VEG VERMICELLI PULAO

Hello everyone 

As mother ,of every school going kids, I too have tension of what to give in tiffin daily. My kids are too fussy eater so I have to do extra mental work in planning menu for their tiffin. The thing ,one kid is loving is just hell to other 😰. But this is the dish both are loving ☺️ and I am feeling relaxed. 

 It's good option to replace Maggi as kids generally demand maggi for tiffin but we hesitate to give . My younger one calls it maggi and feels so happy that mamma is not denying at all😁. It's so easy and quick yet yummy recipe for kids lunch box and for elders too. It's light yet flavourful breakfast which everyone loves to relish on. I used to prepare it very often.

Recipe is given below, Hope you will like and try for sure. 

VEG VERMICELLI PULAO

Serves: 2-3

Time: 20-25 mins

Ingredients 

1 cup vermicelli 

1 carrot , grated

3/4 cup mixed veg ( beans, capsicum, corn, peas etc, as per availability)

2 green chilli, slitted 

1/2 tsp ginger garlic paste

1 big onion, thinly sliced 

1/2 tsp mustard seeds

1/2 tsp cumin seeds

1 pinch asafetida (heeng)

1/4 tsp turmeric powder 

1/4 tsp black pepper powder

1 tsp lime juice ( optional)

Salt to taste

oil

1 Handful roasted peanuts or any crunchy namkeen mixture (optional)

Method:

Boil nearly 4-5 cups of water in a deep pot then add 1/2 tsp oil some salt and vermicelli to it and boil for 2-3 mins. Strain it in a sieve and wash with normal water to avoid further cooking and becoming soggy. Heat oil in a nonstick wok, add heeng followed by mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let it crackle then add chilli and onion. Fry till onion become transparent , then add ginger garlic paste and saute for a minute. Now add mix veggies and carrots, turmeric powder , black pepper powder and little salt. Saute for 5-6 mins and cover the lid in between to cook veggies properly . Then add strained vermicelli and mix well. Saute for 2 more mins , adjust salt and add lime juice, mix well and done. 

If you like little crunch then add some roasted peanuts or some crunchy namkeen mixture on top while serving . I like lots of crunch in my plate so must add these.

Never boil vermicelli for long other wise it will get soggy and will ruin your dish. As soon as you see it's getting transparent just strain and wash with normal water to avoid over cooking.

Also do boiling of vermicelli and cooking your veggies, side by side to avoid sticky vermicelli. 

Number of chilies can be increased or decreased as per taste, I kept it mildly hot for kids.

You can add any veggies of your choice to make it more yummy to your taste buds.

Your easy peasy breakfast cum tiffin snacks is ready to serve ....just enjoy it with a cup of tea.

Hope you will like and try it. Please let me know your feedback about this recipe by pouring your valuable comments and suggestions.

Happy cooking....

MIXED HERB BEETROOT OATS SAVORY BREAD

Hello everyone

Bread is a thing which connects us to everyone in this world. Wherever you go, you can find bread in different shapes, sizes, flavours, textures etc but the main thing is it's bread. Today I too have a simple bread recipe to share. It's too simple too prepare but with healthy touch of oats and beetroot. It's a must try for health conscious bakers who love to bake for them and their family, healthy stuffs. It's a perfect snacks for tea time or for kids tiffin. So give it a try at least once, you will definitely love it.

Stepwise recipe is given below , hope you all will must try this..

MIXED HERB BEETROOT OATS SAVORY BREAD 

Serves: 4-5

Time: 3:30 hrs 

Ingredients

3 1/2 cup all purpose flour/ whole wheat or chapatti flour( I used chapatti flour)

1/2 cup rolled oats 

3/4 cup grated beetroot 

1/3 cup thick yogurt ( curd), beaten

1/8 tsp baking soda 

1 tsp dry active yeast ( I used little less)

1/2 cup Luke warm water

2 tbsp sugar 

1 tsp salt 

1/4 tsp oregano

1/4 tsp thyme

1/4 tsp rosemary 

1/4 tsp chili flakes 

Oil to grease loaf pan and dough

1/2 cup warm water to knead dough

Method:

First of all add yeast in 1/2 cup Luke warm water and 1 tbsp sugar, mix them lightly and leave for 5-10 min or till it become nice frothy.

