Kamal Kakdi Chaat is a truly unique and tasty dish. I wanted to make something new and delicious but also healthy and easy to make. kamal kakdi, is an edible lotus root that has a crunchy texture and slightly sweet taste. After doing some research, I was surprised at how much nutrients kamal kakdi has. I was excited to try out a spicy chat recipe using it. An added plus is that this recipe requires no frying and is a nice healthy savory snack. My family really enjoyed this new dish! Hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy!This recipe will serve 6.
pressure cook the Kamal Kakdi in an instant pot for five minutes in two cups of water. I also drained the water. Kamal Kakdi should be tender. Notes: you can also, use the pressure cooker and cook at the same time, or you can also cook in a pot for 20 minutes.
Drain the water and pat dry.
In a frying pan heat the oil over low medium heat. Add the oil, oil should be just warm add sliced ginger. Stir fry for about 2 minutes and take it out in a bowl. I will use this ginger later for garnishing. Note: I feel adding ginger later it gives a nice kick to chaat.
Use the same pan and it already has some left-over oil. Oil should be moderately hot, add cumin seeds. As cumin seeds crack add kamal kakdi, stir and sprinkle salt and black pepper.
Stir fry for one minute add about 1 teaspoon of chopped green chiles and lemon juice stir fry for about 2 minutes, turn off the heat. Kamal Kakdi is ready to be served.
Plating the chaat, drizzle yogurt over kamal kakdi also drizzle tamarind chutney. And finish it off with some green chilies and roasted ginger.
Spicy Namak Para is a crispy and savory snack that's perfect for the holiday season. Not only is this a popular snack, but it is also easy to make. This particular recipe is a twist on traditional Namak Paras with added spices to make it even more flavorful. You can always experiment with different variations by adding your choice of flavors! Spicy Namak Para taste especially delicious with a hot cup of chai. They also make for a simple but special homemade gift. It's also an easy road trip snack when traveling with your family! Hope you enjoy this recipe! This recipe is good for 10 people.
In a bowl mix all the dry ingredients well, all-purpose flour, sooji, salt, black pepper, red pepper, cumin seeds, and methi. Next add the oil mix it well.
Add the chilled water slowly, mixing with your fingers as you pour. Do not knead the dough. The dough should be soft. Cover the dough and let it sit for at least fifteen minutes.
Knead the dough and divide into two equal parts. Take each part of the dough and make a flat ball shape. Roll them into about 10-inch circles, it should not be very thin.
Prick them with a fork all over the rolled dough, on both sides. This helps paras not to puff while frying.
Cut each of the rolled dough into about 1/2-inch-wide and 3-inch-long pieces. Note: you can cut them in your desire shape.
Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium heat.
The frying pan should have at least 1-1/2 inch of oil. To check if the oil is ready, put a small piece of dough in the oil. The dough should make the oil sizzle and come up slowly.
Make sure to place just enough paras so you can turn them over easily when frying. Fry the paras until both sides are light golden brown. This should take about 8 minutes.
After Spicy Namak Paras come to room temperature they should become crisp.
Notes
Experimenting and making the recipes to your taste is the best part of cooking.Try different variations by adding your choice of flavors.
Instant Badam Burfi, or Almond Candy is a quick and easy recipe that will satisfy the entire family! The best part of this recipe is that involves absolutely no cooking. This is the time of the year when we are all busy celebrating the holidays. Of course, this year will look a little different, but we can always make the best of this situation.Since we are all busy with work and family responsibilities, I wanted to make a quick and easy dessert that is both delicious and sweet. Badam Burfi is just that. All you need is less than 10 minutes to make this delicious Burfi. After trying this recipe a few times, I was surprisingly satisfied with the way it turned out! I wish I had thought of this recipe before. During the holidays, homemade sweets make the best holiday gift for family and friends. The main ingredients are almond flour and condensed milk. Enjoy!
In a bowl mix almond flour pistachios and cardamom powder. Add condensed milk mix it with a spoon then lightly oil your finger and make it smooth like dough.
I am using Ziplock to roll the Burfi. Cut the Ziplock bag in two, put the almond dough in the center of one piece and cover it with another piece.
With your palm press it to make a Pattie then roll it into quarter-inch thick. Note: try to keep in rectangle shape because we are going to cut them in the square.
Remove the top wrap and spread evenly sugar and cover it again and lightly roll t again. Note: this will make sugar stick to burfi.
Cut them into your preferred size. Wait for about fifteen minutes and then remove it. Almond burfi is ready.
Notes
Adding grainy sugar gives nice texture to burfi and add little needed sweetness.
