Special punjabi Bread pakora

"Bread pakora/fritter" is a very common and tasty teatime snack in North India. It is a very easy preparation and gets quickly done. Kids too love it for school tiffin . 
Here I am presenting a special preparation of bread pakora which has filling of mashed potatoes and slice of Cottage cheese!!



Ingredients:
This preparation is for 2 bread pakoras  
For filling:
2 bread slices
2 large boiled potatoes
1 green chili(nicely cut into small pieces)
1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
2 slices of  cottage cheese
1 tbs chaat masala
1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder(jeera powder)
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder(lal mirch powder)
few whole coriander seeds(sabut dhania)
1/2 teaspoon black salt(kala namak)
salt according to taste
oil for deep frying
For the batter:
1 and 1/2 cup gram flour(besan)
1/2 tbs salt
1/2 tsp red chili powder(lal mirch powder)
a pinch of baking soda
water for preparing the batter


Method:

  For the filling:
Mash the potatoes and add all the spices and herbs .
Add only 1/2 tbs of chaat masala to this mixture.
Mix all the ingredients and make a semi thick batter of gram flour and water(should come like a ribbon while pouring). Keep aside .
Take slices of bread, cut into half to form a triangle.
Apply the potato mixture on both  slices on one side. Place a slice of cottage cheese on one slice and cover it with the other slice of bread. A raw sandwiched Bread Pakora is ready . Prepare other following the procedure mentioned.
Heat oil in a kadahi(wok).
Dip each raw bread pakora in the batter and coat it properly from all sides.
Fry them on medium flame till they turn golden brown from both sides. Place it on an absorbent paper.
Cut the fried bread pakora  into half and fry once again to make it more crispier. Place them again on an absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
Sprinkle the remaining chaat masala on hot Bread Pakora to enrich its taste.....

"Special Punjabi Bread Pakora " is ready!! Enjoy with Tomato sauce or Sweet chutney....

Paneer Potato Sandwiches

A very healthy and wholesome lunch Idea for school going kids. These sandwiches are prepared with fresh cottage cheese which is high in proteins, calcium and magnesium.
 Completed with a portion of fresh fruit, these sandwiches are a great option for Tiffins.....

Ingredients:
for filling:
 100grams Fresh cottage cheese(Paneer)
1 medium boiled potato
1 seedless green chili (nicely cut into small pieces)
1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder(bhunna jeera)
1 teaspoon coriander powder(dhania)
1/4 teaspoon Garam masala
1/4 teaspoon dry mango powder(aamchoor)
1/4 teaspoon red chili powder(laal mirch)
1/2 teaspoon black salt(kaala namak)
1/2 teaspoon Chaat masala
salt according to taste

Other ingredients:
 2-4 bread slices
butter for roasting



Method:

Crumble/shred Cottage cheese
Mash the boiled potato.
In a wok(kadahi), heat a teaspoon of ghee/oil. Add the potato and saute for few seconds.
To this add the crumbled paneer and mix well.
Add all the spices and again mix well. Saute the whole mixture for few seconds on low flame.
Filling for sandwiches is ready. Let it cool at room temperature.
On a bread slice place a portion of this filling and cover it with other slice . 
Heat a griddle(tawa), apply butter on it and place the prepared sandwich on it. 
Roast the sandwich from both sides till it turns crispy.
Make other sandwiches following the same procedure.

Tasty "Paneer potato Sandwiches "are ready!! Serve them with Tomato sauce and fruits.

Optional notes:
One can use brown bread for these sandwiches.
On can prepare the filling and refrigerate it for later use.   

Sesame Chocolates

For the occasion of "Sakat Chauth" many sesame/til varieties are prepared to offer to lord Ganesha in India. The most famous is the "Tilkut" and the other is the"Til Ladoo"!! But for a new sweet dish which is made with sesame seeds , I had made "Sesame chocolates" which my son enjoyed very much!! 

"Sesame/til" are natural antioxidants and high in calcium, The oil made from sesame seeds are mostly used for cooking purpose or in for salad dressings because of high antioxidant power. For more information please check"Sesame".

Ingredients:

1 cup milk powder(any brand)

1/2(little more) powdered sugar

1/2 cup melted butter

4 teaspoon cocoa powder

1/2 cup roasted and grounded Sesame seeds

1/4 cup roasted sesame seeds 

2-3 tablespoon water

little butter for greasing

Method:

Sieve milk powder and cocoa. Keep them aside. 

In a kadahi(wok) heat the butter and mix sugar with it on low flame.

To this add the milk powder&cocoa and mix very well.

Add the powdered sesame seeds and mix it again very nicely.

Add water to make it into a smooth paste.

