How to make Paneer Lababdaar? Cottage cheese in creamy Indian tomato curry (Recipe)

Paneer Lababdaar

Paneer Lababdaar is a mouth watering creamy tomato curry which goes well with Roti, Naan or rice. It can be served as a main course for lunch or dinner. Great dish to prepare if you want to serve something special to guests.

Ingredients/ Method

400 gms Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese)
12-15 Cashews
1 tbsp Sesame Seeds
2-3 tbsp Oil
1 tsp Cumin seeds
1 small cinnamon stick
1 bay leaf
1 large or 2 small chopped onions
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp salt
1 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp red chilli pwd
4 med size tomatoes
1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (Kasoori methi)
1/2 tsp black pepper pwd
1 cup water
1/2 cup cream/ evaporated milk/ half and half etc
1 tsp garam masala
3-4 sprigs of cilantro leaves for garnish

Method:
1. Soak cashews in water for 15-20 mins and dry roast sesame seeds. Then combine two in the blender along with 2-3 tbsp water to have a smooth paste. Set this paste aside.
2. In a wok/pan, add 2 tbsp oil. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, bay leaf. fry for 30 secs and add onions, ginger-garlic paste, salt, red chilli pwd and turmeric. Fry for 2-3 mins until onions are no longer raw and start becoming translucent.
3. Add tomato puree and cashew-sesame paste. stir well and let cook until tomatoes are reduced in volume to almost half.
4. Add black pepper pwd, Kasoori methi and mix well. Add paneer and let it combine with all the flavors. Add 1 cup water. Simmer gently for 2-3 mins.
5. Add cream. Add garam masala. Mix well. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve hot with roti or rice.

 

How to prepare Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala? Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Do you ever have one of those days when you don’t know what to prepare for dinner or you have a busy day ahead but supper still needs to be on table by 6.00 pm? Sometimes, you might have days when you say shoot.. I forgot to unfreeze the chicken..what am i gonna do for dinner now (especially if company is coming over?)

This Slow cooker Chicken Recipe might just be for you. Before you head out for work/school/to run errands/ dr. appointments etc, just set this u and have a lovely meal when you get back home.

Ingredients:
400 gms Chicken
3-4 tbsp Oil
1 large onion
4 small tomatoes
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp dried fenugreek leaves called Kasoori methi
Cilantro for garnish
1/2 cup Yogurt plain
1/2 cup bell pepper Red and Green
1-2 cups mushrooms
Salt per taste
1/2 tsp Turmeric
1/2 tsp Red chilli pwd

Method:
1. Heat Oil in the pan. Fry cumin seeds for 40 secs. Add onions, ginger garlic paste, salt, turmeric, red chilli pwd. Mix well.
2. Add Tomatoes and veggies. Saute for 3-4 mins.
3. In slow cooker, add chicken, add masala from the pan. 1-2 cups water.
4. Cover and cook either 4-6 hours on high setting or 8 hours on low.
5. When chicken is done, add garam masala, fenugreek leaves, yogurt and garnish with cilantro.
Serve with flatbread of your choice or over rice.

How to make Aloo Chana Chaat at home? Indian Snacks Recipe

Aloo Chana Chaat

Aloo Chana Chaat is my take on healthy Indian Street food. Aloo Chana Chaat is basically an Indian snack, quite healthy and literally means Potatoes-Chickpea Salad with tons of yummy flavours. You can make it really spicy if it suits your palate or keep it mild as per your taste buds.

Ingredients/ Method

1 Cup Boiled Chickpeas (Chana)
1 Cup Boiled Potatoes
1/2 Cup chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp Green chilli (Handle with care your mouth might get burnt)
2 tbsp Green Onions (Optional but adds a nice bite)
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp roasted cumin pwd
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup Tamarind Sauce/Chutney
(Recipe for Tamarind Chutney here)

Tamarind Chutney can be used in several recipes, enjoyed with variety of snacks, added onto sandwiches, crackers. If you don’t want to prepare your own Tamarind Chutney then you can simply buy it readymade too in bottles in grocery stores.

