Spi Chick Salad!

Spi-Chick Salad - Spinach & Chick Pea Salad with dash of fresh fruit and peppers.



Like others! Even i get in the healthy diet mood. I do love salads that have it all - leaves, fruits, nuts and veggies. Berry's do all the magic. Hope you like this one.



Ingredients:
Baby Spinach Leaves
Chickpea - 1 Can
Blueberry(Strawberry Can also be added)
Walnut
Cucumbers - Chopped
Nectarine/Pear - Chopped
Red Pepper (Red/Yellow/Green Capsicum) - Sliced
Olive Oil
Italian Dressing
Salt Pepper
Oregano

Procedure:
Mix all the ingredients in a salad bowl. Add oilve oil, italian dressing and seasonings. Toss it well.


Serve it fresh. Eat Healthy(& Tasty) Stay Healthy.

Veggie Poha

Vegetable Poha - Flaked rice puff cooked in onion and potatoes. A light breakfast snack.



Ingredients: Serves 2-3
500 Gms Poha/Flaked Rice puff
1 Onion - Chopped
3 Green chili - Chopped
1 Boiled Potato- Chopped
1 Small Cup - Peas
1 tbsp Mustard Seeds
1/2 tbsp Chana Dal
1/2 tbsp Urad Dal
1-2 Dried Red Chili
3-4 Fresh/Dried Curry Leaves
Salt
1/2 Lemon Juice
1/2 tbsp Coriander Powder
2 Tbsp Grated Coconut
5-6 Sprigs of Chopped Coriander

Procedure:

1.In a heated pan, add oil(Med-Low flame). Add Mustard seeds, let it sputter. Add (in order) chana dal, urad dal, curry leaves, dried red chili, green chili and onions. You can increase the flame after adding onions. Fry till golden brown (8-9 mins). Add peas. Add Coriander powder.

2. Put poha in a big sieve or colander. Sprinkle water on poha, make it a little wet(Don't put too much water, otherwise it will become soggy).

3. Add poha to the pan. Mix well, to coat the poha evenly with masala. Add few drops of lemon.

Garnish with grated coconut and chopped coriander leaves. You can also add fried or roasted peanuts.

Serve with Chutney or Indian Pickles.

Vegetable Upma!

Upma! U..Maa!


Upma - A light Snack - Roasted Suji(Rava/Semolina/Cream of Wheat) and vegetables cooked in south Indian spices.

Me and Shreya(Friend) at Penn State shared the fondness of Upma. We cooked it over and over again. Started initially with those MTR upma packets. We used to rush home from school and make ginger tea and upma, that we sat and ate in peace(Go-siping).
Soon, we were done with all the packets we had and shifted to the original recipe. She would be be so mad, if i added vegetables. So, we made her style all the time - grated coconut and fresh coriander being utmost important.
She will fondly do all the cutting and chopping. You see! It was easy for me.
At that time we used to work at same place and had same courses.For a class project, one day we were supposed to be in school till late night. So, we packed 4 boxes of Upma in the anticipation that we don't have to step out for meals on a cold winter day. Though, it is a different story that we ended up finishing it before lunch time. :)

This one is for my Upma Friend!

Ingredients: Serves 2-3
1 Cups Suji/Rava (Rava : Water = 1:3)
3 Cups of Water
1 Onion - Chopped
3 Green chili - Chopped
1 Boiled Potato- Chopped
1 Small Cup - Peas
1 tbsp Mustard Seeds
1/2 tbsp Chana Dal
1/2 tbsp Urad Dal
1-2 Dried Red Chili
3-4 Fresh/Dried Curry Leaves
Salt
1/2 tbsp Coriander Powder
2 Tbsp Grated Coconut
5-6 Sprigs of Chopped Coriander

Procedure:

1. Dry roast suji in a heated pan. Keep stirring on a medium heat till done. It has a distinctive smell and looks light golden. It takes 5-8 mins. Keep it aside.

2. In a heated pan, add oil(Med-Low flame). Add Mustard seeds, let it sputter. Add (in order) chana dal, urad dal, curry leaves, dried red chilli, green chili and onions. You can increase the flame after adding onions. Fry till golden brown (8-9 mins). Add Coriander powder.

3.Heat water in a separate pan till it starts boiling. Add salt and peas to it.Check water for salt. When starts boiling add it to the pan with onions.

4. Add roasted suji slowly to this.Keep stirring constantly to avoid forming lumps. Cook till done, till water is absorbed and upma becomes semi-solid.



Garnish with grated coconut and chopped coriander leaves. You can also add fried or roasted peanuts.

Serve with Chutney or Indian Pickles.

Ajwaini Arbi

Ajwaini Arbi - Tora or Arbi fries cooked with Ajowan Caraway or Carom Seeds.

