Chocolate Swirl Bread/Babka Bread

Chocolate Swirl Bread / Babka Bread

Do you have a sweet Tooth?Are you craving for a delicious chocolatey dessert ?So give a try to this Babka Bread! A sweet leavened bread made with a rich melted chocolate filled dough would definitely satisfy your sweet cravings.Its basically a traditional cake ,which is being made on special occasions ,specially on Christmas or Easter Sunday to celebrate the rising of Christ
This bread is made from eggs but i have made it egg less means a pure veg bread which has risen up so well and it tastes heaven!

This is my first try on baking a sweet bread ,though i have tried many savoury breads and it tastes amazing ,but this bread is now in one of my favourites list because i love eating sweet dishes.This bread is not too sweet ,as the bread is balancing the taste of chocolate.I have used @Hershey's Choco Spread but you can use any chocolate its up to you.
So a must try recipe is here on my blog.Do give a try -

  
Ingredients -

1. All purpose flour -2 and 1/2 cup
2. Dry active yeast -1 and 1/2 tbsp
3. Warm milk - 1 1/2 cup
4. Soft yellow butter -2 tbsp
5. Sugar - 2 tbsp
6. Chocolate spread 

Method -

1. Take a small bowl and add yeast and sugar in it mix it with a spoon.
2. Now add warm milk and mix it well.
3. Cover the bowl with a lid and keep it aside for at least 15 minutes or till your yeast mix turns frothy and bubbly.
4. Now take a Big bowl and add All Purpose flour.
5. Add soft butter and mix it well with your fingers.
6. Now add your yeast concoction gradually in the dry flour.
7. Do not put all the wet yeast concoction.
8. Add slowly and start kneading the dough.
9. The dough should not be very soft neither too hard.
10. Punch and stretch the dough for about 5 minutes.
11. Now take a cling film and cover the dough with it and keep it for 1 hour or till the dough rises up.( mine dough has risen up in 1/2 an hour it depends on the yeast you are using)
12. After 1 hour knead and punch the dough again and spread some dry flour on your kitchen slab.
13. Take a roller pin and start rolling the dough in a rectangular shape about 1 cm thick or 1/3 of an inch.
14. Now spread your chocolate spread and roll up from the long side of the rectangle.
15. After this step cut through the centre of the roll and twist each side over the other.
16. Bring the two ends of the twisted bread together and seal the ends.
17. Now take a bread tin and grease it with some butter.
18. Pre-Heat the oven at 200 degrees for 10 minutes.
19. Now keep your tin in the oven and bake it at 200 degrees for 30 minutes.
20. After 30 minutes take the tin out and give a milk wash to your bread by applying little milk with a brush on the bread and again keep it in the oven for more 10 minutes.
21. After 10 minutes take the tin out and let the bread cool down.
22. Take out your Babka Bread and enjoy.

Manchow Soup

Manchow Soup

Winters are incomplete without soup.Soup gives a warmth feeling in chilling cold.Sometimes we get bored of having the same healthy soup like spinach , tomato and the basic corn soup :-( So to have some chatpata on your taste buds do try this spicy and tangy Manchow Soup.
This soup is healthy too because it contains veggies and your children would love eating these veggies in hot soup.

The aroma of garlic and ginger adds a yum aromatic flavour to the soup and this soup will give a warmth to your body.Ginger and garlic both acts a medicine because they help us to fight cough and cold which we get very frequently in winters.
Manchow soup is incomplete with Chow :-D yes chow means chowmein .I have added some fried hakka noodles to get a crunch in your mouth.
Normally we enjoy this soup in restaurants but i have tried this at home and believe me my family members were saying that this soup is far much better than the outside soup.Yes this soup takes little efforts and time to make but the result you will get after relishing this crunchy soup,you will find it worth while making it.

