Hakka Noodles/ Chinese Noodles

Who does not like Chinese food? I love spicy food and I like Chinese food so this is one of my favorite recipe.

To make Hakka Noodles you will need :-

3 cups of noodles (earlier shared recipe for boiling it)

1/2 cup green bell- pepper thinly sliced

1/2 cup carrot thinly sliced

1/2 cup cabbage thinly sliced

1/2 cup onion thinly sliced

1/4 cup green onion sliced

3-4 cloves of garlic finely chopped

3-4 tablespoon soya sauce

3 teaspoon ginger chilly paste/ chilly sauce

Salt to taste

4-5 tablespoon of olive oil

1/4 teaspoon vinegar (optional)

Take a broad pot and add oil to it. Allow it to heat up. Add onions to it and saute it for some time. Add carrot and garlic to it. Saute it. Add cabbage and bell peppers and saute all the veggies for some time. Do not cook it full and let them little crunchy. Add noodles, salt, ginger chilly paste and soya sauce to it and mix well. Serve hot.

Potato Masala Squares/ Pockets

Hey guys, today I am sharing with you the recipe which is very good appetizer for your party. I have earlier shared potato peas puff recipe it is exactly same like that instead I have not used peas in it and changed it's shape to mini squares which are very good bite size as appetizer for parties.

To make Potato Masala Squares/ Pockets you will need :-

2-3 puff pastry sheet (Mid- East)

1 cup Potato masala mixture (as shown in potato peas recipe)

Take a baking tray and line up with foil or parchment paper. Preheat oven upto 350 degrees for 5 minutes. Take puff pastry sheet and cut in small rectangle shape. On one side add potato masala mixture and fold the other side on top of it and seal the edges of it. Put it on baking tray and bake about 10-15 minutes in middle rack at 425 degrees. Serve hot with ketchup or chutney.

Cilantro (Coriander) Chutney

I like to add green herbs in my diet. I like cilantro among them. I add them in subji, dal, kadhi and every possible recipe in which it goes well. Also I make cilantro chutney in bulk so that it comes out handy to me and I can use it with pakoda, bhajiya, aloo paratha, etc.

Lets make this Cilantro Chutney. To make Cilantro chutney you will need :-

2 cups of cilantro leaves (washed and water drained)

4-5 roasted peanuts

1-2 tablespoon lime juice

1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Salt to taste

1 teaspoon roasted cumin seeds

1-2 green chillies chopped

Water as needed

Add all the cilantro leaves, peanuts, green chillies and roasted cumin seeds and 4-5 tablespoon water and churn them in mixture. Make a smooth paste. Take out in serving bowl and add salt and lime juice and mix well. Serve with pakoda, bhajiya, gota, paratha, etc.

You can store it for a month in airtight container and use it whenever you need.

How to boil noodles/spaghetti

Sometimes we are not able to figure out simple things or even if we are doing all correct something goes wrong and we are not able to make some recipes. I am sharing you one of them when I started cooking and was struggling to perfectly boil noodles.

Sometimes we over boil noodles or sometimes they are not properly cooked. So I am sharing you simple technique by which your noodles will be boiled perfectly.

To boil noodles/spaghetti you will need :-

1 handful bunch of noodles

1 tablespoon olive oil/cooking oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

4-5 cups of water

4-5 cups of ice/cold water (optional)

Take a open pot and add water to it and allow it to boil on stove. When it is boiling add noodles, olive oil and salt to it. Do not cover it with lid. When it gets soft little bit then stir them very gently. If required add one more cup of water. It will take almost 12-15 minutes to boil at medium temperature. Check carefully by breaking a little piece of noodles to see weather it is cooked properly. If they are overcooked they will loose their texture. So do not boil them too much. Take them out of flame and drain all the water and put noodles in strainer so no water remains in it. Put this strainer in pot filled with ice or run cold water on noodles and then drain all water and use them.

Use them while making noodles in red/white sauce, even with pesto of your choice. I use to make bake dish and hakka noodles.

Masala Chaas (Buttermilk)

When you want something to drink with your daily simple meal and that too homemade, nothing can substitute than a glass of Masala Chaas/buttermilk.

 It is my husband's favorite home made drink and he takes yogurt in form of chaas or simple yogurt or masala yogurt in his everyday meal. I am not a big fan of chaas but to accompany him, I also started including chaas in my diet.