Combine all dry herbs, salt,oats, remaining sugar and baking soda in flour and mix well.

 Now mix all dry and wet ingredients together , knead for 5 mins and let it rest for 7-8 mins. Again knead for another 2-3 mins to get nice soft dough. This may be little sticky due to beetroot and no oil. But don't worry, your dough is reedy This resting and kneading process is important to produce gluten in dough , so don't skip it.

Knead the dough by pulling and stretching it instead of applying too much pressure on your dough.

Grease the dough with oil and keep it covered at warm place to rise, at least 1- 2 hr or till it doubles in volume, depend on weather. 

When it become double in volume then punch the dough and again knead for 4-5 mins .

Now flatten it on a plain surface dusted with dry flour and by rolling give it shape of a loaf and seal its edges by pinching. 

Now place it in a greased and dusted loaf pan and brush some oil on it.

Again keep it covered at a warm place for second rise, for at least 45 mins to 1 hr or until your dough again rise to double.Now brush its top with milk.

Now bake it in a preheated oven at 190 degree C for 35 -40 mins or till its top become nice brown and on tapping you can hear hollow sound. 

If you see your loaf is browning very fast then cover it loosely with an aluminum foil.

Now brush it with some butter and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing, to get nice clean slices.

Your bread is ready to be served with a cup of tea, enjoy these easy yet delicious bread slices. You can also give it in your kids tiffin , either apply butter on it or make sandwiches. In every way these will win your heart.

As I didn't use any oil in this bread so it is little chewy yet soft and porous. This chewiness adds to its flavor but if you want crumbly texture then can add 2 tbsp oil to your dough.

You can use any herbs too and also any other loaf pan to get your desirable shape and flavour. But then baking time may change so after 30 mins keep an eye on it. Mine took exactly 40 mins😊.

While kneading If you find your dough is too sticky to handle then can sprinkle some flour on it , 1 tbsp at a time ,but the quantity given will be sufficient for a soft dough. Adding too much flour can result in dense bread. After kneading it well for 7-8 mins, it will become easy to handle it self.

So enjoy these baked delicacies and pour your valuable comments and suggestions here, they meant a lot.

Happy cooking....

CHILI GOBHI

Hello everyone

Now a days everyone is just mad over Chinese cuisine, but as we are Indians and love to give every thing a Desi touch, today i am having a very tempting and quick Indo Chinese recipe. You will definitely fall in love with this delicious combination of Indian plus Chinese cuisine. As we all know veggies are too good for health even then kids don't want to dig in. So to feed them this nutritious stuff try this delectable recipe and I bet you will be surprised to see them asking for more, as I was when my lil one asked😊. You can serve it either in evening snacks or as side dish for roti/ paratha/ poori/ fried rice.

Step wise recipe is given below, do try and let me know too, how's it turned out for you😊

CHILI GOBHI

Serves: 3-4

Time : 20 mins

Ingredients 

1 cup cauliflower, cut in small florets

1 1/2 cup mixed colored capsicum, sliced

2 spring onions, cut in 1 inch long pieces

1 medium onion, thickly sliced 

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 tbsp finely chopped garlic

1-2 green chilies, finely chopped

1 tbsp + 1 tsp corn flour

2 +2 tsp chilli garlic sauce

2 tsp soya sauce

1/2 +1/2 tsp black pepper powder

1 tsp vinegar

Salt to taste

Oil

Method:

First of all blanch cauliflower florets in hot water till it is half done. Now drain it in a colander and wait till all extra water is drained .

Now add 1 tbsp corn flour, 2 tsp chilli garlic sauce, 1/2 tsp black pepper powder and some salt, mix well and keep aside for 10-15 mins for marination.

Now heat 1 tbsp oil in a non stick wok and saute cauliflower florets on medium heat stirring occasionally till they become nice golden and crisp. Cover it with lid in between sautéing to ensure even cooking of florets. Keep aside for later use. 

Now heat 2 tsp oil in the same wok and add chopped garlic and chilies, let it be golden then add chopped onions .

