thehappybrahmin

[thehappybrahmin]

Our apartment buildings have been seeing a lot of bee activity from the last two months. There were 3 beehives formed under the balconies of buildings to the left and right of our apartment. Recently, a few kids got stung by bees while playing outside and their moms raised hell over it to the maintenance teams. I'm not upset about their request to smoke out the bees and destroy the hives. But I am sad that there isn't a thing I could do about it. Where do the bees go? And not just bees, they are discouraging people from feeding birds and leaving them water bowls to quench their thirst. Dogs are chased out, cats are shooed away. If the world was meant to host only humans, then why would there be millions of species of wildlife? Sad image, no? This fellow has been lying on this leaf for three days now. I'm happy that nature was kind to him in his last breath. I wish he sees a better life in his next incarnation. Sigh! 🙏💐😢 #bees #wildlife #environment #humanintervention #earthforall #oneplanet #onehome #liveinpeace (at Bangalore, India) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvJp2MylO7L/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=wuyhu3ohkj74

[thehappybrahmin]

#recipe #nugge soppina #bele #pallya - #moringa leaves in #lentils a.k.a #drumstick greens #sabji Among leafy greens, this is the easiest to pick, clean and cook. I don't love it just for the convenience of cooking, though. Nugge soppu is truly an embarrassment of riches when you look at it's #nutritional value. It's truly a super food and worth keeping around even in the form of powder, to sprinkle over your #dals, #salads, #smoothies or even as tea. Here is the YouTube link for cooking instructions - http://youtu.be/O0DU-OkpKDQ Link in bio. Happy weekend guys! 💐☺️ #vegfood #vegetarianism #veggie #vegan #vegrecipes #indianfood #vegetarianrecipes #indianrecipes #bangalore #karnataka #kannada #brahmin #cuisine #cooking #healthyrecipes (at Bangalore, India) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvBgKMMFR1u/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=23jpqwb8b3fs

[thehappybrahmin]

When you're all alone, don't despair. Raid your #kitchen cupboards and see if you have the #ingredients to make these #goldenbrown #delicious #eggless discs of joy. #recipe #oats and #banana #pancakes This year, my birthday was a quiet one. Really quiet. Just me and whistling winds blowing through the open windows. Sigh! It was a combination of boredom and loneliness that made me rummage through the kitchen and whip up these #fluffy golden pancakes. It took me all of 15 minutes to make this #batter and then I went to town on them by slathering them with #amulbutter and #coorghoney - muah! 😘😋 The day wasn't bleak after I'd dug through a modest stack of these beauties. 😍😍 Happy birthday to me! Cake nahi toh kya hua, pancake toh hain! 😉 January 7th was a day spent well. Here's the YouTube link - https://youtu.be/NFrw1ugfegI #vegetarianism #vegrecipes #indianrecipes #breakfastideas #healthyrecipes #karnataka #kannada #brahmin #cooking #cuisine #bangalore #india (at Bangalore, India) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuoIkXTF3Ri/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ykyl3ji7vke0

[thehappybrahmin]

This is perhaps the simplest and most widely made #recipe in any #Indian #kitchen It's the #classic #poha or #vaggaraneavalakki usually made with a #tempering of #oil #mustardseeds #cuminseeds #bengalgramdal #groundnuts #curryleaves #turmeric In #Maharastra they add boiled #potatoes #greenchillies and #onions among vegetables. My sister adds #tomatoes too. I usually prefer to make it with just some green chillies and #capsicum but today I used 1 ripened #bittergourd because #riceflakes have the ability to even out the flavours of Vegetables when cooked. ☺️ I'm not adding this as a video on my YouTube channel for now. But I will on another day. Perhaps, then, I'd make it with just one capsicum and one karela. Do try it for yourself and let me know. Experimenting with classic dishes is something I live to do. 😉 Let me know what you've been playing with lately. Wishing you all a great day! 😘😍🤗 #vegrecipes #vegetarianism #veggies #breakfastideas #experimentalpoha #riceflakerecipes #classicrecipes #vegfood #vegan #indianfood #indianrecipes #bangalore #karnataka #cuisine (at Bangalore, India) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuDfHz8lvu4/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&igshid=e86pai52qzbj

[thehappybrahmin]