Chana Dal Sweet and Sour Parathas is a delicious and unique blend of many flavors. These Parathas are spicy, sweet, and sour. The combination of all these flavors is simply delicious.The nuttiness of the coconut and sweetness of sugar, cardamom, and fennel seeds add to the flavor. My mother was very fond of sweet and sour flavors. She first asked me to make these Parathas and requested me to make the filling, telling me exactly what she wanted in the filling. I followed her instructions exactly including what spices to put in. To my surprise, the recipe came out perfect and it was exactly the flavor combination she was looking for. I made this recipe for her several times and she really enjoyed it. It felt so good to see my mom smile. She will have these Parathas with Aloo Tamatar, or just with a hot cup of Chai.I take great pride when making these recipes for you all. I like to make sure that when you try my recipes out, they meet your expectation! I decided to make these Parathas after 30 years. I have no idea why I waited this long. This is a wonderful flavorful breakfast dish, or you can serve with the main meal. Hope you enjoy them!Recipe will serve 4.
In a bowl, mix whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt and oil, mix it well rubbing with fingers; add water slowly to make soft dough. The dough should not be stick to your fingers. Cover the dough and set it aside. Let it rest at least ten minutes.
Filling
Wash and cook dal in two cups of water, in Instant pot or pressure cooker for 25 minutes. Dal should be soft but not mushy. I am using instant pot.
Heat the oil over low medium heat in a pan add dal, and all the spices for filling fennel, red chili, mango powder, coconut powder, asafoetida, and salt, Note: if dal has extra water drains most of the water.
Stir continuously, and keep pressing dal, until water from dal has evaporated. Note: dal should be moist, not be powdery.
Turn off the heat. Let the filling cool to room temperature.
To make Parathas
Take the dough and knead it for a minute. Divide the dough and filling in 10 equal parts. Dough balls and filling should be the same size.
Take one part of the dough and with your fingers flatten the edges and make into 3-inch circle. Leaving the center a little thicker than the edges.
Place a filling in the center. Pull the edges of the dough to wrap it around the peas filling. Repeat to make all balls. Let the filled balls settle three to four minutes. Note: It helps to spread the filling evenly.
Meanwhile heat a heavy skillet on medium-high heat until moderately hot. To test, sprinkle water on the skillet. If the water sizzles right away, the skillet is ready.
Press the filled ball lightly on dry whole wheat flour from both sides.
Using a rolling pin, roll lightly to make five-inch circles, keeping the sealed side of the balls on top. If the dough sticks to the rolling pin or rolling surface, lightly dust the parathas with dry flour.
Place the paratha on the skillet. When the paratha starts to change color and begins to puff up, flip it over. You will notice some golden-brown spots.
After a few seconds, drizzle one teaspoon of oil over the paratha. Flip the paratha again and lightly press the puffed areas with a spatula.
Flip again and press with a spatula making sure the paratha is golden-brown from both sides. Repeat for the remaining parathas.
Parathas are best served hot and crispy.
Notes
You will have leftover filling; you can refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for 2-3 months.Cooking time 20 minutes, this does not include boiling Chana Dal.
My ultimate favorite cuisine is of course Indian. But I must say that Mexican and Italian cuisines are close seconds! Overall, I enjoy trying new cuisines with a variety of flavors. After coming to the United States, Mexican cuisine was the first new cuisine I tried. As you already know, I have a story behind every dish.It was many years ago and we had just come to the United States. Some good friends of ours decided to take us to a small mom and pop Mexican restaurant. They were sure we would enjoy the food. I was a little hesitant and when the server came to take our order, I immediately began to tell her all of my limitations for food, such as no onions, garlic, and of course vegetarian. She smiled at me and proudly let me know she was the owner of the restaurant. She reassured me that I had come to the right restaurant and advised that all the food at her restaurant was made fresh that very day. She personally brought out our food which included refried beans, soft tortillas, salsa, enchiladas, and salad. I tried the food and immediately fell in love. Mexican cuisine had become another favorite cuisine, and this restaurant became our go-to place for dinner. Both dishes are also vegan and gluten free.I typically keep beans and salsa in my refrigerator or freezer. Both items freeze well. Also, you can come up with so many dishes using them. These are some of my favorite dishes to serve using refried beans and salsa: beans and corn chips, tostadas, burritos, and enchiladas. I hope you will enjoy these dishes!This recipe will serve 4.
soak the beans for at least 6 hours in six cups of water. Drain the water boiled the beans in 3 cups of water instant pot or pressure cooker for 40 minutes. Drain most of the water and save, this will be used slowly as needed.
In a saucepan moderately heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add beans keep steering and keep mashing the beans. Cook for about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, ginger and salt keep mashing, and cook for another five minutes. Add water we have saved from beans slowly as needed. As beans cool off will become thick. I used most of the water, we saved from beans. Beans should be the inconsistency of thick batter.
