Instant chole /chana curry

INGREDIENTS


Canned chana-1 tin
Tomatoes-3
Onions-2
Garam masala-2teaspoons
Ginger garlic paste-1/2 teaspoon
Chole masala or amchur powder-1 teaspoon
Cumin-1 teaspoon
Green chillies-2
Cilantro-1/2 bunch
Salt-1 teaspoon
Lemon juice-1 teaspoon


PREPARATION


Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and roast them for a minute. Next fry onions and then add ginger garlic paste , chopped tomatoes,chillies. Put the stove on simmer and cook the tomatoes well. Then add chole masala or amchur powder , garam masala,salt along with chole from the tin. Now cook the whole mixture by adding a cup of water for about 5imutes. Squeeze in the lemon juice and garnish with cilantro. Serve with chapathi or pulka as a dinner entry.

Andhra spicy chicken curry

INGREDIENTS


Chicken-1 kg
Onions-2
Tomatoes-4
Cloves-6
Elaichi-2
Cinnamon -1 inch
Bay leaf-1
Cumin powder-1 teaspoon
Coriander powder-1 teaspoon
Turmeric-1/2 teaspoon
Ginger garlic paste-2 teaspoons
Yogurt-2 tablespoons
Salt-2 teaspoons
Lemon juice-1 teaspoon
Chilli powder-2 teaspoons
Coriander-1/2 bunch


PREPARATION


Marinade the chicken with yogurt,ginger garlic paste,turmeric,salt ,chilli powder and lemon juice or 1 teaspoon vinegar for at least half an hour .
Heat oil in a wide base pan, add cloves, cinnamon,bay leaf, elaichi and onions and allow them to fry until brown. At this stage add onions allow them to cook completely.Then drop each marinated piece and fry until it is half cooked. Look for the consistency , add water or chicken stock ,if you desire for gravy kind . Top it with chopped coriander leaves and allow it cook until the chicken is soft. Serve it hot with rice or roti.

You can even add coconut powder and khas khas paste before adding tomatoes inorder to get a thick gravy.

Fruit and veg platter

INGREDIENTS

Vegetables

Lettuce-2 leaves
Spinach-1/2 cup
Kale-1/2 cup
Cherry tomatoes-4
Carrot-1/2
Cucumber-1/4

Fruits n nut

Peach-1
Strawberries -3
Plums-3
Apple-1/2
Almonds-1 teaspoon
Walnuts-1 teaspoon
Raisins-1 teaspoon
Chat masala-1/2 teaspoon


PREPARATION


Arrange finely chopped veg and fruits on each side of plate.Sprinkle in a pinch of chat masala or salt and top it up with nuts. Ideal for lunch or dinner on a lazy day.

Easy Dry Bhel puri

INGREDIENTS


Puffed rice-1 cup
Onion-1
Tomato-1
Roasted chana dal-2 teaspoons
Peanuts-2 teaspoons
Salt-1/2 teaspoon
Red chilli powder -1/2 teaspoon
Lemon-1 teaspoon
Cilantro -2 strands


PREPARATION


On a low heat dry roast puffed rice until they are crispy.Mix in the ingredients in a tin,close the lid and shake well.serve immediately or else they turn soggy.

Tasty Mushroom Munchuria

INGREDIENTS


Mushrooms- 1/4 kg
Corn flour-5teaspoons
Ginger garlic paste-1/1 teaspoon
Pepper-1 teaspoon
Salt-1 teaspoon
Oil- for deep fry
Tomato ketchup-2 teaspoons
Rice vinegar-2 teaspoons
Dark soya sauce-2 teaspoons
Carrot-1/2- cut into strips
Cabbage- 2 leaves-cut into strips
Onion-1
Garlic -4 cloves finely chopped
Chives-2 strands


PREPARATION


In a bowl mix corn flour, 1/2 of the salt , 1/2 of the pepper, ginger garlic paste with water. Marinate the mushrooms for 10 minutes. Meanwhile heat oil in a pan filled with oil. Once it is nice and hot drop on each mushroom and allow it to cook until they look yellowish gold. Repeat the same for remaining mixture.
In a separate pan add a spoon of oil and throw in the chopped garlic first, then onions,carrot and cabbage in that order.Add vinegar,soy sauce,ketchup and few spoons of water until the veggies are tender . Now add the deep fried mushrooms.Mix well and garnish with chives. Serve hot with freshly cut onions and a wedge of lemon.

