CAULIFLOWER CUTLETS

     

I am wishing a very Happy New Year 2013 to all my viewers and well wishers.

Hope you all will have a great year with happiness and prosperity.

Here goes a very simple but tasty recipe of cutlet which you can make very quickly unlike the other cutlets.

Ingredients-

Cauliflower -1 cup

Boiled potato-1/2 cup

Salt -To taste

Chilli powder- To taste

Bread- 1 slice

Garam masala- 1 tspn

Oil-  2 tbspn for deep frying;  2 tspn for shallow frying

Method-

Heat oil in a pan, add cauliflower, add salt to taste, chilli powder and mix well. Cover the pan with a lid and cook till cauliflower is tender .Remove from fire and place the mixture on a plate for cooling. Mash it. Add garam masala powder, mashed boiled potato, crushed bread slice and mix well. Make small balls out of the prepared mixture and shallow fry them. Remove them and place on tissue paper so that excess oil is absorbed. Serve the cutlets hot with either chilli sauce or tomato sauce.

PS-   If you want, you can even deep fry the cutlets.

Fish fry ( Oriya style)

Most people of Odisha love fish. While there are numerous ways fish is cooked in the fish-loving Odia families, I have chosen a simple and widely adopted preparation . It is simple to make  and great to taste.

Ingredients-
Fish- 4-5 pieces
Haldi or turmeric powder-1/2 tspn
Salt -To taste
Onion-1 medium (sliced)
Pudina or mint leaves- Few
Chat masala-To taste
Oil-2tbspn


Method-

Marinate the fish pieces with salt and haldi powder for 1/2 hr.Heat oil in a pan; fry the marinated fish pieces till done. Keep aside. In the same oil,  add the sliced onion and saute till done. Add pudina (mint) leaves , add salt to taste ,saute till both onion and mint leaves are mixed well. Add the fried fish pieces and mix well.Add chat masala to taste , serve hot. Goes well with steam white rice or chapathi .

                                                          *******************

Carrot and peas pulao

A very healthy and easy recipe for all ,especially children will love it !!!


Ingredients -
Rice -2cups (boiled )
Mixed vegetables-1/2(carrot and peas )
Onion -2tbspn (chopped)
Chilles -2
Haldi or turmeric powder -1/4tspn
Salt -To taste
Mint leaves  -10-12
Oil or ghee -2tbspn

Method -

Heat ghee or oil in a wok, add whole jeera ,onion and sauté  till done .Add vegetables and chilles ,add salt to taste and haldi powder , mix well .Cover the wok till the vegetables are done.Add boiled rice and mint leaves ,mix well and serve hot with raita.

Whole brinjal (South Indian style)

Ingredients-
Brinjal -1/2kg
Salt -To taste
Haldi or turmeric powder-1tspn
For the masala-
Onion-1medium(chopped)
Ginger-1inch (chopped)
Tomato-1medium(chopped)
Garlic-2pods(chopped)
Curry leaves-A few
Coconut -2tbspn
Oil-2tspn
For tempering -
Mustard seeds -1tspn
Green chilies -2



Method-

Heat 1tspn oil in a pan.Add onion,ginger ,garlic and coconut ,sauté for 5-6 minutes.Let the masala cool down ,put it in a blender with tomato and blend it into a fine paste.In the mean while make a +slit in the brinjals with the stem intact .Marinate with salt and haldi powder for 15-20minutes. In a pressure cooker heat 1tspn of oil ,add mustard seed,green chillies and curry leaves , add the masala paste,add salt to taste.Add the marinated brinjals and add 1cup of water.Cover the lid and pressure cook it till 3whistles or till done. You can serve this hot with methi paratha and pickles.Enjoy !!!

Mutton Paya (Odia style )

This is a traditional mutton recipe from Hyderabad which is made with only lamb or goat legs . Mutton paya is a very tasty recipe . On the occasion of Chadakhai (a day when  Odia households feast on non vegetarian food after the month of Kartik is over), I post this recipe on the request of a brother  :)

Ingredients-
Paya (Lamb or goat leg) -      1kg
Onion-  1/2kg   (Chopped)
Tomato-  4 medium(Pureed)
Ginger-Garrlic paste-   5tbspn
Oil or ghee-  3tbspn
Salt-  To taste
Haldi powder-   1tspn
Garam masala-    1tbspn
Green chilli  -       3nos
Jeera  (cumin powder) - 2tspn
Dhaniya  (corriander) powder   - 2tspn


Method

Heat oil or ghee in a pressure cooker, add chopped onion , saute till done, add ginger & garlic paste, saute till done. Add the pureed tomatoes, saute till the masla is done or till smell of raw masala stops coming. Add the paya , salt to taste, haldi powder, green chillis , jeera and coriander powder and mix well. Close the pressure cooker lid and wait till you get 4 whistles or till the paya is done well. Wait for 10 minutes, open the cover, add garam masala powder, mix well and serve it hot with steamed white rice. Enjoy !!

