ROTI TUKKAR

SHEER KHURMA...

2011-09-17T04:31:00.000-07:00

Here is yet another creative and tasty end to your meals!

Today's recipe is the Sheer Khurma... sheer basically means sweetened milk while khurma is made from dried dates. This dessert can be served during any kind of celebration either hot or cold!

Photo Source: http://www.neelscorner.com

INGREDIENTS:

2 litres milk, boiled and reduces to 1 ¼ litres
A handful of almonds, crushed
A handful of cashewnuts, crushed
1 tbsp pistas, chopped
8 sukhe khajur (chhuware), seeds removed, cut coarsely and soaked in ½ cup milk
1 ½ cups sugar
A handful of chironji, soaked and skins removed
½ nutmeg, grated
1 tsp elaichi powder
½ cup ghee (oil)
1 ½ cups seviyan (vermicelli)

METHOD:

Heat the ghee and fry the seviyan till brown, then remove.
Fry the nuts except the pistas and sukhe khajur.
Heat the milk adding in the sugar. Allow the sugar to dissolve fully before adding the seviyan.
Add the nuts and keep stirring.
Add the elaichi powder and nutmeg. Simmer on very low heat.

CHICKEN KARAHI

2011-09-03T23:58:00.000-07:00

We are back with a banggggg! Here we share with you today a spicy main dish recipe: Chicken Karahi. This truly in the best thing that could ever happen to your chicken and the taste buds of course! =D

Enjoy!!!

Photo Source: http://tecdiary.com/blog/cooking-recipes/chicken-karahi-recipe-pakistani-north-indian-food.html/attachment/chicken_karahi_desi

INGREDIENTS:

½ Kg. chicken
3-4 tomatoes (optional)
1 onion chopped
3-4 whole green chilies
¼ tsp crushed black pepper
½ tsp. salt (according to taste)
3 tbs. oil
1 tsp garlic paste
½ tsp. ginger paste

METHOD:

Peel the tomatoes.
In a pan add chicken, Garlic, Ginger and salt. Cook on low heat till the water from the chicken have dried and chicken is half cooked.
Add oil, tomato, green chili and onion. Cook until the water dries and chicken is tender.
Add the black pepper stir and remove from heat.

RAMAZAN DELICACIES: FROZEN FRUIT PUNCH...

2011-08-08T07:52:00.000-07:00

Here we are with a much needed beverage this Ramazan, specially now that the weather is so hot as well. This FROZEN FRUIT PUNCH, will not only do away with your thirst but also revitalize you and of course bring together all the freshness of the fruits. It can be enjoyed equally well both at Iftar and Sehri!

Photo Source: http://www.richardtimothy.com/?p=2718

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups pineapple juice

1 to 1\2 cups frozen lemonade

1 to 1\2 cups frozen orange juice

1 to 1\2 cups water

3\4 cup sugar

8 scopes of vanilla ice cream

2 cups Frozen strawberries

fresh strawberries and lime slices for garnishing

METHOD:

Blend first 5 ingredients making sure that the sugar dissolves. Add strawberries and ice cream and stir.

Pour the punch into glasses with at strawberries and a scope of ice cream. Garnish with fresh strawberries and lime. Serve immediately.

But what is interesting about this recipe is that you can vary it putting in your favourite kuicy fruits. You are free to get adventurous with to make it even more awesome!

RAMAZAN DELICACIES: CHANA CHAAT OR CHOLE CHAAT

2011-08-03T08:02:00.000-07:00

Here is yet another delectable snack for your evenings and/or iftaris. This is extremely popular in Ramazan in particular here in our country and is loved by one and all. It is quite hot, spicy and filling as well.

Photo Source: http://www.ifood.tv

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups boiled chick peas
2 big boiled potatoes, peeled and chopped
1-3 green chilies finely chopped
2 tablespoon ginger finely chopped
1 – 2 medium onions chopped
3 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
1 tablespoon jaggery or fine sugar
2 tablespoon coriander leaves chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
Sea Salt to taste
Chat masala to taste – start with about 1 dessert spoon, and add more if you want it spicier.

