One Pot Chinese Noodles

This is really easy peasy and a quick dish to get over those hunger pangs!! All you need is :

Ingredients :
Egg wheat Noodles : 1 cup
Garlic : 6-7 cloves ( finely chopped)
Onion : 1 medium sized ( finely sliced)
Carrots, Mushrooms, Cauliflower, Capsicum - total 1 cup
Green chillies : 4-5
Vinegar : 1 Tbsp
Light soy : 1 / 2 tsp
All in One Chinese sauce : 1 Tbsp
Salt and Sugar to taste
Corn flour : 1 Tbsp
Water : 1 1/2 cup + 3 Tbsp ( for cornflour paste)
Oil : 2 Tbsp

Method:

1.  In a wok, heat oil, add chopped garlic onion green chillies and all the vegetables. Stir fry for 2 mins.
2. Meanwhile,  in another vessel boil water and cook the noodles for 3 mins, drain anf keep aside.
3. Add salt and sugar along with Soy, vinegar and all in one sauce in the vegetables. Stir gently.  When the Cauli has cooked, add water. Bring it up to boil.
4. In a katori, make the cornflour paste, add it to the vegetable mix.
5. Stir continously. The sauce starts thickening.  Add the cooked noodles and quocky toss.

And there you go. One Pot Chinese noodles is ready to dig in!!

Mutter Paratha

Gorgeous Mutter Paratha.

All you need is :


To prepare the dough :

Wheat Flour : 400 gms
Oil : 2tsp
Salt : as per taste

For the Stuffing :

Green Peas : 500 gms
Salt : as per taste
Green chillies : 3-4 no.
Coriander Seeds : 1/2 tsp
Jeera : 1/2 tsp
Sultanas/Kishmis : 2 Tbsp
Kasuri Methi : 1/2 tsp
Garlic : 2-3 Cloves.
Oil : 2-3 tbsp

Method :

1. Prepare the usual chapati dough and keep aside. Boil some water and cook the mutter till soft. Drain and keep it to cool.
2. Once cooled, in a mixie, grind the mutter along with Garlic, coriander seeds, jeera, green chillies and salt.  Grind coarsely.
3. Heat some oil in a pan, add the Mutter mixture and fry for 2-3 mins. Add Sultana's/Kishmis and Kasuri methi.
4. Again keep the mixture to cool down.
5. Knead the dough and make round balls of the size of a Lemon. Gently fill the Mutter mixture and roll a nice thick/thin paratha and cook it on a Tava for 3-5 mins.

SERVE WITH
CHILLED DAHI AND PICKLE

Winter Special - Cozy Corn Soup.

So its Winter again and all of us want to snuggle inside the blanket with a warm bowl of Soup. My all time favorite soup is Sweet Corn Soup. Although corn is found in abundance these days, having it in winter makes it all the more special. So here is a very simple and rustic very homely kind of a Corn soup. Let me call this it Cozy Corn Soup.

All you need is :

Ingredients :

Corn Kernels : 1 cup
Water : 2 1/2 cups + 2 cups
Milk : 1 cup
Cornflour : 2 Tbsp
Salt and Pepper to taste
Onion : 1
Butter : 2 Tbsp
Green chilli in vinegar

Method :

1.  Cook the corn kernels in 2 1/2 cup of water and also add the chopped onion. Cool it and  Blitz it for 3 seconds in a food processor.
2. In a large pot, heat butter add the corn mixture.
3. Make cornflour paste using the rest of the 2 cups of water. Add it to the corn mixture. Let it boil for 4-5 minutes.
4. Now add milk, season it with Salt and Pepper. Boil for another 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve piping hot with a little chillies in vinegar.

Sweet and Sour Tomato Chutney

Its sweet and sour taste is what makes it a delicious dish

All you need is :

Ingredients :

Tomato : 1 cup

Oil : 1 Tbsp

mustard seeds : 1/2 tsp

Green chillies : 1 tsp

onion : 1 / 2 cup

curry leaves : 1/2 tsp

Jaggery: 1 Tbsp

Red chilli powder : 1 tsp

turmeric : 1 / 2 tsp

water : 2 Tbsp

groundnut powder : 1 Tbsp

salt to taste

Coriander for Garnishing

Method:

Chop the tomatos and keep aside. In a pan heat oil, crackle some mustard seeds. Add the chillies and curry leaves.

Now add the onions and sauté for a minute. 

Now add the tomatoes, followed by turmeric powder and red chilli powder. Add a pinch of salt, 2 Tbsp water and jaggery, cover and cook for another 2 minutes. 

