MOUSSE DE MARACUJA ( Eggless Passion Fruit Mousse)

This is a very easy dessert made with passion fruit. As the fruit is quite sour the mousse sets very well without the addition of egg white.

Ingredients:
Maracuja pulp or concentrate - 1 can
Condensed milk ..... 1 can
Cream ........ 1 can
( all three have to be equal quantity)

For Garnishing:
Passion fruit ... 1 (to use the seeds for garnishing)
Sugar ... 4-5 tsps.

Method:
1. Take all the three ingredients in the list 1 and blend in a mixer.
2. Pour them in a serving dish / bowl and refrigerate.
3. Cut the maracuja fruit and scoop out  the seeds.
4. In a pan add sugar and the seeds and cook on low flame stirring it until the sugar is melted.
5. Let it cool.
6. Pour it on the maracuja mousse before serving it.

HASSELBACK POTATOES WITH CHICKEN ROAST

Hasselback potatoes are a perfect accompaniment to your grilled meats or fish. Select large potatoes for this. You have to carefully make thin slices upto 3/4 th of the potato. The tip for doing this easily is to place the potato on the chopsticks and this way the knife will not reach the bottom. After slicing immerse them in ice cold water for some time. You will see them opening up like a fan. This makes it easier to spoon in the herbed butter.

Ingredients:
Potatoes - 2 large ( or as needed)
Butter ..... 2-3 spoons. (you may use olive oil too)
Oregano .. 1 tbsp (you may use any herbs available, dry or fresh)
Salt .... to taste ( if using salted butter you can skip it)

Method:
1. Place the potatoes on the chopsticks and make thin slices upto 3/4 th of it. Immerse them in ice cold water. They will open up like a fan.
2. Melt the butter and mix the herbs and salt. If you are using salted butter you can skip adding or add very little.
3. Spoon the herbed butter in between the slices.
4. Wrap them in a foil paper.
5. Bake them in the oven for 40-45 minutes.
In the final stage you can add some fresh herbs, grated cheese, paprika or black pepper if you like.
Serve them with grilled meats / fish.

For the Chicken Roast :

Chicken ..... 2 leg & thigh pieces
Garlic ...... 1 tsp (crushed)
Lemon juice .. 1-2 tbsps
salt ............ to taste
Red chilli powder .. 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder .. 1/2 tsp
Garam masala powder .. 1/2 tsp
Oil ............. 1 tbsp

Method:
1. Clean the chicken and make light cuts on the surface.
2. Mix all the marination ingredients and rub on the chicken. Leave it for a few hours.
3. Place it on a greased tray and bake in a pre-heated oven turning the side once in between.
It takes 40 - 45 minutes.The time may vary a bit depending on the size and type of oven.

CHANA DAL SALAD

Delicious and chatpata chana dal salad.!
Recipe idea is from Jagruti's Cooking Odyssey. She made with moong dal. I have tried it out with chana dal and few of the ingredients are different because I don't get raw mangoes and sev here. You can go ahead and add anything of your liking. Variations are endless.

Ingredients:
Chana dal .... 3/4 th cup
Onion ....... 1/4 cup
Tomato ... 1 small
Cucumber .. Half
Carrot ...... a small piece
Coriander leaves .. handful
Lettuce ....... 1/2 cup
Roasted and crushed cumin seeds ... 1 tsp ( you may use chaat masala instead )
Salt .... to taste
Black pepper ... 1/4 tsp
Red chilli flakes .. as pre your liking ( optional )
Lemon juice ... 2 tbsps
Olive oil ... 1 tbsp

Method:
1. Soak chana dal for 5-6 hours or overnight. Boil adding salt until done but not mushy. The grains should remain separate.
2. Cut the onion and cucumber and carrot finely.
3. Remove the seeds and juice from the tomato and cut it into pieces.
4. Break the lettuce into small pieces with your hand.. (never use a knife to cut the lettuce)
5. In a big bowl mix all the ingredients together.
This can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Tip: you may add sweet chutney, mint chutney and sev or boondi for a change.

RAJMA WITH ALOO

Aloo is one vegetable that can be added to any curry. Today I tried the combo of aloo and rajma.
It turned out very delicious.

