'My Spicy Recipe' ~ Event Round Up and Announcement of Winners!

The initial decisions of picking out winners by 'draw' slowly got diluted due to the fabulous entries sent by the enthusiastic participants!.

Let me thank, first of all, each and every one for the amazing entries!

Criteria

Now, I had to decide laying criteria for judging.
All I could think primarily were, the recipe, presentation and photography.

But then, I had a lovely bunch of entries with pictures of professional quality and presentation from my closer knit of friends. They were particular to encourage the deserving new bloggers and mentioned lovingly that they were offering the entries considering the friendship. I love that! So, I affectionately placed this irresistible bunch gently at the back seat, mingled with the overwhelming feeling of perfect understanding! Let me thank you, sincerely!

New criteria that got added were: the choice of the recipe, uniqueness of the entry, whether the recipe was sent over exclusively to the event "My Spicy Recipe" or shared with other events of the period, addition of the event logo and online shopping tips, though they were not insisted. I was also looking out for more, which stood out from the rest, again giving consideration to newer bloggers.

The Prize Winners

One recipe was accepted per blog. But then I saw bloggers who held 2 food blogs in different languages and blogging different recipes in both, updated promptly! Holding one food blog, regularly updated, is more than hard work. As bloggers we know how to tough it is to maintain 2 food blogs that too one in English and the other in a regional language!

Asiya Omar and Jaleela Kamal, girls, I am impressed!


1st

She was one among the contestants who mailed me expressing her deep interest, clarifying her doubts and rather fighting with the bad connectivity she had been experiencing, exchanging at least 3 dozens of cheerful mails. Her Paruppu Adai or the healthy lentil pancakes from her  Tamil food blog, Samayal Attahasangal had been unique, the only breakfast recipe here, and the step wise traditional recipe of the Spicy Aathur Pepper Mutton  from her English food blog , Cook Book Jaleela had been contributed exclusively for the event. She was innocently worried about the not so well presented dish, until I consoled asking to leave as is. I succumb to your innocence, honesty, enthusiasm, and hard work.
Congrats, Jaleela, You go first!

2nd

She manages My Healthy Happy Kitchen, the English food blog and Samaithu Asathalam, the Tamil space with much effort and talent. She updates them regularly with stepwise pictures  with varied recipes and cuisine.
The only contestant who shared the online shopping tips above the recipe post in both her spaces and the third contestant to send over the entries. I received the homely Milagu Thanni Soup and the Spicy Pepper Prawn from her bilingual blogs within the first five entries!  Asiya, for your hard work, enthusiasm and talent you get the second with a close score!

3rd

The first impression is the best impression!
While the entries were coming in, this new blogger stole my heart with her simple but good photography, presentation and the extra love she gave me :)
I saw my logo not only under the recipe post but also in her side bar, throughout! Simple and good Egg Curry sent over by Divya Shivaraman from Dishing with Divya bags the third prize.



Well, this is not going to mean mean that the others are not competitive and deserving. I find even many appealing and equally good though I do not make a note here. Wish I had the choice of giving 43 prizes that all of you would be rewarded!!
Sadly, I am restricted with the first three.



The Final Round Up

Let me individually enjoy and appreciate each and every entry here. Nothing matches the love and concern combined in the dishes, though!



Soups

This spicy heartwarming Milagu Thanni or the Pepper Soup is from Asiya Omar had been one of my favourite recipes which was contributed very early for the event. Asiya is the author of Tamil and English food blogs!







Drinks / Beverages

One of the prettiest and unique entries!

Lavi, I am spell bound with this Spicy Chilli Hot Chocolate!
Can't ask for more!










Appetisers / Starters / Snacks

Vegetarian

Beach style Kara pori  is a simple snack with an interesting combination of rice puffs, raw vegetables and boiled peanuts tossed with masala. It  requires less stove top but serves more than enough to liven up a beach side evening. Shared by Rak's Kitchen!