Open the lid mash the tomatoes with the back of your spoon. 

Now add groundnut powder mix well.

Garnish with Coriander and serve. 

Ghavan/Neer Dose

Super soft and a great accompaniment with Non-Vegetarian dishes or simply with grated coconut chutney. All you need is :

Ingredients :
Rice : 1 cup
Water : 3-4 cups
Jeera : 1 Tbsp
Salt to taste.
Oil as per requirement

Method :

1. Soak the rice overnight. Next day grind the rice into fine paste, by adding little water.
2. Once the rice is grinded add 3-4 cups of water, salt to taste and Jeera. It is a very watery batter. So do not panic.
3. Now on a hot griddle greased with oil, pour in the batter using a ladle. Let it cook for 1 min covered with lid.

There you go!! Hot steamy Ghavan/Neer Dose ready to dig in.

Corn Cocktail

A party starter. A quick healthy snack. And much more. Now that we get corn all round the year, I always try something or the other with Corn. But this one is an all time favorite. A popular street food now.

All you need is :

Ingredients :

Corn :  1 cup
Onion :  1/3 cup
Tomato : 1/3 cup
Potato : 1/3 cup
Black salt : 1 / 2 pinch
Red chilli powder : 1 tsp
Chaat masala : 1 tsp
Sugar : 1/2 tsp
Lemon: 1/2 tsp ( optional )
Coriander : 1 Tbsp

Method :

1.  Cook the corn kernel and keep aside to cool down.

2. In a bowl take the corn kernel add chopped onion, tomato and potatoes.

3. Sprinkle over some salt, red chilli powder, chaat masala and sugar. Mix well. Toss all  the ingredients.

4. Drizzle over some lemon juice. Serve in cocktail glaases and garnish with Coriander.

Stir Fried Mini Potatoes

Easy delish and something you can wrap up in minutes.

All you need is :

Ingredients :

Mini Potatoes : 15-20
Oil: 1 Tbsp
Jeera : 1/2 tsp
Mirchi : 1 Tbsp
Turmeric powder : 1 tsp
Aamchur Powder/Dried mango powder : 1/2 Tbsp
Sesame seeds: 1/2 tsp
Salt as per taste
Coriander for Garnishing.

Method :

Boil the mini potatoes and take out the skin and keep it aside.
In a pan, heat oil add jeera, mirchi, sesame seeds and haldi. Now add the potatoes. Quickly fry them. Sprinkle salt and amchur powder.
Garnish with Coriander.

Voilà!  Stir Fried Mini Potatoes ready :D

Maharashtrian Mirchi cha Thecha/ Green Chilli Chutney

This is a traditional Maharashtrian delicacy. Only for those who can take the heat. A very must have with bhakri pithla. This requires the hottest chillies you can get.
All you need is :

Ingredients

Green chillies : 15-20
Garlic : 10-12 cloves
Lemon juice/vinegar : 3-4 tsp
Oil : 2 Tbsp
Salt to taste

Method

1.Grind the chillies, garlic and salt in a mixer
2. Add lemon juice and oil and mix well.
3. Serve as a side with Bhakri Pithla.

Stuffed Mushrooms, Broccoli

Very easy and a simple recipe. These mushrooms and broccoli are packed with flavors. All you need is:

Ingredients :

Mushrooms : 250 gms. Stocks removed and inside scooped. (Do not throw, as we need to do the stuffing)

For the crumb :

Bread crumbs : 3 cups
Coriander : 2 Tbsp
Garlic : 1 clove
Salt to taste.

For the stuffing :

Mushroom stocks and other remains.
Butter : 2 Tbsp
Cheese : 1/2 cup.
Cream : 1 Tbsp.
Bread crumbs : 1/4 cup.
Oregano : 1 tsp.
Salt and pepper to taste.

For Broccoli :

Broccoli : 250 gms ( blanched and florets separated)

Method :

For the crumbs use stale bread. To make 3 cups of crumbs you would need around 6-7 slices of stale bread. Blitz it with Coriander and garlic with a pinch of salt.
Slightly roast the crumbs in a hot pan without any fat or liquid.
Keep it aside. Preheat the oven at 180 ° c.
Now for the stuffing. In a pan take butter add the mushrooms stocks and the other remains. Cook them for a minute or two. Add 1/4th of the prepared crumbs. Add cream and cheese. Add salt and pepper and oregano. Mix well. Keep aside to cool down.
Now stuff the mushrooms with this mixture and coat with the crumbs on top. Try to fit in as much crumbs as you can. Grease tray with butter. Keep filling side up. Similarly try to stuff the broccoli with the crumbs amd place them on a greased tray.
Baked the mushrooms and broccoli for 10 mins or until the crumbs turns nice and golden.

