Srishida's CookBook

Chicken Tikka (Starter) - My style!

2014-10-30T17:21:00.002-07:00

Ingredients:

1. Boneless chicken thigh - 1 lb.

For marination:

1. Lime juice - 1 tbsp
2. Thick Yogurt - 2 tbsp
3. Turmeric - 1 tsp
4. Shan Chicken Tandoori Masala - 1 1/3 tsp
5. Dry Kasoori methi leaves- 1 tsp
6. Olive/ vegetable oil - 2 tbsp
7. Coriander powder - 1 tbsp
8. Crushed garlic - 1 tsp
9. Crushed ginger - 1 tsp
10. Salt - 1 tsp

Method of Preparation:

1. Cut, cleaned boneless chicken thigh, into very small cubes.
2. In a big mixing bowl, add the marinating ingredients and mix well.
3. Add the cut chicken pieces, mix well and keep it aside for 1/2 hr.
4. Broil the over and add a foil paper lining to your baking dish.
5. Broil the marinated chicken, for 10 mins.
6. Remove it outside after 10 mins, flip it up side down and broil it for another 10 mins.
7. After the second round of 10 mins of broiling, move the chicken into another bowl and remove the foil paper with the excess gravy.
8. Add a new foil paper to the baking dish and brush the dish with oil.
9. Move the chicken back into the dish and broil it for another 7 mins.
10. Transfer it to a serving dish.
11. Serve it with cilantro mint chutney! Hope you enjoy cooking and eating it! Please share your comments after trying this dish!

Strawberry cake

2014-05-28T15:48:00.003-07:00

We went Strawberry picking this weekend to Danverport, California, with some great friends. The Swanton Orgainc Berry Farm - http://www.swantonberryfarm.com , A beautiful berry farm by the water!! Extremely windy but mouth watering large ripe strawberry $3 a pound! Was worth picking!

Ingredients:

1) Multipurpose flour- 1 cup

2) Strawberry Puree – 1 cup

3) Baking powder- 1 tbsp

4) Vanilla essence- 1 tbsp

5) Egg – 3

6) Granulated sugar- 3/4 cup
7) Cashew nut/ almonds - 1/4 cup

Method of Preparation:

1) In a bowl, take one cup of self rising multi purpose flour, to this add 1 tbsp baking powder, and keep it aside.

2) In another large bowl, separate the egg whites from the egg yolks, beat the egg white to fluff it.(Right consistency – fluffed egg white shouldn’t fall off the bowl, if the bowl were to be turned upside down!).

3) Once fluffed, add the egg yolk followed by granulated sugar, keeping the beater at medium speed.

4)This would be a good time to preheat oven to 350degree F.

5) Continue adding the vanilla essence, followed by the flour and baking powder mixture.

6) Beat until the flour has mixed well.

7) Now add the strawberry puree and beat until it is mixed well.

8) Toast thinly sliced almonds and cashew nuts in a pan, until they slightly golden brown.

9) Coat the baking pan (I use 9″ round baking pan), with vegetable oil and pour the mixture into it.

10) Top it with toasted almonds and cashew nuts.

11) When the over is preheated, place the baking pan and set the timer for 30 minutes.

12) After 30 minutes, turn off the oven, and keep in there, for another 3-5 minutes.

13) When the pan has cooled down, turn the cake into a plate which is easy for slicing.

14) Icing on the cake would be a treat if it is for an occasion, but for an evening snack, I would keep it as it is or might top just it with some cold strawberry ice cream – the CPK style!

Chocolate Brownies

2014-05-23T15:39:00.000-07:00

A perfect tea time snack!

Ingredients:

Self rising multipurpose flour - 1 cup
Eggs - 3
Cocoa powder - 2 tbsp
Nutella - 2 Tbsp
Vanilla essence - 2 tsp
Sugar - 1/2 cup
Milk - 1 cup (should be room temperature!)
Baking powder - 2 tsp
Baking pan - 9'' round pan (Any that you have, will do)
Oil - just to brush inside the pan.

Method of preparation:

In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolk. Beat the egg white until it fluffs using a beater. (right consistency: The fluff should not drop when the bowl is tilted)
In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder and cocoa powder and keep it aside.
To the fluffed egg whites add the egg yolks as you continue beating.
Follow it with sugar and vanilla essence .
Add the Nutella and milk, beat till it mixes well.
Now is a good time to preheat the oven at 350 degree F.
Finally add the Flour,baking powder,cocoa powder mixture, gradually as you continue beating it into a fine mixture.
Pour it into the Oil brushed baking pan.
When the oven is preheated, bake the brownies at 350 Degree F for 30 minutes.
Off the oven and take the pan out after a minute or two.
Serve the brownies with a cup of coffee or tea :) enjoy!

