Chilli Chicken Noodles

Chilli Chicken Noodles is a delicious Indo-chinese dish that's everyone's favorite. It's a popular street food in India. Here chicken is marinated and fried before adding to the noodles.

Ingredients

• Noodles - 500g
• Garlic - 2 tbsp, finely chopped
• Green chillies - 1, sliced lengthwise
• Onion - 1, finely chopped
• Spring onions - 5
• Carrot - 1, finely chopped
• Cabbage - 1/2 cup, finely chopped
• Capsicum - 1, finely chopped
• Eggs - 2
• Soy sauce - 1 tbsp
• Green chilli sauce - 1 tbsp
• Vinegar - 1 tbsp
• Black pepper powder - 1 tsp
• Sesame oil - 2 tbsp
• Salt - as required

    For chilli chicken

• Boneless chicken breasts - 250g, chopped into 1 inch pieces
• Corn flour - 2 tbsp
• Ginger garlic paste - 2 tsp
• Chilli powder - 1 tsp
• Soy sauce - 1 tsp
• Egg - 1
• Salt - as required
• Sesame oil - 2 tbsp + 1 tsp

Method

    Cooking the chicken

1. Optional step but recommended if using chicken breasts - First brine the chicken breasts. Place the chicken breasts in a bowl. Fill with warm water to cover them and add 2 tbsp of salt. Cover the bowl and refrigerate them for 30 minutes or upto 4-6 hrs. Remove the chicken breasts from the brine, rinse them with cold water, and pat them dry with paper towels. Chop them.
2. Marinate the chicken breasts with corn flour, ginger garlic paste, chilli powder, soy sauce, egg, 1 tsp of oil and salt for at least 10 minutes (or upto 24 hrs in the refrigerator).
3. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a pan and saute the chicken for 7-10 mins on high flame until cooked. Keep aside.

   Cooking Noodles

1. Meanwhile boil some water in a pot add noodles along with a tsp of oil and some salt. Cook until firm. 
2. Drain and mix with a tsp of oil and soy sauce. Keep aside.

    Chilli Chicken Noodles

1. Heat oil in a wide pan on a high flame.
2. Saute garlic for 30 secs and add onion, green chillies, and spring onion whites and cook for 30 secs.
3. Add carrot, cabbage, bell pepper, salt and saute for 1-2 mins.
4. Move the veggies into one side of the pan and pour a tsp of oil. Add beaten eggs and scramble them until they are done.
5. Mix the veggies and eggs together.
6. Add the cooked chicken and mix well.
7. Then add green chilli sauce and vinegar. Mix well.
8. Now add the cooked noodles, black pepper powder and stir for couple of minutes.
9. Sprinkle with spring onion greens and serve hot.

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Red Velvet Cupcakes

Red velvet cupcakes are delicious dessert topped with the popular cream cheese frosting or any frosting of your choice. 

Buttermilk is essential in baking red velvet cupcakes as it adds the tangy flavor to the cupcakes and also makes them moist. The additional vinegar makes the batter color brighter and when reacted with baking soda makes the cupcakes super light and fluffy.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour - 2 1/2 cups
• Sugar - 1 1/3 cups
• Cocoa powder - 2 tbsp
• Baking soda - 1 tsp
• Salt - 1 tsp
• Oil - 1 cup
• Egg whites - 2
• Red food coloring - 1 tbsp
• White vinegar - 1 tsp
• Vanilla extract - 1 tsp
• Red colored sugar for decorating (optional)

    To make buttermilk

• Milk - 1 1/2 cups
• Lemon juice/White vinegar - 1 1/2 tbsp

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line a 12 cup standard muffin tin with cupcake liners and keep aside.
3. To make buttermilk, in a small bowl stir lemon juice into milk. Allow it to stand for 5 mins or until thickened and slightly curdled.
4. Sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl and keep aside.
5. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, oil, egg whites, food coloring, vinegar and vanilla extract together until combined.
6. Make a hole in the middle of dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture. Mix until combined.
7. Fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter.
8. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of a cupcake comes out clean or with few crumbs, not wet batter.
9. Cool in the muffin tins for 5 mins and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Frost the cupcakes with cream cheese frosting or buttercream frosting and sprinkle with red colored sugar, if using. Enjoy!