Serve hot!

Pizza Bread Sticks / Pizza Crackers

I love making things that look too difficult to make but are really easy :D. This one is just that kind. A perfect party snack and something that you can munch on all day.
All you need is :

Ingredients :
1 Maida - 1/2 Cup,
2 butter - 1 Tbl spoon,
3 Water - 2 Tbl spoons and
4 Salt - Pinch to tast
5  Pizza Sauce - 2 Tbsp
6. Cheese

Method :

1. In a mixing bowl seive maida and salt. Now add butter and mix between your thumb and index finger. Add water and mix well. The dough should feel dry, if sticky add more maida. Meanwhile,  Preheat the oven at 180°c
2. Roll out the dough as thick as a five rupee coin.Prick holes using a fork. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce.
3. Grate cheese on top .Cut into desired shape.I like to cut into strips or sticks.
4. Place the crackers with an inch gap in between.
5. Bake for 20 mins. Rest for 10 mins and serve with drinks.

Enjoy!!

Tempered Cabbage Salad

Nutritious and healthy yet tasty and delicious. Tempered Cabbage Salad.

All you need is :

Ingredients :
1. Cabbage - 1/2 ( finely sliced)
2. Tomato : 1 cup ( chopped in chunks)
3.  Onion : 1/2 ( finely sliced)
4.  Green chilli : 1 Tbsp
5. Mustard seeds : 1/2 tsp
6. Cumin seeds : 1/2 tsp
7. Hing : 1/2 tsp
8. Salt and Sugar : as per taste
9. Oil : 1 Tbsp

Method :
1.  In a large salad bowl, add all the vegetables and chillies. In a tempering bowl, heat oil, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and hing.
2. Let them crackle, add this to the vegetables.
3. Mix well, add sugar and salt.
4. Serve immediately.

Whole Tandoori Gobi

Yes, it is impeccably delicious.  Not to forget its lip smaking smokiness that adds to the tandoor effect. Its a great deal for the vegetarians. A great party starter or a meal in itself.  Served plain or with a dip. Cut it into chunks or leave it Whole ( as I like it). Have it the way you want.  All you need is :

Ingredients :
1. Whole Gobi/Cauli
2. Tandoori masala : 1 1/2 Tbsp
3. Dahi : 1 cup
4. Salt & Pepper : as per taste
5. Red chilli powder : 1 Tbsp
6. Ginger - Garlic paste : 1 Tbsp
7. Lemon juice : 1 Tbsp
8. Oil : as per requirement.
9. Red food color : optional.
10. Kasuri methi : Garnishing.

Method :
1.  In a vessel with boiling water dip the whole Cauli/ Gobi for minimum of 1 min.
2. While that is happening,  in a bowl beat 1 cup of Dahi, add ginger garlic paste , tandoori masala , red chilli powder, salt and pepper and red food color ( optional).
3. Apply this marinade all over the gobi, make sure it reaches till inside.
4. Leave it to marinate for 1 hr.
5. Pre-heat the oven at 180°C for 10 mins. Coat some oil and Sprinkle some kasuri methi over the Gobi. Grease the tin or pan with more oil and roast the gobi in the oven for 20 mins.
6. Serve piping hot with pudina chutney or simple dahi or have it just like that.

Winter Salad.

Its quite unusual to get Oranges in winter season. Although I don't mind having oranges all year round. I pretty much knew that they would be terribly sour and I was absolutely right. And of course I had some juicy apples and 1 raw papaya. Mum has a habit of incorporating salads into our meals and today was my turn to make the salad. And so I put my thinking cap and voilà!  We have one fresh and simple Winter salad. I just love the way fruits and veggies can create magic together. So all you need is,

*since its a salad the proportion of vegetables and fruits can be changed as per requirement*

Ingredients :

1. Apple : 1
2. Orange : 1 ( segments de-seeded)
3. Capsicum : 1
4. Onion : 1
5. Cucumber : 2
6.  Corn : 1 cup ( boiled)
7. Garlic : 1 clove
8.  Green chilli : 1 Tbsp
9. Lemon juice : 1 Tbsp
10. Black salt : 1/2 tsp
11. Sugar : as per requirement.
12. Pepper: 1 Tbsp.

Method :

1. Cut the vegetables and fruits into bite size pieces. ( cut the apples at the end)
2. In a bowl, grate the garlic clove, add finely chopped chillies, lemon juice, black salt and pepper, sugar and make the dressing.
3. Now toss in all the vegetables and fruits and mix well.
4. Serve chilled.

