Egg Curry

Egg is a versatile ingredient and is a favorite amongst many people.Egg curry is one of the easiest and tastier dish one can make with Egg.There are many variations for making the Egg Curry. This recipe of mine has a nice flavor and doubles up as a delicious dish that can be served with Rice/Roti or even Bread :)

Time:Making Time (20 mins)

Difficulty level:Easy

Ingredients:

• Boiled Egg - 4 
• Onions - 1 medium finely chopped
• Tomatoes - 2 medium finely chopped
• Ginger,Garlic Paste - 2 tsp 
• Red Chilli Powder - 1 tsp 
• Garam Masala Powder - 2 tsp
• Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
• Oil - 2 tbsp
• Lemon juice - 2 tsp
• Salt to taste
• Coriander leaves - for garnish

Preparation:

1. Boil 3-4 eggs and Cut them into half and keep aside.
2. In a pan, add 2 tbsp of Oil,add Ginger-Garlic paste, chopped Onions and sauté till the onions start turning golden brown.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes and sauté till it the oil starts separates.
4. Now add the Turmeric Powder,Red chilli Powder, Mix well and add 1 cup water.Simmer and cook for about 5 mins.
5. Add Garam Masala Powder to this and Salt to taste and cook again for a few mins.
6. Once the raw smell disappears, add the Cut/sliced eggs and stir gently so that the eggs get coated with the masala.Simmer for 2-3 mins.
7. Add the Lemon Juice and mix well.
8. Garnish it with chopped coriander.
9. Serve Hot with Rice or Roti.

Chef's Tip - Take care not to cook too long after adding Lemon juice.You can even sauté the boiled egg separately before slicing it,if desired.

Butternut Squash Soup

I have never tasted Squash while being in India. Thanks to my husband, I am now getting to try different,seasonal types of fruits and veggies.From early Fall through Winter,Winter Squashes are aplenty and at their best too.Butternut Squashes have a hard rind and a golden orange flesh. When I was wondering how to use the Squash, I decided to try making a soup out of it.

It turned out to be tasty enough...though I was initially not sure how it would taste :)

Here is the recipe to make Butternut Squash Soup

Time: Making Time (20 mins)

Difficulty level: Easy

Ingredients:

• Butternut Squash - 1 peeled and cubed
• Onion - 1 medium sized
• Garlic - 3 flakes finely chopped
• Ginger - 2" piece finely chopped
• Butter - 2 tsp
• Water - 3 cups
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste
• Mint leaves/Basil - to garnish (Optional)

Preparation:

1. In a pan,Heat the butter and add the chopped Onions and fry till the onions turn soft pink.
2. Add the chopped Ginger and Garlic,cook until fragrant for about a minute.
3. Now Add the cubed Butternut Squash to this along with 3 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
4. Add a little salt to taste and simmer until the Squash gets cooked well. 
5. Once cooled, blend it in a mixer to a fine puree.
6. Now return the soup to the pan,Add salt and pepper to taste and simmer for 3-5 mins.
7. Garnish with Mint leaves/Basil.Serve hot.

Keerai Masiyal

Keerai Masiyal is one of the easiest and simplest dish one can make with Spinach. In India, we get different varieties of Spinach, you can follow the same recipe with any of them. While living aboard, we don't get so many different varieties of Spinach. I usually make this with Baby Spinach or Palak.

Time:Making Time (15 mins)

Difficulty level: Very Easy

Ingredients:

• Fresh Baby Spinach - 1 medium sized bunch
• Cooked Toor Dhal - 1/2 cup (Optional)
• Water - 1 cup
• Salt to taste

For Seasoning,

• Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
• Jeera - 1 tsp
• Broken Urad Dhal - 1 tsp
• Red Chillies - 2 to 3 (depending on spice level)
• Garlic - 3-4 flakes crushed (Optional)
• Ghee - 1 tsp
• Asafoetida, a pinch

Preparation:

1. Remove the root part of the Spinach and wash the leaves well.Drain the water and Chop the spinach roughly.
2. In a vessel, add the Water, Chopped Spinach and salt. Cook the  spinach until it gets soft.
3. Now add the cooked dhal to this and adjust the salt accordingly.
4. For the tempering, add a spoon of Ghee,Mustard seeds,Jeera,Broken Urad dhal,Red Chilli,crushed Garlic and allow it to splutter.Add this to the Spinach and Dhal Mixture.
5. Simmer and cook for 5 mins.
6. Serve with Hot Rice and Ghee

     Chef's Tip - The authentic Tam Brahm recipe does not have the Dhal or Garlic in it. You can even skip them,if desired.  

