Aval Paniyaram / Beaten Rice Appe

Aval paniyaram (Poha Appe) is a light and easy to digest South Indian snack which is made from aval(poha), rice flour and butter milk. It can be made with various spices and vegetables for added flavor.

Poha is a good source of iron, which is beneficial for boosting energy levels and preventing iron deficiency.

Ingredients 

• Aval/Beaten rice/Poha - 1 cup
• Buttermilk - 1 cup/ as needed
• Fine rava - 1 cup
• Rice flour - 1/4 cup
• Salt - to taste

    For the seasoning

• Oil - 1 tbsp
• Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Urad dal - 1 tsp
• Ginger - 1 tbsp, grated
• Curry leaves - few
• Onion - 1, finely chopped
• Carrot - 1/2 cup, grated
• Coriander leaves - few

Method

1. Soak aval in buttermilk just enough to cover it for 15 mins.
2. Mash it well and add fine rava. Add more buttermilk just enough and mix well. The batter has to be thick.
3. Prepare the seasoning in a small pan by adding the ingredients listed in the “For the seasoning” one by one.
4. Add this to the batter and mix well. Adjust salt to taste.
5. Heat the appe pan (Paniyaram pan) on medium heat and lightly grease each cavity with oil.
6. Pour the batter using a spoon into each cavity.
7. Cover the pan and cook for about 3-4 mins on low-medium heat.
8. Using a skewer or a small wooden spatula flip each paniyaram and cook uncovered for about 3-4 mins. Cook them until golden and crisp on both sides.
9. Remove from pan and serve hot with chutney or sambar.

Continue Reading >>

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.

Continue Reading >>

Black Bean Patties/Cutlets

Patties/Cutlets are popular snacks in India. These are usually crumb coated so that they get crispy. This recipe is very simple to make just by mixing all the ingredients together. The cutlets are not coated in breadcrumbs in this recipe, yet turned out crispy and delicious. These can be eaten as snacks with ketchup or can be used as patties for burgers.

Black beans are rich in antioxidants, fiber, protein, Vitamin A and minerals like Iron, Calcium and Potassium.

Ingredients

• Black beans - 1/2 cup
• Sweet Corn - 2 tbsp, frozen(optional)
• Onion - 1, small sized
• Coriander powder - 1 tsp
• Chilli powder - 1/2 tsp
• Garam masala - 1 tsp
• Egg - 1
• All purpose flour - 1/4 cup
• Bread crumbs - 1/2 cup or as needed
• Salt - 1 tsp
• Oil - to shallow fry the cutlets

Method

1. Soak black beans in water with little salt overnight or about 8 hrs and pressure cook for 10 whistles. 
2. Drain the beans and let it cool completely.
3. Add all the ingredients along with the cooked beans except oil in a blender.
4. Pulse a few times until the ingredients are combined but still slightly chunky.
5. Transfer the mixture into a bowl. Add more bread crumbs if it is too wet or sticky. Mix well.
6. To make uniform size perfect patties, use the lid of a jar to shape the patties. Cover the lid in plastic wrap. Place some mixture inside the lid and press it down evenly. Flip the patty out. Repeat the same for all the patties.
7. Refrigerate the patties for about 1 hr.
8. Heat oil in an iron skillet. Shallow fry for 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
9. Use the patties for burgers or can be served as cutlets with ketchup/green chutney.

Notes

- To get all the health benefits of black beans, rinse the beans thoroughly in cold water and soak them. Bring the water to boil for about 2-3 minutes. Turn off the stove and leave it overnight or about 6-8 hours.

Continue Reading >>

Garlic Paneer

Garlic paneer is a delicious starter recipe and it can be prepared quickly. This dish can also be served as a side dish for chapathi/roti.