Happy Winters! !

Rose Coconut Ladoo

Its Diwali season and all are geared up to make awesome Diwali Faral. Mom is busy making chakli, chiwda , chiroti, sev and tons of other stuff. This Diwali I tried my hands on making Ladoo.  Not the conventional ones.  I made Rose flavored Coconut Ladoo.

Ingredients :
1. Grated Fresh Coconut- 5 cups (350 gms)
2. Condensed milk - 1 tin ( 400 gms)
3. Rose essence - 1 tsp.

Method :
1.  Keep aside 1 Tbsp of coconut and mix the condensed milk with the rest in a heavy bottom non stick pan. Add rose essence.  Keep stirring for at least 5 mins and make sure the mix does not stick.
2. Once the mixture comes together, cool it for 10-15 mins. Roll them into small balls and coat it with the remaining coconut.

There you have it. Delectable Rose Coconut Ladoo.  HAPPY DIWALI :)

Baked Beans

Its comfort Food night, which calls for Baked Beans. And making it from scratch can't get any better.
I've got very fond memories when it comes to baked beans.  Usually a Sunday night speciality. A sure shot winner with everyone. A family favorite.  I personally don't like the ones we get in cans. Its got a typical preservative odur. But now I always make using navy beans which are widely available in any store or mall. I have also shared a picture of the navy beans for your reference.
So all you need is :

Ingredients :
1.  Navy Beans : 1 1/2 cup of beans (  soaked overnight and pressure cooked for 15 mins)
2. Tomato : 1/2 kg or 5 big tomatoes (blanched, skin removed and chopped)
3.  Onion : 1 cup ( finely chopped )
4. Green chilli : 1 Tbsp
5.  Tomato ketchup : 1 Tbsp
6. Tabasco : 1 Tbsp
7. Salt and Sugar to taste
8. Ghee : 2 Tbsp
9. Jeera : 1 tsp
10. Water : 1 cup

Method :
1.  In a pan, heat ghee add jeera, let it crackle add the onions and chillies. Cook the onions till it turns a little translucent.  Do not fry them completely. Now add the blanched and chopped tomato. Let it cook for 2 mins.
2.  Add the beans & tomato ketchup and tabasco.
3.  Now add water as per your requirement, salt and sugar to taste. Bring it up to boil for 5 mins.
4. Serve warm with toast or baked potatoes.

Soya Kheema.

It is kheema but not really Kheema!!
Amazed!???? So was I after tasting my cheats kheema but no kheema curry. It's a  good vegetarian take on hard core non vegetarian delight.

All you need is

Ingredients :

1.  Onion : 1 cup ( finely chopped)
2.  Tomato : 1 cup ( finely chopped)
3.   Ginger - Garlic paste : 1 Tbsp
4.  Turmeric powder : 1 tsp
5.  Red chilli powder : 1 1/2 Tbsp
6.  Lazeez Kheema Masala :  2 1/2 Tbsp
7.   Salt and Sugar to taste.
8.   Coriander or Mint : For Garnishing.
9.   Oil : 1 Tbsp
10. Soya Granules : 1 cup
11. Water : as per requirement.

Method :

1.  In a pan, heat oil and fry ginger garlic paste.  As soon as it fries add onion and cook till it is translucent. Add tomato.
2. After the tomatoes have wilted,  add turmeric, red chilli powder and Lazeez Masala.
3. Now add the soya granules and water. Keep adding water as the soya granules tend to soak up all the water. Add water as per your requirement.
4. Add salt and sugar add let it simmer till soya granules have cooked.
5. Garnish with Coriander/ Mint and serve hot with Pav or chapatis.

Caramel Custard - In pressure cooker

I love this wobbly dobbly Caramel Custard. Silky smooth and delicious custard made with very few ingredients. Great party dessert and will be a winner with your friends.
All you need is :

Ingredients :
1.  Eggs : 6
2.  Milk : 1 litre
3. Sugar : 1 cup
4. Vanilla extract : 1 Tbsp

Method :
1.  Boil 1 litre milk with 1 cup of sugar and keep aside to cool.
2. Beat 6 eggs and add vanilla extract.
3. In an aluminum tray caramalize sugar, as it turns black immediately put it in ice cold water bath.  This will help the sugar to crisp up.
4. Pour in the eggs into the cool milk and mix gently.
5. Pour this mix into the aluminum tray.  Pressure cook it for 45 mins to 1 hour.
6. Leave it to cool down till room temperature and then refrigerate. Serve chilled.

