Vegetable Pulao


Pulaos are a very famous dish in India. it is prepared using rice,there are many varieties of pulao Peas pulao Spicy veg Pulao the one here is made without onion & garlic. This recipe is very easy to prepare, as it doesn’t have too many ingredients and can be cooked quickly.One can add any vegetables by choice.Serve with Pickle & Raita.I have cooked in  my electric rice cooker. Today on eve of Krishna Janmashtami I prepared this recipe as we don’t eat onion-garlic food today.One can prepare for kids tiffin if they like a bit spice or for a spouse.

ingredients

Rice 1.5 cup

Ginger Chilli paste 1 tsp

Mixed Vegetable 1/2 cup

Bay Leaf 1

Cardamom 1

Big Cardamom 1

Cloves 2

Cumin Seeds 1 tsp

Turmeric 1/4 tsp

Coriander Powder 1 tsp

Beaten Yogurt 1 tbsp

Mint leaves few

Water 3 cup

Salt to taste

Ghee 1 tbsp or Any Cooking oil

Method

Wash & Soak rice for 20 min.Heat a pan then add ghee .add cumin seeds ,bay leaf Cardamom,Big Cardamom ,Cloves once it gave a fragrant add ginger-green chilli paste.saute & then add vegetables adding turmeric powder & coriander powder beaten yogurt cook till vegetables become soft ,add salt & few mint leaves which enhance flavor of rice,add soaked rice a stir slowly so that rice doesn’t break .Transfer into rice cooker bowl then adding water & press cook mode.once rice cooked & become fluffy.Before Serving remove bay leaves,cardamom & big Cardamom & cloves.Serve hot with Pickles & Raita.

 

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Beetroot stir fry


Beetroot stirfry is a preparation where the grated vegetables are sauteed in spices and .It’s a great accompaniment to full meals and is a very hit recipe in the southern part of India Beetroot is a good source of iron and folate.It’s an easy, healthy & nutritious recipe.Being a north Indian we spend few years in a southern part of India @hyderabad.My daughter ate with rice and calls the dish as pink rice. It’s one of her favourites.she ate first at my neighbour home afterwards weekly twice she prefer to eat this vegetable either in lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Beetroots – 2 grated

Bengal Gram – 2 tsp

Black Gram – 1  1/2tsp

Cumin  Seeds – 1 tsp

Dry Red Chilies – 2

Curry Leaves – 2-3

Turmeric Powder – a pinch

Coriander powder 1 tsp

Salt – To Taste

Oil – 2 tsp

Onion 1 tbsp finely chopped

Method

Wash & peel beetroot then grate it & keep aside.Heat oil in a pan and add Bengal gram ,black gram,cumin and let it splutter. Add in the curry leaves, red chilli .Fry for a minute then adding chopped onions and salt and fry till soft and tender.add turmeric powder and coriander powder fry for few seconds.then adding grated beetroot sprinkle salt and stir.cover and let the veggies cook till they are done.sprinkle some water if the moisture dries in the pan.keep on checking during intervals and sprinkle water whenever required.when the veggies are cooked well.Turn off heat & serve with rice or chappati

Tips :- preparing for small kids then adjust spices.

 

 

 

Chicken Noodles


Stir-fried Noodles with Vegetables ,Chicken & Seasoned.Serve with Any Gravy .

ingredients

1 packet noodles (boiled, drained in cold water and tossed in 1-2 tsp oil) read instruction behind packet
1 cup spring onion
1 onion sliced
2 cups vegetables (carrots, beans, cabbage )
1 tsp soy sauce
1/2 tbsp vinegar
pepper powder as required (optional)
salt as required
1 1/2 oil
chicken chunks (cooked)
METHOD
Heat a tbsp and a half of oil in a large wok and once the oil is piping hot, add the spring onions and sliced onions and stir fry for 1 mt on high.Add the rest of the vegetables and toss them on high heat ,Add salt, pepper powder, soy sauce and combine. Add the drained noodles and combine well.Add vinegar and toss the noodles and vegetables on high heat for a few seconds.now add cooked chicken chunks.cooked for 2-3 minutes Turn off heat. Serve hot !!!

Aloo Palak


Spinach is an excellent source of lots of vitamin & minerals.It is a very good source of dietary fiber, Spinach means Palak in Hindi language. It is a leaf-based  dish eaten in the Indian Subcontinent with bread such as roti or rice.Potatoes means aloo in hindi .its a dish cooked with Spinach, potatoes & Indian Spices.

