Chinese pot stickers

These delectable Chinese style dumplings have a wonderfully sticky texture and makes perfect appetizer. You can make them in advance and steam  them just before serving.

Ingredients:

1 cup minced raw prawns/ shrimp

(For veg option use finely shredded cabbage and carrots)

½ cup minced mushrooms

2 tbsp  finely chopped chives

1 tsp finely chopped red peppers (optional)

2 tbsp sweet chili sauce

Oil and some water for steaming 

Salt to taste

24 Dumpling wrappers (available in Asian store)

Chili oil and soy sauce,  to serve.

Method:

Place minced shrimps, minced mushrooms and chopped chives in a bowl.  Add chopped peppers, sweet chili sauce, salt and mix well.

Now place the wrappers on clean surface, put a small spoonful of mixture into the center of wrapper, brush edges with water and fold them over to form a half-moon shape. Press and pleat the edges to seal as shown in picture.

Cover with clean damp cloth, and make the remaining dumplings in the same way.

(at this stage dumplings can be stored in refrigerator in an air tight container for a day )

 

Now in a deep pan heat some oil and arrange the dumplings. Let them cook till the base turn golden brown then add some water (about 2 tbsp) and cover the lid and steam for 5 to 6 min.

Make a dipping sauce by mixing chili oil and soy sauce in a bowl.

Arrange the dumplings in a serving plate and serve immediately with the sauce.

Enjoy!

Matar Karanji/ Gujiya

This crispy and tasty gujiya is a very good option for a Tea time snack or as a appetizer.

Ingredients:

For outer cover:

4 cups all purpose flour/ Maida

5 tbsp ghee/butter

1/2 tsp salt

water to kneed the dough

For filling:

3 cups green peas / matar

1 boiled potato mashed

1 onion finely chopped

2 tbsp oil

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp garam masala

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 tsp mustard seeds

2 tbsp lime juice

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp kasuri methi

1 tsp fennel / sauf powder

salt to taste

oil for deep frying

 

Method:

In a large bowl take all purpose flour salt and ghee and mix everything together. now add little water and kneed the dough till it is nice and soft. form a ball and cover it with wet cloth, and keep aside for few min.

For filling:

Heat oil in a pan, add mustard and cumin seeds and once they splutter add onions and saute till they turn light brown. now add all the dry spices and mix well.

Then add green peas and mashed potatoes, lemon juice, salt and sugar and mix well. remove from heat and let the mixture cool down a little.

Now kneed the dough again and divide the mixture in small round. with a rolling pin roll the rounds in small round sheets, place 1 tbsp of mixture in the center of the sheet and fold the the sheet in half moon shape. seal the edges well so the mixture will not come out while deep frying.

Repeat the process to make the reaming gujiyas. deep fry on medium heat till the outer cover turns golden brown in colour. 

serve hot with Tamarin chutney or ketchup.

Enjoy!

Creamy Mushroom Soup

Its really easy to make this delicious, comforting, rich and creamy mushroom soup. It requires very few ingredients, takes less time to prepare and everyone in your family will love this soup.

Ingredients:

1 cup sliced mushrooms.

1 medium onion finely chopped

2/3 cloves of garlic finely chopped

4 cups chicken / vegetable broth

1 cup whole milk 

1 tbsp plain flour (maida)

2 tbsp butter

salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Melt butter in a pan. add garlic and onions and saute for 2 mins. Then add mushrooms and saute for another min.

Now add plain flour and saute for few seconds, add broth and bring to a boil, now simmer and cook on very low heat for 10 to 15 min.

Add milk and mix well. season with pepper and salt, and simmer for another 3 to 4 mins on low heat.

Now remove from heat, let it cool a little then blend until smooth. garnish with fresh coriander and serve.

Enjoy!

Carrot cake

This is one of the most irresistible cake, which is moist, and flavorful. This is a great healthy dessert option which everyone in your family will love.

Ingredients:

2 cups grated carrot

3 eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup finely chopped pineapple (fresh or canned)

2 cups all purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 tsp nutmeg powder

1 cup brown sugar

Method:

Preheat oven at 350 degree F. grease the baking pan and keep aside.

Sift together flour, baking powder, salt and Cinnamon. now add grated carrots to the flour mixture and mix well.

In another bowl beat eggs, then add sugar and pineapple and mix well. Now slowly add flour and carrots mixture and mix till everything is combined properly.