Enjoy!

Egg Ghee Roast

We all know how Mangalorean food is fast becoming one the most loved regional cuisines. The use of coconut, coconut milk, curry leaves, tamarind prominently in the dishes is what I love. Mangalore Ghee roast usually made using chicken is a lovely delicacy.  I tried to innovate and make my version of Egg Ghee Roast. Ingredients same, method is also similar and taste!!! Is to die for.  So for Egg Ghee roast all you need is :

Ingredients :

1.  Eggs : 4-5
2.  Ghee : 2-3 Tbsp
3.   Jeera : 1 tsp
4.   Curry leaves : 2-3
5.  Onion :  1 cup
6.  Ginger-Garlic paste : 1 Tbsp
7. Tomato : 1 cup
8.  Jeera-dhania powder : 1/2 tsp
9. Red chilli powder : 1 Tbsp
10. Turmeric powder : 1/2 tsp
11. Dahi : 1/2 cup
12. Grated coconut : 1/2 Tbsp
13. Salt and Sugar to taste.
14. Water : 1 cup

Method :
1. In a pan, heat ghee , add jeera,  curry leaves , onion , ginger garlic paste and fry for 3-4 mins. Next add tomato and again fry for 3-4 mins.
2. Now add turmeric, red chilli powder and jeera-dhania powder. Mix well.  Add grated coconut.
3. Add the dahi and mix well on a low flame.
4. Place the cooked boiled eggs in the pan and let them fry. Slowly add water.
5. Add salt and sugar and let it boil for another 2-3 mins.
6. Serve piping hot with Kerala Parota or Jeera Rice.

Independence Day Special Veggies in Burnt Garlic Lemon butter

Happy Independence Day Folks!!

Was thinking of having something light and vegetarian of course.  So decided upon carrots cauliflower and beans. Chopped them up and boiled them. And little did I know that I would end up having colours of the Indian Flag.  So decided to place them in the Indian Flag order. Simple fast and a delicious recipe with very few ingredients.

Ingredients :

1. Cauliflower , carrots , beans- 1 cup each ( cooked)
2. Garlic - 5-6 finely chopped.
3. Salted Butter : 1 Tbsp
4. Lemon juice : 1 Tbsp
5. Chilli flakes : as per requirement
6. Oregano : 1/2 tsp

Method:

1. Cook the Cauli florets carrots and beans.
2. In a pan add butter and garlic till it roasts nicely add chilli flakes oregano and immediately add lemin juice and the veggies.
3. Toss them for a minute or two and Voilà.  Your dish is ready.
4. Now this dish can be used as a side dish with pasta or pizza or eat it just as it is.
5. And its Independence Day so I did a little bit of plating fun.
Enjoy Folks!

Macaroni in Spinach Béchamel Sauce

I believe pasta/macaroni is my take on comfort food. Something that goes with any kind of weather.  But my personal favorite is to have it during rainy cold days with a piece of  Foccacia. Béchamel sauce is a big hit at home. I like my sauce freshly made. A connoisseur of Italian food would always make his sauces fresh. So here's my favorite sauce with a little twist

Ingredients :

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour(maida or wheat flour)
1 1/4 cups milk, heated
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 cup blanched spinach

Method :

Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan add blanched spinach. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture cooks and bubbles a bit, but don't let it brown. Add the hot milk, continuing to stir as the sauce thickens. Bring it to a boil. Add salt and pepper to taste, lower the heat, and cook, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes more. Add cooked pasta and cook for 2 - 3 mins. Serve immediately with bread of your choice.

Throw in everything

Its a very gloomy evening and I am so full with lunch but now I am feeling hungry again!!!!. As the name goes this salad is literally a game its like a party. You just have to throw in ingredients that u catch hold of. But u need to keep in mind not to overpower the flavor and keep it light fresh and simple.  The idea behind this was to come with a salad that has the crunch the zing the tang and sweetness. With minimalistic ingredients heres presenting to you  Throw in everything salad. All you need is :

Ingredients :

1. Tomato : 1 cup finely sliced
2. Onion : 1 ( roasted whole and the finely sliced)
3. Garlic : 2-3 ( roasted and then mashed)
4. Vinegar : 1/2 tsp
5. Salt and pepper to taste
6. Gherkins : 4-5
7. Chives, mint and basil : 1/3 cup.
8. Date molasses : 1 Tbsp
9. Olive Oil : 1 Tbsp
10. French baguette : 1 cup

Method :
1. In a bowl mix in vinegar olive oil salt and pepper date molasses and garlic and make a dressing.
2. Add the roasted onion tomato and gherkins toss.
3. Pop in chunks of baguettes and drizzle some more olive oil.  Serve immediately :)

Grow Your Own Herbs.

