A Hint of Spice

This is one of my go-to dishes on the weekends,when I don't want to spend my time cooking,but need some good,hearty,comfort food to fill me up.We have tried vegetarian burgers (the frozen kind) you get in many stores,but always found that they needed something more ...like the spices I crave  or as my dear Husband says...they lack your touch,so finally we started making these faster version of burgers at home,but to remind you burgers and fast food does not mean we are comprimising on nutrition.
                        Black Beans are a large source of proteins and it does not stop at that.They are a big source of multivitamins like vitamin K, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin A, dietary fiber, potassium, folate, iron, magnesium, thiamin, riboflavin, copper, calcium, phosphorus, protein, omega-3 fatty acids and niacin. Black beans are also a very rich source of fiber, these nutrients play important role to prevent cholesterol from becoming oxidized and heart disease.(I think now my mom will be satisfied ,that I am not feeding my husband fast food.)

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 white onion finely chopped
1 carrot finely grated
1 tsp hot sauce(more if youlike your burgers with a kick)
Salt to taste
1 tsp cumin powder ( to give the burgers a smoky flavor)
1 tsp coriander powder
1-2 tsp taco seasonings
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
1 tsp lemon juice
Bread Crumbs ( to bind the burgers)
Salsa

Suggested Toppings
Red Onions
Tomatoes
lettuce
Avacado Slices
Cheddar Cheese Slices or Shredded Mexican Cheese
Carrot Slaw

Directions
1.Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a medium sized skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and onion; saute 2 minutes. Then add the shredded carrot; saute until vegetables are tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. 2.Add all the seasonings and hot sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat.
3.Transfer contents of skillet to a large bowl. Stir in black beans and chopped cilantro. Using a potato masher, thoroughly mash all ingredients.
4.Add bread crumbs (just enough ,so that the black bean mixture starts binding together).Shape mixture into 6 burgers.
5.Place burgers in the refrigerator  (to harden) for 10-15 minutes.
6.Lightly coat a large skillet with extra virgin olive oil. Heat over medium-high heat. Add burgers and cook approximately 5 minutes per side.
7.Alternatively you can grill the burgers on an indoor grill.I use my George Foreman Grill (I am in love with it.)
8.Finally to assemble the burgers-warm the burger buns on a skillet.You can also use a little butter while warming the buns.
9.On a burger bun,first put some lettuce leaves,then slices of onion,tomatoes,avacado then the burgers.Top with salsa and slices of Onion and tomatoes.
10.Enjoy with a cooling limeade.

Tips:-
1.Please remember to drain the black beans from the liquid they are stored in ,as the liquid contains too much salt.Rinse the beans in fresh water.If the black beans don't look too soft to be mashed,Put them in the microwave with 2 tblsp of water for 2-3 mins.
Sending this to Siri for her My Legume Love Affair #25 and also to Susan who started this wonderful event.

               Pakora are small fritters made by dipping various ingredients in spicy chickpea batter(besan batter) and deep frying them.Pakora are widely eaten throughout India and parts of Southeast Asia, where they are a very popular snack and street food, and they are a common offering in Indian restaurants outside of the Asian subcontinent. Pakora are also very easy to make at home, for cooks who want to put a quick Indian appetizer together.

There can be many types of Pakoras Eggplant,Onions,Potatoes,Cauliflower,Corn,Lentils(Daals),Chillies,Chicken,Egg,Spinach and Finally Paneer Pakoda.(Paneer is bland Indian cottage cheese.).Once deep fried, the pakora are eaten hot, and they can be eaten straight or dipped in a variety of dipping sauces, from creamy cucumber raita to spicy mint and cilantro sauce.These Pakoras are a treat on a rainy,cold day and so easy and quick to make.

INGREDIENTS
7 oz Paneer
1 cup Gram flour(Besan)
1/2 tsp Red chilli powder
1/2 tsp Roasted cumin powder(Jeera Powder)
1/2 tsp Garam masala powder
Coriander leaves, chopped
Salt
Vegetable oil(For Deep Frying)

DIRECTIONS
1.Put the oil fro deep frying in a Pan.
2.Mix Gram Flour,Red Chilli Powder,Roasted Cumin Powder,Garam Masala Powder,Chopped Coriander Leaves and Salt.
3.Add water in samll quantities to the above mix to make a thick and smooth batter.
4.Cut paneer into medium size thick square shape pieces.
5.Dip the Paneer pieces in batter and let it coat the Paneer & then Deep fry the Paneer Pieces(few pieces at a time) on medium heat till golden brown.
6.Drain the fried pieces on a plate covered with Paper towel.
7.Enjoy them hot with Coriander Chutney,Mint Chutney or Tomato Ketchup.Don't forget a hot cup of Tea.
'njoy!!!!