Garlic Paneer

Ingredients

• Paneer - 250g
• Onion - 1
• Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Oil - 1 tbsp
• Salt - To taste
• Coriander leaves - To garnish

     To grind

• Garlic cloves - 6
• Red chillies - 2 or 3 (depends on your spice level)
• Vinegar - 1/2 tsp
• Salt - 1/2 tsp

Method

1. Cut paneer into 1 inch cubes and soak in hot water for 10 minutes.
2. Grind garlic cloves and red chilies together with vinegar, salt and enough water to make smooth paste.
3. Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and stir until they turn dark brown.
4. Add chopped onions and little salt and fry until soft.
5. Then add the garlic chili paste and cook until it thickens and the oil separates.
6. Add paneer and saute for 5 minutes in medium heat.
7. Adjust salt to taste and garnish with coriander leaves.

Continue Reading >>

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.

Continue Reading >>

Split moong dal Vada|Pasiparuppu Vadai|பாசிப்பருப்பு வடை

Moong dal vada is a deep fried snack which is made with  moong dal grinded and made into a batter and then deep fried into vadas. 

Split moong dal is a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals. It is easy to digest, protects and heals liver and is good immune system stimulant. They do not contain any fats, thus making them an ideal food for children and elderly.

Moong Dal Vada

Ingredients

• Split Moong dal/Pasiparuppu - 1 cup
• Onion - 1/4 cup
• Ginger - 1 tbsp, grated/chopped
• Green chillies - 1, finely chopped
• Red chilli powder - 1/2 tsp
• Gram flour - 1 tbsp
• Asafoetida - a pinch
• Cilantro - 1 tbsp, finely chopped
• Salt - To taste
• Oil - To deep fry

Method

1. Wash and soak moong dal in water for at least 3 hours.
2. Drain the water and grind into a coarse paste. Sprinkle some water while grinding if required.
3. Add finely chopped onion, ginger, green chillies, red chilli powder, gram flour, asafoetida, cilantro and salt to the batter. Mix well.
4. Heat oil in a pan. Deep fry the balls in medium heat until golden brown.
5. Serve hot with chutney/ketchup.

Continue Reading >>

Aloo Bonda|Urulaikizhangu bonda|உருளைக்கிழங்கு போண்டா

Aloo Bonda is a popular south indian deep fried snack made with gram flour batter and stuffed with potato filling.

Ingredients

• Potatoes - 3, medium sized
• Onion - 1, medium
• Grated ginger - 1 tbsp
• Green chilli - 1
• Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
• Cilantro - 2 tbsp, finely chopped
• Curry leaves - few
• Urad dal - 1 tsp
• Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Oil - 1 tbsp
• Salt - To taste

     For the batter

• Gram flour - 1/2 cup
• Rice flour - 1 tbsp
• Asafoetida/Hing/பெருங்காயம் - 2 pinches
• Baking soda - 1/4 tsp
• Chilli powder - 1/2 tsp
• Salt - to taste
• Oil - To deep fry

Method

1. Pressure cook the potatoes for 3 whistles. Cool down, peel off the skin and mash it well.
2. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Once it splutters, add urad dal and fry till it turns slight brown.
3. Add curry leaves and grated ginger and saute for few seconds and add onion and green chilli.
4. Cook till the onion turns soft.
5. Add turmeric powder and salt.
6. Now add the mashed potatoes and mix well. Cook for 2 minutes.
7. Cool down and make small balls. Keep aside.
8. In a bowl mix gram flour, rice flour, asafoetida, baking soda, chilli powder and salt. Add water slowly to make a thick batter.
9. Heat oil in a pan. Dip a potato ball in the batter, coat it well and slowly drop into the pan. Repeat for other balls.
10. Fry the balls for a minute in medium heat and turn over to cook evenly on both sides. Fry them until all sides are golden brown.
11. Serve them hot with chutney/sauce.

Continue Reading >>

Onion Tomato Omelette

Onion Tomato Omelette is an easy breakfast dish which can also be served as an evening snack. This recipe yields 2 omelettes. Egg consumption consistently leads to increased levels of HDL which reduces the risk of many diseases.

