Preety's Kitchen

Shimla Mirch Ka Salan (Capsicum in Spicy Peanut Gravy)

2012-02-09T10:24:00.000-08:00

Love the flavor of Capsicum, i tried so many different recipes(Colorful Capsicum Paneer,Green Pepper Stir- Fry,Colorful Bell Pepper in Tamarind Juice,Bell Pepper In Peanut Gravy and so many more..) using it and each time it amazes me more..This Salan is a really nice recipe that i found on this blogand after seeing the ingredient list i knew i have to try this and it came out really nice..everybody enjoyed it to the last bite..

Source:- Mharo Rajasthan's Recipes
Ingredients:-

Shimla Mirch (Capsicum) - 3 big ones ( red, green and yellow) cut into big cubes
Peanuts - 1/4 cup
White Sesame - 2 tbsp
Cumin Seeds - 2 tsp
Oil - 1 tsbp (to saute capsicum)
Salt - as per taste

For Ground Paste

Onion - 1
Tomato - 3 medium
Ginger - 1 inch piece
Garlic - 3-4 big cloves
Coconut - 2 tbsp

For Dry Masala

Turmeric Powder - 1 tsp
Red Chili Powder - 1 tsp
Coriander Powder - 1 tsp
Cumin Powder - 1 tsp

For Tadka

Mustard Seeds - 1 tsp
Methi dana (Fenugreek Seeds) - 1/2 tsp
Kalunji (Nigella Seeds) - 1 tsp
Oil - 1 tsbp

Procedure:-

1) Firstly, soak tamarind in warm/hot water about 1/4 cup for 10-15 min and then get the pulp out of it (about 2-3 tsp)
2) Then, dry roast peanuts, sesame and cumin (not the tadka one) and grind them to coarse powder when cooled down a bit.
3)Now, grind everything under masala paste section with no added water.
4)Take a non-stick pan (deep one as the gravy on cooking tends to splatter).Take 1 tbsp of oil in it and when it is hot, add mustard, fenugreek and cumin seeds.
5)Once they start spluttering, add ground paste to it and cook till all rawness is gone and nice aroma comes from it.
6)While that is cooking, take another non-stick pan and add oil to it.Add capsicum and sprinkle little salt and saute them for 3-4 minutes. Keep it aside.
7Once gravy is cooked, add ground masala mix (peanut, sesame and cumin) along with other dry masalas and salt.Let it cook for another 2 min.
8)Now, add tamarind pulp along with 1 cup water.Cook the gravy covered (as it will splatter) for about 5 min. on medium heat.Add sauteed capsicum and cook another 3 min. or till gravy thickens a little.

Serve hot with rotis or rice..

Soya ManChurian Recipe

2012-01-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

Soya is a really good source of protein and soya manchurian is Chinese style very simple vegetarian dish.There are many version of this recipe and here today i am sharing the simplest one..

Source:- ifoodtv
Ingredients:-

Soya chunks:-100 grams
Finely chopped ginger and garlic:- 1 Tsp
Finely chopped capsicum:- 1/4 Cup
Oil:- 2Tbsp
Finely chopped onion:- 1/4
Soy sauce:- 2Tsp
Hot sauce ( chilli sauce ):- 1 Tsp
Tomato ketchup:- 2 Tbsp
Finely chopped tomato:- 1 Tbsp
Salt as per taste

Procedure:-

1)Heat 4 cups of water in the microwave or stove top until boiling.
2)Put the soya chunks in it. Leave it for couple of minutes minutes. Drain the water and squeeze all the water from the soya.
3)In a pan pour 2 tbsp of oil and put finely chopped ginger and garlic and fry for 30 sec.
4)Now add the chopped onion and fry for 2 mins, then add chopped capsicum and fry till they are half cooked.
5)Put the soya chunks and chopped tomato along with capsicum and fry for a min.
6)Pour soy sauce, hot sauce, tomato ketchup and fry for 5 mins in medium flame till cooked.

Serve hot..Enjoy:)

Punjabi Style Indian Meal - Nov 24X24

2011-11-24T12:19:00.001-08:00

I was so excited when i got selected for Nov 24X24 foodbuzz event. I submitted the idea of sharing Punjabi cuisine as my cooking best defines that.So in all it was great experience and i got this wonderful opportunity to share this meal with my family and friends.

Whenever we talk about Punjabi cuisine there are some staple dishes that come to your mind and of those i decided to prepare Dal Makhni, Chatpate chole, Palak Paneer ,Peas Pulao ,Vermicelli/Semiya for dessert along with salad and roti(indian bread).Below you can find the recipes with pictures.

Dal Makhni

Dal Makhni is a staple dish you can find in any North Indian restaurant Menu..This is a rich dal containing butter and cream so best served for those small/big dinner parties or any get together..

Dal makhni is also called "Maa ki Dal" or "Maah ki Dal"..Actually it doesn't mean mothers dal which i noticed mentioning in so many sites/blogs..In Punjab we actually refer the sabut urad dal (whole unskinned black gram lentil) as " Maah " so called Maa ki dal..:)

Serves 3-4 (inspired from this recipe)

Ingredients :-

Urad Dal( Black gram lentils):-1/2 cup
Rajma(red kidney beans):- 1/8 cup
Channa dal:- 1/8 cup
Ginger:- 1 tsp
Garlic:-2 cloves (minced)
Green Chillies:- 2-3 ( or as per taste)
Salt as per taste
Turmeric powder:- 1/2 tsp

For Tadka

Ghee:- 4 tbsp
Garlic:- 2 cloves (minced)
Cumin seeds:- 1 tsp
Fenugreek/Methi Seeds:- 1/8 tsp
Asafoetida:- A pinch
Onion:- 1/2 (Finely chopped)
Tomato:- 1 ( Pureed)
Chilli Powder:- 1/2 tsp
Turmeric Powder:- 1/2 tsp
Garam Masala:- 1 tsp

To garnish:-

Cream:-1/3 cup
Butter:- 1tbsp

Procedure:-

1) Soak Urad dal, rajma & channa dal in water overnight.
2) Boil/Pressure Cook all the soaked lentils together alongwith ginger, garlic. green chillies, salt and turmeric until soft ( it takes about 15 minutes.)
3) To prepare tadka:-
Heat the ghee in a pan and add cumin and methi seeds, when they start to crackle add garlic and fry util light brown ( do not burn the garlic)
4) Add onion and asafoetida and saute until onions become golden brown in color
5) Add tomato puree, chlli powder, turmeric, and garam masala powder and mix everything well
6) Cook for another 3-4 minutes ,add little water if needed.
7) Add the cooked dal in the tadka alongwith cream and butter, mix and let it come to boil , then turn off the gas

Chatpate Chole

A great dish to serve with rotis. Whenever making chole always boil some extra ,drain all the water and put in ziploc container and store in the refrigerator (lasts atleast for a week).

Ingredients:-

Oil:- 3 Tbsp
Cumin/Jeera:- 1/2 Tsp
Mustard/Rai:- 1/2 Tsp
Garlic:- 2 chopped
Onion:- 1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Tomato:- 2 Small chopped
Salt as per taste
Red chilli powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Turmeric powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Garam Masala Powder:- 1 Tsp
Chole:- 2 Cups (Boiled)
Kasoori Methi Powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Aamchoor Powder:- 1/2 Tsp

Procedure:-

1) Heat oil in a pan , when hot add cumin and mustard seeds, when they start to crackle add garlic & onions and cook until golden brown

2) Add tomato, salt, turmeric, red chilli powder and mix everything well and cook until tomatoes are tender.

3) Add boiled chole/chickpeas to the masala and mix everything well.

4) Add garama masala powder, Aamchoor powder(dry mango powder ) & kasoori methi , mix everything.

Palak Paneer

Palak or Spinach is the rich source of vitamins, fiber, iron & Paneer is rich in protein, calcium etc.

Palak Paneer is a very nutritious Punjabi side dish, It can be served with chapatis , parathas or with rice.Palak paneer is one of the easiest spinach recipes. There are many ways to prepare palak paneer but i found this the easiest one..

Ingredients:-

2 to 3 Bunches of spinach ( Available in Indian Grocery stores)
Oil:- 2-3 Tbsp
Cumin seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Ginger and Garlic:- 1 Tsp (chopped finely)
Onion:- 1
Tomato:- 2 big or 3 small
salt as per taste
Turmeric, Red Chilli powder, Garam Masala:- 1/2 tsp each
Cream:- 1/2 cup
Paneer:- 1/2 cup

Procedure:-

1) Clean and wash the palak.
2) Blanch the spinach or alternatively you can microwave it for couple of minutes in a microwave safe bowl to save some time.
3) Make a puree of palak in a grinder.
4)Heat oil in a kadai/pan. Add cumin seeds , when they start to splutter add ginger, garlic and stir-fry for a minute.
5) Now add onion and fry till golden brown.
6) Add tomatoes and all the spices and cook until tomatoes become tender.
7) Add palak puree and mix everything well, cook until the palak is well cooked.
8) Add paneer and cream and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Semiya/Vermicelli Pudding

This is a very easy dessert to make..And it never seems to disappoint anyone as it tastes delicious..Always make it ahead of time as it needs to sit for sometime to get the desired thickness..

Ingredients:-

Ghee:- 3 tbsp
Slivered almond:- 2 Tbsp
Raisins:- 2 Tbsp
Vermicelli:- 1 cup
Milk:- 6 cup
Sugar:- 1/3 cup

Procedure:-

1) Heat ghee in a pan , add almond and raisins & fry
2)Add vermicelli and fry until golden brown.
3) Add Milk and Sugar and mix everything well.
4)Let it cook until the milk reduces a little bit.
5) Switch off the gas, cover the pan and let it sit for an hour

Serve warm or at room temperature..Enjoy:)

Peas Pulao

This is very easy recipe made with rice and green peas. It is great as a side dish.

Ingredients :-

Rice:- 2 Cup
Frozen Peas:- 1 cup
Jeera/cumin seeds:- 1 Tsp
Ghee/Oil:- 2 Tbsp
Salt as per taste

Procedure:-

1) Wash the rice well in running water and keep aside to soak for 15 minutes.
2) Cook the rice and cool it completely.
3) Heat the oil in a pan, when hot add jeera/cumin seeds.
4) When seeds starts spluttering , add peas and salt, saute for couple of minutes.
5) Add cooked rice and mix everything well.

Serve hot..

Veggie Salad

Cut the thin slices of tomato , cucumber, onions and slit green chillies..Sprinkle it with Salt , cilantro/coriander leaves, lemon juice and blacke pepper as per taste..

Sooji/Rawa/Semolina Ladoo (HAPPY DIWALI)

2011-10-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

With this ladoo i officially started preparation of diwali at my house.After coconut ladoo i find these are the easiest ladoo anyone can make. So if you have not started your preparation yet then do start with these yummy ladoo

Recipe by Vahchef

Ingredients;-
Semolina or Sooji - 1 cup
Sugar - 3/4 cup
Grated Coconut - 1 cup ( I use dried dessicated coconut, if available you can use freshly grated coconut too)
Ghee - 2 tbsp
Milk - 1/2 cup ( Use 1/2 cup if you like really moist ladoo otherwise use 1/4 cup, add milk little by little)
Raisins - 10
Cashew nuts - 10
Cardamom - a pinch

Procedure:-

1. Take a pan add Ghee then add all dry fruits let they change the color little bit.

2. Now add grated coconut fresh then add semolina and saute them in very low flame till it changes into brown color.

3. Add Sugar and keep mixing in very low flame for 3 min then switch of the flame and add milk to it keep mixing.

4. Lastly add Cardamom powder mix well and transfer it to a plate.

5. Take that laddu mixture into your hand and make small dumplings and let it dry for 2hrs.your laddus are ready.

Enjoy:)

Diwali Recipes (Sweets & Snacks)

2011-10-19T22:56:00.000-07:00

Diwali is not complete without a good spread of sweets and snacks .Here are few recipes to get started for this wonderful festival.

Please click on the picture to see the complete recipe..

Healthy Whole Wheat Applesauce Pancake Recipe

2011-10-14T18:25:00.000-07:00

My 4 year old daughter is a big fan of pancakes so i am always trying to make them in a different and more healthier way for her. This recipe has a perfect combination of healthy ingredients and its makes a great breakfast dish to start your day right and most importantly my daughter enjoyed each and every bite of it so it is delicious too..:)

Recipe inspired from allrecipes.com

Ingredients:-

All-purpose flour:- 1/2 cup
Whole Wheat flour:- 1/2 cup
Quick cooking oats:- 1/3 cup
Baking powder:- 1 tsp
Baking soda:- 1/4 tsp
Cinnamon:- 1/2 tsp
Unsweetened applesauce:- 3/4 cup
Yogurt or Fat free sour cream:- 1/2 cup
Egg, lightly beaten:- 1
Vanilla extract:- 1 tsp
Milk:- 1/3 cup

Optional additions:- Any kind of nuts or chocolate chips

Procedure:-

1) Heat a lightly oiled griddle over medium-low heat.

2) In a bowl, mix the flours, oats, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.

3) In a separate bowl, mix applesauce, sour cream, egg, and vanilla

4) Stir applesauce mixture and milk into the flour mixture until evenly moist and thick.

5) Scoop about 1/4 cup batter for each pancake onto the prepared griddle, and cook, turning once, until golden brown on both sides.

See step by step picture tutorial here

Enjoy:)

Healthy Eggless Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

2011-10-11T18:19:00.000-07:00

These rich, chocolate and moist muffins are so healthy -- but good for you! You'll never be able to tell they also have a full serving of veggies! Shredded zucchini really is the "secret" ingredient!
Moist and chocolatey, you won't believe that these muffins are healthy, almost completely fat-free and have a veggie slipped in! This is also a great way to use up all that leftover summer harvest zucchini!

Source:- Happy Herbivore

Ingredients:-

Whole wheat pastry flour:- 1¼ cups ( I used 1 cup whole wheat flour and 1/4 cup all purpose flour)
Unsweetened cocoa:- ¼ cup
Baking powder:- 1¼ tsp
Baking soda:- ¾ tsp
Salt:- ½ tsp
Cinnamon:- 1 tsp
Whole banana, mashed:- 1
Raw sugar:- ½ cup
Unsweetened applesauce;- ½ cup
Non-dairy milk:-¼ cup ( i used normal full fat milk)
Vanilla extract:- 1 tsp
Shredded zucchini:- 1 cup ( i used 1 1/2 cup )
½ cup raw sugar (optional)

Procedure:-

1)Preheat oven to 350F. Grease muffin pan and set aside. If using paper liners, lightly spray inside of liners with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2)Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon together

3)In another bowl, cream mashed banana with applesauce and sugar (use extra 1/2 cup for a very sweet, dessert-like muffin).

4)Add in soymilk, vanilla, zucchini and any other optional add-ins you might like such as vegan chocolate chips or chopped raw walnuts

5)Stir until evenly combined. Add flour mix to wet mix in 3-4 batches and stir until just combined

6)Spoon batter into greased muffin pan and bake 18-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Note: These muffins store well both in the fridge and freezer & the raw sugar in this recipe may be reduced to 1/2 cup.

Enjoy:)

Mint - Cilantro Relish / Pudina Dhaniya ki Chutney

2011-10-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

As i have plenty of organic homegrown mint/pudina in my backyard , i love to make this chutney fresh to serve with any meal..
Most chutneys are spicy and sharp & are meant to be eaten in small bites to enhance the flavour of a milder dish. Chutneys usually accompany appetizers , snacks & street foods.

Ingredients :-
Chopped Fresh Cilantro:- 1 Cup
Tomato Chopped:- 1 Medium (3/4 cup)
Chopped fresh Mint leaves:- 3/4 cup,
Onion chopped:- 1 medium ( 1/2 cup)
Water:- 1/4 Cup
Juices of 2 medium limes:- 1/4 cup
Salt:- 1 Tsp
Garlic cloves:- 2 medium
Fresh green chillies:- 1-2

Procedure:-

1) Place all the ingredients in the blender. Cover & blend on medium speed until smooth.
2) Tightly cover & store in refrigerator up to 10 days.
Enjoy:)

Electrolux Sleepover Event

2011-09-27T22:09:00.000-07:00

I was so excited when i received the email from foodbuzz to host a sleepover party and that too for a great cause..It’s Ovarian Cancer Research Month, Electrolux is donating $200 to Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) for every washer/dryer pair purchased. .Also, Kelly Ripa has partnered with Electrolux to bring you Kelly’s Virtual Sleepover.

Please join the Sleepover at kelly-confidential.com. When you do, Electrolux will donate $1 to OCRF and participants are entered for a chance to win a new Perfect SteamTM washer and dryer from Electrolux. This pair offers the most capacity to help you shoulder any load, plus, with just 15 minutes to wash and 14 to dry, the laundry is done in no time.

This is nice cause and please join Sleepover at kelly-confidential.com and may be you can win a perfect pair of washer and dryer.