  
So if you also want to cherish your chilli weather at home by relishing this palatable Manchow Soup then you must give a try to this-

Ingredients-

For fresh vegetable stock

1. Water - 1 litre
2. 2 carrots - finely chopped
3. 1/2 a cup cabbage - finely chopped
4. 1 onion -finely chopped
5. 1/2 a cup -Coriander stems 

Hakka noodles -100 grams (boiled)

Cornflour powder - 1 tbsp

For soup -

1. Oil - 1 tbsp
2. Ginger 1 inch - grated
3. Garlic 2 tbsp - finely chopped
4. Green Chillies - 2 to 4 (finely chopped)
5. Medium sized onion -1 (finely chopped)
6. Carrot -1 (finely chopped)
7. Cabbage - 1/4 cup (finely chopped)
8. Baby Corns - 4 pieces (cut it into small pieces)
9. Freshly chopped coriander leaves
10. Salt as per taste
11. Pepper powder - 1 /2 tsp
12. Soya Sauce - 1 tbsp
13. Red chiili sauce - 1 tsp
14. Sugar - 2 pinches
15. White vinegar - 1/2 tsp
16. Cornflour -2 tbsp
17. Water - 2 tbsp

Method -

1. Take a pan add water.
2. Heat it up and add veggies 

1. 1 cup cabbage - finely chopped
2. 1 onion -finely chopped
3. 1/2 a cup -Coriander stems 
4. 2 carrots finely chopped

Now cover the pan with a lid and boil it on slow flame till 20 minutes.

1.Now take a kadhai add oil for deep frying the noodles.

2.Heat up the oil.

3.Take the noodles and coat them with dry cornflour powder.

4.Fry the noodles in batches.

5.Fry till they turn golden in colour and keep them on an absorbent paper.

 Now after 20 minutes strain the veggies and keep its water in a bowl.Your fresh stock is ready.

For the Soup

1.  Take a wok add oil and add garlic and ginger.
2. Add onions and stir it well.
3. Add green chillies also and mix it well.
4. Fry it for few minutes till it starts changing its colour.
5. Now add baby corns,cabbage,carrots and add salt and sugar in it.
6. Stir it again
7.  Now add -
8. Pepper powder 
9. Soya Sauce 
10. Red chilli sauce 
11. Add 1 cup stock in it.
12. Now go for a good boil.
13. Take a cup add cornflour powder and water in it.Mix it well.
14. Add this mix in the soup.
15. Give a good stir to avoid lumps.
16. Now add the rest of the stock.You can add more water if needed.
17. Again go for a boil and add white vinegar in the soup.
18. Lastly add some freshly chopped coriander leaves.
19. Your hot and sour Manchow Soup is ready.
20. Serve it with crispy fried hakka noodles separately.

kheel namkeen

Kheel Namkeen
After Diwali your parshad is still in your kitchen and you are worried how to use it?Kheel Namkeen can solve your problem.
This kheel Namkeen is made up from my leftover parshad which i have bought for Diwali pooja. But after the pooja no one in my house was ready to eat it :-(  ,but i can't throw this kheel because i  have purchased  it for pooja parsadam. Now what to do ?

Kheel Namkeen a guilt free and healthy munchies you can have with your cuppa of tea or for a sudden hunger pangs.This namkeen is very crispy and light in spice,as kids can also enjoy them.You can give these kheel in your kids tiffin boxes.
This Namkeen is prepared in very less oil and the crunchiness of peanuts is adding an aromatic flavour to it.
When you are feeling hungry and you want to have a light snack which can fill your tummy also,then this namkeen is the best option.

     Here goes the crunchy munchy recipe of Kheel Namkeen-
Ingredients -

1. Kheel - 200 grams
2. Peanuts - 1 cup
3. Salt as per taste
4. Curry leaves - 7 to 8
5. Sugar - 1/4 tsp
6. Turmeric powder -1/4 tsp
7. Dry mango powder - 1/2 tsp
8. Red chilli powder as per your taste(optional)
9. Oil - 1 1/2 tsp

 Method -

1. Take a wok add oil and heat it up.
2. Now add peanuts and fry them till it changes its colour and turns crispy.
3. Now add curry leaves and let it splutter.
4. Add salt,turmeric powder,sugar,dry mango powder and sugar.
5. You can add chilli powder also its up to you.
6. Stir it well and add kheel in it.
7. Mix it up well on slow flame.
8. Stir it for 5 to 6 minutes.
9. Turn off the flame and let it cool down.
10. Now you can keep your Namkeen in an airtight container.
11. Enjoy.

