SpiceNFlavors

Sweet corn soup

2026-04-27T02:58:50.614-07:00

Sweetcorn soup is our family favorite soup. This soup is very easy to prepare by using ready chicken/vegetable stock and cooking with corn kernels, finely chopped vegetables. I like to sometimes use home made vegetable or chicken stock.

It's good to also prepare the stock at home and keep it in the freezer for later use.

Ingredients:

500 ml low salt chicken or vegetable stock (also called broth)

16 oz can cream style corn and 1 cup of frozen or fresh corn kernels

1 tsp unsalted butter or 1 tsp olive oil

Salt to taste

2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp white vinegar

1 tsp low sodium soy sauce

2 to 3 thai green chillies

1/2 cup finely chopped carrots, beans, green peas

2 tsp cornstarch for thickening along with teaspoon of water to form a liquid

2 tsp water

1/4 tsp fresh ginger finely chopped

1/4 tsp fresh garlic finely chopped

1/2 small onion finely chopped or use 2 to 3 finely chopped green onions. You could save the stems to use as garnish.

Method:

1. First, heat a medium sized pot, add butter / olive oil. These days my favorite is the dutch oven I got as a Christmas gift from my children, so it's very special to me.

2. Add ginger, garlic, thai chillies, add finely chopped green onion or red onion. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring to make sure it does not burn.

3. Add broth of your choice (veg or chicken) add in corn kernels and a can of cream style corn. Add salt, pepper, and continue cooking, stirring on medium heat to allow the corn to cook.

4. In another pan, heat butter/oil add in herbs, and the vegetables, stir for approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Add these vegetables to the boiling soup and allow it to cook further.

5. Continue cooking for another 15 minutes, then lower heat.

6. In a small cup, add cornstarch and water stir to. make a liquid paste. Slowly add this cornstarch mix to the the soup to allow it to boil and get a thicker consistency.

7. Check for seasonings, add in vinegar and soy sauce. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Enjoy hot soup.

Soup corn soup with vegetables

Mutton Lababdaar

2026-03-21T15:48:19.539-07:00

Mutton is a one pot dish prepared using goat meat. Meat is cooked , along with whole spices over low heat using , onions and tomatoes to give it a balanced, yet flavorful taste.

In India this dish may be prepared with some variations depending upon the location or region.

For example in Kashmir, the mutton is prepared as rogan josh using fennel powder, spices, tomatoes and no onions.

In Bengal, it is called mutton Kosha and is cooked over low heat using mustard oil, yogurt, spices and onions.

In Northern part meat is cooked Mughlai style as salan using onions, tomatoes and with whole spices.

Today we are going to be preparing the Northern style of mutton curry that is first , for about 30 minutes in yogurt and other spices. Later, I cook it in an insta pot cooker. I particularly enjoy using insta post, feel it's more enjoyable and hassle free, almost like hands free cooking ;)

Another thing, please see the quality of ingredients, it is very important, as is the freshness of the spices.

Making a dish takes effort and low quality ingredients can make the effort go to waste.

Mutton Lababdaar

Mutton Lababdaar with rotis

Ingredients

2 pounds goat meat (cut into curry size pieces by butcher)

2 medium size red onions

2 medium size roma tomatoes, grind in a mixer.

2 tsp ginger garlic paste (1 inch ginger and 3 to 4 cloves of garlic, grind to a paste )

2 to 3 thai green chillies

2 tbsp plain yogurt

Whole spices: 2 cardamon, 2 to 3 cinnamon sticks, 2 bay leaves, 3 to 4 lavang, 4 to 5 peppercorns

1 tsp cumin seeds

Salt to taste

2 tsp red chilly powder ( I like to use Kashmiri chilli powder, for the color and it is not spicy)

1 tsp turmeric (haldi) powder

2 tsp store bought Everest meat masala. I like it, but any garam masala powder is good to use.

Method;

1. Wash the meat (cut into curry sized pieces) Using a medium size bowl, add meat, ginger garlic (use store bought paste, or fresh)salt, red chilli powder, turmeric, yogurt, mix all and keep aside, for approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

2. Heat a medium sized pressure cooker (I like to use an Insta pot as I find it to be very helpful and easy to cook with)

First, add 2 tsp clarified butter, add whole spices and finely chopped onions, green chillies. Saute' for a few 10 minutes and then add in the marinated mutton.

3. Stir and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes, add in tomatoes and spices. Add salt. and garam masala powder. Keep stirring

4. Continue to cook mutton till it appears well sautéd. Add in 200 ml water and check for salt.

5. Close and secure the lid and pressure cook for approx. 20 to 25 minutes. Allow the cooker to be closed for another 10 minutes. Open carefully and check if mutton is well cooked, or else cook for another 10 to 12 minutes and until the mutton appears soft and gravy is done.

Enjoy mutton with Indian bread or plain white rice, along with freshly sliced white onions.

Besan Ladoos

2026-03-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

Winter nights call for something that is warm, sweet and energizing. That's what these besan ladoos

are, healthy and perfect during cold winter weather. Ladoos are an Indian confection, that are prepared using gram flour, sugar, nuts,small cardamom, clarified butter and rolled into golf size or smaller ball shape.

Growing up , most of South Asian households' prepared these ladoos and kids, as well as adults can benefit with nutritious values and energy one gets by having just one ladoo a day. Besan flour can come as fine or coarse. Usually for preparing ladoos the coarse type is used.

To get started just follow these simple steps. Ladoos can be stored for a month, in refrigerator. Warm ladoos, a few seconds, before enjoying them.

Ingredients:

2 cups gram flour (Besan flour) available at Indian stores or also online

1 cup powdered sugar ( I like to grind sugar in the grinder to make it into a powder)

3 to 4 small cardamom seeds, deseeded and powdered

1/4 cup or approximately 20gms clarified butter (ghee)

1/4 cup thinly sliced almonds or pista (unsalted) to garnish ladoos.

Makes approximately 20 to 25 ladoos of medium size.

Ingredients:Cardamom powdered, pistachio, clarified butter, gram flour, powdered sugar

Add clarified butter to pan

Roast flour on low to medium heat for about 10 to 15 minutes

As it cooks, the ghee appears on top

Continue cooking till flour appears drier

add cardamom powder.