I invited couple of my daughters toddler friends for this amazing sleepover event..I wanted to make something simple that they can enjoy and also i don't have to spend the whole day in the kitchen preparing the stuff :)..

Sleepover menu:-

Veggie Pizza (Recipe here)

Toasted Bread With Chesse

Instant Dhokhla.(Steamed Gram Flour Cakes ) (Recipe here)

Simple Banana Chocolate Dessert

This banana chocolate dessert is a healthy substitute when the kids are craving chocolate.

Servings: 2
Difficulty: Easy
Cook Time: 1-30 min

Recipe From the kitchen of Daphne Oz( saw it on gma)

Ingredients

1 banana mashed
1/4 c semi-sweet chocolate clips

Cooking Directions

Mash banana and sprinkle chips over top microwave for 15 seconds stir and replace in microwave for 10 more seconds

Activities we did during sleepover:-

1) Played Puzzles, and Memory games.
2) Watched Toy Story :)
3) We organized small treasure hunt around the house

Everyone had lots of fun and it was great experience too :)

Sleepover Tips

1) Get something easy for breakfast.
2)With toddler sleepover , if you have backyard then organize all the games outside so less mess and less cleanup
3)Prepare the menu considering them, so that they can enjoy & look forward to eat at dinner :)

Bell Pepper In Peanut Gravy/ Shimla Mirch aur Moongphali ki Sabzi

2011-09-24T20:07:00.000-07:00

Any sabzi is more delicious when made with fresh organic vegetables picked from your own garden..This yummy capsicum peanut sabzi makes a delicious meal when served with rice, roti and curd.

Source:- Mitho Limdo
Ingredients:-
Medium size Bell peppers ( 1 red and 1 green):-2 ( chopped into 1 inch squares)
Small onions:- 2 (( chopped finely)
Tomato:- 1 (Pureed)
Tomato paste:- 1 tbsp
Grated ginger:- 1/2 tsp
Turmeric:- 1/4 Tsp
Salt
Oil:- 1 Tbsp

For Peanut Sauce:-
-----------------------------------------------

Oil:- 1 Tsp
Peanuts:- 1/4 Cup
2-3 dry red chilies
Coriander seeds:- 1 Tsp
Cumin seeds:- 1 Tsp
Urad dal:- 1/2 Tsp
Chana dal:- 1/2 Tsp
Sesame seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Cloves:- 2
Jaggery/gur & Tamarind piece :- Lemon Size

Procedure:-

1. Fry the ingredients for the peanut sauce in 1 tsp oil for about 5-7 minutes. When cool, grind into a smooth paste by adding a small lemon size jaggery piece and seedless tamarind piece. You will need to add about 1/3 cup of water to grind. Keep aside.

2. In a non stick pan, add ginger and onion , fry for 2-3 minutes , then add bell peppers and fry for another 5-7 minutes.

3. Add tomato puree & tomato paste. stir well and continue to cook for another 5 minutes.

4. Add the peanut sauce, salt and about 1 cup of water.

5. Stir well and let simmer for about 10 minutes.

Serve with roti/Indian Bread..Enjoy:)

Green Beans & Corn Sabzi

2011-09-18T21:26:00.000-07:00

Its amazing how corn and green beans come alive when matched with just the right ingredients. In addition to being simple to prepare, this recipe is extremely quick & will make that picky eater at your table enjoy every lasr kernel.

Source:- Betty Crockers Indian Home Cooking

Ingredients:-

Corn:- 3 ears
Clarified butter/oil/ghee:- 1 Tbsp
Cumin seeds:- 1 Tbsp
Green Beans:-:- 3/4 pound (Cut into 1 inch pieces)
Water:- 1/2 cup
Finely chopped fresh cilantro:- 1/4 cup
Fresh shredded coconut - 1 Cup or Dried unsweetened shredded coconut :- 1/2 cup
SaltFresh chillies ( Thai, serrano or cayenne):- 2-3 finely chopped
Garam Masala:- 1 Tsp

Procedure;-

1) Cut enough kernels from ears corn to measure 1 1/2 cups , set aside.
2) Heat butter in a wok or deep 12 - inch skillet over medium-high heat.
3) Add cumin seeds, sizzle for 30 sec.
4) Add corn & remaining ingredients except garam masala., stir fry 30 seconds.
5) Reduce heat, cover & simmer for 8- 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
6)Stir in spicy garam masala.
Serve it with chapati/bread..Enjoy:)

Paneer Butter Masala - II

2011-09-08T22:51:00.000-07:00

I have shared my favorite paneer buter masala recipe before here and today i wanted to share this another recipe which is much simpler to make but without sacrificing any taste.Source here

Ingredients:-

Tomatoes:- 15-20 ( 1 Kg)
Onions:- 3 Medium
Oil-2 tbspButter:- 4 Tbsp
Cashew nuts:- 1/2 cup
Ginger paste:- 1 Tbsp
Garlic paste:- 1 Tbsp
Kashmiri red chilli powder:- 1 Tbsp
Salt
Paneer( cottage cheese):- 400 gms ( cut in cubes).
Kasoori Methi (fenugreek leaves):- 2 tbsp (Dry roast kasoori methi leaves and keep it aside.)
Cardomom powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Garam Masala Powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Honey:- 1 Tbsp
Cream:- 1/2 Cup

Procedure:-
1) Cut tomatoes in small quarters
2) Cut Onions in small cubes.
3) Heat 1 Tbsp of oil in a pan. Add tomatoes, onions and cashew nuts.
4) Cook until tomatoes are soft.
5)Grind this mixture into a fine paste.
6) Heat 4 Tbsp butter and 1 Tbsp of oil in a separate pan.
7) When hot add ginger and garlic paste., cook for 1-2 minutes.
8) Add red chilli powder,, mix everything well.
9) Strain the tomato mixture in the pan.( this step is important to achieve the silky smooth gravy texture ), cook for 3-4 minutes.
10)Add salt and stir well and cover and cook..
11) Add cardamom powder, garam Masala Powder & honey , mix well.
12)Rub roasted kasoori methi leaves between your palms and add to the tomato gravy, mix well and add paneer cubes in the gravy.
13)Add cream and stir well.Serve hot with rotis or naan..Enjoy:)

My Vegetable Garden

2011-08-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peak in my backyard vegetable garden..

Peas/Matar

Cucumber/Kheera

Tomato/Tamatar

Broccoli

Mint/Pudina

Mooli/Radish

Bell Peppeer/Capsicum/Shimla Mirch

Baigan/Eggplant

Pepper

Dhaniya/Cilantro/Coriander Leaves

Beans/Phali

Okra/Bhindi

Fresh Picked From Garden

Cheddar Cheese Rounds

2011-08-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

Orange -colored sharp cheddar with give the rounds a deep golden hue. To make this dough with a hand held mixer, chop the nuts finely and then mix all the ingredients until combined, about 3 minutes.

Source:- The Cook's Country Cookbook

Makes about 5 dozen cheese rounds

Ingredients:-

Pecans:- 1/4 Cup
All purpose flour:- 1 1/4 cups
Cornstarch:- 1 Tbsp
Shredded Sharp cheddar cheese( see note above):- 2 cups
Unsalted butter, cut into pieces and softened:- 8 tbsp
Cayenne pepper:- 1/4 tsp
Salt:- 1/2 tsp

Procedure:-

1) Process the pecans, flour and cornstarch in a food processor until finely ground.

2) Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until a dough forms.Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into two 8 inch logs.

3)Wrap tightly with plastic and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or up to 3 days.( The logs can also be wrapped in plastic, then foil and frozen for up to 1 month.Defrost in the refrigerator before proceeding with next step).

4) Adjust the oven racks to the upper-middle positions and heat the oven to 400 degrees.

5)Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. unwrap and slice the logs inro 1/4 inch rounds and place the rounds 3/4 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.

6)Bake until goldne , about 15 minutes, switching and rotating the baking sheets halfway through baking.

7)Let cool 3 minutes on the sheets, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.

Serve.( The rounds can be kept in an air tight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.)

Gulab Jamun/ "Doughnut" Rounds in Rose syrup

2011-07-27T10:34:00.000-07:00

Gulab means "rose" in Hindi, and jamuns are "rounds". These delectable, rose syrup-soaked rounds are perfumed with cardamom and fittingly complete many Indian meal.

Source:- Betty Crockers Indian Home Cooking

12 rounds (6 servings)

Ingredients:-

Syrup:-

Water:- 1 1/2 cups
Sugar:- 1 cup
Rose essence:- 1/2 Tsp

Rounds;-

Non fat dry milk:- 1/2 Cup
All purpose flour:- 2 Tbsp
Ground cardamom:- 1/4 Tsp
Baking soda:- 1/8 Tsp
Clarified Butter/Ghee or unsalted butter, melted:- 1 Tbsp
Plain yogurt:- 1 to 2 Tbsp
vegetable oil for deep frying

Make syrup:-

1) Heat water and sugar to boiling in 1 - quart saucepan over medium-high heat; reduce heat to medium.

2) Cook uncovered 5 minutes, stirring occasionally; remove from heat. Stir in rose essence; set aside.

Make Rounds:-

1) Mix non fat dry milk, flour, ground cardamom and baking soda in medium bowl.

2) Add ghee. Rub mixture between palms of hands about 1 minute or until mixture is coarse.

3) Add yogurt, 1 tsp at a time, mixing by hand or spoon, until mixture starts to come together to form slightly sticky dough. Knead in bowl about 1 minute or until smooth.

4) Shape dough into 6-inch log.Divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball; set aside.

5) Heat oil( 2 to 3 inches deep) in wok or Dutch oven over medium heat until thermometer inserted in oil reads 325 degree.

6) Carefully place balls in hot oil and fry 1 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown. remove with slotted spoon; place in serving bowl.

Assemble dessert:-

1) Pour syrup over balls. Cover and let stand at room temperature at 2 hours but no longer than 4 hours to blend flavours.

2) Cover and refrigerate any remaining dessert up to 5 days.

Enjoy:)

Fresh Okra With Peanuts (Bhindi Nu Shaak)

2011-07-05T17:03:00.000-07:00

I am a big fan of okra..and when i saw this recipe in Betty Crockers Indian Home Cooking cookbook i immediately decided to give it a try and it came out delicious and this is the easiest way you will ever make your bhindi/okra ki sabzi..

Ingredients:-

Peanut or vegetable oil:- 1 Tbsp
Cumin seeds:- 1 Tsp
Fresh Okra, stem ends removed:- 1 pound
Dry roasted unsalted peanuts, coarsely chopped:- 1/4 cup
Chopped fresh cilantro:- 1/4 cup
Sugar:- 1 Tbsp
Salt:- 1 Tsp
Ground cumin:- 1 Tsp
Red pepper/cayyenne:- 1/2 Tsp
Turmeric powder:- 1/4 Tsp

Procedure:-

1)Heat oil in wok or 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds; 10 to 15 seconds

2)Add remaining ingredients; stir-fry 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until okra is tender.

Enjoy:)

Shimla Mirch ki Sabzi/ Easy Colorful Bell Pepper Stir fry

2011-06-30T21:35:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for the easiest way to make bell pepper then this recipe is the best..quick , easy and delicious..

Recipe by Bhavna

Ingredients:-

Bell Pepper:- 3 (green,red,yellow one each)
Oil:- 2 Tsp
Jeera;- 1 Tsp
Gram Flour:- 3 Tbsp
Sesame seeds:- 1 Tbsp
Crushed peanuts:- 2 Tbsp
Lemon juice of one lemon
Curry powder:- 1/2 Tbsp
Salt and sugar as per taste

Procedure;-

1)Heat oil on a medium heat in a skillet, when hot add cumin seeds.

2)When seeds start to crackle add bell peppers.

3)Cook it for sometime covered until half done (about 5 minutes)

4)Add Besan/gram flour to the bell pepper and mix it well.

5) Add sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, salt , sugar ,curry powder & lemon juice..mix well.

6) Sprinkle some water if needed..cook until done..

Serve it with roti and curry Enjoy:)

Yummy Banana Bread

2011-06-19T22:36:00.000-07:00

I never get tired of trying new recipes for Banana breads.Whole wheat flour and lemon in the ingredient list made me try this recipe immediately and it came out perfect as you can see in the above pic:)..was gone within hours:)..I used brown sugar instead of white and added chocolate chips too:)

Source:- Nooschi

This recipe yields 1 loaf.

Ingredients:-

Mashed ripe bananas:- 1 Cup (approz 2 bananas)
Sifted all purpose flour:- 1 Cup
9 grain flour (or whole wheat flour):- 1 Cup
Milk:- 1/3 Cup
Vegetable Oil:- 1/4 cup
Eggs:- 2
Sugar:- 1 Cup ( i used brown sugar)
Lemon Juice:- 1 Tsp
Salt :- 1/2 Tsp
Baking Soda:- 1 Tsp
Chopped walnuts, toasted:- 1/2 Cup
Semi-sweet chocolate chips;- 1/2 Cup (optional)

Procedure:-

1. Preheat the oven to 350F/175C

2. Sift the all purpose flour, baking soda, and salt into a bowl. Add in the whole grain flour and sugar.

3. Add in the oil, bananas, and eggs. Mix well.

4. Combine the milk and lemon juice, and stir until a uniform batter is formed. Stir in the walnuts.

5. Grease a loaf pan (9x5x3 inches). Pour the batter into the loaf pan.

6. Bake for 60 - 70 minutes. Note that the top of your loaf will brown before it is fully cooked. Remove banana bread from pan, let it cool on a cooling rack, and serve.

Enjoy:)

Besan Wali Beans Ki Sabzi (Beans With Chickpea Flour)

2011-06-16T20:57:00.000-07:00

I love to try new way for preparing any veggie than the usual ones..Mostly i make Aloo Beans as they are fast and easy but i wanted to try no potato version..I got an idea from the recipe Bhooni Hui Shimla Mirch (Green Pepper stir fry) & it was an instant hit..Made it and loved it and here i am sharing this wonderful no potato recipe with all my friends..Enjoy and please share if you have any ideas of your own too..

Ingredients:-

Oil:- 2 Tsp
Cumin seeds:- 1 Tsp
Onion:- 1/2 (chopped)
Beans:- 2 cups(cut into pieces)
Salt
Red chilli Powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Turmeric Powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Garam Masala Powder:- 1 Tsp
Besan/Chickpea flour:- 1/2 Cup ( Lightly roasted)

Procedure:-

1) Heat oil in a non stick pan on a medium heat. When hot add cumin seeds, when they start to crackle add onion.

2) Cook till onions are light brown in color.

3)Add salt, red chilli powder, turmeric powder & garam masala powder, mix everything well.

4) Add beans and mix. Cook it covered till beans are halfway cooked.( stir in between & use some water if required)

5)Add roasted besan/chickpea flour to the beans and keep stiring it till everything is well mixed.Cook again for 2-3 minutes.

Serve it with roti and any curry ...Enjoy:)

Eggless Whole Wheat Pancake/ Meetha Cheela

2011-06-14T17:51:00.000-07:00

This is really simple and healthy pancake recipe..great for kids lunch box too..You can enjoy these either for breakfast or as a snack..Please see the note for more ideas.

Ingredients:-

Whole Wheat Flour:- 1/2 Cup
Milk powder:- 1/4 Cup
Sugar :- 2 Tsp
Fennel Seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Milk:- 1/2 Cup
Oil for frying

Procedure:-

1)Mix all the ingredients in a bowl( except oil) to make a pancake like batter..

2)Heat a non stick pan on a medium heat with little oil ( or use cooking spray).

3)Pour a laddle full of batter on a pan.Cook until lightly browned on the bottom.

4)Turn and brown the other side.

Enjoy:)

Note:- Be creative with flavorings..add cinnamon powder instead of fennel seeds..

Also you can use half 1/4 cup of all purpose flour and 1/4 cup of whole wheat flour instead of using all whole wheat.

Top it with honely of powdered sugar.

Use low fat milk powder and low fat milk or water to make it more healthy.

Mango Lassi/ Mango Shake

2011-06-08T22:52:00.000-07:00

Mango lassi is similar to smoothie made with yogurt, mango and milk. It has very smooth and creamy texture and tastes heavenly.A refreshing drink perfect for hot summer.

Ingredients:-

Ripe Mango:- 1
Curd/yougurt:- 1/2 cup
Milk:- 1 cup
Sugar:- 2 Tbsp
Cardamom Powder (optional) as per taste

Procedure:-

Place everything in the blender except the cardamom powder..Blend it till smooth. Chill in the refrigerator before serving..