Soyabean allo curry (soya bean potato curry)

Ingredients-
Soybean nuggets -2cups
Potato  or allo-1medium (cut into medium size)
Onion-1medium(chopped)

Ginger /garlic paste -1tspn

Green chilies-2(chopped)

Salt-To taste

Curd-2-3tbspn

Turmeric or haldi powder-1tspn

Chillie powder-1tspn or to taste

Garam masala powder-1tspnoil-1tbsp

Method-

Soak the soybean nuggets in water as per instruction in the packet.Heat oil in a kadhai ,add the chopped onion and sauté till done.Add ginger /garlic paste .Saute till the raw smell vanishes.Add the chopped green chilies ,sauté for 2-3minutes.Squeze out the water from the nuggets and add them.Saute for 5minutes till they are fried properly.Add salt to taste,haldi powder,chillie powder and mix well.Add 2-3 tspn of curd and mix well with the soybean nuggets.Add the potatoes ,add 1cup of water and cover the lid.Let it simmer in slow flame till the potatoes are done.Add garam masala powder and mix well.Aserve hot with plain white rice or chapatti.Enjoy!!

Malai egg curry

Ingredients-
Hard boiled eggs-6
Onion-1big (chopped)
Tomato purée-1/2 cup
Fresh cream /malai-4-5tbspn
Ginger /garlic paste -1tspn
Garam masala-1tspn
Salt-To taste
Haldi powder-1tspn
Oil-2tbsp
Corriender leaves -To garnish




Method-

Heat oil in a wok ,add chopped onion ,saute till brown.Remove and grind into a smooth paste in a grinder .In the same oil ,add the hard boiled egg ,saute so that they become brown from all sides.Keep them aside.In the same oil add ginger/garlic paste ,saute for sometime till the raw smell vanishes.Add tomato puree ,saute till the tomato is well cooked .Mix the onion paste slowly. After the gravy boils for 5minutes,switch off the stove.Add cream slowly and mix together the gravy.Add garam masala and add the fried eggs .Add salt to taste and haldi powder .Mix well,garnish with corriender leaves and serve hot with either white boiled rice or chapati .Enjoy!!!

Mango lassi

Wishing you all a very happy and safe diwali !!!Enjoy ....



Ingredients-
Mango pulp-1/4cup (In season you can use fresh mango)
Curd-1cup
Khoya-1tbspn
Sugar -To taste
Elaichi /cardamom powder-1/2tspn
Almond flakes-For garnishing

Method -

Blend together in a blender mango pulp ,curd ,sugar (add sugar to taste)and khoya .You can add water to make the lassi to the right consistency of your choice.Garnish it with cardomom powder and almond flakes .Serve cold .

Dal Tadka

Ingredients-
Moong dal-1/2 cup
Toor dal -1/2 cup
Salt -To taste
Haldi powder-1/2tspn
Jeera /cumin powder-1/2tspn
Dhaniya/coriander powder-1/2tspn
Chilli powder-1/2tspn or to taste

For tampering -
Asefotida or hing-1/4tspn
Butter-2tbspn
Green chilli-4
Pepper powder-A pinch
Whole cumin seeds / sabut jeera-1tspn




Method-

In a pressure cooker boil both toor dal and moong dal with salt,haldi powder with 2cups of water.In a wok heat butter ,add jeera or cumin seeds ,hing or asefotida .Fry for 2minutes ,add onion saute till done,add tomato and saute till the tomato is cooked well.Add the boiled dal into the tadka,add pepper powder and mix well.Bring to boil and serve it hot with plain steamed rice.

Dahi papdi chaat

A very tasty treat for a very special Sunday !!

