Mango Sooji Halwa with poori

Mango sooji halwa with varq and poori

Since the mango surge in the market, my princess needs mango in everything possible. So i tried in the sooji halwa and made it exotic. It sure did smell good.

Golden halwa with silver decoration

 Ingredients-

Ghee- 2 tbsp
Sooji- 1/2 cup
Mango puree- 1/2 cup
Sugar- 6 tbsp
Milk- 1/2 cup
Silver varq- 1/2 sheet, for garnish

Method-

1. In a pan, heat the ghee and saute the sooji till almost golden in color.
2. Add the mango puree and the milk at the same time to the pan and mix well.
3. Let the sooji soak up all the liquid and keep stirring continuously.
4. If required add 1-2 tbsp more milk to make it as per your consistency.
5. add the sugar and mix well and let it all melt.
6. Remove in a bowl and garnish with the silver varq.
7. Serve with hot pooris or even luchi.

WHOLE WHEAT CINNAMON ROLLS

This recipe was modified so that my 6 year old princess could make it herself. Hence no yeast and proofing. Super easy for kids to make on their own.

Ready to knead the dough

 Ingredients-
For the dough-
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
4 tbsp butter
1 cup milk
For filling-
2 tbsp butter, melted
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp cinnamon powder
For the topping-
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp milk or water

About to enter the baking

 Method-
1. Put the flour, salt, baking powder and the soft butter in a big bowl.
2. Mix the butter into the flour with your finger tips to make a sandy texture.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
4. Mix well to form a firm yet soft dough using all the milk.
5. Dust the work surface with whole wheat flour and roll the dough into a square shape about 1/2 cm thick.
6. Mix the powdered sugar with the cinnamon powder.
7. Brush with the melted butter.
8. And sprinkle with the sugar and cinnamon mixture.
9. Roll into a thick roll. Cut into about 1 inch rolls.
10. Arrange them loosely into a greased baking dish.
11. Bake in a 180  C oven for about 20 minutes.

After baking with the frosting

12. Till then mix the powdered sugar with the milk and mix well.
13. If it becomes too thin add more sugar. and if it is too thick then add more milk.
14. When the rolls are baked to a golden perfection, then top with the frosting while still hot.
15. Let it cool and devour.

Healthy Oats Bar- No Sugar, No Butter, No Flour.... Just healthy

Today i made healthy Oats bars with banana. And they have no added sugar, no added butter and no added flour. Just the plain and healthy goodness of oats, banana, almonds and raisins.

Oats and Banana Bar

 Ingredients:
2 large over ripe bananas, mashed till almost liquidy
2 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup almonds roughly chopped
1/4 cup raisins
1 tsp vanilla essence
1/4 tsp cinnamon powder

Ready to go into the oven

 Method-
1. Mash the bananas well in a bowl till almost liquidy.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well till a very thick mixture is formed and all are mixed evenly.
3. Grease a baking tray with 1/2 tbsp olive oil.
4. Spread the mixture evenly into the tray and smooth-en the mixture with the back of a spoon.
5. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 180C for about 30 minutes or till the crust becomes golden brown.
6. Take it out and let it cool before cutting.

My house is smelling of the goodness of baking banana

SPINACH AND BREAD BAKE

Of late, my chikoo's favourite veggie is spinach... And this is good and am happy for her.
So i made these spinach and bread bake for her lunch box today morning. And the good news it was all gone, hopefully into her stomach.

So here goes......

Ingredients-

Spinach- 1/2 bunch
Onion-1, small
Tomato-1, small
Salt- to taste
Pepper- to taste
Oil- 1 tbsp
Bread slices- 6
Cheese-4 tbsp, grated
Butter- to grease
Egg-2
Cream- 1 cup
Oregano=1/2 tsp

Method-

* Cut the sides of the bread slices and apply buter on one side.
* Grease 6 steel bowls or muffin tray.
* Wash and shred the spinach and chop the onion and tomatoes.
* In a pan heat the oil and saute the onion.
* Add the spinach and tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Keep aside.
* In a bowl, mix the egg, cream and cheese and season with pepper and oregano.
* Place the slice of bread in a bowl with the unbuttered side towards thebowl and let it take the shape of the bowl.
* Place little of the mixture in the centre of the bread bowl.
* Do the same with the other slices.
* Pour in the cream and egg mixture into all the six bowls.
* Put the bowls in a baking tray and bake in a pre-heated oven for 10-12 minutes or till the cream and egg mixture becomes solid and forms a golden brown crust.
* You can use any combination of veggies, but the veggies should be cooked to remove all excess moisture.