METHOD:

Mix all the ingredients and refrigerate for 2 – 3 hours. Serve cold.
If you want to Westernise it, add a load of chopped parsley, mint and coriander and mix through. Mung bean sprouts. Another 2 or 3 tomatoes chopped into chickpeas size pieces.
You can further be adventurous… the sourness of the lime juice, amchur and black salt will go well with fruit as well – any tropical fruit, melons, apples, pears even.

Photo Source: http://www.sailusfood.com/2010/03/26/channa-chaat/

RAMAZAN DELICACIES: CHEESE PAKORAY...

2011-08-02T10:12:00.000-07:00

Today I'll be sharing yet another spectacular variation of the much known pakoras...It is the CHEESE PAKORAS. These are bound to brighten up your Iftaris or normal evening snacks...
Enjoy!

Photo Source: http://www.indianthali.com

INGREDIENTS:

250gm potato
100gm peas
100gm beans
1 carrot
3 bread slices, crumbs
100gm cheese
2 cups oil, for cooking
powdered ginger, green chilly, red chilly, a lemon, salt

METHOD:

Boil the vegetables and mash them.
Add ginger, green chilly, salt, lemon and bread crumbs to the boiled vegetables and give small ball shape to it.
Add ginger, green chilly, red chilly and salt to the cheese.
Now, fill in each vegetable balls, the cheese mixture and fry it.
Serve with any type of chutney or dip.

RAMAZAN DELICACIES: DATES MILKSHAKE...

2011-08-01T02:13:00.000-07:00

Dates are an indispensable part of all our sehris and iftaris during Ramazan, across the globe. This is partly due to their immense nutritional value and partly because this was a tradition of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Dates are easily available almost everywhere and are known for yielding great health benefits are therefore, specifically helpful in Ramazan.
We will today be sharing a delicious DATES MILKSHAKE recipe!
Enjoy!!!

Photo Source: http://www.thedailygreen.com

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup dates (remove seeds)
2 tbsp sugar
720 ml milk
1 cup crushed ice (optional)

Photo Source: http://divya-dilse.blogspot.com

METHOD:

Blend the dates and 1/2 cup of milk together in a blender.
Add the rest of the ingredients and blend at high speed and serve in four glasses.

RAMAZAN DELICACIES: CHICKEN PAKORAY...

2011-07-31T02:15:00.000-07:00

Pakoray are a very popular snack in Pakistan and so even though its quite a traditional item, many variations have been made to it nowadays. Todays recipe is the CHICKEN PAKORAY, very delicious and easy and perfect for Ramazan of course...

Photo Source: http://www.shebeautytime.com

INGREDIENTS:

500 gm Boneless Chicken Pieces
2 tbsp Oil
1 tsp Ground Cumin
1 1/2 tsp Salt
1-2 each Chopped Green Chillies (Jalapeno)
1 Chopped Onion
1 tsp Ginger-Garlic paste
2 tsp Vinegar
1 cup Curd
1 tsp Lemon juice

Photo Source: http://www.shebeautytime.com

METHOD:

Put everything but chicken and batter in blender and blend till fine
Marinate the chicken pieces with the resulting mixture
Keep in the fridge for about an hour.
Put chicken in batter
Deep fry it until its color changes to golden brown.
Serve the chicken pakora with mint chutney or tomato ketchup

RAMAZAN: THE MONTH OF BLESSINGS...

2011-07-31T01:58:00.000-07:00

The much awaited part of the Islamic calendar, the holy month of Ramazan, is all set to begin from tomorrow (in some parts of the world, its beginning today as well). This is the time when Muslims across the globe observe fasts (swam), that is abstaining from food, drink or any sorts of marital relations from dawn to dusk. The fasts start before dawn, with a breakfast called sehri and are broken at dusk with a meal called iftari.

