The Paleo Recipe Book

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Indian Vegetable Recipes - Indian Mixed Vegetables

Serves : 4

Ingredients :

120 g (4 oz) French beans, chopped
120 g (4 oz) Cabbage (bandh gobhi), chopped
120 g (4 oz) Capsicum (Shimla mirch), chopped
120 g (4 oz) Carrots (gajar), chopped
1/2 cup (60 g) 2 oz Onions, chopped
120 g (4 oz) Potatoes, cut into fingers
4 tbsp (60 ml) 2 fl oz Vegetable oil
1 tsp (2 g) Cumin (jeera) seeds
2 Dry red chillies (sookhi lal mirch)
Salt to taste
1/2 tsp Black pepper (kali mirch) powder
2 tsp (12 g) Ginger (adrak), chopped
4 tbsp (60 ml) 2 fl oz Tomato puree
1 tbsp (15 ml) White vinegar (sirka)
1 tbsp (4 g) Green coriander (hara dhaniya), chopped

Method :

1. Heat the oil in a pan; add cumin seeds and dry red chillies. Saute for a few seconds. Add all the vegetables, salt, black pepper powder, and ginger. Mix well. Cook covered on low heat till the vegetables are almost tender.

2. Add the tomato puree and white vinegar. Cook till the vegetables are completely done. Remove from heat.

3. Serve hot garnished with green coriander.

Monday, March 09, 2009

Indian Vegetable Recipes - Crispy Cauliflower with Potatoes

Serves : 2 - 4

Ingredients :

500 g (1.1 lb) Cauliflower (phool gobhi), cut into florets
500 g (1.1 lb) Potatoes, washed, diced
1/2 cup / 100 g (3 1/4 oz) Ghee
1 tsp (2 g) Cumin (jeera) seeds
2 tbsp (50 g) 1 3/4 oz Ginger (adrak), chopped Salt to taste
1 tsp (2 g) Turmeric (haldi) powder
2 tsp (4 g) Red chilli powder
5 Green chillies, chopped
1/2 cup (12 1/2 g) Green coriander (hara dhaniya), chopped

Method :

1. Heat the ghee in wok (kadhai); add cumin seeds and ginger. Saute for a while.

2. Add cauliflower and potatoes. Mix well. Add salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and green chillies. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 15 minutes or till the vegetables are done.

3. Serve hot, garnished with green coriander.

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Indian Rice Recipes - Cheddar Rice

Serves : 2

Ingredients :

1 tbsp oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed
8 oz (225 g) wholegrain rice
6 oz (175 g) mushrooms, thickly sliced
15 fl oz (450 ml) hot chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried oregano
3 oz (75 g) Cheddar, grated
3 tbsps fresh chopped parsley

Method :

1. Heat the oil in a saucepan and gently fry the onion and garlic until translucent.

2. Stir in the rice and mushrooms. Add the stock and bring to the boil, stirring. Add the oregano and cheese.

3. Pour into a buttered casserole.

4. Bake at Mark 4 (180°C) 350°F, for 30 minutes or until the rice is tender.

5. Stir in the parsley and serve with green salad.

Friday, March 06, 2009

Indian Rice Recipes - Rice with Shrimps

Serves : 2 - 3

Ingredients :

100 g peeled shrimps
100 g long grain rice
2 oz (50 g) ham
1/2 stick (2 oz) 50 g butter
salt and pepper

Method :

1. Wash and drain the rice.

2. Cook in boiling salted water for 15-18 minutes; drain well.

3. Return the rice to the dry pan.

4. Cut the ham into thin strips.

5. Melt the butter in a frying pan, add the rice and fry for 4-5 minutes.

6. Stir in the ham and shrimps and heat for 2-3 minutes.

7. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

8. Pile on to a warmed serving dish.

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Indian Non-Vegetarian Recipes - Tandoori Pomfret

Serves: 4

Ingredients :

4 (450 g (1 lb) each) Pomfrets
2 tbsp (60 g) 2 oz Yoghurt (dahi), drained
2 Eggs, yolks
3 tbsp (60 ml) 2 fl oz Cream
1 tbsp (18 g) Ginger (adrak) paste
1 tbsp (18 g) Garlic (lasan) paste
2 tsp (6 g) Carom (ajwain) seeds
1 tsp (2 g) White pepper (safed mirch) powder
2 tsp (4 g) Red chilli powder
1 tsp (2 g) Turmeric (haldi) powder
2 tsp (3 g) Cumin (jeera) powder
2 tbsp (20 g) Gram flour (bcsan)
2 tbsp (30 ml) 1 fl oz Lemon (nimbu) juice
Butter / Vegetable oil for basting

Method :

1. Clean and wash the fish. Make 2 - 3 incisions on both sides.

2. Whisk together the yoghurt and egg yolks with the remaining ingredients to make a smooth paste.

3. Coat the fish evenly with the yoghurt paste and leave to marinate for at least 3 hours.

4. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Skewer the fish from mouth to tail. Roast for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and hang the skewers to drain the excess liquid. Baste with butter and roast again for 3 - 5 minutes.

5. Serve at once, accompanied by a salad.

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Indian Non-Vegetarian Recipes - Chilli Prawns

Serves : 3 - 4

Information :

This delightful, spicy combination makes a lovely, light main course for a casual supper. Serve with rice, noodles or even freshly cooked pasta and a leafy green salad.

Ingredients :

45 ml (3 tbsp) olive oil
2 shallots, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 fresh red chilli, chopped
450 g (1 lb) ripe tomatoes, skinned, seeded and chopped
15 ml (1 tbsp) tomato puree
1 bay leaf
1 thyme sprig
90 ml (6 tbsp) dry white wine
450 g (1 lb) cooked large prawns, peeled
salt and ground black pepper
roughly torn basil leaves, to garnish

Method :

1. Heat the oil in a pan, then add the shallots, garlic and chilli and fry until the garlic starts to brown.

2. Add the tomatoes, tomato puree, bay leaf, thyme, wine and seasoning. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and cook gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. Discard the herbs.

3. Stir the prawns into the sauce and heat through for a few minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Scatter over the basil leaves and serve at once.

For a milder flavour, remove all the seeds from the chilli.

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Indian Starter Recipes - Surati Patties

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients :

500 g (1.1 lb) Potatoes, boiled, mashed till smooth
Salt to taste
2 tbsp (20 g) Refined flour (maida)
For the filling, mix well together:
1 cup (100 g) 3 1/2 oz Coconut (nariyal), fresh, grated
2 cups (50 g) 1 3/4 oz Green coriander (hara dhaniya), finely chopped
2 Green chillies, finely chopped
2 tsp (6 g) Garlic (lasan), chopped (optional)
1 tbsp (15 g) Cashew nuts (kaju), chopped
1 tbsp (10 g) Raisins (kishmish)
1 tbsp (20 g) Sugar
Salt to taste
Vegetable oil for deep-frying

Method :

1. Add salt and flour to the potatoes. Knead into a soft dough.

2. Grease your palms, take a small amount of the potato mixture and shape into a flat, round cake.

3. Put about 2 tsp of the filling in the centre, roll into a round ball, ensuring that the filling stays in. Flatten into a small, round cake. Similarly, prepare the other cakes.

4. Heat the oil in a wok (kadhai); deep-fry the cakes on high heat till golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain the excess oil on absorbent kitchen towels.

5. Serve with Coriander chutney

Monday, March 02, 2009

Indian Starter Recipes - Skewered Egg and Potato Rolls (Baida Kebab)

Serves: 4

Ingredients :

10 Eggs, hard-boiled, grated
200 g (7 oz) Potatoes, boiled, mashed
1 tsp (2 g) Garam masala
1 tsp (2 g) Chaat masala
1/2 cup (60 g) 2 oz Breadcrumbs
1 1/2 tsp (6 g) Salt
1 tsp (2 g) Red chilli powder
2 tsp (12 g) inger (adrak), chopped
1 tsp Green chillies, chopped
1 tbsp (4 g) Green coriander (hara dhaniya), chopped
2 tbsp (40 g) Butter for basting

Method :

1. Mix together the eggs, potatoes, garam masala, chaat masala, breadcrumbs, salt, red chilli powder, ginger, preen chillies, green coriander, and raw egg.

2. Divide this mixture into 5 equal portions

3. Wrap each portion along the length of the skewers with wet hands leaving a 2 cm gap between each. Roast for 5 - 10 minutes.

4. Remove and baste with butter. Roast further for 3 - 5 minutes or until cooked.

5. Remove from skewers and serve hot with mint chutney.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Indian Sweets Recipes - Ooniappam (Jaggery Banana Balls)

Serves : 6

Ingredients :

1 cup (115 g) 3 3/4 oz Rice flour, sifted
1/2 cup (50 g) 1 3/4 oz Coconut (nariyal), grated
1/2 cup Bananas, ripe, mashed, smoothened
1/2 cup (100 g) 3 1/2 oz Jaggery (gur)
1 1/2 tbsp (30 g) 1 oz Sugar
a pinch Soda bi carbonate

Method :

1. Mix the rice flour with coconut.

2. Melt the jaggery in a pan and boil it to a one-thread consistency. Remove the pan from the heat.

3. Mix all the remaining ingredients with the jaggery. Add the jaggery mixture to the rice flour mixture and make a smooth batter.

4. Heat the oil in a wok (kadhai); pour a spoonful of the batter and deep-fry till brown. Remove and repeat till all the batter has been used.

5. Keep dipping the spoon into water so that the batter falls off easily.

Note: The bananas used in this recipe are the plump yellow variety called palayankodan—alternatively any other variety can also be used.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Indian Sweets Recipes - Aam Sandesh (Cottage Cheese Fudge Stuffed With Mango)

Makes : 12-14

Ingredients :

400 g (14 oz) Soft cottage cheese (chenna, fresh)
1 Alphonso mango, big, ripe, cut into thin slices
2 tbsp (40 ml) Cream
2/3 cup (100 g) 3 1/2 oz Sugar, powdered
1 tbsp Rock candy (mishrij, broken
1/2 g Saffron (kesar), soaked in rose water

Method :

1. Squeeze the water out from the cottage cheese and mash well with your palms.

2. When it becomes soft and fluffy, add cream and sugar; mash well again.

3. Divide the mixture equally into 2 parts. Flatten the parts into 1/4 inch - thick squares.

4. Cover the first square with the mango slices and then put the second layer over the mango, covering it completely.

5. With a broad knife, trim the edges neatly. Garnish with saffron and rock candy, and chill for at least 1/2 hour.

6. Cut into 1 inch squares and serve.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Indian Curry Recipes - Dhaba Dal (Rich and Buttery Split Black Gram)

Serves : 4 - 6

Ingredients :

2 cups (300 g) 9 oz Split black gram (urad dal)
1 tsp (2 g) Turmeric (haldi) powder
2 tsp (4 g) Red chilli powder
Salt to taste

For the Tempering :

3/4 cup (150 g) 5 oz Unsaited butter
2 tsp (4 g) Cumin (jeera) seeds
1 cup (120 g) 4 oz Onions, chopped
6 (18 g) Green chillies, halved
1 tbsp (25 g) Ginger (adrak), chopped
2 tsp (4 g) Garam masala
1/2 cup Tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup (50 ml) 1 3/4 fl oz Lemon (nimbu) juice
1 tbsp (20 g) Butter
1 tsp (6 g) Ginger paste
1 tsp (6 g) Garlic (lasan) paste

Method :

1. Wash and clean the split black gram and boil in water, adding turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Cook until tender. Drain any excess water. Keep aside.

