Zucchini Kadalai-Paruppu Kootu/Zucchini Chana Dal

Making Kootu/Dhal with Kadalai-paruppu/Chana Dal has a Divine flavour. Normally i make kootu/Dhal with Moong Dal, since it takes less time to cook, whereas chanadal takes a bit more time and work. Got Zucchini's @ my Local Grocery Stores, so made Kadalai-paruppu/chana dal Kootu. The Zucchini's were light green in colour, so confirmed @ Wiki whether was that Zucchini or not?? yes, it is Zucchini

Zucchini can be yellow, green or light green, and generally have a similar shape to a ridged cucumber, though a few cultivars are available that produce round or bottle-shaped fruit.In a culinary context, zucchini is treated as a vegetable, which means it is usually cooked and presented as a savory dish or accompaniment. Botanically, however, the zucchini is an immature fruit, being the swollen ovary of the female zucchini flower.

Ingredients
3-4 nos. Zucchini
1 small bowl of peas
1/2 cup Chana Dal
2 nos green Chilli
1 tbsp Freshly grated coconut
1 tsp grated ginger

Salt to taste
Fresh Coriander for Garnishing

To Grind
2 tsp Pepper
1 tsp Cumin
1/2 tsp Corinader seeds
1 tsp Tuvar dal

For Tadka/Seasoning
2 tsp oil
1 tsp Mustard seeds
2 tsbp urad dal
a fistful of curry leaves

Method

Soak Chana Dal Overnight or Atleast 3-4hrs prior cooking, this way it cooks fast. Peel the Zucchinis and cut them as cubes. Grind the Ingredients given under "To Grind" to a fine powder,No Need to Roast, just dry grind. In a pressure pan, Add cut zucchinis and Soaked Chana Dal (after draining the excess water), Slited Green Chillies, Coconut, Ginger, Ground Masala Powder and Salt. Pressure Cook for 3-4 Whistles. 

Once the Pressure is Down, Transfer into another bowl, Heat oil in a tadka pan, splutter mustard seeds, add urad dal, once it turns light brown, add curry leaves and pour the tadka over the dal. Yummy Dal is ready!!!! Serve With Hot Roti's/Rice

Sending this to MLLA-27 @ Susan. Also to 'ONLY' Low oil/Low Calorie Event Guest hosted by Priya Mitharwal, Event by Pari of Foodelicious

Your Guide to Green Tax Breaks

Energy Efficient Home Improvements Can Help Your Bottom Line at Tax Time!

As you probably know, the Federal Government has been offering tax credits up to $1,500 for homeowners who make energy-efficient improvements to their homes -- everything from installing energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems to new water heaters to new windows, doors and roofs. Not only are these incentives a great way to save cash now and in the future, they're stimulative to the economy and help improve our environment.

But there are some things about these tax breaks you probably don't know. For one thing, the $1,500 tax credit is currently set to expire on December 31, 2010--and that deadline is rapidly approaching. Some people think that means they only need to purchase a new energy-efficient improvement by that date to get the tax credit. NOPE. In order to get the tax credit, you not only need to make the purchase, but you need to have it INSTALLED by December 31, 2010. So if you've been thinking of investing in a new energy-efficient heating system, air conditioning system, hot water heater or any green home improvement, TIME IS REALLY RUNNING OUT. Act now!

Another little known fact is that for higher-end renewable energy sources like solar or geothermal power, you can claim a tax credit of up to 30% of your cost. Since these alternative systems are usually much more expensive to install, these credits can seriously offset your costs. Furthermore, this high-end credit can be used toward the Alternative Minimum Tax liability and unused credits can be carried over to the next tax year.

Naturally, not every heater, air conditioner or other piece of equipment qualifies for the $1,500 tax credit and other green tax breaks; there are restrictions. So before you buy, make sure you have all the facts. You can find a complete list of all the federal green tax credits as well as full details and qualifications for each at http://www.energytaxincentives.org/.



Green Tax Breaks in YOUR State

In addition, most states now offer their own green tax credits on top of the federal program. Unfortunately, the current economic climate has dramatically affected many state green programs. Because, unlike the federal government, states are not allowed to operate with a budget deficit, many states are having to make spending cuts that are likely to impact or even eliminate state tax credits altogether. This has made several state programs very selective about when and how credits are offered.

If your state does offer a generous green tax break, be sure to do your homework to make sure you’ll qualify before undertaking a big project. Some states, like New York and California, limit green credits based on project completion dates and other qualifying criteria.

A comprehensive list of green tax credits organized by state is available at http://www.dsireusa.org/.



Additional Considerations About Green Tax Breaks:

Don’t assume anything. Not all green improvements are subjected to federal or state tax breaks and there are certain qualifications—like purchasing approved equipment or using a certified contractor—that have to be met. Get all the facts before you begin a project.

Many green tax credits are available only to contractors, not homeowners or do-it-yourselfers. Talk to a trusted professional about your options and shop around to find someone willing to pass along their tax break to you in the form of lower costs.

Get out your calculator and figure how state and federal credits will work together to impact your project’s bottom line. A renovation that seems completely out of reach for your budget may cost significantly less when you combine both state and federal incentives. On the other hand, you may not be getting as much of a break as you think if your project only qualifies for one and not the other.



Related Information from Horizon Services...

• Horizon Heating & Air Conditioning Installation & Replacement
• Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency Extended Through 2010
• Home Energy-Efficiency Tax Credits Explained
• Cutting Edge Solutions For Energy Efficiency
• 101 Ways to Save Energy and Money in Your Home

Lemon Rice

Lemon rice is very easy to prepare. But the proportion of lime juice to salt has to be perfect for great tasting rice. I prefer using lime instead of lemon.

Serves 2

Ingredients:
Basmathi Rice - 3/4 cup uncooked
Juice from 2 small limes
Salt
Coriander leaves - To garnish
Curry leaves - a few
Frozen Peas - 1 tsp(optional)

Seasoning:
Oil - 1 tbsp
Mustard Seeds - 1 tsp
Urud Dal - 1 tsp
Cashews or Peanuts - 1 tsp
Raisins - 1 tsp(optional)
Green Chilli - 1
Hing - a pinch
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp

Method:
Rinse and drain basmathi rice. Cook in 1 1/2 cups of water. Set aside.
Heat oil in a wide pan.
Add mustard seeds, urud dal, cashews and raisins. Allow mustard seeds to splutter and cashews to turn light golden brown. Add peas, green chilli, hing and turmeric powder. Saute for 10 seconds.
Turn off the heat.
Add lime juice and salt to the seasoning.
Now gently mix rice without smashing it.
Garnish with coriander leaves and curry leaves.
Serve with pappad or avial.