Tuesday 9 December 2014

Paneer Lajawab


Paneer and matar simmered in luscious gravy…. A must try recipe!!!


Ingredients:

200 gm Cottage cheese
50 gm Peas (optional)
2 cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick
2-3 cloves
1 bay leaf
1 tsp red chilli powder
¼ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp coriander powder
¼ tsp garam masala
2 tbsp oil
1/2 tsp sugar 
Salt to taste
Hot water, as required
Coriander leaves

Ground to paste

1 large onion
2 large tomatoes
7-8 cashews
1-inch ginger
4-5 cloves garlic
1 green chilli


Method:


  • Heat oil in pan; add cinnamon, cardamoms, cloves and bay leaf.
  • Add grounded paste and all spices and cook about 7-8 min or till oil separates.
  • Add peas and little hot water and cook till peas turn soft.
  • Fry cottage cheese cubes in a non-stick pan with little oil or butter.
  • Now add cottage cheese cubes to the gravy and cook covered for a min.
  • Adjust consistency by adding hot water.
  • Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.




Friday 5 December 2014

Hummus and Cucumber Sandwich


Easy and delicious sandwich recipe with goodness of hummus and cucumber….


Ingredients:

3/4 cup boiled chick peas
1 tsp sesame seeds
3 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp yogurt
Salt to taste
Cucumber, sliced
Chilli flakes
8 Bread slices

Method:

  • Roast sesame seeds for a minute. (They should not turn brown.)
  • Combine the sesame seeds, garlic, lemon juice, curd, oil, salt and blend in a mixer to a smooth paste.
  • Add the cooked chick peas and blend again till smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add 2 to 3 tbsp of the strained water and blend well.
  • For sandwich, spread generous amount of hummus on a bread slice, layer cucumber and then sprinkle chilli flakes.
  • Cover with other slice. Grill or enjoy as it is….




Thursday 27 November 2014

Soya and Channa Dal Kebabs with Guava Chutney


Yummy and healthy kebabs prepared with Soya and dal, served with guava chutney…



Ingredients:

1 cup Soya wadi, soaked
50 gm channa dal, soaked
2 bay leaves
4 cloves
1 inch cinnamon stick
2 whole red chilli
1/2 tsp chaat masala powder
1/2 tsp black salt
1” inch ginger
4-5 garlic cloves
Salt to taste
1 tbsp Oil
1-2 tbsp roasted channa powder (optional)

For guava chutney:

2 ripe guavas
1-2 green chilli
1 inch ginger
1 tsp roasted jeera powder
1/2 tsp black salt

Method:

For chutney:

Remove seeds from guavas and grind with remaining ingredients into a smooth paste using little water.

For Kebabs:
  • Heat oil in pan, add whole spices and sauté till they crackle.
  • Add ginger and garlic, sauté for a min.
  • Now add soaked channa dal and soya wadi and mix well.
  • Cook for 1-2 min and keep aside to cool. Remove bay leaves.
  • Now make a paste of above mixture and add in remaining ingredients.
  • Make small tikkis from the mixture. Shallow fry them on medium heat until both sides turn golden brown.
  • Serve hot with guava chutney or any of your choice.

Tuesday 25 November 2014

Oats and Chocolate Trifle Pudding Jars


Yummy fancy mini pudding jars filled with healthy Oats, Chocolate cake and crunchy Oreo ….


Ingredients:

Chocolate cake crumbs
Oreo cookies crushed
Chocolate vermicelli (optional)

For Oats Pudding:

1/3 cup oats
200 ml milk
1 ½ tsp corn flour
½ tsp vanilla essence
1/2 tbsp sugar or to taste
A pinch yellow color (optional)

Method:
  • Mix all ingredients for oats pudding in a pan.
  • Cook on medium heat while stirring continuously.
  • Cook for 3-5 min till get desired consistency. Leave aside to cool.
  • To layer pudding: evenly spread cake crumbs at bottom, add oat pudding and top with crush Oreo mixture. Repeat the layers and garnish with vermicelli or Oreo slice.





