Make-Ahead Basic Gravy(Indian Recipe)

Indian cooking is usually done with fresh ingredients and it's a common misconception that Indian food takes hours to cook.
Today's recipe is a basic Indian gravy that uses some of the common ingredients. Preparing this gravy ahead of time can further cut down on your cooking time.This gravy is cooked using a little more oil and no water is added.Use freezer storage bags to store this gravy and don't forget to label the bags with dates.
This gravy can be used to make a recipe using boiled potatoes and blanched vegetables.You can even cook eggs,meat,fish or paneer(Cottage Cheese) and green peas.
Ingreadients
Onions-1 big,sliced
Tomatoes-2 medium,Pureed
Ginger-Garlic paste-2 teaspoons
Green chilli-1,Finely chopped
Cinnamon-1 piece
Black pepper-2-3
Bay leaf-1
Green Cardamom-1
Red chilli powder-1/2 teaspoon
Coriander powder-1.5 teaspoon
Turmeric powder-1/4 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Oil-5 teaspoons

Method
-Heat a pan and 5 teaspoons of oil and saute the sliced onions till translucent.
-Add finely chopped green chillies and all the above ingredients and cook for 3-4 minutes.
-Stir well to see that the gravy has been cooked properly.
-Turn the flame off and allow this gravy to cool completely.
-Take a spoon and put the gravy in a freezer storage bag or an air tight and dry container.
-This gravy stays fresh if stored properly for 3-4 days.
-Remember to use a spoon every time you use the gravy.

Simple Egg Omelette

I've made this omelette with eggs,spring onions,onions,coriander leaves and green chillies.I have used a little more green chilli but the the choice is all yours.Adding less green chillies will make the recipe equally tasty.It's simple,tasty and is ready in 2 minutes.
Ingredients
Eggs-2
Spring onions finely chopped-3 teaspoons
Onions finely chopped-2 teaspoons
Chopped coriander leaves-3 teaspoons
Green chillies,chopped- 2 teaspoons
Salt to taste
Oil-3 teaspoons

Method
-Break the eggs and put in a bowl and add 1/2 teaspoons of salt.
-Beat the egg with a fork till it becomes light and airy.
-Add all the above ingredients except oil.
-Heat 3 teaspoons of oil in a fry pan and add the beaten eggs.
-Cook for 2 minutes on medium flame and turn using a spatula.
-Tasty Indian Omelette is ready.
-Have it with toasted brown bread.

Mushroom Masala(Indian Recipe)

This mushroom and capsicum recipe is cooked in tomato-onion gravy and is spiced up by ginger,garlic and whole garam masala.It is best serves with chapatis or vegetable pulao.This delicious recipe can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Button mushroon-1 pack
Green Capsicum-1 big
Onions-1 large
Ginger-1 inch peice
Garlic-5-6 cloves
Green Chilli-1
Tomatoes-2 medium size
Turmeric powder-1/4 teaspoon
Coriander powder-2 teaspoons
Red chilli powder-1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Vegetable oil/Olive oil-2.5 tablespoons
Fresh coriander leaves-2 teaspoons,finely chopped

Whole Garam Masala
Black pepper-3-4
Green cardamom-2
Black cardamom-1
Cinnamon-1 piece
Bay leaf-1

Method
-Wash the mushrooms with water thoroughly and cut them into halves.
-Cut the capsicum into medium square pieces.
-Dice the tomatoes and blend them in a mixer/blender to make a smooth puree.
-Finely chop the onions.
-Make a paste with green chillies,garlic and ginger.
-Heat 2.5 table spoons of oil in a pan and add the whole garam masala.
-Add the chopped onions and diced capsicum saute till the onions turn a little golden.
-Add the ginger,chilli ,garlic paste and saute again for 1-2 minutes.
-Now add the tomato puree and stir well.
-Immediately add turmeric powder,coriander powder,red chilli powder and salt and let the masala cook for 3-4 minutes on medium flame.
-Add the cut mushrooms and cook till the mushrooms are properly cooked in the masala.
-Keep mixing the mushroom and masala and cook for about 5-6 minutes.Garnish with chopped coriander leaves
-Turn off the flame and serve this delicious mushroon-capsicum masala with chapatis or vegetable pulao.

Egg Omlette with Vegetables

This healthy egg omlette has been made with sauteed vegetables and is a healthy breakfast.You can have the omelette with parathas also.
Ingredients
Eggs-2
Onions,chopped-2 teaspoons
Carrot,grated-1/2
Dried oregano-1/2 teaspoon
Red bell pepper finely chopped-2 teaspoons
Yellow bell pepper finely chopped-2 teaspoons
Green bell pepper finely chopped-2 teaspoons
Mushroom chopped-3
Green chilli,finely chopped-1/2 teaspoon
Tomatoes,diced-1/2
Salt to taste
White pepper powder-1/4 teaspoon
Oil-4 teaspoons

Method
-Break the eggs in a bowl and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
-Beat the eggs nicely using a fork.
-Add the chopped onions,crushed oregano and green chillies to the beaten eggs.
-Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a pan and add the vegetables mentioned in the ingredients.
-Saute the vegetables till they are slightly done.
-Now add the sauteed vegetables to the beaten eggs.
-Heat a flat fry pan and add 3 teaspoons of oil to it.
-Now add the eggs with vegetables to this pan and cook for 2 minutes.remember to keep the flame on medium.
-Gently turn the omlette and cook for 60 seconds.
-Sprinkle white pepper powder on top
-Egg omlette with vegetables is ready!
-Serve with tomato ketchup.