To make Masala Chaas you will need :-

2-3 tablespoon of plain yogurt

1 teaspoon chopped cilantro 

1 teaspoon chopped mint (optional)

Salt to taste

1/4 teaspoon roasted cumin powder

1/2 cup water

Take a bowl and add yogurt to it. Add salt and cumin powder and mix well so that all lumps are broken. Use stirrer if required. Add water, mint and cilantro to it and mix well. Serve cold or at room temperature.

So what are you waiting for? Try it today and enjoy.........

Cabbage Carrot Subji

When we add something which is liked by our family into boring everyday subji, definitely they would love to eat the new version of the same old subji........

Today I tried with carrot with cabbage and it taste really good.

To make Cabbage Carrot Subji you will need :-

2 cup of  roughly chopped cabbage

2-3 tablespoon of carrot diced

Salt to taste

1 teaspoon jeera/ cumin seeds

2 tablespoon oil

1/2 tablespoon coriander cumin powder

1/2 tablespoon red chilly powder

1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 tablespoon chopped coriander for garnishing

2-3 tablespoon water

Take a pot and allow oil to heat up. Add jeera to it. Allow it to crackle. Add chopped cabbage to it and saute it for about 1 minute. Check in between and if needed add water. When it gets cooked properly add all the spices and mix well. Allow all the spices to blend in subji. Serve with roti or paratha.

Homemade Yogurt (Dahi)

Today I am sharing with you very simple recipe but sometimes it plays trick when you are making out of India. In my early days in United States I was just struggling to make yogurt at home. My husband generally takes  yogurt at least one time in his meal so I want to make it at home so that I don't have to buy from outside. 

One of my friend here gave me trick and I followed it till today and everything is going well.....

To make Homemade Yogurt you will need :-

1 cup milk

1 tablespoon yogurt

Take a pot (tapeli) and add milk to it. Put it on low flame and allow it to boil. One boil is enough for it. Put the flame off and allow milk to cool till it is lukewarm. Add yogurt to it and mix well and put in the warm place like oven or microwave (don't turn it on). It needs average 3-4 hours in summer and about 5-6 hours in winter to form into yogurt.

Note :- You need not to turn on oven or microwave.

Drumstick with Besan (chickpea flour) Subji

People make lot of use of drumstick. Mostly it is used in making sambhar, but I made subji out of it and this is one of my and my brother's favorite subji.

To make Drumstick with Besan Subji you will need :-
2 drumstick (cut in to length  of around 2 inch and boiled)
1/2 cup besan
2 cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon ginger chilly paste
3-4 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Pinch of turmeric powder
Salt to taste

Take a pot and add oil to it. Add mustard seeds when oil is hot and allow it to crackle. Add besan to it and roast it properly. Add buttermilk and mix well till it gets smooth. Allow it to simmer on low heat. Add ginger chilly paste, sugar and salt to it. Add turmeric powder and mix well till it gets thicken. Add drumstick to it and mix well. Serve hot with roti and rice.

Note :- You can also add garlic to it and that too taste good.

Olive Salad- Side Dish

Today unexpected guest came and I had to make some quick side dish and it just clicked to me and I started mixing the things and this salad comes out really good.

To make Olive Salad you will need:-

2-3 olives sliced
1 cup cucumber sliced
1 cup carrot sliced
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup apples diced
1 teaspoon mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt to taste

Take a bowl and mix olives, cucumber, carrot, apples and cilantro. Add mayonnaise, black pepper, olive oil, salt and lemon juice to it and mix well. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Try this once it turns out really good and helps when shortage of time.....

Easy Fruit and Salad Appetizer

I always try to make recipes simple. Also I make sure that they are easy and can be made in very less time. I am sharing with you few of them for the upcoming holiday parties.

To make fruit appetizer you will need :-

3-4 apple cubes

3-4 banana cubes

3 toothpick

Take apple and banana cubes and place it on toothpick and serve.

To make salad appetizer you will need :-

3-4 olives

3-4 cucumber slices

3-4 apple cubes

3-4 carrots slices

Take all the things and arrange on toothpick and serve.

Almond (Badam) Basundi

Hey guys festival season is going on so lets make something sweet. Today I tried with almond basundi for the first time and it turned out really good and thought of sharing with you all.

