Thursday, April 28, 2011

Lime and Mint to beat the heat

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi All,
Summer is here, time to keep us cool and hydrated. 
Here is a very common and simple drink which can be made at home easily. 


Ingredients: (To make 1 glass)
Water - 1 glass
OR
LIMCA or SEVEN UP or SODA - 1 GLASS
Lime - half +half
Salt  - 1 tsp
Fresh Mint - 4 to 6 leaves
Pepper powder - 1/4 tsp(optional)
Ice cubes - 3 to 4

Method:
  • Cut the half lime into thick ring to garnish
  • Crush 4 mint leaves
  • Pour the water or Limca in a serving glass.
  • Add salt, lime, pepper and fresh mint.
  • Mix thoroughly. 
  • Add the ice cubes, garnish with fresh mint leaves and lime ring.
  • Serve chilled.
Sending this glass to Radhika's event
Keep Smiling,

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Grated Vegetable Soup

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi All,
Last week, I went to my cousin's house to stay for 2 days. May be because of change in weather, water, Phalguni fell ill. When I came back I had to rush to the doctor. She had high fever with severe infection. Doctor prescribed antibiotics and told to keep her on liquids.Now it was my testing time, yes!! I get nervous when kids fall sick. I go blank.. 
I wanted to give her something like soup which keeps her full and which is healthy. As usual, without planning, I entered the kitchen to check what I have and what I can do.
I got Carrot, Potato, Cabbage, Beetroot,  Peas. 
That was it, but no time to boil the vegetables as I had to finish before she got up. So thought of grating the vegetables.
Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

Cabbage :- 1/4 cup
Potato - 1 medium, peeled
Beet root - small, peeled
Carrot - 1 medium, peeled
Baby corn - 1 small
Peas- 8 to 10(you can add more, I just wanted to give colour to the soup)
Corn flour - 1 tbsp
Oil - 1/2 tsp(You can use butter also)
Ginger and garlic - 1/2 tsp, finely chopped
Salt to taste
Pepper powder - a pinch
Lime juice - 1/2 tsp 
Water to make the soup

You can add
Soya sauce - 1 tsp
White vinegar - 1 tsp

Method:
Grate all the vegetables.(Except peas)
Mix cornflour in 1/4 cup water and keep aside
Heat oil or butter in thick bottomed kadai.
When hot, add ginger and garlic, saute till light brown.
Add all the grated vegetables and saute for some time till the raw smell goes(it takes 3 to 5 minutes)
Add 2 cups of water and boil till the vegetables are almost cooked. (It takes 8 to 10 minutes)
Add the salt, pepper powder and cornflour.
Mix well and adjust the seasoning and the thickness of the soup. You can add more water if you feel its very thick.
Boil for  few more minutes for the cornflour to get mixed well.
If you are adding vinegar and soy sauce, its the time.
Remove from the fire and add lime before serving.
Great and healthy soup for any one. ( it was enough for 4 people)
My daughter enjoyed it luckily.
Now she is feeling better. (magic of mamma's soup!!!)

Keep Smiling,

Thursday, April 21, 2011

A Paneer in need is a PANEER in deed (Food Remake)

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi All,
WHAT AN IDEA  PariJI!!
The day she posted this Colourful Bell Pepper and Cottage Cheese Cubes , for me , it was like as we say in Hindi " mere ankhon mein yeh chubh raha tha!(Its direct translation in English :- it was pricking in my eyes!!).PLEASE TAKE THIS IN  A POSITIVE OR FUNNY WAY:-)
Thanks to Pari for this wonderful and unique recipe. I really loved it and I can use it in many preparations. I made a change from her original recipe with a genuine reason behind it. As the name of her recipe says its about bell pepper BUT, me and my daughter are allergic to those bell peppers. So I had to put these out of my recipe. And Pari has written in her post that we can replace with other vegetables also. I thought of adding as many number of vegetables I have with me.
Luckily I got the same round mould (as Pari has one) to make Paneer. 

