" me n my apron "

2020-07-10T01:45:00.001-05:00

Mango Yogurt Bar

Ingredients :

Mango - 1 big

Greek yogurt - 1 cup

Cranberry and Almonds (optional)

Honey (Optional)

Method :

Cut mango into pieces and puree them. Mix well with greek yogurt using a beater or spoon. If sweetness is less, add honey according to your taste. Pour into a flat pan. Decorate with cranberry and almond shavings. Refrigerate for a minimum of 3-4 hours. Cut into bars and serve.

2020-07-10T01:03:00.002-05:00

Beetroot Cupcakes

Followed recipe from my friend's blog http://umaskitchen.blogspot.com/2014/12/eggless-red-velvet-cup-cakes.html.In my recipe brown sugar used instead of white sugar.

2020-07-09T01:00:00.002-05:00

Spinach Mango Smoothie

Ingredients :

Spinach - 2 handful

Mango - 1

Greek yogurt - 1 cup

Vanilla essence - few drops

Cardamom - 1 crushed

Water - 1 cup

Method :

Blend all the ingredients mentioned above in a blender and serve.

Strawberry Dates Smoothie

2020-02-04T23:51:00.002-06:00

Ingredients :

Almond milk - 1 1/4 cup
Strawberries -8
Dates -3 pitted
Chia seeds -2 tsp

Method:
In a blender, blend almond milk, strawberries, chia seeds, and dates until its smooth. Serve into 2 glasses and enjoy!

Spinach Pineapple Smoothie

2020-01-30T19:46:00.001-06:00

Ingredients :

Spinach - 11/2 cup

Pineapple - 3/4 cup chopped

Banana - 1

Water -1/2 cup

Method:

In a blender keep washed spinach, chopped pineapple, and sliced banana. Pour water to this and blend it nicely. Enjoy!

Kappa(Tapioca ) Puzhukku

2020-01-29T00:55:00.000-06:00

Ingredients :

Tapioca - 500gms
Garlic -2 cloves chopped

Coconut grated    - 1/2 cup
Green chilies -2
Cumin seeds -1 tsp
Turmeric powder -1/4 tsp
Salt to taste

For tempering:
Coconut oil    -1tbsp
Mustard seeds -1/2 tsp
Red dry Chili -3
Curry leaves -1 Spring
Shallots    -3 sliced

Method

After washing the tapioca under water , peel off the skin .Cut the tapioca into medium size pieces.
Rinse again using water. Transfer the tapioca pieces into a thick bottom vessel and pour enough water to cover the tapioca pieces . Add salt to it and cook on medium heat with lid closed until the tapioca pieces become tender. Once the tapioca pieces are cooked, drain the water .Now mash it using a thick wooden ladle or potato masher and keep it aside .
For making the coconut mixture , grind coconut, green chilies, cumin seeds, turmeric powder and required salt together to make a fine paste . You may add 1/4 cup water if the paste is too thick
For seasoning , heat oil in a small pan. Splutter mustard seeds .After that add red dry chilies along with curry leaves . sauté for few minutes. To this add shallots sliced and sauté again for 2-3 minutes more. Switch off the stove and keep aside.
Now transfer cooked tapioca to the thick bottom pan again . Pour the coconut mixture to it and cook for 3-4 minutes on low flame with lid closed. Now pour the seasoned mixture above it and mix well. Transfer the cooked tapioca into a serving dish .Serve with fish curry , chutney or even with rice.

Egg salad

2020-01-17T20:30:00.000-06:00

Ingredients:

Eggs boiled -2

Lettuce -5 leaves chopped
Onion -1/4 onion cut lengthwise
Cherry tomatoes -5 cut each into two
Strawberries -2 cut into thin slices

Dressing :
Olive oil -1/2 tsp
Lemon juice -1 tbsp
Pepper powder -1/2 tsp
Salt as per taste

Preparation :
Combine all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and keep aside. In another serving bowl arrange all the salad ingredients and then pour the dressing over it. Serve it as any meal of the day

Carrot walnut salad

2020-01-08T22:32:00.001-06:00

Ingredients :

Carrot - 2
Walnuts -1/4 cup
Dry cranberries - 1 tbsp
Parsley leaves - 1tbsp (chopped nicely)
Lemon Juice -1 tbsp
Olive oil -1 tsp
Pepper powder -1/2tsp
Salt as per ta

Procedure :

Wash and peel off carrot skin. Cut it into thin strips or grate using a food processor. Place the carrots in a medium-size bowl along with walnuts, cranberries and parsley leaves.
For the dressing, whisk together lemon juice , olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small cup until completely combined.
Pour the dressing over the carrot mixture and stir until its completely mixed.