Ingredients:
Rajma ... 1/2 cup
Potatoes .. 1 large
Onion .... 1  grated)
Tomato... 1
Ginger ... 1 inch piece (grated)
Garlic ... 1 tsp (crushed)
Green chillies .. 1-2
Coriander leaves .. handful
Turmeric powder ... 1/2 tsp
Red chilli powder ... 1/4 tsp
Garam masala ...... 1/2 tsp
Oil .... 1-2 tbsps

Method:
1. Soak rajma preferably over-night. Boil them in a pressure cooker adding salt until cooked.
2. Peel the potato and cut into cubes. Fry it and set aside. (you may use boiled one if you like)
3. In a pan heat oil and fry the grated onion to golden brown colour.
4. Tip in the chopped green chillies, ginger, garlic and tomato. Saute until everything is cooked.
5. Add enough water as per your preference. Bring to a boil and add the salt and spice powders.
6. Mix in the boiled rajma and fried aloo. Add the coriander leaves.
7. Simmer until done.
Serve with rice.

RAJ KACHORI

Raj kachori is a Shahi Snack from Rajasthan. A crispy puffed puri is made and filled with various stuffings like potato, chana, moong , papdi, sweet chutney mint chutney, onion, curd and topped with fine sev. What could be a better choice than this for our first potluck party..The concept of potluck party where we bring various dishes, serve little of each into our plates and relish them together is similar isn't it..

Ingredients:
For the kachori:
Maida / flour .... 1/4 cup
Fine semolina .. 1/4 cup
Salt ........... to taste
Oil / ghee .. 2-3 tbsps.

1.Mix the flour,semolina, salt and ghee well. Knead into a soft dough adding a little water as needed and set aside.
2. Make 2 small puris. Spread oil one a puri, sprinkle little flour and place the other puri on top of it. Now together you roll them into a bigger puri.( the size that you prefer)
3. Deep fry on low flame to get a crispy texture.

For the filling:
Potato .... 1 boiled and cut into pieces
Chana .... soaked overnight and boiled with salt
Moong ..... Soaked overnight and boiled with salt.
Papdi ...... fried out of the same dough (small pieces)
Onion..... finely chopped
Sweet chutney .... See recipe  HERE
Mint chutney ...... See recipe  HERE
Yogurt ............ whipped
Chat masala / bhuna jeera crushed
Salt .......... to taste
Red chilli powder
Sev ......... since I don't get sev here I have replaced it with fried crushed papad

To assemble the Kachori:

Make a hole on the top. Fill all the ingredients one by one into it.
Pour the whipped yogurt and chutneys on top. Sprinkle chat masala or bhuna jeera, chilli powder according to your liking. Finally top it with fine sev.

 Serve immediately.

Friends,
Here is a lovely song .. Enjoy !
I am dedicating it to all of us .... KITCHEN QUEENS !

WAH JI WAH WAH JI WAH WAH JI WAH WAH WAH .....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU6kDf71sF8

Linking this to  POTLUCK PARTY
Hosted @ Jagruti's Cooking Odessey

MOQUECA DE PEIXE ( Brazilian Fish Curry )

This is a Brazilian fish curry from the state of Bahia. The Bahian food is mostly cooked with Oleo de Dende (Palm oil ) which is reddish and thick and has its own distinct flavor.The colour and the flavours of the palm oil are incorporated in the curry. No additional spices are added to it.

Ingredients:
Fish .... 200 gms ( select a variety with center bone)
Onion .... 1 (cut into rings)
Red, green & yellow capsicums / bell peppers  - few rings of each
Tomato ..... 1 (cut into rings)
Coriander leaves ... 1/2 cup
Garlic .... 1 tsp
Palm oil (oleo de dende) .. 2-3 tbsps
Coconut milk .... half cup
Vegetable or sea food stock -- 1 cup
Lemon juice -- 2 tbsps
Salt ... to taste

Method:
1. Clean and marinate the fish with lemon juice and salt.
2. Take a thick bottomed vessel and pour the palm oil.
3. Spread the onion rings in the bottom and place the fish slices over them.
4. Now place the bell pepper rings and also the tomato rings. Top it with coriander leaves.
5. Add salt, garlic and the stock. Bring to a boil and simmer to cook for 10 minutes.
6. Now stir in the coconut milk carefully and cook further for a few minutes.

