SAMBHAR

SAMBAR-SOUTH INDIAN


A protein rich gravy -an ideal accompniment for white rice,idli,dosas and vada.
Ingredients:
For the sambhar :
1 cup tuvar dal washed and drained
2 tomato, chopped
1 onion, chopped or 1/4 cup small onions peeled
4 brinjals, cubed
1/2 cup green beans cut
1 potato, peeled and cubed
1drumstick ,cut in to 2" lengths
1 tsp. tamarind pulp
2green chillies ,
slit salt to taste
For the seasoning:
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
6-10 curry leaves
2 tablespoons oil
For the sambhar powder or you may use 2 tbsp. of ready made sambhar powder:
4 Red chilles
1 tbsp. coriander seeds
1 tsp. cumin seeds
1 tsp. fenugreek seeds (methi)
1 tbsp. toovar dal
1 tbsp. channa dal
1 tbsp. urad dal
1 tsp. turmeric powder
1/2 tsp. asafoetida (hing)
2 tbsp coconut -
Dry roast these ingredients and grind the spices in a grinder. Keep aside.
Method:
In a heavy bottom pot or pressure cooker cook dal with 3 cups of water, tomato, onion, and all the veggies.
After it is cooked add tamarind pulp, sambhar masala, salt and 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
Boil for 5 mins.
Season the sambhar by heating the oil and adding the mustard seeds, curry leaves and asafoetida until the mix crackle.
Add this to the sambhar and serve with rice, idli,dosa, or vadas

AVIAL

Avial - Mixed Veggies in curd gravy( Kerala Style)



Ingredients:

• 1 cup yam peeled and diced
• 1 cup ash gourd peeled and diced
• 1 raw banana peeled and diced
• 2 Drumsticks - cut in 3" lengths
• 2 potato peeled and diced
• 2 brinjals,diced
• 1/4 cup beans cut in 2"lengths
• 1 carrot,peeled and sliced
• 1 cup yogurt whisked smooth
• SaltTo taste

Grind the following with 1/4 cup of water

• Shredded coconut 1/4 cup
• 2 Green chillies.
• 1 tsp. Cummin seeds

For tempering:

• Curry leaves Few
• 2 tbsp Coconut oil
• 1 tbsp. mustard seeds

METHOD:

• Mix the curd to the ground paste and keep aside.
• Steam all the vegetables with very little water till soft.
• Mix all the cooked vegetables together with salt.
• Add the paste and heat through on low, taking care to prevent the yogurt from curdling.
• Heat coconut oil. Add mustard seeds till they splutter, then add asafetida and curry leaves and mix well.
• Pour over the dish and mix well.
• Serve hot with rice and sambar.

CHICKEN KEBABS

CHICKEN KEBABS
Kebabs are marinated meat or vegetables threaded onto skewers and then grill over fire ,that is bursting with flavors;.Chicken kebab is actually quite easy to make and the marinate process takes just an hour or two,less if you want. Ground cumin used in kebabs imparts an exotic aroma plus unique flavors to the meat.

• Ingredients:
• 500 gms - skinned, boneless chicken breasts
• 125 ml - oil
• 2 tbsp -lemon juice
• 4 cloves - garlic, pureed
• 2.5 cm. (1 inch) piece ginger, pureed
• 1 tsp - garam masala
• 1½ tsp - ground coriander
• 1 tsp - ground cumin(zeera)
• 1½ tsp - ground black pepper
• 500 ml - yoghurt(curd)1 - small onion, sliced and separated into rings
• a little lemon juice
• salt to taste
• Method
  Cut the chicken into 11/2" cubes.
• Mix together the oil, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, coriander, cumin, black pepper, salt to taste and the yoghurt.
• Put this mixture into a dish and stir in the chicken pieces.
• Cover and leave for at least 2 hrs in a refrigerator.
• Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto metal or bamboo skewers, leaving a little space in between each piece of chicken.
• Place under a hot grill and cook until golden brown.
• Baste the chicken occasionally with the remaining marinade.
• To serve, mix the onion rings and sprinkle some lemon juice on top just before serving .
• Serve hot.

BREAD AND EGG PUDDING

BREAD AND EGG PUDDING
INGREDIENTS:

• 4 bread slices
• 1 egg
• 2 cups milk
• 1 Tbsp all purpose flour(maida)
• 4 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla essence

For caramel

• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 star or ring mould
  Method
• Sprinkle 2tbsp sugar in the mould ,put on low flame .
• Heat till sugar melts and becomes a dak brown liquid.
• Tilt the mould so that the base is covered with caramel till it harden.
• Heat milk in a pan.
• Remove crust from bread slices and put in a blender to make crumbs.
• Beat egg with vailla essence.
• Add flour,sugar and bread crumbs to the egg mixture,mix well.
• Add this to hot milk,stir well and continue cooking till the mixture becomes thick.
• Pour in to the mould and steam for 30 mins.
• Cool and chill for an hour.
• Unmould and serve chilled.