For Dressing:
2 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves
4 tbsp Plain homemade yogurt
1/2 tbsp Mint Leaves (I used dried)
1/2 tsp black pepper powder
(Blend all dressing ingredients together for smooth paste)

Simple mix all ingredients together, pour the dressing over and serve in mini tartletes or party cups.

How to make Meetha Parantha? Sweet Indian flatbread recipe

Indian flatbread- Parantha stuffed with dry fruit

Meetha Paratha is a sweet Indian flatbread stuffed with cashews, blanched almonds, pecans, raisins etc (basically any dry fruit of your choice.) It is one of my favourite flatbreads especially because so many of my childhood memories are associated with it. As a kid, sometimes when I would be upset my mom prepared this tasty paratha for me because she knew I loved it. Now, I make it for my little ones and they enjoy it too.

Ingredients:
Plain Roti/ Paratha dough
( Video link to make Dough:
Dough for Parantha)
Sugar
Dry fruit of your choice
and butter

Method:
Take a small portion of dough and divide it into two equal parts.
Roll it out as thin as you can and then add on dryfruit onto one part. Sprinkle sugar. Cover with the other part and seal the edges by pressing on with your finger tips. Cook on a hot griddle/ pan until brown spots appear on both sides. As you are cooking, you can add on ghee/butter. Enjoy as a snack or for breakfast.

How to make Sago Fry? Easy Sabudana Khichdi Recipe

Sabudana Recipe

Easy and tasty Sago snack called Sago fry or Sabudana Khichdi can easily be made at home.

Ingredients and Method:
1 cup of Sago pearls (Soak them in water for 2 hours. Will quick fast)
2 tbsp oil
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp asafoetida/hing
2 laddle full chopped onion ( or serving spoon full)
1/2 tsp salt, turmeric and red chilli pwd
1-2 cups veggies of your choice (We used corn, mushroom and red peppers)
Cilantro for garnish and pinch of garam masala

Heat oil in the wok and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter for 30 secs and add asafoetida +onions.
Mix well and add spices (except garam masala). Fry onions till golden brown (2-3 mins.) Add veggies and saute them for 2 mins. Add Sago pearls and cook until translucent and done (They will start turning translucent with 2-3 mins) Garnish with cilantro leaves. Add pinch of garam masala and serve.

 

How to make Chocolate Paratha?

Treat your kids to this yummy snack. Better than store bought junk. All you need to make this tasty paratha is some flour ( for the dough) and chocolate spread. Really that’s it… ok a little bit of butter too 🙂

Ingredients:

Plain Roti/ Paratha dough
Recipe to make Dough here
Chocolate spread- Nutella works great. I often use hazelnut spread.
and butter

Method:
Take a small portion of dough and divide it into two equal parts.
Roll it out as thin as you can and then add on chocolate spread. Fold it and roll it out again with help of a little bit of dry flour. Cook on a hot griddle/ pan until brown spots appear on both sides. As you are cooking, you can add on ghee/butter. Enjoy as a snack or for breakfast.

 

How to make Kerala style Egg Curry- Easter Special ( Egg Roast Recipe)

Egg Roast- Kerala style Egg Curry

Egg Roast is basically Kerala Style Indian Egg Curry dish popular among Christian community in Southern India and is specially made during Easter. It involves Hard Boiled Eggs and flavourful Curry Sauce.