You can sprinkle the cardamom powder over the lassi or mix it in ..Enjoy:)

Rajma/Red Kidney Beans Masala

2011-06-05T19:08:00.001-07:00

Rajma Masala served with hot rotis , curd/raita and salad makes a yummy and healthy meal.This is a signature dish of North India

Ingredients:-

Oil:- 3 Tsp
Cumin seeds:- 1 Tsp
Mustard Seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Garlic:- 2 (chopped)
Ginger:- 1 Tsp
Onion:- 1/2 (finely chopped)
Tomato:- 1 (chopped)
Salt as per taste
Turmeric:- 1 Tsp
Red chilli powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Garam Masala:- 1 Tsp
Rajma/Red Kidney Beans:- 3 cups (boiled & drained)
Coriander powder:- 1 Tsp
Cumin powder;- 1 Tsp
Kasoori Methi powder:- 1 Tsp
Coriander leaves for garnish

Procedure:-

) Heat oil in a pan , when hot add cumin and mustard seeds, when they start to crackle add garlic & ginger.

2) Add onions and cook until golden brown

3) Add tomato, salt, turmeric, red chilli powder, garam masala and mix everything well and cook until tomatoes are tender.

4)Add boiled Rajma/red kidney beans to the masala and mix everything well.

5)Add coriander powder,cumin powder, kasoori methi powder and cook for couple of minutes.

Garnish it with coriander leaves and enjoy:)

Lauki Ka Raita ( Yougurt With Grated Bottle Gourd )

2011-06-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

Raita is made my mixing yogurt, veggies(of your choice) and spices.

This can be served as a simple raita or as a side dish with any traditional meal.Make this as a nutritious and healthy side dish by preparing it with low fat yogurt..

Ingredients:-

Lauki/bottle gourd/ghiya:- 1 cup (Peeled and grated, don't squeeze out the water)
Curd/yogurt:- 1 cup
Toasted cumin powder:- 1 Tsp
Black Salt:-1/4 Tsp
Black Pepper;- 1/4 Tsp
Salt
Coriander Leaves(chopped):- 2 Tbsp

Procedure:-

1)Peel and grate the lauki, keep it aside, don't squeeze out the water

2)Add 4 cups of water in a pan along with the grated lauki. Boil it on the medium heat for about 4-5 minutes.

3) Drain the lauki from the water and squeeze out all the water by pressing it between your palms.

4)Take a bowl add curd, grated lauki , spices and coriander leaves..Mix everything well..This will the thick raita but if you like you can add some water/milk or make desired consistency.

Serve it chilled with any meal..Enjoy:)

Chick Pea Starter ( A Healthy Snack)

2011-05-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

These chick peas are so addictive & is a great crunchy alternative to high-fat snacks, will satisfy anytime cravings. Make sure the chick peas are very dry before you put them in the pan to toast otherwise they will become mushy.Use the leftover toasted chick peas on salads or Pasta

Optional Additions:- Garlic salt, onion salt, cumin, lemon juice, chaat Masala (Use combination of any of these ingredients as per your taste)

Recipe by Rachel Ray

Ingredients:-

Chick peas, drained and rinsed:- 2 (14-ounce) cans
Freshly ground black pepper:- 1 Tsp
Handful grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Procedure:-

1)After rinsing, dry chick peas in a kitchen towel.

2)In a dry nonstick skillet over medium heat add the chick peas

3)Season with black pepper, to taste, and cook, shaking pan often until chick peas are toasted and light golden brown, about 7 minutes

4)Stir in the cheese and toss to coat chick peas.

Serve as a snack or starter

Eggless Semolina Cookies

2011-05-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

This is the definitive Indian Cookie. Countless recipes have all sorts of different ingredients but they all contain semolina and all purpose flour. Many decades ago, women would prepare their cookie dough at home and take it to a communal oven or bakery for the baker to bake. The cookies would then be delivered back to them..

Source:-India with Passion (by Manju Malhi)
Makes approx 16-18 cookies

Ingredients:-

Superfine sugar:- 3/8 cup
Unsalted butter:- 5 1/2 Tbsp
Vanilla extract:- 3-4 drops
Green cardamoms pods, seeds only , crushed:- 4
All purpose flour (sifted):- 1 1/8 cup
Fine semolina:- 3/8 cup

Procedure:-

Preheat the oven to 375 F, Grease a baking tray

1) In a bowl, cream together the sugar and butter with a wooden spoon, until light and fluffy.

2) Beat in the vanilla extract and cardamom.

3)Add the flour and semolina.Mix into a firm paste and gently knead for 5 minutes.

4)Dust your hands with the flour.Take pieces the size of golf balls ,Place on the baking tray at least 1 inch apart and bake for 12-15 minutes or until light brown.

6)Cool on a wire rack.Store in an airtight container for upto 3 weeks.

Serve with tea..Enjoy:)

Savoury Oats Pancake

2011-05-13T14:32:00.000-07:00

Oats Utthapam/Oats Pancake/Oats chilla is very easy, quick , delicious and HEALTHY recipe. Great for breakfast as you can prepare the batter a night before and refrigerate it. You can add about 1/4 cup of rice flour too if you want to make it little crispy.

Inspired from here

Ingredients:-

Rolled Oats - 1/2 Cup
Whole Wheat Flour- 1/2 Cup
Gram flour/Besan - 1/2 Cup
Flax seeds:- 2 Tbsp
Curd- 4 Tbsp
Baking Soda- 1/2 Tsp
Water:- 1 1/2 Cups
Onion:- 1 (finely chopped)
Grated Carrot:- 1
Grated ginger - 1 Tsp
Oil for frying
Salt to taste
Garam Masala Powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Red Chiili Powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Turmeric:- 1/2 Tsp
Chaat Masala:- 1/2 Tsp

Procedure:-

1)Mix Oats, Flour, Besan ,flax seeds and baking soda in a bowl.

2) Add curd and water to make a smooth batter..(Batter should not be too thin or too thick)Let it rest for 15 minutes.

3)Heat a non-stick pan & season with a little oil.

4)Pour the batter and spread it. Cook on medium heat till crisp and golden brown.

5)Flip and cook the other side.

Serve hot with chutney or pickle and curd. I served it with walnut-mint chutney..Enjoy:)

Walnut - Mint Chuteny

2011-05-10T21:20:00.000-07:00

This is a wonderful chutney recipe from northwestern Pakistan that may be served with all Indian meals.You can substitute lemon juice with Anardana/Pomegranate powder if available.

Walnut-Mint Chutney
Serves 8
Source:- Curries to Kababas (Madhur Jafferey )

Ingredients:-

Fresh Mint Leaves( Well washed & coarsely chopped):- 2 Cups
Shelled Walnuts:- 2/3 Cup
Garlic( Crushed to a pulp):- 1
Green Chillies, Sliced:- 4-5
Lemon Juice:- 1 Tbsp or to taste
Salt:- 1/2 Tsp
Plain Yogurt:- 4 Tbsp

Procedure:-

1) Put the mint leaves, walnuts, garlic, chillies, lemon juice, salt & 5 Tbsp of Water into a blender and blend, pushing down with a rubber spatula when needed, until you have a smooth paste.

2) Put the yogurt into a bowl. Beat lightly with a fork until smooth and creamy.

3)Add the paste from the blender and mix.

Taste for a balance of seasoning , making any adjustments that are needed.

Enjoy:)

Happy Mothers Day

2011-05-07T23:51:00.000-07:00

Pic Source here

Your arms were always open when I needed a hug. Your heart understood when I needed a friend. Your gentle eyes were stern when I needed a lesson. Your strength and love has guided me and gave me wings to fly. All I am I owe to my mother.

This mother's day was very special to me as my little princess made a card for me (in her preschool) and when i went to pick her up she gave me a tight hug , sweet kiss on cheek and said the most lovely words.. Happy mothers day..
i almost cried:(..Later she told me that her teacher taught this to everyone in her class...:)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all my dear blogger friends who are excellent cooks as well as amazing Moms..

Happy Mothers Day To My MOM With Lots of Hugs and Kisses..I Miss you Mom..

Simple Leftover Rice Pulao Recipe

2011-05-05T10:20:00.001-07:00

This is the best way to use leftover rice..Easy and delicious..You can make this even if you don't have any veggies on hand.Makes a great lunchbox dish too.

Ingredients:-

Leftover rice:- 1 1/2 cups-2 cups
Onion:- 1/2 Chopped
Tomato:- 1 chopped
Potato:- 1 finely sliced
Cumin seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Mustard Seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Oil:- 2 Tbsp
Salt
Red Chilli Powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Garam Masala Powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Turmeric:- 1/2 Tsp

Procedure:-

1) Heat oil in a pan, when hot add cumin and mustard seeds.When they start to crackle add potato, fry until lightly brown.

2) Add onion and fry for 1 minute, add tomato and all the spices, mix everything well. cook for 2 minutes.

3)Add the left over rice to the above tadka and mix everything well..

Garnish it with coriander leaves and serve hot with raita...Enjoy:)

Black Chickpeas With Potato/ Aloo Kala Channa

2011-05-03T09:57:00.000-07:00

This is a great recipe for a lunchbox, picnics or long travels..As the recipe doesn't use any onions and tomatoes so this sabzi can last longer in the summer weather and is best enjoyed with pooris, raita and pickle.

Ingredients:-

Boiled Channa/Black Chick Peas:- 2 Cups
Oil:- 2 Tbsp
Cumin Seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Mustard Seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Potato:- 1 (Peeled & chopped)
Salt:- 1/2 Tsp
Turmeric:-1/2 Tsp
Red Chilli Powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Garam Masala Powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Coriander Powder:- 1 Tsp
Chaat Masala:- 1/2 Tsp
Channa Masala:- 1/2 Tsp

Procedure:-

1)Heat the oil in pan/kadai, when hot add cumin, mustard seeds, when they start to crackle add potato. Fry for 3- 4 minutes until potato are slightly brown.

2)Add Salt, turmeric, red chilli powder, garam masala and mix everything well.

3) Add bolied channa & cook for 2-3 minutes (use 1-2 tbsp of water if needed).

4)Add Coriander powder, chaat masala, Chana Masala.Mix everything and garnish it with coriander

Serve warm with rotis as a side dish...Enjoy:)

Simple Pancake Recipe

2011-05-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

I know everyone must have their simple and basic pancake recipe..but i wanted to share this recipe for those who don't have one..This is really simple and foolproof recipe, never disappointed me once..It was written in my recipe book but i am not sure about the source..Great for quick kids breakfast..Top it with any of your favorite toppings( Honey, Maple syrup,Melted Chocolate,Fruits,Cheese list is endless be creative) and enjoy

Ingredients:-

Eggs:- 2
Milk:- 1 1/4 Cup
Vanilla:- 2 Tsp
Butter:- 3 Tbsp
All Purpose Flour:- 1 1/2 Cup
Salt:- 3/4 Tsp
Baking Powder:- 2 Tsp
Sugar:- 2 Tbsp

Procedure:-

1)Mix all the ingredients in a food processor to make a thick batter.Let it rest for 15 minutes.

2)Heat a non stick pan on a medium heat.

3)Pour 1/3 cup of batter on a pan.Cook until bubbly and lightly browned on the bottom

4)Turn and brown the other side.

Enjoy:)

Quick Tortilla Pizza (Step By Step Pictures)

2011-04-29T18:21:00.000-07:00

Everyone Loves Pizaa, but making pizza from scratch can be a very long process so this quick tortilla pizza is a great alternative..You can prepare and eat it under 30 minutes:)..My daughter loved it and the great thing is that she couldn't recognize that its not real pizza that makes it very successful recipe for kids..

Ingredients:-

I don't want to give the exact measurements for the recipe as you can use everything as per your preference and taste..

Tortilla
Tomato Paste or Tomato sauce
Cheese ( Any kind you like, i used 4 blend mexican cheese)
Veggies (finely sliced):- Onion,Capsicum
Olives

Spices( Garlic powder or garlic minced, Salt, Italian Seasoning , Black pepper)

Mix all the spices in the cheese and set it aside.

Coriander leaves finely chopped for garnish

Preheat the oven at 450 degree F

Take the baking tray and line it with aluminum foil, Place tortilla on the foil

Put the tomato paste or tomato sauce over the tortilla..I minced some garlic and spread it over the tomato paste.

Put half of your cheese blend over the tomato paste

Place all your veggies and olive all over the tortilla.( you can use any veggies of your choice)

Put the rest of the cheese over the veggies.

Bake it in the preheat oven for 5-10 minutes.

Serve hot or warm anytime...Enjoy:)

Easy Vegeterian Hakka Noodles

2011-04-27T14:46:00.001-07:00

This is really simple way to prepare noodles. Kids love them and its a great way to sneak in as much as veggies possible..The trick is to finely chop the veggies so that it hard for them to pick out even if they want to:)

Your lunch or brunch will be ready in no time if you prepare ahead..Cook the noodles a night before and refrigerate in the air tight container, also cut all the veggies a night before too..

Ingredients:-

Noodles:- 200 gm
Carrot(finely sliced):- 1 medium
Onion(finely sliced):- 1/2 cup
Cabbage(finely sliced):- 1/2 or 1 cup
Beans(Sliced):- 8-10
Capsicum(finely sliced):- 1
Oil:- 3 Tbsp
Tomato Sauce:- 2 Tbsp
Soya Sauce:- 2-3 Tbsp
salt as per taste

Procedure:-

Cook noodles as per package direction and set aside.

1) Heat the oil in a non stick pan, When hot add carrot and beans and cook for 2-3 minutes.

2)Add Capsicum, Onion ,Cabbage, soya sauce and salt, mix everything well.Cook till veggies are little soft but not mushy..

3)Add noodles and tomato sauce to the veggie mixture..Mix everything and serve warm alongwith the salad of your choice.

Enjoy:)

Note:- You can add spices( black pepper, all purpose seasoning etc) to the noodles if you like.

Crispy Oven French Fries

2011-04-25T15:10:00.000-07:00

French/Freedom fries are one of the snack that everyone loves to eat. This is not healthy snack but i think its OK have once in a while and baking fries is better than frying.. French fries are potatoes cut into thin strips and baked with oil and seasoned in the oven until crisp.

Source:- Cooks Country

Ingredients:-

Russet potatoes (6 to 8 oz. each)- 4( peeled and cut into 1/2" slices)
Vegetable oil:- 6 Tbsp
Cornstarch:- 1 Tbsp
Salt:- 1 Tsp

Procedure:-

1) Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 450 degrees.

2) Place potatoes in a bowl, wrap tightly with plastic, and microwave until translucent around edges, 3 to 5 mins, shaking bowl half-way through to redistribute potatoes.

3) Transfer potatoes to cooling rack and thoroughly blot dry with paper towels. Coat rimmed baking sheet with 5 tablespoons of oil.

4)Transfer to oven and heat until just smoking, 5 to 7 mins. Meanwhile, whisk remaining oil,cornstarch and salt in large bowl. Add potatoes and toss to coat.

5)Arrange in single layer on hot baking sheet and bake till deep, golden brown and crisp, 25 to 35 mins, flipping potatoes half-way through cooking time.

6)Transfer to paper towel-lined plate and blot with additional paper towels.

Enjoy:)

Chole Palak / Garbanzo Beans With Spinach

2011-04-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

Chole Palak is a nice and healthy combo of protein packed beans and super food spinach and is great alternative for usual channa masla dish

Ingreinets:-

Boiled Chole:- 2 1/2 cups
Oil:- 2-3 Tbsp
Jeera/Cumin seeds:- 1 Tsp
Rai/Mustard Seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Onion:- 1/2 (chopped)
Ginger - garlic paste:- 1 Tbsp
Tomato puree:- 1/2 cup or puree 1 medium size tomato in a blender/food processor
Tomato Paste:- 1 1/2 Tbsp
Turmeric Powder:- 1 Tsp
Red Chilli Powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Garam Masala Powder:- 1 Tsp
Salt as per taste
Channa Masala:- 2 Tsp
Coriander Powder:- 1 Tsp
Kasoori Methi powder:- 1 Tsp
Spinach:- 2 Handful (chopped roughly)

Procedure:-

1) Heat oil in a pan jeera /cumin seeds, Mustard , when they start to splutter then add ginger and garlic and fry for a minute

2)Now add onions, stir it till it becomes brown in color.

3)Add tomato puree, tomato paste, turmeric,Chilli powder ,garam masala , salt & little water(1-2 tbsp approx) , mix it well.

4)Saute the mixture till tomatoes become soft (Approximately for 5-7 minutes)

5) Add boiled chole/garbanzo beans & spinach , mix everything well( add little water if it seems little dry).cook for 5 minutes

6)Add coriander powder, channa masala & Kasoori methi powder, Mix everything well.cook for 2-3 minutes

Garnish it with coriander. Serve hot with Rotis/Indian Bread...Enjoy:)

Lobia/Black Eyed Peas Curry

2011-04-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

Serve this tasty and healthy bean curry as a side dish with rotis or rice.Lobia can be prepared in many ways, you can find the dry version here .This is really easy dish to prepare and is packed with protein.You don't have to soak lobia overnight, you can soak for couple of hours before cooking..

