Month: December 2017

PAPAYA AND GINGER JAM

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Well, amidst the hustle and bustle of the ongoing season,I am posting this recipe,as I thought this being a wonderfulecipe,could be used in making tarts,biscuits,pies cakes,biscuits …and even as a spread on bread crackers,rotis….Kids will really love the taste.

The creation story in short,papaw bought to make vegetable pickle ,turned a little ripe…and though this can be made into a lovely salad I thought to make this jam which was on my mind for a long time.So this turned to be the moment for it..The ginger in it gives a lovely taste.To add to this ,I have added a permisson fruit too ,asit has the same texture of papaw.So do try this awesome jam and send in your comments.

For the recipe.

INGREDIENTS

400 gm papaw ripe or partially ripe

1 very ripe permisson fruit or Japanese fruit (see picture below) –optional

1//2 cup finely grated or ground ginger

a pinch of salt

1 cup water

400 gm sugar 

1 tblsp.lime juice /1/2 tsp.tartaric acid/cream of tartar

METHOD

Add all the ingredients into a thick bottomed pan and cook till it reaches the thick jam stage.Mash well while cooking.

Once it’s thick and done allow to cool and store in sterilised jars.Can be refrigerated after a day or two.

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RICH MUTTON CURRY

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This is a rich mutton curry,with coconut 

and nuts paste.Can be served with any rice

or any rotis, stringhoppers and hoppers.

I love to make this recipe in the pressure 

cooker as I like the meat to be really very 

tender.Solet’s move on to the recipe.

INGREDIENTS

1 kg lamb/mutton

1 tblsp.ginger garlic paste

2 onions chopped

3-4 green chillies chopped

1 big tomato

2 potatoes peeled and cut into fours(add when adding coconut paste)

1/4 cup curd

1 tblsp chilli powder

1/2 tsp methi seeds,or fenugreek

1 tblsp coriander powder

1 tsp garam masala powder

1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 coconut grated

10 almonds

10 cashewnuts

1 tblsp peanuts.

1 cup light tamarind water.(add when adding paste.)

3-4 tblsp ghee +oil 

For tempering

Onions,mustard,saunf,curry leaves

METHOD

First mix in all the ingredients (except the 

bold listed) with 1 tblsp oil,and pressure 

cook for 5 whistles.

Whilst this is cooking saute the bold listed in 1 tblsp ghee till coconut is light brown.

Grind to a paste.Once the meat is done,add the paste with the tamarind water.

Temper with mustard,onions,and saunf and curry leaves.

Pour on to the gravy ,cover with vent on again and cook on medium flame for another 10 minutes.

SWEET POTATO FUDGE

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I have seen recipes of potato tofee or fudge

I thought to use sweet potato instead of 

potatoes and it was super awesome.I just

made with 1/2 condensed milk ,you could 

try double the quantity for a larger 

quantity.Haters of sweet potatoes will love

this definitely.Brown sugar was used in the

recipe,you could try with normal sugar.

So now for the recipe..
INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup condensed milk

3-4 tblsp butter

3/4 cup sugar

3 medium sized sweet potatoes boiled, peeled and mashed

Few cashewnuts

1/2 tsp vanilla essence

a pinch of salt

A pinch of nutmeg powder.

1/4 cup water

METHOD

First cook the sugar and water till thick (soft ball stage or 2 string consistency).

Add the rest of the ingredients one by one.

Add the butter last,and mix till the mix 

leaves the sides of the pan.Pour into a 

greased tray .Allow to cool and cut into 

desired shapes.

(Photo was taken whilst hot,and was not able to take after it was cool.Will update next time.)

WHITE PEPPER’N’KHUS RICE 

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This rice was my own creation and 

imagination.Not very spicy but very tasty.

Quick rice category,can be made in the 

normal rice cooker . It’s flavoured with 

white pepper and white poppy seeds 

together.Do try this recipe and send in 

your comments and suggestions.

Now for the recipe..

Ingredients

200 gm rice

2 tblsp.white pepper

2 tblsp white khus khus seeds

1/2 cup milk/coconut milk

100 gm lean Lamb/mutton

2 tsp ginger garlic paste

2-3 onions sliced
 handful of cashewnuts

Few raisins

1/2 tsp sugar

Small piece of rampe (pandan leaves)

1/4 cup ghee

Salt to taste

METHOD

First grind the khus khus seeds and white 

pepper together.(you can add cashews for grinding if you like)

Wash rice and add all the ingredients 

except the bold listed,and put on cooking 

mode in the rice cooker.