To make Almond Basundi you will need :-

2 cups milk (preferably full fat)

3/4 cup La Lechera condensed milk

1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

3-4 cardamom seeds

5-6 almond sleeves

Take a pot and add milk to it and allow it to get hot. Then add condensed milk and mix it well. Add sugar if desired. Stir in continuously at low flame. Add almond sleeves and cardamom seeds to it. Stir in mixture till it gets thick. Allow it to cool down and serve cold.

 

Coriander Mint Rava (Semolina) Idli

Hey guys I am back......I had taken break from blogging because my exams were there and I need to concentrate on that. Now I am free from studies so now I can think differently on my new recipes. Today I am sharing you very simple and easy breakfast or anytime snack recipe. It's Coriander Mint Rava Idli.

To make Coriander Mint Rava Idli you will need :-

1-1/2 cup semolina/rava

1/2 cup sour yogurt

Salt to taste

3-4 tablespoon coriander mint chutney

1 tablespoon oil

Water if needed

Pinch of baking powder

Take a bowl and add rava to it and microwave it for about one minute. Allow it to cool down. Add yogurt and salt to it and mix well. Allow it to rest for about 1 hour. After that add coriander mint chutney and baking powder to it and mix well.

Take idli steamer and allow water to boil. When water comes to boil apply oil on the idli mold dish and pour the batter. Do not fill too much. Steam it till it gets cooked. Say about 8-10 minutes on low to medium flame. Serve hot with tea or chutney of your choice.

Masala Muesli

My husband is very much found of diet and healthy food. So today I tried with muesli but with a twist. Instead of eating in breakfast I made it in dinner and that too masala.

For making Masala Muesli you will need :-

1 cup muesli soaked in buttermilk
Salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon pulav masala
2-3 tablespoon peas
2-3 tablespoon corn kernels
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon red chilly powder
 Pinch of Turmeric powder
Water as needed

Take a pan and add soaked muesli along with all the other ingredients except water. Allow it to cook little bit. Add water about 1/2 cup and mix well. Cook muesli till it gets cooked and water is soaked. Serve hot. I serve plain yogurt with masala muesli.

Rajma (Red Kidney Beans) Masala

On sunday I try to make recipes which my husband likes the most. So I made today one of his favorite Rajma Masala.

To make Rajma Masala you will need :-

1-1/2 cup of rajma boiled 

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon red chilly powder

1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

Salt to taste

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon cumin coriander powder

2-3 curry leaves

3-4 tablespoon oil

Water as needed

1/2 cup onion chopped

1/2 cup tomato chopped

2-3 cloves of garlic chopped

Take a bowl and soak rajma for about 3-4 hours. Take out water about and add new water  about 4 cups and pinch of salt and pressure cook for about 7-8 whistle (adjust as per your pressure cooker). Allow it to cool down. Take a pan and add oil to it. When the oil is warm then add cumin seeds and when it gets crackle add curry leaves to it. Be careful so that it does not splutter. Add chopped onion to it and saute till it get cooked. Add chopped tomatoes and garlic and saute it till it gets cooked. Add all the spices and mix well. Add boiled rajma to it and mix well.

Serve hot with roti or paratha.

Roti Atta (Dough)

Today I would like to share with you my experience when I came to United States. Here the whole wheat flour available is such that I was just not comfortable in my earlier days, say about 1-2 months. Then I found the secret to make roti atta as India by experimenting various things and methods. 

For making Roti Atta you will need :_

3 cups of whole wheat flour ( I used sujata whole wheat flour)

1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

1 tablespoon oil

1-1/4 cup lukewarm water

Take a bowl and add whole wheat flour and salt and mix well. Then slowly add half cup water while mixing the whole wheat flour. Add water as needed and make  not too soft dough nor too hard dough,  don't make it so soft that you find it difficult while rolling. Apply oil on dough and knead is again. Allow it to rest for atleast fifteen minutes covering the lid before making roti.

Sometimes I feel lazy so I make roti dough for 2 days and store in refrigerator in airtight container immediately after making dough, if I am using it next day. It stays good for the next day too and saves your time.

Instant Chocolate Cup Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Festival season is still continuing and I thought of making something different from traditional sweet, so I thought of making cup cake!!!

