Easy Bread Pizza

Bread pizza is one of the most yummy snack n it is very easy to make.It wont take more than 10 mins to make.And it is one of the perfect ways to make ur kids say "U r grt mom" :) . I had been thinking of to make this recipe for a long time and made it yesterday.I had used the very basic topping(U can add ur favourite toppings like corn,mushroom,paneer etc).I had cut the bread slices into square shape.One can also cut them into round and bake in a muffin tray.I used daily  fresh milk bread .I searched for the pizza sauce in my pantry but nothing was left out and hence used maggi hot n sweet sauce instead of it..And the combination was too gud and melted in our tastebuds.

Ingredients :

1. Bread Slices             -    4 no.s
2. Pizza Sauce              -    4-5 tbsp
3. Vegetables for Topping    -   1 and 1/4 cup (i used onions, capsicum, tomato)
4. Italian seasoning     -   1/4 tsp( a pinch for eash slice)(Optional)
5. Pepper powder         -    to taste
6. Oil                         -  to toast bread
7. Mozzarella Cheese   -    3/4 cup (shredded)

Method :

1.Chop the veggies into square shaped dices.Preheat the oven to 250 c .

2. Cut the edges of the bread slices with a sharp knife.

3. Apply oil on one side and then flip the bread slices and then apply the pizza sauce on the other side.

4.Then spread your favourite veggies on top.

5.Now grate the mozzarella cheese over it .

6. Take a baking tray and cover it with aluminium foil .Now place the breads over it.

7.Bake in covection mode at 220 c for 10 mins r until the cheese melts.

Thats all ..Ur yummy bread pizza s ready..

Spicy Veg Biryani

       

  I love making veg biryani on sunday afternoons...(Although it is of some extra work to do.. )it is worth doing as to see a smile on everyone's face in the family n luv 2 have a nice nap after this heavy meal :) .(afterall it s not a routine boring weekday)..whenever I go to a restaurent at lunch time n if it happens to be a veg restaurent,then i prefer 2 order this one (r fried rice) instead of meals right from my childhood .This version of veg biryani s very spicy n melts in the taste buds n makes our senses happy by every part of it (colour,texture n taste too)..There is an alternate version for it which involves adding GG paste n biryani masala n no grinding part which also wud taste gud..but my hubby wants it much spicy everytime  n I too started liking it this way (after all it s not a pulav)...The tricky part in any biryani is that the rice must be correctly cooked(however tasty u make it )..It must not be sticky r overcooked...I prefer using basmati rice..And if u increase the soaking time of rice then u must decrease the amount of water u add for boiling accordingly..So now here s t recipe for u....

Prep time : 15 mins | Cooking time : 20 mins | Serves – 4

Ingredients :

• Rice – 2 cups
• Carrot - 1
• French beans - 6
• Peas – ½ cup
• Cauliflower – 1/ 2 cup
• Potato - 1
• Onion – 1(big)
• Tomato – 1
• Curd – 1 Tbsp
• Coriander leaves and Mint
• Cinnamon - 1 inch
• Cloves - 2
• Cardamom - 2
• Bay leaves - 1 or 2
• Oil with butter – 2 Tbsp

To grind :

• Ginger - 1 inch
• Garlic - 4
• Red chilli - 2
• Cinnamon - 1 inch
• Cloves - 2
• Cardamom - 2
• Bay leaves - 1 or 2
• Fenugrek - 1 tsp
• Cumin seeds - 1 tsp

Method :

1.Soak rice in water for 15 mins.

2.Chop onion, tomato and all the vegetables.

3.Grind everything given under “ To grind” .
4.Take a pan r cooker. Pour 1 Tbsp of oil along with 1 Tbsp of ghee or butter.

5.Then,add mint and coriander leaves.

6.When the onion turns translucent,add the chopped tomato.
    After frying,add the ground masala and turmeric powder.

7.Fry till the raw smell of ginger and garlic goes away and add curd .

8.Now add the rice and after frying add 4 cups of water(for 2 cups of rice).

9.Add salt and pressure cook it for 2 whistles.

10.Serve with onion raitha.