Here is the recipe in my words:
Recipe to make the Veggie Paneer :



Ingredients:
Fresh Milk - 1/2 litre(I used and I could make 10 big tikkas, 2 kebabs and one paratha)
Lime juice -2 tbsp or more depending on the milk and the time it takes to break
Parboiled vegetables  - 1 cup (finely chopped beans, carrot, baby corn, peas,potato and whatever you like and it fits in the paneer well)
you can use bell pepper, I have omitted here.
Green Chilly - 1 finely chopped(Avoid this, if for kids)
Salt 1 tsp
Pepper powder - 1 to 2 tsp

Method:

  • Boil the milk.
  • Add the lime juice and stir it. Continue boiling till the milk breaks out.
  • Add all the vegetables and boil for few more minutes.
  • Strain it to remove the whey.
  • Wash it with clean water to remove the smell.
  • Add the green chilly, salt and pepper powder. Mix well.
  • Transfer it into Paneer making mould.
  • Keep it aside for 2 to 3 hours. Transfer it into a big plate or bowl.
  • Keep in the fridge to set.
  • The BASIC Veggie Paneer is ready.
Don't have mould, no problems, tie in a clean cloth hang it for an hour or two, remove and give the desired shape, may be you have to add little corn flour to bind it properly.


NOW,
Turn this into Spicy Paneer Tikka and or Kabab:
You need
Ready Veggie Paneer cubes - 10 to 12
Corn Flour - 2 tbsp
(I used Rice flour as there was no cornflour at home, but it worked fine too)
Garam Masala - as per taste
Amchur powder a pinch or less.
Fresh coriander to serve(not in the photo)
Oil to shallow fry the Tikka

Method:

    • Cut the ready Paneer into Tikka shape, DUST them on the cornflour and keep it ready.
    • Heat the tawa. Spread oil on it. When the oil is hot, carefully place the cubes on tawa.
    • Shallow Fry all the sides. Transfer into serving plate sprinkle the garam masala and amchur powder mix and garnish with fresh coriander.
    • VEGGIE PANEER TIKKA IS READY TO SERVE.




    To make KABAB,
    • SAME PROCEDURE, JUST SCRAMBLE THE PANEER ADDING GARAM MASALA AND AMCHUR POWDER. 
    • Give the shape of Kababs and shallow fry till golden.


    The last but not the least is I USED THIS SCRAMBLED PANEER TO MAKE STUFFED PARATHA AND MY YOUNGER DAUGHTER HAD THE WHOLE PARATHA WITH CURDS. ;-))))))))
    (It did not clicked me to click a photo. Next time I will take the photo and add it here)
    THANK YOU SO MUCH PARI FOR SUCH A HEALTHY RECIPE WHICH MADE MY WORK EASY TO FEED MY KID A GOOD FOOD.
    And perfect starter for the party.
    Hey I think I can use these cubes in Palak Paneer, Veg Biryani also, any more ideas????


    Keep Smiling,

    AWARD TIME :-)

    Tried and tasted by Nivedita
    Hi All,
    Its better late than never!!! this is what I am using for my laziness.Some things keep on postponing for no reason. This is what happened here with my awards. I hope you all will understand me and you all love me even after posting this so late :-)
     I am really sorry for accepting these lovely awards so late and posting it in my blog. 
    THANKS A TON FOR CHOOSING ME TO SHARE YOUR AWARDS.


    VEENA HAS SHARED THIS AWARD



    KANTHI HAS SHARED THIS AWARD


    RICHA PRIYANKA HAS SHARED THESE AWARDS







    AND
    SHOBHA HAS SHARED THIS AWARD WITH ME.


    THANKS ONCE AGAIN FOR THIS TOKEN OF LOVE. KEEP VISITING ME AND ENCOURAGE ME WITH YOUR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS.



    Keep Smiling,

    Wednesday, April 20, 2011

    Colourful curries : Reposting for the event

    Tried and tasted by Nivedita
     Hi All,
    How are you all?
    Again some reposting for the event.
    But I kept on wondering which one to choose for this event, Is it fine if I take dals, or sambhars or curry???
    Then thought of giving chance to my older posts  which did not get more attention :-)))
    So here are the two recipes which I am reposting for the event which is going on in Charita's blog.

    First is


    AND


    Many and more Veg. Sambhar



    The event is going on here:



    Keep Smiling,

    Tuesday, April 19, 2011

    Chota Packet, Bada Dhamaka - Ching's SECRET NEW SCHEZWAN Miracle Masala

    Tried and tasted by Nivedita
     Hi All,
    Scene ONe: Its a tiring and a very long day at work, you are back home, and nothing is there except some left over rice in the fridge. And luckily some cut vegetables in hand. Then.....
    Scene TWo : Suddenly you have that craving to have some Chinese food, and you really love the rice you get in that Chinese Restaurant. But you are not in a mood to go out of home, or you know there will be rush in the restaurant or the restaurant is far from home... In any case.. Then....
    Scene THREe : You  will get a call from your hubby that few people are coming and you have to fix some quick lunch Then....
    Scene FOUr : Your friend circle will decide for a short picnic and will give you the task of making rice for everyone and bring. Then...
    The number of scenes will continue......