Ingredients/ Method
6-7 Hard Boiled Eggs
2-3 tbsp Oil
2 cup onions
1/2 tsp ginger paste
1/2 tsp garlic paste
1 green chilli ( deseeded)
( I used 2 tsp – more so for subtle flavour than taste)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 to 1 tsp red chilli pwd
10-12 dried crushed curry leaves
( Fresh work well too)
1/2 tsp curry powder
1.5 cup tomatoes
1/2 tsp garam masala

Method:
Boil the eggs and remove the peel. Cut the eggs in two halves.
In a hot wok/pan, add 2-3 tbsp oil. Add onions, ginger and garlic paste. Stir together.
Add green chilli, salt, red chilli pwd and turmeric. Let the mixture cook for 2-3 mins.
Add curry powder and curry leaves. Mix well and let cook for a minute.
Add tomatoes and cook until tender ( another 3-4 mins)
Add 1/2 cup to cup of water. Bring it to boil then turn the heat down and let it simmer.
Add in garam masala and mix well. Gently add egg pieces in and cover them with curry sauce. Let everything come together for another minute or so and then serve with rice, over paratha or your favourite flatbread.

Like to try some more amazing egg Recipes, check them out here: Egg Recipes

 

18 Epic Potato dishes you should try at your home

Pan- Fried Potatoes

Potato is one such ingredient which is found in every nook and corner of the world. My love affair with Potatoes goes back long way. As a kid, I loved eating Aloo Parathas, as a teenager french fries and as I grew so did my love for potatoes. I always have potatoes in my pantry and here are few of my favourite potato dishes that you should try at your home.

1. Aloo Paratha Recipe: 

Aloo (aaloo) means potato and Paratha is a flatbread. Aloo Paratha is a very common Indian breakfast item full of calories which can keep you going until the lunch. This stuffed Indian flatbread can be enjoyed on its own or with raita (yogurt preparation), pickles or any curry.

2. Aloo Tikki Recipe

Aloo Tikki is basically Potato cutlets or potato cakes often enjoyed in the evening as a snack. It is a very popular Indian street food. I still remember those fun evenings during my childhood when, Aloo Tikki wala would come to our street with his mobile cart and would shout out to sell his Tikkis, all the kids would rush to their doors. If my mother was in good mood, she would allow us to have Tikkis as a snack. Those days it was just 5 INR/ plate with two tikkis. Now as an adult I realise that it wasn’t just my mom’s mood but also her intentions to feed us healthy that made these tikki’s a special treat reserved only for certain evenings.

3. Potato Curry Recipe: 

Aloo curry is one of the most simple curries that one can make and all you need for this simple dish is Potatoes and basic Indian spices. Potato curry is best enjoyed with hot Paranthas or Pooris (Deep fried Indian Flatbread)

4. Dum Aloo Recipe

Really flavorful Indian dish ‘ Dum Aloo’ comes from the Kashmir region and in this version of potato curry, baby potatoes are cooked for hours with aromatic spices. However, we’ve shown you a simple way to prepare this tasty dish.

5. Bombaby Potatoes Recipe

One of my favourite comfort foods, Bombaby Potatoes are not only easy to prepare but are so satisfying as well. Perfect little dish to  make on rainy days especially if you are feeling gloomy because this flavourful Potato dish will surely perk you up.

6. Achaari Aloo Recipe

This is a wonderful spicy potatoes recipe which goes well with roti, naan or parantha. I not only enjoy it on road trips but also serve it as a side dish with lunch or dinner when company is over. Achari basically means pickled and gets the name because of all the wonderful spices being used in this recipe.

Ingredients
Serves 4-6 people

7-8 medium size potatoes
Oil for cooking (preferable Mustard Oil)
1.5 tsp Cumin Seeds
1 tbsp ginger/garlic paste
1.5 tsp red chilli pwd
0.5 tsp cumin Pwd
1 tsp Turmeric
1 chopped Onion
2 small tomatoes
Salt per taste
1 tsp Garam masala
1/2 tsp kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

Tempering/Tadka (It goes on top of the cooked dish for additional flavoring)

2 tbsp Mustard Oil
1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) Fenugreek seeds (Methre)
1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) Coriander seeds (Dhaniya seeds)
1 tsp Mustard Seeds
1.5 tsp Fennel Seeds (Saunf)
1.5 tsp Kalonji(Nigella seeds or Onion seeds)

Process:
Heat oil in the pan
Add Cumin seeds. Once they are crackling add onions and mix.
After 30 secs, add ginger-garlic paste, turmeric and red chilli pwd.
Stir all the ingredients and add cumin pwd.
Add tomatoes and give them 3-4 mins until they are softened.
Once they are done, add potatoes, half cup of water and salt per taste and let them cook on medium heat. Cover the pan and give potatoes around 10 mins.