Fry the onions with a little salt and 1/4 tsp 

sugar till brown.Add the cashew and 

raisins and saute for further 1 minute.

After the rice is 3/4th cooked just sprinkle 

on top and cook till done.Mix well and 

serve with accompaniments of your 

choice.

FOR VEGANS -You can use paneer or 

vegetables or only plain whole cashews,

Substituting meat.

PISTA JELLO CAKE

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This dessert has three layers,and I have made it the easiest way.The base is a pista sponge,the

centre is pista custard ,and the topping is a pista jelly.All green….it is good for a festive season .

For the flavouring I used pista milk which is freely available in all markets.

So for the recipe now….l

INGREDIENTS

For the sponge

2 eggs

1/2 cup flour +1/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup pista milk

A drop of green colouring (optional)

Method

Beat the eggs and sugar till frothy.Add milk.

Fold in the flour,and mix well.

Pour into a baking tin,and bake in a moderate oven for 15-20 minutes.

Ingredients for the pista custard

3 cups of milk ( you can mix pista milk and plain milk too)

Sugar according to your required sweetness as pista milk will be slightly sweet.

2 tblsp cornflour mixed in 1/4 cup water or milk

Method

Heat the milk with sugar .Once it reaches a boil add the cornflour mixture.

It will start to thicken .Keep stirring till it is thick like custard.

Ingredients for the jelly

1 packet pista jelly mixed according to instructions in the packet.

For the assembling

Place the sponge on a dessert tray and pour the custard on top.

Keep in the fridge for minimum 20 minutes.

Pour the jelly mix slowly on top,and set till the jelly is firm.

Do send in your comments and suggestions,after you try it!

You could try making in individual bowls too.

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BUTTERSCOTCH ‘N’CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

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This is a  chocolate brownie with a simple butterscotch custard topping with drizzles of

chocolate sauce.

You could make a dulce de leche sauce  for a variation.(You can find the method to

prepare this sauce if you click on this link BANOFEE WALNUT PIE)

At times  i break up the baked brownies ,mix it with rum or brandy,and press on to make

a thick crust,and then do the topping as in the recipe.A sprinkle of walnuts,or praline

will be too awesome.

Do try it and send in your comments.

Now for the recipe

INGREDIENTS

100 gm butter (unsalted)

2 heaped tblsp cocoa powder

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp.vanilla essence

1 cup flour sieved together with 1/2 tsp baking powder

a pinch of salt

METHOD

Heat the butter and cocoa powder in a double boiler till butter is melted and well

corporated with the cocoa powder.Remove from fire and set aside.

Beat eggs with sugar till frothy,and add the melted chocolate-butter mixture ,vanilla

essence gradually whilst beating.

Fold in the flour,and mix well with a spatula or wooden spoon.

Pour onto a greased tray and bake in a moderate oven for 30 minutes (180 degrees)

For the butterscotch sauce

2 tblsp butter

3/4 cup sugar(preferably brown)

2 cups milk

1.5 tblsp cornflour mixed in 1/4 cup milk

Put sugar and butter in a thick bottomed saucepan,and heat on a medium flame till the

butter and sugar melts to a nice golden brown colour.(do not stir much).

Slowly add in the milk (the sugar will crystalise )and heat on a medium flame,till the

sugar crystals melt and are well blended with the mixture.

Add the cornflour mixture (it will thicken quickly).Keep stirring till the mixture is thick

custard.

Allow to cool and spread over the baked cake.

For the chocolate drizzle

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1-2 cream or milk

Heat both in a double boiler till melted.Beat slightly with a spatula,and pour over custard

creating a marble effect.

Cool ,cut and serve with praline ,or nuts .

 

 

 

ALOO PARATHA

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This is a very good recipe,good for lunch 

boxes,and can be served at any meal.This 

is a very famous paratha in India.Not too 

spicy,and can be served with mint chutney

raita,or any plain curry of your choice.Can 

be served plain too.

I have posted recipes of potato filling for 

chappathis and dosai,and also recipe for 

making the wheat chappathis dough.Today

 I will be giving you a different version of 

the dough with left over whey water. (after

 making cheese).Never throw the water 

after you make paneer or cheese.Store the 

water in the fridge and use when you 

make rotis,and puris,as it is a protein rich 

nutrient water.Even if milk curdles do not 

throw you could mash and use the curdled

 milk and the water to make rotis.

So..let’s get into the recipe now.