How to prepare Salsa
dry roast the red chilies over medium heat, till they are darker in color. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Preheat the oven at 350-degree F. Half the tomatoes and jalapeno peppers long way. Spread them over the baking sheet, Put the tomatoes and jalapeno face down, and bake for 10 minutes.
Take out from the oven and remove the skin from tomatoes and jalapenos.
First in a food processor crush red chilies, then add tomatoes, jalapeno, and salt roughly blend them together, take it out in a bowl and add cilantro. Salsa is ready and keeps aside.
Beans and salsa make a good side dish for any Mexican cuisine.
Ras Malai Cake is a twist on a very popular Bengali dessert "Ras Malai". Ras Malai is made with homemade cheese known as “paneer” or “chana”. It consists of soft paneer balls immersed in chilled creamy milk. Ras Malai has been always my favorite dessert for as long as I can remember. Back when I came to the U.S. many years ago, Indian cooking was a challenge as there were very few Indian ingredients available. Indian groceries weren't as plentiful back then. To top that off, I was also a new cook. I remember my friends and I would always experiment with different recipes for Indian food using whatever ingredients we could find. We knew we had to make do with what we had by being creative and learning to cook using the ingredients were available. One thing we discovered is using ricotta cheese as a substitute for paneer as it was the closest in consistency to paneer. We started using ricotta cheese to make many milk-based Indian desserts. It was then that I learned how to make Ras Malai. While it certainly was not the same as the "real thing", it was super simple to make and very tasty! Most importantly, I got to enjoy a little taste of home with my favorite Indian dessert! I have done one more recipe using Ricotta cheese Microwave Milk Cake. Enjoy!This recipe will serve 6.
I am also using a 5×7 Pyrex pan for baking the cake, line the pan with parchment paper.
Mix the ricotta, sugar, cardamom, and saffron together well. Transfer the ricotta cheese mixture into a round Pyrex bowl. It should be around 1/2″ thickness. Bake it at 300 degrees F for 35 minutes.
After 10 minutes cover the cake with aluminum foil, which will prevent the cake browning from the top. Let it cool off to room temperature.
While baking the cake, prepared the milk. Boil the milk in a frying pan on medium heat until the milk reduces to about 1 cup (Make sure wet the frying pan before putting the milk to prevent milk not to burn). Stir the milk occasionally. Set aside.
Take the ricotta cake out into the serving plate, pour the milk over and garnish with almonds and pistachios. Keep it in the fridge for at least one hour, serve chill.
Red Lentil Dal is a washed and split Masoor Dal. It is a rich, healthy lentil packed with protein and serves as a great side dish for a meal. You can also serve this as a comforting lentil soup. This is an easy dish to make.I am in my seventies and surprisingly I had never cooked or tasted this lentil. About a month back we had dinner with our friend, where she served this red lentil for dinner. We loved it. I asked her how she cooked this dal. It tasted so good! After finding out which lentil she had used, I was genuinely surprised. I questioned myself: why haven’t I been cooking it? I see this red lentil in an Indian grocery store all the time but never thought I should try it. My friend, like me, was surprised when she found out that this was my first time trying this dal. She suggested this lentil for Alex (my husband) and explained that it will be good for him since it is easy to digest.After that dinner, I have made this dal many times. It is an easy, simple recipe and it tastes delicious. I serve this dal with roti, rice, and one dry vegetable (e.g. aloo methi). I thought I should share this recipe because now this dal has become a staple dish for us.Recently I have been using an instant pot instead of a pressure-cooker. It takes the same time as the pressure cooker, but the advantage is that you don’t have to watch over it when it starts steaming or when it is time to turn off. You can take care of other things in the meantime.This recipe will serve 3.
I am using instant pot to make dal. Use the instant pot on sauté mode and add oil. After oil is moderately hot add cumin seeds, and mustard seeds, after the seeds crack, add asafetida, whole red chili and ginger stir for about a minute. Now take out the ginger and red chilies from oil and keep aside. We will use this later for garnishing.
Next add tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder and salt. Cook and stir until tomatoes are soft.
Add dal and water, stir, and close the instant pot. Change the instant pot setting to pressure cooker mode. Cook for 14 minutes.
Dal is done it should be soft. If needed add more water, dal should not be very thick. Dal will thicken as it sits. Make it more liquid than you want it to be.
Take dal out in serving bowl and garnish with ginger and red chilies.
Serve hot.
