INDIAN CUISINES

UNIQUE BREAD UPMA

2014-03-08T22:12:00.003-08:00

Sundays cannot be special without a different sort of breakfast, yet one has to take care about the balanced breakfast , thus I decided to make Bread Upma this weekend :P

INGREDIENTS:-

BREAD - FEW SLICES

MIXED VEGETABLES - 2 CUPS

POTATOES - 2 SMALL (DICED)

ONIONS - 2 SLICED

GINGER - THIN SLICES 1 TSP

GARLIC - THIN SLICES 1 TSP

TOMATO - 1 BIG SLICED

PEPPER - 1 TSP

TOMATO CHILLI SAUCE - 2 TBSPS

OIL - 4 TBSPS

WATER - 1/2 CUP

LET'S COOK:-

Pour around 2 tbsps oil in a frying pan .add the sliced potatoes . add a little salt , cover the pan. after 5 minutes open the lid add the vegetables, onion tomato,sliced ginger, garlic ,add a little salt then cover it again.

The vegetables should only be sauteed not totally fried. Take a bowl -break the eggs , add a little salt and whisk them. Add this gradually to the frying pan and stir continuously.the vegetables will be quoted with the eggs , now pour the bread crumbs or powdered bread (made in a mixer) as shown, gradually to the pan.Toss the entire thing.

Take a bowl, add a little water .To that add the sauce.add this all over the mixture in the pan , toss and cover for a little while. open the lid, toss for a few minutes , add pepper , sugar (if you want). switch off the flame. you may serve with pudina chutney, any other sauce -for a yummy breakfast.

MOMO WITH MINI SOYA CHUNKS

2014-03-08T06:56:00.002-08:00

Today 8th March , 2014 - everywhere Woman's day is being celebrated. I decided to celebrate it in my own way by trying this new way of making momos for my daughter.Lets see how.

INGREDIENTS:

FOR THE FILLING:

BOILED MINI SOYA CHUNKS -1 CUP
ONION -I CUP SLICED
GINGER CUT INTO THIN SLICES - I TSP
GARLIC CUT INTO THIN SLICES - I TSP
GREEN CHILLI SLICED - 2
SALT - 1/2 TSP
SUGAR (IF YOU WANT) - 1/2 TSP
SOYA SAUCE - 1TSP
OIL- 3 TBSPS.

FOR THE CRUST :

MAIDA (ALL PURPOSE FLOUR) - 2CUPS
OIL - 2TBSPS.
SALT -PINCH

LETS START COOKING:-

Now that the ingredients are ready, take a wok & put it on the gas stove. Switch on the gas ,then pour the oil in the wok. let it warm - gradually add onion,garlic ginger (you may add capsicum,carrot or any other vegetable of your choice).Add the salt & cover. After a few minutes add the soya chunks & rest osf the ingredients.Just saute for a few minutes . Keep aside to cool.

Now make a soft dough for the crust by mixing the above ingredients with a little warm water. cover ot for 10 mins. Then make small puris.Add the filling which has cooled down by now (about 1 tbsp). Close the sides as you wish. You may check the way I have done it.

you may now take a big container and pour a litre of water or as shown it is good enough if you have a momo maker.If you are using a container use a steel sieve to place the momos. Okay add water to the container below ,place the momos , adjust the temperature.You will need maximum 10 minutes.after 10 minutes to get good ,tasty momos turn the side with a spoon.Switch off the power.Keep the momos for sometime.Finally serve with sauce as shown or you can make your own onion, tomato sour chutney/pickle. (I'll give the recipe soon).Yummy momos are ready.

FRIED FISH TADKA

2013-11-17T07:28:00.001-08:00

INGREDIENTS

6 fish fillet or normal pieces

1 cup besan or gram flour

4 tbsps ginger garlic paste

¼ tsp saffron powder

1 tbsp red chilli powder

2tsps. Dhania powder

1 tsp ajwain

1 egg

½ cup curd

oil for deep frying and cooking

Salt and little sugar as per taste

¼ tsp cumin seeds

2 whole red chillies

4tbsps. Tomato puree

LETS COOK :-

Wash the fish pieces. Rub some salt, half the ginger garlic paste, pinch of saffron and red chilli powder. Keep aside for 15 minutes. Make a batter of gram flour along with ajwain, egg; finally add salt and water to have a flowing consistency. Place the marinated pieces of fish dipped in the prepared batter for about 10 minutes. Heat oil in a wok and deep fry the pieces of fish till the colour becomes golden brown .take the pieces out on a plate. Take a little oil add cumin seeds and red chillies for tempering. Now add the onion paste ,add a little salt .Fry it for some time ,next add the ginger –garlic paste, tomato puree. Take a bowl pour the curd, then add salt, sugar, saffron powder,dhania and garam masala powder and stir it well. Add this to the kadai.As it starts to boil add the fish pieces and switch off the gas. You may add a little ghee if you wish.

