Cake Enhancers

Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of meringue powder to your cake mix to help it rise a bit higher and make it a bit lighter in texture.

Add 1 envelope of unflavored gelatin to the cake batter, helps prevent the top of the cake splitting or cracking.

First add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the butter and sugar called for in the recipe before mixing the rest of the ingredients. Helps make the cake lighter.

Take your time creaming the butter, beat/cream for at least 5 minutes to get lots of air into the butter. Add the sugar and beat/cream really well again.

Separate eggs before adding them to recipes–beat yolks till golden and creamy then add to the butter/sugar mixture. Beat the egg whites until light and frothy before folding them into the butter mixture.

Why does my cake crack?

The most common cause of a crack in the surface of the cake is baking in an oven that is too hot. The surface of the cake sets very quickly, before the inside of the cake has had time to expand fully. Then as the inside of the cake heats up and starts to rise it has to break through the crust to have the space to expand. This tends to give a volcano look to the cake with the inside of cake spilling out of the crack.Actual oven temperatures often vary from the setting on the dial and it would seem that your oven might be running a little hot. Try setting it a little below the temperature stated in the recipe next time you bake a cake. Also take care to bake the cake in the center of the oven, not too close to the top where the temperature is highest.Another cause could be over-dosing on leavener e.g. baking powder or baking soda, so always measure these ingredients carefully.

Also plzzz ensure u use proper baking utencils for measurement..

Baking is a science not an art...accurate measurement is very important..

Plz invest ur money in measuring spoons, measuring cups(for dry ingredients) and jugs for liquid ingredients

FEW MORE REASON IF ur cakes sink AFTER u take them out

Over or underbeating – too much or too little air is incorporated into batter.

Underbaking - oven temperature too low and / or too short a baking time. Probably not thoroughly cooked. Bake longer or reduce the heat by 25 degrees F and bake longer.

Over or under measurement of liquid or too much sugar.

Too small a pan

Excessive jarring or moving of the cake during baking.

Opening the oven door before cake sets

Oven temperature too low.

Too much baking powder or baking soda Keep recipe close to 1 teaspoon baking powder or 1/4 teaspoon baking soda per cup of flour.

Beaten egg whites - When you beat egg whites, their proteins unwind and join together loosely, making them very unstable. Make sure at least one of the egg whites is not beaten, but added with the liquid ingredients instead, to help stabilize its structure.

Sugar and fat under-creamed.

Not enough liquid

Too much flour

Used all-purpose flour instead of cake flour.

Careless or poor depositing in the pans.

Baking powder was old.

Some Reasons Why Cakes Sink or Fall In The Middle:

 Cakes will sink or fall because:

1). Overbeating – too much air is incorporated into batter.

2). Underbaking - Oven temperature too low and/or too short a baking time.

3). Over or under measurement of liquid or under measurement of flour.

4). Using too small or large of a baking pan.

5). Moving or jarring cake before sufficiently baked or opening the oven door before cake sets.

Note: Only open oven door if absolutely needed, one-half to three-quarter's way through baking.

6). The most common error has to do with the oven temperature. Make sure you have an oven thermometer to test your oven for accuracy.

7). Depending on the recipe if you fold in egg whites, if not beaten fully or folded in too harshly, the cake could fall.

8). Even creaming the butter and sugar too much or too little can cause problems.

There are a number of reasons to why your cakes may be sinking after u take then out theses are as follows:

The cake may not be cooked for long enough

Your oven may not be the correct temperature so its recommended that you test it with an oven thermometer!.

also the oven door may have been opened before the cake has set causing the cake to collapse!.

The mixture also may not have been beaten thoroughly enough or there might have been too little flour or too many eggs

Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe

Recipe Type: Condiments

Yields: approximately 2 to 2 1/4 cups

Prep time: 5 min

Ingredients:

2 egg yolks, room temperature*

1 whole egg, room temperature*

1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice, plus more if needed

1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

Big pinch freshly-ground white pepper

Up to 2 cups vegetable oil or pure olive oil (all one or a mixture)**

* Since raw eggs are being use, only use the freshest eggs you can buy (the fresher, the better). As an egg ages, lecithin, a protein that acts as the central emulsifying agent, breaks down and the power of the egg yolk to stabilize the mayonnaise weakens. You may also use pasteurized eggs.

** For a basic mayonnaise, use an oil with a mild flavor that won't overpower the other ingredients. If you plan to refrigerate your mayonnaise, then choose a refined oil such as pure olive oil or sunflower oil. An unrefined oil, such as extra virgin olive oil, will solidify when chilled and cause separation later as it returns to room temperature.

Preparation:

Put the egg yolks, egg, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and white pepper in the work bowl of the food processor; process for 10 seconds or more, until creamy.

With the food processor running continuously, pour in the oil very slowly in driblets at first, to start the emulsion process. NOTE: Add 10 to 15% of the oil at this time. The first addition should be small and gradual. Wait about 30 second between additions.

When the sauce has definitely thickened, you may add the oil in a thin stream. Do not stop the machine at this point, but cease pouring every few seconds to be sure the oil is being absorbed. NOTE: Add about 50% of the oil at this time.

