Mock Meat Rendang (Vegetarian )

 

Hello !!!!!!

It is the holy month of Ramadan . Dedicating this post to all my Muslim friends and readers who are looking for some yummy recipes for Iftaar. Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. The fast (sawm) begins at dawn and ends at sunset.Presenting a vegetarian version of the famous Rendang recipe which is a popular dish from Malaysia.

As a part of our 97th #Foodiemonday #Bloghop theme #Ramadan my contribution is this lovely vegetarian Mock Meat Rendang.

Recipe for Mock Meat Rendang recipe:

INGREDIENTS:

3 Tbsp desiccated coconut
2 Garlic cloves
2 Large White Onions roughly chopped
2 Stalks lemongrass, peeled and sliced
3 Fresh red chillies
2 Tbsp fresh ginger( grated)
1/4 tsp turmeric
Salt to taste
250ml Coconut milk

125ml water
½  tsp tamarind pulp, dissolved in 1 tbsp of  water
4 Star anise
1 Inch cinnamon stick

1 Pkt of Mock Meat (Made of Soya)
2 Tbsp fresh coriander, roughly chopped, plus extra to garnish

½ Tsp Palm Sugar

METHOD:

Heat a wok, add the desiccated coconut and toast until lightly golden. Blend the toasted coconut, garlic, onions, lemongrass, chillies, ginger, palm sugar,turmeric to make a fine paste. Now heat some oil in the wok. Add the paste and cook for about five minutes. Keep stirring until you get the nice aroma.

Add the coconut milk to the pan, along with 125ml water, the tamarind and water mixture, star anise, and cinnamon stick and bring to the boil. Keep Stirring constantly to ensure the masala does not burn. Reduce the heat and let it  simmer for about five minutes. Then add salt and the mock meat pieces , coriander  and continue to cook the curry on medium flame  for another 10 minutes.

To serve, garnish with more fresh coriander and serve with piping hot Rice, Naan or Rotis.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

BROCCOLI AND COCONUT RICE(NO ONION NO GARLIC RECIPE)

Everyone is  busy with a hectic life style these days. We are always on the run juggling work ,family,home.When you are short of time to cook and still want your family to have a healthy meal, one pot meal recipes come in handy. They can be cooked in a less time and yet be a nutritious meal.I usually cook one pot meals on weekday morning. Best way to incorporate veggies into my family’s diet. Today i am sharing one such healthy and yummy recipe.

Broccoli is a powerhouse of nutrients.It is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Manganese.Broccoli has low content of carbohydrates, protein, fat, and dietary fiber.Coconuts are known for their great versatility, as evidenced by many traditional uses, ranging from food to cosmetics.They form a regular part of the diets of many people in the tropics and subtropics.Broccoli and freshly grated coconut make a great combo.

My contribution for our 95th #Foodiemonday #Bloghop theme #Onepotmeal is this yummy and healthy Broccoli and Coconut Rice.

Recipe for Broccoli and Coconut rice:

2  Cups Basamati Rice (each cup is 160ml)

1.5 Cups Broccoli florets( 1 cup is 250 ml)

3/4  Cup freshly grated Coconut (1 Cup is 250 ML)

2 Tsp Jeera / Cumin seeds

1/4 Tsp Pepper corns crushed

2 fresh Red Chillies

8-10 Cashews

2 Tsp Oil

Salt to taste

Method:

Soak Rice for about  15-20 mins.You can skip this step if you are short of time.

Make a fine paste of  grated coconut, red chillies and 1 tsp jeera and keep it aside. Do not add water when grinding.

Heat oil in a heavy bottom pan. Add Jeera and then the broccoli florets. Keep in on medium flame for about 7-8 mins. Now add the coconut mixture , crushed pepper corns and mix well. Now add the soaked rice and salt to taste. Mix all the ingredients and switch off the flame. Transfer the contents to a electric Rice cooker and add the required amount of water.One done  garnish with roasted Cashews and serve hot with any Raita or Nonya Achar.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

OMURICE / OMELETTE RICE

 

Omurice is a popular Japanese food that was originally influenced by Western cuisine. Prepare fried rice and a thin omelette separately, then cover the fried rice in the omelette before serving.I liked this recipe as you can incorporate lot of vegetables into your kid’s diet. It is yummy and they will surely love it.

