Lav's Kitchen

Black Forest Cake - Eggless

2015-02-13T13:26:00.001-08:00

Black Forest Cake is a Swiss-German traditional specialty dessert and is one of the most popular sponge delicacy that is hard to resist!!

Ingredients

All purpose flour - 1 1/2 cups
Baking powder - 1 1/2 tsp
Baking soda - 3/4 tsp
Cocoa powder - 3 tblsp
Condensed milk - 1 cup
Melted butter - 3/4 cup
Vanilla frosting - 32 oz / 900 gms container
Hershey mildly sweet Chocolate bar - 6.8 oz /192 gms
Vanilla essence - 1 tsp
Water - 1 cup
Canned cherries for decoration

Method

Preheat the oven at 350 degree F / 180 degree C
Grease an 8 inch round cake pan with butter and keep it aside
In a large mixing bowl sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and cocoa powder
In another bowl mix melted butter, vanilla essence, water and condensed milk using a whisker
Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well with out any lumps
Pour the cake batter to the greased pan
Bake it for 40 minutes or until an inserted tooth pick comes out clean
Remove the cake from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack completely before frosting
Now cut the cake into 2 layers using a big knife
Transfer one layer onto a plate or turn table and spread some frosting
Place another layer over the frosting
Spread a thick layer of frosting evenly using a flat spatula or big knife over the cake
I decorated the cake with rosette border using tip 18, you can just leave it plain
Peel the chocolate bar using a peeler to make the gratings
Sprinkle it on top and onto the sides of the cake
Decorate with cherries on the top

Nutritional Information

Per slice = 340 calories approximately

Sprouted Brown Chickpea Curry

2015-01-27T12:53:00.002-08:00

Sprouted brown chickpea curry is highly nutritious, tasty and easily digestible dish. Sprouting reduces the cooking time and also it helps lower blood sugar levels. Sprouted chickpea curry with rice / roti makes a robust and filling meal.

Ingredients Serves - 4

Sprouted brown chickpea - 1 cup
Chopped onion - 1 cup
Chopped tomatoes - 1 cup
Ginger - 1/2 inch
Garlic - 2 cloves
Roasted gram - 1 tblsp
Fennel seeds - 1 tsp
Chili powder - 1 tsp
Coriander powder - 1 tsp
Garam masala - 1/2 tsp
Yogurt - 2 tblsp
Oil - 1 tblsp
salt to taste

Method

Soak chickpea in water for 10 to 12 hours
Remove the water and put in a muslin cloth - tie and hang it for 1-2 days in a warm place
If using soup strainer, just cover the chickpea in the strainer with a damp cloth and keep it in a warm place
Spray or sprinkle water to keep the sprout moist

Grind tomato, ginger, garlic and roasted gram into a smooth paste and keep it aside

Heat the pressure cooker pan with oil add fennel seeds when it pops add chopped onion

Saute till translucent, add grounded paste and mix well
Add dry spices - chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, yogurt and salt

Mix everything well and add sprouted brown chickpea
Add enough water and pressure cook for 3 whistles

Serve hot with jeera rice or roti

Nutritional Information

Sprouted brown chickpeas are low in calorie and high in dietry fibre
Sprouted chickpeas are also high in Protien and low in fat
Sprouted brown chickpeas are also rich in vitamin and minerals
Per serving = 120 calories approximately

Ragi Adai / Finger Millet Savoury Pancake

2015-01-20T10:13:00.000-08:00

Ragi / Nachni (finger millet) is gluten free and a great source of energy, which is also a traditional food in India. Recently I tried Ragi Adai, which was so filling and has ever since become a favorite 'Brunch' with my folks!

Ingredients Yields - 12

Ragi flour / finger millet flour - 2 cups
Finley chopped onions - 1/2 cup
Coarsely grounded peanuts - 1/4 cup
Chopped green chillies - 2 tblsp
Curry Leaves - few
Salt to taste
Oil - 2 tblsp

Method

In a mixing bowl add ragi flour, chopped onions, green chillies, peanuts,curry leaves and salt

Add warm water and make a dough
Take lemon size dough on a greased banana leaf or a zip lock bag and flatten the dough with your fingers
Heat the tawa or griddle with 1 tsp oil and transfer the flattened dough to the tawa
If you are using zip lock bag, transfer the dough first to your hands and then to the tawa
You can also flatten the dough directly on the tawa make sure the flame is on low
Drizzle oil around the adai and cook both sides on medium heat
Serve hot with chutney or sambar

Nutritional Information

Ragi is rich in Calcium, Iron, Protein, Fiber and other minerals.
Ragi has low fat content and contains mainly unsaturated fat.
It is also easy to digest and does not contain gluten
Each Ragi adai = 80 calories approximately

Patra

2015-01-12T09:02:00.000-08:00

Patra is one of the most popular savory snack in North India. Patra is made from Arbi / colocasia leaves. It is steamed cooked and seasoned with Indian spices. Yummy tea time low calorie snack!