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Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are popular delicious treat consumed on different occasions. They can be cut and decorated for any season or holiday. It's a perfect snack for both kids and adults. Let the kids get creative and have fun decorating the cookies. These cookies contain lots of sugar and are not good for health if consumed regularly.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter - 1 cup
• Sugar - 1 cup
• Vanilla extract - 1 1/2 tsp
• Egg - 1
• All-purpose flour - 2 1/2 cups
• Baking powder - 3/4 tsp
• Salt - 3/4 tsp

    For the frosting

• Powdered sugar - 3 cups
• Milk - 3-4 tbsp
• Light corn syrup - 2 tbsp
• Vanilla extract - 1/2 tsp
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles or colored sugar crystals for decorating (optional)

Method

1. Beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until creamy and fluffy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and egg and beat until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk/sieve together the flour, baking powder and salt.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the cream mixture and mix well until combined.
5. Divide the sticky dough in half. 
6. Cover each dough ball in a clear plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours/overnight or until firm.
7. Take one cookie dough and place between 2 sheets of parchment paper. Roll it out to 1/4"or 1/8" thickness (optional but recommended - refrigerate for at least 1 hr)
8. Preheat oven to 350F.
9. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
10. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer the shapes to the lined tray using a spatula.
11. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges start to turn brown.
12. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

   Sugar Cookie Frosting

1. Mix sugar, milk, corn syrup and vanilla extract in a bowl until combined.
2. Add more sugar or milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
3. If coloring the frosting, divide into bowls and add color. Mix well.
4. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag/ziplock bags and pipe on the cookies.
5. If using, decorate the cookies with sprinkles and colored sugar crystals.
6. Allow the frosting to set, then store in an air-tight container.

Notes

- If not frosting the cookies, sprinkle with sprinkles and colored sugar crystals before baking them.

- The dough can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

- Instead of piping the frosting, the cookies can be dipped top side down into frosting.

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Chicken Mayo Sandwich

Chicken mayo sandwich is easy to make and loved especially by kids. This delicious sandwich filling is made by mixing mayonnaise with boiled and shredded chicken.

Ingredients

• Chicken - 1 cup, boiled and shredded/chopped
• Bread slices - 4
• Mayonnaise - 4 tbsp
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper powder - to taste
• Butter - 1 tsp

Method

1. Boil the chicken with little salt and cook for 15-20 minutes or until done.
2. Take out the chicken and shred it or chop into smaller pieces.
3. Combine chicken, mayo, salt and pepper in a bowl and mix well.
4. Butter the bread slices and toast them in a pan.
5. Add 2-3 tbsp of chicken mixture over the toasted bread and spread it evenly. Cover with another slice and press down. Cut the sandwich diagonally.
6. Repeat with remaining slices and chicken mixture. Serve immediately.

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Egg Muffins

Egg muffins otherwise called as baked omelette is a quick, easy and delicious snack. These fluffy egg muffins are low-carb and high in protein and can be prepared with your favorite toppings.

Egg Muffins

Ingredients

• Eggs - 12
• Onion - 1, finely chopped
• Mushrooms - 1 cup, chopped
• Grated cheese - 1 cup
• Salt - 1/2 tsp
• Garlic powder - 1/2 tsp
• Cooking spray/oil - To coat the pan

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. Beat the eggs with salt and garlic powder.
3. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray or oil. Divide the chopped onions, mushrooms and cheese between each muffin cup, then carefully pour egg mixture until the tins are 2/3rd full.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a tooth pick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
5. Let them rest in the pan for a few minutes and carefully remove them.
6. Serve immediately.

Tips

- Store the extra muffins in a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for a month.

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Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal cookies are delicious and nutritious and are perfect for a snack for both kids and adults. This crisp and chewy cookie is loaded with oats, dried fruits and nuts. 

Oatmeal cookies contain fiber and minerals, such as iron and potassium, which are crucial to body health. They are also rich in folate and Vitamins A & K. Due to their oat content, the oatmeal cookies are also rich in soluble fiber, which combats bad cholesterol, reducing the chances of heart disease and controlling blood glucose levels.

Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

• Nuts - 1 cup (walnuts or pecans)
• Unsalted butter - 3/4 cup (170g or 12 tbsp or 1 1/2 sticks)
• Light brown sugar - 1 cup
• Egg - 1 (large)
• Vanilla extract - 1 tsp
• All purpose flour - 3/4 cup
• Baking soda - 1/2 tsp
• Salt - 1/2 tsp
• Ground Cinnamon - 1/2 tsp
• Oatmeal - 3 cups (old-fashioned or quick oats)
• Raisins or cherries or chocolate chips - 1 cup (optional)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
3. Place nuts on the sheet and bake for 7-8 minutes or until lightly browned and fragrant. Let cool and then chop into pieces.
4. Beat the butter and sugar with a fork (or with an electric mixer) until creamy and fluffy.
5. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat to combine.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt and ground cinnamon.
7. Add the flour mixture to the cream mixture and mix well until combined.
8. Add oats and raisins (if using) and stir well. 
• Do not overmix the dough as it results in dry or hard cookies. Stop mixing when the dough is just mixed.
9. Scoop spoonfuls of the mix onto a baking tray about 2 inches apart.
10. Then lightly flatten the cookies with your wet fingers so they are about 1/2 inch thick.
11. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until light golden brown around the edges but still soft in the middle.
12. Remove from oven and let them cool a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips

- Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. It ensures better blending of the batter and a more even baking time.