I made Omurice on my younger son’s demand. He had watched a video of this recipe and wanted me to make it for him. I have made this dish to suit the taste of my family.

You can make a lot of variations to this recipe. Kids will love it and it is so easy to cook. Serve for lunch or dinner.

Recipe  for Omurice / Omelette Rice:

Ingredients:

1 Cup =180 ML

½ Cup of  green bell pepper cut into small pcs

½ Cup yellow bell pepper cut into small pcs

½ Cup red bell pepper cut into small pcs

1/2 Cup French Beans chopped

¼ cup chopped carrot

5 white mushrooms cut into medium chunks

3/4 cup chopped onion

1 garlic clove crushed

2 Cubes of Cheese

1 green chilli  chopped

1 Tbsp butter

Salt to Taste

½ Tsp ground black pepper

1 cup cooked rice

2 Tbsp Tomato ketchup

2 eggs

¼ Tsp sugar

1 Tsp Oil

Finely Chopped Coriander or Mint to garnish

 

Method:

 

Heat a heavy Bottom Pan. Add butter and garlic and saute for few seconds. Once the garlic turns crisp, add the green chilli,green bell pepper,yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper, carrot, mushroom, and onion. Stir a few minutes until the onion turns a little translucent. Once done add salt and ground black pepper and mix well. Now add the cooked rice, tomato ketchup, and mix well. Let it cook without stirring for a minute, so that the bottom of the rice gets a little crunchy. Remove from the heat.

Transfer the fried rice to a bowl. Fill about half the cup with the fried rice, then if place the cheese cubes and then fill the rest of the bowl with the balance fried rice.

Keep it aside.

Now let us make the omelette.

Beat 2 eggs in a bowl with salt,pepper powder and sugar.Heat up a non-stick pan. Add  oil and spread the oil .Ensure the pan is properly greased .Turn the heat to medium low, so that the egg is not burnt.Pour the egg mixture into the pan and swirl the pan around to make a nice circle. Keep moving  the pan around and let the low heat cook the egg.Once done switch off the flame.

 To Assemble:

Put a large plate over the bowl of stir-fried rice. Flip everything over and remove the bowl in order to have a perfect dome of fried rice.Place the omelette over top of the dome. Garnish with a cheese cube , sprinkle some pepper or garnish with a bit of ketchup or as you like, and serve hot.

I served Omurice with pan fried Baby corns.

 

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!

 

KACHHE KELE KA ROGAN JOSH / RAW BANANA ROGAN JOSH

 

Rogan Josh is an aromatic lamb dish of Persian Origin and is a staple food in Kashmiri Cuisine. This dish is robust with use of different spices. I am sharing the vegetarian version with some changes to suit the palate of my family. I love the colour of this curry which comes from the use of Kashmiri Chilli powder. The fresh home made masala enhances the dish.”ROGAN ” means “fat /oil” and “JOSH” means “Intense heat”.

As a part of our 89th #Foodiemonday #Bloghop theme #Rawbananas my contribution is this yummy Kachhe Kele Ka Rogan Josh.

Recipe for Kachhe Kele ka Rogan Josh /Raw Banana Rogan Josh:

Ingredients for Raw banana Patties:

2 Raw Bananas boiled and mashed

2 Medium Potatoes boiled and mashed

Salt to taste

1 Tsp Garam Masala

1/2 Tsp Red Chilli Powder

1/4 cup finely Chopped Onions

1/4 Cup Amchur Powder

1/2 Cup Bread Crumbs

Oil to Shallow fry

Method:

Mix all the above ingredients except bread crumbs and oil. Refrigerate this mixture for about an hour so that the extra moisture is not there. Take this mixture out from the refrigerator and mix well. Grease your palms .take small balls,  and shape it as desired and roll them in the bread crumbs.Shallow fry these patties until both the sides turn golden brown. Keep them aside.