You'll never be able to guess what these shiny, slimey, red lumps are. 😊 Any guesses? I'll tell you right away, because I'm sure none of you will get it right. These are the seeds of a ripened Bitter gourd a.k.a #haagalkaayi or #karela You know that I never throw any #vegetable or #ingredient away unless it's beyond redemption. 😇 I'm the vegetable whisperer 😉🤣🤣🤣 There was a lonely #bittergourd in the fridge, waiting it's turn to land on the reject pile had I not liberated it this morning. It was partially ripened and soft to touch but it hadn't gone bad. So I deseeded it and tossed it in with some onions and made our classic breakfast #dish #vaggaraneavalakki #tempered #riceflakes. You don't believe me? 🙃 I'll share the photos in my next post. And stop twisting your face over the thought of #karelapoha #haagalkaayiavalakki because it was delicious! 😇 My love for cooking blended it beautifully with the other ingredients and distributed it's bitterness evenly. Actually it wasn't that bitter as it was a senior citizen ☺️ Have a great day! #vegfood #indianrecipes #breakfast #experiments #newkindofpoha #ripenedbittergourd (at Bangalore, India) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuDOwLIltwY/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=vqg2sakiy24v

[thehappybrahmin]

Also because it's #Sunday 😋 #babakenoodles 😉 #unleaded 🤣🤣🤣 I don't like masala noodles as much, but there are days when I'm game for them. I found these single serve packets at our neighbourhood retail store yesterday and we had them for dinner tonight. The last time I had noodles was more than 6 months ago. 😇 Today's dinner was followed by some good hot tea. ☕ It's time to wind up the #kicthen now. Goodnight folks. 🤗😘 #patanjali #patanjalinoodles #masalanoodles #instantnoodles #vegetarian #veggienoodles #dinnerideas #fastfood #vegetarianism #vegan #bangalore #karnataka #india (at Bangalore, India) https://www.instagram.com/p/BttSTCQlt8z/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=15jrqawqrjxgs

[thehappybrahmin]

Just because it is #Sunday ☺️😋 Has anyone tried this? I'm sure you have, but can you tell me if you've used this in cooking? What have you made from #amul #bitterchocolate Tag me if you've posted anything about it and I've missed it during my time off from #thehappybrahmin #happyweekend #love #valentinesweek #cocoalove #bangalore #karnataka #india (at Bangalore, India) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bts0LErlsOG/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1qn9eg1rsi0vs

[thehappybrahmin]

It's always a proud moment when someone you know, adore and admire transitions into the next phase of their life. The student has become the master! No, really! ☺️ Suhasini B. V @suha.natya - a friend and follower of this channel, who until recently was a student and practitioner of #bharatanatyam is now officially a teacher of one. Let's wish her a lifetime of strength and adulation as she gathers and moulds eager young minds, bodies and spirits into paving a new way for the future of our iconic culture. Her #danceacademy #danceschool KALA SHARADHI is now open for admissions. Congratulations Suhasini. Much love and blessings. 😍🤗💐💐 #bengaluru #nritya #shaale #dance #indianculture #indiandance #hsrlayout #kalasharadhi #admissionsopen #karnataka (at Bangalore, India) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoL46Lqnu-3/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1yelmu92958h

[thehappybrahmin]

While I take a little more time to come back, here's an important announcement ahead of #dasara or #dusshera #festival Our beloved @puthali_kuteera store is now open for your perusal and purchase of #dasarabombegalu or #dussheradolls at HSR layout location. If you're passing by, then swing towards Putthalli Kuteera and take your pick from their gorgeous lineup of festival creations. One more announcement related to arts and culture coming up soon - @suha.natya Keep an eye out for it. See you next week with my video. 😊🙏 #habba #bombegalu #dasarafestival #dussherafestival #festival2018 #dasara2018 (at Bangalore, India) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoDkpAYnXPh/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=k6bq0takmhco

[thehappybrahmin]

Here's a brilliant idea for #ganeshchaturthi #festival A bakery in #Ludhiana - Belfrance Bakers & Chocolatiers, has made a 40 kg #ganesha of #belgianchocolate . They intend to immerse (visarjan) this delectable idol in #milk and distribute the #chocolatemilk among the poor at the end of the festival. But this isn't the first Chocolate Ganesha made for the habba. Back in 2015, home baker Rintu Rathod had made a 35 kg idol for the festival then. Here's the link for both stories. Give it a read and share these stories. They're inspiring for the sheer ingenuity of making festivals #ecofriendly #fun and brimming with #compassion https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/food-wine/this-40kg-belgian-chocolate-ganesha-is-such-a-sweet-reminder-of-all-things-good-3022670/ https://www.thebetterindia.com/34642/chocolate-ganesha-by-rintu-kalyani-rathod/ On a separate note, we aren't celebrating Ganesha habba as my dad's older brother - my uncle, passed away on 1st September. It's been a tough few months for us too as dad was also critical for some time. He's recovering very well and I thank you all for your love and blessings. My best wishes are with you and your family, this #GowriGanesha #habba May health and prosperity be with you all. I'll see in a week or so. #bangalore #karnataka (at Bangalore, India) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bnl_Z2BHkff/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=10zrd8e2vfda4

