Tuesday 25 November 2008

Palak Paneer

Ingredients:
Spinach - 1, 16oz pkt chopped, frozen (about 1/2 kg)

paneer - 7 oz or 200 g
Oil - 3 tbsp
Onions - 2 med, minced
Ginger - 1″ pc, minced
Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
Water - 1/2 cup
Tomatoes - 2 large or 1, 14oz can diced (pureed)
Garam Masala - 2 tsp
Cumin Powder - 1 tsp
Coriander Powder - 2 tsp
Red Chili Powder - to taste
Salt - to taste
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp
Heavy Whipping Cream - 8 tbsp or to taste
Milk - to taste (optional)
Method:
Cook frozen Spinach with 1/2 cup Water in a microwave safe dish for 7-8 minutes stirring in between.
Blend cooked Spinach to desired texture (avoid over-blending).
Heat 2 tbsp Oil in a medium non-stick pan on high heat.
Once Oil is hot, add in the minced Onions, stir, cover and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
Add in the Ginger and Garlic and mix. Cook for another 4-5 minutes.
Add in the Tomates, cover and cook till the oil seperates from the mixture.
Keep stirring frequently as the Masala (Onion, Tomato, Ginger & Garlic mixture) tends to burn very fast.
While the Masala is cooking, cube the paneer to desired size…1/2″ cubes work well.
In a non-stick frying pan, heat the remaining 1 tbsp Oil.
Once Oil is hot, add in the paneer cubes and let them cook till they are golden brown on all sides.
Remove from the pan into a plate with paper towel to soak the excess oil.
In a couple of minutes, pour the Paneer into a bowl of cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, once the Masala is prepared, add in the mashed Spinach.
Mix and add the Garam Masala, Cumin Powder, Coriander Powder, Salt, Chili Powder & Turmeric Powder.
Mix well and cook for 3-5 minutes.
Add in the desired amount of Cream and /or Milk. Mix and cook for another few minutes.
Gently squeeze the water out of the Paneer and put the Paneer in the Spinach.
Mix gently and serve hot.
Serves 4 . Enjoy with Naan, Chapati, Paratha or Rice.
Tips:
Health tip- some great substitutes for Heavy Whipping Cream are Milk, Soymilk.

Daal Makhani

This Dish goes out for all who love to have get-togethers at home. A very easy yet a delicious daal makhani. Learners in cooking... try this out. You are bound to get compliments for this.

Ingredients:
Whole Urad Daal - 1 cup

Kidney Beans - 1/4 cup
Water - 3 cups
Onion - 1/2, medium (chopped)
Garlic - 1 tsp (minced)
Ginger - 1 tsp (minced)
Green Chili - to taste
Salt - to taste
Coriander Powder - 1 tsp
Cumin Powder - 1/2 tsp
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp
Garam Masala - 1 tsp
Red Chili Powder - to taste
Yogurt - 2 tbsp (well beaten)
Heavy Whipping Cream - 3 tbsp
Oil - 1 tbsp
Cumin Seeds - 1/2 tsp
Tomato - 1, medium (diced)
Method:
1. Wash well and soak the Daal and
Kidney Beans (Rajma) overnight in the three cups of water.
2. Cook the soaked Daal/Rajma in a pressure cooker along with the water.
3. To that add in Garam Masala, Coriander Powder, Cumin Powder, Turmeric Powder, Red Chili Powder, Onions, Green Chili, Salt, Ginger and Garlic.
4. Mix well, close and give it 3 whistles and then lower flame and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Turn off the flame and let the pressure release on its own.
6. Carefully open the cooker. Stir the Daal and make sure it is soft and cooked well.
7. Put it on low heat and allow it to come to another boil.
8. Add in well-beaten Yogurt and Cream.
9. Allow it to keep cooking on low flame.
10.Meanwhile take a small skillet and on medium heat, heat Oil.
11.Once it is hot, add in the Cumin Seeds and allow them to sizzle.
12.Add in the Tomatoes and cook a little (be careful not to overcook)
13. Add to the Daal and give a gentle mix.
14. Garnish with a spoon of Cream and a dab of Butter. Serve 4-6.

Monday 24 November 2008

"Our wedding was many months ago. The celebration continues to this day"... I owe this special thought and feeling to my husband 'Sanjay'. This Recipe blog is dedicated to him for whom I love to cook ,who is my Inspiration and also everyone who believes in love and being loved.

I thought the best way to really share knowledge and give tips about cooking, baking and food in general would be to have an active forum where everyone can participate and share their knowledge! So welcome, and look at this forum as your kitchen away from your kitchen! Enjoy!

Thanks and Welcome!