Fry till onions become little golden. Add capsicum, sliced onions and spring onion, saute for 2-3 mins on medium flame.

 Now mix 1 tsp corn flour, 1/2 tsp black pepper powder, 2 tsp chilli garlic sauce, soya sauce and vinegar in 1/4 cup water( you can adjust these as per your taste preference) . Add this to wok slowly, stirring constantly .

 Let it boil and add salt and fried cauliflower florets to it. Mix well and cook for another 2 mins , till every thing is well coated with sauce.

 Now switch off the flame and garnish with spring onions. 

If serving for tea time snacks then serve immediately to have it crunchy and crispy. Otherwise serve with roti / paratha/ poori / fried rice in lunch or dinner. It can be a perfect lunch box option too, for you and your kids. 

It's very simple yet delicious treat that can be prepared in jiffy , even if you have some unexpected guest at your home and want to serve them something special, delicious yet quick.

So enjoy this super yum quick and easy delicacy with your family and pals. Hope you all will love it and please pour your valuable comments and suggestions here, they meant a lot.

Happy cooking....

CORN CAPSICUM METHI ( FENUGREEK) FRY

Hello everyone

Some times we don't feel like prepare a huge spread of breakfast or lunch box dishes yet want to have some thing to add zing to your taste buds and at the same time filling too. There are times when we feel lazy or not well to cook then this is one savior recipe , that can be prepared in no time and without much fuss. If you have sweet corns in your stock then you can prepare it in many different ways to serve as a filling breakfast to delectable lunch box. It's healthy too , as full of fibers and other goodness.

Recipe is given below, do try and let me know how's it turned out for you 😊.

 CORN CAPSICUM METHI ( FENUGREEK) FRY

Serves: 4-5

Time: 20 mins

Ingredients 

2 cup sweet corn ( I used frozen) if using fresh sweet corn then boil it.

2-3 medium onions, thinly sliced

3/4 cup mixed colored capsicums, thinly sliced 

1/2 cup fenugreek leaves, finely chopped 

2-3 green chilies, finely chopped 

1/2 tsp ginger garlic paste

1/4 tsp cumin seeds

1/4 tsp asafetida ( heeng)

1/4+ tsp black pepper powder ( as per taste)

1/4 tsp chaat masala powder

Salt to taste

1/2 tsp lime juice( optional)

Oil

Method:

Heat oil in a wok, add asafetida and cumin seeds. Let it crackle then add onions and chilies. Add little salt to fasten cooking. 

When onions become little golden then add ginger garlic paste and saute for a minute. 

Add capsicums and methi leaves, saute for 3-4 mins.

Now add corns , black pepper , chaat masala and salt. Let it fry for 4-5 mins or till any extra water in wok is evaporated, switch off the flame. 

If you like tanginess then add 1/2 tsp lime juice at the end and mix well. 

Your super delicious spicy chatpata corn capscicum methi fry is ready to be served. 

Either serve it with a cup of tea or pack in lunch box. This delicious snacks is ready to fight your hunger   In a healthy way.

Adjust chilies and spices as per your taste. You can use any capsicum as per availability.

Hope you will like this super easy yet scrumptious dish and will definitely give it a try. Please pour your valuable comments and suggestions here, they meant a lot.

Happy cooking....

SPICY CHATPATA CORN FRY

Hello everyone

Some times we don't feel like prepare a huge spread of breakfast or lunch box dishes yet want to have some thing to add zing to your taste buds and at the same time filling too. There are times when we feel lazy or not well to cook then this is one savior recipe , that can be prepared in no time and without much fuss. If you have sweet corns in your stock then you can prepare it in many different ways to serve as a filling breakfast to delectable lunch box. It's healthy too , as full of fibers and other goodness.

Recipe is given below, do try and let me know how's it turned out for you 😊.

SPICY CHATPATA CORN FRY

Serves: 3-4

Time: 20 mins

Ingredients 

2 cup sweet corn ( I used frozen) if using fresh sweet corn then boil it.