Hara Bhara Kabab

2012-07-01T21:53:00.001-07:00

Hara Bhara Kabab... the name itself tells you, it has all the healthy "Green Vegetables" . A healthy yet yummy snack perfect with a cup of tea!!!

Ingredients:
1.Potatos - 2 (big and boiled)
2.Green Peas - 1 cup (boiled)
3.Spinach leaves - 1 cup (boiled, press between palm to remove excess water)
4. Paneer - 1/2 cup(grated)
5. Green chili - 1
6.Ginger - 1 tsp
7. Lime - 3 tbsp
8. Cilantro - 1 cup (chopped)
9. Chat masala - 1 tsp
10. Salt - 1/2 tsp( or as per taste)
11. Bread Crumbs - 1 cup
12. Egg - 1 (beaten) optional if vegetarian.

Method of Preparation:
1.Mash potatos with bolied spinach green peas.
2. Add salt, chat masala, cilantro ginger and green chilis.
3. Add lime juice and grated paneer.
4.Make oval balls of medium size and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
5. In a frying pan add 3-4 tbsp of oil.
6. Dip kabab into beaten egg , roll in bread crumbs and shallow fry in pan.
7.NB- for vegetarians mix the bread crumbs into the kabab balls to bind it well without egg.
8. Serve it with tea as evening snack :) Enjoy!

Mixed Dal Dosa

2012-02-06T17:02:00.000-08:00

One of the most nutritious way to have your kids eating different types of lentils .Do try it!!

Ingredients:
1.Raw rice - 1 cup
2.Urad Dal - 1/4 cup
3.Tur Dal - 1/4 cup
4. Mung Dal - 1/4 cup
5.Red Chori - 1/4 cup
6.Ginger - 1/2 tsp crushed
7.Green Chili - 2
8.Curry Leaves - 2/3
9.Onion - 1/2 cup finely chopped.
10. Coriander leaves - 1/2 cup finely chopped(optional)

Method of Preparation:
1.Soak rice and and dal for 5-7 hours in water.
2.In a mixer grind rice and dal along with,green chili,ginger, curry leaves and water into a fine paste.
3. The batter should be of pouring consistency.
4.Add the onion , coriander and salt to the batter before preparing the dosa,this dosa batter need not be fermented hence can be prepared as soon as you grind it :)
5.In a pan,heat 1/4 tsp of ghee/oil and pour one big spoon full of batter to form a thin dosa,on medium flame.
6. Flip over whenthe sides seems to have cooked.
7.Cook for another 3-5 mins.
8. Enjoy nutritious mixed dal dosa with tomato chutney!!

Butter Chicken

2012-02-01T00:35:00.000-08:00

Butter chicken and Naan,what a combination,Yummmmm!!!This is butter chicken my style :)

Ingredients:
1.Boneless chicken thigh- 1 lb(cut into strips)
2.Onion - 1 cup thinly sliced
3.Ginger - 1 tbsp crushed
4.Garlic - 1 tbsp crushed
5.Tomato - 2 medium,cut into cubes
6.Kasoori methi - 1 tbsp
7.Cashew nuts - 2 tsp
8.Curry leaves - 2/3
9.Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
10.Chili powder - 1 tsp
11. Coriander powder - 1 tsp
12. Green chili - 2 slit into two
13. Food color(optional)-1/2 tsp
14.Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
15. Tomato ketchup - 1 tbsp
16.Whole milk/Cream- 3/4 cup
17.Salt
18.Whole garam masala - (2 cardamom,1 cinnamon stick,1 bay leaf,2 clove)
19. Butter - 2 tsp
20.oil
21.Yogurt- 2 tsp(for marinade)
22.Cilantro - 1 cup finely chopped.

Method of Preparation:
1.Marinate chicken with salt,turmeric and Yogurt for 3-4 hrs.
2.In a deep pan heat 2 tbsp oil, and shallow roast the chicken on medium flame.
3.Roast chicken until its golden brown and well cooked,keep it aside.
4.In the same pan,add cumin seeds followed by crushed ginger,garlic and green chili,saute for 3-5 mins
5.Add the onion and salt saute until onion is well cooked.Add the cashew and saute.
6.Add the chopped tomato,kasoori methi ,chili powder and coriander powder. Saute until oil is visible.
7.Let it cool down before you grind it into a fine paste in a mixer.
8.In the same pan add 2 tsp butter,saute the whole garam masala and curry leaves.
9.Lower the flame and add the tomato onion paste. Add some water(1/2 cup) it the gravy is too thick.
10.When the gravy starts to boil add the chicken pieces ,a pinch of sugar and let it cook for another min or two.
11.Add cream and cook it for 2-3 mins by stirring it constantly.
12.Add tomato ketchup and food color(optional).
13.Finish it off with chopped cilantro.
14.Enjoy this mouth watering dish with Naan :)

Dosa sambar

2012-01-30T22:41:00.000-08:00

Dosa,reminds me of school days.My tiffin box almost always had dosa as per friends demand to my mom, Most days I would not even get to see my tiffin box,as my friends would finish it.But it was some of the wonderful days of my life, Miss you all my dear friends from school!!

