Vegetable Curry

Vegetable Curry

Vegetable Curry  is my all time favorite to make, it's quick and easy if i don't have all the vegetable at hand i always substitute it with frozen mixed veggies!

Ingredients

Carrots- 4
Beans - 1 lb
Potatoes- 3 cubed
Cauliflower florets - 2 handful
Turnip- 1 cubed
Green Peas -handful

Other Ingredients
Onions- 2
Tomatoes-2
Ginger and Garlic paste- 2 tbs
Green Chili- 3

Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp
Chili powder- 2 tsp
Coriander powder-2 tsp

Curry leaves- few sprigs
Cilantro leaves - 1 bunch
Salt to taste
Oil to fry

Whole Spices
Cardamom -2
Cloves -2
Cinnamon -2"
Bay leaf -2
Star anise-1

To Grind 
Fennel seed - 1/4 tsp
Shredded Coconut -3/4 cup
Cashew nut (optional)
Water

Prep  work
Grind the Fennel,Coconut and Cashews with some water into a smooth paste.
Cut all the vegetable and keep aside.
I also add coconut cream instead of grinding shredded coconut.



Method in easy steps

• Pour Oil in a wok or a pot add the whole spices wait to sputter then add the onions and fry till they are golden brown.
• Now add the ginger and garlic paste along with that you can add the green chili,curry leaf ,fry for a few minutes then add the Indian masala powders with some water. 
• Fry till u see the oil separate and the raw smell disappears now add the diced tomatoes.
• Stir in the vegetables,add 2 cups of water check for salt .
• Simmer the sauce, cover with a lid and cook for 10 minutes.
• Open the lid add the ground coconut paste and simmer for another 7 minutes garnish with some cilantro leaves .
• Final Tempering can be done using  2 tsp oil and some curry leaf!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Paneer and Spinach Cutlets

Paneer and Spinach Cutlets 

Ingredients

Paneer-8 oz
Spinach - 1/2 cup chopped
Potatoes -2 large

Other Ingredients 

Onions -2 medium
Garlic- 3 cloves
Ginger-1"
Mint leaves- few
Cilantro leaves -1/4 bunch
Green Chili-1 minced

Spice Powders

Garam masala- 1 tsp
Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp
Chili powder-1/2 tsp(according to spice level)
Pepper powder-1/2 tsp
Salt to taste

All purpose Flour- 3 tbs
Water

Breadcrumbs-1 cup

Oil to fry


Prep work 

• Mince the onions,garlic,ginger,green chili in a small chopper keep it aside.
• Mince the Spinach ,Mint and Cilantro leaves.
• Boil the potatoes peel,mash set aside.
• Thaw the Paneer at room temperature and mince it fine.I use a Ninja chopper to mince it
• make a smooth batter with the flour and water for dipping.
• Bowl of bread crumbs. 

Method

• In a frying pan add 3 teaspoons of oil saute the onions,ginger and garlic fry till it turns golden brown.
• Add the spice powders wait till the raw smell goes then add the paneer, the minced leaves.
• Saute for a couple of minutes,add salt to taste.
• Cool the paneer mixture at room temperature add the mashed potatoes to it mix well and check for salt.
• Make round patties dip in the flour batter,coat with breadcrumbs and shallow fry in oil.

Tips

Eggs can be used instead of flour.

To make it Gluten free use a combination of rice and corn flour to dip and fry the cutlets.    

   

Rasam Recipe - Kid friendly version

Kid friendly Rasam Recipe

Ingredients

Tomatoes-2 Pureed
Pepper corns-1/2 tbs
Cumin Seeds- 1/2 tbs
Garlic Cloves -6 Crushed(whole)
Cilantro Leaves- 1/2 bunch minced fine
Curry leaves- 1 sprig

Mustard seeds-few
Red Chili-1
Asafoetida Powder -1 pinch
Turmeric Powder-1/4 tsp
Rasam Powder-1 tsp (optional)

Lime Juice-2 tsp
Water -1.5 cups
Oil to Temper

Prep Work

• Crush the pepper,cumin and garlic using a mortar and  pestle.

