Cracked Wheat Payasam

There are many versions for Cracked wheat payasam. Some prepare using milk, and some use both milk and coconut milk. I prefer to use only the coconut milk while preparing this payasam. It really gives a good taste and aroma. This payasam can be prepared very quickly too.

Cracked Wheat Payasam

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Cracked wheat (I used Bulgur, medium coarse)

1/2 cup Jaggery powdered

1 cup thick Coconut milk 

1/4 tsp Cardamom powder 

2 cups Water 

2 tbsp Cashew/Raisins 

Ghee

In a pressure cooker, add the cracked wheat and water.Cook for 2 whistles.

Meanwhile, roast the cashews and raisins in ghee and keep aside.

When the pressure is released from the cooker, open the lid. Now switch on the stove on medium flame.
Add jaggery to the cracked wheat and mix well. Now add coconut milk.

Mix well and stir until it reaches the consistency you desire.

(Take care that it doesn't stick to the bottom.I cooked it for about 10-12mins)

Finally add the cardamom powder and mix well. Sprinkle the cashews and raisins on top.

Sending this to the Cooking with seeds-Wheat event at Veggie Platter

Vermicelli upma

I learnt to cook this upma from my mother. While preparing this upma, sometimes  the samiya can be overcooked and the upma can become all mushy. But my mother prepares the perfect upma, which is not overcooked and the samiya can be seen distinct. I have tried to make the upma exactly how she does and most of the times I have succeeded :). Yesterday I cooked this for breakfast and it came perfect. My little one  enjoyed it a lot.

Vermicelli Upma

Ingredients:

Vermicelli - 1 cup  (I used bambino vermicelli, roasted)

Onion - 1 small , finely chopped

Carrots- 1/2 cup grated (Save a little for garnishing)

Ginger - 1/2" pc, finely chopped

Green chillies - 2 , finely chopped

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp

Coconut - 1/4 cup, grated

Water - 2 cups

Salt

Oil

Heat the oil. Add mustard seeds followed by cumin seeds.

When they finish popping, add green chillies and ginger. Saute them for a few seconds.

Now add the onion and saute them until the onion becomes transparent. Add carrots.

When the carrots are cooked, add water. When the water starts boiling, add salt and mix well.

Add the vermicelli, stir well and reduce the heat.

Cover the pan with a lid and allow the vermicelli to cook.

Once vermicelli is fully cooked, add coconut and mix well.

Garnish with grated carrots and coriander leaves.

Serves 2-3

Note:

*You can add cashews or peanuts and roast it before adding the onions.


Sending this to the Cooking with seeds-Wheat event at Veggie Platter by Suma


and to the Kids Delight event at Now Serving guest hosted by Priya

Spaghetti in indian style

I have tried pasta by adding a variety of sauces and other herbs. But I wanted to try it in a desi way. So I thought of something very simple, using our common spices. I didnt want to use any tomato sauce, so I just added tomatoes and cooked it very well so that it completely mashed up. This way the spaghetti wont become dry and at the same time giving an effect like sauce has been added. Anyways, it did turn out well and we enjoyed it.I used Whole wheat Spaghetti which is high in fiber. Its no cheese, no sauces, a very easy and healthy dish !!

Spaghetti in Indian Style

Ingredients:

1/2 of a Spaghetti packet (I had a 375g packet.I just took for what 2 people might need)

1 onion chopped

2 tomatoes chopped

1/2 bell pepper chopped

1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

1 tsp chilli powder

1/2 tsp garam masala

1/2 tsp coriander powder

1/2 tsp cumin seeds

Coriander leaves for garnishing

Salt

Oil

Cook spaghetti as directed in the package. Drain and keep aside.

Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds. When they finish popping, add  ginger-garlic paste.

Now add onions and saute for a while. Add bell pepper and saute until it is half cooked.

Add tomatoes and mix well. Close the pan and cook for a few minutes.

