Ragda Puri

Ingredients

For the Ragda - Curried White Peas

• ½ cup White Peas
• 1 Onion, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Grated Ginger
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds (jeera)
• 1-2 Green Chilli, split in middle
• 1 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
• ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
• 2-3 teaspoons Chaat Masala Powder
• 2 teaspoons Black Salt (or use regular salt) {adjust for taste}
• a pinch of Sugar
• 2 cups Water (add enough water to cover the entire mixture plus ½ cup more)

Others

• 12 Puffed up Poori / Puchka / Golgappa
• 1 cup Ragda
• 2 teaspoons Chaat Masala Powder
• ¼ cup Sweet Tamarind Dates Chutney, diluted with a splash of water
• ¼ cup Green Mint Coriander Chutney
• ¼ cup finely chopped Onions
• ¼ cup cooked, mashed Potatoes (optional)
• ¼ cup Sev (fried chickpea noodles) {buy from Indian store}
• ¼ cup finely chopped Coriander Leaves
• Lemon Wedge

Instructions

Ragda - Curried White Peas (you can make this 1 day ahead)

1. Soak the white pas in water overnight for it to sprout. This helps in cooking the peas easily. Wash and drain the peas.
2. In a pressure cooker, heat the oil and add cumin, chilli, garlic & ginger. Fry for a few seconds and add onions. Fry until lightly golden brown.
3. Add chaat powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, salt & sugar. Add the peas immediately and mix well with the spices.
4. Add the water and let it come to a boil. Taste and adjust for seasonings.
5. Close the pressure cooker lid and put the whistle on. Let it cook on for 10-12 whistles. Switch off flame. Let pressure release completely.
6. Open the lid and smash some of the peas with the back of your ladle. The peas should be extremely well cooked. If not, cook again for a few more whistles.
7. Remove the Ragda for use as required

If you don't have a pressure cooker...

1. Follow the same procedure as above. But instead of pressure cooker, do it on a pan with high sides. Once the water comes to a boil, reduce flame to medium low, close with a lid and let it cook for 20 minutes. Open lid, stir everything well and cook again for 10 minutes. If mixture dries u, add more water. Keep cooking till you have well cooked peas.

To make Ragda Puri / Masala Poori

1. If the Ragda (white peas curry) is cold, add a splash of water and 1 teaspoon Chata powder. Mix well. Microwave / heat it for 30-40 seconds until it is hot & bubbly
2. Place 6 Puchka / Poori on each plate. Gently make holes in the center of every poori with a finger. Make sure not to break up the puchka
3. Fill each puchka with onions and mashed potatoes. Sprinkle some Chaat powder on top of them
4. Spoon over the Ragda mixture generously into every puchka. It doesn't have to be exactly into the Puchka. It is okay even if something spills outside the puchka
5. Generously add the sweet & green chutneys over all the puchkas
6. Add the Sev to cover all the Puchka
7. Garnish with onions, coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon.
8. Serve immediately

IMPORTANT -
          You have to work extremely quickly and serve immediately
          since this tends to turn soggy very fast. So make 2 plates at
          a time if you have to, but not more

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Cheesy Shell Lasagna

Ingredients:
1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
2 medium onions, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 jar (14 ounces) meatless spaghetti sauce
1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, undrained
8 ounces uncooked small shell pasta
2 cups (16 ounces) reduced-fat sour cream
11 slices (8 ounces) reduced-fat provolone cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Method:
In a nonstick skillet, cook beef and onions over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Stir in the tomatoes, spaghetti sauce and mushrooms. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
Place half of the pasta in an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce, sour cream and provolone cheese. Repeat layers. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Cover and bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes longer or until the cheese begins to brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting. Yield: 12 servings.

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Christmas Fudge

Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1 cup milk
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
25 marshmallows, quartered
1 cup butter
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 cups milk chocolate chips
2 squares unsweetened chocolate
1 cup chopped nuts

Method:
Grease a roll pan and set aside.
Combine the sugar, milk, vanilla and butter in a large, heavy saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for about two minutes.
Remove from heat and add the marshmallows, semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips and unsweetened chocolate. Stir until it melts completely and is smooth.
Stir in the nuts and mix well. Pour into the prepared pans.
Let the fudge sit at least for a day before cutting them into squares. You could refrigerate it for easier cutting.

