VAISAKHI SPECIAL - MEETHE CHAWAL

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Meethe Chawal

Meethe chawal is speciality of Punjab which is made on auspicious occasions like festivals and wedding and often served in gurdwaras too. It mainly consists of sugar syrup and basmati rice but the preparation method differs as compared to other rice base desserts. The yellow –orange colour fragrant rice is a bowl full of wonder. Dry fruits are added to it.even I made this dish as a first dish in kitchen after marriage.

Ingredients:-

1 cup of long grained basmati rice (soaked)

1/2 Turmeric powder

1 tsp. Elaichi powder

1 tbsp. ghee

¾ cup sugar

1.5 cup water

Few strands of saffron (soaked in milk)

10-15 almonds (sliced)

Method:-

• Heat ghee in a wok and fry strained rice in it for 5-6 minutes.

• Add sliced almonds in rice and saute for 2 more minutes.

• Add water, sugar, saffron, haldi and elaichi powder.

• let the water boil. Stir it in between.

• Once water starts boiling, turn the flame low and cover the rice with a lid. Let it cook till water disappears and stir in between.

• Garnish it with sliced almonds.

Tip: Dry roast saffron strands before soaking in milk to get extra aroma and colour.

KAKE DA HOTEL

Kake Da Hotel

Kake da hotel is centrally located in posh area of Connaught place. The restaurant enjoys customer loyalty since 1939 made from pure desi ghee the dishes served here are absolutely lip smacking. i have been visiting this place since childhood. My recent visit was just 2 days back with my cousin. The place rotates nearly 50 customers in half hour and has a limited menu the 6-7 waiters keep themselves on toes to serve each and every table promptly. I love the Dhaba culture because of its freshness and quick service. They have a limited stuff and it gets sold out when people wait in endless queues.

Don’t be mistaken by their cutlery or serving style. Welcome to whole new world where your taste buds are on a taste drive. The options include Dahi-meat and Mutton Curry and Tandoori Chicken where you cannot ever go wrong. The butter naans served here are fresh, hot and crisp. The meal is gulped within no time with extra helpings of gravy they offer when you are finished.

The paan is something which can mark a perfect end to this wonderful lunch or dinner. We found this spot just a road across. We had a famous Chuski Chocolate Pan which was almost frozen and ice and flavored syrups exploded in our mouth. The words are short to describe this wonderful paan creation.

Hope to make you all aware of more of such food experiences in future!

PANEER BUTTER MASALA

Paneer Butter Masala

Paneer butter masala is easy and quick to make recipe.it is one of the most popular recipe of Punjabi origin. This has a rich creamy gravy which is mildly spicy.it is a good variation among paneer dishes and a best choice for any party. The recipe is easy to follow and is highly recommended for paneer lovers.

Ingredients:-

250 grams cottage cheese cut in cubes/triangles

4 tomatoes        

2 tbsp. brown onions (fried)

2 onions chopped

1 tbsp. butter

3 tbsp. cream

Salt to taste

1 tsp. red chilly powder (Kashmiri)

1 tsp. coriander powder

½ tsp. garam masala

9-10 almonds, soaked and peeled

1 tsp. ginger-garlic paste

Garnishing

Kasoori methi

Method:-

• Blend brown onions and tomatoes into a paste.

• Heat oil in a thick base handi and add chopped onions. Saute then for 4-5 minutes till they turn golden brown.

• Add ginger garlic paste and tomato-onion paste made earlier.

• Add salt and all spices and mix well.

• Cook it on low flame till fat separates. Add.Add few drops of water if required and stir occasionally.

• Add cream. Simmer on low flame for 15 minutes and mix in cottage cheese pieces. Simmer for another 5 minutes and serve.

• Garnish with fresh cream and kasoori methi.

VEGETABLE JALFREZI

Vegetable Jalfrezi

Vegetable jalfrezi is a term used for cooking vegetables in a gravy base. It’s a semi dry recipe and is best variation made with seasonal mixed vegetables. The amalgamation of vegetables not only looks beautiful but the gravy makes it perfect for formal dinner too. It is a delightful combination of vegetables in which you can manage leftover vegetables in an interesting twist.

