MY ASIAN RECIPE

CHETTINAD CHICKEN CURRY Chettinad cuisine is the cuisine of a community called Nattukotai Chettiars from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu state in South India. Chettinad cuisine is the most renowned fare in the Tamil Nadu repertoire. Chettiar or Chetti is a title used by many mercantile, agriculture and land owning castes in South India, especially in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, India.  Chettinad cuisine uses a variety of spices and the dishes are made with freshly grounded  masalas. Ingredients 1. Chicken - 1kg 2. Onion / Shallots -  1 cup (chopped) 3. Tomatoes - 1 cup 4. Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp 5. Curry leaves - 2 sprigs 6. Coconut milk - 1 cup 7. Coriander leaves for garnishing 8. Salt to taste 9. Oil - 1tbsp Spice Paste 1. Green Chillies - 2 2. Garlic - 5 pods 3. Ginger - 1" 4. Poppy seeds - 1 tsp (optional) soak in warm water for 10 mins) Roast and grind to a powder 1. Pepper corns - 1/2 tsp 2. Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp 3. Fenn...

Crispy Gold Salmon Nuggets A quick, nutritious, and kid-friendly snack packed with protein and essential Omega-3 fatty acids. The Ingredients Fresh Salmon Fillets (Skin removed) 1 Large Egg 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Panko or classic) 1 tsp Parsley flakes (Dried or fresh) Salt (to taste) Oil (for deep frying) Preparation Steps 1. Prep the Salmon Carefully remove the skin from the salmon fillets. Cut the fish into bite-sized cubes (roughly 1-inch squares). Sprinkle a little salt over the nuggets to season them evenly. 2. Set Up Your Breading Station Bowl 1: Crack the egg and whisk it thoroughly with a fork. Bowl 2: Place the breadcrumbs on a flat plate or shallow bowl. Bowl 3: Keep the parsley flakes ready on a separate small plate for the final garnish. 3. Coat the Nuggets Take a piece of salmon, dip it into the whisked egg until fully coated, and then roll it in the breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the crumbs stick to all sides. Repeat for all pieces. 4. The Golden Fry Heat o...

Chettinad Black Pepper Chicken A fiery, aromatic South Indian dry-style chicken dish featuring the bold heat of peppercorns and the richness of toasted coconut. The Ingredients The Signature Masala (For Grinding): 3 tsp Black peppercorns (the star of the dish) 2 tbsp Coriander seeds 1 tsp Cumin seeds 1 tsp Fennel seeds 5 Dried red chilies 10 Cloves 2 inch Cinnamon stick 3 to 4 Green cardamom pods 1/4 cup Shredded coconut 2 inch Ginger (freshly chopped) The Gravy Base: 1 kg Chicken (bone-in preferred for better flavor) 4 tbsp Oil 2 Bay leaves 1 tsp Mustard seeds 2 cups Onion (finely chopped) 2 Green chilies (slit) 1 sprig Curry leaves 1 1/2 cups Tomato (chopped) 2 tsp Kashmiri chili powder (for rich color) 1 tsp Turmeric powder 2 tsp Tamarind paste Salt (to taste) Preparation Steps 1. Roast and Grind the Masala In a heavy-bottomed pan over low heat , dry roast the peppercorns, coriander seeds, cumin, fennel, dried chilies, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and shred...

Zesty Spice-Crusted King Fish A perfectly seared fish steak featuring a bold, aromatic marinade of shallots, ginger, and black pepper. The Ingredients King Fish Steaks (or any meaty fish like Salmon or Red Snapper) Oil for Shallow Frying (Vegetable oil for a neutral finish or Coconut oil for an authentic coastal aroma) Salt (to taste) The Aromatic Marinade (To be Ground): 2 tsp Red Chili Powder 1 tsp Turmeric Powder 1/2 tsp Crushed Black Pepper 1 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste 3 Shallots (Small onions) 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice Preparation Steps 1. Prepare the Fish Thoroughly clean and wash the fish steaks. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel—this is the secret to getting a crisp sear rather than steaming the fish. Lightly season both sides of the steaks with salt. 2. Blend the Spice Paste Combine the chili powder, turmeric, black pepper, ginger-garlic paste, shallots, and lemon juice. Grind these into a thick, smooth paste . The shallots provide a subtle sweetness and moistu...

