Cook Without Book

Tinda Aur Saunf ki Subzi Eaten with rotis and curds, this easy-to-make and aesthetically seasoned subzi makes for a tasty and balanced meal. Preparation Time:  5 mins Cooking Time:  6 mins Makes 2 servings Ingredients 1 1/4 cups  peeled and sliced  round gourds (tinda) 1 tsp   fennel seeds (saunf) 1/2 tsp   cumin seeds (jeera) powder 1/2 tsp   coriander (dhania) powder a pinch of  turmeric powder (haldi) 1/2 tsp   nigella seeds (kalonji) 1/2 tsp   chilli powder 2 tsp   oil a pinch of  sugar 1/4 cup   mava (khoya) salt  to taste To Be Blended To A Tomato Purée 1/2 cup   blanched and chopped tomatoes 3/4 tsp   fennel seeds (saunf) 2   green chillies Method Combine the oil, fennel seeds, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, nigella seeds and chilli powder in a microwave-proof bowl. Mix well and microwave on high for 1 minute. Add the prepared tomato purée, salt and su...

Spicy Chaat - Calcutta Style A delightful chaat that will thrill you to the core – hold it in your hand, capture a whiff of the namkeens dipped in sweet and tangy chutneys and topped with choice spices, dip your fingers and lick the chutney, take a mouthful and lose yourself in this calcutta style spicy chaat. Soaking time:  3 to 4 hours Preparation Time:  15 mins Cooking Time:  30 mins Makes 4 servings Ingredients For The Pakodis 1/2 cup   urad dal (split black lentils)  with skin 1/4 cup   green moong dal (split green gram) with skin 4   green chillies  , roughly chopped 12   ginger (adrak) 1 tsp   nigella seeds (kalonji) 1/4 tsp   asafoetida (hing) salt  to taste oil  for deep-frying For The Papadis 1 cup   plain flour (maida) 1 tsp   carom seeds (ajwain) 1 tbsp   oil salt  to taste oil  for deep-frying For Serving 1 cup  fresh  curds (dahi) salt  to taste 20  bo...

Aam ka Achaar ( Punjabi Recipe ) During the mango season in the summer in punjab, one can see at least two or three earthenware jars full of pickled raw mangoes maturing in the sun outside homes. This typical punjabi recipe for making mango pickle is most popular in the region. The combination of fennel seeds, nigella seeds with mustard and other pickling spices is what distinguishes this mango pickle from its equally famous gujarati counter part. Sun-dried mangoes used in this pickle impart a salty chewy character and also improve the shelf life of the pickle. This is a very simple recipe to follow. Just keep in mind the basics of pickle making a clean sterilized jar, see that there is no moisture and ensure that mustard oil forms a covering layer over the ingredients in the jar. Preparation Time:  15 mins Cooking Time:  10 mins Makes 2 servings Ingredients 3 cups  (375 grams) raw mangoes  , cut into pieces 1 tsp   turmeric powder (haldi) 1/4 cup ...

Sweet and Sour Tomato Relish Preparation Time:  10 mins Preparation Time :  Cooking Time :  Cooking Time:  25 mins Makes 1 cup Ingredients 3   tomatoes  , blanched and peeled 3/4 cup   sugar 2 tbsp   carrot  , finely chopped 4   garlic (lehsun) cloves  , peeled 4 to 5   peppercorns (kalimirch) 1 tsp   nigella seeds (kalonji) 1 tsp   chilli powder 1 tbsp   vinegar salt  to taste Method Cut the tomatoes into two halves, remove the seeds and strain the juice. Roughly chop the tomato pulp. Separately keep aside the tomato pulp and tomato juice. In a heavy bottomed pan, add the tomato juice and sugar. Cook on a slow flame till the sugar dissolves. Add the tomato pulp, carrot, garlic and peppercorns and cook on a slow flame for about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the fire, add the kalonji, chilli powder, vinegar and salt. Allow to cool and store in a refrigerator. Serve with chapatis o...