   

Lemon Rasam

Rasam is the most common item on the menu in most South Indian homes. I am a huge fan of Rasam and can almost have it everyday for a meal. There are different types of Rasam...I know at least 5-6 types on my own. This recipe of Lemon Rasam does not require any tamarind and also has a great flavor and is quite easy to make.No one can go wrong making it :)

Time:Making Time (15 mins)

Difficulty level: Very Easy

Ingredients:

• Tomatoes - 2 medium sized 
• Cooked Toor Dhal - 1 cup
• Ginger - small piece 
• Green Chillies - 2 to 3 (depending on spice level)
• Rasam Powder - 1 tsp ~ optional
• Lemon Juice - 1 tbsp
• Water - 2 cups
• Salt to taste
• Curry leaves and Coriander to garnish

For Seasoning,

• Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
• Jeera - 1 tsp
• Ghee - 1 tsp
• Asafoetida, a pinch

Preparation:

1. Grind the Tomatoes and make a fine puree. (You can even cut the tomatoes into small pieces instead of grinding them)
2. In a vessel, add the Water,Tomato puree,Slit Green Chillies,chopped Ginger, Asafoetida and salt. 
3. Mix well and let this mixture to boil for 5-10 mins till the raw smell disappears. 
4. Add the cooked dhal to this along with few Curry,Coriander leaves and let it cook till it starts frothing.Switch off the flame.
5. For the tempering,add a spoon of ghee,mustard seeds,jeera and a few curry leaves and allow it to splutter.Add this to the Rasam mixture.
6. Finally, add the Lemon Juice to this and yummy Lemon Rasam is ready :) 
7. Serve with Hot Rice and a simple potato curry...Best Combination ever!

     Chef's Tip -

     * Do not reheat the Rasam after adding the Lemon Juice as it will make it bitter. My mom always   adds the Lemon Juice to the Rasam in parts just before serving.

     * You can add Rasam powder,if desired as it will enhance the flavor.

Semiya Payasam (Vermicelli Kheer)

Semiya Payasam is one of the most simple,easy to make yet a very delicious dessert. This is made with Milk and Vermicelli roasted in ghee and flavoured with cardamom.This payasam can be made as an instant recipe or on any occasion.This can be served either hot or cold :)

Time:Making Time (20 mins)

Difficulty level: Easy

Ingredients:

• Vermicelli - 1/2 cup
• Milk - 4 cups 
• Sugar - 4-5 tbsp
• Condensed Milk - 2 tbsp (Optional)
• Cardamom Powder - 1 tsp
• Saffron - few strands (Optional)
• Cashews,Raisins - Slightly roasted in 1 tsp of Ghee for garnish
• Ghee - 1/4 cup

Preparation:

1. In a thick bottomed vessel,add the Ghee and slightly fry the Cashews and Raisins till golden brown.Keep Aside.
2. Now sauté the Vermicelli in the remaining ghee for a few mins (till medium brown)
3. Add milk to this and allow it to boil in medium heat for a while and keep stirring in between so that the Vermicelli doesn't stick to the bottom of the vessel.
4. Once the milk starts to boil,add sugar as per taste and the condensed milk and boil it for 10-15 mins on medium heat.
5. Now add the cardamom powder and stir well.
6. Garnish with cashews and raisins along with a few Saffron strands before serving.
7. Served either hot or cold :) Enjoy the tasty payasam!
   
