Vegetable Pulao/Pilaf

Plain rice can be boring. To spruce up your rice with little efforts, just add some veggies and spices that changes the taste and look drastically.

Ingredients

1 Cup of frozen/fresh mixed vegetables ( Peas, Carrots, beans, bell peppers)
2 cloves (optional)
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1/2 cup EVOO (exit virgin olive oil)
salt to taste
1 black cardamon or 2 small cardamom pods (option)
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 cup Basmati/long grain rice

Method

- Heat a little oil and add the cumin seeds
- Add the veggies and let them cook. Add in the order of bell pepper, beans, carrots and peas as they take different time to cook.
- Wash a cup of rice with water
- Add the cooked veggies, cardamom pods (leave the pod as is)
- Salt and the oil
- Add 2 cups of water
- Mix it all well.
- Cook the rice ( in pressure cooker/rice cooker/stove top)
- When all the water is absorbed, remove from heat.
- Fluff the rice. Mix it well.
- Remove the cardamom pods

Serve it hot with Raita or curry.

Vada Pav (Batata Vada)- Indian Snack

 

Batata Vada/Vada Pav is a popular street food in Mumbai. Its often eaten for snacks and even for breakfast. You can make it mild or spicy based on your taste

 
Ingredients

Filling

4 medium potatoes (Peeled and boiled)
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
few curry leaves
1 green chilli, finely chopped
1/2 tsp ginger garlic paste
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
1/2 tbsp Oil + Oil for frying
Cilantro for garnish
Sev for garnish

Batter

1 cup chickpea flour/besan
salt to taste
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
water as needed

To Serve
Green chutney
Tamarind chutney
Fresh garlic chutney
Few sliced onions
6 round buns

Method
- Heat 1/2 tbsp oil in a pan
- Add the  mustard seeds and let them splutter
- Mash the potatoes
- Add turmeric powder, salt, mashed potatoes, green chilli, chopped curry leaves, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice.
- Mix it well and saute for a few minutes
- Turn off heat and let the filling mixture cool
- Heat oil for frying. As the oil is heating, we can make the batter
- To make the batter, mix all the ingredients except water. Now slowly add the water to make a thick batter.
- When oil is ready, make 4inch diameter balls with the potatoes and dip them in the batter completely.
- Fry these balls and take them out when they turn golden brown.

- Toast the bun with little butter (optional)
- Spread a little bit of green, tamarind, garlic chutney on the bottom bun
- Place the fried potato croquettes on top the chutney
- Add a few slices of onions
- Put the top bun
- Garnish with sev and cilantro leaves

You are ready to savor the wonderful and filling snack.

"Healthy" Banana Split

Banana Split is a favorite dessert and a perfect late night snack. Though nothing healthy about it but I have tried to add more fruits to feel less guilty.

Ingredients

1 medium sized banana
A few grapes
A few blueberries
1 tsp of honey
1 tbsp chocolate sauce
4 scoops of vanilla/butter pecan ice cream (low fat)
Few pieces of walnuts/pecans
1 tsp Toasted coconut

Method

- Cut the banana lengthwise
- Place it in the middle of bowl with the bananas facing outwards
- Place the scoops of ice-cream over the banana
- Add the grapes
- Add the blueberries
- Drizzle honey
- Top it with walnuts and toasted coconut
- Squeeze the chocolate sauce on top

Enjoy the delicious snack.

Quick Hors d'œuvre with Multigrain Crackers

Quick Hors d'œuvre with Multigrain Crackers

Hors d'oeuvre don't have to be cumbersome. Here's a quick option for Hors d'oeuvres with multigrain crackers that are healthy and easy to make.

Ingredients

1 pack of Multigrain crackers
1 small red onion - chopped
1 large avocado - sliced
4 garlic cloves - sliced
1/4 cup chopped sundried tomatoes
2 tblsp Mango chutney
1/4 cup chopped olives (kalamata or any variety)
1/4 cup diced cheddar cheese or any cheese of your liking
Paprika to taste
Salt to taste

Method

- Slightly toast the crackers in a toaster or pan. You can get any crackers but I like the sesame topped multigrain crackers from Trader Joes.
- Top the crackers by mixing different toppings
- Drizzle mango chutney. You can find the chutney in Trader Joes.
- Sprinkle salt and paprika
- Toast for about 30 sec

Serve with wine or hot tea

Quick Achaari Paneer (Pickled Cottage Cheese)

Quick Achaari Paneer

Achaari Paneer is a tangy preparation of paneer. With this shortcut option it is very quick to make for one of those busy days.

Ingredients

1 pack of paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese)
1/2 cup of chopped red onions
4 tablespoon pickle powder
1 tsp Kalonji/Onion Seeds (Optional)
1/2 cup plain yoghurt
2 tsp oil
Few sprigs of cilantro for garnish

Method

- Heat the oil until it smokes lightly
- Cube the Paneer into 2 by 2 inches
- Let it brown changing sides constantly
- Remove the paneer and set aside
- Now in the oil, fry the onions until it turns translucent
- Add the pickle powder
- Add the paneer pieces
- Add the yoghurt
- Add salt
- Add kalonji seeds
- Mix it well and let it simmer for few minutes
- Garnish with cilantro leaves

Serve hot with Naan