Cook Without Book

Bean Soup ( Pregnancy Recipe) A rich soup that is low in calories but high in carbohydrates, fibre and iron. Puréed beans give this soup a smooth rich consistency without the addition of thickeners like flour, milk, cream etc. This satisfying soup will agree well with you even if you are suffering from nausea. Preparation Time:  10 mins Cooking Time:  15 mins Makes 4 servings Ingredients 3/4 cup   kashmiri rajma (kideny beans) 1/2 cup   chopped onions 2 cups   chopped tomatoes 1 tsp  finely  chopped garlic (lehsun) 1/2 tsp   chilli powder 1 tsp   lemon juice 1 tbsp   oil salt  to taste For Serving finely  chopped tomato sliced  spring onions chopped  coriander (dhania) tabasco sauce Method Soak the beans overnight. Drain thoroughly. Heat the oil, add the onions and fry for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, garlic, chilli powder and salt and sauté for 1 more minute. Add the beans and 3 cups of water...

Baby Corn Salt and Pepper Quick and easy to make, this stir-fry tingles the taste buds. Preparation Time:  15 minutes Cooking Time:  15 minutes Serves 4  Ingredients 3 cups   blanched baby corn, cut into 1" pieces 1/4 cup   cornflour 3/4 cup   sliced spring onions 1 tbsp   finely chopped garlic (lehsun) 1 tbsp   peppercorns 1 tbsp   oil salt  to taste oil  for frying Method Dry roast the peppercorns in a wok over a medium flame for a few minutes, grind coarsely and keep aside. Mix together the cornflour, salt, 1 teaspoon of coarsely ground pepper and ¼ cup of cold water. Dip the baby corn in this mixture and deep-fry till golden brown. Drain on absorbent paper and keep aside Heat the oil in a wok, over a high flame, add the spring onions, garlic, the remaining pepper and salt and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the fried baby corn and toss well. Serve hot.

Cheesy Onion Grilled Sandwich A filling of sautéed vegetables flavoured with tomato, chilli sauce and cheese the sumptuous cheesy onion grilled sandwich is an ideal breakfast offering. Preparation Time:  15 mins Cooking Time:  20 mins Makes 4 servings Ingredients 8   whole wheat bread  slices butter  for brushing For The Filling 1/2 cup   grated processed cheese 1/2 cup  finely  chopped spring onions whites 1 tbsp   butter 2 tsp  finely  chopped green chillies 1/2 cup  finely  chopped cabbage 1/2 cup   grated carrot 1/2 cup  finely  chopped spring onion greens 2 tsp   chilli sauce 1 tbsp   tomato ketchup salt  to taste For Serving tomato ketchup Method   For the filling Heat the butter in a broad non-stick pan, add the spring onion whites and green chillies and sauté on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the cabbage, carrots and spring onion ...

The traditionally non-vegetarian dish viz. Chilli chicken is modified for vegetarians. This melt in the mouth starter flavoured with all the ethnic chinese flavours is an all time favourite that is really easy to prepare. Serve it as a starter or even as accompaniment for your main meal. Preparation Time:  10 mins Cooking Time:  30 mins Makes 4 servings Ingredients 3/4 cup   paneer (cottage cheese)  , cut into 12 mm. ( 1/2") thick strips oil  for deep-frying For The Batter 1/4 cup   cornflour 1/4 cup   plain flour (maida) 1 tsp   soy sauce pinch of  baking powder salt  to taste Other Ingredients 1 tsp   grated ginger (adrak) 2 tsp   garlic (lehsun)  , chopped 2 tsp   chopped celery 1/4 cup   chopped spring onions 2 to 3   green chillies  , cut into 25 mm. (1") pieces 1/4 cup   capsicum  , sliced 1 tsp   soy sauce 1 tsp   sugar 1 tbsp   cornflour  mixed with 3 tab...

Ingredients For The Chilli Oil 1/4 cup oil 5 whole dry kashmiri red chillies , broken into pieces For The Noodles 2 cups boiled noodles 2 tbsp oil 1/4 cup finely chopped spring onions whites 2 tsp finely chopped garlic (lehsun) 2 to 3 whole dry kashmiri red chillies , broken into pieces 1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots 1/4 cup shredded cabbage 1/2 cup thinly sliced capsicum 1 tsp soy sauce Salt to taste A pinch of black pepper powder 2 tbsp finely chopped spring onion greens Method For the chilli oil Heat the oil in a deep pan on a high flame till it smokes. Add the red chillies, cover with a lid and switch off the flame. Allow it to cool for some time and strain it using a strainer. Keep aside. For the noodles Heat the oil in a wok, add the spring onion whites, garlic and red chillies and sauté on a high flame for 30 seconds. Add the carrots, cabbage, capsicum and sauté on a high flame for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the noodles, soya sauce and salt, mix well and toss on a high flame...