The tomatoes should get mashed up completely and it should have a texture almost like a puree.

Add the spices, salt and finally the spaghetti. Mix well. 

If you want it more spicy, add chilli flakes or pepper.

Garnish with coriander leaves.

Serves 2

Sending this to the Cooking with seeds-Wheat event at Veggie Platter by Suma

and to the FAST FOOD, NOT FAT FOOD event at Now Serving.



and also to the Only-Fusion recipes at Now Serving.

Bread Pizza

Bread Pizzaaa....yes, its a very yummy and quick snack. When you really yearn to have a quick bite of a pizza, this is it..prepare a homemade pizza which is easy and not much heavy too. Kids will eat this whole heartedly. Add veggies, cheese and pizza sauce as you wish.

Ingredients:

Bread Slices 

Vegetables of your choice (I used onions, corn n tomatoes)

Cheese

Pizza Sauce

Italian Seasoning
Salt
Pepper

Toast the bread slices on a frying pan. If you want you can add butter on the bread and then toast.

If you do not like the raw taste of the vegetables, just microwave them for a minute or two.

Spread the sauce on the bread slices. Keep the desired  vegetables on the bread.

Add the cheese on the top. Microwave for about a minute or until cheese melts.

Sprinkle the italian seasoning,salt and pepper before you serve.

Notes:

*I used Honey Wheat Bread, you can use any bread you like.

*If you dont have Pizza sauce, you can try with any tomato sauce you have.But Pizza sauce is best.

*You can make the bread pizza without toasting the bread also. But I liked it when the bread is toasted as it gives a slight crispness to the bread.

Soya Chunks Masala

Soya chunks is high in protein. It can be a meat replacer for the vegetarians. It has high  protein content and has very less fat. I remember the college days when we used to get the soya chunks curry in the hostel mess.I tasted the soya chunks for the first time then. All my friends were very fond of it and would eat it happily saying its "chicken".

This is a simple recipe and its best as a dry curry. I used Nutrela soya chunks which is available in any Indian grocery store.

Ingredients:

Soya chunks - 2 cups

Onion - 1 large, finely chopped

Tomato - 2 small, finely chopped

Ginger-Garlic paste - 1 tsp

Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp

Chilli Powder - 1 tsp or to taste

Chicken Masala - 1 tsp

Coriander Powder -1/2 tsp

Pepper powder -1/2 tsp

Oil - 1 tsp

Salt

Boil about 3 cups of water in a vessel with a little salt. When the water starts boiling, add soya chunks  and let it boil for about 5 minutes. Switch off the stove. Let it remain so for about 10-15 minutes. The soya chunks would become soft and big now. Now drain the water and allow the soya to cool. Squeeze out all the water from these chunks using hands and keep them aside.

In a pressure cooker, heat oil. Add cumin seeds.

When they finish popping, add onions and ginger-garlic paste. Saute until onion becomes transparent.

Now add tomatoes.When the tomatoes become tender, add chilli powder, coriander powder, pepper powder and chicken masala.

Saute until the raw smell of the masala goes. Add the soya chunks and mix well.

Now add about 3/4 th cup of water and salt.Pressure cook for about 2 whistles.

Mostly curry will be dry. If not, just keep stirring the curry in the cooker for a few minutes on medium flame so that masala gets dry and get coated well to soya chunks.

Garnish with coriander leaves.

Serves 2-3

Oats Pongal

This is a very healthy Pongal or Khichdi. I love experimenting with Oats. My husband also love Oats. So I try to make different dishes with it whenever possible. This is a quick recipe and I prepare this as lunch or dinner whenever I dont have much time. Just put everything in the pressure cooker and your healthy tasty food is ready soon. My little one likes it too as its very mushy and easy to eat , coz he has only few teeth now :)

Ingredients:

Oats - 1 cup (I used Quaker oats, old fashioned)

Moong dal - 1/2 cup

Vegetables - 1/2 cup (Its your choice. I used carrots, corn, peas, beans)

Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp

Curry Leaves - 4 to 5

Pepper Powder - 1 tsp (You can even use whole black pepper crushed)

Turmeric powder - a pinch

Asafoetida powder - a pinch

Oil - 1 tsp

Water - 3 cups

Coriander leaves - few strands chopped

Salt

Wash and drain the moong dal.