2. Heat the unsalted butter; add cumin seeds and saute until they crackle. Add the onions, green chillies, and ginger. Fry until brown in colour. Add the boiled black gram.

3. Put in the garam masala, tomatoes, and lemon juice. Stir for a minute. Add the ginger and garlic pastes. Mix well. Add 1/2 cup water and bring to the boil. Add 1/4 cup butter and stir until completely absorbed.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Indian Curry Recipes - Vegetable Curry

Ingredients :

1 cup Vegetables
1/4-1/2 tsp Coriander powder
1/8-1/4 tsp Chili powder
1/8-1/4 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Salt
1 large Onion
1/4-1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
1/8 tsp Urad Dal
1/4-1/2 cup Tomatoes-crushed

Method:

1. Mix the garlic, coriander and the chili powder along with salt and place it aside.

2. Pour about 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan and heat. Add mustard seeds and urad dal. The mustard seeds will split and the oil may spill. Wait until the mustard seeds stop making any noise.

3. Add onions and fry until the onions turn brown. Add the vegetables, the mixture of step 1 and the crushed tomatoes.

4. Fry for about 5 minutes, if you are using canned vegetables. Otherwise cover the pan and let the vegetables cook. (This might take about 10-15 min.)

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Indian Chutney Recipes - Til-Tamater Chutney (Sesame Seeds and Tomato Chutney)

Serves : 4

Ingredients :

200 g (7 oz) Tomatoes, chopped
2 tbsp (10 g) Sesame (til) seeds
2 tbsp (30 ml) 1 fl oz Vegetable oil
1 cup (120 g) 4 oz Onions, chopped
1/2 tsp Red chilli powder
1/2 tsp Turmeric (haldi) powder
a pinch Asafoetida (hing) powder
1 tbsp (25 g) Split black gram (urad dal), roasted

For the Tempering:

2 tbsp (30 ml) 1 fl oz Vegetable oil
5 Dry red chillies (sookhi lal mirch)
a few Curry leaves (kadhi patta)
1/2 tsp (1 1/2 g) Mustard seeds (rai)

Method :

1. Heat the oil in a pan; add onions and saute till light brown. Add red chilli powder, turmeric powder, asafoetida, and sesame seeds. Saute for a few minutes.

2. Add tomatoes and split black gram. Cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and keep aside to cool. Blend to a fine paste.

3. For the tempering, heat the oil in a pan; add dry red chillies, curry leaves, and mustard seeds. Saute till they crackle. Remove from heat, mix into the prepared chutney and serve.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Indian Chutney Recipes - Anjeer Ki Chutney (Fig Chutney)

Serves: 4

Ingredients :

500 g (1.1 lb) Figs (anjeer), dried, blanched for 10 minutes
4 tbsp (60 g) 2 oz Almond (badaam), blanched for 10 minutes
1/2 cup (100 ml) 3 1/2 fl oz Vegetable oil
1/2 cup (60 g) 2 oz Onions, chopped
100 g (3 1/2 oz) Garlic (lasan), chopped
1 tbsp (20 g) Sugar
1 tsp (2 g) Red chilli powder
4 - 5 Green chillies, chopped
Salt to taste
3 1/2 tbsp (50 ml) 1 3/4 fl oz Malt vinegar (sirka)
5 tsp (25 ml) White vinegar
2 tsp (4 g) Green cardamom (choti elaichi) powder
2 tsp (6 g) Melon (magaz) seeds

Method :

1. Heat the oil in a pan; fry onions and garlic until golden brown. Remove and keep aside.

2. Combine all the ingredients (except green cardamom powder and melon seeds) and blend to a fine paste.

3. Transfer the paste into a bowl and garnish with green cardamom powder and melon seeds.

4. Refrigerate and use as required. (This can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 1 - 2 months).

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Indian Sweets Recipes - Fruit Shrikhand (Indian Creamy Yoghurt With Fruits)

Serves : 2 - 4

Ingredients:

1 cup (200 g) 7 oz Yoghurt (dahi), hung for 1 hour
6 tsp (30 ml) 1 fl oz or to taste Artificial sweetener
1/4 tsp Green cardamom (choti elaichi) powder
a pinch Nutmeg (jaiphal) powder
150 g (5 oz) Mixed fruits (of your choice), pureed
2 tbsp (30 ml) 1 fl oz Lemon (nimbu) juice

Method :

1. Blend the yoghurt with 4 tsp artificial sweetener and spices till creamy. Add a little water if necessary. Keep aside.

2. Mix the fruit puree with lemon juice and the remaining artificial sweetener. Keep aside.

3. Top the yoghurt mixture with the mixed fruit puree. Serve chilled.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Indian Sweets Recipes - Meetha Chawal (Sweetened Rice Mixed With Almonds And Pistach)

Serves : 6

Ingredients :

1 1/4 cups (250 g) 9 oz Rice, Basmati, soaked for 1 hour, drained
8 tbsp (120 g) 4 oz Ghee
4 Cloves (laung)
4 Green cardamom (choti elaichi)
1 Cinnamon (dalchini), 1 inch stick
2 cups (300 g) 11 oz Sugar
1 tsp (1 g) Saffron (kesar), soaked
25 g Almonds (badaam), blanched
25 g Pistachios (pista), chopped
25 g Pine nuts (chilgoza), peeled

Method :

1. Parboil the rice and spread it out on a flat dish to cool.

2. Heat the ghee in a wok (kadhai); add cloves, green cardamom, and cinnamon stick.

3. Add 1/2 cup water, sugar, and saffron; stir till the syrup becomes slightly sticky.

4. Add rice and stir carefully on low heat for 15 minutes or till the mixture is absolutely dry. Remove from heat.

5. Add almonds, pistachios, and pine nuts; mix gently. Serve hot.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Indian Pickle Recipes - Dahi Mirch (Crushed Green Chillies Blended In Yoghurt)

Serves: 6 - 8

Ingredients :

1 cup (200 g) 7 oz Yoghurt (dahi), strained
10-12 Green chillies
4 tbsp (60 ml) 2 fl oz Mustard (sarson) oil
2 tbsp (30 g) 1 oz Prepared mustard or kasundi
Salt to taste

Method :

1. Boil the green chillies and crush them coarsely.

2. Blend all the ingredients together with a hand mixer for 3 - 4 seconds.

3. Store in an airtight jar and keep in a cool, dry place. The chillies will be good for up to 8 - 10 days.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Indian Pickle Recipes - Mixed Vegetable Pickle

Ingredients :

500 g (1.1 lb) Cauliflower (phool gobhi), cut into florets
300 g (11 oz) Turnips (shalgam), thinly sliced
300 g (11 oz) Carrots (gajar), thinly sliced
2 cups (400 ml) 14 fl oz Mustard (sarson) oil
100 g (3 1/2 oz) Onions, pureed
5 tbsp (105 g) 3 1/2 oz Ginger-garlic (adrak-lasan) paste
3/4 cup (112 g) 3 3/4 oz Sugar
1 cup (200 ml) 7 fl oz Vinegar (sirka)
5 tsp (10 g) Garam masala
4 tsp (8 g) Red chilli powder
4 tsp (8 g) Cumin (jeera) seeds
4 tsp (8 g) Mustard seeds (rai)
Salt to taste

Method :

1. Keep the vegetables in the sun to dry for 2 days.

2. Heat the mustard oil in a wok (kadhai); add onion puree and ginger-garlic paste, stir-fry for a few minutes. Add the dry spices, salt, and vegetables. Cook covered for 5 - 10 minutes.

3. Mix the sugar in the vinegar, stir till the sugar dissolves completely. Add this mixture to the vegetables and mix well. Remove, keep aside to cool. Transfer the contents into a glass jar, cover with a cloth and secure with a string. Keep in the sun for 5 days. Serve with any meal.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Indian Starter Recipes - Sago Patties — South Indian Style

Ingredients :

1/2 cup (100 g) 3 1/2 oz Sago (sabu dana)
1/2 cup (100 ml) 3 1/2 fl oz Buttermilk (matha)
1/2 cup (50 g) 1 3/4 oz Gram flour (besan)
1 tsp (2 g) Red chilli powder
a pinch Asafoetida (hing)
2 Green chillies, chopped
1 tbsp (4 g) Green coriander (hara dhaniya), chopped
1 tsp (5 g) Ghee
Salt to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

Method :

1. Soak the sago in buttermilk for 30 minutes.

2. Add all the ingredients (except oil) to the soaked sago. Season with salt and add enough water to make a stiff batter.

3. Divide the sago batter into equal portions and shape each portion into round patties.

4. Heat the oil in a wok (kadhai); add a few patties at a time and deep-fry for 15-20 minutes or till golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon, and drain on absorbent kitchen towels.

5. Serve hot with coconut chutney

Monday, February 16, 2009

Indian Starter Recipes - Morel Mushroom Cutlets

Ingredients :

150 g (5 oz) Morel mushrooms (guchhi), chopped
3 Potatoes, boiled, peeled
50 g (1 3/4 oz) Green peas (hara matar), boiled
3 Onions, medium-sized, finely chopped
3 Green chillies, finely chopped
1 tsp (6 g) Ginger (adrak), finely chopped
1 tbsp (4 g) Coconut (nariyal), grated
1 tsp (2 g) Red chilli powder
1/2 tsp (1 g) Turmeric (haldi) powder
1 tbsp (4 g) Green coriander (hara dhaniya), chopped
2 tbsp (30 g) 1 oz Breadcrumbs
1 cup (100 g) 3 1/2 oz Gram flour (besan)
a pinch Salt

Method :

1. Mix the first eleven ingredients together in a bowl, adding the breadcrumbs last.

2. In a large bowl, make a thick, smooth batter with gram flour, salt and a little water.

3. Divide and shape the mushroom mixture into flat, round lemon-sized cutlets.

4. Heat the oil in a frying pan till smoking; dip each cutlet in the gram flour batter and fry till evenly crisp and golden brown. Remove and drain on absorbent kitchen towels.

5. Serve hot with mint chutney.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Valentines Day Special Recipes - White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

Ingredients (Nutrition) :

1 cup chocolate cookie crumbs
3 tablespoons white sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 (10 ounce) package frozen raspberries
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 cup water
2 cups white chocolate chips
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions :

1. In a medium bowl, mix together cookie crumbs, 3 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.

2. In a saucepan, combine raspberries, 2 tablespoons sugar, cornstarch, and water. Bring to boil, and continue boiling 5 minutes, or until sauce is thick. Strain sauce through a mesh strainer to remove seeds.

3. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). In a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, melt white chocolate chips with half-and-half, stirring occasionally until smooth.

4. In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time. Blend in vanilla and melted white chocolate. Pour half of batter over crust. Spoon 3 tablespoons raspberry sauce over batter. Pour remaining cheesecake batter into pan, and again spoon 3 tablespoons raspberry sauce over the top. Swirl batter with the tip of a knife to create a marbled effect.

5. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until filling is set. Cool, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 8 hours before removing from pan. Serve with remaining raspberry sauce.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Valentines Day Special Recipes - Ice Cream Sandwich Hearts Recipe

Ingredients:

36 oz refrigerated Peanut Butter Cookie Dough
2 tblsp Peanut (finely chopped)
Chocolate (melted) or Chocolate Sauce
2 cup Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream (softened)

How to Make :

1. For about 15 minutes let dough at room temperature.

2. Lubricate a jellyroll pan.

3. Put cookie dough into prepared pan sprinkle with peanuts.

4. Lightly press some nuts into it.

5. Bake it in a preheated oven to 350°f till set and golden brown, it will take about 20-25 minutes.

6. Let it cool completely in pan.

7. With the help of a heart-shaped cookie cutter cut 16 hearts.

8. Pour 1/4 cup ice cream onto 8 hearts.

9. Make top with remaining hearts.

10. Press lightly to spread ice cream to edges.

11. Pull out excess ice cream from edges.

12. Decorate sandwiches on plate.

13. Sprinkle with chocolate sauce and serve.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Indian Pastry Recipes - Cream Cheese Pastry

Cream cheese pastry is a moist, flaky pastry often used with sweet or nut-flavoured fillings. It is ideal for rich tartlets and tiny petit fours. Remember, Pastry is only as good as the flour you use. Don't buy cheap flour.

Ingredients :

1 2/3 cup (175 g) plain flour (All purpose)
125 g (4 oz) full-fat soft cheese, at room temperature
1 stick (8 tbsp) 4 oz (112 g) butter, at room temperature
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt

Method :

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Add the butter, sugar and soft cheese and, with an electric mixer, beat the ingredients together until well blended and a soft pastry forms.

2. Shape into a ball, flatten to a disc and wrap tightly.

3. Refrigerate about 1 hour before rolling and shaping.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Indian Pastry Recipes - Nut Pastry

Nut pastry is used for pies, flans, tartlets and a wide range of savoury and sweet dishes. It should be crisp, light yet firm in texture and light handling; use of cool ingredients and work surfaces is essential. Remember; too much liquid produces a tough pastry and too little produces a dry, crumbly pastry which is difficult to handle. Remember, Pastry is only as good as the flour you use. Don't buy cheap flour.

Ingredients :

2 cups (225 g) plain flour (All purpose)
1 pinch of salt
1/2 stick (2 oz) 50 g butter or block margarine
2 oz (50 g) lard
chilled water
25 g (1 oz) very finely chopped nuts

Method :

1. Sift the flour and salt into a bowl. Add the fats and the nuts (shelled walnuts, peanuts, cashew nuts, hazelnuts or almonds). Cut into the flour with a knife then rub in with your fingertips. The mixture should resemble fine breadcrumbs.

2. Sprinkle water over the crumbs. Mix to a stiff crumbly-looking paste with a round-ended knife. Draw together with fingertips, turn out on to a lightly floured work surface. Knead quickly until smooth and crack free.

3. Roll out and use as required.

4. To cook, bake at 200 - 220°C (400 - 425°F) mark 6 - 7, except where otherwise specified, until lightly browned.

Storing Nut Pastry :

1. Wrapped in cling film, uncooked nut pastry dough will keep for up to three days in the refrigerator.

2. Both baked and unbaked nut pastry should freeze well. Thaw unbaked dough at room temperature before unwrapping, but rolled out pastry cases may be cooked from frozen, allowing a little extra time.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Indian Salad Recipes - Raw Papaya Salad

Ingredients :

250 g (9 oz) Papaya (papita), raw, small, peeled, coarsely grated
1 tsp (5 ml) Vegetable oil
a pinch Asafoetida (hing)
1/4 tsp Mustard seeds (rai)
4 - 5 Green chillies, slit
1/4 tsp Cumin (jeera) seeds
1 tsp (3 g) Sugar
1 tbsp (15 g) Groundnuts (moongphalli), chopped
1 Juice of lemon (nimbu)
1 tsp Green coriander (hara dhaniya), finely chopped
Salt to taste

Method :

1. Heat the oil in a pan; add asafoetida and mustard seeds. When they start spluttering, add green chillies and saute.

2. Add the papaya, cumin seeds, sugar, groundnuts, lemon juice, green coriander, and salt; mix thoroughly, and remove from heat. Keep aside to cool.

3. Serve cold as an accompaniment.

Monday, February 09, 2009

Indian Salad Recipes - Sprouted Green Gram Salad

Ingredients:

1 2/3 cups (250 g) 9 oz Whole green gram (moong dal), soaked for 8 hours
1 tsp (5 ml) Vegetable oil
1/2 tsp (1 1/2 g) Mustard seeds (rai)
1/4 tsp Asafoetida (hing)
1 cup (250 ml) 8 fl oz Water
1/4 tsp (1 1/2 g) Soda bicarbonate
Salt to taste
1/2 tsp (1 1/2 g) Sugar
1 tsp (1 1/2 g) Cumin (jeera) powder
1/4 tsp Turmeric (haldi) powder
3/4 tsp (1 1/2 g) Red chilli powder
1 tsp (1 1/2 g) Coriander (dhaniya) powder

Method :

1. Drain the green gram and tie in a muslin cloth. Keep the cloth inside a vessel in a cool place and cover it tightly. Keep aside for 24 hours to allow the green gram to sprout.

2. Heat the oil in a pan; add mustard seeds. Once they crackle, add asafoetida and sprouted green gram.

3. Add water, soda bicarbonate, salt, sugar, and the spices. Mix well. Cook covered for 10 minutes or until tender.

4. Serve hot with any curry.

Saturday, February 07, 2009

Indian Snacks Recipes - Bonda With Instant Mashed Potato

This recipe was taken from Saranya Mandava's book on Indian cuisine.

Ingredients:

1 medium Onion
2 cups Potato buds
1 1/2 cup Peas and carrots
2 big ones Green chilies
1 teaspoon Lemon juice
1 cup Gram flour
1/2 tsp Mustard seed
pinch Turmeric
1/2 tsp Baking powder
1/4" piece Ginger
1 small bunch Coriander leaves
2 tsp Salt
Oil

Method:

The filling is prepared as follows:
-----------------------------------
1. Mix potato buds and 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of hot water. Finely chop ginger, chilies, coriander leaves, and onion.

2. Heat oil (about 5 Tbsp) and add mustard seeds. Add chopped ingredients and fry until onions are brown.

3. Add carrots, peas, turmeric and 1 tsp of salt and cook on low heat for about 10 minutes.

4. Add potato (now mashed) and fry for 5 minutes.

5. Remove from heat, add lemon juice and let cool.

The batter is prepared as follows:
----------------------------------
1. Combine gram flour, 3 Tbsp of oil, 3/4 cup water, 1/2 tsp salt, the baking powder and mix thoroughly.

2. After the batter is prepared, make small balls out of the filling and roll them in the batter.

3. Next fry it in hot oil. You will get about 20-30 small bondas.

Friday, February 06, 2009

Indian Snacks Recipes - Pakoras (Savory Fritters)

Ingredients:

Batter:

1/2 c Besan
5 oz Warm water
1/4 t Red pepper
3/4 t Salt
1/2 t Garam Masala
paprika (optional)

Vegetables:

1 Small onion
1 Potato
A few spinach leaves
Oil for deep frying

Method:

1. In a bowl put the besan and half the water, and stir until it becomes a thick batter. Beat hard for 5 minutes. Gradually add the rest of the water, and leave to swell for 30 minutes. Add salt, pepper and Garam Masala and beat again.

2. Wash peel and slice the onion and potatoes. Wash and pat dry the spinach leaves.

3. Heat oil until smoking hot, dip the vegetables in the batter and deep fry until golden brown.

4. Serve hot.

Thursday, February 05, 2009

Indian Bread Recipes - Naan Recipe

Ingredients for indian naan recipe:

4 cups White Flour (Maida)
1/2 tsp Baking powder
1 tsp Salt
1/2 cup Milk
1 tbsp Sugar
1 Egg
4 tbsp Oil
1 tsp Nigella seeds (Kalunji)

Method :

1. Sift the flour, salt and baking powder into a bowl and make a well in the middle.

2. Mix the sugar, milk, eggs 2tbsp of oil in a bowl.

3. Pour this into the center of the flour and knead adding water if necessary to form soft dough.

4. Add the remaining oil, knead again, then cover with damp cloth and allow the dough to stand for 15 minutes. Knead the dough again and cover and leave for 2-3 hours.

5. About half an before the naan are required, turn on the oven to maximum heat.

6. Divide the dough into 8 balls and allow rest for 3-4 minutes.

7. Sprinkle a baking sheet with nigella seeds and put it in the oven to heat while the dough is resting.

8. Shape each ball of dough with the palms to make an oval shape.

9. Bake the indian bread naan until puffed up and golden brown. Serve hot.

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Indian Bread Recipes - Stuffed Parathas

Make dough for regular chappati's.

Fillings :

Potato - Boil potatoes, mash, add salt and chili to taste. Add Garam Masala and Mango Powder.

Radish - Grate one large Diakon Radish, add salt and leave for 1/2 hour. Squeeze out all the water, add grated ginger, chili, and pomegranate
seeds.

Cauliflower - Grate cauliflower, add salt, pepper, garlic, and Garam Masala.

Method:

Roll out 2 small chappati's. Place filling on one, cover with the second, seal edges and cook as for parathas.

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Indian Vegetable Recipes - Cauliflower And Potatoes (Aloo Gobi)

Ingredients :

1 medium Cauliflower
2 medium Potatoes
1 Onion
1 Tomato
1 clove Garlic
1" piece Ginger
pinch Turmeric
to taste Salt
to taste Pepper
to taste Garam Masala

Method:

1. Make Masala with onion, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes. Add turmeric and spices.
2. Break the cauliflower in flowerettes and cut the potatoes into cubes (8 pieces each).
3. Add both to Masala and lower heat to simmer.
4. Cover the pot until the cauliflower and potatoes are coated.

Monday, February 02, 2009

Indian Vegetable Recipes - Curried Garbanzo Beans

Ingredients:

8 oz Garbanzo beans
to taste Green chili (optional)
12 cloves Garlic
2" piece Ginger
to taste Pepper
1 large Cardamom
6 Cloves
1" Cinnamon stick
to taste Salt
Paprika
4 oz Oil
Mango Powder
3 Onions
Dried Pomegranate Seeds
4 Tomatoes

Method :

1. Clean, wash and soak the beans overnight. Boil them in the same water with salt, 1 small finely chopped onion, 4 cloves garlic, 4 large cardamom, a 1" piece of ginger and 6 cloves.

