Pav Bhaji

haji

Ingredients

8 pavs (squarish soft buns about 4" x 5" size)

butter to shallow fry.

For Bhaji

1 capsicum chopped fine

2 onions chopped fine

2 tomatoes chopped fine

2 1/2 cups chopped mixed vegetables (beans, carrots, cauliflower, potota, beans, bottle gourds, etc.) 1/2 cup shelled

peas

2 tbsp. butter

2 tsp. pavbhaji masala

1 1/2 tsp. chilli powder

1/4 tsp. turmeric powder

1/2 tsp. sugar

salt to taste

1 cup water (in which vegetables were boiled)

1/2 tsp. each ginger grated, garlic crushed

juice of 1/2 lemon.

To Garnish

1 tbsp. coriander chopped

1 onion chopped

small pieces of lemon

Method

Pressure cook mixed vegetables and peas till well done.

Mash them coarsely after draining.

Heat butter in a pan.

Add ginger-garlice, capsicum, onion, tomatoes.

Fry for 2-3 minutes till very soft.

Add pavbhaji masala , chilli powder, turmeric, salt, sugar and fry further 2-3 minutes.

Bring to boil.

Simmer till gravy is thick, stirring and mashing pieces with masala, in between.

Add lemon juice, stir.

Garnish with chopped coriander and a block of butter.

For Pavs

Slit pavs horizontally leaving one edge attached. (To open like a book).

Apply butter (as desired) and roast open on a griddle till hot and soft with the surface crisp on both sides.

Serve hot with bhaji, a piece of lemon and chopped onion.

Making time : 30 mins. (excl. pressure cooking time)

Serve : 4 (2 pavs each)





Read our other posts:
Masala Dosa

Channa Bhatura

Badam ka seera

Gulab Jamoon

Masala Dosa

Mava Burfi

i Ladoo

adoo

Ingredients

1/2 cup condensed milk

250 gms. paneer (cottage cheese)

2-3 drops kewra essence

1/4 tsp. yellow colour

Method

1.Mash paneer.

2.Add condensed milk and cook on slow flame, stirring continously.

3.Cook till thick and sides leave.

4.Add essence and remove from flame.

5.Mix well.

6.Pour on plate.

7.Cool. Make ladoos.

8.Sprinkle powdered elaichi and decorate.


Read our other posts:
Masala Dosa

Shrikhand

Mava Burfi

Carrot Halwa

Sweet Kachori

Rossogolla

Sweet Kachori

hori

Ingredients:

For filling:

200 gms. khoya

50 gms milk powder

1/2 tsp.nutmeg-cardomom -cinnamon powder

For cover:

250 gms. plain flour

1 tbsp. cornflour

30 gms. ghee

For syrup:

250 gms. sugar

1 cup water

1 big pinch saffron

Ghee for deep frying

31

Method

1.Mix ingredients for filling. The mixture should be soft and crumbly.

2.Mix ingredients for cover. Using water knead to a pliable dough.

3.Cover with a wet cloth. Keep aside

4.Boil sugar and water adding a tbsp. of milk to clear the syrup.

5.Boil till the syrup is slightly sticky between the fingers.

6.Strain. Crush and add the saffron. Keep aside.

7.Make 15 to 16 flattish balls of the mixture.

8.Divide dough also into 15 to 16 parts.

9.Roll one part into a puri, place one mixture ball in the centre.

10.Pull up all the sides to seal the mixture and press in centre.

11.Make 5 to 6 such kachoris, heat ghee and fry on low flame till light brown, turning once.

12.Repeat for remaining kachoris.

13.When slightly cool, make a hole in the centre of each (approx. 2cm. diameter).

14.Pour about half tbsp. of syrup and roll kachori around to let the syrup spread.

15.Allow to stand for half hour before serving. Note: The unsweetened kachoris may be stored without refrigeration for

one week and

sweetened as required .

Serves:15 helpings .

Time required:2 hr.

Shelf life: 10 days .


Read our other posts:
Rava Dosa

Kalakand (Milk Burfi)

Shankarpala

Boondi

Rossogolla

Mitha Khaja

Mitha Khaja

haja

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup maida (plain flour)

1/2 cup jaggery

1 cup water

1/4 tsp. cardamom powder

1 tbsp. ghee

ghee to deep fry

Method

1.Heat the water and jaggery till all of it dissolves in the water.

2.Strain and cool a bit.

3.Mix the cardamom powder and ghee in the flour.

4.Knead the flour with the jaggery water.

5.The dough should be stiff but pliable.

6.Break into approx. 20 parts.

7.Knead each with palm and roll into 4" rounds.

8.Make many tiny slits with knife or fork on each on both sides.

9.Keep them aside on a clean cloth for an hour or so to dry a bit.

10.Deep fry in hot ghee on low flame till light golden in colour.

11.Drain and cool for a while.

12.The khajas will become crisper and harder as they cool.

13.Store in airtight container after cooling completely.

Making time: 45 minutes

Makes: 20-25 pieces


Read our other posts:
Imarti

Rossogolla

Karanjia

Shrikhand

Rava Dosa

Boondi

Shankarpala

pala

Ingredients

1 cup water

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup ghee

1 1/2 cup maida (plain flour)

ghee to deep fry

Method

1.Warm the water, sugar and ghee together till sugar dissolves.

2.Add maida and knead into a soft pliable dough.

3.Divide dough into 4 parts.

4.Roll into chappatis 1/3" thick.

5.Cut with a cookie cutter or knife into small diamond shapes.

6.Lift with spatula and loosen. Keep aside on a dry cloth for 1 hour.

7.Deep fry in hot ghee over slow flame till light golden brown.

8.Drain well and keep aside till cool.

9.Store in clean, dry containers.

Making time: 45 minutes.

Makes: 2 1/2 cups.