When you have to serve large amount of people as dessert this serve really good as each one have their own individual portion and you don't have to worry about serving the guest. I have skipped eggs and substituted with evaporated milk.

For making Instant Chocolate Cup Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting you will need :-

1 packet of Pillsbury Cake Mix

1 tin of evaporated milk

Oil quantity as shown on cake mix packet

Cup cake liners

Butter spray

Cream Cheese 1 packet (softened)

Zip lock bag

3-5 tablespoon sugar

Make cake batter as directed on packet. Arrange cup cake liners on the cup cake molded tray. Spray butter spray on each of them properly and then pour the cake batter uptil half. Bake it as directed on cake mix packet. Allow it to cool down. 

Take a bowl and add softened cream cheese and sugar and mix well. Fill it in ziplock bag and then one one corner cut it and make a cone shape. Design as per your choice. Serve your near and dear ones these goodies................

Instant Marble Cake

Today I am going to share with you instant marble cake with ready made cake mix. I am not eating eggs so instead of eggs I used evaporated milk and made this cake. I have used Pillsbury Cake Mix.

For making Instant Marble Cake you will need :-

 1/2 packet of  Pillsbury Chocolate cake mix

1/2 packet of Pillsbury Vanilla cake mix

1 tin of evaporated milk

Oil as needed (as shown on packet)

We have to make cake by using two cake mix so make cake mix separately. For one packet I use one tin of evaporated milk so for half of chocolate and half of vanilla you will need 1 tin equally dividing in each cake mix. Add oil as per one package by equally dividing in both cake mix. 

Take a cake mix tray and grease it with butter then first pour choclate cake mixture. Then add vanilla cake mixture. Do turn by turn till it gets filled. After that tap little bit to make it even. Take a toothpick and make a swirl pattern till bottom. Bake it as directed on cake mix packet. Allow it to cool down and serve to your loved ones.....

Green Chilly Instant Pickle

Days are getting colder, but not too much in California..... I like to have green chilly pickle in my menu during dinner in winter time. So today I made my very small batch of just 3-4 days and though to share with you.

For making Green Chilly Pickle you will need :-

4 green chillies 

1/4 teaspoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds flakes (rai na kuriya)

Salt to taste

1/4 teaspoon oil

Pinch of turmeric powder

Take green chillies and wash it properly. Remove the stem of it. Slit in between and make small pieces out of it. Add all the other ingredients and mix well. Cover it with lid and store in refrigerator. 

Use after one day so that all the flavors gets mixed in it. Always keep this in refrigerator as it has very little oil in it.

Pickled Salad

I am food lover. I try to make different dish with the same ingredients. Today I tried with pickled salad and though let me share with you. This is very simple and easy recipe with just 4 ingredients and that also too spicy!!!!

To make Pickled Salad you will need :-

1 cup diced cucumber (peeled)

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

1/4 teaspoon sour pickle masala (available in Indian grocery store)

Salt to taste

Take a bowl and add cucumber, tomatoes and pickle masala. Adjust pickle masala quantity, the amount you can handle spice in it. Add salt as per your taste.  Mix well and serve.

You can also add carrot, cabbage, beetroot, etc if you like.

Palak Panner (Homestyle)

I like to make my food by adding and deleting ingredients which my family likes. I prefer to make it simple although tasty. I made Palak Panner homestyle by adding tomatoes in it and by deleting cashew paste.

To make Palak Panner you will need :-

3 cups of palak (spinach) puree

1-1/2 cup of puree of mix of onion and tomatoes (equal proportion of each)

2 cloves of garlic

1 tablespoon red chilly powder

1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon coriander cumin powder

Salt to taste

3-4 tablespoon oil

1/2 tablespoon cumin seeds

Water as needed

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

1 cup panner diced

Take a pan and add oil to it. Add cumin seeds and allow it to crackle. Add onion and tomatoe puree to it. Allow it to cook little bit. Add palak puree and mix well. Cover it with lid and stir in between till it gets cooked properly. Add all the spices and panner to it. Mix well and allow it to blend in gravy. 

Do try this homestyle recipe and you will love it as it suppress bitterness of palak without adding cashew.

Serve hot with naan, roti or paratha.