Paneer korma

INGREDIENTS

Paneer-1 cup

Tomatoes-4

Onion-1

Green chillies-2

Cumin-1/2 teaspoon 

Mustard -1/2 teaspoon

Turmeric-1/2 teaspoon

Salt-2 teaspoons

Plain yogurt-1 cup

Oil-1 teaspoon 

Ginger garlic paste-1/2 teaspoon 

Cilantro-4strands chopped

Garam masala-1 teaspoon

PREPARATION

Heat oil in a pan and begin with frying paneer cubes until golden brown and keep them aside. Now add mustard and cumin after they splutter add onions ,chillies and fry until they turn transparent . Now combine tomatoes and cook it till it becomes like a gravy.  Whisk the yogurt with little water without clumps and slowly add to the mixture while stirring . Cook it untill it leaves oil on the top .Season this with turmeric, salt ,garam masala ,cilantro and drop the fried paneer . Serve in roti, chapati or any flavoured rice.

Veg wrap

INGREDIENTS

Tortillas-2
Lettuce leaves-1
Carrot -1/2 cut into thin rings
Lean beans-8 cut vertically
Capsicum-1 cut into strips
Sweetcorn-1 teaspoon
Sesame seeds-1 teaspoon
Cream cheese-1 teaspoon
Olive oil-1 teaspoon
Tomato ketchup-1 teaspoon
Garlic minced-1 teaspoon


PREPARATION


Heat olive oil in a frying pan , roast sesame seeds add all the chopped vegetables except lettuce and capsicum. Stir them for about 2 minutes until they lose the raw flavour. Plate it separately.
Cook tortillas as per the instructions , if not available substitute it with chapati.
Place cooked tortilla on a plate , spread 1 teaspoon of ketchup then cream cheese. Arrange lettuce leaves and add half of the veg stuffing and fold it once below and on each side. Serves for two and have while its hot.

Pav bhaaji

INGREDIENTS


tomatoes-3
Capsicum-1
Potatoes -3
Green peas-1/2 cup
Onion-1
Ginger garlic paste -1 teaspoon
Butter-3 tablespoons
Cilantro -1 bunch
Pavbhaji masala-3 teaspoons
Red chilli powder-3 teaspoons
Salt-3 teaspoons


PREPARATION


On a wide pan heat 1 teaspoon butter, throw in capsicum, tomatoes,cooked and mashed potatoes, green peas, salt, masala, chilli powder, half bunch cilantro and add 1/2 cup water and cook until they are soft and mash them into thick paste with masher.
Heat the remaining butter in a separate small pan , fry onions and add juice of 1 lemon now put this into bhaaji. Mix it properly , adjust salt and chilli powder .Garnish with cilantro. Serve hot with pav that is slightly fried in butter along with chopped onions.

Cabbage and peas stir fry

INGREDIENTS


Cabbage-2 cups
Fresh green peas-1/2 cup
Curry leaves-1 strand
Cumin-1/2 teaspoon
Mustard-1/2 teaspoon
Urad dal-1/2 teaspoon
Chana dal-1/2 teaspoon
Ginger garlic paste-1/2 teaspoon
Green chillies-3
Salt-as per taste
Oil-1 teaspoon

PREPARATION


Heat oil in a pan and add cumin,mustard,urad dal,chana dal ,curry leaves ,ginger garlic paste ,chillies fry them for about 1 minute.Then add in cabbage and peas ,stir occasionally for 5 minutes.Season it with salt and garnish with cilantro.Serve hot with rice and rasam.

Bhindi /okra/ ladies finger curry

INGREDIENTS

Bhindi-1/2 kg

Onion-1

Oil -2table spoons

Chopped Garlic -2 table spoons 

Turmeric-1/2 teaspoon 

Salt-1 teaspoon

Red chilli powder-1 teaspoon 

Garam masala-1 teaspoon

Cilantro-1/4 bunch

For tempering- in teaspoons

1/2- mustard

1/2- cumin

1/2-urad dal

1/2-chana dal

PREPARATION

Once the oil is nice and hot add tempering stuff and allow them to splutter and then fry onions . Now add minced garlic ,turmeric, salt,chilli powder along with chopped ladies finger and cook for about 5- 10 mins with occasional and slight mixing to avoid burning at the bottom.at last add garam masala and garnish with cilantro.

                            Serve hot with rice or roti , serves 2 people.

TIP-wash and drain completely or even wipe the moisture with a cloth and then chop okra at least 2 hours before preparing the curry ,and allow them to dry in a wide plate to avoid it from being sticky.

easy Aloo / potato fry

INGREDIENTS

Potatoes-4

Onion-1

Oil-2 teaspoons

Ginger garlic paste-1 teaspoon
red chilli powder-1/2 teaspoon
salt-1 teaspoon

Cumin-1 teaspoon

Mustard-1/2 teaspoon

Urad dal-1 teaspoon

Chana dal-1 teaspoon 

Garam masala-1 teaspoon

Cilantro-1/4 bunch

PREPARATION

Boil potatoes and peel the skin after cooling it down. Chop into cubes and keep aside. Heat oil and add cumin, mustard, dals and fry for a minute and drop onions and cook till they turn brown. Now add all the remaining ingredients along with potatoes and toss well to make sure they are covered with the masala. It's serves as good side dish with soup or take it with rice and sambhar.