Thursday 4 September 2014

Oatmeal Cookies


A simple recipe for tasty and crunchy Oatmeal cookies. Enjoy with a glass of warm milk….



Ingredients:                                                                                               

3/4 cup grounded oats
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup butter                                                 
4 ½  tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla essence
2-3 tbsp crushed nuts (I used almonds)


Method:

  • Beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
  • Add vanilla essence and beat once again.
  • Now add oats, flour and baking powder.
  • Fold in crushed nuts and make a dough.
  • Make cookies and place on greased baking tray.
  • Bake in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes at 170 deg C.
  • Leave in the tray for 10 minutes, transfer onto wire rack to cool.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container.

Thursday 14 August 2014

Choco-Banana Bread


Easy to bake, moist and yummy banana bread with chocolate chips….



Ingredients:


2 Ripe bananas
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup Soft butter
1/4 cup castor sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 tbsp Milk at room temp
1 tbsp chocolate chips
Mix together 1 tsp cocoa powder in 1 tbsp milk


Method:

  • Sift together flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl.
  • In another bowl beat together sugar and butter till creamy.
  • Mash bananas in a third bowl and add to the butter mix.
  • Now, slowly add the dry ingredients to wet and beat well for 2-3 min by adding milk and
  • Fold in chocolate chips.
  • Pour the batter in a greased and lined loaf tin. Swirl gently the cocoa powder mixture.
  • Bake in a pre-heated oven at 170 deg C. for 20 - 25 min or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool completely, cut into slices and serve.



Wednesday 6 August 2014

Yog-oats and Fruit Punch


No-cook, healthy and delicious recipe can be enjoyed any-time. Grab your glass soon..... 



Ingredients: 

1/2 cup Oats
1/2 cup Yogurt
150 ml mix fruit juice
Chopped mix fruits
2 tbsp finely chopped almonds
1 tbsp crushed corn flakes (optional)

Method:

  • Add oats and mix fruit juice in a bowl. Soak overnight in fridge or 5-6 hours.
  • Before serving add in yogurt, mix fruits and almonds.
  • Top with corn flakes and enjoy.



Thursday 10 July 2014

Mango Yogurt with Cardamom


A luscious, flavorful and healthy dessert prepared by blending mangoes and yogurt….


Ingredients:

2 mangos, peeled and chopped
3 cups of plain thick yogurt 
Powdered sugar to taste
1/4 tsp cardamom powder
Chopped pistachios
Few mint sprigs

Method:

  • Combine mango, yogurt, cardamom powder and sugar in a blender or food processor. Process till smooth.
  • Empty it out into a freezer safe bowl, cover and keep it in the freezer.
  • After an hour, take it out and whisk vigorously (or use a hand blender) to break up the crystals.
  • Transfer frozen mixture to the airtight container and chill in freezer for at least 3 to 4 hours.
  • Before serving top with chopped pistachios and mint and let stand at room temperature to soften slightly before serving.



Wednesday 4 June 2014

Bottle gourd Cutlet Burger


Healthy way to have burger and yummy way to have bottle gourd…..



Ingredients:


For Cutlets:

1 small bottle gourd (1 cup grated)
3 medium potatoes, boiled and grated
2 slices whole wheat bread, grind to crumbs
1 tbsp garlic paste
3-4 green chillies, finely chopped
4 tbsp green coriander, chopped
2 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp dry mango powder
¼ tsp red chilli powder (optional)
Salt to taste
Oil to shallow fry

For burger:

4 burger buns
4 cheese slices
Sliced tomato and cucumber
Butter to toast
Tomato Ketchup

Method:

  • Soak grated bottle gourd in hot water for 1/2 min and strain out in cold water.
  • Squeeze out all water and mix with all other ingredients for cutlets.
  • Shape cutlets and shallow fry them till they turn golden brown on both sides.
  • Spread butter on bun and slightly toast them and spread ketchup on both sides.
  • Place sliced tomato, cucumber, cutlet and then cheese slice and enjoy !!!!