Ingredients:-

Papdi -  4/5 pieces

Cucumber-    2-3 small cubes

Salt -  To taste

Cumin/ jeera powder-To taste

Chilli powder-To taste

Curd-1cup

Coriander leaves-To garnish

Dhaniya and pudina chutney-To taste

Tamarind /mithi chutney-To taste

Method:-

In a serving plate arrange 4/5 papdis. Add beaten dahi / curd over it. Add jeera powder, chilli powder , cumin powder and salt to taste.Add dhaniya and pudina chutney and tamarind chutney to taste over the chaat. Finally garnish with coriander leaves and serve. .Enjoy!!

Cheena kheer (Cottage cheese kheer)

May the Almighty bless all,Happy Durga Puja!!!!!


Ingredients -
Milk-1lt (Reduce it to half)
Khoya-1/2cup
Butter-1t-spn
Milk powder-4tbspn
Cottage cheese-100 gm
For garnishing -
Dry fruits (Sliced almonds, raisins )-2tbspn


Method-

In a heavy bottom pan ,heat milk in low flame.Add khoya and milk powder ,mix well ,reduce it to half ,switch off the stove.In another pan take 1t-spn of butter ,heat it then lower the flame.Cut the cottage cheese into small cubes ,fry them in  butter till they r golden in color .Add the fried paneer pieces into the reduced milk or rabdi .Add cardamom powder ,mix well.Keep it in the refrigerator for 1-2 hrs or till chill. Garnish with dry fruits and serve ,yummy!!!!!!!!!!!

Suggestion -You can add powdered sugar while making the rabdi ,if more sweetness is required.Milk powder contains sugar.

Badi wali dal

Ingredients  :-

Toor dal-1 cup (Cooked in salt and haldi )

Badi-  2/3 pieces

Jeera-  1tspn

Oil /Ghee-  4 tbspn

Onion-   1 ( Sliced )

Green chilli -    1

Asefotida or hing-A pinch

Method :-

Heat ghee or oil in a kadhai. Add jeera  (cumin) seeds, let it crackle , then add onion , saute till done. Add hing , green chilli, badis and saute the badis till they are brown on both sides.Then add the cooked toor dal, add salt to taste (you have added salt during boiling of dal ). Mix well and let the badis boil with the dal for 5 minutes or till the badis become soft. Serve hot with plain rice.

Mallai Paneer with vegetables

Ingredients

Paneer-  200gms cut into cubes

Onion-1 medium (Sliced)

Tomato Puree- 1cup

Mallai/cream - 1cup

Peas-  half cup

Corn -  half cup

Capsicum- half cup (sliced)

Green chillies-  3(Chopped)

Oil-     2tbspn

Butter  -1tbspn

Garam Masala-- half tea spoon

Pepper powder-To taste
Salt-To taste
Turmeric powder-1/2tspn
For tampering-
Oil-1tspn
Ginger paste-2 tspn
Sambar powder- 1tbspn


Method-

Heat oil in a wok, add onion and saute till brown.Add paneer, peas, corn and capsicum.Add salt to taste, pepper powder to taste, turmeric powder and saute till the vegetables are cooked well. Add the tomato puree and saute till the raw smell vanishes. Add a cup of water and bring it to boil. Switch off the stove and add cream/mallai, mix well .Serve hot with roti or white rice.Enjoy!!!

Khichidi

This is a very easy and tasty recipe of rice and lentils with vegetables.I present this recipe on the request of my friend Mr.Mishra.

Ingredients:-

Rice-2cups

Moong dal-1/2 cup

Vegetables-One & half cups (Cauliflower,potato,carrot,peas ,beans)

Ghee-1tbspn

Whole jeera-1tspn

Bay leave/Tej pata- 1

Cinnamon /Dalchini--  1 small piece

Whole black pepper /Gol Mirch---- 5 nos

Ginger/Adrakh-- a small piece (crushed)

Water- 5 cups

Salt-To taste

Turmeric/haldi powder-one fourth of a tea spoon 

Method:-

Bake the moong dal lightly  in a wok ,heat ghee in a pressure cooker , add whole jeera, dalchini, adrakh and tej patta . Let jeera crackle. Add baked moong dal and saute till the aroma of dal comes; then add rice and gol mirch ,saute till the rice is fried well. Add salt to taste, haldi powder and add vegetables, mix well and cook till vegetables are fried well. Add water and pressure cook. Switch off the stove and allow   the khichidi to cook in the pressure cooker for 10 minutes. Thereafter pour the kichdi in a serving bowl. Enjoy the khichidi hot with curd or mango pickles.