CHEF'S TIPS :-

You may like the fresh fried pieces as an evening snack with a dash of lime juice and salad.

2013-10-04T07:11:00.002-07:00

I have been keeping Friday a veg. day for a long time. If someone comes to know they often say that it is due to Santoshi Maa, Yes to an extent and also for another reason , it being that 1 veggies day should be followed by peole who eat non -veg. regularly , so that the system gets a bit of rest. The problem is that on that particular day my daughter would like to eat some cake"please mommy.....". so I usually make this eggless cake for her.

EGGLESS CAKE

Maida - 1 and 1/2 cups

Plain yogurt (Curd) - 1 cup
Granulated Sugar - 3/4 cup
Baking powder - 1 and 1/4 tsp

Baking soda - 1/2 tsp

Vanilla essence - 1 and 1/2 tsp
Cooking oil - 1/2 cup (125 ml)
Milk - 1 tbsp

Method:

1. Sieve maida slowly and keep aside. Mix sugar and curd so that sugar dissolves completely. Add baking soda, baking powder to the creamy mixture and blend well.

2. Leave this aside for 5 minutes .you can see bubbles becoming visible. Add vanilla essence &cooking oil .mix all nicely.

3. Slowly add maida a little at a time and mix with soaked ingredients. Beat well until creamy and thick. Preheat the oven to around 200 * C for 8 to10mins. in the meantime, grease a cake tin with little maida & oil. Next pour the batter inside the tin ready to cook.

4. Bake at 200 *c (preheated) for 10 minutes, then decrease the temperature to 180* C and bake it for 30-35 minutes or till a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out without any mix & clean. brush the cake (especially the top) with 1 tbsp milk, around 10mins prior to the finishing time to get a nice glaze. let the cake cool down , then turn it upside down and on a platter. Enjoy the cake in pieces.

2013-10-01T00:11:00.000-07:00

BREAD, SOY PATTIES

Ingredients

For The Filling2 tbsp soya granules
1/2 tbsp oil
2 tbsp finely chopped spring onions (whites &greens)
2 tbsp shredded cabbage

3 tbsp finely choppedcarrots

3 tbsp finely chopped capsicum
2 tbsp chopped boiled noodles1/2 tbsp tomato ketchup

1/2 tbsp chilli-garlic sauce 1/2 tsp soya sauce

salt as per taste
Other Ingredients12 fresh whole wheat (atta)bread slices
melted butter for brushing

Method
For the filling

Soak the soya granules in warm water for about 10 minutes. Drain & squeeze the water . keep aside.

Heat a liitle oil in a non-stick pan, add the spring onion greens & whites Next sauté on a medium flame for 30 seconds.

Add the capsicum ,carrots, cabbage & sauté on a medium flame for around 2 minutes.

Add the noodles & soya granules .Saute on a medium flame for 1 minute.

Add the tomato ketchup and chilli-garlic sauce ,next sauté on a medium flame for few seconds.

Switch off the flame, add the soya sauce and salt . Mix well. Keep aside.

How to proceed

Now you have to trim off the edges of each bread slice.

using a rolling pin,roll each bread slice very thinly .

Place a little (1 tblspn) of the stuffing on one end of the bread and roll it so that the filling is sealed.

Repeat the same for the other bread slices.

Brush slight heated melted butter on each bread patties and bake in a pre-heated oven at 200ºc for about 10 minutes.

Cool for sometime, then cut each roll into 2 equal pieces to be served.

Handy tip:

always try to use a fresh bread to get a perfect patties.

You may try out other shapes too as shown in the pic.

BHARELA PARWAL

2013-09-27T02:11:00.001-07:00

O my God -to prepare what to cook everyday in summer is really a pain.My younger daughter will take 1 veg item, but that has to be tasty & unique. now what do you get in summer -only parwal or potol (in Bengali). so , i decided to make bharela parwal in my own way.

