spiced Sesame powder

Sesame seeds are high in calcium and have fibers that can lower the cholesterol level. In Ayurveda, sesame oil is used as a base in detox treatments like Panchakarma and is extensively used in preparation of medicines and mixtures. This spice powder requires only a few ingredients and can be done in under 15mins. Mix this up with hot rice and a dollop of ghee and it makes a perfect quick meal for the busy days.  

#28 : Pesarapappu Payasam ~ Moong Dal sweet

I spent two of my growing years in a small village in Kerala (the southernmost state of India).This sweet of Moong Lentils was a personal favorite. I have loved it so much that, when my grand mom came visiting us in kerala ( to assist my mom and to care for my new born brother), I requested her to learn this recipe from the local cook. Many years have passed since that day. My brother is a college student now and is 18 years old. Some times memories never fade. The smell of the first monsoon in Kerala , the excitement of seeing and playing with an elephant my neighbor owned, beautiful breeze, playing is rubber plantations, smell of spices growing in the backyard , the pepper tress, holding my brother for the first time and the taste of this payasam,everything still feels yesterday and is this close to my heart. 

I naturally picked up this payasam, when I started cooking a few years back. Though not authentically made by extracting many stages of coconut milk , this recipe still makes a very yummy payasam. Most times when I crave something sweet , I end up making this and my heart warms up with happiness :) This is definelty one of those no-fail recipes.