Egg Masala (Indian Recipe)

Eggs are packed with protein and this is a nutritious egg recipe which is made from hard boiled eggs.You can hard boil the eggs and store them in the refrigerator for atleast a day.I like to serve this recipe with hot Parathas(Indian flat bread).Pack egg masala in your lunch box or have it for dinner or lunch.

Ingredients
Hard boiled eggs-3
Onions chopped-1
Green chilli chopped-1
Tomatoes Diced-1
Garlic paste-1 teaspoon
Coriander Powder-1 teaspoon
Turmeric Powder-1/2 teaspoon
Red chilli powder-1/2 teaspoon
Garam Masala-a pinch(optional)
Chopped coriander leaves-1/2 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Oil-4 teaspoon
Method
-Take the egg shell out and make 1or 2 slits on the top of the eggs and rub the eggs with a pinch of salt and turmeric powder.
-Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a pan and fry the eggs.Remember to turn the eggs once one side has been fried well.Once the eggs look slightly golden,take them out and keep aside.
-In the same pan add 2 more teaspoons of oil and add the chopped onions and fry till they turn slightly brown.
-Now add the coriander powder,chopped green chillies,garlic paste,turmeric,salt,red chilli powder and the diced tomatoes.
-Stir well and cook the masala for 3-4 minutes.Add garam masala and the fried eggs.
-Cook for another 2-3 minutes and turn off the flame.Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.
-Serve with Parathas or rice

Vegetable Tikki

This vegetable tikki is a ready -in -a -jiffy preparation.All you need is some veggies and cheese.Tikkis taste great with chutneys and some healthy salads
Ingredients
Boiled potato-1 big
Grated carrot-1
Green peas boiled-1/2 cup
Processed cheese cube-1small
Dry mango powder(Aamchur-1 teaspoon(Optional)
Garlic-1clove
Green chilli-1
Chopped coriander leaves-2 teaspoons
Salt to taste
Cornflour-4 teaspoon
Oil-for shallow fry

Method
-In a mixer,add boiled green peas,garlic and green chilli.Grind it for 4 seconds.
-Take a big bowl and add boiled and mashed potatoes,grated cheese,green peas paste and all the above ingredients and mash well.
-Take a small portion of the mashed potatoes and veggies and make round balls.
-Gently press the balls to make flat tikkis.
-Heat and flat pan and add 2 teaspoons of oil.
-Now put 2to 3 tikkis on the pan and cook on medium heat.
-Turn the tikkis and cook on the other side too.If required add another teaspoon of oil .
-Once the tikkis are cooked and look nice and golden,take them out and serve hot with delicious chutneys
-You can also serve it with salads.

Cheese and Peas Paratha(Indian Flat Bread)

Cheese and green peas paratha is yet another healthy lunch box and kid friendly recipe.I usually cut the parathas in squares,triangles or make small round parathas.You can even use a cookie cutter to make star and heart shaped parathas.
Ingredients
Boiled green peas-1/2 cup
Garlic-1 clove
Green chilli(optional)-1/2
Processed cheese cubes/slices-1
Salt to taste
Oil-to make the parathas
For the Dough
Whole wheat flour(atta)-2cups
Salt-1/4 teaspoon
Carom seeds(Ajwain)-1/4 teaspoon
Water-1/2 cup

Method
To Make the Dough
-Add the boiled green peas,garlic,green chilli and a pinch of salt in a blender and mixer and blend to make a fine paste.Do not add water.
-Take a big container and put the whole wheat flour,salt and carom seeds.Mix well.
-Add the green peas paste to the wheat flour and mix well with your hand.
-Grate the cheese cube or simply mash the cheese slice and put it in the wheat flour.
-Add little water and make the dough by moving the flour mixture is circular direction.
-Repeat this process to make a nice and soft dough.Allow the dough to rest for 10-15 minutes.

To Make the Parathas 
-Take a rolling pin and a cup of wheat flour(atta)

-Take a small portion of the dough,make a round ball and dust it with whole wheat flour.
-Press the ball with your hands to make the dough flat.
-Roll gently to make round parathas.The edges should be rolled properly so the they do not remain thick.
-You can cut the parathas into the desired shapes or just make small round parathas.
-Heat a pan and put the paratha.Turn it to the other side after 2-3 minutes.
-Apply 1/2 teaspoon of oil only when both the sides are cooked properly.
-Take out and serve hot with green coriander chutney.