Asian Salad

Some days you just feel like the lightest and healthiest of meals but it is actually hard to think of what you can make that also tastes good. Salads are probably the first to come to mind and yes this quick little light meal is a salad, with a yummy twist.

Loaded with fresh ingredients and vitamins, my ASIAN SALAD ticks all my boxes for a light lunch or dinner without being boring in taste!

Ingredients: 1 carrot and 1 cucumber cut into thin strips, half of an apple cut into think strips, handful of sprouts, 1 spoon sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon cashews, lemon juice, pepper for seasoning.

Make: Toss all the cut salad vegetables into a serving bowl and sprinkle lemon juice and pepper on top. Dry roast the sesame seeds and cashews until golden brown. Sprinkle it all on top of the salad. Add coriander and salt if you wish. Time to enjoy your fresh and light Asian Salad!
 

Fruit Jam - Lilly Pilly Berries

If you have a fruit free or plant in your garden, it can be both a blessing and nightmare! Blessing as it's always a pleasure to enjoy your organically grown fruits, nightmare as it can quickly become boring to consume the same fruits just because it is there all the time...

In our case, we have some very healthy Lilly Pilly Berry shrubs which are abundant with berries in the Autumn season each year. These native berries are not the ideal fruits to consume raw unlike other common fruits so we get creative and make our own fresh jam. Oh what a delicious jam it makes! One of the best ways to get kids involved too - picking and sorting berries, and cooking a very yummy treat with them :)

Our fresh picked Lilly Pilly Berries:

 

Here it is, our sweet and delicious Lilly Pilly Fruit Jam.

Ingredients (for a small bottle of jam) - about 2 cups of Lilly Pilly berries, 3 cups of water, 3/4 cup of raw sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice.

Make: Wash the berries and de-seed them. This is a time consuming task but leaving seeds in the berries will give you chewy bits in your jam - some may like this too. Put de-seeded berries in a thick bottom pan (non stick is better), add all the water and bring to boil. Add the sugar and keep boiling, stirring in between. Add the lemon juice. After about 10 minutes of boiling you will see the berries change to a reddish colour and water will have reduced. Keep stirring for another 5 minutes or so, until you have a jam like substance and turn off the heat. Take care not to over cook as the jam can get hard once cooled. Let the jam cool and enjoy with toast, muffins or scones :)

 

Lemon Fried Rice

Lemons lemons everywhere! It's the season for lots of yellow citrus goodness to be hanging from our trees in the garden. Lemons are not only a wonderful choice to help with many common day to day health issues, they also add amazing flavour to almost dish you can add them too.

After lip-smacking lemon pickles, our most favourite savoury lemon dish is the very simple yet deilicous LEMON RICE (commonly known in Bangalore as Chittranna). It's probably the most commonly made rice dish in households and also the most loved. There's a feeling of home associated with this quick and easy dish that South Indians will agree to :)

Here it is my version of the quick and easy, LEMON RICE.

Ingredients: 1 cup cooked rice, the juice from 1 fresh lemon, half cup green peas, 1 onion chopped, handful of curry leaves, handful peanuts (can omit this), 1 small potato chopped. For tempering, 2 chilies finely chopped, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon split peas (channa daal), 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera), 1 teaspoon mustard seeds, 1 tablespoon oil.

Make: In a thick bottom pan, heat the oil for tempering the spices. Add each of the chillies, turmeric powder, split peas, cumin seeds and mustard seeds. When they smell roasted and start to splutter, add peanuts if you choose and add the chopped onions and curry leaves. Saute onions till golden brown then add the green peas and chopped potatoes. Cook for about 8 minutes till soft and add the cooked rice. Add in the fresh lemon juice, salt to taste and toss together (do not pat or mix hard so you keep it all light). Sprinkle with chopped coriander if you wish.  Enjoy hot!

Spicy Lemon Pickle (Uppinakayi)

Any South Indian food lover is sure to list the humble "pickle" or "uppinakayi" as one of their favourite condiments/side dishes. I'm no different...whether it be along with rice and curry, with hot rotis or just to savour along side any savoury dish, pickles are just the perfect addition to get your taste buds tingling! 

Lemon pickles are probably the most common type of pickles in South India and also super easy to make fresh at home. Also helps that we have a beautiful lemon tree which is abundant with lemons this season! 