Then continue until the remaining 1 1/2 cups of oil are incorporated. NOTE: You may not need to use all the remaining oil at this time.

Stop the machine and check the mayonnaise for taste and consistency. Adjust the seasonings and, if the mayonnaise is very thick, process in drops of lemon juice or warm water to thin. The mayonnaise may be used at this point, or you can process in some of the remaining oil for a thicker sauce.

Transfer the finished mayonnaise to a bowl. If not using right away, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The sauce will keep for a good week.

Makes approximately 2 to 2 1/4 cups.

Precautions for Preparing Mayonnaise:

IMPORTANT: All the ingredients must be at room temperature. If necessary, eggs may be immersed in warm water for 10 minutes to bring them up to temperature before breaking them into the blender jar.

Since raw eggs are being use, only use the freshest eggs you can buy (the fresher, the better). As an egg ages, lecithin, a protein that acts as the central emulsifying agent, breaks down and the power of the egg yolk to stabilize the mayonnaise weakens. You may also use pasteurized eggs.

Eggs keep the fat (oil) and the liquid (vinegar or lemon juice) of the mayonnaise evenly blended together. If egg yolks weren’t used to emulsify the mayonnaise, the heavier liquid would sink and the lighter fat would float just as they do in vinegar and oil dressing.

Never use aluminum bowls or saucepans to prepare mayonnaise, as they will turn the mayonnaise gray. Stainless steel, enameled, plastic (food processor) or glass may be used.

Add the oil very slowly, especially at the beginning.

Since homemade mayonnaise has fresh eggs in it, the mayonnaise should not be left at room temperature for more than a couple hours, as food poisoning is always a concern.

Repairing "Turned" or "Broken" Mayonnaise:

If mayonnaise breaks at any point, it can be brought back together by beating the broken mixture bit by bit into a fresh egg yolk.

As soon as this new mixture begins to thicken, the broken mayonnaise can be added more quickly.

Mayonnaise frequently breaks when stored overnight in the refrigerator and should be reconstituted before being used.

Sour Cream

You will need:

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup sour cream or buttermilk (or even white vinegar will work)

Instructions

In a screw-top jar, combine the heavy cream and sour cream (or buttermilk). Shake the ingredients up a bit to thoroughly mix and let stand, covered, at room temperature for about 24 hours or until it becomes very thick. You can store your sour cream in the refrigerator in the original jar you mixed it in (or use some other resealable container) for up to one week. Make sure that your sour cream is well chilled before using.

If you want to make a lighter sour cream, substitute whole milk for 1/2 cup of the heavy cream.

PS: Buttermilk is made by adding 1 tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of room-temperature whole milk. You then leave this to stand for about 10 minutes. Then use in the recipe as directed.

Here is a handy link showing various substitutions that can be used instead of Sour Cream.

Home made Khoya

For Method 1

You will need:

Evaporated Milk 1 Tin (unsweetened)

Milk Powder 2 cups

Take a mixing bowl and put the milk powder in it.

Now add the Evaporated milk in it slowly.

Knead it into a dough (hard dough)

Now make a ball of this dough and put it in the freezer.

After 30 minutes or so, take this ball out of the freezer.

Now grate it using a coarse grater and use it as you want it.

I prefer this method as this is the fastest and sure shot method.

For Method 2

Ingredients:

3 cups Full Cream Milk

300 ml Thickened Cream

1 can Condensed Milk

1. Put all the ingredients in a microwave proof container

2. Heat it on high for 4 minutes

3. Take the container out and stir it.

4. Heat it on high again for 4 minutes.

5. Stir it again.

If you are not using the Microwave then just heat the mixture in a thick bottomed pan on the stove for 5-6 minutes ( or more , until the consistency starts to thicken ), making sure that the mixture does not stick to the bottom.

Your Khoya is ready. This can be used to make Burfi and Malai Pedas.

How Much and How Many

Butter, Chocolate

2 tablespoons butter = 1 ounce

1 stick or 1/4 pound butter = 1/2 cup

1 square chocolate = 1 ounce

Crumbs

20 saltine crackers = 1 cup fine crumbs

12 graham crackers = 1 cup fine crumbs

22 vanilla wafers = 1 cup fine crumbs

8 to 9 slices zwieback = 1 cup fine crumbs

1 slice bread = 1/2 cup soft crumbs

Nuts

1 pound walnuts in shell = 2 cups, shelled

1/4 pound chopped walnuts = about 1 cup

1 pound almonds in shell = about 1 cup, shelled

Fruits, Vegetables
Juice of 1 lemon = 3 to 4 tablespoons
Grated peel of 1 lemon = 1 teaspoon
Juice of 1 orange = 6 to 7 tablespoons
Grated peel of 1 orange = about 2 teaspoons
1 medium apple, chopped = 1 cup
1 medium onion, chopped = 1/2 cup
1/4 pound celery (about 2 stalks) chopped = 1 cup