2. Simmer in pan about an hour or until tender, or pressure cook for 7 minutes at 15 psi.

3. Heat oil. Fry thinly sliced remaining onions and cloves of garlic. Cook until mixture browns and dries up. Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook 4-5 minutes more.

4. Add the beans and cook for 10 minutes more. Add the mango powder and pomegranate seeds, grated ginger and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes.

5. Before serving, pour 1 oz. (2 T) sizzling ghee over the beans.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Indian Dessert Recipe - Lychee Kheer

Serves: 6-8
Preparation time: 30-40 minutes

Ingredients:

300 gm lychees, fresh or canned (if canned, chop into small pieces)
1 litre milk
3 tbsp khoya, grated
40 gm basmati rice
100 gm sugar
1/2 tsp green cardamom powder
A few drops of rose water
12 pistachios
12 almonds

Method:

1. Soak Basmati rice for 15 minutes, drain and coarsely grind.

2. Blanch almonds and pistachios. Remove skin and slice finely. Keep aside for garnish.

3. In a deep pan, pour milk and boil for 10 minutes stirring continuously so that the skin does not form on top. Add in coarsely ground rice and cook till the rice granules are soft.

4. Also add in the khoya, sugar, chopped lychees and stir for two minutes.

5. Sprinkle in green cardamom powder and rose water. Remove from heat.

6. Cool the kheer and pour in individual serving bowls. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and pistachios. Serve chilled.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Indian Dal Recipes - Masala Dal

Serves: 5-6
Preparation time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup toor dal (split gram)
2 medium tomatoes
A bunch of coriander leaves
2 tsp coriander powder
8-10 red chilies or 2-3 tsp chili powder
2-3 flakes garlic
A small piece of ginger
Some butter
3 small onions
1 tsp cumin seeds or powder
Few cardamoms, cloves & cinnamon
Salt to taste

Method:

1. Boil the toor dal in the pressure cooker for only two whistles. It should be just boiled and not too soft.

2. In the blender, grind together 2 onions, garlic, ginger, coriander leaves, tomatoes, cumin seeds, coriander powder and the red chilies or chili powder.

3. Slice the other onion finely and keep aside.

4. Melt butter in a pan and fry the sliced onion with the cardamoms, cinnamon stick and cloves.

5. When the onions are turning a little brown, add the ground masala and fry around 15-20 minutes. All the water should have evaporated and the paste should be dry.

6. Now add the boiled dal to it and add a little water to make gravy. Add salt to taste.

7. Boil for a while till you get the required consistency. This is really delicious if you make it right. It is also very easy.

8. The trick here is to fry the masala well. Serve hot with rice and papad.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Indian Dal Recipes - Tomato Shorba

Ingredients:

500g tomatoes
15g pepper corns
2 cloves
1 bunch of coriander & mint leaves each
20g dry methi (fenugreek) leaves
Salt to taste
1 small lemon
1/2 tsp sugar

Method :

1. Cut the tomatoes into big pieces. Add 3 glasses of water, salt, pepper corns, cloves, mint, cilantro and dry fenugreek leaves and boil for 30 minutes.

2. Remove from heat and sieve the ingredients. To this, add sugar, lemon juice, few coriander leaves and serve hot.

3. This helps as a medicine for cold and cough.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Indian Rice Recipes - Kheema Pulao

Ingredients:

1 kg kheema, cut into pieces
1 kg basmati rice
6 green chilies, sliced long
1 onion, sliced long
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1 cup milk
Few coriander and cilantro leaves
6 each cloves, cardamoms, cinnamon
1 bay leaf
Few cashew nuts
1 cup ghee (butter) or oil
A pinch of saffron
Salt to taste

Method:

1. Wash the rice and kheema separately and keep aside.

2. Heat ghee in a pan, add bay leaf, cashews, chopped onions and green chilies and fry until brown.

3. Then add kheema with salt, turmeric, ginger-garlic paste, rice and mix well.

4. For 1 kg of rice, add less than 2 kg of water including milk. Boil separately and add to the rice.

5. Add ground cloves, cardamoms, cinnamon to the rice and cook until done by covering the pan. Also add little saffron dissolved in milk or water.

6. Garnish with chopped mint and coriander leaves.

7. Serve hot with raita.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Indian Rice Recipes - Nawabi Biryani

Serves : 6
Preparation Time : 40-45 minutes

Ingredients:

325 gms basmati rice
1/2 kg mutton, cut in pieces
3 onions, sliced
1/2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp garam masala
3 red chilies
1" piece cinnamon
1/2 cup curd (yogurt), beaten
3 green cardamom
5 pepper corns
5 cloves
1/2 tsp shah jeera (black cumin seeds)
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 pinch saffron, dissolved in 1/4 cup milk
5 jardalu (apricots)
Dry fruits, as required
Coriander leaves & pudina (mint) leaves, as required
Ghee, as required

Method:

1. Fry the dry fruits & apricots in 2 1/2 tbsp ghee with a little salt to taste.

2. Grind the fried onions and red chilies to a fine paste.

3. Marinate the mutton pieces with curd, ginger-garlic paste, onion paste, turmeric powder and salt.

4. In a pressure cooker heat ghee, add the marinated mutton and pressure cook till done.

5. Heat ghee again in another vessel, add the whole spices, fry for a while and then add the washed rice.

6. Add salt, warm water so that comes 1 1/2 inch above the rice and cook till the rice is done.

7. Remove, spread out to cool and remove the whole spices.

8. Now to assemble, apply ghee to a heavy bottomed vessel, add the cooked mutton and sprinkle little garam masala. Cover with a layer of rice, followed by a melted ghee and then the saffron milk.

9. Finally, add the fried nuts, cover tightly and keep on dum for 15-20 minutes.

10. Mix and serve hot garnished with chopped coriander & pudina.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Indian Non-vegetarian Recipe - Mutton Pepper Masala

Ingredients

Mutton - 1/2 kg
Small Onions (chopped) - 1/2 cup
Red Chillies - 2
Pepper Powder - 3 tsps
Jeera Powder - 2 tsps
Turmeric Powder - 1 tsp
Oil - 2 tsps
Salt to taste

Method:

1. Take 2 tsps of oil in a pressure cooker, add onion and chilli. Saute it till golden brown, add mutton pieces turmeric powder, salt and little water. 2. Stir it well for 2 minutes.

3. Then add fresh ground pepper and jeera powder and pressure cooker the contents for 15 minutes.

4. Stir well and serve hot. This dish goes nice with plain rice and rasam satham.

5. You can try this with chicken also.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Indian Non-vegetarian Recipe - Mutton Kheema Masala

Ingredients:

500 grams Mutton Kheema
1 Onion Chopped
1 Tomato Chopped
1"piece Ginger Chopped
6 flakes Garlic Sliced
2 tbsp Vinegar
Oil as you need
Salt as per taste

To Grind to a paste :

1 tbsp Chilli Powder
2 tbsps Coriander Powder
1 tsp Turmeric Powder
3 Cardamoms
5 Cloves
1"piece Cinnamon
1 tsp Saunf

Method:

1. Grind all the ingredients for the masala paste together witha little water. Keep aside.

2. Heat oil in a pan. Add ginger, garlic and onions. Saute till they are golden in colour. Add tomatoes. Saute till they are soft and pulpy.

3. Add the ground masala paste and fry well till the oil starts oozing out.

4. Add the kheema to this and mix well. Stir for a minute or two.

5. Add enough water to cook the kheema till tender. Add salt to taste and vinegar. Mix well. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

6. You can serve this with rice as a side dish or chappathies.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Indian Curry Recipe - Sambhar

Ingredients:

1 cup Toor Dal
1 tsp Tamarind
3 tsp Salt
a pinch Turmeric
2 tsp Channa Dal
3 tsp Dhania seeds
1 pinch Hing
3 Red chilies
1/4 cup Grated coconut
1 tsp Mustard
10 Coriander leaves
1 Green peppers cut into pieces
1 Onion chopped
1 Tomato cut into pieces

Method:

1. Boil the toor dal with 3 cups of water.

2. Fry channa dal, dhania seeds, hing, and red chilies for a few minutes, and then fry them with the grated coconut. Grind the above mixture with water.

3. Fry the green pepper in oil for a few minutes. Boil the tamarind paste, water, salt, turmeric, tomato and vegetables.

4. Add boiled dal and bring it to a boil.

5. In the meantime fry the mustard seeds and onion.

6. Add the above ingredients & coriander leaves to the mixture.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Indian Curry Recipe - Green Pepper Curry

Ingredients:

2 large ones Green Pepper
1/4 tsp Chili powder
1/8 tsp Turmeric powder
1/2 tsp Dhania powder
1 tblsp Coconut flakes
1 tsp Khus Khus (poppy seeds)
1 small bunch Fresh Coriander leaves
2 small Tomatoes
2 Onions
2 tblsp Oil
1 small piece Vadium (Vadium is a combination of various spices)
1 1/4 tsp Salt

Method:

1. Cut the green peppers, onion and tomatoes lengthwise. Grind chili-powder, turmeric, dhania powder, coconut and poppy seeds.

2. Heat oil and add vadium. When vadium turns brown, add onions and fry for 4 minutes.

3. Add tomatoes and fry for 2 minutes. Add green pepper and Masala. Add coriander leaves.

4. Cook on low heat (should take around 15 minutes).

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Indian Rice Recipes - Navrattan Pullao (Nine-Jeweled Rice)

Ingredients:

1 cup Basmathi rice
1 3/4 cup Water
1/4 cup Oil
1 small Finely sliced onion
6 Cloves
1" Cinnamon stick
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Cumin seed

For Mixing with rice before serving:

A) 1/4 cup frozen peas (boiled), salt, 6 drops green food coloring mixed with 1 tsp water.

B) 1/4 cup diced tomatoes, 1/4 t red pepper, salt, Garam Masala, 6 drops red food coloring mixed in 2 tsp water.

(C) Meanwhile fry the onion until it is crisp. Remove and fry almonds, cashew nuts, pistachios, raisins, ginger and chili. Chop egg and sprinkle with salt. Keep warm until required.

Ingredients:
1 Thinly sliced onion
2 1/4 cup Ghee
1 oz Almonds
1 oz Cashew nuts
1 1/2 oz Golden raisins
1 oz Pistachio nuts
1" piece Ginger thinly sliced
1 Green chili (optional)
1 Hard boiled egg
Method:

1. Clean, wash, and soak rice in 1 3/4 c water for pressure cooking, or in 2 cups of water for pan cooking.

2. Heat oil and fry the onions. Add whole spices. Fry 1 minute. Add rice and fry for 2/3 minutes to coat the rice grains with oil.