Friday 30 May 2014

Watermelon Cooler


Beat the summer heat with Refreshing drink prepared from watermelon and lemons….



Ingredients:

1 ¾   cup watermelon juice
20-25 mint leaves, torn
1/4 cup sugar or to taste
1/4 cup water.
1/4 cup fresh lime juice

Method:

  • Muddle the mint with the sugar using a mortar or muddler.  Add the water. (You can microwave for few sec to dissolve the sugar and chill)
  • Strain the mint mixture into a vessel. 
  • Stir the mixture together with the limejuice and watermelon juice.
  • Serve with lots of ice and enjoy!


Wednesday 14 May 2014

Choco-Coffee Biscuits


Yummy biscuits with a flavor of coffee and crunchiness of chocolate chips…



Ingredients:

1 cup all purpose flour
85 gm butter  
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp instant coffee
1 tbsp hot water
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp chocolate chips


Method:

  • Combine instant coffee and hot water.
  • Shift flour and baking powder in a mixing bowl.
  • Beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
  • Now add coffee mixture and butter mixture to the flour and mix gently.
  • Fold in chocolate chips and make a dough.
  • Shape the dough with cookie cutter and place on greased baking tray.
  • Bake in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes at 170 deg C.
  • Leave in the tray for 10 minutes, transfer onto wire rack to cool.
  • Store in an airtight container.



Friday 2 May 2014

Shahi Aloo Masala


Weekend special: Potatoes blended with spices and tomatoes to give distinctly flavorful taste.
 

Ingredients:


4 medium size potatoes
3 medium size tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 tsp sesame seeds
2 tsp coriander seeds
1 bay leaf
1 green chilli, chopped
5-6 cloves garlic
1 small piece chopped ginger
1/2 tsp red chilli powder or to taste
1/4 tsp dry mango powder
2 tbsp oil
Salt
Chopped coriander leaves

Method:

  • In a small pan, dry roast coriander, cumin and sesame seeds. Allow it to cool and grind.
  • Boil, cool and peel the potatoes. Dice them into small pieces.
  • Boil, cool and peel the tomatoes and grind with garlic, ginger, green chilli to a fine puree.
  • Heat oil, add bay leaf, onion and then add tomato puree, cook on low heat.
  • Add salt, red chilli powder and dry mango powder. Cook covered till oil separates.
  • Now add the potatoes and three heaped tsp of the dry roasted masala.
  • Add 1/2 cup of hot water and cook for sometime.
  • Add chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.




Wednesday 30 April 2014

Punjabi Sukhi Dal


Tangy and healthy lentil recipe flavored with spices… A Punjabi delight!!!



Ingredients:

1 cup Urad dal  
1 onion, sliced
1 inch ginger piece, chopped
3-4 garlic cloves, crushed
2-3 green chilies, chopped
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/4 tsp asafoetida
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp garam masala
2 bay leaves
2 cloves
Salt to taste
2 tbsp ghee
1 tbsp lemon juice
Coriander leaves, finely chopped

Method:

  • Clean and wash the dal properly. Soak it in water for 30 minutes.
  • Microwave dal with 2 cups of water at 100% power for 10-12 min or till done.
  • Heat ghee in a pan and add cloves, bay leaves and cumin seeds, allow crackling.
  • Now add onions, ginger, garlic and green chilies and stir-fry till golden brown.
  • Add asafoetida and all dry spices and fry for few seconds with little dash of water.
  • Now add dal and mix very gently. Cover and cook till spices blend well with dal.
  • Sprinkle lemon juice and chopped coriander leaves.
  • Serve hot with roti or parantha.





Wednesday 23 April 2014

Oreo Cheesecake Shots


Easy to prepare, rich and creamy Cheesecake with Oreo cookies…. A yummy treat!!!