                                     

Mushroom in mustard and garlic paste

This is a great mushroom recipe from my state Odisha,India.Local mushroom is used in this recipe,but you may use button mushroom too.The taste will vary but I tell you ,this is an awesome preparation.Happy cooking!!

Ingredients-
Mushroom-1kg
Mustard -5tbspn
Garlic -3pods
Tomato-3(chopped)
Onion-1medium(chopped)
Oil-2tbspn
Green chilli-1
Turmeric powder(haldi)-1tspn
Salt-To taste

Method-

Soak mustard ,garlic and green chilli in 1/2 cup of water . Grind them into a fine paste after 1/2hr. Keep aside.

Heat oil in a work, add oil,then onion .Sauté till brown ,then add the mushroom. Add salt to taste,haldi powder ,mix well .After 5minutes add the mustard paste and chopped tomatoes .Cover the lid and let it simmer over slow flame till the mushroom is cooked well and the raw smell of the mustard goes.Serve hot with rice or chapati. Enjoy!!!!

Onion chicken

Ingredients

Chicken--------------------------------- 1 kg

Onion------------------------------------2 large (Chopped)

Oil----------------------------------------3 tbspn

Salt --------------------------------------To taste

Dhania/coriander powder-----------1 tbspn

Jeera/cumin powder------------------1 tbspn

Garam masala powder---------------2 tbspn

Chilli powder---------------------------To taste

Pepper powder-------------------------To taste

Jeera------------------------------------- 1 tspn

Turmeric/haldi powder---------------2 tspn

Method-

Wash chicken, add salt to taste, haldi powder, dhaniya powder, jeera powder ,chilli powder and onion. Mix the chicken with all spices and onion and leave it for 20 minutes to marinate.

Heat oil in a pressure cooker, add whole jeera, the marinated chicken and mix well. Cover the pressure cooker with a lid  and cook till the chiken starts to leave water. Let the water evaporate completely, add 2 cups of water, garam masala and mix well. Pressure cook till the whistle blows the 4th time. Serve hot with rice .  Enjoy!!

SEMEI KHEER

Ingredients-
Semei (vermicilli)----------------------------1cup
Sugar---------------------------------------------1/2cup
Elaichi powder(cardamom )------------1/2tspn
Milk------------------------------------------------4 cups
Dry fruits (raisins,cashews ,almond)- 1 tbspn
Ghee(clarified butter)-1tbspn


Method-
Heat ghee in a wok, add vermicelli and dry fruits ,sauté till they turn brown.Add milk and sugar and let it simmer till the vermicelli is done. Add the cardamom powder and mix well. Serve hot or cold as you may like. Either way it tastes good.  .Enjoy !!!!

Paneer Matar

Ingredients-
Paneer-200gms(Cut into medium pieces)
Matar-100gms
Onion-1medium(chopped)
Ginger&garlic paste-1tbspn
Tomato puree-1cup
Oil-4tbspn
Turmeric/haldi powder-1tspn
Cumin seeds-1tspn
Coriander powder-1tspn
Cumin powder-1tspn
Garam masala-1.5tspn
Water-1cup

Method-
Heat in a wok ,simmer the flame add cumin seeds,let it crackle ,add chopped onion,saute till brown.Add ginger & garlic paste ,saute till the raw smell vanishes .Add the tomato puree ,saute till done.Add paneer pieces and fry with the masala till the masala is fully coated over paneer.Add peas and add 1 cup of water,add salt to taste,haldi powder, coriander powder,cumin powder and mix well.Cover the lid for 5minutes or till done.Add garam masala powder ,mix well and serve hot with roti ,paratha or puri.Enjoy...

Baby corn and zucchini fried rice

White rice- 1 cup (Cooked)
Zucchini-1medium (Sliced )
Baby corn -5 (Sliced)
Onion-1small (sliced)
Pepper powder- To taste
Salt-To taste
Olive oil-1 tbspn
Soya sauce -1 tbspn


Method-

Heat olive oil in a wok, add onion, saute till brown. Add baby corn and saute for 2 minutes, then add zucchini. Add salt, pepper powder to taste, saute till the vegetables are done. Add boiled white rice to the vegetables, add soya sauce, mix well. Serve hot, its yummy ...enjoy!!

