Vegetable Upma Recipe

Am getting carried away seeing the happiness and smiles on familiar around,
 "Joy" which comes with December.....though I have a big task in front of me, probably this month  :/
Anyways its time to forget all worries/anxieties, thanking Almighty for another year in our life that we complete this month and hope to have a wonderful New-year.
We should go in pace with the celebration and enjoy :) no matter what as "December" comes again only after a year :D

"Upma" is a very popular, easy to make South Indian Breakfast,
Recipe here has a creamy twist which will make your Upma extra rich and flavorful,
Do give it a try and you'll never be disappointed :)

Ingredients 

Rava/Semolina - 1 cup
Onion - 1/2 of One medium sized, finely chopped
Green Chili's - 3 No's
Tomato - 1/2 of one medium sized, finely chopped
Carrot - 1 medium sized - finely chopped
Beans - 4-6 no's chopped (Optional)
Ginger - 1/2 inch size Piece - finely chopped
Garlic - 2 No's finely chopped
Ghee/ Vegetable Oil - 3 Tbsp
Mustard Seeds - 1 tsp
Cumin Seeds - 1/4 tsp
Split Urad Dal - 1/2 tsp (Optional)
Split Gram Dal - 1 tsp (Optional)
Cashew nuts or Peanuts -  1 tbsp (Optional)
Cilantro/Coriander leaves - 1tbsp chopped (Optional) -avaoid if you dislike its taste.
Ghee - 1 tsp (Optional)
Salt to taste.


And the secret ingredient -
Cooking cream or Whole fat boiled - Milk - 1 cup 

Method 

* Dry roast  Rava in a heated Kadai/Pan for 5 minutes in medium heat, transfer roasted rava to an other plate.

* Heat Ghee/Oil in the kadai, add mustard seeds and allow to splutter, then add cumin seeds and the grams - Urad dal & Gram dal (if using), saute for a minute and add Ginger, garlic and chilies, followed by onion, carrots and Beans (If using) saute in medium heat for 5-10 minutes till the vegetables looks almost cooked.

* Then add Cashew-nuts/Peanuts (If using) , cilantro (If using) and tomato, cook for another 2- 3 minutes stirring vigorously

* Pour 2 cups of water to this and add salt , then pour 1 cup Heavy cream or  whole fat Milk, allow to boil.

* Add 1 tsp of Ghee (optional) to the boiling water + milk and slowly add in the roasted Rava, keep heat to medium-low and stir it while it gets slowly thickened.

*When the Rava looks soaked with the water and it starts to thicken a bit, switch off the heat and allow to get cooked and thicken with the heat within it for 2-3 minutes.

* Serve this creamy, delicious Upma immediately while its still hot, with ghee and Sugar.

Notes :

I like my Upma to be soggy, so I added 3 cups of liquid for 1 cup of Rava, In Kerala Upma is made dry with less water and its enjoyed with Banana/Plantain and sugar.
If you need it dry add just 1 cup water and 1/2 cup Milk or cream (if adding) , and cook the same in low heat stirring vigorously till the Upma looks dry.

*Do try adding milk as it gives a very creamy texture and flavor to the Upma, but do add boiled milk only if using.

Cheers
TN 

Crepes - A Simple Breakfast Recipe

Yesterday I woke up early than usual ;) with throat pain, looked to the sides to see my people sound asleep, though I wanted to sleep for some more time, my throat desperately wanted to sip some hot water. So got up and opened the window blinds expecting to see that beautiful dawn but saw a full Moon instead, as even our Sun is now a days lazy to rise up - the season being Winter.
Kept the blinds open as I love seeing the first appearance of light in the sky before Sunrise.
Decided to try something different for Break Fast, with all the freshness that the first ray of light brought to my mind.

Crepe's with strawberries and chocolate syrup in some Coffee Shop caught my eye last week
 and was in my - To Try -List.

Crepe's are other wise called "Pan Cake" in Kerala (My place) and sometimes called "Love Letters" its usually rolled with Sweetened Coconut fillings and served as a snack there. Not sure why we call'em Love Letters may be because it has some sweetness when opened :)

I couldn't wait for my people to wake up
nor could I wait to try these sweet attractive Crepe's and Strawberries
so I enjoyed my BF alone  ;)

Ingredients

All Purpose flour - 1 cup(Approx)
Eggs - 1 (may use 2)
Milk - 1/2 cup to 1 cup
Salt to taste
Vanilla Essence - few drops

For Filling & Topping 

Cream cheese Softened  - 1/2 cup
Super fine sugar - 3 Tbsp
Strawberries - few no's sliced
Chocolate syrup -(I used Hershey's syrup)
Powdered Sugar (optional) - to sprinkle

May Fill any Jelly that you like instead of Cream cheese & Sugar.