Cheese and Eggs
1 pound process cheese, shredded = 4 cups
1/4 pound blue cheese, crumbled = 3/4 to 1 cup
1 large egg, beaten = 1/4 cup
12 to 14 egg yolks = 1 cup
8 to 10 egg whites = 1 cup

Cereals
4 ounces macaroni (1 - 1 1/4 cups) = 2 1/4 cups cooked
4 ounces noodles (1 1/2 - 2 cups) = 2 1/4 cups cooked
4 ounces spaghetti (1 - 1 1/4 cups) = 2 1/2 cups cooked
1 cup uncooked rice (6 1/2 - 7 ounces) = 3 - 3 1/2 cups cooked
1 cup precooked rice = 2 cups cooked

Substitutions

1 tablespoon cornstarch = 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)

1 cup sifted all-purpose flour = 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sifted cake flour

1 square chocolate = 3 tablespoons cocoa plus 1 tablespoon butter (1 ounce)

1 teaspoon baking powder = 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

1 cup milk = 1/2 cup evaporated milk plus 1/2 cup water

1 cup sour milk = 1 cup sweet milk into which 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice has been mixed. 1 cup buttermilk may also be used

1 cup sweet milk = 1 cup sour milk or buttermilk plus 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Buttermilk = for 1 cup use 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar and enough milk to measure 1 cup
Cake flour = for 1 cup use 7/8 cup all-purpose flour
Cracker crumbs = for 3/4 cup use 1 cup bread crumbs
Dark corn syrup = for 1 cup use 3/4 cup light corn syrup and 1/4 cup molasses or 1 cup light corn syrup
Garlic = for 1 clove, minced use 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic salt = for 1 teaspoon use 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder and 7/8 teaspoon salt
Half-and Half = for 1 cup use 1 tablespoon melted butter and enough whole milk to equal 1 cup
Honey = for 1 cup use 1 1/4 cups sugar and 1/4 cup liquid
Lemon Juice = for 1 teaspoon use 1/4 teaspoon cider vinegar
Lemon Peel = for 1 teaspoon use 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
Light corn syrup = for 1 cup use 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup liquid
Molasses = for 1 cup use 1 cup honey
Onion = for 1 small chopped, use 1 teaspoon onion powder or 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
Prepared Mustard = for 1 tablespoon use 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard and 2 teaspoons vinegar
Semisweet chocolate = for 1 ounce use 3 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips or 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate and 1 tablespoon sugar

 

Weights and Measures

3 teaspoons equal 1 tablespoon

2 tablespoons equal 1/8 cup

4 tablespoons equal 1/4 cup

5 1/3 tablespoons equal 1/3 cup

8 tablespoons equal 1/2 cup

10 2/3 tablespoons equal 2/3 cup

12 tablespoons equal 3/4 cup

14 tablespoons equal 7/8 cup

16 tablespoons equal 1 cup

1 cup equals 8 fluid ounces

1 cup equals 1/2 pint

2 cups equal 1 pint

4 cups equal 1 quart

4 quarts equal 1 gallon

8 quarts equal 1 peck

4 pecks equal 1 bushel

1 liter equals 2.1 pints

1 kilogram equals 2.2 pounds

28.3 grams equal 1 ounce

Kaddu Ka Dalcha

Know the benefits of Bottle Gourd

Bottle gourds are one of the favorite vegetables of Indians and has numerous health benefits. They are especially good for old aged peoples.


1. The juice of bottle gourd is a valuable medicine for excessive thirst due to severe diarrhea, diabetes and excessive use of fatty or fried foods.

2. The Gourd fruit juice is used in the treatment of insanity, epilepsy and other nervous diseases.

3. The juice of the fruit is used in the treatment of stomach acidity, indigestion and ulcers.

4. Bottle gourd is not only rich in essential minerals, iron, protein and trace elements; it is also rich in fibre. Fibre helps in preventing constipation and other digestive disorders like flatulence and piles.

5. Bottle gourd is very valuable in urinary disorders. It should be given once daily in the treatment of burning sensation in urinary passage due to high acidity of urine. It serves as an alkaline mixture.

6. Bottle gourd helps in overcoming jaundice.

7. Bottle gourd juice is also helpful in losing weight.

8. Cooked Bottle gourd is anti-bilious. It makes one relax after eating. But one should not eat the vegetable raw as it can harm the stomach and intestines.