Key Ingredients:
Sugar,
Chocolate Chips,
Marshmallow,
Butter,
Vanilla Essence,
Milk,
Chocolate.

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Prawn and Pork on Sugarcane Sticks

Ingredients:
2 sugarcane sticks - cut into 4 inch pieces
Medium sized prawns - shelled and De-veined
200 gm minced pork
2 large onions, chopped
5 tsp garlic, chopped
1 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp coriander, chopped
1 Tbsp fish sauce
Salt and pepper
2 tsp lemon grass, chopped
1 egg
Oil for frying
Spicy Dipping Sauce:
1 Tbsp vinegar
60 ml lime juice
1 tsp garlic paste
60 ml fish sauce
2 red chillies, chopped


Method:
Peel sugar cane.
Grind prawns, pork, onion, and garlic, sugar, and coriander, fish sauce, seasoning lemon grass until smooth. Bind the mix with egg.
Using well oiled hands mold 1 Tbsp of the mixture around each sugarcane stick, leaving 1 end uncovered.
Deep fry in hot oil for 3-4 minutes till golden brown.
Drain and serve with accompaniments.
For the sauce: Combine all the ingredients except chilli. Allow it to stand for 15 minutes. Strain and stir in the chilli. Serve with the prawn and pork sticks.

Key Ingredients:
Prawns, Pork, Onion, Garlic, Sugar,Coriander Leaves, Fish Sauce, Salt, Lemon Juice, Black Pepper, Vegetable Oil, Lemongrass, Egg, Vinegar, Red Chilli

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Corn & Cauliflower Soup

Ingredients:
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely diced
4-5 cloves of garlic
2 cups cauliflower florets, finely chopped
1 cup corn
1 Tbsp cashew nut paste
2 glasses water
1 slice of Bread
1/2 tsp black pepper powder
1 tsp sugar
Salt as per taste

Method:
Take a pan and add some olive oil. Throw in the sliced onions and stir it well. 

Then add the garlic.
Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
Put in the cashew nut paste and mix well. 

Then add corn and water and cover the pan with a lid.
Let it cook it on medium flame and then once its done, allow it to cool.
Pour it in a blender and drop in the slice of bread and blend till you get a smooth paste.
Now transfer the paste into a deep pan. 

Lower the flame to medium and add milk, black pepper powder, fresh cream, sugar and salt as per taste.
Bring to boil.
Garnish with crushed corn and serve it.

Key Ingredients:

Olive Oil, 

Onion, 

Garlic, 

Cauliflower, 

Corn,

Cashew Nuts, 

Bread, 

Black Pepper, 

Sugar, 

Salt

Adrak ka Achaar

Ingredients:
2 cups ginger-finely shredded
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbsp salt to taste
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 Tbsp chilli powder or to taste
1 tsp asafoetida powder

Method:
Mix all the ingredients and cook over high heat.
When it comes to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for a couple of minutes.
Store in a clean jar.

Key Ingredients: Sugar, Ginger, Salt, Lemon Juice, Asafoetida and Red Chilli

Bisi Bele Bhaat

Ingredients:
1/2 cup rice
1/4 cup toor dal
1 1/2 chopped vegetables
4 Tbsp chana dal
2 Tbsp urad dal
2 tsp jeera
1/4 tsp fenugreek
1 tsp pepper
3 red chillies
1 tsp couscous
2 Tbsp grated coconut
1 sprig of curry leaves
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 Tbsp jaggery
1 tamarind
2 Tbsp oil
1 cup water
Salt to taste

Method:
Cook the rice and toor dal and keep it aside.
Soak the tamarind in hot water and extract the tamarind water.
Boil the vegetables.
In a pan heat oil and add chana dal, urad dal, jeera, fenugreek, pepper, red chilli. Fry until dal turns light brown.
Fry couscous and curry leaves. Grind the fried ingredients with coconut.
Boil the tamarind water for 1 to 2 minutes. Add turmeric powder, salt and jaggery to it.
Add vegetables and allow it to boil for 5 to 6 minutes.
Add the grounded mixture. Let it boil for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add toor dal followed by rice and cook for 2 minutes.
Heat oil in a pan and fry groundnut, channa dal,urad daland mustard.
Add the fired ingredients to the bisi belebath.
Garnish with boondhi and coriander leaves. Serve hot.