Ingredients:
1.Raw rice - 1 cup
2.Urad Dal - 1/4 cup
3.Cooked rice - 1 tbsp
4.Salt
5.Fenugeek seeds - 3/4

Method of Preparation:
1.Soak rice,urad dal and fenugeek seeds over night in water.
2.Grind it into a fine paste in a mixed with cooked rice.
3.Add salt and soaked water while grinding to form a fine semi liquid paste(not too thick- not too thin).
4.The rice batter needs to be kept over night for fermentation in warm place.
5. Heat a non-stick pan on medium-high flame and pour 1 big spoon full of the batter when the pan is hot.
6.Spread it on the pan to form a thin medium side circle.Lower the flame to low.
7.Drizzle oil/ghee and flip when it seems almost cooked on one side.
8.Cook on other side for 2-5 mins.
9.Serve it hot with coconut chutney or simply with sambar.

Parippum Mathanga Curry(Dal and pumpkin curry)

2012-01-30T22:07:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
1.Toor Dal - 1 cup
2.Pumpkin(Mathanga)- 11/2 cup cut into cubes
3. Shredded coconut-3/4 cup
4.Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
5.Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
6.Shallot - 3 finely chopped
7.Coconut oil - 1 tbsp
8.Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
9. Curry leaves - 7/8
10.Red chili whole - 2
11.Green Chili - 2 slit
12.Ginger - 1/2 tsp crushed
13.Cilantro leaves - 1/2 cup

Method of Preparation:
1.In a pressure cooker,cook the 1 cup dal ,green chili,ginger with pumpkin and 3 cups of water for 2 whistle.
2.In a mixer,grind coconut,turmeric and cumin seeds with water until it forms a fine paste.
3.When the pressure cooker cools down, add the coconut paste and cook on medium flame.
4.Add salt.
5.In another pan,heat 1 tbsp of coconut oil, splutter mustard seeds, saute the shallots until golden brown,add whole red chili and curry leaves.
6.Transfer dal to a serving bowl,garnish with shallot Tadka and ccilantro leaves.
7.Serve it with rice :)

Spicy Fish Curry

2012-01-24T21:04:00.000-08:00

This recipe is for those people who love spicy food!Its a tangy yet spicy recipe. Do try it guys :)

Ingredients:
1.Fish - 1/2 lb(I used Pomphret)
2.Shallot - 18/20 cut into four
3.Ginger - 2 tsp crushed
4.Green Chili - 1 slit
5.Curry Leaves - 10/12
6.Chili powder - 1 tbsp
7.Tamarind juice - Tamarind pulp about 1 tbsp mashed in 2 cut of water
8. Oil - 3 tbsp

Method of Preparation
1.Marinate fish with salt turmeric and chili powder and keep aside for 1/2 hour.
2. In a pan,heat 3 tbsp oil and saute ginger and green chili for about 5/7 mins in medium flame.
3.Add roughly chopped onion and salt and saute until its very translucent .
4.Add chili powder and saute until the oil shows up, that is about 2 mins.
5.Add the tamarind juice(should be around 2 cups for 5-6 pieces fishes) and let it boil.
6. Add the fish and let it cook on low flame with closed lid until the gravy simmers.
7. Stir occasionally.
8. Add curry leaves and transfer it to a serving bowl when the gravy simmers.
9.Enjoy it with chapati or steamed rice.

Takkali Curry (Tomato buttermilk Curry)

2012-01-22T13:41:00.000-08:00

Takkali curry is a very simple preparation,and goes great with steamed rice and spicy lime pickle. I have tasted this recipe at several places and decided to make a small change to its recipe, which definitely turned out to be a 'Hit' . I added fresh coconut milk instead of ground coconut paste. Here is Takkali curry,my style!!