Closer burner and add sugar as flour comes to room temperature

Garnish with thinly sliced pistachios or almonds :)

Besan Ladoos

Method:

1. Heat a heavy bottom pan , add ghee. Add gram flour and stir on low heat to allow the flour to cook and slow roast, using a spatula. Careful not to let it burn at the bottom.

2. Next, as the flour gets roasted, the house will get the amazing earthy aroma. Now add cardamom powder. Close burner.

3. As the flour cools to room temperature, add powdered sugar and mix well.

4. Rub a little ghee on the palm of your hand, add a tablespoon full of the mixture and using your palms

form the mixture into a ball. Arrange on a plate and add slivered almonds, and pista on the top.

5. Keep the plate in fridge for approximately 20 minutes to set the ladoos. Enjoy daily one ladoo or for special occasions, like weddings, Diwali, etc.

Black Forest Cake

2026-01-05T08:55:00.000-08:00

Black forest cake got it's name from Germany's black forest region, a large mountain forest region in the

southwest part of Germany. The area is known for cherries and cherry brandy.

We are having a holiday party and it's Christmas time and I wanted to prepare this cake for my family and friends and of course me :-) though German's prepare it often as a national pride and not just for occasions.

This beautiful cake is prepared as a chocolate cake and then sliced into layers, where each layer is

brushed with cherry syrupy that could have a hint of brandy or almond extract.

Ingredients

1.5 cups all purpose flour

2 cups sugar

3/4 cup unsweetened coco powder

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

2 large eggs

1 cup milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil or un salted melted butter

1 tbsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp coffee

Cherry filling and topping

1 can canned cherry

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tbsps corn starch

1tsp brandy or almond extract

Whipped cream frosting

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup or 5 tbsp of confectioners sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the cake

1. Using a sieve add flour, coco powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, strain and keep in a medium mixing size bowl.

2. To this add eggs, vanilla extract, sugar, oil or butter, milk, coffee and beat until combined. Please don't over beat.

3. Line the two 9 inch cake tins with round cut parchment paper and dust with some coco powder. Divide the dough into two cake tins. Bake for 30 to 35 mins at 350 F

For the cherry filling

1. Strain the cherries from the tin. Save the syrup. Keep aside. Pour syrup in to a pan. Add sugar and cornstarch and cook it for few minutes. Add cherries, brandy or almond extract stir and close the burner as it turns smooth and thickened. Cool in the refrigerator.

For the whipped cream

1. To make the whipped cream please make sure the cream is cold and the container is cold too. Add sugar and vanilla extract and beat, using a hand beater or electric hand beater to form stiff peaks. Continue to keep in refrigerator.

1 bar of chocolate 50 gms, to shave and add to the cake for decorating.

Method:

As the cake cools, turn it upside down with the flat layer on the top, on a cake stand.

Split each cake into two layers using a serrated knife or cake cutter. Now you have 4 layers. (available on Amazon)

Dust off any crumbs. Next, spread the cool frosting on the layer of the cake and add the cherries filling in the middle. Cover with more frosting and add the second layer of cake and repeat the process. On the top layer add frosting and cover the remaining frosting on the sides of the cake. Now add chocolate shaving onto the sides of the cake. Add some chocolate shavings on the top. Using a pastry bag and star nozzle pipe out frosting on the border of the top layer. Add the remaining cherry filling in the middle. Cool again in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy!

BBQ Tandoori chicken legs

2025-11-13T16:10:00.000-08:00

Who can resist the aroma and spicy taste of a well done tandoori chicken ? It not only provides

protein but also makes for a good starter.

Initially famous from the Northern regions of India but soon a favorite of many.

Ingredients:

2 pounds chicken leg quarters

1/4 cup hung plain curd

2 tbsp ginger garlic paste

4 to 5 green thai chillies chopped finely

Salt to taste

2 tsp red chilli powder

2 tbs Shaan tandoori powder can get (online or in Indian grocery)

1 freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 tsp tandoori edible color

2 to 3 tsp mustard oil

1 tsp gram flour / besan

1 tsp garam masala (store bought)

For Marinate:

Heat approximately 3 tbsp of mustard oil, for about 3 to 4 minutes. As it heats up close burner. Add in 2 tsp red chilli powder. Keep aside.

Marinate:

In a medium bowl, add washed and cleaned chicken legs, Make slits on the chicken with a knife.

Add ginger garlic paste, green chillies, and salt.

Add the mustard oil, and hung curd ( plain curd is hung in a cheese cloth to remove extra water)

next, add in lemon juice, tandoori color and garam masala and Shaan tandoori powder and besan

gram flour.

Mix well, cover and leave overnight or at least for 6 to 7 hours.

Brush little oil on the chicken before placing them on the hot grill.

Grill on low to medium and then on high heat once the chicken seems cooked from inside.

Serve hot with thinly sliced onions and lemon.

Low fat and high protein

2025-11-12T15:38:00.000-08:00

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast

1 medium sized onion diced

4 to 5 cloves of garlic peeled

1 inch fresh ginger chopped

2 jalapeño's diced

1 can pinto beans or low fat black beans

1 can white or yellow corn

1 can Fire roasted tomatoes

2 chipotle peppers (they come in a can)

500 ml chicken broth low sodium

1/4 th cup chopped cilantro

2 to 3 tortilla to prepare tortilla strips

1 tsp cumin powder

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp oregano

Salt to taste

1 tsp black pepper

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Method;

1. Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a Dutch oven or I like to use instapot. Initially

put the setting to saute for 10 minutes. Add diced onions, black peppercorns,

fresh ginger, garlic.

2. Once onions are translucent add in can of fire roasted tomatoes, chipotle

peppers, and oregano.

3. Add in cumin, cayenne pepper and salt to taste. Stir in pinto beans

or black beans. Add white corn from a tin or fresh corn.

4. Add low fat chicken broth and chicken breast and allow to boil.

5. As the chicken breast cooks, ( turns white and is cooked) take it out and

using a kitchen board and fork, shred the chicken and put it back into the

prepared soup, and continue to let it cook for another 10 to 15 minutes.

6. Check for salt and other seasonings as per your taste.

7. To prepare tortilla strips, simply cut them into long strips and spray with

little olive oil spray. Place them onto a baking sheet at 350 Ffor 10 to 12 minutes.

Remove and allow to cool.