Ingredients - Serves 4

Colocasia / Arbi leaves - 5 to 6 nos
Besan - 1/2 cup
Tamarind pulp - 2 tblsp
Jaggery - 2 tsp
Sesame seeds - 1tblsp
Baking soda - pinch
Asafoetida - pinch
Ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp
Chilli powder - 1 tsp
Turmeric power - 1/2 tsp
Garam masala - 1/2 tsp
Oil - 1 tblsp
Salt to taste

Method

Soak tamarind in 1/4 cup of warm water for 15 minutes and strain to get thick pulp

Take the colocasia leaves and remove the thick stems without damaging the leaves

In a small bowl mix besan flour, jaggery, 1/2 tblsp sesame seeds, asafoetida, baking soda, ginger garlic paste, chilli powder, turmeric powder, salt and garam masala powder

Add tamarind pulp and oil to make a thick paste

Take a leaf, place the vein side up and apply the paste

Place another leaf over it and apply the paste

Repeat it with all the leaves and roll one end to another

Arrange the rolled up leaves in a plate and steam it for about 15 mins
Allow it to cool and then slice the Patra in half inch thickness
Heat the pan with oil and add mustard seeds and remaining sesame seeds
When it pops add the slices, give a nice mix
Garnish with the chopped coriander leaves and is ready to be served

Nutritional Information

Colocasia leaves are rich in Vitamin A & C which is good for vision and for healthy skin
The Iron content in Colocasia leaves helps improve the quality of blood and acts as a boost to liver health
This is also rich in Potassium, which helps to lower blood pressure
Besan / Chickpea flour has good source of fiber; getting more fiber in your diet may reduce the risk of heart diseases and Diabetes
Per serving = 25 calories approximately

Tutti Frutti Christmas Cookies - Eggless

2014-12-22T09:44:00.000-08:00

Celebration time with eggless tutti frutti cookies!!! These colorful and yummy cookies are a perfect treat for this holiday season. My family loves the candied orange peel twist.

Ingredients - Yields 40 Cookies

All purpose flour (Maida) - 1 cup
Powdered sugar - 1/2 cup
Melted butter - 6 tblsp
Tutti Frutti / Candied fruits - 1/2 cup
Milk - 2 to 3 tblsp

Method

In a mixing bowl, beat sugar and butter until nice and fluffy using a whisk or hand beater

Add flour, tutti frutti and mix well

Sprinkle milk little by little to make into a dough

Place the dough on butter paper and roll the dough like a log

Wrap the log in the butter paper and freeze for 45 minutes

Take the dough from the freezer and slice it with a sharp knife
Pre heat the oven at 350 F for 10 minutes
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn slightly brown
Store in a airtight container

Note - Check the cookies in the oven after 10 minutes as these cookies tend to burn quickly

Nutritional Information

Each Tutti frutti cookie = 40 calories approximately

Quinoa Dosa / Crepe

2014-12-17T12:17:00.000-08:00

Quinoa is a healthy and nutritious grain which is gluten-free and rich in Protein, Fiber and Minerals. Quinoa is crunchy, nutty and fluffy which makes it easy to use with several recipes. I tried few recipes with Quinoa that came out well - porridge, salad and pulao to name a few.

Ingredients

Quinoa - 1 cup ( I used pre-washed )
Brown rice - 1/2 cup
Cracked wheat - 3/4 cup
Urad dhal - 1/4 cup
Salt to taste
Oil for dosa

Method

Wash brown rice and urad dhal well
Soak it along with Quinoa and cracked wheat for about 3 to 4 hours
Grind into a smooth batter along with required salt in a mixer or wet grinder
Ferment over night; the batter will rise in 8 to 10 hours
If you live in a colder place, you can pre-heat the conventional oven for 10 minutes and keep the batter inside the oven
Heat tawa/ griddle with 1 tsp of oil and pour a laddle full of batter on the tawa
Spread the batter evenly over the tawa using the laddle and add 1/2 tsp of oil
Allow it to cook in medium flame for few minutes, flip it to the other side and cook well
Serve hot with chutney or sambar