Here it is my version of the delicious LEMON PICKLE :)

Ingredients (for one jar of pickles): 3 fresh lemons, 2 tablespoons salt, 2 tablespoons chilli powder, 1/2 teaspoon roasted fenugreek seeds made into a fine powder, 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon mustard seeds for tempering.

Make: Wash the lemons completely clean and dry thoroughly, preferable for a few hours in open air. It is most important to have zero water content while preparing pickles. Cut lemons into small pieces and start placing into a clean, completely dry glass jar. Once the jar is half full, put in 1 tablespoon of salt and mix with a dry spoon. Place more lemon pieces on top and add the second spoon of salt. Mix again and close the lid tightly. 

Leave this jar to sit in for about 3 days, in a non sunlit area. Open after 3 days and give it quick mix with a dry spoon, close and leave for another few days. The mixture will have produced lots of lemon juice and the lemon will have softened. 

Add the chilli powder and roasted fenugreek powder and mix well. Temper the mustard seeds in olive oil, let it cool and add to the pickle. Mix well and keep the jar tightly closed for a few days. Your spicy lemon pickle will be ready to enjoy!

 

 

Papad Chaat (Papadum Salsa)

Quick and tasty snacks are often the best but such foods can easily fall into the 'unhealthy' category. If you've got 5 minutes to whip up a fresh and mouth watering snack to please everyone, this is for you. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee and best shared with your favourite people!

Here is my quick and easy version of PAPAD CHAAT (Papadum Salsa).

Ingredients (for two): 4 or 5 papadams, 2 small potatoes boiled and diced, 1 tomato chopped, chaat masala or chilli powder, salt, lemon juice, sev, coriander for garnish.

Make: Toast papadums in the microwave for quick and oil free taste. In your serving dish, first layer diced boiled potatoes, sprinkle a bit of salt then add a layer of roughly crushed papadum, followed by a layer of chopped tomato. Sprinkle chaat masala or chilli powder. Add a layer of sev and garnish with chopped coriander. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice for that tang flavour. Enjoy!

Chocolate Mousse Parfait

Happy New Year! Hope it's been a sweet start to 2017 :)

Thought it is fitting to be back to blog after the crazy festive season with a sweet post, hence sharing this quick little yummy treat. Perfect for dessert for guests or even for a party - easy, quick and small portions too!

Here it is, my Chocolate Mousse Parfait.

Ingredients: milk biscuits/shortbread, thick cream, coco powder, vanilla essence, strawberries or other fruits.

Make: Crush the biscuits into a powder, you can do it by hand or use a blender. To make the choc mousse, put in thick cream, coco powder and a bit of vanilla essence into a blender or use a whipper to whip until it is fluffy like whipped cream. In small serving dishes or shot glasses, simply layer the powdered biscuit and choc mousse with fruits on top. Enjoy!!

Fruit Smoothie

Happy December!! December not only spells summer in the land down under, but also times for over indulgence (eating) and probably not the most healthiest kind of indulgence! So why not prepare for all the intake by starting the month on a healthy note.

Trying to consume 3 or 4 fruits and veg at once can be challenging, so the best way to do it is SMOOTHIE it :) You can add whatever combination of fruits and vegetables you like, each have their own benefits and taste.

Here is my FRUIT SMOOTHIE, fit for a quick lunch on the go too :)

Ingredients for 1 cup: 1 apple, 1 orange/mandarin, 1 kiwi fruit, 1 carrot.

Make: Roughly chop all of the above and put in your juicer, grind for a few minutes and add a few spoons of water if too thick.

Enjoy your delicious healthy smoothie filled with goodness!

Spiced Cauliflower Rice & Roasted Chickpeas

A hearty, delicious and healthy lunch is not always possible to put together especially on busy days where time is precious and list of to do's are too long!

Here's a quick meal including a side dish (now that's pretty fancy for a busy day lunch) which you can put together within minutes by preparing a few things the night before.

It's always a hit at our household and very healthy with a nice serve of veggies and protein :) Here is is, my SPICED CAULIFLOWER RICE & ROASTED CHICKPEAS.

Ingredients for Roasted Chickpeas: 1 can of preboiled chickpeas, chilli flakes, salt.

Make: Grab a thick bottomed pan and put in chilli flakes into a bit of oil, add the chickpeas (double washed out of can), salt to taste and roast till golden brown - should take just a few minutes. 