Cabbage Peas Subji

I make simple subji although trying with new combination for my lunch or dinner. Today I am sharing you cabbage peas subji.

To make cabbage peas subji you will need :-

2 cup of chopped cabbage
1/4 cup peas
2-3 tablespoon oil
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin and coriander powder
1 teaspoon red chilly powder
Salt to taste
1/4 cup mustard seeds

Take a pan and add oil to it. Add mustard seeds and allow it to crackle. Add chopped cabbage and peas to it. Saute it. When it gets cooked add all the spices and mix well. Serve hot with roti or paratha.

Peas and Corn Handvo

I have shared earlier fenugreek handvo and spinach handvo. Today I came up with new variety i.e. peas and corn handvo.

For making Peas and Corn Handvo you will need :-

1 cup handvo flour

1 cup blanched peas and corn

Salt to taste

2-3 tablespoon ginger chilly paste

1 cup yogurt

Water as needed

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/4 teaspoon red chilly powder

1 teaspoon sesame seeds

6-7 tablespoon oil

2-3 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

Soak handvo flour with yogurt and ginger chilly paste for about 5-6 hours. Add water as needed to make batter little liquidy. After 5-6 hours add all the spices except mustard seeds and sesame seeds.Take a frying pan and add oil to it. Heat the oil and add mustard seeds to it. Add sesame seeds, be careful they will splutter. Pour handvo mixture and cover it with lid and cook one side till it gets brown or cooked properly. Flip it over and cook another side.

Serve hot or at room temperature with chundo or chutney.

Corn Cauliflower and Spinach Subji

I like to try with different combination of subji. I tried with corn and cauliflower and spinach with that. I made it little simple for my everyday dinner.

For making corn, cauliflower and spinach subji you will need :-

1 cup of cauliflower florets
1 cup chopped spinach
1 cup corn kernels
Salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon coriander and cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon red chilly powder
1-2 teaspoon oil
Water as needed

Take a frying pan and add oil to it. Add mustard seeds when oil gets hot and allow it to crackle. Add cauliflower and corn kernels to it. Saute it for about 1-2 minutes. Cover with lid. Allow it to cook little bit. Then add spinach to it and then mix well and cover it with lid and allow it to cook. Add water 2-3 tablespoon if needed. When it gets cooked add all the spices and mix well. Allow the spices to blend in vegetables. 

Serve hot with roti or paratha.

Vagheralo (Masala) Handvo

This is one of my favorite left over recipe. I always make any handvo in bulk so on the next day I can enjoy this extra masala handvo and that too spicy......

For making Masala Handvo you will need :-

2 cups handvo pieces
1 teaspoon chilly powder
1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
Salt to taste
2-3 tablespoon oil

Take a pan and oil to it and heat it and then add mustard seeds to it. Allow it to crackle. Add handvo pieces and all the spices to it. Mix it well and serve hot.

Khichadi Paratha (Dhebra/Thepla)

Hey guys festival season is going on and I try to make as many as possible new dishes for you. Today I am sharing you quick and easy Khichadi Paratha. It can be easy solution to your lunch or dinner when you have left over khichadi. I serve in breakfast also.

To make Khichadi Paratha you will need "-

1-1/2 cup whole wheat flour

5-6 tablespoon khichadi (any)

1 teaspoon ginger chilly paste

3-4 tablespoon yogurt

1-2 teaspoon oil

1/2 teaspoon carrom seeds

1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds

1/4 teaspoon garam masala

Salt to taste

1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

Oil for shallow fry

Pinch of turmeric powdeer

Take a bowl and mix all the ingredients and if the dough gets little liquidy then dont panic. Add some whole wheat flour to it. If your dough gets too hard then add 2-3 teaspoon water. So in this recipe you can adjust your proportions. Make dough like dhebra (recipe is already posted).

Take a small piece of it and roll with the help of dough and then roast on skillet. When it gets cooked both sides then add oil one side and cook it. Flip it over and add oil on other side and cook. When it gets cooked both sides take out from flame and serve anytime.

I serve with chundo (shredded mango), mango pickle and masala yogurt.

Potato Peas Samosa

Happy Diwali to all of you. I just love Diwali, it just feel the air with lights and happiness. When I was in India I used to decorate house, place diyas and make rangoli and arrange fresh flowers. Here I can do all such stuff but it does not give feeling as India.