CHICKEN NUGGETS

CHICKEN NUGGETS
Make your own Chicken Nuggets for those occasions when your children demand comfort food.These home-made chicken nuggets taste much nicer than bought ones and you know exactly what’s in them – that there are no unwanted preservatives.
INGREDIENTS:

• 450g/1lb Chicken breast
• 3Tbsp plain flour
• 1/2teaspoon pepper powder
• 1tsp lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3-4 handfuls of breadcrumbs
• Oil for deep frying.

METHOD

• Cut the chicken into bite sized pieces.
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  Mix salt,pepper & lemon juice with chicken pieces.
  
  
  
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  Keep aside for 15mins.
  
  
  
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  Make a thick batter with flour & water.
  
  
  
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  Dip chicken pieces in batter and roll in bread crumbs.
  
  
  
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  Heat oil in a frying pan on medium heat.
  
  
  

When hot add as many nuggets as will fit without crowding.

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  Turn when golden on one side.
  
  
  
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  When all sides are cooked remove onto kitchen paper to drain off some oil.
  
  
  
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  As soon as they are all cooked serve while hot.
  
  
  

I came across this dip and so added this.

Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce
Combine 1 cup honey and 1/2 cup Dijon mustard.

Note: Best when prepared a day or two ahead of time.

•Combine 1 cup honey and 1/2 cup Dijon mustard. Note: Best when prepared a day or two ahead of time.

• 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  •Combine 1 cup honey and 1/2 cup Dijon mustard. Note: Best when prepared a day or two ahead of time.
  
  
  

PREHEAT OVEN

PREHEAT OVEN
Preheat oven
Before you bake something, your oven needs to be heated to the proper temperature(say 350,375 or 400 F mentioned in the receipe).
It can take several minutes for your oven to reach the right temperature.
The oven temperature should be what your recipe needs when you put the dish into the oven to get good baked products.
This is why it’s often best to start the oven during the beginning or middle of your preperation, instead of waiting until the end.
Then your oven will have the required temperature and ready .
Normally it reaches the temperature in 5-10 minutes.

WHITE SAUCE

White sauce

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon maida(all purpose flour)
1 cup Milk
salt and pepper to taste.
Direction
Put the butter in a glass bowl and microwave on HIGH for about 10 seconds.
Add the flour and microwave on HIGH for 20 seconds, stirring once in-between after 10 seconds.
Add the milk and microwave on HIGH for about 20 seconds. Do not boil.
Add salt and pepper to taste
Healthy version:
Use oil instead of butter and skimmed milk.

ALMOND BISCUITS

ALMOND BISCUITS

This light shortbread like biscuit and you will be asking for more.
Ingredients:

170 g(6 oz) butter,chilled,diced

230 g(8 oz) self raising flour

110 g(4 oz) castor sugar

few drops almond essence

1 egg white,lightely beaten

For sprinkling on top:

Granulated sugar & chopped almonds
Method:

Rub butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine bread crumbs.

Stir in sugar and almond essence,then knead the mixture into a smooth dough.

Wrap and chill for about an hour.

On a floured work surface,roll out dough to 1/4" thick.

Brush with egg white and sprinkle with granulated sugar.

Sprinkle almonds on top,press gently so they stick to the dough.

Cut in to fingers 2 by 3/4 " and transfer to greased baking trays.

Chill for 15 mins.

Preheat oven to 220 degree C.

Bake for 10-12 mins till lightely golden.

Transfer to wire rack after a few mins .

Store in an airtight container.

VEGETABLE AND CHEESE OMLETE

Vegetable omlete
Enjoy fresh vegetables in this delicious omlete!
Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons Oil
• 1/4 cup chopped green pepper (capsicum)
• 1/2 cup grated carrot
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup grated cheese

Method:

• Whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper in medium bowl.
• Heat oil in a pan. Add green pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat until tender. Stir in carrot and green onion.
• In a pan pour egg mixture cook 2-3 minutes till cooked on one side.
• Spread vegetable mixture and sprinkle cheese on top.
• Grill in oven till cheese melts.Cut in to wedges and serve immediately.

HONEY COOKIES

A DELICIOUS COOKIE FOR HONEY LOVERS!

• Ingredients:
  110gm(4 oz) butter
  110gm(4 oz) sugar
  1 egg beaten
  1 tablespoon honey
  230gm (8 oz)self raising flour
  60gm(2 oz)walnuts,chopped
• Method:
  Preheat oven to 200*c
  Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
  Gradually beat in the egg and honey.
  Fold in flour and walnuts.
  Chill for 30 mins.
  Take walnut sized balls and arrange on lightly gresed trays.
  Press down lightly with the back of a fork to make criss cross pattern.
  Bake for 10-12 mins.
  Cool for 1 min then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  Store in an airtight container.
  