Tips
1.You can also use Extra firm Tofu ,instead of Paneer.Just remember to drain the tofu in the whey it is stored and pat it dry using Paper Towel.
2.To check if the oil is ready for frying, put a drop of batter in it. The batter should come up, but not change color right away.

3.Make sure the temperature of oil is suitable for frying. If it's too hot the crispiness is lost and if it's not hot enough then the pakoras will be very greasy.

This is one Chaat which is quick to make.Not much to do and very Tasty.

Ingredients:
2 cups boiled chickpeas - (kabuli chana) (You can also use 1 can of chickpeas)
2 boiled potatoes - cut into pieces
1 big Onion-finely chopped
1/2 Cup Papri
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped green chillies
1 teaspoon chaat masala
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
salt - to taste
1/2 tsp Jeera powder
1/4 tsp Rock salt (optional)
1/2 tsp or more Chilli powder
Sev to garnish

Directions:
1.Mix all ingredients together except the papri and sev.
2.Mix Papri and sev just before serving.

Tip: If you dont have Papri ready at home,just cut Flour Tortilla in diamond shapes and deep fry .It tastes the same as Papri.

This goes to Rachel for her event My Legume Love Affair and to Susan who is the creator of the MLLA event.
I am also sending this to Akila for her event Dish Name starts with:A

Every year in late december I start looking for some special recipes I can make on our Anniversary ,which falls in late January.You all must be thinking why plan so long?Well,Planning is my middle name.When people say they are planning on a vacation to our place I start my menu planning.....hmmm.Well,this year I decided to make something easy and quick for our anniversary breakfast.It is so easy it feels like cheating.:)It was inspired by Semi Homemade by Sandra lee
(Please excuse the pictures.They did not turn  up as good as I wanted.)

    


1 can (13.9 oz) Pillsbury refrigerated orange flavor sweet rolls with icing (8 rolls)
Orange Marmalade or any other Jam or Jelly flavor you like
Heart shaped cookie cutter

DIRECTIONS
1.Heat oven to 400 degree Faranheit.
2.Spray some cooking spray on a cookie sheet or a rectangular piece of aluminium foil.
3.Take out the individual sweet rolls and roll them on a surface dusted with flour.
4.Cut out the rolls in desired shape....I used the heart shaped cookie cutter.
5.Repeat the same for all the 8 rolls.
6.You may be left with some dough from each of the rolls after cutting in the desired shape.
7.Using wet fingers ,make some grooves or indentation for the filling.
8.Bake the heart shaped biscuits in the oven  for 8-10 mins till golden brown.
9.Serve them warm with a filling of orange marmalade or any other jelly.I preferred orange marmalade,because firstly I had some of it made at home and secondly it goes with the orange flavored dough.
10.The pillsbury orange flavor sweet rolls  comes with icing.Drizzle it over the biscuits if you like them extra sweet.
11.Serve this with a side of sausages and fried eggs.Don't forget your espresso
'njoy!!!
           
Sending this recipe to Priya for her St.Valentine's Day Event.

GOOOOOOOOOOO Nuts!!!!

Not in literal sense !!!!People associate nuts with high calories,but eat them in moderation and they are high source of protein,fiber and antioxidants.So how to reap the healthy benefits of nuts....hmmm "Moderation" is the word my friends.Instead of adding nuts to your daily diet ,use them as a replacement for foods high in saturated fat and limit the intake of these nuts to 1-2 oz per day.
Now moving on from health talk......these spicy sweet nuts are really yummy,easy to make.Serve them as appetizer in a party and they'll be an instant hit.You can also use them as a in-between-meal snack.


Ingredients
1 & 1/2 cup pecan halves
1 & 1/2 cup almonds
1 cup unsalted peanuts
4 tsp Salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp grated nutmeg(or nutmeg powder)
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper( or red chilli powder.You can increase or decrease the amount according to how spicy you want it.)
1 tsp allspice powder
1/3 cup maple syrup ( you can also use 1-2 tsp of sugar according to how sweet you want the nuts)


Directions
1.Preheat an oven to 350 degrees.
2.Spray a baking sheet with non stick spray and spread the nuts .
3.Let them roast on for around 20 minutes.(Keep checking the nuts so that they don't burn.Gently stir the nuts.)
4.Take the nuts out from the oven and add Salt,Black pepper,Nutmeg,Cumin Powder,Cinnamon Powder,Cayenne Pepper,All Spice powder,Sugar(or maple syrup).Mix the spices well on the nuts and roast the nuts agin for around 10 minutes.
5.Allow to cool and store them in an airtight container.They Keep well for a month(if they don't end up in somebody's stomach before than.)
'njoy!!!