8. Serve warm soup with tortilla strips and or rice crackers.

Paneer tikka BBQ skewers and refreshing lemonade

2025-11-12T14:38:00.000-08:00

Homemade Lemonade and BBQ Paneer tikka skewers

Our garden has a lemon tree that has the best lemons and nothing is more refreshing than a homemade

lemonade on a hot afternoon.

Ingredients for Lemonade

3 to 4 medium size yellow lemons

1 cup plain granulated organic sugar

1 cup water for preparing the syrup

4 cups water

Ice cubes

Method:

1. Take a medium size sauce pan, add 1 cup water. Next, stir in 1 cup sugar.

Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves.

2. Allow the syrup to cool for few minutes.

3. Squeeze the 3 to 4 lemons and add the lemon juice to the cooled sugar syrup.

4. Add remaining 4 cups of water and stir, add ice and serve cool.

Paneer skewers

This dish goes well as a starter and perfect for a bbq party where some guests

may prefer vegetarian food. It is also a party food that works like an ice breaker to start chats

with friends and good for a crowd of friends and family. In this dish, the marination is important

where spices uphold the flavor. Colorful vegetables also enhance the look of this dish.

Skewers are versatile, you can make vegetarian, non vegetarian.

Paneer is a milk based cheese that is soft like cottage cheese. the marinade is made up of yogurt, spices, lemon juice and tandoor tikka powder ( available online or in Indian grocery stores)

Ingredients

500 gm Paneer cubed ( cut it into 1 inch cubes )

1/2 cup plain yogurt

Marination items

2 tsp Shaan or Everest tandoori tikka powder (store brought)

1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 tsp fresh ginger garlic paste

2 to 3 finely chopped thai chilies

1 tsp red chilli powder

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp coriander powder

1 tsp besan powder (gram flour)

1 tsp chaat powder (available online)

1 tsp vegetable cooking oil

Salt to taste

2 tsp kasoori methi (Dried fenugreek leaves) available online

Metal or wooden skewers: If you are using wooden skewers, do soak them for an hour in water before using them or else they can burn.

Method for marinade

1. In a medium size bowl, add yogurt and all remaining marinate ingredients. Add some edible tandoori red color and a tablespoon vegetable oil. Mix well.

2. Cut an onion into small 1 inch pieces and similarly cut colored bell peppers into same size pieces.

Add in cubed paneer and onions and bell peppers and allow it to marinate for approximately an hour.

3. Using skewers add the paneer cubes, alternating them with sliced onion and colored bell peppers.

3. Heat the grill to 350 degrees F and place the skewers onto the grill, spray or brush oil onto them and grill both sides for about 10 to 12 minutes. Sprinkle some chaat powder on to the cooked paneer tikka and serve hot.

4. If you are using an air fryer, preheat to 400 F and place the paneer tikka and onions, capsicum. Allow to cook for 10 to 15 minutes.

5. If you are cooking using an oven, place the marinated paneer skewers onto a baking tray at 350 F Allow them to cook for 10 to 15 minutes and be careful they do not burn. As they start to brown or sizzle take them out and serve hot.

Paneer Tikka

Lemonade drink

Heating water and sugar to prepare sugar syrup

Diwali sweets Balushahi

2025-10-21T02:41:00.000-07:00

Balushahi is a North Indian dessert. It can resemble doughnuts ( western sweet) but the taste, texture is completely different than a regular doughnut.

Recipe for Balushahi

Ingredients

1 cup all purpose flour (Maida)

4 tsp chilled plain yogurt

1/4 cup cold ghee

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp baking powder and baking soda

1/4 cup sliced pistachios for garnish

Method:

1. Sieve flour in a medium bowl. Add salt. baking soda, baking powder, ghee (clarified butter) and using the chilled yogurt bind to a dough. Cover with a cloth and keep aside for approximately 15 to 20 mins.

To prepare sugar syrup

Take 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup plain water. Add 5 to 6 cardamom seeds and 4 to 5 saffron strands. Cook in a pan on medium heat for about 5 to 10 minutes and sugar syrup appears medium consistency. Close burner.

To prepare Balusahi

1. Divide the dough into small tennis ball sized portions. Flatten each ball sized portion and make an indent before you start frying, on medium heat.

2. Heat vegetable or sunflower oil for frying. Cook each balushahi on medium heat, on each side and remove as they get light brown in color.

3. Dip each balushahi into sugar syrup. Remove after 10 to 15 minutes. Add edible rose petals and garnish with thinly sliced pistachios.

Phirni delights

2025-10-10T15:16:00.000-07:00

Phirni is a creamy rice pudding that is prepared using milk, sugar and rice, that is soaked and then made into a paste. Milk is cooked with this rice paste to give it a creamy texture and then garnished with cardamom and nuts. It is sweetened with sugar and served cold.

It is a popular dessert from northern part of India.

Ingredients

400 ml 1% or 2% or whole milk ( your choice)

1/2 cup uncooked basmati rice washed and dried

1 cup plain sugar

2 tsp powdered cardamom

1/4 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup pistachios

1/4 cup golden raisins

1 tsp saffron strands soaked in 2 tsp milk

Method

1. Heat milk, over low to medium heat. Add cardamon powder, sugar and saffron milk. Continue

cooking and stirring to avoid the milk from burning. Add sugar.

2. In a grinder, grind the basmati rice to a coarse paste, no too thin, medium texture.

3. Add this rice paste to the boiling milk and continue cooking for another 20 to 25 minutes, till

it appears thickened and rice appears cooked. Cool and pour prepared phirni into an earthern cup or dessert cup and refrigerate.

4. Garnish each phirni cup with sliced almonds and raisins.

5. Serve cold dessert and enjoy with family and friends.

Yummy Phirni

Pineapple upside down cake

2019-09-29T09:09:00.001-07:00

Easy Pineapple Upside Down Cake

This vibrant cake has it all, the look, taste and flavors that make us want some more! I have made this cake use yellow cake mix and some simple steps, the result is a well baked cake :)

My hubby's birthday and you will be surprised he doesn't like chocolate, so I decided to make this pineapple upside cake. We went to an island for a picnic with friends and some hiking too :) It was a fun time and after having sandwiches and wraps , this cake was a delight to all!

