Fancy Tasty Food

Mango Magic

2014-04-08T11:17:00.002+05:30

Mango who doesn't love this king of fruits? I bet if mangoes are served like this then its completely irresistible :)
Mangoes are back and this summer serve them in style with this yummy shake

Ingredients :

3 ripe mangoes chopped
2 cup of milk
2 scoops of vanilla ice cream
1 tbsp raspberry syrup
2 tbsp crushed cashew nuts
2-3 seedless cheery
1/2 mango cut chip style

Direction :
In a blender add 3 chopped mangoes, milk, sugar if you want it sweeter and some ice. Blend it well. You are done.

Garnish:

Now this is the interesting part, take tall glasses, add one scoop of vanilla ice cream and press it at the bottom and let it set in the freezer for sometime. Now pour in your shake, drizzle some raspberry syrup and add some crushed cashews. Finally top it with mango chip or chops, either however you like it

You can always give it your own touch to it. Food is all about how you like it :) Share with me some new ways you have made your mango shake.

Chocolate Pancake

2014-04-03T13:19:00.000+05:30

Everyone loves pancakes and to broaden your smile let me introduce you to chocolate pancakes. The best part these are super super easy to make.

Pancakes as the name suggest is like a flat thin cake made out of starch based batter. We are going to make the egg less version so in case you are allergic to eggs to don't eat eggs. This is perfect recipe for the same.

So lets get started!

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
2 tbsp coco powder
1/2 tbsp chocolate powder (optional)
3 tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup choco chip (optional)
pinch of salt
2 tbsp butter (melted)
1 cup milk

Garnish:
chocolate sauce for topping

Directions:
In a bowl mix melted butter and milk together. In another bigger bowl sieve flour, sugar, coco powder, baking soda, salt, choco chips and chocolate powder together. Now add the milk and butter mixture to it , whisk it with the help of a whisker. (Do not over mix it) Batter should be smooth but not too runny.
Heat a skillet or a griddle over medium heat and brush it with little butter. Add 2-3 tbsp of batter mixture for each pancake and cook until you see bubbles on the top. Cook on both sides till they turn golden brown.

Assembling:

Now transfer it on the serving plate and drizzle it with chocolate sauce or you can team it chocolate sauce, strawberries and vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

And you will surely want to cheat your diet for these gooey choco pancakes :)

yummilious pancakes !

Paneer Schezwan Wrap

2014-04-01T13:53:00.001+05:30

A wrap is basically anything made with a soft flat bread rolled around a filling. The flat breads usually are wheat-flour tortillas or pita; the filling can be anything from your refrigerator that's left over last night be it yummy curries or salad.These wraps are healthy, filling and perfect for dinner or lunch however you like it. So lets get started.

The recipe is divided into 2 parts the bread and the filling. In case you have tortillas at home you can skip that.

Ingredients: (Filling)

I was left with some cottage chesse so going to use that for my filling

100 grams of cottage chesse diced
1 cup red onions diced
1 cup of diced capsicum
salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp of schezwan sauce
1 tsp chilli sauce
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cloves of garlic minced

Directions :
Heat oil in a pan saute garlic and onions till they turn translucent. Add chopped capsicum and finally add schezwan sauce and pepper.

Ingredients : (Flat bread)
1 cup of flour (maida)
1 cup of wheat flour
1 1/2 tbsp butter
water as required
salt to taste

Mix both the flour along with salt,then add the butter and crumble with hands and mix nicely by adding water little by little and make a soft dough. Let it rest for 10 minutes. Knead the dough into a smooth ball and then divide the dough into 10 parts. Make them into small balls, with a rolling pin roll it into a nice circles and as thin as possible.Heat the skillet put one flat bread and after 2 min flip it let it cook it till you see small bubbles. Both the sides should cook nicely. Repeat the procedure for the rest of flat breads.

Assembly time :

Spread chili sauce over each flat bread, add some chopped spring onions and its leaves.Put 2 tbsp of the filling mixture on top, fold it and finally tuck it in from he ends.

You are ready to go!!

Oreo Obseesion

2014-03-31T15:00:00.000+05:30

We all must have tried Oreo shakes and this is my version of making it. As always its way cheaper than drinking it outside. This is really simple and unbelievably delicious.