Ingredients

3 potatoes, peeled and cubed, (lightly sauteed in 1/2 tbsp of oil)

2 bunches spinach chopped

1/2 tsp cumin seeds

2 onions finely chopped

1-2 tomatoes chopped or puree

2 green chillies slit

1 tsp ginger garlic paste

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp red chilli powder

1 tsp coriander powder

1 1/2 cups water

salt to taste

1/2 tsp garam masala powder

1/2 tbsp cream optional

1/2 tsp Dry Fenugreek leaves

2 tbsp oil

Method
Heat oil in a heavy bottomed vessel, add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add the onions and green chillies and sauté the onions till they turn transparent.Add ginger garlic paste and fry further for 3-4 minutes.add tomatoes and cooked now add turmeric powder ,red chilli powder and coriander powder and combine well.Add the spinach and let it cook for 4-5 minutes. Add the fried potato cubes and combine. Cook on low heat for 7-8 minutes.Add the water and salt and cook on medium heat for 12-15 minutes or till the potatoes are tender. Add malai, garam masala powder dry fenugreek leaves and combine.Reduce flame, cover and cook for a mt. Turn off heat and serve hot with Rotis or steamed rice.
Tips -if you want u can use spinach paste too,a taste will be same.

Aloo Gobhi Curry


Boiled Potatoes & fried Cauliflower Florets ,Seasoned & simmer with Indian Spices.

Ingredients

  • Boiled potatoes 4 med size cut in chunks
  • Cauliflower florets 2 cup
  • Mustard Oil ?any cooking oil 2 tbsp
  • Onion sliced med 2
  • Tomatoes chopped 3
  • Ginger garlic paste 1 tbsp
  • Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
  • Red chilli powder 2 tsp
  • Cumin powder 1/2 tbsp
  • coriander powder 1 tbsp
  • Garam masala 1 tsp
  • Bay leaf 2
  • Cumin seeds 1 tsp
  • Salt to taste
  • Green coriander leaves chopped 1 tbsp
  • Water 1 cup or as required for gravy

Method

  1. Heat oil in a pan then adding Cumin seeds once it crackled add bay leaf.add cauliflower cook till it became brown on top.remove from oil keep aside .
  2. using same pan adding sliced onion cook till it becomes translucent.add ginger garlic paste cook till raw aroma goes off.Add tomatoes & dry powder except garam masala powder cook till start leaving oil.
  3. add cooked cauliflower & boiled potatoes.mix properly so it coated with masala mixture.add salt & garam masala powder.give a good stir .add water & boil .once start boiling simmer to low heat for 10 min .so that vegetables absorb gravy .
  4. Check seasoning & curry desired consistency.turn off heat add chopped green coriander leaves.Serve with Rice or chappati
My Tip: Cook preferably in mustard oil.it gives an awesome flavor.

Vermicelli Upma


Vermicelli cooked with veggies & seasoned.

ingredients

2 cups vermicelli

3 cups water

1 small red onion, chopped

3/4 to 1 cup chopped vegetables of choice (carrots, peas, beans, OR u r fav veg

2-3 green chillies, slit (as per u r choice)

1″ piece of ginger, grated

1 tbsp oil

1/4 tsp mustard seeds

1/4 tsp Bengal gram

1/4 cup roasted peanut(optional)for garnish

A few curry leaves (optional)

1/2 tsp lemon juice (optional)

Chopped coriander leaves for garnish (optional)

METHOD
Roast the vermicelli in a dry skillet or pan until golden brown. This will take about 4-5 mins but keep an eye on it and stir frequently otherwise they will brown on one side only or even burn. Set aside when done.Heat oil in the same pan and add mustard seeds, curry leaves, Bengal gram and green chillies. When the mustard seeds pop, add the chopped onion. When it becomes transparent, add the ginger and the vegetables. Mix well until well coated and cook covered on sim for 6-8 mins until the vegetables are soft. Sprinkle some water if necessary.Once the vegetables are cooked, add the water with some salt and bring to boil. Once the water comes to a rolling boil, dunk in the roasted vermicelli stirring continuously so that it doesn’t clump. Let it cook in the open pan until the vermicelli has cooked all over and there’s no water left. Usually a vermicelli : water ratio of 1 : 1.5 works well for me.
Garnish with coriander leaves ,peanut roasted & lemon juice and serve hot

Quinoa Vegetables Cutlet


Quinoa  is a source of complete protein ,a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and calcium.It is a healthy combination of quinoa and wholesome veggies with a tweak of Indian flavor.