Ingredients
1 (16 oz ) yellow cake mix
2 Eggs
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup oil for adding to cake mix
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 (16 oz tin) Pineapple rings in their own juice
1 (8 oz) jar of Maraschino cherries (drain the juice)

Add light brown sugar to melted butter

Pineapple slices and cherries

Add prepared cake batter

Baked Upside down Cake

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Sliced

Method
1. Cut out butter and add it to the bottom of the cake tin. Place pan in the preheated oven, till butter melts. Remove cake tin and spread light brown sugar over melted butter.
Evenly space the drained pineapple slices, you can add the drained cherries, at this point.
2. Follow the cake batter recipe from the cake box and prepare cake batter.
3.Pour the prepared cake batter all over the pineapple/cherries.
4.Place in the oven to bake as per instructions given on yellow cake mix box.
5. Remove from oven once baked. Place a plate carefully and turn the cake upside down and carefully remove from cake pan.
This step needs to be done quite soon as we remove cake from oven, or else brown sugar can get hardened and difficult to remove.
Cut in slices and enjoy with family and friends.

Pepper Chicken Chettinand

2019-05-11T16:31:00.001-07:00

Black pepper as a spice is widely found in Southern States of India. Peppercorns, is usually dried and used as a spice or seasoning. This dish is called Chettinad chicken and the main ingredient is powdered black peppercorns, that gives it the distinct spicy flavor.
Pepper is the most traded spice in the world and is used in many cuisines around the world. Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai ,Salem, Tiruchirapalli are among the known cities in Tamil Nadu state.
This dish is well seasoned during the process and the end result is a flavorful spicy dish.

Ingredients for Chicken Marinate
500 gm chicken boneless skinless cut into 1 inch cubes
1 tbsp fresh ginger paste
1 tbsp fresh garlic paste
1 tbsp freshly grounded black pepper
Salt as per taste
2 to 3 tsp fresh lemon juice

Clean chicken and using a medium bowl, marinate chicken with lemon juice, fresh black pepper, ginger ,garlic paste. Keep aside for about 30 minutes.

Spice powder
Ingredients
2 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
2 tsp saunf
2 tsp black pepper cons
Heat a pan and dry roast the above ingredients, for 4 to 5 minutes on medium heat. close burner. Grind to a fine powder. Keep aside.

Ingredients to prepare Chicken
1 medium onion chopped into finely chopped
1 inch cinnamon stick
8 to 10 fresh curry leaves ( Kadi patta)
Salt to taste
1/2 inch ginger fresh cut into thin slices
2 to 3 cloves of garlic finely chopped
3 to 4 green chilies
1 tsp red chilly powder
1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
1 tsp Dhania powder ( coriander powder)
1 tsp garam masala powder ( available in Indian stores)
1/2 (100 ml) cup water for cooking.

Dry roast Cumin, fenugreek and peppercorns

Curry leaves, sliced ginger ,garlic,green chilies

Marinate chicken with ginger, garlic,lemon juice,salt

Saute onions

Roasted and fresh ground spice powder

Chettinad pepper chicken

Method of cooking the chicken
1. Heat 1/4 cup oil in medium kadai (deep pan dish)
2.Put cinnamon stick, add onions and saute for few minutes till translucent.
3. Add green chilies, curry leaves, ginger ,garlic. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on medium heat.
4. Add freshly powdered spice powder, continue to stir and add in salt, turmeric, red chili powder and garam masala. Add in coriander powder. Next, add water, reduce heat and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through, if needed add little more water. Check for spices and if needed add little salt. Towards the end for little more color, add 1 tsp soy sauce (yes, really) it adds a nice color and be careful not to add more soy sauce as it has salt.
Remove from heat, and serve chettinand pepper chicken with warm rotis (home made or store bought, your choice:)
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and some curry leaves.

Ruwangan Chaman ( Paneer)

2018-06-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

The cuisine of Kashmir has exotic dishes , prepared with the use of whole spices. This dish is made by Kashmir pundits, where they don't use onions to cook their food . It is simple, yet very flavorful in taste:) I am a paneer (cottage cheese) lover, so I wanted to try out this recipe and believe me it came out yum. It's tangy due to plenty of tomatoes,and the paneer is prepared a specific way that keeps it so soft, and smooth sauce to go with that makes a perfect combination.
Ruwangan means paneer, and chaman is tomato.

Ruwangan Chaman

Ingredients:

500 gm tomatoes ( Boiled and peel to puree)
400 gm cottage cheese cut into rectangle shape
1 tbsp ghee ( clarified butter)
2 tsp fresh ginger garlic paste
2 tsp powdered green cardamon
2 bay leaves
1 stick cinnamon
2 cloves
2 tsp kashmiri red chili powder
salt to taste
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp fennel powder
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp saunth powder (dry ginger powder available in stores, and online too)

Method:
1. First Boil tomatoes, peel off the skin and make a puree. Keep aside.Cut out 1 inch rectangular sized cottage cheese, shallow fry in vegetable oil.for 3 to 4 minutes remove as they appear golden in color. Soak them in warm water , that has a 1/2 tsp turmeric.

2. Next, heat ghee in pan, add in ginger garlic paste,kashmiri red chili powder, ginger powder , 1/2 tsp turmeric powder and whole spices and add in pureed tomatoes. Saute tomato puree for 2 to 3 mins.
3. Add in spices, check for salt and add some 1/2 cup water to continue cooking the puree, covered for another 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Now add in strained cottage cheese that is soaking in the turmeric water. Check for salt again and add in garam masala. Continue cooking for another 10 to 12 minutes,
Close burner as the gravy appears slightly thick. You can remove the whole spices, like bay leaves if you want before serving the dish.
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.This dish is wholesome for dinner and goes well with Indian bread or even rice of your choice, like jeera basmati rice or just plain white or brown rice. Choice is yours! Enjoy :)

Veggie Puffs

2018-04-30T11:54:00.003-07:00

Veggie puffs , a conversation starter at a party :)
Also very versatile , pastry sheets that you can fill them with a filling of your choice, like vegetarian or non veg.
Basically working with pastry sheets, makes for a possibility to turn out awesome party treats , sweet or salty with just a little imagination and creativity can result in dishes all guests will admire.