Keyword Dal Fry, Diabetic, Gravy, Hare Krishna, Healthy, High Protein, Homemade, Jain Food, Low Cholesterol, Low Fat, No Garlic, No Onion, Roti, Sattvic Food, Split Lentil, Split Masoor, Swami Narayan Food, Temple Food, Vaishnava Food
Instant Pot Red Lentil Dal: A Quick and Flavorful Meal
Red Lentil Dal is a nutritious and flavorful dish made from red lentils, which are rich in protein, fibre, and essential nutrients. It is suitable for individuals with diabetes, as it has a low glycemic index and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, it is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
This dish can be easily prepared in an Instant Pot, allowing for quick and convenient cooking. It is low in fat, making it a healthy option for those looking to reduce their fat intake. As a vegan dish, it does not contain any animal products, making it suitable for those following a plant-based diet.
The dish is typically prepared by cooking red lentils with a variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes, and spinach, in a flavorful curry or gravy made from spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and ginger. The result is a hearty and satisfying meal that is both delicious and nutritious.
Instant Pot Red Lentil Dal, also known as Masoor Dal, is a popular Indian lentil dish known for its simplicity, flavor, and quick preparation. This Instant Pot Red Lentil Dal recipe offers a convenient way to enjoy the rich flavors of lentils infused with aromatic spices in a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a hearty and nutritious meal, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Step 1: Preparation of Lentils
Begin by rinsing the red lentils (masoor dal) under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove any impurities and starch from the lentils, ensuring they cook evenly and maintain their shape. Once rinsed, drain the lentils and set them aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics
To infuse the dal with flavor, heat oil or ghee in the Instant Pot using the “Sauté” function. Add aromatics such as cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and dried red chilies to the hot oil, allowing them to sizzle and release their fragrance. Then, add ginger, sautéing until they turn golden brown and aromatic.
Step 3: Adding Spices
Next, it’s time to add a medley of spices to the Instant Pot to create a robust flavor base for the dal. Incorporate ground turmeric, ground coriander, ground cumin, and red chili powder, stirring well to coat the aromatics. Toasting the spices in oil helps enhance their flavors and aromas, elevating the taste of the dal.
Step 4: Cooking Lentils in Instant Pot
Once the spices are well-incorporated, add the rinsed red lentils to the Instant Pot, stirring to coat them with the aromatic spice mixture. Pour in water or vegetable broth, ensuring that the lentils are fully submerged. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to “Pressure Cook” mode, cooking the dal for the specified time until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Natural Pressure Release
After the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for a few minutes before carefully opening the lid. This gradual release of pressure helps prevent the dal from splattering and ensures that the lentils are fully cooked and tender. Once the pressure has been released, gently stir the dal to combine the flavors.
Step 6: Adjusting Consistency and Seasoning
At this stage, you can adjust the consistency of the dal by adding more water or broth if desired. Taste the dal and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preferences. For added freshness, squeeze in a splash of lemon juice or garnish with chopped cilantro leaves before serving.
Step 7: Serving and Enjoying
Serve the Instant Pot Red Lentil Dal hot, garnished with additional cilantro leaves for a pop of color and freshness. This versatile dish pairs well with steamed rice, naan bread, or roti, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal option for any occasion.
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Red Lentil Dal
Rinse Lentils Thoroughly: Be sure to rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
Control Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder and dried red chilies according to your spice tolerance. For a milder dal, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the dried red chilies altogether.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the spice blend to suit your taste preferences. Additions such as garam masala, cinnamon, or cloves can add depth and complexity to the flavor profile of the dal.
Variations of Instant Pot Red Lentil Dal
Coconut Red Lentil Dal: Incorporate coconut milk or coconut cream into the dal for a creamy and indulgent variation with a hint of sweetness.
Spinach Red Lentil Dal: Add fresh spinach leaves to the dal during the cooking process for an extra dose of greens and nutrition.
Tadka Tempering: Elevate the flavor of the dal by adding a tadka (tempering) of ghee, cumin seeds, and dried red chilies to the finished dish before serving.
Benefits of Instant Pot Red Lentil Dal
High in Protein: Red lentils are a rich source of plant-based protein, making this dal an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans.
Rich in Fiber: Lentils are also high in dietary fiber, which helps promote digestive health and keeps you feeling full and satisfied.
Quick and Convenient: Cooking dal in the Instant Pot drastically reduces the cooking time compared to traditional stovetop methods, making it a convenient option for busy lifestyles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other types of lentils for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute other varieties of lentils such as green lentils or brown lentils for the red lentils in this recipe, although the cooking time may vary.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of using an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Simply follow the same steps using a large pot or saucepan on the stovetop, adjusting the cooking time as needed until the lentils are tender.
Can I freeze leftover dal for later?
Yes, you can freeze leftover dal in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.
Explore more delightful Indian recipes on Manjula’s Kitchen, such as Chana Masala for another culinary adventure.
