Passion + Love + Patience = Good Food

Suruttai poli - Indian Cooking Challenge for February

2011-03-16T14:50:00.004+10:30

I prepared this for the February ICC event hosted by Srivalli
Ingredients:
----------------
For Filling:

1 cup roasted gram dal
1 cup sugar (I used only 2 tsp of powdered sugar because we don't eat too much sugar)
15-20 cashews chopped into pieces (I made it into very very small pieces)
1 tbsp coconut powder - I used dessicated store bought coconut powder
cardamom powder - 1 tsp
Ghee - 1 to 2 tsp

For Papad (appalam):

1 cup maida
Pinch of Salt
Water for kneading

Method For Filling:

1. Blend the roasted gram and sugar to a almost fine powder. You can make a coarse powder if you like. I made it fine so that my little one could also eat.

2. Heat ghee in a pan. Add the cashew pieces and fry till it turns a little brown. Then add coconut powder and fry till it turns light brown. Keep an eye on this because the coconut can burn if fried for a long time.

3. Mix the coconut mixture with the roasted gram mixture and cardamom powder. Set aside.

Method:
-----------

1. Mix maida and salt. Add water little by little to make a stiff dough, more or less like chapathi dough. Keep it aside for half hour. If not atleast for 10 mins. In the mean time prepare the filling.

2. After the sitting time, make small balls and roll it thin. I rolled a big ball and cut into rounds. The rounds should be thin otherwise they'll puff up like puri. We need the poli to be a little crispy and not soft like puris. After rolling all the balls, keep them aside for 10 mins uncovered so that they dry a bit. This drying process will help in getting crispier polis.

3. After 10 mins, heat the oil for deep frying. Drop the discs one by one. When one side is cooked and a little crispy, turn to the other side just for a second and remove it. As soon as you remove from the oil, dust the crisper side with powdered sugar and then on the other side add the powder and roll up. You will have to do this immediately after you remove the discs from oil.

4. Serve it hot or at room temperature.

Gujarati Dal from Sukham Ayu - ICC Event

2011-02-17T00:28:00.002+10:30

This dal is for the Feb ICC event.

Verdict: The Dal was very different to any dal recipe that I've made. It was very simple and delicious and we enjoyed it a lot. Thanks to the authors of the book SukhamAyu

Eggplant with Yoghurt sauce

2009-05-28T22:01:00.002+09:30

Ingredients:

Eggplant - 1 medium sized sliced into 1 inch rounds
Coriander powder - 2 tsp
turmeric - 1 tsp
garlic - 5 mashed
Onion - 1 sliced thinly lengthwise
yoghurt - 1 cup
salt
oil

Method:

1. In a bowl add coriander powder, turmeric, 4 cloves mashed garlic, salt. Mix well with a little water and make a thick paste

2. In a separate bowl, add yoghurt,salt and remaining garlic. Refrigerate and remove just before serving.

3. Heat 1 or 2 tsp oil. Add onion and fry till it turns golden brown. Drain it in paper to make it crispy. The original recipe calls for deep frying the onions.

4. Add 2 tsp oil in the same pan or in a grill pan and fry the eggplant slices on medium heat. Fry
on both sides till the eggplant is cooked and browned. Set aside.

5. Heat 1 tsp oil in a pan. Add the coriander paste and fry for 2-3 minutes till you get a nice aroma of the garlic and the mix. Add little water. Stir and set aside.

6. To Serve: Place the eggplant slices on the plate. Spoon the coriander mix on the slices, then yoghurt. Finally sprinkle the onions. Serve at room temperature.

Recipe Source: Adapted from Anita's blog

Simplest Spaghetti ever!

2009-05-28T21:11:00.004+09:30

Ingredients:

Spaghetti or any pasta
Olive Oil
Garlic - chopped finely
Green chillies - 3 or as per taste
Basil leaves - dry or fresh as per taste
Parsley for garnish
Salt to taste

Method:

1. Cook pasta as per packet instructions till al dente. I usually boil water in a pan, add salt and a tsp of oil and then pasta and cook al dente.
2. Heat pan with oil on medium heat. Add chopped garlic. Fry for 20 secs making sure the garlic doesn't burn but it should emit a good aroma
3. Add green chillies and stir for few secs
4. Add basil leaves.
5. Drain pasta and add it to the above mixture.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Mutton Pepper Fry

2009-05-09T18:51:00.002+09:30

Ingredients:

Mutton - 500 gms
Onion - 2 chopped finely
Medium Tomato - 2 chopped finely
ginger paste - 1/2 tsp
garlic paste - 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Chilli powder - 1/2 tsp (or as per taste)
Curry leaves
Coriander leaves / parsley
Salt
Oil

Masala:

Poppy seeds - 1 tsp
Fennel seed 1/2 tsp
Pepper corns - 8 (or as per taste)
Coriander Seeds - 1 tsp
Cumin 1 tsp
cinnamon - small piece
cloves - 1
cardamom - 1

Method:

1) Dry roast the masala. Once cool, grind them and set aside.

2) Heat pressure cooker with oil. Add curry leaves and onions and fry till they turn brown.

3) Add ginger garlic paste and fry for 1 min.

4) Add the ground masala and mix for few secs.

5) Add the tomatoes and cook for 5 mins. Add 1 cup water and boil.

6) Pressure cook till 2 or 3 whistles.

7) Open the cooker and on medium-high heat stir till you get gravy consistency.

8) Garnish with coriander leaves and serve. This can be served with rice or chapathis. I served it with flavoured rice.

Recipe Source: Here

Spicy roasted zucchini

2009-03-01T18:38:00.004+10:30

Ingredients:

1 Zucchini sliced into thick pieces vertically
1 tbsp Olive oil
1 garlic cloves crushed or 1 tsp garlic paste
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1/4 tsp ground pepper
Salt to taste
Greek yoghurt to serve

Method:

1) Preheat oven to 200 C

2) In a bowl mix the first 5 ingredients.

3) In a baking tray, place the mixture and season with salt and pepper.

4) Roast for 15-20 mins (depends on the oven) until tender and starts to change color . Keep tossing every now and then.

5) Serve with yoghurt.

Source: Recipefinder

Bell Peppers stuffed with left over pasta

2009-03-01T17:58:00.007+10:30

Ingredients:

2 small bell peppers or 1 large bell pepper cut into half
Left over orzo pasta or any spicy filling.
1/2 cup soya granules
1 tsp dill or herb mix
1/2 tsp paprika - optional
1/2 tsp ground pepper
oil

Method:

1) Preheat oven to 350 F.

2) Soak soya granules as per packet instructions

3) Cut the tops of the bell peppers and remove the stems and seeds. Place bell peppers cut side down on a steamer or on a steaming rack over an inch of water and steam for 10 mins.

4) Heat 2 tsp oil in a pan. Add paprika and stir for few secs.

5) Then add the soya granules and stir for 3-4 mins to cook the soya. Add a little water if required.