Remove the chocolate paste from heat and spread a thick layer on a greased plate.

Sprinkle the roasted seeds on the paste and let it cool at room temperature.

Cut pieces of desired size and shape.

Delicious "Sesame Chocolates" are ready!! enjoy....

Optional notes:

These chocolates can  be prepared with Margarine for health conscious reasons.

Also Sugar free powder can be used instead of powdered sugar for Diabetics and Health conscious people.   

Cocktail Corns!!

New Year celebrations goes on and with lot of fun , many party snacks are prepared keeping in mind the drinks which are served along with them. People enjoy less oily but tasty snacks in Drinks and dance parties.
Here I am presenting "Cocktail corn ",which is made with corn kernels and green capsicum.
This snack is simple and quick to make and is a hit with Cocktail/Mock tail drinks.!!


Ingredients:
1 cup corn kernels 
1/2 cup green capsicum(nicely cut into small pieces)
1 cup gram flour(besan)
2 teaspoon dry mint powder(pudina)
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder(lal mirch)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder(kaali mirch)
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
salt according to taste
oil for deep frying

Method:

In a bowl take gram flour,add all the spices and other ingredients.Mix well.
Add two three tablespoon water and mix well to make a thick paste.
Heat oil in a kadahi(wok). 
Add spoon full of this batter into the hot oil and fry in on medium-low flame.
When the corns turn into golden brown colour from all sides, remove them from oil and place it on an absorbing paper.
Cocktail Corns are ready!!

Serve these with tangy tomato sauce or spicy red chili sauce!!

Optional notes:
One can also add chopped green chilies in the batter for more spicy taste.
One can sprinkle some Dry mint powder on the ready corns before serving for enhancing its flavour.
These Cocktail Corns can be served when hot or when at room temperature.

Aloo ka halwa..

"Happy Navratri " and "Happy Ugadi" to all my friends. The month of "chaitra" had embarked its beginning from the date 23 march. On this auspicious date many festivals were celebrated like "Ugadi"( New year for the Deccan people, "Gudi Padwa"(New year day in Maharashtra), "Navratri"( Nine day celebrations for Godess Durga) and many more, for more details check: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_New_Year's_days.

During the festival of Navratri ,many hindu devotees fast for nine days. They visit temple and make offerings of fruits, flower and sweet for Prasadam "Sooji ka halwa". 

For the celebration of New year and my fasting friends, I had prepared "Aloo ka halwa" which is specially made in ghee and is very tasty to eat!! so enjoy Navratri with this sweet dish...


Ingredients:
4 medium potatoes(boiled)
3 tablespoon ghee
1/2 cup full cream milk(any brand)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
few strands of saffron(for garnishing)
assorted Dry fruits (cashew nuts, almonds, raisins) desired amount

Method:



Mash/grate the potatoes.
Crush or cut the dryfruits into small pieces. Keep aside.
Heat ghee in a kadahi(wok), add mashed potatoes and saute them for 2-3 minutes on medium flame.
Add milk and sugar, mix well and keep stirring till the potatoes absorb the milk completely.
Finally add the dry fruits and  cardamom powder , mix well. Garnish with saffron strands.

Delicious "Aloo ka Halwa" is ready. Enjoy with Sabudana khichdi.

Lemon Shots!!

Have you ever tasted the "kanche wala Soda"(Soda bottle which have marble in it for the tangling sound effect). This is a great  and a very famous summer coolant In Delhi. It is also known as the "Masala lemon soda" in many restaurants. This drink is mix of fizzy soda, lemon juice and Salt with a tangy taste of Chaat masala. Here I am presenting "Lemon Shots" which is the home version of the original Soda style. It is very quick and easy to make as my Son enjoys in making it. A Great drink to enjoy with family and friends on any occasion!!


Ingredients:
500 ml Any sweetened Fizzy soda(I had used Sprite)
1/2 teaspoon table salt (per glass)
1/2 teaspoon chaat masala(per glass)
1/2 lemon juice (per glass)
Method:
In a medium serving glass, put salt, lemon juice and chaat masala. When to serve pour the soda and let the fizz rise.

salt, lemon juice and chaat masala

Pouring the soda

Garnish it with  slices of lemon and  decorated umbrella toothpicks!!

Tangy and Fizzy "lemon shots " are ready!!

Optional notes:
I do not like to use ice for this drink, instead I chill the soda bottle and then use it. If willing to use ice Crush it nicely and then use, will give the effect of a slush....
This drink is quick to prepare and serve.
Adjust salt and chaat masala as per desire
One can use any sweet flavored soda for this drink.

