Crunchy Sandwich

Prep Time:5 m       Cook Time:10 m

Makes:2

Ingredients

Bread Slices - 4

Carrot           - 1(grated)

Capsicum     - 1

Onion           - 1/2

Ghee/Butter - to brush

Method

• Grate the carrot and chop the capsicum finely.Slice the onion horizontally and separate them into rings or use as such as desired.Heat a tawa.Take a slice of bread and spread carrot over it.Top with capsicum and onion.Cover with another slice and cook both sides till golden brushing little ghee or butter.
                                  
                                        
     
• Cut them into halves and serve with any sauce.

Little Words

• A simple sandwich ideal for breakfast or brunch.
• Capsicum and carrrots give a sweet and spicy taste together.

Keerai Masiyal

Prep Time:10 m     Cook Time:15 m

Serves:3

Ingredients

Spinach/Palak - a bunch

Shallots           - few

Green Chilli    - 2

Garlic              - 3

Cumin Seeds   - 1/2 tsp

Butter              - a dollop(optional)

Salt                  - to taste

Method

• Blanch palak along with all other ingredients except salt and butter.
     
• Drain any excess water.Blend this with a hand blender or in a blender.Add salt and butter if desired.Serve with rice.
                              
  

Little Words

• A simple yet delicious healthy dish.
• Add salt and little pepper powder to the strained water and drink it as such.
• This can be used to prepare palak paneer and saag aloo adding other spices and cream.

Mushroom Biriyani

Prep Time:20 m      Cook Time:20 m

Serves:3

Ingredients

Basmati Rice          - 1 cup(soaked for twenty minutes)

Mushroom              - 250 g

Water                      - 1& 1/2 cup

Onion                      - 1

Tomato                    - 1

Ginger Garlic           - 1 tblsp(grated)

Green Chilli             - 3

Mint Leaves             - 1/4 cup

Bay Leaf                  - 2

Cinnamon                - 1

Cardamom               - 3

Clove                       - 2

Chilli Powder          - 3/4 tsp

Turmeric Powder    - 1/4 tsp

Aniseed                   - to splutter

Garam Masala         - 1/4 tsp

Salt                          - to taste

Oil +Ghee                - 1 tblsp

Method

• Heat oil and ghee in a pressure cooker.Splutter cumin seeds,add bay leaf,cinnamon,cardamom and clove.Add onion,green chilli and saute for a while.Then add ginger garlic paste and saute till raw smell leaves.
     
• Add chopped mushrooms and saute.Then add mint leaves,tomatoes,salt,turmeric powder,chilli powder,garam masala and give it a mix.Add required amount of water and bring it to boil.Add rice,check salt and close the lid of the pressure cooker and wait for one whistle.Let the flame be medium.Once the pressure is released open the lid fluff the rice with a fork and serve with onion raita.
                              
                                      
                                   
  

Little Words

• Coconut milk can be added reducing amount of water.
• I simply love any mushroom dish and this is an excellent choice over non vegetarian foods.

Raw Banana Cheese Balls/Vazhaikkai Cheese Urundai

Prep Time:15          Cook Time:25 m

Makes:8 - 10

Ingredients

Raw Banana            - 1

Ginger Garlic Paste - 2 tsp

Turmeric Powder    - 1/4 tsp

Chilli Powder          - 3/4 tsp

Salt                          - to taste

Cheese                     - small pieces as needed

Oil                           - to deep fry

Method

• Cut the raw banana into five or six pieces horizontally and add to pan of boiling water with salt and turmeric powder.After cooling slightly remove the skin which comes off without any effort and mash the banana.
                                     
     
• Add little salt and chilli powder and mix well.
     
• Make small balls and place a piece of cheese in the middle of the ball and roll again.Deep fry in hot oil until golden brown on a medium flame.
                                 
                               
                              
     

Little Words

• Ideal for tea time snack.
• Roll them into any desired shape.
• Remove the banana from hot water once the skin starts to peel off else they may become mushy.
• Onion and other spices can be added if desired.
• Tastes great with garlic sauce.

Kadai Paneer

Prep Time:20 m      Cook Time:20 m

Serves:3

Ingredients

Paneer                - 250 g

Capsicum            - 1/2 each of red and green(or one of any colour)

Onion                  - 2

Tomato                - 2

Cumin Seed         - to splutter

Green Chilli         - 2

Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp

Coriander Powder - 2 tsp

Cumin Powder      - 1/2 tsp

Aniseed Powder    - 3/4 tsp

Garam Masala       - 1/4 tsp

Chilli Powder        - 3/4 tsp

Salt                        - to taste
Oil                         - 4 tsp

Method

• Heat oil in a pan and fry the paneer cut into cubes.Remove when golden brown and set aside.In the same pan add oil and when it is hot splutter cumin seeds,add green chillies,onion cut into cubes and saute for a while.Add grated ginger and garlic and fry them for a while till raw smell goes off.
                       
     
• Now add finely chopped tomatoes and saute and wait till the tomatoes are mushy.Add all the spice powders,give it a toss,add little water and cook for about three to five minutes.
                              
     
• Meanwhile in another pan heat a teaspoon of oil and saute the chopped capsicum cubes for about three minutes.Now add the capsicums and paneer to the masala and mix them together and cook for further two minutes and then transfer to serving bowl.
                       
     

Little Words

• Aniseeds can be powdered as such or slightly roasted and then powdered.It gives a unique flavour and taste.
• Capsicums can be directly added to the sauteed onion as well.They retain their crunchiness when added at the last.
• A yummy side dish that goes well with all types of flat breads.