KASURI METHI PULAO

This was the first time I tried pulao with dried kasuri methi and it turned out well. I just love the taste and aroma of kasuri methi leaves. Its awesome. This is flavourful and easy type rice that can be prepared in a few min. In short we can say its a quick meal. It tastes great when its served with onion raita or boondi raita specially. Apart from the normal veg pulao do try methi pulao for the weekends and just make ur day feel healthy. Addition of fried paneer makes pulao more attractive and tasty. Same preparation can be done with fresh methi leaves too. My mom prepares with fresh mini fenugreek greens in microwave thats just perfect. Those who want to remove the bitter taste of methi leaves, can soak them in salt water for 5 min and then squeeze out the water from leaves. But guys, doing such can loose all the nutritious value. So its always better to love its taste as it is.

INGREDIENTS.

1 Cup Basmati rice.

1/2 Dried Kasuri methi. (washed and dried).

1/2 Chopped Onion.

1 Chopped Tomato.

2 tbsp Chopped Garlic.

1 tbsp Chopped Ginger.

1 tbps Jeera.

2 tsp Red chilli powder.

1/2 tsp Turmeic powder.

2 tsp Coriander Powder.

11/2 Cup Water.

2 tbsp Ghee.

Salt to taste.

METHOD.

First add 1 tbsp ghee in a pressure cooker. Add washed drained basmati rice and fry for few min. Add water, turmeric powder and salt and cook until its done. Remove and keep it aside.

In a pan, add remaining ghee. Throw in the jeera, chopped ginger and garlic and saute. Then add onions with a pinch of salt so that it get fryed quickly. To this, add tomatoes followed by the red chilli powder, coriander powder and dried kasuri methi. Continue frying for 10 min.

Lastly add the cooked rice. Saute well so that all the masala are well mixed up. Cover with lid and allow them to cook for about 10 min under low flame.

Serve hot with ur fav raita.

Enjoy!!

PANEER BUTTER MASALA

''Paneer Butter Masala'' is one of the most popular exotic dish in North India as we all know. This is the current recipe that my hubby had keen interest to prepare as a first trial and he did when my parents, brother, sis inlaw everyone visited my place. Thats so sweet of him na? I was like WOOO and just speechless after tasting this flavourful , delicious paneer butter masala. Could not get what the secret ingredients was. Later came to know that it was dried kasuri methi and a pinch of ajwain that has just doubled the taste. Paneer lovers, no doubts they would surly fall in love with it and why not because its so rich and creamy in flavour. I suggest all to try this recipe and drop me the end result how it was :)

INGREDIENTS:

250 grams Paneer.

2 Onions.

2 Tomatoes.

2 tsp Ginger garlic paste.

1 tsp Chilli powder.

1/2 tsp Turmeric powder.

1 1/2 tsp Coriander powder.

1 tsp Jeera powder.

2 tsp Dry Crushed Kasuri methi.

1 Bay leaf.

Pinch of Ajwain.

3 tsp Butter.

1/2 Cup Milk.

1/4 Cup Fresh cream.

Salt to taste.

Water as per needed.

Coriander leaves for garnish.

FOR GRINDING GARAM MASALA POWDER.

4 to 5 Cloves.

3 Cinnamon stick.

2 Cardamom.

1 Star anise.

3 Peppercorns.

METHOD.

Grind for garam masala and keep it a side.

Cut the paneer into medium cube sized shape and place it aside.

Grind onions and tomato separatly.

Heat butter in a pan, fry bay leaf ,onions and ginger garlic paste till the raw smell is off.

Then add the garam masala powder and saute for another few min. Add tomato puree and simmer for 2 min. To this add chilli pd, turmeric pd, jeera pd, coriander pd, with a pinch of salt. Fry until all the masalas are well combined.

Then add adequate amount of water and bring them to boil.

Add milk and stir until the gravy becomes thick. Drop the paneer cubes, kasturi methi and ajwain and stir well and allow them to cook under low flame for about 3 min.

Remove from flame and lastly finish them up adding fresh cream and chopped coriander leaves on the top.

Serve hot with puri or chappati or naan.

Enjoy!!

THAI RED SHRIMP CURRY

''Thai red curry'' is the one that we order whenever we visit our favourite thai cuisine restaurant. The one we offen visit when we were in US. I really miss those days :( . But currently I came across one Indian stores were I was just surprised to notice thai red curry paste here at mangalore. In no time I just grabed those and that night we had delicious red curry with hot hot steamed rice that tastes the same we had at US. The real flavour comes out when therez addition of fresh basil leaves and mainly the flavour of shrimps which I love the most. Veggie lovers can avoid adding non veg items.

INGREDIENTS.

1 Onion.

1 Capsicum.

1/4 Cup Red Bellpeppers.

2 tbsp Thai Red curry paste.

1 tbsp Fish sauce.

1 tbsp Soy sauce.

1 Cup Coconut milk.

3 Cloves of Garlic.

4 to 5 Leaves of Fresh Basil.

6 to 7 Shrimps.

1 tbsp Butter.

Salt to taste.

METHOD.

Heat butter in a pan. Add fresh garlic, onions and capsicum with a pinch of salt. Make sure the veggies are half fried. Add the red curry paste and saute for a while. Then followed by the soy sause, fish sause with adequate amount of water. Add shrimps and bring water to boil. Switch off the flame and add coconut milk and fresh chopped basil leaves. [Make sure not to boil after adding coconut milk.]

Serve hot with steamed rice.



Enjoy!!

BELATED HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010.

Hai guys! I know its been looong I haven't updated any post. Hope all had a blast on your new year. Sorry guys for the late wishing. Anyways ''WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY BELATED NEW YEAR''. We too had a grand celebration at our apartments having fun games, dance, playing musical instruments, having dinner and many more till 12. Finally ended up the auspicious day with a fire dance. Oh boy, it was just awesome. Rest of the days ,I was having a great time with my family members who visited here for vacation. I enjoyed to my fullest visiting new places, temples, chatting , preparing food together etc etc. Hope you all can guess how it would be with loving people around. Then currently we had been to chennai for official purpose and their I decided to meet my school pals which made my day the best. And why not as I am meeting them after 7 years. When I was on my way to my friend's home, I crossed over to my old home, my way to school, collages had developed a lot and I felt as I am going through a new path. Anyways, it was a nice feeling to recall those golden days and I just cannot express how sweet and memorable those moments are :).
Will be back with my recipe soon in next post.
Enjoy!!