6) Once soya is done add the left over pasta and fry in high flame for 2-3 mins.

7) Add the dill or herbs, ground pepper and mix. Set aside

8) Once the bell peppers are done, remove from steamer and place them on a baking tray or pyrex bowl. Stuff the bell peppers with the soya-pasta mixture. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed peppers. Oil will help in browning the peppers. Sprinkle the top with paprika.

9) Place on the middle rack and cook for 25-30 mins.

10) Serve hot or warm

Adapted from: Elise's blog

Pancake with maple syrup

2009-02-21T15:08:00.004+10:30

Ingredients:

2 cups wholewheat flour (or all purpose flour)
1 egg
pinch of baking soda (optional)
Milk
drop of vanilla essence

Method:

1. Beat the egg till it leaves bubbles

2. In a bowl, sift the flour. Add the egg, milk, and mix. The mixture shouldn't be of thin consistency. It should be more like the consistency of idli fhour mix (not too thin, not too thick)

3. Heat pan. Put a ladle of the mixture. Lift the pan and turn to spread the mixture.

4. Place on plate, drizzle maple syrup (be a little generous) and serve hot or warm.

Note: I don't use sugar for healthier option. If u want a sweeter pancake, add powdered sugar to the mixture.

Dory Green Fish Curry

2009-02-21T14:56:00.004+10:30

Ingredients:

1 big yellow/green onion chopped
3 dory fillets or any other fish fillets (preferably with bones removed)
8-10 sprigs of coriander/parsley leaves
8-10 sprigs of basil leaves
3 sprigs of mint leaves (optional)
3 green chillies
1 tsp ginger paste
1 tsp garlic paste
coconut cream/milk
salt to taste

Method:

1. In a blender, blend coriander, basil, mint and chilli. Set aside

2. Heat oil in a pan. Fry onions till it starts turning light brown.

3. Add ginger garlic paste. Fry for 1 or 2 mins.

4. Add the dory fillets and fry for a 1 or 2 mins till it changes color.

5. Add the blended mixture and cook for 1 or 2 mins on low-medium flame.

6. Add a little water and cook for another 3-4 mins till the raw smell is gone.

7. Add the coconut cream/milk as per the consistency you require. If it's too thick add a little water. Cook on low-medium flame for about 4 mins. Don't boil the mixture, the coconut might split or spoil.

8. Serve hot with rice.

Result: The herbs give a very aromatic flavour to the curry.

Taste & Create XVI - Crispy Pakoras

2009-02-21T13:25:00.006+10:30

You can check out Taste and Create from this link

Prepared pakoras for the Taste and Create XVI. My partner was Tara.

Ingredients:

1 Red Onion thinly and vertically sliced
1 Green chilli sliced into very small pieces or 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
a pinch of ginger and garlic paste
1 tsp freshly chopped coriander/parsley leaves
1 tsp dill
pinch of salt
besan
oil for frying

Method:

1. Mix the first 6 ingredients in a bowl.

2. Then add besan to hold the mixture. Don't add any water if u want crispy pakoras. Also don't add too much of besan. You need besan just to hold the mixture. When u take a small portion of the mixture and press it it should hold together. By not adding water less oil is absorbed.

3. Heat the oil. Take small amounts of the mixture, gently press them together. Drop it inside the oil. Deep fry them till almost golden brown. Don't turn the pakoras often.

4. Place the pakoras on a tissue paper to drain the oil. Serve hot with tomato ketchup.

Result: Crispy and yum

Dessert with Bread

2008-12-20T22:42:00.004+10:30

Ingredients:

Bread - 4 slices
Ghee -2 tsp
Sugar - 2 tsp or as per taste
Milk - 1 cup
Nuts
Sultanas or Raisins

Method:

1. Cut the bread slices into small cubes. Spread them on a microwavable dish. Top it with a tsp of ghee and microwave it for 1 min. Bread pieces would be roasted slightly.

2. Add sugar with little milk and microwave for 3 mins. Sugar would have melted.

3. Add the remaining milk and microwave for another 2 mins. Bread becomes a little soggy.

4. Heat pan and add the remaining ghee. Add the nuts and raisins. Then pour over the bread mixture.

5. Serve warm.

Source: Cooking4allseasons

Taste&Create IX : Apple Chips

2008-05-26T12:12:00.004+09:30

I am late for this by one day......but better late than never...

My partner for this event is Cherrapeno...........due to my hectic schedules i couldn't create any of the fantastic recipes. My entry is Apple Chips which was the easiest ...

Ingredients:

Apples

Lemon Water

Method:

1) Slice apples into small slices. Dip in lemon water

2) Preheat oven to 350 F. Place the apples on a baking sheet and bake slowly for about 1 to 2 hrs till the apples turn crispy and brown.

The apples i used were a bit sour so the chips were sour n tangy. I'll be trying this with sweeter apples.

Result: Simple and easy recipe resulting in a good snack.

Source: Here

Cauliflower roasted with spices

2008-04-21T15:16:00.003+09:30

Ingredients:

1/2 of small medium Cauliflower cut into florets
2 Cardamom seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/4 tsp red chilli powder
1/2 pepper
salt

Method:

1) Grind the cardamom seeds , cumin seeds and pepper. Mix the mixture with red chilli powder and set aside

2) Boil water in a pot. Add the cauliflower and cook for about 3 mins. Turn off and remove the florets into a tea towel or tissue to drain the water. Boiling of cauliflower is mainly done to kill any germs or insects if any and also to cook it a little before roasting.

3) Heat 2 tsp oil in a pan. Add the cauliflower and fry for 1 min. Then add the spice mixture and fry for 3-4 mins on medium-high heat.

4) Serve hot.

Grilled Salmon with Raita

2008-04-21T14:57:00.004+09:30

Ingredients:

Salmon Fillet
Salt
Pepper

For Raita:

Yoghurt
1/2 Cucumber chopped into small pieces
1 small Carrot grated
1 Tomato chopped into small pieces
Salt
Green Chillies -1 chopped into small pieces

Method:

1) Coat the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.

2) Heat 2 Tsp of olive oil in a grill pan. Add the fillets and cook about 4 mins on each side. Don't overcook as the salmon will become hard.

3) Mix the ingredients for raita in a bowl.

4) Serve the fillet hot with raita.

Taste&Create VIII: Pizza with Zucchini, Mushroom and Cherry Tomatoes

2008-04-21T14:27:00.005+09:30

Ingredients for the Crust:

1 cup of unbleached all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
1/4-1/2 cup of warm water
1/2 tablespoon of honey
2 teaspoons of yeast
1/2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

Method:

1) In a bowl mix flour and salt. In another bowl add honey, yeast and warm water and let it sit for about 5 mins until foamy.

2) Add olive oil to the flour bowl and slowly add the yeast mixture. Adjust water as required. Knead the flour till a ball of dough forms. Leave the dough to rise for about 1 hr.