Lets look into a new topic today. Growing your own little garden is such a wonderful feeling.  I have been growing my small garden with the most essential herbs that we need all the time in a kitchen. So whenever you are out of coriander all you gotta do is hop skip and jump and get freshly plucked herbs.
And its way too easy to grow one.
Lets begin with Coriander.
All you need is :

1. medium sized clay pot or a plastic pot.
2. Soil. Depending upon the size of the pot
3. Coriander seeds. 1 Tbsp
4. Water.

Method.

Day 1

1. You will have to soak the seed in water overnight.

Day 2

2. Drain the seeds.  Fill the pot with soil. Drop these seeds randomly.  Again fill in a thin layer of soil and water them.

You will have to keep this in a warm and sunny place where the plants gets enough sun.

Too much of sun may cause harm  therefore place the pot accordingly.

Make sure the plant is watered every day.
On the 3rd week, you'll be able to see small buds.

And by the 5th week you'll have lovely baby coriander.

Bread sticks and Buns

Ingredients :

1. Fresh  yeast 21/2 tsp
2. Water (luke warm) 1/2 cup + 1/2 cup
3. 2 tbsp oil 
4.1/4  tsp Sugar
5.1tbsp  Salt
6. Flour 2 cups
7. Cumin/Sesame 1/2 tsp

Method
1. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C
2. Place yeast, water, sugar in a mixing bowl.
3. When becomes frothy, add flour, salt,oil and rest of the water.4. Mix till it comes together.
5. Using  the palms of your hand, knead the dough for 5-8 minutes till smooth and elastic
6. Roll thinly using your hands. Also make small buns.
7. Place them on baking tray and let it rest in a warm place for 20 minutes.
8.Sprinkle the seeds.
9. Bake for about 15-20 mins. until golden brown.

Butter Fried Garlic-Lemon Beans

Today I have a very special guest coming for dinner.  Mom and I have a feast to prepare. I wanted something delicious fresh light entrée.  And I came up with Butter Fried Garlic - Lemon Beans. All you need is.

Ingredients :

1.  250 gm of fresh French Beans : blanched in hot water and then kept to cool in ice water
2. Garlic : finely chopped 10-12 cloves.
3. Fresh Lemon juice : 1 Tbsp
4. Salted Butter : 2 Tbsp
5. Salt and pepper to taste.

Method :
1. In a pan take butter and add chopped garlic and fry till garlic turns slightly golden. 
3. Turn off the heat add lemon juice beans salt and pepper and sauté for a minute.
4. Serve hot :)

Eggless Chocolate & Date Fudglets.

I never dared to make brownies/fudge before.  But I gathered guts and thought to myself that it is now or never. Got all the ingredients. Did a little research on the recipe. Added a few ingredients of my choice.  And voilà!  The result was excellent.  Though I had made a small batch so I'd like to call these fudglets cause they are small in size. :D. Nevertheless you can double the quantity to make bigger ones. All you need is.

Ingredients:
1. 100 gms of grated dark chocolate
2.  4 tbsps unsaltened butter
3. ½ cup castor sugar,
4. 1 Tbsp dates syrup
5. 1 Tbsp milk powder
6. ½ cup maida,
7. ½ tsp baking powder,
8. ½ tsp sodium bi-carbonate,
9. ½ cup of beaten curd.

10. vanilla seeds : 1-2 pods

Method:

1.Sift the flour, baking powder, sodium bi-carbonate. Keep it aside.
2.In a pan, boil a cup of water. In a bowl, have the grated chocolate and make it sit on the pan.
3. Make sure it doesn't get drowned.
4.In a bowl, add the butter and castor sugar and stir them, till the mixture gets creamy. Now add the melted chocolate and Dates syrup mix them.Add the beaten curd, milk powder and flour to the mixture slit the vanilla pods and add all the tiny goodness and mix well.
5.Grease a glass bowl with butter and pour the flour mixture and microwave it for 5 minutes.
6.Remove it and set this aside for five minutes. Preheat the convection grill mode for five minutes at 220°C and bake the fugdlets at 220°C for 2 minutes. Remove from the microwave and let it cool.
7. Cut it into small squares and enjoy :)

Kesar Elichi Rice Cake.

A twist on the usual Kesar bhat.

