Sweet Corn Paneer Makhani

Sweet Corn Paneer Makhani

Ingredients

Sweet corn-1 cup Frozen
Paneer- 2 (8 oz)


Onions-3 small cubed
Garlic cloves- 4 whole
Ginger- 1 " piece
Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp
Dry methi leaves-1 tsp
Tomato -2 diced
Coriander leaves-1/4 bunch
Butter -1/2 stick
Red chili- 4 whole deseeded

Almonds-4
Cashews- 6


Whipping cream-1 (8 oz)
Garam masala couple pinch (Optional)
1/2 tsp chili powder
Salt to taste
oil to fry
Sugar 1/4 tsp


Method

In a wok add 2 tsp olive oil add the onions,garlic,ginger,cumin seeds,methi,tomato and coriander leaves,saute,cool it to room temperature then grind in a blender with the nuts to a smooth paste.

 In a non stick pan add 1/2 stick butter(healthier version using another couple teaspoons of olive oil) add the ground paste slow cook for 5-8 minutes add salt, more green chili  or chili powder for a more spicy gravy.

Add the corn and paneer cubes,sugar cook for another 10 minutes till nice and bubbly.

Finally add the heavy whipping cream and garnish!

Delicious Paneer Makhani with a twist!! 

 

Kesar Pista Kulfi

Kesar Pista Kulfi

Ingredients

Sweetened Condensed Milk- 14 oz
Heavy whipping Cream-16 oz
Evaporated Milk-12 oz
Cool whip Topping 12 oz(1.5 containers)
Saffron(kesar)-1 big pinch
2 hand full pistachios crushed
Sugar- 1 tsp

Method

Grind the sugar and saffron using a mortar and pestle.
Coarse grind the pistachios.
In a blender add the first four ingredients and blend to a smooth mixture now add the pistachios,sugar,saffron  mix together pour into individual Popsicle mold set it for about 4 -6 hours.Yummy delicious kulfi is ready to lick..smack!!! 

Mutton Garlic Pepper fry

Mutton Garlic Pepper Fry


Ingredients

Mutton boneless pieces- 3 pounds
Onions-2
1 Cinnamon stick
2 Cloves
Fennel whole -1/2 tsp
Tomato-1 diced

Garlic handful (chopped)
Curry leaves
Coriander leaves-1/4 bunch

Salt to taste
Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp
Red Chili -1 tsp
Pepper powder-2 tsp
Oil to fry


Method

In a non stick pan pour a 1/4 cup of oil add the fennel seeds,whole cinnamon stick and cloves wait to sputter and add the sliced onions fry till they turn golden brown now add the chopped garlic,curry leaves...fry till the aroma fills the room now add the curry powders turmeric,chili,pepper powder add some water fry till the raw smell goes now add the mutton pieces,diced tomato,salt to taste and saute in the masala for 15 minutes adding  some water will help the meat to be tender,cover and cook .Dry fry till all the water evaporates.

Add slit Green chili and a few more fresh curry leaves and Cilantro leaves for garnish!
Very tasty garlicky mutton fry is ready to devour!

Salmon Fried and Cooked in a tomato base "Fish Thokku"

Salmon Fried and cooked in a Tomato Gravy

Ingredients

Salmon - 2 pounds (Cubed)
Lime juice- 2 tsp
Chili powder-2 tsp
Salt to taste
Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp
Pepper powder-1/4 tsp

Oil to shallow fry

Masala for the tomato gravy 

Onions- 3
Ginger and Garlic paste- 1 tbs
Coriander powder-1 tsp
Chili -1 tsp

Tomatoes- 3
Canned Crushed Tomato- 1 ladle
Curry leaves
Cilantro leaves
Tamarind paste -1 tbs
Oil to fry
Salt to taste

Method

Step I

1. Wash and rinse fish with some turmeric,salt and vinegar.
2. Marinate with some chili powder,salt,lime juice,turmeric and pepper powders.
3. Shallow fry in oil on medium flame till nice and brown,drain on paper towel.