• Puree the tomatoes.

Method

In a Kadai add 1 1/2 tsp oil add the mustard seeds wait for it to sputter ,add the split red chili,asafoetida powder ,wait for a few minutes then add the crushed garlic,pepper and cumin saute for a few minutes add the rasam and the turmeric powders followed by the curry leaves.Now add the pureed tomato,water and lime juice .Add the fresh minced Cilantro leaves bring to boil when it begins to froth  turn off the heat.

• Do not let the rasam boil over it loses it's aroma!
• This is kid friendly version...!
• A friend of mine crushes some whole  Coriander seeds and 1 Green Chilies(Optional) to it ,it tastes even better !
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Simple Beans Stir Fry (Porial)

Simple Beans Stir fry

Ingredients

String Beans -1 pound Chopped 

Onions-1 

Green Chili-2

Curry leaves- few sprigs

Mustard seeds-1 pinch

Urid dhall- 1/4 tsp

Cumin seeds- 1/4 tsp

Turmeric powder-1 pinch

Salt to taste

Coconut grated-1/4 cup

Coconut Oil -3 tsp

Easy Method 

In a non stick frying pan  pour 3 tsp coconut oil, add mustard seeds just after it sputters add the cumin seeds, split urid dhall, minced onions and the green chilies.Fry for a minute or more to it add turmeric powder ,chopped beans and curry leaves.Stir fry for a couple of minutes.Sprinkle some water cover the lid and cook for exactly 7-8 minutes.Remove lid add the grated coconut stir.Yummy green bean is ready to be served with some white rice and sambar.

Salmon Fish Cutlets

Ingredients

Canned Salmon- 2(7 oz)
Potatoes-3
Onions-2 medium minced
Minced Ginger & Garlic -1 tbs each
1 tsp Vinegar
Eggs-2
Bread Crumbs-1 cup

Other Spices
Green chili-2
Fennel powder-1 tsp
Turmeric-1/4 tsp
Pepper-1 tsp
Handful of chopped Coriander and Mint leaves
Salt to taste
Oil to fry (1 ladle)


7 Easy Steps

• Drain Salmon squeeze extra water .
• Boil potatoes ,peel and mash.
• Beat 2 eggs with some salt  and pepper. 
• Have the breadcrumbs in a bowl  for rolling.
• In a wok add oil fry the onions,minced ginger,garlic ,chilies,add the fennel and turmeric and pepper powder, for more spice curry powder can be used too.
• To this add the drained salmon and fry till the fishy smell disappears I like to add a tsp of Vinegar and then the chopped cilantro and mint leaves ,remove from stove add the mashed potatoes, check for salt.
• When cool make round or oval patties dip in the egg and then roll in the breadcrumbs  shallow fry in a frying pan.   

Walnut Coffee Cake lightened with Agave Nectar

Coffee Cake lightened with Agave Nectar

I enjoyed baking this evening tried some low sugar coffee cake made with agave nectar.You can bake using a mixture of all purpose flour and  wheat flour...good combination to get some extra fiber!

Ingredients
2 Cups Flour(1 Wheat & 1 All purpose)3 Eggs1 stick Butter or use 1/2 cup oil and 2 tbs apple sauce1/2 cup Sugar1/4 cup Agave Nectar1/2 cup Milk or a little more2 tsp Baking powderPinch of Salt1 tsp Vanilla essencePinch of Nutmeg 1/2 cup WalnutsOil to spray the pan

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees ,spray the  pan liberally dust with some flour.

• Separate the eggs in 2 Bowls

• Take a bowl cream the butter,egg yolks,agave nectar and sugar till nice and fluffy stir in milk and vanilla essence

• Combine the flour ,baking powder and a pinch of salt and nutmeg  fold in the fluffy butter mixture 

• Add the egg whites ,gently stir and pour into the greased pan

• Add chopped walnuts dusted with some flour liberally on the cake and bake approximately for 35- 45 minutes...or until a tooth pick comes out clean.