                                      Serve with plain rice.

FRIED SQUID / CALAMARI / LULA

This is a simple recipe of fried squid with some spices. I saw these fresh and jumbo squid in the market and couldn't resist buying them. I prefer to buy the cleaned ones as it is a tedious process. In Brazil it is known as lula.

Ingredients:
Squid / calamari / lula .... 3-4  OR as needed
Garlic paste ........... 1 tsp
Lemon juice .......... 2 tbsps
Olive oil .............. 1 tbsp (Optional)
Oregano ............ 1 tsp
Red chilli powder .. as per your liking
Cumin powder  ... 1 tsp
Flour / maida ..... 2 tbsps
Salt ..... to taste
Oil ... to fry

Method:
1. Wash the squid and slit them on both the sides as shown in the image. This makes it look attractive.
2. Marinate them with lemon juice, salt, garlic, oregano and olive oil.
3. Remove them on a plate and sprinkle the red chillies and cumin powder on both sides.
4. Next you sprinkle the flour on them.
5. Heat oil in a pan and fry the squid for 3-4 minutes on each side.
6. Do not over fry them because the texture will become rubbery.
7. Alternately if you want to roast them on a hot iron griddle then you skip the flour part. Just remove from the marination and place them on the griddle turning sides. Should be done in 7-8 minutes.

CHETTINAD CHUKKA CHICKEN

Chettinad Cuisine is one of the most spiciest and aromatic cuisines of India, from the Chettinad region of Tamilnad State.in South India. It is very famous for its Spicy & pungent non vegetarian dishes. These are mostly served with plain rice or doasa, appams, idiappams, adais & idlis. This is a recipe of a spicy dry chicken preparation... goes well with dosas or as a side dish with dal chawal..

Ingredients:

Chicken ... 250 gms ( preferably with bones)

Onion..... 1 

Ginger ... 1 inch piece ( grated)

Garlic .... 1 tsp (crushed)

Chettinad masala .. 1 & 1/2 tbsps 

Salt ... to taste

Turmeric powder .. 1/2 tsp

Tamarind juice or lemon juice ... 2 tbsps

Oil ... 2 tbsps

Coriander leaves .. for garnishing.

For tempering:

Mustard seeds .. 1 tbsp

Asafoetida ... a pinch

Curry leaves ... 1 sprig

Dry red chillies .. 2-3

Oil .......... 1 tbsp

For Chettinad Masala :

Ingredients:

Cumin seeds ... 2 tbsps

Sesame seeds .. 3 tbsps

Poppy seeds.... 2-3 tbsps

Pepper corns ... 1 tbsp

Dry red chillies .. 5-6

Cloves ... 6-8

Cardamoms ... 8

Cinnamon .... 2 pieces

Peanuts ... handful

Dry dessicated coconut .. 3-4 tbsps

 Dry roast and grind these ingredients. Store in a sterilized dry bottle. You can use it as and when required.

Method:

1. Cut the chicken into small pieces and chicken with bones tastes better in this recipe.

2. Heat 2 tbsps oil in a pan and add the sliced onion. Saute until golden brown in colour.

3. Add ginger, garlic, green chillies and saute for half a minute. 

4. Now tip in the chicken pieces and stir fry on a reduced flame until you get a nice colour.

5. Add the turmeric powder and salt to taste. Sprinkle little water and simmer to cook until almost done.

6. Mix one and half tbsps of Chettinad masala with the tamarind juice or lemon juice. Dilute with little water to mix well.