Pyaz Ki Kachori

Pyaz Ki Kachori

Winters are meant for eating fried food :-P , to enjoy them fully i have made these yummy kachoris.

These kachoris are far much better from market bought because they are made from hygienic oil and of course home made food is the best.Deep fried kachoris with tea is your best pal in this season.

 The stuffing i have used to fill the kachoris is little sweet,salty and tangy.Some added spices is enhancing its taste.I have also mentioned some tips and tricks which is going to make your kachori just perfect .

You can keep these kachoris in an air tight container for at least 5 to 6 days in winters and it will remain fresh.So enjoy these kachoris with your cup of tea :-D 

Here goes the recipe with some tricks with pics -

Ingredients -

For Dough

1. 2 cups all purpose flour
2. 1 tbsp semolina
3. Salt 1 tsp
4. Desi ghee - 2 tbsp
5. Water as required for kneading the dough

For stuffing-

1. Onions - 2 medium sized (roughly chopped)
2. Ginger paste - 1/2 tsp
3. Fennel seeds - 1 tsp
4. Gram flour - 2 tbsp (for binding and taste both)
5. Salt as per taste
6. Dry mango powder - 1 tsp
7. Sugar - 1/4 tsp
8. Red chilli powder -1/4 tsp (optional)
9. Coriander powder - 1 tsp
10. Turmeric powder -2 pinches
11. Raisins - 7 to 8 pieces
12. Refined oil - 1 tbsp

Method -

1. Take a bowl add apf,semolina and salt and mix it well.
2. Now add ghee in it.
3. Mix it really well with your fingers.
4. HOW to check the right form that how much ghee needs to be added ?Check this picture-

As you can see a good shaped lump with only dry ingredients and ghee,So if you are able to form this it means that now you can add water and knead the dough.

See the dry ingredient lump is shown in the picture.

So gradually start adding water and make a normal dough nor too soft neither very hard.

Knead the dough for at least 7 to 8 minutes.

5 . Now keep the dough for rest for 15 minutes by covering it with a cloth or plate.

6. For stuffing-

7.Take a wok add oil and heat it up add fennel seeds .

8.Now add onions and saute it till it turns little pink in colour.Add ginger paste now and stir it well.Add besan also and roast it for few minutes.

9.Now add turmeric powder,salt,sugar,coriander powder,dry mango powder and red chilli powder.

10.Mix it well and you will be able to feel the aroma of spices.

11.Saute it for more 5 minutes and add raisins.Switch off the flame and let the masala to cool down.

12.Now take a wok add oil for frying the kachoris.

13.Take your dough and knead it again and take a round ball from it.

14.Roll the ball with rolling pin and make it little flat and fill around 1 tsp or 1 1/2 tsp filling in it.

15.Fold the sides gently like we do for making stuff paranthas.

16.And spread the ball little bit with the help of your palm.

17.Now keep the flame low and put the kachori in the oil.

18.Fry the kachories from low to medium and then little high flame.

19.Fry them till they turn little golden in colour(Do not over fry them at once)

20.Take them out and make other kachoris too.

21.Now fry the first batch again(double frying method will make your kachori more crispy)Fry till it turn proper golden brown in colour.

Place the kachoris on an absorbent paper.

22.Now let your kachoris cool down completely and fill them in an air tight container or if you want to eat all at one time,then enjoy them with ketchup or green chutney.

23.Mmmmm My mouth is already watering ;-) ,so please try out these Pyaz ki kachori and enjoy every bite of it.