CHOCOLATES SUBSTITUTIONS

This post will help foodies who doesnot have access to chocolate varieties to try out receipes posted from across the world in blogs
http://ezeechocolate.blogspot.com/2009/10/chocolates-substitutions.html

MICROWAVE BROWNIES

• Microwave fudge brownies fudgy & moist like regular kind, but you can make them in less than 20 mins.
  FUDGE BROWNIES:
  INGREDIENTS:
  3/4 cup margarine or butter 3 squares unsweetened chocolate
• 11/4 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup flour
• 11/4 cup walnuts chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
  METHOD
• 1.Grease 8''by8'' microwave dish.
• 2.In a medium bowl,melt margarine or butter and chocolate on High for 11/2 mins.Stir until smooth.Stir in sugar and vanilla,then eggs one at a time.Stir in flour,1cup walnuts,baking powder and salt.spread in greased dish.
• 3.Microwave on Medium(50% power) for 8 mins and on high for 2 mins.,until a toothpick inserted in center comes out almost clean.Sprinkle 1/4 cup walnuts and chocolate pieces on top.Cool covered with waxed paper.Cut in to 16 pieces.

BLUEBERRY PUMPKIN MUFFINS

1-2/3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking power
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1 cup Libby's Solid Pack Pumpkin
1/4 cup undiluted Carnation Evaporated Milk
1/3 cup shortening
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 egg
1 cup blueberries
1 tablespoon flout
Streusel

• Combine first six ingredients. Combine pumpkin and evaporated milk until blended.
• Cream shortening and sugar in large mixer bowl. Add egg; beat until mixture is fluffy.
• Add flour mixture alternately with pumpkin mixture, beating well after each addition.
• Combine blueberries and flour. Gently stir into batter.
• Fill 18 paper-lines muffin tins 3/4 full. Sprinkle Streusel over top of muffins.
• Bake in moderate oven (350 F) 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Note: For larger muffins, yse 12 paper line muffin tins.

Streusel: Combine 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture is crumbly.

CHOCOLATE STEAMED PUDDING

1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1-1/2 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
1/2 cup milk
Hard sauce (optional)

• In a bowl sift together flour and baking powder and set aside.
• In a separate bowl beat butter and suger until fluffy. Add egg and beat until well incorporated. Stir in melted chocolate. Add dry ingredients in 3 additions, alternating with ; mix well. Pour into well-buttered 4-cup pudding mold with lid.
• Place lid securely on mold ad put mold into a larger pot. Add enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of mold. Cover pot and steam pudding over low heat 1 hour. Let pudding rest 15 minutes before serving with hard sauce. Serves 4 to 6

CHOCOLATE CAKE

Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup Cocoa powder
1teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar powdered
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/4cup curd(yogurt)
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla /orange extract
Directions:
Heat oven to 375°F. Grease and flour round or rectangular pan .(take any pan only thing you have to see is the batter should come up halfway.
Sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda salt and sugar in a large bowl.
Beat eggs, milk,curd, butter and vanilla/orange well.(for 2 minutes)
Add flour mixture to egg mix thouroughly.
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely.Spread frosting.
FROSTING
6 tablespoons butter
2-2/3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup Cocoa
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla/orange extract
Beat butter in a bowl.
Add powdered sugar and cocoa alternately with milk.
Beat to spreading consistency (add more milk if needed).
Stir in vanilla/orange .
Makes about 2 cups frosting.

CASHEW BURFI

CASHEW BURFI
Ingredients:
cashews-100 gm
sugar-180 gm
ghee-50 gm
almond essence-1/4 tsp
water-1/4 cup
Method:
Soak cashews in water for 20 mins.
Drain & grind to a fine paste.
In a heavy bottomed pan or nonstick pan add water,cashew paste & sugar.
Cook on a slow flame stirring continuously.
Add ghee at intervel .When themixture startes leaving the pan & forms into a add essence,pour into a greased tray.
when cool cut into desired shapes.

BANANA MUFFINS

Banana Muffins
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, room temperature.
1 cup granulated sugar.
2 large eggs.
2 large bananas, ripe, mashed.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
2 cups all-purpose flour.
1 teaspoon salt.
1 teaspoon baking powder.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
1 cup of buttermilk.
Method
Grease 12 muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
Cream butter and sugar with an electric hand-held mixer until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.
Add bananas and vanilla and beat until smooth.
Mix together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
Stir flour mixture into butter mixture, alternating with the sour milk or buttermilk.
Stir until dry ingredients are moistened then gently stir in chopped nuts.
Spoon banana muffin batter into prepared muffin cups or liners.
Bake at 400° for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until tops are lightly browned.

HOW TO

Soft ball:
Boil sugar syrup on high heat.
Put a drop in cold waterand roll with your finger.You should be able to roll it into soft ball

HOW TO PREHEAT OVEN

Preheat oven:
Before you bake something, your oven needs to be heated to the proper temperature(say 350,375 or 400 F mentioned in the receipe).
It can take several minutes for your oven to reach the right temperature.
This is why it’s often best to start the oven during the beginning or middle of your preperation, instead of waiting until the end. Then your oven will have the required temperature and ready .
Normally it reaches the temperature in 10-15 minutes.