School is back in session and summer is pretty much over, but it's still hot enough to enjoy "Frozen Chocolate Frappuccino". It has been a huge hit with my grandkids this summer. Of course, they enjoy traditional hot chocolate as well. One day my granddaughter asked me if I could make a delicious cold version of a hot chocolate and call it "Frozen Chocolate Frappuccino"! It was a really hot day and we decided to experiment with different versions of cold frothy frozen chocolate. We came up with the perfect recipe together. She was so excited about this recipe that she wants to create more recipes! This super simple recipe with few ingredients is the perfect answer to blazing hot temperatures. Ingredients are ones you will have on hand. Top with some whipped cream and you've got a decadent drink!This recipe is good for 2.
In a small cup take the sugar, cinnamon powder, chocolate chips and cocoa powder and pour over about 2 tablespoons of hot but not boiling milk if needed add more. Mix it till all the ingredients mixed well.
Blend the milk and chocolate till they are mixed well, add crushed ice, and blend on high speed, till chocolate becomes frothy.
Pour it in a tall glass and topped with whip cream and shaved chocolate. Enjoy!
Keyword Beverage, Chai Latte, Chocolate Ganache, Chocolate Ganache Toast, Cold Chocolate, Cold Coffee, delicious, Drink To Go, Frappuccino, Home Made, Hot Chocolate, Kid Friendly, lemonade, Mango Lassi, Quick And Easy, Recipe videos, Refreshing, Summer Drink, Sweet
Samosas are probably the most popular Indian snack, and street food. Samosas when paired with cilantro chutney are simply out of this world. I think they are universally loved and hard to resist. I have made variations and minor changes to my samosa recipe over the years. Check out my new and improved recipe for this family favorite!This recipe will serve 4.
3medium size potatoesboiled, peeled and chopped into small pieces, will make about 2 cups
½cupgreen peasI am using frozen peas
1 ½Tbspoil
1tspcumin seedsjeera
1Tbspcoriander powderdhania
1Tbspgreen chilieschopped
2Tbspcilantrochopped, hara dhania
¼tspred chili powder
½tspgaram masala
1tspmango powderamchoor
1tspsalt
Instructions
Making the Dough
Mix the flour, sooji, salt, oil and 2 drops pf lemon juice, mix it well rubbing with your fingers. Note: lemon juice should be just 2 drops, we are not adding to flavor, lemon is added to give the crispness. Add the water slowly, to make stiff dough and knead well. Cover the dough and let it sit for at least fifteen minutes.
Making the Filling
Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium high heat. Test the heat by adding one cumin seed to the oil; if it cracks right away oil is ready. Add cumin seeds as cumin seeds crack, add green peas, and turn heat to medium and stir until tender.
Add all the spices coriander powder, green chilies, mango powder, garam masala, cilantro and salt mix it well. Add the potatoes and stir-fry for about 4 minutes. Potato mix should not be very dry. Add more salt or amchur according to taste.
Let the filling cool to room temperature.
Making Samosa
Take 2 Tbsps of water and keep aside.
Knead the dough again well. Divide the dough into 5 equal parts and make into balls. Roll each ball into 6-inch diameter circles, circle will not be very clean, that is fine. Cut each circle in half.
Spread the water lightly all along the edge of one semicircle. Pick this semicircle up with both hands and fold it into a cone shape. Pinch the side of this cone so that it is completely sealed.
Fill the cone with about 2 Tbsps of filling, do not over fill. Press this filling down with your fingers. Now close the top of this cone into a triangle shape, pinching the top edge so that it is completely sealed. Continue filling the rest of the samosas.
Heat about 1 inch of the oil in a frying pan on low medium heat. To check if oil is hot enough place a small piece of dough in oil and dough should sizzle and come to the surface slowly.
Place the samosas in the frying pan a few at a time. After samosas are floating on top of the oil turn them slowly. Fry the samosas until the samosas turn a light golden-brown color on all sides, this should take about 10 to 12 minutes. If you use a high heat, the samosa crust will be soft and not crispy.
Notes
Tips
Do not over boil the potatoes.
Be careful not to poke the potatoes multiple times while they are cooking, as they will absorb the water.
Drain immediately and keep aside until cool off.
If the filled samosas sit for too long, they will dry. To avoid this, cover with a damp cloth.
Scalloped Potatoes (Spicy Baked Potatoes) in Creamy Sauce
Scalloped Potatoes are a classic dish with layers of potatoes topped with a delicious creamy sauce! It is the perfect comfort food and side dish to any meal. A little background to the origin to this dish: When I first came to the United State, I was fortunate enough to meet a very kind elderly woman named Helen. She was so kind and helped me a lot when I first came to this country. She was the same age as my grandmother, but she wanted me to simply refer to her as Helen. We became so close that she eventually became another grandmother for my kids when I was away from my family and country. She truly was a blessing to our family. Scalloped potatoes was one of her favorite vegetarian favorite dishes to make for us. She would make this as a side dish for Easter and Thanksgiving. The ingredients are simple, and the dish is easy to make. I got inspired to make this dish while going through old photos. It has been 30 years since Helen passed away, but she will never be forgotten. I decided to add a variation to this recipe by adding some veggies and making it little spicy.This recipe will serve 4.