Nutritional Information

Quinoa is rich in Protein, Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, Iron, Vitamin E and dietary Fiber
Quinoa is high in Anti-inflammatory pytonutrients which is essential for prevention and treatment of diseases
Quinoa has a low glycemic index which keep your blood sugar levels steady
Brown rice is high in fiber which protects against cardiovascular diseases
Brown rice is also rich in soluble fiber which helps to lower bad LDL cholesterol in blood
Each Quinoa dosa = 145 calories approximately

Oats Peanut Ladoo

2014-12-12T10:14:00.000-08:00

Oats Peanut ladoos (sweet balls) are made with just 4 healthy ingredients, yes only 4. No baking or cooking is required, which makes it even better! Peanut balls are rich in protein, healthy and portable. Perfect for road trips, kid's school lunch boxes or for tea time snacking, but it has worked as one of the best desserts at my place!

Ingredients - Yields 15

Roasted peanuts - 1 cup
Quick cooking oats - 1/2 cup
Brown sugar - 1/2 cup
Honey - 2 tblspn

Method

Dry roast oats in a pan until it becomes light brown in color
In a mixer or food processor, grind peanuts into a smooth powder
Then add oats, brown sugar and honey
Grind all the ingredients well until they come together
Transfer the dough into a plate and mix well
Make small ladoos / balls out of the dough
Store it in a airtight box

Note - If you have difficulty in making ladoos / balls just add honey to bring it together.

Nutritional information

Peanuts are rich in Protein, Vitamin and Minerals
Peanuts are also rich in Monounsaturated fat which is good for heart
Oats are low in Sodium and can help reduce Cholesterol
Oats are rich in soluble fibre and can reduce Hypertension
Each Oats Peanut ladoo = 95 calories approximately

Fresh Green Pea Soup

2014-12-10T09:10:00.000-08:00

A hearty pea soup with simple Indian spices for a satisfying dinner. It is also a great way to include seasonal vegetables in our diet.

Ingredients Serves - 2

Chopped onions - 1/2 cup

Peas - 1 cup

Grated ginger - 1 tblsp

Bay leaf - 1 no

Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Vegetable stock or water - 2 cups

Salt and pepper for taste

Oil - 1 tblsp

Method

Heat a pan with oil, add grated ginger and cumin seeds - saute for a minute
Add onions, bay leaf and saute till translucent
Add peas, required salt and stock
Simmer it for 15 minutes with lid on
Remove from the stove and allow it to cool (remove the bay leaf)
Puree it in the blender
Pour the puree in the pan and reheat it
Add pepper and serve with hot bread sticks or croutons

Nutritional Information

Green peas is loaded with Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory nutrients
Green peas lowers the risk of most inflammatory diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and arthritis.
Consumption of Green peas along with other legumes decreases the risk of stomach cancer
Per serving = 70 calories approximately

Pori Urundai

2014-12-05T05:34:00.000-08:00

Karthigai Deepam is an auspicious festival celebrated in south India. During this festival, oil lamps are lit in rows around our homes. Traditionally, Pori urundai (Puffed rice ball) is prepared during Karthigai Deepam. This Crunchy pori (puffed rice) in jaggery makes this occasion even more special!!

Ingredients - Yields 16 to18

Pori / Puffed rice - 4 cups
Jaggery - 1 cup
Water - 1/2 cup
Cardamom powder - 1/2 tsp
Ginger powder - 1/4 tsp
Rice flour for dusting

Method

Heat a pan with 1/2 cup of water and add jaggery

Melt jaggery and filter to remove impurities
In the same pan add filtered jaggery water, cardamom powder and ginger powder
Bring it to boil
Take little water in a small bowl and add few drops of boiling jaggery to check for right consistency
Jaggery should not dissolve in water, you must be able to make a hard ball out of it
I used a candy thermometer - until it reaches hard ball stage

At this stage remove the pan and mix the jaggery to the pori
Dust your hands with rice flour and quickly make balls out of it

Notes - The consistency of the jaggery is very important. Make balls when it is warm otherwise the pori will stick to your hands.

Nutritional Information

Pori / Puffed rice is less in calories
Each pori urundai = 50 calories approximately

Avocado Chapati

2014-12-01T10:22:00.001-08:00

Avocado is a very buttery and delicious fruit, which is rich in Vitamins, Minerals and Phytonutrients. I have tried Avocado sandwich, salad and dip but this soft Avocado chapati came out as the winner because of its natural butteriness.