Ingredients


For the Crust

60 g Oreo biscuits without filling or digestive biscuits
1 ½ tbsp melted butter

For the Filling:

155 g cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped
1/3 cup + 1 tbsp castor sugar
3-4 Oreo cookies
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
1 tsp lemon juice

Method:

  • For crust, put the cookies in a zip bag and crush them with a rolling pin until fine crumbs.
  • Take out the mixture in a bowl and stir in melted butter until well mixed.
  • Spoon the mixture in each shot glasses, press down and keep in fridge to form a hard crust.
  • For filling, beat the whipping cream until soft peaks. And set aside.
  • Now roughly crush remaining 4 oreo cookies with a rolling pin. Keep aside.
  • In a bowl add in cream cheese, sugar, vanilla essence, and lemon juice. Stir until well combined. Add in whipped cream and whisk gradually until mixed.
  • Finally add crushed oreos cookies and lightly mix to combine.
  • Now spoon the individual glasses with the filling, press a little and make the top smooth. Chill them in the refrigerator overnight or till well set.
  • Top with chocolate chips and Oreo cookies and serve chilled.


Monday 7 April 2014

Custard Cookies


Super-simple and soft cookies flavored with custard powder….


Ingredients:

3/4 cup all purpose flour
3 tbsp custard powder
1/3 cup + 1 tbsp icing sugar
1/2 cup Butter
1-2 tbsp Milk (if required)
1 tsp Vanilla essence

Method:

  • Sift together flour and custard powder. Keep aside.
  • In a mixing bowl beat together butter and icing sugar until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the flour mixture and add vanilla extract and mix well. (If the dough is stiff, add milk as required.)
  • Shape the dough according to your choice. Place them on greased baking tray.
  • Preheat oven to 175 Deg C. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Leave it on the baking tray for few minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool.


Wednesday 2 April 2014

Baked Cinnamon Doughnuts


Soft and yummy baked doughnuts with cinnamon-sugar topping…


Ingredients:

1.5 cups flour + 1/3 cup for kneading
1/2 tbsp dry active yeast
1 tbsp milk powder
1/2 cup milk
60 gm butter, soft and cut in small cubes
1/4 tsp salt
5 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla essence
For Topping: mix together 1 tsp cinnamon powder + 1/2 castor sugar

Method:

  • In a bowl, shift 1.5 cups flour, add milk powder, salt and mix.
  • Use warm milk and mix in sugar and yeast and keep aside for 5 min.
  • Add yeast mixture to flour and mix well. Mix in vanilla essence and butter.
  • Using remaining1/3 cup flour little at a time, knead the sticky mixture until smooth.
  • Place the dough into a greased bowl and cover and leave for 1 hour till it doubles in size.
  • On floured surface, roll the dough into 1/2 inch round disc.
  • Use doughnut cutter or any lid to cut out into the shape.
  • Place doughnuts on greased baking tray with leaving space in between and leave for another 15 min.
  • Bake in preheated oven at 200 deg.C for 10 min or till turn golden brown.
  • Brush some melted butter on each of them and roll into castor sugar and cinnamon mixture till well coated from all sides.

Friday 21 March 2014

Strawberry and Grape Parfait


Welcome summer with the yummy and healthy Parfait….




Ingredients:

10-12 Grapes, chopped
8-10 Strawberries, chopped
1/2 cup Hung curd or Greek yogurt
1/4 cup Granola
Shredded coconut (optional)

Method: 

In individual glasses, place a layer of granola at the bottom, then strawberries, add a layer of yogurt, and repeat same with grapes.
Sprinkle a tsp shredded coconut on top and set glasses to chill and then serve.
(Amount of ingredients and layering of fruits depends on your choice)



Wednesday 12 March 2014

Colorful Coconut Ladoos


Surprise your guests on this Holi with these Colorful ladoos prepared by giving an easy twist to a very simple recipe …


Ingredients:

1 cup condensed milk
1 cup Desiccated coconut powder  + for rolling
Pistachios for garnishing
Colors of your choice 


Method:

  • In a pan, mix together coconut powder and condensed milk and cook on a slow flame till the mixture leaves the sides of pan (approx 5-7 minutes).
  • Separate the mixture on greased plate into equal portion according to the size of ladoos.
  • Add a drop of color to each portion and with oiled hands make ladoos.
  • Roll the ladoos in coconut powder and add pistachio flakes on each of them. 