Pour batter in the greased pan and bake for 60 min.check if cake is done by inserting a knife in the center of the cake, if it comes out clean then the cake is done. if it is still sticky bake for another 10 to 15 mins.

Once the cake is done let it cool down for few min on a wire rack.

Enjoy!

Vegetable noodles in coconut sauce

Thai style noodles in creamy coconut sauce and colorful vegetables is a delectable dish which everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients:

1 packet dry noodles

2 tsp oil

1 lemon grass stalk finely chopped

2 tbsp Thai red curry paste

1 onion thickly sliced

1 cup mushrooms thickly sliced

1 cup broccoli florets 

1 cup carrot sliced

2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

1 14 oz can coconut milk

1 tbsp Thai fish sauce

1 tbsp soy sauce

Method:

Heat oil in a large pan or wok. add lemon grass and red curry paste. stir fry for few seconds.

Add onions and cook till they are soft. Now add carrots, mushrooms and broccoli and saute on a low heat for 3 to 4 mins. 

Once the vegetables are half done add coconut milk, and broth and bring to a boil, then add noodles and on low heat simmer for 18 to 20 mins.

stir the fish sauce, soy sauce and mix well. serve hot.

Enjoy!

Dinkache ladoo / Gond ladoo

This is My Mother-in-laws recipe, she is wonderful woman and has excellent cooking skills, everything she prepares is a finger lickin good, I always get to learn so many different recipes from her and this is the best gond ladoo recipe. Everyone in my family loves these ladoos, they are healthy, and delicious. They are specially made during winter and it is also said that these ladoos are good for New Mommies for fast recovery and extra energy they need to take care of the new born.

Ingredients:
1 cup dinka /gond (available in any Indian store)
1 cup Wheat flour (dry roasted)
1 cup cashew nuts powder
1 cup almond powder
1/2 cup pistachio powder
1/2 cup raisins 

Dry dates powder

1 cup dry dates (Kharik) powder
1 cup powder coconut (dry roasted till color turn golden brown)
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cup melted ghee
1 tsp cardamom powder
1 tsp nutmeg powder

Method:

puffed and powder dinka/gond.

In a Microwave safe plate place some dinka/ gond and microwave on high for 30 sec,  gond will puff up like popcorn's. repeat the process with the reaming gond. once the gond is puffed up grind it to a fine powder.


Now heat ghee in a kadhai add gond and mix well (ghee should be very hot) saute for about a min then add roasted wheat flour and saute till it turn golden brown. now add roasted coconut powder, dry fruits powder, raisins and mix well.

Then add brown sugar and keep string for few seconds till the mixture is well combined. remove from heat and let it cool down a little. then add cardamom and nutmeg powder and mix well.

Once the mixture is warm Divide it in in small lemon size parts and roll them between your palms to make ladoos.

Store them in a container and enjoy for weeks.

Mushroom Risotto

Risotto is a very popular Italian rice dish made with rice. I am using Arborio which is medium grain rice with pearl like appearance. It has high starch content which allows it to absorb water while keeping a creamy texture idle for Risotto.

Ingredients:

1 cup Arborio rice

1 small onion finely chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp butter

4 cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth.

1 cup of diced mushrooms 

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Method:

In a sauce pan bring broth to a boil.

In other pan heat oil and saute onions till tender and translucent.Then add mushrooms and saute for a min. Now add rice and stir until coated evenly. 

Then add heated broth 1 cup at a time and stir. let the rice absorb the broth then again add broth and stir. continue this process till the rice absorbs all the broth. Once the rice is cooked properly add butter, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper and mix well. garnish with some Parmesan cheese and serve hot.

Enjoy!

Valentine cake

This yummy cake was valentines day gift for my husband. It is very simple to make and delicious recipe to impress your loved ones. 

Ingredients:

1 heart shape sponge cake. (follow the recipe of Vanilla sponge cake )  

1 pack (8 oz/ 230 grams) cream cheese at room temperature.
1/2 stick butter at room temperature
1/2 cup powder sugar
1/2 cup sliced strawberries
Marzipan and food color for decoration.

Method:
In a large bowl mix together cream cheese, sugar and butter and beat this mixture till light and fluffy.

mix marzipan with red food color and kneed the dough till the color is mixed properly. now roll it on a plastic sheet and cut out the heart shapes using a Cookie cutter and keep aside.