    But the Solution is only ONE ; And That is Ching's SECRET  NEW SCHEZWAN Miracle Masala  :-))))))))
    Yesss!! I just loved this chota packet.. It has a real Chinese taste in it..
    Simple and easy but you can definitely fill you stomach with satisfaction, it can impress your guests, it can satisfy your craving or it can make you the Super star of your friend's circle and the list goes on..
    Coming to this product,
    It is available in a small packet which costs you only Rs.5/- !!! Yes only five rupees and only 1gm, You can make rice for 2 people according to the instructions. But I felt its too spicy so I prepared it for 3 people.  
    And I added extra GINGER AND GARLIC flakes(finely cut) to give that extra Chinese flavour.


    JUST FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN ON THE PACKET AND WIN THE HEART OF YOUR LOVED ONES. 
    I mean it :-)
    (Its totally my personal opinion and my view about the product. I am not paid for this post or this is no where connected with the promo of the product.)

    Keep Smiling,

    Monday, April 18, 2011

    Rice and Jaggery Pancakes(akki bellada Dosa)

    Tried and tasted by Nivedita
    Hi All,
    I am starting this post with my old statement : Events inspire me to try new things and sometime I try the old or traditional recipes for participating in the events.
    AND I am very happy and thanks to my brother. He gifted me the camera. My new camera is SONY,DSC-W 570.(Review about the product is soon in my blog). So I can post my new recipes with new photos.

    This Rice and Jaggery Pancake is not a new dish, but I never bothered to try it. When I visited many blogs, I came through this recipe. But every time, I used to read the method, loved the clicks and then forget.
    and now, when there is my event going on which is guest hosted by Priya, I thought of trying this one. But I did not wanted to go through any recipes,  I wanted to rely on my memory and my version. And hey, I have good(not very good) memory. The pancakes I tried were just delicious. I checked the other blogs after I finished making, my preparation was almost the same but I had omitted few ingredients.
    Coming to my version(it might be same in some other blogs too, but that is totally without my knowledge.)

    Coming to the recipe,


    Ingredients :
    Rice(I used regular rice) - 1/2 cup
    Jaggery - 1 cup or little less as per your taste
    Cardamom - 1,peeled and crushed
    Fresh coconut - 1/2 cup, grated or break into pieces.
    Salt a pinch
    Ghee to make the pancakes.(1/2 tsp for each pancake)

    Method:
    Soak the rice for 5 to 6 hours.
    Drain and grind into coarse paste. In the last round add the grated coconut and cardamom and grind into fine paste.
    Before the last round, add  the jaggery and grind one more round.
    Remove and transfer the batter into a bowl.
    You can start making the pan cakes immediately or even after keeping it for sometime.
    Heat the dosa pan. Spread the batter into small and thick dosa.
    Let it cook on low flame for half a minute. Turn it and cook on other side.
    Spread 1/2 tsp of ghee on it, Remove and repeat with remaining batter.
    I got 8 dosas with the qty I had taken.
    Serve hot with pickle.
    Sending this to
    (which is  MY ... event)

    AND

    Krithika of Krithi's Kitchen where this interesting evenGuest Hosting - Breakfast Club #10 - The Theme is... (which is started by HELEN)

    Keep Smiling,

    Tuesday, April 12, 2011

    Fresh Coriander Tokku(Reposting)

    Tried and tasted by Nivedita
    Hi All,
    I am on holidays, but I can  break my break and post if I wish. I am not able to post the new recipes, but definitely can repost my archived recipes.
    So here I am with my one of favourite chutney and to be honest, I totally forgot about this. Today when I was reading a post on PJ's blog, I saw the event going on. I just digged my blog to get some recipes with coriander and I got this one. 
    I posted this one in the year 2009 and I got only 7 comments. I hope you all will like this chutney and leave few more comments to make me happy, Arre!!! I am a senior blogger now :-) at least for that sake!!!
    Jokes apart,
    This is a real blessing when you are I mean your kitchen is out of fresh coconut.
    Check the original post here.