Ingredients:-

Lobia:- 1 1/2 - 2 cups
Oil:- 3-4 Tbsp
Cumin/Jeera:- 1 Tsp
Mustard seeds:- 1 Tsp
Ginger(chopped):- 1 Tsp
Garlic(chopped):- 1 Tsp
Onion(chopped):- 1 medium
Tomato(chopped):- 1 medium
Cumin powder:- 1 Tsp
Coriander powder:-1Tsp
Imli/Tamarind paste:- 1 Tbsp
Salt
Turmeric powder:- 1 Tsp
Red chilli powder:- 1 Tsp
Garam Masla Powder:- 1 Tsp
Tomato Paste:- 1 spoonful
Anardana powder:- 1 Tsp

Procedure:-

Soak the Lobia in water overnight or for 2-3 hours before cooking and then boil it by adding 1 tsp of turmeric and salt (as per taste)..

1) Heat oil in a pan jeera /cumin seeds, Mustard , when they start to splutter then add ginger and garlic and fry for a minute.

2)Now add onions, stir it till it becomes brown in color.

3)Add tomatoes , turmeric,Chilli powder ,garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder & little water(1-2 tbsp approx) , mix it well.

4)Saute the mixture till tomatoes become soft (Approximately for 5-7 minutes)

5) Add boiled lobia , imli paste, tomato paste and anardana powder and mix everything well( add water to make a gravy ).
let it simmer for couple of minutes.

Serve hot garnished with coriander leaves with roti or rice ...Enjoy:)

BEST Banana Bread Recipe

2011-04-19T12:24:00.000-07:00

This was by far the easiest and best banana bread I’ve ever made. Really moist and flavorful with great texture.

The World's BEST Banana Bread
Source here (Originally adapted from Americas Test kitchen)

Dry Ingredients:-
------------------------
All Purpose flour(unbleached):-2 Cups
Sugar:-3/4 Cup
Toasted coarsely chopped Walnuts-1/2 Cup
Baking soda:- 1/2 Tsp
Salt:- 1/2 Tsp

3 ripe bananas

Wet Ingredients
--------------------
Large eggs, beaten:- 2
Melted butter:- 6 Tbsp
Vanilla:- 1 Tsp
Buttermilk or Plain yogurt:- 1/4 cup

Procedure:-

1)Butter a non-stick bread pan, then flour well. (The flour is really important for the bread to “climb” against while baking.

2)Combine and mix well the dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

3)In another medium bowl, coarsely smash 3 ripe bananas (use a large spoon or spatula and don’t puree – the banana needs to be chunky)

4)To the bananas, add and combine wet ingredients (but try not to reduce the banana chunks)

5)Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently FOLD until the flour is thoroughly moistened

6)Pour into the prepared bread pan and spread the mixture evenly across the top.

Bake in a preheated 350-degree (F) oven for 45-50 minutes.

Kele Ki Poori/ Indian Banana Bread

2011-04-17T20:15:00.001-07:00

Banana Poori is a great alternative to make instead of usual pooris..Kids love them as they are sweet in taste..I like to add 1/8 cup of sugar which gives it just enogh sweetness not overpowering the taste..They make a great lunchbox dish for kids too

Ingredients:-

Whole Wheat Flour:- 1 1/2 Cups
All purpose Flour:- 1 Cup
Banana - 1 (Mashed)
Pinch of salt
Sugar;- 1/8 cup
Milk:- 1/2 Cup (warm) or more if required.

Procedure:-

1) Mix all the ingredients except milk, add milk slowly to make a stiff dough.

2) Heat a oil in a deep frying pan ( kadai) on high heat.

3)Now make a lime size ball from the dough and roll each into a small circles with rolling pin .( This dough can become little sticky due to the addition of banana so you can take the small dough ball and place it over the food wrap , brush some oil over the ball and make a small circle by pressing it with hands.)

4)Deep fry poori's in hot oil for a minute, turn side & fry until golden in color

Serve hot or at room temperature..Enjoy:)

Semolina/Sooji/Suji Ke Toast (A Healthy Quick Snack)

2011-04-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

Sooji/Semolina mixed with variety of veggies of your choice and topped on bread slice makes a great quick healthy snack..If you like you can toast the bread in the oven before and follow the same recipe to get a crunchier toast.

Ingredients:-

Semolina/Sooji:- 1 Cup
Curd:- 1 Cup
Bread- 2-3 slices
Onion(finely chopped):- 2 Tbsp
Coriander leaves:- 2 Tbsp
Green Chillies:- 1or 2(chopped)
Carrot (Grated):- 1/8 cup
salt
Garam Masala:- 1/4 Tsp
Chaat Masala:- 1/4 Tsp
Turmeric powder:- 1/4 Tsp
Oil for frying

Procedure:-

1)Cut the bread slices in the desired shape and set aside.

2)In a mixing bowl mix everything to make a thick batter.( Add water if needed).

3) Dip the bread in batter and apply the mixture on both sides.

4)Heat the oil in a pan and place the bread slice on it.Cook both sides of the bread until golden & crisp

Serve hot with Chutney or Tomato Sauce..Enjoy:)

Awards

2011-04-14T10:47:00.001-07:00

I would like to thank Sneha Benny Of Art of Cooking & Raksha Of Raksha's Kitchen for sharing these wonderful awards with me..

Fruit Chaat (Spiced Fruit Salad)

2011-04-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

Fruit Salad consists of various kinds of fruit with different texture, taste and color.
This is super easy dish to make for easy snack time or even for a healthy dessert.These are great for picnics , potlucks or small parties.

Source:- Gourmet Indian in Minutes by monisha.

Ingredients:-

2 - 2 1/2 cups mixed fresh fruit
(choose firm ones such as mango, apple, pear, whole grapes, banana , papaya, or melon) diced

Chilli powder:- 1/4 Tsp
Lemon Juice:- 1 Tsp
Honey:- 1 Tsp
Salt:- 1/ Tsp

Optional additions:-

Chaat Masala:- 1/ Tsp
Black pepper:- 1/4 Tsp

Procedure:- Lightly mix all the ingredients , chill then serve

Enjoy:)

Morning Rice Flakes Breakfast

2011-04-10T09:15:00.001-07:00

This is a wonderful morning food, slightly sweet, soft textured,easy to digest.Serve for breakfast or as a comforting snack anytime.To serve as a light lunch, accompany with a fresh green vegetable dish or fresh chutney.

Source:-Mangoes and curry leaves cookbook.

Ingredients:-

Rice Flakes(Poha):- 2 Cups
Oil:- 3 Tbsp
Mustard seeds;- 1/2 Tsp
Fennel Seeds:- 1 Tsp
Cumin seeds;- 1/2 Tsp
Minced Onion:- 1/2 Cup
Turmeric;- 1/4 tsp
Green Chillies (seeded and chopped):- 1 (optional)
Water:- 1/4 Cup
Salt as per taste
Sugar:- 2 Tsp
1/4 cup or more coarsely chopped coriander leaves

Procedure:-

1) Place the rice flakes in a bowl, cover with cold water, and swirl around with your hand, then drain. Repeat two more times. Place the rice flakes in a sieve to drain, and set aside.

2)Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat, when hot add the mustard seeds, when they have finished popping about 20 seconds, add the fennel and cumin seeds.

3)Add the onion, stir well to coat the oil, lower the heat and cook for 2-3 minutes.

4)Add the turmeric and chillies (if using ) and cook for 5 more minutes.

5)Add the rice flakes and cook for a minute, turning & stirring, then add the water.Stir fry for 2 -3 minutes.Press the flakes against the pan, then lift and turn them & press again, so they cook while staying separated.

6)Lower the heat little more , cover and let cook for 1 minute. The rice should be cooked through and tender.

7)Add the salt and sugar and stir-fry for another minute.Remove from the heat and mound on a platter.Top with plenty of coriander leaves.

Enjoy:)

Eggless Chocolate Cookies

2011-04-08T08:30:00.001-07:00

This delicious recipe has the flavor and texture of both cookie and brownie..It is really easy to make and nice crispy and chewy flavor , i am sure you will not miss the eggs:)

Source here
Serves: 24

Ingredients:-

Margarine:- 1/4 cup
Oil:- 2 Tbsp
Sugar:- 3/4 cup
Water:-3-4 Tbsp
Salt:-1/4 Tsp
Baking soda:-1/2 Tsp
Flour:-1 Cup
Cocoa:-1/3 Cup

Procedure:-

1 Cream margarine, oil, sugar and 1 T water until light and fluffy.
2 Mix in remaining 2-3 T of water and beat well.
3 Mix dry ingredients.
4 Add to margarine mixture and mix until combined.
5 Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.
6 Preheat oven 400°F (200°C) and grease a cookie sheet well.
7 Make 24 balls (can also do drop cookies).
8 Bake for 10 minutes, should be very puffy.
9 Allow to cool for 5 minutes on baking sheet, they will fall considerably due to the lack of egg.

Hyderabadi Paneer & Corn Korma

2011-04-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

This is a great recipe for classic Hyderabadi dish which is rich in taste and high in calories.

Source:- Niyas World
Ingredients

Paneer( cubed):- 500 gm
Corn:- 150 g
Oil:- 3/4 cup
Bay leaf:-1
Garlic paste:- 1 Tsp
Onion (ground to a paste):- 1 large

Grind it together
--------------------------------

Curd:- 1 1/2 cup
Tomatoes:- 2
Green chillies, slit lengthwise(as per your taste)
Chilly powder:- 1 1/2 Tsp
Garam masala powder:- 1 1/2 Tsp
Cashew nuts:- 2 Tbsp
Almond powder:- 1 Tbsp
Salt to taste
Cream for garnishing:- 1 Tsp

Procedure:-

1)Heat oil in a pan add bay leaf and garlic, cook for a minute.

2) Add the crushed onion and fry till golden brown.

3)Add the ground masala paste and fry till the oil seperates. Add about two cup s water and bring to boil.

4)Add cubed paneer( either plain or fried ) and corn. Simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat.

Serve hot with roti/naan/Indian bread.

Note:-

Sugar:- 1 Tsp
Shahi Paneer Masala:- 1 TSp
Kasoori Methi Powder:- 1/2 Tsp

I added above ingredients at end as per my taste but its optional.

Raw Apple Crisp - A Healthy Snack (No Cook Recipe)

2011-04-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

A simple mixture of nuts, raisins and spices makes a delicious topping for Honeycrisp apples.(Please see note for more ideas)

Source here
Serves 8

Ingredients:-

Honey-crisp apples, cored and chopped- 4
Orange juice:- 1/4 cup
Pecan halves:-3/4 cup
Hazelnuts:-3/4 cup
Raisins:-3/4 cup
Ground ginger:-3/4 Tsp
Ground cinnamon:-3/4 Tsp

Procedure:-

1)Put apples in an 8-inch square baking dish or 2-quart casserole dish. Drizzle with orange juice, toss until the fruit is coated and smooth the top.

2)In a food processor, combine pecans, hazelnuts, raisins, ginger and cinnamon and pulse just until chopped. Spoon the nut mixture over the apple mixture and serve.

Nutrition:-
Per serving (about 4oz/106g-wt.): 220 calories (130 from fat), 14g total fat, 1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 25g total carbohydrate (4g dietary fiber, 17g sugar), 3g protein

Note:-

You can try to play with ingredients as per your taste ..I tried making the mixture with Walnuts(or almonds),Salted peanuts,raisins,ginger and cinnamon ..its tasted great..If you want you can add oatmeal to the mixture too ..If you don't like raw apple you can cook them a little and then sprinkle the mixture over it and enjoy as a Healthy dessert or healthy snack at anytime.

Sabudana Aloo Vada/ Tapioca & Potato Patties

2011-04-01T09:45:00.001-07:00

Tapioca/Sabudana is usually used for making milk puddings in the West, but in South India it is found in various savory preparations, such as these spicy patties of tapioca pearls & potato.

Source:- India With Passion by Manju Malhi
Makes 15-20 Patties

Ingredients:-

Tapioca/Sabudana/Sago:- 7 oz
Large White potatoes:- 2 (peeled & boiled)
Green chillies:- 2 (finely chopped)
Salt:- 1/2 Tsp
Whole peanuts:- 12 (roasted and crushed) optional
Vegetable oil for frying
Cilantro ( 1 bunch roughly chopped)

Procedure:-

1) Soak the Tapioca in about 1 cup cold water for about 30 minutes. It should sweel and absorb all the water.

2)Coarsely mash potatoes, chillies, salt, peanuts, if using, and coriander together.Mix in Tapioca

3)Heat the oil in a wok. To check that oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of the potato mixture into the oil. if it sizzles, the oil is ready.

4)With the wet hands, roll the potato mixture into spheres the size of a golf ball, then flatten the balls to make patties.

5)Depending on the size of the fryer/wok, place a few patties at a time in the oil. Fry on one side for 2 minutes, then turn them over and fry for other 2 minutes until golden brown.

6)Remove with a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel.

Serve with chutney..Enjoy:)

Healthy Oatmeal Muffin Recipe

2011-03-30T09:22:00.001-07:00

Ready in 30 minutes,great for packing and saving for later.This muffin recipe uses whole wheat flour and no sugar so if you like your muffin with little sweetness like me,
you can add some chocolate chips which makes it less healthy:)

Source here
Makes 12 serving
Calories: 260, Total Fats 7g, Total Carbohydrates 43g, Dietary Fiber 5g, Protein 7g

Ingredients:-

Honey:- 1/4 Cup
Large egg whites:- 3
Vegetable oil:- 2 Tbsp
Nonfat milk:- 2 Cups
Applesauce:- 1 Tbsp
Vanilla extract:-1 Tsp
Raisins:- 1/2 Cup
Dried cranberries:- 1/2 Cup
Pecans:- 1/2 Cup
Whole wheat flour:- 2 Cups
Quick oats:- 1 Cup
Sea salt:- 1 Tsp
Baking soda:- 2 Tsp
Cinnamon:- 1 Tsp

Procedure:-

1. Preheat oven to 400 F

2. In a large bowl, mix honey, egg whites, and oil. Beat until fluffy. Stir in milk and vanilla, then add dried fruit and pecans.

3. In a separate bowl measure all dry ingredients and then mix. Combine both mixtures into one bowl and stir until flour disappears into wet ingredients.

4. Prepare muffin tin with cooking spray. Fill cups until full. Bake for 20-25 minutes until muffins are firm.

Enjoy:)

Instant Dhokla Recipe/ Steamed Gram Flour Cakes

2011-03-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

Khaman Dhokla is a traditional Gujarati snack that is served for festive meals are best paired with a coriander chutney.This recipe makes a really soft and spongy dhoklas. You can use 1 Tsp of Lemon Juice instead of citric acid but the magic ingredient in this recipe is Eno fruit salt which gives the dhokla a perfect fluffiness.

Recipe Source:- Tarla.com
Ingredients:-

For the batter
------------------------------
Bengal gram flour/Besan:- 1 Cup
Semolina/rava;-1 1/2 Tbsp
Citric acid/nimbu ka phool:-1/2 Tsp
Sugar:-3 Tsp
Ginger-Green chilli paste:-1 tsp
Eno's fruit salt;-1 1/2 tsp

For the tempering
------------------------------------
Oil:-1 Tbsp
Mustard seeds/rai/sarson):-1/2 Tsp
Sesame seeds/til
Green chillies,chopped:- 2
A pinch Asafoetida(hing)

For the garnish
--------------------------------
1 Tbsp Chopped coriander leaves (dhania)

Procedure:-

1. Mix together all the ingredients for the batter except the eno fruit salt using enough water to make a thick batter.

2. Add the eno fruit salt, sprinkle a little water over the fruit salt and mix well.

3. When the mixture rises, pour it into a greased thali and steam for about 10 minutes.

4.For the tempering, heat the oil in a small pan and add the mustard seeds, sesame seeds, green chillies and asafoetida. when the mustard seeds crackle, add 1 tablespoon of water and pour this over the steamed dhoklas.

Cut into pieces & Garnish it with coriander leaves

Serve with green chutney.

Aloo Posto (Potatoes with Poppy seeds)

2011-03-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

The Indian poppy seed is smaller and off-white in color.They are mainly used to thicken curries. "Posto" is the Bengali word for "Poppy seeds" and they are found in countless Bengali recipes; "Aloo Posto" is the most famous.

Source:-India with Passion (by Manju Malhi)
Serves 3-4

Ingredients:-

White Poppy seeds, washed:- 4 Tbsp
Groundnut Oil:- 2 Tbsp
Mustard seeds:- 1 Tsp
White Potatoes:- 2 large ( Peeled, firm boiled, and cut into 3/4 inch cubes)
Ground Cumin:- 1 Tsp
Turmeric:- 1/4 Tsp
salt
Green chili:- 1 (Finely chopped)

Procedure:-

1) Soak the poppy seeds in 4 Tbsp hot water for 2 hours.

2) Drain and grind them with a pestle and mortar or in a blender into a coarse paste.

3)Gently heat the oil in a frying pan and add the mustard seeds.When they begin to sizzle, add the potatoes and fry for 10 minutes until they start to brown.

4)Then add the cumin, turmeric, and salt, followed by the poppy seed paste.Cook for minutes.