3) The punch the dough with your knuckles to release the air and make small balls according to how big you want your pizza to be. Roll the dough using your hands by pushing it outwards. Then top the pizza with your favourite toppings.

Ingredients for Topping:

1/2 zucchini, chopped
Mushroom sliced into small pieces
1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
1/2 an onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic chopped
1 sprig of rosemary, stripped
Extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Method:

1) Preheat oven to 450 F.

2) Place tomatoes, onion, mushrooms and zucchini on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with minced garlic, a pinch of sea salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Top with rosemary leaves. Place in the oven for 8 mins until zucchini is slightly tender.

Ingredients to complete the pizza:
Extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Cooked veggie mixture
1/3 cup of fresh Mozzarella, grated

Method:

1) Preheat oven to 425 F.

2) While the veggies are roasting, spread out pizza crusts and brush it with a little extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 5-7 minutes until crust is done, but not browned and remove from oven.

3) Top the crust with veggies mixture. Sprinkle with mozzarella pieces. Bake the pizza. The actual time for baking is 5-8 mins if the crust is thin enough. As you can see in the pic, my crust is quite thick and i had to bake it for about 20 mins. So make sure the crust is about 1 inch thick, not more than that. Remove from the oven once the crust browns . Serve immediately.

Recipe Source : Dianne's Blog

Result: This was my first attempt on preparing pizza and i was pretty happy with the result. "Simple and delicious :-)"

This is my entry for the food event Taste&Create VIII post .

Banana Caramalised in Honey

2008-04-19T21:36:00.003+09:30

Ingredients:

1 banana
5 mint leaves
1 Tbsp honey

Method:

1) Peel the banana and slit it vertically into 2 pieces and then each of the split part horizontally into another 2 pieces.

2) Heat honey in a non-stick pan. Let the honey liquefy for 5-10 secs on low heat.

3) Add the banana slices and cook for a min.

4) Place the banana slices on a serving plate. Add the mint to the sauce in the pan. Stir and pour the sauce over the banana slices.

Recipe Source: Here

Bisibelebath

2008-04-19T21:01:00.003+09:30

Cuisine: Karnataka

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1 cup toor dal
1 cup rice
1 Onion chopped
2 Tbsp tamarind juice (from a small Tamarind piece soaked in water)
5 tsp bisibelebath powder
2 tsp sambar powder
Beans diced into 1.5 inch pieces
Carrot diced
Drumstick
Peanuts
2 Tbsp Oil
Salt

For Tempering:
1 tsp mustard seeds
Curry leaves
2 Dry Red chillies
Cashewnuts
Ghee

Method:

1) Heat oil in a pressure cooker. Add onions and saute till it turns transparent.

2) Add the tamarind juice and stir under low heat for 2 mins. Add the peanuts, beans, carrot and drumsticks. Stir for 2 mins. Add the bisibelebath and sambar powder. Cook under low heat for 5 mins.

3) Add rice and toor dal and cook for 2 mins. Add 6 cups of water ( Water = 2 x [Toor Dal + Rice] )

4) Add salt. Bring the water to boil. Add 1 tsp of ghee and close the cooker. Cook till 2 or 3 whistles.

5) Just before opening the cooker, heat 1/2 tsp ghee in a pan. Add mustard seeds and once it starts spluttering, add cashew nuts, curry leaves and red chillies. Open the cooker and add the pan mixture.

6) Serve hot with chips or boondi.

Recipe Source: Mom's

Gobi Manchurian

2008-04-16T16:56:00.002+09:30

Ingredients:

1/2 medium Cauliflower/Gobi cut into florets
Cornflour and All purpose flour in equal proportions
2 Tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp green chilli sauce or as per taste
1/4 tsp red chilli powder
1 Tbsp tomato sauce
1/2 capsicum diced
1 onion chopped finely
2 small garlic cloves minced
1/2 tsp ginger + 1/2tsp garlic + 1 long green chilli - paste
1 green chilli chopped finely by removing most of the seeds
1 small piece of ginger sliced into thin strips
Spring onions chopped
oil for deep frying

Method:

1) Mix cornflour, all purpose flour, ginger+garlic+green chilli paste , oil and salt in a bowl along with warm water to make a thick paste.

2) Dip the cauliflower florets into the paste and deep fry them until golden brown and set them aside.

3) Heat oil in a pan. Add onion and fry till they turn transparent.

4) Add the minced garlic and fry till transparent.

5) Add chopped green chillies and ginger. Add red chilli powder. Then add the capsicum and fry them for 1 min. Capsicum should be crispy

6) Add soy sauce, chilli sauce, tomato sauce, some spring onions and saute for 30 secs.

7) Add 2 Tbsp of water and cook the mixture for about 2 mins till the raw smell of the chilli powder and the sauces disappear. Then again add 1 Tbsp of water and cook for 10 secs. Add the fried and cooled gobi florets to the sauce mixture. Mix for few secs.

8) Garnish with spring onions and serve hot.

Recipe Source: Seema's blog

Cauliflower curry

2008-04-16T16:22:00.002+09:30

Ingredients:

Cauliflower cut into florets
1 Large onion chopped finely
1 medium tomato chopped finely
ginger and garlic paste
2 Red chillies
curry leaves
3/4 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp cumin powder
Red chilli powder as per taste
coriander for garnish

Method:

1) Boil water in a pot. Once the water starts boiling, add salt and turmeric. Then add the cauliflower florets and boil for about 5 mins. This step removes any bacteria or germs or just dirt from the cauliflower.

2) Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds. Once they start spluttering add the red chillies, cumin seeds and curry leaves.

3) Add onions and fry till they are light brown. Then add ginger and garlic paste. Fry till the entire mixture turns brown and nice aroma fills the room.

4) Add the tomatoes. Fry for about 1 min. Then add cumin powder and red chilli powder. Fry the mixture till oil starts leaving the pan. This might take 8-10 mins. Add little water if required.

5) Add the cauliflower florets and mix well for about 5 mins. Add a little water and bring to boil. Then lower the heat and cook for another 5 or 10 mins The cauliflower should absorb the masala but not turn mushy.

6) Garnish with coriander. Serve hot with rice or roti.

Celery Soup

2008-04-16T15:58:00.002+09:30

Ingredients:

1 onion chopped
2 celery sticks chopped
2 cloves garlic
1/2 Tbsp flour
1 tsp thyme
2 bay leaves
salt and pepper
3-4 cups vegetable broth
chopped coriander or parsley for garnishing
1 tsp lemon juice

Method:

1) Heat oil in a pot. Add onion. Saute for few mins till it turns translucent.

2) Add celery and garlic and saute for 5 mins.

3) Sprinkle flour and seasoning and mix well.

4) Add broth, bring to boil, then simmer in low heat for atleast 40mins to 1 hr.

5) Transfer some of the soup to a separate bowl for crunchiness. Puree the remaining soup in a blender.

