Aval Payasam (Rice Flakes Kheer)

Aval Payasam is another simple,easy to make recipe. This is made with Milk and Aval (Poha) 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:

• Aval (Poha) - 1/4 cup
• Milk - 4 cups 
• Sugar - 4-5 tbsp
• Condensed Milk - 2 tbsp (Optional)
• Cardamom Powder - 1 tsp
• Cashews,Raisins - slightly roasted in 1 tsp of Ghee for garnish
• Ghee - 1/2 tbsp

Preparation:

1. Add ghee in a heavy bottomed pan and slightly fry the cashews and raisins till golden brown.Keep aside.
2. Now sauté the Aval in the remaining ghee for a few mins till it turns slightly brown.Switch off the flame. Pulse it once in a mixer. (This is optional.You can use directly as well)
3. Add it to the milk and allow it to boil for 10-15 mins in medium heat for a while and keep stirring in between so that the Aval doesn't stick to the bottom of the vessel.
4. Add condensed milk at this stage if you are using it.
5. Once the milk starts to boil,add sugar as per taste and boil it the milk reduces to 3 cups or so.Now add the cardamom powder and stir well.
6. Garnish with cashews and raisins before serving.
7. Served either hot or cold :) 
   
   Chef's Tip:
   - Adding Condensed milk can help thicken and add richness to the Payasam.
   

   - Adjust sugar accordingly if you are using condensed milk

   
   

   
   

   
   

   

   Aval Payasam

   
   
   
   
   

   
   

Tofu Bell Pepper Bhurji (scramble)

Tofu is a versatile ingredient with many health benefits and is an excellent

source of amino acids,iron,calcium and other micro-nutrients.Tofu can easily

absorb the flavors of the ingredients it's paired with and works well in a variety of cooking methods...either as a simple stir fry,rice,curry or just in a soup. Being vegetarians, I always find ways to make my family get enough proteins. Tofu being a great alternative to the usual paneer. Its much lighter and available in different types. I always prefer the Extra firm Organic Tofu.

This is a very quick recipe that can served as a full meal by itself.

Time:Making Time (20 mins)

Difficulty level:Easy

Ingredients:

• Extra-Firm Tofu - 1 cup crumbled
• Bell Peppers (Red,Green,Yellow,Orange) - 1 cup cut into bite-sized strips
• Spring Onions - 2 tbsp finely chopped
• Garlic - 1 tsp finely chopped
• Ginger Garlic paste - 1/2 tsp
• Olive Oil - 1 tbsp 
• Red Chili powder - 1/2 tsp
• Garam Masala powder - 1/2 tsp
• Black Pepper - a pinch
• Salt to taste
• Coriander - to garnish

Preparation:

1. Crumble the tofu after removing the excess water completely and sauté it in a little oil till its little crisp.
2. Meanwhile in a wok, add 1 tbsp oil,chopped garlic,ginger garlic paste and sauté for 2-3 mins.Add the chopped spring onions and saute for few mins.
3. Now add the cubed bell peppers along with pepper powder, red chili powder, garam masala and salt to taste and sauté them well till the raw smell goes away.
4. Add the tofu and toss it well. Cook everything together for 2-3 mins.
5. Switch off the flame and serve it topped with some lemon juice and chopped coriander leaves for garnish.
6. Serve it as a meal by itself. Can also be used as a filling for Sandwich,wraps etc.

Chef's Tip:

- Make sure to drain out the water from the Tofu completely and then crumble it.
- Paneer can also be used instead of Tofu in this recipe.

Tofu Bell Pepper Bhurji