Punjabi Rajma Masala Recipe – Indian Dinner Ideas

Delicious, full of flavour, vegan, gluten free and protein rich dish from Punjabi cuisine, world famous, Rajma Masala. Here’s how mom use to cook it.

Ingredients/Method

1 cup red kidney beans ( I use uncooked beans and then soak them in water overnight before boiling them)
1 large onion ( or 2 medium)
3-4 cloves of garlic
2-3 inch piece of ginger
1 black cardamom
1 stick of cinnamon
1 bay leaf
2-3 tbsp oil for cooking
1/2 tsp garam masala
3-4 tomatoes (+ 1,2 cups of water)
Salt per taste
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp turmeric

Method:
– Boil beans in pressure cooker.
– Make onion paste with onions, ginger and garlic.
– Fry onion paste in hot oil along with cumin, bay leaf, cinnamon and cardamom. Add salt, turmeric and red chilli powder.
– Cook for 4 to 5 mins.
– Add tomato puree ( chopped tomatoes pureed in blender along with 1-2 cups of water)
– Add beans. Cook further for 15-20 mins.
– Add garam masala. Mix well. Garnish and serve.

Easy Vrat Ke Aloo Recipe – Quick lunch Ideas

Navratre is an Indian/Hindu festival which lasts for 9 days and lot of people fast during these 9 days ( can fast 1 day or whole period) eating a special diet. This simple Potato dish is one simple recipe that is allowed to be had during these 9 days. Here is how we make it 🙂

Ingredients/ Method
2 tbsp oil
1 Large potato or 2-3 small/medium size potatoes
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp ajwain/carom seeds
1/2 tsp rock salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried ginger ( Sund)
2-3 tbsp Yogurt

Method: Heat oil in a pan and add seeds. Add potatoes. Mix well and add spices. Cover and cook for 5-6 mins. When almost done, add yogurt and let cook further for 2 mins. Then turn the heat off and serve potatoes. They taste delicious on their own and make for a great side dish as well.

Another great recipe often made during fasting period is: Sabudana Kheer (Sago Dessert)

Easy Tofu and Broccoli Curry Recipe ( Quick Lunch Ideas)

I like eating Tofu and here is a flavourful curry dish with tofu, Broccoli and Bell Peppers. If you enjoy eating tofu then definitely check out our tasty Tofu recipes.

Ingredients/ Method:

650 gms Extra Firm Tofu
1-2 cups of bell peppers chopped
1-2 cups of broccolli
1/2 cup sliced onions
3-4 garlic cloves
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp corn starch
1/2 cup of water

Marinade for Tofu

3 tbsp plain yogurt
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/4 tsp garlic salt, regular salt, paprika and ginger powder
2-3 tbsp oil for frying.

Method:
1. Cut extra firm Tofu in bite size pieces and marinade overnight ( or atleast an hr)
2. Pan fry in hot il until all sides are lovely golden.
3. While tofu is frying, in a wok heat oil and fry onions and garlci for 2-3 mins. Add bell peppers and broccolli. Mix thoroughly and then add spices ( except curry powder).
4. Cover and cook for 4-5 mins. While veggies are cooking mix corn starch in water and set aside.
5. Add curry powder, Tofu , and water ( with corn starch). Bring it to a boil. Simmer for 2 mins and serve with rice, noodles or enjoy on its own.

Holi snacks – Moong Dal Poori Recipe(Stuffed Indian Bread)

Here is a great recipe for stuffed poori that is perfect for weekend brunch. Pair it with Aloo Curry and you have a fantastic lunch ready.

Ingredients/Method

Oil for frying
For Stuffing: 1/2 cup moong dal
Salt per taste ( 1 tsp suggested)
1/2 tsp paprika
Turmeric
Fennel seeds
2-3 tbsp oil
( water as required)

For Dough
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup all purpose flour
2 tbsp ghee and Water to knead the dough
Pinch of salt

Method:
Prepare the dough by mixing dough ingredients. Let dough stand for 30 mins.
Prepare the stuffing by grinding pre soaked moong daal. Fry it in a pan with hot oil and spices until it dries out and turns a shade darker.