 I invite some close friends to my house and then we arrange small diwali party and enjoy.......I thought of making a light appetizer although Indian  to serve to my friends so I tried with samosas this time. 

For making Samosa you will need :-

For Filling :-

3-4 boiled and mashed potaoes

4-5 tablespoon boiled  green peas

2 tablespoon ginger chilly paste (adjust to your taste)

1 teaspoon garam masala

Salt to taste

1-2 tablespoon sugar (optional)

4-5 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves

Pinch of turmeric powder

1 teaspoon dry mango powder

2-3 tablespoon oil

2-3 curry leaves

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

Oil for frying

For outer coverage :-

1-1/2 cup all purpose flour

Salt to taste

6-7 tablespoon oil

Water as needed

Take a bowl and mix potatoes, ginger chilly paste, garam masala, sugar, coriander, peas, mango powder. Keep it aside. Now heat up oil and add mustard seeds to it and then cumin seeds to it. Allow it to crackle. Then add curry leaves carefully (they will splutter) and pour this tampering in potato peas mixture. Allow it to cool down.

Take a bowl and make a firm dough by adding all purpose flour, salt and oil. Add water slowly and as and when needed. Keep it aside.

Roll oval shape poori out of dough and the cut in middle. Take one semicircle of it and roll like cone and seal it with your fingers by pressing it. Don't cover from top. Fill the potato peas mixture in the cone and then seal it.

Make in small batches and then heat up oil and then fry them at medium heat. Turn on other side and cook it. Take out and serve hot with your favorite chutney.

I just love samosa, I can eat it anytime. Enjoy on holidays.....

Handy Carry Out for your Picnic (Go Picnic Snacks)

I go to grocery store and whenever I find new items on rack than I do try them. Also I also check that they are egg-free and vegetarian. Today I am sharing with you "Go Picnic" snacks and carry out small meals/snacks for your next outdoor trip or you can munch on them at home too. 

I am sharing you few of them, more variety you can find in stores like Ralphs & Target.

1. Go Picnic - creamy vegetable spread and multigrain cracker

2. Go Picnic- Three bean dip and Tortilla chips

3.Go Picnic- Creamy Herb dip and multigrain pita chips

This saves your time for getting chips separately and dips to go with it.

Mixed Dal (Oil Free)

I like to make traditional recipes with a twist while maintaining the taste or getting to another level. My husband has gone on diet from 2 weeks so he asked me to make something oil free although tasty and have all the nutrients. So then came to my mind lets try with the mix dal.

To make Mixed Dal (oil free) you will need :-

4 tablespoon mung dal (split with skin)

3 tablespoon mung dal (split without skin)

4 tablespoon urad dal

4 tablespoon chana dal

4 tablespoon tuvar dal

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/2 teaspoon carrom seeds

1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds

2 tablespoon garlic and chilly chutney

1 teaspoon coriander and cumin powder

1 teaspoon red chilly powder (optional)

Salt to taste

4 tablespoon chopped onion

4 tablespoon chopped tomatoes (optional)

Water as needed

Take a bowl and soak all the dal for 4-5 hours and wash them 3-4 times before soaking. Pressure cook dal for about 6-7 whistles and add 1-2 cups of water while cooking. After it gets cooled down add all the spices and chopped onion to it and cook properly. Add Garlic and chilly chutney and tomatoes after all the spices get  mixed. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

 Serve hot with roti or paratha. It goes very well with rice, papad and chopped onion.

Dabeli

I am very much found of street food. Among them dabeli is one of my favorite. It like it very much because it is spicy and it has my most favorite ingredient i.e. potato.....

 I can eat atleast two dabeli at time. It has been long time I haven't tried any Indian street food as I am here (USA). I am just waiting when can I go India and have such wonderful street food. Also the one made on larries taste just too good.... They have some unique taste, already my mouth started watering when I remember those dabeli which I used to eat on street....

To make dabeli you will need :-

2 potatoes boiled and mashed

3 tablespoon dabeli masala (adjust to your taste)

2 teaspoon sugar

Salt to taste

4-5 teaspoon water

4-5 tablespoon oil

2-3 tablespoon gram sev

2-3 tablespoon pomegranate seeds/ grapes

4-5 tablespoon cilantro and mint chutney

4-5 tablespoon tamarind and date chutney

2-3 tablespoon chopped onion

2-3 teaspoon butter

2 buns

1/2 teaspoon garlic chutney

Take a pan and add oil to it and when it gets hot add mashed potatoes, dabeli masala, sugar, salt and water. Allow mixture to cool down. 