Low Fat Pepper Chicken Dry

Ingredients
1 kg chopped chicken
Oil
2 tsp crushed pepper
1 green chilli
2 onions
Curry Leaves
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
Salt


Method:
Marinate chicken with crushed pepper, turmeric powder and salt.
Keep aside for half an hour.
In a wok, add 2 tsp cooking oil, chopped onion and fry for a while.
Add sliced green chilli, curry leaves and ginger-garlic paste, Stir for about a minute.
Add marinated chicken and let it cook for about 15 minutes.
Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves.
Serve hot with bread or rice.

Key Ingredients:
Chicken, Vegetable Oil, Black Pepper, Green Chillies, Onion, Curry Leaves, Ginger, Garlic, Turmeric, Salt

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Hyderabadi Dum Ka Murgh

Ingredients:

1 chicken, whole cut-up
2 Tbsp cashew nuts
1 Tbsp chironji or buchanania lanzan
1 cup sour curd, well beaten
1 cup deep fried onion
2 tsp ginger paste
2 Tbsp garlic paste
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp kashmiri red chilli powder
2-3 green chilli, chopped
1/2 cup mint leaves, chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 Tbsp shahi jeera
4-5 green cardamom pods, crushed
2 cinnamon sticks
5-7 cloves, crushed
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 tsp coriander seeds
Juice of 1 lemon
3 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 Tbsp ghee or clarified butter
Whole wheat or attadough
Salt, to taste

Method:
Add cashew nuts and chironji in a spice grinder and dry grind them to make a fine powder. Take the ground nuts out of the grinder and put aside.
Now add cumin and coriander seeds and make a fine powder with them. Keep it aside.
In a large non-stick pan, add chicken, nut powder, curd, fried onion, ginger-garlic paste, chopped chillies, chopped mint and cilantro, turmeric, red chilli powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, shahi jeera, lemon juice, salt, vegetable oil and ghee in the pan. Mix well.
Leave the marinated chicken in the pan for at least 2 to 4 hours.
After 4 hours take the lid off the pan and seal it with theatta dough and put the pan on medium heat to cook the chicken for at least 35 to 40 minutes.
After 40 minutes, turn off the heat but do not open the lid. Leave the chicken as it is for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes cut the seal and open the lid.
Chicken is ready. Serve hot with rice or any Indian bread.

Key Ingredients:
Chicken, Cashew Nuts, Chironji, Yogurt,Onion, Ginger, Garlic, Turmeric, Kashmiri Mirch, Green Chillies, Mint Leaves, Coriander Leaves, Cumin Seeds, Green Cardamom, Cinnamon, Cloves, Lemon Juice, Clarified Butter,Whole Wheat Flour, Salt

Mutton Dalcha

Ingredients
300 gms chana dal
250 gms lamb, diced
1 inch piece ginger, finely chopped
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 green chillies, chopped
1 inch cinnamon stick, powdered
2 green cardamom, powdered
2 medium sized onion, finely sliced and fried crisp
1 medium sized onion, finely chopped
Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp red chilli powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
3 Tbsp oil (groundnut/olive oil)
Salt, to taste

Method

Wash the dal in several changes of water. Soak it for at least 30 minutes. Add a pinch of turmeric, a pinch of sugar (skip if not to taste), and pressure cook for three whistles. Mash once cool and keep aside.
Clean the lamb. Do not wash in water, use a damp towel to wipe clean. Pat dry
Heat oil in a pressure cooker, add the chopped onion, fry till brown, add the ginger, followed by garlic, followed by green chili, followed by mutton. Stir frequently till mutton browns and oil separates. Add remaining turmeric powder, chili powder and coriander powder. Stir for another 2 minutes.
Add 1 cup of water or enough to just cover the mutton, and pressure cook for 3 whistles.
Once cooled, add the dal, the fried sliced onions, cinnamon and cardamom powder, lime juice and salt. Cook on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve hot.

Key Ingredients: Bengal Gram (Split), Ginger, Garlic, Green Chillies, Cinnamon, Green Cardamom, Onion, Lamb Meat,Lemon Juice, Coriander Powder, Red Chilli, Turmeric,Groundnut Oil, Olive Oil, Salt.