6) In a serving bowl pour the puree and the soup that was kept separately.

7) Serve garnished with parsley or coriander. Add lemon juice as required.

Recipe Source: Here

Spaghetti with basil pesto

2008-04-16T15:47:00.003+09:30

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp olive oil
small bunch of basil
2 cloves garlic
5 sprigs of parsley
salt
pepper
pinenuts toasted
grated parmesan cheese
2 green chillies

Method:

1) Boil a pot of water. Once the water starts boiling, add salt and 1 tsp of olive oil. Mix well and add the spaghetti. Cook the pasta till al dente.

2) Add the basil, parsley and green chillies in a blender. Add 1 Tbsp of oil and blend till the leaves are chopped finely.

3) Add garlic, salt and pepper and blend again until the garlic is finely chopped.

4) Set aside some of the pinenuts for garnishing and add the remaining into the blender and blend into a paste.

5) Heat oil in a skillet. Add olive oil. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet. Then add the pesto paste. Mix well.

6) Serve hot.

Recipe Source: Here

Hot Cross Buns

2008-04-16T15:15:00.003+09:30

Makes : around 12 buns

Ingredients:

250g wholemeal self-raising flour or all purpose flour
1.25 g salt
8g dry yeast
30g brown sugar
150ml milk
45g butter
1 small egg
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp clove
45g raisins or currants
flour sugar paste for the cross
wash: 2tbsp butter plus 1tsp sugar

Method:

1) Warm milk. It should be just lukewarm.

2) In a bowl add 1 heap spoon of sugar, yeast and some of the milk to dissolve the yeast. Set it aside in a warm area for about 10 mins to allow it to raise.

3) Put flour and butter in a food processor to cut the butter and help it mix with the flour.

4) Transfer the flour mixture to the bowl. Add salt and the spices.

5) Form a well in the centre and pour the yeast mixture and add the egg. Add the milk slowly into the mixture into the dough. Add as much milk as to form a dough. The dough should be soft but not liquid. You may not require all the 150 ml of milk.

6) Add the raisins or currants and knead the dough for about 5 mins in a mixer or 10-12 mins by hand till the dough comes together and looks smooth and glossy.

7) Place the dough in a buttered bowl. Cover it tightly with a damp towel or a plastic wrap and leave it to rise until it is double in size. It might take anywhere between 1-2 hrs for the dough to rise. I left it for 1.5 hrs.

8) Once the dough raises double the size, punch the dough to release the air. Cut into 12 portions and shape into round buns tucking its edges under and smoothing the top.

9) Place them on a baking tray. Leave some space between each of the buns to avoid them from sticking to each other while baking. Leave the buns for another 30 mins. They will rise somemore during this time.

10) After about 15 mins of leaving the buns to rise, preheat the oven to 230 C / 450 F.

11) Make a flour + sugar mixture. Pour the mixture into a piping bag and draw cross on the buns. I didn't have a piping bag so i just used a normal plastic cover, filled the mixture, cut a small hole at the tip and drew the cross on the buns.

12) Bake the buns for about 10-15 mins until top turns golden brown. After about 12 mins, just prick a skewer or a fork into the bun and see if any dough sticks to it. If there's no dough sticking to the fork, then the bun is done.

13) Remove from oven and brush liberally with bun wash while the buns are still warm.

14) Serve with coffee or tea :-)

Recipe Source: I found this recipe while browsing on the net. I missed copying the link. I'll paste the link when i find it.

Carrot Salad

2008-04-16T15:07:00.002+09:30

Ingredients:

2 medium carrots grated
1 Tbsp Lemon juice
1/2 tsp White wine vinegar
1 tsp Mustard seeds
salt
1 tsp oil

Method:

1) Place the grated carrots in a bowl. Add lemon juice and white vinegar

2) Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and wait till it splutters. Pour the mustard seeds into the carrot bowl.

3) Chill for sometime.

4) Just before serving add salt.

Brushchetta topped with Tomato and Pesto

2008-04-16T14:55:00.004+09:30

Ingredients:

French Bread
Tomatoes finely chopped
Capsicum diced
salt
pepper ground coarsely

For Pesto Paste:

Basil leaves
pine nuts
garlic clove
olive oil
salt

Method:

1) Grind all the ingredients for the pesto into a paste.

2) Heat oil in a pan. Add the capsicum and stir for a minute.

3) On a pan toast the bread on both the sides until its lightly browned

4) Place the bread on a serving plate. Spread the pesto paste on 1 side. Top with tomatoes and capsicum. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

5) Serve

Baba Ghanoush

2008-04-16T14:43:00.002+09:30

Ingredients:

1 small eggplant
1 clove garlic minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp tahini
Mint finely chopped
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cumin powder
salt
pepper

Method:

1) Prick the eggplant skin with fork. Roast the eggplant on a grill pan or directly on fire till the skin softens and shrivels. Then place the eggplant in a bowl of water. When the skill has cooled remove it from the bowl and peel the skin.

2) Place the eggplant in a blender. Add garlic and olive oil. Add half of the lemon juice and tahini. Blend them into a smooth paste. Taste.

3) Add the remaining tahini and lemon juice if required . Blend them again.

4) Add the cumin powder, salt and pepper to taste.

5) Sprinkle paprika. Garnish with mint or coriander.

6) Serve with hot bread or raw vegetables.

Recipe Source: I found this recipe in a number of sites and finally came up with this version.

Chocolate brownies

2008-04-16T14:24:00.004+09:30

Ingredients:

4 tbsp(1/4 cup) - unsalted butter
2 oz unsweetened chocolate
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup - white sugar
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of salt
2 egg whites
3/8 cup all purpose flour
walnuts or almonds roasted and chopped
1/4 cup chocolate chips

Method:

1) Preheat over to 400 F. Line a baking pan with foil or just coat the pan with olive oil and dust it with flour.

2) Melt butter and chocolate in microwave. Stir until smooth. Add cocoa powder to it and mix well. The mixture should be smooth and not lumpy.

3) In a separate bowl beat the egg whites and mix the eggs are frothy. Add sugar, vanilla essence and salt. Mix well till the sugar dissolves. Overdoing it will spilt the egg whites and you will have to do this step again. Add flour and stir until well combined. Add the mixture from step 1 and mix again.

Few points to note are:
a) For beating eggs, you can use an electric beater or just a normal hand whisk and whisk it continously.
b) Stir the mixture means just folding in or just mixing it with a spatula. Don't beat it.

4) Add walnuts or almonds and the chocolate chips to the above egg mixture and mix it well.

5) Pur the batter into the baking pan and bake for abt 35 mins.

6) When the brownies are done, place them in the freezer for about 10 mins or prepare a ice bath. This is done to cool the brownies.

7) Allow the brownies to cool completely. Then remove them, cut and serve.