 

ingredients

Pre-washed Quinoa 1 /2 cup

Water 1 cup for cooking quinoa

Boiled potato 1 med size

Salt to taste

Carrot 1/4 cup

Corn 1/4 cup

Green coriander leaves chopped 1tbsp

Spring onion chopped 1 tbsp

Green chilli 1 finely chopped

Ginger 1/2″ finely chopped

Garam masala 1/2 tsp

Chaat masala 1/2 tsp

White pepper powder 1/4 tsp

Lime juice 1 tsp

Cornflour 1 tbsp(to coat)

oil for shallow fry

method

In a pot add quinoa & water once it started boiling then adding a salt little bit ,Carrot & corn cover it & cook on low flame till quinoa cooked properly .it takes 10-12 min or till it cooked .remove from heat & leave for 5 min more.After 5 min uncovered take out a mixture in a bowl to cool down & add all ingredients & mix properly Check seasoning ,give a cutlet shape.heat oil in a pan for shallow fry .roll cutlet in a cornflour it will give a nice & crispy crust.cook from both sides till it became Nice golden Color.Serve Hot with sauce & salad.

 

q1
pan seared

 

 

q2
inside view 

 

 

Bhareli Vangi


Stuffed Baby eggplant & cooked  with Indian spices.

ingredients

  • 10 baby brinjal
  • 10 tsp desiccated coconut
  • 8 tsp roasted & crushed peanut powder
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp garam masala/Goda masala
  • 2 tsp tamarind pulp
  • 2 tsp jaggery water
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 /2 tsp Mustard seeds
  • oil for cooking
  • water 1/2 cup for gravy

Method

  1. prepare stuffed in a bowl add turmeric powder ,red chilli powder,desiccated coconut ,crushed peanut powder,salt & Goda masala or garam masala.
  2. wash & dry brinjal. cut into four leaving them attached only at the stem. stuffed brinjal with masala .Heat oil in a pan adding mustard seeds & cumin seeds.once it crackled keep stuffed brinjal in a  pan .
  3. pour water & cover till it cooked & become soft.Now add tamarind and jaggery water. Add salt to taste(be careful as we add salt in stuffing too).Serve hot with rice or Chappati.

Quinoa with Vegetables


Quinoa Cooked with Vegetables & seasoned with Indian Flavor for a twist.

Ingredients
Quinoa cooked 1 cup
Olive oil 1 tsp
Mixed vegetables 1 cup
Onion 1 small
Green onions 1
Garlic cloves 1 -2
Ginger finely chopped 1/2″
Curry powder 1/2 tsp(optional)
Paprika to taste
Green chilli 1-2
Salt to taste.
Black pepper to taste
Lime juice 1 tsp
Method
Cooked quinoa as per instructions wrote behind packet.
Heat oil in a wok ,adding onion & green onion white parts.
Add chopped garlic cloves & ginger & Green chillies cook till raw aroma goes.add mixed vegetables
Then add spices saute .cover & cook till veggies become soft.
Check seasoning.
Mixed cooked quinoa.add lime juice & Sprinkle Black pepper.
Garnish with green Onions.

Spicy veg Pulao


Rice cooked wth Lots of vegetables & Indian spices

Ingredients:

Basmati rice/Long grain rice– 1 and 1/2 cups
Vegetables – 3 cups (carrot, beans, potato, cauliflower)
Green peas (fresh or frozen) – 1/4 cup
One big onion – thinly sliced
Curry leaves 10-12
Tomato -2
Ginger garlic paste – 2 tbsp
Oil – 2 tbsp
Bay leaves – 2
Cinnamon stick – 2″
Big Cardamom -1
Cardamom – 3
Cloves – 2
Black cumin seeds 1 tsp
Turmeric powder 1 tsp
Red Chilli powder 1 tsp
Cumin powder 1/2 tbsp
Coriander powder 1 tbsp
Salt to taste
Water
Method of Preparation:
Wash and soak basmati rice for 20-30 minutes.Heat oil in a pressure cooker adding whole garam masala once u get nice aroma add onion & curry leaves.saute till onion become translucent.add ginger garlic paste cook till raw aroma goes off.add chopped tomato cook till it becomes soft .add vegetables & dry masala cook till start leaving oil. add rice and saute for 2-3 min and water. Allow it to boil. cook for a 1-2 whistle.when a pressure got cool down serve hot with Onion raita & pickles.
Tips:- adjust spices as per own taste buds.Curry leaves & whole garam masala gives a nice aroma to rice.if you wish u can skip curry leaves & instead of whole garam masala one can use powder.