9. Bottle Gourd prevents excessive loss of sodium, quenches thirst and helps in preventing fatigue.

 

Ingredients:

 Yellow lentils/Tuvar ki dal – 1 1/2 cups
Salt

 oil/Ghee – 2 tbsp
Cumin seeds – 2 tsp
Garlic pods – 2-3, peeled and crushed
Dried red chillies – 2, each broken into two and stalks removed
Curry leaves – 10 fresh leaves
Tomato – 2, large, ripe and red, finely chopped
Chopped Coriander – 1 tbsp
Red chilli powder – 2 tsp
Salt – to taste
Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
Bottle gourd/Opo Squash/Kaddu – 1, medium sized, around 750 gms
Raw tamarind juice/ Imli ka juice – 4 tbsp or to taste

Method:

1. Peel the bottle gourd. Slice off and discard the top and bottom of the gourd. Cut the bottle gourd into two halves lengthwise. If the central pith of the bottle gourd contains mature seeds, discard the central pith, or if the bottle gourd is young and tender, there is no need to discard the central pith. Now cut each half into 1 inch thick strips lengthwise. Cut each strip diagonally into 2-3 inch pieces.
2. Wash the dal in two or three water changes. Drain and keep aside. In a pressure cooker, add the drained dal and 4 cups water. Add 2 tsp salt and pressure cook the dal until it is soft and well cooked. You can puree the dal in a blender and pour it back back into the saucepan and keep aside. I just mash it using a dal ghotni or use an immersion blender sometimes.
3. In a large frying pan at medium heat, pour canola oil, and as soon as it warms up, add the cumin seeds and the crushed garlic pods. After 30 seconds, add the dried red chillies and curry leaves. Immediately add the chopped tomatoes, chopped cilantro, red chilli powder, salt, turmeric and mix well. Cover the lid for about a minute. Add the chopped bottle gourd and mix well. Pour in water to cover the bottle guard pieces and cover the lid. Let cook for about 10 minutes or until the bottle gourd is tender. To check, pierce a piece of bottle gourd with the tip of a sharp knife.
4. Once the bottle gourd is tender, add this to the saucepan with the pureed dal and pour in water to dilute and achieve a thin soupy consistency. Add the tamarind juice and mix well. Taste for seasonings. Let it boil once, then simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Gawar /Cluster Bean ki Sabzi



Gawar

  

Gawar are one of the many veggie dishes that I love. They are easy to cook and go beautifully with either rotis or boiled rice. 

 1 cups gawar beans, ends trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 onion, chopped finely
 1 tomatoes, chopped

1 potato ,chopped( u can use any thing like potatoes, prawns)
 2 tbsp oil
 1/2 tsp cumin seeds

few leaves of curry patta



curry patta

 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
 11/2tsp red chili powder

1 tbsp roasted n grind ed dry coconut powder
 salt to taste
  2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

Heat oil, add the cumin seeds and  curry patta let them splutter. Then add the chopped onions and fry until golden. Now add the chopped tomatoes. Cook until all the moisture has evaporated. Add the chopped beans, followed by the turmeric,red chili powder . Sprinkle some salt. Stir together and cook for a couple of minutes, then add half a cup of water and cover the pot. Set the heat on medium-low. add roasted coconut powder .Cook until the beans are soft and well-done. If needed you can add some more water.

Once ready, add chopped coriander. Turn off the heat and serve with rotis

Ginger-Garlic Paste

The key is to use equal amounts of fresh Ginger and Garlic  doesn’t matter which unit of measure you use.

100 gms Ginger, peeled and chopped

100 gms Garlic, peeled and chopped

½ Cup Water (or as required)

Wash ginger thoroughly, scratch away black spots and dirty spots on ginger roots, peel garlic

Grind together all ingredients into a paste. It could be store in fridge for 2-3 weeks.

Fried Onions (Barista)

                    Barista is fried onion that is prepared and stored to help quicken any recipe.

It’s very helpful when you are in a hurry.

Onions – as many as required, sliced

Oil to fry

Heat oil in a pan and add the onions.

Add a pinch of sugar to quicken browning if you want.

 I prefer not to, but you can add it if you are in a hurry.

Keep stirring the onions so that they are evenly brown. Cook until the onions are light golden in color and take out the onions immediately because by the time you get all the onion out it will get a little darker.

Note: Do not over cook because if the onions get even slightly burnt, they leave a bitter taste 

 The fried onions can also be used as a topping to other dishes and mostly used in Briyanis,Qorma

Wada Pav

Ingredients

Filling

6-8 medium sized boiled potatoes

pav ( A kind of bun, In India it is known as Pav) - If pavs are not available, you can use any other bun. Pick the unsweetened and rough rolls.

Masala

1 small piece ginger,

4-5 flakes garlic,

4-5 (or more) green chilies,

1/2 cup cilantro/coriander leaves (chopped),

Tempering

1 teaspoon turmeric powder,

8-10 curry leaves,

2 teaspoon mustard seeds,

1/4 tsp asafoetida,

1 tbsp oil

Cover

2 cups gram flour (besan),

approx. 1 cup water,

1 tsp turmeric powder,

1 tsp chili powder(optional),

salt to taste

oil for frying

Method

Grind ginger, garlic and green chilies together into a paste.

Peel and mash potatoes with a potato masher (or simply use hands). Do not mash completely. Let some small chunks remain.

Add ginger, garlic and green chili paste, coriander leaves, and salt to the potatoes.

Put 1 tbsp oil in a pan/kadai. Add mustard seeds. When they splutter, add turmeric powder and curry leaves. Pour this tempering over the mashed potatoes and mix gently.