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ALOO PARATHA

Ingredients for alu paratha :

Stuffing:
2 boiled Potatoes
1 small finely chopped Onion (optional)
Coriander leaves finely chopped
Small piece of Ginger (very finely chopped or grated)
1 or 2 green Chilies (finely chopped)
Salt Red Chili powder and Garam masala as per taste
Butter


Preparation of aaloo paratha :

1. For the cover make dough out of whole-wheat flour (atta), as you would do for any parantha/roti.
2. Mash the potatoes.
3. Add all the stuffing items to mashed potatoes and mix it properly.
4. Make two medium size chapati, add the filling to the one chapati and cover it with the second one.
5. Now roll it slightly. Put it in a pre-heated oven at 450-degree. Cover top oven grill with aluminum foil & Place Paratha over it for easy baking.
6. When top side is done change the side and keep a check (till properly baked)
7. Spread butter over it. Serve aloo paratha hot with yogurt (curd).

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INDIAN BUTTER CHICKEN

Ingredients:

300 gms Chicken breast boneless
Marinate:
1 -2 tsp hung thick curd
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp tandoori masala
1/4 tsp tandoori color
Curry
2 tblsp Butter
2 tsp garlic paste
1 green chilly sliced
1/2 tsp Cumin powder
1/2 tsp Red chilly powder
1 tsp Salt
6 or 1/2 kg Tomato
10 Cashewnuts
1 Big tblsp Tomato Ketchup
1/2 tsp Sugar
1/4 cup Water
1/2 cup milk
2 tblsp Cream
1/4 tsp garam masala
1 tsp fenugreek crushed
Finely chopped coriander leaves


How to make authentic butter chicken :

1. In a bowl take all the ingredients under the marinate head and the chicken pieces.The chicken pieces should be 1" inch in size. Mix well and keep aside for atleast 2 - 3 hrs
2. Blanch, peel and puree the tomatoes. Keep aside.
3. Soak the cashewnuts for 2 - 3 hrs in hot water and then strain and grind the cashewnuts into a fine paste.
4. For the curry heat the pan and add butter and immediately add the garlic paste.
5. Now add the sliced green chilly. Also add cumin powder, red chilly powder and salt. Add 1 tblsp water and mix well.
6. Add the tomato puree and cook till the gravy leaves the side.
7. Lower the flame and add the cashewnut paste and stir constantly.
8. Now add the tomato ketchup, sugar and 1/4 cup water.
9. Meanwhile in a separate pan shallow fry the marinated chicken pieces for 4 - 5 minutes. If overcooked then the chicken will get hard and stiff. Keep aside.
10. Once the gravy comes to a boil add the chicken pieces. And cook for a minute.
11. Now lower the flame add the milk and stir well. Cook for another minute and then add the cream. Mix well
12. Now add the garam masala and crushed fenugreek leaves. Mix well.
13. Transfer the chicken to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped coriander leaves, crushed fenugreek leaves and swirls of cream.
14. Restaurant style Indian butter chicken is ready to be served with naan or tandoori roti. Authentic butter chicken is a very high calorie dish yet very very tasty. So dig in
    
    Note:

• Milk should be at room temperature before adding to the gravy.
• Add milk and cream at low flame only.
• Add the garam masala only at the end.

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CAPSICUM MASALA CURRY

Ingredients:

2 big capsicums (cut into lengthwise)
2 onions (grated)
2 tsp ginger garlic paste
2 green chilies (finely chopped)
2 tbsp tomato puree
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1/2tbsp peanuts
1/2 tbsp coconut powder
1 tsp roasted coriander powder
1 tsp roasted cumin powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp fenugreek seeds
Few curry leaves
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp oil
Salt to taste
1 tsp finely chopped coriander leaves



How to make capsicum masala curry:

1. Dry roast peanuts, coriander, sesame seeds and dry coconut. Grind them into a fine paste and keep separate.
2. In a pan heat the oil and stir fry the capsicum pieces for 2 -3 minutes. The capsicum should not lose its crunch. Take out and keep separate.
3. Now in the remaining oil add mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds and curry leaves. When mustard seeds starts to splutter add grated onion, chopped green chilies and ginger garlic paste.
4. Saute for some time add turmeric powder, roasted cumin powder and red chili powder.
5. Fry the masala and then add peanut sesame paste. Saute it again with the continuous stirring until the oil separates from it.
6. Now add tomato puree, salt, and sugar. Cook for 5 minutes and then add garam masala and 1/2 cup of water. Cook till the gravy thicken.
7. Then add the lemon juice and the stir fried capsicum. Cook for another minute or two and then dish out.
8. Garnish it with the coriander leaves. Serve hot with chapatti.

