Palak Paneer – Cottage Cheese in Spinach Gravy
Palak Paneer is a delicious Indian curry in which cottage cheese cubes (paneer) are cooked in a spinach gravy. This is served with Indian bread or roti or naan. The creamy spinach curry and the soft paneer melts in your mouth and will be a perfect dish for a party or a get together. Though I have tried various method of palak paneer this one is my favorite and I can’t wait to share it with you. Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 40 No. of servings: 6 Ingredients: Fresh or frozen paneer – 250 gram Chopped onion – 1 and 1/2 cups Green chilies – 3 Garlic cloves – 3 Chopped ginger – 1 tbsp Mint leaves – 1/2 cup Cilantro – 1 cup Spinach – 2 cups (packed) Big tomato – 1 Butter – 3 tbsp Oil...
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Classic Baguette
This is an easy recipe for making delicious homemade Baguettes. The ingredients and procedure are basic and simple and the results are great. I followed this recipe from the book “Cooking Light Way To Bake”. But the amount of yeast they have used for 3 cups of flour was more than how much I have used here. The actual recipe stated 1 packet (2 and 1/4 tsp) of yeast. After I baked the bread it smelled like yeast and I didn’t like it. So I used less yeast and increased the rising time. It worked and still the results were the same. Enjoy your homemade baguettes. Fresh homemade baguettes are wonderful for sandwiches, soups or toasts. Preparation time: 3 hours Baking time: 20 minutes Yield: Two 12″ loaves Ingredients: Bread flour – 3 cups (400 gram) Active dry yeast...
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How to make Fig Preserves (Jam)?
This is a simple recipe to make Fig Preserves (Jam) using dried figs. Fig is naturally rich in anti oxidants, vitamins and minerals. I have used mission figs in this jam. Mission figs are rich in poly-phenolic flavonoid anti-oxidants. It is also an excellent source minerals like calcium, copper, potassium, manganese, iron, selenium and zinc. Fresh figs can also be used for making this jam. But it needs more sugar. Fig Jam is awesome and it is one of my favorite. You can spread it on toasted bread or stir in your favorite ice cream or your oatmeal or use it in baking goods. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Yield: One 16 oz jar of jam Ingredients: Dried figs – 2 cups Strawberry – 4 or 5 (optional) Sugar – 1/2 cup Juice from one Orange Juice from half lemon Method...
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Paneer Butter Masala
Paneer Butter Masala is one of the most popular vegetarian curries in Indian cuisine. Paneer (Indian cottage cheese cubes) is dunked in a rich and creamy tomato gravy and served along with roti (Indian breads) or Flavored rice. It is one of the commonly found item in a restaurant menu. I am presenting a restaurant style Paneer Butter Masala with step by step instructions. This has always been a crowd pleaser. Tomato paste is the key in this recipe. I have tried using freshly made tomato puree but for some reason the sour taste in the canned tomato paste gives this dish a unique flavor. So please try to use tomato paste to achieve the right taste. Enjoy this dish and let me know your comments. Cooking time: 45 minutes No. of servings: 4 to 5 Spice level: 2.5...
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Plain Waffle
Waffles are easy to make and are wonderful for breakfast. You can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for a fresh morning breakfast. Waffles can be served with maple syrup, chocolate syrup or dulce de leche with a dollop of butter or whipped cream. Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes No. of servings: 6 Ingredients: All purpose flour – 1 cup Whole wheat flour – 1 cup One egg and egg whites from 2 eggs Baking powder – 2 tsp Baking soda – 1/2 tsp Sugar – 3 tbsp Half and half – 2 cups (or milk) Unsalted butter – 4 tbsp Salt – 1/2 tsp Vegetable oil spray for the waffle iron Strawberries or any berries Maple syrup for serving Method of Preparation: Sift all the dry ingredients in a bowl and set it...
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Potato Salad
Potato Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish and it is served cold. It is perfect for a cold lunch pack when you don’t get to heat your food. My husband has to work outside sometimes where he cannot reheat his food. So I started preparing food that are filling and needs no reheating. I make a lot of cold salads and sandwiches and pack it along with cut fruits and a bottle of juice. Potato Salad is his favorite and it is very easy to make. You can make it ahead and refrigerate it for the next day lunch or for a party. The dressing that I have used is adapted from Food Network but I skipped a few ingredients and replaced it with what I had on hand. So if you do not have any ingredient such...
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Rice Porridge – Puzhungal Arisi Kanji
Parboiled Rice Porridge called Puzhungal Arisi Kanji in tamil is a healthy and delicious porridge which is perfect for both adults and kids. This is generally served when people fall sick. It is easy to digest, good for health and easy to make. Parboiled rice is used for making this dish. If you like it savory, you can substitute sugar and milk with buttermilk and salt. It is also perfect if you are diabetic. I always have the rice powder handy so that I can make this porridge for a quick breakfast or if I am sick. You can also add palm sugar or honey to this porridge. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes No. of servings: 2 Ingredients: Parboiled rice – 1/2 cup For Porridge: Parboiled rice powder – 4 tbsp Milk – 1 cup Sugar...