Cut the cake in two half's as shown in pic. and spread 1/3 of the cream cheese batter on 1 sheet of cake, arrange the strawberry slices and cover with the second sheet of cake. 

Now cover the cake with reaming cream cheese mixture and decorate with marzipan heart shapes. refrigerate and enjoy for 2 days.

Enjoy!

Vanilla sponge cake

This is a simple sponge cake recipe which you can use to make delicious desserts. Ingredients are as follows

6 eggs

1 sticks/ 1/2  cup melted butter

1 tsp baking powder

1 cup powder sugar

1 tsp salt

1 cup all purpose flour

2 tsp vanilla essence

Method:

Preheat oven at 375 degree F. 

Whisk together all purpose flour, salt and baking powder and set aside.

egg whites and sugar mixture

separate egg whites and yolks in two different bowls. beat egg whites and 1/2 cup sugar till light and fluffy and keep aside

Now beat egg yolk and reaming 1/2 cup  sugar till smooth, then add flour mixture, vanilla essence, melted butter and mix well. 

Once the batter is smooth add the beaten egg whites mixture and slowly mix the batter. do not over mix the batter or the cake will not turn fluffy.

pour the batter in a greased baking pan and bake for 25 to 30 min. check if cake is done by inserting a knife in the center of the cake, if it comes out clean then the cake is done. Once the cake is done let it cool down for few min on a wire rack.

Enjoy!

Fresh Guava chutney

We had a guava tree in our backyard and my grandma use to make so many different things with guava like sweets, pickles, chutney, jelly and many more. when i saw guava in grocery store it reminded me of all those yummy treats and I couldn't stop myself. so picked few guavas and tried this spicy and tangy chutney which my grandma prepares

Ingredients:

1/2 kg Guava

6-8 dry red chilies

1 cinnamon stick

1 tsp fenugreek seeds

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 cup jaggery/ brown sugar

3 tbsp oil

salt to taste

Method:

Remove seeds and cut guava in 1/2 inch cubes .

Heat oil in a pan and add mustard and cumin seeds once they splutter add chilies, cinnamon stick and fenugeek seeds.

then add turmeric powder, chili powder and guava pieces,  saute for few mins, now add jaggery, salt and saute till guava is fully cooked. (do not cover with lid while cooking)

Let it cool completely, then remove cinnamon stick and grind the guava mixture to a fine paste.

store in a dry jar and refrigerate.This spicy and tangy chutney can be enjoyed for 7 to 8 days.

French green lentils rice

 

This mild and flavorful rice is made with  French green lentils also known as puy lentils which have very rich and earthy flavor, High level of protein, cooks very easily, and tastes really good.

Ingredients

1/2 cup French green lentils                                                     

1 cup Rice ( washed and soaked for few min)

1 onion finely chopped

2-3 minced garlic pods

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp garam masala

1 tsp turmeric powder

pinch of asafoetida (hing)

1 tsp lemon juice

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cups of hot water

coriander for garnishing

salt to taste 

Method:

Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and asafoetida. then add minced garlic and onions and saute for few min. 

once the onions are cooked add turmeric powder, french green lentils and saute for another min.

Then add chili powder, garam masala and rice. saute till rice is coated with all the spices. Now add salt and hot water, mix well  cover and cook till rice and lentils are soft ( add little more water if required) 

Once the rice and lentils are cooked properly add lemon juice garnish with fresh chopped coriander and seve hot.

Enjoy!

French green lentils

Chocolate cupcakes

Everyone in my family is huge fan of chocolates,and chocolate in a cupcake makes it even more yummier. These moist, chocolaty cupcakes are delicious and very tempting.

Ingredients

1½ cup all purpose flour / maida

1½ tsp Baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 stick (½ cup) butter

2 eggs

2 tbsp milk

½ cup semisweet chocolate chips

½ cup sugar

Method

Preheat oven at 350 degree F.

Line muffin pan with paper baking cups and keep aside.

mix well all- purpose flour, baking powder and salt and keep aside

Melt chocolate chips and butter on a double boiler. Then add eggs, flour mixture and mix well.

Now add sugar and milk and mix again.

Scoop the mixture evenly into the baking cups ( makes around 10 cupcakes) and bake at 350 degree F. for 20 to 25 min.

Enjoy!