Peda

Ingredients-
Khoya-400gms
Sugar-1.5cups
Cardamom /elaichi powder-1/2tspn
Pistachio or almonds-1tbspn

Method-

Grate khoya ,add powdered sugar and mix well.In a wok or nonstick pan ,take the khoya and sugar mixture.Heat it on high for a few minutes ,then simmer the flame and cook till the khoya turns color to brown.Make sure you mix continuously ,otherwise it may burn .Mix it till the mixture has become thick,add the cardamom powder .Mix well and remove the wok from the stove.Allow the mixture to cool down completely ,shape pedas with palms .Mix cardamom powder and pistachio or almond in a plate.Press  the pistachios or almond and the cardamom powder over the peda. Enjoy !!

Lehsuni Dal(Garlic Dal)

Suppose you have come back from work a bit tired and feel like eating something simple and tasty !!! Here is a  simple dal recipe which is both tasty and healthy ....Enjoy busy bees!!

Ingredients-
Moong dal -1cup(Cooked with salt,haldi and adequate water in a pressure cooker )

Garlic/lehsun-7-8 pods (chopped)

Green chillies -3-4
Pepper powder-1 tspn or to taste
Onion-1 medium (Sliced)
Asefotida-A pinch 
Tomato-1large(chopped)
Ghee-2 tbspn
Coriander leaves -For garnishing



Method-

Heat ghee in a wok ,lower the flame ,add pinch of asefotida,add onion.Saute the onion for 2 minutes then add the garlic ,saute till done.Add  green chillies and chopped tomatoes ,saute till done.Add the cooked dal ,add salt to taste(you had added salt while cooking the dal), pepper powder and mix well.Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with white boiled rice. Enjoy!!

Pasta with spinach and peanuts

This pasta recipe is the favorite of my children,hope your children will also eat this with relish.

Ingredients-
Pasta -1cup(Boiled as per instructions in the packet)
Onion-1(Sliced)
Garlic-3-4pods(Crushed )
Spinach/palak-1bunch
Cheese- 1Britannia cheese slice
Salt-To taste
Pepper- To taste
Oil-1tbspn


Method-

Heat oil in a wok,add sliced onion, crushed garlic,saute till the raw smell of garlic vanishes.Add peanuts,fry till brown ,add spinach and saute till done.Add boiled pasta ,salt to taste,pepper to taste and mix well.Add cheese and let it melt and mix well with pasta .Serve hot .Enjoy

Tomato Chilli Sauce

This is a recipe which I learnt from my mother-in-law.Enjoy your snacks with this delicious homemade tomato chilli sauce.

Ingredients-

Tomato-1/2kg(Cut into big cubes)

Garlic-1 whole garlic(Cut into big cubes)

Ginger-1medium piece(Chopped)

Chilli-4-5

Onion-1small(Cut into big cubes)

Vinegar-3tbspn

Mustard oil-1 tbspn

Sugar-3tbspn or to taste

Salt-To taste

Method- 

• Pressure cook vinegar,tomato,garlic,ginger, onion and chilli together .Cook till 3-4 whistles .
• After that is done ,open the pressure cooker and let the paste cool down completely.
• Grind it fine in the grinder,strain the paste through a strainer.
• In a wok take the strained tomato paste ,add salt to taste,sugar,mustard oil and mix well.Let it simmer in slow flame for 10minutes or till you get the right consistency.
• Switch off the stove ,let the tomato chilli sauce cool completely.Store in an air tight jar in the refrigerator for use,when require.Enjoy !!

Palak vegetable (Spinach vegetable)

Ingredients:
Palak (Spinach)-1bunch(chopped)
Onion -1medium(Chopped)
Panch phooran-1tspn
Brinjal-3medium(sliced)
Potato-1medium(Sliced)
Oil-1/2 tbspn
Salt-To taste
Haldi (turmeric) powder-1tspn
Garlic-2pods(Crushed)


Method:

Heat oil in a wok,add panch phooran.Let it splutter ,add onion,garlic,saute till brown .Add the sliced vegetables ,saute for 3minutes.Add palak ,salt to taste,haldi powder and cover it with a lid.Let it cook in slow flame till the vegetables and palak are cooked.After that remove the lid and let the water evaporate with   the stove on high flame.Remove when done and serve it hot with rice.