   Chef's Tip - Adding Condensed milk can help thicken and add richness to the Payasam. Alter the quantity based on the desired consistency
   
   
   

   

   
   

   

   
   
   
   
   

   
   

Idli Upma

Idlis are the most common breakfast in South Indian homes.  Most people prefer Dosas to Idlis.Try this recipe of Idli Upma for a tasty variation .This recipe can be made with Leftover idlis or Fresh Idlis.

Time:Making Time (20 mins)

Difficulty level:  Easy

Ingredients:

• Fresh or Leftover Idlis - 5 to 6 crumbled
• Onions - 1/2 finely chopped
• Green Chillies - 3-4
• Ginger - finely chopped (Optional)
• Oil - 1 tbsp
• Turmeric Powder -  a pinch
• Red Chilli Powder - 1 tsp (I prefer to use Dosa Chilli Powder)
• Broken Urad Dhal - 1 tsp
• Mustard seeds - for tempering
• Curry Leaves - 8-10
• Coriander Leaves for garnish
• Lemon juice - few drops (Optional)
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. In a vessel add oil, when heated add the Mustard seeds,Urad Dhal,Green Chillies,chopped ginger,Curry leaves,a pinch of Turmeric powder and allow it to splutter.
2. Add the chopped Onions to this and allow it to cook for sometime till it turns light pink. 
3. To this add the Chilli Powder,Crumbled Idlis,Salt to Taste and mix well.
4. Simmer and let it cook for few mins till the raw smell disappears.
5. Top it with a dash of Lemon Juice and Garnish with Coriander leaves and Serve hot as a healthy,tasty tiffin :)

Quick n Easy Guacamole

Guacamole is an Avocado based dip that originated in Mexico. I first got introduced to this at my favorite Mexican place - 'Chipotle' and started liking it since then.Avocado's are rich in Potassium  Vitamins, Folic acid and also have a high fiber content.I have tasted various versions of Guacamole but this recipe is a very easy and quick one to make. Get ready to enjoy a homemade Mexican flavor :)

Time:Making Time (15 mins)

Difficulty level: Very Easy 

Ingredients:

• Avocados - 2 or 3 (Ripe ones preferred)
• Onion - 1 small 
• Tomato - 2 small
• Garlic - 2 to 3 flakes
• Green Chilli - 2 (Based on the desired spice level)
• Coriander - few strands
• Salt & Pepper - to taste
• Lemon Juice - 1 tbsp

Preparation:

1. Peel the Avocados and mash them well along with 1 tbsp of fresh Lemon Juice and keep aside.
2. Finely chop(mince) the Onions,Tomatoes,Green Chilli,Garlic together.
3. Add this to the mashed Avocados, add Salt and Pepper to taste and mix well.
4. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
   Enjoy the tasty Guacamole with Chips or on top of Tortillas/Bread or simply eat it :)

Javarisi Payasam (Sabudana Kheer)

Javarisi(known as Sago or Sabudana) Payasam is a very delicious and easy to make dessert. The taste of the Sago soaked in milk flavoured with cardamom along with a touch of saffron, this kheer is a must-do on any occasion.This can be
served either hot or cold :)

Time:Making Time (20 mins)

Difficulty level: Easy

Ingredients:

• Sago - 1/2 cup
• Milk - 2 or 3 cups 
• Sugar - 4-5 tbsp
• Condensed Milk - 1/2 tin (Optional)
• Cardamom Powder - 1 tsp
• Saffron - few strands
• Cashews,Raisins - Slightly roasted in 1 tsp of Ghee for garnish

Preparation:

1. Wash and soak the Sago in water for 2-3 hrs.
2. In a thick bottomed vessel,add the Ghee and slightly fry the Cashews and Raisins till golden brown.Keep Aside.
3. Now Drain the water from the Sago and saute it in the remaining ghee for a few mins.
4. Add milk to this and allow it to boil in medium heat for a while and keep stirring in between so that the Sago doesn't stick to the bottom of the vessel.
5. Once the milk starts to boil,add sugar as per taste and the condensed milk and boil it for 10-15 mins on medium heat.
6. Now add the cardamom powder and stir well.
7. Garnish with cashews and raisins along with a few Saffron strands before serving.
8. Served either hot or cold :) Enjoy the tasty kheer!
   