While potatoes are cooking, prepare the tadka/seasoning/tempering with some Indian spices.

Heat 2 tbsp Mustard Oil and add tempering spices. Let them crackle and infuse the oil with their aroma and flavor. Turn off the heat.
Once Potatoes are done, add this tempering on top along with some garam masala pwd and kasoori methi.

Serve with roti/parantha or let them cool down and then put then in the lunch box and take them on your next road trip.

7. Pan-fried Potatoes Recipe

Super Simple yet flavorful, this Potato recipe is a great snack, perfect to take on the road, for school or office lunch box. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish with any curry along with rice, naan or roti.

Ingredients and Method
4-6 potatoes
2-3 tbsp oil
2 cloves of garlic minced
1/2 cup yogurt
1 tsp salt (adjust salt per taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper powder
1/2 tsp Turmeric
1/2 tsp Red Chilli Powder
1 tbsp lemon juice
3-4 stalks of cilantro leaves
1 tsp Curry Powder

Method:
-Wash and Peel Potatoes and then cut them in bite size pieces.
– In a bowl take 2 cloves of garlic minced and prepare the marinade by mixing yogurt with all the spices.
– Let potatoes soak in this marinade for 10-15 mins.
– Heat oil in a wok. Add in Potatoes and cook until done. Cover the wok while potatoes are cooking.
– Cook on med-high and keep stirring so that they don’t stick to the bottom of the wok and are evenly cooked.(This will take 7-8 mins depending on quality of potatoes)
– Once tender, add lemon juice on top and garnish with cilantro leaves.
Serve hot with paratha or roti.

8. Potato Naan Recipe

If you love Naan, then you got to try this version in which this Indian flatbread is stuffed with potatoes. The good thing about this recipe is that you don’t even need a Tandoor or oven to make this tasty bread. Simply make it on a griddle/pan on the stove stop.

9. Potatoes can always be combined with different vegetables and will yield tasty results. e.g. of some of the most popular Indian vegetarian dishes using potatoes are :

Aloo Gobhi (Potatoes with Cauliflower)Perhaps one of the most basic Indian dishes, aloo gobhi is healthy as well as easy to prepare. It is quite popular on Indian restaurant menus too. 

Aloo Matar (Potatoes and Peas Curry) – You can prepare potatoes and peas in the dry form as a sabji or with some water to have a tasty curry.

Aloo Baingan (Potatoes with eggplant ) Everyday Indian dish, aloo baingan is quite underrated yet so good when prepared properly. Growing up in India, I saw my mom making this curry always in Mustard Oil and without mustard oil, I don’t find it as tasty here in North America ( Mustard Oil sold in grocery stores in North America mostly is labeled as for external use only.)

Potato Egg Curry (Aloo anda curry) This is a good curry to try if you like to eat eggs and want to have something substantial.

Aloo Phalli (Potatoes with green beans) Try this potato dish with french green beans for a quick side dish.

Aloo gajar matar (Potatoes with carrots and green peas) Combine carrots and peas along with potatoes to have this flavourful and hearty Indian side dish.

Aloo Bhindi ( Okra with potatoes) Okra/ Lady fingers taste great on their own but they taste even better when combined with potatoes. Another quick and yummy side dish from my Indian kitchen for you.

Aloo Palak (Spinach and potatoes) I find it hard to consume spinach just on its own but love this flavourful dish as it lets me have my cake and enjoy it too.