3medium sized potatoes peeled and sliced about 1/8 inch thick
¼cupgreen peas
¼cupcorn kernels
¼cupbell pepperchopped
¼cupcarrotsshredded
1Tbspgreen chiliesfinely chopped (this is optional)
2Tbspcilantrochopped
For white sauce
2Tbspolive oil
2Tbspall-purpose flourplain flour, maida
⅛tspblack pepper
½tspred chili flakesadjust to taste
½cupheavy cream
1 ½cupmilk
½tspsalt
Instructions
Sauce
In a small frying pan, heat the oil over low medium heat and add all-purpose flour, stir for a minute. Add black pepper, chili flakes, and salt, stir for another minute.
Reduce heat to low. While stirring slowly add cream making sure there are no lumps. Add a small amount of milk at a time. The mixture will start becoming thick, continue adding a little milk at a time whisking until smooth.
Assembly
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (190 degrees C). I am using 5” x 7” Pyrex pan to make the Scalloped Potatoes. Grease the pan.
layer the potatoes evenly in the pan.
Pour cream sauce just covering the potatoes. Now spread the vegetables, bell pepper, carrots, green peas, corn, green chilies and cilantro. Layer the potato again over the vegetables. Pour the sauce making sure covering the potatoes evenly.
Bake it for about 40-45 minutes, potatoes should be tender and should be brown from the top.
Scalloped Potatoes are ready, nice color. Enjoy.
Notes
I prefer Yukon gold or Russet potatoes for this dish. You can use different vegetables of your choice, like broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, spinach.You might also like Vegetable Kathi Rolls, Mexican Bhel, Vegan Macaroni and Cheese
Keyword Baked Potatoes, Baked Vegetable, Cream Sauce, Creamy Butternut squash, Homemade, Main Dish, Quick And Easy, Side Dish, Spicy Baked Potatoes, Spinach Pasta, Vegetable Pasta, Vegetarian, Video Recipe, Zucchini pasta
Gulab Jamun is one of the most well-liked and popular desserts in India. Gulab Jamun has a special place in my heart as it was my very first video showcased on my YouTube channel. I never thought I would be able to parlay my passion into doing something like "Manjula's Kitchen". Gulab Jamun also happens to be a family favorite so it is always a go-to dessert I prepare. My daughter-in-law, who also loves Gulab Jamun, wanted me to try out a variation of the traditional recipe. She saw a recipe online for a Gulab Jamun cake and asked me to try making my version of this recipe. She suggested that I bake the Gulab Jamun instead of frying them, but to also try and preserve the original taste. I decided to stick with all the original ingredients for this recipe. However, I did have to experiment with the measurements of the ingredients to maintain the cake texture. Because of the delicious cardamom flavor, another name for this recipe can be "Cardamom Cake". After experimenting with this recipe for some time, I was finally satisfied with the results. I serve the Gulab Jamun cake, adding a layer of chocolate ganache and sliced nuts. You can really experiment with this recipe and make it into a version you love. The cake tastes best if you let it sit for a few hours after baking as the texture improves the longer it sits. It also has a long shelf life when kept at room temperature for several days. Enjoy this variation on a classic dessert! This recipe will serve 8.
To make Gulab Jamun Cake first mix all the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Milk powder, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, sugar and cardamom powder. Mix it well
In another bowl take butter, butter should be at room temperature not melted, whip the butter until it is fluffy. About 1 minute.
Now add the dry ingredients with butter and mix it well.
Slowly add the milk, milk should be at room temperature, mix it for about 2 minutes, batter consistency should be like cake mx.
Grease the loaf pan. Pour the Gulab Jamun batter in the pan.
Pre heated the oven at 300-degree Fahrenheit. Bake the cake for about 25-30 minutes,
Cake should be light brown the Gulab Jamun color, from the top and when you insert the knife in the center of cake should pulls out clean.
Keep the cake aside and now make the syrup add all the ingredients for syrup, sugar, water, lemon juice, cardamom, and saffron, in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. After syrup comes to boil lower the heat to medium and let it simmer for 2 about minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat.
Before poring the syrup over the cake, Poke holes in the cake with a fork, several places. Pour the syrup over the cake while it is still warm in the pan. Save about 1/2 cup of syrup. It will look like a lot of syrup, but the cake will soak it all up. Let the cake rest for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a plate.