Make small balls of mashed potato mixture. (You can flatten the balls if you like)

Add some salt, turmeric powder and chili powder to the gram flour. Add water gradually and keep mixing with a spoon or wire whisk. Remove lumps if any. The batter should not be too watery or too thick. If lifted by a spatula, it should flow in a ribbon like consistency.

Heat some oil in a pan. To check if oil is heated enough, drop some batter in the oil. If the batter immediately floats on the surface of the oil, the oil is ready. Also make sure that the oil is not too hot. Else, the vadas turn dark from the outside before they are actually done from the inside.

Now dip each ball in the batter, letting the excess batter drip off and slowly add to the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan, or the temperature of the oil reduces which in turn slows down the frying process. Like this, fry all the vadas until golden. Remove on a paper towel and drain. Batata Vadas are ready.

For Vada Pav, split Pav keeping the base intact and spread green chutney inside it. Place the vada in it. Serve hot.

Misal

1 cup mixed sprouts 

1 small onion

1 small tomato

3 tbsp coconut (fresh)

1/2 inch Cinnamon

6-7 black pepper

3-4 cloves

4-5 red chillies

1/2 tsp jeera (cumin seeds)

2 green chillies

3-4 garlic

1 tbsp oil

Salt to taste

1/2 turmeric pdr

1/2 meetha masala

1/4 garam masala

finely chopped coriander

lemon juice

Method

Pressure cook the sprouts.

Now in a frying pan heat oil.

 Stir fry the onion, tomato ,coconut, red &green chillies

whole garam masala grind it into a smooth paste.

Now heat the cooking pan heat oil then add grinded masala

n cook it nicely till u get nicely aroma

add turmeric, meetha masala, salt.

Now add the boiled sprouts to the masala ,

let it simmer for 10 Min's if u want u can add water to it.

Note that misal needs to have some gravy.

finish it with finely chopped fresh coriander, garam masala

n splash of lemon juice . Serve it :)

Metha Masala:- In a pan take handful of dry coriander seeds , all whole garam masala, funnel seeds,

n cumin seeds roast it dry n grind it into a fine powder.

Lapsi

1 cup crushed wheat
 1/2 cup pure ghee
 1/2 cup pure coconut milk

 3/4 cup jaggery (you can add or reduce according to your taste)

1&1/4cup of water
 pinch of saffron
pinch of cardamon nutmeg powder
almond/pista/ cashewnuts 

Dry roast the curshed wheat (dalia) in a pan n keep aside. Now take jaggery & water make a syrup.
 Heat the ghee & add curshed wheat to it. Add the jaggery syrup to it  and cook together until the wheat is almost done. Then add the coconut milk, saffron and cardamon, and cook together until it looks ready! Serve hot with almond/pista flakes. Delish!

Bread Pakora

4-5 bread slices, preferably a day or two old (very fresh bread will be too soft and might fall apart when dipped in the gram flour batter)

1 cup gram flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp hot oil
1 tbsp rice flour (optional)
1 tsp cumin seeds
2-3 chopped green chillis (adjust to your taste)
1 tsp red chilli powder
4 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
1 tbsp chopped fenugreek/methi leaves
pinch of turmeric powder
quarter tsp garlic paste
about half cup water to make a batter

First, trim the bread slices by cutting off the crusts all around. Then divide each slice into 4 squares.

Mix the rest of the ingredients to form a batter, but be careful and add the water gradually to ensure your batter is of the right consistency. It should be of pouring consistency but not too watery. If the bread pieces break when dipped into the batter, then it means the batter is too thick, therefore add a bit of water to lighten it up slightly.

Heat some oil in a frying pan. Once hot, add the slices, a few at a time. Turn them over every now and then so they get evenly cooked on both sides, adjust the flame to medium so they get to form a nice crispy crust and once they are crispy and golden, drain and blot them on some tissues.

Serve immediately with chutney or dip of your choice.

Prawns Briyani

500gm prawns, shelled and de-veined

After cleaning the prawns, marinate them in 1 tsp red chilli powder, half tsp salt, juice of 1 lemon, 1 11/2 tbspn briyani masala and 1/2 tsp ginger-garlic paste.

half cup oil
 3 medium onions, sliced
2 tomatoes, chopped

2 tbspn briyani masala ( i use Mehran Briyani Masala)
half cup fresh yoghurt, whipped
11/2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
juice of half a lemon
pinch of saffron
quarter tsp of turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 cinnamon stick
1 cardamom pod
1 tsp cumin seeds
3 potatoes, peeled and cubed...then fried
4 tbsp chopped coriander

Heat oil, fry the 1 sliced onions, then drain and set aside. In the same oil add whole garam masala then add 2 sliced onions as soon as onions get soften add the chopped tomatoes next add the ginger and garlic paste, 1/2 tbspn of briyani masala, turmeric powder and cumin powder, add the marinated prawns, sprinkle a bit of salt on them  and fry for 2-3 minutes. Do not over-fry the prawns as they will cook some more in the gravy, and over-cooking prawns makes them hard.

In the meantime, whip the yoghurt in a bowl,add whipped yogurt to it and then potatoes and simmer together on low heat, giving an occasional stir. Adjust the salt. When done, squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle the chopped coriander. Mix in.