Photo Source: http://www.flickr.com

The fasting is meant to teach a person patience, humility and sacrifice, to set aside time to ask forgiveness, practice self-restraint, and pray for guidance in the future.

Photo Source: http://www.boston.com

Across the globe, Muslims make special preparations to observe this month with full zeal and enthusiasm. They all strive to worship as much as possible and gather the maximum possible blessings of God. Not just this some extraordinary arrangements are also made to provide for the best of delicacies to treat the taste buds both at sehri and iftar times.

Photo Source: http://www.gazete5.com

Local customs may vary from place to place regarding preparation of food but Pakistani sehris and iftaris are always unparalleled in their taste and richness. throughout the month we'll be sharing with you such palatable and spectacular recipes as often as possible... So keep glued for some truly out of the world recipes!

Happy Ramazan to you all!!! =)

ALOO TARKARI...

2011-07-22T06:43:00.000-07:00

Another veggie breakfast recipe has been put up...the ALOO TARKARI (SPICY POTATO CURRY). It can be enjoyed with puris or parathas! Enjoy...

INGREDIENTS:

Potatoes-2 (peel the skin)
Red onion-1 (medium size) - chopped very finely
Tomatoes-2 - chopped very finely
Tamarind - a small lemon size
Dry Red chilli's-3
Curry leaves-8
Garlic-3
Mustard-1/2 spoon
Fenugreek-5 seeds
Asafoetida powder-1/4 spoon
Butter-2 spoons
Oil - 4tbsp's
Turmeric Powder-a pinch
Chili Powder-1 tbsp
Coriander Powder-2 tbsp's
Cumin Powder-1/2 tsp
Curry Leaves Powder- 2 tsp's (Optional)
Pepper Powder-1/2 tsp

METHOD:

In a Thick Bottomed Kadaai / Pan, heat 4tbsp's of oil.
Add mustard. When it crack's add fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, garlic and red chili’s. Fry them well.
Now add finely chopped onions, sauté them till they turn translucent. Add finely chopped tomatoes. sauté the tomatoes along with onions, till they mix up along. You got to sauté for at least 3-4 minutes, till they mix up.
Now add Salt to taste and all the Powder's mentioned in the order. Fry them well for 2 minute's, till the oil comes out separately.
Now add cubically cut potatoes and mix them well with the masalas.
Add 1/2 a cup of Tamarind water and close the kadaai with a lid. Lower the flame. let the potatoes’ get half-cooked.
After10 minutes, open the lid, add the butter and close the lid.
After 5 minutes, the potatoes would have cooked and the spicy potato curry is ready.

MASALA DOSA...

2011-07-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

Yet another traditional and absolutely palatable breakfast recipe is available...the MASALA DOSA! Happy trying...

Photo Source: http://festivals.iloveindia.com

INGREDIENTS:

For Dosa shell:

1 1/2 cups rice
1/2 cup urad dal
Salt to taste
Oil

For Masala Filling:

2 large potatoes
1 medium onion (chopped)
1/2 teaspoon yellow split peas
1/2 teaspoon mustard seed
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1-2 green chili
1 tablespoon oil
salt to taste

Photo Source: http://www.sailusfood.com

METHOD:

Dosa shell:

Separately soak rice and urad dal at least 6 hour or overnight in water.
Grind to paste.
Mix together, add salt with water to make batter.
Leave in room temperature overnight.
Mix onion and chilies to the thin batter.
Heat pan or griddle with little ghee or oil.
Spread the mix on pan in circular motion to make thin Dosa.
Cook on both the sides, if desired.

Masala Filling (Spicy Filling):

Heat oil. Add mustard seed, peas, onions and spice.
Fry for about 5 minutes on medium heat or/until onions are turned into golden brown
Add potatoes and mix and cook some more Serve
Add filling inside Dosa and roll. Serve hot with Chutney.

Watch how to make Masal Dosa:

GOBI PARATHA...

2011-07-19T06:36:00.000-07:00

Today's break fast recipe will be loved by the vegetarians. It is the GOBI PARATHA- very easy to prepare, healthy and of course tasty!