   

   

   
   

   

   
   

   
   

   
   

Mixed Vegetable Sevai

Sevai is a type of Rice noodles.Its very similar to Vermicelli. You can make different versions using Sevai...like Coconut,Lemon,Sevai,Tomato,Tamarind etc. This recipe for Vegetable Sevai makes for light,filling and quick meal.

Time:Making Time (20 mins)

Difficulty level:  Medium

Ingredients:

• Chopped Mixed veggies - 1 cup (Grean Peas,Carrots,Beans,Corn,Soy etc)
• Onions - 1/2 finely chopped
• Rice Noodles (or Sevai) - 1 small packet
• Green Chillies - 3-4
• Ginger - finely chopped
• Oil - 2 tbsp
• Turmeric Powder -  a pinch
• Red Chilli Powder - 1 tsp
• Cumin seeds(Jeera) - 1 tsp
• Mustard seeds - for tempering
• Curry Leaves - 8-10
• Coriander Leaves for garnish
• Lemon juice - few drops
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. In a vessel add oil, when heated add the Mustard seeds, Jeera seeds,Green Chillies,chopped ginger,curry leaves,a pinch of Turmeric powder and allow it to splutter.
2. Add the chopped Onions to this and allow it to cook for sometime till it turns light pink. 
3. Now add the veggies and simmer it until its cooked. (Else you can precook the veggies in a microwave)
4. Boil 4 cups of water with a drop of oil,Add the Sevai and keep it closed for 3 - 5 mins until its cooked. Drain all the water completely and keep aside.
5. Now Add the cooked Sevai to the above mixture,salt to taste and mix well to cook for a few mins.
6. Top it with a dash of Lemon Juice and Garnish with Coriander leaves and Serve hot as a healthy,tasty tiffin :)
7. Variations - You can use Tomatoes to make Tomato Sevai or Use the Puliogare powder to make Tamarind Sevai as well. You can also make Coconut or Lemon Sevai. 

Lemon Sevai

Tomato Sevai

Cream of Carrot Soup

Wondering what to do with Carrots?? Wanna try something new...Try out this simple,healthy Carrot soup.There is nothing like having a hot bowl of soup on a rainy day with some snacks to go along with it ;)

Time: Making Time (20 mins)

Difficulty level: Easy

Ingredients:

• Carrots - 1 cup
• Green peas - 1/2 cup
• Onion - 1/2 finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 or 3 flakes (Optional)
• Milk - 1 small cup
• Butter - 2 tsp
• Maida - 1 tbsp
• Water - 1 cup
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste
• Mint leaves/Basil - to garnish (Optional)

Preparation:

1. Boil the Carrots in water until they are cooked. Once cooled, blend it in a mixer to a fine paste.
2. In a pan,heat the butter and fry the chopped onions until it turns pink. If you like the flavor of garlic,add 2-3 crushed flakes to the onions and fry.
3. Now make a fine paste with the maida flour and a little milk. 
4. Add this paste and rest of the milk to the fried onions along with the Carrots and Peas.
5. Mix well and simmer until the raw smell disappears.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with a little cream or grated cheese and Mint leaves.Serve hot.

Chef's tip - The water used to boil the veggies can be used to make the soup. Adding maida & milk helps in giving the creamy texture to the soup,skip it if you don't like.

 

 

Macaroni Pasta with Vodka sauce

I have been wanting to learn making Pasta dishes for quite sometime now.This is the simplest pasta recipe that i could think of.I bet it is an easy to make dish,healthy and yummy too.The simple combination of Olive Oil,Garlic,Pepper powder and Oregano seasoning gives this dish an amazing taste and flavor.