2-3 medium onions, thinly sliced

2-3 green chilies, finely chopped 

1/2 tsp ginger garlic paste

1/4 tsp cumin seeds

1/4 tsp asafetida ( heeng)

1/4 + tsp black pepper powder ( as per taste)

1/4 tsp chaat masala powder

Salt to taste

1/2 tsp lime juice( optional)

1/4 cup green coriander leaves, finely chopped 

Oil

Method:

Heat oil in a wok, add asafetida and cumin seeds. Let it crackle then add onions and chilies. Add little salt to fasten cooking. 

When onions become little golden then add ginger garlic paste and saute for a minute. 

Now add corns , black pepper , chaat masala and salt. Let it fry for 4-5 mins or till any extra water in wok is evaporated. 

Now add chopped coriander leaves , mix well and switch off the flame. 

If you like tanginess then add 1/2 tsp lime juice at the end and mix well. Your super delicious spicy chatpata corn fry is ready to be served. 

Either serve it with a cup of tea or pack in lunch box. This delicious snacks is ready to fight your hunger   In a healthy way.

Adjust chilies and spices as per your taste.

Hope you will like this super easy yet scrumptious dish and will definitely give it a try. Please pour your valuable comments and suggestions here, they meant a lot.

Happy cooking....

PENNE PASTA IN ZERO OIL OATS AND SPINACH CREAMY SAUCE

Hello everyone 

Pasta... I think most of us including kids and elders, love to have pasta ,But at the same time try to avoid it some time due to sauce and creams used to make it delicious. My kids love to have these in their tiffin too,So I thought why not to give it a healthy twist that make people comfortable to have it without any guilt. I just added puréed onions, paneer , spinach and oats to the regular pasta and it turned out super delicious, guilt free healthy breakfast for us. 

Recipe of the same is given below, just give it a try.

PENNE PASTA IN ZERO OIL OATS AND SPINACH CREAMY SAUCE

Ingredients 

2 cup pasta , boiled and drained( reserve its water for use later)

1/3 cup oats

1/2 cup spinach , blanched

2 big onion, sliced

3-4 garlic cloves

2 green chillies,slit

1/4 cup paneer ( cottage cheese)

1/2 cup milk

1/2 tsp white /black pepper powder 

1/2 tsp garlic powder ( optional)

1/2 tsp dried oregano( optional)

1/2 cup water

Salt to taste

Method:

First of all boil sliced onions, garlic cloves, green chilies and oats in 1/2 cup water, add more if needed. Lastly add spinach and paneer cubes. Let it cool and grind to a smooth creamy paste. 

Now transfer paste to the same wok , add milk and let it boil.  Then add white /black pepper powder, garlic powder , oregano and salt.

Now add boiled pasta, mix well . let it cook till every thing get nicely coated with saucy consistency. If needed add some water drained from pasta to make sauce of right consistency. 

You can also add some butter for taste while adding sauce to wok. And your guilt free yummy pasta is ready to be served.

You can use any pasta of your choice, I added penne pasta.

You can also garnish it as you like .

This pasta can be served as breakfast or can be a good option for lunch box too. You can have it any time without guilt. Hope you all will like this simple healthy touch to regular pasta. Please pour your valuable comments and suggestions here, they meant a lot to me.

Happy cooking....

PANEER SANDWICH

Hello everyone

Morning is the time when everyone is in rush to go to school/ office etc and at that time the most important thing that makes us fueled whole day is a healthy breakfast. But now a days everyone is so busy that couldn't manage to prepare a full meal that early. So why not prepare some thing which can be prepared in no time and is healthy cum yummy too. Sandwich is the first name comes to mind when we think of breakfast but instead of loading it with lots of butter, mayonnaise or potatoes , let's have some healthy and nutritious option. Cottage cheese( paneer) is full of protein and calcium , so today I am going to share paneer sandwich, which is so quick to prepare and delicious too.

Recipe is given below, do try and let me know too how's it turned out for you.