7. In a separate pan, heat one tbsp of oil and add the tempering ingredients.

8. When they crackle, add the Chettinad masala mixed with tanmarind juice or lemon juice that you had kept ready.

9. Stir well and tip in the chicken pieces. Carefully toss them with the masala until well coated and cooked.

10. Garnish with coriander leaves.

EGG & MACARONI SANDWICH

Ingredients:
Macaroni ...     1/2 cup (boiled)
Eggs .........      2
Onion ......        2 tbsps (finely chopped)
Green chillies .. 1 (finely chopped)
Coriander leaves .. 2 tbsps
Cheese (grated).....1 tbsps (optional)
Salt ...... to taste
Bread slices ... as needed
Oil .....  2 tbsps

Method:
1. In a pan add oil and saute the onion until translucent.
2. Add the chillies, coriander leaves and salt.
3. Add the eggs and scramble them.
4. Mix the boiled macaroni and stir.
5. Add the grated cheese and stir until it melts.
6. Spread the filling on a bread slice. Place  another one on top and grill the sandwiches.

Note: You can skip green chillies if you are making for kids. You may also add black pepper if you like.
You can also use any  left over pasta.

ALOO KI DAL

ALOO KI DAL 

Yes, you heard it right... ever tried making dal with just boiled and mashed potatoes ? It is as tasty as any dal made with lentils.
Here is the recipe.

Ingredients:

Potatoes - 2 large

Tomato ... 1

Ginger ... 1 inch piece (grated)

Garlic .... 1 tsp (crushed)

Green chillies .. 2 

Turmeric powder .. 1/4 tsp

Amchoor powder .. 1/2 tsp

Red chilli powder .. 1/4 tsp ( or as per taste)

Coriander leaves .. handful

Salt ..... to taste

For Tempering:

Asafoetida .. a generous pinch

Cumin seeds .. 1 tbsp

Curry leaves .. few

Dry red chillies .. 1-2 broken

Oil .... 2-3 tbsps

Method:

1. Boil and mash the potatoes. Add a little water and blend with a hand grinder or in a blender.

2. Heat oil in a pan and add the tempering ingredients. 

3. When they crackle, add the chopped tomato, green chillies, ginger, garlic and saute until the tomato is cooked.

4. Now add the blended potato and the required quantity of water. ( according to the consistency you like)

5. Stir in the salt and the spice powders mentioned in the list.

6. Finally add the coriander leaves. 

Serve with plain rice.

 Serves 4

Note: If you want to serve it with puris and rotis you can make the consistency thicker.

VERMICELLI UPMA / SEMIYA UPMA

 This is a South Indian breakfast dish. Savoury vermicelli cooked with onion and spices is served with coconut chutney.

Ingredients:
Vermicelli ......... 1 cup
Onion ................ 1 small
Ginger-garlic paste...1 tbsp.
Turmeric powder ..... 1/2 tsp.
Green chillies .............1 slit
Mustard seeds ...........1 tsp.
Cumin seeds .............. 1 tsp.
Dry red chillies ......... 2
Asafoetida ............... a pinch
Curry leaves........... 5-6
Oil
Salt to taste

Method:
1. Heat 2-3 tbsp. oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, broken red chillies and asafoetida.
2. When the seeds splutter, add the curry leaves and ginger-garlic pasteand green chilli.
3. Cut the onion finely and add .Stir fry for a minute.
4. Now add the vermicelli and fry it for 2-3 minutes. Add the salt and turmeric powder.
5. Boil 2 cups water and add. Mix well and simmer it till done.
Serve with coconut chutney.

VEG RUSSIAN SALAD

This creamy mayonnaise based salad is a popular one always served in most of the restaurants. It can be easily made at home. This is one of my favourite salads. I have just made the vegetarian version. You may even make it with boiled chicken , eggs prawns.,

Ingredients:
Carrots ... 1 small
Potato ..... 1 small
Beans ..... 6-7
Green Peas .. handful
Cauliflower .. 1/4 cup
Capsicums/bell peppers (green, red & yellow) little of each colour
Celery .... 1 small
Mayonnaise ... 1/2 cup (or more if you like)
Salt ... to taste
White pepper .. 1/8 tsp.
Lettuce leaves &  tomato ... to garnish

Method:


1. Cut all the vegetables into small pieces.
2. Boil the vegetables (except celery) one by one in salt water. This is because some vegetables take more time to cook and some are done faster. Make sure not to over cook them. They have to be crunchy. Drain and let them cool.