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INDIAN VEGETABLE CURRY

Ingredients:

1/2 medium-sized (100g/4oz) aubergine (eggplant) cut into 2cm x 1cm/¾in x 1/2 in sticks
2 small carrots (100g/4oz), peeled and cut into 2cm x 1cm/¾in x 1/2 in sticks
100g/4oz/1 cup peas
100g/4oz/1 cup French beans, cut into 2.5cm/1in pieces
1 medium-sized potato (100g/4oz), peeled and cut into 2cm x 1cm/¾in x 1/2 in sticks
50g/2oz/ 1/2 cup freshly grated coconut
4 fresh hot green chillies
2 tbsp white poppy seeds
1 1/4 tsp salt
3 medium-sized tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 tbsp natural plain yogurt
1 tsp garam masala
2 tbsp chopped, fresh green coriander



How to make vegetarian curry:

1. Place the aubergine (eggplant), carrots, peas, French beans and potato in a medium-sized saucepan. Add 250ml/8fl oz/1 cup water. Bring to the boil. Cover, turn the heat to medium and cook for 4 minutes or until the vegeatbles are just tender.
2. Meanwhile put the coconut, chillies, poppy seeds and salt in the container of an electric blender. Add 150ml/5fl oz water and grind to a fine paste. Set aside.
3. When the vegetables are cooked, add the spice paste and another 150ml/5fl oz water. Stir and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Now add the tomatoes, the yogurt and the garam masala. Stir gently to mix well. Bring to the boil and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Turn into a serving dish and garnish the vegetable curry with the fresh coriander.

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STUFFED TOMATO

Ingredients:

5-6 medium size Tomatoes / Tamatar
100-150gms Paneer grated or mashed
1 Onion finely chopped
Finely chopped Coriander leaves
2 Green chili (finely chopped)
Salt, Red chili powder to taste.
Gram Masala to taste
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp grated cheese
1 tbsp oil


How to make bharwan tamatar:

1. Wash the tomatoes and set dry.
2. Cut the top of tomato (tamatar ) like a cap. Gently scoop out the centers . Keep aside the scooped portion and chop the cut tops .
3. Heat oil in a kadhai add chopped onions and green chilies till tender.
4. Now add the pulp and chopped tomato and fry for a minute and all dry masalas and fry for a minute more.
5. Add paneer ,mix well and cock for a minute.
6. Fill tomatoes with the mixture.
7. Top with grated cheese and chopped coriander.
8. Place tomatoes in a cooker container . put little butter and pressure cook for one whistle. (or you can also bake it in a hot oven at 200 degree c for 20 minutes.
9. Serve the stuffed paneer tomato hot.

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NAVRATAN KORMA RECIPE

Ingredients for navrattan korma :

3 cups - Boiled vegetables (9 varieties-potatoes, carrots, green peas, french beans, cauliflower, capsicum, cabbage, bottle gourd, cluster beans)
150gms - Grated paneer
3 - Tomatoes
2 - Grated onions
1 1/2 tsp -Ginger paste
1 1/2 tsp - Garlic paste
Salt To Taste
1 tsp - Turmeric Powder
1 1/2 tsp - Red chilli powder
1 tsp - Coriander powder
2 tsp - Garam Masala Powder
2 tbsp - Cream
6 tbsp - Vegetable oil
1 tbsp - Ghee
1 cup - Milk / water
1/4 cup - Dry fruits (cashew nuts, raisins)
Coriander leaves for decoration

How to make navrattan korma :

1. Boil tomatoes till tender. Allow them to cool. Then peel off the tomato skin to make puree. Readymade tomato puree can also be used.
2. Take 1 tbsp ghee and slightly fry the dry fruits for about 1 min on medium heat.
3. Heat oil in a pan. Fry onions and ginger-garlic paste till golden brown.
4. Add salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala and fry for 2-3 minutes.
5. Next add tomato puree and dry fruits. Stir well and cook the mixture for 4 minutes. Ensure that the mixture doesn't stick to bottom of pan.
6. Add milk (use water alternatively). Bring it to boil. Reduce the heat and cook until the gravy becomes thick.
7. Add paneer to the gravy and stir well.
8. Finally add all the vegetables to the above gravy and cook for 5-7 minutes.
9. Serve the navratan korma hot. Put cream and chopped coriander leaves on the navaratna korma decorate .