Step II

• In the same pan using the same oil(add a little more if required) add the sliced red onions and curry leaves,fry for a couple of minutes then add the ginger and garlic paste fry till the raw smell goes.
• Add the spice powders according to your taste.
• Then add the chopped tomatoes followed by the canned crushed tomatoes,tamarind paste and salt to taste .
• Fry till it all comes together till you see the oil separate on top, now add the chopped cilantro leaves and the fried fish pieces toss it in the saute and let it cook for few more minutes.
• Garnish with some fresh Cilantro leaves.

Can be served as a side with plain rice and sambar.

Optional

•  Chopped or slit Green chili can be added in the end!!

Shrimp and Cauliflower Masala

Shrimp and Cauliflower Masala

Ingredients

Oil to fry
Fennel seed-1/4 tsp
Onions-2 sliced
Tomatoes-3 chopped
Garlic -6 cloves crushed

Cauliflower 1 small head
Yellow peppers-1 diced
Cleaned and deveined Shrimp-1 pound

Masala Powders

Turmeric 1/4 tsp
Curry powder-1/2 tsp
Pepper powder-1/2
Kashmiri red chili powder-1 tsp

Chopped Cilantro leaves handful
Lime juice-1/4 tsp
Salt to taste

Method

In a frying pan add 3 tbs oil add the fennel seeds,sliced onions fry till the onions turn golden brown.
Add the crushed garlic followed by the  masala powders and a few teaspoons of water,fry for a couple minutes then add the diced tomatoes saute for a few more minutes until the raw smell disappears.

Now add the shrimp and the cauliflower enough salt cover with a lid and cook for 8-10 minutes,stir in the chopped peppers,few drops of lime juice and the chopped cilantro leaves.Cook for a couple of minutes turn off the heat .

Delicious shrimp and cauliflower masala is ready to be served with some Indian bread or Rice!

Optional 

Add chopped green chili for garnish!
Add some chili powder for a spicy touch!

Chettinad Chicken Fry with Fresh Coconut

Chettinad Chicken Fry with  Fresh Coconut 

INGREDIENTS

Chicken - 5 pounds with or without bones
Oil to fry
Salt to taste
Onions - 3 sliced lengthwise
Red chili- 2
Ginger and Garlic paste- 2 tbs
Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp
Green chili-2
Curry leaves few sprigs
Coriander leaves to garnish
Fresh coconut -2 tbs


Roast the following and dry grind 

Coriander seeds-2 tsp
Red Chili-3
Cumin seeds-1 tsp
Pepper powder-1 tsp
Fennel seeds- 1 tsp
Fenugreek -1/2 tsp

Grind the above into a fine powder.



Method

In a wok add enough oil fry the onions,red chili,curry leaves,add the ginger and garlic paste fry till u see the oil separate and the raw smell goes add the turmeric and the chettinad masala which was ground according to your spice level.

Fry for a couple more minutes,then add the chicken pieces to it and add salt to taste.Cook till the chicken is tender and the masala gets coated on each piece.Fry till all the liquid evaporates, now add the 2 tablespoons of fresh coconut,2 green chilis and a teaspoon of lemon juice.

Fry till it all comes together.Serve with some white rice!!Yummy Chicken Chettinad is ready to be served!

Spicy tamarind Curry aka "Kara kuzhambu"

Kara Kuzhambu

Ingredients

Small red Onions  handful
Garlic Cloves- 6
Onion -1
Tomatoes-1

Sesame seed oil
Mustard seeds
Pepper Whole-1/4 tsp
Curry leaf
Green Chili-2
Red chili-3

Fenugreek powder-1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp
Chili powder-1 tsp
Sambar Powder- 2 tsp

To Grind 

Grated Coconut-1/2 cup
Fennel seeds-1/4 tsp

Fresh Tamarind Paste 2 tsp


Method

In a kadai or a small pot add about 2 to 3 table spoons of Sesame oil add the mustard seeds when hot and when it begins to sputter add the red onions and sliced garlic fry for a minute add the curry leaves,pepper,chilies and the sliced onion fry till translucent then add the curry powders followed by some water .Fry it till the raw smell disappears then add the mango pieces enough water and cook for approx 10 minutes now add the chopped tomatoes, the ground coconut paste,tamarind paste and a little water mix well and boil for another 10-12 minutes till the oil separates and comes to the top.
Now you will know the tasty kara kuzhambu is ready to be served with some white rice and papad!!