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isa (Soan Papdi)

Gulab Jamoon

Dhaal vada

Boondi

Green All-Purpose Chutney

Atte ka seera

Channa Bhatura

tura

Ingredients

For Channa

1 cup kabuli channa soaked overnight

1 large tomato

2 large onions

1 1/2 tbsp. chopped coriander

1 tsp. ginger grated

1 tsp. garlic crushed

1 lemon (juice extracted)

2 tbsp. oil, 1 tbsp. ghee

1 tsp. tea leaves (tied into a pouch in a

small piece of clean muslin cloth)

4 green chillies slit

2 bay leaves

1 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. cumin seeds

Dry masalas :-

1 tsp. red chilli powder

1/2 tsp. each cinnamon - clove powder,

turmeric powder

1/4 tsp. each garam masala, pepper

powder

salt to taste

For Bhatura

2 cups plain flour (maida) 2 tbsp. curds

2 tbsp. butter or oil

1/2 tsp. soda bicarb

salt to taste

Milk to knead dough

oil to deep fry

Method:

Sieve together flour, salt and soda.

Add and mix in curds and oil.

Add enough milk to knead into a soft pliable dough.

Cover with a wet cloth.

Keep aside for 5-6 hours. Make sure the cloth does not dry up, or wet again.

Knead dough again. Take fistful of dough. Roll into 1/4" thick 5" diameter round. Fry in hot oil.

Turning only once. Till very light golden in colour. Repeat for all. Serve hot with hot channa and

slices of onions and lemon.

Method for Channa

Put the soaked, washed channa in a cooked with enough water, teapouch and bay leaves.

Pressure cook till done. (approx. 6-7 whistles).

Cool about 5 tbsp. channa for grinding.

In a mixie, blend together 1/2 tomato, 1 onion, cooled channa and 1/2 tbsp. coriander. Keep aside.

Chop remaining tomatoes and onions fine.

Heat oil in a large skillet.

Add cumin seeds to splutter.

Add ginger-garlic and fry for a minute.

Add chopped tomatoes, onion and fry till tender.

Add channa-paste, fry further 3-4 minutes.

Add all dry masala except cinnamon-clove powder.

Stir and fry till oil separates. Add drained channa and 2 cup water which was drained from channa.

Stir and bring to boil.

Simmer for 7-8 minutes till gravy thickens.

Take in serving dish.

Heat ghee in a small sauce pan.

Add the chillies and cinnamon-clove powder.

Add chopped coriander and pour hot over the channa.

Squeeze lemon over channa.

Stir in seasoning gently.

Making time :- 30 mins (excluding pressure cooking)

Serves - 5


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Dhaal vada

Atte ka seera

Atte ka seera

Khajur Burfi or Rolls

Pear and Mango Chutney

Masala Dosa

Boondi

ondi

Ingredients

1 cup gram flour

1/2 cups sugar

1 cup water

1/4 tsp. cardamom powder

6-8 chopped almonds

ghee to deep fry

perforated flat spoon about 5" diameter

Method

1.Boil the sugar and water together. Add a tbsp. of milk to bring up the scum.

2.Remove scum and boil liquid till the syrup is sticky between the fingers.

3.Keep aide, but keep warm for use.

4.Make batter with gram flour, which should not be too thin.

5.The batter should evenly coat the back of a spoon when dipped in it.

6.Heat ghee, hold perforated spoon a little above the hot ghee, pour some batter on the spoon.

7.Tap very lightly at edge of spoon to allow small droplets to fall in the ghee.

8.Pour back remaining batter and wipe spoon.

9.Stir the boondis in the ghee gently and fry till crisp but not brown.

10.Drain and put into the syrup. Keep for 3-4 minutes before draining from the syrup.

11.Spread on a wide plate, add cardamom powder, almonds and mix gently.

12.Cool completely and loosen the boondi with finger till each droplet separates.

13.Store in airtight container.

Note: Take great care while dropping the boondi in the hot ghee so as not to burn yourself. A little practice and it is

very easy.

Making time: 30 minutes.

Makes: 3 cups approx.


Read our other posts:
Spicy Khaja

Rava (Semolina) Ladoo

Carrot Halwa

Dhaal vada

Carrot Halwa

Karanjia

njia

Ingredients

For cover :

1 cup plain flour (maida)

1 tbsp. ghee

water to knead

For filling:

1/2 cup coconut flakes fine

1/2 cup khoya

1 tbsp. poppy seeds (khuskhus)

1 tsp. cardamon powder

1 tbsp. crushed almond

1/4 cup sugar ground

10 to 15 raisins

Method

For cover:

1.Roast khoya to a light pink by stirring continuously over low heat.

2.Cool and break in fine crumbs with fingers.

3.Mix flour and ghee well.

4.Add enough water to make soft pliable dough.

5.Keep aside.

For filling :

1.Roast coconut flakes lightly. Cool.

2.Mix all other ingredients.

3.Check for sweetness.

1.Make small (4 ") rounds, not too thin not too thick .

2.Place 1 tsp. filling in one half of round .

3.Fold over the other half, sealing in the mixture.

4.Seal edges by twisting or pressing together .

5.Make all in t he same way.

6.Dry on clean cloth for 30 minutes.

7.Deep fry in hot ghee on low till light brown on both sides.

8.Drain and cool completely before storing.

Note: You may use a karanjia mould for filling them if available.

Making time: 1 hour.

Makes: 13 to 15 pieces.


Read our other posts:
Kalakand (Milk Burfi)

Rava Dosa

Rava Dosa

Atte ka seera

Green All-Purpose Chutney

Gulab Jamoon

Masala Dosa

Dosa

Ingredients:

1 cup plain rice.

1 cup parboiled rice.

1/4 cup white udad dal.

1/2 tsp. methi (fenugreek) seeds

1 /2 tsp soda bi carbonate

1/2 cup curds the batter.

10-12 tsps. ghee or oil as preferred

water for grinding

Method:

Wash the rices and dal together.

Add plenty of water and methi seeds.

Allow to soak for 7-8 hours or overnight.

Rewash the rice by draining the water 2-3 times.

Grind to a paste. Rawa -like grains should be felt in

Add soda bicarb and salt and mix well.

Keep aside in a warm place for 8-10 hours. Beat the curds well.

Add to the batter, add more water if required.

The consistency of the batter should be

enough to thickly coat on a spoon when dipped.

Heat the iron griddle or non-stick tawa well.

Pour a spoonful of batter in the centre, spread

with the back of the spoon to a thin round.

Pour a tsp. of ghee or oil over it.

Spread chutney spread over dosa.

Place a tbsp. masala in the centre.

Fold into triangle to cover masala.