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Oats Pongal
Oats Pongal is a healthy South Indian breakfast dish. This is a wonderful way to incorporate oats in your daily diet. It is nutritious and very easy to prepare apart from the fact that it tastes very close to the original Ven Pongal. This fiber and protein rich breakfast dish can be served with sambar/chutney. You can use gluten free oats if you are on a gluten free diet. If you want to avoid dairy, substitute ghee with oil. Try this wonderful dish at your home and enjoy a healthy and hearty meal… Cooking time: 30 minutes No. of servings: 4 Spice level: 2.5 out of 5 Ingredients: Rolled oats – 1 cup Split moong dal – 1/2 cup Ghee or clarified butter – 2 tbsp Choped ginger – 1 tbsp Cumin seeds – 3/4 tbsp Crushed black pepper...
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Mango Custard with Fruits
This is an easy to follow recipe for making Mango Custard and definitely pleases the crowd. I have added canned fruits to the custard. You can also add freshly cut fruits or just mangoes. And instead of mango pulp you can the freshly ground ripe mangoes. Preparation time: 30 minutes No. of servings: 8 to 10 Ingredients: Milk – 500 ml Custard powder – 2 tbsp Mango pulp – 2 cups Sugar – 1/4 cup Cool whip – 4 oz (113 grams) Cocktail fruits (canned or frozen) – 1 cup (or freshly cut fruits) Method of Preparation: Reserve 1/4 cup of milk and bring the rest to a boil along with sugar. In a separate bowl mix custard powder with the reserved milk without forming any lumps. When milk starts boiling slowly mix in the custard stirring constantly. Add the mango...
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Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich
This is an easy to follow recipe for making Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich. It just takes a few minutes to fix this sandwich. I have used tomato slices instead of marinara sauce. And for coating the eggplant, I have used a mix of Panko and Italian bread crumbs. You can just use Panko. It gives a nice flaky crust . You can also have two slices of eggplant parmesan in your sandwich each topped with marinara sauce and cheese. Any type of bread will do. Enjoy this easy homemade sandwich and let me know how it turns out. Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes No. of servings: 10 Ingredients: Eggplant (aubergine) – 1 Large eggs – 2 All purpose flour (maida) – 1 cup Italian bread crumbs – 3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs – 3/4 cup Canola oil...
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Simple Fondant Cake and a Happy New Year 2013
SpicyTasty wishes all our readers and well wishers a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!!! I recently took Wilton’s “Gum Paste and Fondant” course which helped me to kick start my adventure with fondant decoration. Fondant is a kind of icing used to cover and decorate the cake. There are rolled fondant and pourable fondants. Rolled fondant is commonly used to decorate wedding cakes. Roll it out like cookie dough and use it for covering the cake. Using fondant tools, we can cut it into different patterns and shapes to decorate the cake. You can make flavored fondant by adding flavorings to the plain fondant. I used a basic white cake for making this fondant cake. You can find the recipe for the white cake below. I used store bought fondant (Duff’s) to cover the cake. To make the stars I...
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Easy Chocolate Fudge with Nuts
This Chocolate Fudge is easy to make and a delicious treat for your family and friends. It just takes five minutes to whip up the ingredients and then slice them up after refrigeration. I have added toasted nuts to it which adds a crunchy bite. Toasting the nuts improves the flavor and is perfect for the fudge. Try this easy fudge recipe and surprise your friends and family. It comes so handy and perfect for Christmas gift… Preparation time: 15 minutes No. of servings: 35 small fudges Ingredients: Butter – 2 tbsp Milk Chocolate chips – 1 and 1/2 cups Condensed milk – 1 cup Toasted mixed nuts – 3/4 cup (I used almonds, walnuts and pistachios) Method of Preparation: Preheat oven to 250ºF. Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and let it toast for 10 minutes until...
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Tuscan Herb Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar
Oil and Vinegar dip, the most simple yet flavorful combination for dipping bread or crackers. I recently went to Arkansas to meet my friend Arthi (One of ST’s author) and she took me to a beautiful place called Eureka Springs.There we went to the popular Thorncrown Church, a beautiful and peaceful place. On the way to Christ of the Ozarks, we stopped somewhere where I found this wonderful place called Fresh Harvest with a wide selection of Olive Oil and aged Balsamic Vinegar. I have always wanted to buy a good bottle of Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar for dipping bread. And my dream came true. My friends and I were so excited to taste all kinds of oil and vinegar. I couldn’t believe Balsamic Vinegar would taste so good by itself. I fell in love and bought myself a...
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Easy Chocolate Marble Bark
Chocolate Marble Barks are simple and easy to make. When you make swirls on the chocolates it gives a nice marble effect which makes it look pretty. They are perfect as a holiday gift to your friends and family. Add this easy dish to your list of Christmas recipes and surprise your family and friends. Preparation time and setting time: 60 minutes Yield: 25 small squares Ingredients: White chocolate chips – 300 gram (11 oz) Milk or dark chocolate chips – 300 grams (11 oz) Method of Preparation: Take 3/4 th of white chocolate and milk chocolate in separate bowls. I used Ghirardelli chocolate chips. Any chocolate chips or squares will do. Microwave each bowl separately on high heat for 15 to 30 seconds. Remove from microwave oven and stir well. Microwave for another 15 seconds, remove and stir again. Continue...