Healthy Banana shake

" Banana" is almost every child's delighted fruit. Not only is banana rich in its nutritional values but is also a great laxative and good for improving digestion problems. It is a very good source of  potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and almost all the essential vitamins for a healthy body like Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Vitamin B. 




For more details pls check:
http://www.organicfacts.net/nutrition-facts/fruits/nutritional-value-of-banana-and-kiwi.html
Doctors recommend Mashed banana or banana pulp especially for the infants for their healthy growth. Many food items are prepared with this fruit (raw or ripe) like Banana chips, Banana salads, Banana shake, Banana Ice cream, banana Vegetable and even Tasty savory like "Kele ke Dahi vada". World over Banana is eaten in its various forms. 
Here is "Healthy Banana Shake" which is Flavored with Honey, sugar and cardamom Powder. My son loves this shake and so I feel is a great health drink for the young ones!!!


This preparation is for 2 medium Glasses 
Ingredients:
4 medium ripe bananas.
4 cups cold milk (1/2 liter)
3 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon cardamom powder
1 tablespoon honey
Method:
In a blender, make pulp of bananas.
To this add milk, sugar and honey. Blend well all the ingredients. Add the cardamom powder and again blend it.
Serve it in a colourful glass with decoration of your choice!!!
"Healthy Banana shake" is ready!! Serve it with Dahi wale Sandwich and fruits for a great Morning Breakfast!!

Egg-less brownies

"Brownies" is a baked bar which is crunchy like cookies and soft like a cake.  It is a very popular sweet item in European and Western countries like USA.  This sweet bar is eaten with either hot chocolate sauce or all time favorite Vanilla ice cream scoop which had earned a very famous name of" Iron and Ivory".....
 For more details on brownies please refer this link:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chocolate_brownie. This recipe I had found best on master chef Sanjeev kapoor's site. A very easy preparation and the result is also great. Try it for this Romantic season of February.....!!!
Ingredients:
100 grams dark chocolate(I had used Bournville hazelnut flavor)
1.1/3 cups all purpose flour(maida)
2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup butter(1/2 +1/4 cup)
1 cup +1.1/2 tablespoon powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped walnut kernels
Method:
Sift the flour and baking powder. Keep it aside.

Flour and baking powder

In a microwave bowl add the butter & chocolate and melt them together at 100% power for a minute or more.If melting is done on gas , Do it on Double boiler*.

Melted chocolate and butter

Add the sugar and vanilla essence and mix well with the help of a beater or a big spoon.

Adding sugar and vanilla essence

Mixing the content

To this mixture add the flour and walnuts and mix well. Add small portions of milk to make the batter smooth.enough. You do not have to make the content fluffy only stir and mix well so that a pouring consistency is formed.

Mixture ready for the brownies

Pre-heat the oven or microwave at conviction mode at 180 degree. Grease a baking tin and pour the prepared batter into it.

batter ready to bake

Bake it on 180 degree for about 35-40 minutes.
When baked remove it and let it stand for about 5 minutes.

after baking

I had cut the brownies into heart shape , about 7-8 brownies were formed...

Crunchy and soft "Eggless Brownies are ready"!!
Optional notes:
Please be sure of the quantity of the ingredients . Follow the method as per the recipe only.

*In double boiling, water is boiled in deep pan and on top of it another pan is placed in which  soft ingredients of a recipe are melted so that they do not burn.. 
The brownies can be served with hot chocolate ,Ice creams or custards.
The texture and taste of the brownies will be slightly chewy and soft.
One can make the brownies and store them in fridge for future consumption.

Paneer Cutlets (Valentines special)

These cutlets are made with the mixture of Paneer, potatoes and aromatic spices like garam masala, cardamom powder and saffron. I had made this recipe for the special occasion of Valentines day, I had shaped them into small hearts. This snack could be used for starters in social gatherings or can be packed for kids school lunch. A healthy and tasty savory for Cottage cheese lovers.....!!!


This preparation will make about 10  small cutlets.
Ingredients:
250 grams Cottage cheese(Paneer)
2 medium potatoes(boiled)
1 small green chili
2 table spoon chopped coriander leaves
2 tablespoon cornflour
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder(kaali mirch)
1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin seeds powder(jeera powder)
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder(Green ilaechi powder)
few saffron strands(kesar)
1 teaspoon black salt(kaala namak)
salt according to taste
heart shaped cookie cutter(for shaping)
oil for deep frying
For coating
1/2 cup semolina(sooji)
Method:
In a bowl crumble/grate paneer. Add grated/mashed potatoes in to it. Mix well.

Paneer and potatoes mashed

Add all the above mentioned ingredients and mix well. The material for cutlets is ready.