Heat oil in a pressure cooker. Add the cumin seeds. When they finish popping, add curry leaves.

Add the pepper and saute for a few seconds. Now add the oats.

Roast the oats for a few minutes until nice aroma comes.(3-4 mins)

Now add the moong dal and saute for a minute. Add the vegetables and mix well.

Finally add the water, salt , asafoetida, turmeric powder and coriander leaves.Mix well.

Pressure cook for a single whistle.

Serves 2-3

Sending this to the event by Dr.Sameena Prathap- Oats recipes

Chana Chaat

This is a tasty and healthy chaat. Usually I cook chana in bulk and after its cooled, I put them in 3-4 small boxes  and store them in freezer for future use. This I learnt from my mother. So whenever you need chana, you just have to take each box according to your need. There was a small box of chana lying in my freezer yesterday and I thought I would make a chaat out of it .I have done this few times before and it always came very good. Its very healthy than having any fried snacks.

Chana Chaat

Ingredients:

Chana - 1 cup cooked

Onion - 1 small, chopped finely

Tomato - 1 small, chopped finely

Chaat Masala - 1 tsp

Chilli powder - 1/2 tsp

Lime juice - 1 tbsp

Salt

Coriander leaves and Sev for garnishing

Mix all the ingredients. Adjust the spices, salt and lime juice according to your taste.

Garnish with coriander leaves and sev.

Dal Palak

I love adding spinach or palak to the dal. Its a very good combination. Dal as you know is rich in protien. Spinach is a good source for iron.So this dish is very healthy and it goes well with rice or chapathis. I always make it a point that spinach is added in one or the other dish twice or thrice in a week. Green leafy vegetables should be a must in every home.

Dal Palak

Ingredients:

3/4 cup Moong dal

A small bunch Spinach chopped

1 onion small, finely chopped

1 tomato small, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1/2 tsp cumin seeds

1/4 tsp turmeric powder

A pinch of asafoetida

1 tsp chilli powder

1 tsp Oil

Salt

Add turmeric powder to dal and pressure cook it.Keep aside the cooked dal.

Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds. When they finish popping, add garlic.Saute for a few seconds.

Add  onions and saute until the onions become slight brown.

Add the chopped spinach and mix well so that spinach shrinks completely.

Now add chilli powder and give a stir. Add the dal and tomatoes.

Depending on the consistency you need, add water. It shouldnt be too watery or very thick.

Add salt and asafoetida. Mix well and bring to a boil.Serve it hot.

Serves 2-3

Notes:

*You can add Toor dal instead of Moong dal.

*You can use green chillies instead of chilli powder.

*You can add a little tamarind water or squeeze some lime juice at the end.

Sweet dosa (Jaggery dosa)

Jaggery dosa is a very tasty dosa. This is also a simple recipe, which can be given as quick snack for kids. Not just kids, everyone will love this. When you make this dosa, its better to spread a little Ghee rather than oil. That gives it a nice aroma and enhances the taste of the dosa.

Ingredients:

Wheat flour - 1 cup

Jaggery - 1/2 - 3/4 cup grated

Coconut - 2 tbsp

Cardamom powder - 1/2 tsp

Water - 1.5 cup

Oil /Ghee

Add the jaggery to the water and heat it in a small pan. When jaggery gets dissolved in water, strain the jaggery syrup so as to remove the impurities. Allow it to cool.

Mix the flour with the jaggery syrup without forming any lumps.

Add the coconut and cardamom powder to the batter. Mix well.

Heat a non stick pan, pour a laddle of the batter and spread it like you do for a normal dosa.