Remove with spatula when crisp.

Serve hot with chutney and/or sambar.

For masala:

Ingredients

2 large onions in vertical slices

2 large potatoes boiled and peedled

4-5 green chillies

1 tbsp. chopped coriander

8-10 cashews halved

1/2 tsp. each udad dal, cumin & mustard seeds

2 tbsp. oil

1/4 tsp. turmeric

salt to taste

Chop potatoes coarsely. Chop green chillies.

Heat oil, add cashews and brown lightly.

Add dal, seeds and splutter.

Add chillies and onions. Fry till tender.

Add turmeric, salt, potatoes, coriander.

Mix well.

Chutney spread:

1/2 cup grated coconut 4 red chillies or 1 tsp. red chilli powder

1 long bean tamarind

2 flakes garlic

1 tbsp. groundnuts

salt to taste

Grind all ingredients together to form a firm chutney. Use very little water.


Read our other posts:
Carrot Halwa

Masala Vada

Rava (Semolina) Ladoo

Sweet Pongal

Badam ka seera

Sweet Pongal

Gulab Jamoon

moon

Ingredients

500 gms. khoya

125 gms. plain flour

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/4 cup milk

1/4 tsp. cardomom powder

1 pinch saffron strands

250 gms. sugar

ghee to deep fry

Method

1.Crumble the khoya. Sieve in the flour and soda together.

2.Mix in the cardomom powder and crushed saffron.

3.Mix well to form a soft dough. Use as much milk as required for kneading.

4.Make balls of even size. Makes about 25-30.

5.Heat the ghee very well. Take off fire and cool a little. Let in some of the jamoons.

6.When they rise up put back on fire and fry till medium brown.

7.Remove from ghee and put in the syrup. Soak for 10 minutes. Drain and transfer to a glass bowl.

8.Repeat for all the balls. When done pour the remaining syrup over the jamoons.

9.Microwave lightly or warn over boiling water before serving.

To make the syrup:

1.Take the sugar in a heavy pan and add water to just cover the sugar.

2.Boil and add a tbsp. of milk to separate the dirt. Strain and boil again.

3.The syrup is done when , while dropping from a spoon it falls in a thin single thread.

Serves: 25-30 helpings

Time required: 1 hr.

Shelf life :2-3 days, (1 week refrigerated)


Read our other posts:
Badam ka seera

Rava (Semolina) Ladoo

Pear and Mango Chutney

Sarson ka saag

Samosa

Imarti

Rava Dosa

Dosa

Ingredients:

1 cup fine soji (semolina)

1/2 cup rice flour or plain flour

1 tbsp. oil

1/8 tsp. soda bicarb

2-2 1⁄2 cups buttermilk

1 tsp. coriander chopped fine

2 green chillies chopped fine

Method:

Blend all the ingredients together.

Add more buttermilk if necessary.

ginger grated Roll the dosa in a three-fold cylinder.

oil to shallow fry Serve hot with onion and/or coconut chutneys.

The batter should be relatively thin. salt to taste Keep aside for 20 - 30 minutes.

Heat griddle and pour 1 large spoon of batter on it.

Spread by gently rotating the griddle.

Put some oil (1/2 tsp.) over dosa.

Lift with a spatula as for basic dosa.

Makes: 10 - 12 thin dosas

Shelflife: Fresh only.

Texture: Thin with polka sized holes, not too crisp, foldable.


Read our other posts:
Carrot Halwa


Sada Plain Dosa

Sarson ka saag

Khajur Burfi or Rolls

Spicy Khaja

Sada Plain Dosa

Dosa

Ingredients:

1 cup plain rice

1 cup parboiled rice

1/4 cup white udad dal

1/2 tsp. methi (fenugreek) seeds

1 /2 tsp soda bi carbonate

1/2 cup curds

10-12 tsps. ghee or oil as preferred

water for grinding

Method

Wash the rices and dal together.

Add plenty of water and methi seeds.

Allow to soak for 7-8 hours or overnight.

Rewash the rice by draining the water 2-3 times.

Grind to a paste. Rawa -like grains should be felt in the batter. Add soda bicarb and salt and mix well.

Keep aside in a warm place for 8-10 hours.

Beat the curds well.

Add to the batter, add more water if required.

The consistency of the batter should be thick enough to thickly coat on a spoon when dipped.

Heat the iron griddle or non-stick tawa well.

Pour a spoonful of batter in the centre, spread with the back of the spoon to a thin round.

Pour a tsp. of ghee or oil over it.

Remove with spatula when crisp.

Serve hot with chutney and / or sambar.


Read our other posts:
Spicy Sev

Samosa

Imarti

Dhaal vada

Sweet Pongal

Atte ka seera

Spicy Khaja

haja

Ingredients

2 cups gram flour

1/2 cup plain flour

2 tsp. red chilli powder

1/2 tsp. omam seeds (ajwain)

1/2 tsp. cumin seeds

1 tbsp. coriander very finely chopped

1 tbsp. oil

salt to taste

oil to deep fry

Method

1.Mix both flours together.

2.Make a well in the centre, add all other ingredients, except oil to deep fry.

3.Mix them well in the flour.

4.Add enough water to make a soft pliable dough.

5.Divide dough to make small (4" diameter) thin rounds.

6.Prick on both sides with a fork.

7.Allow to dry on a clean cloth for 25-30 minutes.

8.Deep fry in hot oil till a light browning appears.

9.Do not over fry.

10.Drain and cool completely before storing.

32

Making time: 30 minutes

Makes: 25-30 pieces


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Carrot Halwa

Coconut Burfi

Mava Burfi

Badam ka seera

Rava (Semolina) Ladoo

Masala Vada

Rava (Semolina) Ladoo

adoo

Ingredients:

1 cup rava

3/4 cup sugar

2 tbsp. ghee

1/4 cup milk

METHOD:

Take ghee in a deep saucepan and heat.

Add rava and cook on low heat. Stir continuously.

When the rava turns light brown add the sugar. Stir for 3-4 minutes.

Keep aside cool for some time. Add cardomom powder, coconut flakes and saffron.

Add half the milk. Mix well. Wet hand with milk and shape the mixture in ladoos.

Serves: 12 helpings

Time required: 1/2 hr.