Method

* Beat eggs nicely then add All purpose flour , salt, Vanilla essence and milk - beat again to combine, adjust batter consistency to make it free flowing (add more milk or more flour to adjust consistency accordingly)

* Mix Cream cheese and sugar, combine nicely and keep aside.

* Heat a Pan cake Pan or any Dosa pan , rub some oil on the pan using tissue,
 Pour ladle full batter on the heated pan , tilt the pan to spread it around or else use the ladle itself to spread it around in clockwise direction

* Flip to the other side when one side is done nicely (1 to 2 minutes approx in medium to low heat ) ,  Remove from pan when both sides are nicely cooked.

* Spread a spoon full Cream filling (or any Jelly if you like)
 Fold in to quarters and place on a serving plate. Repeat to make more crepe's.

* Place some sliced Strawberries on the crepe's , drizzle chocolate syrup on top, may sprinkle some powdered sugar -  like how the experts does ;) and serve.

ENJOY !

Cheers
TN

Ragi Dosa Recipe / Fermented Ragi Dosa

In my memory first time I tried Ragi was in Bangalore when I started working,
though my Mom says she used to feed Ragi Porridge while I was a baby.
I do remember my younger brother with "Ragi Porridge" all over his face and everywhere around when fed with the same while he was a baby.

In Bangalore we used to share our food during lunch time in office and once my good friend and colleague who's from Karnataka promised us to bring lunch for the whole team, Food is going to be authentic she said and the particular dish "Ragi Mudde" other wise called Ragi Ball , she'll be bringing is a Kannada delicacy. " Ragi " being the largely grown crop in Karnataka.
she said it can be had with any Non - Veg curry like chicken or Mutton , but she'll bring Sambar with it as that's how vegetarians prefer it.
Excitement to taste an authentic dish and its interesting looks attracted me so much that I didn't wait for anybody's permission to dig in to it. Took my first " Bite "

Wait a minute did I say " Bite " OH NO.....

 It got pasted everywhere inside my mouth :(

not being able to open my mouth I didn't know how to react,
noticing my facial expressions like how a " Kathakali " artist does , she understood what I did and said its not supposed to be chewed , its just to be swallowed along with the curry.

OH BOY....
 Y didn't I wait for her instructions.

now you know why I say I am Impatient.

"Ragi Mudde" is a  store house of various nutrients,
no wonder the Former Prime Minister of India "Deve Gowda" urged for having the same prepared and shipped from Karnataka to the Capital,
but only thing is that you shouldn't chew it :)

Health Benefits of Ragi are wide, other than reducing Cholestrol and Blood Pressure
some of its nutritional benefits include reducing Anxiety & Stress as Ragi being a rich source of Antioxidants mainly Tryptophan & some Aminoacids - fights damage causing free radicals in the body hence reducing oxidative stress.
Ragi is an excellent plant source of Iron hence helps to reduce Anaemia due to low hemoglobin levels.
Also its highly recommended for Lactating mothers.

Only issue I have with Ragi was how to make it appealing as I didn't like its taste :(
though I very much want to have it because of its health benefits , tried mixing Ragi flour with Atta to make Chapathi , which is not a bad Idea then tried this recipe which is almost similar to the recipe they have in the Ragi Flour cover which they sell in the Indian store.

For People like me and many other who doesn't like the taste of Ragi , do try this recipe as its good for our health, lets make it a point to cook highly nutritional food stuffs at least once in a week, like Green leafs , Soya , organic vegetable salads , freshly squeezed organic fruit juices and high fibrous grains/flours like Ragi ,Oats ,Quinoa etc.

Here's is how I made Ragi Dosa , it was good , but should enjoy it while its hot.

Ingredients 

Ragi Flour - 3/4 cup (May use Whole Ragi instead)
Rice Flour (Fine) - 1/2 cup  (May use Idli Rice instead)
Split Urad Dal / Husked Black Gram - 3/4 cup
Cooked Rice (White or Brown) - a hand full (Little less than Half cup)
Fenugreek Seeds / Methi Seeds - 1/2 tsp
Sugar - 1 Tbsp
Salt to taste
Water - 1/4 to 1/2 cup(Approx , adjust as you need , try grinding with less water as possible , and add water just to make grinding easier)
Oil or Ghee - few drops for each Dosa's.