Ingredients - Yields 8 to 10

Wheat flour - 2 cup

Avocado - 1 (peeled and pitted)

Chillie powder - 1 tsp

Lemon juice - 1 tblsp

Ajwain - 1 tsp

Salt to taste

Oil - 2 tblsp

Method

In mixing bowl mash avocado with lemon juice

Add flour, chillie powder, ajwain and salt

Knead the dough well (add water if needed)

Apply a spoon of oil over the dough to prevent it from drying
Cover the dough and keep it aside for 15 minutes
Make medium size balls, place it on a floured surface and roll it out with the rolling pin
Heat a tava and place the rolled chapati on it
Cook in medium flame on both sides until nice brown spots appear
Apply oil and serve with a suitable side dish

Nutritional Information

Avocados are rich in vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium - you need to eat two or three bananas to obtain the potassium content of one avocado
Great source of potassium in avocado helps in controlling high blood pressure
Avocado is rich in fibre , protein and also high in fat content, but it is mostly the monounsaturated fat which is a healthy fat variety
The avocado has 200 calories for 100 grams. Due to the high amounts of calories, avocado is a best diet for people who want to gain weight
Each Chapati = 155 calories approximately

Buttermilk Oats (Mor Kazhi)

2014-11-26T07:30:00.001-08:00

Mor (Buttermilk) kazhi is usually prepared using rice flour but I replaced it with oats flour to make it bit interesting for my kids. This recipe is very simple, quick and healthy.

Ingredients - Serves 4

Quick cooking oats flour - 2 cups

Butter milk - 2 cups

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Bengal gram dhal - 1 tsp

Urad dhal - 1 tsp

Mor milagai - 2 nos (or dry chillies)

Asafoetida - pinch

Curry leaves - few

Salt to taste

Oil - 1 tblsp

Method

Soak oats flour in butter milk for 5 minutes with required salt (add water to the flour if required to make it into a dosa batter consistency)

Heat a non-stick pan with oil and add mustard seeds

When it pops add urad dhal, bengal gram dhal, curry leaves, mor milagai ( this is nothing but green chillies soaked in yogurt with salt and sun dried) and asafoetida

Fry till dhal turns golden brown
Now add soaked oats and mix well
Cook in medium flame for 5 to 10 minutes
Serve hot with sambar or pickel

Note - oats flour - just grind the quick cooking oats in a mixer to make flour

Nutritional Information

Oats is low in sodium and can help reduce cholesterol
Oats is rich in soluble fibre and can reduce hypertension
Per serving = 450 calories approximately

Aromatic Potato Curry

2014-11-24T07:35:00.002-08:00

Potato sauteed in freshly ground masala. This curry is very flavorful and goes well with rice or roti.

Ingredients - Serves 4

Large potato - 2 (peeled and diced)
Sliced onions - 1 cup
Coriander seeds - 1 tblsp
Grated coconut - 1 tblsp
Dry chillies - 2 nos
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Peppercorns - 1 tsp
Asafoetida - pinch
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
Oil - 2 tblsp
Salt to taste

Method

Grind coriander, red chillies, cumin seeds, pepper corns and coconut - keep it aside
Heat the pan with oil add mustard seeds, when it pops add asafoetida and onions

Sauté for few minutes and add diced potatoes

Sprinkle little water and add required salt

When the potatoes are partialy cooked add grounded masala

Mix well and cook it in a medium flame

Cook till potatoes are crispy

Serve hot with rice or roti

Nutritional Information

Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, B6, copper, potassium, dietary fiber and also contain a variety of phytonutrients that have antioxidants
Per serving = 215 calories approxiately

Capsicum Peanut Masala

2014-11-18T06:52:00.000-08:00

Capsicum in tangy and spicy peanut sauce is a perfect side dish with roti, pulkas and jeera rice

Ingredients - Serves 4

Capsicum - 1 cup ( any colour, diced)
Chopped onions - 1 cup
Chopped Tomatoes - 1/2 cup
Roasted peanuts - 1/4 cup
Roasted Sesame seeds - 1 tblsp
Chilli powder - 1 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Thick tamarind juice - 2 tblsp
Cinnamon stick - 1/2 inch
Jaggery - 2 tsp
Salt to taste
Oil - 2 tblsp

Method

Grind roasted peanuts and sesame seeds into a smooth paste by adding water
Heat the pan with oil and add cinnamon stick
Add onion and sauté till translucent
Now add tomatoes and sauté for few minutes
Add capsicum, chilli powder, turmeric powder, tamarind juice and required salt
Cook capsicum in a medium heat until soft not mushy
Add grounded paste and little water
Stir well and simmer it for few minutes (until you get required consistency)
Add jaggery and coriander leaves and mix well
Serve hot with roti or jeera rice

Nutritional Information

Capsicum contains high concentrations of anti-oxidant compounds that have nutritional benefits. These compounds help protect our body from harmful toxins and free radicals that cause aging and skin damage.
Red capsicum is high in vitamin C
Peanuts are rich in protein, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants
Per Serving = 120 calories approximately

Sponge Dosa

2014-11-12T08:32:00.000-08:00

Sponge dosa is a very simple and tasty breakfast recipe (no need for fermenting). This softy is a hit with my kids!!