Add a lil ghee on the sides. Once cooked on one side, flip over to the other side.

Again spread a lil ghee on the sides. Dosa should become brown.

Notes : 

*You can increase or decrease the jaggery depending on the sweetness you need.


Sending this to the Cooking with seeds-Wheat event at Veggie Platter.

Mint Pulao (Pudina pulao)

This is a very easy pulao.This has the freshness and flavour of Mint.Mint is a natural herb which has many medicinal properties.It facilitates good digestion.It also helps to treat cold, prevents hiccups etc.It is said that mint should be made a part of our daily diet. I have added a recipe for Mint chutney also. The Mint paste for the pulao is quite similar to this chutney. The pulao is prepared in a pressure cooker which makes it quite easy.

Ingredients:

For the Mint paste:

Mint leaves - a small bunch

Coriander leaves - a few strands

Ginger - 1" piece

Green Chillies - 2 -3

Coconut - 2 tbsp

Rice - 1 cup (I used regular rice.Basmathi is preferable)

Onion - 1 finely chopped

Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp

Water - 2 cups

Oil - 1 tsp

Salt

Wash and drain the mint and coriander leaves.

Grind together all the ingredients under For the Mint paste  to prepare the paste.

Make a coarse paste by adding very little water if necessary.

Wash and drain the rice.

In a pressure cooker, add oil. When the oil gets heated, add cumin seeds.

When they finish popping, add the onions. Saute the onions until they turn transparent.

Now add the mint paste and saute for about 2- 3 minutes. Do not burn the paste.

Add the rice, saute for another 2 minutes.Add the water and salt as per your taste.

Now pressure cook for about 2 whistles.

Serves 2-3

Notes:

*I used the regular rice. Basmathi rice might be better for this which will give good aroma.Check for the rice and water proportion for basmathi on the packet.

*You can add roasted cashews for garnishing.

*You can add carrots or green peas if you want to add vegetables.

Mint Chutney

Mint Chutney is a wonderful dip for pakoras, bondas, samosas etc. It can also be used as a spread for sandwiches. Enjoy this lovely colourful chutney with your delicious snacks !!

Ingredients:

a small bunch Mint leaves 

a few strands of Coriander leaves 

1/2 of an Onion chopped

2-3 Green Chillies 

1/2" piece Ginger , chopped (optional)

3 -4 tbsp Coconut 

Lime

Salt

Method:

Wash and drain the mint and coriander leaves.

Grind all the ingredients except lime in a blender by adding very little water at a time.

Make a smooth paste and when it reaches the consistency you desire, transfer to a bowl.

Finally squeeze half of a lime into the chutney.

It can be used as a spread for making sandwiches or served with pakoras.

Spicy Pasta

This is a recipe where you can experiment a lot, you can add more or reduce the sauces and spices...everything as per how your taste buds demand. The recipe I have mentioned below is not any authentic Pasta recipe, its just an experimental one according to what I liked. I have used Whole Wheat Elbows for this, which is high in fiber. You can use any type of pasta for this. You can try and customize this and I am sure you will love it.

Ingredients:

Whole Wheat Elbows - 1.5 cup

Onions - 1/2 cup (cut into long strips)

Veggies of your choice - 1/2 cup (cut into long strips) I used only Bell Peppers.

Tomatoes - 1/2 cup

Italian Seasoning - 1 tsp

Tomato Chilli Sauce - 2 tbsp

Soya sauce - 2 tbsp

Pizza Sauce - 2 tbsp (optional)

Garlic powder - 1/2 tsp (or use fresh Garlic finely chopped)

Oil - 1 tsp

Pepper powder - 1 tsp or to taste

Chilli flakes - 1 tsp or to taste

Cheese - 1/4 cup (optional)

Salt - to taste

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Strain and keep aside.

Heat oil in a large wok or in a large pan. Rub the Italian seasoning within your palms and add to the oil.