Shelf life : 15 days


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Rossogolla

Spicy Sev

Potato in Curd Gravy

Kalakand (Milk Burfi)

Hot Kachori

Carrot Halwa

Imarti

arti

Ingredients

2 cups urad dal

3 cups sugar

300 ml. water

saffron colour

1/2 tsp. cardomom ground

500 gms. ghee to fry

Method

1.Soak urad dal overnight in plenty of water.

2.Wash and drain. Grind to fine thick batter. Put water little by little.

3.Add colour and mix very well.

4.If using a mixie, beat the dal well by hand till fluffy after grinding.

5.Keep aside for 3 hours. More is weather is cold.

6.Make 1 tar sugar syrup as shown in introduction.

7.Add cardomom powder to syrup.

8.Using either an imarti bottle (with nozzle) or cloth as shown in note, form imartis in the hot ghee. Lower flame and

allow to crisp turning

once.

9.Remove from ghee, drain and dip in hot syrup.

10.Soak for 3-4 minutes, drain and serve.

11.Repeat for remaining batter.

12.Make 4-5 imartis at a time, depending on size of frying pan.

Note:

Use a flat bottomed frying pan.

The imarti bottle can be substituted with a soft plastic sauce bottle with a nozzle.

If not available, take a 12"x 12" thick cloth, make a buttonhole type hole in centre.

Place over a tumbler and pour in some batter.

Hold like a pouch and press out imartis like icing.

Shape the imartis as follows, make a ring first, then form small ringlets all along the ring.

Till you come to the start.

Making time: 1 hour (excluding soaking and keeping time)

Makes: 20 imartis

Shelflife: (1) Keep unsoaked in syrup for a day. (2) Soak in syrup as required.` 23

Kaju Barfi

150 gm cashewnuts

400 gm sugar

elaichi powdered

silver foil (optional)

500 gm khoya

Method

Dry grind the cashew

Mix khoya (grated) and sugar

Heat in a heavy pan, stirring continuously.

Once the sugar dissolves, add the cashew (powdered) and elaichi

Cooking, constantly stir till soft lump is formed and does not stick to sides

Roll on a flat surface to desired thickness and apply silver foil.


Read our other posts:
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Pear and Mango Chutney

Carrot Halwa

Shahi Paneer

isa (Soan Papdi)

Masala Vada

isa (Soan Papdi)

pdi)

Ingredients

1 1/4 cup gramflour

1 1/4 cup plain flour (maida)

250 gms. ghee

2 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cup water

2 tbsp. milk

1/2 tsp. cardamom seeds crushed coarsely

2 tsp. charmagaz (combination of 4 types of seeds) refer glossary

4" squares cut from a thin polythene sheet

Method

Sift both flours together.

Heat ghee in a heavy saucepan.

Add flour mixture and roast on low till light golden.

Keep aside to cool a little, stirring occasionally.

Prepare syrup simultaneously.

Make syrup out of sugar, water and milk as shown in introduction.

Bring syrup to 2 1/2 thread consistency.

Pour at once into the flour mixture.

Beat well with a large fork till the mixture forms threadlike flakes.

Pour onto a greased surface or thali and roll to 1" thickness lightly.

Sprinkle the charmagaz seeds and elaichi and gently press down with palm.

Cool, cut into 1" squares, wrap individually into square pieces of thin plastic sheet.

Store in airtight container.

Making time: 45 minutes

Makes: 20 pieces (approx.)

Shelflife: 2 weeks


Read our other posts:
Green All-Purpose Chutney

Mava Burfi


Atte ka seera

Green All-Purpose Chutney

Badam ka seera

Mava Burfi

urfi

Ingredients:

500 gms khoya

300 gms. powdered sugar

1 tsp. cardamom powder

2 sheets silver foil (edible)

Method:

Mash khoya . Mix in tne sugar. Put into a heavy saucepan.

Cook on slow flame, stirring continuously.

Cook till the mixture is a very soft lump.*

Place on a working board and roll with a rolling pin to 1/2 inch thickness.

Cool a little. Spread on the working board silver foil carefully and evenly.

Make incisions with knife to cut in the desired size and shape.

Note: Burfi is usually cut into 1 1/2 inch squares.

Variation:

To make chocolate mava burfi: Follow till * as above. Divide the mixture in two parts 1/3 and 2/3

In the smaller part mix 1 tablespoon cocoa powder and 1/2 tsp. chocolate colour.

Roll both parts separately. Place the chocolate on the mava layer. Roll lightly.

Continue as for mavaburfee.

Serves: 25 helpings

Time required:1/2 hr.

Shelf life: 10 days





Read our other posts:
Atte ka seera

Hot Kachori

Sweet Pongal

Sarson ka saag

Dhaal vada

Shahi Paneer

Atte ka seera

eera

2 tbsp. wheat flour

2 1/2 tbsp. ghee

3/4 to 1 cup sugar or molasses (jaggery)

elaichi powder

chopped pista and almonds

Method

Add flour and roast on slow fire, stirring continuously

Side by side add to sugar 2 1/2 cups water and keep to boil

When the atta becomes a golden brown, add the boiling sweet water

Stir gently and continuously till excess water evaporates and the ghee separates.

Decorate with chopped nuts

33. Beetroot Halwa

1 kg beetroot

1 1/2 litre milk

400-500 gm sugar

elaichi powder (cardomon)

saffron few flakes

1 tbsp ghee

Method

Peel and grate beetroot

Put milk and dudhi in a heavy saucepan. Boil till thick, stirring occassionally. Once it starts thickening, stir

continuously. Add sugar and cook

further till thickens. Add ghee, elaichi, saffron and colour. Stir on low heat till the mixture collects in a soft ball or the

ghee oozes out. Serve

hot, decorated with a chopped almond or pista.


Read our other posts:
Rossogolla

Shrikhand

Green All-Purpose Chutney

Badam ka seera

Khajur Burfi or Rolls

Szechwan Chicken quick prepration

Khajur Burfi or Rolls

olls

1 tin condensed milk

1 kg khajur deseeded (dates)

250 gm mixed dryfruits (badam, cashew, pista)

1/2 cup dessicated dry coconut

Method

Break up khajur coarsely

Add milkmaid and dryfruit all in a heavy, non-stick pan.