Method 

* Wash and soak Urad dal & Fenugreek seeds in water for 3 hour's  (split Urad dal doesn't need more than 3 hour's soaking time, if using whole Urad dal,  Idli rice instead of rice flour and whole Ragi - do increase the soaking time)

* Grind the soaked dal & Fenugreek along with Rice flour, Ragi flour and cooked rice , adding little water to it initially(add more water little at a time to make grinding easier) keep in a warm place to ferment for 6 to 8 hour's depending on the climate.

(I kept it overnight to ferment, during winter , its better to place it in your preheated to Warm - Oven to help ferment it better - make sure your oven is not too hot to cook the batter :)
or else boil water in a deep vessel , when it starts to boil ,switch off the heat ,cover with a lid and place this batter - bowl on top of the lid , keep it in a comparatively warm place to ferment)

* The next day add sugar and salt to taste ,  stir , pour a ladle full of batter over a heated Dosa pan , spread with a spoon , drizzle few drops of oil , flip when one side is done and cook the other side for a minute.

* Serve with any Chutney or Sambar.

A very healthy and  nutritious , equally tasty Ragi Dosa - ready to be served.

Ragi is recommended for weight watchers as it helps reduce and maintain your weight, high amount of fiber in Ragi combines with water, to keep your stomach fuller for longer period.

Its health benefits are so many that I am not able to conclude this post
:)

Cheers
TN

Oats Puttu

"Puttu" the most popular Breakfast Item in Kerala, though I personally doesn't prefer this dish.

The reason for my dislike is that I took almost 3 years to prepare this with all its goodness.
Being Soccer Man's most liked BF Dish, I tried all possible ways to make it , lot many times during the initial months after our marriage ...but my desperate trial to get hubby's approval and appreciation didn't work anyway and then I remember at some point I decided to never try making it in my life.

Sounds funny right ???This would be a joke to anybody who makes "Puttu" I know as this is one of the most easiest break fast item, still I took 3-4 years to successfully make it at home. 

And at last I realized that the "Puttu -Kuthi " / Puttu Maker-or steamer which I was using at that time had some defects which stopped steam from letting in and hence it didn't get completely cooked and
 I had no clue about it :)

It was during my visit to our relatives house In CA that I had this " Oats Puttu " and  believe me this  tastes  even better than the usual Rice puttu and lot more nutritious too

Ingredients 

Oats - 2 cups 

Hot water - 1/2 (Approx) 

Salt - to taste 

Grated Coconut - 2 Tb Sp  (Approx)

Method 

* Either dry roast oats in medium to high heat for 5 to 8 minutes stirring vigorously or else bake these on a flat baking tray for 5 to 10 minutes in 350 Degree F, this helps to grind'em easier and also saves time while cooking. Once done cool these.

* Grind to powder (Make it fine or coarse powder as per your preference)

* Keep water to boil in a Puttu steamer , its good to add 1 or 2 crushed garlic and some Fennel seeds to the water , as then the Puttu will have nice aroma. 

* Add salt and water slowly to the Oats powder and mix to lightly wet'em , combine to make a crumby mixture. 

   To test its consistency, take little of the mixture in your hands , try to shape it, it should hold its shape and should break once slightly pressed. Cover and keep this mixture for some time (15 to 20 minutes , the longer it sits its good) 

* In a puttu maker or any steamer , place some grated coconut first and layer with the oats mixture, may repeat to make multiple layers. and steam these for 5 to 10 minutes as done for regular Puttu.

* These are traditionally served with Kadala Curry / Curry with Chick Peas / Black Channa. Though I like to have it with nice ripe banana and sugar. 

If making these for the first time , do check the steamer once again......

 ;) 

Cheers
TN

Cream Cheese Filled Chocolate Cup Cakes in Chocolate Cups - The Winner

That was an awesome experience competing for a Cup Cake contest conducted as part of the Utah State Fair. This Cup cake Won 2nd Prize and that was the unforgettable Birthday in my life and the most valued Birthday Gift.

Last week they had a similar contest when I made some  Indian cookies , but then more than me my NA - my helper , was so disappointed that she started crying when she came to know that we didn't get a prize :) and I had to rush from there so that the people wouldn't come to know the reason for her sadness...However this time I taught her how to react when you lose , though I knew that she would definitely cry as 

And I was happy to see her all excited , jumping and laughing when we heard that our Cup cake won. Even I wanted to jump out of excitement but I restricted my self as in India , while I was brought up Girls were taught to stay calm and quiet and not to over react to situations especially when we are out side our house :(
Glad that there are slight changes happening these days for the good.

