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.