Ingredients:
1.Tomato - 2 big, cut into cubes
2.Yogurt - 1 cup
3.Coconut Milk - 3/4 cup
4. Ginger - 1/2 tsp crushed
5.Green chili - 2 slit
6. Curry leaves - 7/8
7. Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
8.Whole red chili - 2
9.Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
10. Asafotida (hing) - 1 pinch
11. Oil - 1 tsp
12. Salt

Method of Preparation:
1.In a mixer or blender, beat the yogurt with salt and 1/4 cup water to form buttermilk.
2.In a wok, heat 1 tbsp oil and splutter mustard seeds,followed by curry leaves and whole red chili.
3. Add the cut tomatoes,ginger ,green chili with turmeric and asafotida and cook with 1/4 cup water and closed lid on medium flame.
4.When tomatoes turn almost mushy,lower the flame and add the coconut milk while constantly stirring it.
5. Let the coconut milk cook for for 2-5 mins.
6. Switch off the flame and add the buttermilk by constantly stirring it.Let the buttermilk cook in the heat of the wok.
7. Transfer it to a serving bowl and enjoy it with steamed rice and pickle.

Chicken egg Noodles

2012-01-20T21:27:00.000-08:00

I am big fan of Chinese and Thai food, and I guess Indo-Chinese food is equally tantalizingly delicious!! Here I go with my version of comfort food- Chicken egg noodles!!

Ingredients:
1.Hakka noodles - 1 pack
2.Onion - 1/2 cup thinly sliced
3.Celery - 1/2 cup thinly sliced
4.Carrot - 1/4 cup thinly sliced
5.Chicken breast - 1 cup thinly sliced
6.Egg - 2
7. Soy sauce - 1 tbsp
8.vinegar - 1 tbsp
9.Ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp
10.Pepper - 1 pinch
11.Bell pepper - 1/2 cup thinly sliced
10. Spring onion - 1 cup, chopped

Method of preparation:
1. In a vessel,bring water to boil,cook the noodle in it for about 5 mins by adding a pinch of salt and 1/2 tsp oil.Drain the noodles and keep aside.
2.In a wok,heat 2 tbsp oil on high flame,add onion and ginger garlic paste, saute for a min or 2.
3.Add chicken and saute with a pinch of salt and pepper and saute for 7-10 mins.
4.Add the eggs to it and saute to scramble it.
5.Add celery,bell pepper ,carrot and saute by adding to it.
6.Add the soy sauce and cook for another 5-7 mins.
7.Add the noodles and saute.
8.Finally garnish it with spring onion.

Mushroom & soy chunks curry

2012-01-20T15:31:00.000-08:00

A simple and delicious curry to be paired with paratha!

Ingredients:
1. Mushroom - 1 cup, each cut into halves
2. Soy chunks - 1 cup
3.Onion - 1/2 cup thinly sliced
4. Ginger garlic paste - 1 tbsp
5. Green chili - 2 slit
6. Chili powder - 1/2 tsp
7.Turmeric - 1/4 tsp
8. Coriander powder - 1/2 tsp
9. Dried tomato - 1 tbsp(you can use fresh tomatoes too.)
10.Salt
11.Garam masala 1 tsp
12.oil.

Method of Preparation:
1.In a bowl soak soy chunks in boiling hot water for about 10 mins.After 10 mins drain the water, and dry the soy chunks in tissue paper.
2.In a wok, heat 2 tbsp oil, saute the onion until translucent with a pinch of salt in it.
3.Add ginger garlic paste and green chilis.
4.Add the turmeric,coriander powder,garam masala and chili powder and saute.
5.Add the mushroom and soy chunks and cook with closed lid for 7-10 mins, by occasionally stirring it on low-medium flame.
6. When the mushrooms shrink a bit,add the dried/fresh tomatoes cut into big slices and cook for another 2-3 mins.
7.Garnish it with finely chopped cilantro leaves.

Baked Potato

2012-01-20T14:57:00.000-08:00

Baked potato with a hint of butter can be so relaxing when paired with baked fish,chicken or simply with paratha.

Ingredients:
1.Potato - 1 large cut into cubes
2.Dried Basil(kasoori methi) - 1 tsp
3.Salt
4.Pepper - 1/4 tsp crushed
5. Oil - 1tsp
6.Butter - 1/2 tsp

Method of Preparation:
1.Preheat oven at 390 degree F ,Marinate potato with salt,pepper,kasoori methi and finally with oil.
2.Arrange on a baking tray.
3.Bake the potatoes for 7-8 mins ,roughly move the potatoes around and bake for another 9-10 mins.
4.Flip over the potatoes once more and bake for 8-10 more mins.
5.Transfer it to the serving bowl and top it with a tsp of butter when its really warm!

Tomato Rice

2012-01-18T20:43:00.000-08:00

Tomato rice is one of the best every day meal.The recipe, I am going to share with you today is inspired from my dear friend,shresta,who once prepared tomato rice with coconut milk as one of the ingredient in it. It was delicious!!You guys are going to love this recipe,I bet!!