[thehappybrahmin]

First we #vote , then we #eat This morning, at 8:30 a.m. I cast my vote for the #karnatakaassemblyelections2018 and then had my favourite #setdosa at a #darshini (quick service restaurant) nearby. It feels great you know, to carry this ink stain on your finger. I've not missed a single election since I was issued my #voterid card and I'm really proud of that. If you haven't voted yet, then go right away. Polling booths are open till 6 p.m. and roads are empty. You must make time to participate in the electoral process. Put aisde the feeling of indignation stoked by inactions of the previous candidate. Look forward and vote for the candidate whom you think will do the best for our #karnataka - for our future. #happyvoting #happyweekend #jaikarnataka #nammakarnataka #nammahemme (at Bangalore, India)

[thehappybrahmin]

This is how old #thehappybrahmin is today. Happy birthday to me and to everyone who has been with me on this journey from the past two years. #thankyou for keeping my enthusiasm alive. I'm am really grateful for your live and kind words. 🙏😍 A special mention to my fellow Instagram meet and #foodblogger @spicytamarind as it her birthday too, today. Happy birthday Shilpa and thank you for being with me from the beginning. Lots of love to you and your babies. Lots of love to all 🤗😘 #happybirthday #secondbirthday #twoyears #foodblogging #bangalore #karnataka #kannada #brahmin #cuisine #vegfood #vegan #indianrecipes #youtube #channel (at Bangalore, India)

[thehappybrahmin]

#summer #coolers - #icecandies by #dairyday The newest #flavour option is #tamarind #candy Have you tried it yet? It tasted like #hajmola in an ice candy form. It was different. Not bad at all. #icecream #fruitcandies #popsicles (at Bangalore, India)

[thehappybrahmin]

Ahem!! May I have your attention please! I've been away from making any new videos or food posts (apart from those of my shopping haul from #Coorg) because I've been busy with #thehappybrahmin #intellectualproperty #registration Thanks to @follycitor for his timely advise and @vakilsearch for their speedy solution, I am proud to announce officially, that I have filed for #trademark and #copyright #protection Notice the logo again and see the tiny ™ mark on the upper right hand corner and give me a round of cheer. @thehappybrahmin is now officially trademarked. See you all soon with more new recipes. For now, I'm very thankful to all of you to get me rolling every day with loads of #gratitude and good #food. I love you all. Heartfelt thanks to all of you!! (at Bangalore, India)

[thehappybrahmin]

Ripe Mango Sambhar -- Ripe Mangoes in Spiced Coconut Paste and Lentils

Throwback to Summer of 2016 and a sudden recollection of a meal I’d had nearly 15 years ago inspired my making this video. To be honest, mangoes were never my favourite fruits growing up. They’re deceptive you know, with their overpowering fragrance and warm appearances. If you pick the wrong kind, you may end up with a strangely chalky taste in your mouth, instead of the juicy, succulent, soft yellow flesh that we all love. 

Crowned aptly as the ‘King of Fruits’, His Royal Highness, brings many a normal, functional adults to their knees in His blushing presence. Grrr!! I have a right to be angry with this fruit, for it’s enticing aroma has had me favour it over my personal summer favourites on several occasions. Mangoes are inherently irresistible and can draw you away from other fruits, almost like casting a spell on the senses! 

As a kid, I remember going to market with my dad during mango season. He was mad about mangoes to the point that he had a vendor home-deliver fresh, succulent mangoes every few days, like addicts do with their dealers. (Chuckle) He’d strike up a conversation with the merchant, enquire about the source, discuss his favourite varieties and how soon could he get the delivery of those varieties if he put in a large order. By Jove, all this over mangoes!

If you are a mango-lover, then don’t jump to conclusions just yet. I don’t hate mangoes. I just love watermelons and jack fruits more. Hence, the mean streak. But I admit I’ve warmed up to mangoes over the years. I guess it was bound to happen. I’d grow up, meet a seasoned cook who’d make me a mango curry that would blow my brains and I’d never see Mangoes the same way, again. That was the beginning of my love story with this fruit, folks.

I made this sambhar in memory of that epic meal - the meal that turned mangoes around for me, forever! Okay, putting aside the drama, I was sincerely trying to recreate that flavoursome dish that I had had at one of my best friend’s house, back in the day. I’ve done a decent enough job with this recipe and I am proud to offer it up to you for your perusal. :)

Hail, The Mighty King Mango!