3. In a large bowl mix the vegetables, mayonnaise, salt and black pepper. Now add the finely chopped celery. Refrigerate until you serve.
4. Garnish the salad plate with lettuce leaves and a tomato rose.

You may add any veggies of your choice. I have used eggless mayonnaise in this recipe as it is easily available in India.

VANGI BHATH

This is a very popular and delicious one pot meal in the Maharashtrian Cuisine. Vangi means brinjals (eggplant) It is flavoured with a  peanut based spicy and tangy masala along with fried brinjals.

Ingredients:
Rice - 2 cupsbased sweet
Brinjal - 2 chopped
Cumin Seeds - 3/4 tsp
Red Chilli Powder - 1/2 tsp
Turmeric Powder – ¼ tsp
Tamarind Juice - 2 tsps
Jaggery – small piece
Groundnuts - 3 to 4 sps
Salt to taste.
Coriander Leaves - for garnishing

Roast (in little oil) & Dry Grind:Urad Dal - 2 tbsp
Chana Dal - 2 tbsp
Coriander Seeds - 2 tsp
Dry Red Chillies - 5 to 6
Curry Leaves - 1 sprig
Dry Coconut - 100 gms

Method:
1.Wash and cook rice.
2.Roast urad dal, chana dal, coriander seeds, dry red chillies, curry leaves, dry coconut in little oil and dry grind along with tamarind juice and jaggery.
3.Fry the brinjals.
4.Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, some curry leaves, groundnuts, chana dal ½ sp, urad dal ½ sp and let them crackle.
5.Now add the ground paste, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, salt and mix well.
6.Add the brinjals and the cooked rice and mix well till evenly coated.
7.Garnish with coriander leaves.

BEEHA / BEA PALAK

Beeha / bea  ( lotus stem / kamal kakdi ) is one of the delicacy in the Sindhi Cuisine. We have a variety of preparations with this vegetable like daag wari bhaji, seyala bhaji, beeha ji tikki, chutney wara beeha, beehan ja pakora etc etc... When in season we add it to almost all the curries and meats.Cleaning this is the toughest part because it is covered with mud and kept fresh by sprinkling water over it. We have to wash it very well before using. Scrape the outer skin and cut into slanting slices. This way it will not be very hairy when you bite it. Today's recipe is beeha palak.

Ingredients:
Palak / spinach .... 1 bunch
Bea / beeha ....... 10-12 slices
Onion .....      1
Tomato ..... 1
Green chillies ... 2-3
Ginger ...... 1 tsp (grated)
Garlic .... 1 tsp ( crushed)  - you can add more too . It tastes better.
Turmeric powder .. 1/4 tsp
Coriander powder   1 tsp
Cumin powder ...... 1 tsp
Red chilli powder .. 1/4 tsp
Salt ... to taste
Oil .... 3-4 tbsps

Method:
1. Scrape the bea (lotus stem) wash well and cut slanting slices. Boil adding salt preferably in a pressure cooker.
2. Chop the palak and wash it well.
3. In a pan add oil and saute the sliced onion until translucent.
4. Add the ginge,r garlic, green chillies and tomato. Saute until tomato is cooked.
5. Now add the palak, salt and the dry spice powders mentioned.
6. Simmer it adding a little water until half done.
7. Now tip in the lotus stem slices and add a little water if needed.
8. Cook on very low flame stirring occasionally.

Serve with rotis.

Tip: If you like the garlic flavour add a tadka of crushed garlic wth a pinch of red chilli powder in the end before serving. It gives good colour and taste.

SHIITAKE WITH SPINACH

This is a simple stir-fried recipe of Shitake with spinach. It can be relished on its own with garlic bread or as a side dish with grilled meats or served on a bed of spaghetti.

Ingredients:
Shiitake mushrooms ... 7-8
Spinach ............. 1 bunch ( choose tender spinach )
Basil ..... 1 tsp (dry basil)
Fresh cream ..... 3-4 tbsps
Black pepper .... 1/2 tsp
Salt ............ to taste
Olive oil ..... 2-3 tbsps

Method:
1 Was the Shiitake mushrooms and cut into big pieces.
2. Was the spinach leaves and blanch them.
3. In a pan, heat oil and saute the mushrooms for 2-3 minutes until half done.
4. Tip in the blanched spinach leaves and temper with salt, black pepper and basil. Simmer for a couple of minutes.
5. Stir in the cream finally.