3. Add the water which the rice was soaking in.

4. Pressure cook, building up the pressure to 15 min. and let drop, OR cook in a pan bringing to full boil then down to a simmer followed by 20 minutes of cooking until the rice is done.

5. Divide rice into three parts. Thoroughly mix A with one part and B with another. Leave the last part plain. Keep rice separate and warm in the oven.

6. To serve, place onions, nuts, chopped egg and all of (C) in a dish and spread the three batches of rice in clumps above it aesthetically.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Indian Rice Recipes - Saffron Rice (Kesar Chawal)

Ingredients:

2 cup Rice
4 cup Water
6 Tbsp Ghee
1 tsp Saffron threads (or less)
2 Tbsp Hot water
1 cup Sliced onion
1 small Cinnamon stick - splintered
4 Bay leaves
4 large Black cardamoms
1 Tbsp Cumin seed
4 Cloves
2 tsp Salt

Method:

1. Soak saffron in hot water. Wash and soak rice in 3 cup water (optional).
2. Heat ghee and fry onions and then remove and keep aside.
3. Add cinnamon, cumin seeds, cardamoms, cloves and salt. Wait 1 minute and then add the bay leaves and 1/2 the onions.
4. Drain the rice and reserve the water.
5. Add the rice grains and stir for 4-5 minutes until all the water evaporates and the grains of rice are coated with oil.
6. Add the water and bring to a boil.
7. Add saffron and its water and pressure cook at 15 min.
8. Remove from the heat and allow the pressure to drop by itself.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Indian Dessert Recipes - Shahi Tukra (Bread Pudding)

Ingredients :

Bread Slices - 8
Milk - 400 ml
Sugar - 150 gms
Crushed cardamom - 1 tsp
Condensed milk - 100 ml
Fried Cashewnuts - 15 gms
Fried sliced Pista - 15 gms
Fried sliced Badam
Khoya (sweet) - optional - 50 gms
Vegetable oil for frying

Method :

1. Remove the crust of the bread and cut into triangles. Deep fry in vegetable oil.

2. Boil milk till it reduces to half and add sugar and crushed cardamom. Add khoya(optional). Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from fire.

3. Add condensed milk to this boiled milk and mix well.

4. Arrange the fried bread slices on a tray.

5. Pour the prepared milk over the bread slices and garnish with the chopped and fried nuts.

6. Refrigerate for an hour and serve cold (optional).

7. Place in a preheated oven for 3 minutes and serve hot (optional).

Friday, January 16, 2009

Indian Festival Recipes - Rice Payasam

Ingredients :

Basmati Rice & chopped almonds - 4 tsp,
Milk - 2 cups,
Coconut Extract - 1 cup,
Evaporated Milk - 1 tin,
Sugar - 1&1/2 cups,
Cardamom Powder - 1/4 tsp

Method :

1. Soak rice for 15 minutes.
2. Allow the milk and coconut extract to boil, add the soaked rice and cook.
3. After it is cooked, add sugar, cardamom powder and almonds and let it boil for 5 minutes.
4. Add the evaporated milk and let it boil.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Indian Festival Recipes - Rava Pongal

Ingredients :

Rava 1 cup
Moong Dal 1/2 cup
Cashew Nuts 10 no
Ghee 4 tbs
Curry Leaves
Chopped Ginger 1 tsp
Blackpeppercorn 1 tsp
Cumin Seeds 1 tsp
Salt to taste

Method :

1. Fry the rava without any oil till it is really hot to touch.

2. Fry the black pepper and cumin seeds in a teaspoon of ghee and make a coarse powder of them.

3. Fry the cashewnuts, curryleaves, chopped ginger and keep aside.

4. Pressure cook the moong dal with 1 cup of water.

5. After the pressure subsides transfer the cooked dal to a heavy bottomed pan and add a cup of water.

6. Add the required salt.

7. Allow this to boil well.

8. Add the fried rava to the above boiling (cooked) moong dhal in small measures and stir continuously till the rava is cooked completely.

9. While the rava is being cooked add the ghee little by little.

10. Finally, add the coarsely powdered pepper and jeera and the fried cashewnuts, curry leaves and chopped ginger.

11. If you want a spicy rava pongal you can also use a teaspoon of chopped green chilly.

12. This goes well with coconut chutney.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Indian Festival Recipes - Til Burfi Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup Til (sesame seed)
1 can Condensed Milk
1/2 stick Butter
1 cup Milk Powder
1 cup Jaggery

How to make Til Burfi:

1. Roast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet.
2. Grind them coarsely in a blender.
3. Now heat the jaggery in a thick bottomed vessel till it melts completely.
4. Mix all the ingredients along with grounded sesame seeds in a glass dish.
5. Microwave the mixture for about 3 minutes.
6. Grease a tray with butter and leave aside.
7. Stir the mixture properly and microwave again for 3 minutes.
8. Remove it when bubbling starts.
9. Stir till it becomes thick.
10. Spread the mixture on greased tray.
11. Cut in squares when cool.
12. Til Burfi is ready.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Indian Non-Vegetarian Starter Recipes - Chicken Chips

Ingredients:

2 cups boneless chicken
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup corn flour
1 cup sooji
oil for frying

Method:

1. Shred the chicken into small bitable pieces. Apply salt, pepper and a little vinegar.
2. Leave it aside for 15 minutes.
3. Cook till done without adding water.
4. Add a cup of water to the corn flour and make into a thin batter.
5. Dip the chicken pieces in the batter and roll over in the sooji.
6. Deep fry and drain on a tissue or a kitchen towel.

Note:

This dish can also be made from the leftover chicken from the frys and grilled ones.
The only point is that it should be dry.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Indian Salad Recipes - Chicken Apple Salad

Cooking time: 10 minutes (excluding chicken cooking time)

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken pieces
2 cups torn lettuce leaves
2 cups apple, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup halved fresh strawberries
1/2 cup cubed cheddar cheese
2 tbsp raisins

For Dressing:

1/4 cup salad oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
3 tbsp sugar
1/8 tbsp cinnamon powder
(Mix it well)

Method:

1. Mix all the ingredients of salad except raisins
2. Before serving pour the dressing
3. Toss it well
4. Garnish with raisins
5. Serve immediately

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Indian Sweet Recipes - Tomato Halwa

Ingredients :

400g tomatoes
75g corn flour
300g sugar
75g ghee or butter
25g cashew nuts, roasted
25g almonds, roasted
5g cardamom powder

Method :

1. Cut the tomatoes into small pieces and blend them to a fine puree. Sieve through a fine cloth and separate from the pulp.

2. To the tomato puree, add 1 glass of water and corn flour. Mix well and set aside.

3. Mix sugar along with 1 cup of water and bring to a boil for few minutes.

4. While boiling, add tomato mixture to the sugar syrup and mix well until the mixture thickens.

5. Now, add ghee and stir for few minutes until it mixes well.

6. Later, add cashew nuts, almonds, cardamom powder and mix well.

7. Pour the mixture over a greased plate and set aside until it gets cooled. When cooled, cut into diamond shaped pieces.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Indian Dessert Recipes - Cornflake & Mixed Nut Icecream

Serves : 6
Preparation time : 40 minutes

Ingredients :

For the ice-cream :

2 cups milk
1 cup milk powder
1/2 cup (100 grams) fresh cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla essence

For the Granola Bars :

1/2 cup crushed cornflakes
1/2 cup quick rolled oats
1/4 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios, walnuts & cashewnuts), chopped
1 tbsp. melon seeds (charmagaz)
1 tbsp. raisins
1/2 cup sugar
Butter to grease

Method:

1. For the granola bars, lightly roast the oats, nuts and melon seeds and keep aside to cool. When cooled, mix together the cornflakes with the nuts, toasted oats, melon seeds and raisins.

2. Add the sugar in a heavy-bottomed pan and melt it over gentle heat, stirring continuously till the sugar is light brown in colour (caramelised).

3. Remove from the fire, add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Pour this mixture onto a greased plate. Using a large greased rolling pin, roll it out lightly to form a square of approximately (8" x 8").

4. While it is still warm, cut out into rectangular bars, crush into small pieces and keep aside.

5. For the ice-cream, combine all the ingredients together and whisk well till the sugar dissolves. Pour into a shallow container. Cover and freeze till it is semi-set.

6. Churn in a blender till all the ice crystals break down and transfer into a shallow container. Add the crushed granola bars and mix lightly. Transfer into a shallow container, cover and freeze till set. Scoop and serve.

7. Serve this with fruits and it will be an ideal summer brunch too. Kids will love this fun breakfast.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Indian Dessert Recipes - Mango Yogurt

Serves: 5-6
Preparation time: 15-20 minutes + Freezing time

Ingredients :

500g yogurt
1/2 tin condensed milk
1 medium sized mango
1 1/2 tbsp gelatin
1/2 cup water

Method :

1. Dissolve gelatin in 1/2 cup hot water.
2. Peel mango and slice. Reserve 1 slice for decoration and mash the rest into pulp.
3. Beat the yogurt lightly to break up the lumps.
4. In a serving bowl mix condensed milk, yogurt, mango pulp and dissolved gelatin.
5. Leave in refrigerator to set.
6. Serve well set decorated with thin slices of mango.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Indian Salad Recipes - Beetroot Salad With Sour Cream & Cumin

Ingredients :

25 gm butter
2 tsp ground cumin
150 ml soured cream
450 gm beet root, peeled and diced
Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Melt the butter, sprinkle in the cumin and cook for one to two minutes, stirring.
2. Add the soured cream, beet root, salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook until the beet root is heated through, stirring gently.
4. Transfer to a warmed serving dish, and serve at once.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Indian Salad Recipes - Apple Yogurt Delight

Serves 4

Ingredients :

4 sweet firm apples - peeled, and cut into pieces
2 cups fresh yogurt - tied in muslin cloth and hung for an hour to remove excess water
100 gm cheese - grated
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp mustard
1 cucumber - thinly sliced (optional)
1 head lettuce - leaves washed and separated

Method :

1. Mix apples, yogurt, cheese, salt and mustard together. Chill for an hour.
2. On a flat serving dish arrange lettuce leaves in a circle.
3. Pile the apple mixture on the lettuce leaves. Surround with evenly placed cucumber slices.
4. Chill for another hour before serving.
5. This delicious and unusual salad goes excellently with roast meat and thinly sliced brown bread.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Indian Non-Vegetarian Dishes - Malai Chicken

Ingredients:

500g chicken
25g ginger-garlic paste
1/2 tsp chili powder
30g cashew nuts
25g khus khus seeds
10g garam masala
50g yogurt
50g oil
50g cream
50g onions
6 green chilies
A pinch of red orange color
1 lemon
1 small bunch cilantro
Salt to taste

Method:

1. Cut the chicken pieces and mix in salt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice. Keep aside for 15 minutes.

2. Blend the cashew nuts and khus khus seeds and make a paste. To this, add yogurt, chili powder, chopped green chilies, garam masala, salt, red orange color, chopped and fried onions. Apply this mixture to the chicken pieces.