Ingredients for the Gravy:

2 Tsp Saunf / fennel seeds

1 Bay Leaf

3 Tbsp Mustard Oil / Sarson ka tel

3 Cups of water

4 Onions finely Chopped

10 Pepper Corns

1″ Cinnamon Stick

2 Black Cardamom

2 Green Cardamom

1 Tsp Cumin Powder / Jeera Powder

2 Tsp Coriander Powder / Dhania Powder

1/2 Tsp Garam Masala

3 Tomatoes blanched and peeled

1 Tsp Ginger Garlic Paste

6 Dry red Kashmiri Chillies

1 Cup finely chopped Coriander

1Tbsp Ghee

1/2 Cup thick yogurt

Salt to taste

Method:

Heat mustard oil in a heavy bottom Pan. Add Saunf, bay leaf,pepper corns, black cardamom, green cardamom, cinammon stick. Once you smell the aroma of the spices add ginger garlic paste and saute for a few seconds. Now add the finely chopped Onions and saute untill they turn golden brown.

In a blender make a fine paste of yogurt,blanched and peeled tomatoes,dry red Kashmiri chilli and coriander.Add this paste to the onion mixture. Add ghee, jeera powder, coriander powder,salt and Garam Masala.Mix well . Add water to adjust the consistency of the gravy. Let is simmer on medium flame till the oil starts to leave the sides.

Add the raw banana patties to this gravy just before serving with Hot phulkas/ Roti/ Naan or piping hot rice.

Enjoy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GATTE KA PULAO / GRAM FLOUR DUMPLING PULAO

Hello !!!

Today i am sharing a yummy recipe from the state of Rajasthan. If you are bored of the regular vegetables, then this recipe is for you. A quick aromatic Gatte ka Pulao tastes amazing with the  blend of whole spices. Pair it up with any Raita and enjoy this wholesome meal even in Summers.

Recipe for Gatte Ka Pulao / Gram Flour Dumpling Pulao:

Ingredients for Gatta:

1 Cup Besan / Gram flour

1 Tsp Kashmiri Chilli Powder

3/4 Tsp Saunf / Fennel Seeds

6 Tsp Oil (Sizzling hot oil)

1/2 Tsp Ajwain / Carom Seeds

1 Tbsp Thick yogurt

Salt to taste

1/2 Cup finely Chopped Coriander

Oil for Shallow frying

Ingredients for Pulao:

3 Cups cooked Basmati Rice

1.5 Tbsp Oil

2 Green Cardamom / Elaichi

4 Cloves /Laung

1 Tsp Jeera / Cumin Seeds

3/4 Tsp Mustard seeds / Sarson

1/4 Tsp Asafoetida / Hing

3/4 Cup deep fried sliced Onions

1.5 Tsp Chilli Powder

1 Tsp Garam Masala

1/4 Tsp Aachari Masala

1/4 Tsp Turmeric / Haldi

Salt to taste

1/2 Cup finely Chopped Coriander

For the Paste :

2 Tsp Finely Chopped Ginger

6 Garlic Cloves chopped

3 Green Chillies

1 Cup Sliced onions

Method:

For the Gatta:

Mix all the ingredients in a deep bowl and knead into  a stiff dough . Add water if needed. Take small balls of the docugh and roll them into long thin cylindrical rolls and keep them aside. Boil water in  a large bowl. Once the water starts to boil add these cylindrical rolls. Let it cook for about 7-8 mins. Once you see the blisters being formed on the rolls remove them ,drain the excess water and keep it aside. Repeat this process for the balance dough. Heat some oil in a wok. shallow fry these gattas untill they turn gloden brown on all sides. Drain them on a Kitchen towel and keep them aside.

For the Pulao:

Grind garlic,ginger,green chilli and onions to get a fine paste.Keep this mixture aside.

Heat oil ia heavy Bottom Pan. Add Cloves,Cardamom,Jeera,mustard seeds,hing and saute on medium flame till you get the aroma . Once done add the ginger garlic chilli paste and cook on medium flame for about 3-4 minutes. Once done add aachari masala, garam masala, haldi and salt to taste. Mix well till the oil starts to leave the sides. Now add cooked rice, deep fried onions and shallow  fried gattas. Mix all the ingredients and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Switch off the flame.