You can garnish the Gulab Jamun Cake in a variety of different ways. I am garnishing with chocolate ganache I have done the chocolate Ganache recipe see the recipe for chocolate cake and sliced pistachios. This recipe has wonderful flavor and appeals to all ages.
Notes
It also has a long shelf life and can be kept at room temperature for several days. Butter and milk should be at room temperature.Extra syrup you can use if you like to serve the cake as Gulab Jamun with the syrup.
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Amrood Ki khati Methi Sabji (Sweet and Sour Guava Curry)
Guavas, or "amrood" in Hindi, are simply delicious and probably one of my favorite fruits! This year I have an abundance of guavas growing in my backyard. I like to sprinkle chaat masala on guavas. The spiciness really brings out its flavor. Since I have so many delicious guavas, I decided it was time for me to make Guava Sweet and Sour Curry (Amrood Ki khati Methi Sabji). In case you are not familiar, this is a popular North Indian dish which I believe tastes best with fresh hot puris or parathas. This was a staple sabji when I was a child growing up in India, provided guavas were in season. My brother especially enjoyed this dish. He simply relished this sabji and could enjoy eating it every day. However, there was catch – he would only eat this dish with puris! Rotis or parathas simply did not do this dish justice! My brother would pretend to read a book while eating so no one would disturb him so he could truly enjoy eating in peace! Whenever I make this recipe, I remember our sweet, innocent childhood memories. Guava Sweet and Sour Curry has the best flavors – spicy, sweet and sour – all in one dish!
Heat the oil in a saucepan. Oil should be moderately hot. Test the heat by adding one cumin seed to the oil. If the cumin seed cracks right away, the oil is ready.
Add the cumin seeds, asafetida, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds powder, coriander powder, turmeric, and red chili powder stir for few seconds. Add ginger and guava mix it well add 1 cup of water and cover the pan.
Lower the heat and cover the pan cook for about 5-8 minutes until guavas are tender. Add mango powder, lemon juice and sugar stir and add cilantro. Turn off the heat and cover the pan for few minutes.
Amrood Ki khati Methi Sabji is ready to serve.
Notes
If Guava seeds are hard then remove them, adjust the sugar to taste depends how sweet are guava.
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Pithla, a variation of Kadhi, comes in many forms. In North India, Kadhi resembles a thick soup with pakoras, while Gujarati Kadhi offers a sweet and sour, watery consistency. Pithla, on the other hand, is notably thicker, often referred to as Besan Ki Sabji, and is quick and easy to prepare with few ingredients. Traditionally served with hot ghee, Pithla offers a complete and satisfying meal.Despite my initial belief that Pithla originated from Bihar, I've learned it's also popular in Maharashtra. Growing up in North India with roots in Bihar, my mom's cooking blended traditional Bihari simplicity with the spiciness of North Indian cuisine. Fond memories of enjoying Pithla with family persist, and when I visit my sisters in India, they recreate these cherished moments with a spread of dishes, including Pithla served with rice. Truly, it's comfort food at its finest. This recipe serves 2.
In a bowl add the 1-1/2 cups of water slowly to besan to make a smooth batter (batter should be consistency of pancake batter or dosa batter).
Open the heat on medium high, oil should be moderately hot, when you add the cumin seeds to oil seeds should crack right of way.
Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, asafetida, turmeric, and chili powder to oil, stir and turn off the heat.
Add the besan batter and open the heat to medium heat. Keep whipping the batter and batter will start thickening. Add salt and keep adding the water slowly and keep mixing about 2-1/2 cups of water. After Pithla comes to boil besan will start splattering. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and let it simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes.
Pithla will become thick, add chopped cilantro and mango powder mix and let it cook for 2 more minutes. Pithla should be quite thick in consistency that’s why sometimes I will call Pithla Besa ki Sabji.
Pithla is served hot before serving, traditionally Pithla is served garnished with hot ghee (clarified butter). And sprinkle of red chili powder. If you are vegan skip ghee, clarified butter.
How to make Besan Curry Recipe – Manjula’s Kitchen
Pithla Besan curry, a savory gram flour dish, is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of India. The besan gravy recipe combines simple ingredients to create a dish that is not only delicious but also a showcase of culinary prowess. This pitla recipe explores precision and technique coming together to create a symphony of flavors.
Pithla Besan, a savory delight hailing from the heart of Indian cuisine, is a testament to the versatility of besan (gram flour). This besan recipe, also known as Pitla, transforms this humble ingredient into a flavorful and comforting dish that can be relished with various accompaniments. Let’s embark on a detailed exploration of how to make besan curry recipe, unraveling the secrets and nuances that make this besan curry a culinary masterpiece.