3. Heat oil in a pan and cook masala applied chicken until done.

4. Serve with cream and cilantro on it.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Indian Non-Vegetarian Dishes - Masala Prawns

Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 kg prawns, shelled & deveined
3 medium onions, chopped
Salt to taste
2 tbsp crushed red pepper
2 tsp roasted, ground cumin
15 crushed black peppercorns
1 tsp. kalonji (nigella)
2 tbsp. ginger-garlic paste
Few curry leaves
3 lemons
4 slit green chilies
Oil for cooking

Method:

1. Apply juice of 1 lemon on prawns and wash after 20 minutes.

2. Heat little oil in a skillet. Add onions and fry until golden brown. Add curry leaves, cook for 1 minute, then add ginger-garlic paste, all spices and cook for few more minutes.

3. Now add prawns and fry them until a little brown for 2 minutes. Lower heat and cook for 3 more minutes. Prawns will release water, if wish to keep gravy, do not dry.

4. Add lemon juice, green chilies and cook for few more minutes. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with rice or naans.

Tip: This dish can be made dry also. Tamarind can be added instead of lemons.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Indian Rice Recipes - Mushroom Biryani

Serves: 4 people
Preparation time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

Mushrooms
3 Onions
3 green chili
3 glasses of Rice
Curd
Coriander
Masala powder
Salt to taste

Method:

1. Cut the Mushrooms into pieces. Marinate them in curd, masala and pinch of salt for 1/2 hr.

2. Cook Rice. Slice onions into thin long pieces.

3. In a pan heat oil. Add green chilies, after a little frying add onions and masala, salt. Remove when they get to a deep dark brown color.

4. Fry the marinated mushrooms in the same pan(it should have at least little oil) until all the curd becomes think as gravy.

5. In a large bowl, mix rice, mushrooms, and onions and Salt and masala (According to taste). Add Sliced Coriander.

6. Serve with raita or any spicy veg or non-veg curry.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Indian Rice Recipes - Capsicum Rice

Ingredients:

1 cup rice
4 or 5 capsicums
1 lemon
1 1/2 tbsp dry grated coconut
1/4 tsp turmeric
3 tbsp oil

For Seasoning:

1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp black gram
2 tsp Bengal gram
2 red chilies
Few curry leaves
8-9 cashew nuts
1 tbsp peanuts

For Masala powder:

6 red chilies
1" piece cinnamon
2 tsp coriander seeds
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
11/2 tsp black gram
11/2 tsp Bengal gram

Method:

1. Fry the masala ingredients in a pan with 1 tsp oil till brown, remove, cool and blend to a fine powder.

2. Cook rice until 3/4 cooked, drain water off the rice, spread, cool and mix a tsp of oil to it and keep aside.

3. Heat oil in a pan, fry the seasoning seeds until they splutter. Add diced capsicum and fry till soft.

4. Reduce heat and add grated coconut. Fry until light brown.

5. Add turmeric, salt and the cooked rice. Fry for a few minutes until the rice is hot.

6. Squeeze lemon juice and add powdered masala. Mix well and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Indian Gravy Dishes - Stuffed Green Pepper

Serves: 4-5
Preparation time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients:

6 small green peppers, slit each into 4 sections and remove centers
1 cup gram flour (besan), sieved and lightly roasted
1 tsp chili powder
2 onions, finely chopped
1/2 tsp garam masala
Salt to taste
2 tbsp jaggery
2 tbsp tamarind pulp
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp mustard seeds
A pinch of asafoetida
Coriander leaves for garnishing

Method:

1. Soak green peppers in warm water for 15 minutes. Then drain off the water.

2. Roast mustard seeds till they pop. Add asafoetida, chopped onions and stir till dry. Remove from heat.

3. Add chili powder, garam masala, roasted besan, salt, jaggery, tamarind pulp, turmeric powder and some of the coriander leaves. Mix well with a little water. Stuff green peppers with this mixture.

4. Place these green peppers in a shallow vessel. Spread any remaining mixture on top. Pressure cook without weight for about 5 minutes or till tender.

5. Grill in a hot oven till browned. Sprinkle rest of the coriander leaves. Serve with pulao rice or parathas.

Monday, December 08, 2008

Indian Gravy Dishes - Mushroom Masala

Ingredients:

1 lb mushrooms, cleaned & sliced
1 medium onion, minced
2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 big tomato
5-6 soaked cashew nuts
1 inch cinnamon
2 cloves
2 cardamoms
1 tsp coriander powder
1/4 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp turmeric powder

Method:

1. Grind each separately tomato and cashews. Fry cinnamon, cloves, cardamoms and make powder.

2. Heat oil, add ground onion, ginger-garlic paste and fry it until its brown. When oil separates add ground tomato.

3. When oil leaves tomato and onion mix, add coriander powder, chili powder, turmeric, ground masala (cinnamon, cardamoms and cloves) and ground cashew nuts.

4. Now add mushrooms and salt. Reduce flame and cook for 10-15 minutes (until water leaves), if required add little water to cook.

5. Garnish with mint leaves, coriander leaves, fresh cream, cashews, Raisins.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Indian Dal Recipes - Tomato Dal

Ingredients :

3 tomatoes, cut into big pieces
1 cup split gram (tuwar dal)
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp turmeric
3 green chilies
2 red chilies
2 tbsp oil
Salt to taste
1 tsp red chili powder
1 sprig curry leaves

Method :

1. Wash the split gram well and add 3 cups of water.

2. To this, add chopped tomatoes, green chilies, turmeric, salt, chili powder and pressure cook for 30 minutes.

3. When the split gram gets cooked, remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.

4. Heat oil in a pan, fry the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, red chilies and add to the dahl when it splutters.

5. Serve with rice or chapathis.

6. Spinach dal can also be prepared by the same procedure by keeping spinach instead of tomatoes.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Indian Dal Recipes - Palak Sambar

Ingredients :
1 bunch palak (spinach leaves)
1 big onion
1/4 tsp tamarind water
1/4 tsp mustard
1/4 tsp hing (asafoetida)
1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds
2 - 3 red chillies
1 tbsp sambar powder

Method:

1. Wash and chop palak finely. Cut onion. Cook only palak in cooker by just sprinkling the water.

2. Make 1/4 tsp tamarind water ( 2 jello cups approximately more water, less tamarind).

3. Heat oil, do seasoning with mustard, hing, fenugreek seeds and red chilies. Add onions and fry.

4. Pour the tamarind water and then the palakinto the seasoning. Let it boil for 3 –4 minutes.

5. Now add 3/4 tsp of rice flour to 1/2 jello cup of water. Make sure no lumps. Add this water to palak (add pinch of sugar/jaggery to taste – optional).

6. Finally add 1 tbsp of sambar powder, let it boil for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot with plain rice or fried rice.

Variation: Instead of onions grind 1 1/2 tbsp of mustard seeds and 1 tbsp of soaked rice grains. Add this pasted to palak just before removing from the flame. Do not boil for long time, just until the vapours start. In this procedure do not add the rice flour.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Indian Rice Recipes - Garlic Rice

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked cold rice
2 dried curd chilies, chilies soaked in curd (yogurt)
10 flakes garlic
1 1/2 tbsp oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp mustard seeds

Method:

1. Peel garlic flakes and break the curd chilies into halves.

2. Heat oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds. When they splutter, add chilies and fry them on a slow flame till the chilies get brown.

3. Add garlic and fry till they become light golden in color.

4. Mix in the rice, salt and stir well so that the salt mixes uniformly and the rice gets heated.

5. This rice is tasty by it self and does not need any side dishes.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Indian Rice Recipes - Green Rice

Ingredients:

2 cups rice
1 bunch spinach, chopped and blend to fine puree
2 onions, finely chopped
4 green chilies, chopped
1" cinnamon stick
2 cloves
Salt to taste
4-5 tbsp ghee or butter

Method:

1. Mix the rice with water and cook until it is done.
2. Heat ghee in a pan and fry the cloves, cinnamon, green chilies and onions until golden in color.
3. Then add spinach puree, salt and cook until the raw smell of the spinach disappears.
4. When the ghee floats on the top of the spinach mixture, add cooked rice and mix well.
5. Mix well so that the spinach puree mixes well with rice.
6. Serve hot.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Indian Non-Vegetarian Recipes - Kentucky Fried Chicken

Ingredients :

Chicken – 1 kg (Leg OR Breast pieces)
Ginger paste- 1 tbsp
Garlic Paste – 1 tbsp
Soya sauce – 1 tbsp
Chilli sauce – 1 tbsp
Tomato sauce – 1 tbsp
Pepper powder – 1 tsp
Salt – 1 – 1 ½ tsp
Water – 1 ½ cup

For the Batter :

Maida – 1 ½ cup
Egg – 1 no.
Haldi – ½ tsp
Water – 2 cup
Pepper powder – ½ tsp
Salt

For Coating:
Bread crumbs

For corn starch:
Corn flour – 2 tbsp
water - 1/4 cup

Oil for deep frying

Method :

1. Heat a kadai (wok) and add the chicken pieces, tomato sauce, soya sauce, chilli sauce, garlic & ginger pastes, pepper powder and salt. Mix well. Add water, cover and cook for approx. 10 mins (till the chicken is 3/4 th cooked).

2. Put off the stove and remove chicken pieces and keep aside the stock.

3. In another bowl make a batter of maida, salt, pepper powder, haldi, beaten egg and water . Mix with hand for a loose batter.

4. Take breadcrumbs in another plate.

5. Dip the chicken pieces in the batter and then roll it on breadcrumbs till well coated. Deep fry the chicken pieces till crisp and golden brown. The KFC is ready.

6. In another pan heat the stock again, when boiling reduce flame and add the corn starch (add ¼ cup water to 2 tbsp of corn flour). Stir well. Use this stock as the gravy and serve it in a bowl separately.

Note : The stock is very tasty so instead of discarding the same can be used as a gravy or soup and can be served along with the fried chicken and may be toasted bread.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Indian Non-Vegetarian Recipes - Fish Fingers

Ingredients :

Vangiram fish - 1/2 kg
Red chilli powder - 2 tsp
corn flour - 2 tsp
egg white - well beaten
Bread crumbs - 1/2 cup
salt to taste
oil to fry.

Method :

1. Cook the fish pieces with a little of salt and water (just sprinkle).
2. Remove the skin and bones from the flesh and add chilli powder and corn flour.
3. Make it a soft dough, and make finger shaped medium sized kababs.
4. Dip it in egg white and dust with bread crumbs.
5. Refrigerate the kababs for an hour and deep fry till golden brown. you can shallow fry in a pan even.
6. Serve hot with mayonnise sauce or tomato sauce.