Ingredients :
Broken basmati rice : 1 cup.
Milk : 2 cup.
Milk powder : 4 Tbsp.
Elichi powder : 2 Tbsp.
Saffron : 6-7 strands.
Sugar : 1cup.
Coconut : 2 Tbsp ( shredded)
Ghee : for greasing

Method :

1. Soak the rice in milk for minimum 30 mins.
2. After soaking add milk powder and make sure there are no lumps.
3. Add elichi powder,  kesar, sugar and coconut.
4. Take your cake tin and grease it with ghee and add the mixture.
5. In a pressure cooker add water water let it simmer and the put your cake tin and cover it with foil/plate and then put the pressure cooker lid.
6. Cook it for 20 mins. Later remove the lid and foil and let the cake cool on the rack.
7. Now flip the cake in the plate and serve warm or cold.

You can also make a variation by using coconut milk instead of normal Milk. And also tou can add your favorite nuts.
Enjoy!

Rajma Corn Masala

Rajma or kidney beans are certainly very healthy with loads of magnesium and potassium. Rajma chawal being one of most widely loved combination I thought of trying something new and exciting and giving the usual taste a different twist. And so I came up with Rajma Corn Masala. Simple name and even more simple recipe.  All you need is :

Ingredients :

1. Rajma/ kidney beans : 250 gm ( soaked overnight and then cooked in pressure cooker)
2. Garlic Cloves : 5-7 ( mashed with the back of your knife)
3.  Corn : 1/2 cup ( boiled)
4. Green chilli : 1-2
5. Tomato : 1 cup
6. Tabasco : 1 Tbsp
7 . Jeera: 1/2 tsp
8. Kitchen king masala : 1 Tbsp
9. Kasuri methi : 1 / 2 tsp
10. Dahi : 1 Tbsp
11. Red chilli powder : 1tsp
12. Salt and pepper to taste
13. Oil : 1 Tbsp.

Method :

1. In a kadhai heat oil and jeera, garlic and fry till the garlic turns slightly golden brown and then mix in green chillies. Now add the tomato and fry till the oil separates.
2. Add the kitchen king masala, red chilli powder, salt and pepper. Add tad little water to avoid the masala from burning. Now add in rajma and corn.
3. Mix for 2-3 mins on a very low flame. And tabasco and roasted kasuri methi.
4. Add dahi mix well. And switch of the gas.
5. Garnish with lemon wedge and serve with hot hot chapatis.

I used tabasco in this recipe because I wanted to add in that tanginess and that real spice kick.
Rajma in any form tastes amazing.  Do try this recipe.

Fast food made with past food.

Sunny evening time and I need something chatakdar masaledar tasty. I open the fridge.  All I can see is upma made for breakfast staring at me and saying please finish me. And then aloo mash made for paratha filling and stale bread. :(
And then I had to put my thinking cap and all I could think of was jhatpat tikki/ cutlets.
Weird combination but I tell you I was flabbergasted by the taste. It turned out to be marvellous. Next time I am going to tell mom to make upma in large quantity than usual. So all you need is :

Ingredients:
Homemade upma: at least a cup full.
Mashed aloo : 1 cup
Pohe soaked : 1 cup
Bread crumbs : 3 Tbs
Garlic paste : 1/2 tsp
Kitchen king masala : 1 Tbsp
Green chillies : 5-6
Garlic Cloves : 3-4
Red chilli powder : 1/2 tsp
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil : for shallow frying.

Method :

1. Ok so usually upma already has onion in it but if u still want some more you can surely add 1 finely chopped onion.  In a large bowl take upma aloo bread crumbs.  Mix it with your hands.
2. Soak the pohe and add it to the mix.
3. Now add the masala, red chilli powder, green chillies,  salt and pepper, garlic. And mix well.
4. Give them the shape you desire amd keep aside.
5. Take a non stick pan drizzle over some oil and fry the tikki till its golden brown on both the sides.
6. Serve it with pudinewali chutney or tomato sauce or have as it is.

So now you know!!! Playing with food and making something delicious out of it is really fun and your mom will also not scold :D

Cheats Sour Cream

This is a really easy peasy quick recipe for sour cream. I've got the best substitute for sour cream and all you need is just 2 ingredients. Goes really well with baked potatoes or nachos. So here goes. All you need is :

Note: This recipe is for 1 cup of Sour cream.

Ingredients:

Paneer/ cottage cheese - 1 cup
Vinegar / lime juice -  1 tablespoon.

Method:

1. In a blender blend the cottage cheese/paneer till it turns into a fine smooth paste.
2. Add the Vinegar/lime juice and again blend to a smooth texture.
3. Voilà!!! Your sour cream is ready to eat.