Ingredients

• Eggs - 2
• Onion - 2 tbsp, finely chopped
• Tomato - 2 tbsp, finely chopped
• Red chilli powder - 1/4 tsp
• Turmeric powder - A pinch
• Garam masala - A pinch
• Salt - 1/8 tsp
• Butter - 2 tsp

Method

1. Beat the eggs until frothy.
2. Mix all the other ingredients except butter and whisk together.
3. Heat the tawa and grease with butter.
4. Pour half of the egg mixture and spread it evenly.
5. Cover and cook in low-medium heat on both sides.
6. Repeat the same for the remaining mixture.
7. Serve hot for breakfast with toasted breads.

Continue Reading >>

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.

Continue Reading >>

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.

Continue Reading >>

Chicken 65

Chicken 65 is a popular South Indian starter recipe originated in Chennai. It is usually served as a snack or as a side dish for non-veg meals. This spicy, deep fried chicken dish is an all time favourite for most of them.

Ingredients

• Chicken - 1/2 kg
• Ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp
• Coriander powder - 2 tsp
• Chilli powder - 3 tsp
• Pepper powder - 1/2 tsp
• Cumin powder - 1/4 tsp
• Turmeric powder - A pinch
• Corn flour - 2 tsp
• Rice flour - 1 tsp
• Red food color - A pinch
• Lemon juice - 1 tbsp
• Egg - 1
• Salt - To taste
• Curry leaves - Few
• Green chillies - 2
• Onion - To garnish, cut lengthwise
• Oil - To deep fry

Method

1. Marinate chicken with all the ingredients except curry leaves, green chillies, onion and oil for 2 hrs in the refrigerator.
2. Heat oil in a kadai and fry the curry leaves & green chillies. Keep aside.
3. Deep fry the marinated chicken till it becomes golden brown.
4. Garnish it with onion and fried curry leaves & green chillies.

Tips

- Egg coats the chicken and keeps the chicken soft, tender and juicy.

- If marinating time is longer than 1 hour, place the marinating chicken in the refrigerator.

- It tastes better if the chicken is marinated for atleast 30 minutes.

- Frying curry leaves and green chillies in the beginning adds more flavour to the chicken.

Continue Reading >>

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.

Continue Reading >>

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.

Continue Reading >>

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.

Continue Reading >>

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.

Continue Reading >>

Tofu Manchurian Dry

Tofu is one of the easiest and healthiest foods to cook. Tofu Manchurian dry is like any other manchurian dishes and goes well with fried rice. Those who hates tofu also loves this dish. I would suggest to prepare tofu, before trying this dish.

Ingredients

• Tofu - 200gms
• All-purpose flour (Maida) - 1/4 cup
• Corn flour - 2 tbsp
• Chilli powder - 1/4 tsp
• Ginger garlic paste - 1/2 tsp
• Soya sauce - 1 tbsp
• Chilli sauce - 1 tbsp
• Tomato ketchup - 1 tsp
• Pepper powder - 1/2 tsp
• Vinegar - 1 tsp
• Chopped ginger and garlic - 1 tsp
• Onion - 1, medium sized
• Cubed Capsicum, red and green - 1/2 cup
• Green chillies - 1, slit lengthwise
• Salt - To taste
• Oil - For frying

Method

1. Combine all-purpose flour, corn flour, chilli powder, ginger garlic paste, salt and water to make a slightly thick batter.
2. Mix cubed tofu pieces gently and marinate it for 15-30 minutes.
3. Deep fry until crisp.
4. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan and add chopped ginger and garlic and saute for a while.
5. Add green chillies, chopped onion, capsicum and salt. Cook till its half cooked.
6. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, add soya sauce, chilli sauce, tomato ketchup, pepper powder, vinegar and mix well.
7. Now add this mixture to the pan and saute well.
8. Finally add the fried tofu pieces and mix till the pieces are well coated with the sauce.
9. Tofu Manchurian dry is ready to serve.

Tips

For better taste, press the tofu and extract the water before using it. This can be done by placing the tofu between the kitchen towels and set some heavy objects on the top and leave it for 30 minutes.

Continue Reading >>