Ingredients - Yields 18 dosas

Parboiled rice - 2 cups
Poha - 1/4 cup
Butter milk - 3 cups
Baking soda - 1/4 tsp
Methi seeds - 1 tsp
Salt to taste
Oil - 3 to 4 tbsp

Method

Wash rice and poha / aval and soak in butter milk along with methi seeds for 8 to 10 hrs
Grind into a smooth batter, add baking soda and required salt
Heat dosa tawa with 1 tsp of oil and pour a ladle full of batter on the tawa
Spread the batter evenly over the tawa using the ladle and add ½ tsp of oil
Cover it with a lid and cook for few minutes in a medium flame
No need to flip this softy over!!
Serve with chutney or sambar

Nutritional Information

Poha is low in sodium, fat and cholesterol. It is easily digestible

Poha controls blood pressure and lowers the risk of heart diseases

Per serving = 125 calories approximately

Peas Masala

2014-11-07T07:20:00.000-08:00

My kids are not keen on peas so I wanted to make it little interesting for them with some healthy homemade spices. Green peas in a spicy tomato gravy goes well with chapathi, roti or even jeera rice.

Ingredients - Serves 4

Fresh or frozen peas - 1 cup

Sliced onions - 1 cup

Tomato puree - 2 tblsp

Cashew nuts - 6 to 8

Ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp

Turmeric powder - 1 tsp

Chilli powder - 1 tsp

Coriander powder - 1/2 tsp

Garam masala powder - 1/2 tsp

Jeera - 1/2 tsp

Dry methi leaves - 2 tblsp

Salt to taste

Oil - 2 tblsp

Method

Soak cashews in warm water for 10 minutes and grind it into a smooth paste

Heat the pan with a tablespoon of oil and add sliced onions

Saute for a minute and add ginger garlic paste

Saute till raw smell leaves and allow it to cool down

Grind saute onion and ginger garlic into smooth paste

Heat pan with oil and add jeera - when it pops add grounded paste, peas, tomato puree, turmeric powder, chilli powder, coriander powder and garam masala

Cook till peas are tender and gravy thickens up

Now add cashew paste, dry methi leaves and bring it to boil

Serve hot with roti or jeera rice

Nutritional Information

Green peas is loaded with Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory nutrients
Green peas lowers the risk of most inflammatory diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and arthritis.
Consumption of Green peas along with other legumes decreases the risk of stomach cancer
Per serving = 185 calories approximately

Homemade Cinnamon Buns

2014-11-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

Warm homemade cinnamon buns topped with crunchy walnuts and melting brown sugar, fresh from the oven... what a great way to treat your friends and family on a cool evening!

Ingredients - Serves 4

All purpose flour - 2 cups
Yeast - 2tsp
Butter - 4 tblsp
Sugar - 4 tblsp
Salt - 1/2 tsp
Warm milk - 3/4 cup
Oil - 1 tblsp

For spread

Brown sugar - 4 tblsp
Cinnamon powder - 1 tblsp
Walnuts - 3 tblsp ( chopped)

For glazing

Powdered sugar - 1/2 cup
Vanilla essence - 1/2 tsp
Butter - 1 tsp
Milk - 2 tblsp

Method

In a large bowl add sugar,salt,yeast and warm milk, let it sit for 10 minutes
The yeast and milk mixture will become foamy

After 10 mins add flour and knead for approximately 5 min or until the dough becomes soft and smooth

Keep the dough aside
Coat the bowl with 1 tsp of oil and place the dough in it
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it sit for an hour
The dough will be double the size after an hour

Now knead the dough again and spread it like a chapatti with a roller

Sprinkle cinnamon, walnuts and brown sugar evenly

Roll the dough from one end to another and cut into 1 inch thick swirls

Let it rest for 20 minutes

Preheat the oven at 180 C / 350 F

In the meantime whisk butter, sugar and milk till it reaches a thick flow-able consistency
Bake the cinnamon swirls for 30-40 min till golden brown
Remove the baking tray and let it cool

Drizzle the glaze over the rolls and serve warm

Nutritional Information

Cinnamon buns are rich in carbohydrates
Walnuts decreases LDL cholesterol and increases omega 3 fatty acid in red blood cells
Per serving = 200 Calories approximately

Aval / Poha Payasam

2012-08-09T12:06:00.001-07:00

Sri Krishna Jayanthi or Gokulashtami is the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna and is celebrated all over India. I prepared aval payasam as an offering for Lord Krishna. It is a very healthy & easy to make recipe.