    Ingredients:

    Fresh Coriander - 2 bunch, washed and cleaned
    Dry red chilly - 4 to 6 (according the taste and the variety)
    Methi seeds - 1 tsp
    Jaggery - 2 tbsp
    Tamarind paste - 2 tbsp
    Salt to taste
    For tempering,
    Oil - 1 tbsp
    Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
    Hing - a pinch

    Method:
    Dry roast the red chilly and methi seeds. When cold, add other ingredients and put in a mixie or blender to make fine paste. Adjust the seasoning.
    Heat oil in small kadai, add mustard seeds. Off the stove and add hing. Add this to the ready paste.
    The Fresh coriander tokku is ready to serve.

    Sending it to Kirthi's
    which is originally started by 

    Keep Smiling,


    Wednesday, April 6, 2011

    ANNOUNCEMENT OF A WINNER AND A BREAK :-)

    Tried and tasted by Nivedita
    Hi All,
    Hoping that all the entries I have received are posted in the 'Only' Original Recipes - Event Round Up, I am going to announce the winner of the event.
    I have used the random.org, but it is not possible to post the photo of the same(Sorry, problem with my mom's camera too :-(  )
    (Sorry, last post I selected an entry from USA, where as I was supposed to select from India.)


    Taking the entries from India:
    The winner of this event is









  • Congratulations Priya Sreeram. You will contacted soon by Pari.

    Thanks everyone again for your participation and the love and the support to make this event successful.. 
    and coming to myself,
    I am on holidays and its not possible for me to blog regularly. But will try to try new recipes and post for few events. (I am sure I can not stay away for longer time from blogging) Hope I will get you here when I am back with my regular posting.

    Keep Smiling,

    Sunday, April 3, 2011

    'Only' Original Recipes - Event Round Up

    Tried and tasted by Nivedita
    Hi All,
    CHAK DE INDIA.... CONGRATULATIONS TO THE INDIAN TEAM AND ALL THE INDIANS. 
    Coming about this post,
    Here is the most awaiting round up of the event. 
    When Pari asked me to choose this theme, I was hesitating to take it, as I was not sure about the entries I am going to get(This always happens with me :-)  ) But Pari was sure about you all. :-) 
    And she was right.  I started getting entries from the day one I announced the event.AND I GOT 86 UNIQUE AND ORIGINAL RECIPES.
    Now, it was my responsibility to check the entries and to check about their origin. As the event name itself is 'Only Original recipe', I had to follow the rules.
    I want to thanks once again  Pari of Foodelicious for allowing me to host this beautiful event.

    I am posting the entries in a random order(and the way I have received the entries):
    1. Drumstick (Moringa) and Garlic Curry / Murungakai Poondu Kulambu from Krithi's Kitchen
    2. Orange Rice with Caramelized onions from Krithi's Kitchen
    3. Pasta Pulihora from Srav's Culinary Concepts
    4. Tricolor Fried Rava Idlis  from MY MOM'S RECIPES
    5. Potato soup from Khaugiri
    6.  Vegetable- pasta soup from  PJ of Seduce Your Tastebuds
    7.  Fresh, healthy, colorful SPRING SALAD from Devi's Blog
    8. Steamed,grille,stuffed and fried potato and garlic bhajias! from Authentic Vegetarian Recipes
    9. Fettuccine with Spinach & Mint from  Kamu's Kaivannam
    10. Deep Fried Nutella from  Rasoi
    11. Butter Beetroot Stir Fry from Sowmi's Kitchen
    12. SIZZLING MUSHROOMS IN SALSA SAUCE from  Dee's Kitchen
    1. Eggless Dates and Pumpkin Seeds Cake from Gayathri's Cook Spot
    2. Four Flour Medley Masala Bread from NOW SERVING
    3. Gourmet Farfalle Pasta Salad in Mango Sauce from  NOW SERVING
    4. Flaxseed Amaranth Vermicelli Dosais/Crepes   from  NOW SERVING
    5. Spicy Cilantro Sauce Pasta from  NOW SERVING
    6. Quinoa- Multigrain Pizza from  NOW SERVING
    7. Garbanzo Beans Patties from Akarma(Karma Free) food
    8. Spinach Pepper Poriyal from Sunitha's Kitchen
    9.   Quinoa Kichidi from Sensibleveg
    10. Kachhe kele ke parathe from   Ambrosia
    11. Chow Chow - Tomato Curry from Tamalapaku
    12.   Mixed Lentil and Vegetable Stew from Tamalapaku
    1. Poha-Quinoa-Oats Uthappam from  Tamalapaku
    2. Spicy Barley - Lentil Stew from VeggiePlatter
    3. Baked Stuffed Okra from Sugar 'n' Spice
    4. Stuffed Sweet Corn Paratha with whole corn kernels from Sugar 'n' Spice
    5. Panko crusted paneer tikki from Delicious Vegetarian
    6.   Bread Chowmein - A friend in need is a friend indeed!! from Eat Heary Stay Healthy
    7. Date and Walnut Cake (Sugar Free) from Eat Heary Stay Healthy 
    8. Black Grapes Puliyodharai / Black Grapes in Tangy Spicy Sauce Rice from samayalarai-cookingisdivine
    9.  Tomato Poori from samayalarai-cookingisdivine
    10. Lentil Croquettes from samayalarai-cookingisdivine
    11. Gujhiya from TipsNDeals
    12. Tacos with Granulated Soy from TipsNDeals




