DAHI RAITA

Cucumber & Tomato Raita

This is a yoghurt based accompaniment extremely popular with Rice dishes in India.

Preparation Time 10 mins

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

Yoghurt 1 cup

Cucumber Chopped ½ Cup

Tomato Chopped ½ Cup

Roasted Cumin Seeds Powder ½ tsp

Salt To taste

METHOD

In a Bowl Mix All the ingredients together.

Serve as an accompaniment to Rice or along with Dry Vegetable & Roti.

TIP- You can prepare this in advance & Refrigerate for a while. Tastes Best When Served Cold. You can add Onions as well. 

VEGETARIAN PULAO (PILAU)

This is a simple veg rice dish usually served with raita or occasionally as an accompaniment to a mild curry.

Cooking Time 15 mins

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

Rice 1 cup

Onion 1 Medium (Sliced)

Mixed Vegetables (½ cup include Peas, Carrot, Cauliflower, Cottage Cheese or Potato)

Ginger 2 inch Piece

Garlic Clove 2

Bay Leaf 1

Clove 2

Green Cardamom 2

Black Cardamom 1

Cinnamon Stick 1 small

Salt

Red Chilly powder

Garam Masala

Cumin Seeds 1 tsp

Desi Ghee (Clarified Butter)

METHOD 

Wash Rice Several times to get rid of the starch and then soak it for about 10 minutes.

Heat Ghee in a pan. Add Cumin Seeds, Bay Leaf, Green Cardamom, Black Cardamom, Clove and Cinnamon, sauté for a minute. Then add the ginger, garlic and onions sauté for 2 mins or till the onion changes its color and becomes transparent.

Add the vegetables and the remaining ingredients. Add the water and let it boil for a minute.

Cook On Low Flame for 10 Minutes or till the rice absorbs all the water.

Serve Hot With A Curry Or Raita.

KADAHI PANEER

This is a quick recipe of Indian cottage cheese, full of flavours and is a healthy alternative to the traditional paneer recipes.

 

Preparation Time 20 mins

Serves 2 to 3

INGREDIENTS

Paneer (cottage cheese) 200gms
Onion 1 medium
Green Chilly 1slit

Dry Red Chilly 1
Tomatoes 2 medium sized

Tomato Puree 2 tbsp

Ginger 2 inch Piece

Garlic Clove 2

Salt to taste

Red Chilly Powder 1/2 teaspoon

Coriander Powder 1/2 teaspoon

Coriander Seeds 1/2 teaspoon

Karahi Paneer Masala 1 tsp

Garam Masala 1/4 teaspoon.

Cream or Milk 3 tablespoons

Kastoori Methi (Optional)

Chopped fresh coriander for garnish.

METHOD

Cut The Onion in 4 parts and take out each layer. In a pan Heat Oil, Add Coriander Seeds, Cumin Seeds, 1 Dry Red Chilly & Saute. Now Add Chopped Ginger, Garlic, Green Chill, Onion & Sauté for a minute.

Add Bell Pepper & Chopped Tomato Cook for 2 mins. Now Add the Cottage Cheese, Salt, Red Chilly Powder, Corriander Powder, Karahi Paneer Masala & Tomato Puree & Mix Well.

After 5 minutes add 2 tablespoons of Cream or Milk and simmer and cook for another 5 minutes. Your curry is ready now.

Add Kastoori Methi & Garam Masala. Mix Well. Serve hot with Roti, Naan or Lachha Paratha.

TIP - If using frozen Paneer, after defrosting, put paneer in boiling water for about 10 mins.This will make it soft.