Ingredients - Serves 4

Aval / Poha - 3/4 cup

Brown sugar/ Sugar - 1/2 cup

Milk - 2 cups + 1/2 cup

Broken cashew nuts - 2 tblsp

Raisins - 1 tblsp

Cardamom powder - 1/2 tsp

Grated coconut - 2 tblsp

Ghee - 1 tbsp

Method

Heat the pan with ghee and fry aval and grated coconut to light brown colour - remove & keep it aside

In the same pan heat the remaining ghee and fry cashew nuts and raisins to nice golden brown - remove and keep it aside

Boil the milk in the pan and simmer it for 5 - 10 minutes or until the milk slightly thickens up

Now add sugar, cardamom powder and mix well

Now add fried aval and coconut to the boiling milk
Cook the aval in the milk for 10 to 15 minutes until it is done

Add fried cashew nuts & raisins - Stir thoroughly & switch off the flame

Serve hot or cold

Note - Aval absorbs the milk so add 1/2 cup of milk before serving.

Nutritional Information

Poha is low in sodium, fat and cholesterol. It is easily digestible
Poha controls blood pressure and lowers the risk of heart diseases
Per serving = 275 calories approximately

My 1st Award

2012-08-08T13:50:00.005-07:00

My 1st Award - Liebster Award

I have got my 1st award from Divya Pramil youtoocancookindianfood.blogspot.in. She has got delicious recipes and she is a dedicated blogger. I love her recipes and thank her so much for sharing this award with me.

Frends please do visit her space youtoocancookindianfood.blogspot.in

Rules to be accomplished;

Rule 1: Post 11 things about yourself

Rule 2: Answer the tagger's questions

Rule 3: Tag and pass the awards to 11 other bloggers

Rule 4: Create 11 questions for the bloggers to answer

Rule 5: Go to bloggers page and inform them about the awards

Rule 6: No tagging back

Rule 1:

11 things about me

Cooking
Ilayaraja's melodies
Playing with kids
Travel around the world
Shopping
Watching thriller movies
Enjoy exercise
Devotional music
Internet surfing
Long drive
Photography

Rule 2:

Answer tagger's questions..

What was the inspiration behind your blog? - Other bloggers & cooking

Which one do you prefer: A vacation trip to mountains or islands? - Islands

Craziest thing you've ever done - Went shopping one day without locking my front door!!!

What is your idea for a perfect breakfast? - Traditional Idli

Who is your favorite blogger? - Show me the curry.com - Hetal & Anuja

What kind of music do you enjoy? - Ilayaraja's Melodies

What is your idea of a perfect vacation? - My perfect vacation would be to go on a cruise to Islands of Hawaii

What is your favorite past time? - Watching movies & blogging

Which is your favorite place to shop in this world? Why? - The largest shopping mall -The King of Prussia Mall in Pennsylvania Philadelphia.
Are you active or quite or calm person? - Very active person

What quality do you most like in yourself and why? - Time management!! I organise and preplan my day

Rule 3 :
I would love to pass this award to

chitrascuisine.blogspot.co.uk - Chitra Dinesh
http://www.spiceupthecurry.com - Kanan
eastrwestkitchenisthebest.blogspot.co.uk/ - Sandhya
http://www.lavsblog.com/ - Lavanya (Veggie Delight)

Which planet is closest to the sun? Which planet is closest to the sun? Which planet is closest to the sun?

Hi friends please do accept my awards and tag your other fellow bloggers

Chewy Energy Bars

2012-08-03T08:01:00.001-07:00

Delicious chewy homemade energy bar is healthy and less expensive than store purchased ones. You can make this recipe using oven but I prefer stove top which is much easier and quicker.