Garnish with Coriander and serve hot with your favourite Raita.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MUSHROOM AND CHICKPEAS CURRY(NO ONION NO GARLIC RECIPE)

 

Hello !!!

I am back with another lovely recipe Mushroom and Chickpeas Curry with the goodness of  Indian spices cooked in Coconut milk.It is rich ,creamy and finger licking good.Mushroom and chickpeas make an amazing combo. Some Benefits of Incorporating Coconut Milk in your diet :

1.Improves Heart Health by Lowering Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

2.Builds Muscle and Helps Lose Fat 

3.Improves Digestion and Relieves Constipation

4.Prevents Joint Inflammation and Arthritis

5.Prevents Ulcers

6.Helps Loose Fat

7.Prevents Ulcers

My contribution for pour 86th #Foodiemonday #Bloghop theme #CoconutMilk is this Mushroom and Chickpeas Curry.

Recipe for Mushroom and Chickpeas Curry:

Ingredients:

125 Gms White Mushrooms (Halved)

200 ML Coconut Milk

200 Gms Chickpeas boiled

1 Tsp Jeera /Cumin

2 Red Chillies finely chopped

1 Tsp Ginger Paste

Handfull of Fresh Coriander finely Chopped

1 Tsp Garam Masala

1 /2 Tsp Red Chilli Powder

1/4 Tsp Turmeric / Haldi

1.5 Tsp Curry Powder

Salt to Taste

2 Tbsp Fresh grated Coconut

2 Tbsp Mustard Oil

 

Method:

Pressure Cook Chick peas with tea bag and salt to taste. Allow it to cool. Drain the water and keep it aside. Do not throw the water.Remove the tea bag.

Take 1/2 cup (approx 100 ml) of boiled chickpeas and fresh coconut and make a fine paste without adding water.Keep this mixture aside.

Take a heavy bottom Pan. Add mustard oil.Once the oil is hot add jeera. Once it splutters add the red chillies,ginger paste, chopped coriander (keep aside some to garnish) and mushrooms.Cook on medium flame untill the mushrooms are done. Add haldi,chilli powder,curry powder,garam masala,coconut and chickpeas paste and mix well. Once the oil starts to leave the sides add the boiled chickpeas,coconut milk, boiled chickpeas water and salt to taste if needed. Allow it to simmer on low flame for about 8-10 mins. Once done switch off the flame.

Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with Rotis / Phulkas or piping hot Rice.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paneer Pulao (Quick Version)

 

Week days are hectic as I need to juggle lot of things in the morning. My boys leave home between 6 to 6.30 am in the morning. I need to make breakfast ,and cook lunch as well. This is a story of many households.This quick Paneer Pulao is mostly on the menu.A one pot meal cooked in pressure cooker which less time consuming and tasty at the same time.

As a part of our 81st #Foodiemonday #Bloghop theme #Hot/ColdRicerecipes my contribution is this yummy one pot meal Paneer Pulao.

Ingredients:

1 Cup Basmati Rice

1 Cup Paneer Cubes

1 Bay Leaf

2 Green Cardamom

1/4 Tsp Jeera /Cumin

1 Inch Cinnamon Stick

2 Cloves

1/2 Cup Coriander finely Chopped

1 Tsp Garam Masala

1/2 Tsp Pav Bhaji Masala

2 Tbsp Thick Curd

1Tbsp Ghee

Salt to Taste

1 Tsp Ginger Garlic Paste

2 Cups of Water

2 Tbsp Almond Slivers

Method:

Soak Basmati rice for about 10 mins while you arrange all the other ingredients.