Asparagus, Mushroom and Chicken Stir fry

2018-10-12T19:27:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
Chicken       - 1 lb

Asparagus         - one bunch
Mushroom    - 1/4 lb
Fennel seeds     -1 tsp
Garlic chopped -1 tsp
Olive oil as required
For marinating chicken:
Chilli powder    - 1 1/2 tsp ( I used Kashmiri chilli powder)
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Garam masala powder   - 1 tsp
Ginger garlic paste         - 1 1/2 tsp
Pepper powder               - 1 tsp
Curd                               - 1/4 cup

Method:

Cut the washed chicken into small pieces and marinate with above mentioned ingredients for half an hour.
Bake the chicken pieces in a preheated oven for 30 min at 400 degree F.( I used air fryer to fry for 20 min)
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet on high flame. Add fennel seeds and chopped garlic for a minute.Add asparagus and mushrooms and stir fry until the asparagus is bright green but still crispy . Now add the baked /air fried chicken pieces and saute it again for one minute . Mound the stir fry on a serving plate and enjoy !

Dates Cake (Sugarless, Eggless)

2010-10-24T23:33:00.002-05:00

Ingredients:
Dates paste        - 1 cup
Or
Dates                - 28 no:s
Milk                   - 1 cup
Oil                      - 1/2 cup
All purpose flour -1 cup
Bicarbonate soda -1 tsp
Walnuts               -2 tbsp

Method:
.Preheat the oven to 350degree F.Greese the baking pan with oil.

.Roast walnuts in microwave for 10 seconds and keep aside.

.If you are using dates instead of dates paste,first boil the milk and then soak the dates in milk for 10 minutes and then grind it into a paste along with milk and oil.If you are using the dates paste,simply grind it to a paste along with milk and oil..

.In another wide bowl,take all purpose flour .To this sprinkle bicarbonate soda and combine well.To this slowly add the dates paste that we already prepared and combine well with a spatula.At the end add the roasted walnuts to this and mix well.Now pour the cake batter to the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.Cool it for10 minutes.Remove from pan to wire rack.Cool completely.

Papaya Shake

2010-09-26T08:11:00.001-05:00

Ingredients:

Papaya - 1/2 cup cubed
Milk - 1cup
Honey - 2 tsp
Vanilla essence-1/2 tsp
Icecubes as required

Method:

In a blender, blend together cubed papaya, milk, honey, vanilla essence, and ice cubes. Pour to a glass and enjoy.

Papaya Mango salad

2010-09-14T12:50:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
Ripe Papaya    - 2 cups cubed
Ripe mango      - 2 cups cubed
Apple               - 1/2 cup cubed
Onion               - 1/2 cup cubed
Cucumber        - 1/2 cup cubed
Raisins              - 2tbsp
Cashews           - 8
For the dressing:
Red chilli flakes - 1/2 tsp or as required
Olive oil            - 1 1/2 tbsp
Lemon juice      - 2tbsp
Salt as required.

Method:

In a salad bowl ,mix all the ingredients.Add the dressing ingredients and mix again.Papaya mango salad is ready to serve.

Chicken Roast

2010-09-01T22:26:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
Chicken                  -1kg
Coriander powder -2 tbsp
Meat masala powder-2 1/2tbsp
Turmeric powder      -1 tsp
Salt as required
Cinnamon sticks       -2-3sticks
Fennel seeds            -1 1/2 tbsp
Green chillies            -5 slited into 2
Ginger chopped        - 1 1/2 tbsp chopped
Garlic chopped         - 1 tbsp
Onion(large)             -3 finely sliced
Coconut fl;akes         -1 cup
Pepper power           -1 tbsp
Curry leaves               -2 strings
Oil as required(preferably coconut oil)

.Cut the chicken into medium pieces.Marinate chicken pieces with corainder powder,turmeric powder,meat masala powder,1 sliced onion and salt (as required).Keep it aside for an hour or two.
.Heat oil in a pan.Add chopped ginger,chopped garlic and slited green chillies.Saute it.Add fennel seeds and cinnamon sticks and saute again..Now add the remaining sliced onion and saute till it becomes transparent.To this, add the marinated chicken and cook with the lid closed on medium flame.When it is 3/4th done,add the coconut flakes to this and mix it .Cook it well with out lid now until all the water (from chicken) evaporates.
.Now in another pan heal some oil.Add curry leaves and pepper powder.Saute for a sec.Now add the chicken prepared and roast it well until it is done and pepper powder is well combined with the chicken pieces.