Note:-
1.Instead of using 1 & 1/2 cups each of pecans and almonds,you can try 1 cup of each and add 1 cup of walnuts or cashews.
2.Great hostess gift.Store them in air tight container and decorate with a ribbon bow.I gifted these in a christmas container ,to one of my son's therapists and she loved it.

Papad is a wafer thin disc made from ground lentils and legumes.They are served roasted or fried and make a great appetizer or even a side dish.This is a slightly different way of frying the papads without deep frying them.




Ingredients
2 Papads
¼ Medium Onion , finely chopped
½ Medium Tomato , deseeded and finely chopped
5 Sprigs Cilantro , finely chopped
1 Green Chili , finely chopped, to taste
½ tsp Lemon Or Lime Juice
½ tsp Chaat Masala
Salt , to taste
Red Chili Powder , to taste

Directions
1.Mix the vegetables for the toppings and also add the spices to the vegetable mix.
2.For prepping the papad you have many options,You can dry roast the papad in microwave for 1 minute.Another option is to dry roast the papad on a griddle (tawa).
For frying the papad,you can either deep fry them(not an healthy option) or the best way to achieve the deep fried taste without frying them is to put a teaspoon of oil on tawa and roast the papad on it.
3.Finally sprinkle the toppings generously on the papad and serve hot.
'njoy!!!
Sending this to Suma from Veggie Platter for her event Sidedishes other than Dals/Subzis.

Aloo tikki is a savory appetizer which can be eaten as is or in many different ways...Aloo Tikki Chaat,Cholle Tikki,Vegetable Burger(if the patties are little bigger),or as cocktail snack(if the patties are really small).One dish many ways to serve....yummmm.


As you can see above the tikki's are heart shaped...this was what I made for valentine's day.My DH just loves anything spicy..though we are trying to cut down on spicy and oily food...but I guess once in a while is allowed.Right???Anyways coming back to the recipe

Ingredients
6-8 medium sized potatoes-boiled and peeled
1-2 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp garam masala
salt according to taste
3-4 tblsp bread crumbs (see tips below)
Oil for Pan frying the tikkis( notice pan frying and not deep frying)
heart shaped cookie cutter-if you want to make tikkis in that shape(optional)

Directions
1.Mash the boiled potatoes and mix salt,red chilli and Garam masala.
2.Add the bed crumbs and mix well with mashed potatoes.
3.Shape the tikkis in round shape or if you want any other shape,keep the cookie cutter on the pan in which you plan to pan fry the tikkis and press the potato masala in the cookie cutter.Remove the cookie cutter and make the rest of the tikkis the same way.
4.Using Oil spray ..spray some oil on the pan and let it heat well.Once it is very hot put the tikkis in it and bring the heat to medium-medium low.
5.Wait patiently...less oil means cooking on low heat and for a little more time but the results are wonderful.
6.Once golden brown,flip and let it cook on other side.
7.Serve hot with cholle for cholle tikki.Top with finely cut onions,imli chutney,coriander and sev.
8.Alternately serve with yogurt poured on top of tikkis with imli chutney,coriander chutney,onions and sev for Aloo-Tikki Chaat.
'njoy!!!

Tips
1.If you don't have bread crumbs readily available..no problem.For every medium sized potato take a sandwich bread slice...any kind will work ..white bread,wheat bread.Soak it in water for few seconds and then mash it potatoes.It will do the work of binding.
2.If you dont have bread or bread crumbs...no problem again .If you have murmure (also known as puffed rice/kurmure/murmure/mamra) grind them coarsely in the mixer and mix with the potatoes.They work well.

Sending this recipe to Priya for her St.Valentine's Day Event and to Akila for her Event Dish Name Starts with-A

Chivda is a traditional Marathi snack and is really addictive :).I assure you ...once you have it ready,it won't last long.This was my father's favourite...my mom had a tough time trying to save it for unexpected guests as the 3 of is(my father,brother and me) were eating it anytime we could sneak a bowl. It is like trail mix.