Photo Source: http://www.itslife.in

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup of Cauliflower (grated)
4 Green Chilies (chopped)
A bunch of fresh Cilantro/Coriander Leaves (chopped)
2 tbsp. of Butter
Salt (to taste)
3 cups of Wheat Flour

Photo Source: http://www.paajaka.com

METHOD:

Chop the green chilies into very small pieces.
Put wheat flour in a vessel and add grated cauliflower, green chilies, butter, coriander leaves and salt. Mix all of these ingredients well by adding warm water to form dough. Knead the dough very well.
Take small pieces of dough at a time and roll with roller to make a round shape.
Place a frying pan on medium heat on stove. After the pan has heated turn flame to low. Place the paratha on frying pan and add 1 tbsp. of oil on each side of paratha and fry on both sides until it turns brown.

CHANA BHATURA...

2011-07-18T06:35:00.000-07:00

The second breakfast recipe of the week has been put up. It is the CHANA BHATURA, a highly traditional, simple yet delicious recipe of spicy chick peas and crispy fried puris (the detailed recipe of puris is available in the breakfast section...). Do try and make your morning unforgettable!!!

INGREDIENTS:

FOR BHATURA:

All purpose flour(Maida) - 2 cups
Milk - 1 cup
Curd - 1/2 cup
Baking powder - 1/2 tsp
Sugar - 2 tsp
Salt - As required
Oil for deep frying

FOR CHANA:

· Chick pea 1cup

· Onion(large) - 1

· Tomato 1 (finely chopped)

· Green chilies 2(finely chopped)

· Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tbsp

· Chilly powder - 1 tsp

· Coriander powder - 2 tsp

· Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

· Garam masala powder - 1 tsp

· Cumin seeds - 1 tsp

· Spices - 2 each

· Oil - 1/4 cup

· Salt - As required

· Coriander leaves for garnishing

METHOD: FOR BHATURA: 1) Mix together all the ingredients for making batura. 2) Knead them together to make a smooth dough. 3) Keep it aside atleast for 1 hour. 4) Make medium sized balls off the dough. 5) Roll them out to thick big poories. 6) Deep fry them in oil. FOR CHANA: 1) Soak the channa overnight. 2) Pressure cook it, till done. 3) Grind onion to a smooth paste. 4) Heat oil in a pan or a kadai. 5) Splutter cumin seeds and spices(cloves, cardamom and cinnamon). 6) Add onion paste and ginger-garlic paste and saute, till the oil starts to separate. 7) Add all powders and salt and saute for a few seconds. 8) Add tomatoes and green chillies and saute, till the tomatoes blend well. 9) Add the cooked channa and mix well. 10) Cook, till the gravy thickens. 11) Garnish with coriander leaves.

Watch how to make Chana Bhatura:

MOOLI PARATHAS....

2011-07-17T07:56:00.000-07:00

The first breakfast recipe of the week has been made available in the breakfasts section. We have uploaded the recipe for MOOLI PARATHA, a very popular delicacy from the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is also very easy to prepare. It can be enjoyed with plain yogurt, raita or any sort of chutney (the recipes for the chutneys or the dips are all available in the snacks section). Enjoy!!!

SUNDAYS MADE SPECIAL!!!

2011-07-16T08:40:00.000-07:00

With tea simmering on the stove waiting to be put off, the children yelling for help with their uniforms, the husband demanding his clean pair of socks and lots more confusing going on all over, week day mornings in almost every household are no less than a H.A.V.O.C!!!

Sundays, thereby, are the only sane days on our calendars when we can wake up late, go on with our usual chores at a normal pace and have a good hearty breakfast. Most families go for real fun breakfasts on Sundays, to celebrate their week ends. Many even rush to the famous eating out spots, specially in the cities, to enjoy the unparalelled Pakistani breakfasts!

Keeping this in mind, we are here to make your Sundays even more special. From tomorrow onwards till the next Sunday, we’ll be sharing with you some absolutely palatable and toothsome breakfast recipes from Pakistan.