Ingredients :

(Serves 4)

1 family pack of vanilla ice-cream (around 4-5 scoops)

2 packets of Oreo biscuits vanilla flavor

2 packets of Oreo biscuits chocolate flavor

1 cup of milk

1/2 tea spoon of chocolate powder

1 tea spoon milk powder

Directions:

Take a blender and add all the Oreo biscuits, vanilla ice cream, followed by 1 cup of milk, milk powder and chocolate powder. Give it a nice mix.

( Don't over mix it, if you like it bit crunchy)

Garnish:

Add more Oreoness to it by adding crushed Oreo biscuits on top.

My Quick Sundae

2012-11-21T23:44:00.001+05:30

Are you one of those who doesn't like too much of cooking, but enjoy or crave for yummy sundae's?
Then this one is surely for you . Let's note down what do you require for this quick sundae.

Ingredients:
1 pack of chocolate worms.
1 pack of chocolate chips.
chocolate sauce.
1 family pack of ice cream. (You can choose flavor according to your choice)

Directions:
Take any of your fancy glasses from your cupboard.
Take 1 scoop of your ice cream.
Drop it in your glass.
Then add some chocolate sauce and top it with loads and loads of chocolate worms and chocolate chips.

Garnish:
( You can add fresh fruits to it if you like )

AND ENJOY YOUR SUNDAE. :-)

How to make Rosti?

2011-06-09T17:37:00.000+05:30

Rosti is a Swiss dish. It was originally a common breakfast eaten by farmers.Today, rather then considering it a complete breakfast it is more served to accompany other side dishes.

This dish mainly consists of roughly grated potatoes. Lets list down ingredients we will require to make our very own rosti.

Ingredients:

2 potatoes, peeled and grated
3 cup Swiss cheese, grated
ground pepper
salt
4 tbsp butter
1/2 cup sliced onion
1/2 tsp chili flakes

Directions:

Bring a pot to boil. Add the shredded potatoes and cook until tender. Drain and let it cool aside. Now take a skillet melt butter, add a layer potatoes and layer of cheese. Sprinkle salt, pepper and chili flakes. Repeat the layers. Dot each layer with butter. When a crust begins to form on bottom , turn the rosti and press down. Cover tightly so that the cheese melts nicely and cook until golden brown.

Now your Rosti is ready to eat. Just a small tip shred the potatoes in water.

How to make Mexican Quesadilla?

2011-05-31T20:05:00.000+05:30

Quesadilla is a corn tortilla filled with cheese and other ingredients for variations. It is a dish originated from Mexico.

So lets get to know what is required to make this Mexican dish.

Ingredients:

2-4 tortillas
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
1/4 cup Colby cheese or mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2-1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tbsp butter
1/2 cup coriander or cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 tsp hot chili sauce
1/2 tsp chili powder or Mexican herb mix

Directions:

In a mixing bowl add all three types of cheese and add all spices and sauce. Mix well and keep it aside.

Now take the flour tortilla.

Place a skillet over medium heat and heat tortillas with butter. And now spread the cheese mixture.

Over it place another tortilla.

Flip it as and when required. Cook it till all cheese melts and turns golden brown.

Now your quesadilla is ready to eat.

Serve it with sour cream, red salsa or green salsa or Mexican rice.

How to make Vegetable Spinach Wrap?

2011-05-30T14:57:00.000+05:30

Wrap is sort of sandwich made from flat bread rolled with around with filling. The flat bread can be made from wheat flours or even pita breads can be used too.
This recipe is divided into three parts so lets first note down ingredients for all three stages.

Ingredients:

FOR THE SPINACH FLAT BREAD:

1 1/2 cup wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup spinach finely pureed
water as needed
1-2 tbsp oil

FOR THE FILLING

1/2 cup curd or garlic cream cheese or sour cream
1 tomato, finely chopped
1 onion,  finely chopped
1-2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 carrot, finely shredded
1 cup green peas, boiled
1 cup corn kernels, boiled
1 cup chickpeas
1 red and green bell peppers,  finely chopped
1 spinach leave
1/2 cup cheese, shredded
1/2 cup cilantro,  finely chopped
1 tsp curry powder
1 cup cabbage, finely shredded or  finely chopped
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt

Directions:

FOR THE WRAP

Take a bowl add flour and add salt to it, mix well. Then add spinach paste, knead the dough with clean hands. If the mixture is too dry add water and once it completely binded cover the entire dough mixture with oil. Now cover it with dam cloth, set it aside for 10 min. Now form small balls and roll them out as thin as you want but make sure it doesn't tear.
Now heat a skillet over medium heat do not grease. Carefully place the rolled out bread over into skillet.Flip the repeatedly to make sure the do not burn. Remove them from the heat once you see golden bubbles appearing on both the sides.