Ingredients:-

1 cup peas

2 cups mixed vegetables (cauliflower, carrot, beans)

1 capsicum cut in strips

2 tbsp. brown onion paste

3 tomatoes, pureed

1 tbsp. fresh cream

Salt to taste

1 tsp. coriander powder

½ tsp. red chilly powder

1-2 green chilly chopped

1 tsp. sugar

½ tsp. garam masala

Coriander leaves for garnishing

1 tbspn oil

Method:-

• Heat oil in kadhai and saute onion paste for 3-4 minutes. Add tomato puree and let it cook for 5 minutes till tomato puree thickens.
• Add salt, sugar and spices except garam masala. Add green chilly and fresh cream and mix in all mixed vegetables.
• Cover the vegetables with a lid and cook the vegetables on a low flame till they turn tender. Keep stirring in between.
• Add garam masala when vegetables are cooked and cook over high flame for 2 more minutes to let the moisture evaporate if any.
• Serve hot and garnish with coriander leaves.

MASALA OMELETTE

Masala Omelette

Omelette is a simple dish made from beaten eggs cooked with butter or oil in a frying pan within minutes. They are super tasty and healthy. Egg yolk contains the best form of protein. The omelette can be made with varied styles. The most common version is masala omelette which requires easily available material from a home kitchen and can be easily made. It’s a best bachelor’s dish.

Ingredients:-

2 Eggs beaten

1 Onion chopped

Salt to taste

¼ tsp. garam masala powder

½ tsp. red chilli powder

1 tbsp. oil

Garnishing:

Tomato ketchup

Mint dip

Method:-

• Beat the eggs till fluffy. A good omelette is all about beating it thoroughly. Add chopped onions and spices in it.

• Heat oil in a pan and put the beaten egg mixture and cook over low flame. Let the beaten egg mixture cook and raise by self.

• Flip it over and cook from both the sides till it turns golden brown.

• Serve with grilled toasts and tomato ketchup and mint dip.

CHAAP CURRY

 

 

Chaap Curry

An interesting twist to regular champ recipes. Not only it tastes good but is healthy too. Restaurant like food at comfort of your home is easy to make and this interesting innovation will be equally liked by non-vegetarians itself. Its recommended to add champ to your daily diet specially if you are a vegetarian as it’s a good source of protein and low in calories.

Ingredients:-

3 onions chopped

500 grams champ

2 potatoes cut in cubes

Salt to taste

1tsp red chilli powder

1 tsp. turmeric powder

1tsp coriander powder

1tsp garam masala powder

2 tbsp. yoghurt

1 tsp. Kasoori methi

1 tbsp. oil

200 ml water

Method:-

• Heat oil in cooker. Saute onions till colour changes to brown. Add chaap and cook on medium flame for 15-20 minute till its almost fully cooked.

• Add turmeric powder, salt and mix all spices except garam masala add 2 tbsp. yoghurt. Add potato cubes and stir it well. Add water.

• Pressure cook on high flame for 2 whistles and low flame for 2 whistles. Add kasoori methi and garam masala.

• Serve hot with rice or lachcha parantha.

RED SAUCE PASTA

 

Spiral Pasta In Red Tomato-Basil Sauce

This is a classic pasta dish. The tomatoes and fresh basil add an extra zing to the dish. This is an absolutely amazing recipe with which you can make the delicious tomato base sauce at home and after that you will never buy the readymade one. The same sauce can be used for pizza topping too. The homemade pasta sauce is not only easy but high in nutrients too. Tomatoes are rich source of beta carotene which has anti-cancer properties. Fresh veggies tossed in olive oil and pasta made of semolina or durum wheat make it a completely healthy and hearty meal.it is liked by all age groups.

Ingredients:-

2 cups pasta boiled (any shape)

2 onions sliced

1 cup vegetables of choice (mixed bell peppers, baby corn, broccoli)

2 tbsp. olive oil

5-6 basil leaves/holy basil leaves

6-7 tomatoes peeled

Salt to taste

½ tsp. Italian seasoning/mixed herbs

1 tsp. white pepper powder

1 tsp. sugar

1 tbsp. tomato ketchup

1 tbsp. grated cheese (mozzarella)

Method:-

• Blend peeled tomatoes into a fine puree. Heat oil in pan and simmer tomato puree in it.Cook it till it thickens to half. Add salt, sugar and fresh basil leaves. Add pepper powder. Keep aside.

• Take some oil in wok and stir fry sliced onions and veggies for 4-5 minutes. Add boiled pasta. Stir in the tomato-basil sauce and sauté for 2 minutes.

• Add Italian seasoning, tomato ketchup and stir well.

• Serve hot and top it up with grated mozzarella.