Rajma Masala

Rajma Masala
Nothing can beat a bowl full of rajma with hot steaming rice and raw onion.Sounds delicious na!
Rajma is everyone's Best - Loved dish. Rajma is mainly cooked in thick gravy with many Indian whole spices and usually served with rice.I have made a pure Punjabi version of Rajma i.e. which is prepared with garlic and loads of Indian spices.
Rajma known as red kidney beans is soaked overnight and cooked in onion tomato masala and a plethora of classic Indian spices.

What to cook specially on Sundays is a big problem for all,so i always have a fixed menu of Rajma Chawal its my family's favorite and mine too ;-) 
A convenient choice for lunch or dinner is here.You can serve this rajma masala with rice,bread or roti. But i prefer this with my salted zeera rice.
Rajma Rice is My Bae  <3 and i can have this anytime.
So try out this yummy recipe on Sunday and make it everyone's bae :-)

Ingredients -

1. Kidney Beans 1 cup (soaked it overnight)
2. Onions 2 medium sized 
3. Tomatoes 4 medium sized(i have chosen red ones)
4. Garlic cloves - 7 to 8 pieces
5. Ginger - 1 small piece
6. Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
7. Bay leaves - 2 leaves
8. Coriander powder - 1 tbsp
9. Salt as per taste
10. Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
11. Dry mango powder - 2 tsp
12. Red chili powder - 1  tsp
13. Dry red chilies - 2 to 3
14. Desi ghee - 1 tsp
15. Sugar - 2 pinches
16. Garam masala - 1 tsp
17. Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

 

Ingredients -

1. Drain the kidney beans and wash in fresh water and put it in pressure cooker.
2. Add 4 to 5 cups of water and salt and pressure cook it till 5 to 6 whistles are given out.
3. After whistles when the cooker cools down keep it aside.
4. Now take a wok add oil around 2 tbsp.
5. Add cumin seeds and bay leaves and let it crackle.
6. Now make a paste of onions,garlic,ginger and dry red chilies.
7. Add this paste in the oil.
8. Now add turmeric powder,salt,coriander powder,dry mango powder,red chili powder and sugar.(do not add garam masala now)
9. Fry them till the masala turns little brown in color.
10. Take tomatoes and make its puree and add it in the onion masala.
11. Now time to stir stir and stir.
12. When you will find that the masala has started leaving oil add garam masala.
13. After that add this masala in your kidney beans cooker.
14. There must be enough water in the cooker,but it also depends on the quality of rajma,some rajma absorbs more water also.
15. If you are finding less water,then add more water and get a good boil.
16. Mash the beans to get a thick gravy texture.
17. Lastly add desi ghee and mix it well.
18. Garnish your Rajma with fresh coriander .
19. Your Rajma Masala is ready to enjoy.

Masala Daliya

Masala Daliya

Daliya known as broken wheat is prepared from crushed grain of various different wheat varieties.It is mainly served to kids and adults to which helps in weight loss. Daliya can be prepared with moong dal by adding various spices to make it more delicious.
But some people are really adamant for having daliya because they feel its a food for sick and weak people.Normally daliya is made with less spices and less oil,due to its insipidness people are not in a mood to have this in regular days,they find it boring and tasteless :-( So i have tried this daliya in a chatapata form,as no one will say NO to it.

 In this Masala Daliya i have added vegetables and some flavor of garlic which is going to give a good aroma to it.I have also accompanied daliya with some raw mango slices and cumin curd which adds a tangy flavor too. Daliya is the most simplest dish which can be served with various varieties like pickle or some crunchy papads or bhujiya too. Bhujiya ahh!I remember those summer days when my mom used to make daliya for my weak tummy and i have to eat that daliya with a boring sad face ;-) ,when i use to deny she always says me "OK i will give you some Aloo Bhujiya" and this made me little relieved to eat that tasteless daliya. Haha! Childhood Memories.

So a must try recipe which is made in few minutes and your family is going to relish this without making any sad faces and they are going to demand this everyday in their breakfast.
You can give this daliya in your kid's tiffin too.Make this daliya in night for dinner and the very next day you can serve it in breakfast and it tastes more yum.
So here goes the tangy recipe of Masala Daliya-

Ingredients -

• 1 cup daliya (broken wheat)(i have used roasted daliya)
• 2 tsp ghee or oil
• 1 tsp crushed garlic
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 pinch of asafoetida 
• 1/2 cup boiled american corns
• 2 small finely chopped tomatoes
• 2 small finely chopped onions
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder(optional)
• 2 pinch of  black pepper powder
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp dry mango powder
• Salt to taste
• 6 cups of water
• (you can add as many vegetable as you want like carrots,peas,french beans or capsicum)

Method -

• firstly take a pressure cooker and put daliya along with water and wait for 3 to 4 whistles.
• Now take a wok add ghee and add cumin seeds and asafoetida and let it crackle.
• Now time to add garlic and onions.Saute them till they turn pink in color.
• Add tomatoes and corn too.
• Stir them properly.
• Add turmeric,salt,red chili powder,coriander and mango powder.
• Add little water and cover it with a lid for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Now switch off the flame and add your masala veggies in the pressure cooked daliya.
• Mix it well,you can add more water also(depends on the consistency that you like to eat)
• Lastly serve your Masala Daliya by sprinkling some crushed black pepper powder and with some chilled cumin curd and with some chili flaked raw mango slices.