Vegetarian puffs

Pastry sheets and veggie filling

Add filling

Bake in Preheated oven

Just baked :) Veggie puffs

Ingredients:

1 packet store bought pastry sheets

1/2 cup green frozen peas

1/4 carrots boiled and ready to use

2 medium potatoes boiled

1 medium potato boiled

1 small capsicum diced

2 garlic cloves minced

1 inch ginger grated

1 medium onion chopped fine

Salt as per taste

1/2 tsp red chili powder

1/2 tsp chat powder

1/4 tsp cumin seeds

1/4 tsp turmeric powder

1/2 tsp garam masala powder (available in Indian store or online shopping too )

1/4 tsp fresh lemon juice

Method:

1. Using a medium pan heat 2 tbsp oil ( I like olive oil or vegetable oil) add cumin seeds allow to splutter , add onions saute for few mins adding in ginger garlic . Next add in boiled vegetables and capsicum , mix for 5 to 10 mins .

2. Add spices and lemon juice. Allow mixture to cool .

3. Thaw the pastry sheets from frozen to cold , cut out square shapes and using a spoon add the filling mixture to the center of the square . knife carefully cut out medium size square shape.

4. Fill each square with 1 tbsp of vegetables mixture . Apply on all four sides a mix of milk and melted butter and seal the pastry by folding in half or across , or triangle shape your chive . Make sure it’s sealed well , you can make a design with a fork to seal the pastry .

5. Brush top surface with melted butter for that color as it bakes in a preheated oven at 350 F for about 10 to 15 mins as they turn light golden color and done.

Roasted red bellpepper penne pasta

2018-04-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

Here the pasta made may be similar to other pastas we made or tasted, but an addition of roasted bell pepper takes it another level of taste, making it magical. Also this works like a one pot dish and serving it with some chicken salad and garlic bread is all your friends and family need :)) so do try this recipe and I tried it and liked it ,surely you may like it too.

Penne pasta in roasted red bell pepper sauce

Saute onions,garlic in olive oil

Add roasted red peppers

Pureed sauce

Pasta with garlic bread and salad

1 Jar of 12 oz roasted red bell pepper
500 gm pasta shells , personally like Penne but you can use pasta of your choice.
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
3 to 4 cloves fresh garlic
Salt to taste
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp Italian herbs
1/4 cup cream
1/2 cup broth chicken or vegetable , your choice:)
Basil leaves for garnish
Parmesan cheese

Method :
1. Fill a medium pot with 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, add pasta, salt and drizzle of olive oil and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, till pasta appears done. Strain and keep aside, reserve some of that water.
2. Heat butter over medium heat, in a large skillet, add oil. Next add in finely chopped fresh garlic, onions and saute over low to medium heat. Add to the skillet , roasted bell pepper and continue to stir 3 to 4 mins.
3.Next , add this to a mixer and make a smooth puree , add 1/4 cup water if too thick .
Pour this puree back to skillet ,add chicken or veggie broth , keep stirring as the sauce bubbles add in herbs , grated cheese and some cream. Season with salt after checking the taste of the sauce.
Add drained pasta to this prepared sauce, and serve with sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and finely chopped basil leaves.

Shredded chicken enchiladas

2018-04-18T12:48:00.001-07:00

We enjoy Mexican food, its colorful and spicy. My husband makes very tasty enchiladas, and just last week he prepared these Chicken enchiladas in a red sauce and they came out delicious, so I thought why not share them with all, so follow these simple steps and enjoy them with your family too or friends :)) too

Ingredients
1 packet foster farm ready shredded chicken package
1 tbsp all purpose flour
2 tsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano seasoning
1/4 cup chipotle adobo chilies
Salt to taste
1 medium can enchiladas red sauce
2 to 3 finely chopped green chilies
1 cup sour cream

Chicken enchiladas

Saute shredded chicken

Arrange filled soft tacos corn and white tacos

Pour prepared sauce over tacos

Bake at 350 F

Garnish enchiladas with cilantro and dollops of sour cream

Method:
1.Heat olive oil in a medium skillet , add flour stir for 4 to 5 mins, on medium flame. Next add in chicken / veggie stock, seasonings. Continue to simmer on low heat, Add enchilada sauce . Stir and allow the sauce to boil for few mins.
2.In a separate skillet heat 1 tbsp oil, add cooked shredded chicken. Check package, add seasonings if required, as cooked chicken may contain some salt. Add some finely chopped green chilies for that extra heat .Cook for few minutes, close burner . Keep aside.
3.Now using a baking dish pour 1/2 cup of prepared sauce.
Now take each soft taco, on a plate and spread some prepared sauce on surface of taco, fill with a spoonful of prepared chicken, add adoba pepper as per taste, shredded cheese, roll the tacos and place seam side at the bottom of the baking dish, continue filling and rolling tacos and placing them, till all are done. Cover with remaining sauce and top with cheddar cheese.

Bake at 350 F for about 25 minutes. Remove sprinkle with freshly chopped coriander and a dollop of fresh sour cream.
For vegetarians you can use black beans,instead of the chicken, and use vegetarian stock.

Ambal and Lassi

2018-03-20T14:20:00.007-07:00

Hi Friends and my dear readers, its always a pleasure to write for you'll and thanks so much for taking the time to read and share these recipes with friends and family.
My today's dish is called Ambal, a childhood favorite of mine. The first time I tried this dish was when I visited my relatives in Jammu.
Ambal is a famous dish made often in Northern part of India. It is basically pumpkin, cooked in a sweet and sour way and adding of methi seeds, during tempering takes this dish to another level of flavors. Very easy to prepare, yummy and healthy too !!
How about a cool glass of refreshing sweet Lassi, another childhood favorite !
Spices are easily available these days, either online or in Indian stores.

Ingredients:

250 gm pumpkin (Orange colored) peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes

1/4 cup soaked tamarind

2 tbsp jaggery (available online or in Indian stores)

1/4 tsp methi dana ( Fenugreek seeds)

1 tsp ginger, chopped

1 tsp jeera seeds ( cumin seeds)

2-3 Kashmiri dried red chillies

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1/4 tsp coriander powder

2 Tbsp refined oil

Salt, to taste

1/4 tsp red chilly powder

1/4 cup Water

Fresh Coriander leaves, to garnish

Ambal

Method:

1. Heat a pan, add oil, for tempering, add methi seeds,cumin seeds, 2 dried red chillies,and ginger.
2.Add turmeric, salt, red chilli powder. Saute for approx few seconds.