Ingredients:
1.Basmati rice - 1 cup
2.Tomato - 2, puree into 1 1/4 cup
3.Onion - 1 cup thinly sliced
4.Ginger - 1 tsp crushed
5.Green chili - 2 slit into two
6.Green peas - 1 cup
7.Curry leaves - 7/8
8.Whole garam masala - 1 tbsp(cinnamon stick - 1,cardamom - 3,clove - 3,bay leaves - 2)
9. Cilantro - 1/2 cup finely chopped
10.Coconut milk - 3/4 cup
11.Cashew nut - 1 tbsp
12. Rasin - 1 tbsp
13. Cumin - 1/2 tsp
14.Turmeric - 1/4 tsp
15.Chili powder - 1/2 tsp
16.Salt

Method of Preparation:
1.In a pressure cooker,heat 1 tbsp oil,splutter the cumin seeds.
2.Add the whole garam masala and curry leaves to it.
3.Add the cashew and rasin and saute for a min.
4.Add the onion,green chili, ginger and saute until onions turn translucent.
5.Puree the tomatoes to form 1-1/4 cup of it, add water if needed.
6.Add green peas and follow it with chili powder,turmeric and salt.
7.Add the rice and saute.
8.Add the tomato puree and when it starts to boil add the fresh coconut milk and pressure cooker it for one whistle on medium flame.
9. Transfer it to a serving bowl when the cooker cools down,garnish it with cilantro leaves and enjoy it with pickle and yogurt! :)

Saag Chicken

2012-01-15T00:05:00.000-08:00

Saag chicken is indeed a treat for mouth when paired with steamed rice or naan.Its healthy and an item you could prepare when inviting friends.So here I go with my recipe of saag
chicken.

Ingredients:

1.Chicken breast - 2 lb cut into medium pieces

2.Saag/Palak/Spinach - 3 cups finely chopped

3. Coconut milk - 3/4 cup

4. Onion - 1 cup finely chopped

5. Tomato - 1 cup finely cut

6.Ginger garlic paste - 1 tbsp

7. Green chili - 3 crushed

8. Kasoori methi - 1 tbsp

9. Garam masala whole - 1 tbsp(cardamom-3,cinnamon - 1 stick,clove-3,bay leaf-2,fennel seeds - 1/4 tsp)

10.Salt

11.Oil/Ghee

12.Yogurt for marinade- 1 tsp

Method of Preparation:

1.Marinate chicken with salt pepper and 1 tsp yogurt for at least 1 hours.

2.Grind the spinach leaves into a fine paste.

3.In a wok,heat i tbsp oil and splutter the whole garam masala.

4.add ginger garlic paste followed by green chili and onion.

5.Saute with 1/2 tsp of salt until onion turns translucent.

6.Add the chicken and cook with closed lid for 5-7 mins.

7.Add cut tomato and coconut milk.

8. Cook on low flame with closed lid for 5-7 mins

9.Add turmeric,coriander powder and chili powder and cook for another min.

10. Finally add the spinach paste and kasoori methi and cook without lid for 3-5 mins by stirring it occasionally.

11.Transfer it to a serving bowl and enjoy it with naan or steamed rice.

Rava Upma

2012-01-14T23:42:00.000-08:00

Well, people make upma in a number of ways. But out of all that I have tasted, the one I am going to share with all of you today, is the one I like the most. It is because,this is the only style where you get the flavor of 'rava'.Though its important to eat it hot and fresh as it gets dry when cools down. But do try out this recipe,my grandma style,This is what I call as rava upma!!you will definitely like it!

Ingredients:
1.Rava - 1 cup
2.Green chili -3 finely chopped
3.Onion - 1 cup finely chopped
4.Ginger - 1/2 tsp crushed
5.Curry leaves - 7/8
6.Cashew nut - 1/2 cup
7.Rasin - 1/2 cup
8.Salt
9.oil
10.Mustard - 1 tsp
11.Water - 1 cup

Method of preparation:
1.In a pan,heat 1 tbsp oil,splutter the mustard seeds and add the curry leaves.
2.Add the cashew nut and rasin and saute for a min.
3.Add the chopped onion,ginger and green chili.Add salt and saute until the onion turns slightly golden brown.
4.Add rava and roast it on medium flame until it turns slightly brown and gives a nice aroma.
5.Now add 1 cup water and mix it thoroughly for 2-3 mins.
6.Transfer it to a serving bowl and enjoy it with a warm cup of tea!
NB: This upma is best when served hot.