DAHI CHICKEN

This is a very easy chicken recipe, a best option when you are short of time and yet you can cook some tasty dish. The onion is optional but I add it because the gravy comes out nice and thick. Use the pressure cooker if you don't have much time but it tastes better when simmered on low flame. This dish can be made with or without oil. For making without oil you just mix everything and cook.

Ingredients:
Chicken .. 250 gms
Onion ..... 1 large (1 cup chopped finely)
Tomato .... 1
Garlic .... 1 tsp (crushed)
Ginger ... 1 tsp (grated)
Yogurt ... 1 cup
Green chilies .. 1-2
Coriander leaves .. handful
Mint leaves ... few
Turmeric powder .. 1/4 tsp
Red chilli powder .. 1/4 tsp
Coriander powder .. 1 tsp
Garam masala powder .. 1/2 tsp
Salt ... to taste
Oil ... 1 tbsp

Whole spices 
Black cardamom .. 1
Green cardamoms ... 2-3
Cinnamon  stick .... 1 inch piece
Cloves ........ 3-4
Bay leaf ... 1

Method:
1. Clean the chicken.
2. Mix together all the ingredients in the 1st list except oil. ( preferably mix refrigerate for few hours)
3. Heat 1 tbsp. of oil and add the whole spices.
4. Add the other ingredients and mix well.
5. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles. It cooks in its own juices and curd.. so no need to add water.
6. Open the cooker and cook to adjust the gravy according to your preference.
7. If you are using the slow-cook method, then just put all the ingredients in a heavy bottomed pan and simmer until done.

VEG PULAO ( Jhatpat Pulao )

This pulao is so easy to make and cooked very fast in a pressure cooker we named it jhatpat pulao.. I remember when we used to go for movies this was the dish that my mom used to make when we came back. Those days eating out was not common. We would keep all the ingredients ready before we went. You can choose ant vegetables that you prefer.

Ingredients:
Rice ..... 2 cups
Mixed vegetables ... 1 cup ( I have used carrot, beans,broccoli, potato and green peas)
Tomato ...... 1 optional
Garlic ....... 1 tbsp (crushed)
Ginger ...... 1 tsp (grated)
Green chillies .. 2-3 (slit)
Mint leaves ... few
Turmeric powder ... 1/4 tsp
Garam masala or Biriyani masala ... 1 tsp
Red chilli powder .... 1/4 tsp or as you like it
Salt ...... to taste
Oil ..... 3-4 tbsps

Tempering Ingredients:
Cardamoms ... 2-3
Bay leaf ....... 2
Cloves ... 4-5
Cinammon stick ... 1 piece
Shah Jeera / cummel seeds .. 1/2 tsp

Method:
1. In a pressure cooker heat the oil and add the tempering ingredients (whole spices mentioned in the list)
2. Then add the garlic, ginger, green chillies, mint leaves and saute.
3. Tip in the cubed vegetables and tomato. (peel the skin to make a rose for garnishing)
4. Add salt and spice powders. Sprinkle a little water and close the cooker for 1 whistle. The vegetables have to be half-cooked)
5. Now add the washed and soaked rice and 4 cups of water. If you see a little gravy in the cooker then add only 3 and 1/2 cups. Check the salt and add if needed.
6. Close the cooker for 2 whistles and half a minute on sim after that.
7. Let the steam remain insiide. Open it after 5-7 minutes and the pulao is ready to be served.