3.Add pumpkin and toss well. Add tamarind and jaggery. Cook for 3-4 minutes on high flame.

4.Add 1/2 cup water, cover with a lid and cook (on a low flame) till pumpkin is soft and almost done. Garnish with coriander leaves.

Lassi a north Indian yogurt drink, prepared by combining plain yogurt, ice cubes, rose flavoring(available in Indian stores) very little water and sugar to your taste, I like mine with less sugar, so to keep it healthy! Just put all ingredients into a blender jar and blend for a minute or so, to give a nice creamy drink. Substitute with salt instead of sugar for a salty lassi, you can garnish with mint leaves too.

Again for mango lassi, all you do in this add mango pulp, check for sugar accordingly as mango pulp is usually sweet. Enjoy

Bakeless granola bars

2018-03-07T13:28:00.000-08:00

Granola bars, no baking how easy is that and also they are good for you. You can make it, take them along and the best part is its to your choice of ingredients ( I mean why buy them at stores, when you can make them yourself, and to your choice of whatever dried fruits and nuts you want to add)

Crunchy sweet and oh so good for you, so read this simple easy to make recipe and make your self ,and your family and friends happy.

Ingredients:

21/2 cups rolled oats

1/4 cup chopped almonds

1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips ( If your a chocolate fan or else you can substitute with coconut flakes)

1/4 cup mixed nuts, raisins, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, raisins etc.. make it your choice of seeds

1/4 tsp vanilla essence

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup light brown sugar

4 tbsp unsalted butter

Cut out granola bars

Bakeless granola

Method:

1. Using a baking tray lined with parchment or silver foil, toast oats along with chopped almonds, for about 6 minutes at 350 F.

Take out of oven and stir them around, making sure they don't burn. Put Put them back in oven for another 10 minutes, remove as they get light toasted.

2.Pour these toasted oats almonds into a mixing bowl.

3.Heat a small pan add butter and melt it, over low heat. Add light brown sugar and vanilla essence ,close burner.

4.Add this melted butter to oats mixture.At this point you can go ahead and add some of the chocolate chips, don't worry it will melt and help to hold the bars.Mix in the nuts and coconut flakes.

I prefer to using a square baking pan, line it with silver foil, or parchment paper.

5.Pour granola mixture into this square pan, and press with a spatula to give it an even surface. Sprinkle the top with remaining chocolate chips. Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Remove the foil, and cut out even sized bars to enjoy!!

Lavender lemon cookies

2018-01-28T14:57:00.000-08:00

These lavender and lemon short bread cookies are very delicate and they have an amazing aroma to it. Lavender and lemon has a very nice combination. Just a little lavender goes a long way.
This recipe was tried by my daughter and son when home for Christmas, and it was a delight.

Lavender and Lemon cookies

Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 tsp lavender ( use the culinary lavender and its available easily in the spice aisle, of the grocery store.)
1 tsp finely grated fresh lemon zest
1/2 cup softened butter
1.4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup whole milk

Method:

1. Firstly, using a mixing bowl cream together butter and sugar. Using a mortar grind together lavender, and lemon zest, with 1/4 tsp sugar. Add lavender and lemon to creamed butter mixture.
2. Sieve flour with 1/2 tsp salt. Add flour to butter mixture, use a little milk, vanilla essence and prepare a smooth dough. Cover with saran wrap and cool dough for about 30 minutes.
3. Take dough, and using a rolling pin roll out 1/4 inch thickness. take a cookie cutter of the shapes you like and place on prepared cookie sheet to bake.
5.Sprinkle a little sugar on top and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, at 350 degrees F. Remove as the edges turn lightly browned. Cool on rack and enjoy your lavender lemon cookies.

Jam Filled cookies

2018-01-26T17:05:00.000-08:00

Holiday time is the perfect time to enjoy treats and these butter cookies are just the thing festive with their colorful fillings and soft to melt in your mouth.
Easy to prepare and a favorite with all.

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup softened butter
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup fruit jam / jelly of your choice and flavor

Lavender and Jam filled cookies

Butter cookies filled with Jelly

Method:
1. In medium mixing bowl cream together the softened butter and sugar, till light and creamy.Add one egg yolk at a time, continue to mix gently.
2. Sieve the flour, and add it slowly and continue to mix to form a dough.Cover with saran wrap and refrigerate dough, in the fridge for about 20 minutes. As it cools, make small balls ,approximately 1 inch balls and arrange them on a lined baking tray about 2 inch apart .
3. Using back of a spoon or thumb press into each of the dough ball, to make a well for the jam filling.
4. Fill each hole with your choice of jelly preserve. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 10 to 20 minutes, and the cookies get baked to alight golden color.
5. Remove cool, over a rack and enjoy freshly baked butter jam cookies.

Next will be the recipe for lavender cookies.

Thanksgiving, and my favorite Pies!

2017-11-19T12:31:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving that perfect holiday before Christmas. The weather is getting cooler, with snow and rain in many places. I love fall colors, leaves change into beautiful colors during this time. New England has the most lovely natural display of fall trees, with yellow, red colors.
Not only nature, but also everyone gets into the holidays and gifting mood :)) and that is always exciting. But let me pause and speak for all, when we enjoy these treats and feasts with our families, we should not forgot about those that need some support or donations to enjoy the Thanksgiving too.
So while we are thankful, we can express and share a little love to all.
The feast of thanksgiving can include some many different things, like pies , turkey, mashed potatoes, biscuits, corn and vegetable casseroles, with ham and bacon, and so much more that we can make and enjoy with our family and friends.
This is my share of recipes that I would be making as we like pies.
This year I decided to prepare apple., pumpkin and my favorite chocolate pie.
I like to use ready to bake pie crusts
Lets's start with apple pie, with easy to make step by step recipe.