Quinoa Soup


Healthy Quinoa soup with lots of veggies.

Ingredients
Quinoa uncooked 1/2 cup
Mixed vegetables 1/4 cup
Water/vegetable broth 2 cup
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Green onion 1
Garlic powder 1 tsp
Oats(roasted & powder )1/2 tbsp
Olive oil 1 tsp optional
Method
Heat a sauce pan adding 1 tsp of oil then white part of green onion garlic powder saute for 1-2 min.Add vegetables(carrot/beans/corn).saute it.
Add quinoa mixed properly.add water & salt give a boil .
Turn heat on low let quinoa cooked properly.
Add oats powder(optional) to thicken .
Sprinkle black pepper & garnish with green Onions.
Serve hot in bowl or cup.

Grilled Paneer


Paneer Pieces Grilled & serve on a bed of crunchy Veggies.

ingredients

Paneer pieces 8-10
Curry powder 1 tsp
Garlic powder 1/2 tsp
Olive oil 1 tsp
Kasoori methi(Dry roasted) 1 tsp
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
Red Chilli powder 1/2 tsp
Lemon juice few drops
Cumin seeds 1 tsp
Oil for grilling & sauteing
Assorted veggies
(any veg of ur choice)
Onion diced 1 small
Tomato 1 deseeded
Corn (Boiled) 1/2cup
Bell Pepper diced 1
Mint leaves for garnish
Chaat masala (optional)
Method
In a bowl add oil ,curry powder,garlic powder,crushed kasoori methi,red chilli powder,salt & Pepper.mix properly make a paste.add paneer coat with mixture leave it for 1 hr.
Grill ur paneer .
Heat oil in a pan then cumin seeds.Once it crackled add veggies saute till it cooked.Add very little salt as we added during marinating paneer.Add leftover marination & mix properly now take out cooked veggies on a plate.Arrange Grilled paneer.Sprinkle chaat Masala.very little lime juice.Garnish with mint leaves.
Enjoy !!

Stir Fry Garbanzo


Boiled Garbanzo sauteed with Veggies & seasoned.can serve as side dish or a healthy snack.

ingredients

INGREDIENTS
Boiled Garbanzo 1 cup; Olive oil /any cooking oil 2 tsp
Mustard seeds 1 tsp
Roasted Sesame seeds (white)1tsp(optional)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Onion finely chopped
Tomato diced & chopped
Bell pepper finely chopped
Green chillies 1-2
Chaat masala to taste
Lime juice 1 tsp or to taste
Cilantro/green coriander leaves chopped
Method
Heat a wok then add oil & add mustard once it crackled add boiled garbanzo sautee.add veggies saute for min(I like crunch so saute for min one can cook for 2-3 min if u like soft)
..then turn off heat.add roasted sesame.
seasonings mix properly. At last lime juice & garnish with cilantro.

 

Oats & Quinoa Khichdi


Oats & quinoa Cooked with Indian spices & vegetables.

ingredients

Quinoa (pre-washed)1/2 cup
Old fashioned oats 1/2 cup
Assorted vegetables (carrot ,beans,corn,green peas)1 cup
Curry powder 1 tsp
Onion small 1 sliced
Ginger 1/2″ finely chopped
Green chilli 1 or to taste
Garlic Cloves 1-2 finely chopped
Oil for cooking
Water 2 cup
Cumin seeds 1 tsp
Green coriander leaves for garnishing
Method
Heat oil in a pot then add cumin seeds once it crackled.add onion & saute till it becomes pink in color.add garlic & ginger .once raw aroma goes off.add vegetables ,curry powder & stir.
Add quinoa & oats saute on med-low heat for 2-3 min.add salt & mix.
Adding water once it started boiling turn heat on med-low flame.
Cook till water evaporates.
Turn off heat.let it covered for 5 min more.
Serve hot garnishing with green coriander leaves.dash of butter or ghee(optional)