Healthy ladoos

These Energy packed ladoos are just awesome. Made with Wheat and other mix flours and lots of dry fruits makes it healthier and even tasty. Try these ladoos and I am sure you will love them :)

Ingredients:

1cup Melted ghee/ butter

1 ½ cup Wheat flour

½ cup Rice flour

½ cup Rajgira flour

½ cup singada (water chestnut) flour

½ cup mix dry fruits powder of your choice

1 ½ cup powder sugar 

1 tsp cardamom powder.

Method

Dry roast all the flours separately on very low flame till the color changes slightly.

Then heat ghee in a pan and add all the flours and roast them together till the  mixture turns golden brown.

Now mix Dry fruits powder and let it cool down a little ,then add sugar and cardamom powder when mixture is still warm and mix well.

Divide the mixture in small lemon size parts and roll them between your palms to make ladoos immediately

Store in a container and enjoy for weeks.

Cheese stuffed jalapenos

These cheesy, spicy, bite size jalapenos are perfect appetizers. Following are the ingredients to make these simple and easy appetizers.

10 to 12 jalapenos deseeded and cut into halves

½ cup cream cheese

1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese

1 beaten egg

2 tbsp milk

½ cup all purpose flour

1 cup bread crumbs

1 tsp mix dry herbs

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp salt.

Oil for deep frying

Method

Mix together bread crumbs, dry herbs, garlic powder, and salt and keep aside.

Also Mix beaten egg and milk and keep aside.

In a bowl mix cream cheese and mild cheddar cheese and stuff this filling into Jalapenos. Then dip the jalapenos into egg mixture, roll in all purpose flour and let them dry for few min.

Meanwhile heat oil in a deep pan for frying

Then roll the jalapenos again in egg mixture and then roll them in the breadcrumb mixture and deep fry on a very low flame till golden brown.

Serve hot with ketchup.

Enjoy!

Ratatouille

Few days back I was watching a Disney Pixar movie called Ratatouille. It’s an animated movie and is a story about a young rat who is trying to prove his culinary skills. So for the climax of the movie a fancy layered version of the original french dish was prepared by renowned chef Thomas Keller, which looked very appetizing in the movie.I looked for the recipe but could not find one, so tried to create my own. Ratatouille is a French dish. It’s basically a vegetable stew served as a side dish accompanied with Pasta, rice or bread. This colorful dish looks beautiful and tastes delicious as well. 

Ingredients:

For Sauce

3 tomatoes finely chopped.

1 onion finely chopped

6 to 8 garlic cloves finely chopped.

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp black pepper powder

1 tsp chili powder

1 ½ tsp mix dry Italian herbs.

Salt to taste

For layered vegetables

2 zucchini thinly sliced.

2 eggplants thinly sliced

2 – 3 tomatoes thinly sliced

1 tbsp olive oil

Method:

Preheat oven at 350 ° F

In pan heat oil on medium flame, add garlic onions and sauté till they turn golden brown, and then add tomatoes and sauté till the mixture is thick.

Add salt and dry herbs and mix well. Then add pepper powder and chili powder, stir well. Once the sauce is ready remove from heat and keep aside.

Now in a baking dish pour the sauce at the base and then arrange all the sliced vegetables as shown in picture. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350 ° F for 20 min.

Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for 15 min.

Serve hot with pasta, rice or even tastes good with couscous.

Enjoy!

Murgh Badami

This rich chicken dish in almond gravy is a perfect dish for a party or for a relaxed weekend.

Ingredients:

1 ½ pound chicken cut into desired size pieces.

15 to 20 peeled Almonds (soaked in warm water for 1 hour.)

1 tbsp roasted poppy seeds.

2 tbsp Ghee or oil

2 medium onions finely chopped

2 tsp ginger garlic paste

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp garam masala

1 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp cumin powder

1 cup yogurt

2 cups chicken stock

Pinch of saffron soaked in little water or milk.

Salt to taste.

Method:

Grind together almonds and poppy seeds to a fine paste and keep aside.

Heat ghee/oil in a pan. Sauté onions till translucent. Add ginger garlic paste and sauté for few seconds. Then add almonds and poppy seeds paste and sauté for a min

Now add turmeric powder, chili powder, cumin powder and sauté for few more seconds. Sprinkle little water to avoid spices from burning.

Once the spices are cooked, add chicken pieces sauté for a min then cover and cook for 5 min on low flame. Stir in between and sprinkle little water if needed.