Cook on slow flame, stirring continuously.

Do not allow to stick to bottom.

It takes a while to cook

Stir gently till a soft lump forms.

Spread some of the coconut on a butter paper sheet.

Grease hands and take a chunk of the mixture and roll into a thick roll, on the sheet, all the coconut to cover it.

Chill the rolls in the fridge

Cut into slices

Or set in a tray and cut into squares.


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Pear and Mango Chutney

Bhel Puri - Quick Indian Recipe

Masala Vada

Bhel Puri - Quick Indian Recipe

Coconut Burfi

urfi

Ingredients

250 gms. finely grated coconut

250 gms. sugar

150 ml. water

ghee for greasing plate

Method

1.Prepare syrup with sugar and water to 2 1/2 thread consistency.

Use method as shown in introduction.

2.Warm coconut in heavy saucepan, pour in the syrup.

3.Stir well and cook till soft lump forms.

4.Spread in a greased plate. Cool.

5.Sprinkle cardamom powder (optional).

6.Cut into squares, store in airtight container.

Making time: 30 minutes

Makes: 20-25 pieces

Shelflife: 2 weeks


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Summer Salad - nice Indian Recipe

Shahi Paneer

Pear and Mango Chutney

Hot Kachori

Dal ka seera

eera

500 gm Moong dal (green)

500 gm sugar

500 gm ghee

saffron soaked in a little milk

elaichi powder

water about 250 ml.

Method

Soak the dal for 5-6 hours.

Wash and remove the skins well.

Grind dal fine either in a stone grinder or electric grinder or mixie.

Use as little water as possible.

Put sugar and water in a pan and put to boil.

Once sugar dissolve add a few tblsp. of milk.

As the syrup boils the scum will rise.

Remove with a strain.

Further boil till the syrup become sticky between the fingers.

(One thread should fall when poured from a tilted spoon) keep aside.

Heat the ghee in a heavy kadai (vessel) and add dal.

Keep stirring rigorously to avoid burning.

Once the dal stops sticking to the vessel, stir gradually till golden brown, and ghee begins to separate.

Pour the hot syrup, add elaichi and dissolved saffron.

Stir very carefully, not allowing hand to be scalded. Cook slowly till all water is absorbed.

Decorate with chopped dry fruit.

Serve hot especially on a cold day.


Read our other posts:
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Pear and Mango Chutney

GINGER CHICKEN Indian recipe


Hot Kachori

Hot Kachori

Badam ka seera

eera

1 1/2 cup almonds soaked overnight

3 cups hot milk

250 gm ghee

1/2 to 1/3 cup sugar

Method

Peel the almonds, wash and grind to fine paste.

Heat ghee in a heavy pan.

Add paste and cook on first high then slow flame, stirring continuosly.

After a while it should turn a light brown and aromatic.

Carefully pour hot milk and stir.

Use a long-handled spatula as the mixture tends to splatter.

When thickens, add the sugar and cook, stirring continously and gently till ghee begins to separate.

Decorate with chopped nuts and serve hot.


Read our other posts:
Shahi Paneer

Sweet Pongal

Vegetable Cutlet quick

Shrikhand

Malai Kofta

Black eye bean soup quick Indian Recipe

Kalakand (Milk Burfi)

rfi)

2 litres milk

1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar

chopped nuts to decorate (pista, almonds)

silver foil (optional)

1/2 tsp citric acid dissolved in 1/2 cup water.

Method

Boil half the milk and add the citric solution as it comes to boil

Switch off gas. Once the chenna settles sieve through muslin cloth, press out excess water, take in a plate and press

down.

Do not knead.

Put the remaining milk in a heavy pan and boil to half.

Add the chenna and boil till the mixture thickens, stirring continuously.

Add the sugar and continue to cook, stirring all the while till softly thickens in a lump.

Set in a tray, apply silver foil and sprinkle the chopped nuts.


Read our other posts:
Samosa

Hot Kachori

Hot Kachori

Navratan Korma

Sindhi Saibhaji easy recipe

Chicken soup Easy Indian Recipe

Rossogolla

olla

Ingredients:

1 litre milk

1/2 tsp. citric acid

1 1/2 cups sugar

4 cups water

2-3 drops rose essence

Method:

Heat the milk and bring to boil.

Cool the milk for a couple of hours. Remove the cream layer.

Reheat the milk and bring to a boil.

Add the citric acid dissolved in some water.

Stir slowly till the milk is fully curdled.

Keep as it is for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile heat the sugar and water in a wide sauce pan. Bring to a boil.

Strain the milk through a muslin cloth. Wash the chenna in the cloth under cold running water.

Press out the excess water and remove in a wide plate.

Gently knead into a soft dough by passing between fingers.

Make twelve equal sized balls of the dough.

Let them into the boiling water. Cover with a perforated lid. Boil for 13 to 15 minutes.

Take off from heat and cool them to room temperature.

Add essence and chill for at least 4 to 5 hours.

Serves: 6 helpings

Time required: 1/2 hour.


Read our other posts:
Spicy Sev


Green All-Purpose Chutney

Malai Kofta

Samosa

Malai Kofta

Carrot Halwa

alwa

1 kg juicy orange carrots

1 1/2 litre milk

400-500 gm sugar

elaichi powder (cardomon)

saffron few flakes

few drops orange colour (optional)

1 tbsp ghee

Method

Peel and grate carrots

Put milk and carrots in a heavy saucepan. Boil till thick, stirring occassionally. Once it starts thickening, stir

continuously. Add sugar and cook

further till thickens. Add ghee, elaichi, saffron and colour. Stir on low heat till the mixture collects in a soft ball or the

ghee oozes out. Serve

hot, decorated with a chopped almond or pista.` 25

Doodhi Halwa

1 kg doodhi

1 1/2 litre milk

400-500 gm sugar

elaichi powder (cardomon)

saffron few flakes

1 tbsp ghee

Method

Peel and grate Dudhi

Put milk and dudhi in a heavy saucepan. Boil till thick, stirring occassionally. Once it starts thickening, stir

continuously. Add sugar and cook

further till thickens. Add ghee, elaichi, saffron and colour. Stir on low heat till the mixture collects in a soft ball or the

ghee oozes out. Serve

hot, decorated with a chopped almond or pista.