When ready to make the poori, heat oil for deep frying in a pot. Take small golf ball size dough portion. Flatten it out with a rolling pin. Fill it with stuffing and close it. Flatten it out again and fry in hot oil.

Amritsari Parantha Recipe

We Punjabis surely love Parathas and here is one amazing recipe for delicious Punjabi Paneer Paranthas which you can enjoy with pickle or Raita.

Ingredients/ Method

Dough to make Parathas. It’s just combination of whole wheat flour and water and here’s how you prepare it: Dough Recipe

Oil/ghee or Butter to cook Paranthas
Stuffing/Filling:

Grated Ginger- 1- 2 tbsp
Small piece of onion – finely chopped
1-2 green chillies ( Deseed them if you want the parathas less spicy)
5-6 Stalks of Cilantro (Finely chopped)
Grated Paneer (or crumbled) – 200 gms
Spices-
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/4 tsp Ajwain (carom seeds)
1/2 tsp paprika
and any other spices you like

Method: Prepare the stuffing by mixing all the ingredients. Stuff it in small portion of dough and flatten it out with rolling pin ( using a little bit of dry flour), Once the dough is flattened out and thin..cook on a hot skillet with tons of butter/ghee or oil until both sides have brown marks.. Enjoy with pickle, yogurt, chutney or with cup of hot Chai.

5 Tasty Paranthas Worth Trying

1. Laccha Parantha Recipe
2. Egg Paratha Recipe
3. Chocolate Parantha Recipe
4. Meetha Parantha Recipe
5. Spinach Parantha Recipe

Spicy Rice Vermicelli Recipe – Vegan and Gluten Free Recipe

Craving some spicy food but dont want to spend hours in the kitchen? Let me help you out with this delicious, easy and flavourful recipe..ready in no time and so filling.

Ingredients/Method

1 nest of Rice vermicelli
2-4 tbsp oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 small green chilli ( you can deseed it, if you dont want too spicy)
2 tbsp grated ginger
1 small piece of onion chopped
Salt per taste
1 tsp Turmeric ( Haldi)
veggies of your choice ( what works best is 1 cup bell peppers – red/green, 1/2 cup spinach and 1/2 cup peas
Cilantro leaves for garnish
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp crushed peanuts ( roasted or unroasted)

Method:
– Boil Rice vermicelli. Make sure that you put them in hot water. As soon as they are tender, run them under cold water. do not overcook or they will become mushy.
– Add 1-2 tbsp oil on them so that they dont stick together.
– Next in a pan, heat oil. When the oil is hot, add mustard seeds. Give them 30 secs and add green chilli, ginger and onion. Mix well.
– Add veggies and salt+Turmeric. Mix and cook until almost done.
– Add noodles. Mix well. Add lemon juice.
– Garnish with cilantro leaves and roasted peanuts and enjoy warm.

More delicious South Indian cuisine inspired dishes:

Rasam Recipe- South Indian Soup
Hot and Spicy Potatoes
South Indian Style Lentils Curry
How to make South Indian Curry Powder
How to prepare South Indian Tadka

Vegan Cauliflower Soup Recipe

With Winter upon us, we all crave hearty, soul warming delicious soups..Isn’t it? Here is a vegan Cauliflower soup recipe that will make your cold, chilly winter nights a little more comforting.

Ingredients/ Method

1 small Cauliflower
2 tsp salt
1 small onion chopped
1 tbsp of chopped or grated ginger
1 tsp crushed coriander seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
3 tbsp oil
1/2 tsp garam masala
1-2 tsp red chilli powder ( or paprika)
2 tsp turmeric
4 cups of coconut milk
3-4 cups of water
Cilantro for garnish
Seasoning pepper ( as per your taste)

Method: Place cauliflower florets on a baking sheet and add oil, salt, turmeric and red chilli powder. Combine well and then Roast/ Bake or cook cauliflower florets at 375 F for 30 mins. While cauliflower is cooking in a pan, heat a tbsp of oil. Add cumin and coriander. Add onions, ginger and spices. Mix well and cook for 3-4 mins.
When cauliflower is done, add them into a blender. Add coconut milk, Water and onion mixture. Form a paste and then add more coconut milk and water. Pour this blend in a pot. Cook until it comes to a boil. Add garam masala. Mix well. Add seasoning pepper and cilantro and serve with flatbread of your choice.