Nei Appam Recipe

 

 

 

       Nei appam is a very yummy recipe..I had tried the same  two years back from an aval vikadan book 's additional but it was a flop (it was all my fault) as I had added much jaggery syrup to the batter and it became so watery..I was not aware of the consistency of the batter that time..But this time with a (a never give up attitude :)  :) )proper knowledge aboutit all,I had a great success n would make it quite often  for sure..Although this time everyone  wanted more n more n there was nothing remaining ..here s the recipe for u...

Ingredients :
 

Raw rice - 1 cup
Jaggery - 3/4 cup
Rice flour - 1 tbsp (optional)
Baking Soda - 1/2 tsp
Elachi powder - a generous pinch
Banana - 1 small sized
Coconut grated - 1 tbsp (optional)
Melted Ghee / Oil - for deep frying

 

Method :

 

1.Soak raw rice in water for about 3 hrs and then grind it with very little water(or no water).

2.Heat jaggery with water and filter it .(It must be in a syrup consistency.Be careful while doing this as it may solidy if u leave for a while.. J).

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.Add the jaggery syrup into the raw rice batter.(This batter must be thicker than the idli batter).If not,dont worry,add the readymade riceflour to make it thick.. :)

4.Then mash the banana and mix it with the batter.

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

5.Then add the grated coconut.elachi powder and baking soda.

 

6.Leave this batter to ferment for 1 hour.

7.Now drop the batter into the oil with a spoon and deep fry it..(U can also use a paniyaram kallu for it n roast with ghee but it tasted heavenly when deep fried)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Reviews - 1

I love reading books and Im very much happy to spread the fragrance of joy that I received from Good books..Yup..I accept the proverb "Books are real friends" to the core of my senses..A single book can change a person's life and it does in many lives.A person's character can also be judged by analysing the type of books he reads often..(I havent gone to that extent to analyse anyone :) )....And a healthy book reading habit can even change the history of a country..(Although the knowledge u get from a book is only a fact unless u use it in ur real life)..A single word from a nice book can recharge you for so many years when u are at the edge to breakdown...


I would luv 2 spend my entire life reading books(anyways thats not possible :( ).I even wish to be born as a human in all my seven births (Just to read,read n read...). I discovered my luv for books only after completing my college graduation..(Yup..U r right ..Im an engineering student..)..So,letz nurture the reading habit for our next generation at a very early stage..I luv spending my time at book exhibions r book fairs with a gud friend of mine(Can include my mom at first place bcoz she luvs shopping as well as books)..Im always excited 2 see the ppl sitting (immersed in books) at landmark(few ppl of my kind)..

As you know,there are so many varieties of books..One might equip u with a greater knowledge..n one might bring vicarious joy & when things r not going as expected,one might strenghten u to overcome deep sorrows..I feel it would be very much helpful to review only the books which create a positive impact on me..and pledge to do it regularly :)..If u too accept my believes n reviews , pls do drop ur opinion on it..:) .Happy reading..:)

Butterscotch banana cake

Hi friends,

This is one of my favorite cakes ever. The mixing up of banana and butterscotch gives it a rich taste.My mom and my hubbi are real cake lovers. I used to make birthday cakes for them. And they are my judges for all the cakes I make. And both of them accepted this as a masterpiece(eighth wonder for me).

Once I tasted banana cake at gloria Jean and was wondering as how to make it at home ?.But after having a lot of search I found this recipe which is worth doing. Here is the mouth watering recipe for u :)...


Ingredients:

• All purpose flour – 1 cup
• Wheat flour – 1 cup
• Butterscotch sauce - 2 TBsp (or as per your taste)
• Sugar – 1 1/2 cups
• Baking powder – 1tsp
• Baking soda – 1/2 tsp
• Salt – 1/4 tsp
• Eggs – 2
• Butter – 2 sticks (8 OZ) (at room temperature)
• Yogurt – 1/4 cup
• Oil – 1/4 cup
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
• Ripe bananas – 2
• Chopped walnuts – 1/2 cup

Method :

1. Preheat the oven at 220 C and then butter up the cake tray(I used a square one,its ur choice) .
2. Sieve all purpose flour and wheat flour along with salt, bak pwdr n soda and keep it aside.
3. Whisk butter in a bowl(I used an electric mixer) until it becomes creamy and then add powdered sugar.
4. Add eggs and the vanilla extract into it.Meanwhile mash the bananas and chop the walnuts.
5. Add specified amount of oil.Add the flour mixture and the yogurt gradually.
6. whisk it until it blends well.
7. Finally fold the mixture with bananas and walnuts.
8. Pour into the cake tray and bake at 220 c for 30-35 mins in convection mode.