BANANA CHOCO-CHIP MUFFIN

Banana and chocolate is the most amazing combination ever made. N to have it early in the morning in the form of a muffin is like having a trip to the heaven the first thing in the morning. So here goes to a grand start to a beautiful day.

Ingrtedients-

4 bananas

1/3 cup melted butter

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla essence

1 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/2 walnuts

Method-

* Mash the bananas properly.

* Cream the butter and the sugar till light and fluffy.

* Add the vanilla essence and the egg and mix well.

* Add the mashed banana and mix well.

* Fold in the flour and the baking soda.

* Add the choco chips and the cashew nuts in to the mixture.

* Pour into paper-lined muffin cups and bake at 180 C for 20 min or till a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

GRILLED SMOKED CHICKEN AND CHEESE SANDWICH

I made this today for breakfast as i'm a sandwich freak. I can have sandwich any and every time of the day, unlike my hubby. I got these delicious smoked chicken breats from my butcher yesterday.

Ingredients-

1 smoked chicken breast
4 sliced of brown bread
8 slices of onion
8 slices of tomato
kraft cheese spread, about 2-3 tbsp
1 tbsp dijon mustard
Pepper to taste
Butter for greasing

Method-

* In a small bowl mix the cheese spread, mustard and pepper together till smoooth.
* Slice the smoked chicken thinly.
* Spread the cheese-mustard mixture on the bread slices.
* Assemble the filling on 2 slices and the other 2 are for the cover.
* First layer with onion slices.
* Cover the onions with smoked chicken slices.
* Top with slices of tomatoes.
* Cover the sandwiches with the remaining 2 slices of the bread.
* Grease both the top and bottom side of the sandwiches with butter lighly.
* And grill in a hot griller.
* Enjoy with a small salad or fresh fruits on the side. And a steaming hot cup of coffee.

GRAM-FLOUR PANCAKES

Or BESAN KA CHILLA as it is called in india. It is a savoury pancake which is made from gram flour or chickpea flour or besan. It is also used as a vegetarian substitute for omelettes. But whatever you wanna substitute it as, it sure does taste very good.

Ingredients-

1 cup gramflour or besan
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
2 green chillies, chopped
2 tbsp chopped coriander
2 tsp cumin pwd
1/2 tsp red chili pwd
Salt to taste
1 tsp pepper pwd
Oil for greasing

Method-

* In a bowl place all the ingredients except gramflour and mix well.
* Add the gramflour and mix wel.
* Add enough water to make a smooth pouring batter.
* Grease a griddle with oil and heat it .
* Pour 1 ladle of the batter and spread it evenly.
* Let it brown on one side and then turn.
* When it is golden brown on the other side as well, it is ready to serve.

DIFFERENT FRENCH TOAST

This is a very diferent recipe for french toast as this uses flour and also is not sweet but savoury. It also has onion and herbs. Hope you find this interesting.

Ingredients-

6 slices of whole wheat bread
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
2 tbsp coriander, chopped finely
1 medium onion, very finely chopped
3-4 tbsp refined flour
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
oil for greasing

Method-

* In a bowl, break the eggs.
* Add milk, salt, pepper, onion, coriander, and flour.
* Whisk well to make a smooth and thin batter.
* Cut the sides of the bread slices.
* Dip a slice in the egg batter and cover both sides.
* Heat a non-stick pan or tawa.
* Sprinkle some oil and place the batter dipped bread on it.
* Let it turn a golden brown on one side and then flip over to the other side.
* When golden brown, remove and serve hot.
* If you are serving these for breakfast , then serve them whole or cut diagonally.
* If you are serving them as snacks, then cut the bread into small desired shapes, like triangles or you can even use different cookie cutters, and then dip in the batter and shallow fry.
* If you cut the bread into different shapes with a cookie cutter, then they also make interesting snacks for kids.