FOR FILLING:

In a sauce pan add oil into it and heat it over medium heat. Add garlic saute it for some time then add onions lets it cook till golden brown. Now add salt this will fasten the process of cooking. Now add all other vegetables and spices.Let is aside for sometime
Now in a mixing bowl whisk curd or cream cheese what ever you are using.

ASSEMBLING:

Take the spinach bread. Now spread the curd or cream cheese.

Now place a spinach leaf or lettuce leaf over it. Then spread the vegetable mixture over it and some shredded cheese over it. Now roll it up and cut it diagonally or into small circular wheels.

Serve it with salad,cheese sauce and ice tea. Let me know how it turned out to be.

Veg Burger

2011-05-26T14:57:00.000+05:30

Burger is one kind of sandwich that consists of cooked patty that is placed between sliced bun.

Burger are often served with various different vegetables such as lettuce, tomato, onions etc

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil or clarified butter (ghee)
1/2 cup kidney bean, boiled, rinsed and mashed
1/4 cup carrot, shredded
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup of red and green bell peppers, chopped
1 onion, sliced
1 tomato, sliced
1-2 lettuce leaves or cabbage, shredded
1 spring onion, finely shredded
1 potato, peeled, boiled, mashed
1/2 cup cottage cheese, shredded
2 cheese slices
1 tbsp liquid cheese
1 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp mustard sauce
1 tbsp tomato ketchup
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 tsp paprika powder
1 tsp cayenne powder
1 tsp cumin powder
2 tsp coriander, finely chopped
1 tsp garam masala powder
salt & pepper to taste
2 burger buns, toasted
1 tsp diced jalapeño
1 tsp oregano powder
1/2 tsp chili flakes
2 tsp olives, diced
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tbsp corn flour
1/2 cup corn kernels
1/4 tsp baking soda

Directions:

In a blender add potato, beans, garlic, carrot, spring onions, corn kernels, jalapeño, olives, bell peppers, cottage cheese, coriander and all the spices. Blend until coarsely. Chill the mixture for 10 min. Before frying them add baking soda and form thick patties. Now roll and cover them completely with bread crumbs. Now take frying pan and heat olive oil or clarified butter over low heat. Cook the each patty for 2-3 min or until crispy.

Assembling:

Take the roasted bun. Spread layer of all sauces and liquid cheese. Now place slice of cheese then place the patty and place onion, tomato, and lettuce leaves. Finish it with top of the bun. Serve it with ketchup and liquid cheese.

Serve it with potato wedges, French fries or onion rings or salad and some smoothie, or ice tea.

Banana Split Sundae

2011-05-25T18:47:00.000+05:30

Sundae is basically an ice cream dessert. Its basic ingredients are scoop of ice cream topped with sauces, nuts, fruits etc. There are in all 10 types of sundae's and banana split is on of the commonly known.

Banana Split is three in one sundae, side by side between two halves of banana sliced lengthwise. The classic consists of strawberry scoop ice cream topped with chocolate sauce and chocolate ice cream topped with pineapple syrup or crushed pineapple. But we always have something different with our recipe

Ingredients:

1 banana, peeled and cut lengthwise
1 scoop butter scotch or vanilla ice cream
1 scoop strawberry ice cream
1 scoop chocolate ice cream
1 cup mixed nuts, chopped
1 cup chocolate sauce
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup colorful worms
3-4 wafer rolls
one serving dish
1 cup cherries
1 tbsp raspberry syrup
1 tbsp caramel sauce
1 cup whipped cream
1 digestive biscuit
1/2 cup milk
1 tbsp chocolate powder
brownie pieces (optional)

Directions:

In a serving dish line up three scoops of ice creams. Now place each half of the banana on each side of the ice cream scoops. Now top the vanilla or butter scotch( what ever you choose) with caramel sauce, chocolate with raspberry syrup and strawberry with chocolate sauce. Let it set in refrigerator for sometime, meanwhile take a saucepan add milk, chocolate sauce, chocolate powder and digestive biscuit crushed bring it to a boil. Now first top each scoop with whipped cream and spoon the chocolate mixture over banana and ice creams. Next place cherry over each scoop. Drizzle mixed nuts and decorate it with wafer rolls, chocolate chips, brownie pieces and colorful worms.