Monday, November 03, 2008

Indian Snacks Recipes - Ribbon Sandwiches

Ingredients:

2 slices of white & brown bread, each
1/3 cup paneer, crumbs
1 tbsp grated onions
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tbsp butter
Few drops of red & green color

Method:

1. Prepare a filling by mixing paneer, onions, salt, pepper and butter. Divide it in 3 parts.

2. In one part add a drop of red color, in the second part add a drop of green color, and leave the third to white.

3. Now prepare one big sandwich in the order of brown bread, green filling, white bread, white filling, brown bread, red filling and then white bread.

4. Press a little on top to stick properly.

5. Cut into 3 long pieces and place sideways to show all the colors.

Saturday, November 01, 2008

Indian Snacks Recipes - Mushroom Samosa

Ingredients:

For the dough:

40g maida (all-purpose) flour
10g fat
2g salt
Oil for frying

For the stuffing:

100g mushrooms
20g potatoes
20g peas
20g onions
6 green chilies
2 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp amchur
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black gram

Method:

1. Sieve flour, melt fat and mix into the flour with salt. Add water and knead the dough and leave for 30 minutes.

2. Boil potatoes and peas. Peel the potatoes and mash both of them separately.

3. Heat oil in a pan, saute the chopped onions, green chilies, black gram, coriander powder, and amchur. Then add mashed mushrooms, peas and potatoes.

4. Make small balls of the dough and roll into puris.

5. Fill the puris with the mixture, apply water to the edges and seal like a samosa.

6. Deep fry till brown and crisp.

7. Serve hot with tomato sauce.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Indian Gravy Dishes - Corn & Paneer Jaalfrazie

Serves: 4
Preparation time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

12 baby corns, cut into 4 lengthwise
1 1/4 cups paneer, cut into 25 mm. (1") strips
1/4 tsp. cumin seeds
1/8 tsp. asafoetida
1 tsp. ginger-green chili paste
3 spring onions, sliced
1/2 green capsicum, sliced
1/2 red capsicum, sliced
1/4 tsp. turmeric powder
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1 large tomato, pureed
1 tbsp. tomato puree (optional)
2 tbsp chopped coriander
1 tbsp. oil
Salt to taste

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a pan and add the cumin seeds and asafoetida. When they crackle, add the ginger-green chili paste, chopped spring onions, capsicums and saute for 2 minutes.

2. Add the baby corn, turmeric powder, chili powder, tomato, tomato puree and salt on a slow flame for 4 to 5 minutes till the baby corn is cooked. Add the paneer and toss lightly.

3. Garnish with the chopped coriander and serve hot.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Indian Gravy Dishes - Brinjal With Spicy Gravy

Ingredients:

200g baby eggplants
2 onions, chopped
3 green chilies, chopped
Few pepper corns
5g tamarind, soaked in hot water
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 tsp cumin-fenugreek powder
1 tsp turmeric
3 tbsp oil
Salt to taste

Method:

1. Cut the eggplants into four, lengthwise, to three-fourths of their total length and soak in salted water.

2. Heat oil in a pan, season with mustard and cumin seeds. Add chopped green chilies, onions and pepper corns. Fry for few minutes.

3. Then add eggplants and fry for another 2 minutes.

4. Now add tamarind water, salt, cumin-fenugreek powder and cook until the gravy thickens.

5. Serve hot with vegetable pulao.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Indian Curry Recipes - Sookhi Urad Dal

Preparation Time : 15 minutes
Cooking Time : 25 minutes
Serves : 4

Ingredients :

1 cup husked, split black lentils
3 tbsp oil
A pinch of Asafoetida
1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds
1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
1/4 tsp Red Chilli Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Dried Raw Mango Powder
1/2 tsp Garam Masala

For the Tempering :

2 tbsp Oil
1 medium Onion, thinly sliced

Method :

1. Heat the oil in pressure cooker, add the Asafoetida & Cumin Seeds. When they splutter, add 2 cups of water, split black lentils, Turmeric Powder, Red Chilli Powder and salt. Pressure cook for 5-7 minutes then allow the pressure cooker to drop on its own.

2. Stir in the Dried Raw Mango Powder and Garam Masala and heat through.

3. For the Tempering : Heat the oil in a frying pan, Add the onions and fry until golden brown. Mix with the dal.

4. Garnish with Green Chillies.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Indian Curry Recipes - Punjabi Karhi

Preparation Time : 10 minutes
Cooking Time : 45 minutes
Serves : 6-8

Ingredients :

For the Pakoras :

1 cup Gram Flour
1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
1/2 tsp Red Chilli Powder
1/2 tsp Dried Raw Mango Powder
1 tsp Cumin Seeds
1 Medium Onion chopped
1/s tsp Salt
Oil for deep-frying the pakoras

For the Karhi :

3 cups Yoghurt
1 cup Garm Flour
1 tsp Cumin Seeds
1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
2 Medium Onions, thinly sliced
6-8 Garlic Cloves, finely chopped
2 tsp Salt
4 tbsp Oil

For the Tempering :

1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
1 tsp Cumin Seeds
1 tsp Dried Raw Mango Powder
A pich of Asafoetida
2 tbsp Oil

Method :

For the Pakoras :

1. Mix all the spices and Gram flour together.
2. Gradually add 1/2 cup water whilst beating the batter. When light and fluffy add the onion. Leave for atleast 15 minutes to rise.
3. Heat the oil to smoking point in a wok. Gently drop 1tbsp of batter into the hot oil. Deep fry the pakoras until crisp and golden.
4. Similarly prepare the remaining pakoras until all the batter is used up.
5. Keep the pakoras aside until required.

For the Karhi :

1. Mix 7 cup of water, yoghurt and gram flour in a mixing bowl beating continuously to ensure the mixture is smooth.
2. Stir in the remaining spices.
3. Heat the oil in a wok, add the garlic and fry until brown.
4. Add the onion, frying until well browned.
5. Pour in the yoghurt mixture, bring to the boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes stirring constantly.

For the Tempering :

1. Heat the oil in a frying pan, stir in the ingredients for the tempering for a minute or so and pour over the karhi.
2. Add the pakoras just before serving.
3. Serve with boiled rice and onion salad.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Indian Bread Recipes - Mixed Roti

Serves: 4-6
Preparation time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

200g maida (all-purpose) flour
100g spinach
100g onions, finely chopped
200g gram flour
200 ml water
100g ghee or butter
Salt to taste

Method:

1. Sieve the gram flour and maida flour together.

2. To this, add finely chopped spinach, onions, salt, water and knead to smooth dough. Keep aside for 30 minutes.

3. Make small balls from the dough, roll like a chapati. In the middle, place 1 tsp ghee, fold and roll again like a chapati.

4. Fry on a flat pan on both sides until golden brown with ghee.

5. Repeat with the other balls and serve hot.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Indian Bread Recipes - Mughlai Paratha

Serves: 6
Preparation time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

1/4 cup rava (semolina)
1 1/2 cup wheat flour
1 1/2 cup maida (all-purpose flour)
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup oil
Oil for frying
Salt to taste

Method:

1. Mix the wheat flour, maida, rava with the oil, water, salt and knead into soft pliable dough. Cover and keep aside for atleast 30 minutes.

2. Divide the dough equally into balls. Roll out each ball and apply oil on it, then pleat it and make a circular roll.

3. Press and roll out again into a bigger round. Place the paratha on a hot tava and roast on both sides.

4. Heat oil in a shallow pan and shallow fry this roasted paratha in it.

5. Serve hot with curd (yogurt) or any vegetable curry.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Indian Non-Vegetarian Recipes - Kashmiri Chops

Ingredients:

500g mutton chops
3 tsp ginger-garlic paste
30g raw papaya
2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garam masala
1 cup yogurt
500g potatoes
1 lemon
2 small bunches cilantro
1/2 tsp pepper powder
Oil for frying
Salt to taste

Method:

1. Wash the mutton chops, hold the bone at one end and bring either side of the skin to the other end.

2. Mix salt, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, garam masala, yogurt, ground raw papaya and soak the mutton pieces in this mixture for 30 minutes.

3. Heat oil in a wide pan, fry the mutton chops on either sides for few minutes. Keep them aside.

4. Boil the potatoes, peel and mash them in a vessel. To this, add salt, pepper powder, lemon juice, chopped cilantro and mix well.

5. Apply the above mix to the mutton chops, soak in corn flour batter and again fry them for 2-3 minutes.

6. Garnish with any salad.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Indian Non-Vegetarian Recipes - Eggs & Beans Curry

Ingredients:

6 eggs
1/2 kg French beans
2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp coriander seeds
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 onion, chopped
1 tbsp ghee (or butterr) or oil
Salt to taste

Method :

1. Boil the eggs, remove their shells and fry in ghee until they gets golden brown.
2. Cut them into two pieces and keep aside.
3. Cut the French beans into small pieces and boil in salt water for 10 minutes. Remove water and set aside.
4. Heat ghee in a pan, fry the chopped onions until golden.
5. Also add masala ingredients, ginger-garlic paste, salt and fry until ghee floats on the top.
6. Add 1/2 cup of water and cook until the gravy thickens.
7. Now add egg pieces, French beans and cook for another 15 minutes.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Indian Pickles Recipes - Hot and Sour Tomato Pickle

Ingredients :

1 lb. green tomatoes(Red ones can be used too)
15-20 red chillies
1 cup chopped ginger
1 cup chopped garlic
2 cups vinegar
1 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp mustard seeds
1 tsp fenugreek
1 1/2 cups oil
Salt to taste

Method :

1. Slice the tomaotes, smear turmeric and salt on them and soak them in 1 cup vinegar. Leave for about 2 hours.

2. Blend together the garlic, ginger, red chillies and 3/4 of the mustard, with a little vinegar.

3. Heat the oil and add the remaining mustard. When the mustard crackles, add the fenugreek. Fry for 2 minutes and then add the blended mixture and fry well for over 20 minutes.

4. Add the tomatoes and the remaining vinegar.

5. Stir continuously as the mixture comes to a boil.

6. When the pickle is almost done, the oil begins to float at the top. Take it off the heat and let it cool.

7. Store in a clean bottle. Will keep for a year.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Indian Pickles Recipes - Kandi (Split Gram) Pickle

Ingredients:

100g split gram
10 red chilies
Little tamarind
Salt to taste
4-5 garlic flakes
1 small bunch cilantro

Method:

1. Roast the split gram in a pan, without any oil.
2. To this, add all the ingredients, except cilantro and grind to a fine paste.
3. Remove and add cilantro to the chutney.
4. By the same procedure, we can prepare Bengal gram and Black gram pickles.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Indian Dessert Recipes - Afghan Cookies

Ingredients:

1/3 cup pitted dates, chopped fine
1/2 cup boiling water (1/2 cup or so)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups corn flakes

Method:

1. In small cup, cover chopped dates with boiling water and let soak for 10-15minutes. Drain liquid and discard.

2. Combine flour, cocoa and baking powder and set aside.

3. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in dates and beat in vanilla extract. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Fold in corn flakes.