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Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe

Stir-frying is one of the quickest and easiest methods of cooking. This stir-fry recipe is simple and healthy. Soy protein found in tofu can lower your risk of a heart attack. This is also an excellent kid recipe with amazing health benefits. To make this healthy dish delicious, prepare tofu before cooking.

Ingredients

• Firm Tofu - 200g
• Ginger garlic paste - 2 tsp
• Soya sauce - 2 tbsp
• Chilli sauce - 1 tbsp
• Lemon juice - 1 tsp
• Salt - To taste
• Oil - 3 tbsp

Method

1. Cut the tofu into 1/2 inch cubes.
2. Heat oil in a pan and add tofu. Keep stirring continuously in high heat until all sides are light brown.
3. Now add ginger garlic paste, soya sauce, chilli sauce, lemon juice and salt. Mix well and cook in low-medium heat for 5 minutes.
4. Serve hot.

Tips

- You can also marinade tofu with other ingredients except oil and leave it for an hour before stir frying.

- It's better to choose firm tofu for this dish to retain its shape while cooking.

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Veg Sandwich

Veg Sandwich is a healthy breakfast item and can be made quick if you have already prepared the mint paste. It can also be eaten as a snack in the evening with tea. This is both a low calorie food and a filling one.

Ingredients

• Bread - 6 slices
• Grated carrot - 1/2 cup
• Mint leaves/Pudhina - 1/2 cup, tightly packed
• Green chillies - 2
• Salt - 1 tsp
• Butter - 2 tbsp

Method

1. Grind mint leaves, green chillies and salt together into a smooth paste adding little water.
2. Butter on both sides for all the bread slices.
3. Apply 2 tsp of ground mint paste on one side of the bread and spread 2 tbsp of grated carrot evenly. Close with the other bread slice and press slightly.
4. Heat a pan and grease with little butter. Toast on both sides in low-medium heat until crispy and golden brown.
5. Repeat for the remaining slices. 
6. Cut diagonally and serve hot.

Tips

- I used brown bread in this recipe. You can also use white bread.

- You can pick veggies of your choice for making a healthy sandwich. Shredded cabbage, sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, lettuce and so on.

- You can make the mint paste in bulk and store in the refrigerator.

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Chicken Drumsticks

These delicious and healthy oven baked chicken drumsticks are prepared by coating chicken drumsticks in yogurt and seasoned with Indian spices and baked in the oven. Yogurt keeps the chicken tender and tasty. Kids love these and great for picky eaters.

Ingredients

• Chicken drumsticks - 4
• Yogurt - 1/2 cup
• Lemon juice - 1 tbsp
• Ginger garlic paste - 2 tsp
• Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
• Chilli powder - 1 tsp
• Garam masala - 1 tbsp
• Cumin powder - 1/2 tsp
• Pepper powder - 1/2 tsp
• Corn flour - 2 tsp
• Salt - 1 tsp
• Olive oil - 1 tbsp

Method

1. In a wide bowl mix all the ingredients well except chicken and olive oil.
2. Remove the skin and make 3 deep cuts in each drumstick and completely cover the chicken with the mixture.
3. Marinate the chicken in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
4. Preheat the oven to 400ºF(200ºC).
5. Brush the oil over the bottom of the baking tray or line a foil in the tray and brush the oil. Cook in the oven for 30 minutes.
6. After 30 minutes, turn over the chicken and apply any remaining marinade. Cook for another 30 minutes in the oven.
7. Serve hot.

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Beetroot Kola Urundai|Beetroot Balls

Beetroot Kola Urundai is a highly nutritious snack which also tastes delicious. It is prepared by deep frying grated beetroot mixed with gram flour, onion and spices.

Ingredients

• Grated beetroot - 1 cup
• Gram flour - 1/4 cup
• Rice flour - 1 tbsp
• Chilli powder - 1 tsp
• Garam masala - 1 tsp
• Fennel seeds - 1 tsp
• Onion - 1, medium sized, finely chopped
• Curry leaves - Few
• Salt - 2 tsp
• Oil - For deep frying

Method

1. Mix the grated beetroot with all other ingredients except oil. Sprinkle some water if required.
2. Shape into small balls and deep fry them in medium heat.
3. Serve hot with sauce as an evening snack or with any meals as side dish.

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Vegetable Vada

Vegetable vada is a tasty, healthy snack which is easy to make. It is made by deep frying mixture of urad dal batter and vegetables. You can add vegetables of your choice. 