PHOOL PATASHA EIN MACROLYUN JI BHAJI

This is a Sindhi recipe of Phool Patashas / Makhanas / Fox Nuts curry.  We make many variations with these, sometimes just Makhanas curry or add some different vegetables or macaroni (we call it Macroli in Sindhi)

Ingredients:
Phool Patasha / makhanas -  2 cups
Macrolyun / macaroni ....... 1/2 cup
Onion ......... 1 ( grated )
Tomatoes .... 2 -3
Garlic .... 1 tsp
Ginger ... 1 tsp
Coriander leaves .. handful
Cumin seeds .. 1 tbsp
Turmeric powder .. 1/2 tsp
Coriander powder .. 1 tsp
Cumiin powder ...... 1 tsp
Red chilli powder .. 1/2 tsp or more
Salt .......... to taste
Oil ......... 3-4 tbsps

Method:
1. Boil water and add a little salt and oil. Tip in the macaroni and after one or two boils switch off the gas. Cover the lid and leave it. After half an hour you can see the macaroni is puffed up and ready for use.
2. In a pan add a little oil and saute the ginger garlic and the grated onion until translucent.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes and half a cup of water and simmer to cook.
4. Grind it with a hand grinder or mixie.
5.In a pan take the remaining oil and add the cumin seeds.
6. When they crackle add the onion tomato paste and the spice powders and salt.
7. Put the phool patashas / makhanas and saute a little. Add one cup water.( or more if you like more gravy)
8. Strain the macaroni and add it also. Stir carefully. Simmer a little.
9. Finally stir in the chopped coriander leaves.
This should be served immediately if possible. Otherwise the makhanas soak up the gravy and become mushy.

;

ULLI THEEYAL

Ulli Theeyal is a spicy and tangy dish from Kerala. This is made with shallots and sometimes other vegetables are added. The base of the gravy is tamarind cooked with other spices. This can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. It goes well with plain rice and can be relished with dosas and appams also.

Ingredients:
Shallots .... 12-15  (I used 8 small sized onions as I did not get shallots)
Garlic ...... 1 pod (peeled and whole)
Tamarind .... lemon size (soak in water)
Turmeric powder .. 1/4 tsp
Coriander leaves .. handful
Jaggery .... 1 small piece (1 tsp)

For Masala:
Dessicated coconut ...  3-4 tbsps( dry roast to brown colour)
Dry red chillies ....... 2-3
Cumin seeds ....... 1/2 tsp
Coriander seeds ... 1 tsp
Pepper corns ...... 6-8

For tempering:
Asafoetida .. 1 pinch
Mustard seeds .. 1 tsp
Methi seeds .... 1/2 tso
Dry red chillies .. 2
Curry leaves ... 1 sprig
Oil ...... 3-4 tbsps (preferably coconut oil)

Method:
1. In a pan dry roast the red chillies, cumin seeds, coriander seeds and pepper corns till they give out an aroma. Remove and dry roast the coconut separately to a nice brown colour.
2. Grind all this together to a smooth paste.
3. In a pan heat oil and add the tempering ingredients.
4.When they crackle, add the whole garlic cloves and saute.
5. Tip in the shallots and saute for a minute.
6. Add the tamarind water, salt and turmeric powder and simmer until onion is translucent.
7. Now add the ground masala, coriander leaves and jaggery.
8. Simmer until the masala cooks. This cooks very well on very low flame.
Serve with plain rice. This curry stays good for 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

STROGONOFF DE FRANGO ( Chicken Strogonoff )

This is a Brazilian chicken cooked with milk, cream and sauces. It is served with plain rice and fried crispy potato sticks.

Ingredients:
Chicken  .... 200 gms  (boneless)
Champignon ( preserved button mushrooms) 5-6
(you can replace them with stirfried mushrooms)
Tomato puree.. 2 tbsps
Tomato ketchup .. 1 tbsp
Milk ............ 1/4 cup
Mustard Sauce .. 1 tsp
Worcestershire sauce .. 1 tsp
Cream ........ 3-4 tbsps
Oil ...... 2-3 tbsps
Salt ..... to taste

Method:
1. Clean the chicken and cut into small pieces or strips.
2. Heat oil in a oan and saute the chicken until it changes the colour. ( 2-3 Mins)
3. Add the tomato puree and salt and simmer.
4. Now add the sauces, mushrooms and mix well.
5. Stir in the milk. The quantity depends on how much gravy you want.
6. Finally add the cream and give it a stir.

Serve on a bed of plain rice with crispy potato sticks.