Arbi is a hairy root vegetable, also known as Tora or Arvi or Colacassia. It's texture resembles to that of potato. It can be found at international groceries stores. It is a quick and easy dish, yet tasty. Go for it, when you are bored of other vegetables around. :)

Ingredients:

7-8 Arbi Roots ( Peeled, Washed and Slices like Fries)

2 Tbsp Ajwain Seeds (Carom Seeds)

Chopped Ginger

2 Green Chili - Sliced

Salt
Red Chili Powder
1/2 Tbsp Turmeric Powder
1 Tbsp Coriander Powder
3-4 Tbsp Oil

Procedure:

1. Heat oil in a pan. Add Ajwain and let it sputter. Add ginger and green chili.

2. Add Arbi. Mix well and add salt, turmeric, red chili and coriander powder. Keep tossing(15mins) on a medium flame until done. Don't cover at all.

Garnish with coriander leaves.

Serve with Chapati and Dal or eat as it is.

Chicken Shawarma & Hummus

I can never forget, how much i used to wait to go to Delhi's PVR Priya. It was my favorite hangout for movie and to have a bite at a corner middle eastern eatery - "Arabian Nights". I used to love their Chicken Donner Kebab or Shawarma.



Shawarma (شاورما‎) is a middle eastern style sandwich composed of shaved grilled chicken,lamb, beef or turkey.This meat is spiced with olive oil and Mediterranean seasonings. It is also called Gyro in Greece and Guss in Iraq. It is usually accompanied by Pita Bread,Hummus, salad and pickles. It is a very commonly sold fast food among all middle eastern countries. It has now crossed boundaries and is famous globally.

Enough History for now!
As my cousins sat and watched NFL, whole of the Sunday. I had nothing better to do than listening to some loud cheers, noises and football commentary (that i hardly understood). So, i decided to spend my evening in kitchen and make a middle eastern meal.

Menu:
Grilled Chicken - Shaved and Spiced
Toasted Pita Pockets
Red Paprika Hummus
Greek Salad
Pickled Jalapeno Peppers (Ready made)

Chicken Shawarma!
Ingredients:
2 lb Chicken Breast (4 pieces)

Marinade
1/3 Cup Oil
3 tbsp Lemon Juice
8 Cloves Garlic - Crushed
2 Chili Pepper - Crushed
Salt
1.5 tbsp Oregano
Black Pepper
Red Paprika
Red Chili Powder
1 tbsp Smoked Cumin Powder
5 tbsp Sour Cream (Optional)

Sauce
2 Chopped Tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil

Procedure:

1. Put deep scores or cuts on the chicken breasts. Mix all the marinade seasonings and wrap chicken in to this marinade.Keep aside for 2-3 Hours.




2. After 2-3 Hours. Preheat oven at 350F for 10 mins. Bake Chicken, until well done (35-40mins). Shave the chicken breast using a knife and shred into small peices.

3. In a heated pan, add olive oil and tomatoes. Fry for few minutes. Add shredded chicken and mix well.


This is the filling for the pitas.

Red Paprika Hummus!


Ingredients:
2 cans of Chick Peas or Garbanzo Beans
6-7 Garlic Cloves
1/2 Cup olive oil
2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
Black Pepper
Red Paprika Powder
1 Tbsp Fresh or Dried Parsley
3 tbsp Red Pepper Pickle (Ready Made)

Procedure:
Grind all the ingredients to a smooth paste. Better if you start with garlic, chick peas and then rest of the stuff.

Can also serve with oven roasted pita chips.

Greek Salad!
Cut : Tomato, Red Onions and Cucumbers.
Seasonings: Whisk olive oil, lemon Juice, salt, black pepper, oregano and thyme.


Serve: Toasted Pita Pockets with Chicken and Salad inside with some hummus dip on the side.
Don't forget the jalapenos and hot sauce for Spice lovers.

By now, it seems Chicago is winning against Indianapolis, because i see cheers and jumps all around the house. Even Buster(Cute Huge Dog) seems to be elated. It might be Chicago's win or my Mediterranean chicken pieces that i fed him all through the game . Lets hope both!
This ends my weekend. I am ready for another week of work!

Punjabi Kadhi

Kadhi Chawal ! - A truly punjabi delicacy - Gram flour and Yogurt based curry cooked with fried onions and Fenugreek leaves.

It is a very famous and frequently cooked in North India. It is thicker and lot spicier than the Gujrati kadhi. It is a perfect sunday lunch meal. Pakoras or fried vegetable dumpling can be added to it.
I love this recipe to death!

Ingredients:

2 Cups Plain Yogurt
6 Tablespoon Gram Flour or Besan or Chickpea Flour
1 Big Onion - Sliced
2 Green Chili - Slit length wise
4 Garlic Cloves - Minced
1-2 Inch Ginger Minced
10-12 Fenugreek Seeds
1 tbsp Mustard Seeds
1 Dried Red Chili
3-4 Curry Leaves
2 tbsp Dried Fenugreek Leaves or Kasoori Methi
Salt
1 tbsp Turmeric powder
1 tbsp Coriander Powder
1 tbsp Red Chili Powder
3 Cups Water for cooking
Fresh Coriander - 4-5 Sprig

Prepare:
Mix Gram flour, yogurt, salt and turmeric powder. Beat this mixture well, so that there are no lumps.

