Cook Without Book

Mixed Sprouts Rice This protein-rich rice preparation also presents a fiesta of colours, thanks to the use of a large variety of sprouts and veggies. Traditional indian spices add flavour to the rice, while the innovative use of pav bhaji masala imparts a tempting aroma to the vegetable preparation. The method adopted, of preparing the rice and veggies separately and then mixing them ensures that this mixed sprouts rice is conveniently moist and not too dry. It is as good as having a pulao and a subzi, but in a convenient one-dish format that you will love. Serve with a raita of your choice, and voila, you have a delicious and sumptuous meal. Preparation Time:  15 mins Cooking Time:  20 mins Makes 4 servings Ingredients For The Rice 1 1/4 cups   long grained rice (basmati)  , soaked for 15 minutes and drained 2 tbsp   ghee 1 tsp   cumin seeds (jeera) 2   cloves (laung / lavang) 1  stick of  cinnamon (dalchini) 1   bayleaf (t...

Beetroot Cucumber and Tomato Raita A rich and luscious raita with a variety of ingredients. The peppy taste of coriander and green chillies complements the crunchy feel of peanuts and coconut in the beetroot, cucumber and tomato raita, while a tempering of cumin seeds and asafoetida gives out appetising whiffs! Preparation Time:  15 mins Cooking Time:  0.25 mins Makes 6 servings Ingredients 1/4 cup  boiled , peeled and  chopped beetroot 1/2   chopped cucumber 1/2 cup   chopped tomatoes 1 1/2 cups  whisked fresh  curds (dahi) salt  to taste 2 tsp   powdered sugar 2 tsp  finely  chopped green chillies 1 tbsp   oil 1 tsp   cumin seeds (jeera) a pinch of  asafoetida (hing) 3 tbsp  roughly  chopped peanuts 1/4 cup  freshly  grated coconut 1/4 cup  finely  chopped coriander (dhania) Method Combine the beetroot, cucumber, tomatoes, curds, salt, sugar and green ch...

Curd Shorba http://cookingwidfun.blogspot.in/ A novel, all-indian soup, curd shorba is nothing but wholesome kadhi transformed into a light and refreshing soup. It has a very comforting flavour and texture, and can surely soothe you on a day when you are tired and yearning for something warm. Preparation Time:  10 mins Cooking Time:  5 mins Makes 4 servings Ingredients 3 cups  fresh  curds (dahi) 4 tsp   besan (bengal gram flour) 1/4 cup   milk 2 tbsp   oil 1 tsp   cumin seeds (jeera) 1/2 cup  finely  chopped onions 1 tbsp  finely  chopped green chillies 1/2 tsp   grated ginger (adrak) a pinch of  turmeric powder (haldi) salt  to taste 1 tsp   sugar 1/2 cup  finely  chopped cucumber 1/4 cup  finely  chopped coriander (dhania) Method Combine the curds, besan and milk in a deep bowl and whisk well till no lumps remain. Keep aside. Heat the oil in a deep non-stic...

Bhojpuri Aloo     Microwave Recipe Traditional bhojpuri aloo or stuffed potatoes in mouth-watering gravy can be easily prepared in a microwave oven. A well thought out combo of spices ranging from cinnamon to shahjeera, make this a real culinary masterpiece! Preparation Time:  5 mins Cooking Time:  5 mins Makes 2 servings Ingredients 2  cooked  potatoes  , peeled and halved 2   cloves (laung / lavang) 1   cardamom (elaichi) 1   bayleaf (tejpatta) 6 mm  ( 1/4")  cinnamon (dalchini)  piece 1/2 tsp   caraway seeds (shahjeera) 1/4 tsp   ginger-garlic (adrak-lehsun) paste 1 tbsp   onion paste 1/4 tsp   turmeric powder (haldi) 1/2 tsp   chilli powder 2 tbsp   curds (dahi) 3 tbsp   milk 2 tsp   besan (bengal gram flour) a pinch of  sugar 2 tsp   oil salt  to taste To Be Mixed Into A Stuffing 4 tbsp   cooked mashed potatoes a pinch of  turmeric powder ...

Khuswale Baingan       Microwave Recipe Curds and onions add zing to this baingan recipe. Teamed with steamed rice it forms a meal that will be fondly remembered by your taste buds. Preparation Time:  10 mins Cooking Time:  8.30 mins Makes 2 servings   Ingredients 4  small sized  brinjal (baingan / eggplant) 1/2 tsp   fenugreek (methi) seeds 1 tsp   chilli powder 1/4 cup  fresh  curds (dahi) 1 tbsp   oil salt  to taste For The Paste 1 tbsp   poppy seeds (khus-khus) 1 tsp   cumin seeds (jeera) 1/2 cup  roughly  chopped onions 1/2 tsp   chopped green chillies 2   garlic (lehsun) cloves For The Garnish 1 tsp  finely  chopped spring onion greens Method   For the paste Combine the poppy seeds and cumin seeds in a microwave-proof bowl, cover with a lid and microwave on high for 1½ minutes. Remove and grind to a fine powder in a mixer. Add the ...

