Meethi Kachori ( Indian Snacks) – Shivratri Special

With Holi and Shivratri being around the corner and onset of spring, everyone wants to celebrate and have good time with friends and family. Here is a must have recipe for your festival menu which can be prepared in advance.

Ingredients/Method

For the shell
2 cups of flour
(I prefer using 1 cup all purpose and 1 cup whole wheat. You can use either of the two. Usually its prepared with all purpose flour)
2-4 tbsp of Desi Ghee ( Clarified Butter)
Water to knead the dough
Pinch of salt

For stuffing
2-3 tbsp ghee/butter or oil
1 cup of Unsweetned shredded coconut
1 cup dry fruit (chopped)
1/2 to 1 cup of sugar
1/3 cup sesame seeds
1/2 tsp nutmeg

Oil is also required for deep frying the Kachoris

Method:
Prepare the dough by mixing ghee, flour, water and pinch of salt. Set the dough aside for 30 mins.
Prepare the stuffing by frying coconut, dry fruits and other ingredients in a wok along with sugar. Let the stuffing cool down.
Roll out small portions of dough and fill them with stuffing. Close the Kachoris and deep fry until both sides are golden.
Enjoy with cup of Tea or coffee

How to make Veg momos? Holi Recipes

Veg Momos is a tasty Indian street food which can be steamed, deep fried or pan-fried. It originates from Nepal and Tibet but nowadays has become very popular in Northern region of India. So, if you are thinking what to make this New year’s Eve for your friendly get together then give this recipe a try.

Bamboo Steamer I used in this recipe is from: Bang Good Website. Good Bang for your buck 🙂
Interested in buying, check out: http://bit.ly/1NDaOQ5


Ingredients/ Method

1 cup flour ( i used 3/4 cup all purpose flour and 1/4 cup whole wheat)
Roughly 1 cup of water
1 tsp of oil

For stuffing:

3-4 garlic cloves chopped
Small piece of chopped ginger and onion
2-3 tbsp oil
2-3 cups of veggies of your choice . I use mushrooms, carrots, beans, corn and peas
Salt Per taste
1/2 tsp red chilli pwd
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1-2 tsp soy sauce

Method:
Prepare the dough by mixing flour, water and oil. Let Dough stand for 30 mins covered in a wet cloth or lid
Prepare the stuffing in a pan/wok by stir-frying veggies , spices along with onion, ginger and garlic.
When you are ready to make the momos, add stuffing into small portion of flattened out dough. Seal the ends and shape as you like.
Place all the momos in the steamer and cook until done. This bamboo steamer needs 10-12 mins and I place the momos either in a foil or parchment paper.

When done, serve with a sauce of your choice.

How to make Tandoori Gobhi? Baked Cauliflower Recipe

Tandoori Gobhi - Baked Cauliflower Recipe

 

Tandoori Gobhi is a very flavourful and healthy Cauliflower snack/ appetizer. It can very well be served as a side dish too.  Here’s how you can prepare it at home.

Ingredients/ Method

Head of Cauliflower
2 tbsp besan/chickpea flour
3/4 cup yogurt
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp roasted cumin pwd
1/2 tsp to 1 tsp (depending on your liking for spice) Red chilli pwd
1 tsp Amchur/ Dry Mango Pwd
1/2 tsp Garam Masala
1/2 tsp dried fenugreek leaves

Method:
Cut cauliflower into small bite size florets. Make a marinade with other ingredients and coat all cauliflower pieces with this mixture. Let stand for 15-20 mins atleast and then preheat oven to 400 F and bake for 2-25 mins until cauliflower is done ( turns slightly brown)
Serve and Enjoy!

Like Cauliflower? Also try one of these fantastic Cauliflower recipes: Aloo Gobhi, Gobhi Paratha, Spicy Gobhi Fry or Cauliflower Manchurian

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 Onion Fritters? Onion Bhajji Recipe- better than onion rings!

photo 5 (9)

 

Looking for a quick and easy Indian snack for your next get together 🙂 well, try these tasty Onion Bhajji’s (bhajiya or Onion Pakoras.)
I think they are better than even Onion rings just because they are so flavourful and tasty. These Onion fritters are perfect snack for anytime.