Next make the rice:

Wash then soak 3 cups of rice in water for about 20-30 mins.

Soak a few saffron strands in some water and set aside.

Bring a big pot of water to boil, add salt, 4 cardamom pods, 2-3 cinnamon sticks and 2-3 cloves plus about 2 tbsp of oil.

Drain the soaked rice and add it to this water when it is boiling. Cook until the rice is about 3/4 done, remove and strain out all the water. Now in a pot, add prawns masala spread at the bottom and then add half cooked rice, sprinkle some mint leaves, the remaining fried onions, saffron color and cover tightly with the lid and cook for 30min. First 5 minute at high flame, next 15 minutes at medium flame and last 10 minutes at low flame. If your pot/pan is thin, make sure you place a tava (the flat pan for making chapatis/parathas/rotis) under the pot so that your biryani doesn't burn. You can place this tava after the first 5 minutes

 When ready to serve, sprinkle some extra chopped coriander, some chopped chilli for a spicier result and squeeze some extra lemon juice. If you have extra fried onions you can use them for garnishing. Mix everything gently together and serve!

  

Fish Karahi

500gm fish fillet of your choice, cut into pieces

Marinate the fish for at least 2 hours in a paste made from some salt, red chilli powder, drop of garlic paste and juice of 1 lemon.

Other ingredients needed:

2 onions, chopped fine
4 tomatoes, chopped
3 tbsp yoghurt, whipped
3 green chillis, chopped
1 tsp garlic paste
1 tsp ginger paste
Salt to taste
1 tbsp roasted whole coriander seeds, then crushed roughly
1 tsp roasted whole cumin seeds, crushed
2 tsp red chilli powder, adjust to taste
juice of half a lemon
some chopped coriander leaves
half tsp garam masala
Oil

Heat some oil and fry the fish pieces for 2-3 minutes on each side in batches, just to seal them up. Remove and set aside.

In a separate pan, add quarter cup of oil, fry the onions until almost golden, then add the ginger and garlic pastes and the crushed cumin and coriander. Fry for a few seconds then add the chopped tomatoes and cook on medium heat until the tomatoes are cooked and thick, and the oil comes out from the sides. Add the whipped yoghurt and red chilli powder. Cook for a couple of minutes until the yoghurt is well-blended with the tomatoes, then add the fish pieces and the green chillis. Stir once, add the salt, lower the heat to very low, cover the pan tightly and let the fish cook for about 10 minutes.

Open the pan, mix the fish gently to avoid breaking the pieces, then sprinkle the coriander leaves, garam masala and squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. Simmer for a few seconds, then turn off the heat and serve hot! :)

 

Kathi Rolls

Ingredients for the Tandoori Chicken Masala/Mixture:

2 tablespoons lemon juice
1\3 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon garlic paste
1 tablespoon ginger paste
1 teaspoon ground roasted cumin seeds
1\2 level teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1\2 level teaspoon tandoori coloring
6 chicken breasts, (cut in cubes)
For basting ghee or butter

Directions:

1. Mix all the ingredients of the marinade in a small bowl and pour over the chicken pieces and mix, turning and tossing, to coat all the pieces well.

2. Cover and marinate for at least 4 hours at room.

3.Heat oil in the frying pan & swallow fry the chicken pieces .

Mint Chutney Useful for bbq

Ingredients:
1 cup coriander leaves, chopped
1\2 cup mint leaves
1 green chillies, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
Salt, to taste
2 tablespoons lemon juice

How to Cook:
Wash the mint, coriander and green chilli under cold running tap water and roughly chop them. Place all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and grind to a fine paste.

FOR THE ROLLS
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup white flour
knead this together with salt pepper, a good pinch of
baking powder, yoghurt and some oil. keep aside for a few hrs and then
roll into thin rotis.

TO ASSEMBLE
take a roti and spread it with green chutney and then some finely chopped onions, tomatoes,carrots,capsicum and chicken.
 You can use any filling of your choice.
makes an excellent HEALTHY snack, a good meal
to take with u ( wrap it in foil paper) or even a lovely TV meal...

Falafel

2 cups             Chick peas (soaked overnight)
½  cup             Coriander (finely chopped)
1 nos.            Onion (coarsely chopped)
3 - 4 cloves         Garlic (finely chopped)
1 tsp             Coriander powder
1 tsp             Cumin Powder
½  tsp             Red Chilli Powder
To taste        Salt
For deep frying     Oil

 For the falafel, put the soaked chick peas in a grinder and grind to a coarse paste.

Remove into a bowl and mix in coriander, onion, garlic, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chilli powder and salt.

Mix well and divide into small portions and shape each portion into a small flattish ball.

Heat oil in a kadhai and deep fry the falafel balls till golden and crisp.

Remove and drain on absorbent paper.

Simple Roti / Chapati

1 1/2 cup atta flour

2 tbsp oil
1 tsp salt
water with a bit of milk, warmed up

Knead the dough together until soft. Remember, atta flour will take up more water than normal white flour. So make sure you put in enough water and knead it as long as you can for a lovely soft and smooth dough. Apply a bit of oil on it, cover and set aside for an hour or so to soften further.