Time:Making Time (20 mins)

Difficulty level:Medium

Ingredients:

• Macaroni Pasta - 1 cup
• Mixed Vegetables (Capsicum,Grean Peas,Tomatoes) - 1 cup finely chopped
• Ginger,Garlic paste - 1 tsp (optional)
• Garlic - 3-4 finely chopped
• Olive Oil - 2 tbsp
• Oregano Seasoning - 1 tsp
• Black Pepper Powder - 1 tsp
• Vodka sauce - 3 tbsp ( From Safeway)
• Mint Leaves/Basil leaves - Few chopped (optional)
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Cook the Macaroni pasta in water with a drop of oil for 10-15 mins . Drain the water and keep aside.(Take care not to overcook the pasta.Run the pasta through cold water to avoid it being sticky.)
2. In a pan, add 2 tbsp Olive Oil,Ginger-Garlic paste,Chopped Garlic and sauté for 2-3 mins
3. To this,add the vegetables along with a little salt and simmer until the vegetables are half-cooked.
4. Now add 2 tbsp of Vodka sauce and stir well so that the veggies and sauce mixes well.
5. Add the cooked Pasta and mix well. Then add Black Pepper Powder,Oregano and salt to taste and sauté for few mins
6. Garnish it with Basil or Mint Leaves. Yummy,hot pasta ready :)

Variations :

- I like to keep my Pasta simple. If you want a more extravagant dish, feel free to add on more veggies like Broccoli,Mushrooms etc.
- I prefer to use Sun Dried Tomatoes when making Pasta as it has a unique flavor to it. You can also use fresh tomatoes instead
- You can add Grated Cheese for an extra flavor and extra calorie ;)
- Safeway has a variety of good Pasta sauces. You can alter the same recipe by using other sauces like Garlic Alfredo or Arabiata or Basil Pesto.

Egg Roast

Egg has always been a favorite of mine. Here is a simple yet very tasty variation that you could make with Egg and does not need a lot of ingredients.This dish makes a great combination when served with hot Rasam Rice or any Kozhambu :)

Time:Making Time (20 mins)

Difficulty level:Easy

Ingredients:

• Boiled Egg - 3-4 
• Ginger,Garlic Paste - 1 tsp (Optional)
• Red Chilli Powder - 1 tsp 
• Turmeric Powder - a pinch
• Salt to taste
• Oil/Butter - 2 tbsp

Preparation:

1. Boil 3-4 eggs and Cut them into half and keep aside.
2. In a small cup, add Ginger-Garlic paste (optional),Red chilli Powder, Turmeric Powder and Salt to taste. Mix all of them together with 1 tsp of water to make a smooth paste.
3. Now coat the Sliced Eggs with this paste and keep it aside for 5 mins.
4. In a pan, add 2 tbsp of Oil and simmer till the Oil is hot enough.
5. Now carefully place the coated Egg slices onto the pan and allow it to cook for 3-5 mins.
6. Once the Egg starts turning golden brown, change the sides and simmer for another 2-3 mins.
7. Garnish it with little chopped coriander on top
8. Serve with Hot Rice  

Chef's Tip - Take care not to overcook the Eggs in the pan. As it tends to become more dry.
Also, make sure to cook on Low flame with the pan slightly covered with a lid as the Egg tends to splutter at times.

Vegetable Fried Rice

This is the simplest rice recipe that i have ever made.I bet it is a favorite dish in most party menu.This recipe does not have any extra added spices but the simple combination of White Pepper and Garlic gives the recipe an amazing aroma and flavor.It can be served with Raita or side dish :)

Time:Making Time (20 mins)

Difficulty level:Easy

Ingredients:

• Basmati Rice - 2 cups
• Mixed Vegetables (Carrots,Grean Peas,Cabbage,Beans) - 1 cup finely chopped
• Onions - 1 small sized finely chopped (or) Spring Onions - chopped
• Ginger,Garlic paste - 1 tsp
• Garlic Cloves - 3-4 finely chopped
• Oil/Butter - 3 tbsp
• White Pepper Powder - 2 tsp
• Black Pepper Powder - 1 tsp
• Coriander - Chopped
• Mint Leaves - Few chopped (optional)
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Soak the Basmati rice in water for 10-15 mins,drain the water and keep aside.
2. Cook the Rice separately and keep aside.
3. In a pressure pan, add 3 tbsp Butter/Oil,Ginger-Garlic paste,Chopped Onions along with chopped Garlic and saute for 2-3 mins
4. To this,add the mixed vegetables and simmer until the vegetables are half-cooked.
5. Now add the cooked rice and mix well. Then add White pepper powder,Black Pepper Powder and salt to taste and simmer until the raw smell of Pepper goes away.
6. Garnish it with Chopped Coriander leaves 
7. Serve with Raita or Side Dish.

