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

Paneer Fried Rice

Back to blogging after a long hiatus! Spending time with my Toddler after work seems to have taken precedence over my cooking interests these days :)
Hence I tend to look for simple recipes that does not take too much effort and cooking time. Paneer is one of our favorite and I always look forward to trying exciting recipes with it.This recipe is very close to the restaurant style Fried rice.If you have the veggies cut and the rice pre-cooked, this can be made in less than 15 mins.

Time:Making Time (15 mins)

Difficulty level:Very Easy

Ingredients:

• Basmati Rice - 1 cup
• Mixed Vegetables (Carrots,Grean Peas,Cabbage,Beans,Capsicum) - 1 cup finely chopped
• Spring Onions - 1/2 cup finely chopped 
• Ginger,Garlic paste - 1 tsp
• Garlic Cloves - 3-4 finely chopped
• White Pepper Powder - 1 tsp
• Black Pepper Powder - 1 tsp
• Coriander - Chopped
• Oil/Butter - 3 tbsp
• 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 in a pressure cooker in the ratio of 1(rice):1.5(water) cups and keep aside.Once cooked, spread the rice in a plate and let it cool down.
3. Cut the paneer into small cubes and fry it in a tsp of oil till it starts turning brown.Drain it in a paper towel and keep aside.
4. In a pan, add 3 tbsp butter/oil,ginger-garlic paste,spring onions along with garlic and saute for 2-3 mins
5. Add the mixed vegetables and fry until the vegetables are half-cooked, and the raw smell disappears.
6. Then add white pepper powder,black pepper powder and salt to taste and stir well.
7. Add the fried paneer cubes along with the cooked rice and stir well.
8. Cook for 2-3 mins and switch off the flame.
9. Garnish it with Chopped Coriander leaves.(optional)
10. Serve with Raita or Side Dish like Manchurian.

Paneer Fried Rice