Ingredients and Method:

3/4 cup Besan (chickpea flour)
1 tbsp Rice Flour
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp red chilli pwd
1 tsp Amchur (Dry Mango Powder)
1/4 tsp Carom Seeds (Ajwain)
1/2 cup water (to make Batter)
Oil to fry the Bhajiyas
1/2 large onion chopped or 1 small onion

Method:
1. Chop up the onion in thin slices and cut in half. Set aside.
2. Mix all the ingredients to form a smooth batter. Add in the onions.
3. Heat Oil in Kadhai and add small portion of onions clad in batter in the oil.
4. Fry until golden brown. Place bhajis (Pakoras) on paper towel to drain the excess oil.
5. Serve with Chutney of your choice.

 

May we recommend, enjoy these bhajiyas with :
Tamarind Chutney Recipe or Coconut Chutney

12 Exciting Indian Street Food Recipes to prepare at home

Aloo Chana Chaat

1. Aloo Chana Chaat

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.

2. Samosas

Veg Samosas are the most popular Indian snack/appetizer. It’s basically all purpose flour dough, filled with potato stuffing and spices and then deep fried. You can prepare the healthier version by baking them and replacing potatoes with spinach and cheese.

Baked Spinach Samosas

It’s a two step process.
1. You prepare the outer shell (pastry) with the dough which is made using all purpose flour
2. Prepare the stuffing using spinach and peas
3. Fill the shell with the stuffing and then
Bake samosas at 350-375 F for about 30-35 mins.

For the pastry/outer shell
– All purpose flour
– Ajwain (carom seeds)
– Baking Powder
– Salt
– Oil

For stuffing:
– Bunch of spinach leaves, washed and chopped
– Cup of green peas and
– Indian spices

and if you are not enthusiastic about preparing outershell/pastry at home then simply use store bought puff pastry dough to make mini samosas at home for any kind of party.

3. Homemade Spring Rolls Recipe

Although of Asian origin and not really Indian, Spring rolls are quite popular among Indian teenagers as a choice for party menu item and something to enjoy with friends. It won’t be wrong to say that this Indo-chinese recipe is quite popular in India.

4. Hakka Noodles (Indo-Chinese style noodles) 

These Hakka noodles are my absolute favourite. Add a lot of veggies in them to make them a bit healthier for the kids. Watching street vendors toss them up in their wok is quite a sight.

5. Simple Paneer Tikka recipe

Very simple Indian food recipe for Paneer (Cottage Cheese) Tikka makes a great appetizer. It’s not only a tasty party appetizer but also great finger food, good for bbq, summer parties, pool parties and all other occasions. Serve it with Mint or Tamarind Chutney.

6. Punjabi Fish Pakora Recipe

Do you like a good bite of Fish? Try these fish Pakoras.

For Marinade:

300 gms Fish Fillets
(We used Wild Pollock)
1/2 tsp black pepper pwd
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp red chilli pwd
1 tsp Turmeric

For the batter

3 tbsp chickpea flour
1 tbsp ginger/garlic paste
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp carom seeds/ajwain
1 tsp salt (add per taste)
1 tsp red chilli pwd
1/2 tsp garam masala

Oil for cooking. We pan-fried but you can choose to deep fry too.

Method: Marinade the fish for 20 mins and then prepare the batter. Add the fish in it. Let it stand in it and then pan-fry until cooked (usually 5-6 mins) Serve with chutney of your choice.

7. Aloo Tikki 

Cost effective and easy to prepare Aloo tikki’s (Potato cutlets) are full of calories but so yummy that it’s hard to put the plate down.

8. Pav Bhaji 

This Indian vegetarian street food item is popular in Maharashtra and slowly catching up with rest of the country. Pav Bhaji refers to two items. Bhaji is basically vegetables cooked in Indian spices enjoyed with Pav which is a special bread. You can make your own Pav bread or simply buy it from the store to enjoy with Bhaji. Street vendors add tons of oil/butter/ghee on Bhaji and squeeze fresh lemon on top. You can make a healthier version at home.