Hot Chocolate

2011-05-24T13:44:00.000+05:30

Hot Chocolate is the first chocolate beverage to be created by Mayan people. Its consists of coco powder, chocolate paste, heated milk, and sugar.

Lets take a quick look at our list of ingredients

Ingredients:

1/2 tsp of vanilla extract
4 cup milk
1/3 cup sugar
2 cup bitter sweet chocolate, finely chopped or chocolate chips
2 cups milk chocolate, finely chopped or chocolate chips
1 tsp instant espresso powder
1/2 tsp coco powder
1/2 cup cream
1 tsp butter

Direction:

Take a heavy bottomed sauce pan. Now add chopped or grated chocolate, coco powder, vanilla extract, sugar. Bring this mixture to boil over low heat and keep whisking continuously. Heat and whisk until well blended. Whisk butter and espresso powder into the mixture , this will make the mixture look rich and glossy. Let hot chocolate rest for 10 min and then pour the mixture into cups or serving glasses. Top it up with whisked cream and sprinkle with grated chocolate or espresso powder or choco chips

Potato Nuggets

2011-05-20T13:42:00.001+05:30

Potato Nuggets is a vegetarian version of chicken nuggets wherein potatoes pieces breaded and battered which is either baked or fried.

These nuggets are the best alternative for vegetarians

Ingredients:

4 potatoes , cut them in quarters
1 1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp pepper powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter , melted
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp oregano powder
1 tsp soy sauce

Directions:

Preheat the oven at 300 degrees. In a bowl combine butter, all spices, herbs, and soy sauce. Now dip each potato quarter into this mixture and roll it into bread crumbs. And then place each of these quarters on baking sheets , lined with parchment. Bake for 60 min till golden brown and fork tender.

Your nuggets are ready to eat. Serve it with cheesy dip, sour cream, tomato ketchup, or honey mustard dip.

Garlic Herb Cheese Twisty

2011-05-19T14:36:00.000+05:30

Garlic Herb Cheese Twisty is a starter made out of pizza dough. Its real simple and tasty. People who like garlic it just taste amazing.

Check out what you would require for these yummy snack

Ingredients:

800-900gm pizza dough ( home made or store bought)
1/4 butter , softened
2 tsp dried rosemary
2 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 cloves garlic finely minced
1/2 tsp salt and pepper
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese , shredded

Directions:

Remove the dough and roll out the dough and spread cheese, fold it 1/3. Cut the dough crosswise lengthwise with a pizza wheel.

Twist each strip twice and pinch both the ends

Now keep then aside and cover it with a plastic wrapper.

Now preheat the oven for 300c and lightly oil the baking sheets. Meanwhile in a bowl mix all the dry herb with butter. And in a pan lightly heat oil and garlic, stir until it begins to sizzle. Before baking brush the herb mixture over each twisty. Bake the twisty until golden brown by switching positions of sheets halfway. Meanwhile in a pan stir cheese, garlic and oil. Immediately after baking roll it into cheese and garlic oil until coated.

Now your twisty are ready to serve with some cheesy dip, ketchup, or mayo.

Chili Bean Tacos

2011-05-18T20:26:00.000+05:30

Taco is a traditional Mexican dish made from hard shell taco i.e tortilla composed of wheat or corn. These tacos are then stuffed with different filling that allows for a great variety.

The recipe which we are making as the name suggest consist of beans and it is going to be in two parts filling and assembling.

Ingredients for Filling and Assembling :

5-6 hard shell tacos (any brand)

1 small onion, chopped

2 cup black beans, soaked overnight

1 medium tomato

1/2 cup corn kernels (boiled)

1 tsp chili powder

1tbsp garlic, minced

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp oregano powder

salt & pepper to taste

cheddar or processed cheese, shredded

cabbage or lettuce, shredded

pesto sauce

chili sauce

Directions:

Place a saucepan with beans and bring to boil. Once they are cooked drain them. Now in a pan heat 1tbsp olive oil. Add garlic and onion, saute them until golden brown. Now add beans, chili powder, tomato,corn kernels,paprika, oregano,pepper and salt to taste. Let it simmer until beans and cottage cheese are soft. Add water to get desired consistency. Transfer in another plate.