Masala Makhana

Masala Makhana
Makhana also known as Fox nuts is a popular fasting food.Its health benefits are superior to those of dry fruits like almonds or walnuts. Makhana is rich in proteins,carbohydrates,fiber,zinc and iron.They are high in fiber content,as it enables weight loss also.
When i was a kid and my mother use to feed me fox nuts and i have never found it even eatable because its tasteless.I used to chew the makhana and it was a task for me to gulp them down ;-p.
One day my mom made these makhanas and i had them with a smile on my face."Thank God" it was tasty and i couldn't stop myself from eating them.
After that day i have started loving makhanas and now i make them for my daughter as well as my family.

 These fox nuts are crispy,crunchy,tangy and spicy too.I have roasted them with home made ghee and believe me its really yum and you can enjoy it with your evening tea.
You can give these makhana in your kid's tiffin too or in the morning your kids can have this with milk.
Masala Makhana is a tummy filler snack and its very beneficial in constipation because it high in fiber content.
Makhana is really good specially for ladies who are above 30.Women normally lack in calcium and they feel pain in their knees or back,so start taking the makhana in your diet everyday and get rid of  health problems.
So here goes the simple recipe of Masala Makhana

Ingredients-

1. Makhana - 1/2 kg
2. Ghee - 3 to 4 tbsp
3. Salt as per taste
4. Red chili flakes - 1 tsp(you can avoid this if you don't want your makhana to be spicy)
5.  Dry mango powder - 2 tsp

Method -

1. Take a deep wok and heat it up.
2. Add ghee in it.
3. When the ghee is heated up add some salt in it.
4. Stir it and add makhanas.
5. Now add red chili flakes and dry mango powder.
6. Roast it on a low flame.
7. Stir it nicely,to coat the masala properly and drizzle some more ghee.
8. You can feel a chili smoke,so be careful while roasting it.
9. Now around after 5 to 7 minutes check the makhana by pressing it.
10. If they have turned crispy then turn off the flame.
11. Your Masala Makhana is ready to enjoy.

Healthy stuffed Braided Bread

Healthy Stuffed Braided Bread
Are you looking for a healthy recipe which can easily make your child eat?So try out this braided bread with a salubrious stuffing and your kids even adults are going to gobble it!
This bread recipe is trouble free and very simple to make.
The major problem comes when our kid's vacation get started and they will bring a demand specially in the evening to eat something which is non-healthy i.e. junk.We mothers never want to deny our kid's demands but we always get worried that what we can make for our children,which should be healthy and delicious too.
I was also facing the same problem,as i don't want to give my daughter that unhealthy food,so i have tried this bread and believe me it was too tasty and the filling,she enjoyed the most.

This bread's star point is its stuffing as this is very easy to make and you can put many veggies according to your choice,so no more worries for our fussy kids who keep their mothers running after them to make them eat,specifically vegetables.
The texture of the bread is crispy from outside and the stuffing is soft.You can enjoy this bread in the evening or in lunch or dinner too because this bread will satisfy your hunger pangs.
You can have this bread with your favorite dip or ketchup.
The tangy and spicy flavor of the stuffing is enhancing the bread too.
So a must try recipe specially for our kids is here-

 Ingredients-
For Dough

1. All purpose flour - 1 1/2 cup
2. Dry active yeast-1 tsp
3. Sugar-1/2 tsp
4. Salt-1 tsp
5. Oil- 1 1/2 tsp
6. Milk for milk wash
7. Warm water - 2 tbsp (while kneading the dough we will be adding more water as this much is needed to activate the yeast)
8. Garlic - 1 tbsp (finely chopped)

For Stuffing-

1. Oil - 1 tsp
2. Medium Sized onion - 1 (finely chopped)
3. Carrots - 2 (Very finely chopped)
4. Boiled peas - 1/2 cup
5. Mushrooms -1/2 cup(First boil the mushrooms in water by adding salt and drain the water and chop it in very fine pieces)
6. You can add minced chicken also and any veggie too like beans capsicum or spring onions.
7. Salt as per taste
8. Chili powder-1 tsp(you can add more or less)
9. Dry mango powder -2 tsp
10. Pepper powder-1/2 tsp
11. Tomato ketchup -2 tsp
12. Pizza Sauce for spreading it on the dough.
13. Mozzarella cheese grate it and add as much you want.
14. Salted Butter for the glaze.
15. Dry mixed spiced powder and chopped coriander leaves for sprinkling on the bread.
16. I have added 2 pinches of dry mango powder,1 pinch chili flakes,some salt and you can also add oregano flakes.(dry mixed spice powder)