PASTA IN WHITE SAUCE

Ingredients
Pasta of your choice -2cups(Boil according to the instructions in the packet)
Sliced mushroom-1 handful 
Butter -1tbspn
Milk-1.5cup
Cream-4 tspn
Finely chopped garlic-1/2tspn
Cheese -4 tbspn
White pepper powder-1/2 spoon
Salt to taste

Method-


For the white sauce-

• Heat butter in a pan and saute the sliced mushrooms on medium flame for 5 minutes.
• Add the chopped garlic and saute that for a few seconds till they are brown in colour.
• Add milk and mix well. Let the milk boil for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to very low flame and add the cream .Stir well and cook stirring on very low flame for 2 minutes .Let the sauce become thick and creamy .Switch off the heat and mix the cheese.
• Season with salt to taste,white pepper and coriander leaves.
• Keep aside.

 For serving pasta with the white sauce-

• Take a portion of the sauce ,add boiled pasta and mix well. Serve hot . Enjoy !!!

Potala aloo curry(Parval potato curry)

Ingredients -

Parval (potala)-1kg( cut into cubes)

Potato-1kg(cut into cubes)

Onion-1medium(chopped)

Tomato -1medium(Paste)

Ginger/garlic paste-1tbspn

Curry leaves-A few

Water-1cup

Oil-3tbsp

Turmeric(haldi)powder-1tspn

Method-Heat oil in a wok.Add parval and potato ,add salt to taste and haldi powder to taste.Let it fry till done and keep them aside.In the same oil add onion,saute till done.Add ginger/garlic paste ,saute till the raw smell vanishes.Add tomato ,saute till done,then add curry leaves .Add the friedparval and potato,mix well.Add 1cup of water .Let it boil nicely,switch off the stove ,mix well.Serve hot with rice/roti.Enjoy !!!

Chicken tikka masala with a twist !!

This is the same chicken tikka masala which many  Britishers claim to be their national food.:) I have made only marginal changes and named it chicken tikka masala with a twist !! Enjoy...

Ingredients:

Chicken(Leg quarters) -2pounds

Curd-1Cup

Ginger /garlic paste-2tbspn

Onion-1large(Chopped finely)

Tomatoes-3(Pureed)

Whole garam masala-1cinamon stick,4small cardamons,1 big cardamon,1 bay leaf

Capsicum, bell pepper, onion, tomato-1Cup (Diced into cubes)

Dhaniya (Coriander) powder-1tbspn

Jeera(cumin) powder-1tbspn

Oil-3tbspn

Mustard oil-2tbspn

Fenugreek leaves -2tbspn

Garam masala-1tbspn

Coriander leaves -To garnish

Method:

Mix together curd,salt to taste,haldi powder,jeera powder,dhaniya powder , 1bspn of fenugreek powder and 2tbspn mustard oil to the raw chicken , let it marinate for 30minutes. Heat 1tbspn of oil,add marinated chicken and let it cook from both sides.After the chicken is done , keep it aside.

Heat oil in another wok ,add the whole garam masala,add finely chopped onion.Saute till brown, add ginger/garlic paste and saute till the raw smell vanishes.Add the pureed tomatoes ,fry till the oil separates.Add the diced vegetables and mix well .When the vegetables are done ,add the done chicken pieces to the gravy. Add jeera  powder,dhaniya powder,fenugreek leaves and mix well. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve it hot with naan/chappati.

Suji Halwa

Ingredients-
Suji (Semolina )-1cup
Atta ( Wheat flour) -2tbspn
Sugar-1cup
Water-2.5 cups
Cardamom powder(elaichi)-1tspn
Ghee(clarified butter)- half cup

Method-
Heat ghee in a wok, add suji and atta ,saute till the mixture turns brown. Add hot water and sugar and mix well. When the ghee starts separating switch off the stove. Add elaichi powder ,mix well .Garnish with dry-fruits and serve hot or warm. Enjoy!!!!

RAJA PITHA ( RICE CAKE )

This is a traditional cake made in Odisha, India of rice and coconut. It tastes best after cooling completely.You can have it  with or without curry.This cake is made during in Odia houses at the time of Raja  festival during the starting of monsoon season.