Ney pathal (Iftar Special)

2010-08-16T19:47:00.002-05:00

Ingredients:
Rice  (Par boiled rice)   - 1cup
Grated cococnut            -1/4 cup
Shallots                          -4
Fennel seeds                   -1/4 tsp
Salt as required
Oil or ghee for frying

Method:
Soak rice in warm water for 3-4 hours.Grind together rice ,grated coconut,fennel seeds , shallots and salt to a grainy paste with just enough water.The paste should not be watery.If it is watery ,just absorb water using kitchen tissues or cloth.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan.
Make pathal balls(size of a lemon) from ground paste and flatten it to small thick rounds using hands by keeping it in any non sticky suface like plastic sheets .Now take each flattened pathals carefully and drop into the oil and fry both sides until it is light golden brown in color.Serve with any spicy curry

Spinach toasts

2010-08-07T16:42:00.002-05:00

Ingredients:
Bread slice               - 6 slices
Spinach                    -3 cups finely cut spinach leaves
Onion                      -1 small sliced
Ginger &garlic paste -1/4 tsp
Tomato ketchup      -6 tbsp
Cheese Grated         -4 tbsp
Green chillies           -2 chopped
Salt as required
Oil  as required

Method:
Heat oil in a pan.Add onions and saute.Add chopped spinach,ginger garlic paste ,green chillies and salt .Saute nicely.Remove from fire.
Spread 1 tbsp ketchup over each bread slice.Now spread the spinach mixture over it .At the last sprinkle grated cheese.Decorate with some tomato slices if needed.
Heat a normal pan or a grilling pan and grill bread slices for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts and the bread gets toasted.
Serve hot.

methi matar malai

2010-07-23T12:47:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
Methi (fenugreek leaves) -1cup
Matar (greenpeas)          -1/2 cup
Malai  (milk cream)          -1/2cup
Onion                              - 1 small or 1/2 of a big one.
Ginger  paste                    -1 /2 tsp
Green chillies                    -2 chopped
Cumin   seeds                  -1/4 tsp
Cardamom                      -1
Cinnamon stick               -1
Cloves                             -1
Cashews                          -2
Butter                               -1 tbsp
sugar                                - a pinch
Salt as required

Method:

Wash and drain methi thoroughly using a colander under running water and keep aside.

Chop onions. Powder cinnamon,cardamom,clove and cashews finely.Beat fresh cream .

Heat butter in a pan.Add cumin seeds .Add ginger paste and chopped onion.Saute it well.Add chopped green chillies and ground powders and saute again.Add methi leaves and matar .Add salt and a pinch of sugar too.Allow it to boil or until the gravy thickens.If the gravy is too thick add few spoons of milk .Serve with rotis and chapathis.

Vendaka mezhukkupurathi(Lady fingers stir fry)

2010-07-12T21:30:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
Lady fingers (Okra)     -10 sliced
Shallots                        -10 sliced
Green chillies               -4
Curd                             -1 tbsp
Turmeric powder          -1/4 tsp
Salt as required
Oil as required

Method:
In a pan,heat oil.Add sliced lady fingers and shallots.Add turmeric powder ,salt and curd(curd will reduce the stickiness between the slices).Saute it.Cook it for 5minutes with the lid closed.Now remove the lid and saute again until it is done.Serve with rice.

Butter chicken

2010-06-22T12:24:00.000-05:00

Butter chicken

Ingredients:

Chicken boneless - 1 lbs (Preferably thighs) cut into small strips
Onion    - 1/2 of an onion cut into big cubes
Plain Yogurt    - 11/2 tbsp
Cashews    - 5 (soaked in hot water)
Tomato paste - 3 oz(85g)
Ginger garlic paste    - 3 tsp
Unsalted butter - 4 tbsp
Chilli powder    - 1 1/2 tsp(preferably Kashmiri Chilli)
Turmeric powder    -1 tsp
Garam masala    -1tsp
Dry fenugreek leaves -2 tbsp crushed
Chicken stock - 1/2 cup
Fresh cream    -1/2 cup
Oil -for shallow frying
Salt as required

Method:

Cut chicken into 1-inch thin strips . Marinate chicken with enough salt, 1/2tsp turmeric power ,1 tsp of chilli powder and yogurt for minimum 2-3 hours or overnight if time permits .The longer it marinates, the more tender your chicken will be.