Add the onions and saute for a while. Add the Bell Peppers now.Increase the heat and cook the veggies by stirring constantly so that they will get cooked and remain crisp as well.

Once cooked, decrease the flame to medium. Add the chilli flakes, garlic powder, pepper powder and salt. Mix everything well.Now add  tomatoes and cook for about 2 minutes.

Add the cooked pasta now. Add all the sauces.Mix thoroughly.

Check for the salt, sauces and spices now. Add more if you like.

Now the spicy pasta is ready.

Before serving, add a little cheese over the pasta, microwave for a few seconds so as to melt the cheese.

Serves 2-3

Notes:

*You can increase or decrease any spices and sauces as you like.

*Cheese is optional. If health conscious, you can add fat free cheese if you like.

Oats Upma

Oats is very healthy. Making Oats a part of your daily diet provides many health benefits. It helps in reducing blood sugar levels, cholestrol levels and helps in weight control as well. Oats upma is very easy and preparation is similar and simple as any other upma. I added vegetables with the oats which made the upma more tasty and nutritious. This is a great hit at my home.

Ingredients:

Oats - 1 cup  (I used Quaker oats, Old fashioned)

Onion - 1 small , finely chopped

Vegetables - 1/2 cup (I used peas, carrots, corn)

Ginger - 1/2" pc, finely chopped

Green chillies - 2 , finely chopped

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp

Water - 2 cups

Salt

Oil

In a pan, roast the oats without adding any oil. Roast for a few minutes, until nice aroma comes. Oats should become slight brown. Keep aside the roasted oats.

Now, in the same pan, heat the oil. Add mustard seeds followed by cumin seeds.

When they finish popping, add green chillies and ginger. Saute them for a minute.

Now add the onion and saute them until the onion becomes transparent. Add vegetables.

When the vegetables are done, add water. When the water starts boiling, add salt.

Mix well and now add the roasted oats. Stir well and reduce the heat.

Cover the pan with a lid and allow the oats to cook.

Cook until oats become very soft and no water is left.

Serves 2-3

Note:

*You can add cashews or peanuts and roast it before adding the onions.

Sending this to the event by Dr.Sameena Prathap - Oats recipes

Egg Sandwich

This Egg Sandwich is made using the Boiled eggs. Its a quick sandwich which can be a breakfast or a snack.Kids will surely love this.If you have boiled eggs in stock, the sandwich can be prepared soon.

Ingredients:

Bread Slices - 4

Eggs - 2

Butter - 2 tbsp

Tomato Ketchup/Tomato Chilli Sauce

Pepper

Salt

Boil the eggs. Grate these eggs and add butter to this.

Mix the eggs and butter well. Add salt and pepper according to your taste.

Spread tomato ketchup on one side of each bread pieces.

Place the egg mixture between 2 bread slices.

Finally cut diagonally the bread pieces.

Notes:

*Butter should be melted (can keep in microwave for few seconds) or keep outside for sometime before you prepare sandwich so that butter blends well with eggs.

*If you want, you can even toast the bread and use instead of the plain bread.

*I have tried this by using ghee instead of butter. That also turned out tasty.

Corn Chatpata

Corn is my favorite....It is rich in vitamins and minerals. I love to use corn in many dishes from Upma to Curries. I always stock frozen Golden Corn in my refrigerator. Here's a very quick and simple snack with Corn.There is no detailed recipe as such. You just need to add salt, pepper and lime juice according to your taste. Thats all...A healthy snack is ready in minutes.

Ingredients:

Corn kernels

Pepper

Salt

Lime

I used 1 cup of the frozen corn kernels. Microwave for a minute in a microwave safe bowl. Now add the salt and pepper according to your taste. Mix it well.  Again microwave for 45 sec to 1 minute. Now squeeze a half of a lime to this and mix well. Corn Chatapata is ready to eat. If you want, you can add chat masala to this for a good flavour.