Aloo Methi (Potatoes with Fenugreek leaves) Really nutritious potato dish that my mom use to make a lot during winter months when Fenugreek leaves were available in abundance in Punjab region of India.

Potato Cabbage Masala (Bundgobhi aloo masala)  Another simple everyday Indian dish in which cabbage is cooked with potatoes. Great way to transform humble cabbage into a great side dish.

10. Jeera Aloo recipe

This is one of the most simple Indian recipes. In this dish we flavor potatoes with cumin seeds and it can be enjoyed as a side dish with rice or with chapati, naan etc.

Ingredients:
2 medium size chopped potatoes
1 small green chilli
2 inch piece of ginger julienned
2 tbsp Oil for cooking
3-4 stalks of Cilantro for garnish
1/2 tsp dried mango pwd (Amchur)
Salt as per taste
1 tsp Turmeric
1 tsp cumin seeds

– Start by heating oil
– Add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add green chili and ginger. Give them 2 mins and then add potatoes. Stir them and add 1/2 cup water
– Potatoes will take 10-12 mins to cook. Half way through add dried mango pwd.
– Once potatoes are done, garnish with Cilantro leaves and serve.

11. Aloo Ke Pakore Recipe

Potato fritters is often used as an appetizer as well as served to guests with a hot cup of chai. Anyways, Who doesn’t love deep fried potatoes 🙂 In this fritters recipe, we prepare the batter with chickpea flour i.e. besan.

12. Aloo Chana Chaat Recipe

Aloo Chana Chaat is my take on Indian Street food. Aloo Chana Chaat is basically an Indian snack, quite healthy and literally means Potato-Chickpea Salad with tons of yummy flavours.

Ingredients/ Method

1 Cup Boiled Chickpeas (Chana)
1 Cup Boiled Potatoes
1/2 Cup chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp Green chilli (Handle with care your mouth might get burnt)
2 tbsp Green Onions (Optional but adds a nice bite)
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp roasted cumin pwd
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup Tamarind Sauce/Chutney

For Dressing:
2 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves
4 tbsp Plain homemade yogurt
1/2 tbsp Mint Leaves (I used dried)
1/2 tsp black pepper powder
(Blend all dressing ingredients together for smooth paste)

Simple mix all ingredients together, pour the dressing over and serve in mini tartletes or party cups.

13. Aloo Bonda Recipe

Aloo Bonda is basically spiced potato dumpling or call them potato balls. Great for parties, get togethers or potlucks. They also make a tasty snacking treat.

Ingredients: (Makes 30-40 balls)
4-5 medium size potatoes
2 tsp salt
1 tbsp freshly grated ginger-garlic
3 stalks of cilantro leaves (coriander leaves) chopped
1 small green chilli (optional- can make bonda’s extremely spicy)
2 tsp Mango Powder (Amchur)
1/2 tsp Red chilli pwd
1/2 tsp Turmeric
1/2 tsp black pepper pwd

For Batter
1 cup Chickpea flour (Besan)
1/2 cup Rice Flour
Pinch of garam masala and mango pwd

Oil for deep frying

1. Boil, peel and mash potatoes
2. Add all the spices and mix everything thoroughly and make small golf size balls.
3. Prepare the batter by gradually adding water. Batter shouldn’t be too thick or runny.
4. Dip the potato balls in the batter and deep fry until golden brown (should only be 3-4 mins). You can fry several balls at a time.
5. Serve with your favourite sauce and enjoy!

14. Aloo Raita Recipe

During summer months, it is common practice to eat Raita along with lunch in many Indian households. Raita is just a yogurt preparation and in this recipe we combine it with boiled potatoes to have this yummy dish.

15. Potato Chickpea curry Recipe

A simple recipe to make at home using channa/chole and aloo (chickpeas with potato) and basic Indian spices is Potato chickpea curry (aloo chana curry). A very healthy vegetarian curry full of flavor and nutrition it is a must try for all curry lovers.