Heat oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.Shallow fry the chicken pieces until lightly browned on all sides,about 6-7 minutes..Remove it from heat and keep it aside .

Meanwhile microwave cubed onion pieces for 4-5 minutes. Remove from microwave and let it cool for 5 minutes. Grind together microwaved onion, 1 1/2 tbsp. kasturi methi(dry fenugreek leaves ) in a mixer jar or food processor and keep aside .Grind the cashews soaked to fine paste in the same mixer .
Melt 4 tbsp. butter in a large heavy bottomed pan over medium heat.Add ginger garlic paste and saute it for 1 minute. To this add the ground onion paste and saute for a while . Then add 1/2 tsp turmeric powder,1 tsp garam masala powder, 1/2 tsp chilli powder, salt and saute again..To this add the tomato paste and saute..pour the chicken broth and cook for 2 -3 min.Now add the chicken we prepared earlier..To this add the cashew nut paste prepared. Allow it to cook for 8-10 minutes with the lid closed until the chicken is cooked thoroughly and gravy reduced by half .Now reduce the heat to low-medium and pour the fresh cream.Finally garnish with remaining dry fenugreek leaves .Serve hot with roti, rice, naan .....

Corn and peas pulav

2010-06-08T19:42:00.001-05:00

Ingredients:
Basmati rice           - 1 1/2 cup
Corn kernels           -1/2 cup
Green peas             - 1/2 cup
Onion                     - 1 large finely chopped
Cinnamon sticks    -1 piece
Cardamom              -2
Bay leaves              -1
Cloves                    -2
Turmeric powder   - 1/4 tsp
Ginger garlic paste -1 tbsp
Green chilli            -4
Coriander and mint leaves
Butter/oil/ghee as required

Method:
Soak rice for 15 minutes in water and drain.
Heat butter/oil or butter in a thick bottom cooking pan.Add cardamom,cinnamon,cloves and bay leaves.Saute it.Now add sliced onion and saute finely.Then add ginger -garlic paste,turmeric powder and chopped green chillies.Toss until the raw smell disappears.Now add drained rice and fry for 2 or 3 minutes.Add green peas and corn kernels.Saute again.Add 3 cups of water and cook on medium -high flame with lid closed until the rice is cooked and the water is fully absorbed.Decorate with chopped corainder and mint leaves.Serve with raita.

Onion chutney(Ulli chammathi)

2010-05-28T11:27:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
Shallots           - 10
Green chillies   - 5
Tamarind pulp - 1 1/2 tbsp
Coconut oil     - 1 1/2 tbsp
Salt as required

Method:
Peel the shallots skin.Grind together shallots,green chillies,tamarind pulp and salt together in a blender.
Pour coconut oil to the ground chutney and mix it well.Serve with cooked tapioca,dosa,idli...
(If you dont like the raw shallots taste ,after grinding heat coconut oil in a pan and saute the ground chutney in it for few minutes before serving)

Banana Bread

2010-05-21T09:44:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
All purpose flour   -2 1/2 cups
Baking soda          -1 1/2 tsp
Cinnamon              -1/4 tsp
Ground nutmeg      -1/4 tsp
Salt                        -1/4 tsp
Ripe bananas          -3 large ,peeled
Eggs                       - 2 large
Sugar                      -3/4 cup
Unsalted butter        -1/2 cup(1 stick) melted and cooled
Walnuts/cashew nuts-3/4 cup chopped
Confectioner's sugar for dusting(optional)

Method:
    Heat oven to 350 degrees.Coat two loaf pans with non stick cooking spray.Set aside.

In a large bowl,combine flour,baking soda,cinnamon,nutmeg and salt.Make a well in the center by pressing dry ingredients up against side of bowl.
Mash the banana in a second bowl..Add eggs,sugar and butter.With an electric mixer on medium speed,beat eggs,sugar and melted butter into bananas until smooth.