Coconut Milk Pilaf

Ingredients

Basmati Rice- 5 microwave cups 
Onions-1 sliced

Green Chili 6 
1”Ginger minced 2 tsp 
Coconut Milk -1can approx 2 cups 
Turmeric powder-1 pinch mildly color the rice
Salt to taste
Water for the rest measurements 

Whole spice 

2 Cinnamon sticks

2 cardamom 
2 Cloves
1 Star Anise
2 Bay Leaves

Kalpasi a few 
oil1 ladle 

Method

• Soak the rice for 30 minutes drain keep aside .
• In a pan pour 2 tbs oil add the whole spices wait for it to splutter.
• Add sliced onions,wait till it gets translucent then add ginger ,turmeric powder fry till the raw smell to goes. Then add the green chili 
•  add the coconut milk diluted with some water approx 
• 8.5 cups in total.
• Wait for the liquid to come to a boil add rice and check for salt.
• Close lid and  when the steam starts to escapes lower the heat,cook for 10 minutes .
• Delicious coconut rice pilaf is ready !!Garnish with fried nuts and drizzle some ghee if required!
• (To spice it a little add some green chilies to the rice along with the onions)     

Fennel and Chili Chicken Curry

Ingredients
Chicken- 3 lbs cut into pieces
Onions-3 minced
Ginger -2 inch minced
Garlic -8 cloves minced
Curry leaves- few sprigs

Fennel seed-1 tsp
Whole Red chilie -5( de - seeded)
Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp
Fennel powder-1 tsp
Gram masala powder-1/2 tsp

Other Ingredients
Coconut milk -1 can
water -1.5 cups
Salt to taste
Oil to fry
Cilantro leaves to garnish

Method
This is a quick and easy chicken curry .Take a chopper add onions,ginger,garlic and mince fine.
In a wok add 3 tbs olive oil or canola oil add the fennel seeds and whole red chili fry a minute or so add the minced onion,ginger,garlic followed by the turmeric and fennel powders and curry leaves.Fry for a few minutes.

Wash and rinse the chicken with some extra turmeric and salt drain and add to the masala pour approx 2 cups water let it cook for 20 minutes.Now add the coconut milk check for salt and add the garam masala for taste.Slow cook for another 10 minutes and garnish with some cilantro leaves.This curry goes well with   steaming hot white rice.

Poached Egg curry

Ingredients
Eggs-10
Onions-2
Curry leaves-few sprigs
Green Chili-2
Ginger-1 inch
Garlic -6 cloves

Curry powder-1-2 tsp
Pepper powder-1 tsp
Turmeric -1/4 tsp
Fennel powder-1 tsp
Salt to taste
Oil to fry
Coconut Milk-1/2 can diluted with some water


Whole Spices
Cinnamon stick-2
Cloves-2
Cardamom-1
Star anise-1
Bay leaf -2

Method

Take a round non stick frying pan add olive oil approx 2 tbs to the hot oil add the whole spices, wait to sputter and then add the sliced onions,chopped ginger and garlic and fry for a few minutes.Now add the curry powder,turmeric pepper powder,fennel powder,green chilie and curry leaves add 2 tbs of water fry till the raw smell goes .Add the coconut milk  diluted with more water add salt and bring to boil,reduce the flame now break the eggs one at a time and add to the coconut gravy simmer the curry for another 10 minutes till the eggs get cooked.Garnish with some more curry leaves and a handful of chopped Cilantro leaves.Check seasoning and adjust salt .

P.S -A friend suggested break the eggs in a laddle and slowly immerse into the curry wait a couple of minutes and then drop into the curry that way it stays intact!!:)

Magic Squares

Ingredients

2 cups graham wafer crumbs
1 cup condensed milk
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup un sweetened coconut flakes
1 cup walnuts crushed
1/2 cup Butter

Simple Method

Melt butter in the microwave for about 8 seconds.