Ingredients for Apple pie
8 apples, pealed and sliced. golden or granny apples your choice
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tsp sugar to sprinkle on top
1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
1/4 tsp nutmeg powder
2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 tbsp of all purpose flour
2 tbsp butter
Pie crust 9 inch ready to bake available in stores

Apple pie

Ingredients for Apple

Pie crust

Ready to bake

in oven

Apple pie with ice cream

Method:
For pie crust you can buy ready to bake pie crust available easily in market.
I used the 9 inch pastry sheet.
First for the filling , in a medium bowl,add sugar and mix with dry ingredients, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, toss in apples, add lemon juice and mix gently and keep aside.
Next, line up a 9 inch bottom baking plate with ready to bake pie crust, trimming the edges and making a design to give it a border frill.
Add apples filling in the bowl,don't add any more liquid! top with butter. Roll out remaining pastry sheet to cover apples filling. Trim and seal edges, and make slits on top to allow steam to escape while baking.
Brush the top, with milk and sprinkle some sugar for that extra sheen. Cover with silver foil and bake at 375 degrees F, for 25 to 30 minutes, till crust is golden brown and apple filling is bubbly. Allow to stand, for about 20 minutes before slicing the pie. Goes well when served with cream or vanilla ice cream!

Chocolate Pie
Another of my favorite pie, is of course chocolate pie. I mean who can resist the combination of smooth chocolate, with heavy whipping cream , that is fluffed up! I saw this recipe on TV and the next thing was like, I am definitely going to make this :)) and since then it has become my favorite.

Chocolate pie

Ingredients for chocolate pie

Add coco powder to sugar

Mix dry ingredients

Prepare graham cracker base in pie dish

Add fluffy whipped cream and sprinkle chocolate

Chocolate pie

Ingredients
For the crust
2 packs (approximately 14 graham crackers )
6 tbsp melted butter
1/4 cup light brown sugar ( or you can use just plain sugar too )

For chocolate pudding ingredients
2 eggs separate the yolk ( you can save the white, I made an egg white omelette for my lunch :) using the leftover egg whites.)
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 cup sugar
pinch of salt
3 tbsp of coco powder
1 tsp vanilla essence
milk 2 cups ( I prefer to use whole milk, or at least 2 % for this recipe)

For the pie crust, using a mixer, add graham crackers, grind to coarse powder, add melted butter. Cover the pie dish, with this mixture, and pack the edges too. Use a measuring cup to press the mixture down, it works well.
Next, for the filling, using a sauce pan. Heat milk. Add cornstarch and stir on low heat.
In another bowl, add sugar and coco powder, add eggs one at a time.Add salt, vanilla essence gently add this mixture with warm milk, continue to cook on low heat, making sure to stir it.don't over cook, stir gently for few minutes and close burner as pudding bubbles,
Pour this prepared coco pudding mixture evenly into the already prepared graham pie dish. Cover with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 to 4 hours.
For the topping you can whip up 1 cup whipping cream, with 1/4 cup sugar. Whisk to form peaks,and then garnish the cooled pie with soft peak and you can add strawberries or soft chocolate curls as garnish too, along with the whipped cream.
Some like to use coco powder, whereas others even like bitter sweet, or plain chocolate for preparing the pudding, choice is yours :))have fun preparing this simple yet scrumptiously delicious pies, please yourself, friends and family!!

Chocolate Bark!

2017-10-10T23:16:00.003-07:00

If you like chocolate, you will love chocolate bark🍫 that is basically tempered ( melted ) chocolate!

The fun is you can choose whether, you want the base to be milk, white or dark chocolate. My preference is bitter sweet chocolate. Also you get to add toppings, like sweet or salty nuts, of your choice and create your own style of chocolate.

I like the toppings to be in many colours, texture and sweet and salty. You can have fun making it your way and surprising your guests for a little chocolate treat after dinner or just indulge in some yourself:) after all its a chocolate, and who doesn't like some!!

Do try out this very simple but special treat.

Ingredients are very basic

8 ounces chocolate, bitter sweet chocolate

2 ounces of white chocolate

Toppings your choice

1/4 cup salted peanuts, or your choice of nuts

1/4 cup M&Ms

1/4 tsp or less butter ( optional but I used some just for making sure the chocolate doesn't stick to bowl while tempering)

Ingredients

Melt chocolate

Melting chocolate

Pour chocolate on the template

Add toppings

Sprinkle white chocolate

Chocolate Bark

Doesn't it look yum! so do try out the simple steps and make some.

Method:

1. Cut the slab of chocolate, into pieces, put into a microwaveable bowl and microwave at intervals of 20 seconds. .In the first batch, chop approximately 5 ounces of chocolate and temper (melt) in microwave. As it melts, don't over melt.

Add remaining 3 ounces, continue and melt.

2. With the help of a pencil and ruler, mark out a rectangular shape on the parchment paper. Turn the paper and pour the melted chocolate on the side that has no pencil marks.Using a spatula, spread out the melted chocolate in a way that it stays within the marked rectangular shape.

3.Start adding toppings of your choice, while the chocolate is still in melted stage. Lightly press with hands, making sure the toppings get embedded. Now refrigerate fo 2 to 3 hours.

4. Temper some white chocolate, in a bowl in microwave and sprinkle on top of ready cooled chocolate bark.

Cut out shapes using a knife or just by your hand. Enjoy with friends and family, or at parties.

Roasted Vegetables and Tandoori Salmon

2017-08-28T22:29:00.001-07:00

A warm summer afternoon lunch, and no body wanted to have a heavy curry dish, so I thought why not have roasted vegetables instead.
They are so juicy and try to use vegetables that are in season, fresh produce always tastes more flavorful.
The key to having well roasted vegetables, is begin with first baking them in oven, and later turn the option from bake to grill, for last few minutes.
My favorites, to bake are colorful bell peppers, onions, egg plant , asparagus. But you can definitely use other vegetables of your choice, just be sure to spread them out well on the baking tray, as if they are too close they wont bake well.

Ingredients:

4 to 5 small bell peppers
2 to 3 egg plant
1 medium red onion
1 bundle asparagus
salt to taste
black pepper
olive oil to drizzle on top of cut vegetables.
3 to 4 pieces peeled fresh garlic
1 to 2 Fresh sprigs of herbs

Cut out vegetables and lay them on a baking tray

Drizzle olive oil, add salt, black pepper to asparagus

Roast vegetables in the oven

Take out and then grill the vegetables back in oven

Roasted Vegetables

Tandoori salmon

Roasted vegetables and tandoori salmon

Method:
1.Using a knife cut out vegetables, with 1 inch lengthwise or into cubes. Asparagus ends tend to be tough so you can trim them or peel them.
2. Lay them onto a baking tray, sprinkle salt and black pepper over them. Drizzle olive oil to coat the vegetables and garlic. Using a spoon stir vegetables slightly. Top with fresh herbs, like thyme, rosemary or one of your choice.( if you like herbs, or omit that step)
3. Bake initially, for about 20 minutes, till vegetables and garlic seemed cooked and little soft. Then grill for another few minutes. Serve hot with toasted bread sprinkled with olive oil. I served this dish with grilled tandoori salmon.