5)Mix thoroughly and then sprinkle over the green chilli.

Serve with rice and lentil dish or chapati/roti...Enjoy:)

Red Kidney Beans & Corn Salad With Rice

2011-03-24T09:55:00.000-07:00

This is a great salad recipe , have the salad as it is if you don't want to mix it with rice or you can put big scoop of salad over the rice..enjoy anyway you want

For Salad
-----------------------------------
Rajma/ Red Kidney beans:- 2 Cups (cooked)
Corn:-1 Cup
Tomato:-1( chopped)
Onion:- 1/2 chopped
Capsicum:- 1/2 chopped
Olive Oil:- 1 Tbsp

For Tempering
---------------------
Oil:- 1 Tbsp
Cumin seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Mustard Seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Salt as per taste
cooked Rice:- 3 Cups (white or brown rice)
Lemon Juice:- 1/2 lemon
Garam Masala:- 1/2 Tsp

Procedure:-

1) In a medium bowl combine together beans, corn, tomato, capsicum & oilive oil, mix everything well and set aside.

2)Heat oil in a non stick pan on medium heat, when hot add cumin and mustard seeds, when they start to crackle add cooked rice, salt and beans mixture ( from step one), mix everything well..cook for 2-3 minutes.

3)Take the pan off the heat and mix lemon juice and garam masala.

Serve hot or at room temperature..Enjoy:)

Award

2011-03-23T10:22:00.001-07:00

I would like to thanks Reshmi Mahesh of Fun With Food & Soumya Vineeth Of Ente Pachakalokam for passing me this wonderful Award.

Rules:
1. Post the award in ur blog with the name of the person who gave you.
2. Pass it on to 15 other people.
3. Do drop a comment in their recent post informing about the award.

As i received this award before also so i would like to pass this award to all my dear blogger friends

Pyaz - Pudina ki Roti (Onion & Mint Flavoured Bread)

2011-03-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

This bread with its distinctive flavors of mint and onion is good enough to eat on its own.The aata ( chappati/whole wheat flour) gives it an enticing earthy flavor.

Source:-Mridula Baljekar's Real Balti Cookbook
Preparation Time:- 15-20 minutes plus resting time
Cooking Time:- 30-35 minutes

Ingredient:-

Whole Wheat flour:- 450 gm (1 lb)
Onion seeds(kalonji):- 1 Tsp
Salt:- 1 Tsp
Ghee or unsalted butter (softened):- 50 gm ( 2 oz)
Finely chopped fresh mint leaves:- 2 Tbsp
Onion( coarsely grated):- 1
Warm water:- 100 ml( 4 fl oz)
extra flour for dusting
oil for shallow frying

Procedure:-

1) To make the dough by hand put the atta(whole wheat flour), onion seeds and salt into a large mixing bowl and mix well. rub in the ghee or butter. Stir in the mint and onion and mix thoroughly. Add the water a little at a time, as the absorbency level of flour varies from brand to brand. Mix until the rough dough is formed. then transfer it to a pastry board and knead for 4-5 minutes, or until it stops sticking to the board and your fingers. Add a little more atta, if necessary.

2) To make the dough in a food processor with a dough hook attachment , put all the ingredients in the processor and knead until the dough feels smooth and soft and it does not stick to the bowl or dough hook.

3)Cover the dough with a damp cloth and set aside for 20-30 minutes

4) Divide the dough in half and make four portions out of each half. Rotate each portion between your palms to make a smooth round ball and then flatten it to a cake.

5) Preheat a cast iron griddle or a heavy based frying pan over a medium high heat. Dust each cake lightly in the flour and roll out to an 18 cm disc or roti. Keep the flattened cake covered during the rolling out process.

6) Place the roti on the griddle and cook for about 1 minute, then trun it over . Spread about 1 tbsp oil on the cooked side and tun it over again.Cook for 45-50 sec , or until brown spots appear.Check this by lifting the roti gently.

7)Spread another 1 Tbsp of oil on the second side and turn it over. Cook as for the first side, until spots appear.

8) Line a large piece of foil with absorbent kitchen paper and place the cooked roti on one end of the lined foil. Fold the other end over to keep it covered until all the rotis are cooked. Seal the edges to keep the rotis hot. They will keep hot for 30-40 minutes.

Enjoy:)

Eggless Peanut Butter Buiscuits

2011-03-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

I am loving all eggless recipes i am trying now a days and this is also one of my favorite..

Source here
Makes about 6 dozen.

Ingredients:-

All purpose flour:-3 cups
Baking powder:- 1 Tsp
Salt:-1 Tsp
Unsalted butter, room temperature:-1 cup (2 sticks)
Creamy or chunky peanut butter:-1 cup
Vanilla extract:-2 Tsp
Packed golden brown sugar:1 cup
Sugar, plus extra for sprinkling on top of each cookie:-1 cup
Cornstarch:-4 tbsp
Water (or can use 2 large eggs in place of the cornstarch and water):-4 tbsp Mini-chocolate chips (optional) :-2/3 cup

Procedure:-

1)Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper

2)In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water and mix well using a fork. The cornstarch should be well incorporated into the water. If you are using eggs, omit this step.

3)Mix flour, baking powder and salt in medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat butter, peanut butter and vanilla in large bowl until well blended. Beat in both sugars. Beat half of dry ingredients into mixture. Add cornstarch mixture and continue mixing. Beat in remaining dry ingredients. Stir in the optional mini-chocolate chips with a wooden spoon.

4)For each cookie - Using your hands, roll dough into 1 inch-diameter ball. Arrange dough balls 1 inch apart on baking sheets. Using back of fork, flatten dough balls and form crosshatch (a cross fork marking) design on tops. Sprinkle each cookie with sugar. Bake cookies for 14 minutes. Cool cookies on baking sheets 5 minutes. Using spatula, transfer cookies to racks and cool.

Enjoy:)

Simple Fried Rice

2011-03-18T14:01:00.000-07:00

This is the best way to use leftover rice. Fried rice are great for lunchbox or for quick meals. Serve it with chilled raita.

Ingredients:-

Oil:- 2 Tbsp
Cumin seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Mustard Seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Slivered Almonds:- 1 Tbsp
Dried Cranberries:- 1 Tbsp
Thinly sliced vegetables(carrot, capsicum, onion, cabbage):- 1/2 cup each
Rice:- 2 1/2 cups (cooked rice)
Salt as per taste
Garam Masala Powder:- 1 Tsp
Red Chilli Powder:- 1 Tsp
Soya sauce:- 1 1/2 Tbsp

For garnishing:-

Spring Onions:- 1 (finely chopped)
Coriander leaves:- 2 Tsp (finely chopped)

Procedure:-

1)In a non stick pan , heat the oil on a medium heat.

2)When hot add cumin seeds,mustard seeds , slivered almonds & dried cranberries, saute for a minute.

3)Add all the veggies , salt, garam masala, red chilli powder and soya sauce, mix everything well & cook till veggies are little tender ( you don't have to cook for long as veggies are suppose to have little crunch in this recipe)

4) Add rice and mix well.

5) Garnish it with spring onion and coriander leaves before serving..

Enjoy:)

No Bake Peanut Butter balls

2011-03-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love the recipes which requires no baking or cooking..Peanut butter is everyone's favorite so these healthy treats can be enjoyed anytime. Kids will surely love to help you in making & eating these easy and yummy goodies.

Ingredients:-

Peanut butter:- 1/2 cup
Nonfat dry milk powder:- 1/4 cup
Unsweetened flaked coconut:- 1/4 cup
Rolled oats:-1/3 cup
Ground cinnamon:-1/2 tsp
Honey:-1/4 cup

(you can add any nuts of your choice too)

Procedure:-

1) Combine peanut butter, milk powder and coconut in a large mixing bowl.
2)Mix oats, ground cinnamon & honey until thoroughly combined.
3)Shape the mixture into small balls.( Use ice cream scooper for making same size balls).
4) Chill in the refrigerator before serving for about an hour.

Store leftover treats in the refrigerator.

Enjoy:)

Ajwain Wali Arbi (Taro Root With Carom seeds)

2011-03-14T09:21:00.001-07:00

I had this at one of our friends place and it was delicious..Ajwain/carom seeds adds a very distinct flavor and amazing fragrance to the sabzi.

Ingredients:-

Arbi/Taro root:- 8 whole pieces. (peel of their skin and cut into thin slices)
Oil:- 3 Tbsp
Onion:- 1 Small
Jeera/Cumin seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Ajwain/Carom seeds:- 2-3 Tsp (Add as per your taste)
Salt as per taste
Turmeric powder:- 1 Tsp
Red Chilli Powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Garam Masala Powder:- 1 Tsp

Procedure:-

1)Heat oil in a non stick pan on medium heat.
2)Add Cumin and carom seeds, when start crackling add abri and fry for couple of minutes.
3)Add onion, salt , turmeric powder, red chilli powder and garam masala, mix everything well.
4) Cook till arbi is tender.

Serve hot with Roti or Chapati or Indian bread

Eggless Coconut Milk Pancake Recipe

2011-03-12T16:39:00.000-08:00

This simple recipe is quick to put together and makes six to eight medium-sized pancakes.

Source here

Ingredients

All-purpose flour:- 3/4 cup
White whole-wheat flour or whole-wheat flour:-1/4 cup
Sugar:-1 1/2Tbsp
Baking powder:-1 1/2 Tbsp
Salt:-1/8 tsp
Coconut milk:-1 cup (See note)
Canola oil:-2 Tbsp

Extra canola oil, vegan "butter" spread, or cooking spray for the pan

Procedure

1) In a large bowl, combine and whisk dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt).

2) Whisk milk and canola oil together in a small bowl, and pour the mixture into a well formed in the dry ingredients.

3) Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir the two mixtures until combined. A few lumps are OK.

4)Heat the skillet on medium heat & Coat it with a thin layer of oil, vegan "butter," or cooking spray. To make sure the pan is hot enough, scatter a few drops of water on its surface. If they hiss and evaporate, the pan is ready.

5) Spoon several tablespoons of batter into the skillet for each pancake. Let pancakes cook until they begin to bubble and sides start to solidify. Then flip and cook for another minute or two.

6)Serve pancakes hot with fresh fruit, powdered sugar, honey, or maple syrup.

Note:- If you don't have coconut milk you can substitute it with soy milk, rice milk or other dairy-free milk

Sindhi Channa Recipe

2011-03-10T10:53:00.000-08:00

This is a really different recipe of Channa..The best thing is that you can make it in one pot and it is so easy but yet delicious..Can be served as a snack or side dish.

Preparation Time: 2 hours
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Serving: 3 persons
Source:- Sheabarecipe

Ingredients:-

Gorbanzo beans:-2 cups
Pmegranate seeds, Anar Dana:-One packet(4-5Tbsp)
Cumin Seeds:-3 Tbsp
Black Pepper:-1 Tsp
Corainder Powder:-1 Tbsp
Ginger Garlic paste:-1 Tbsp
Salt:-2 Tsp
Ginger - one inch thinly sliced
Green Chilli :-2 medium
Canola oil:-3/4 cup
Paneer / Cheese:-200 gms

Procedure:-

1) Soak the channa overnight. Add salt to the channa and boil till cooked. (about 30-40 minutes)
2) Separate the boiled channa from the liquid (save the liquid for later use) and keep it aside.
3) Heat the pan on a medium heat, Roast pomegranate & cumin seeds for 1-2 minutes or when it starts to crackle.
4) Grind the whole peppercorns in a grinder and add it to boiled channa.
5) Grind 5 Tbsp of pomegranate and cumin seeds mixture in the grinder & add it to boiled channa as well.
6) Now add 1 tbsp of coriander powder , 1 tbsp of ginger and garlic paste, 2 green chilles and half of the thinly sliced ginger to the boiled channa .
7) Mix everything well till channa is well coated with all the spices.
8) In a separate pan heat 3/4 oil .When hot switch of the gas and pour the hot oil in the channa mixture carefully.
9)Add the paneer(optional) and reserved liquid to the channa mixture and let it cook on medium heat till the liquid is dried completely.

Garnish it with coriander and enjoy:)

Eggless Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie

2011-03-08T09:40:00.000-08:00

I found this great recipe on Taste Goblet and its a keeper for sure..Recipe strongly suggest to make them jumbo size and i agree totally..Only remember to watch the baking time carefully. The cookies need to be taken out after the sides are slightly browned and the top cracks. It’ll look a little undercooked but it’ll continue to bake even once it’s out of the oven, and result in the perfect amount of chewiness in the middle, with slightly crisp sides. If you want to use egg you can replace the egg substitute with one egg(slightly beaten).

Ingredients:-

Butter(softened):- 1/4 Cup
Vegetable shortening:-1/4 cup
Water:-1 1/2 tsp
Caster sugar:-1/4 cup
Brown sugar, packed down:-3/4 cup
Vanilla:-1 1/4 tsp
-----------------------------------
Egg Substitute Ingredients:

Plain flour:- 2 tbsp
Shortening:- 1/2 tbsp
Baking powder:-1/2 tsp
Water:-2 tsp
----------------------------------
Flour:-1 1/4 cup
Salt:-3/8 tsp
Baking powder:-1/2 tsp
Baking soda:-1/2 tsp
Good quality chocolate chips:-1/2 cup

1)Preheat oven to 350 F/175 C

2)Cream butter, shortening, 1 1/2 tsp water with sugars until light and fluffy. Add in all ingredients for the egg substitue and vanilla and beat for 30 seconds until combined.

3)Sift in flours, baking powder and baking soda. Sprinkle in the salt and stir everything together until combined. Stir in chocolate and butterscotch chips

4)Mound ladle-full portions of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. If you don’t have a ladle, it’s about two slightly heaped tablespoonfuls of dough per cookie. Roll into a ball and flatten ever so slightly.

5)Bake for 9-10 minutes, until the edges are slightly browned and the top cracks. Remove from the oven and cool on the baking sheet itself. The cookies will be very soft so don’t attempt to transfer them to a wire rack until they have had a chance to firm up a bit.

Enjoy:)

Bandgobhi aur Gajjar ka Raita (Cabbage and Carrot raita)

2011-03-06T11:03:00.000-08:00

Raita have always been a part of any tradition Indian meal..It can be served as a side dish alongwith chutney and salad. This recipe has great mix of flavors.

Source:- Mridula Baljekar's Balti Cookbook

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:-

White Cabbage( Finely grated or Chopped):- 100g /4 oz
Carrots(grated):- 100g/ 4oz
Onion(preferably red & finely chopped:-75 g/ 3oz
Green Chili(seeded & finely chopped):- 1
Coriander Leaves(finely chopped):- 30 ml/ 2 Tbsp
Thick Natural Yogurt:- 150g / 5 oz
Bottled Mint sauce:- 10ml/ 2 Tsp
Sugar:- 5ml/ 1 Tsp
Salt to taste
Roasted Salted Peanuts, lightly crushed:- 25g/1oz

Procedure:-

1)In a bowl combine the first five ingredients.
2)Beat the yogurt with a fork until smooth.
3)Mix in the mint sauce and sugar, then add to the cabbage mixture.
4)Cover and chill.
5)Stir in the salt and peanuts just before serving.

Enjoy:)

Aloo Bhindi Ki Sabzi (Okra With Potatoes)

2011-03-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

T
his is really simple Okra and potato dish that you can make just under 15 minutes..I don't like to add tomatoes in this dish as it makes both potato and okra very mushy..

Ingredients:-

Oil:- 3 Tbsp
Potato( Peeled & Cut into small pieces ):- 2
Onion(chopped):- 1/2
Bhindi/Okra:- 3 Cups( Cut into small pieces
Haldi/Turmeric Powder:- 1 Tsp
Red Chilli powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Garam Masala Powder:- 1 Tsp
salt as per taste
Dry Mango powder/Aamchoor powder:- 1 Tsp
Anardana Powder:- 1/2 Tsp

Procedure:-

1) Heat the oil in a non stick pan on a medium heat.
2) Add potato and fry for couple of minutes.
3) Add Onion, turmeric, red chilli powder and garam masala and mix everything well. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
4) Add okra/bhindi and mix everything. Cover the pan and let it cook until soft but not mushy.
5)Add dry mango powder and anardana powder and mix .

Serve hot with Chapati/ Indian Bread...Enjoy:)

Healthy Soft Oatmeal Cookies (Make It Your Way)

2011-03-02T09:52:00.000-08:00

This is one healthy cookie recipe , with all the healthy ingredients except chocolate chips ,off course:)..But you can replace it with any of your favorite ingredient (see below) and make it your own way..