Monday 10 March 2014

Spinach Buttermilk Pancakes with Pepper Relish


Enjoy breakfast with this healthy pancake recipe served with tangy pepper relish….



Ingredients:


For pancakes:

1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup plain flour (maida)
Appox. 2 cups buttermilk
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
Salt to taste
1/2 tsp red chilli flakes
1 cup chopped spinach
3 spring onions, chopped
1-2 green chilli, chopped
Oil for cooking

For Pepper relish:

2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/2 tsp ginger, finely grated
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp mustard seeds
1/4 tsp black pepper powder
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp raisins
Salt to taste

Method:

For the relish:
  • Heat oil in a pan or microwave for 30 sec at 100% power.
  • Add all the ingredients, mix well. Cover and microwave for 5-6 min (stir in between) till soft and sticky rather than too saucy. Keep aside.

 For pancakes:
  • Sift flours and salt. Mix all the other ingredients.
  • Add enough buttermilk to get a pouring consistency. Whisk well.
  • Smear oil on non stick frying pan in centre. Pour a spoonful of the batter on it.
  • Cook one side till it is light brown and then turn the side.
  • Serve hot with pepper relish.



Tuesday 4 March 2014

Cornmeal Bread (No-yeast bread)


Easy-to-make and No- yeast bread recipe prepared with corns and olives …



Ingredients:

2 cups flour (maida)
1/2 cup cornmeal or maize flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 ¼  tsp salt
1 ½  tbsp butter
4 tbsp curd
3 tbsp cream
2-3 tbsp boiled corns
1 tbsp olives, chopped
1 tsp red chilli flakes
1 tsp dried herbs
1/2 tsp black pepper powder



Method:

  • In a bowl, shift flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt.
  • Add butter and mix well to get lightly crumbly mixture.
  • In another bowl, whisk curd and cream together.
  • Add corns, olives, dried herbs, chilli flakes and pepper powder.
  • Add this mixture to dry ingredients and mix well.
  • With enough water or milk (appox.1/4 cup) make a smooth dough.
  • On a floured surface, roll dough into a loaf. Place dough into greased baking tin.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 180 deg. C for 25-30 min.
  • Cut into slices and serve with some spread.



Sending this recipe to Priya's Bake Fest#29 event by Vardhini 
and Big Sweet Tooth and Vardhini's Dish It Out event - Breads from Scratch

                     

Wednesday 26 February 2014

Achari Paneer Masala


Soft Paneer cubes simmered in spicy and tangy gravy…. Perfect for weekend menu.


Ingredients:

200 gm cottage cheese (paneer), chopped in cubes
1/2 red capsicum, chopped
1/2 green capsicum, chopped
1/2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1/4 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp onion seeds
1/2 tsp fennel seeds
2 dry red chillies
2 bay leaves
3 tbsp oil
3 large tomatoes, pureed
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tsp red chilli powder or to taste
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1/4 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp garam masala powder
Salt to taste
Coriander leaves, finely chopped

Method:

  • Heat oil; add chillies and bay leaves. Add mustard, onion and fennel seeds.
  • When seeds start crackle, add ginger-garlic paste and saute well.
  • Add chopped onions, when they turn pink; add chopped capsicums.
  • Cook on low flame till capsicums turn soft and tender.
  • Add tomato puree and dry masalas. Stir and cook for 4-5 min or till oil separates.
  • Add 1/2 cup hot water and salt and cook until gravy looks thick.
  • Mix in the paneer cubes and cook covered for few minutes.
  • Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with naan or rice.