Veg Sweetcorn Soup

INGREDIENTS


Veg broth/stock-4 cups
Creamed corn tin-1/2 tin
Carrots-1
Beans-5
Cauliflower-2 florets
Sweetcorn-4 teaspoons
Spring onions-2 strands
Cornstarch-2 teaspoons
Garlic minced-1 teaspoon
Egg-1
Salt-1 teaspoon
Sugar-1 teaspoon
Pepper-1 teaspoon


PREPARATION


Boil water in stockpot,add carrot,beans,cauliliflpwer florets, garlic, sweetcorn,all finely chopped . Cook for minimum 2 minutes and then add cream corn.Mix corn starch with 4 spoons of water into a smooth paste and slowly add this mixture into the pot.Now season it with salt,pepper and sugar adjust according to your taste.pour in the beaten egg with stirring the soup slowly to avoid lumps. Off the stove , garnish with spring onions and serve hot with bread.

Sweet n sour salad

INGREDIENTS

Banana-1
Strawberries-4
Orange-1
Apple-1
Raisins -1 teaspoon
Raspberries -4
Chat masala-1/2 teaspoon
Honey-1 teaspoon


PREPARATION


In a bowl mix in finely chopped banana,apple,strawberries.Add raisins,honey and raspberries.Cut orange into 2 slices and squeeze the juice on salad. sprinkle the chat masala over and refrigerate for 10 minutes after mixing properly with a spoon.

Crunchy veg salad

INGREDIENTS


Iceberg lettuce-2 leaves
Young Spinach /kale-1 cup
Carrot-1/2 as slices or sticks
Cherry tomatoes-4
Cucumber-1/2 cut as slices
Bell peppers-1/4 -in each colour
Grated low fat cheese-2 teaspoons
Salt-1/2 teaspoon
Pepper-1/2 teaspoon
Olive oil-1/2 teaspoon
Lemon juice-1 teaspoon



PREPARATION


Cut all the above mentioned vegetables accordingly as per the shape.Mix all the ingredients in a bowl . Skip salt if u want to avoid it and serve immediately . Ideal for those dieting days to keep going.

Easy Home Made Pizza

INGREDIENTS FOR THIN BASE


Plain flour-4cups or1/2 kg
Olive oil-4teaspoons
Salt-1/4 teaspoon
Sugar-1/2 teaspoon
Water-125 ml
Yeast-2 teaspoons
Milk-3 teaspoons


BASE PREPARATION


Mix the flour,yeast,sugar and salt together in a large bowl and stir in the olive oil and milk slowly add water while mixing it to a smooth dough ball.Place the dough on a floured chopping board or clean work topand knead for about 5 minutes till it becomes elastic.
Place the dough in a bowl and cover to with a damp towel and leave it for 1 and 1/2 hours to see it become double the size.Knock it back and knead again and leave back in the bowl for 1 hour.Take out dough and roll into a 20 cm or 8 inch base on a floured work top with rolling pin.
Spread tomato sauce over pizza base and add your favourite toppings.Follow the next step as below.


PIZZA SAUCE


INGREDIENTS FOR PIZZA SAUCE


Olive oil-2 teaspoons
Onions finely chopped-1/4 cup
Minced garlic-4 cloves
Tomatoes-6 peeled and mashed
Mixed herbs-1/2 cup
Salt-1/2 teaspoon
Pepper-1/4 teaspoon
Unsalted butter-1 teaspoon


PREPARATION OF PIZZA SAUCE

Heat the oil in a skillet ,sauté onions and garlic for 1 minute.Stir on tomato purée and herbs.Season it with salt and pepper.Cook it for 5 minutes on slow flame and then butter pieces and give it a stir.
Spread it as a thin layer on a pizza base.


PIZZA TOPPINGS


Keep it light and see that they not more than 4 in any combination .

Vegetables- onions, peppers , olives ,chillies,jalapeños ,sweet corn,spinach,tomatoes,leek,broccoli

Herbs- basil, oregano, coriander, mint

Meat- cooked chicken,ham,perma Ham,pepperoni,chirop,mushroom.

Fish- anchovies , prawns, tuna.

However,I prefer adding only vegetables and chicken every time I make mine.


