Saturday 22 December 2012

Masala Papad-Roasted Papad topped with fresh salad

Papad is a dried lentil chip which has been mixed with some spices like pepper and garlic.This recipe is a great appetizer and I have used roasted urad dal with garlic papad.You can also make it with fried papads.

Ingredients:
Urad dal papad-4 medium size
Tomatoes-4 teaspoons,finely chopped
Onions-5 teaspoons,finely chopped
Green chillies-2 teaspoons
Green coriander leaves-2 teaspoons,finely chopped
Lime juice-2 teaspoons
Kala namak/salt-a pinch for each papad

Method:
-Roast the papad over mediun heat on a gas stove flipping the sides.Do not burn the papads.
-Mix all the above ingredients in a bowl.
-Spread the salad over each papad and serve immediately.

Wednesday 19 December 2012

Broken-Wheat Pilaf-Dalia Khichdi

Broken wheat also called dalia is a product of wheat and has all the benefits of wheat  in addition to the nutrient rich outer bran and the germ of wheat.It is also rich in calcium, iron and phosphorous.This recipe is ideal for growing children as their little bodies need lots of carbohydrate,vitamins and minerals.It is also high in fiber.

Ingredients:
Broken wheat-1 cup
Split Moong Dal(yellow)-1/4 cup
Carrot-1/2,finely chopped
Green peas-1/2 cup
Cauliflower-3-4 florets,chopped
Onion-1/2,finely chopped
Turmeric powder-1/2 teaspoon
Green chilli-1,finely chopped
Cumin seeds-1/4 teaspoon
Green coriander leaves-2 teaspoons,finely chopped
Salt to taste
Oil-1 teaspoon
Water-3 cups

Method:
-Dry roast the dalia on medium flame till you get a nice aroma.
-Take a pressure cooker and heat 1 teaspoon of oil in it.
-Add the cumin seeds and let it crackle.
-Add onions and green chillies and saute till it becomes translucent.
-Now add the moong dal and fry it for another 2 minutes.
-Add all the chopped vegetables and mix well.
-Cook the vegetables for 3-4 minutes and then add the roasted dalia and mix well again.
-Add3 cups of water and pressure cook it for 3-4 whistles.
-Garnish it with some freshly chopped coriander and serve hot.
Put the salt turmeric

Tuesday 18 December 2012

Spring Onion-Coriander Paratha

Winters can be hard on health.While most of us prefer staying indoors and sipping hot cup of tea and soups,it is also a good time to enjoy all the seasonal fresh green veggies, fruits and nuts.
Make sure you eat healthy this winter by including all the winter foods in your diet.
Today I'm going to share a paratha recipe with spring onions and fresh green coriander leaves.Serve this paratha for breakfast or lunch with a bowl of curd and some pickle.This is also another way to sneak veggies into your kid's tiffin.Pack them in their lunch box with some healthy salads and pickles.

Ingredients:
Spring onions-1 bunch ,finely chopped

Green coriander leaves-1/2 bunch,finely chopped
Whole wheat flour(Atta)-4 cups
Gram flour(Besan)-3 teaspoons
Lime juice-1 teaspoon
Chilli powder-1 teaspoon
Black pepper-1 teaspoon,crushed
Cumin seeds-1/4 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Oil/Ghee-2 teaspoons
Water-1.5 cups,to knead the dough

Method:
-Wash the spring onions well to remove all the dirt from it and finely chop it well along with the bulbs.
-Wash the coriander leaves and finely chop them.
-Take a large container and add all the above ingredients except water and mix well with hand.
-Slowly add little water and knead to make a nice soft dough.
-Let te dough rest for 15-20 minutes.
-Take a roll pin and small portion of the dough and dust some atta on it and roll to make a round chapati.
-Heat a pan and put the chapati  and cook till both sides are done properly.
-Smear a little oil or ghee on one side of the paratha and flip and add a little more oil on the other side too.
-Repeat this process with the rest of the dough.
-Serve hot with curd ,salad and pickle.