Masaledar Arbi      MICROWAVE RECIPE The ever-popular arbi is spiked with curds, amchur and other masalas that make this is a peppy delicacy. The secret of making this recipe well lies in choosing the arbis well. Preparation Time:  5 mins Cooking Time:  4 mins Makes 2 servings Ingredients 1 1/2 cups  peeled  colocassia (arbi) roundels 1 tsp   ginger-garlic (adrak-lehsun) paste 1/2 tsp  finely  chopped green chillies 1/2 tsp   lemon juice 1/2 tsp   carom seeds (ajwain) 1 tsp   oil 1 tbsp   milk 1 tbsp   fresh cream salt  to taste To Be Mixed Into A Masala 2 tbsp  thick  curds (dahi) 1 tsp   besan (bengal gram flour) 1 tsp   chopped coriander (dhania) 1 tsp   chopped mint leaves (phudina) 1/2 tsp   chilli powder 1/2 tsp   garam masala 1/4 tsp   dried mango powder (amchur) 1 tsp   oil For The Garnish 2 tsp   chopped coriander (dhania) ...

Brownie and Whipped Cream Sundae Freshly-baked, gooey brownies are placed in between layers of fresh vanilla cream, and topped up with peach halves, and cocktail cherries. A delicious, yummy-looking dessert that kids will definitely love, and probably eat it up before dinner! Preparation Time:  25 mins Cooking Time:  35 mins Baking Time:  25 to 30 mins. Baking Tempearature:  180°C (360°F). Makes 8 glases Ingredients For The Chocolate Brownie 1 cup   plain flour (maida) 1/4 cup   cocoa powder 3/4 cup   powdered sugar 1/2 tsp   baking soda 1/2 tsp   baking powder 6 tbsp   curds (dahi) 5 tbsp   milk 5 tbsp   melted butter 1/2 cup   chopped walnuts (akhrot)   1/2 tsp   vanilla essence Other Ingredients 2 cups   unbeaten whipped cream  , chilled 4 tbsp   powdered sugar 1/4 tsp   vanilla essence 8  canned  peach halves Method   For the chocolate brownie ...

Sicilian Orange Almond Cake All sicilians love desserts and cakes. Citrus fruits and almonds are widely grown and of course largely consumed in sicily, which is an island in the mediterranean region. I actually ate up a large chunk of this cake the first time i made it. So if you are the one who loves hot freshly baked cakes, you will love this delicious tea-time cake flavoured with orange and almonds. The use of orange squash gives a concentrated orange flavour to the cake. It is not totally essential but very helpful if you use it. Preparation Time:  15 mins Baking Time:  45 minutes. Baking Time:  15 minutes. Baking Temperature:  200°C (400°F) Baking Temperature:  180°C (360°F) Makes 4 servings Ingredients 1 1/4 cups   plain flour (maida) 1 tsp  levelled ,  baking powder 1/2 cup   powdered almonds (badam) 1 cup   powdered sugar 1/3 cup   melted butter 1/3 cup   curds (dahi)  , beaten 1/3 cup ...

Moong Dal Dhokla Moong dal dhokla, this is my favourite recipe. . It is very easy to make and a perfect snack recipe. . . Serve with green chutney and relsih it. . Preparation Time:  5 mins Cooking Time:  15 mins Makes 4 servings Ingredients For The Batter 3/4 cup   soaked yellow moong dal (split yellow gram) 3   green chillies salt  to taste 1 1/2 tsp   sugar a pinch of  asafoetida (hing) 1 tbsp   oil 1/2 tsp   turmeric powder (haldi) 1 tbsp   besan (bengal gram flour) 2 tbsp   curds (dahi) 1 1/2 tsp   fruit salt For The Tempering 1 tbsp   oil 1/2 tsp   mustard seeds ( rai / sarson) 1/2 tsp   sesame seeds (til) a pinch  asafoetida (hing) 2 tsp  finely  chopped green chillies For The Garnish 1 tbsp  finely  chopped coriander (dhania) For Serving green chutney 1 tbsp   grated coconut Method Combine the yellow moong dal and green chillies and blend in a mix...

Achari Paneer Achari paneer is an aromatic accompaniment, which imbibes its flavour from a mixture of seeds used in the seasoning. A simple mixture of curds, flour and a few spice powders forms the base of this delectable cottage cheese preparation. Preparation Time:  6 mins Cooking Time:  7 mins Makes 2 servings Ingredients 1 cup   paneer (cottagte cheese) cubes 1 tsp   fennel seeds (saunf) 1/4 tsp   mustard seeds ( rai / sarson) 5 to 6   fenugreek (methi) seeds 1 tsp   nigella seeds (kalonji) 1/2 tsp   cumin seeds (jeera) 1/2 tsp   asafoetida (hing) 1/2 cup  thinly  sliced onions 1/2 tsp   turmeric powder (haldi) 1/2 tsp   chilli powder 1/2 tsp   black salt (sanchal) 3/4 cup  fresh  curds (dahi) 1 tsp   plain flour (maida) 3 tbsp   chopped coriander (dhania) 1 tbsp   oil salt  to taste Method Mix the fennel seeds, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, nigella see...