Ingredients-
Rice flour -3cups
Jaggery -2cups
Salt-1tspn
Grated coconut -1//2cup
Sliced coconut -1/2cup
Water-6cups

Whole pepper -8 ( Ground to coarse powder )

Ginger sliced into small pieces -1/2tspn
Saunf -1/4tspn
Elaichi (cardamom) powder -1tspn
Ghee-1tspn
Banana leaves-4medium



Method-

Boil water in a heavy bottomed vessel. Add jaggery , let it mix well.Add grated coconut, sliced coconut,  pepper powder , ginger, salt, saunf and elaichi powder then mix well .Add the rice flour slowly and continuously mix so that no lumps are formed in low flame. Place a pan vessel on low flame , place on it a layer of banana leaf .Apply ghee all over the leaf with your hand. Put the rice mixture over in and cover it with another layer of banana leaf and cover it with a tight lid .Let the cake cook on slow flame  for 20 minutes. Then turn the cake and let it cook on slow flame for 20 minutes or till done.To check whether the cake is done ,prick a knife in the center ; when removed it should come out clean. Let the  cake cool down completely .Serve it with any curry of your choice or eat it like that....Enjoy !!!!

Lemon rice

Ingredients -

• Steamed white rice -2cups
• Cashew nuts-10
• Oil-2tbsn
• Curry leaves-A few
• Peanuts-10
• Turmeric powder (haldi)-1tspn
• Lemon -1(extract the juice )
• Green chilli- 2
• Salt-To taste
• Asafoetida(hing)-A pinch
• Urad dal-1tspn
• Channa dal-1/2tspn
• Mustard seeds -1tspn

Method-

Heat oil in a wok ,add asafoetida(hing)  and mustard seeds.Let these splutter. Add Urad dal, Chana dal,green chilli and curry leaves.Sauté till the Urad dal and Channa dal turn golden brown .Add cashew nuts and peanuts,sauté till they are golden brown .Add the steamed white rice ,add salt,haldi powder. Switch off the stove. Add lemon juice to the rice and mix well.  Serve with sambar or rasam .Enjoy !!!

Ridge gourd with khus khus (poppy seeds)

Ingredients-
 Ridge gourd -1kg
Potato-1medium
khus khus-4tbspn
Onion-1medium
Tomato-1medium
Garlic-2medium
Chilli -2
Salt-To taste
Oil-2tbspn
Water-10tbspn


Method-

Cut ridge gourd and potato into cubes.Heat oil in a pan ,add onion ,saute till brown.In the mean while soak khus khus (poppy seeds) and garlic in 12tbspn of water for 1/2hr,then grind into fine paste.After the onion is done add chilli , ridge gourd and potato and sauté till done.Add salt to taste.Cover the lid and let the vegetables cook till half ,add garlic and khus khus paste ,mix well .Cover the lid till the vegetables are completely done and the khus khus and garlic paste is cooked well.Serve hot with roti or rice....enjoy!!

Coconut Chutney

 
Ingredients:-

• Shredded coconut-1cup 
• Roasted channa dal-1cup 
• Salt-To taste 
• Curd -2tbspn 
• Coriander leaves -1/2cup 
• Green chillies -2 

For tempering -

• Oil-1tspn 
• Mustard seeds -1/2tspn 
• Curry leaves -A few 

Method:-

Grind shredded coconut,roasted channa dal, green chilli, curd and coriander leaves to a smooth paste.(You can add little water to make a smooth chutney if required). Add salt to taste and keep aside.In a small pan heat oil,reduce the flame add hing(asafetida),mustard seeds and curry leaves.Pour this tampering on the coconut paste and mix well.Serve with any snacks .Enjoy!!

VEGETABLE BESARA-- VEGETABLES COOKED WITH MUSTARD & GARLIC PASTE

This is  a mixed vegetable recipe from the land of Odisha ( a State in India). It is cooked with mustard paste over slow fire.It tastes best when served with rice!!

Ingredients:

• Mixed vegetables-2cups(brinjal, potato ,plantain,drumsticks ,desi alloo(yam))
• Mustard paste-2tspn (Soak 3 tspn of mustard seed in water ,3 garlic pods and 1 chilli for 1/2hr and the grind  into a smooth paste )
• Oil-1tspn
• Tomato-1 medium(chopped)
• Salt-To taste
• Turmeric powder(haldi)-A pinch
• Water-1 cup

Method:

Heat oil in a pan, add mustard paste and saute till the raw smell goes.Add the chopped tomato. When done, add the vegetables and 1 cup of water .Add salt to taste, haldi powder and cover the lid and let the vegetables cook on low flame till they are cooked well. Serve it hot with steamed white rice. Enjoy!!!