Sharmilee's Lemon Aval Upma can be considered as a heavy appetiser or a light meal. Made with poha or rice flakes, the dish is prepared with minimum oil for the tea-time munch.  The colour combination of the dish, the bowl, the props and shot on the whole is undoubtedly beautiful!

Imagine biting deep into these moist, spiced up Stuffed Capsicum topped carelessly with crunchy bits of onion! Boiled and mashed potatoes, green peas and carrots are the main ingredients she had used for stuffing the green and red bell pepper halves after spicing them up in an Indian way. A 'delicious pick' from Foodie lover.

This recipe is a fascination; a fusion of  North and South. The South Indian Vadas ( let me recommend you to have a look at the ingredients used to make the Vadas) blended with the array of Northy chat flavours and combined with the goodness of Yogurt! The feasty Dal Dahi Vada Chat from Jayasri Ravi.

A snack made with horse gram and vegetables! I bet these Spicy Kollu Vegetable Rolls are new to you as for me.She made my day mentioning the event prompted her to start a food blog and she did it right away, posting this interesting recipe!
Feeling proud that I had been the reason behind the start of a homely space which is going to benefit millions, soon! Good Luck, Lakshmi :)


Non-Vegetarian

Chicken legs never lose their demand and so do these hot Spicy Tandoori Chicken on the plate. Prepared by Faiza Kader. Shared by her Tamil Blog, 'En Iniya Illam'.

Don't these buns look perfect and more than gorgeous?
Do visit her space to check out her lovely step-wise recipe for Soft Chicken Stuffed Buns. I am more than excited to have them for the event, Nitha :)










Main Meal
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Recipes)

Vegetarian

A healthy combination of rice and dal makes a healthy start for the day too.
Paruppu Adai from Jaleela Kamal. She is a busy homemaker who manages both Tamil and English food blogs!

The first girl who promised me to send over the entry. She kept her word by sending over her Spicy South Indian Tomato Rice.
A lovely recipe with pictures of aesthetic sense; from Pepper Bowl!
Can't ask for more!

Have you thought of making something tangy and spicy with quinoa? Well, Priya Sahasranaman has ventured the differently delicious Quinoa Puliyodarai! She also substitutes quinoa for the rice part in curd rice, pulao and even Khichdi!




Non-Vegetarian

Meena Selvakumaran had perfected the elaborate recipe of Dum Chicken Biriyani in  a simpler way urging the non vegetarian biriyani lovers to give a shot!
Also, the first contribution for my first event :)

Here's a treat from another spice lover.
Princy's Prawn Pulav - A simple but great meal for prawn and pulav lovers. The rich red colour, the blend of spices and the moist look of the pulav is simply  mouthwatering!

Who doesn't love this dish called 'Kothu Paratha'?
Babitha Costa's Beef Kothu Paratha  provides a sumptuous lunch for a non-vegetarian who likes beef!








Curries / Accompaniments

Vegetarian

How many of you had thought of a combo of methi leaves and mor kuzhambu? Aparna Rajesh Kumar  elaborates with her stepwise of the flavourful Spicy Methi leaves Morkuzhambu in her space.

A guilt free side dish with the healthy green vegetable, ladies finger or okra.
The Konkani's Bhende Phanna Upkari or the Chilly Okra sent over with lots of love from Divya Kudua

Imagine you are living far...far away in a country quite far from your native home. Recreate a kuzhambu with all the goodness and flavours back home. Have it for lunch! How would you feel?I am sure Latamma felt heaven, when she made the very homely Karuveppilai Poondu Karakuzhambu with all her love!

I am sure many of you love biting into crunchy, juicy bits of young corn soaked in a flavourful gravy!
Sharanya's Baby Corn Gravy made with freshly ground Indian masala is a traditionally flavoured combo for Indian breads and pulaos!