Ingredients for Spiced Cauliflower Rice: 1 cup of cooked rice (can be made night before), 1 cup of chopped cauliflower florets, half cup chopped carrots, handful of frozen peas or corn kernels, 1 fresh tomato chopped, 1 onion chopped, chilli powder, 1 spoon cumin seeds, 1 spoon mustard seeds, salt, olive oil, cumin powder.

Make: In a non stick pan, saute the onion in a bit of olive oil with cumin seeds and mustard seeds, then add all the chopped veggies. Roast on high flame for a few minutes, add cumin powder, chilli powder and salt. When mixed well, add in the cooked rice and combine well. Done! 

There it is, a healthy, hot cooked meal ready to enjoy for lunch :) 

Pan Fried Eggplant

Eggplant/aubergine/brinjal fans are guaranteed to love this simple and delicious way to savour that unique flavour and texture of eggplant!

Keeping with my moto of spending less time in the kitchen and enjoying fresh, healthy and beautifully presented food, this little creation works perfectly in the equation.

Here it is, my PAN FRIEND EGGPLANT :)

Ingredients: 1 full sized eggplant, 2 green chillies, 1 teaspoon garlic paste, 1 small onion chopped, 1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger, handful of chopped spring onions or coriander. 

Make: Chop eggplant into thick wedges. In a thick bottom wide pan, heat a bit of oil and put in chillies, garlic paste, ginger and onion. Saute until there is an aroma, add in the eggplant wedges and some salt to taste. Pan fry on both sides for approximately 5 minutes each side. You will know it is cooked when there is a rich golden brown colour and it smells absolutely amazing! Remove from flame, sprinkle chopped spring onion/coriander and serve hot. Enjoy!

Sev Papdi Chaat

When the craving for snacking strikes, you really don't want to spend lots of time making something AND you don't want to snack on high fat or high sugar foods. I find that quick 'Indian street food' style snacks tick all my boxes!

Very similar to "Sev Puri", my SEV PAPDI CHAAT is a quick to make snack with the perfect combination of spicy, tangy and sweet flavours.

Simple and quick to put together and tastes as delicious as it looks! 

Here it is, Sev Papdi Chaat :)

Ingredients: 

Papdi (or crisp wheat crackers), chopped fresh tomato, chopped onion, chopped coriander, mint paste or mint & coriander paste, sev.

Make:
Layout the papdi in a serving plate. Spread mint/coriander paste then sprinkle chopped onions, tomato and coriander. If desired, lightly sprinkle some chilli powder on top for extra spice. Finish off with a generous sprinkle of sev. Serve and enjoy your healthy and delicious snack!

Thai Vegetable Curry

Those of us who enjoy a nice hot and spicy curry will definitely enjoy Thai cuisine. Not only does it cater for our spice taste buds, it gives a sense of sweetness and smoothness with the use of coconut.

An easy to make yet delicious side to rice or breads/roti is my version of Thai Vegetable Curry. I do not use store bought curry pastes/sauces as most of them contain some sort of fish/oyster sauce. Thanks but no thanks - we like it purely vegetarian :) 

Here it is, my Thai Vegetable Curry.

Ingredients: 1 carrot chopped, handful of green beans, 1 green capsicum chopped, 1 zucchini chopped, 1 cup of chopped pumpkin, 1 cup of cauliflower florets, 1 red chilli, 1 tablespoon crushed garlic, 1 onion chopped, 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, half cup coconut milk, 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, salt, chilli flakes.

Make: In a non stick deep pan, saute the onions, chilli flakes, garlic and ginger. Add all of the chopped vegetables and stir-fry lightly until the aroma is released. Stir in the tomato paste. Add the coconut milk and some water to help lighten the consistency (full fat coconut milk will be very thick and heavy). Add salt, soy sauce, brown sugar and stir to mix evenly. Finally add chopped fresh red chilli.

Remove from flame, sprinkle with coriander and serve immediately with hot rice or breads.  Enjoy! :) 

Tawa Pulao (Indian Fried Rice)

Wanting to make a hearty Indian rice dish but have little time or patience to spend in the kitchen? It happens to the best of us and more often than not! The biggest downside to most quick cook dishes are that we loose out on nutritional benefits, however not this beautiful dish!

Taking just half an hour to create, not only does it tick the nutritious box but will also put smiles on your family's faces.