KEEMA ALOO

Potatoes taste so good when added to the meats. It is such a versatile vegetable that it can be combined with any meats or vegetables. 

Ingredients:
Keema  .... 250 gms ( I have used chicken mince )
Potatoes ... 2
Onions ..... 2 (medium sized)
Tomato ... 1
Garlic .... 1 tsp (crushed)
Ginger .... 1 tsp (grated)
Green chillies .. 1-2 (as per your taste)
Coriander leaves .. handful
Turmeric powder .. 1/2 tsp
Coriander powder .. 1 tsp
Garam masala powder .. 1 tsp
Red chilli powder .. 1/2 tsp ( or as per your taste )
Salt .... to taste
Oil ..... 3-4 tbsps

Method:
1. Heat oil in a pan and fry the onions to a golden brown colour.
2. Now add the tomatoes, garlic, ginger, green chillies and a little water and simmer.
3. When it is done mash the onion paste and tip in the keema.
4. Saute it adding a little water. Continue doing this (bhunoing) till you get a nice brown colour.
5. Now add the potato pieces, spice powders and sufficient water to cook.
6. Garnish with coriander leaves.(you can add some while cooking )

Note: Mutton mince takes a little longer time to cook. so add water accordingly.

VEGETABLE SPRING ROLLS

This is a most popular snack of the Chinese cuisine liked by one and all. The crispy deep fried rolls filled with veg or non veg filling are always a big hit in parties. Here in this recipe I have shown step by step instructions with pictures how to make the wraps at home. You can try out variations with the fillings as you desire. I have made the simple filling with assorted vegetables which is the most preferred one. You can add a little shredded chicken or scrambled eggs to this if you like.

Ingredients:

FOR THE FILLING:
Cabbage grated coarsely or finely shredded......2 cups
Carrots cut into thin strips .....2
French Beans finely sliced ......1/2 cup
Capsicum ... 1 thinly sliced
Mushrooms ....... 5-6 finely sliced
Garlic ginger paste .... 1 tbsp.
Soya Sauce....2 to 3 tsp
Ajinomoto.....2 pinches
Salt to taste

FOR THE DOUGH:
Maida/All Purpose Flour.....2 cups
Cornflour.....2 tbsp
Salt

PREPARING THE MAIDA PASTE 1 : (For applying on the wraps)
Make a paste of 2 tbsp maida with 2 tbsp oil.

PREPARING THE MAIDA PASTE 2 : (For sealing the rolls)
Mix 2 tbsp maida with about 1/2 cup water and then heat it, stirring continuously, till it thickens to a paste.

METHOD:

PREPARING THE FILLING:
Heat 1 tbsp oil. Add the garlic ginger paste. Stir fry and add the vegetables, salt, ajinomoto, soya sauce. Stir fry for 5 to 7 minutes until the water from the vegetables is dried up. ( If there is excess water you can drain it out)



Preparing the wraps 
1. Using maida, salt and cornflour, make a soft dough with the help of water.
2. Make very small balls out of the dough.
3. Take 4 balls. Now, roll each ball into small pancakes as shown in the picture.

4. Take a pancake, first apply the "Maida Paste 1" generously all over the pancake and then sprinkle maida on it as shown in the picture.

5. Now place another pancake on top of it and repeat the procedure, thus making a stack of 4 pancakes one over the other, with "maida paste 1" and maida in between each.
NOTE: Don't apply anything over the top most pancake.

6. Now, roll this into a big, very thin chapati, changing sides as you roll.
7. Heat it on a tawa on low flame till it is slightly cooked on both the sides. Remove it from the tawa and then separate the 4 chapatis and store them in a wet cloth.



PREPARING THE SPRING ROLLS:
1.Take a chapati. Apply the "Maida Paste 2" around the edges of the chapati. Now, place the filling as shown in the picture, turn the sides, then apply paste again on the turned flaps. Now, roll it into the shape of a spring roll. Make sure that the edge sticks to the roll well.


2.Make the rest of the spring rolls in the same way.

3.Heat oil and deep fry till they turn golden brown. Serve hot with chilli sauce.

NOTE: The spring rolls can be stored in polythene bags in the freezer and you can fry them whenever necessary.