Divide the dough into 9-10 pieces. (I make 9 but if you like them a bit smaller then do 10). Form each piece of dough into a nice smooth ball.

Once all are rolled out, heat a tava/flat chapati pan, and once it's hot place your first roti on it

Once all are rolled out, heat a tava/flat chapati pan, and once it's hot place your first roti on it. Leave it for half a minute or until you see it start forming some bubbles, then turn it over and dab a tiny bit of oil on it and turn again. Peep and check that the bottom is nicely coloured, turn it over for the other side to get done too and place a second roti on top of it. This helps protect the almost-cooked roti from drying out on the tava. Once done, turn the rotis so that the cooked one is now on top and the new one is on the tava. Remove the cooked one and place it in a hot pot, keep it covered.

It takes about a minute to cook each roti so do not over-cook them otherwise they will dry out, you have to do this fast at a moderate heat so that they don't burn nor dry out.

Patti samosa Folding Techniques

Spring Roll Folding Techniques from recipes allonline

Cake Cutting Techniques

Cake Shapes:

Square:

1 x 2 in. slices: Move in 2 in. from the outer edge and cut vertically, top to bottom. Slice and serve 1 in. pieces of cake. Now move in another 2 in. and repeat process until the entire tier is cut.

1 1/2 x 2 in. slices: To cut square cakes, move in 2 in. from the outer edge and cut top to bottom, then slice approximately 1 ½ in. pieces. Now move in another 2 in. and continue until the entire cake is cut.

Round:

1 x 2 in. slices: Move in 2 in. from the tier's outer edge and cut a circle. Slice and serve 1 in. pieces from around the circle. Now move in another 2 in. and cut another circle. Repeat process until the tier is completely cut. The center core of each tier and the small top tier can be cut into 4ths, 6ths, or more, depending on size.

1 1/2 x 2 in. slices: To cut round cakes, move in 2 in. from the cake´s outer edge; cut a circle and then slice approximately 1 ½ in. pieces within the circle. Now move in another 2 in. and cut another circle; slice approximately 1 ½ in. pieces. Continue until the cake is completely cut. Note: 6 in. diameter cakes should be cut in wedges, without a center circle. Cut petal and hexagon cakes similar to round cakes.

Heart:

1 x 2 in. slices: Divide the tiers vertically into 2 in. wide rows. Within rows, slice and serve 1 in. pieces of cake.

Petal:

1 x 2 in. slices: Cut similar to round tiers.

Oval:

1 x 2 in. slices: Move in 2 in. from the outer edge and cut across. Slice and serve 1 in. pieces of cake. Now move in another 2 in., repeat process until the entire tier is cut.

Hexagon:

1 x 2 in. slices: Move in 2 in. from the outer edge and cut across. Slice and serve 1 in. pieces of cake. Now move in another 2 in., repeat process until the entire tier is cut.

Sheet:

1 1/2 x 2 in. slices: Cut sheet cakes similar to square cakes

Rajma Gravy

1 cup of kidney beans, washed then soaked overnight
3 big fresh tomatoes
3-4 leaves methi/fenugreek
4 tbsp oil
1 big onion chopped very fine or grated
1 tbsp tomato paste
quarter tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp garlic paste
1/2 tsp ginger paste
2 tbsp coriander leaves n stems chopped
1-2 green chillis (can be increased or omitted according to taste)
salt

Drain the kidney beans, they will have expanded to about 2-3 times the original volume.

Blend the tomatoes with their skin, along with the coriander leaves and the green chillis to a smooth paste.

Heat the oil in a pressure cooker, add the fenugreek leaves, followed by the garlic and ginger paste. Stir for a minute, then add the onions. Fry until they are transluscent. Add the tomato paste and the spices (cumin, turmeric, coriander powders) and let these fry for a few minutes on low heat.

Then add the blended tomatoes and let this cook/simmer until the gravy thickens and the raw tomato smell diminishes.

Then add the kidney beans plus some salt and stir together for a few minutes.

Finally add about 3-4 cups water and let it come to a boil. Cover the pressure cooker, and cook on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes.

Once the pressure/steam is released, open the pressure cooker and check the beans. If they are done, then sprinkle with a bit of coriander leaves and serve. If not yet, then cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This depends on the type of kidney beans you have, some take longer than others.

If you prefer more gravy with your beans, you can add some water after the kidney beans are done and let it simmer for a few minutes. Mash some of the kidney beans to thicken the gravy to a lovely consistency.

I've served my beans with simple boiled/steamed rice, some saucy fish fillets and a bit of sweet & sour mango pickle/chundo, but you can serve them with chapatis/parathas, or as preferred!

Tandoori Pizza

Step 1:

Some red and green capsicum.

Pineapple chunks and sweet corn.

Thinly sliced onions.