This is healthy way to eat vegetables and very easy to prepare too.

The recipe for preparing salmon is in my blog, please refer to that to prepare it.

Blueberry muffins

2017-07-02T22:50:00.002-07:00

Blueberry muffins a great start to morning breakfast, so satisfying and scrumptious with the taste of fresh blueberries bursting as you eat into these freshly baked muffins.
Follow this simple recipe and enjoy blueberry muffins at home, and make friends and family happy, by sharing your muffin delights!!
I came across this recipe on TV and couldn't resist making them, at home. Modified slightly to suit my taste.

Ingredients
1 cup flour
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup milk
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups fresh blueberries

Blueberries Muffin Ingredients

Cream butter and sugar

Add one egg at a time

Sieve dry ingredients

Add blueberries

Muffins batter in the cupcake liners

Can't wait for them to bake :))

Just baked

Blueberries muffins

Method: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare muffin tins, by greasing with butter or use a cupcake liner in each and grease with spray oil.
1. In a medium mixing bowl, cream butter, add in sugar and using a hand mixer or wooden spoon mix till creamy.
2.Add in one egg at a time, next add vanilla essence.
3.For the dry ingredients, sieve together flour, salt and baking powder. Start adding the flour to the batter, alternating with milk, till both flour and milk are added.
Next, fold in blueberries and do not over stir.
4.Add spoonful of muffin mixture to prepared muffin cups. Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, remove from oven and allow to cool, before eating.

Enjoy 💖

Creamy Butter chicken

2017-05-15T12:17:00.002-07:00

Butter chicken or fondly known as Chicken Tikka masala, is a royal Indian dish, prepared by cooking chicken and cooking it in a creamy tomato based curry sauce, that is medium spicy and full of aromatic flavors that an Indian spices offer. It is a favorite and served in almost all Indian restaurants in India and abroad.

My version is to prepare a not too heavy curry, for that I want to stay away from using heavy cream and onions. It won't compromise on flavor, its lighter so you can enjoy more of the curry guilt free :))
For bringing out the flavors, try using fresh ingredients and spices that will enhance the taste of the dish.
This recipe was looooooooong due, so happy I could modify and come out with a more healthier option, of enjoying this dish.

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless , skinless chicken cut into approx 1 inch cubes

2 Roma tomatoes, pureed

1 tbsp canned tomato

1 inch ginger freshly grated

3 to 4 cloves garlic freshly grated

1/4 cup cashews ( soak in water, 10 mins and grind to make a smooth paste)

salt to taste

2 tsp garam masala

Spices
2 big cardamoms

1 inch cinnamon stick

2 bay leaves

2 to 3 cloves

3 to 4 black peppercorns

2 to 3 small cardamons

2 to 3 dried red chilies

2 tbsp butter

1 tsp honey

Marinade for chicken
Ingredients
1 tbsp sour cream or can use 1 tsbp plain yogurt
1 tsp each ginger, garlic paste
salt to taste
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil

Chicken marinade

Cook marinated chicken in a skillet

Prepare the sauce

Cook chicken in the prepared sauce on low to medium heat covered

Butter chicken

Method:
In a bowl, add ginger , garlic paste 1 tsp each. Add salt to taste, 1 tsp red chilies powder, 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tsp coriander powder. Add chicken and marinate it for about 20 to 30 mins.

Method for preparing the sauce for butter chicken.
1. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet, and cook the marinated chicken, on medium heat for about 15 minutes, till the chicken appears cooked. The real test to know if chicken is cooked from inside, is to make sure its white and not pinkish in color on the inside.
Once the chicken is done, cover and keep aside.

Method for preparing the curry sauce
1.In the mean while, heat another skillet, add 2 tbsp butter , add in freshly grated ginger, garlic. Allow that to sizzle, few mins. next add in all the whole spices, all of them. Stir few minutes.
Next, add red chilly powder, and cashew paste, continue cooking about 5 minutes or as the cashew paste comes together. Add in tomato puree, stir another 8 to 10 minutes, adding salt and garam masala.
Taste the curry and add more salt if required. add 1 tsp honey for that sweet tangy taste, and then add the cooked chicken, into the prepared curry. Add 1/2 cup water and continue cooking, another 10 to 12 minutes till the chicken and curry appear thickened and done.
Add freshly chopped coriander leaves, or thinly sliced colorful peppers as garnish,

Spicy Black Pepper Chicken

2017-04-24T23:45:00.001-07:00

Black pepper also known as Milagu, in southern states of India.This chicken dish is popular and made in the households of south India. Pepper and other spices are famous in this part of the country, there are many interesting plantations of them.
Peppercorns is considered a king spice in that part of India.
I came across this dish, when I saw it being prepared at a TV show. I liked how simple it was to make and that it can be served, as an appetizer or main dish.

Ingredients:
2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken cut into 2 inch cubes.
Salt to taste
1 tsp turmeric
1tsp coriander powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp black pepper ( Milagu powder)
1 tsp each ginger ,garlic paste
3 to 4 green chilies chopped
3 tsp rice flour
2 tsp lemon juice
1 cup ( 200 ml)vegetable oil to deep fry
1 tsp mustard seeds
6 to 7 curry leaves
2 to 3 dried red chilies
Fresh coconut slices (optional)

Method:
Marinate chicken in a bowl, with salt, red chili powder, coriander , pepper , turmeric. Add an egg, and ginger, garlic paste.
Add finely chopped curry leaves, and lemon juice. Heat oil to deep fry the chicken pieces, to a golden brown, frying them for 4 to 5 minutes. Strain on to a paper towel.
Next heat a medium pan, with 2 tbsp oil for tempering. Add mustard seeds, allow them to splatter.Next add in coconut slices , brown the coconut slices, add green chilies and sliced onions.Add curry leaves 2 to 3.
Then add in 1/2 cup water, and cover few minutes, add in the fried chicken. Saute for another 4 to 5 minutes, serve hot . Enjoy preparing and eating this spicy chicken dish, with family and friends :)