PANEER SANDWICH

Serves: 4-5

Time : 15-20 mins

Ingredients 

11/2 cup cottage cheese (paneer), crumbled 

1/2 cup colored capsicum, finely chopped 

1 spring onion, finely chopped 

2 tbsp chopped green coriander leaves 

1 green chilli,finely chopped 

1/2tsp black pepper powder 

1/4 tsp chaat masala

1 tsp lime juice

Salt to taste

Chilli/tomato sauce/ any chutney

Whole meal sandwich bread

Oil

Method:

Mix all ingredients together except bread and oil. Use lime juice and chilli as per your taste.

Keep aside.

Now take one bread slice, apply some chilli or tomato sauce or any chutney of your choice. Spread two table spoon of paneer mixture all ove it evenly. Now place another bread slice over it. Spread some oil on tawa and roast your sandwich from both sides till crisp. Always use medium to low flame for making sandwich, otherwise your bread will burn before getting crisp. Cut diagonally to get nice triangular shape. Or grill it in sandwich maker. 

 Your crisp healthy cum delicious breakfast is ready to serve with a cup of tea. 

Enjoy this easy peasy dish with family or pack for your lunch box, it will never disappoint you. Using whole meal bread is a healthier option and let you fill for long time as it has more fibers. If you don't get it then go for your regular bread. Mix and match ingredients according to your taste and available and enjoy.

Hope you all will like this easy meal recipe and please pour your valuable comments and suggestions here, they meant a lot.

Happy cooking....

CHILLI NUTRELLA ( SOYA CHUNKS)

Hello everyone

Now a days everyone is just mad over Chinese cuisine, but as we are Indians and love to give every thing a Desi touch, today i am having a very tempting and quick Indo Chinese recipe. You will definitely fall in love with this delicious combination of Indian plus Chinese cuisine. As we all know soya chunks( nutrella) is full of protein but many people don't like it. So to feed them this nutritious stuff try this delectable recipe and I bet you will be surprised to see them asking for more, as I was when my lil one asked😊. You can serve it either in evening snacks or as side dish for roti/ paratha/ poori.

Step wise recipe is given below, do try and let me know too, how's it turned out for you😊

CHILLI NUTRELLA 

Serves: 3-4

Time : 20 mins

Ingredients 

1 1/2 cup soya chunks ( nutrella)

1 cup mixed colored capsicum, sliced

2 spring onions, cut in 1 inch long pieces

1 medium onion, thickly sliced 

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 tbsp finely chopped garlic

1-2 green chilies, finely chopped

1 tbsp + 1 tsp corn flour

2 +2 tsp chilli garlic sauce

2 tsp soya sauce

1/2 +1/2 tsp black pepper powder

1 tsp vinegar

Salt to taste

Oil

Method:

First of all soak soya chunks in hot water till it doubles in size. Now squeeze it and wash with tap water, twice or thrice , squeezing every time to get rid of its smell. Now add 1 tbsp corn flour, 2 tsp chilli garlic sauce, 1/2 tsp black pepper powder and some salt, mix well and keep aside for 10-15 mins for marination.

Now heat 1 tbsp oil in a non stick wok and saute soya chunks on medium heat stirring occasionally till they become nice golden and crisp. Keep aside for later use. 

Now heat 2 tsp oil in the same wok and add chopped garlic and chilies, let it be golden then add chopped onions .

Fry till onions become little golden. Add capsicum, sliced onions and spring onion, saute for 2-3 mins on medium flame.

 Now mix 1 tsp corn flour, 1/2 tsp black pepper powder, 2 tsp chilli garlic sauce, soya sauce and vinegar in 1/4 cup water( you can adjust these as per your taste preference) . Add this to wok slowly, stirring constantly .

 Let it boil and add salt and fried soya chunks to it. Mix well and cook for another 2 mins , till every thing is well coated with sauce.

 Now switch off the flame and garnish with spring onions. 

If serving for tea time snacks then serve immediately to have it crunchy and crispy. Otherwise serve with roti / paratha/ poori in lunch or dinner. It can be a perfect lunch box option too, for you and your kids. 

It's very simple yet delicious treat that can be prepared in jiffy , even if you have some unexpected guest at your home and want to serve them something special, delicious yet quick.

So enjoy this super yum quick and easy delicacy with your family and pals. Hope you all will love it and please pour your valuable comments and suggestions here, they meant a lot.

Happy cooking....