    1. Purple and Red Stir Fry from  Pasta and Paratha
    2. Hibiscus Milk from Kurinji Kathambam
    3. Cucumber Salad with Roastedgram from Kurinji Kathambam
    4.   Gooseberry Juice with Honey from Kurinji Kathambam
    5. Pecan Ladoo from  Foodie Workz
    6.  Sunflower seed podi from  Foodie Workz
    7.  Sitafal Kulfi from Food Mazaa
    8. Green Peas Stuffed Puris from Food Mazaa
    9. Baghare Baigan  from Food Mazaa
    10. braised eggplants in tamarind sauce from saffronstreaks


    1. Lauki Soya Sabji |Bottlegourd and Soya Nuggets Curry fromIndian Khana
    2. Kadai Aloo Gobi ~ Purple Potatoes & Cauliflower Curry from  Curry In Kadai
    3.  Masala Vada  from Curry In Kadai
    4. Cashew Coconut Burfi from South Indian Home
    5. ginger-chilly pickle from veggiefoodie
    6. shaahi paneer with gravy  from veggiefoodie
    7.  CHAAT PODI DOSAI from EASY2COOK RECIPES
    8. Nutella Rice Pudding from Vegetarian Tastebuds
    9. Corn and Mint Leaves Fritters from  Indian Cuisine
    10. Sweet Potato Bajji   from  Indian Cuisine
    11. Spicy Sweet Potato Powder  from  Indian Cuisine
    12. Vermicelli Cutlet  from  Indian Cuisine
    Sorry Padma, I forgot your entry, here it is:
    Tender Tamarind Leaves(Chintha Chiguru) Rice from  Padma's Recipes

    and the last but not the least is from  A NON BLOGGER 
    Jyothsna Rao, She has sent a recipe for Gobhi Paratha with a twist:


    Ingredients

    Stuffing:

    1 cup finely chopped onion

    1 cup grated cauliflower
    1/2 cup finely chopped fenugreek leaves
    1 tsp finely chopped ginger
    1 tsp finely chopped garlic
    4 green chillies finely chopped
    2 tsp Olive oil
    1 tsp cumin seeds
    1/2 tsp turmeric powder
    2 tsp coriander powder
    1/2 tsp dry mango powder
    Salt to taste


    Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, chopped ginger,garlic and green chillies. Fry it till they are slightly browned. Add in the finely chopped onions and fry them till they are slightly brown. Add in the finely chopped fenugreek leaves,coriander powder, turmeric powder, dry mango powder and salt to taste. Fry for a another minute. Add the grated cauliflower in to the pan.Fry for another 8 mins. Makesure there is no moisture in the mixture. Let the mixture cool.


    For the Dough:


    1 cup Curd/ buttermilk

    1 tsp olive oil
    One and a half cup whole wheat floor
    Salt to taste

    Mix in salt, olive oil and curd in a bowl. Add in the whole wheat flour and make the dough. Let it aside to rest for 15 mins.



    DSC00015.jpg


    To make the Paratha:

    Olive oil to roast the paratha.
    Make balls of the dough (of size of a big lemon). Roll the dough ball into small  circles ( about the size of your palm). Use the dry flour to roll easily. Fill in the stuffing and seal all sides with the dough (make sure the stuffing is cold). Roll this stuffed ball into circles of about 10 cm diameter.

    Roast the paratha on a hot griddle. Apply about a tsp of olive oil and roast both sides.

    Serve hot parathas  accompanied by pickle and curds.

    I hope I have covered all the entries. Please do check if any entry is missing and let me know so that I can add it. It will be easy for me to choose the winner.
    I want to thank all of you for participating and supporting me.


    Keep Smiling,

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