CHICKEN PERATTEL WITH SHREDDED COCONUT (Chicken dry roast with shredded coconut) Fierce Chicken Perattel with Toasted Coconut Chicken Perattel is the ultimate South Indian "dry roast"—a dish where the spices aren't just a sauce, but a thick, flavorful coating that clings to every piece of chicken. It is famous for its intense heat and the deep, nutty aroma of toasted coconut and star anise . The Ingredients The 30-Minute Marinade: 500g Chicken (bite-sized pieces) 3 tbsp Roasted Curry Powder (or Chili Powder) 1 tbsp Coriander Powder 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste 1 tbsp Lime Juice 1 tsp Cumin Seeds 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder Salt (to taste) The Roasted Coconut Paste: 2 tbsp Shredded Coconut 10 Shallots 4 Garlic cloves 1/2 inch Ginger 4 Dried Red Chillies 1 tsp Black Pepper (crushed) 1 tbsp Fennel Seeds 1 Cinnamon stick 1 Star Anise 1 sprig Curry Leaves 1/2 Tomato (chopped) The Tempering & Base: 1 Onion (chopped) 1/2 Tomato (chopped) 1 cup...

Puli Soru (Tamarind Rice) is a timeless South Indian classic, cherished for its perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and earthy flavors. A staple in Tamil Brahmin households, this dish is famous for its long shelf life, making it the ultimate choice for travel or lunchboxes. Interestingly, the flavors deepen and improve after a few hours of resting! Here is the recipe rephrased for a clean and professional presentation. Traditional Puli Soru (Tamarind Rice) A tangy, aromatic South Indian travel classic enriched with toasted lentils, coconut, and a hint of fenugreek. The Ingredients The Base: 2 cups Cooked rice (cooled to room temperature) 1/4 cup Tamarind (seedless) 1/4 tsp Fenugreek seeds Salt (to taste) 2 tbsp Oil (Sesame/Gingelly oil is traditional) The Tempering & Crunch: 1 tsp Mustard seeds 2 tbsp Urad dal 5 Dried red chilies 1 sprig Curry leaves 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder A pinch Hing (Asafoetida) The Fresh Finish: 2 tbsp Shredded coconut 2 tbsp Shredded carrot...

YAM BASKET WITH KUNG PAO CHICKEN The Yam Basket , traditionally known as Fatt Putt or the "Buddhist Alms Bowl," is a spectacular centerpiece of Chinese banquet cuisine. This dish is celebrated for its contrasting textures: a golden, lattice-like crust that shatters into a light, fluffy yam interior. While it has roots in vegetarian cooking, filling it with bold, savory Kung Pao Chicken creates an incredible fusion of earthy sweetness and spicy zing. The Golden Yam Basket with Kung Pao Chicken A masterclass in textures—crispy, fluffy yam filled with succulent, spicy-tangy stir-fried chicken. The Ingredients f or the Crispy Yam Ring: 600g Yam (Taro), peeled and cubed 10 tbsp Wheat starch 10 tbsp Boiling water (crucial for "cooking" the starch) 2 tbsp Vegetable shortening (for the signature flaky texture) 1 tbsp Sugar 1 tsp Salt 1/2 tsp Homemade Chinese 5-Spice Powder A handful of Vermicelli (Rice glass noodles) for the base Homemade Chinese 5-Spice P...

MEDU VADA (ULUNDU VADAI) fried lentil donut with shallots , green chillies and curry leaves Medu Vada (Ulundu Vadai) is a staple of South Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine—a savory, protein-rich "lentil donut" that is light as air. The secret to a perfect Vada lies in the aeration of the batter, creating a snack that is irresistibly crunchy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy within. Crispy Golden Medu Vada Savory lentil donuts tempered with shallots, green chilies, and fresh curry leaves. The Ingredients 3/4 cup Whole Urad Dal (husked/white) 10 Shallots (finely chopped) 3 Green Chilies (finely chopped) 1 sprig Curry Leaves (chopped) 1/8 tsp Asafoetida (Hing) Salt (to taste) Ice-cold water (as needed for grinding) Oil (for deep frying) Preparation Steps 1. Soak the Lentils Wash the urad dal thoroughly and soak it along with the asafoetida in cold water for at least 3 hours . This softening process is essential for a smooth, airy batter. 2. Grind to ...