9. Mix Pakoras

Imagine piping hot Pakoras with a fresh cup of Chai tea on a rainy day. Truly these veg fritters are in a league of their own. You can also make fritters out of individual vegetables like Gobi , Zucchini, Potatoes or combine them all together. Indian street food scene is incomplete without Pakoras and number one Pakora of all times is Paneer Pakora. Prepare Paneer Pakoras especially if you are expecting some special guests.

10. Dosa

Dosa hails from southern regions of India and is quite popular as street food in Northern India. although process too make Dosas at home is long, it’s well worth it. Dosa’s can be enjoyed plain or stuffed with variety of fillings. Potato filling being the most common. Dosas are enjoyed with various chutneys like coconut dip, tamarind chutney and Sambhar which is a thin lentils based curry.

11. Veg Manchurian

One of the latest additions to Indian street foods is Manchurian which is an Indo-chinese dumpling made out of different veggies. Served over noodles, veg manchurian appeals to young and old alike.

12. Kabobs

Our discussion for Indian street food won’t be complete without mentioning Kabobs. Although their are several kinds of Kabobs (liek boti Kabobs, Shami Kabobs, Reshmi Kebabs etc) and each street vendor has its own formula to make perfect Kebabs, chicken tikka rules the roost and is simply delectable.

As you travel through India, you’ll see that their are lots of Dhabas, street stalls, food carts etc and several of them serve fried rice, parathas and curry as well. Although this Indian street food is quite mouth watering, eat with caution as it might not be most hygenie 🙂 just being honest here.

 

7 Divine Pakora Recipes from my kitchen

Pakoras are delicious Indian snacks. They are basically deep fried fritters enjoyed by young and old alike. I remember when I was little and we had company over, my mom would disappear in her kitchen and quickly produce lip smacking and aromatic Pakoras which would then be enjoyed by our guests with a cup of Chai (Indian Tea).

Here are some amazing Pakora recipes that you can prepare in your kitchen and impress your guests.

1. Mix Veg Pakoras: In this version of Pakoras, various vegetables are cut into small chunks, dipped in Pakora batter which is made out of chickpea flour (Besan), seasoned well and then deep fried. Each bite turns out to be unique because you’re trying to figure out whether you bit into cauliflower or spinach. Was that potato or eggplant? I often make these for my office potlucks and needless to say they disappear quickly.

2. Aloo Pakoras: Potatoes is perhaps one of the most common vegetables in the world and almost always present in our pantries. Here’s how you can transform this humble vegetable into something elegant and presentation worthy. Indian snack Aaloo ke Pakore (Pakoda) is a potato fritter made by dipping potatoes in a batter made out of chickpeas and various Indian spices (like Carom seeds (ajwain), salt, Red chilli pwd, Dried Mango Powder (amchur), Black Pepper Pwd (Kali Mirch) and Garam Masala) and then frying them in the oil.

3. Punjabi Fish Pakora: Fish Lovers, this one is for you.

Recipe for Punjabi Fish Pakora.

For Marinade:

300 gms Fish Fillets
(We used Wild Pollock)
1/2 tsp black pepper pwd
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp red chilli pwd
1 tsp Turmeric

For the batter

3 tbsp chickpea flour
1 tbsp ginger/garlic paste
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp carom seeds/ajwain
1 tsp salt (add per taste)
1 tsp red chilli pwd
1/2 tsp garam masala

Oil for cooking. We pan-fried but you can choose to deep fry too.

Method: Marinade the fish for 20 mins and then prepare the batter. Add the fish in it. Let it stand in it and then pan-fry until cooked (usually 5-6 mins) Serve with chutney of your choice.

4. Pan-fried Zucchini Fritters : Afraid of deep fried stuff? Well these pan-fried Zucchini fritters might do the trick for you. Simple yet delicious Indian way to prepare Zucchini fritters is bound to impress healthy conscious individuals.