Recipe Source: Here

Upma with leftover bread

2008-04-16T14:06:00.003+09:30

Both the photos use the same ingredients, the only difference being the bread that i used.

Serves: 3

Ingredients:

8 Bread Slices
3 Green chillies slit vertically
1 medium onion finely chopped
i tsp Mustard seeds
1 tsp urad dal
Peanuts
Curry leaves
Salt to taste
2 Tbsp Oil
Coriander/Parsley to garnish

Method:

1) The bread slices can either be cut into small pieces or ground coarsely in a blender.

2) Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, peanuts and fry till the mustard seeds splutter and the dal and peanuts turn light brown. Add curry leaves.

3) Add onions and green chillies and fry till onion turns translucent.

4) Add salt and mix.

5) Add the bread mixture and mix well. Adjust salt accordingly. Stir the mixture occasionally till the bread gets cooked well and is crunchy. Sprinkle water ( i really mean sprinkle and not pour) on the mixture to make it a bit moist. The bread beind too dry can be a bit boring to eat. Adding water would help incorporate all the flavours.

6) Garnish with coriander/parsley and serve hot.

This can be served with some chutney.

Brushchetta with Eggplant and Capsicum

2008-04-14T20:32:00.003+09:30

Ingredients:

1/2 Green capsicum
1/2 Eggplant
2 Tbsp olive oil
finely chopped basil or dried basil
French bread cut into thick slices

Method:

1) Roast the capsicum skin side down on a grill pan or a griller or directly on fire. Grill until the skin turns black. Remove it and wrap in a tissue paper or a plastic wrap and set aside for 5-10 mins. Then remove the skin and cut the capsicum into thin slices

2) Cut the egg plant into small cubes about 1/2 inch thick. Brush the eggplant pieces with olive oil. Add salt and roast on a grill pan till it turns golden brown. Set aside.

3) Mix olive oil and basil in a bowl. Brush both sides of the bread with the mixture and fry under medium heat until lightly browned.

4) Place the bread on a serving plate. Place the capsicum and the eggplant pieces on the bread.

5) Serve

Banana sweet salad

2008-04-13T15:48:00.004+09:30

Ingredients:

Banana cut into round slices
Dessicated coconut
honey

Method:

1) Place the banana slices in a plate or bowl. Add honey and coconut and mix well.

2) Again sprinkle some coconut and serve

Orange salad

2008-04-13T15:36:00.002+09:30

Ingredients:

Orange
Dates chopped into small pieces
Pistachios chopped into small pieces
Powdered Sugar/Honey

Method:

1) Place the orange pieces in a bowl. Add the dates and pistachios.

2) Sprinkle little sugar or honey. Serve

Egg Salad with Vegetables

2008-04-13T14:44:00.002+09:30

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

2 hardboiled eggs
1 cup beans
4 sticks of asparagus
2 small tomatoes
lettuce
cracked pepper
Salt
Lemon juice

Method:

1. Heat a small pot of water. Bring to boil. Add the asparagus sticks. Remove it after 2 mins. The asparagus should be crunchy and not soft.

2. If beans are fresh then either steam them for few mins or put them into the boiling water for few mins till they are not soft but crunchy.

3. Heat 2 tsp of olive oil in a pan. Add the asparagus, beans and saute till they slightly brown.

4. Slit the eggs into half vertically and fry in the same pan till they turn light brown

5. On a serving plate, place the lettuce cups or just normal lettuce leaves. Place the eggs on the lettuce. Add tomatoes, asparagus and beans. Add cracked pepper and salt. Add lemon juice.

6. Serve

Cream of Celery Soup

2008-04-12T22:38:00.003+09:30

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

1 Onion finely chopped
2 sticks of celery
2 cloves garlic
1 Tbsp flour
2 bay leaves
dash of salt and pepper
Salt and pepper
3 cups vegetable broth
lemon juice

Method:

1) Heat oil in a pan. Add onion and garlic and saute for few mins till they turn translucent.

2) Add celery and saute for 5 mins.

3) Sprinkle flour, bay leaves, salt and pepper and combine well.

4) Add broth and bring to boil. Then simmer at low heat for 30 mins.

5) Set aside some of the soup and blend the remaining to a smooth texture.

6) Pour the puree into a soup bowl. Add the soup that was set aside. Add lemon juice.

7) Garnish with cilantro or parsley. Serve hot.

Recipe Source: Here

Lentil and Rice Pilaf

2008-04-12T22:14:00.003+09:30

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1 cup spilt green lentils
1 cup long grain white rice
1 large onion finely chopped
1 tsp minced garlic
2-3 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp pepper
Olive oil
Yoghurt

Method:

1) Soak the lentils in water for atleast 15 mins. You can use any other lentils but this pilaf tastes best with split ones. Split lentils don't have to be soaked for long while others need more soaking or for immediate preparation might need to be pressure cooked separately for 1 whistle.

2) Heat oil in a skillet. Add onions and garlic and cook till golden brown. Add cumin and pepper and fry for a couple of mins. Drain the lentils and add rice and lentils to the skillet. Stir till everything is mixed well.

3) Add water as per the rice and lentils packet instructions. Add salt. Bring to boil.

4) Cover the skillet so that no steam escapes out and cook on low heat till the rice and lentils is done. This may take about 12-15 mins.

5) Serve hot with plain yoghurt.

Recipe Source: Here

Result: This is one recipe which i make quite often.

Capsicum Zhunka

2008-04-12T21:55:00.003+09:30

Serves: 3

Ingredients:

1 large capsicum/bell pepper chopped into chunks
1 large onion chopped finely
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp cayenne pepper/red chilli pepper [adjust according to taste]
1 tsp coriander powder
Pinch of turmeric
1/2 cup besan (chickpea flour)
Peanut oil

Method:

1) Heat oil in a skillet. Add mustard seeds and let it splutter. The mustard seeds need to splutter to release the nice aroma.

2) Add onions and cook on medium heat till it turns translucent

3) Then add turmeric and the capsicum chunks. Saute for few mins, about 2 mins.

4) Add cayenne pepper, coriander powder and salt. Fry for another 2.3 mins.

5) Add besan and mix it well. Keep stirring to avoid lumps and to cook uniformly.

6) Cover the skillet and cook for 1 min. Open, stir it again. Repeat the process 3-4 times or till the raw smell of the besan disappears and a nice aroma fills the room :-)

7) Serve hot with chapathi.

Recipe Source: Anthony's kitchen

Simple Egg Curry

2008-04-12T21:41:00.002+09:30

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1 Large Onion chopped
3 Eggs
1 Large Tomato chopped
1 tsp ginger paste
1 tsp garlic paste
1 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1 tsp Paprika
Salt
Parsley/Coriander for garnishing
Lukewarm Water or just normal water

Method:

1) Heat oil in a pan. Add onions and fry till it till it turns translucent.

2) Add ginger and garlic paste to the onions. Fry till the mixture turns light brown.