Optional

Using Sesame oil brings out the flavor!
Serve with a tad bit of Ghee over hot white rice! 

MINCED MEAT AND VEGETABLE STIR FRY

Minced meat and veggie stir fry

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef /chicken 
Carrots-1 diced
Beans - 2 handful chopped

Onions-1
Curry leaves
Green chili-2 optional 
Ginger and Garlic paste-1 tbs
Tomatoes-1 diced
Cilantro leaves

Garam masala -1/2 tsp
Turmeric-1/4 tsp
Fennel powder-1/4 tsp
Any readymade meat masala powder-1 tsp(Eastern)
Add spice according to your taste.

Oil to fry
Salt to taste


Method

In a wok add some oil just enough to fry the onions,green chili,curry leaves,saute for a few minutes then add the ginger and garlic paste fry it till the raw smell disappears.
Add the masala powders and stir in the tomatoes cook till u see the oil separate from the masala .

I usually drain the fat from the meat by cooking it in a pressure pan with some water drain and keep aside.

Now add the meat saute for about 10 minutes then add the cut veggies to the masala and fry till the veggies are crunchy and it all comes together.don't over cook your vegetables.You can add any vegetables of your choice to the lean minced meat.

I like adding potatoes and peas for a change or bell peppers of different kinds to make it colorful.
Cabbage goes well with minced meat as well ...every time I make it,it reminds me of my childhood growing up at my grand mom's home!!

Toss the cilantro generously in the saute and enjoy with some Indian bread!!


Optional

I added some crushed black pepper and cumin in the end to spice it a little more.

Final outcome 

Cluster Beans and Potato fry

Cluster beans and potato fry

Cluster beans is also know as Kotha avarangai in tamil and Gauvar in Hindi.

Ingredients

Cluster beans-2 cups chopped
Potatoes -2 cubed

Onions-1 minced
Mustard seeds few
Cumin seeds few
Curry leaves
Green Chili- 2
Garlic cloves-4
Tomatoes- 1 large diced

Chili powder-1 tsp
Coriander powder-1 tsp
Cumin powder- 1/2 tsp
Salt to taste
Coconut Oil to saute
Shredded fresh coconut-1/4 cup (optional)


Method

In a frying pan add 2 tsp coconut oil add mustard seeds wait for it to sputter then add the cumin seeds and minced onions fry till translucent.Now add the sliced garlic cloves and the masala powders add some water and fry till the raw smell goes add the diced tomatoes,curry leaves and the chopped beans and potato add a cup of water and cook it till the beans are tender not soft.Finally add a couple pinches of garam masala powder and stir in the shredded coconut.Serve with chappatis  or with some rice.This bean is full of fiber and has a lot of nutrients in it.Enjoy!!

Mutton dry fry

Mutton dry fry

Ingredients

Mutton 2 lbs
Onions-2  sliced
Ginger and Garlic paste- 2 tbs
Vinegar -1 tbs
Ginger 1"-minced
Red chili-2 de seeded(optional)
Curry leaves
Coconut Oil to fry
Sliced Coconut cut into pieces-1/2 cup
Green Chili-2 garnish

Masala Powders
Fenugreek powder-1/2 tsp
Chili powder-2 tsp
Turmeric -1/2 tsp
Coriander powder- 1 tsp
Cumin powder-1 tsp
Pepper powder- 2 tsp
Garam masala -1 tsp


In a wok add 2- 3 tablespoons of oil add 1 onion sliced ,ginger and garlic paste,red chili and fry till it turns brown and add the masala powders fry it till the raw smell goes.Add salt.