Method-

1. First start making the dough by taking a small bowl add active yeast,sugar and Luke warm water and mix it well and cover it for 10 minutes or till the yeast rises up.
2. Now take all purpose flour and add salt,oil,garlic in it and mix it well.
3. Then make a well in between the dry dough and add the yeast and mix it also.
4. Now take Luke warm water and knead the dough.
5. Knead knead knead for at least 10 minutes.
6. After  kneading take a bowl grease it with little oil and tuck the sides of the dough and cover it with a cling film and keep it for rest for 1 hour.
7. For stuffing-
8. Take a wok add oil heat it up.
9. Now add onions,carrots,peas,mushrooms and any veggie you want and saute it.
10. Now cover the veggies for 5 to 7 minutes after 7 minutes check the veggies should be soft.
11. Add dry spices and mix it well.
12. Now again with a ladle press the veggies so that they become more soft and mushy.
13. Add some tomato ketchup.
14. Switch off the flame and add some grated cheese in the veggies.
15. Now time to check the dough,the dough must have risen up.
16. Take out the dough and  punch it again for 5 minutes.
17. Now take the dough (if you want to make small sized bread ,then you can divide the portion of the dough ,if not then take the whole dough and roll it with a rolling pin.
18. Make a big oval shape and on one side start cutting the edges by making slits with a knife.
19. Do the same on other side too.
20. Now spread pizza sauce on the flat dough.
21. Take veggies and spread it in the center of the flat dough.
22. Now start doing criss cross folding technique and cover the whole veggies by braiding it till the end.
23. After this Preheat  the oven at 200 degrees for 10 minutes.
24. Now take the baking tray brush some oil on the tray and place the braided bread carefully on the tray.
25. Now give a milk wash on the bread and keep it for bake.
26. Bake it initially at 220 degree for 15 minutes.
27. After 15 minutes take the bread out and brush it with some salted butter and again keep it for baking.
28. Second baking should be at 200 degrees for more 15 minutes .
29. As baking time varies from oven to oven,so after 15 minutes have a look and at your bread and check that the color must have changed from white to little brown in color.
30. If its not then bake it for few more 10 minutes.
31. After the baking process take out the tray from the oven and sprinkle some dry spice powder and fresh coriander leaves.
32. Enjoy your crispy healthy braided bread. 

Karela Do Pyaza

Karela Do Pyaza

Karela/Bitter gourd is really beneficial and acts a panacea for diabetic patients.But due to its bitterness people avoid this to eat.
My hubby is diabetic and is also very much adamant for eating  karelas but health can't be comprised for taste.So i have tried these karelas so that he can enjoy this without making any kind of  annoying faces :-D  
This karela do pyaza is tangy,spicy and crunchy too.Even your kids are going to love this.You can devour these karelas with crispy paranthas or fulkas too.I love to relish this with daal rice too.
Now Summers are on and you will get bitter gourd in abundance,so why not to try this hassle free and easy recipe.I am very much sure you and your family is going to nibble it.

  I have added some green chilies also to add more taste.The fried crispy onion rings can be prepared in less time and less effort too.As nowadays i have observed diabetic cases in kids also,as kids are very much indulged in eating chocolates and sweets and of course stress is also a major reason for this.
So start giving healthy to your kids also to keep them safe from these kind of scary diseases and maintain a fit and fine life.
So here goes the recipe-

  
Preparation Time - 30 minutes
Cook Time - 20 minutes
Serves - 3 person

Ingredients -

1. 250 grams -karela
2. Onions -3 medium sized
3. Green chilies- 3 or 4/Optional
4.  Salt as per taste
5. Turmeric powder-1/2 teaspoon
6. Red chili powder-1 teaspoon
7. Dry mango powder-2 tbsp 
8. Coriander powder- 1 and 1/2 teaspoon
9.  Sugar - 2 pinches
10. Mustard oil- 2 tbsp

Method-

1. Take the karelas and wash them.
2. Now cut them in thin round slices(Just take out its end do not peel them)
3. Take a wok add 2 tbsp mustard oil and heat it up for 4 to 5 minutes.
4. Now add the karelas and deep fry them.
5. Fry till they turn crispy and changes its colour.
6. Now in the mean time slice your onions in thin round slices.
7. Take out your fried karelas and keep them aside in a bowl.
8. Now add your onions and green chilies in the same oil.
9. Fry till the onions turn pink in color.
10. Now add the karelas again in the fried onions.
11. Add turmeric powder,red chili powder,sugar,salt,dry mango powder and coriander powder.
12. Mix it well.
13. Stir it for more three to five minutes
14. Your crispy karela do pyza is ready to be enjoyed by phulkas or paranthas.