Cashew Mushroom Chicken

2012-01-13T00:35:00.000-08:00

Cashew mushroom chicken is inspired from the Thai Cashew chicken that Panda express,that they had introduces a while ago.I love their Mushroom chicken too, so I tried preparing a dish which has the goodness of both!Well I guess this week is dedicated to Panda Express!

Ingredients:
1.Chicken breast - 1 lb shred into strips
2.Mushroom - 1 cup, cut into 4 halves
3.Celery - 1 cup,vertically sliced
4.Onion - 1 cup, vertically sliced
5.Bell pepper - 1 cup , cut into cubes
6.Baby Carrot - 1 cut, vertically sliced
7.Cashew nut - 1/2 cup
8. Soy Sauce - 2 tbsp
9. Ginger - 1 tbsp , thinly sliced
10. Garlic chili sauce - 1/2 tbsp
11.oil
12. Salt
13.Lime juice -1 tbsp
14. Pepper - 1/2 tsp

Method Of Preparation:
1. Marinate the chicken with salt pepper and lime juice for at least 1 hour.
2. In a wok,heat 1 tbsp oil on medium flame, shallow fry the chicken for 2-3 mins, cover lid and cook for another 5-7 mins,keep aside cooked chicken along with its oil.
2.In the same wok,heat 1 tbsp oil on high flame.
3. Saute ginger and cashew.
4. Add mushroom,saute and then cover the lid and cook for 3-5 mins.
5.Add onion,celery,carrot, bell pepper ,salt and saute .
6.Add 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1/2 tbsp garlic chili sauce.
7.Add the chicken and saute for a min or 2.
8. Server it hot over steamed rice or pair it with fried rice!!!

Black pepper chicken-Panda express style!

2012-01-12T23:38:00.000-08:00

I am crazy about Chinese food, and panda express is my all time favorite!

Ingredients:
1.Chicken breast - 1 lb cut into thin strips
2. Black pepper - 1 tsp freshly ground
3. Red Onion - 1 cup cut into cubes
4. Celery - 1 cup
5. Ginger - 1 tsp finely chopped
6. Soy sauce - 1 tbsp
7. Corn flour - 1 tsp
8. Vinegar - 1 tbsp
9. Salt
10. Oil

Method of Preparation:
1.Cut chicken breast into thin strips, and marinate it with 1 tbsp soy sauce,salt,corn flour,ginger and vinegar for at least 1-2 hour.
2. In 1 tbsp oil,shallow fry the chicken on medium flame until its fully cooked,Close the lid and cook for 3-5 mins.Keep aside the cooked chicken along with its oil.
3.In the same wok,heat 2 tbsp oil on high flame and saute onion and celery for 2-5 mins, add 1 tsp soy sauce,vinegar and salt(if needed).
4.Add the cooked chicken and saute for a min or 2.
5.Drizzle freshly ground pepper.
6.Serve it hot on steam rice bed.
NB: Add 1 tsp of garlic chili saute to make it spicy.

Puttu & Kadala Curry

2012-01-08T18:27:00.000-08:00

Sunday breakfast was all about Puttu and Kadala curry! The only day when mom dad sis and myself would sit down together to have breakfast, and it was so much fun!!Here I share this amazing combo, puttu and kadala recipe that brings back all the wonderful memories of childbood for me :) Hope you enjoy this recipe!

Ingredients:
1.Kadala(brown chickpea) - 1 cup soaked in water,overnight
2.Onion - 1/2 cup thinly sliced
3. Tomato - 1 cut into cubes
4. Green chili - 1 slit
5. Ginger - 1 tsp crushed
6. Garlic - 1 tsp crushed
7. Chili powder - 1 tsp
8. Coriander powder - 1 tsp
9. Turmeric - 1/4 tsp
10.Shredded coconut - 1 cup
11. curry leaves - 9
12.salt
13. oil

Method of Preparation:
1.In a pan dry roast shredded coconut until golden brown on medium flame by constantly stirring it.switch off flame and add the chili powder and coriander powder ,let it cool, grind it into a fine paste by adding about 1 cup water to it in a mixer.
2. In a pressure cooker, add the soaked chickpea, thinly sliced onion,tomato, ginger ,garlic, green chili,turmeric and salt. pressure cook it for 3 whistle on medium to high flame.
3. When the cooker cools down open the lid and add the coconut paste and cook on medium flame for 5 to 7 mins.
4.In another pan, Heat 1 tbsp oil, splutter mustard seeds, curry leaves , add 1/2 tsp of garam masala and saute it.
5. Add the chopped cilantro leaves and saute for another min.
6. Pour it into the cooker.
7. Transfer the kadala curry in a serving bowl.