Assembling:

Take each taco shell and stuff approximately 1-2 tbsp of the bean mixture. Then top it up with some shredded cabbage and cheese.And then add some chopped cilantro. Serve it with red salsa, green salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Tips:

Serve it immediately as it tends to break. If you have a microwave then before serving microwave taco shells for 1-2 min.

You can easily find these shells in super markets , mostly you might get doritos brand.

If you do not wish to make the bean mixture you can even you ready to use pinto beans, which are also available in store just heat them and add seasoning according to your taste.

Make sure you check the ingredients , if you are a vegetarian.

It is more of an appetizer but you can make it a fuller meal by serving it with Spanish rice . Do let us know how did your recipe turned out to be, it feels really nice hearing.

Sizzling Chocolate Brownie

2011-05-17T19:40:00.001+05:30

Chocolate Brownie is nothing but a flat square introduced by United States. It has a dense mixture of chocolate which is like a cross between a cake and cookie.

Lets get started with ingredients of this delicious, sinful brownie

Ingredients for Brownie and Serving:

300gm plain flour or all purpose flour(sieved)
90gm butter ( extra for greasing)
120 gm dark chocolate, finely chopped(sieved)
250ml water or soy milk
65g plain coco powder(sieved) preferably Cad bury drinking chocolate
1tsp baking powder(sieved)
30g peanuts or any dry fruits or your choice, chopped
120 g powdered sugar (sieved)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
100 gm whipped cream
some canned cherry or fresh cherry
4-5 cup vanilla ice cream
1-2 cup chocolate sauce or any brand chocolate sauce that you get in store like herleys

Directions:

Preheat the oven bu 180c. Meanwhile in a large bowl first add all the dry ingredients lie flour,coco,sugar,baking powder etc.Then add butter, vanilla extract,etc. Now melt the chocolate by microwave or double boiler method. Add that chocolate mixture some butter and nuts and combine both the mixture.Whisk until smooth.

Now grease and flour the cake tin or casserole with some butter. And now pour the mixture evenly. Bake it for about 25-30 min.

Leave them to cool for 5 min and then turn onto wire rack and cut into square pieces. Like shown in the pic below

ASSEMBLING:

Take a white dish place one to two squares of brownie and then place scoop of vanilla. Now pour over the chocolate sauce and place another brownie square again scoop of vanilla. Top it with whipped cream, nuts, cherry.

Hope you enjoy making and eating this sizzling, tempting, dessert. It is a perfect dessert for a romantic dinner date at home.

Chocolate and Nuts Sandwich

2011-05-16T18:29:00.001+05:30

Chocolate is like everyone's favorite so lets make something really simple yet delicious.It is the most simplest, if you can make 2 min noodles then you can surely try this out.

This recipe can be make in two ways one is with chocolate Ganache or with Nutella. We will show you both the ways then you can choose whatever suites you.

METHOD NO: 1

Ingredients:
3-4 slices of toasted bread, depending on how many layers you want
3 tsp butter
1 cup nut mix (cashews,almonds,apricots) finely chopped
1 cup Nutella (choco-hazelnut spread)

see the pic below so it becomes easy for you to find it in super markets

Directions:

Cut the edges of toast if you want. Now butter each toast and also spread nutella on each slice.

Take one slice and sprinkle the nut mixture cover it with another slices repeat the same till you reach the top most slice. Now spread some butter and nutella on the top most layer and drizzle it with nuts and powdered sugar.

METHOD NO: 2

Ingredients for Ganache:

2 cups heavy cream
3 tbsp butter
2- 3 cups semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

Directions:

In a saucepan heat the cream over medium heat. Make sure you keep and eye over it as we just want to bring it to a boil , if it boils for more seconds the vessel might burn. As soon as the cream comes to a boil , add all the chopped chocolate into it. Whisk until smooth. Again add butter and whisk again. Now set it aside at room temp. until it is thick and spreadable.

Ingredients for Sandwich:

3-4 slices of toasted, depending on how many layers you want

3 tsp butter

1 cup nut mix (cashews,almonds,apricots) finely chopped

1 cup chocolate Ganache

Directions:

Cut the edges of toast if you want. Now butter each toast and also spread ganache on each slice.Take one slice and sprinkle the nut mixture cover it with another slices repeat the same till you reach the top most slice. Now spread some butter and ganache on the top most layer and drizzle it with nuts and powdered sugar.

