Warm, Aromatic Broccoli Salad — Broccoli Upperi

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It’s Thursday! Simple pleasures, ah.

I’ve been so busy this week, I didn’t realize that the weekend is here.

My husband’s brother and family are visiting from Canada and we’ve been full of activities. In fact, we have a couple of things lined up for this weekend too and I can’t wait for the fun to begin. So I’ll go to the recipe quickly and save the chitchat for later.

Okra Stir-fry — Vendakka Upperi

I’ve penciled in bright sunshine and hot weather across my calendar for June, July and August. As much as I love summer that brings life, color and sparkle to the beautiful nature, I’m too hot and wilted these days, and yearning for some magical moments — some fun and joy to take my breath away. Sigh.

You are probably sick of hearing me talk about rain by now, but honestly, I’m thinking of rain. Ahhh, rain....the kind that battles against the door inviting me to step outside, get wet, toss my care, be spontaneous, splash puddles, and wash my problems away. In a desperate attempt to feel fresh and alive again; to be liberated. And then, I will not mind embracing this heat and warmth, with a renewed sense of energy. It’s a nice feeling to experience—you know what I mean?

Okay, maybe it sounds a little crazy. Really?

Cabbage Stir-fry — Cabbage Upperi

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Pick your cabbage – purple, white or green – eat them raw with a dressing, or stir-fry them for a delicious vitamin-packed 5-a-day. Cabbages are so quick and easy to use and very economic too. Yes, cabbages are a good choice for your weekly meal plans. These superimposed leafy veggies are rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cancer protecting substances – who would want to miss such wonderful healing properties?  

Koorka Mezhukkupuratti — Spiced, Sautéed Chinese Potato

I cook vegetables almost daily. Mostly a stir-fry. Sometimes I add them to dal, or make a mixed vegetable curry. Whenever I plan ahead and think of what to make there’s this one dish I’m always excited about. It’s a simple stir-fry made from a root vegetable called koorka in Malayalam. Koorka has a very distinct, highly addictive flavor. I don’t know its English translation. Usually when I’m stuck with the names of Indian native vegetables or food ingredients, I refer to Wikipedia’s multilingual list and I’m never disappointed. This time, however, there’s no mention of this particular tuber. Why’s that I wonder. It’s mostly found small and round with a dark brown skin, and cream flesh. Have a look at this picture.

Tindora (Ivy Gourd) Stir-fry — Kovakka Upperi

Finally, it’s the weekend. In fact, the first weekend in the New Year. I just wanna lean back and chill out.

Here’s a quick-fix recipe with tindora or ivy gourd. This veg is also known as baby watermelon!