In a square pan, mix graham wafer crumbs and melted butter to make a base.

Then pour condensed milk evenly over the base, add the chocolate chips, coconut, and walnuts on top.

Preheat oven to 350 F and than put in oven for about 15 minutes.

Take pan out and let it cool on counter for about 45 minutes, cut into squares and refrigerate.

Strawberry Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients

 3 (6 oz)container Lemon yogurt 
1 Tub Cool whip
1 can Mandarin oranges  
8 -10 Strawberries 
8 pecan shortbread cookies 

Prep work

• Crumble the shortbread cookies
• Slice the strawberries,drain oranges

Put the yogurt and cool whip in a bowl beat with an electric beater for approx 5 min until well blended and peaks form.

In a glass bowl or in individual parfait glasses put a layer of cookies,followed by the yogurt mixture top with fruits.

Continue to build the parfait,repeating the layers till all the ingredients are used.

Serve chilled this is a really yummy low calorie dessert!!Enjoy!

• Alter this recipe to add your favorite fresh fruits to get a different taste each time. 

Channa Masala or Chole Masala

Ingredients

2 cans Garbanzo bean drained(channa)

2 tomatoes crushed

1 onion minced fine

1/2 " Ginger chopped fine

6 cloves Garlic minced

Spices

chaat  masala 1/2 tsp(Indian store)

1 tsp cumin powder(Indian store)

1/4 tsp garam masala powder

1/4 tsp turmeric powder 

1 tsp Chili powder

1 tsp coriander powder 

salt to taste 

 2 tsp lemon juice

oil to fry 

 Cilantro to garnish

Method

In a non stick pan pour 3 tbs oil add the chopped garlic wait till it browns a little add the onion to the garlic infused oil and wait till translucent.

Add the curry powder and the tomatoes to it fry till the raw smell disappears.

Now add the drained channa and the minced ginger to it add a little water cook for 15 minutes till the channa is cooked and soft.

To get a lot of gravy I take a ladle full of the cooked channa masala run it in the blender till smooth and add it to the simmering channa it gives a good consistency.

Drizzle the lemon juice. 

Garnish with Cilantro leaves, sometimes adding a tsp of Methi gives it a great taste.

Coffee Cake

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
•  1/2 cup apple sauce

• handful semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cups nuts/walnuts/cashews/almonds 
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan. 

Method

1. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and soda. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and 1 cup of sugar. Add eggs, sour cream and vanilla. Mix well.
3. Add the flour mixture and combine. Batter will be thick.
4. In a separate bowl, combine chocolate chips, 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
5. Spread half of the cake batter in prepared 9x13 inch pan. Sprinkle half of the chocolate chip mixture over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter, and then the remaining chocolate chip mixture.
6. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
7. Dust with some powdered sugar.

Homemade Vanilla Cake

Ingredients

All purpose Flour -3 cups(I sometimes add 1/2 wheat flour and 1/2 all purpose)
Sugar -2 cups
Eggs-5(separate the yolk)
Butter -2 sticks

Baking Powder-3 flat tsp
Salt-1 pinch
Vanilla Essence-1 tsp
Milk-1/3 cup or a little more

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees ,spray a 9/13 inch pan liberally dust with some flour.

Separate the eggs in 2 Bowls.

In a large bowl cream the butter,egg yolks and sugar till nice and fluffy.

Stir in Milk and Vanilla essence .

Beat the egg whites separate.

Combine the flour ,baking powder and a pinch of salt  fold in the fluffy butter mixture 

Add the egg whites ,gently stir and pour into the greased pan, smoothen the surface and bake approximately for 35- 45 minutes...or until a tooth pick comes out clean.

You can add some zucchini to it and it becomes a zucchini bread.
Add some walnuts to it and make a nutty cake!