Ricotta Ras Malai

Ingredients:

For the patties:

Ricotta Cheese - 15 oz
1/4 C sugar

For the milk mixture:

4-5 C Milk
2-3 tbsp. sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp cardamom powder
1/4 C Sugar  or more to suit your taste
few strands of Saffron/Zafran
1/2 tsp Kewra Water/ rose water

Sliced Almonds / Pistachios for garnish


Method:

In a heavy bottom vessel , heat milk on medium low heat, stirring occasionally, till it thickens or reduces to half . Add sugar, cardamom powder,condensed milk and saffron.Cook for a few mins.  Turn off the heat, let it cool slightly , now add kewra water.  Let it cool completely and refrigerate till ready to use. 

Preheat the oven at 350 degrees F.In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ingredients for patties ,ricotta cheese and sugar.  Mix well. Grease a 8X8 glass baking dish, pour the ricotta cheese mixture and bake for 25 - 30 minutes or until ricotta cheese looks pale yellow and has turned slightly golden at the edges. A way to test if ricotta is ready to take out of the oven , would be to insert a toothpick and see if it comes out clean. Let it cool completely.Now with a round cookie cutter, cut small round patties, you could also cut squares if you like.

Arrange the baked ricotta rounds in the serving dish, pour the cooled milk mixture and refrigerate for at least half an hour. Serve chilled.

Enjoy !

Notes:

• You could make the milk mixture and the ricotta rounds at least 3 days in advance. Remember to store them separately.
• Mix them the day you would like to serve them, so they don't be too soggy or break apart.
• You could also use half and half or evaporated milk or even add some heavy cream for added richness.
• I used a glass baking dish, but you could use any, the baking time may vary in that case
• Also if you want you patties thinner use a bigger baking dish, baking time may vary if you do.
• Adjust the quantity of sugar and flavoring to suit your taste, you dont have to add the exact amount mentioned in the recipe, you could  make it more sweeter, use less /more of cardamom or kewra

Sending it to Jagrutis, Grand Festive Feasts event.

Date and Grape Chutney

This is a Sanjeev Kapoor recipe, which I tried and liked, the only change I would make to the recipe next time, is chop the grapes instead of cooking them whole. Its a nice change from your regular tamarind date chutney and goes well with vegetarian or non vegetarian kababs.

Ingredients :

               

25- 30 seedless Grapes,, chopped
10-11 Medjool dates,deseeded and chopped, you can adjust the quantity to suit your taste
1/2 tsp. Cumin seeds
1 tsp. Red chilli powder
Raisins
Salt to taste
Jaggery (gur),grated 1/4 cup

Method :

Dry roast cumin seeds, cool and powder. Cook together grapes and dates along with few drops of water till the grapes are completely mashed. Add red chilli powder and roasted cumin powder, raisins and cook for five minutes. Add salt and jaggery and mix well till the jaggery is completely dissolved and well blended. Serve at room temperature.

I followed the recipe as is and made no creative changes, turned out good. Definitely good for a break from the good ol tamarind and date chutney.

As dates are considered a power food I am sending this to Jagrutis Super Foods Super Power event 

Aash

Aash is made daily for iftaar during the month of Ramadan, the following recipe is shared by my mother-in-law, who taught me how to make it.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. Ghee
a small piece Cinnamon
2 Cardamoms
1 tbsp. moong dal
1 tbsp. Kheema(optional)
1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
1 tbsp. Cilantro
1 tbsp. Mint
11/2 tbsp.Coarsely Ground Rice
4 C water, or more.

Method:

Heat ghee, add cinnamon, cardamom and kheema,cook for some time now add moong dal, add ginger garlic paste and fry for few seconds, add water , cilantro and mint and salt. Let the water boil , now add rice powder and cook till rice is cooked.

You could also use stock instead of water

Sending it to Ramadan Friendly Recipes @ the halal foodie blog and Lubnas Joy from Fasting to Feasting 

Zeera Methi Powder

Zeera methi powder is a flavorful addition to any curry. Adding a tbsp. or two of the mix to dal makes it more flavorful and aromatic, while the powder is added to kadhis, coconut currys etc.

Ingredients:

1/2 C Zeera,
1/4 C Fenugreek seeds,
1 tbsp. Tuvar dal,
1 tbsp. rice,
7- 10 curry leaves.

Method:

Dry roast each ingredient separately and mix. Slightly crush the curry leaves to release flavors.This makes the mix.

Let the mix cool and grind it in a coffee grinder to make the powder. Store in airtight container. It has a very good shelf life and does not go bad.

Sending this to Jagrutis Grind Your Cooking Masala event.

Dahi Ki Kadhi Aur Badey./ Yogurt Gravy with fritters

Dahi ki kadhi is a traditional south indian recipe. This recipe is shared by my mother in law , its a perfect recipe for a light summer lunch and is equally quick and easy.