Note :

• U can use cocoa(1/2 cup) or melted chocolates instead of butterscotch sauce(if u r a choco lover).
• U can also use almonds. I had no patience to make frosting since I was busy with eating n distributing it 2 my family(although i was left with only one piece :( )

Spicy chicken gravy

 

Everyone in my home from kids to adults, love this recipe . Its' authentic spicy taste can never be challenged by any other chicken recipe. It tastes very great with rice and chapati or roti .This recipe travels along more than three generations as of I know..My grandma used to make it very very spicy as anyone who eats couldnot control tears flowing ( :) ) although the taste s heavenly..and my mom n all of my aunts make it have made it moderately spicy and Im presenting it 2 u in a form that s suitable for our age...Try this n enjoy... 
 
 

                             Recipe Cuisine: Indian | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook time: 45 mins | Serves - 5

 

Ingredients :

• Chicken - 1/2 kg
• Big onion - 1
• Tomato - 1
• Salt and oil (As required)

To saute and grind:

• Small onion -1/4 kg (around 30)
• Garlic - 7
• Ginger - 2 pieces(1 inch each)
• Black Pepper - 2 tsp
• Cumin seeds - 3 tsp
• Fennel seed - 2tsp
• Cardamom - 2
• Coriander powder - 2 Tbsp
• Red chilli powder - 2Tbsp
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
• Oil (as required)
• Salt
• Coconut - 1/3 quantity of small onion (Optional)

Method:

1.Take a pan and pour 2 Tbsp of oil and then add cinnamon,cumin,fennel,pepper and elachi.
 


 2.Then add garlic and ginger .Fry for a while and then add small onions.
 


 3.When the onions turn golden simmer down the stove.Then add turmeric,coriander and red chilli powders.
4.Finally add coconut and switch off the stove.
 

 
5.When it is cooled down,grind the mixture.
 


 6.Now take a cooker and pour 2 Tbsp of oil into it.Add mustard and fennel seeds.When the mustard seed sputters, add chopped big onion.
7.When the onion turns golden, add tomato and saute for two more minutes.Then add the ground masala and the chicken into the cooker.
 

 
8.With it add water until chicken is covered (less water is preferable)and salt.Leave for 2-3 whistles.Let the pressure release and then cook uncovered for 15-20 mins until the gravy thickens.
Serve with coriander garnishing.For sure everyone in your family would love this one and ask for more n more :) :) :) .

 

 
Note :

• U can add red chilli powder as per your taste .
• The taste of the gravy depends on the ground masala (Dont overcook or under cook it)

Strawberry pomegranate smoothie

Prep time : 5 Mins | Serves 2 -3

 

 

Strawberry pomegranate smoothie is very simple yet very delicious n healthy drink for breakfast. It is very suitable to call Strawberry as the "Queen of fruits". I have a passion for this heart shaped juicy delight ever since my childhood.It is not only rich in flavor but it is also a power packed fruit.It is very rich in minerals and vitamins as compared to apple,banana and orange. Letz now have a quick glance over its benefits before going through the mouth watering recipe. It is a high fiber, low calorie fruit. It is rich in vitamin C which helps in immunity.Its red coloring agent (anthocyanin) helps burn stored fat .Strawberry contains potassium,vitamin K and magnesium and thus promotes bone health too. It helps in avoiding heart diseases too. And there is no need for me to say that it also prevents wrinkling of skin (as u already know). Hope the info was useful , if at all found boring please do forgive me :)


Ingredients :

• Fresh or frozen Strawberries - 5 to 6
• Pomegranate - 1
• Milk - 1 cup
• Sugar - 5 Tbsp(or as per your taste)

Method :
1.Take the strawberries and wash them thoroughly with water.Then remove the leaves.



2.Cut them into small pieces and add them into the blender.



3.Add pomegranate into the blender along with sugar and little milk.





4.Grind them for a while and then add the remaining milk.



5.Filter the smoothie and serve.

Note :
Dont grind the seeds of pomegranate as the taste may change.