30. Chickoo Halwa

6 chickoos

1/2 tea cup milk

1/4 - 1/3 cup sugar

150 gms khoya or milk powder made paste.

2 - 3 drops cochineal (essence)

1 tbsp ghee

Method

Peel and mash chickoos or blend.

Add milk and boil in heavy saucepan.

When slightly thick add khoya and cook, stirring continuously.

Add sugar and ghee. Cook on low turning continuously till ghee oozes.

Garnish with almond or walnut in centre of the halwa.


Read our other posts:
Sweet Pongal

Szechwan Chicken quick prepration

Dhaal vada

Malai Kofta

Shahi Paneer

Potato in Curd Gravy

Shrikhand

Ingredients

1/2 kg. curds

300 gms. sugar

1/2 tsp. cardamom powder

few strands saffron

1/2 tbsp. pista & almond crushed

Method

Tie curd in a clean muslin cloth overnight. (6-7 hours).

Take into a bowl, add sugar and mix.

Keep aside for 25-30 minutes to allow sugar to dissolve.

Rub saffron into 1 tbsp. milk till well broken and dissolved. Keep aside.

Beat well till sugar has fully dissolved into curd.

Pass through a big holed strong strainer, pressing with hand or spatula.

Mix in cardamom powder and dissolved saffron and half nuts.

Empty into a glass serving bowl, top with remaining nut crush.

Chill for 1-2 hours before serving.

Making time: 20 minutes (excluding tieing and keeping time)

Makes: 6-7 servings

Shelflife: 3-4 days refrigerated

Variations: To make fruit flavoured shrikhand eg. mango, add pulp at the stage of adding cardamom and saffron.

Dhaal vada

urad dhaal -

chana dhaal -

red chillis -

Following is the thread test (tar) to check required consistency of syrup (chashni). If no thread is formed, but there is

stickiness in the syrup when tested, then it is 3/4 tar (thread). This consistency is generally used in dipping sweets like,

gulabjamoon, boondi, jalebi, imarti, etc. Boil some more and when 1 tar forms, it is used in soaking pancake pancakes like

malpua. On further boiling two tars are obtained and this is used in sweets like burfis, mohanthal, etc. At this stage a drop

of syrup dropped on a plate will form a soft ball when cooled. After this stage do no stir briskly and continuously or the

sugar will recrystallise. Still further boiling will form 2 1/2 to 3 tars and this syrup is used to get a white coating of sugar on

sweets like balushahi, surti ghari, etc. At this stage when the syrup is dropped in a plate it will form a hard ball when

cooled. Following are the steps shown to make sugar syrup (chashni) in the right way.

a.Take sugar and water in the ratio of 2 : 1 1/2 unless other wise mentioned.

b.Put both in a deep saucepan to boil, stirring occasionally.

c.When the mixture comes to a boil, add 1/2 cup milk.

d.When a thick scum is formed on the surface of syrup, it is time to strain.

e.Always use a metal strainer or moist cloth to strain the hot syrup, never plas tic.

f.Put back to boil, checking the consistency required as above.

g.Check frequently, because once the first thread forms, it proceeds to thicken to the next stages very quickly.

h.Use as required in the recipe. Make syrup side by side of making the recipe, reheating the syrup too many times will alter

the texture of the resulting sweet dish. To save time, prepare the syrup on a second burner, while making the rest of the

recipe. This will avoid excess wastage of time and unnecessary cooling off, of the fried flours, etc. as the recipe demands.

Sweet Pongal

Ingredients (for two people) :-

Moong dhal - 1/2 cup.

Rice - 1/2 cup.

Milk

Coconut

cashew

jaggery

raisins (khish-mish - dry grapes)

cardamom

ghee.

Fry the moong dhal (before washing) till it becomes little light brown (it

will start smelling). Then soak rice and dhal separately for 10 minutes.

Thoroghly wash and keep it in cooker with the right water (lesser is o.k)and

cook it seperately (in two different containers). Meanwhile cut coconut in

very small pieces and fry in ghee. Fry cashew and raisins also separately.

Break the jagerry and put in water (very little) and make a syrup. This is

done because sometimes jagerry has mud and stones. After we make the syrup

strain it through tea strainer. Put the rice and dhal in a big vessel and

add milk (may be one cup) and cook it till all the milk gets absorbed. Add

jaggery syrup and again cook till even it gets absorbed. Add three big table

spoons of ghee, powdered cardamon and cook again for a while. Add fried

coconut, cashews and raisins.

Serve hot in two cups with a spoon of ghee.

16. Ulundu vada

urad dhaal

hari mirch

salt

Soak dhaal in water over night. Grind dhaal in little water.

Then make vada shape and deep fry in oil.

17. Adai

Rice - 1⁄2 cup

urad dhaal - 1⁄4 cup

chana dhaal - 1⁄4 cup

thoor dhaal - 1⁄4 cup

yellow moong dhaal - 1⁄4 cup

red chillis

salt

Soak everything in water over night. Grind with little water.

Sarson ka saag

Ingredients

1 bunch sarson greens

1 bunch spinach

1 onion grated

1/2 tsp. each ginger & garlic grated

3 green chillies

1 tbsp. grated cheese o r paneer (optional)

1/2 lemon juice

salt to taste

2 tbsp. ghee

1 tbsp. oil

1/2 tsp. garam masala

1 tbsp. maize flour

Method

1.Chop both greens, wash, drain.

2.Heat oil in the pressure cooker direct.

3.Add both greens, green chillies, stir.

4.Add ginger, garlic, stir.

5.Add few pinches salt, 1 cup water.

6.Pressure cook till done. (2 whistles).

7.Mash well.

8.Heat ghee in a pan, add onion, saute till brown,

9.Add all other ingredients, except cheese.

10.Stir well and cook till oil separates.

11.Garnish with cheese.

12.Serve hot with makki ki roti, or paratha.

Making time: 25 minutes (excluding pressure cooking time)

Makes: 3-4 servings

Shelflife: Best fresh

Green All-Purpose Chutney

Ingredients:

15 green chillies

1/2 cup coriander

1/2 lemon

1 tbsp. sev or potato wafers crushed

1/2 tsp. jaggery

salt to taste

1 tsp. oil

1 clovette garlic

Method:

Put all the ingredients , except oil and asafoetida , in a small mixie.