Ingredients:

For Kadhi:

1 med. Onion, finely chopped
2 C Yogurt
2 med. tomatoes, coarsely ground
2 green chillies, finely chopped
1/2 C cilantro, finely chopped
1 tsp chilli pdr, or to taste
1/2 tsp. turmeric pdr
a pinch garam masala pdr
1 tsp. zeera - methi pdr
2 tbsp. chana dal paste
1 tsp tamarind paste
salt to taste.

Tempering:

Oil
1/2 onion sliced
1 tsp. mustard seeds
5-6 curry leaves
1 dried red chilli (optional)

Method:

Add the first nine ingredients for the kadhi in a dish , add water to cover the ingredients and cook until the onions are tomatoes are cooked . Then add the chana dal paste and stir well. Add salt, cook for a few mins. Add 1tsp. tamarind paste.

Heat Oil, add onions, mustard seeds, curry leaves and dried red chili , let the mustard splutter and then pour it over the kadhi.  Serve with rice and bade (recipe below).

For the Bade:

Ingredients:

1 C chana dal, soaked for 2 hrs and ground coarsely (use 2 tbsp. for kadhi)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 green chillies, chopped
handful cilantro, finely chopped
1 C dill/ spinach , chopped
salt to taste
1/2 tsp chili pdr, or to taste
1//4 tsp. turmeric
a pinch baking soda
1 tsp zeera methi pdr
a pinch garam masala pdr

Method:

Combine all the ingredients and deep fry.

P.S. Check out my other blog "the halal foodie " ,  subscribe and follow to keep in touch. I look forward to see you there :)

Naan Chips

I love chips and dips.  I make it almost everytime I host someone or also for a quick evening snack. Though its easy to buy Pita chips, its much easier to make them at home besides you can flavor them any which way you want and come up with any variation. Like this time I made Naan Chips.

After every party, I always have leftover Naan, if not much atleast some, but I do. So I come up with different ways of reusing them. Like this Pizza. Last time I made these chips, they came out perfect.I love them best when they are still warm , with a creamy dip or even guacamole. They do have excellent shelf life though and can be made ahead of time , which makes it ideal for parties.

Ingredients:

Roghani Naan , sliced into wedges

dried oregano (or any dried herb or spice u like)

salt (I used kosher salt)

black pepper powder (I used freshly ground )

extra virgin olive oil.(evoo)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 F.

Put the naan wedges in a large bowl, pour some evoo, sprinkle salt, pepper and oregano . Toss with your hand so the wedges are slightly coated with the oil and spices. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 mins or until slightly browned. Remove from oven and let the cool slightly.

I am sending this to Ayeshas Anyone Can Cook event. , Naynas Lets Cook Speedy Snacks event and Vardhinis Bake Fest #5 hosted by Kalyani.
 
I have a special announcement, 10 days and two posts later I finally get to introduce my other blog "the halal foodie " on Lazzat..

I hope you welcome it with the same love and support, so check it out, dont forget to subscribe and follow. I look forward to see you there :)

Thank You for the ones who already did.

Miami Farmers Market and more Warmth

During our last winter break, we decided to go to Miami...I know, this post is long overdue...we were there until the New Years eve.

It was wonderful to have the warmth of the sun (it was more than the warmth, the temperature was in the 80s) , the beach, the layered-clothing-free walks, all of this in December (considering we live in Boston). Add to it the wonderful food and the company of old friends...all in all we had a blast !!!

The best part was I got to visit the local Farmers market one of those days, totally unplanned. Its refreshing to see fresh fruits and vegetables and flowers on a hot summer day, for me they have a certain coolness to them.

How could we not try the fresh coconut water, nature at its best. We (especially my son,) love to eat the tender coconut after slurping on the amazingly sweet and delicious water. What a treat !

I thing which always makes it to my "must do in Miami" list is to have Samosas (served with hot sauce/sambal olek) and Kabab rolls at Asia Grocery. I used to have them every week when I lived there, now going back to Miami and having them brings to me lots of memories and smiles.

Now back in Boston , trying to warm up my kitchen I made this simple and basic white bread one day. Nothing compares to a freshly baked bread and if its homemade you have the kitchen filled with warm aromas as a bonus.

The following recipe was very easy to make, not to messy either but the bread I thought was very dense, not as light and airy as the regular store bought sandwich bread, it was great for dipping and we enjoyed having it soaked dipped in extra virgin olive oil.

Basic White Bread

Ingredients:

2 cups plus 2 tablespoons whole milk

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons sugar

One 1/4-ounce package active dry yeast

5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon fine salt

Oil as needed

Method:

In a small saucepan, combine the milk, butter, and the sugar. Place over medium-high heat and cook, stirring, until the butter has melted. Remove from the heat and cool to about 110 degrees F. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface of the milk. Set aside until foamy, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt and set aside.

Pour the milk and yeast mixture into the bowl of flour and mix until a soft, ragged mixture is formed.

Transfer the flour mixture to a well-floured work surface and knead until a soft elastic dough is formed, about 10 minutes. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and place in a warm spot in the kitchen, until puffed and doubled in size, about 2 hours.