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Kothamalli Thuvaiyal – Coriander Chutney
Kothamalli Thuvaiyal or Cilantro Chutney is prepared from fresh coriander leaves or cilantro and a few spices. It is very easy to make and you can serve it as a side with rice. Also as a dip with your savory snacks such as samosa, bajji and other fritters. I love to eat it with curd rice. If you have a bunch of coriander leaves sitting in your refrigerator, you can make this chutney and it will last for upto a week. Cooking time: 20 minutes Spice level: 3.5 out of 5 Ingredients: Oil – 1 and 1/2 tsp Urad dal – 1 tbsp Long dried red chilies – 3 Tomato – 1 Coriander leaves or cilantro – 2 cups Grated coconut – 3 tbsp A pinch of asafoetida Salt to taste A small piece of tamarind (1/8 tsp) Mustard...
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Vattayappam (Steamed Rice Cake)
Vattayappam is a traditional steamed rice cake from Kerala, South India and it is served as a tea time snack. The name is derived from its shape and texture, “Vatta” means round “appam” means cake. They are also made during Christmas time and served for breakfast. Vattayappam or Vatteppam is spongy, sweet (mild) with bursting flavors. Cashew nut and raisins gives a crunchy bite. This dish is supposed to be less sweet but you can add more or less sugar adjusting to your taste. Enjoy this wonderful dish with your family for this Christmas… Preparation time: 12 to 14 hours Cooking time: 25 minutes No. of servings: 15 Ingredients: Raw rice – 1 cup Grated coconut – 3/4 cup Cooked rice – 3 tbsp Active dry yeast – 1/2 tsp Sugar – 3/4 cup (adjust to taste) Cardamom pods...
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Nan Khatai (Spiced Shortbread Cookies)
Nan Khatai is an egg-less cookie spiced with cardamom, saffron and nutmeg. These easy to make cookies are soft inside and crispy outside and makes a perfect holiday gift for your family and friends. You can serve them with tea or coffee. So enjoy these lovely homemade cookies!! Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Yield: 22 cookies Ingredients: All purpose flour – 3/4 cup and 3 tbsp Semolina (rawa) – 1 tbsp (optional) Unsalted butter – 1/2 cup (at room temperature) Sugar – 1/2 cup Cardamom pods – 3 Baking powder – 1/4 tsp Salt – 1/8 tsp (a big pinch) A pinch of nutmeg powder A pinch of saffron Milk – 2 tbsp Broken nuts (cashew nut, pistachios and almonds) Method of Preparation: Preheat oven to 300ºF. Powder sugar with cardamom pods in a mixer grinder...
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Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich
Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich from Panera Bread is one of my favorite to go food and something that I always crave for. Half a sandwich (grilled) with a cup of Tomato Soup, that’s what I call comfort food… It is light, little sweet and savory, filled with veggies and feta cheese. Their Tomato Basil Bread and the Jalapeno Cilantro Hummus are the highlights of this sandwich. I always buy their tomato basil bread to make these sandwiches. You can also use the regular wheat or white bread. I often make this sandwich at home with their tomato basil bread and we love it. Check out my Jalapeno Cilantro Hummus recipe for the spread. It gives a nice kick with the spicy jalapenos. They add Peppadew Piquant Peppers. If I don’t have them I substitute it with a random pickled pepper or even dill...
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Jalapeno Cilantro Hummus
Hummus is one of my favorite spread or dip, be it the plain hummus or the flavored ones. Jalapeno Cilantro Hummus is my favorite sandwich spread. I am a huge fan of Panera’s Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich and they use this spread for their sandwich. Apart from using it as a spread you can also serve it as a dip with freshly cut vegetables, pita bread and chips. Enjoy the simple and healthy Hummus dip. Ingredients: One 15 oz can of chickpeas (or 1 cup of dried chickpeas) Jalapeno peppers – 2 Cilantro – 3/4 cup Garlic – 2 cloves Olive oil – 1/4 cup Tahini sauce – 3 tbsp (recipe follows) Lime juice – 2 tbsp Salt to taste Method of Preparation: Drain and rinse chickpeas from the can. Add all the ingredients except olive oil and lime juice in...
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Moist Banana Crunch Muffins
Banana Crunch Muffins filled with mashed banana, walnuts and crunchy granola is moist, hearty and healthy. The moist texture and the crunchy topping is a perfect combination. You can make the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just before baking, mix in the mashed banana, nuts and granola. The banana is not over powering in this recipe but if you like it add one more banana to the batter. You can also mix in some semi sweet or bitter sweet chocolate chips and your favorite nuts and seeds. These muffins are perfect for breakfast or an evening snack. No doubt that kids will also love it. Preparation time: 20 mins Cooking time: 25 mins Yield: 28 muffins Ingredients: All purpose flour – 2 cups Whole wheat flour – 1 cup Baking powder – 2 tsp Baking soda – 1 tsp...
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