Pour banana mixture into well in dry ingredients and stir just until blended.Fold in walnuts or cashewnuts,then divide batter evenly between prepared loaf pans.

Bake loaves at 350 degrees for 35 minutes,until browned and tops spring back lightly when gently pressed.Remove to wire rack to cool,dust with confectioner's sugar,if desired and serve.

Soya Paneer curry

2010-05-13T08:07:00.003-05:00

Ingredients:
Paneer                           -50gm
Soyachunks                     -1/4 cup
Green peas                      -1/4 cup
Onion chopped               -1
Tomato chopped              -1
Greenchillies chopped     -4
Ginger crushed                 -11/2inch piece
Garlic  crushed                 -1 1/2 tsp
Coriander powder            -2tsp
Chilli powder                   -1/4 tsp
Turmeric powder             -1/4 tsp
Grated coconut                - 2tbsp
Fennel powder                 -1 tsp
Poppy seeds                    -1/2tsp
Oil                                    - 2tsp
Salt as required

Method:
Keep soya chunks in hot water for sometime.Squeeze out the water from it and cut into small pieces.Cut paneer too into small cubes.
Make a paste of grated cococnut ,poppy seeds and fennel powder and keep aside.
Heat oil in a pan.Add chopped onion ,chopped tomatoes,green chillies,crushed ginger and garlic.Saute well.Add chilli powder,turmeric powder,coriander powder and saute again.To this add paneer pieces,soya pieces and green peas along with half cup water.When it is half cooked add the ground paste and cook again.Allow it to boil.Serve with roti ,rice ....

Source:Vanitha

Bitter Gourd Pickle

2010-05-07T16:54:00.002-05:00

Ingredients:
Bitter Gourd      -2 big(sliced lengthwise)
Green chillies        -10 Slited length wise
Garlic                   -1/2 cup
Sesame oil         - 2 tbsp
Fenugreek seeds   -1/4 tsp
Ginger                  - 1 tsp (choppeed)
Ginger paste         - 1 tbsp
Vinegar                -2tbsp
Lemon jiuce          -2 tbsp
Salt as required

Method:
Marinate the bitter gourd pieces with some salt and keep it aside in a colander for some time.Squeeze out the water.
Steam garlic pieces and bitter gourd pieces in a steamer separately.Wipe off the water and keep aside.
Heat oil,splutter mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds.Now add chopped ginger and ginger paste.Add green chillies and saute it without losing the colour.Pour 1 cup water,vinegar,lemon juice and salt.When it starts to boil,add bitter gourd pieces and garlic.Remove from fire.Transfer to a dry bottle.Serve after a day or two.

Quail (kada) fry

2010-04-30T12:55:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:.
Quail                                -4
Pepper powder                -3 tbsp
Chilli powder                   -1 1/2 tbsp
Turmeric powder             -1 tsp
Garam masala powder     -2 tsp
Ginger paste                     -1 tbsp
Garlic paste                      -1 tbsp
Salt to taste

Method:
Wash the quail thoroughly.Prick it with a fork all over .
Make paste of pepper powder,chilli powder,turmeric powder,garam masala powder,ginger and garlic paste and salt with little water.Marinate the quails with this paste and let it stand for an hour or so.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan.Fry each quail and serve.

Rajma(Red Kidney beans) curry

2010-04-21T15:57:00.001-05:00

Ingredients:
Rajma                    - 1 cup
Onion                     - 1 onion chopped
Coriander powder    - 1 tbsp
Chilli powder           - 1/2 tsp(I used Kashmiri Chilli)
Turmeric powder     - 1/4 tsp
Tomato sauce          - 2 tbsp
Lemon juice             - 1 tsp
Mustard seeds          - 1/4 tsp
Oil as required
Salt as required
Corander leaves for garnishing

Method:
Wash rajma thoroughly and soak it in water overnight.

Make a paste of chilli powder,turmeric powder and corainder powder with  1/2 tsp water and keep aside.

Cook rajma in a cooker with enough water and salt for 10- 15 minutes.

In another pan ,heat oil.Splutter mustard seeds and saute chopped onion till it turns transparent.Now add the paste to this and saute again until the raw smell goes.Add tomato sauce and saute .To this pour cooked rajma along with water .Add more salt if required and cook until the gravy thickens.Pour lemon juice and chopped coriander leaves.Serve hot with rice or roti.