ChocoBites

Choco Bites

Are you looking for some quick hunger solution for your kids?So try out these crunchy bites for them!These chocobites are made from only two main ingredients and they are really hassle-free to make.Chocolates are always loved by our kids but they do not act as a tummy filler but these chocobites can give a good fill to your evening hunger pangs.
So if you are worried for kids that they will demand for some different evening munchies ,then not to worry for this now.Try out these chocobites and give a big smile on your munchkins :-) as you all know "Bache khush toh Mummy bhi khush :-)

 As we all know kids are always fussy eaters and we mothers are always in a dilemma that what we should make for our kids which would keep their tummy fill for at least for 1 hour.You can also give them this as a dessert after lunch or dinner.Not even kids , adults would also love them .Me a big example of this ;-P as i love to have these crunchy chocolatey bites.So here goes the recipe -

Ingredients -

1. 10 to 11 Marie biscuits (i have chosen Marie because it is very less sweet and chocolate is going to balance the sweetness)(you can also take digestive biscuits to make a healthier version)
2. Melted dark chocolate - 1 and 1/2 cup(you can take milk chocolate or white chocolate also)
3. Some coloured saunf or sprinklers
4. You can sprinkle anything like i have sprinkles some broken pieces of cashew or you can use gems also.Or else you can have it just a plain biscuit with coated chocolate.

Method -

1. Firstly take a bowl and melt the chocolate you can use double boiling method or just microwave the chocolate for few seconds.
2. Now take 1 biscuit and coat it with the melted chocolate .Do it very gently so that it does not get broken.
3. Take a fork and take out the coated biscuit and drip the excess of chocolate.
4. Now take a tray or plate and cover it with a aluminium foil.
5. Place your biscuit gently and sprinkle your choice of sprinklers.
6. Follow the same procedure for rest of the biscuits.
7. Keep the tray in fridge for 5 to 10 minutes or till it gets set.(you can keep in deep freezer also for just 5 minutes)
8. a\After 10  minutes take out your biscuits and very carefully discard the biscuits from the foil.
9. Enjoy your super crunchy ChocoBites.
10. Happy Cooking :-) 

Nawabi Mushroom Methi Malai

Nawabi Mushroom Methi Malai

Winters has already knocked our doors!Fenugreek leaves or Methi leaves is one of the most widely used green leafy vegetables specially in winters.I was from a Punjabi family and when i used to go to someones wedding in winters ,i always looked for this particular vegetable to relish it with some butter naan or tandoori roti  ;-)
Methi leaves are really good for diabetic patients and it acts like a "ram baan"means it helps to fight the level of insulin in sugar patients. .Methi is good for children also as it helps to improve the eyesight and increases the blood in our body,means it works well for anaemic kids or adults.

 Try to consume fresh seasonal methi as much as you can but sometimes we get bored of the same old boring style of making methi aloo :-D and its not an easy task to feed methi to the kids because they find it bitter in taste.So i have tried to made this type of creamy version of methi by adding mushrooms and peas also.The gravy of this vegetable is having mild flavours of light spices but the creamy texture makes it tastes"Nawabi "means a royal taste,that's why i have named this dish Nawabi Mushroom Methi Malai.I have used freshly chopped methi leaves but you can also use kasoori methi .The choice is up to you.
You can try this simple and delicious vegetable in your dinner parties or some get together also and definitely its going to be loved by all.