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Kabuli Chane with Tomato

About this recipe:
Tender cooked kabuli chane are cooked with tomatoes, lemon juice and onions in a spicy blend of toasted jeera and mirchi. Eaten often during Ramadan for Iftar.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon chilli powder
2 tomatoes, chopped
400g kabuli chane, boiled
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 onion, chopped

Directions
Prep:10min › Cook:20min › Ready in:30min

1. In a large pot over low heat, warm oil and cumin; heat until cumin turns a darker shade of brown.
2. Add salt and chilli powder; mix well. Stir in tomatoes; once the juice begins to thicken add in kabuli chane and mix well.
3. Mix in lemon juice. Add onions; cook and stir until soft.
4. Remove from heat and place into a serving bowl; serve immediately.

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Kabuli Chane Curry

About this recipe:
In typical North Indian style, kabuli chane (chickpeas) are simmered in a fragrant and spicy gravy and garnished with fresh coriander. Serve with rice for a great meal.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 onions, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
knob ginger, finely chopped
6 whole, dried cloves
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
salt
1 teaspoon Kashmiri Degi Mirch (cayenne pepper ok to sub)
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
800g kabuli chane, soaked overnight, boiled. Or tinned, undrained
handful chopped fresh coriander

Directions
Prep:10min › Cook:30min › Ready in:40min

1. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat, and fry onions until tender. Stir in garlic, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, salt, degi mirch and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute over medium heat, stirring constantly.
2. Mix in kabuli chane and their liquid (if using tinned). Continue to cook and stir until all ingredients are well blended and heated through. Remove from heat. Stir in coriander just before serving, reserving some for garnish.

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Chicken Biryani

About this recipe:
An Easy to Cook and Delicious Chicken Biryani recipe by Reena Malhotra of rare recipes. Total Cooking Time including Preparation and Marination Time : Approx. 1 Hour 15 Minutes Serves : 4-5 Key Ingredients : 1 Chicken - Broiler - Approx. 600 grams and 0.4 Kg Basmati Rice. Can be made using a Gas Stove/ Electric Hot Plate/ an Induction Cooker.

Ingredients

4 Onions - Medium size
600g - 650g Chicken - Broiler - Small - 8 pcs.
400g Rice - Basmati
1/2 cup Curd
2 teaspoons Ginger Garlic Paste (Adrakh Lehsun Paste)
2 teaspoons Red Chilli Powder (Lal Mirch Powder)
2 teaspoons Biryani Masala
As per taste Salt
2-3 teaspoons Lemon Juice
1/4 cup Mint Leaves (Pudiney ke Patte)
1/4 cup Coriander Leaves (Hara Dhania) - chopped
6 Green Chillies (Hari Mirch) - cut from centre in two long strips
2 Bay Leaves (Tej Patta)
2 Green Cardamom (Choti Hari Elaichi)
2 Black Cardamom (Badii Kali Elaichi)
4 Cloves (Laung)
8 Black Peppercorn (Sabut Kali Mirch)
1 inch Cinnamon Bark (Dalchini)
2 litres Water
Small Muslin Cloth
100 grams Butter - melted
2 tablespoons Cooking Oil
1/2 cup Milk (luke warm)
2-3 drops Food Color - Orange
1 inch Ginger - Julienned (cut into long thin strips)
1 teaspoon Garam Masala Powder
2 teaspoons Kewra Jal
12" x 18" Food Wrapping Aluminium Foil