Isn't it an interesting fast and easy cheats recipe.
Hope you all love it!!!

Chicken on the spot!!!!

This has to be one of the most funniest names of a dish right?
Very flavourful delish and tasty. I just went on adding all sorts of masalas and then voila. ... chicken on the spot happened.
All you need is...

Ingredients.

Chicken : 1kg
Onion : 4 no.
Green chillies : 3 small sized
Red chilli powder : 2 tsp
Turmeric : 1/2 tsp
Tomato : 3 medium sized
Oil : 4 Tbsp
Ginger and garlic paste : 2 Tbsp
Curry leaves : 7-8
Goda masala/ kala masala : 2 Tbsp
Kitchen king masala : 1 Tbsp
Dahi : 2 cup
Salt : as per taste.
Water : as per required.

Method :

1. In a big heavy bottom pan take 2 Tbsp oil and sear the chicken from all sides and keep aside after the chickem turns slightly brown in colour.
2. In the same pan add rest of the oil add onions and fry till golden brown. The add green chillies and ginger garlic paste and fry. Add tomatoes fry with rest of the mixture.
3. Add turmeric and red chilli powder fry till the oil separates.
4. Now add water, dahi and goda masala and kitchen king masala.  Now add the chicken pieces.
5. Add water and let it simmer till the chicken cooks.
6. Garnish with coriander serve with steamy rice and hot phulkas :)

Enjoy your Sunday lunch.

Orecchiette- Ear shaped pasta.

Orecchiette is an ear shaped pasta which is a speciality of Puglia from south east region of Italy.
Puglia is known for its wine. The most widely grown grape variety is Negroamaro.
Orecchiette is traditionally sun-dried and then used. But ive got an easy peasy quick recipe.
Making pasta gives so much happiness.  This homemade and handmade pasta will sure be a winner at your dinner party :)

For the pasta.

Ingredients :

2 cup · semolina flour
2 cup · all-purpose flour
1 cup · tepid water -- up to 1 1/4

Method :

1. Place both types of flour in a large mixing bowl and stir to mix well. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add water a little at a time, stirring with your hands until a dough is formed. You may need more or less water, depending on the humidity in your kitchen.

2.Place the dough on a floured work surface and knead it like bread for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes at room temperature.

3. Roll dough into long dowels about 3-4-inches thick. Cut into flat disks about 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick. Press center of each disk with thumb to form saucer-shaped pasta and set aside until ready to cook.
4. Boil plenty of water in a vessel with lost of salt. Drop the pasta in the boiling salt water.
5. Cook till the pasta comes on top.
6. Drain the pasta. And its ready to use.

Orecchiette e caspico :

Ingredients:

Orecchiette : 500g
Capsico/capsicum : 500g
Butter : 4 Tbsp
Garlic cloves : 2 Tbsp ( chopped)
Chilli flakes : 1/2 tsp
Thyme ( fresh or dry ) : 1/2 tsp
Salt and pepper : as per taste.

Method :
1. Heat the butter in a pan. Add the garlic, capsicum, chilli flakes , thyme and sauté for 1 min.
2. Drain the boiled pasta and to the garlic capsicum mixture and toss well.
3. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

Breakfast Mania - Egg/Anda Bhurji

Anda Bhurji is one of the most popular breakfast dishes. Easy to make with very less ingredients and healthy too. Indian version of scrambled eggs :)

Ingredients :

Eggs - 4
Milk- 3 Tbsp
Oil - 1 Tbsp
Jeera/cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Green chillies - 2-3
Turmeric - 1/2 tspn
Red chilli powder - 1tsp
Onion - 1cup
Tomato- 1 cup
Kitchen king Masala - 1 Tbsp
Tomato ketchup - 2 Tbsp
Salt - to taste.

Method:

1. In a pan, heat oil and add cumin. Let it pop and then add onions. Cook the onions until they turn a little brown and then add tomato. Let it cook till the tomatoes loose their sourness. 
2. Till the tomatoes cook, in a separate bowl beat the eggs with cold milk. Milk gives it a creamy texture. Keep the beaten eggs aside.
3. Now back to the tomatoes and onions, add turmeric red chilli and kitchen king masala and salt
4. Now quickly add the beaten eggs, with one had pouring the mixture and the other stirring fast. Cook till it gets a scrambled eggs texture.
5. Now add tomato ketchup and cook for 1-2 mins.
6. Pull it off the heat and garnish with coriander leaves.
7. Serve with pav or bun or bread.