Spices added to the mixture

Take a heart shaped cookie cutter, apply little oil  on the side walls of the cutter. Fill it with the paneer mixture and press nicely and firmly. Press softly and slide the raw cutlets on a plate. Make all the cutlets following this process.

Shaping cutlets  with help of cookie cutter

Place each cutlet on the semolina and coat it properly from all sides. Keep them aside.

semolina coated cutlets

Heat oil in a kadahi(wok). The temperature of the oil should not be very hot, the flame should be in between low- medium. Frying on very high and low flame will scatter these cutlets in the wok.
Slide 4-5 cutlets into the oil and deep fry them from both sides till they turn golden brown in color.

Place them on an absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
Tasty and crispy Paneer Cutlets are ready!! Present  them with tomato roses and  ketchup.

Enjoy These cutlets with Cappuccino or Strawberry shake with your beloved ones on this Valentines day!!!!
Optional notes:
Be gentle and soft while making and shaping the cutlets or else they will break easily.
Use creamy paneer which is very soft for this recipe. They can be crumbled and bound easily.
One can increase the amount of spices as per ones taste!!

Nutty Crunchy Samosa

Another tasty and lip smacking snack !!!! "Smosas " are triangular shaped crunchy salty pastries which are usually filled with filling of mashed spicy potatoes. The filling of the samosas have many variations like Chinese samosa(noodles filling), Chocolate samosa(melted chocolate filling), vegetable samosa(boiled vegetable filling) and many more ........here I am presenting Crunchy Nutty samosa which have filling of nuts(peanuts, cashew nut and peas)...They taste really great !!! 


Picture presentation taken from www.chezshuchi.com (This recipe has been explained nicely along with pictures in this site) 


This preparation will make 14 small samosa
Ingredients:
For the wrapper:
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour(maida)
2 tablespoon ghee/oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon carom seeds(ajwain)
1/4 (a little more) cup water for kneading
oil for deep frying
for the filling

3 large potatoes(boiled)
1/2 cup green peas( boiled)
1/2 cup peanuts
1/2 cup cashew nuts
1 teaspoon cumin seeds(jeera)
1 teaspoon coriander powder(dhania powder)
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon dry mango powder(aamchoor powder)
1/2 teaspoon black salt(kaala namak)
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder(laal mirch)
1 teaspoon chaat masala
1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder(jeera powder)
salt according to taste
2 table spoon ghee/oil
For sealing:
1 small bowl of water.
Method:
for filling:
Heat oil in a pan. Add the jeera .When jeera starts to crack, add the peanuts and cashew nuts .

Saute for 2-3 minutes on medium flame till they turn golden brow in color.
To this add peas and saute them for another 2 minutes on low flame.

peas and nuts

Mash/grate potatoes. Add this to the sauteed nuts and mix well. Add all the spices and seasonings and mix well on low flame for 2 minutes.

potatoes and nuts

Remove  from the heat and let it cool at room temperature.
filling for the samosa is ready.
For wrapper/cover:
In a mixing bowl sieve the flour, add ghee/oil ,salt and carom seeds.

flour and ghee

Mix well all the ingredients till the flour texture turns out like bread crumbs.
Add small portions of water and knead well into a smooth and soft dough(like for poories)

dough for the wrapper

keep it aside and let it set for 10 minutes.
Heat oil for deep frying in a kadahi(wok).
Make 7 balls out of the dough. Roll each ball into circle (with help of a rolling pin) of 10-12 cm .

Cut the circle into two halves.

Take one half on your palm and apply little water on the straight edge of the wrapper
Shape it into a cone and seal the overlapped edges properly.

wrapper ready for filling

Take a tablespoon of the filling and fill it into the wrapper. A space of 1/2 cm should be left on the open side in order to seal the samosa properly and intact.

wrapper filled with the mixture

Make the rest of the samosas and keep them covered with damp cloth.

Prepared samosa

samosa lot

Deep fry 5-6 pieces at a time as it is a slow frying process. Deep frying is done on low flame . Takes about 30-40 minutes for one set of frying.

 1.samosas frying on low flame 

3. After 30 minutes light brown colour appears
on the covering

2. After 15 minutes

Fry the remaining lot and place the samosas on an absorbent paper to remove the excess oil.

Samosas after 40 minutes of frying

 Tasty Nutty crunchy Samosa are ready !!! serve them with Meethi chutney or ketchup....
Optional notes:
Samosas are fried on low flame as their crispiness develops slowly on low flame.
Fry few samosas in one lot, as their frying will occur properly.
It takes time for the samosas to fry evenly so keep patience for the process.
In order to avoid the breaking or tearing of the samosas during frying, seal the samosas properly and if required  double seal the edges .
A similar recipe of quick moong daal samosa will be posted soon......