Heat the oil and add the asafoetida and put in the mixie.

Run the mixie till a smooth chutney is obtained.

Try using no water or as little as possible to make the chutney keep longer.

Add water as and when required.

Store in a clean glass bottle.

Note: Sev is a fried Indian snack made of gramflour.

Makes 1/2 cup chutney

Making time: 5 minutes

Shelf life: 1 week (refrigerated)

Pear and Mango Chutney

Ingredients:

250 gms. raw firm mango

250 gms. pears.

500 gms. sugar

2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. red chilli powder

1 tsp. garam masala

1 tbsp. marshmelon (kharbooja) seeds.

1 tbsp. raisins.

2 cloves powdered

8 each almonds and cashews chopped finely.

Method:

Peel and mash and pear.

Put 1 tbsp. sugar in a heavy saucepan.

Heat on a low flame, stirring and cooking till it turns brown.

Add 500 ml. water and boil.

When the sugar has fully dissolved in the water add remaining sugar.

When it begins to boil again add the mashed fruit, cashew, raisins, seeds, chilli and salt.

Boil till a thick jam consistency is obtained. Stir occasionally.

Add the clove powder and garam masala.

Cool a bit and transfer to clean airtight jar.

Making time: 1 hour

Shelf life: 1 month

Makes 1.5 kgs. chutney.

Spicy Sev

Ingredients

2 cups gram flour (besan)

1/2 tsp. ajwain (omam) seeds

1 1/2 tsp. red chilli powder

1 tbsp. oil

salt to taste

2-3 pinches asafoetida

water to make dough

oil to deep fry

Method

1.Mix the chilli, oil, salt and seeds into the flour.

2.Add enough water to make a dough which is quite gooey.

3.It should not be pliable but sticky.

4.Grease the inside of a Sev-press, fill with the dough.

5.Press into hot oil, and fry lightly on both sides.

6.Drain well and cool before storing.

Variation:

You may adjust the chillies as per taste.

You may omit chillies to make bland sev.

You may add finely crushed dried herbs (eg. mint) for add flavour.

Note: A sevpress is similar to a vermicelli press, but it should be small enough to handle over hot oil.

Making time: 15-20 minutes

Makes: 250 grams approx.

Hot Kachori

Ingredients

For cover:

1 1/2 cup plain flour

3 tbsp. oil

salt to taste

cold water to knead dough

For filling:

1 cup yellow moong dal washed and soaked for 1/2 hour

1 tsp. garam masala

1 tsp. red chilli powder

1/2 tsp. dhania (coriander) powder

1/2 tsp. coriander seeds crushed coarsely

1/2 tsp. fennel (saunf) seeds crushed coarsely

1/2 tsp. cumin seeds

1/2 tsp. mustard seeds

1 tbsp. coriander leaves finely chopped

salt to taste

2-3 pinches asafoetida

1 tbsp. oil

oil to deep fry

1 tbsp. plain flour for patching

Method

For cover:

Mix flour, salt and oil, knead into soft pliable dough.

Keep aside for 30 minutes.

For filling:

Put plenty of water to boil. Add dal.

Boil dal for 5 minutes, drain.

Cool a little. Heat oil in a heavy pan.

Add all seeds whole and crushed allow to splutter.

Add asafoetida, mix. Add all other ingredients.

Mix well. Do not smash the dal fully.

But enough to make the mixture hold well.

Remove from fire, cool.

Divide into 15 portions.

Shape into balls with greased palms.

Keep aside.

To proceed:

Make a paste with water, of flour for patching.

Keep aside.

Take a pingpong ball sized portion of dough.

Knead into round. Roll into 4" diam. round.

Place one ball of filling at centre.

Pick up round and wrap ball into it like a pouch.

Break off excess dough carefully.

Do not allow cover to tear.

Press the ball with palm, making it flattish and round.

Repeat for 4-5 kachories.

Deep fry in hot oil, on low flame only.

If the kachori get a hole anywhere, apply some paste.

Return to oil and finish frying.

Turn and repeat for other side.

Fry till golden and crisp. Small bubbles must appear over kachori.

Drain and serve hot with green and tamarind chutneys.

Making time: 1 hour (excluding soaking and cooling times)

Makes: 10-12 pieces

Shelf life: 2-3 days

Note: Take care to fry on low. Hurried frying will result in soggy and oily kachories.

Masala Vada

Ingredients

1 cup yellow gram (chana) dak

1/2 cup onion finely chopped

1/2 cup coriander finely chopped

1/2 cup dill leaves finely chopped

3-4 green chillies finely chopped

1/2 tsp. cumin seeds

oil o deep fry

Method

Wash and soak dal for 3-4 hours.

Keep 2 tbsp. dal aside, grind the rest,coarsely.

Mix all other ingredients, including whole dal.

Add 2-3 tbsp. hot oil to the mixture.

Heat oil, make pattie shaped rounds with moist palm.

Let carefully into the hot oil.

Fry first one side then the other till golden brown.

Serve hot with green chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup

Making time: 20 minutes (excluding soaking time)

Makes: 15 vadas (approx.)

Shelflife: Best fresh

Samosa

Ingredients

For cover:

1 cup plain flour (maida)

2 tbsp. warm oil

water to knead dough

For filling:

2 potatoes large boiled, peeled, mashed

1 onion finely chopped

2 green chillies crushed

1/2 tsp. ginger crushed

1/2 tsp. garlic crushed

1 tbsp. coriander finely chopped

1/2 lemon juice extracted

1/2 tsp. turmeric powder

1/2 tsp. garam masala

1/2 tsp. coriander seeds cru shed

1 tsp. red chilli powder

salt to taste

oil to deep fry

Method

For dough:

Make well in the flour.

Add oil, salt and little water.Mix well till crumbly.

Add more water little by little, kneading into soft pliable dough.

Cover with moist cloth, keep aside for 15-20 minutes.

Beat dough on worksurface and knead again. Re-cover.

For filling:

Heat 3 tbsp. oil, add ginger, green chilli, garlic, coriander seeds.

Stir fry for a minute, add onion, saute till light brown.

Add coriander, lemon, turmeric, salt, red chilli, garam masala.