Makes for the most PERFECT combination on a pizza imaginable :)

Some tandoori chicken shredded

Step 2:

Pizza sauce

Blend 2-3 tomatoes, 1 capsicum, 1 green chilli, small onion and a grated carrot together until smooth. Heat a bit of oil in a pan, like a tbsp or even less. Then add a bit of garlic paste, followed by 1 tbsp tomato paste. Once that's cooked for a couple mins, add the blended mixture and simmer. Add salt and a tsp of sugar followed by a bit of tandoori masala or cumin powder or oregano or you can just leave it plain and unspiced according to your taste. Let it simmer until thick and all the water is gone. Then use accordingly!

Step 3

pizza-dough recipe, 

 2 and a half cups all-purpose flour
1 and half tsp salt
5 tbsp oil
1 and half tsp sugar
1 and half tsp instant yeast (use 2 tsp for colder climates)
2 pinches of baking powder
warm milk mixed with a bit of water for kneading


Mix all the dry ingredients and the oil, then slowly start adding the warm milk a little at a time. Get it to a soft dough, the softer the better, knead it very well for at least 8 minutes or more if possible.

Dab a touch of oil all over the dough, then cover it and place it somewhere warm. Leave it to rise to double it's size, takes about 30 mins to an hour depending on the weather.

Once risen, punch it down, give it a quick knead and then roll it out to about 12 inches diameter and place on your greased pizza pan/tray. Again cover the tray with a light cloth/towel and let the base rest/rise slightly for about 15-20 mins.

Step 4;

When you check on it after 20 mins, it will have slightly puffed up. Take a sharp knife and make tiny slits all over the base. This helps the pizza rise evenly during baking once the toppings are on it. Missing this step can leave your pizza bubbly in some parts and flat in others, not a pretty sight! 

Step 5

Once you've made the slits, apply a coating of your pizza sauce as evenly as you can.

Step 6

Now grate some cheese, mozzarella preferably, and sprinkle a light layer all over. This helps 'grip' the toppings to the base later on.

Step 7

Now add your toppings, one at a time. 

Make sure you don't over-pile your pizza. Be generous but not overly so. Remember, the base has not been baked before hand. Too much weight could restrict the base from rising well during baking

Bubble Pizza

(First prepare the Sauce):

Ingredients n Preparing:

2 tbsp vegetable\Olive oil
One chopped Onion
One Diced Tomato
2 Spoon tomato paste
Half tsp salt
One tbsp mixed spices (Black pepper, garlic powder, Cumin, coriander, oregano).

Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add chopped onion until brown well, add tomato cook well until soft, then add the tomato paste one minute later add spices mix little bit for one more minute, it should be thick like paste , let aside to cool .
TIP: the thicker the paste the better, u need it to be around 2 to 3 tbsp , plz don’t add water at all it will spoil it later!

(The Dough ) :This dough is 15 minutes fast then it’s ready to use :)

Ingredients:
5 glass all purpose flour (each is 120gm)
1. 1\2 glass warm water
1\2 cup vegetable oil
2 tbsp powder milk
3 tbsp Yeast
1 tbsp sugar
1\2 tsp salt

Preparing:

Mix the yeast with the warm water until totally melts add the sugar ,salt and powder milk then use it to knead the dough in between kneading add the oil . Wrap the dough with a plastic cover and let the dough rise for 15 minutes at room temperature.
Divide the dough into 2 parts.
Roll half of the dough to 5mm thickness round, rub your pizza baking plate base with one tbsp spoon oil, and place the first roll. The second half make balls filled with cheese of your choice, I used white salty cheese .and place the balls around the side of the pizza as in the picture!
When you are done, PREHEAT THE OVEN TO 190 C

 The TOPPING: (this can be anything you like)

Ingredience:
The pre-prepared sauce
500g Mozzarella shredded cheese (used at the last 5 minutes of baking )
Black & green Olive slices
Pepperoni(colored capsicum) diced into small cubes ( colour of ur choice )
 shredded chicken
1 egg yolk- mixed with one spoon water
1 tbsp sesame ( optional )

Preparation :

Spread the sauce, distribute the pepperoni, then the olives, and distribute the tuna over them. Then spread the egg yolk over the balls, wrinkle the sesame over the balls only. Then spread half of the cheese over the chicken or toppings of your choice .
Insert it in the oven bake the bottom first for 15 mins, then the top for another 15 mins, finally before taking it out add the rest mozzarella and bake for a final 5 minutes.

TIP : baking it all at the same time can save your time BUT will not give u the same result

Zaituni (olive) Paratha

Ingredients:

For the Spice powder
½ tsp Black peppercorns
½ tsp Red Chilli flakes
2 tblspn finely chopped olive or zainut

For the rotis
1 cup Whole wheat flour
To taste Salt
5 tbsp Ghee


Method:

 In a paraat or large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour with chopped olive , salt, spices and 2 tbsp ghee. Gradually mix in water and knead to a soft pliable dough. Cover the dough with a moist cloth and keep aside to rest for a while.
 Once the dough is rested, divide into half and roll out both portions into large round rotis.

 Heat a tawa, place the roti on it and shallow fry till cooked using ghee. Turn it over, cook till done and serve hot.