Place the Pressure cooker on medium flame. Add ghee. Once the Ghee is slightly hot add jeera, bay leaf,Green  cardamom, Cloves and Cinnamon Stick. Once you can smell the aroma of the spices add ginger garlic paste and saute for few seconds. Now add the paneer cubes and mix well.Once the Paneer turns slighlty brown add Garam masala and Pav Bhaji Masala, coriander and mix well.Once the masala blends well add the curd.Mix well. Now add Basmati Rice ,water and salt to taste.Close the lid and cook upto 2-3 Whistles.Once the pressure is released you can pack it in the lunch box and garnish with Almond Slivers along with some of your favourite Raita.

 

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!

Paneer Korma

 

Hola Everyone !!!

Are you a great fan of Cookbooks? Do you maintain Dairies for recipes? Well I do. Recently I have started to collect Cook Books as I wish to try some amazing recipes whenever possible.Few days back during my visit to a book store a small palm size cookbook of 200 Curries by Sunil Vijayakar caught my attention. There are many recipes from all parts of the world and includes both vegetarian and Non vegetarian. I was tempted to try Paneer Korma recipe from this book. It turned out so well and my family loved every bit of it.I tweaked the original recipe a little to suit my Palate.

As a part of our 80th #Foodiemonday # Bloghop Theme #CookbookCooking my contribution is Paneer Kurma. Paneer is so versatile and can be used in various recipes.Paneer is an all time favourite in my house.It takes about 20 mins to prepare the ingredients and 30 mins cooking time.

Recipe for Paneer Kurma:

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp Sunflower Oil

8 Shallots Finely Chopped

1Tbsp CuminPowder  /Jeera Powder

1 Tbsp Coriander Powder /Dhania Powder

1 Tsp Turmeric /Haldi (1 have used 1/4 tsp as turmeric powder is home made)

1 Tsp Chilli Powder

1 Tsp Garam Masala

4 Ripe Plum Tomatoes roughly chopped

2 Tsp Crushed Garlic

2 Red Chillies,deseeded and finely sliced

2 Tbsp Tomato Puree

1 Tsp Sugar

150 Ml Water

200 Ml Fresh Cream

450 Gms Paneer (bite size cubes)

200 Gms Fresh Bengal Gram crushed (original recipe call for green peas)

Coriander to Garnish

Pappadome to serve (I have skipped this)

Method:

Heat the oil in a heavy Bottom pan, add the shallots and stir fry for 2-3 mins. Add the ground spices and stir fry for one minute.

Add the tomatoes, garlic,chillies ,tomato puree,sugar and water and bring to boil.Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered for 15-20 mins.

Stir in the cream,paneer and crushed fresh bengal gram and let it simmer gently for abpout 5-8 minutes or untill the bengal gram has cooked.

Season well,remove from the heat ,garnish with fresh coriander and serve with Crisp Pappadoms / Roti / Naan / Rice.

 

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Notes :

1. I have substituted green peas with fresh Bengal Gram
2. You can use fresh Cream instead of Store bought. I have used Amul cream.
3. Chilli powder can be adjusted to suit your palate.

 

 

BABY POTATO BIRYANI (GUEST POST FOR SUJATA ROY)

Baby potatoes are so versatile and can be used in variety of dishes. Baby potato biryani is a versatile and flavorful vegetarian dish that is very popular among the vegetarians. Biryani is usually cooked on special occasions or when you have guests at home. Do try this recipe and I bet you will cook this Biryani regularly and will not any special occasion/ reason to cook Biryani.

Last week I was asked to do a guest post  by my co blogger Sujata Roy  from Foodie Monday Bloghop  who blogs at  https://batterupwithsujata.wordpress.com/ . Sujata Roy is a home maker, doting mom to 2 beautiful grown up children, a passionate home chef and last but not the least a foodie. She has an amazing collection of healthy recipes. Do check her blog for healthy recipes. She is an amazing cook who loves to experiment.

I thought of sharing this Yummy Baby potato Biryani that is quick to make, yummy and flavourful. I am sure your family, friends and guests will love it and will crave for more.