Procedure:

Part 1.Heat oil in a Sauce Pan/Big Pan. Fry ginger and garlic for 2-3 mins. Add this mixture to the pot and heat at medium heat for 15-20 mins. Add 3 cups of water. Mix well and let it boil.

Part 2. In a separate heated pan. Add oil, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds. Let it splutter. Then add dried red chili, curry leaves, green chili and onions(in order). Fry onions till golden brown. Add coriander powder and red chili powder. Keep it aside.

Add this onion mixture to yogurt curry. Add water if needed and heat on a medium heat for 10 mins. Add dried fenugreek leaves.



Garnish with coriander leaves.

Serve the Kadhi hot with Jeera rice.

This one goes to the Event “Herb Mania- Fenugreek” hosted by Red Chillies.

This one goes to the Event “Think Spice..Think.. Fenugreek” hosted by Kittens in the Kitchen.

Veggie COOK OUT - Meal

Five Recipes in ONE.

With Labor Day's long weekend around the corner. I realized that only few weekends are left before those chilly winds and ice flakes start hitting us again. This weekend being on the fine line of summer and fall, calls for a larger and fancier COOK OUT.
There is so much one can do with non-veg stuff on these grilling picnic. I always felt vegetarians are the left out souls. So, this one is 5 course meal for Veggie souls. If you are planning to cook out and not interested to pick some ready made veg patties.
Try this recipe as a kebab or grilled patties for your BURGER!

The VEGGIE COOK OUT MENU: (Serves 5)

Garden Veggie Patty
Caramelized Onions
Home Made Pepper Relish
Mayonnaise Dip/Burger Dressing
Tandoori Steak Kebab

Pardon me for not putting the pictures! They will be up here as soon as I cook out.

Garden Veggie Patty:

Ingredients:

1 Can Olives
1 Boiled Potato
1 Can Artichoke (Optional)
1 Onion - Chopped
2-3 Garlic Cloves Chopped
1 Can Red Kidney Beans ( Or Pick up a Mixed Beans Can)
2 Green Chili
Olive Oil
Oregano
Fresh/Dried Thyme
Red Paprika
Cumin Powder
Salt
Black Pepper

Procedure:

1. Heat little oil in pan and stir fry onions, garlic and chilli for 6-8 mins. Let this mixture cool.

2. In a big pot, add the beans, olives, artichokes, potato. Mash them all together with hand. Add saute onion garlic mixture to the pot. Add the seasonings to taste.

3. Make round patty out of this mixture by rolling it into a ball and pressing it to a disc shape.

Keep these patty's aside until grilling is required. Grill on both sides.

Caramelized Onions: Perfect tasteful onions for your burgers or Kebabs!

Ingredients:
Onions
Olive Oil
Red Vine Vinegar
Salt
Black Pepper

Procedure:
In a heated pan, add oil and drop onion rings. Add 2 tbsp Red Vine Vinegar.Let it cook until brown. Add Salt and black Pepper. Onions should be brown and will be a little sweet in colour.

Red Pepper Relish: You can always pick one from the store. But to make your burgers delicious and 100% homemade. Try this!

Ingredients:
Onions - Sliced
1 Red Pepper - Sliced
2 Banana Pepper - Sliced
Oil
Red Vine Vinegar - 3 tbsp
Salt
Sugar - 1 tbsp
Red Paprika
Black Pepper

Procedure:
In a heated pan. Add onions and peppers. Add vinegar, salt, sugar black pepper and paprika. Cook for 10-12 mins. Until sweet and spicy.

Mayonnaise Dip:

Ingredients:
Mayonnaise - 1 Cup
Milk - 3 tbsp
Garlic (Minced)
Salt
Black pepper
Chives(Chopped) - 3-4 Sprigs Or Dried Mint Leaves

Procedure:
Mix all the ingredients in a take away box to make a creamy dip or burger spread.

Tandoori Kebabs:

Ingredients:
Pearl Onions
Cherry Tomato
Sliced Carrots
Zucchini
Capsicum
Cauliflower Florets
Skewers

Marinade:
1 Can Sour cream
4-5 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
3-4 Chopped Green Chili
6-8 Sprigs Chopped Coriander
Salt
Black Pepper
Cumin Powder - 2 tbsp
Coriander Powder - 2 tbsp
Garam Masala - 1 tbsp
Lemon Juice - 2 tbsp

Optional: Add Zucchini/Tofu
Tip : Limit Vegetables to 3-4.

Procedure:
Marinate all the vegetables in marinade for 2-3 hours. On skewers add these veggies. Grill to perfection.

I hope this meal comes handy for the perfect vegetarian cook out feast!