Here's the recipe for - Cream Cheese Filled Chocolate cup cakes in Chocolate Cups

Ingredients 

For Cream Cheese Filling 

Cream Cheese - 1 - 8oz Pack in Room Temperature
Egg - 1
Sugar - 1/3 cup Sugar
Vanilla Essence - few Drops
Salt - a pinch


For the Cake


Cocoa powder - 1/3 cup
Boiling hot water - 1 cup
All purpose flour -  1 and 1/3 cup
Baking powder - 2 Tsp
Salt - 1/4 tsp
Unsalted butter in room temperature - 1/2 cup
Granulated white sugar - 3/4 cup
Eggs - 2 Small
Curd - 2 Tbsp
Vanilla extract - 1 tsp
Instant Coffee /Espresso Coffee - 1/4 tsp

Method 

For the Cream Cheese Filling

* Beat all the ingredients till nice and smooth , keep aside.


For the Cake 


* Preheat the Oven to 350 Degree F , Lightly butter 16 Muffin Cups or line with Cupcake Liners and keep aside.

* Mix Cocoa Powder & Espresso coffee to 1 cup Boiling water , stir and Keep aside to cool.

* Sift Together Flour , Baking powder and salt, Keep aside.

* Beat Butter and sugar till light and fluffy , add in eggs one at a time , continue beating.

* Add in curd and Vanilla essence , beat again, slowly add in the flour and Cocoa -water mixture alternately.
  Fold in all the ingredients using a spoon. until well combined.

* Fill in the muffin cups 1/3 full with the batter , top with a dollop of Cream cheese mixture,
  Cover this again with a tbsp of batter.

* (Place the rack in the middle of the Oven)  Bake in 350 Degree F for 16 to 20 Minutes until a Tester comes out clean.

* Let sit to cool.

For Frosting 

Semi sweet chocolate Chips - 1/4 cup
Unsalted butter in room temperature - 1/3 cup
Confectioners (icing) sugar - 1 and 1/3 cups
Vanilla extract - 1 tsp

Method 

* Melt the Chocolate pieces in a double Boiler

* Beat butter until smooth , add in the sugar , continue beating till light and fluffy

* Add Vanilla essence and melted chocolate to it, combine well.

Once the cup cakes are cooled , frost these and serve, may simply spread the frost over the cake or else transfer to a piping bag and pipe designs on the cake.

These Cakes were placed in Chocolate molds made by melting Semi sweet Chocolate -
 Step by step procedure for  making of chocolate cups
                               Click " Gift Box Cake / Strawberries in Chocolate Cups  "

Happy Birthday to me :)

Cheers
TN

Dhokla (With Suji)

A Gujarati Dish - can be served  for Breakfast too, we enjoyed it as a snack with Green Chutney , a healthy snack as its a steamed dish almost like the Rava Idli.

Ingredients 

Suji / Semolina - 1 cup
Curd (Sour) - 1 and 1/4 cup
Green chili's - 2 to 4 no's (adjust as per your preference)
Cilantro/Coriander Leaves - 1/2 cup chopped
Salt to taste
Eno Fruit salt (or else use Soda Powder) - 1/4 tsp
Turmeric Powder - a pinch

For Tempering / Tadka 

Oil - 1 Tb Sp
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
Curry Leaves - 1 spring
Sugar - 1 tsp
Water - 2 Tb Sp

Method

* Mix semolina/Suji with 1 cup curd , green chili's , Cilantro , salt and Turmeric Powder.

* This step is Optional -Blend this mixture for a minute or two (In a blender)
    Or else Stir and combine all ingredients using a spoon.

    * Keep this mixture for an hour (Minimum half an hour) and then just before steaming this , add Eno fruit salt  or else Soda Powder and the rest of the curd (1/4 cup)  stir and pour this mixture to a greased plate.

* Steam this in a steamer , steam it on high steam for 15 to 17 minutes , check if done by inserting a toothpick or a fork if it comes out clean, switch off the heat and let it cool for sometime ( 5 minutes) 

* Mix Sugar in 2 Tb Sp Water and keep aside. Heat oil in an other pan , pop mustard seeds and saute curry leave ,mix the sugar and water mixture to this tadka/seasoning and  , pour this tadka/seasoning over the steamed Dhokla / Semolina cake.

* Once cooled a bit  (about 5 to 7 minutes) Slice and serve with Green chutney

Need to serve'em hot

Notes :
           : May Sprinkle some Chili Powder on top while pouring the seasoning , to make it little spicy.
           : A pressure cooker can be used to steam this too , do not put the pressure on it , pour little water and a base plate , place the plate with the mixture to be steamed over the base plate (Water should be just half way through the base plate and shouldn't touch the plate with the mixture to be steamed )
          : Cooking time may vary hence check if done using a fork.

Cheers
TN