Paneer Bhurjee

Paneer is basically a homemade, unsalted fresh cheese made out of Milk and being commonly used on number of Indian delicacy. The use of Paneer in India exists since back 6000 BCE. The dishes made of Paneer are always comes under exotic dinning and served during special occasions. Now days Paneer is easily available in the Super market or Sweet Stores.  Paneer can be used on wide range of dishes & Paneer Bhurjee is one of them.

Health Benefits

Paneer is very delicious in nature and provides numerous health benefits. It is an excellent source of calcium that helps build bones & teeth stronger. It also helps reducing the development of insulin resistance syndrome by which the obesity, hypertension & type 2 diabetes mellitus can be controlled. Paneer are easy to digest, hence people of all ages can use it without any hesitation. It is a rich source of protein and calcium & very good for growing children. It also helps preventing to reduce the back and joint problems. In nut-shell Paneer contains all minerals that is necessary to maintain a good health.

Ingredients:

·         Paneer (Grated) – 1 Cup

·         Capsicum (Chopped) – ¼ Cup

·         Green Peas (Frozen) – ¼ Cup

·         Onion (Finely Chopped) – 1 (Large)

·         Green Chili (Finely Chopped) – 2

·         Tomato (Chopped) – 1 (Medium)

·         Ginger – Garlic Paste – 1 tsp

·         Turmeric Powder – ¼ tsp

·         Sambar Powder – ½ tsp

·         Salt as per taste

·         Meat Masala – ½ tsp

·         Cooking Oil – 3 tbsp

Preparation Method:

Ø  Heat Oil in a Pan; add Chopped Green Chili & Onion and sauté for a minute.

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

Ø  Add Chopped Capsicum and Green Peas and sauté for around two minutes.

Ø  Then add Grated Paneer, Salt, Meat Masala, Sambar Powder, Turmeric Powder & cook for 2  mins.

Ø  Finally add Chopped Tomatoes; cover and cook for 5-7 minutes & then mix well.

Ø  Now the “Paneer Bhurjee” is ready. Serve hot.

Paneer Bhurjee is well served with Roti, Naan, Paratha and even Rice.

Kalakand (Milk Cake)

Kalakand is an exclusive milk based sweet dish that traditionally made out of concentrated Milk with fresh Paneer cooked with Sugar to a thick consistency. This is an exotic dessert that is quite popular among Indians and served during festivals and special occasions. As per wikis Kalakand has been originated from Braj in Uttar and then spread all over India because of its wonderful taste. Making Kalakand needs two major steps that explained after ingredients…

Ingredients:

·         Milk – 8 Cups (4 Cups for Panner & rest 4 Cups for making Sweet)

·         Sugar – ½ Cup

·         Lemon Juice – 3 tbsp for Paneer

·         Ghee – ¼ tsp (For Greasing the Plate)

Preparation Method:

Paneer Preparation

Ø  First take 4 Cups of Milk in a Pan and bring it to boil in a medium flame.

Ø  Once the Milk gets boiled reduce the heat and add the Lemon Juice slowly; keep stirring until the milk is completely curdled & then turn off the heat.

Ø  Take a water strainer & cover it with a clean Muslin or cheese Cloth. Then pour curdles in it & keep it under a running water; hang the curdle dough till the water is completely drain out.

Ø  Now the Paneer is ready; Crumble it & keep aside.

Kalakand Preparation:

Ø  Take a heavy bottom Pan; add the rest 4 Cups of Milk and bring it to boil.

Ø  Keep boiling till the milk reduced to approx 2 Cups.

Ø  Add the Paneer and mix well with milk; then add Sugar and cook the mixture till it achieves dough like consistency.

Ø  While cooking, keep in mind that the mixture needs to be stirred continuously; otherwise it will stick to the Pan.

Ø  Then take a Plate and grease with little Ghee and spread the prepared Kalakand with a thickness of at least ½ inch.

Ø   When it gets cooled, finally cut it in square shape and serve.

Tomato Chutney

Tomatoes are kind of vegetables that commonly used on all type of cuisines and people of all ages like to have it in their intake. A good thing about it is that they are widely available throughout season fresh. Because of their great flavor and texture it can be used on wide range of food stuffs. If fresh, it can be used on daily cooking stuff or can also be stored for long by means of Ketch-up or Pickles. In a short they are very delicious fruits and being loved all over the Globe.

Unlike, Tomatoes are  part & partial of most of the delicacy in India. One of such popular type is called Tomato Chutney, which is basically a side dish that sits well with all kind of dishes. In terms of preparation this could be one of the easiest receipe to think.

Health Benefits

Tomatoes are kind of vegetables which offer enormous health benefits. They are low in calories and with huge amount of Vitamins, Fibers and Mineral that essential for maintaining a good health. Tomatoes also contain dietary lycopene contents, a kind of powerful antioxidant that helps in fight against cancer. According to the studies of American Medical Association, daily consumption of tomatoes decreases the oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes.

Ingredients:

·         Tomatoes (Chopped) – 5 (Medium)

·         Garlic (Chopped) -  2 (Large)

·         Green Chili (Slit Lengthwise) – 2

·         Curry Leaves – Few

·         Mustard Seeds – ½ tsp

·         Cumin Seeds – ½ tsp

·         Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp

·         Salt as per taste

·         Sugar – 1 Pinch

·         Cooking Oil – 2 tsp

·         Coriander Leaves (Chopped) –1/2 tbsp (Optional)

Preparation Method:

Ø  Heat Oil in a Pan; add Mustard Seeds, Cumin Seeds, when they crackle.