1. Setting the Stage: Creating the Besan Batter
Begin besan curry recipe by preparing the besan batter, the foundation of Pithla Besan. In a bowl, slowly add 1-1/2 cups of water to the besan, ensuring a gradual and consistent pouring to avoid lumps. The goal is to achieve a smooth batter, akin to the consistency of pancake or dosa batter. This step sets the tone for the entire dish, ensuring a velvety texture that will coat each element in the curry.
2. The Culinary Prelude: Heating the Oil and Sizzling Seeds
As the besan batter rests, open the heat on medium-high, readying the oil for the symphony of spices. The oil should reach a moderate heat, and a crucial test involves adding cumin seeds. The immediate crackling of the seeds signifies the optimal temperature. Into this aromatic canvas, introduce cumin seeds, mustard seeds, asafetida, turmeric, and chili powder. Stir this spice medley, infusing the oil with a fragrant blend that will define the character of the besan curry.
3. Besan Ballet: Whipping and Simmering
With the spice-infused oil taking center stage, it’s time to introduce the besan batter. Open the heat to medium, and as you add the besan batter, the whipping action begins. This constant stirring is key as the batter thickens, absorbing the flavors of the spices. In this delicate dance, add salt, and slowly incorporate about 2-1/2 cups of water. The besan curry begins to take shape, and as it comes to a boil, be prepared for the besan to splatter, a sign that the magic is happening. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the besan to achieve its desired consistency.
4. The Grand Finale: Flavorful Additions and Simmering
As the Pithla reaches its zenith, add the final touches. The besan will have thickened substantially by now, creating a hearty base for additional ingredients. Introduce chopped cilantro and mango powder, elevating the besan curry to new heights. Let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld seamlessly. The besan curry should now be thick and rich as part of the besan gravy recipe.
5. The Presentation: Serving Tradition on a Plate
Pithla Besan is best served piping hot, capturing the essence of its freshly-cooked perfection. Traditionally, it is garnished with hot ghee (clarified butter), adding a luxurious richness to the dish. A sprinkle of red chili powder adds a final touch, not just for aesthetics but to introduce a subtle kick that complements the other flavors. For those adhering to a vegan lifestyle, the ghee can be skipped without compromising the integrity of the dish.
In conclusion, the journey to create Pithla Besan is a delicate ballet of flavors, textures, and culinary finesse. From the creation of the besan batter to the sizzling symphony of seeds, the besan curry recipe is a testament to the artistry involved in Indian cuisine. With its rich, aromatic profile and velvety consistency, Pithla Besan invites you to savor a dish that celebrates the simple yet profound beauty of besan. Enjoy this besan curry with steamed rice, Indian bread: roti, naan, missa paratha, or as your heart desires, and revel in the joy of crafting a culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your kitchen.
Dates and Nuts Energy Bar, Healthy Bar, All-Natural Nutritional Bar
2020 is the start of a new decade and like most people I’m sure you have thought about eating clean and healthy. My next recipe is for any new year resolutions and is called “Dates and Nuts Bar”. This healthy gluten-free energy bar is also vegan and sugar-free. The bars have a great nutty texture that tastes so delicious. This yummy treat is so satisfying for any sweet cravings! Because we all live busy lives, these bars make great snacks because they are so easy to take on the go. You can even give them to your kids as an after -school snack. Because dates are so sweet, they provide the perfect natural alternative to added sugars. They are sure to be a hit with friends who are avoiding sugar but still crave something sweet.Try these bars as a healthy alternative to cookies and other sweet treats. You will feel amazing.
Soften the chopped dates in microwave for 30 seconds, doing this makes dates soft and easy to work.
Blend the dates in the food processor until they become to the paste, this should take about 15 seconds. Add flex seed meal, and cocoa powder and salt to the food processor and blend it until all the ingredients incorporated. This should take about 15 second.
Add the roasted and chopped nuts walnuts, almonds, and cashew nuts. Blended it until all the ingredients incorporated, but nuts should be still chunky this should take about 20 seconds of blending.
Remove the mix from food processor, and make it into 2 balls, roll it into about 1/4-inch-thick, sprinkle the sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds to the rolled bar and lightly press the seeds, so they stay into the bars. Cut them into your desire shape. I decided to cut them in bars.
Notes
These are some more healthy choice you would like to know Quinoa salad, Stuffed karela, Lentil Vegetable soup, Mango panna cotta
Chocolate Ganache Toast is a delicious rich chocolate ganache spread over buttery toasted bread. The chocolate ganache is so simple to make with heavy cream and a hint of vanilla. This is a mouthwatering treat which can be served as a snack or even a dessert. You can even make this recipe with your children as it is so easy! You can make this treat in a variety of different ways, even with fresh fruit. This recipe has wonderful flavor combinations that appeals to all ages.