Transfer the dough to the work surface and, using your hands, gently flatten into a 10-inch-long oval shape. Fold the dough into thirds lengthwise, overlapping the sides in the center. Press down on the overlapping side to seal and make a seam. Place seam side-down in a buttered 9x5 loaf pan, cover with a kitchen towel, and return to the warm spot until the dough has just risen about 1 1/2 inches over the top of the pan, about 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Brush the top of the dough lightly with warm water and, using a sharp knife, make 1/4-inch-deep slit down the center. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Remove the loaf from the pan and place in the center of the rack. Continue baking until the loaf sounds hollow when rapt lightly with your knuckles, on the bottom and top, or an instant read thermometer inserted in the center registers about 190 degrees F., about 15 minutes.

Transfer the bread loaf to a cooling rack and cool completely before slicing

Do you have good recipe to make bread you would like to share? Which one is your favourite ? Whats your bread baking story ? tell me ...

Basic Chicken Stock

It happens to me all the time ...Taking a break from blogging is easy, getting back into the blogging mode really takes time. Before every vacation I feel excited about all the possible things I would like to blog about after coming back, till date it has never happened :) 

Nevertheless, while I am still struggling to get out of this, I thought may be I could share a simple recipe of how I make my basic chicken stock, may be some soup made using that would do the trick, may be I could post about the soup as a follow up. Well, though the later two still seem distant, let me tell you how I make the stock...

Where I live (in the suburbs)  we don't find halal chicken stocks at the stores (I mean the desi grocery where we buy our halal meat), so I usually make my own. I think a good stock can add loads of flavour to any thing you make out of it  and it sure is a very good thing to have in your pantry / fridge.  

Tender stalks of cilantro



I take 1 cup uncooked bones of chicken, its OK if they have some meat on it, you could shred it and use it in your sandwiches or soups. Add 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp. whole black peppercorns,  one small onion chopped, 2-3 green cardamoms, 1/2 " stick of cinnamon, 1/2 tsp cloves, 3 and half cups of water and cook on high uncovered for a few mins. Chop off the tender stalks of a small bunch of cilantro/coriander and add it to the stock. Season it with salt and let it cook until it reduces to half or a little over half. Your Chicken stock is ready to use. 

To store, let it cool and then store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 15 days. You can also freeze it in ice trays and store it for up to a month. I don't keep it that long and use it within a week in all possible ways, soups, rice, dal, to knead parathas,  curries, etc... etc. 

The recipe is pretty simple, I don't add the veggies or spices or even oil, which makes it very versatile and pretty basic, hence the name. 

By the way, Ramadan was the best part of the year as always and I thank you all for your Eid wishes. 

See you soon !

Update:

I am trying to catch up with all the new visitors to my blog, for those who did care to comment I add you to my Fellow Bloggers List. If you don't see your name in the list, plz, plz, plz let me know. 

Thanks!

Lemon Squash n Pickled Onions !!!

Labor Day weekend is just around the corner and we are planning a road trip... thanks to Anupama's Picnic Food event, I now have so many tasty options to pack for munching n brunching.

One of my favourite things to do before road trips is pickled onions, just because it can be made way ahead of time, its easy to do, is ready in no time , jazzes the taste of any plain old sandwich/ wrap n looks gorgeous hot pink :) .

All you need is :

2 large thinly sliced red onions, i use the food processor,
some boiling hot water,
juice of 1 -2 lime/lemon, preferably lime,
salt , to taste.

Method :

Pour boiling water over the sliced onions n keep aside for few secs. Strain the onions in a colander, remove all the water by tapping the colander and dump the onions in a container, to this add the lemon juice n salt n refrigerate till you use.

You can immediately see the onions start to change their color. These onions go well with tacos too. Though this is the basic recipe for pickled onions, u can add green chillies or sugar or any pickling spice .... try any combination of flavors.

Now time for some home made lemonade. Why not make a lemon squash ? Keep it in your cooler/ icebox n just stir in some water when ever you want to have a cool sip.

I flavored mine with ginger, you can use mint or both ginger n mint ....what ever u like ...

Feel free to add n reduce the quantity of lemons n sugar, depending on how sour the lemons are n how sweet u like your lemonade. The following recipe yields 1ltr. of syrup

Ingredients:

2 cups lemon juice,
3 cups water,
3" ginger root, chopped into thin slices,
2 cups sugar,
1 tbsp white vinegar.

Method:

Boil water n sugar in a pan , till the sugar dissolves (at this stage u can add more sugar if you want , but make sure that u boil the syrup after sugar is added) . When all the sugar is dissolved remove it from heat n let cool completely. Then add the lemon juice and vinegar, mix well, throw in the ginger , cover n let it steep for at least 12 hrs , the more you steep the better. Now remove the ginger slices with a spoon, give it a stir n store in a sterilized glass bottle. You can also strain it before transferring into the bottle. Keep refrigerated.

Once the syrup is made , all you have to do is, stir in 1 part of the syrup (or to taste) to 3 parts of water n enjoy.