My version of the very famous dish by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor (his version on his page Sanjeev Kapoor)...TAWA PULAO.

Ingredients: 1.5 cups cooked rice (preferably basmati rice), 1 tomato chopped, 1 carrot chopped, 1 potato chopped, half cup green peas or corn kernels, 1 onion chopped, 1 spoon garlic paste, 1 spoon pav bhaji masala, 1 spoon garam masala, coriander leaves. For tempering, cumin seeds and mustard seeds.

Make: In a wide based pan, heat oil and saute the cumin seeds, mustard seeds, onion and garlic paste. When there is a nice aroma, add all other chopped vegetables and masala powders. Cook for 5 minutes. Add in the hot cooked rice, salt and mix well. Mix in chopped coriander leaves. Done!

Enjoy your hot Tawa Pulao with yougurt or raita :)

Bread Pakora

Crispy fresh cold air outside, droplets of rain sitting on windows, the sounds of rain dropping on the rooftop...all makes for a perfect time inside at home feeling warm with something hot to munch on. Winter is here and we all crave those warm foods which are often on the naughty side!

No exception here, we try to stay healthy but just need to give in to temptations every now and then. A cold winter afternoon at home made perfect...hot cup of tea with the very delicious, crispy, hot BREAD PAKORA :)

Here is my version of the popular snack!

Ingredients: Few slices of any type of bread, half a cup besan flour (chickpea flour), quarter cup of rice flour, 1 tablespoon chilli powder, handful of chopped spring onion or onion, handful of chopped coriander, salt to taste, oil for deep frying.

Make: In a bowl mix the chickpea flour and rice flour with a bit of water to make a thick paste. Add in chilli powder, chopped onion, coriander and salt. Mix well to make a smooth batter with no lumps. Cut the bread slices into small sizes as desired. Dip each piece in the batter and drop into hot oil for deep frying. Fry until golden brown on each side. Serve hot with sauce. ENJOY!

Eggplant Potato Fry

Everyone has an all time favourite vegetable that they would include in any possible dish possible..! The humble eggplant (or aubergine or brinjal) is that very favourite of mine. Whether it's Indian, Asian or Italian cuisine that I'm cooking I'll take any chance to add some delicious eggplant :) 

On the health benefits side, it's a winner all round too. Not only low in calories and rich in antioxidants, the skin of eggplant is known to protect brain cells from damage due to free radicals. So with all these extremely great qualities, why not include eggplant as part of your regular diet!?

A regular dish in my kitchen which combines perfectly with rice, breads or roti, is my very simple EGGPLANT POTATO FRY - simple, delicious and super easy to create!

Ingredients: 1 large eggplant, 1 potato, 1 red capsicum (if desired), 1 onion, few strands coriander, for tempering - mustard seeds, cumin seeds, chilli flakes.

Make: Chop eggplant and other veggies into cubes. In a wide pan, temper the mustard seeds, cumin seeds and chilli flakes in a tablespoon of oil. Add chopped onion and saute till golden, add chopped eggplant and other veggies and saute. Add salt to taste. By the time the eggplant is well roasted and soft, all other veggies will also be cooked. Remove from flame and present it with coriander. Enjoy hot with rice, roti or your favourite breads.

Mango Panna Cotta (gelatin free)

Who watches Master Chef on TV and dreams of whipping up something as fancy without all that extreme effort they seem to put in on the show?? Well, I certainly do! 

So being the lover of quick and easy recipes I used one of my all time favourites and simply used presentation to make it look that little bit fancier! 

Here it is, my Mango Panna Cotta (without gelatin)

Ingredients (for two): 1 cup full cream milk, 2 tablespoons corn flour, quarter cup caster sugar, 1 teaspoon mango essence, yellow food colour.

Make: Heat milk and caster sugar with mango essence in a non stick pan. In a separate bowl, add the corn flour to a spoon of milk and mix well until there are no lumps. Add this mixture to your warm milk in the pan, stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the mixture starts to thicken to a custard kind of texture - it should take around 10 minutes. Remove from heat and pour into a mould/small cup. Place in fridge immediately and allow to set for an hour atleast. Once set and jelly like, take out and flip upside down on serving plate. Decorate with chocolate sauce, nuts or fruits as desired. 

It's all about presentation with desserts, so make it pretty! Enjoy :)