Kadhai Paneer

Paneer or Indian Cottage Cheese is a versatile dairy product that remains the part and partial of South Asian Cuisine.  It is so delicious that it can be used on wide range of preparation starting from Snacks, Main course to desserts respectively. One of the variation from Main course is Kadhai Paneer, which is very popular in northern part of India and then eventually spread to different part of the world.

Health Benefits

Paneer is a treasure of nutrition. They are excellent source of calcium which helps to build the bones & teeth stronger. It also contains huge amount of protein that helps to prevent and reduce the back and joint problems. The dishes made of Paneer are easy to digest reason why people from all ages can use it without any hesitation.

Ingredients:

·         Paneer (Cubes) – 1 Cup

·         Capsicum (Red, Green, Yellow) – ½ Cup (Cubes)

·         Onion (Sliced) – 1 (Medium)

·         Ginger – Garlic Paste – 1 Tbsp

·         Cumin Seeds – ¼ tsp

·         Tomato Puree – 4 tbsp

·         Turmeric Powder – ¼ tsp

·         Coriander Powder – 1 tsp

·         Red Chili Powder – 1 tsp

·         Salt as per taste

·         Cooking Oil – 5 tbsp

Preparation Method:

Ø  Heat Oil in a Wok (Kadhai); fry Paneer & Capsicum Cubes till light brown and keep aside.

Ø  In the same Oil, add Cumin seeds; when it crackles add Sliced Onion & sauté for a minute.

Ø  Add Ginger- Garlic Paste and fry till its raw smell goes off.

Ø  Add Tomato Puree and cook for a while & when it starts separating from Oil, add Turmeric Powder, Red Chili Powder, and Coriander Powder; mix well.

Ø  Then add the fried Paneer Cubes, Capsicums & Salt ; finally sprinkle littler water & sauté for 4-5 minutes in a low flame or the capsicums are done and put off the flame

Ø  Now the “Kadhai Paneer” is ready. Serve it hot.

Kadhai Paneer is well served with  Roti, Paratha, Fried Rice and  Naan.

Gajar Halwa (Carrot Pudding)

Gajar Halwa is one of most popular sub-continental deserts. This is a very healthy and delicious dish reason why people always prefer to have it during festivals and special occasions. Traditionally the dish supposed to be made of Carrot (Gajar) with Milk fudge, however there are many variations available these days.

Health Benefits:

The carrots are herbaceous plant containing about 87% of water. They are versatile vegetable with excellent source of vitamins (B,C,D,E) and rich in mineral salts. Carrots also contain high source of Beta carotene which the body converts into vitamin A. It also helps to lowers the Cholesterol level and regular consumption of carrot helps to reduce the risk of Stroke, Heart Diseases, Diabetes and also improves Eye Sight.

Ingredients:

·         Carrot (Grated) – 2 Cup

·         Milk – 3  Cup

·         Sugar – 1 Cup

·         Condensed Milk – 3 tbsp

·         Khoya  (Mashed)– ¼ Cup

·         Cashew Nut – 20 gms

·         Raisin – 10 gms

·         Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) – 2 tsp

·         Ghee / Clarified Butter – 2 tbsp

Preparation Method:

Ø  Take the grated Carrots and squeezed water out of them; keep aside.

Ø  Heat Ghee in a Pan; Fry Cashew Nuts, Raisins and keep aside for garnishing.

Ø  In the same Pan add the squeezed Carrot and fry for 2-3 mins in medium flame so that it’s raw smell goes off.

Ø  Then add Milk & Sugar with the Carrot and cook around 25 -30 mins in a low flame till it achieves a thick consistency. While cooking keep on stirring occasionally so that the mixture does not stick to the Pan.

Ø  Finally add Mashed Khoya, Condensed Milk, Cardamom Powder and Mix well; Cook around 5 mins; Then let it be cool.

Ø  Now the “Gajar Halwa” is ready. Garnish with fried Cashew Nuts and Raisin.

Gajar Halwa is served hot or cold. To get a good flavor you may add Vanilla Ice cream in it.

Holi Mubarak