Now add butter to griddle and roast buns both sides with butter. Take out of flame. Then take a plate and put one side of bun and apply date and tamarind chutney, potato mixture, pomegranate seeds, chopped onion and gram sev. On the other side of bun apply cilantro and mint chutney and garlic chutney and cover on the side where you have put other things. Serve hot with ketchup or chutney.

Fenugreek Handvo (Spicy Lentil Cake)

I just love fresh fenugreek leaves....I use to make different type of subji, dhebra (paratha) add in salad, etc. I like it so much so I try to add in many of the recipes where it is possible. Today I thought of adding in handvo and you won't believe it turned out so good. Even it was liked by my husband too much and so I have thought of making it again and again.

For making it you will need :-

2 cups handvo flour

1 cup washed and chopped fresh/frozen fenugreek leaves

1/2 cup yogurt

Salt to taste

1 teaspoon ginger chilly paste

1 teaspoon red chilly paste

1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon sesame seeds

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

5-6 tablespoon oil

Water as needed

Take a bowl and add handvo flour, yogurt and water as needed to make a batter consistency and soak for about 5-6 hours. After that add ginger chilly paste, turmeric powder, fenugreek leaves, sugar, salt and red chilly powder to it. After that take a pan and add oil to it and add mustard seeds to it and allow it to crackle. Add sesame seeds to it. Pour the batter and allow it to cook one side. Cover it with lid. Flip it over carefully and then cook other side till crispy. Serve with tea or shreddded mango pickle.

Masala Muth Beans (Matki) Sprout

As the nutrient content increases by making sprout of any lentil, I used to make mung and muth sprouts many times. I also add them in my salads, chat, etc.

For making muth beans sprout you will need :-

1/2 cup muth washed and soaked in water

Salt to taste

1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chilly powder

Lemon juice as per taste

2-3 tablespoon oil

1 cup water

1/2 teaspoon coriander and cumin  powder

1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds

Take a bowl and soak muth atleast 1/3 finger portion above its level for 8-9 hours and cover with lid. Take lid after 8-9 hours and you will notice it has soaked almost all water. Drain remaining water. Then again cover it with lid and then keep it again for 8-9 hours. You will see sprouts have come out of muth beans.

Now take a pan and add oil and allow mustard seeds to crackle. Add muth and water. Stir in between very gently. Allow it to cook. When it gets cooked add all the spices and serve with lemon juice on top of it.

Pani Puri (only puri)

I am big fan of spicy food and in that one comes pani puri. Puri plays an important part in that. So lets make it today.

For making pani puri- puri you will need :-

1 cup samolina 

2-3 tablespoon all purpose flour

Salt to taste

Oil for frying

Water as needed

Take a bowl and add all the things except oil. Make a little firm dough. Cover it with cloth. Make small balls of it and then roll it and make a stack of it so they don't dry out. Heat oil in frying pan and when it get sizzle add puri one by one and fry on medium heat. Cook both sides and then take it out and then allow it to cool down. You can enjoy than this puri's......

Bataka (Poha) Poha

If you want to eat something quickly or want to get out yourself from lengthy cooking than try this bataka poha.

For making bataka poha you will need :-

1 cup poha soaked in water and drained

4-5 tablespoon chopped potato

4-5 tablespoon chopped onion

2-3 tablespoon tomato chopped

2-3 tablespoon coriander leaves chopped

1/4 tablespoon turmeric powder

1 chopped green chilly

1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds

1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds

4-5 teaspoon oil

1 tablespoon sugar

Salt to taste

2-3 curry leaves

Take a pot and add oil in it. Add mustard seeds and allow it to cracke. Add cumin seeds and curry leaves to it. Add chopped potato to it and allow it to get tender. Add onion chopped to it and allow it to get tender little bit and then add tomato chopped to it and cook well. Add green chillies to it. Add poha and all the other remaining things and mix well. Cover lid and allow it to get cooked for a minute or so. Serve hot....