Our relationship with this fruit is more than 2 millenniums old. A fact that few people today know and acknowledge. We were eating mangoes even before the rest of the world knew how to reach us and ask for a juicy helping! :))))) 

His tropical deliciousness, began travelling East about 1500 years back and was later passed around the world like the light of joy, by 16th century. Mangoes have been India’s gift to the world among other celebrated things like, 0, astronomy, architecture, Ayurveda, yoga, dermatology, metallurgy, dance, music, poetry, Priyanka Chopra and more. Mangoes are the National Fruit of three Asian countries, namely, India, Pakistan and Philippines.

Reasons to eat mangoes:

Here are a few important reasons to disregard pop medicine and eat mangoes without a hint of guilt:

1) It is loaded with essential Vitamins such as - A, B9, B6, C and E.

2) You get a generous helping of Copper and a decent helping of potassium and magnesium from Mangoes.

3) It helps keep you on your toes by boosting overall health while sweetening your tongue and mood.

4) It aids digestion and keeps your skin clear and glowing. 

5) The antioxidants in mangoes help fight against cancers of the colon, prostate, breast and blood.

6) It is known to lower bad cholesterol.

7)  It keeps your eyes healthy.

8) Mangoes, when consumed in moderation, will not spike your blood sugar, so go ahead, have a few pieces and satiate your summer-time cravings. :)

Nutritional information credits:

1) Health benefit times

2) Care2.com

Indian summers may not be much to look forward to, but the idea of mangoes and it’s many avataars definitely are!

“Anna daata sukhi bhava!”

So go ahead, repeat, relish and leave me your feedback. – The Happy Brahmin

[thehappybrahmin]

Logo Change!

On the 15th of August, 2017, I revealed the logo for my blog / food channel / website - The Happy Brahmin. I was pretty happy with it and was riding on the success of it’s acceptance across our social presence until I came across several other blogs using the same image - a heart made from an assortment of vegetables. It was cute and all but it was what it was above anything else - generic. Sigh!! It was my fault, you know. I had sought the help of an online logo generating website and had pounced upon the first lovely (random) logo that I found was befitting my efforts.

That was then. Today, I’m announcing (the first and final) logo update to The Happy Brahmin website. A friend of mine, came up with this simple, yet beautiful piece of art without any premise or nudging from my side. 

About the logo:

The outline of the image is a Rangoli / Kolam - an art form typical of a Brahmin household. Set inside the rangoli is a plate, with a spatula and spoon on the sides and a couple of leaves on the plate that signify Vegetarianism (to everyone else) and Tulsi or the holy basil (in my eyes). 

My friend has kept the art clean and to the point, rounding up all elements of this blog in a single image. I’m really happy with it and would like to thank him for his thought and efforts. If you’d like to enlist his services for any of your digital / physical assets, then do drop me a mail and I shall connect you to him right away! :)

For now, I sign off and wish you a great year ahead!! May all your meals be healthy and filling!

“Anna daata sukhi bhava!”

--

The Happy Brahmin

[thehappybrahmin]

Alasande Kalu - Black-Eyed Peas Curry Recipe

There’s something very fulfilling about alasande kaalu pallya or black-eyed peas curry. It is earthy, dense and doubles as a main course and a side dish. What more can a cook ask for? :)

Black-eyed peas is also called as Cow peas, crowder bean, field peas among other names. In India, it is called as Lobia, Chawli, Kulath and of course, Alasande, in Karnataka.

Alasande kaalu may have never been a part of our menu, had it not travelled far, wide and well. This legume has it’s roots in Africa and was introduced to India about 1500 odd years ago.  Africa is still the highest producer of cow peas as it is a major cash crop for them.

Cow peas has become an important part of our diet as it grows well in India and other parts of Asia too. All it needs is a warm, humid climate to grow in and India’s has no shortage there. :)

Folks, grains are very important for our diet and thank this blessed Earth for filling our pantries with a wide variety of them. Apart from Cow peas, we have whole moong (green gram), horse gram, whole black gram, rajma, moth beans, green and white dried peas, channa, a wide variety of dals, such as, split urad, split channa, split moong and toor dal, arhar dal and certain other lesser known varieties that may be not be grown or eaten as often by us. An important thing to note here, is that these listed legumes have so many varieties within their genus, that only adds to our menu.

Cow peas is a vital legume that needs just a few hours of soaking time and a few extra whistles in the pressure cooker to get done. With a little planning, you may enjoy this at least three times a week - especially if you are pregnant or a busy working woman with lowering haemoglobin count. Cow peas has a rich minerals profile, apart from the obvious protein, carbs and dietary fiber content. I encourage you to go through the nutritional value chart on Health Benefits Times for more information.

Do browse through the link above and hey, don’t forget to make some alasande for your next meal.

“Anna daata sukhi bhava!”

So go ahead, repeat, relish and leave me your feedback. – The Happy Brahmin