VEGGIE CHEESE TOAST

Ingredients-

2 tbsp thick bechamel or white sauce
3 tbsp cheddar cheese, grated
4 slices bread
1 cup veggies, chopped or brunoise( carrots, peas, brocolli, beans, capsicum, bellpeppers)
Salt to taste
pepper to taste

Method-

* Blanch all the veggies except the bellpeppers and capsicum.
* In a bowl mix the blanched veggies, capsicum, bellpeppers, white sauce, cheese, salt and pepper.
* Make into a thick paste.
* Toast the bread on one side.
* Spread the veggie mixture equally on the 4 slices on the untoasted side.
* Gratinate under a salamander until the top is golden.
* Cut into desired shape and serve hot with or without a dip.

SPICED PEANUT SANDWICH

Ingredients-

1/4 fresh coconut, grated
3 tbsp coriander, chopped
1 tbsp cumin pwd
1 tbsp coriander pwd
1 cup peanuts, boiled
1 cup cubed potato, boiled
1 tbsp oil
1 onion, chopped
1/2 tsp turmeric pwd
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
6 slices bread
1 tbsp butter

Method-

* Make a smooth paste of coconut, coriander, cumin pwd and coriander pwd using little water.
* In a pan, heat oil and saute the onions.
* Add 2 tbsp of the coconut paste and saute till it starts leaving oil.
* Add 1/2 tsp turmeric pwd and mix well.
* Add the peanut and potato and mix well.
* Season with salt and lemon juice.
* Divide the mixture into 3 parts and spread on 3 slices of bread.
* Cover the remaining 3 slices.
* Put very little butter on both sides and grill or toast in a sandwich maker.
* For snacks, toast the bread on one side.
* Spread the peanut mixture evenly on the non-toasted side.
* Sprinkle with little grated cheddar cheese and gratinate.
* Cut into desired shapes and serve.

POACHED EGGS ON MUSHROOM N SALAMI ON TOAST

This breakfast is as light and as healthy as it can get. And there's no use of any oil or butter. So make this and enjoy your healthy start to a great day. But really sorry that i forgot to take a photograph as i was really hungry.

Ingredients-

2 eggs
2 slices brown or whole wheat bread
6-8 button mushrooms, diced
2 slices salami, diced
1 small onion, diced
1 tbsp vinegar
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Method-

* In a non-stick pan put the mushrooms and the onions and sprinkle a few drops of water and cook till the water evaporates.
* Add the salami and saute for 2 min. Season with salt and pepper.
* Toast the slices of bread.
* Divide the mushroom mixture equally and put on the bread.
* In a deep pan boil some water with the vinegar.
* Poach the eggs in the water.
* Remove and drain excess water and place the poached eggs on the mushroom mixture.
* Sprinkle salt and pepper on top. ENJOY guilt free breakfast.

SPICED POTATO SANDWICHES

Ingredients-

2 large potatoes, peeled, boiled and mashed
1/4 cup green peas, boiled
1 tbsp oil
1 onion, chopped
1 green chilli, chopped without seeds
1 tsp mustard seeds
6-8 curry leaves
1/2 tsp turmeric pwd
1/2 tsp red chilli pwd
Salt to taste
8 bread slices
1 tbsp butter, for greasing

Method-

* Switch on the sandwich toaster or griller and let it heat.
* In a pan heat the oil and splutter the mustard seeds and the curry leaves.
* Add the onion and saute till translucent.
* Add the spices and green chillies and saute.
* Add the potatoes and peas and mix well.
* Season the mixture.
* Add 1/2 cup water and let all the water be absorbed by the mixture.
* Then divide the mixture equally between 4 slices of bread.
* Top them with the other 4 slices.
* Apply little butter on both the sides of the sandwich.
* Toast or grill the sandwiches till crisp and golden brown on the outside.
* Serve with any sauce of your choice.

CORN N PEAS UPMA

Hi,
Sorry that couldn't post for thr last two days my internet was not working. And when i called airtel ti find out, they said that it was due to some technical fault which took them two days to rectify. Any ways, now here is the recipe which u all have been waiting for.