3) Add cayenne pepper, paprika. Add tomato. Fry till the oil leaves the sides of the pan. It takes about 5 mins.

4) Add the eggs and keep stirring to avoid lumps.

5) Add 1 tbsp of water and stir again. Add water in intervals to form curry and till the raw egg of the smell disappears. I generally cook it for atleast 10 mins to remove the smell.

6) Garnish with parsley/coriander

7) Serve hot with rice or chapathi (roti)

Spaghetti with Basil Pesto

2008-04-12T20:50:00.003+09:30

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

4 tsp olive oil
Small bunch of basil
2 cloves of garlic
5 sprigs of parsley
Salt and Pepper to taste
Pine nuts
Parmesan (optional)

Method:

1) Heat a pot of water. Bring it to boil. Add a little oil and salt. Add the spaghetti or any other pasta. Cook till al dente.

2) For the pesto, Add the basil leaves and parsley into a blender. Add oil till the leaves are chopped finely.

3) Add garlic, salt, pepper and most of the pine nuts and blend again to get an almost paste like texture.

4) The original recipe calls for cheese to be added to the paste. But i wanted to do a more healthy version so avoided it.

5) Heat oil in a skillet. Add the pasta and coat it with oil. Then add the pesto and mix it well.

6) Serve Hot

Recipe Source: Etherwork

Roasted Broccoli

2008-04-12T20:22:00.002+09:30

Ingredients:

Broccoli separated as florets
3 tsp olive oil
1 Tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp sesame seeds toasted
1 tsp sesame oil

Method:

1) Preheat oven to 450 F .

2) If including the stems of the broccoli, cut the florets to small pieces to allow even cooking of florets and stems.

3) Place broccoli in a bowl. Add olive oil, sesame oil and soy sauce.

4) Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 10 mins. After 10 mins turn the florets and roast for another 10 mins or until the florets are crisp and lightly browned.

5) Remove the broccoli and place it on a serving bowl or tray. Add the sesame seeds on top.

6) Serve hot. It loses the crispiness when cold.

Recipe Source: Kalyn's kitchen

Zucchini Frittata

2008-04-11T12:19:00.002+09:30

Ingredients:

3 eggs
zucchini chopped in small circles
Paprika
Salt
Pepper
Herbs (Fresh/Dried) thyme and rosemary

Method:

1) Beat 3 eggs in a bowl. Add salt, pepper and paprika as per taste

2) Heat oil in a medium skillet. Add the zucchini peices. Turn the pieces every min until it browns lightly.

3) Once the zucchini is brown, remove it from the pan and cool it for a couple of mins.

4) Then add the zucchini pieces into the egg mixture.

3) Add oil into the same pan. When the oil is hot, add the egg mixture. Do not turn the mixture. Just shake the pan to spread the mixture evenly. Let the mixture cook on medium heat. Use a spatula to turn the egg mixture carefully without breaking it. Cook on both sides till brown and cooked. About 7-8 mins depending on which pan you use.

4) Serve hot.

Foodie BlogRoll

2008-04-10T15:58:00.000+09:30

I have been recently added to the Foodie Blogroll which contains 1000s of other food related blogs.

Hope to make some great foodie friends and also learn different cuisines.

The blogroll can be seen in the sidebar of my blog. Thanks to the LeftOverQueen for adding me into this wonderful blogroll :-)

Spicy pork curry

2008-04-07T17:14:00.004+09:30

Ingredients:

Pork chopped into cubes
1 large onion chopped
1 tomato chopped into small pieces
2 tsp ginger paste
2 tsp garlic paste
Cayenne pepper as per taste
paprika as per taste
2 bay leaves
2 star anise
2 cloves
2 cardamon
Salt

Method:

1) Heat oil in a skillet. Add the star anise, cloves, cardamon, bay leaves and fry till it release a nice aroma.

2) Add onion. Once it turns translucent add ginger and garlic paste. Fry till it turns brown.

3) Then add tomatoes. Add the cayenne pepper and paprika. Cook for about 10 mins by adding very little water if required.

4) Add the pork pieces and cook till the pork is tender and oil seperates from the mixture.

5) Garnish with parsley or coriander and serve with rice.

Lamb Steak with Yoghurt Dip

2008-04-07T17:00:00.003+09:30

Ingredients:

For Lamb:
2 Lamb steak pieces
Salt
Pepper
3 tsp Wine

For Yoghurt Dip:

Low Fat Greek style yoghurt
finely chopped parsley/coriander
pinch of paprika

Method:

1) Season the steak with salt and pepper.

2) Add oil to a grill pan or griller. Place the steak pieces on the pan cooking 2 mins per side.

3) Then add wine and cook the steak till done. It takes about 10 mins depending on the thickness of the steak. Don't overdo, the steak gets hard if cooked for a long time.

Yoghurt Dip:

1) In a bowl add yoghurt, parsley and paprika. Mix well.

Result:

This was our dinner. Simple and tasty

Strawberry Fondue

2008-03-16T22:32:00.003+10:30

Ingredients for fondue:

Dark cooking chocolate

Method:

1) Melt chocolate in a double boiler. To do this, boil water in a bowl and then simmer. Take another bowl and add chocolate. Place the bowl with chocolate on the bowl with water. Make sure the water doesn't reach the chocolate bowl otherwise the cocoa in the chocolate will separate and taste bitter.

2) Keep stirring the chocolate till it melts. Don't overdo it, the chocolate will solidify. This will take just a couple of mins or more depending on the amount of chocolate.

3) Microwave: You can microwave the chocolate in the bowl in 15 sec intervals until the chocolate melts

4) Serve with fresh strawberries. Dip the strawberries into the fondue and enjoy :-)

5) We also had some vanilla icecream sprinkled with the chocolate mixture.

Brocolli Lemon Risotto

2008-03-10T18:29:00.004+10:30

Ingredients:

1 cup arborio rice
1 L vegetable stock or stock cubes
brocolli cut into small florets
1 chopped onion
3 cloves of garlic chopped
mushrooms diced
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp white wine
2 tbsp lemon juice or as per taste
black pepper as per taste
parmesan cheese for garnish
olive oil

Method:

1) Boil water and add stock cubes as mentioned in the packet. I use the cubes since its free of MSG.

2) Heat oil in a pan. Add onion and garlic and fry till translucent.

3) Add the rice and turn the heat to high. Fry till its rice is coated well with oil and gets a bit color.

4) Add white wine and let it cook into the rice.

5) Add the stock gradually 150 ml at a time. Once the water is absorbed add more stock. Keep repeating till rice is cooked and almost all the stock is used up (stock amount depends on how well the rice is cooked). It would take 25-30 mins, depending on the flame and rice.

6) After the first 5-10 mins of adding the stock the first time add the mushrooms.

7) After another 7 mins add the brocolli and peas.

8) When the rice is almost done, add lemon juice and freshly ground pepper and honey.

9) The rice at the end should not be mushy but just right.