For the dough

500 gm wheat flour

1/4 cup maida or plain flour

Enough whey water to bind

2 -3 tblsp oil or melted ghee

Salt to taste
Method

Take 1 cup whey water,and add the oil and

 salt to it.Next keep adding the flour 

gradually and mix to a soft dough.Set 

aside.

Always add flour to the water.This method 

does not need muscle power to knead.

This way the chappathis turn soft and 

fluffier.10 minutes of resting is more than 

enough to get soft chappathis.

For the filling

4-5 potatoes boiled 

2 tsp.amchur powder(dry mango powder)

1/2 tsp asafoetida

4-5 green chillies chopped fine

1/2 tsp chilli powder

1/2 tsp pepper powder

1/2 tsp.garam masala powder

1/2 tsp.cummin powder

salt to taste

Mash the potatoes and mix the rest of the 

ingredients and mix well.Bind like for 

cutlets and set aside.

Roll the dough lightly and keep each 

cutlets in each chappathi.Seal and roll into 

a ball.Do like this for the rest of the dough.

Heat a griddle and add a little ghee or 

butter .Roll lightly the prepared dough and

cook on a medium flame till done.Apply 

ghee on top for a richer taste and aroma.
Serve hot with chutney or anything of your choice.Kids will love it.

Note:You could add finely chopped greens to the potato mixture.

Dried methi leaves could be added to the dough.

Do send in your comments and suggestions

HOME MADE GOLDEN SYRUP

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The recipe called for golden syrup,and I had to get it quick within a day.Checked online shops

as no stores closer by ,had this.Hmm…it would take minimum 2 days.I thought to hit the

google search for home made golden syrup….and there it was …was too zealous to make it

right away and I succeeded.The only flaw I did was…just allowed to simmer and went away

from the kitchen trusting it will not flow over the limits…but NO..quarter of the syrup was

overflowing.So …please have a wide eye on the pot,or use a wide ,and bigger

saucepan.The only change I made was, I used cane sugar for the first boil,and regular sugar

for the next.I liked to try the cane sugar version to get a darker colour.Anyway let’s now move

to the recipe …Do try as homemade has no preservatives….and the process is easy..

INGREDIENTS (200-250 gm syrup)

100 gm cane sugar (you can use normal sugar too)

3 tblsp.water

500 gm sugar

300 ml boiling water

1/2 lemon

METHOD

Heat the first set of ingredients till sugar melts.

Add boiling water gradually.

Add 500 gm sugar and mix till sugar dissolves.

Add the slice of lemon into the boiling water and cook on a low fire for 45 minutes.

The sugar syrup will not be thick at this stage.Once it starts to cool it will thicken like syrup.

Remove the lemon and strain into a glass bottle and allow to cool.

I will update the shelf life soon.(As on November 16-11 2018 the syrup is lovely and i hope to use in the baking this time .I did not refridgerate.)

You can store in the refrigerator and use in your cakes and desserts.

BRUSSEL SPROUTS PICKLE

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Brussel sprouts have a resemblance of tiny

cabbages in appearance and are highly 

protein rich,and packed with nutrients.It

is an excellent source of Vitamin C,K,A,and 

also good for eye related diseases.

Brussel sprouts is incredibly nutritious 

good for anaemic,heart,patients.

Safety note:When I searched the pointers on health benefits I noted that it is not too safe for patients with thyroid dysfunction,as the goitrogens which may contain in this vegetable,will be a factor to induce swelling

Well,in fact this brussel sprout is not much 

welcome in my home,so I thought I should 

try pickling it.This way it will,surely be 

relished.I looked into an old recipe book

with many pickles especially red cabbage.

It was there I extracted the idea from and 

made my inclusions too.

So here’s the recipe now..

INGREDIENTS

150-200 gm brussel sprouts

1/4 cup peeled garlic

10 green chillies slit

1 tblsp or more red chilli powder (depending on your taste)

1/2 tsp turmeric

Enough rock salt for marination

Half bottle vinegar 

1 tblsp peppercorns

Salt to taste

METHOD

Clean the sprouts by removing discolored 

leaves.Wash,dry on cloth and mix with 

enough rock salt and turmeric.Cover and 

set aside for 24 hours.

Next day squeeze out the former juice and 

arrange in a sterilised glass bottle.

Heat the vinegar preferably in a clay 

pot,with peppercorns.When it reaches a 

boiling point,switch off and add the green 

chillies,red chilli powder and garlic to the 

brine.Leave closed for 5 minutes.Check for 

salt taste and adjust to your taste .Pour 

vinegar whilst hot into the bottle and add 

the chillies and garlic.Press the veggies to 

the bottom and if the vinegar level is less 

than the level of veggies,you could heat 

some more vinegar,and pour.Use after 3-4 

days.Do not forgot to shake the bottle once 

a day.