INGREDIENTS:
1. POTOL - 1KG (PARWAL)
2. COCONUT- SCRAPED 1 CUP
3.POPPY SEDDS (POSTO) PASTE WITH 1 GREEN CHILLI - 1/2 CUP
4. CURD - 1/2 CUP
5. CASHEW NUTS - PASTE 2 TBLSP.
6.- DHANIA, JEERA POWDER - 1 TBLSP.
7.TURMERIC --1/2TSP.
8. RED CHILLI POWDER -1/2 TSP
9. TOMATO -1
10. MASOOR OR CHANA DAL PASTE - 2TBLSP.
11. OIL - 1 CUP
12. SALT - AS PER TASTE
13. SUGAR - 1 TSP.
14.CUMIN SEEDS - 1/2 TSP.
14- GREEN CHILLIES -2

PROCEDURE :

Make a vertical slit in the parwal, but it should not cut into 2 halves.Next scrape out the seeds.Fry the dal paste,scraped coconut & posto in a little mustard oil ,add a little salt to this.Then let it cool for sometime. After it cools take each parwal and fill it with the fried paste. Make a thick batter with besan and wipe it gently to close the gap. After filling each parwal , pour enough oil to fry the parwal in a non- stick pan.Take care to sprinkle little salt and turmeric and let the parwals simmer in low flame ,otherwise it will remain hard. Take out each parwal and place them on a tissue paper to absorb the oil.
Now we need to prepare the curry.Take the non stick pan, some oil will remain , in that add cumin seeds, and green chilli, chopped tomato,add a little salt.by this time as it simmers take a bowl mix together curd, the powders, salt ,sugar, cashew paste and beat nicely into a smooth paste.Add this to the pan, then add a little water.As it starts to boil place the fried parwals and switch off the gas.Your bharela parwal is ready to be taken with roti or rice.

CHEF'S TIPS- You may add a little ghee at last. Sometimes you need not make the curry and take the crunchy parwal with sauce as a snack.

2013-09-22T10:17:00.001-07:00

YUMMY PAPDI CHAAT WITH LEFTOVERS

As I am a working woman, Sundays always remain hectic, so I just run around to manage everything . This goes with food too.I feel my family should be happy to get a touch of my prepared food.Now like every week, this week too there were leftovers. These always are a pain as no one would touch them any more.This week there was some potato smash from breakfast,small papad and curd from lunch . So I made papdi chaat for evening snacking.Lets see how:-

INGREDIENTS:

1. small fried papad -7 for each plate

2.boiled or smashed potato leftover- 1 katori( large cup)

3.curd -2 cups with half tsp. salt & 1 tablespoon sugar

4.fried and powdered cumin, coriander( 1tsp each) and red dried chilli (1)

5.coriander leaves (optional)

PROCEDURE:

Spread the papads as shown on the plate.take a spoon and add a little left over aloodum, or potato smash on each papad.Mix the prepared powder in the dahi mix by stirring carefully.finally spread the dahi mix on the potato and papad. Garnish with coriander leaves.

CHEF'S TIP:

Always keep this cumin, coriander and red chilli mix in your kitchen. It really comes handy.Enjoy snacking.

DUM CAULIFLOWER

2012-02-12T05:04:00.000-08:00

INGREDIENTS:

CAULIFLOWER-1 MEDIUM SIZED
POPPY SEED PASTE -5 TABLE SPOONS
MUSTARD OIL-4 TABLESPOONS
GHEE - I TABLE SPOON
SALT 2 TSPS.
SUGAR (optional)- 1/2 TABLESPOON
TOMATO - 1 SMALL
CHILLIES -3

LETS COOK:

Cut the florets of cauliflower and dip in salt water for about 10 mins.Take 2 tablespoons of oil add the florets and 1 tsp. of salt.Cover the pan for about 5 mins.Now add a tomato,poppy seed paste and 2 green chillies cut in halves to the florets. add a little mustard oil , stir the entire content and cover the pan tightly (1 whistle inside a pressure cooker will also do).Open the container ,add a little ghee and serve the tasty dish with basmati rice or parantha.

Maggi bahar

2012-02-11T22:31:00.000-08:00

REQUIREMENTS:

MAGGI -1 PACKET
VEGETABLES - 2 CUPS(onion, carrot, peas ,capsicum etc.)
EGGS -2(BEATEN AND STIR FRIED)
SHRIMPS- FEW(fried)
WHITE OIL - 2 TABLESPNS.
SALT -1 PINCH
WATER -2 CUPS

LET'S COOK

You needn't always have to gulp down Maggi in 2 mins. By adding the masala and boiling.you are adult enough to make it in a different way.

So, let's begin.Take a kadhai add the chopped onions with it's leaves, add a pinch of salt,toss it, add two slit green chillies and then the vegetables. Cover the kadhai for some time. Now add the maggi and 2 cups of boiled water. Add the masala to the mix.Add the fried egg or the shrimps.

Stir it for a minute or so. If you want it softer , add a little more water and boil a little longer. Your unique Maggi is ready .
*The best part of this dish is that you can add all sorts of vegetables(cabbage, cauliflower) and less Maggi. Thus the dish itself becomes filling and has fewer calories.