Ø  Add Slit Green Chili, Chopped Garlic, Curry Leaves and sauté for a minute.

Ø  Then add chopped Tomatoes, Salt, Sugar and Turmeric Powder; mix well.

Ø  Cover and cook till the tomatoes are tender & gravy gets thicken. The consistency of the gravy should be as per your own choice.

Ø  Finally add Chopped Coriander Leaves and mix well.

Ø  Now the “Tomato Chutney” is ready.

Tomato Chutney is well served with Rice, Pulao, Paratha and Puri, Plain Dosa.

Chili Mushroom

Mushrooms are kind of fungus that is being used as herbs for hundreds of years for their great healing qualities and gradually they are accepted as food for their great flavor and texture. As per wikis there are around more than 14,000 varieties of Mushroom are found, out of which around 3,000 are edible. The dishes made of Mushrooms are not only delicious but also healthy in nature, reason why they have been enjoyed more or more on several international cuisines from east to west. This version of Chili Mushroom dish is inspired by the cooking techniques of Indo-Chinese Cuisine, which is quite popular in Indian Subcontinent.

Health Benefits:

As per the research conducted from time to time, it has been found that the health benefits of Mushrooms are enormous.   They are excellent source of potassium & trace elements that helps to lower the blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke. Mushrooms have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients that give protection to our body against cardiovascular diseases.They are low in calories with Zero fat for which they are ideal food for people following weight management programs. They are also rich source of riboflavin, niacin, and selenium. As per the Research conducted by Beckman Research Institute in California shows that mushroom cells contain mechanisms that suppress breast and prostate cancer cells. Clinical trials on the mushroom cancer link are in the works and we should see the results in about a year. In other words a regular consumption of Mushrooms will keep us fit and fine.

Ingredients:

·         Button Mushroom  – 100 gms

·         Capsicum (Green) – 25 gms

·         Capsicum (Yellow) – 25 gms

·         White Onion (Chopped) – 1 (Medium)

·         Ginger – Garlic Paste – 1 tsp

·         Green Chilly (Chopped) - 2

·         Soya Sauce – 1 ½ tbsp

·         Vinegar (White) – 1 tsp

·         Pepper Powder – 2 tsp

·         Ajinomotto – ½ tsp

·         Sugar – ¼ tsp

·         Salt as per taste

·         Corn Flour (Mixed with Water) – 1 tsp

·         Cooking Oil – 1 ½  tbsp

·         Spring Onion (Chopped) – For Garnishing

Preparation Method:

Ø  Wash & strain the Mushrooms and cut them into halves.

Ø  Cut Capsicums into halves; remove the seeds & cut them into diced shape; Keep aside.

Ø  Heat Oil in a Pan; Shallow fry the Mushrooms and Capsicum for a minute; Keep aside.

Ø  In the same pan add Chopped Green Chilly & Onion; Sauté for a minute.

Ø  Add Ginger- Garlic Paste and sauté for a while till the raw smell goes off.

Ø  Now add the fried Mushrooms & Capsicum; cook for around 3 mins in medium flame.

Ø  Then add Pepper Powder, Salt, Ajinomotto, Sugar, Vinegar, Soya sauce and cook till the Mushrooms & Capsicum are tendered.

Ø  Finally add Cornflower mixed Water & Stir well for around 2 mins or till the gravy is thicken.

Ø  Now the “Chili Mushroom” is ready. Garnish with Spring Onion.

Chili Mushroom is well served with Fried Rice and  Steamed Rice.

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

Mixed Vegetable Fry

Mix vegetable fry is a very healthy and delicious vegetarian dish that made with fresh or frozen Vegetables like Broccoli, Cauliflower, Sweet Corn seeds, Green peas, Baby Carrot, Potatoes & Capsicums along with Tomatoes and Onion. The beauty of this dish is that one can add any vegetables of own choice. Since lots of veggies are being used, the dish carries lot of health benefits as per the merits of each one of them. There are many ways of cooking this dish; however here is one of my variations.

Ingredients:

·         Cauliflower (Small Florets) – ¼ Cup

·         Broccoli (Small Florets) – ¼  Cup

·         Green Peas (Frozen) – ¼ Cup

·         Baby Carrots – ¼ Cup

·         Potato (Cubes) – ¼ Cup

·         Corn (Frozen) – ¼ Cup

·         Capsicum (Red, Green, Yellow) – ¼ Cup

·         Onion (Chopped) – 1 (Large)

·         Tomato (Chopped) – 1 (Medium)

·         Garlic Cloves (Chopped) – 5

·         Red Chili Powder – 1 tsp

·         Meat Masala – 1 ½ tsp

·         Sambar Powder – 1 tsp

·         Cinnamon Powder – 1 tsp (optional)

·         Salt as per taste

·         Cooking Oil – 3 tbsp

Preparation Method:

Ø  Heat Oil in a Pan; add Chopped Onion & Garlic; sauté for a minute.

Ø  Add all the Vegetables & Salt; mix well and cook it for five minutes,

Ø  Then add Red Chili Powder, Sambar Powder, Meat Masala, and Cinnamon Powder; mix them properly. Cover and Cook the mixture for five minutes.

Ø  Finally add Chopped Tomato and Cook till all the Vegetables get tender.

Ø  Uncover and cook again for three minutes.

Ø  Now the “Mixed Vegetable Fry” is ready.  Serve hot.

Mixed Vegetable Fry is well served with Steamed Rice and Roti.