You could use these pickles in sandwiches wraps,and salads too.

Do send in your comments and suggestions

EGGLESS MILK PUDDING

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This is a very easy dessert,which can be 

mixed in minutes.The steaming time only 

takes 35-40 minutes.

No egg,No sugar and it’s really yummy.In 

fact this is a famous dessert of Northern 

India, and it’s known as ‘kharvas‘.For

those who aren’t familiar with this name,I 

feel it could be titled triple milk pudding.

Why??Because milk in three forms are 

used in this dessert

Condensedmilk,milk,curd or unsweetened 

yogurt is used in this recipe..So let’s go to 

the recipe quickly…

INGREDIENTS

1 cup condensed milk

1 cup thick curd or yoghurt.

1 cup milk

1.5 tblsp cornflour

a pinch of salt

1 tsp cardamon powder

1/4 tsp nutmeg powder

a few strands of saffron(optional)

METHOD

Mix all the ingredients together and steam 

in a pressure cooker for 35-40 minutes 

without the vent.Once done it should be 

firm at the top.Refridgerate and serve.

You could garnish with nuts.

Note:Do not use semi solid curd or yoghurt.The curd should be thick,or you could tie the curd in a muslin cloth and hang it for the water to drain out.This way you will get thick curd ready for the dessert.

MINT MARSHMALLOWS

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Who doesn’t love marshmallows…?The fragrance of the festive season taking over with the

aroma of fruit cakes,sweets,and many more to brighten up the Christmassy spirit,I was

inspired to make marshmallows,and that too these mint marshmallows are really addictive

and awesome.Very easy to make but a little messy ,but it’s worth all the mess.Good for

gifting,and can be made into different colours and flavours.I have eaten many flavours but I

think mint….tops it all.I used liquid glucose instead of corn syrup and,believe me it was really

soft.

So do give a try …and send in your comments.

INGREDIENTS (makes 22-24)

2 egg whites

A pinch of cream of tartar

1 tsp sugar

50 ml water

250 gm sugar

1/8 cup liquid glucose (1.5 tblsp)

2 sachets gelatine (8 tsp)

1/4 cup water

1 tsp peppermint essence

1/2 cup icing sugar+1/2 cup cornflour mixed for coating

METHOD

First add the gelatine to half cup water and allow to bloom .

Heat the sugar,glucose,and water in a covered saucepan till it becomes thick (soft ball stage).

Beat egg whites in a stand mixer with 1 tblsp sugar and cream of tartar till stiff.

Now add the hot syrup little by little and keep on beating on high speed.

After pouring all the syrup,heat the bloomed gelatine in the same saucepan till melted for 1

minute.

Pour the gelatine mix also into the beating mixture and beat well for few minutes.

Pour onto a greased and lined tray with parchment paper,and allow to set overnight or set in

the refrigerator for 2-3 hours.

Cut into desired shapes with a sharp knife or scissors and roll on cornflour-icing sugar

mixture,and store.

You could try the same with flavours and colors you like.

Use a greased parchment paper to press on the top if you like.I just tapped the tray ,so

it’s your option .

Suggestions:You could coat with chocolate

Chocolate and coconut with mint marshmallows

Could be used as a topping for cakes and brownies

Cut pieces could be added to ice cream and fruit salad

ALMOND & CASHEWNUT FLOURLESS COOKIE

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This is a flourless,cookie made with powdered nuts.You can make a single nut powdered

cookie.I have tried with almond and cashew .You could try with only cashewnuts,only

almonds or only pistachios or a blend of all three.So it’s up to you to make the choice.

You could decorate the top with nuts of your choice.

An important note about this cookie is that it does not have any oil,or butter in the dough.

You could use powdered candy (panagalkandu in Tamil)as a substitute for sugar.So…..now

let’s get into the recipe

INGREDIENTS

2 cups powdered almond

2 cups powdered cashewnuts

2.5 or 2 cups sugar ..depending on your taste

a pinch of salt

1/4 cup milk mixed in a pinch of kesar or yellow color

1/2 tsp powdered cardamon

A pinch of nutmeg.

METHOD

Mix all the dry ingredients together .

Add milk enough to bind .Do not knead.

Roll out into shapes you like and bake in a moderate oven (175 degrees)for 12 minutes or till

done.It will turn crisp when it is cool so don’t worry if it’s soft .Allow to cool and store.