Your Chocolate and Nuts Sandwich is ready to eat. You can serve it as a snack or a dessert whatever way you like it.

Calzone

2011-05-14T12:49:00.000+05:30

Calzone is Italian in origin. Its like a stocking. Its ingredients are similar to pizza and shape is like crescent.
Now for making this recipe you really need only few ingredients so lets see what are they.The recipe is divided into two parts

THE DOUGH

Ingredients:

2-3g dry yeast
40ml luke warm water
50g all-purpose flour
1tsp salt
1tsp sugar (powdered)
semolina or cornmeal for dusting
1tsp extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil

Directions:

Combine the water, yeast and sugar in a small bowl. Set it aside until foamy. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt, make a well in center. Add the yeast mixture and oil. By using your hands bring the dough together in a bowl. Now brush a bowl lightly with oil. Cover and rise until doubled in volume, about 1-2 hours.

Turn the dough on a well floured surface.Form the dough into a round and roll out.

THE FILLING:

Ingredient:

3 tbsp pizza sauce
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 cup cottage cheese, shredded
1 cup tomato, chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
salt,peeper and oregano to taste

THE ASSEMBLING:

Now take the rolled out dough, and spread the pizza sauce over the dough.

And fill in all the ingredients on one side of the circle.Now fold it over and press the edges.

Now give it gentle fork or knife marks to make sure that all the ingredients get cooked.

Brush the top of calzone with butter and place it in baking sheet. Bake it for 190c for 35 min. Once it is cooked carefully take out with a spatula.

Now your calzone is ready to eat. Serve it with tomato ketchup and garnish it some cheese and salsa on the top.

Orange and Mango Smothie

2011-05-14T12:13:00.000+05:30

Smothie is a sweentned chilled berverage made from fresh fruits, or vegetables,etc. It has milk-shake like consistency even thicker then slush.

So this summer lets make something really healthy and yummy orange and mango drink.

Ingredients:
1 cup orange juice
2 mangoes, peeled, chopped into chunks and frozen for half hour
1 banana ,peeled, chopped into chunks and frozen for half hour
2 oranges,peeled, chopped into chunks and frozen for half hour
1/2 cup soy milk or normal milk
1 1/2 cup orange or vanilla flavored French yogurt
4-5 tsp honey

Direction:

In a blender, place all the ingredients. Cover ; blend until you get a thick consistency mixture. Pour this into tall glasses and garnish them with mint leaves, or orange pieces, or mango pieces.

Do let us know how was this yummy, healthy, and tasty smothie.

Mexican Rice (Spanish Rice)

2011-05-11T15:12:00.001+05:30

Mexican Rice is a yet another side dish from Mexican Cuisine. These are made from white rice, garlic, onion, peppers and other ingredients.
This is a very simple recipe, here we have mentioned some ingredients but you can always add or subtract ingredients to suite your taste. So lets see what ingredients we will need

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup white rice, uncooked
2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
2 1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/4 onion, chopped
1/2 cup tomato, paste
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1/2 cup green peas
1/2 cup American corn
1-2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 lime juice
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
salt to taste

Directions:

Place the saucepan with oil in it, over medium heat. Now add garlic and onion , saute until softened. Add rice and cook with onion and garlic till it turns golden brown. Now tomato paste, all spices (no cilantro) , lime juice, vegetables and vegetable broth. Reduce the heat cover the saucepan and cook it for 15 min approx. Make sure that the broth is absorbed.

Transfer the rice into serving bowl, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

As we said it being a side dish is served with all the Mexican cuisine, to name some burrito, enchilada, quesadilla, etc.

Enchilada

2011-05-09T18:09:00.004+05:30

Enchilada is yet another recipe from Mexican origin. It has many variants but we are making one with refried bean.
So now we are going to divide recipe into 3 parts.

ENCHILADA SAUCE

Ingredients:

2 tbsp butter

2 tsp flour

5-6 tsp red chili powder

1 1/2 tsp cumin powder

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp onion powder

2 tsp oregano powder

2-3 tomato paste

2-3 cup vegetable broth or water

2 cup tomato sauce

1 tbsp sugar (optional)

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a sauce pan heat, melt butter on low heat (make sure you don't burn it). Then add flour, and whisk it with a wired whisker and form a paste.Now add water or vegetable broth.Add tomato paste, spices and tomato sauce.Stir well till you get the right consistency of a sauce.