Add the mutton  pieces to it and enough water cook it in the pressure cooker for 15 minutes.When cooked wait for the water to evaporate completely .Add the vinegar.

In a small pan add 1 tbs coconut oil and fry the other onion with the minced ginger,coconut sliced and curry leaves. Add it to the simmering  pot of meat.

Finally garnish with some chopped cilantro leaves!!

Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana Soup

Ingredients
Mild and spicy Italian sausage - 2 lbs
Ground chicken/Turkey - 2 lbs (optional)
Chopped kale - 2 cups
Yukon gold Potatoes - 5 peeled and sliced 
Chicken stock - 4 - 5 cups
Heavy Whipping cream - 1 cup


Other Ingredients

Red Onion - 1 minced
Garlic - 4 cloves minced

Crushed Red Chili flakes - 1/2 tsp
Salt to taste

Pepper powder - 1/2 tsp 
Olive oil - 2 tbs



Original Olive Garden recipe use sausage in their recipe I like to substitute with ground  turkey or Chicken 
I also like to use milk instead of whipping cream to make it a healthy version of the soup.You can also substitute kale with mustard leaves or even spinach.I also added a handful of sliced portabella mushroom!




Method in 4 easy steps

• Take a pot pour olive oil add minced garlic, crushed pepper flakes and onions fry till translucent.
• Add the Italian sausage or ground chicken or turkey and brown till it is cooked takes about 10 minutes, add sliced potatoes, chicken stock, salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring it to boil slow cook till potatoes are tender, add chopped kale cook for a few more minutes (approx 10 minutes.) 
• Finally add the whipping cream, heat thoroughly and serve with some warm Italian bread and butter and a side of salad.

Vegetable Kurma

Vegetable kurma

Ingredients

(Vegetables)

Carrots- 4 diced
Peas -1/2 cup
Beans- 1cup cut into 1/2 "
Potato- 3 diced
Turnips- 1 diced

Cinnamon stick-1
Cardamon -1
Cloves-2
Star anise-1

Onions 1 Chopped
Ginger 2" Minced
Garlic cloves-6 Minced
Chili-2 slit
Curry leaves few sprigs
Fennel powder- 2 tsp
Turmeric powder- 1/2 tsp
Coriander powder-1 tbs
Pepper powder-1/2 tsp
Juice of 1 Lime
Cilantro leaves-1/2 bunch
Oil
Salt to taste

To Grind

Poppy Seed -1 tsp
Shredded Coconut-1/2 cup
Almonds- 5
Green Chili- 2

Adding 1/2 can coconut milk in the end  will give more gravy and make the curry look creamy.


Method

• Chop the vegetable,grind the coconut and other ingredients into a paste.

In a 4 quart pan add some oil add the whole spices wait for it to sputter then add the chopped onions,Green chili, minced ginger and garlic and curry leaves.Fry for a few minutes .

Add the masala powders and 1/4 cup water fry till the raw smell from the masala's disappear.

Add your cut up vegetables and 2 cups of water,salt to taste and simmer for about 10 minutes till your vegetable cook half way through, now add the ground paste and cook in low flame till u see the oil separate and the kurma thickens.

In the end add the juice of 1 lime and stir.

Turn the stove off garnish with chopped cilantro leaves.

Quick Mango and Coconut Milk Cup Cakes

mango and coconut milk cup cakes

Ingredients

Mango Pulp- 1/2 cup
All Purpose Flour- 2 cups
Sugar-3/4 cup
Baking powder- 2 tsp
Oil -1/2 cup
Coconut Milk- 1/2 cup
Shredded coconut -1 tbs
Pinch of Salt


Whisk the oil,sugar and pulp into a creamy paste
Mix the flour,salt and baking powder in another bowl.
Add some coconut milk and the flour alternate it till the flour is used up.
Just whisk it until it all comes together.

