Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Moong Dal Handvo

Handvo is a popular savoury cake among the natives of Gujarat.  Tried this recipe from Tarla Dalal's Non-Fried Snacks Recipe Book. Came out wonderful. Fool-Proof Recipe, no way u will go wrong!!!!

You have 2 ways to cook it, one using the non-stick pan and other way is to bake it. I tried both, worked well.

Ingredients
1 cup yello moong dal
2 tbsp semolina or rawa
1/4 cup grated carrots
2 tbsp finely chopped coriander
1 tbsp fresh curd
1/2 tsp sugar
1 tsp ginger-green chilli paste
salt to taste
2 tsp fruit salt
2 tsp oil
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp sesame seeds
1/2 tsp asafoetida

Method
Wash and soak moong dal in enough water for 3 to 4 hous. Drain and blend in a mixer into a smooth paste.
Combine the moong dal paste, semolina, carrots, coriander, curds, sugar, ginger-chilli paste and salt together in a bowl and mix well to make a batter.

Just before serving, sprinkle the fruit salt and add 2 tsp of water over it. When the bubbles form, mix gently, Keep aside.

Heat oil in a non-stick kadhai and add the mustard seeds, when the seeds crackle, add the sesame seeds and asafoeitda and saute in a medium flame for a few seconds, while stirring continuously. Pour the batter and spread it evenly to make a thick layer, cover and cook on a slow flame for 7 to 8 minutes or till the base turns golden brown in color and crisp.  Lift the handvo gently using 2 large flat spoons and turn it over tot the other side. Cover and cook on a slow flame for another 5-7 minutes or till it turns golden brown in colour.  

Cool slightly and cut into equal rectangular pieces and servber immediately.

For Baked Handvo
Simply pour the batter in a greased baking tray and bake in a pre-heated oven @ 200 C (400 F) for 30 -35 minutes.

Mine was done @ 35. To check the doneness of the handvo, insert a toothpick in the center of the handvo, if it comesclean, its done.

Monday, March 01, 2010

Colorful BellPepper/Capsicum Rice - Reposted for FF7SL- Tiffen Box Event

Atlast i squeezed some time out of my very busssy schedule(needed a reason for not blogging!!!!!! :) )for my blog!!!!
Shopping, Shopping and Shopping Daily with my in-laws. My Father-in-law Loves Cooking, he just goes crazy cing all types of Fresh Veggies and Fruits here. He is even more stunned when we say some of these veggies and fruits are cultivated here. He literally fell in love with Bell Peppers, we got two small bags containing 4 peppers of diff color. Colorful Bellpepper/Capsicum Rice is a Quick Recipe.



Here comes the Recipe

Ingredients
Cooked Rice - 3 cups
Bell Peppers - 4 nos (preferably in different colors), thinly sliced
Medium sized Onion - 1 no, Finely Chopped
Green Chillies - 2 nos, Slit open
or REd Chilli Powder - 1 or 2 tsp
Dhaniya powder or Raw Coriander Powder - 1/2 tsp
Grated Fresh Ginger - 1 tsp
Garlic - 1 clove (Optional)
Curry Leaves - 1 sprig
Coriander leaves for garnishing
Salt to taste

Method
Heat Oil in a Pan splutter Mustard seeds/Cumin seeds, add curry leaves, Add Green Chillies, Add Onions and saute unitl they become transculent, add the Sliced Bell Peppers and saute in a low flame, If you are using Red Chillie powder, add it now, add salt, Cover and cook in a slow flame for 2-3 minutes. Add Dhaniya powder and cook for a minute or two. Remove from flame. Mix with Cooked Rice, Adjust the salt and Garnish it with Coriander leaves and Serve with any Raita.



Sending this to FFS7L-Tiffen Box Event Hosted by Radhika and Sudheshna.




Capsicum Rice



 Capsicum Rice or Vangi Bath is an ideal lunch box dish. The ingredient list may be long. But it is very easy to prepare. Try and let me know!

Ingredients:
Basmathi Rice - 1 Cup
Capsicum/Green Bell Pepper - 1 Big
Oil - 3 tbsp
Ghee - 1 tbsp (optional)
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Salt - as needed
Coriander leaves - to garnish

Seasonings:
Mustard Seeds - 1 tsp
Urud Dal - 1 tsp
Curry leaves - a few
Red Chillies - 2
Cashews - a few (optional)
Hing - 1/4 tsp

Roast in 1/4 tsp ghee and powder:
Jeera - 1/2 tsp
Pepper - 1/2 tsp (optional)
Red chillies - 4
Urud Dal - 1 tsp
Channa Dal - 1 tsp
Coriander Seeds - 1 tsp
Cloves - 4
Cinnamon - 1 inch stick
Grated Coconut - 2 tbsp

Method:
Cook basmathi rice in 2 cups of water. The grains should be separate. Set aside.
Roast the ingredients listed above to golden brown and powder.
Heat oil/ghee in a pan.
Do the seasoning.
When mustard seeds crackle, add chopped capsicum. Sprinkle salt and turmeric powder.
Fry till capsicum turns soft.
Gently add rice and roasted powder and toss well.
Add salt.
Garnish with coriander leaves.
Have it with raitha or chips.

Note: You may also saute a handful of chopped onions with capsicum for more flavor.