Directions

1. Cut Onions into Slices and Fry till Golden Brown. Don't Burn. Keep aside for use.
2. Wash and Clean the Chicken pieces. Poke the Chicken pieces with a Fork.
3. Take a Glass Bowl, add Chicken pieces, Curd, Ginger Garlic Paste, Red Chillies, Biryani Masala, Salt as per taste, Lemon Juice, few Mint Leaves, one fourth part of onions fried earlier and mix well. Apply the mix well on and around all the pieces of Chicken. Cover the Bowl and place it in a Refrigerator for Thirty minutes.
4. Wash and soak the Rice in Water for Thirty minutes.
5. Add and tie in a Muslin Cloth; the Bay Leaves, Green Cardamom, Black Cardamom, Cloves, Black Peppercorn and Cinnamon.
6. Boil Water in a Pan. Add and mix half a teaspoon of Salt into it. Put the tied Muslin Cloth Bag into the Boiling Water.
7. Drain the soaked Rice and add it to the Boiling Water. Parboil (Partially Boil) the Rice. Don't Overcook. When parboiled, Drain the excess Water from the Rice and let it dry.
8. Take out the Marinated Chicken from the Refrigerator.
9. Take a Pan with a thick bottom. Add Two Tablespoons of Cooking Oil in it and heat it on a slow flame for two minutes.
10. Add Marinated Chicken Pieces into it. Cook the Chicken on medium flame. Stir well but gently. Add One to Two tablespoons of water, if it appears dry. The Chicken will be cooked in Fifteen to Twenty minutes. Remove from flame and keep aside.
11. Take another large Pan with a thick bottom. Add and arrange a layer of cooked pieces of Chicken on the bottom of the Pan with a little Gravy. Then, spread and cover the Chicken pieces with half the parboiled rice.
12. Sprinkle : half of the remaining fried Onions, half of the Green Chillies, a few Mint Leaves, a few chopped Coriander Leaves over the layer of the parboiled Rice.
13. Pour : half the melted Butter, half the Milk, half the Kewra Jal and a few drops of Orange Food Color all-over the layer of the Rice.
14. Sprinkle : half a teaspoon of Garam Masala and half the Julienned Ginger all-over the layer of the Rice.
15. The first layer of the Chicken Biryani is now ready.
16. Add and arrange a layer of the remaining pieces of Chicken over the first layer of Rice.
17. Then, spread and cover the layer of the pieces of Chicken with the remaining parboiled Rice.
18. Sprinkle the remaining : fried Onions, Green Chillies, Mint Leaves and chopped Coriander Leaves over the layer of the parboiled rice.
19. Pour the remaining : melted Butter, Milk, Kewra Jal and a few drops of Orange Food Color all-over the layer of the Rice.
20. Sprinkle the remaining : Garam Masala and Julienned Ginger all-over the layer of the Rice.
21. Tightly Cover the Pan/ Cookware with Food Wrapping Aluminium Foil or Cover the Pan with a Lid and seal it with Cooking Dough.
22. Cook the sealed Pan on a very slow flame for Twenty Five to Thirty Minutes.
23. The Chicken Biryani is now ready. Stir and Mix all the Contents Gently.
24. Serve Hot with Mint Raita/ Chutney, Sliced Onions and Enjoy!

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Veg Biryani

About this recipe:
what can a vegeterian look for ? chicken or dum biryani ?? na na.. I am a veggie and so i decided to go for veg biryani. I generally have less time in the morning and when you need to cook something fast this is the best thing to do.. lets try !


Ingredients
Serves: 4
2 cups basmati rice soake for 10 mins
4 onions
2 tomatoes
1 cup beans chopped slit vertically into pieces
1 cup carrots chopped vertically into long pieces
1 small cup fresh green peas
1 cup potatoes chopped vertically into long pieces
2 spoons chilli powder
2 spoons everest biryani masala powder
1 cup chopped corriander leaves
1 string curry leaves
15 tbl spoons oil which you are used to
2 spoons salt - to taste
4 cups water - 1:2 measurement for rice

Directions
Prep:20min › Cook:15min › Ready in:35min
keep the basmati rice soaked for 10 mins and drain water
cut all vegetables into long slices. Onions cut long slices and tomatoes also chopped
heat oil in kadai or cooker pan , add curry leaves, onions and fry till brown.
fry tomatoes till soft
add all vegetables, rice, chilli powder, everest masala, salt , water and close the pressure cooker lid. Allow for one whistle and in medium flame and switch off once done.
after cooling, open the lid, mix once and sprinkle corriander leaves.
delicious biryani ready...

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Lemon Sauce

Makes about 1 cup of lemon sauce
5 lemons
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup water
pinch of salt
pinch of sugar
juice of 1/2 lemon
Directions

Wash the lemons well and peel them. We only need the yellow peel without the white part.