A totally hassle free dish which can be made quickly with few ingredients that are always available at your home.So no more worries to feed your fussy children.You can serve this sabzi with paranthas , rice or plain roti too,but my personal choice is to enjoy them with methi theplas or pooris.
So here goes the delicious and never failed recipe -

Ingredients -

1. Freshly chopped properly washed methi - 1 cup (around 70 to 100 grams)you can add more methi also.
2. Mushrooms - 1 packet (8 to 10 mushrooms)(Cut into half and boil them in water for 10 minutes and strain the water)
3. Boiled peas (1 cup)
4. 2 medium sized onions(coarsely ground it not very fine paste)
5. finely chopped garlic - 7 to 8 cloves
6. Fresh malai or cream - 1 cup
7. Milk - 2 tbsp
8. Salt as per taste
9. Red chili powder - 1/2 tsp
10. Dry mango powder - 1 tsp
11. Garam masala - 1/4 tsp
12. Refined cooking oil - 1 tbsp

Method -

1. Take a wok add oil and heat it up.
2. Add onion paste and fry it for 7 to 8 minutes till it changes its colour.
3. Now add salt,chilli powder,garam masala and dry mango powder and mix it well.
4. Stir it for more 5 minutes.
5. Add mushrooms,peas and methi in the wok.
6. Fry and mix them well for few minutes.
7. Now add malai and milk in it.
8. Wait for a good grainy thick texture by keeping it on low flame for about more 5 minutes.
9. Keep on stirring,if you are finding your gravy too thick add water (around 2 tbsp)not more than that.
10. Your quick Nawabi Mushroom Methi malai is ready to enjoy.
11. Happy cooking do try and please take your precious time to give the feedback in comments section.

Gobhi Manchurian

Gobhi Manchurian

Winters! Season of fresh cauliflowers is around the corner.We normally make Gobhi Manchurian in ball form,means a grated mixture of cauliflower with some onions and garlic made in a round shape,but i have tried my hands on cauliflower florets and believe me they were crispy,crunchy and tangy.People do make manchurian made up of minced chicken,mixed vegetable or soya manchurian too but this cauliflower one is too yum and was loved by my family.

I have added  sliced onions,capsicum and spring onions in a good quantity,as i have not made a runny sauce.This sauce is thick and i have maintained the crispiness of the vegetables .
You can try this delicious appetiser in your evening snack party or on your Special Sundays too with your family and friends.
So here goes the recipe-

Ingredients-

1. 1/2 kg cauliflower florets
2. 1/2 cup all purpose flour
3. 3 tbsp cornflour
4. 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
5. Salt as per your taste
6. Oil for deep frying

For sauce-

1. 1 cup finely chopped spring onions
2. 2 medium sized finely sliced onions
3. 2 roughly chopped green capsicum
4. 5 to 6 cloves of crushed garlic
5. 1 to 2 green chillies (slit it from between)
6. 2 tbsp chilli garlic sauce ( i have used veeba brand)
7. 1 tsp white vinegar
8. 2 tsp tomato ketchup
9. 3/4 tsp sugar
10. Salt,red chilli powder as per your taste.
11. 1/4 tsp black pepper powder
12. 2 tbsp spring onions (green part for garnishing)

Method 

1. Wash and clean the gobhi and cut it in medium florets,add them in hot water and let it rest for 5 minutes.
2. Drain the gobhi and make it dry.
3. Heat up the oil in a wok for frying the florets.
4. Now make a batter by adding Apf and cornflour together by adding salt and chili powder.Mix it well by adding little water.
5. Make a lump free flowing batter.
6. Add the gobhi florets and coat them well.
7. Now fry the florets on medium heat till they turn golden brown in color.
8. Take an absorbent paper and put the fried florets on it.

For the sauce-

1. Take a wok add 2 tbsp oil and heat it up.
2. Add garlic,chillies and onions.
3. Add spring onions and capsicum too,saute it for few minutes.
4. Now quickly add salt,chili garlic sauce and tomato ketchup and mix it well.Add sugar and chilli powder also.
5. Add white vinegar and mix it again.
6. Cook the sauce for few minutes.
7. Now take a small bowl add 1 tsp cornflour and mix it with 1 spoon of water and put this in the veggies sauce .This will make your sauce little thick.
8. Now add the florets in the sauce and mix it.Switch off the flame.
9. Sprinkle black pepper powder and garnish it with chopped spring onions.
10. Enjoy your crunchy and mouthwatering Gobhi Manchurian.