Preheat oven to 350 F,line the muffin pan and spoon the batter into it ,bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cutlets

Meat Cutlets

Main Ingredients

Mince meat- 2 lb
Potatoes- 4 large

 Ingredients

Onions- 2 minced  fine
Ginger-2" minced
Garlic -10 cloves minced
Green Chili-3 minced


Chili powder-2 tsp
Turmeric-1/2 tsp
Fennel seed powder- 2 tsp
Garam masala - 1 tsp
Pepper powder- 1 tsp
Salt to taste

Cilantro-1 bunch
Mint-1/2 bunch(optional)
Juice of 1 whole Lime

Bread crumbs- 2 cups(approx)
White of eggs or whole egg -3
Oil to fry

Method

Boil the meat in a pressure cooker for 20 minutes,I like to drain the excess water ,fat and cook on stove top till dry and very little moisture is left in the pan.

Cook the potatoes,peel,mash and keep it aside.

I mince the onions,ginger,garlic and chili in a chopper or food processor.

In a small frying pan fry the above minced ingredients till transparent add the masala's and fry till the raw smell disappears.

Now add the minced meat to it,now add the cilantro and mint leaves to it and fry till all the moisture is gone add salt,make sure it is well mixed.Turn the stove off.

When this meat mixture cooled to room temperature add the lime juice and the mashed potatoes mix it together ,make sure the spice and salt levels are okay then make small rounds flatten them, dip in beaten eggs and bread crumbs then shallow fry till crisp and crunchy on the outside.

Mango Loaf Cake -No Dairy,No Eggs!!

Mango Loaf Cake - Can be made vegan by substituting honey for maple syrup.

Ingredients

All purpose flour- 2 cups
Sugar-3/4th cup
Honey or Maple Syrup - 2 tbs
Baking powder- 2 tsp
Olive oil-1/2 cup
Mango pulp -1/2 cup
Coconut milk-1/2 cup or more

Easy Method

Whisk the oil,sugar and pulp into a creamy paste.
Add the baking powder ,followed by the all purpose flour alternating with the coconut milk.
Whisk till it all comes together into a smooth creamy batter don't over beat it spoon into a loaf pan.
Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes or till a stick comes out clean.
Moist and yummy to the crumb!!

OPTIONAL

Use some cranberries and slivered almonds instead of mango pulp.
Use Vanilla essence and make it a plain cake.
Use some chocolate chip. 

Bok Choy and Lentils infused with Garlic

Bok Choy and lentils infused with Garlic

Ingredients

Baby Bok Choy - 5
Toor Dhall -1 cup (Cooked)
Onion- 1
Garlic cloves- 4
Tomatoes-1
Salt
Oil
Mustard seeds
Cumin seeds
Curry leaves
Red chili- 2 de-seeded
Turmeric powder- pinch
Chili powder-1/2 tsp

• Chop the baby bok choy.
• Cook the toor dhall with enough water and turmeric powder.
• Dice the onions,tomatoes and slice the garlic cloves. 

Method

In a frying pan add about 2-3 tsp oil,when hot add the mustard seeds followed by the cumin seeds and slices garlic cloves.Fry for a minute then add diced onions fry till they turn transparent .To this add the masala powders and red chili,curry leaves and salt to taste.Fry a minute more then add diced tomatoes and chopped bok choy stir fry for 3-4 minutes.Then add the cooked toor dhall mix it well and check for salt let it come to a boil.Turn off the heat .  

Spicy Okra Curry - " Vendakka Puli kuzhambu " - South Indian Recipe

Spicy Okra curry - South Indian Style

Ingredients

Okra- Fresh 2 lbs
Red onions -2
Green Chili-2 Slit
Garlic -8 cloves
Tomatoes- 2

Oil- 3 tbs
Mustard seeds-pinch
Fenugreek seeds or Powder-1/2 tsp
Chili powder- 2 tsp(approx)
Coriander powder- 1 tbs
Sambar Powder-2 tsp
Curry leaves -few
Cilantro Leaves- garnish
Tamarind concentrate-1/2 tsp

To Grind

Coconut (Fresh)- 2 tbs

Prep work

• Wash dry and cut okra into 1" pieces.
• Dice the onions
• Slice the garlic cloves
• Chop the tomatoes
• If your using fresh tamarind soak in 1/4 cup of hot water
• Grind the coconut into a smooth paste  

Method

In a wok or kadai add oil deep fry the okra drain on a paper towel.(optional)

OR

In a kadai add 2-3  tbs oil saute the okra till nice and brown .