Now add yogurt and mix well. Add chicken stock, cover and cook for another 15 mins or till the chicken is cooked completely.

Sprinkle garam masala, saffron water, salt and mix well.

Serve hot with paratha or rice.

Enjoy!

Butter Cookies

It was winter break for my daughter’s school, and holiday season. I wanted to do something she loves doing and also something which would keep her busy for sometime. So I decided to make these simple butter cookies. These cookies are easy are very less time consuming and fun to do with your kids. I had great time doing them with my daughter.

Ingredients:



Wilton cookie press.



3 ½ cups all purpose flour,

3 sticks / 1 ½ cups of butter (room temperature.)

1 tsp baking powder.

1 cup sugar

1 egg

2 tbsp milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

Cookie press to make different shapes and designs.

Method:

Preheat oven at 350° F.

In a bowl combine flour and baking powder and keep aside.

Now in large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla extract. Mix well till the egg gets incorporated.

Then add flour mixture and mix well.

With the help of a cookie press make desired shape of cookies on a baking sheet.

Bake 10 to 12 min. or till the edges are golden brown. Cool for a min on the baking sheet and remove immediately on a cookie rack to cool completely.

Store in container and enjoy for weeks. Decorate with your favorite frosting just before serving or it will turn them soggy.

Enjoy!

Pohe / Poha

This is a typical Maharashtraian dish and one of my all time favorite breakfast menu. It is made from flattened rice which is called poha and is tempered with green chilies, curry leaves and served with dash of lemon and fresh coriander. 

Ingredients:

3 cups thick poha

1 finely chopped medium onion

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 ½ tsp turmeric powder

3- 4 chopped green chilies

Few curry leaves

½ inch ginger finely chopped

Handful of roasted peanuts (optional)

1 tsp sugar

1 tbsp lime juice

1 tsp ghee

2 tbsp oil

Salt to taste

Finely chopped fresh coriander

Method:

In a strainer take poha and wash tightly under running water and keep aside.

Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds once they start to splutter add curry leaves, chopped green chilies and ginger. Sauté for few seconds and add chopped onion and cook the onions till they are translucent.

Now if u want to add peanuts u can add at this stage. Also add turmeric powder, salt and sugar and sauté till everything gets mixed properly.

Then add washed poha and mix well till it is covered with all the spices.

Now add lemon juice and ghee (ghee gives nice aroma to the dish). Give it a quick stir, and cover for a min. (sprinkle little water if they turn too dry)

Garnish with chopped fresh coriander and serve hot with a wedge of lemon.

Enjoy!

Tres Leches cake

Tres leches is three milks in Spanish.  A light and fluffy sponge cake soaked in mixture of 3 kinds of milk is moist and delicious. This is a very popular dessert in Latin America.

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups all purpose flour or Maida.

5 eggs

2 sticks/ 1 cup butter at room temperature

1 ½ tsp baking powder

1 cup sugar

1 tsp salt

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup evaporated milk

½ cup condensed milk

1 tsp vanilla essence.

Method:

Preheat oven at 325° F.

Whisk together all purpose flour, salt and baking powder and set aside.

In a large bowl beat butter and sugar till light and fluffy.

Add eggs, Vanilla essence and mix well. Now slowly add flour mixture and mix well.

In greased 9 inch pan pour the batter and bake at 325 ° F for 40 to 45 min check if cake is done by inserting a knife in the center of the cake, if it comes out clean then the cake is done. Once the cake is done let it cool down for few min. now poke the top of all over the cake with a fork.

Mix together heavy cream, evaporated milk and condensed milk. Now pour this mixture over the cake and refrigerate it.

Sever with your favorite topping.

Enjoy! 

Fruits and Oats with yogurt

Start your day with this Delicious healthy Breakfast. full of fibers and nutrition. After sampling this yummy Breakfast treats at my Uncles place, I asked for the recipe. It was simple, easy, yet delicious.

Ingredients:

1 cup Quick Oats

4 cups French vanilla yogurt.

2 cups chopped Seasonal fruits like Blueberries, strawberries, grapes, apples etc. (if u like to add banana add it just before serving)

Dry fruits and Nuts of your choice.

1 tsp vanilla essence (optional)

Method:

In a large bowl mix together all the above ingredients, cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 to 5 hours. Delicious breakfast is ready in minutes.

Enjoy!