Recipe for Baby Potato Biryani:

Ingredients:

1Cup =160 ML

1.5 Cups Basmati Rice

½ Cup Risotto Rice

1 Cup Fresh grated coconut

12 Baby Potatoes washed and peeled

3 Medium size Onions finely chopped

1 Cup finely chopped Coriander

½ Cup Thick yogurt

2 Dry Red Chillies

2 Cloves

2 Green Cardamom

2 Tsp Aachi Biryani Masala

½ Tsp Ginger paste

½ Tsp Garlic paste

20 Cashews

2 Tsp Jeera

Salt to taste

2 Tbsp Oil

 

Method:

Soak Biryani rice and risotto rice for about 20 mins. Wash and peel the baby potatoes and keep it aside.

Heat a wok. Add oil. Now add jeera, cloves and green cardamom. Roast on medium flame till you get the aroma. Add ginger garlic paste and saute for a few seconds. Add the finely chopped onions and roast till they turn slightly brown.Once done add the peeled baby potatoes and roast till they are  half done.

Grind coconut , red chilli, ¾ cup coriander, 10 cashews to a fine thick paste.Add this paste to the half cooked potatoes and mix well. Let the mixture cook on medium flame for about 5 -7 mins. Add biryani masala and yogurt .Mix all the ingredients well so that the baby potatoes are very well coated.Once done add the soaked biryani rice and risotto rice. Add 2.5 to 3 cups of water ,close the lid and  let it cook on low flame .For me it took about 35 mins for the rice to cook.

Heat a tsp of oil in another pan. Add Jeera and roast cashews till they turn golden brown. Garnish Biryani with this Tadka and serve with any Raita of your choice.

I loved it with Boondi Raita. Absolutely lip smacking.

 

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MUSHROOM VINDALOO

Indian Cuisine consists of  a wide range  of regional and traditional cuisines native to India. Given the range of diversity in soil type, climate, culture, ethnic groups and occupations, these cuisines vary significantly from each other and use locally available spices, herbs, vegetables and fruits. Cultural choices , traditions and religion also influence Indian Food.

Historical incidents such as foreign invasions, trade relations and colonialism have played a role in introducing certain foods to our country. For instance, the potato, a staple of the diet in some regions of India, was brought to India by the Portuguese, who also introduced chillies and breadfruit. Goa  has a tropical climate, which means the spices and flavours are intense. Use of kokum is a distinct feature of the region’s cuisine. Goan cuisine is mostly seafood and meat-based; the staple foods are rice and fish.The gravies are usually coconut based.Vegetarianism is also equally popular here.

Our theme for #76th #Foodiemonday #Bloghop Theme #Colonialinspiredcuisines my contribution is  Mushroom Vindaloo made with fresh spices.

Recipe for Mushroom Vindaloo:

Ingredients:

20 Button Mushrooms (You may cut it into halves if the mushrooms are large)

4 Medium Tomatoes chopped

3 Medium Onions finely chopped

1/4 Cup finely chopped Coriander

2 Sprigs of Spring Onion finely chopped

1 Tbsp Oil

1 Inch Cinnamon Stick

1 Tsp Mustard

For the Paste:

1 Tsp Cumin

1 Tbsp Mustard

1Tbsp Coriander seeds

1 Inch Ginger roughly chopped

8 Garlic Pods crushed

1/3 Cup White Vinegar

1 Tbsp Extra Virgin olive Oil

1Tsp Sugar

Salt to taste

1/2 Tsp Turmeric

1Tsp Red Chilli Powder

1 Tsp Freshly Ground Garam MasalaAll SPICE POWDER (GARAM MASALA)

Method:

Grind the above mentioned masala for the paste. Marinate the button mushrooms for about 2 hours.

Heat oil in a wok. Add mustard Once it splutters add the finely chopped onions and roast on medium flame until the onions turn brown.Once done add the marinated mushrooms.Mix well and cook on medium flame for about 5 mins. Then add the chopped tomatoes and cinnamon stick.Add 1/2 cup of water and cover the wok. Allow it to cook on low flame for about 35-40 mins.Stir once in a while to ensure it does not burn.Once done add the chopped coriander and Spring onions.Keep some spring onions for garnish. Add salt if needed and mix well. Switch off the flame and serve hot with Rice or Phulkas.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!