Don’t miss our yummy chunky Cauliflower Soup Recipe.

Chunky Cauliflower Soup Recipe – Soup of the Day

Healthy, low calorie, hearty cauliflower soup recipe is perfect for those who want some help with weight management or are looking for light lunch options.

More exciting and Tasty Cauliflower Recipes not to be missed:

Curried Cauliflower Soup Recipe
Cauliflower Pizza Crust – Gluten Free Cooking
Tandoori Gobi Recipe
How to make Aloo Gobhi?

Ingredients/method

300 gms of Cauliflower florets
2-3 tbsp of oil
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp salt
3-4 cups of water
1-2 carrots
1 small piece of celery
1 small chopped onion
2-3 cloves of garlic chopped
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp paprika
Green onions for garnish

Method:

Heat some oil in a pan and saute onions and garlic.
Add veggies. Add salt, turmeric and paprika. Fry for 3-4 mins. Mix everything well.
Add cauliflower florets. Combine them with other ingredients.
Add water. Cover the lid and let everything cook for 2-3 whistles. When the cooker cools down, open the lid and garnish with green onions. Serve warm.

Potatoes and Peas Curry – Easy Vegetarian Recipes

Aloo matar is a very common Indian dish which can be prepared with or without gravy. Here is a little twist to our usual dry sabji.
Other Simple Indian vegetarian recipes worth trying:

Potatoes and Peas Curry with Gravy
Bombay Potatoes Recipe
Achaari Aloo Recipe
Mix Vegetable Recipe

Ingredients/ Method
2 tbsp oil
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1 small piece of onion chopped
2-3 cloves of garlic chopped
2-3 chopped potatoes
1 tsp turmeric
Salt per taste
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
1 cup of peas
1/3 cup water to cook
200 gms of grated paneer ( Indian cottage cheese)
1/2 tsp Dry Mango Powder
1/2 tsp kasoori Methi ( dried fenugreek leaves)
1/2 tsp Garam masala

1. Heat Oil in a pan and fry some cumin seeds, onions for a min.
2. Add 2-3 cloves of garlic chopped. Mix well. Add 2-3 chopped potatoes.
3. Add Spices. Mix and add peas. Add water. Cover and cook until 80 % done ( almost done)
4. Add grated panner. Mix well. give another 2-3 mins.
5. Finish off with mango powder, dried fenugreek leaves and garam masala. Serve warm with Roti

Easy Homemade Potato Soup – Soup of the day

Potato soup can warm you up on the coldest of days. Its quite comforting, easy to prepare and who doesn’t love potatoes. I love the chunks of potatoes in this recipe, they give so much body to the soup.
Check out some other yummy Potato based dishes:

Potato Broccoli Masala Recipe
Hot and Spicy Indian Potatoes
Pan-Fried Potatoes recipe

Ingredients/ Method

8-10 small potatoes ( I used Petite merlot for the recipe). If you are using bigger ones, use 4-5.
2 tbsp oil
1 small onion chopped
3-4 cloves of garlic
salt per taste
5-6 cups of water
1 tsp seasoning pepper
1 tsp crushed cumin seeds
Cilantro and green onion for garnish

– Heat oil in a pan and add onions and garlic. Add salt and cumin.
– Fry onions for 3-4 mins. Add potatoes and cook them for 4-5 mins. Add water and bring it to boil. Turn the heat down and let potatoes simmer for 15-20 mins ( depending on the quantity you are preparing)
– Season with pepper. Garnish with cilantro and green onions and serve.