10) Garnish with parmesan and serve hot.

11) Chips is a perfect dish for this.

Result: It was just perfect and delicious with a nice lemony flavour

Recipe Source: Anne's blog

Pakoras

2008-03-10T17:54:00.002+10:30

Ingredients:

Besan Flour
Chilli powder
Baking soda
Chopped Onion
Green chilli
salt
chopped Coriander/parsley
oil for deep frying

Method:

1) Heat oil for deep frying.

2) While oil is heating, take a bowl. Mix all the ingredients. Add water to just make the mix wet so that it holds all the ingredients together.

3) Take small portions of the mixture and drop into oil slowly. Fry till brown on both sides.

4) Serve hot with ketchup

Honey Garlic Grilled Eggplant

2008-03-10T15:15:00.002+10:30

Ingredients:

1 big eggplant
1 tbsp honey
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 crushed garlic cloves
1/2 tsp paprika
1 red chilli crushed
Salt and pepper

Method:

1) Slice eggplant into 1/2 inch thick slices

2) On a paper towel, place the eggplant slices and sprinkle salt on both sides of the slices. Then cover the eggplant with another paper towel. Eggplant releases a lot of water which enables the eggplant to be a little crispy when fried.

3) In a bowl mix honey, chilli, paprika, olive oil, garlic and salt, pepper to taste.

4) Dip the eggplant slices into the mixture and place the slices on a grill pan. The original recipe calls for using a grill but i used a grill pan.

5) Fry the slices on both sides till they turn brown but not burnt :)

Recipe Source: Helen's blog

Cumin-Pepper Gravy

2008-03-10T14:54:00.002+10:30

Ingredients:

2 tsp cumin seeds
7-8 peppercorns
3-4 red chillies
1/4-1/2 tsp Tamarind extract
1 chopped garlic clove
1 cup dessicated coconut (fresh or frozen)
Coriander/ Parsley to garnish
3 tsp oil
Salt

Method:

1) Heat very little oil in a pan.

2) Fry cumin seeds, pepper and red chillies.

3) Grind the ingredients in step 2 with coconut, tamarind extract and salt.

4) Heat oil in a pan. Add garlic and fry till light brown. Then add the ground masala. Add water if required.

5) Serve with chapathi or rice

Recipe Source: Mom's

Sesame Egg

2008-03-10T10:55:00.005+10:30

Ingredients:

2 Eggs
2 Tbsp Sesame seeds
1 small Onion
1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
1 tsp Coriander powder
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
3 green chillies or as per taste
1/2 cup milk
2 tblsp oil
salt

Method:

1) Toast the sesame seeds for about 10 secs (step is optional)

2) Grind green chillies with the sesame seeds to a smooth paste and add water if required.

3) Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they start spluttering add the chopped onions and fry till they turn light brown.

4) Add the sesame and chilli paste and fry for about 3-4 mins

5) Add milk into the pan, mix it. Add salt, coriander powder and garam masala and cook for a min or so.

6) In the meantime slit the boiled eggs into half vertically. Add the slit eggs into the pan, mix and cook for 3-4 mins.

7) Serve hot ganished with coriander leaves/parsley

Recipe Source : Shilpa's blog

Capsicum & Asparagus Stir Fry

2007-12-24T14:55:00.001+10:30

Ingredients :

Capsicum sliced
Asparagus tough ends removed and cut into 2 inch pieces
Salt
Pepper
Lemon juice

Method :

1) Boil water in a saucepan. Once the water starts boiling, add 1/4 tsp of salt. Then add asparagus and turn off the stove. Remove the asparagus after 2 mins. The asparagus shouldn't get softened. It shoule be crunchy.

2) Heat oil on a grill pan. Place the capsicum and asparagus on the pan and fry them on medium heat. Add salt and pepper and turn them over once the other side turns a little brown.

3) Add pepper on the other side too as per your taste.

4) The entire process will take about 5-7 mins.

5) When its almost done, add 2 tsp of lemon juice and fry for another min.

6) Serve immediately. Can be eaten as it is or as a side dish.

Omelet

2007-12-24T14:14:00.001+10:30

Serves 2
Ingredients :

2 Eggs
1 small onion
salt and pepper
1 tsp oil

Method :

1) Beat the eggs for 25-30 secs in order to get a fluffy omelet.

2) Chop the onions into small pieces

3) Add the onions into the egg mixture

4) Heat oil in a pan. Pour the egg mixture and spread it. Add salt and pepper on the top side.

5) Turn the omelet and add salt & pepper. Remove the omelet once its browned on both the sides.

Serve hot

KhusKhus Aloo

2007-12-24T13:56:00.000+10:30

I was searching for some recipe with khuskhus and after few searches on the net finally decided on khuskhus aloo. I followed more or less the exact recipe and it was really tasty :-)

Serves 2
Ingredients :

2 small green chillies
2 potatoes, peeled, cubed
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
2 dry red chillies
2 tsp khuskhus
Oil
Salt to taste
Water

Method :

1) Roast the khuskhus.

2) Grind the roasted khuskhus and green chillies with very little water to form a fine paste and set aside.

3) Heat 2 tsp of oil in a pan. Shallow fry the potato cubes till lightly browned. Set aside.

4) In the same pan, add 1.5 tsp of oil. Then add the red chillies and turmeric powder.

5) Now add the khuskhus paste and fry the paste on low heat for about 5 mins till oil starts to leave the sides of the pan.

6) Add the fried potatoes into the pan and mix it well with the khuskhus mixture and continue to stir for abt 2 mins.

7) Add 3 tblsp water and salt. Stir and cover the pan for about 10 mins on low heat till the potatoes are slightly soft.

8) After 10 mins check the potatoes and if required add some more water and fry.

9) Once done, garnish with coriander leaves if available and serve it hot with chapathi or as a side dish for rice.

Dessert with Banana and Wafers

2007-12-24T13:40:00.001+10:30

It had been long since i had any kind of junk good. Last week i was craving for some junk sweet food :-)
On Monday we went and had some nice ice-cream shakes and i was more than satisfied.

Again on Thrusday my cravings returned and i wanted to make a little healthier dessert and came up with his one.

Serves 1
Ingredients :

1 Banana
6 small wafers crushed ( i used chocolate and strawberry flavour)
1 wafer for garnish
Milk
Whipped Cream

Method:

1) Slice the banana into small rounds.

2) Take a wine glass. Add a layer of wafers in it. Then place a layer of around 6 slices of banana on the wafer layer. Then add a thin line of whipped cream. Add 1 tblsp of milk to lessen the crunchiness.

3) Repeat 2 more layers as above.

4) In the last layer, don't add any milk. Just add an extra layer of whipped cream and garnish with the wafer.

5) The amount of whipped cream is very less and made me feel less guilty :-P

By writing a layer of whipped cream, i mean just 1 line, not more than that if your a bit conscious about your health :-)

It was simple and yummy. Took hardly 10 mins.