Source here

Ingredients:-

Oil:- 1/2 cup
Honey:-1/2 cup
Egg: 1
Water:-1/4 Cup
Vanilla:- 1Tsp
Whole Wheat Flour:- 1 Cup
Dry Milk Powder:- 1/4 Cup
Baking Soda:- 1/2 Tsp
Salt:-1/4 Tsp
Rolled Oats:- 1 1/2 Cups

1/2 cup ingredient of your choice (chocolate chips, carob chips, nuts, raisins, seeds, or coconut)

Procedure:-

1) Preheat the oven to 350F/180C.
2)Grease some cookie sheets.
3)In a large mixing bowl, put the oil, honey, egg, water and vanilla.
4)Beat until smooth.
5)Add the flour, milk powder, baking soda and salt.
6)Mix well. Add the oats. Mix well.
7)Add the extra ingredient of your choice.
8)Mix. Drop the batter by spoonfuls onto the greased cookie sheets.
9)Bake until light brown (about 10 minutes).

Enjoy:)

Palak Kadhi (Spinach In A Yougurt Gravy)

2011-02-28T09:52:00.000-08:00

Kadhi can be made many ways as per your choice , i usually make the more traditional way which is also called kadhi pakora but when i don't have enough time to make pakoras then i make little variations, like i added spinach in this kadhi recipe which makes it more healthy and also gives very nice flavor to the gravy

Ingredients:-

Oil :- 2 3 TBsp
Jeera/Cumin:- 1/2 Tsp
Mustard Seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Methi or Fenugreek seeds:- 1 Tsp
Hing/Asafoetida:- A pinch
Ginger:- 1 inch piece( finely chopped)
Garlic:- 1/2 Tsp
Onion:- 1/2 chopped
Tomato:- 2 small chopped
Curd:- 1 Cup
Besan:- 2 1/2 Tbsp
Water:- 4 Cups
Salt as per taste
Turmeric powder:- 1 Tsp
Red Chilli Powder:- 1 Tsp
Garam Masala Powder:- 1 Tsp
Palak/ spinach :- 3 Cups chopped

Procedure:-

In a mixer blend together curd,besan & little water( if needed) and set aside.

1) Heat oil in a pan.
2) Add , asafoetida, Cumin seeds, mustard seeds & fenugreek seeds.
3) When seeds start spluttering add ginger & garlic and fry till light brown
4) Add onion and fry till onion are translucent (don't brown them)
5) Add tomato, salt, turmeric, red chilli powder, garam masala & mix well
6) Cook until tomatoes are tender.
7)Now add the blended mixture, palak/spinach and mix well..
8) Add water to make a gravy..don't worry if the gravy is not thick at this point..it will thicken as it cooks
9) Let it cook at medium heat for 10-15 minutes

Serve hot with rice...Enjoy:)

Kadhai Paneer(Indian Cheese & Green Pepper In Spicy Sauce)

2011-02-26T12:39:00.000-08:00

Kadhai Paneer is a Punjabi dish which can be enjoyed with the many varieties of Indian breads. It is made with Indian cottage cheese and bell pepper and has a spicy flavor. This is a particularly popular paneer dish in north India

Recipe by:-Alfred Prasad, Head chef at London's Michelin(videojug)

Ingredients :-

For Kadhai Sauce:-

Whole Red Chillies:- 2
Coriander Seeds:- 3 Tsp
Garlic cloves finely chopped:- 6
Tomatoes (chopped):- 6
Red Chilli powder:- 1 Tsp
Turmeric Powder:- 1/2 Tsp

Procedure:-

1)First, put two whole red chillies and 3 teaspoons of coriander seeds into a blender or food processor, and blend for about 20 seconds until you have a coarse powder.

2)Put 3 tbsp of oil into a frying pan to heat over a hot flame.Add the coarse powder to the frying pan.

3)Stir, turn down to a low heat, and leave to fry for about 3 minutes

4) Add the garlic to the frying pan and fry for about 5 minutes until golden

5)Chop up the tomatoes and add them to the pan.Turn the flame up to a high heat and cook for a further 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6)Add red chilli powder, and turmeric powder, and stir.

7)Turn down to a medium heat, cover, and leave for about 20 minutes until the tomatoes are pulped.

Paneer Preparation
--------------------------

Ingredients:-

Paneer:- 250 gm (cut in 1 cm cubes -see notes)
Green Bell Pepper:- 2 Cut in small square sizes as paneer
Oil:- 1 1/2 Tbsp
Coriander seeds;- 5 gm
Kasoori Methi powder:- 1 Tbsp
Salt as per taste
Coriander leaves for garnish

Procedure:-

1)Heat vegetable oil in the frying pan, over a medium heat. Now coriander seeds. The seeds will start to crackle, and pop.

2)Add the paneer cheese. Fry for about 2 minutes until a little bit golden. Then add the chopped peppers. stir for about 1 minute.

3)Add a little water to the pan. Keep stirring until it comes to the boil. Pour in the Kadhai sauce you prepared earlier and salt.

4)Add Kasoori Methi to the pan, and stir

Garnish with coriander leaves..Enjoy:)

NOTE:-If you have bought it whole, cut 250g of paneer into 1cm cubes. Then, fill a small bowl with warm water. Heat one tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over a high heat. Add the cubed cheese, and fry for about 1 minute. Then, carefully take the cheese out of the pan and place into the bowl of warm water for later.

Masaledar Sukhe Chole/Channa/Garbanzo Beans

2011-02-24T09:23:00.000-08:00

Best Version Of Semolina Pancakes/Crepes

2011-02-21T12:55:00.000-08:00

In Morning serve these crepes, drizzled with honey or spread with apricot jam. Cooking the crepes on only one side leaves a lacy network of tiny holes, perfect for catching the sweet toppings; the fine semolina provides a lovely sandy texture.

Recipe source:- Food & Wine magazine

Total:- 30 Min plus 1 Hour rising
Makes 12 pancakes

Ingredients:-

Warm Water:- 3 Cups
Baking Powder:- 2 Tsp
Fine semolina:- 1 3/4 cup
All purpose flour:- 1/3 cup
Active dry yeast:- 2 Tsp
Sugar:- 1Tsp
Salt:- 1 Tsp
Vegetable oil for cooking
1/3 cup honey warmed
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Procedure:-

1)In a bowl , combine 1/4 cup of the warn water with baking powder.

2) In a food processor, combine the semolina with the flour, yeast, sugar and the remaining 2 3/4 cups of warm water; process for 30 seconds until smooth.

3) Add the salt and baking powder mixture and process for 30 seconds longer.

4) Pour the batter into a large bowl, cover with kitchen towel and let rise at room temperature until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.

5) In a small bowl , blend the honey with the melted butter.

6)Heat a 10 inch nonstick skillet and coat it with a thin layer of vegetable oil. Whisk the batter until creamy. Ladle 1/3 cup of the batter into the skillet, tilting th skillet to distribute evenly.

7)Cook the pancake over moderate heat until bubbles appear all over the surface and the bottom is pale golden, about 2 minutes.

8)Shake the skillet to loosen the pancake, then slide the pancake onto the plate.Drizzle with the honey butter and serve right away.

9) Repeat with more oil and the remaining batter and honey butter.

Enjoy:)

Dahi Wale Aloo/ Potato in Yougurt Gravy

2011-02-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

It's a really easy potato gravy, curd gives it a real nice tangy flavor and this dish can be made under 30 minutes..

Ingredients:-

Oil:- 3-4 Tbsp
Ginger:- 1 Tsp ( finely chopped)
Garlic:- 2 (finely chopped)
Cumin seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Mustard seeds;- 1/4 Tsp
Asafoetida- A pinch
Onion:- 1/2 (Chopped)
Tomatoes:- 2 small chopped
Curd:- 1/4 cup (beaten well)
Turmeric Powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Garam Masala Powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Red Chilli Powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Salt as per taste
Kasoori Methi Powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Potato :- 2 big or 3 small ( boiled and cut into pieces)

Procedure:-

1)Heat oil in a pan,add asafoetida, cumin & mustard seeds..let it splutter.
2)Add ginger & garlic and saute.
3)Add onion and cook till they are golden brown.
4) Add tomatoes, salt, turmeric, red chilli powder & garam masala , mix everything well.
5) Cook the tomato mixture for about 2-3 minutes
6)Add curd and mix everything, add potato, kasoori methi & let it cook for couple of minutes.

Serve hot with rice or chapati...enjoy:)

Rawa(Semolina) Idli

2011-02-18T09:10:00.000-08:00

This is a real easy and quick recipe to make for a breakfast..If you want you can add some veggies to make it more healthy and enjoy with any of your favorite chutney

Source:- Kamalas recipe

Ingredients:

Rawa/Semolina:- 2 cups
Curd/Yogurt :- 2 cups
Salt as per taste
Eno Fruit Salt (Regular) - 3/4 Tsp

For seasoning:

Oil - 3 to 4 Tsp
Mustard - 1/2 Tsp
Urad dal - 1 Tsp
Channa dal - 1 Tsp
Pepper and Jeera - Crushed coarsely 1 teaspoon
Green chillies - 2 to 3
Fresh ginger - a small piece chopped finely
Cashew nuts - few (Optional)

Procedure:-

1) In a kadai, put the oil and when it is hot add mustard, urad dal,channa dal, pepper and jeera, green chillies and chopped ginger and fry till the dals become light brown.

2)Then add rawa to the seasoning and fry just for few seconds or till you get a nice smell

3)Cool it and add salt.

4)Add beaten curd and soak for only 5 to ten minutes.

5)Put the fruit salt on top of the idli batter and pour one tablespoon water on the fruit salt. Then mix well. If necessary add little water and make the batter like idli batter.

6) Pour water in the idli cooker and bring to boil. Grease idli plate and pour the idli batter and steam cook it for 10 to 12 minutes.

Makes 12 to 15 idlis.

Incredibly Soft Nutritious Roti

2011-02-14T20:06:00.001-08:00

Replace your plain whole wheat rotis with these healthy rotis..Another great recipe by Tarla Dalal..

Ingredients:-

Whole Wheat Flour:- 2 Cups
Besan:- 1/2 cup
Boiled and grated potato:- 3/4 cup
Spinach:- 1 Cup (Finely chopped)
Green chillies:- 2 (Finely chopped)
Fresh Curd/Milk:- 4 Tbsp
Oil:- 1 Tbsp
Salt to taste

Other Ingredients
Wheat flour for rolling
and oil for cooking

Procedure:-

1) Mix all the ingredients and make a soft, smooth dough. Add a very little water, a tsp a time if required. Too much water can result in a sticky, lumpy dough as even potatoes and spinach leave some water. Leave the dough to rest for 10 minutes.

2) Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll out each portion into small rotis using wheat flour for rolling.

3)Cook on a non stick tava (griddle) spreading a tsp of oil on both the sides till small dots of brown skin appears on the skin.

Serve hot with any of your favorite side dish or with just pickle and curd..Enjoy:)

Oatmeal Pancakes

2011-02-12T14:42:00.001-08:00

I am always on a look for recipes which include oatmeal( because of the great health benefits oatmeal provides), so whenever i find right one i always give it a try .These pancakes are wonderful when served with maple syrup and good company:).

Source here

Ingredients:-

Rolled oats:-1-1/2 cups
Milk:- 2 Cups
Whole Wheat Flour:- 1/2 cup
All-purpose flour:- 1/2 Cup
Brown sugar:- 1 Tbsp
Baking powder:- 1 Tbsp
Salt:- 1 Tsp
Cinnamon:- 1/2 Tsp
2 eggs beaten
Butter (melted);- 1/4 cup

Procedure:-

1) In a large mixing bowl, blend rolled oats and milk; let stand 5 min.

2) Stir together flours, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.

3)Add dry ingredients, eggs and melted butter to oats, stirring until combined.

4) Pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake onto a hot, lightly greased griddle.

5)Cook each pancake until edges become dry and surface is covered with bubbles. Turn and cook second side until golden brown.

Pasta With Spinach Sauce

2011-02-12T10:48:00.000-08:00

Make your pasta more healthy by adding this yummy spinach sauce.I got inspiration for this sauce from my palak poori recipe ...You can add any other nut of your choice instead of almonds.

Ingredients:-

Pasta:- 3 Cups (Any pasta of your choice)
Spinach:- 1 bag (you can actually adjust the quantity according to taste)
Almonds:- 20-30 pieces ( Roast them lightly in oven or in a pan)
Garlic:- 2-3
Tomato:- 1 1/2 small (chopped)
Parmesan Cheese:- 1/8 cup
Salt as per taste

Procedure:-

1) Boil the pasta as per package direction and set it aside..(drain all the water)
2) In a mixer grinder , grind spinach, almonds garlic, tomato parmesan chees and salt together into a fine paste.
3) Cook this mixture in a pan for 4-5 minutes and then add pasta ( i usually cook for other 5 miutes after adding pasta but its optional).

Serve it hot with a little sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top..Enjoy:)

Condensed Milk Biscuits

2011-02-10T22:38:00.000-08:00

These lovely biscuits, are great for a coffee-time nibble, and can be baked with or without chocolate chips.

Source here

Butter, slightly softened:- 220 gram
Sugar:- 1/2 cup
Sweetened condensed milk :- 1/3 cup
Vanilla extract :- 1 Tsp
All Purpose Flour:-2 1/4 cup
Baking powder:-2 Tsp
Chocolate Chips:- 2/3 cup (optional)

Procedure

Preheat oven to 350 F
Cream butter and sugar together.
Beat in condensed milk and vanilla extract.
Add flour and baking powder, stir until combined.
Knead into a ball. If you're using optional choc chips, knead it in now, mixing well.
Roll dough into small balls and place on oven trays.
To decorate, press each ball gently with a fork
Bake for about 12 minutes until the edges are straw colored.
Let it cool on a rack.

Enjoy:)

Semolina Pizza Dough Recipe

2011-02-10T21:16:00.000-08:00

(DELETED THE POST ACCIDENTALLY SO RIPOSTING IT AND LOST ALL YOUR WONDERFUL COMMENTS :(

My husband (because he is the one who bake pizza at home:)) wanted to try some variation of his old pizza dough recipe . He found couple of recipes online and came up with this pizza crust...The crust was perfect , crunchy and soft..we all loved it and already waiting for next time when we can get our hands on it again.:)

Ingredients:

2 cups bread flour
1 cup semolina/sooji
1 cup warm water
1 tablespoons yeast
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 cup oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 tsp Ajwain

For toppings:-

Capsicum, Onion, carrot, Olives (thinly sliced)
Mix cheese 1-2 cup (or your choice)

Procedure:-

1. Warm the water in the microwave. Make sure it is not hot otherwise it will kill the yeast.

2. Mix yeast, brown sugar, salt, oil and warm water together in a bowl. Leave it for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes you should see a froth appearing on this mixture. This indicates that yeast is active and it will do a great job on your dough.

3. In bowl put flour , semolina, ajwain and mixture from step 2, make this into dough. You may have to adjust the water or flour as needed. When adjusting do it 1-2 tablespoons at a time.

4. After making dough cover dough with some oil so that it doesn't dry while we let it to rise or you can cover it with food wrap also.

5. For best rising, select temp as 350F and bake time one minute, turn the oven off after one minute even if it says preheat. The idea is to create a warm environment for the yeast to do its work. Cover the dough with food wrap and let dough rest inside this warm place for 1.5-2 hours. The dough will double in size.

6. Since you have now at least 1.5 hours. This is the best time to prepare toppings. Also make sure you measure cheese 1 or 2 cups and leave it to thaw.

7. Punch down this dough and now form it into sphere. Grease the pizza pan with some oil and then put spherical dough in the center of pizza pan and form it into a disk. I do this by hands and not by rolling pin( you can use the rolling pin if you wish). Make it at least 12" large in diameter so make sure pizza pan is large enough. I use 15"X14" rectangle pan.

8. Let dough stand for 20 more minutes. Spread 1/2 of the cheese and then put other toppings and finally finish with remaining cheese.

9. Bake the pizza for 15 minutes at bottom most rack in oven at 450. Make sure the oven is preheated before you put the pizza in.

Enjoy:)

Vegetable Kolahpuri

2011-02-07T13:06:00.000-08:00

This is a Maharashtrian dish with very unique flavor, recipe adapted from Tarla Dalal.If you are in a mood of trying something new and different then i will recommend you to try this recipe..

Ingredients:-

Mixed Boiled Vegetables:- 2 Cup( Carrot, beans, Peas)
Oil:- 2 Tbsp
Cumin seeds:-1 Tsp
Salt to taste
Onions:- 1 Cup (Finely chopped)
Tomatoes:- 1/2 cup (Finely Chopped)
Turmeric powder:- 1/2 Tsp (OPTIONAL)
Garam Masala:- 1 1/2 Tsp
Chopped coriander leaves for garnish

Ground in a paste

Dessicated Coconut:- 1/4 cup
Dry red chillis:- 2 ( or adjust as per your taste)
Garlic:- 2
Ginger:- 1 inch piece
khus-khus(poppy seeds):- 1 Tbsp
Sesame seeds:- 1 Tbsp
Coriander seeds:- 1 Tsp

Procedure:-

1) Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds when start to crackle add onion and fry until golden brown
2) Add tomato and ground paste and cook until oil is separated.
3) Add vegetables, salt , turmeric ( if using), garam masala powder and mix everything well.
4) Add 3/4 cup of water and bring it to boil.