STUFFING

Ingredients:

1 small onion, chopped

2 cup black beans, soaked overnight

1 medium tomato

1 tsp chili powder

1tbsp garlic, minced

1 tbsp olive oil

1 cup cottage cheese (hindi: panner), shredded

salt to taste

Directions:

Place a saucepan with beans and bring to boil. Once they are cooked drain them. Now in a pan heat 1tbsp olive oil. Add garlic and onion, saute them until golden brown. Now add beans, chili powder, tomato,shredded cottage cheese, and salt to taste. Let it simmer until beans and cottage cheese are soft. Add water to get desired consistency. Transfer in another plate.

ASSEMBLING THE ENCHILADA

Ingredients:

2-3 tortillas

1-2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

oil for frying

1 cup green or red salsa (optional)

1 cup mayonnaise or sour cream(optional)

To Garnish:

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1 cup black olives, chopped

Directions:

The method we using is a typical Mexican way of making enchilada. Take oil in a frying pan, heat it. Now dip the tortilla in it and it it out. Now in an plate or bowl take the enchilada sauce and dip the tortilla in the sauce.

Now add the stuffing the we have made in the second part, add some cheese and roll it. Top it up with some more enchilada sauce over it and add fresh cilantro, cheese and olives.

Serve these spicy enchiladas with red or green salsa, mayonnaise. Also you can serve these with Mexican rice.

Let us know how it did turn up.

Falafel Pita Sandwich

2011-05-07T12:33:00.001+05:30

Falafel Pita Sandwich is just another way of enjoying the falafel with soft pita bread., also making it more fuller meal.
Lets get started,

Ingredients:
2-3 Falafel balls or patty
1 Pita bread
1 small onion, coarsely chopped
1 cup lettuce chopped
1 cup tomatoes
1 cup green pepper
1/2 cup cilantro
2tbsp tahini sauce
2tbsp sour cream
2tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup vinaigrette salad dressing or Italian salad dressing
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup mustard sauce
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cut the pita bread and make a pocket. Mix sour cream, tahini, lemon juice until blended. Refrigerate until ready to use. Combine tomatoes, cucumber, cilantro, onion, green pepper, lettuce and salad dressing. Now first stuff pita pocket with sour cream mixture.Then add the falafel patty, again stuff in the vegetable mixture. Drizzle it with mustard sauce, mayonnaise, salt and pepper.

Tip:

Serve it immediately otherwise it would become sloggy.

So now your falafel sandwich is ready to eat, serve it with chilled ice tea and some vinegared salad.

Nachos

2011-05-05T16:55:00.001+05:30

Mexican in origin associated with Tex-Mex cuisine, Nachos are easy to make and quick to serve snack or an appetizer.
You can add more ingredients like beans, vegetables, corns to make it a fuller meal. But we making a lighter version. Lets check out what you will need.

Ingredients:

1 bag tortilla chips
3 tbsp Butter
2 tbsp cornstarch or all purpose flour or flour
1 cup milk
2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup cream cheese
4-5 slices of American processed cheese
1-2 garlic cloves, minced or garlic powder 1tsp
1/2 tsp onion powder
2tbsp pesto sauce
1tbsp red salsa
1tbsp sour cream
1tbsp mayonnaise
1/4 tsp cannon powder
1/2 tsp paprika

3 tbsp chopped capsicum or olives as per liking

Directions:

Place a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and stir in the corn starch. Now pour in milk and mix it make sure
lumps don't form. Then add cream cheese until the mixture is fully blended. Keep stirring it, meanwhile add cheddar cheese and processed cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, cannon powder, paprika. Stir it until cheese has melted and all the ingredients are well blended.

Assembling:

Take a serving dish place the tortilla chips, then pour the cheese sauce over it. Now top it up with chopped capsicum or olives, then drizzle pesto sauce, red salsa, sour cream and mayonnaise.

Make sure you serve it hot. Best serve it with cold drinks or pasta.

Tips:

Use a rubber spatula as the mixture tends to be too sticky.To know whether you sauce turned well there is a small trick, if the mixture turns chalky and grainy then something is wrong with it and if its silky smooth then its bang on mark.

Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

2011-05-04T18:32:00.002+05:30

Bruschetta is yet another appetizer from central Italy. Its made from roasted bread rubbed by garlic and topped with extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper. You can create variations by adding topping of tomato, onion and mozzarella etc.
It the most simplest recipe and you can't go wrong on this one. So lets get started making another Italian appetizer.

Ingredients:

1 French loaf or similar Italian bread
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated or shredded
1 large tomatoes , chopped or 8-10 cherry tomatoes
olive oil for brushing
2 garlic cloves , minced
1tsp balsamic vinegar
4-6 freshly chopped basil
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 200C. Slice the bread on a diagonal about 10cm thick slices.Using a pastry brush coat each side of slice with olive oil. Place on a baking sheet, the olive side down. Toast them on the top rack in your oven, for 5-6 min. Till the bread gets toasted we make the mixture, put tomatoes, 1tbsp extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, basil in a bowl and mix. Add salt and pepper.Once the toast is ready rub garlic in the slices and drizzle half teaspoon olive oil on each slice.Now top each slice with tomato mixture, do it right before serving otherwise it will make the bread soggy. Lastly sprinkle Parmesan cheese and chopped basil.

This super yummy and most simple appetizer can be served as snack or best with pizza.

Margarita Pizza from scratch

2011-05-03T18:52:00.004+05:30

Originating in Neapolitan cuisine, Pizza is an oven-baked, flat, disc shaped bread topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings.
This recipe is divided into three parts

PIZZA DOUGH

Ingredients:

2-3g dry yeast
40ml luke warm water
50g all-purpose flour
1tsp salt
1tsp sugar (powdered)
semolina or cornmeal for dusting
1tsp extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil

Directions:

Combine the water, yeast and sugar in a small bowl. Set it aside until foamy. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt, make a well in center. Add the yeast mixture and oil. By using your hands bring the dough together in a bowl. Now brush a bowl lightly with oil. Cover and rise until doubled in volume, about 1-2 hours.
Turn the dough on a well floured surface.Form the dough into a round and roll out into a pizza shape.

Note:

The dough can be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for up to 2 days.

PIZZA SAUCE

Ingredients:

2tbsp olive oil, to saute
2cup tomato paste
4-5 tbsp tomato sauce
2-3 garlic clove,crushed
1 sweet onion, finely diced and minced
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp dried rosemary
1/2 tbsp chopped basil leaves
1tbsp ground paprika(optional: to make it bit spicy)
1- 1 1/2 cup water
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

Over medium heat, heat oil in a saucepan until hot. Add garlic,onion and all the spices.Now add tomato paste and water.Stir well and bring to a shimmer boil.You can add touch of sugar if the tomatoes are tart. Shimmer on a low flame for right desired consistency.

Note:

After the sauce has cooled down, store in a airtight container in a refrigerator.This can be used up to one week.

THE FINAL STEP:

Lightly top up the dough with sauce and then with lots of shredded mozzarella. Place the pizza in a preheated oven for about 10-12 min. Meanwhile do keep peeking in for even baking. Remove from the oven and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool a bit before slicing and serving.

So the all time favorite Margarita is ready to eat. You can serve it with Garlic bread as starters and Ice-tea for drinks. Do tell us how it turned out or any queries regarding recipes.

Submarine sandwich

2011-04-29T13:05:00.001+05:30

Submarine sandwich or popularly also known as the sub. The sandwich originated in Northeastern United States. It was basically created to entice the large numbers of navy servicemen.
So lets get started.

Ingredients:

1 French loaf or buns
2-3 cheese slices
1cup shredded lettuce
1 medium thinly sliced tomato
1/2 medium thinly sliced onion
1 medium green bell pepper thinly sliced
1 medium red bell pepper thinly sliced
1cup black or green olives sliced
1tbsp pasta sauce
1tbsp hot sauce
1tbsp tomato sauce
1tbsp chili sauce
2-3tbsp mayonnaise or sour cream
salt, pepper & oregano powder to taste
2-4 small skewers

Directions:

Spilt the loaf lengthwise in half or opened in a "V" on one side. Now layer cheese slices, lettuce, tomato, onion, green pepper, red pepper, olives on bread. Then drizzle all the sauces,sour cream, salt, pepper and oregano. Secure the loaf with skewers.

Serve it with cold drinks or ice tea and also with some potato chips. You can make this more healthier buy subtracting mayonnaise or sour cream, also can add or subtract topping according to your choice. If you like it do let me know.

(image courtesy)