16. Potato Bhajji Recipe

Think of Potato Bhajji as scrambled potatoes Indian style. This bhajji (dish) can be eaten on its own, filled in sandwiches or can serve as a side dish with roti/paratha. It is often used as a stuffing for Dosas (South Indian crepes)

17. Hash Browns Indian style

Spice up your everyday Hash browns with some basic Indian spices. This hash browns recipe taste wonderful if you are a spice fan. If you like hash browns then do try this simple Indian style Hash browns recipe.

Ingredients: 2 large par-boiled potatoes, Salt, Turmeric, Garam Masala, Red chilli pwd, Dried fenugreek leaves and mango powder and butter.

18. Mashed Potatoes Recipes

Though not Indian, I love Mashed Potatoes. Try this best -ever mashed potatoes recipe at home especially when company is coming over or you are preparing feast for friends and family. This is a must have dish on your holiday buffet dinner or Christmas menu.

Ingredients:
4 lbs potatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp garlic salt
2 tsp regular salt
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup butter Unsalted
1 cup milk
1 tsp parsley
1/2 tsp black pepper

Method:
1. Peel the potatoes and put them in cold water.
2. Chop the potatoes in cubes and put them in a pot of water. Add in garlic salt and olive oil and let potatoes boil. Cook them for 12- 15 mins.
3. Once potatoes fall apart easily, drain the water and let the potatoes cool down.
4. Melt butter in a wok and add 1 cup milk. Heat up the two components.
5. Mash the potatoes.
6. Season milk with salt, parsley and black pepper. Add in mashed potatoes and mix well.
7. Add in Sour cream. Mix well and serve warm during dinner.

Pan- Fried Chicken Dinner ( Easy Weeknight Dinner Ideas)

Pan fried chicken dinner recipe

Long day at work? Here is a quick and easy weeknight meal idea- Pan-fried chicken dinner with 2 minute onions, red pepper and mushroom sauce. Prepare it and then put your feet up, turn on the TV and enjoy your favourite show while eating this yummy dinner.

Ingredients:

350 gms boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2-3 tbsp oil for cooking
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp black pepper powder

For sauce
1/2 cup onions
1/2 cup red pepper
1 cup mushrooms
1/2 cup evaporated milk
(Rest of the seasoning left after coating chicken)
1/4 tsp salt

Method:
1. Mix flour, garlic salt, curry powder and black pepper together.
2. Coat chicken with this mixture.
3. Heat oil in the pan and fry chicken on one side for 2-3 mins. Once done flip the side and cook the other side.
4. While chicken is cooking, take some of the left over oil and juices from the pan and put in another skillet.
5. Add onions and red pepper and stir-fry for a min. Add salt and mushrooms and fry for 2-3 mins. Once brown, add milk and left over seasoning mixture and bring to a boil.
6. Pour sauce over chicken and serve.

Bhuna Masala Chicken Recipe ( Indian Chicken Drumsticks recipe)

Bhuna Masala Chicken

 

Try this dry (sookha chicken recipe) with Bhuna Masala. Really simple and tasty way to prepare chicken drumsticks in the oven using basic Indian spices.

Ingredients/ Method
600 gms Chicken Drumsticks
1/2 tsp salt, red chilli pwd, Turmeric, Garam masala
1/2 tsp each cumin and coriander seeds
3 tbsp yogurt-plain
1/2 cup chopped onions
2-3 cloves of garlic
1 green chilli
small piece of ginger
2 tbsp oil

– Fry cumin and coriander seeds in hot oil for 30 secs. Add onions, ginger garlic and green chillies along with all other spices except garam masala. Fry for 2-3 mins until golden-brown. Let them cool down and then blend with yogurt and garam masala. Marinade chicken in this paste for an hour then bake at 400 F for 40-45 mins ( check to make sure chicken is no longer pink inside and is fully cooked.. individual oven temps vary so use caution)
Once done garnish with green onions, cilantro or you can even add couple drops of lemon juice. Serve with potatoes or over rice. Enjoy!