Stir fry for 2 minutes, add potatoes. Stir further 2 minutes.

Cool. Keep aside.

To proceed:

Make a thin 5" diam. round with some dough.

Cut into two halves. Run a moist finger along diameter.

Join and press together to make a cone.

Place a tbsp. of filling in the cone and seal third side as above.

Make five to six. Put in hot oil, deep fry on low to medium till light brown.

Do not fry on high, or the samosas will turn out oily and soggy.

Drain on rack or kitchen paper.

Serve hot with green and tamarind chutneys (refer chutneys), or tomato sauce.

Making time: 45 minutes

Makes: 20 pieces (approx.)

Shelflife: Bestfresh

Malai Kofta

Ingredients:

Gravy:

125 gms. cream

75 gms. khoya or paneer

150 ml. milk

50 gms. cashewnuts

3 tsp. white pepper powder.

2 1/2 tsp. sugar

2 tsp. grated ginger

1/4 tsp. nutmeg powder

1/2 tsp. turmeric powder

1 tsp. garlic crushed

1" cinnamon

6 cloves

6 cardamoms

salt to taste

3 tbsp. ghee

Kofta:

50 gms. khoya

50 gms. paneer

5 medium potatoes

20 gms. cashewnuts

20 gms. raisins

4-5 green chillies chopped fine

1/2 tsp. ginger grated

1 tsp. coriander chopped

1/2 tsp. cum seeds

in

salt to taste

Garnish:

1 tbsp. grated cheese or paneer

1 tbsp. chopped coriander

Method:

Koftas

Boil the potatoes, peel and smash them.

Mix together all the ingredients except raisins and cashews.

Take a ping-pong ball sized dough in hand.

Flatten. Place 2-3 cashews and raisins in the centre and shape into a ball.

Repeat for remaining dough. Keep aside.

Gravy:

Roast the cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and cloves together.

Dry grind and keep aside. Wet grind all the other ingredients, except ghee, to a paste.

Heat ghee in a skillet, add powdered spices and fry for 2-3 seconds.

Add paste and fry further for 5-7 minutes stirring well.

Add 2 cups water and simmer on low for 15 minutes.

Warm the koftas either in the oven or on the tava.

Optional: You can deep fry the koftas also.

To serve place warm koftas in a casserole.

Either pour boiling hot gravy on the koftas or pour and bake in hot oven of 5 minutes.

Garnish with grated cheese and chopped coriander.

Serve hot with naan or parathas.

Making time: 45 minutes.

Makes: 10 koftas with gravy.

Shelf life: Best fresh.

Navratan Korma

Ingredients:

2 cups peas boiled

1 large carrot chopped and boiled

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1/4 cup curd

1/4 cup malai(cream)

3 tbsp. butter

1 small sweet lime

1 small apple

1 banana

2 slices pineapple

10-15 cashewnuts

20 raisins

2 glaced cherries for decoration

1 tbsp. coriander chopped

1 tbsp. ghee

salt to taste

Dry Masala:

1 tsp. cuminseeds

2 tsp. khuskhus (poppyseeds)

1 tsp. cardamoms

Wet Masala:

1 large onion

1/4 cup coconut shredded

3 green chillies

Method:

Grind the dry and wet masalas separately.

Chop all the fruit fine. Heat ghee and fry cashews, drain and keep aside.

Add butter to ghee and heat, add the wet masala and fry for 2 minutes.

Add the dry masala and salt and fry 2 more minutes.

Add the carrots and peas, mix together curd and cream and add to gravy.

Allow to thicken a bit, add fruit, cashews and raisins and boil till the gravy is thick and the fat separates.

Garnish with grated cheese ,coriander and chopped cherries.

Serve hot with naan, roti or paratha.

Making time: 45 minutes

Makes for: 6

Shelf life: Best fresh

Potato in Curd Gravy

Ingredients:

3 medium. potatoes boiled and peeled

1 cup curd or yogurt beaten

1 tsp. red chilli powder

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. dhania powder

1/4 tsp. turmeric powder

1/4 tsp. garam masala

2 pinches asafoetida

1 stalk curry leaves

1 tbsp. coriander leaves chopped

1 1/4 cup water

1/2 tsp. each ginger, garlic grated

2 green chillies slit

1 tsp. each cumin, mustard seeds

1/4 tsp. wheat flour

1 tbsp. oil

Method:

Cut potatoes into big pieces. Mash 3-4 pieces fine with hand. Keep both aside.

Mix all the dry masala in 1/4 cup water.

Heat oil. Add the seeds (cumin and mustard). When they splutter, add ginger-garlic, chilli and curry leaves.

Add the masala mixture and fry for 2 minutes.

Add beaten curd and fry for 5 minutes or till the curd loses its whiteness. Stir continuously after adding curd.

Add the remaining water and all the potato and flour. Stir well.

Boil and simmer for 10 minutes or till gravy thickens

Garnish with chopped coriander.

Serve hot with thin wheat chappaties and rice.

Making time: 30 minutes.

Makes for: 5

Shelf life: Best fresh

Shahi Paneer

Ingredients:

250 gms. paneer (cottge cheese)

3 tbsp. ghee or butter

1 onion chopped into strips

1/2" piece ginger chopped fine

2 green chillies chopped fine

4 tomatoes chopped fine

2 cardamoms crushed

9

1/4 cup beaten curd

1/2 tsp. red chilli powder

1/2 tsp. garam masala

salt to taste

1/2 cup milk

2 tbsp. tomato sauce

To garnish:

2 tbsp. grated paneer

1 tbsp. chopped coriander

Method:

Chop the paneer into 2" fingers.

Heat half the ghee. Add onion,ginger, green chilli and cardamom. Fry for 3-4 minutes.

Add tomatoes and cook for 7-8 minutes, covered.

Add curd and cook for 5 minutes.

Add 1/2 cup water and cool.

Blend in a mixie till smooth.

Heat remaining ghee, add gravy and other ingredients except milk and paneer.

Boil to get a very thick gravy.

Just before serving, heat gravy, add milk and paneer fingers and boil for 3-4 minutes.

Garnish with chopped coriander and grated paneer.

Making time: 45 minutes.

Makes for: 6

Shelf life: best fresh.