Serve hot garnished with coriander leaves with roti/bread/paratha..Enjoy:)

Chocolate Banana Bread

2011-02-04T13:57:00.000-08:00

This is really good chocolate Banana Bread with great chocolate flavor that will satisfy
any serious choco- holic like me:)..but you can still taste the banana and it keeps the bread extremely moist..

Source :- Coleen's Recipes
Ingredients:-

Mashed Bananas:- 1 1/4 cup
Vegetable Oil:- 1/3 cup
Vanilla:- 1 tsp
White Sugar:- 1 cup
Eggs:- 2
All purpose flour:- 1 1/2 cups
Baking cocoa:- 1/2 Cup
Baking Soda:- 1 Tsp
Table Salt;- 1/2 Tsp
Chopped pecans;- 1 Cup
Semi sweet mini chocolate chips:- 1 Cup

Procedure:-

1)Beat all the wet ingredients and sugar together until well combined and smooth
2)Beat in the dry ingredients just until combined the stir in nuts and chocolate chips
3)Bake the bread in a greased loaf pan, in a pre-heated 350F oven for 45-60 minutes or until toothpick tests clean.
4)Immediately, wrap hot bread with plastic wrap and cool.
5)A slice of this bread, heated in the microwave for 10 seconds or so

Enjoy:)

Aloo Gajar Matar/ Potato with Carrot and Peas

2011-02-01T09:52:00.000-08:00

This is the easiest and fastest way to make this sabzi and it serves as great side dish and not to mention a very healthy dish.

Ingredients:-

Oil:-2-3 Tbsp
Cumin'-1/2 Tsp
Mustard seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Ginger:- 1/2 Tbsp
Garlic:- 2 finely chopped
Onion:- 1 small
Tomato :- 1
Salt as per taste
Chiili powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Turmeric:- 1/2 Tsp
Garam Masala :- 1/2 Tsp
Carrot:- 3 (Peeled and cut into pieces)
Potato:- 2 small (Peeled and cut )
Peas:- 1/2 cup

Procedure:-

1) Heat oil in a pressure cooker on a medium heat.
2) Add cumin and mustard seeds, when it starts to crackle add garlic and ginger, saute for a minute.
3)Add onion and fry until they are translucent ( it will take about 2-3 minutes)
4) Add tomatoes , salt, chilli powder, turmeric, garam masala & mix well.
5) Cook until tomatoes are tender.
6) Add carrot, potato and peas , mix everything well.
7) Close the lid of the cooker and let it cook for about 4-5 minutes.
8) Turn off the gas and let it rest on the gas stove top for other 5 minutes.9
9) Garnish it with coriander if you like.

Serve hot with roti...Enjoy:)

Semiya/ Vermicelli

2011-01-29T13:09:00.000-08:00

This is a very easy dessert to make..And it never seems to disappoint anyone as it tastes delicious..Always make it ahead of time as it needs to sit for sometime to get the desired thickness..

Ingredients:-

Ghee:- 3 tbsp
Slivered almond:- 2 Tbsp
Raisins:- 2 Tbsp
Vermicelli:- 1 cup
Milk:- 6 cup
Sugar:- 1/3 cup

Procedure:-

1) Heat ghee in a pan , add almond and raisins & fry
2)Add vermicelli and fry until golden brown.
3) Add Milk and Sugar and mix everything well.
4)Let it cook until the milk reduces a little bit .
5) Switch off the gas, cover the pan and let it sit for an hour

Serve warm or at room temperature..Enjoy:)

French Toast For Breakfast

2011-01-27T09:55:00.000-08:00

French toast can be made salty or sweet, i like this version as it reminds me of my school days , my mom use to make this for us for our breakfast , we loved it while growing up..

Ingredients:-

Egg:- 3
Milk:- 1/4 cup
Onion (finely chopped):- 1/8 cup
Green bell Pepper(finely chopped):-1/8 cup
Salt as per taste
Red chilli powder:- A pinch
Turmeric powder:- A pinch
Bread slices-3-4
Oil or butter

Procedure:-

1) Take a bowl and mix onion , bell pepper and spices.
2) Add eggs and milk , mix well
3) Cut the bread in triangle shape ( optional).
4) Heat a non stick pan on a medium heat with little bit of oil.
5) Dip both sides of bread in the egg mixture and place it on the non stick pan , fry until
brown on both sides, flipping bread when necessary

Serve hot with tomato ketchup..enjoy:)

Healthy Cereal Mix

2011-01-14T17:44:00.000-08:00

This is a really quick and healthy snack with only 125 cal per serving. You can pack it in no time in a small zip lock bag and take wherever you want. Its ready when you are hungry.

Source:- Eatingwell.com

Ingredients:-

Cheerios:- 1/4 cup
Raisins:- 1 Tbsp
Pumpkin Seeds:- 1 Tbsp
Semi Sweet chocolate chips:- 1 Tbsp

Mix everything in a bowl and pack in ziplock. Easy and quick.

Enjoy:)

Mixed Raita / Yogurt with mixed vegetables

2010-05-18T18:47:00.001-07:00

This is easy to make and tastes good too..Add more tomatoes and onion for a chunkier raita and more milk if you would like to experiment with a thinner consistency.

I found this recipe in a book but i don't remember the name

Ingredients :-

Cumin seeds;- 1 Tsp
Coriander seeds:- 1 Tsp
Black Peppercorns:- 1 Tsp
Plain Yogurt:- 2 1/2 cups
1 small cucumber peeled and finely chopped
1 small red onion , finely chopped
1 small tomato chopped
2 Fresh green hot chillies finely chopped
Chopped fresh Mint:- 1 Tsp
Cayenne Pepper:- 1 Tsp
1/4 tsp Salt or to taste
Chopped fresh cilantro:- 1/4 Cup

Ingredients:-

1) Combine the cumin, coriander seeds & Peppercorns in a small frying pan and toast over medium heat until the seeds begin to brown and become fragrant , 1 to 2 minutes.

2) Grind to a powder in a Spice grinder and set aside.

3) Whisk the yogurt in a bowl until smooth and lightened.

4)Add the cucumber, onion, tomato , chillies and mint and stir to mix well.

5) Stir in the ground spices and the cayenne.

6) Chill well. Stir in the salt just before serving and sprinkle with the chopped cilantro.

Simple Potato Stir Fry/ Chatpate Aloo ki Sabzi

2010-05-07T13:53:00.001-07:00

This is simple potato stir fry recipe i learned from my Mom but it still tastes more delicious when she makes it for me:)...She use to make this stir fry alongwith with pooris for long trips or picnics..This is great recipe for kids lunch box too you can roll it in a tortilla or make a sandwich too

Ingredients;-

Potato:- 4 medium size
Oil:- 5-6 Tbsp
Jeera/Cumin seeds:- 1 Tsp
Mustard Seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Ajwain/Carom Seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Salt
Turemeric Powder;-1/2 Tsp
Red Chilli Powder;-1/2 Tsp
Garam Masala Powder:-1/2 Tsp
Kasoori Methi Powder:-1/2 Tsp
Aamchoor/Dry Mango Powder:-1/2 Tsp

Procedure:-

1) Boil and Cut the potatoes in small pieces
2) Heat the oil in a pan ( Use non stick pan if you have) on a medium heat.
3) After the oil is hot add Jeera, ajwain and mustard.
4) Now add Salt, turmeric,red chilli powder & potatoes and mix it well..
5) Keep stirring the potatoes often if you are not using the non stick pan otherwise it will stick to the bottom of the pan
6) Cook it uncovered in a pan for couple of minutes
7) Now add Garam masala, Methi powder & amchoor powder.

Serve hot or at room temperature with roti , Curd and pickle on side

Imliwali Shimla Mirch( Colorful Bell Pepper in Tamarind Juice)

2010-04-29T13:49:00.001-07:00

If you love bell pepper then you must try this recipe , it has a real nice but different flavor with all those unique blend of ingredients and cashews add a little crunch too.. This recipe is great for those dinner parties where you want to make something in less time but is a real crowd pleaser too..

Recipe Source:- Mridula Baljekar's Real BALTI Cookbook

Prep Time:- 25 minutes
Cook Time:- 10-12 minutes

Ingredients:-

Sweet Red Pepper:- 1
Green Pepper:-1
Sweet Yellow Pepper:-1
Potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes:- 200g
Sesame Seeds:- 2 Tbsp
White Poppy Seeds:- 1 Tbsp
Channa Dal or Yellow Split Peas:- 2 Tsp
Black Peppercorns:- 8
Dried Red Chilli, Chopped:- 1
Sunflower or Corn Oil:- 3 Tbsp
Black Mustard Seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Fenugreek Seeds:- 1/4 Tsp
Ground Turmeric:- 1/4 Tsp
Raw Cashew Nuts Split:- 50 gm or 2 oz
Salt :- 1 Tsp or to taste
Tamarind Concentrate ;- 1/2 Tsp or Lime Juice:- 1 1/2 Tbsp
Boiling Water:- 150 ml
Soft Brown Sugar:- 4 Tsp

Procedure:-

1) Remove the core and seeds from the peppers and cut them into 2.5 cm cubes

2) Bring 300 ml water to the boil in a pan and add the potatoes . Bring back to the boil, cover with a lid and cook for 5 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.Remove them with slotted spoon and spread on a plate to prevent further cooking.Reserve the cooking liquid.

3) In a coffee grinder, finely grind the sesame and poppy seeds, channa dal or yellow split peas, peppercorns and dried red chilli.

4) Preheat the pan over a medium heat for a few seconds and add the oil. When hot, but not smoking, add the mustard seeds. As soon as they pop, add the fenugreek seeds and immediately follow with the ground ingredients , turmeric and cashew nuts. Increase the heat slightly and stir fry for 30 seconds.

5) Add the peppers and salt and stir fry for 1 minute, then add the potatoes and reserved liquid. Stir and cook for 1 minute.

6) Blend the tamarind with the boiling water and add to the vegetables. Do not worry of the tamarind is not fully dissolved when you add it; it will soon dissolve in the pan.

7) Add the sugar and reduce the heat to medium; cook for 5-6 minutes stirring frequently. Remove from the heat and serve at once.

Serve hot with roti/ Inidan Bread..Enjoy:)

Lemon Flavoued Coarse Rice Flour (Uppudu Pindi Pulihora)

2010-04-29T08:37:00.000-07:00

I visited my friend swati on Easter weekend and she made this dish for us ,we really enjoyed it and sent me the recipe to share with you guys

Ingredients:-

Coarse Rice Flour:- 2 Cups
(To make rice flour, wash the rice and dry it in sunlight and then grind it coarsely in the grinder)
Oil;- 1 1/2 Tbsp or as needed
Mustard Seeds:- 1/4 Tsp
Urad Dal:- 1/2 Tsp
Channa Dal:- 1/2 Tsp
Red Chillies :- 2 or 3
Peanuts- 3 Tbsp ( Fry it without oil and set it aside)
Curry Leaves:- 4-5
Asafoetida a pinch
Turmeric:- 1/4 tsp
Lemon Juice as per taste
Salt as per Taste

Procedure:-

1) Take 4 cups of water in a pan, add salt, turmeric and rice flour and mix everything well ,cover the pan and let it cook on sim flame for about 5-7 minute.
2) Mix everything well again and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes uncovered.
3) After its cooked and all the water is absorbed, switch off the gas and let it cool .

To make Tadka/Tempring

1)Add oil in a pan on medium heat and then add mustard seeds, urad dal , channa dal, peanuts ,green chillies, dried red chillies and curry leaves. cook for couple of minutes.

2) Add this tadka in the cooked rice flour and then add the lemon juice and mix everything well. (Do the taste test at this point )..

Enjoy:)

Aachari Paneer( Indian Cottage Cheese Flavored with Pickled Spices)

2010-04-24T17:22:00.000-07:00

I am a big fan of Paneer so i am always looking for new recipes to try..I found this recipe while goggling, tried it and loved it..

To see more paneer recipes click here

Recipe Source:- Amul.com

Ingredients:-

Oil:- 4 Tbsp
Fennel Seeds/ Saunf:- 2 Tsp
Mustard Seeds:- 1 Tsp
Fenugreek Seeds/Methi Dana:- 1/2 Tsp
Onion seeds/Kalonji:- 1/2 Tsp
Jeera/Cumin seeds:- 1 Tsp
Onion:- 3 chopped
Green Chillies:- 3-4
Haldi/Turmeric:- 1 Tsp
Garlic flakes:- 5-6
Ginger:- 1 inch piece crushed
Beaten Curd:- 1/2 Cup
Aamchoor/ Dry mango powder:- 1 1/2 Tsp
Salt
Paneer:- 300 grams
Green Chillies as per your taste
Red Chilli Powder:- 1/2 Tsp

Procedure:-

Heat oil in a pan.
Add saunf, mustard seeds, methi dana, onion seeds (kalonji) and and fry till they crackle.
Add chopped onions and chopped green chillies till golden.
Add haldi, crushed garlic flakes and crushed ginger.
Gradually add beaten curd, stirring constantly.
Add amchoor and salt.
Cook till curd dries slightly.
Just before serving, add 300 gms Paneer and a few slit green chillies.
Sprinkle with salt and chilli powder.
Stir for 1-2 mins on low flame.

Serve hot.

Gobhi Ka Paratha (Indian flat Bread stuffed with Cauliflower)

2010-04-20T16:29:00.000-07:00

Gobi Ka Paratha is a mouthwatering Punjabi cuisine, it is stuffed with flavored cauliflower and spices. You can have this in breakfast with just plain yogurt and pickle on side.Gobhi is also called Phool Gobhi or Cauliflower.

Ingredients:-

Gobhi/Cauliflower:- 2 cup (grated)
Onion:- 3/4 cup (chopped finely)
Ginger:- 1 tbsp (chopped finely)
Coriander/cilantro :- 1/3 cup (chopped)
Ajwain:- 1/2 tsp
Salt as per taste
Garam Masala:- 1/2 tsp
Red Chilli powder:-1/2 tsp
Aamchoor powder/Mango powder:- 1/2 tsp

Procedure:-

1) Wash the cauliflower and grate it.
2) Sprinkle some salt over the grated gobhi and let it stand for about 15 minutes..
3) Squeeze out juice of all the grated gobhi by pressing it in between your hands tightly.
4) Add all the above ingredients to the grated gobhi and mix well.

For Making Paratha

2 cups wheat flour (atta)
1tbsp. oil
1 tsp salt
warm water for mixing

Mix wheat flour, salt, oil and warm water. Knead well. Make dough stiff enough for roti/ paratha. Keep aside.

To make paratha:-

1) Make two small balls out of the dough.

2) Roll both of them in small circles.

3) Take one rolled circle and place some of the gobhi mixture in the center.

4) Cover this with the other rolled circle and press the sides lightly with your finger to seal in the mixture.
5) Sprinkle some flour on both sides to avoid sticking on the surface.
6) Roll the paratha into a circle.

7) Heat griddle/pan on medium heat and roast the paratha on both side by applying oil with brush..

Serve hot with ghee on top and plain curd on side..Enjoy:)

How To Boil a Perfect Egg

2010-04-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

If you are like me who doesn't like soft boiled or hard boiled egg then please try this method to get a perfectly boiled egg every time..no more guessing required

There are many benefits of eggs, one is weight management, research shows that choosing eggs for breakfast can help manage hunger while reducing calorie consumption throughout the day.
Eggs are great nutritional value for those trying to lose or maintain weight. A large egg contains 14 essential nutrients, but just 70 calories.In addition, eggs come portion-packed, making serving size easy to manage.

Read about more amazing benefits of egg here

Ingredients:-

Eggs
Water

Procedure:-

1)Place the eggs in a saucepan and pour sufficient water to cover the eggs and bring to a gentle boil.

2)When the water starts boiling , switch off the gas and cover the saucepan and let it sit for 15 minutes.

3)Remove eggs from water and serve as you like

Enjoy:)

Bhooni Hui Shimla Mirch ( Green Pepper Stir- Fry)

2010-04-11T14:52:00.000-07:00

Stir Fry is always a best option as this can be served on table in less than 30 minutes. Stir frying bell pepper preserves its natural sweetness and crispiness. This recipe has really nice flavor of peanuts and gram flour in it.

Serves:- 4
Prep Time:- 20 Minutes
Cooking Time:- 15 Minutes

Recipe Source:- The Indian spice Kitchen by Monisha

Ingredients:-

Gram Flour- 4 Tbsp
Oil:- 4 Tbsp
Cumin seeds:- 1 Tsp
Large pinch of Asafoetida
Onions Chopped:- 2
Green Peppers:- Desseded and cubed 3 large ( 1 1/4 pound)
Unsalted Peanuts:- 4 tbsp Coarsely Crushed
Cayenne Powder:- 1 Tsp
Turmeric Powder:- 1 Tsp
Coriander Powder:- 1 Tsp
Garam Masala Powder:- 1 Tsp
Salt as per taste

Procedure:-

1) Heat a heavy pan and dry- roast the gram flour, stirring until it is brown and fragrant.