Puttu:
1. Puttu is basically rice powder that is mildly coarse and is finely roasted.
2. It is also available in Indian stores in packed form.
3. For 1 cup of puttu powder add 1/4 cup water and a pinch of salt, But drizzle water little at a time until the powder is wet, but not at all mushy .It should still have a powder consistency.
4. Puttu is made in a special vessel which allows steam to pass through to cook the rice powder, but traditionally puttu was made in the copra(coconut shell, by making a hole in its eye and letting steam to pass through).
5. Layer 1 tsp shredded coconut followed by rice powder.
6. Place the puttu maker on the pressure cooker,and let the steam pass by,for 10-12 mins.
7. Enjoy delicious puttu and kadala on a relaxing sunday-for breakfast!

Potato Spinach Sabji

2012-01-08T17:45:00.000-08:00

A simple and nutritious dish that pairs best with Chapathi or roti and tangy lime pickle!

Ingredients:
1.Potato - 2 cut into cubes
2.Spinach -3 cups(I prefer baby spinach)If its ordinary spinach, chop it roughly.
3. Panch puran - 1 tsp(Use cumin+mustard seeds1 tsp, if you do not have panch puran)
4.Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
5. Tomato - 1 cut into small cubes
6.Ginger - 1tsp crushed
7. Salt
8.oil
9.Lime juice - 1 tsp
10. Kasoori methi - 1 tsp
11. Green chili - 3 slit

Method of Preparation:
1.In a pan, heat, 1 tsp of oil, splutter panch puran.
2.Add ginger and green chili and saute for a min until ginger is fried
3. Add cut tomatoes and saute in low flame until its mushy(chowk),add 1/4 cup water if needed.
4. Add turmeric and salt and add the cut potatoes.
5. Saute for 5 mins, add 2 cups of water and cook with closed lid on medium, to high flame.
6. Stir occasionally, And cook until the gravy dries out.
7. Add lime juice and kasoori methi.
8. Finally add the spinach leaves and saute just for 2-5 mins.
9. Transfer it to a serving bowl.
10. Enjoy Potato spinach Sabji with roti or chapathi.

Malabar Chicken Curry or Varutharacha chicken curry

2012-01-08T17:22:00.000-08:00

"Varathu aracha chicken curry", is an authentic Malabar chicken curry, I got to know this recipe watching my mom prepare it during some special occasions! Its a bit time consuming recipe, but if you really wanna enjoy a mouth watering dish, go for it. Its worth the effort!

Ingredients:
1.Chicken - 2 lb whole chicken cut into medium pieces.
2.Onion - 2
3. Tomato - 1
4.Ginger - 1 tbsp crushed
5.Garlic - 1 tbsp crushed
6. Whole red chili - 8
7. Whole coriander - 1 1/2 tbsp
8. Turmeric - 1 tsp
9. Whole pepper - 1 tsp
10. Shredded coconut - 1 cup
11. Curry leaves - 10
12. Cut coconut pieces - 1 tsp
13. salt
14. oil
15. Cilantro leaves for garnish.

Method of preparation:
1.Prepare the marinade for chicken:Heat 1 tsp oil in a pan, roast 1 tsp of finely chopped onion,when it turns golden brown, add whole red chili,whole coriander and pepper. Roast for 2-5 mins.Grind it with 1/2 cup water to form a fine paste.
2.In the wok,in which you are planning to cook,add chicken,the marinade,thinly sliced onion(1 cup),tomatoes,ginger,garlic, curry leaves,salt and turmeric.mix it well and keep aside for 1 hour.
3. After an hour, switch on the flame to medium and start cooking the chicken with closed lid(do not add water).
4. In another pan, dry roast shredded coconut by constantly stirring it in medium flame until golden brown.
5.When coconut turns brown, add 1 tsp chili powder and coriander powder.Grind this mixture,with 3/4 cup water into a fine paste and keep it aside.
6. Occasionally stir the chicken until its well cooked and all the gravy from chicken almost dries.
7. Add the coconut paste and cook for another 10 mins.
8. In another pan prepare the garnish, heat 1 tbsp oil(use coconut oi for authentic flavor) roast 1 tbsp of finely chopped onion, when it turns golden brown, add cut coconut pieces, roast until it turns brown. Add the chopped cilantro leaves and saute for another minute.
9. Pour garnish on the chicken curry.
10. Enjoy the mouthwatering chicken curry with steamed rice/brown rice!!

Mutter Paneer

2012-01-06T16:03:00.000-08:00

Today we friends decided to meet and have some leisure time gossiping and having lunch together.I decided to prepare Mutter Paneer. And hence thought of sharing the recipe with rest of you too.