Ingredients:
1 Large Zucchini
1 cup Chickpea flour (besan)
Salt ( per taste)
1 tsp Garam Masala
1/2 tsp Red chilli pwd
1 tsp Mango Pwd
1 tsp Black Pepper Pwd (Kali Mirch)
1 tsp Carom Seeds (Ajwain)
1/2 cup water
3-4 Tbsp Oil

Mix all the spices together along with chickpea flour and Zucchini pieces. Add water to make thick batter and pan-fry till golden brown. Serve with your favourite chutney.
Note: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste level.

5. Wicked Chicken Pakoras

These can be a wonderful appetizer for your next party. You can pair them with rice, noodles or put them inside a roti or parantha for a lovely wrap as well.

Ingredients:
1/2 kg boneless chicken pieces
1/2 cup onions (Optional but add a great bite to your pakoras)
1 tsp salt (or as per taste)
1/2 tsp red chilli pwd
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/4 tsp Ajwain (Carom seeds)
1/2 tsp chaat masala
1 tsp soya sauce
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
2 tbsp rice flour
4 tbsp besan (chickpea flour)
1/2 cup water
Oil for frying

Method:
1. Marinade chicken along with spices and onions for 20 mins.
2. Next add chickpea flour and rice flour. Mix well by adding water as required.
3. Fry in hot oil for 3-4 mins until golden brown on all sides and cooked from inside.
4. Take them out and put them on brown paper/ paper towel to soak out excess oil.
5. Sprinkle some chaat masala on top and serve with your favourite chutney.
Enjoy!

6. Gobi Pakoras: Cauliflower lovers couldn’t be more happier. Transform ordinary Cauliflower into something flavorful with this simple gobhi pakora recipe.

7. Paneer Pakoras: Paneer is Indian cottage cheese, somewhat simmilar to Ricotta. I prepare these Pakoras usually for special occasions because they are simply decadent.

Now Pakoras are best enjoyed with a Pakora sauce and here are 3 of the most popular Indian chutneys:

1. Tamarind Chutney
2. Mint (Pudina Chutney)
3. Mango-mint chutney

How to make Potato Pinwheels- Homemade Party Spirals Recipe

Potato Pinwheels - Party appetizers

Call them Potato Pinwheels- Party Spirals or Fried Vegetarian rollups, the point is that these bite size party appetizers are a perfect finger food, great for sharing with friends and family or to take to your next get together. Serve them with chutney of your choice and wow your guests.

Ingredients:

To Prepare Dough

1/2 cup rice flour
1/2 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup chickpea flour (besan)
1 tbsp oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp Ajwain (Carom seeds)
1/2 to 3/4 cup water to prepare dough

For stuffing
3-4 boiled and mashed potatoes
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper powder
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp cumin pwd
1 tsp Amchur (Mango Powder)
1 tsp Anardana (Dried Pomogranate seeds powder)
Red chilli pwd to taste
3/4 stalk of cilantro/coriander leaves
Oil for deep frying

Method:
1. Prepare the dough by combining water, flours, salt, tbsp oil and carom seeds. Let it sit for 10 mins.
2. Prepare the stuffing by mixing boiled and mashed potatoes with all the spices.
3. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Form tennis ball size dough balls and roll them out gently with the help of a rolling pin. Dust your working surface lightly with some flour.
4. Once you’ve flattened out the dough, fill it up with potato mixture. Spread the potato mixture evenly and gently press it into the dough.
5. Roll the dough from one end to form a log. Seal the end with help of some water and then cut the log into pinwheels.
6. Heat oil in a wok and fry pinwheels until golden brown on medium heat. It should take only 2-3 mins.
Serve them hot with chutney of your choice.

Aloo Bonda Recipe

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

Baked Spinach Samosas

Learn how to make baked spinach samosas. It’s a two step process.
1. You prepare the outer shell (pastry) with the dough which is made using all purpose flour
2. Prepare the stuffing using spinach and peas
3. Fill the shell with the stuffing and then
Bake samosas at 350-375 F for about 30-35 mins.

For the pastry/outer shell
– All purpose flour
– Ajwain (carom seeds)
– Baking Powder
– Salt
– Oil

For stuffing:
– Bunch of spinach leaves, washed and chopped
– Cup of green peas and
– Indian spices