Gulab Jamun

GulabJamun

Holi is around the corner!

Holi is a festival of colors,meeting friends relatives and sharing happiness.So sweets are the most important part of celebration.I have made these GulabJamuns for Holi as it always gives me a pleasure to serve my own made sweets.I always prefer making home made sweets because they are hygienic as well as safe to consume.

Gulab Jamun is everyone's favorite and these gulab jamuns are very easy and quick to prepare.They are soft and mouth melting too.

These gulab jamuns are made up of  bread,cottage cheese and few more ingredients which are easily available in your kitchen.So this holi try out these delicious and never failing recipe of gulabjamun.

I am very much sure your guests are going to love it and you will get a good appreciation and loving words from them .So here goes the recipe-

Ingredients -

1. White Bread slices - 4 to 5 (trim the sides of the bread)
2. Milk Powder - 4 to 5 tsp
3. Cottage Cheese - 2 tsp (crumble it first)
4. Baking Soda - 1/2 tsp
5. Full fat milk - 2 tbsp (add more if needed)
6. fresh Malai - 1 tsp

For Sugar Syrup-

1. 1.5 cup water
2. 1.5 cup sugar
3. 2 green cardamom

Method -

1. Take a pan add water and sugar in it.
2. Heat it up till the sugar dissolves completely.
3. When the water starts boiling stir it continuously and add  green cardamom in it.
4. The syrup should have little bit of sticky consistency means just one string.
5. When the sugar completely dissolves boil it for more 5 minutes and switch off the flame.
6. Now take a wok add oil or ghee in it and heat it up.
7. Take bread slices cut its edges and crumble it properly.
8. Take crumbled cottage cheese,milk powder,baking soda, malai and mix it properly.
9. Now add milk very slowly and make a dough from it.
10. The dough should be kneaded for 5 minutes at least.
11. Now keep the dough for rest for 5 to 7 minutes.
12. After 5 to 7 minutes knead the dough again and make its balls.
13. Try to avoid the cracks in the balls and deep fry them.
14. When the color of the balls turns into brown color,take them out and dip them in the sugar syrup.
15. keep the balls in sugar syrup for 1 hour and cover it with a lid.
16. After 1 hour enjoy your Gulab jamuns at home only.

Podi Chutney Powder

Podi Chutney Powder
Podi Chutney powder is almost available in South Indian families,as this powder is the most essential condiment which is required specially on lazy no cooking days.This powder adds a very good flavor to your food,which means if you are not in a mood to cook any sabji or you want a hassle free and tasty meal on your table,then podi powder can satisfy your tongue.
This podi powder is a staple condiment like pickle or chutney,which is made up of powdered lentils.It is also known as dry powdered chutney which is accomplished with dosa,idli and rice too.The taste of this powder is spicy,tangy and sweet as well as salty too.The podi powder is a coarse powder in which the crunchiness of lentils and other spices are found.

Podi powder is little yellow and orange in color as the spices gives a really good color to it.You can add warm ghee in the podi chutney powder and mix it up with hot steaming rice,this will give you a taste of heaven!
I have also used this powder with uttapam also and it adds a crunch in every bite.You can also store this powder in an air tight jar,and it wont get easily spoiled.
A simple method which can ease your life in your home cooked food.So a must try recipe for those people who love simple but rich and yum food.So here goes the recipe after a drooling picture ;-)

Ingredients-

1. Sesame seeds - 1 tbsp
2. Oil -2 tsp
3. Urad  daal - 1/2 a cup
4. Chana daal - 1/4 cup
5. Dry red chilies - 17 to 19
6. Curry leaves - 7 to 8
7. Asafoetida - 1 pinch
8. Dry mango powder - 1 tsp
9. Sugar - 1/2 tsp ( you can use jaggery also)
10. Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
11. Salt to taste

Method -

1. Take a pan add sesame seeds and dry roast till it gets golden brown in color.
2. Put these seeds in a mixer jar and keep it aside.
3. Now add 1 tsp oil in the pan and heat it up.
4. Add urad and chana daal in the oil and roast it on low flame till it turns golden brown in color.
5. Now let it cool down and add this in the same mixer jar which is filled with sesame seeds and keep it aside.
6. Now add 1 tsp oil again in the pan and heat it up.
7. Add dry red chilies and roast them till they puff up.
8. Add curry patta leaves,when you will find the leaves are becoming crisp,then switch off the flame and add this in the same jar.
9. Let it cool down.
10. Now add turmeric powder,sugar,salt,asafoetida and dry mango powder and blend it in a form of coarse powder.
11. Your podi powder chutney is ready to enjoy.