Ingredients - Yields 8 Mini Bars

Old fashioned oats - 1/2 cup

Quick cooking oats - 1/2 cup

Corn flakes - 1/2 cup

Honey - 1/4 cup

Brown sugar - 2 tblsp

Water - 1/4 cup

Butter - 2 tblsp

Almond essence - 1/2 tsp

Raisins & Chopped almonds - 1/2 cup (or any dry fruits and nuts)

Method

Heat the pan and dry roast oats & cornflakes for 5 minutes or until a nice aroma comes - keep it aside

Using the same pan, add butter heat till it melts

Now add honey, brown sugar, almond essence and water, heat it until the mixture starts to boil

Now add roasted oats, cornflakes, raisins & almonds

Mix well and transfer it to a greased tray

Spread & press it using a spoon to 1/2 inch thickness

Allow it to cool for 5mins and then cut into bars

Store it in an airtight container

Nutritional Information

Oats is a good source of vitamins B & E, thiamine, riboflavin, B6 and folate
Oats is low in sodium and can help reduce cholesterol
Per serving = 150 calories approximately

Aloo Paratha

2012-07-30T02:20:00.001-07:00

This irresistible paratha is stuffed with spicy mixture of mashed potato. I like to make parathas very often because it is easy to make and goes very well with pickle or raita.

Ingredients - Serves 4

For the Chapathi dough

Wheat flour - 2 cups

Oil - 1 tsp

Salt to taste

For the Aloo filling

Potatoes - 2 large

Coriander leaves - few

Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp

Jeera powder - 1/2 tsp

Red chilli powder - 1 tsp

Salt - to taste
Oil / ghee - 1 tblsp

Method

In a large bowl mix wheat flour and salt
Sprinkle water little by little to make a stiff dough and knead the dough well
Apply a spoon of oil over the dough to prevent from drying
Cover the dough and keep it aside for 15 minutes
Pressure cook the potatoes until soft and mash it well without any lumps
Mix all the ingredients under for 'aloo filling' together

Take a golf ball sized portion of the chapathi dough and roll it out with the rolling pin

Take a small lemon sized ball of filling and place it in the centre of the rolled dough
Close the dough as shown in the picture below

Dust the dough with flour and roll it out carefully with the rolling pin to make a thick paratha

Heat the tava and place the paratha on it and cook till golden brown spots appear on both sides by spreading a teaspoon of oil or ghee

Serve hot with pickle or raita

Nutritional Information

Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, B6, copper, potassium, dietary fiber and also contain a variety of phytonutrients that have antioxidants
Per serving = 150 calories approximately

Fresh Homemade Guacamole

2012-07-25T03:20:00.001-07:00

Homemade guacamole with crispy tortilla chips are superb for snacking. Guacamole is very easy to make with commonly available ingredients. This is one of my favourite dishes.

Ingredients - Serves 4

Avocado - 2 nos

Onion - 1 small

Tomato - 1 medium

Jalapeno pepper - 1 no

Lime juice - 2 tblsp

Cilantro - few

Salt to taste

Method

Cut the avocados lengthwise in half around the seed - Scoop out and throw away the seed and use a spoon to scoop the avocado into a bowl
Mash avocado using fork until smooth but bit chunky

Finely chop the onion, tomato (deseeded), cilantro and jalapeno pepper and add to the bowl

Mix everything together, add required salt & squeeze on some lime juice to prevent oxidisation and browning

Serve it with chips or pita bread

TIP: To determine if an avocado is ripe, give it a little squeeze. If it is soft it is ripe
How cut and peel avocado

Nutritional Information

Avocados are rich in vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium - you need to eat two or three bananas to obtain the potassium content of one avocado
Great source of potassium in avocado helps in controlling high blood pressure
Avocado is rich in fibre , protein and also high in fat content, but it is mostly the monounsaturated fat which is a healthy fat variety
The avocado has 200 calories for 100 grams. Due to the high amounts of calories, avocado is a best diet for people who want to gain weight
Per serving = 130 calories approximately

Aval / Poha Idli

2012-07-24T00:26:00.000-07:00

Idli is a steamed rice cake and very popular breakfast in south Indian. This aval / poha idli is healthy, fluffy, soft and satiating breakfast.

Ingredients

Idli rice - 2 cups

urad dhal - 1/2 cup

Aval / Poha - 1/2 cup

Salt to taste

Method

Wash and soak idli rice & urad dhal in two separate vessel for 5 hours

Drain water from the rice and urad dhal

Grind urad dhal to a fine paste by adding very little water (remove the batter into a vessel)

Grind the rice along with aval to a fine paste by adding little water

Remove this into the vessel with urad dal paste

Add required salt and mix well

Ferment over night and the batter will raise in 8 to 10 hours
If you live in a colder place, you can pre-heat the conventional oven for 10 minutes and turn it off and keep the batter inside
Boil water in the idli / regular cooker (just steam and do not whistle in regular cooker)
Grease idli plate with oil and pour batter in the idli plate
Steam it for 7 to 10 minutes
Take the plates out from the cooker and wait for 2 to 3 minutes to cool down
Using spoon remove the idlis from the plate
Serve hot with chutney or sambar