Chef's Tip - I usually add 1.5 cups of water for 1 cup of Basmati rice.

Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer is a popular vegetarian dish made out of Spinach and Paneer (Indian Farmer's Cheese).This is really easy to make and is extremely tasty when served with Rice, Naan or Roti :)

Time:Making Time (20 mins)

Difficulty level:Easy

Ingredients:

• Fresh Spinach Leaves - 1 bunch
• Paneer cubes - 1 cup
• Green peas - 1 cup (Optional)
• Onions - 1 medium sized 
• Tomatoes - 2 medium sized
• Ginger,Garlic chopped (or Paste) - 1 tsp 
• Green Chilli - 3
• Garam Masala - 1 tsp (Optional)
• Salt to taste
• Jeera(Cumin) seeds - 1 tsp
• Oil/Butter - 4 tbsp
• Turmeric Powder - a pinch
• Fresh Cream - 1 tbsp (Optional)

Preparation:

1. In a pan, add 1 tbsp Butter/Oil and saute the Paneer cubes till they turn golden brown.Keep aside.
2. Boil the Palak separately, drain the water and keep aside.
3. In a pan, add 1 tbsp of Oil, add the Ginger-Garlic,Green chillies,chopped Onions,Tomatoes and saute for a few mins.
4. Allow it to cool and grind the above ingredients along with the boiled palak into a fine paste by adding enough water. (vary water as per the desired consistency)
5. Now add 2 tbsp of Butter/Oil, add Jeera(Cumin) seeds to it and allow it to splutter.
6. To this, add the ground paste and allow it to cook till the raw smell disappears.
7. Add the Green Peas,a little of Garam masala powder to it and enough salt to taste.
8. Allow it to simmer until the Grean peas is cooked.
9. Now add the fried Paneer Pieces and cook till they become soft.
10. Garnish it with little fresh cream on top
11. Serve with Hot Rice or Roti

Chef's Tip - If you don't have Fresh cream, you can also add 2 tsp of curd to the recipe to give a good consistency and richness to the taste. This is optional. It tastes good enough without the Curd/Cream

Aloo Poha (aka Aval Upma)

Aval(Poha in Hindi) is nothing but Rice flakes.This dish is very easy and simple to make. My mom had made it once for an evening tiffin and i have loved this dish ever since.You can make variations to this recipe...using Tomatoes,Tamarind etc

Time:Making Time (15 mins)

Difficulty level:  Easy

Ingredients:

• Chopped Potatoes - 1 medium sized
• Onions - 1 finely chopped
• Green peas - 1/2 cup
• Rice Flakes - 2 cups 
• Green Chillies - 3-4
• Ginger - finely chopped
• Oil - 2 tbsp
• Turmeric Powder -  a pinch
• Cumin seeds(Jeera) - 1 tsp
• Mustard seeds - for tempering
• Curry Leaves - 8-10
• Coriander Leaves for garnish
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. In a vessel,add oil, when heated add the Mustard seeds, Jeera seeds,Green Chillies,chopped ginger,curry leaves,a pinch of Turmeric powder and allow it to splutter.
2. Add the chopped Onions to this and allow it to cook for sometime till it turns light pink. 
3. Now add the Chopped potatoes and Green peas and simmer until the potato gets cooked.
4. Soak Poha in water for 1-2 mins, wash and drain all the water completely.
   Then add the Poha to the above mixture,salt to taste and mix well to cook for few mins.
5. Top it with a dash of Lemon Juice and Garnish with Coriander leaves and Serve hot as a healthy,tasty tiffin :)

Variations -

You can use Tomatoes to make Tomato Poha or Use the Puliogare powder to make Tamarind Poha as well