Do try this easy recipe and send in your comments and suggestions!

PANEER ‘N’ EGG GINGER MASALA

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This dish is good to be served with pulaos ,fried rice,and rotis.No garlic is used in this dish.

Onion and ginger are ground together and sautéed till brown,and then the spices are added to

it.The same mixture can be used to make meat and seafood dishes.Even potatoes can be

made this way….Let’s move onto the protein packed recipe now….

INGREDIENTS

200 gm paneer

2-3 onions quartered

1 capsicum or 2-3 green chillies

5-6 boiled eggs

10 dried red chillies

3-4 tblsp. pieces of ginger

Thick tamarind water or 1/2 cup,or kokum water

1/4 tsp.pepper powder

Salt to taste.

1 tblsp rice flour ( you can use cashew paste or almond paste if you don’t like rice flour)

1 piece cinnamon

1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder

1 tsp.cummin powder.

2 tblsp vinegar

2-3 tblsp ghee or oil

1 tsp sugar

METHOD

First grind the chillies ,and the onions and ginger to a paste.

Heat oil and add the ground paste with salt,sugar and sauté till brown.

Add paneer and the rest of the ingredients one by one and cook till thick

Tip:If you like to add tomatoes you could add purée of 2 tomatoes

You could first roast the onions brown and then grind too,without directly grinding

Fried paneer can be added to this curry

1-2 tsp oyster sauce/fish sauce.

CAULIFLOWER,CARROT,POTATO MASALA

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This is another version of potato masala which could be served with poori,chappathi,and

masala dosai.Poori and potato masala is a delight in the South Indian platter.This is served at

breakfast,dinner ,and also at tea.The puffed up steaming poori and this masala aroma ,surely

kindles up your taste buds.This is a one pot dish,easy and quick. (Pressure cooker is best)

For the recipe now..

INGREDIENTS

3-4 potatoes peeled and cubed (drop in water to avoid browning)

1 cup cauliflower florets

1 big carrot cut into cubes

2 onions chopped

2-3 green chillies chopped

1 inch piece ginger chopped

1/2 tsp.mustard

2 red chillies

1 small piece cinnamon

1 tomato

2-3 cloves

Curry leaves

1/4 tsp asafoetida (optional)

2 tblsp ghee / oil

1/2 tsp turmeric

1 tsp peppercorns

Curry leaves/mint leaves

1 tblsp.gram dal flour/or wheat flour(atta) mixed in quarter cup of water.

Salt to taste.

METHOD

Heat oil in a pressure pan.Add mustard,curry leaves,asafoetida ,cinnamon,cloves,and onions.

When the onions are translucent add the ginger and green chillies with turmeric,and tomato.

Sauté for 2 minutes.Next add the vegetables and the peppercorns and cook for another 5

minutes .Add 1 cup water.Cover and cook for 2-3 whistles.

Allow steam to escape on its own.

Mix in the gram flour mixture,and cook on a slow flame till thick (not very thick).Serve hot.

If you want a rich taste ,add a tsp.or more of ghee on top while serving.

CAPSICUM ‘N’ RAW PAPAYA CHUTNEY

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Papaya and capsicum is another healthy chutney you have to try.I have posted the benefits

and recipes of capsicum in my previous posts.Now it’s with the combination of raw papaya.

Raw papaya is good to burn fat,controls bowel movements.It is a good remedy for indigestion

heart burn,stomach ulcers,gastric problems,controls proper flow of blood and maintains

blood pressure.So,considered good for heart patients too.You can slice the raw papaya and

cook with dal,make pickles,jam,juices,salads,mallum or poriyal with coconut.

Today I’m going to bring you the recipe for raw papaya and capsicum chutney.You can

combine with other veggies like,chow chow,carrot,green tomato,red tomato,coriander leaves

ginger,garlic,raw mango……..You could start your culinary expertise,and inventions to get into

some more combinations …..Do share your suggestions and comments.

To the recipe..

INGREDIENTS

2 green capsicum

1 cup peeled and chopped raw papaya

3-4 garlic with peel on

7-8 red chillies

2 tblsp.coriander seeds

1 tsp cummin seeds

2 tblsp channa dal (kadala parippu)

Few curry leaves(optional)

Salt to taste

Small piece of tamarind

1 tblsp oil.

METHOD

Heat oil in a pan and roast the bold listed ,till the dal turns light brown.

In the same oil,sauté the capsicum and raw papaya for 5-10 minutes.

Grind all together to a paste.Serve with Iddli,dosai ,rice,or rotis.

Note:If you like you could temper.