These will also come in handy for all our Muslim brothers and sisters during the Sehris in the upcoming Ramazan!

So keep glued for updates…=)

2011-07-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

VIDEOS FOR RECIPES OF FALOODA AND MANGO ICE CREAM HAVE BEEN UPLOADED NEXT TO THE WRITTEN RECIPES...SO TRYING OUT THESE DESSERTS WILL NOW BE MORE EASY...CHECK OUT THE DESSERTS PAGE!!!

MANGO FALOODA....!!!

2011-07-14T05:55:00.000-07:00

Mango falooda recipe is here too. So u can now make use of the mangoes in your desserts with a twist...do check out. It's available in the desserts section!!!

END YOUR MEALS 'SWEETLY'...

2011-07-12T09:11:00.000-07:00

Ice creams are an international dessert, available in various forms for those with a sweet tooth. In Pakistan too, ice creams are extremely popular, ranging from cones, kulfis, falooda or flavored ice creams served in cups. Falooda, originating in Iran, is a sorbet made of thin vermicelli noodles frozen with corn starch, rose water, lime juice and also ground pistachios is much popular among the masses.

We will today be introducing this very Falooda recipe...it is available in the desserts section!!!

THE FORGOTTEN FRUIT!!!

2011-07-04T01:41:00.000-07:00

The flood of mangoes in the summers somewhat over shadows the other very important and vital fruits. And one such forgotten fruit remains to be the Falsa or Grewia.

This small, round, berry-like fruit thrives in the tropical climate of Pakistan and found in abundance here. It is cheap but extremely nutritious. Its a nice refreshing and healthy snack that doesn't spoil the appetite if consumed in moderation at any time of the day.

Although many recipes can be made out of falsas but the most and popular and the one most suited for summers is the Falsay ka Sharbat...consult the drinks section for the recipe and for more on the benefits of falsas!

MONSOON SPECIAL!

2011-07-02T07:28:00.000-07:00

The monsoon season has almost arrived and every thing in Pakistan has gone wet...the roads are all full of rain water and the people have all heaved a sigh of relief at the cut in the summer heat! The monsoon is undoubtedly the most thoroughly enjoyed part of the year, partly because it occurs during the summer vacations. All the picnic spots and recreational centers get flooded with people out to enjoy the weather. Those who don't manage to go anywhere simply come out onto the roads (specially the children) to get drenched in the rain!

The monsoon is generally considered to be the season of romance and love and so, has long since been made a subject in our romantic literature, folk tales, dramas and movies. Some of the most popular movie songs of the region have been picturized in the monsoon rain.

For us Pakistanis, nothing can be more wonderful than having the evening tea next to an open window or under the garden shade, while its raining! And so, like for any other occasion we also have special recipes to make this time of the year a real treat!

Pakoras are the most popular evening snack for monsoon, and thry become truly irresistible when served with a cup of aromatic masala chai or spiced tea (recipe for masala chai is available in the drinks section)...And today we have brought for you, not one but several different types of pakora recipes in the snacks section. These can be enjoyed with almost any type of chutney or dip (the recipes for quite a lot of chutneys can also be found in the snacks section)! So do try them and make your monsoon absolutely out of this world!!!=)

HEALTHY 'N' WHOLESOME!

2011-06-30T03:30:00.000-07:00

Want to know of a drink that's healthy, wholesome, refreshing, tasty and nutritious...it is none other than the much known MANGO MILKSHAKE!

Yes, with the wholesomeness of milk and the nutrition of fruit, it surely is the most suitable drink for the summers for all age groups (only that it should be avoided by sugar patients of course!). It is also ideal for the kids who don't like to drink plain milk. It will also prove to be a pure blessing at Iftaris in the upcoming Ramazan, not just because of its taste and richness but also because its easy and quick to make! So do try out as this is the last recipe of the week...Recipe available in the drinks section!

THE ULTIMATE SUMMER DESSERT...