Ingredients:
1.Paneer - 1 cup small cubes(around 15 cubes)(shallow roast the paneer , if its store bought)
2. Mutter - 1 cup
3. onion - 1 finely chopped
4. tomato - 2 cut into cubes
5. Ginger - 1 tsp crushed
6.Garlic - 3 pods crushed
7. turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
8.Red chili powder - 1 tsp
9.Corriander powder - 1 tsp
10. Kasoori methi - 1 tsp
11. Sugar - 1 pinch
12.Whole garam masala - clove,bay leaf, cardamom,cinnamon
13.curry leaves - 7
14.Cashew - 8-9
15.salt
16.oil/butter
17.Whole milk/cream - 1/2 cup

Method of Preparation:
1.In a kadhai, heat 1 tbsp oil. roast the chashew nuts and keep it aside when slightly brown.
2.In the same kadhai, saute the chopped onion with a pinch of salt until it is translucent.
3.Add half the cut tomatoes and saute for about 3-5 mins,keep it aside to let it cool,and grind in a mixer with the fried cashew,into a fine paste.
4.In the same kadhai, add 1 tbsp oil and splutter cumin seeds and curry leaves.
5. Add the whole garam masala and follow it with the onion-tomato-cashew paste.
6.Saute it for 2 mins,add the chili powder, coriander powder and turmeric.
7. Add the remaining cut tomatoes and add 1 cup water to it.
8. Bring it to boil,add kasoori methi and a pinch of sugar.
9. When it begins to boil, add the green peas and paneer cubes.
10. Add the whole milk/cream when the gravy almost simmers,cook for another 5 mins.
11.Finish it off with cilantro leaves and enjoy it with naan or paratha.

Chicken Lollipop

2012-01-04T21:30:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
1. Chicken Drumstick - 7 skinless
2. Ginger garlic paste - 1 tbsp
3. Red chili powder - 1/2 tsp
4. Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
5. Shan Tandoori masala(or any tandoori masala can be used
but for color, food color would be needed) - 1 tbsp
6. Curry leaves - 7
7. Lime juice - 1 tbsp
8. Salt
9. oil - 1 tbsp
10.Spring onion for garnish

Method of Preparation:
1. In a bowl marinate the chicken with chili powder ,turmeric powder,Shan masala,ginger garlic paste,curry leaves,salt and lime juice over night or at least 4 hours.
2.Switch on the oven in broil settings at 525 degree F , Drizzle oil on the marinated chicken and arrange onto the baking tray broil for 18 mins.
3.Broil one side and flip over to other side and broil for another 10-12 mins.
4.Drizzle lime juice when hot.
5.Shift to serving tray and garnish with chopped spring onion.

Aloo Mutter Sabji (Potato green peas fry)

2012-01-04T12:43:00.000-08:00

A simple yet mouth watering dish to be eaten with chapathi or paratha on a cold winter for dinner!

Ingredients:
1. Potato - 2 cups cut into cubes
2. Mutter(Green Peas) - 1 cup
3. Onion - 1/4 cup thinly sliced
4.Lime juice - 1 tsp
5. Turmeric - 1/2 tsp
6. Ghee/Vegetable Oil - 1 tbsp
7. Cumin(Jeera) - 1 tsp
8. Cilantro leaves finely chopped for garnishing.

Method Of Preparation:
1.In a wok, heat oil or ghee and sputter the cumin seeds.
2. Add the thinly sliced onion and saute with salt for 5 mins.
3. Add the cut potatoes,mutter and turmeric and saute for a while.
4. Lower flame and cook with closed lid for 7-10 mins.
5. Add 1/2 cup water and cook with closed lid for another 10 mins.
6. When the water dries out and vegetables are well cooked, add lime juice.
7. Transfer it to a serving bowl and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves!.

Egg Sandwich

2012-01-03T14:47:00.000-08:00

Egg sandwich is one of my favorite sandwich. Here I go with my home made sandwich

Ingredients:
1. Eggs : 2
2.Lettuce leaf - 1
3. Tomato - 1 slice
4. Mayonnaise - 1 tsp
5. Lime juice - 1/2 tsp
6. Dijon mustard - 1/4 tsp
7. Salt
8. Pepper - 1 pinch
9. Wheat bread - 2(Try Swirl and Rye Bread if you find it,that is the best combo!!)

Method of Preparation:
1. Hard boil the eggs for about 15 ins
2. Crush the eggs after peeling them into very small chunks.
3. Add mayo,salt, pepper,lime juice and mustard and mix well.
4. Toast the wheat bread until its golden brown and crisp.
5. Apply a thin layer of mayo(optional), layer the lettuce leaf followed by tomato and the egg mixture,cover with the second bread.
6. Enjoy BLT egg sandwich with tangy spicy pickle!!!