Mor kuzhambu recipe(using ladies finger)

 

 

Can anyone say no to Mor kuzhambu (?????) which is the traditional and tasty recipe of the south Indians. It goes well with hot rice.I first tasted this in my aunt's marriage when I was a child. From that on, I have become a great fan of this recipe.The color and the texture of it would attract anyone.During summer, in all the functions, vatha kuzhambu would be replaced by this fabulous recipe. :)Mor kuzhambu has many avathars :) as with ash guard and with chow-chow.

 

Preparation time: 15 mins |Cooking time : 20 mins | Serves - 4 to 5

 

Ingredients :

• Ladies finger - 5- 6
• Coconut milk extracted from 1/2 coconut
• curd - 400 ml
• Turmeric powder- 1/2 tsp
• Salt
• Oil - 2 tsp

To grind :

• Toor dal - 2 tsp
• Rice - 3 tsp
• Green chilli - 1
• Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
• Coriander seeds - 1tsp

To Temper :

• Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
• Fenugrek seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Red chilli - 1
• Curry leaves - 1 sprig
• Small onion - 5 to 6
• Garlic - 4 flakes
• Ginger - i inch piece
• Oil - 1 Tbsp

Method :

1.Soak toor dal and rice in water for 10 mins.Grind toor dal and rice with green chilli , coriander and cumin seeds.












2.Blend the curd without water and keep aside.
3.Take coconut milk by adding little water and keep aside.Take a pan and pour little oil. Add the chopped ladies finger and fry for a while.











4.Add the grinded paste now (in medium or low flame) .
when it boils(becomes frothy)add the coconut milk to it in a low flame.












5.Boil for 5 mins and then add the blended curd along with turmeric powder.
Temper the items given above and add it io the dish.











6.Garnish with coriander leaves and enjoy with white rice.

 

 

Notes :

 

While using chow-chow or ash guard , chop the vegetable (dont chop finely,let it be bigger in size) and then boil in half cup water along with salt .

Baby Corn Manchurian

This is one of my favourite chinese dishes.Whenever I go to a restaurant, I would never forget to order manjurian either baby corn or chicken in it.The sweet taste of the tomato sauce combined with sour and hot tastes of soya n chilli sauces give it a heavenly taste. I made this one for my sister. Enjoy browsing n cooking this recipe.

Ingredients :

• Baby corn - 8
• Maida/all purpose flour - 5 tblsp
• Corn flour - 2 tblsp
• Ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp
• Red chilli powder - 1 tsp
• Salt As needed
• Oil For deep frying

Other Ingredients :

• Ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp
• Big Onion - 1
• Capsicum - 1
• Green chillies (optional) - 2 nos.
• Cilantro/Coriander leaves - 1 sprig
• Spring onion - 1/2 bunch
• Red chilli powder/pepper powder - 1 tsp( I used red chilli powder here)
• Chilli sauce - 1 tsp
• Tomato sauce - 1 1/2 tsp
• Soya sauce - 2 tsp ( Use more if u need)
• Corn flour 1 tsp dissolved in 1/2 cup water
• Salt

Method :

1.Chop baby corns as shown below. Mix maida ,cornflour,redchilli powder,ginger garlic paste and salt and make it into a batter.
 

                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.Dip baby corns into the batter.(Add enough water to the batter so that it must be well coated with the batter).Deep fry the coated baby corns.

 

 

 

3.Now,take a pan and pour 2 Tbsp of oil and add garlic and fry.Then add onion and fry until it turns golden.

 

4.Now add the capsicum. After frying for a while,add all the sauces.Add the GG paste as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.Let the baby corns get coated with it.Dissolve 1 1/2 tsp of corn flour in 1/2 cup water.Pour this into the pan.This gives the juicy texture to our dish.

 

 

 

 

 

6.Garnish with spring onion (am not having it right now :( )and serve.{Beware,if u leave the dish n go out for a while, u will not get even a single piece of babycorn }.

:) :) :)

Note :

• If u dont have chilli sauce, u can add the normal tomato sauce along with red chilli powder.
• Dissolve only 1 tsp of corn flour in water.(Dont add much water too).
• I forgot to add GG paste before adding onion.Thats why I added it in the later stage.
• I avoided adding green chilli,if u want it more spicy then add it.