Ingredients-

1/4 cup corn kernels
1/4 cup peas
1/2 cup sooji
1 tbsp chana dal
1 tbsp urad dal
1 tsp mustard seeds
2 tbsp coconut oil
10 curry leaves
1 1/2 cup water
Salt to taste
1 whole red chilli

Method-

* In a pan heat the coconut oil.
* Add the whle red chilli, mustard seeds, curry leaves, chana dal and the urad dal.
* Let the mustard seeds splutter.
* Add the onion, corn and peas and saute till onions are translucent.
* Add the sooji and cook it till it turns light brown in colour.
* Add the water and let it cook on slow flame till all the water is absorbed.
* Season with salt.

CRAB SCRAMBLED EGGS

This is a gourmet scrambled eggs. As the saying goes "breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper", so here's to a breakfast fit for a king. And since you are at it, then why just have simple toast. Try this with the buttery goodness of fresh croissants.

Ingredients-

3 eggs
1/2 cup crab meat
3 tbsp cream
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp spring onion, chopped
salt to taste

Method-

* In a pan melt the butter.
* Saute the spring onions.
* Ad the crab meat and saute for 3 min.
* Add the cream and mix well.
* After 3 min add the eggs and mix well.
* Season with salt. Enjoy with toast!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BACON, PEAS AND POTATO FRITTATA

Ingredients-

1/2 cup peas
2 bacon rashers, diced
1/2 cup boiled potato, diced
3 eggs, beaten
3 tbsp cheddar cheese, grated
1 tbsp olive oil
salt to taste
pepper to taste

Method-

* Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan.
* Add the bacon and cook till done.
* Add the potatoes and cook till coloured on all sides
* Add the peas and seasoning.
* Add the eggs and chese.
* Mix well.
* Let the bottom cook till brown.
* Then cook the other side.
* Serve hot. Enjoy with hot toast.

COTTAGE CHEESE PANCAKES

Ingredients-
3 egg yolks
4 tbsp sugar
200 gms cottage cheese, grated
200 gms flour
3 egg whites, whipped till almost soft peak

Method-

* Mix the egg yolks, sugar and cottage cheese.
* Then add the flolur and mix well.
* Fold in the whipped egg whites.
* Make pancakes of desired sizes.
* Serve with honey or maple syrup. Enjoy!!!!

BREAKFAST COUSCOUS

Ingredients-
1 1/4 cup water
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup couscous
1/4 cup cranberries
1/4 cup raisins
1/8 cup golden flax seed (or regular)
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon pwd
1/8 tsp salt

Method-

* Bring water to boil in small saucepan.
* Add remaining ingredients, remove from heat.
* Cover and let stand 10 minutes.
* Serve either hot or cold.
* Mix all the dry ingredients and store them in a jar. Just add water and instant breakfast is ready in 2 min.

HEALTHY PANCAKES WITH CARAMEL SAUCE

Ingredients-

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cup double toned milk
2 1/2 tsp baking pwd
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp melted butter

Method-

* Mix all the dry ingredients.
* Beat the eggs and mix in the milk.
* In a bowl mix all the ingredients together into a smooth batter.
* If required add more milk or water.
* Make pancakes in whatever size u want.
* Can b served with low cal honey or try the caramel sauce.
* For the sauce- take 4 tbsp sugar and the same amount of water.
* Make caramel and take it off fire.
* Then add 2 tbsp cream and mix well.
* To make it more healthy u can add milk instead of cream. And it tastes as good.

BANANA COFFEE SMOOTHIE

Ingredients-

1 no banana
2 cup yoghurt
1 tsp coffee pwd
1 tbsp sugar syrup

Method-

* Blend all in a blender.
* To serve, pour into tall glass.
* Garnish with banana slice and sprig of mint.

SMOKED SALMON SCRAMBLE

Ingredients-
Eggs
Cream
Parsley, chopped
Smoked salmon
Rocket
Cherry tomatoes
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Method-
* Make the scrambled eggs using the eggs, cream, salt and peper.
* Then add the chopped parsley.
* In a plate arrange the smoked salmon.
* Place the rocket on top.
* Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place on the rocket.
* Drizzle with olive oil.
* Serve with hot scrambled egg.