GOLDEN PAYASAM

2012-02-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

INGREDIENTS

GHEE -2TABLESPNS.
COCONUT- 2 CUPS (scraped)
JAGGERY OR SUGAR- 3 CUPS
SALT - 2 PINCHES
SUJI-1/2 CUP
MAIDA -1/2 CUP
MILK -2 LTRS.

LET'S COOK
Take a spoonful of ghee and add the coconut. Fry for sometime add the a cup of jaggery or sugar and a pinch of salt.stir continuously so that it does not stick to the sides of the pan.When the entire thing becomes a little dry add suji (semolina) and the maida to the mix. Stir continuously so that lumps are not formed. Keep the pan away and let the mix cool a bit.Now pour the milk in a pan and put it on the gas. add 2 cups of sugar to it and a pinch of salt. once it starts boiling , lower the flame and stir occasionally, till the milk thickens. You can add a tin of Milkmaid to this to enhance the taste.(in case you want to thicken the milk fast add a little cornflour diluted in milk to the pan).Now form small donuts or any shapes you feel like with the coconut mix.Switch off the gas and add these to the milk.Let it cool down before you enjoy the awesome dessert.

DRY CHICKEN CURRY

2012-02-07T07:54:00.000-08:00

INGREDIENTS:

Chicken -500 gms.
onion -3 medium sized
potatoes - 3 medium sized
ginger -1 tsp. paste
garlic -1 tsp. paste
yogurt - 3 tablesps.
tomatoes -2
green chillies -3
salt- 2 tsps.
oil - 4 tablesps.
coriander leaves -150 gms.

PROCEDURE:

Marinate the chicken with curd(yogurt) ,ginger garlic paste and a pinch of salt for about an hour.Take a non stick kadhai (pan) add oil. when the oil becomes a little hot add the diced potatoes,add a little salt and fry. When the potatoes get a brownish look add the tomatoes,sliced onions,rest of the ginger garlic paste, green chillies, salt and cover it for sometime.Open the lid and add the marinated chicken. cover it again. After every 2 minutes open the cover and turn the entire contents. Continue doing this till the gravy becomes dry and starts leaving oil.Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with paratha or rice.

INDIAN CUISINES: LA JAWAB SOYA CHUNKS

2012-02-07T07:34:00.000-08:00

INGREDIENTS

SOYA CHUNKS -2 CUPS(BOILED)
COCONUT -1 CUP
SESAME SEEDS PASTE -I TABLESPOON
POPPY SEEDS PASTE-I TABLESPOON
CUMIN POWDER -I TABLESPOON
CORIANDER POWDER -I TABLESPOON
GREEN CHILLIES -3
ONION- 2 MEDIUM SIZED
MUSTARD OIL-4 TSP.
SALT - 2 TEASPOONS
SUGAR -1/2 TSP

PROCEDURE:

Take a frying pan and add 1tsp. oil and soya chunks with a little salt and fry for a minute. Cut the onions in thin slices and add to the soya chunks. Fry for a minute, then gradually add all the ingredients. Lastly add the oil and add the green chillies. Cover the pan and lower the flame. Wait for 10 minutes. Your dish is ready to be served with roti, paratha or rice.

INDIAN CUISINES

UNIQUE BREAD UPMA

MOMO WITH MINI SOYA CHUNKS

FRIED FISH TADKA

For The Filling2 tbsp soya granules1/2 tbsp oil2 tbsp finely chopped spring onions (whites &greens)2 tbsp shredded cabbage

3 tbsp finely choppedcarrots

3 tbsp finely chopped capsicum2 tbsp chopped boiled noodles1/2 tbsp tomato ketchup

1/2 tbsp chilli-garlic sauce 1/2 tsp soya sauce

salt as per tasteOther Ingredients12 fresh whole wheat (atta)bread slicesmelted butter for brushing

BHARELA PARWAL

YUMMY PAPDI CHAAT WITH LEFTOVERS

DUM CAULIFLOWER

Maggi bahar

GOLDEN PAYASAM

DRY CHICKEN CURRY

INDIAN CUISINES: LA JAWAB SOYA CHUNKS

For The Filling2 tbsp soya granules
1/2 tbsp oil
2 tbsp finely chopped spring onions (whites &greens)
2 tbsp shredded cabbage

3 tbsp finely chopped capsicum
2 tbsp chopped boiled noodles1/2 tbsp tomato ketchup

salt as per taste
Other Ingredients12 fresh whole wheat (atta)bread slices
melted butter for brushing