2) Heat the oil in a separate pan. Add the cumin and asafoetida. Stir a few times, then add the onion and saute until golden.

3) Add the green pepper, peanuts , powder spices and salt. Cover and cook until the pepper is crunchy.

4) Sprinkle the gram flour over and stir well to break up the lumps. Cook for 5 more minutes, then remove from the heat.

Serve hot with rotis..

Chiwda (Savoury Snack Mix)

2010-04-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

This was one of my fav snack while growing , i remember even bringing it to school in my lunch box once in a while..

This recipe is for one of the many snack mixes stored in every Indian Home.

Serves:- 4
Prep time:- 10 Minues
Cooking Time:- 30 Minutes

Recipe Source:- The Indian Spice Kitchen Book

Ingredients:-

1 2/3 Cups Flakes Rice (Poha)
4 Tablespoon Oil
1 Tsp Black Mustard seeds
Large Pinch Asafoetida
16 Curry leaves
1 Tsp green Chillies Minced
1 tsp Turmeric Powder
1 Tsp Coriander Powder
1 Tsp Cumin Powder
6 Tablespoon Roasted Peanuts
4 Tablespoon melon Seeds
4 Tablespoon Raisins
6 Tablespoon Dry coconut (copra ) sliced
2 Tsp Sugar
Salt
1/4 cup dalia (roasted) (optional)

Procedure:-

1) Dry roast the flaked rice in a kadai or wok until crisp. Set aside.
2) Heat the oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds. When they crackle , add all the other ingredients except rice, sugar and salt and mix well.
3) Saute for a minute, stirring all the while. Add the roasted rice, sugar and salt and mix well.
4) Stir a couple of times, remove from the heat and cool completely. Store in an air tight jar and use as required. Consume within a month because it loses its crunch with keeping.

Khus Khus Poorie ( Fried Poppy Seed Bread)

2010-03-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

This recipe is for a banana -flavored, puffed bread. It can be served with any dry vegetable or curry

Recipe Source:- The Indian Spice Kitchen Recipe Book

Serves 4
Prep time:- 20 minutes
Cooking Time:- 30 Minutes

Ingredients:-

2 1/2 Cups All purpose Flour
1 Medium Banana
1 Tsp lemon Juice
Pinch of baking soda
salt
2 Tsp Sugar
2 Tbsp Poppy Seeds
Oil for deep frying

Procedure:-

1) Knead the flour, banana, lemon juice, baking soda, salt and sugar with just enough water to make a stiff dough. Cover and leave for 10 minutes.
2) Make equal sized balls of the dough 3/4 inch diameter. Roll each ball in a plate of poppy seeds.
3) Heat 4-5 inches of oil in a kadai or wok. Roll out each ball to a thin, even disc.
4) Gently slide the poorie into the oil and fry until puffed up and golden. Take care not to overheat the oil. Drain on a slotted spoon and remove onto paper towels.

Serve Hot...Enjoy:)

Black Chickpeas ( Dry Sabzi )

2010-03-21T15:32:00.001-07:00

This is very easy black chickpea or kala channa recipe and is best served hot alongwith poori, raita and sooji ka halwa..This is the best meal a person can have. This combo meal is also made to be served on kanjak in Navratras.

Ingredients:-

Black Chickpeas:- 1/2 Cup (soaked overnight and boiled)
Oil:- 3 Tbsp
Cumin seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Mustard Seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Onion:- 1/2 (chopped)
Tomato :- 1 (chopped)
Turmeric Powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Coriander Powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Sugar:- 1/4 Tsp
Salt as per taste
Coconut Flakes:- 3-4 Tbsp
Garam Masla:- 1/2 Tsp
Coriander Leaves for Garnish

Procedure:-

1) Boil the chickpeas in water until soft , drain and set aside.
2) Heat the oil in a pan and saute cumin and mustard seeds. Add onion and saute until brown.
3) Stir in tomato and cook until soft. Add all the spices, sugar and salt and mix well.
4) Add the cooked chickpeas.
5) Take off the heat and add the coconut and coriander leaves.

Mix well and serve hot..Enjoy:)

Palak Paneer (Cottage Cheese in Spinach Sauce)

2010-03-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

Palak or Spinach is the rich source of vitamins, fiber, iron & Paneer is rich in protein, calcium etc.

Palak Paneer is a very nutritious Punjabi side dish, It can be served with chapatis , parathas or with rice.Palak paneer is one of the easiest spinach recipes. There are many ways to prepare palak paneer but i found this the easiest one..

Ingredients:-

2 to 3 Bunches of spinach ( Available in Indian Grocery stores)
Oil:- 2-3 Tbsp
Cumin seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Ginger and Garlic:- 1 Tsp (chopped finely)
Onion:- 1
Tomato:- 2 big or 3 small
salt as per taste
Turmeric, Red Chilli powder, Garam Masala:- 1/2 tsp each
Cream:- 1/2 cup
Paneer:- 1/2 cup

Procedure:-

1) Clean and wash the palak.
2) Blanch the spinach or alternatively you can microwave it for couple of minutes in a microwave safe bowl to save some time.
3) Make a puree of palak in a grinder.
4)Heat oil in a kadai/pan. Add cumin seeds , when they start to splutter add ginger, garlic and stir-fry for a minute.
5) Now add onion and fry till golden brown.
6) Add tomatoes and all the spices and cook until tomatoes become tender.
7) Add palak puree and mix everything well, cook until the palak is well cooked.
8) Add paneer and cream and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Serve hot ...Enjoy:)

An Angel & Sooji Ka halwa (Rich Semolina Pudding)

2010-03-20T14:51:00.000-07:00

Let me first introduce and welcome little angel that joined our family and this beautiful world recently, I became massi of a very beautiful liitle pari who landed on my dear sisters lap on Mar 19 2010, weighing 2.9 kg

Today i especially wanted to share some sweet recipe so here it is,this sweet recipe usually made for prasad or blessed food, which is served at religious functions or you can make it as a dessert too..

Sooji ka Halwa is very popular and easy to prepare dessert, this recipe is little different than the usual way we make sooji ka halwa but it tastes too good so do try if you like the recipe.

Serves:-4
Prep Time:- 10 minutes
Cook Time:- 20 Minutes

Source:- The Indian Spice Kitchen Cookbook By Manjula

Ingredients:-

Ghee:- 2/3 Cup
semolina:- 1 1/4 Cup
Sugar:- 1 Cup ( If you don't like too sweet then you can use less sugar)
Banana:- 1 Medium ( Peeled & Mashed)
Warm Milk:- 2 Cups
Cardamom Powder:- 1/2 Tsp
Raisins:- 2 Tbsp

Procedure:-

1) Heat the ghee and add the semolina( sooji). Saute until it becomes pink and fragrant. Reduce the heat and add the sugar and stir until it melts.

2) Add the banana and mix well. Pour in the milk.

3) Partially cover the pan and cook until the mixture is dry and semolina is cooked.

4) Remove from the heat and the cardamom powder and raisins.

Serve Warm & Enjoy:)

Pav Bhaji- Famous Indian Street Food

2010-03-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

Pav/ Pao Bhaji is very popular Indian Street Food or i would say it is the King of Street Foods. I still remember those days, we use to have it almost everyday after college, this is one thing we never got bored off and i am sure you all will agree with me..:)

In this recipe the main Spice is Pao Bhaji Masala, that you can find in any Indian Grocery store.. This is very easy to make dish and is a lifesaver when you don't have enough time to cook . Pav is a Bread Buns and Bhaji means Cooked Mixed Vegetables. Pao Bhaji is supposed to be on little spicy side but when you are making at home you can always adjust the ingredients as per your liking

Ingredients :-

Boil :-

Potato:- 1 (Chopped)
Beans:- 1/2 cup (Chopped)
Carrot:- 1 Cup (Chopped)
Gobhi/ Cauliflower:- 1 Cup (Chopped)
Cabbage:- 1 Cup (Chopped)
Handful of Peas

For Tadka/Tempering:-

Butter:- 1 1/2 Tbsp
Oil:- 2 Tsp
Green Chillies:- 2-3
Cumin seeds:- 1 Tsp
Onion:- 1/2 ( Very Finely chopped )
Ginger:- 1 Tbsp ( Very Finely chopped )
garlic:- 3 cloves ( Very Finely chopped )
Tomato:- 2 small ( Chopped)
Green capsicum:- 1 ( Very Finely chopped )

Spices:-(adjust spices as per your taste)

Salt as per taste
Red Chilli Powder:- 1/2 Tbsp
Cumin Powder:- 1/2 Tbsp
Pao Bhaji Masala:- 1 Tbsp
Juice of 1 Lemon
Coriander leaves for garnishing

Procedure:-

1)Cut and wash the vegetables with water.
2) Cook Cabbage, Cauliflower,Carrot, Beans Potato & peas in a pressure cooker.
Mash them coarsely and set it aside
(If you are using frozen peas , then no need to pressure cook the peas)
3) Heat butter & Oil in a frying pan,add cumin seeds when they start to splutter add ginger and garlic , Now Add green chili,chopped onions and fry it until it become light golden brown in color.
4)Add chopped tomato and cook till it becomes tender.
5) Add capsicum and peas(if using frozen ones) and cook for 3-4 minutes.
6)Add pavbhaji masala, red chilli powder, salt, Cumin Powder and cook again for 3-4 minutes.
7) Add the boiled vegetables,mix well , cook , in the end add lemon juice and mix well
8)Garnish it with chopped coriander leaves and onions.

Serve hot with pav and chutney of your choice..enjoy:)

Lobia (Black Eyed peas) Fritters

2010-03-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

I had some leftover lobia from last week and then i found this recipe on Pratibhas blog and i loved it. Its a great tea time snack appetizer, So crisp on outside and yummy on inside.

Ingredients:-

1 cup Lobia/Alasandulu/Black eyed peas
3-4 tbsp finely chopped Onion(1 onion)
2 tbsp finely chopped coriander
2-3 tbsp grated carrot(optional)
1 " ginger,chopped
3-4 green chillies
1 tbsp chopped curry leaves
salt to taste
1/4 tsp Garam Masala Powder
1/4 tsp Ajwain/ Carom seeds
Oil to deep fry

Procedure:-

Method:
1)Soak lobia overnight or atleast for 3hrs.
2) Drain them and spread over a kitchen towel/napkin to remove excess water and pat dry.
3)Grind lobia with ginger,salt and green chillies to a coarse paste,preferably do this process in whipper mode.
4)Add finely chopped onions,coriander,curry leaves and grated carrot and mix well.
5)Heat oil in a deep kadai over low flame until it is quite hot.
6)Grease a thick plastic cover or banana leaf or your palm with oil and take a small portion of batter and make a round ball out of it and slight pat it until it forms vada by pressing it at the edges and carefully lower them into hot oil and fry them over medium flame until it is golden brown and crisp outer side.
7)Drain them on paper towels and serve it hot with tomato ketchup.

Veggie Sandwich with Avocado Spread

2010-03-06T13:21:00.000-08:00

Sandwiches are the most popular breakfast dish in every household because these are the easiest things to fix but sometimes we get bored eating the same kind over and over again so its always fun to try something new for a change, i will be sharing more Vegetarian sandwich recipes in future.

In this recipe i used a store bought patty which i absolutely love ( Bought from Costco and the Brand is Garden burger), this is the best veggie patty we have tasted so far.

Ingredients:-

Avocado- 1
Lemon Juice:- 2 Tbsp
Salt as per taste
Few thin slices of tomato and onion
Ketchup
Dijon Mustard
Mayonnaise
Lettuce
Your fav brand of Patty or Homemade patty
Whole Wheat Bread
Oil

Procedure:-

1) In a bowl , mix together Avocado, salt & lemon Juice. Mash until smooth and set aside
2) If you are using the store bought patty then prepare according to the instructions and set aside.
3) Take a slice of Bread and spread half of the avocado mixture over it evenly, and spread mayonnaise over other slice and set aside
4) Then place couple of onion and tomato slices.
5) Pour little bit of ketchup and Dijon mustard over it as per your taste
6) Place some lettuce leaves and then top it with patty.
7) Cover it with other slice of bread and toast it on non stick pan using little butter or oil on both sides..

Cut sandwich in half and serve immediately.

Carrot or Gajar ki Barfi - II

2010-03-03T15:18:00.000-08:00

If you are a big fan of sweets like me than you have to try this , it's a deliclous carrot barfi recipe and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.I am glad that i tried it, only one regret though "Why didn't i double the recipe while making:)"..This recipe will make 8-10 pieces which in my house is gone in one day..

You can find another version of this barfi here

Recipe Source here

Ingredients;-

1/4 cup heavy cream
2 cups grated carrots (gajar)
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar or to taste
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup khoya or milk powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground cardamom
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/4 cup unsalted cashew halves
3 drops rose essence

Procedure:-

1) In a heavy saucepan combine heavy cream and carrots. Bring the carrot mixture to a full boil, stirring constantly, and reduce heat. Cook over medium heat stirring frequently, until all the liquid has been evaporated, approximately 35 to 55 minutes.
2) Add sugar, 1 tablespoon butter, khoya, cardamom and freshly grated nutmeg and mix well with the carrot mixture.
3) Cook, stirring constantly, 10 to 20 minutes, or until the carrot mixture is quite thick like soft cookie dough. Add more butter if desired. Remove from the heat and add the remaining ingredients. Stir to mix thoroughly.
4) Lightly grease an 8-inch round baking pan (or stainless steel thali) and pour carrot-mixture into the baking pan and spread the mixture evenly using a heatproof metal spatula. Sprinkle thinly sliced nuts of choice on top if desired. Let it cool completely before cutting. Cut into diamond shapes to serve. Refrigerate.

Note: The size of grated carrots should resemble long grain rice or orzo or little larger

Lobia / Black Eyed Peas Sabzi

2010-03-01T23:01:00.000-08:00

Here is another simple , quick and protein packed dish and i bet you will never know while eating that you are having such a super nutritious dish , enjoy it with rice , rotis or just enjoy a bowl of sabzi as it is anytime

As a high-potassium, low-sodium food it help reduce blood pressure. Not only are they low in fat, but when combined with grains, beans supply high quality protein which provides a healthy alternative to meat or other animal protein (Source- Google)

Ingredients;-

Oil:- 3-4 Tbsp
Cumin seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Mustard Seeds:- 1/2 Tsp
Ginger:- 1 Tbsp (chopped finely)
Garlic:- 2 Cloves (chopped finely)
Onion:- 1 (chopped)
Tomato:- 2(chopped)
Turmeric Powder:- 1/2 Heaping Tsp
Red Chilli Powder:-1/2 Heaping Tsp
Garam Masala:- 1/2 Heaping Tsp
Salt as per taste
Lemon Juice of one Lemon
coriander for garnishing
Lobia:- 2 cups

Procedure:-

Soak the Lobia overnight and then boil it by adding 1 tsp of turmeric and salt (as per taste)..

1) Heat oil in a pan jeera /cumin seeds, Mustard , when they start to splutter then add ginger and garlic and fry for a minute.
2)Now add onions, stir it till it becomes brown in color.
3)Add tomatoes , turmeric,Chilli powder ,garam masala & little water(1-2 tbsp approx) , mix it well.
4)Saute the mixture till tomatoes become soft (Approximately for 5-7 minutes)
5) Add boiled lobia and mix everything well( add little water if it seems little dry), do the taste test at this point.
6)Cook for couple of minutes and then add lemon juice and garnish it with coriander

Serve hot with Rotis/Indian Bread...Enjoy:)

Pasta Recipes

2010-02-27T22:53:00.000-08:00

I am this weeks Featured Publisher

2010-02-22T13:04:00.000-08:00

I am really excited to share this with all my blogger friends that i got selected and is going to be Featured in Foodbuzz for the whole week in Family Bites section

You can check out my entries here

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-02-15T16:30:00.000-08:00

I am a big fan of oatmeal cookies may be because whenever i am eating one i usually tell myself that it is ok , atleast this cookies has healthy oatmeal :)

The rolled oats in these oatmeal chocolate chip cookies give them a fabulous texture. These chewy, buttery cookies are delicious!

This recipe makes approximately 4 dozen cookies. Double the recipe and pop some in the freezer to serve later.

Recipe Source:- chocolate-addiction

Ingredients:
1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 dup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs
2 cups flour
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
(instant oatmeal will not work)
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
(feel free use other types of chips)
2 cups chopped walnuts(optional)

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat two cookie sheets with nonstick spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl cream together the butter and sugars until fluffy. Add salt and baking soda. Blend. Add eggs. Mix well.
3. Gradually add the flour and then the oats. Mix well. Add the chips and nuts. Stirring to mix them in.
4. Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between the cookies.
5. Bake until lightly golden in color. This will vary by oven. It's approximately 11 minutes. Cool and then remove from pan.