EGG CAPSICUM MASALA

Ingredients :
Hard boiled eggs-3  (slice then into half)
Capsicum-1large (Sliced)
Onion-1medium (sliced)
Tomato-1medium (sliced)
Garam masala powder-1tspn
Green chillies -2 (whole)
Garlic pods-1large (chopped)
Corn flour -1tbspn
Oil-1tbspn
Water-3tbspn
Coriander leaves -To garnish


Method:
In a pan take oil; to it add cumin seeds. Let it splutter, add the sliced garlic and green  chillies, sauté   till the raw smell goes. Add sliced onion and sauté till brown. Add the sliced tomatoes. Fry till done . Then add the sliced capsicum and mix well till done. Add  salt to taste, haldi powder, garam masala powder and mix well. Keep aside.
In a pan heat a little oil. .In a bowl take the corn starch,  add water and make a smooth paste. Add a pinch of salt to the corn starch paste and mix well .Now take a sliced egg ,dip it in the paste and sauté in the pan from both sides .Do the same with all sliced eggs. (By doing so the yolks will remain intact and will look colorful in the masala). Then add the fried eggs in the masala and mix well .Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with chappati/roti!

FISH CUTLET

Ingredients:

Fish-1kg (boiled in salt and turmeric (haldi) powder

Ginger & garlic paste-1tbspn

Garam masala- 1tbspn (mixture of cloves ,cardamon ,bay leaves ,pepper ,cinnamon sticks)

Boiled potato-1 medium

Mint leaves (pudina) -1tbsp (chopped)

Bread crumbs- For coating the cutlets

Salt- To taste

Oil- To fry the cutlets

Method :

In a bowl take the boiled fish pieces ,remove the bones and mash the boiled fish. Add ginger & garlic paste ,garam masala, salt to taste ,boiled mashed potato ,mint leaves and mix well. Take a portion in hand and make into small cutlets. Roll them in bread crumbs and shallow fry in oil till the cutlets become golden brown. Serve hot with tomato ketchup or any sauce of your choice.

Enjoy !!!

Dal makhni

This is a lentil (Dal) dish, popular in the Indian state of Punjab. This is prepared by using two lentils-- split black gram (urad dal) and kidney beans (rajma)

Ingredients:
Split black gram /urad dal – 1/2 cup
Kidney beans/rajma - handful
Whole garam  masala –1 cardamom  (elaichi), 2 cloves (laung) , 3 small cardamoms (small elaichi) ,
1 bay leaf (tej pata)
Onion-  1small (chopped)
Salt -To taste
Turmeric ( Haldi) powder – 1/2 tea spoon
Coriander( Dhania) powder –1 Tea spoon
Green chillies –2 (chopped)
Ginger/garlic paste –11/2 tea spoon
Tomatoes- Two medium  (puréed)
Cream –3 tea spoon
Oil – 2 table spoon
Butter- 2 table spoon
Coriander leaves -To garnish

 Method:

1. Soak the dal in water for Two hours .Then pressure cook the dal with two cups of water and a little salt till done. Keep aside .  
2. Heat the oil and butter well in a pan ,then lower the flame and add the whole garam masalas .Fry a little; add the chopped onion and fry till done .
3. Add the ginger /garlic paste and sauté till the raw flavor vanishes .Add the pureéd tomatoes and fry till the oil separates from the masala . 
4. Then add the boiled dal , salt to taste, turmeric powder ,dhaniya powder,  coriander powder and mix well .Cover the pan for  five minutes .
5. Switch off the stove ,add cream ,mix well and garnish with coriander leaves .
6. Goes well with Naan, Kulcha, Roti or Rice. 
7. Serve hot!!!

SALSA SANDWICH

 This is a great recipe of bread which can be taken at any time of the day !!


Ingredients:
Salsa-1/4cup
Bread-6slices
Onion -1small (sliced)
Potato-2(boiled and sliced )
Butter-To apply in the breads
Cheese slice -1(Britannia /Amul)

Method :

1. Apply butter to both the sides of the bread .Keep 3slices of bread in the sandwich maker ,on each piece of bread,  arrange the sliced boiled potatoes , the salsa ,sliced onions  &1/6 of the cheese slice in that order .
2. Place a piece of bread on each of the3 pieces over the potatoes,onion,salsa etc.  and close the sandwich maker. Take them  out from the oven  when done.
3. Serve hot with tomato ketchup .