Simple Pasta with Vegetables

2007-12-24T10:59:00.000+10:30

Serves 4
Ingredients :

Veggies of your choice cut into small chunks. I used frozen cut carrots, baby corn, broccoli and peas
1 large onion - chopped
3 green chillies - slit in the centre (they shouldn't separate into halves)
2 garlic cloves - chopped finely
3 Tomatoes
Parsley
Lemon juice
Herbs (like thyme,sage,rosemary)
Oil
Salt and Pepper
Pasta - i used the spirals

Method:
1) Cut the tomatoes into halves. Boil water in a saucepan. Put the tomatoes into hot water and boil them for about 5 to 10 mins until the point where you feel the tomatoes' skin can be peeled off easily...don't over boil.

2) While the tomatoes are boiling, prepare pasta. Take a separate vessel and boil water. Once water starts boiling add 2 teaspoons of salt so that the pasta absorbs some salt. Add 1 tsp of olive oil. Oil is added to avoid sticking of the pasta to one another.

3) Boil the pasta till al dente. It takes about 20-25 mins on high heat. I usually keep it 5 or 10 mins more then recommended on the packet.

4) While pasta is boiling, prepare the sauce. Remove the tomatoes from the pan and peel off the skin. Mash them slightly.

5) Heat a pan. Add oil. Add garlic and saute for about 15 seconds and then add onion. Saute the onions till they are light brown in color. Add green chillies.

6) Now add the tomatoes and cook in medium heat until the tomatoes are soft and the raw taste disappears.

7) Then add the herbs. I had a mixture of all the herbs so just added about 1/2 tsp of it. Add the veggies and saute them for about 5 mins. Add lemon juice, salt and pepper and cook until the veggies are crunchy but not soft and mushy.

8) Add some more pepper as required.

9) Once the sauce is done, drain the pasta using a colander and you can serve in 2 ways. Once is to place the pasta on a plate and then add the sauce on top of it. Second way is to mix the sauce with the entire pasta and then serve.

10) I mixed the sauce with the pasta.

11) I served it with eggs scrambled and fried. Recipes follows below :-)

P.S Please use ripe tomatoes for pasta. I used not so ripe ones and the sauce had a sour taste. Ripe roma tomatoes are the best for pasta sauce.

Recipe for the fried eggs:

Serves 2:
Ingredients :

3 eggs
1/2 onion
1 clove garlic (optional)
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
parsley/coriander
dried or fresh basil
salt

Method :

1) Heat oil on a pan. Add the cumin seeds and saute for 10 secs.

2) Add garlic and onion. Fry till the onions are transluscent and not brown. It'll take about 4-5 mins.

3) Now add 1/2 tsp of dried basil and 1 tsp of dried parsley. If using fresh then add 4 basil leaves and 2 sprigs of parsley or coriander.

4) Add salt as per taste. Then add 2 eggs and keep stirring to avoid them from sticking to the pan. Fry for about 6-7 mins. I prefer to fry the eggs until the raw smell is gone which takes about 6-7 mins.

5) Serve this mixture on the pasta.

When i cook on weekdays i don't really find time for decorating the meals. Cook and immediately eat is wat we do :-)

Deviled Eggs

2007-12-22T20:27:00.001+10:30

Serves : 2
Ingredients :

2 eggs
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1/2 onion minced
1/4 teaspoon tabasco/piri piri sauce
Salt and pepper
Paprika to garnish

Method :

1) Hard boil 2 eggs. Fill water in a saucepan and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and add the eggs. Salt is added to avoid the egg whites from cracking. Make sure the eggs are completely covered with water. Bring the water to boil and leave it for about 4-5 mins. Then turn off the stove and leave the eggs in the water for another 5 or 10 mins. I leave it just to ensure that i don't have half boiled eggs.

2) Drain the water and add cold water on the eggs to enable easy peeling.

3) Cut the eggs lengthwise. Remove the yolks without destroying the whites.

4) In a bowl, mash the yolks. Add the onions, mustard, salt, pepper and the sauce to the yolks and mix well. I didn't have tabasco so used piri piri sauce.

5) Arrange the egg whites on a plate. Add the yolk mixture on the whites as shown in the picture.

6) Garnish with paprika (optional)

7) Cover and place in the fridge for sometime till its a little cold, say for 20-30 mins.

8) Serve :-)

Recipe Source: http://www.abc.net.au/capricornia/stories/s1617780.htm

Peanut Chaat

2007-12-21T22:08:00.002+10:30

Ingredients :

Peanuts
Cashew nuts
Onions finely chopped
Paprika/Chilli Powder
Green chilli
Salt
Coriander/Parsley for garnishing

Method :

1) Heat a pan moderately and roast the peanuts and cashews till light brown.

2) Chop the green chilli either into small pieces or deseed and chop finely

3) In a bowl add onions, a pinch of paprika/chilli powder, salt and the nuts. Mix well.

4) Garnish with coriander and serve.

I didn't have any coriander so omitted that. This is something healthy and simple which can be done in 10 mins.

Strawberry Pancakes

2007-12-21T15:28:00.001+10:30

Pancakes are one of the easiest recipe which we prefer for breakfast on weekends. Started off as an experiment but it came out very well at the first attempt itself. The first time i prepared a plain pancake. Then recently i prepared pancakes with strawberries which turned out pretty good. Here goes the recipe.

(Serves : 2 - Around 4 or 5 small pancakes)
Ingredients :

1 cup of self-raising wholewheat flour or maida
1 egg
Milk as required
Sugar as per taste
Pinch of baking soda
6 Strawberries chopped into to small pieces

Method :

1) Mix flour, sugar and baking soda.

2) In another bowl beat the egg until the white and the yolk are blend together.

3) Add the egg into the flour mixture. Mix well and then add milk slowly to form a batter with consistency not too think or too thin. The consistency should be more or less in between an idly batter and dosa batter :-)

4) Let the batter sit for 5 mins.

5) Heat a pan. Pour a ladle full of batter on the centre of the pan. Don't spread the batter using the ladle. Rotate the pan to spread the batter around the pan to form a pancake as shown in the picture. On the pancake add the strawberry pieces when the top side is still wet.

6) Turn over the pancake when bubbles start appearing on the top side/the other side is golden brown.

7) Serve the pancakes immediately with some maple syrup or any jam.

Indian pickles are perfect with plain pancakes if sugar isn't added to the batter :-)

Here's another food blog

2007-12-21T14:27:00.001+10:30

There are "n" number of food blogs on the internet and here i go adding one more to the list. Well this blog is being created more for my reference and for those who are new to cooking and would prefer cooking good and simple food. Neither AK nor me like spending hours together in the kitchen so we tend to prepare something fast and simple.

And am not good at writing long blogs, will just stick to the recipe and things related to it.

Welcome to our world of kitchen exploration. Let me start off right away with our achievements and disasters :-P