Walnut Vanilla Instant Cake Slice (Microwave Recipe)

Who does not like cake? And that to make it instantly is add cream on the top of hot chocolate.....

I tried in small proportion and it turned out really good.

For making Walnut Vanilla Instant Cake Slice you will need :-

1 cup of Pillsbury Vanilla Cake Mix

4-5 teaspoon ghee

1-2 tablespoon walnut pieces

10-11 spoon of milk

Take a microwavable bowl and grease it. Take vanilla cake mix, ghee and milk in bowl and mix well. Pour in microwavable bowl and microwave it for a minute. Check it and if it is not cooked than cook it again for 30-40 seconds. Allow it to cool down. Make slice of your choice and enjoy anytime...... 

Corn Chevda

Festival season is going on so I thought of making different snacks. I started with making corn chevda at home. Corn chevda is very easy to make.

To make Corn Chevda you will need :-

1 cup corn poha (dry)- available in Indian Grocery Store

1 teaspoon powder sugar

6-7 peanuts

2-3 curry leaves

1/2 teaspoon red chilly powder

 Salt to taste

Oil for frying

Take a pot and add oil to it and allow oil to get hot. Add corn poha a bunch of it in oil but be careful at the time of putting it in oil. Allow it to fry little bit and then take into dish. Fry peanuts till it get brown little bit, also fry curry leaves after turning off the heat of oil. Be careful curry leaves splutter a lot. Take all these to the fried corn poha and add all the spices and mix well. Allow it to cool down and then store in container.

This chevda stays good for about 20-25 days.

Indian Potato Katri avaiable (in USA) at....

Hey guys I go on searching products which will make your work easy to find stuff and that to which has an Indian taste. I am sharing you the salted katri (potato thin strips) which is available easily in your nearby grocery store at Ralphs (Kroger), Smart & Final, Albertsons & Wholesome Choice Foods.

This is "Pik-Nik Original salted shoestring potatoes", it  taste as our Balaji Salted chevda available in India. This can help you during fasting and no hassle to go and buy from Indian Grocery Store.

Also in Ralphs (Kroger) store, I found out Kroger brand " Original Potato Sticks", they are same as katri.

Left over tip (Khichadi Gota/ savory fried dumplings)

I have left over very small amount of Khichadi, what to do? I thought of making gota/vada out of it.

Just add gram flour, yogurt, ginger chilly paste, salt, sugar and coriander leaves along with little mashed khichadi and add water if desired to make a vada/ gota batter and fry them and enjoy with your favorite chutney........

I am sure when you mash khichadi completely nobody is going to know what you have added in it (khichadi)!!!

Tip of the day (Corn Flakes Roasted Chevda)

Corn flakes are available in Indian grocery store, but chevda can be prepared only by frying them. So I thought why not try with Kellogs Corn Flakes (Original)......

 I prepared roasted chevda from it. Buy them from the store nearby you and just roast it for few minutes. Then add spices and oil and you can further roast in oven or on stove and your roasted corn flakes chevda is ready.

Tip of the day (Potato, Potato wedges and Sweet Potato fries)

Indian festival season have started and still the days are going busy too, so lets try some easy food ideas which can be made easily and also with less effort.

Try kroger Potato, Potato wedges and Sweet Potato fries available in frozen section, just fry them when you have sudden guest at your house or you just want to munch on.

It is available in Walmart and Ralps stores.

KNORR ready pack egg-free and vegetarian are....

On a lazy day you may reduce your work of cooking by using this Knorr sides and sauce mix.

1. Knorr Fiesta sides - Taco rice and Spanish Rice

2. Knorr- Pesto sauce mix, Garlic and herb sauce mix, Parma rosa sauce mix, Alfredo sauce mix

Frozen Egg-free toast (garlic and cheese) available at...

When suddenly any party is planned at your place or you have potluck and you don't want to cook than try this below mentioned egg-free garlic and mozzarella toast. I tasted it and it taste really good and very easy to prepare.

1. Pepperidge Farm-  Texas toast, Mozzarella and Monterrey Jack Toast and Garlic Butter and Cheese toast.

2. Mamma Bella- Garlic Bread

Both these variety does not have eggs in it. Also this is very handy when it has in your frozen section and you can enjoy with soup or any dip of your choice.