Aloo Tikkis

Aloo(Potato) Kebabs/Tikkis, I simply love potatoes, this bonding makes me try something with them; new or recreate. Got this idea from the regional cookery show aired on TV and also inspired by dear friends non stop potato recipe updates.

Aloo kebabs are crispy, soft and spongy and melt in the mouth. Yes, I have made them spicy with addition of green chilly you can omit it; it's completely up to you.

Wrap them up in Parathas/pita bread with some fresh salad for a filling meal or serve as is for evening snack. Needless to say, it makes a great starter for parties. Serve paired with Veg Pulao and raita to sparkle the usual boring breakfast.

Ingredients:

3 Large potatoes (500 gm)

3 slices sandwich bread

2-3 tbsp rice flour (or cornflour)

2 tsp ginger garlic paste

1 green chillies, finely chopped

1 medium onion (optional)

1 small carrot

1 tsp chilli powder

½ tsp garam masala

Salt to taste

Oil for deep frying

Method:

Step 1: Boil potatoes with salt and cool,peel and mash, set aside. Cut onions into very small pieces or grate it. Peel and grate the carrot.

Step 2: Soak break in a cup of water just immerse and strain out the water and crush using your hand and put it in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Combine everything well in a large bowl, adjust seasoning. Take about tablespoon of mixture and give them a patty/tikkis shape and repeat with rest of the mixture.

Step 4: Heat oil in a wok, Fry them in medium to low heat, flip over until golden brown on outside and transfer to kitchen towel to strain excess oil.

Note:

As I always say spices can be adjusted according to your spice level

About a tbsp of lemon juice and cumin powder can be added for intense flavors.

Chicken Fried Rice

Bored of same old Biriyani? Want to make something with rice and it has to be chicken and quick yet no compromise on taste. Yes! I have a solution it is quick, easy and delicious rice dish with chicken.

This Indochinese recipe is very popular in South Asia and much loved street food in my home country. My vegetarian friends can savour the dish by substituting chicken with tofu or veggies (Beans, carrots, broccoli). This fine range of fried rice is sure to impress the royal table, vary the seasoning to suit your palate.

Fried rice is always served hot, reheating spoils the fun. Serve with tomato sauce and hot chilli sauce, if you have an extra help in kitchen think of Manchurian to go with it.

Ingredients:

2 Cups rice

1 cup of chicken breast pieces

2 tbsp oil

2 eggs

1 big onion, cut lengthwise

2 green chillies, slit

1 tsp ginger garlic paste

1 tsp black pepper powder

1 tsp chili powder

2 tbsp soya sauce

1 tsp chili sauce (optional)

Salt to taste

Directions:

Step 1: Cut chicken into about two inch thin strips. Mix with ½ tsp each chili and pepper powder and pinch of salt and set aside.

Step 2: Pressure cook rice for 2 whistles with a little less water than the cooking instructions on rice packet. (I used about 3.5 cups water: 2cups rice). Once the pressure is released spread rice on a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Heat oil in a wok, add onions, green chillies, ginger garlic paste and saute in high heat. Use long handle ladle. Sauté till aroma vanish. Add chicken and stir fry for 2 minutes or till it changes color.

Step 4: Break eggs into wok, add salt, remaining pepper and chilli powder. Stir fry for 1-2 minutes. Add chili sauce, soya sauce and stir.

Step 5: Add rice, and continue high heat stirring for 2-3 minutes. Turn off and garnish with onion greens/chillies

Note:

As I always say adjust spices according to your taste.

Mixed nuts cake

These soft cakes come to rescue for a quick breakfast, dessert or when you feel urge to munch on something, best served with a cup of tea. Add loads of mixed nuts-almonds, walnuts, Pistachios, cashews or of your choice to boost proteins and nutrients. I recommend using almonds with skin as its rich ‘flavonoids’ is full of heart protecting compounds.

 

As I started to explore I realized baking is really fun and versatile. Cooking or any work is fun as long as we love and enjoy making it and cooking is something that can be made interesting and a key to win hearts of loved ones.

Coming to the recipe it is a simple, no fail recipe any beginner could blindly try. Cake is soft, crumbly and aromatic with vanilla flavor. I love the aroma it spreads in kitchen hope you like it too. Happy cooking!

 Ingredients:

1 ½ cup All-purpose flour

¾ cup sugar

½ cup nuts, coarsely chopped

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla

Pinch of salt

4 tbsp vegetable oil

¾ cup yogurt, slightly beaten (or laban)

2 large eggs

Method:

Step1: Sift all dry ingredients to a bowl and mix well, set aside. Mix the nuts with about 2 tsp flour and set aside.

Step 2: Beat the eggs in a large mixing bowl, add oil, yogurt and whisk.

Step 3: Fold in the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, cut and fold in until just combined. Add nuts and fold in.

Step 4: Grease and dust the loaf tin/cake pan. Pour the batter to the pan and bake for 22-25 minutes in preheated oven at 180 c or till the tooth pick inserted comes out clean.

Step 5: Let it cool for 5 minutes in cake pan then invert it on wire rack and allow it to cool completely.

Note:

Cut the cake into slices while it’s still warm.

It can be served warm

Mixing fruits or nuts in flour prevents it from sinking to the bottom of the cake.

Mixed nuts & fruits- almonds, cashews, raisins

Pepper Mutton/Chicken

Spicy dishes are simply welcome anytime at home. This one is from list of family favorites. Boneless mutton pieces are preferred for easy bites, but you may also add with bone as long you keep the pieces small.

This is a super easy recipe is intended for a busy weekday dinner meal with the ingredients which is usually up there in pantry. The succulent pieces of mutton are coated in thick spicy sauce and cooked to perfection. Enjoy this as starter or serve as side with piping hot steamed rice and mutton sambar as I did, yes onion rings and lemon wedges ofcourse.

Ingredients:

500 gm Mutton
1 small onion, chopped lengthwise(optional)

2-3 tbsp oil

2 tsp ginger garlic paste

3 red chillies, broken

½ tsp turmeric powder

2 tsp coriander powder

2 tsp black pepper powder

Salt to taste

Directions:

Step 1: Heat oil in a frying pan in medium low. Add garlic, red chillies, onion, and sauté for less than one minute.

Step 2: Add mutton pieces, turmeric, salt and sauté for 2 minutes and cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Check in between to avoid burning.

Step 3: Add pepper and coriander powder, stir and simmer for 18-20 minutes and turn off. Serve with lemon wedges and ENjoy!

Note: 

As I always say, adjust spices according to your spice level