CHICKEN CHOP SUEY with stir fry veg etable in a mild sauce. Chicken Chop Suey is a classic stir-fry favorite, beloved for its crunch and clean, savory flavors. This version uses tender chicken thighs and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, all brought together by a silky, mild sauce. It is a fast, nutritious meal that perfectly balances protein and greens. The Ingredients The Chicken Marination: 1 lb Boneless Chicken Thighs (diced into bite-sized pieces) 1/4 cup Dry Sherry (or Shaoxing wine) 1 Garlic clove (finely chopped) 1 tsp Ginger (finely chopped) 1 tsp Cornstarch (helps tenderize the meat) The Vegetable Medley: 1 medium Onion (chopped) 2 ribs Celery (thinly sliced) 1/2 lb Bok Choy (sliced, keeping whites and greens separate) 1 Carrot (thinly sliced) 1/4 lb Fresh Bean Sprouts Cooking Oil (as needed) The Silky Sauce: 1/2 cup Chicken broth 1 tbsp Oyster sauce 1 tbsp Soy sauce 1 tsp Cornstarch Preparation Steps 1. Marinate and Mix In a medium bowl, combine th...

HOMEMADE ROASTED CURRY POWDER roasted spice blend Aromatic Homemade Mild Curry Powder A robust, complex, and kid-friendly spice blend featuring toasted aromatics and zero chili heat. The Ingredients 4 tbsp Coriander seeds 3 tbsp Cumin seeds 2 tbsp Black peppercorns (the only source of mild heat) 1 tbsp Mustard seeds 3 tsp Whole cloves 2 tsp Cardamom seeds 2 tsp Fennel seeds 2 tbsp Uncooked rice (acts as a natural thickener and anti-clumping agent) Preparation Steps 1. Gentle Toasting Place a dry, non-stick pan over medium-low heat . Add all the ingredients and toast them for 3 to 5 minutes . Stir constantly to ensure the spices brown evenly and release their natural oils. The goal is a deep golden color and a rich, toasted aroma. 2. Cooling Once the spices are fragrant and lightly toasted, remove the pan from the heat immediately. Transfer the ingredients to a plate and let them cool completely. Grinding spices while hot can create moisture and affect the shelf lif...

SALMON FISH CURRY This Homemade Salmon Tamarind Curry is a masterclass in balancing the richness of fresh salmon with the sharp, tangy brightness of tamarind. By lightly searing the fish before simmering, you lock in the juices and ensure the fillets don't break apart in the robust, aromatic gravy. Zesty Salmon & Tamarind Curry A vibrant, tangy fish curry featuring a complex blend of roasted spices and a classic tamarind base. The Ingredients The Fish & Marinade: Salmon Fillets (Cut into medium chunks) Marinade: 1 tsp Turmeric powder, 1 tsp Chicken curry powder, and a pinch of Salt The Aromatics & Spices: 1 medium Onion (sliced) 1 medium Tomato (chopped) 4 Green chilies (sliced) 1 sprig Curry leaves 1 inch Ginger (finely chopped) 5 cloves Garlic (finely chopped) 3 tbsp Tamarind juice (extracted from paste soaked in hot water) The Whole Spice Blend: 1/4 tsp Mustard seeds 1/4 tsp Fennel seeds 1/4 tsp Cumin seeds 1/8 tsp Fenugreek seeds 1/8 t...

MUSHROOM FRIED RICE This Mushroom and Avocado Fried Rice is a fantastic way to transform leftover rice into a hearty, flavorful meal. While traditional fried rice is a staple, the addition of creamy avocado and savory mushrooms provides a unique, modern twist on a classic comfort dish. Note on Ingredients: To keep this truly Vegan , simply omit the egg and ensure you use a Vegan Mushroom Oyster Sauce . Savory Mushroom & Avocado Fried Rice A quick, nutritious, and protein-packed stir-fry using fresh vegetables and umami-rich mushrooms. The Ingredients 2 cups Cooked rice (chilled/leftover rice works best) 5 Mushrooms (roughly chopped) 1/3 cup Avocado (diced) 1/3 cup Carrots (finely chopped) 1/3 cup Green beans (chopped) 1 Egg (optional) 1 medium Onion (chopped) 5 cloves Garlic (finely chopped) 1 1/2 tbsp Oyster sauce (or Vegan mushroom sauce) 2 tbsp Soy sauce A pinch of White pepper Optional: A splash of vinegar for tang; leftover chicken or meat for extra protei...