In a small sauce pan bring water to a boil. Only when the water is boiling add lemon peels and let them boil for 2 minutes. Drain and repeat this step for 5 or 6 times. It is important to repeat this step as it reduces the bitterness and removes the wax found on the lemon peels.

Place the lemon peels in the bowl of the blender. Add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, sugar and water.

Process for a couple of minutes until well blended and smooth.


Strain, cover and refrigerate. Store covered in refrigerator up to 4 days.







Nutrition factsWhole Sauce - Calories:569, Fat:51.9g, Saturated Fat:7.5g, Carbohydrates:43.1g, Sugar:12.2g, Fiber:12.8g, Protein:5.1 g, Cholesterol:0 mg, Calories from Fat 467, Sodium 169mg, Potassium 646mg, Vitamin A 2%, Vitamin C 412%, Calcium 12%, Iron 15%,Nutrition Grade C+, Daily Percent Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Bhindi curry for rice

Watching the last match of sachin was very emotional. My grand father, uncle and brother are hard core cricket fans at home. i was left with no other option than joining them in cheering for Team India. I remember the days, when my grand father listens to cricket commentary in radio and also the days watching match in television munching snacks like seedai and boiled groundnuts. Those were the days sachin started to play. i started watching cricket in tendulkar era. it was also nice to watch the last match with my son. he kept on asking, why he is retiring, wont he touch the bat again and all.

I am a big fan of bhindi. i mostly prefer to have simple vendakkai poriyal with rice. sambhar and this kulambu are other preparations i make with bhindi. Now straight to the recipe.

Ingredients:

Bhindi / Vendakkai - 10
Shallots - 10 (finely chopped)
Garlic - 7
Tomato - 1 (finely chopped)
Tamarind - a lemon sized
Turmeric powder - a pinch
Chilly powder / Kulambu milagaai thool - 2 tsp's
Corriander powder - 2 tsp's
Salt to taste

For Tempering
Sesame oil - 1 tbsp
Mustard - 1 tsp
Fenugreek seeds - 1/4 tsp
Dry red chilly - 2
Curry leaves - 1 sprig

Method:
Soak tamarind in warm water for about 10 mins and squeeze and get the tamarind water ready.

Heat sesame oil in a pan. add mustard, fenugreek and dry red chilly. let the mustard pop. then add in the shallots and garlic. saute it well, till the onions turn translucent.

Add the chopped bhindi to the pan and saute it for 1 or 2 minutes. then add the tomatoes, turmeric powder, chilly powder / kulambu milagaai thool and corriander powder. mix well with the bhindi.

Add the tamarind water, salt to taste, curry leaves and mix well. add 1/2 cup of water and mix well. close the pan with its lid. let the curry get cooked in medium flame for about 8 - 10 minutes.

Check whether bhindi is cooked or not and remove the curry from flame. Serve hot with rice.

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Dry Stuffed Brinjal Curry

Brinjal is my favorite. Dry version is what i am making now a days. Mixing this thick curry with hot rice and a tsp of ghee is the best way to eat and relish. To make this curry, you need to pick tender and small purple brinjals. Recently my 6 year old boy started to enjoy this curry. though he felt the curry spicy, he liked the masala stuffed brinjal very much!!

Ingredients:

Purple brinjals - 5
Sesame oil - 2 tbsp
Turmeric - 1/2 tsp
Salt to taste
Curry leaves - 1 sprig

For the masala:


Dry roast the following


1 tsp chana dal
1 tsp dhania
1 tbsp groundnuts
1 tbsp dry grated coconut / kopparai
4 dry red chilly
1/2 tsp white sesame seeds


Roast the following:


10 small onions
4 garlic cloves
1 tsp oil

Method:



Wash and dry the brinjals. cut them in x-shape just half through the brinjals. stuff the masala with spoon or with your fingers.



Heat a pan, add 2 tbsp of sesame oil, then add these stuffed brinjals and saute them for at least 5-10 mins in slow flame till the brinjals get semi-cooked.



Once the brinjals are semi-cooked, add in the remaining masala to the pan and mix well with the brinjals. add 1/4 cup of water, salt to taste, turmeric powder and curry leaves. Close the pan with its lid. let the curry simmer in slow flame for about 10 minutes. once the brinjals are cooked well and the curry is ready to serve.


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