2011-06-28T23:28:00.000-07:00

When talking of summer desserts, ice creams are the first ones that come to mind. And what actually makes the mouth water are the MANGO ICE CREAMS!!!

Whether it be children or the elder ones in the house all are fans of the mango ice cream...once before you, its impossible to resist. Its recipe is easy to get adventurous with and you can bring about variations to make it absolutely out of the world. So do try out...Recipe available in the desserts section...!

MANGO DIP WITH A TWIST!

2011-06-28T01:33:00.000-07:00

So today's recipe is one with a twist...it isn't a pure mango recipe, there's a little interesting variation! We have come today with an AWSOME...Mango and dried tomato chutney!!! This going to be some real fun, so do check out...recipe available in the snacks section...=)

This too will sauce up your snacks and meals, and leave you licking your fingers!!!

SPICE UP YOUR SNACKS!!!

2011-06-26T21:50:00.000-07:00

So here we are with the third recipe of the week...And this is gonna be pure good news for those in love with spicy foods. Today's recipe is the Spicy Mango dip or Khatti Aam ki Chutney!

This delicious and mouth watering dip will truly spice up your evening snacks as well as your meals. And those who like it "hot" can enjoy it on its own as well. Try out is a MUST, or you'll miss alotttt!!! Recipe available in the snacks section...=D

YOUR MANGOES CAN LAST UNTIL THE NEXT YEARS’ ARRIVE!!!

2011-06-24T23:05:00.000-07:00

YES, you can use this year mangoes until the next season…wanna know how? Its simple…use them to make mango pickle or aam ka achar, as we call it in Urdu! Preparing pickles at home is a very old tradition in Pakistan. And even today, majority of the households (especially in the Punjab province) make pickle at home which is then stored in large jars and used throughout the year. It is also given as a gift to relatives and friends.

Jars full of home made pickle

Even though the basic recipe for mango pickle remains the same, but every household has its own traditional recipe with a little variation that has been followed for centuries, and this is why each house’s pickle has its own special flavor.

Mango pickle in the making

Many people think that pickle making is a very complicated but trust me, it isn’t that hard. And it truly is a recipe worth trying because not even the most reputed pickle brand in the world will give you the splendid taste of a home made mango pickle! So do try and tell us how you liked it!!! Recipe available at snacks section!

Mango pickle served with meal

It can be enjoyed with almost any evening snack or main course dish, with parathas, puris or just own its own as well! Recipe is available in the snacks section!!!

A jar of mango pickle ready to be gifted!

MANGO MANIA...!!!

2011-06-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

Summers are all about sweat, heat, weariness and…MANGOES!!! Yes, just like in various other parts of the world, Pakistan also gets flooded with mangoes every summers. The country remains to be one of the largest producer and exporter of mangoes. The history of mangoes being cultivated in the sub-continent region goes back to about 4000 years. Almost all Pakistanis (and I’m sure those outside of Pakistan as well) are crazy after the "King of Fruits" and it is the best-loved fruit of the region. Hundreds of varieties of mangoes are known to exist in Pakistan (all of which are dead tasty).

Ripe mangoes

The most popular commercial varieties - all different in colors and sizes, and each with a distinct flavor and taste - include Anwar Retol, Dasehri, Langra, Chaunsa, Sindhri, Saharni, Alphonso, Pairi, Fazli and Neelam (sorry, I don't know the English names!).

A beautifully presented mango

Mangoes are rich in sugar, dietary fibers, fat protein, vitamin A equivalents, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.

Raw mangoes

So this summer let’s get adventurous with mangoes. Roti Tukkar will help you drift away from the conventional and boring use of mangoes and bring to you some fresh and exciting mango recipes, all with love from Pakistan!!! For the next whole week, we will be celebrating “MANGO MANIA”…A new mango recipe will be uploaded EVRERYDAY (which will include chutneys or dips, pickles, ice creams and drinks), so keep glued and enjoy!!!=D =D =D

A Pakistani fruit shop full of mangoes