4. Break off pieces of dough (walnut sized). Roll into balls and place 1-1/2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

5. Bake 12-15 minutes or until firm. Cool on wire racks.

6. Serve with anything that would go nice with cookies.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Indian Dessert Recipes - Mango-Coconut Muffins

Ingredients:

2-3/4 (675 ml) maida (all purpose flour)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup of brown sugar
1 egg
1 cup of buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup of chopped mango
1/2 cup of shredded coconut
1 tsp of grated lime rind (optional)
2 tbsp of liquid honey or corn syrup

Method:

1. In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking soda and salt.

2. In a separate bowl, beat together butter and sugar. Beat in egg, buttermilk and vanilla.

3. Pour over flour mixture; add mango, coconut and lime rind. Stir just until dry ingredients are moistened.

4. Pour into buttered or paper-lined muffin cups, filling 3/4 full. Bake at 350 F oven for 30-35 minutes or until firm to touch.

4. Brush tops with honey to glaze. Remove from pan. Let it cook on rack. Serve when cooled.

5. Makes 12 large muffins.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Indian Salad Recipes - Jhatpat Salad

Serves: 3-4
Preparation time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

150 gms carrot-grated
1 capsicum, finely diced
2 cucumbers medium sized, grated
12 grapes, chopped
Coriander leaves, finely chopped
Groundnut (peanuts) powder, coarsely ground
Salt to taste
Pinch of sugar
Pinch of black pepper
1 tsp. lime juice

Method:

1. Mix all the above ingredients.
2. Refrigerate the same for 1/2 hrs.
3. Serve with any rice preparation / chapatti.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Indian Salad Recipes - Arabian Salad

Serves: 2
Preparation time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 large bunch of romaine lettuce, shredded
2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
2 medium sized onions, finely chopped
4 small cucumbers, finely diced
1/2 cup boiled & chilled kidney beans
1/2 cup boiled & chilled chick peas
Juice of 2 lemons
4-5 tbsps virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Method:

1. Mix all the veggies, beans and peas in a salad bowl.

2. Add salt, pepper, lemon juice, olive oil and toss well for 5 minutes or until oil coats the ingredients to give them a glaze.

3. Serve immediately before meals.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Indian Breakfast Recipes - Raw Banana Cutlet

Serves: 2 persons
Preparation time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

2 raw bananas
2 medium-sized potatoes
4 green chilies
1 tsp dry mango powder (amchur)
Salt to taste
2 tbsp bread crumbs (or suji)
1 tbsp oil
Raw Banana Cutlet

Method:

1. Peel raw bananas and potatoes. Steam them in pressure cooker for about 5 minutes on low flame.

2. Cut green chilies in very small pieces. Mash steamed bananas and potatoes and add dry mango powder, salt and green chilies to it. Mix well.

3. Make small flat rolls of the mixture. If the mixture sticks, apply little oil to hands.

4. Dip the rolls in the bread crumbs or suji. Heat oil in frying pan and shallow fry the rolls.

5. Serve with tomato sauce.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Indian Breakfast Recipes - Jackfruit Dosa

Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 kg. Jackfruit (without seeds)
1/2 kg rice
1/2 coconut
1 tsp. salt
Ghee for frying
Jackfruit Dosa

Method:

1. Wash and soak the rice for 1 hr. Grind the rice with jackfruit, coconut and salt to a fine paste. The batter should be thick.

2. Keep the tava on the fire and smear it with a little ghee. Pour a ladeful of batter and spread it a little.

3. Cook a little while, then turn it over and fry on slow fire. (jaggery could be added to sweeten the dosa).

4. Serve with either chutney if sweet you can have only dosa.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Indian Vegetarian Recipes - Dum Gobhi

(Cauliflower steamed with herbs and spices)

Ingredients :

1 lb. cauliflower
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp tumeric
2 tsp grated ginger root
1/3 cup chopped tomatoes
1 green chili, chopped
1 tbspn nonfat plain yogurt
2-3 tbsp chopped cilantro leaves
1/2 tsp garam masala

Method :

1. Wash, drain, and cut cauliflower into 1 inch flowerets, including stem.
2. Combine chili powder, ginger, tomato, green chili, tumeric with the yogurt in A small bowl.
3. Spray with pam, use nonstick pan, use a little water, whatever you do to nonstick yourself.
4. Put Cauliflower into pan then pour spices over the top.
5. Cover pan tightly and cook over Low heat for 10-15 minutes (Cauliflower will steam in the spicy mixture).
6. Stir in half the cilantro leaves, increase heat to medium, and cook with lid off, for another 5-6 minutes, to drive off excess moisture. Turn off heat and sprinkle with garam masala and reamaining cilantro. Make sure all liquid is driven off, serve with basmati rice. 4 servings, less than 98 calories

GARAM MASALA :

2 oz. black cardamom pods, 1 oz piece of cinnamon stick, 1 oz. cloves,
2 oz. peppercorns

1. Heat a heavy skillet, reduce heat, add pods and cinnamon. Move them around for two minutes.
2. Add cloves and peppercorn, and shuffle for another minute.
3. Turn off heat, but continue shuffling until the heat is out of the pan.
4. Pour roasted spices into grinder and grind till you have a fine powder.
5. If not fine, strain it, and discard what won't pass through strainer.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Indian Vegetarian Recipes - Dum Ka Karela

Serves: Four
Time required: One hour 15 minutes plus baking time

Ingredients :

12 bitter grounds (karelas)
Salt to taste
15 g ginger paste
15 g garlic paste
1 tsp (5 g) turmeric powder
Butter for basting and greasing.

For the filling:

150 g paneer, grated
60 g groundnuts
1 tbs (15 g) sesame seeds
15 g coconut
1 tsp (5 g) cummin seeds
2 (120 g) large onions
5 cm ginger, julienned
1 1/2 tsp (7 g) coriander powder
1 tsp (5 g) chilli powder
Salt to taste
2 tbs (30 ml) tamarind pulp
15 g jaggery, crushed

For the tempering:

3 tbs (45 ml) sesame oil
1/2 tsp (2 g) cummin seeds
1/2 tsp (2 g) mustard seeds
1/4 tsp (1 g) fenugreek seeds
24 curry leaves

Preparation Method :

1. Wash and slit the bitter gourds on one side. Remove the seeds and rub with salt.
2. Arrange on a tilting tray and keep aside for at least an hour. (Keep the bitter gourds overnight if you prefer them to be even less bitter).
3. Put enough water in a pan. Add salt, ginger paste, garlic paste, and turmeric powder. Stir and bring to a boil.
4. Add the bitter gourds and blanch them until soft. Drain and keep aside.

To prepare the filling:

1. Remove the brown skin and roughly chop the coconut. Dry roast the coconut, groundnuts, sesame seeds and cummin seeds in a frying pan until each emits its unique aroma.
2. Hold the onions with tongs and roast them directly over the flame until the skin is charred. Cool, peel and roughly chop the onions.
3. Grind all these ingredients, except paneer, with 1/4th cup water to fine paste.
4. Add paneer, ginger, jaggery, corriander powder and chilli powder to the paste and mix well.

To prepare the tempering:

1. Heat oil in a frying pan and season with cummin seeds, mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds.
2. Stir over medium heat until they begin to crackle. Add curry leaves and stir.
3. Pour over the paste, mix well and divide into 12 equal portions.
4. Put a portion of the filling into each of the blanched bitter gourds.
5. Arrange them in a greased roasting tray with the slit side on top. Cover with foil. Punch a few holes in the foil and cook on dum in the pre-heated oven at 275oF for 30 minutes, basting at regular intervals.
6. Remove and uncover.

To serve: Remove to a serving dish and serve with cummin-tempered whole potatoes and buttered seasonal vegetables on the side.

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Indian Curry Recipes - Soya Kofta Curry

Serves: 6
Preparation time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

100 gms soya granules
1 potato, boiled, peeled & mashed
2 green chilies
A pinch of nutmeg powder
Salt to taste
2 tbsp gram flour (besan)
Soya refined oil for deep frying
2 tbsp. soya refined oil
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup boiled onion paste
2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
3-4 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp garam masala powder
Chopped coriander leaves for garnishing

Method:

1. Soak soya granules in lukewarm water for about 15 minutes. Squeeze to remove excess water.

2. Mix soya granules, mashed potato, green chilies, nutmeg powder and salt. Add besan to this mixture mix well and then make small koftas. Deep fry these koftas in moderate hot oil until crisp. Remove and keep aside.

3. Heat oil, add bay leaf and boiled onion paste, cook till oil starts separating. Add ginger-garlic paste, tomato paste, cook for a moment then add red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder and cook nicely.

4. Add water, garam masala, adjust salt and then add koftas and coriander leaves. Cook till done. Serve hot.

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Indian Curry Recipes - Drumsticks in Gram Flour Curry

Serves: 6
Cooking time: 45 minutes

Ingredients :

3 drumsticks, peeled & cut into 5 cms pieces
2 1/2 cups gram flour, sieved
2 tbsp oil
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp asafetida
8 curry leaves
2 onions, chopped finely
2 tomatoes, chopped
6 green chilies, chopped
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp sugar
1 cup coriander leaves, chopped
Salt to taste

Directions :

1. Boil drumstick pieces in water till the centers and seeds are soft.

2. Mix gram flour with water to make a thin paste.

3. Heat oil. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, asafoetida and curry leaves. When the seeds pop, add the onions. Fry till the onions are translucent.

4. Add tomatoes and drumsticks. Stir fry gently for 2 minutes.

5. Add gram flour mixture, green chilies, turmeric, salt and sugar. Stir gently till cooked and creamy, so that no lumps should be formed.

6. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with rice or rotis.

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Indian Rice Recipes - Onion Rice

Ingredients :

1 cup rice.
1 medium sized onion.
1/2 cup green peas.
3 minced green chillies.
little garlic.
Mustard and cumin seeds for seasoning.
cut coriander leaves.
salt to taste.

Method :

1. Cut onions into thin long slices.
2. Boil the rice separately.
3. Heat oil in a pan and season with mustard and cumin seeds.
4. Add cut onions and green chillies, fry until onion is light brown in color and add green peas. Pour little water and allow the mixture to boil till the mixture is dry.
5. Add the boiled rice and coriander leaves into the mixture and mix well.

Monday, October 06, 2008

Indian Rice Recipes - Vaangi Baath (Brinjal Rice)

Ingredients :

Brinjal - 300 gms
Onions - 2-3 medium sized
Coriander powder, Chilli powder, Salt to taste
Rice - 1 cup
Water - 2 1/2 cups
Cooking oil - 2 tbsps
Finely chopped coriander leaves

Method :

1. Cut the brinjal & onions to not very fine pieces. If you cut the brinjals too fine, they will get mashed up and will lose their taste.

2. Saute the onions till they get transparent. Then, add the brinjals also.

3. Add the spice powders and saute the curry for 4-5 minutes.

4. Cook the rice in the quantity of water mentioned above. Do not overcook.

5. Allow it to cool and then mix it with the curry just prepared above taking care to see that you do not mash them up.

6. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.

7. Serve hot.