Ingredients

• Urad dal - 2 cups
• Carrot - 1
• Cabbage - 1/2 cup, chopped
• Potatoes - 2 (small size)
• Onion - 1
• Ginger - 1 inch
• Green chillies - 2
• Salt - To taste
• Oil - For frying
• Curry leaves - Few
• Coriander leaves - Few

Method

1. Soak the Urad dal for at least 2 hours.
2. Add little water and grind the dal in mixie along with boiled potatoes, ginger and salt. Sprinkle water when needed.
3. When batter becomes soft paste, pour it in a bowl.
4. Grate the carrot using grater and chop the onion, cabbage, green chillies, curry leaves and coriander leaves finely.
5. Add all the above to the batter and mix well.
6. Deep fry the vadas in the oil until it turns golden brown.
7. Serve hot with any chutney or sauce.

Tips

- Try to incorporate the potatoes as they make the vada crispy and enriches the taste.

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Green Beans Stir-Fry Recipe

Green beans stir fry recipe is made by stir frying green beans with garlic and little oil. In general, stir fried recipes cook up quickly and tastes more delicious when compared to poriyals yet healthy. This dish will appeal more to those who don't like the beans especially the kids.

Ingredients

• Green beans - 1/2 kg, cut into 1 inch pieces
• Chopped garlic - 2 tsp
• Red Chillies - 1
• Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
• Pepper powder - 1/4 tsp
• White sugar - 1/4 tsp
• Salt - To taste
• Olive oil - 1 tsp

Method

1. Add green beans to a bowl of boiling water and cook for 5 minutes.
2. Drain & rinse with cold water to prevent from further cooking and keep aside.
3. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds.
4. Once the mustard seeds start to splutter, add chopped garlic & red chillies and stir for a while.
5. Now add the half cooked green beans, salt, pepper powder & white sugar and stir for 6-7 minutes in medium-high heat or until tender.

Tips

If the green beans get too dry while cooking, sprinkle some water.

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Bread Paneer Rolls

Bread Paneer Rolls are one of the tastiest and easiest snacks to make. They are made by covering a bread slice with paneer stuff and rolling it into a tube shape before toasting. You can also have it for breakfast or pack it for kids lunch box.

Ingredients

• Bread - 5 slices
• Crumbled Paneer - 1 cup
• Chopped onions - 1/2 cup
• Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp
• Chilli powder - 1/4 tsp
• Garam masala - 1/2 tsp
• Milk - 1 tbsp
• Grated cheese - 2 tsp
• Chopped coriander leaves - 2 tbsp
• Oil - 1 tsp
• Butter - 1 tbsp
• Salt - To taste

Method

1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Fry till it turns nice brown.
2. Add chopped onions and fry till it turns soft.
3. Add chilli powder, garam masala and salt and saute well till the raw smell goes.
4. Now add the crumbled paneer and mix well.
5. Adjust salt to taste and add milk. Stir well and turn off the stove.
6. Add grated cheese and keep aside.
7. Cut the edges of the bread and roll out each slice like roti using a rolling pin.
8. Place the stuff on one side of the slice and gently roll from there to the other end.
9. Apply butter on all sides.
10. Repeat for the remaining slices.
11. Lightly toast all the pieces in a pan and serve hot with tomato ketchup.

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Pasta in White Sauce

Pasta is a staple food of traditional Italian Cuisine. Pasta is generally served with some type of sauce. In this recipe, white sauce is used. White sauce is made with butter and flour cooked in milk. Pasta is a low fat food and a good source of carbohydrates, protein, folic acid, iron and numerous other nutrients, making it a healthy diet for kids.

Ingredients

• Penne Pasta - 1 cup
• Milk - 1 cup
• Butter - 2 tbsp
• All purpose flour - 2 tbsp
• Carrot - 1
• Broccoli florets - 1/4 cup
• Sweet corn - 1/4 cup
• Capsicum - 1/2
• Garlic - 1 tbsp, finely chopped
• Oregano and dried basil - Few
• Grated Cheese - 3 tbsp
• Salt - To taste
• Pepper powder - 1 tsp
• Oil - 1 tsp

Method

1. Boil water in a vessel with salt and oil. Add pasta and cook as per the instructions in the packet. Drain the water and keep aside.
2. Heat oil in a kadai and add garlic.
3. Saute garlic till it gives nice flavour and add the vegetables. Cook in medium heat and stir fry till the vegetables are cooked. Don't overcook them.
4. In a pan, melt the butter and add flour. Stir continuously till the flour changes color. Add milk and stir continuously to prevent formation of lumps.
5. When it starts to boil, add cheese, salt, pepper powder, oregano and basil leaves.
6. Cook till it thickens slightly. White sauce is ready.
7. To this sauce add vegetables and pasta. Add some water if required.
8. Simmer for few minutes till the pasta and vegetables are coated well with the sauce and garnish with grated cheese.

Tips

You can add vegetables of your choice. You can also add mushrooms, shredded chicken pieces or shrimp.
You can use Macaroni or any pasta varieties.

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