Remove from oil .

In the same kadai add 1 or 2 tsp oil add mustard seeds,wait for it to sputter add fenugreek seeds wait for it to turn slightly brown then add the diced onions,green chili.
Fry the onions till they turn golden brown, add the sliced garlic cloves and curry leaves, followed by the masala powders add a little water fry till the raw smell disappears.Add the tomatoes fry for a couple of minutes.Then add 1.5 cups water bring it to boil, you will see this curried water thicken now add the fried or sauteed okra ,tamarind pulp and the coconut paste .Check for salt and spice level.Slow cook on medium flame for another 20 minutes.

.
Optional

Using Sesame seed oil makes any tamarind curry taste even better.
Adding 1/4 tsp of  fenugreek powder ,brings out the flavor.

Cinnamon Raisin French Toast

Cinnamon Raisin French Toast

Ingredients

Cinnamon Raisin Bread - 8 slices
Eggs-2
Milk- 1/2 cup
Orange juice- 1/4 cup
Nutmeg powder - 1 pinch
Sugar- 2 tbs or Honey-2 tbs
Butter or Smart Balance- 3 tbs

Method

• In a wide bowl add the milk,eggs,sugar,nutmeg powder and orange juice whisk till it all blends together.
• Dip the bread slices on both sides,using some butter pan fry the bread till it turns golden brown on both sides.
• Serve the toast  with some maple syrup,whipped cream and some fruit !

If you don't have raisin cinnamon bread you can use the regular white, wheat or grain bread just add 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder and some extra sugar or honey to taste.

I sometimes sweeten using just plain old honey..it comes out perfectly sweet,make sure to warm the honey in the microwave for 20 seconds!

Broccoli Porial - Indian Recipe

Broccoli Stir fry with Indian spices

Ingredients

Broccoli- 2 heads (chopped in a food processor)
Onions-1 diced
Green Chili- 1 slit
Garlic -2 cloves minced
Turmeric Powder-1 pinch
Salt to taste
Coconut oil/any oil  -2 tsp
Shredded coconut - handful
Mustard seeds- 1 pinch
Curry leaves

Method

Heat some coconut oil in a frying pan add mustard seeds wait for it to sputter and then add your diced onions and garlic fry till they turn transparent.
Add the green chili and curry leaves followed by the turmeric powder  stir for a minute.
Now add your chopped broccoli add salt cover and cook for 4- 5 minutes don't over cook them .
I like to make sure they don't lose their color so turn off the heat add some shredded coconut .Tasty broccoli porial !

It's healthy and scrumptious as well!

 

Scrumptious Scrambled Eggs with Spinach

Scrumptious Scrambled Eggs with Spinach

Ingredients

2 small red Onion diced
8 Mushrooms sliced
2 Green Chilies slit
Two handful of Spinach trimmed and chopped fine
1 Tomato diced
1/4 tsp of Ginger minced
2 cloves Garlic minced
4 - 6 egg whites
1/4 tsp pepper
Salt to taste
Olive Oil 2 tsp

Method

• In a wok pour olive oil approx 2 tsp saute the onions,fry for a few minutes.

• Add the mushrooms,ginger and garlic minced, green chili and salt to taste.

• Saute till the mushrooms are cooked . 

• Then add the chopped spinach,tomatoes,pepper powder and fold in the beaten eggs.

• Gently toss and cook eggs on low flame.

• Healthy and yummy  eggs can be eaten for breakfast,brunch or even lunch. 

OPTIONAL

• Any vegetable can be added to the eggs to make it interesting  try a blend of carrots and peas or broccoli.
• I add 1/2 tsp Chili powder and a tsp of Tomato Ketchup to give it a tangy taste.