Nutritional Information

Poha is low in sodium, fat and cholesterol. It is easily digestible
Poha controls blood pressure and lowers the risk of heart diseases
Per serving (2 idlis) = 65 calories approximately

Avocado Ice cream - My Blog Anniversary Special

2012-07-18T01:28:00.000-07:00

WOW!!! It has been an amazing journey - Lav's kitchen has completed one year. I thank all my readers who supported me and all of my friends who made this happen.I thoroughly enjoyed a year long journey with my fellow bloggers. A very special thanks to my Hubby and Kids, who supported and encouraged me all along.

Ingredients - Serves 4

Avocado - 2 nos (peeled, halved, deseeded and mashed)

Banana - 1 no (chopped)

Lemon Juice - 1 tblsp

Sugar - 1/4 cup

Milk - 1/4 cup

Vanilla extract - 1 tsp

Method

Blend all the above ingredients in a food processor or mixer

Pour it in a freezable container

Freeze it for 6 to 8 hours or until solid

Remove the avocado ice cream from the freezer and leave to stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving

Nutritional Information

Avocados are rich in vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium - you need to eat two or three bananas to obtain the potassium content of one avocado
Great source of potassium in avocado helps in controlling high blood pressure
Avocado is rich in fibre , protein and also high in fat content, but it is mostly the monounsaturated fat which is a healthy fat variety
The avocado has 200 calories for 100 grams. Due to the high amounts of calories, avocado is a best diet for people who want to gain weight
Banana is rich in Potassium and Vitamins like A and C
Potassium helps reduce risk of blood pressure
Per serving = 185 calories approximately

Asparagus Soup

2012-07-16T04:26:00.000-07:00

Fully flavoured, delicious sweet and tender British Asparagus is available in the market during summer. I thought of making smooth, creamy asparagus soup.

Ingredients - Serves 4

Asparagus - 1 bunch

Chopped onions - 3/4 cup

Roasted cashew nuts - 5 nos

Grated ginger - 1 tblsp

Vegetable stock / water - 2 cups

Olive oil - 1tblsp

Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Cut the woody ends of asparagus and roughly chop them

Heat the pan with oil and add grated ginger - saute for a minute

Add onions and saute till translucent

Add asparagus, required salt and stock

Simmer it for 15 minutes with lid on

Remove from the heat and allow it to cool
Puree it in the blender along with roasted cashew nuts
Pour the puree to the pan and reheat it
Add pepper and serve hot with pita chips or croutons

Nutritional Information

Asparagus is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory vitamin K, heart-healthy folate, vitamin B1, vitamin C, and vitamin A and bone-building copper
Asparagus is a very good source of energy-producing vitamin B2, and B3 as well as phosphorus
Per serving = 65 calories approximately

Baingan Bharta

2012-07-12T02:51:00.000-07:00

Baingan bharta is a super simple & delicious Punjabi dish which has lovely smokey flavour from the roasted eggplant. This lip smacking dish goes very well with roti and rice.

Ingredients - Serves 4

Large eggplant - 1 no

Chopped onion - 1 cup

Chopped tomatoes - 1 cup

Green peas - 1/2 cup

Grated ginger - 1 tblsp

Coriander powder - 1 tsp

Red chilli powder - 1/2 tsp

Garam masala - 1/2 tsp

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Coriander leaves few

Oil - 2 tblsp

Salt to taste

Method

Pre-heat the oven at 350 degree
Apply little oil evenly on the eggplant and place it on the baking try - bake it for 45 minutes or until it is done
Once eggplant is done, take it out, let it cool a little and then peel off the skin (it will come off very easily)

Chop the flesh and keep aside
Heat rest of the oil in a pan and add cumin seeds when it pops add onions
Cook till the onions turn translucent
Now add ginger and saute for a minute
Add tomatoes and cook till the oil separates from the mixture (don’t forget to keep stirring, tomatoes tend to burn fast)
Add garam masala, turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder and mix well
Add eggplant cubes and mash it well
Add peas and required salt, mix and cover the pan and let it cook
Once it starts boiling , it is ready
Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with roti or rice

Tip - You can also use stove top / flame to roast the eggplant

Nutritional Information

Eggplant is very low in calories and fats but is rich in soluble fibre content
Purple eggplant has significant amount of antioxidants that help protect against ageing, cancer and inflammation
Per serving = 130 calories approximately