CHEESE


Grated mozzarella cheese of about 1 cup or more is ideal for any pizza.

Cheese combination - provolone , cheddar,Romano,Parmesan ,feta,Swiss,Monterey jack,muenster .


TIME AND TEMPERATURE


Spread the sauce on the base,layer with grated cheese sparsely.Arrange the toppings and finally add the last layer of cheese and bake at 220 degrees on fan oven for 15 -20 minutes.

Check after 15 mins and your pizza looks like this.The picture shown below is topped with mushrooms,chicken and onions.Serve hot with French fries and diet coke.

Sprouts stir fry

INGREDIENTS

Green gram sprout-1 cup

Carrot-1

Bell peppers-1/4 each

Cucumber -1/4

Lettuce-1 leaf

Tomato-1

Olive oil-1 teaspoon 

Salt-1/2 teaspoon 

Pepper-1/2 teaspoon 

PREPARATION

Heat oil and add all the ingredients except lettuce and cucumber and fry them for about 2 minutes. Garnish with cucumber slices and chopped lettuce leaves. serve hot with soup.

Gobi mushroom curry

INGREDIENTS

Mushrooms-150gms

Cauliflower - 1/4 veg

Tomatoes-2

Onion-1

Coriander -1/2 bunch

Olive oil-2 teaspoons

Cumin-1 teaspoon 

Ginger garlic paste-1 teaspoon 

Salt-2 teaspoons

Chilli powder-1 teaspoon 

Coriander powder-1/2 teaspoon

Garam masala-1/2 teaspoon 

PREPARATION

Heat oil in a pan and add cumin and chopped onions fry them till they are brown. Now add finely chopped tomatoes and ginger garlic paste until they are completely cooked into a thick gravy. Drop all the masalas like salt, chilli powder , coriander powder, turmeric and  garam masala. After mixing will combine chopped mushrooms and cauliflower and cover the pan to allow it to cook for about 5- 10 minutes with occasional stirring. In the end garnish with coriander and serve hot with rice or roti.

Instant Sambar

INGREDIENTS

Toor dal-1 cup

Tomato-1

Onion-1

Carrot-1

Bottle guard-1/4

Or any veggies-2 cups

Tamarind paste-2 teaspoons

Coriander-1/2 bunch

Sambar powder-1 teaspoon 

Garlic minced-2 teaspoons

Turmeric-1/2 teaspoon 

Salt-2 teaspoons

Red chilli powder -1teaspoons

Green chillies-2 

Cumin-1 teaspoon 

Mustard-1/2 teaspoon 

Asafoetida -1/4 teaspoon

Curry leaves-2 strands

Sunflower oil-2 tablespoons

PREPARATION

Heat oil in a cooker,add mustard ,asafoetida and cumin fry them for minute,then and all the other ingredients and combine 2 cups of water and allow it cook for 20 minutes on medium flame. Once it is cooked, let the pressure ease off , before opening the lid then adjust the consistency by adding water. Add finely chopped coriander and boil for 2 minutes. Serve hot with rice and papad.

Healthy fried rice

INGREDIENTS

Rice -1 cup ,cooked and cooled

Egg-1

Carrot-1/2

Lean beans-5

Green peas-2 tablespoons

Bell pepper -1/4 in each colour(optional)

Garlic -1 teaspoon , minced

Pepper powder-1teaspoon 

Salt-1 teaspoon

Cilantro-2 tablespoons , finely chopped

Spring onions-1 teaspoon 

Olive oil-2 teaspoons

Cumin-1/2 teaspoon 

PREPARATION 

Heat oil in a wide pan ,add cumin and garlic ,toss for 1minute and drop one egg and cook it while stirring it ,now throw in all the finely chopped vegetables except peppers, to retain the crunch.once the vegetables are tender add salt and black pepper and bell peppers along with rice. See that there are no lumps in the rice and fry for about 2 minutes and serve hot by garnishing with cilantro and spring onions for 2 persons.

Cabbage n potato curry/Aloo gobi curry

INGREDIENTS

Cauliflower -1

Potatoes-2

Green peas-3 table spoons

Ginger garlic paste-1 teaspoon 

Tomatoes-2

Onions-1

Cumin-1 teaspoon 

Salt-2 teaspoons

Red chilli powder -2 teaspoons

Coriander powder-1/2 teaspoon 

Cilantro -1/2 bunch

PREPARATION

Heat oil in a pan, add finely chopped cumin,onion,tomatoes and fry them till they are brownish. Now add ginger garlic paste and drop the masalas like salt, chilli powder and coriander powder. Then add cauliflower,potatoes and green peas and close the lid and cook until the veggies are completely cooked. Serve hot with chapathi or roti.