Here's an Indo Chinese recipe of Vegetable Manchurian with Gravy. by Linsy Patel. Addition of soya granules along with the veggies for the balls gives the recipe an interesting twist.

Honestly, I haven't heard of Rogan Josh made with Mushrooms.
The innovative Mushroom ki Rogan Josh with stepwise illustrations from Arthy Shama.

If you are bored with the regular recipes of raw plaintain, give it a twist, following the recipe of Spicy Plantain Masala prepared by Priya Satheesh.

 The picture says it all. The yummy spicy red hot Mushroom Chops by Shama Nagarajan.

If I am right here, Vengaya Kose is one of the Tamil recipes which is disappearing from the tables of the state. This simple but special side dish is prepared and sent over by Meenal Ramanathan.

Gobi Capsicum Kheema -Yet another interesting combination of cauliflower, bell pepper, tomato and coconut, blended with a touch of jaggery. Contributed by Anuradha Prem, a creative girl, who crochets embroiders and paints.This entry is special as it is her first food recipe in the space :)

Quite an appealing and innovative dish. Spiced Unripe Banana Balls in Rich Gravy, contributed by Anshu Bhatnagar.

Spicy Gavarfali Dhokli or Cluster beans with wheat flour dumplings is an interesting combination!
"Dhokli can be had as it is or with roti, But we normally have them as it is," says Manjula of Desi Fiesta.







Non Vegetarian

Don't you think this Pepper Chicken Masala from Swapna is classic? I love the ingredients of the recipe and the pastel shades in the shot!

This simple Egg Curry from Divya Shivaraman has captured all the goodness and creaminess in the final picture. The clear stepwise illustrations with sharp shots were one among the first entries, that stole my heart.

This yummy and Spicy Pepper Prawn  is from Asiya Omar, from her Tamil Blog

A very homely Pepper Chicken curry from Tinku Shaji.

Yet another classic pick!

Turkey Kofta Curry is sure to delight the soul of any non-vegetarian. A glimpse from 'Divya's Culinary Journey.

Even a simple looking curry can be capable to lock most flavours. The Spicy and Perfect Shrimp Gravy which Usha suggests, is a good example!

Spicy Chicken Curry topped with lots of coriander greens is more than appealing for a chicken lover. Shrav's chicken curry illustrated stepwise is not an exemption to that!

Who cares about the presentation when it comes to a  homely and traditional recipe? :)
Spicy Aathur Pepper Mutton is sent over by Jaleela Kamal from her English blog

The pretty looking Pattukkottai Chicken Curry is one among my favourite entries. Revathi owns a neat blog with lovely pictures of food she cooks.

A homely treat for fish lovers. The irresistible Chettinad Fish Kuzhambu made and sent over by Nithya

Fork n Folks! Smart!
With a burnt shell of coconut, butter, topped with cloves, Latha has brilliantly induced a smoky flavour to her perfectly done Boneless Smoky Chicken.






Chutneys / Dips

This Red Hot Spicy dip is from Lakshmi Venkatesh. Enough to make any cheeks hurt, the fiery Varamilagai Thovayal is the traditional combination   with Vellai Paniyaram of Chettinad Cuisine!

Here's a quick-fix blend onions and tomatoes! The simple and yummy Onion Tomato Chutney for the South Indian idlies and dosas. From my little sis, an ardent chutney lover :)












Pickles / Preserves

The picture catches the attention!

The lovely Gooseberry Pickle send over with much enthusiasm by Jeyashri Suresh.

Green Bell Pepper and Green Chilli Pickle dip from Chithra is a very different chutney with a combination of two kinds of peppers!

I still dwell upon my doubts if anyone has a better recipe for 'Fish Pickle' than the Keralites!
Sini's Meen Achar is the last to be featured, but the most favourite treat for spice and fish lovers like me :)










Let me thank, from the bottom of my heart, each participant, who had taken time to prepare and send over the recipe, thereby making my first event a successful one :)



Loads of Love
Bharathy :)

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