Ingredients
2 cups thin poha
1/2 cup roasted chick peas(dalia)
1/2 cup thinly sliced dry coconut
2 tbsp oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
5-6 curry leaves
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
1/4 cup peanuts
1/4 cup cashews (optional)
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
2 green chillies (diced finely)
1 tsp salt
2 tsp sugar

Directions
1.Roast the poha on medium heat and keep aside.
2.Heat oil in a big pan (big enough to hold all the ingredients and mix them).
3.Fry chana daal (dalia) till it turns golden brown in color.Remove from oil and drain it on a paper towel.
4.Fry peanuts till it turns brown in color.Remove from oil on a paper towel.
5.Fry the sliced dry coconuts till golden color and remove on paper towel.
6.Add mustard seeds,curry leaves and green chillies till they start to splutter.
7.Reduce the heat and add salt,turmeric powder,sugar and red chilli powder.
8.Finally add the poha,chana daal dalia,peanuts,sliced cocnuts,cashwes and raisins and mix well on medium low flame.
9.Cool completely and store in an air tight container.

Rememeber to mix the seasonings well since salt can sometimes settle at the bottom and then some servings may taste bland and some very salty.
'njoy!!!

Headlines-DH wants healthy ,crunchy snack and no it cannot be Dryfruits,and it cannot be Popcorn.I was at wits end trying to think what is it that I can make which will work for evening Snack and Dinner (It was the weekend and I just wanted to sit down and watch some movie ).

Finally after opening and closing the fridge,freezer and pantry to see what I have to turn into healthy Snacker (Snack+Dinner=Snacker) I came up with this Dish.Hope you like it.



Ingredients
3 Large Boiled potatoes
1/2 cup boiled green peas
1 cup Boiled spinach
1/2 cup roasted peanuts (crushed)
2 tbsps Chopped cilantro
1 tbsp Chopped green chili
1 tbsp Chopped / grated ginger
1 tsp Chaat masala
1/2 cup Bread Crumbs
Salt As per taste
Red Pepper Flakes (If you want it more spicy)
Oil Spray for pan roasting the Tikki's

Directions:
1.Peel and Mash the boiled Potatoes.
2.In a blender puree the Boiled peas,boiled spinach,Chopped Cilantro,Chopped Green Chilli and grated ginger.Keep in mind to keep the mix a little thick and not let it blend to a runny consistency.
3.Mix the above Blended Puree and Potatoes.Also add the Bread Crumbs,crushed roasted peanuts and the seasonings.
4.Divide the mixture into equal portions and make Tikkis by flattening the mix between your Palms.
5.In a non stick pan spray a little oil so as just to coat the pan and keeping the stove on Medium Pan roast the tikkis till they are done.
6.Serve with Tomato Sauce.
'njoy!!!

Tip
1.For making firm cutlets (tikki) follow this Tip.

My experiments with food and cooking started after seeing that my DH always came back hungry when we were eating out.He is always concerned about what are we eating,its quality and the amount of fat in it.So I started experimenting and trying recipes at home.
I tasted this Kachori at my friends place .As we decided to drop in suddenly to surprise them she had to delve into her freezer.She came out with Matar Kachori.I loved it!!!!So I decided to try it at home .Kept on experimenting and finally came up with this.Hope you like it.

Ingredients
For Cover
All Purpose Flour- 1 cup
Salt- Acc to taste
Oil- 1 table spoon
Frozen Peas- 1 cup.
Oil- 1 tablespoon (for making Filling)
Hing/asafoetida- 1 pinch
Jeera/cumin seeds- ¼ tsp
Coriandar powder - ½ tsp
Red Chilli - 1 tsp (you can reduce it according to your taste)
Garam masala- 1/4 tsp
Amachoor powder - ¼ tsp
Green chilli - 2-3 ( finely cut )
Ginger - 1 inch long piece ( Finely Grated )
Salt - Acc to taste
Oil- For frying

Method

Filling
1.Thaw the frozen peas and blanch them in hot water.Let it cool for few minutes and then make a paste of the peas in the blender.
2.In a heavy bottomed pan put oil and let it heat.Add hing,jeera,saunf,Green Chilli,Ginger and let it splutter.
3.Add dhaniya powder and then add the peas.
4.Add red chilli,Garam Masala,Amchoor Powder, and salt.Let it cook for 5-6 minutes. Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan .
5.Take small flour balls and roll it to 2 cm diameter.
6.Put a small amount of filling and seal the open edge to form small balls.
7.Fry the kachoris and let it fry till it turns golden brown.
8.Sprinkle Chat powder on top of kachori and serve with tamarind Chutney,Green Chutney or simply Tomato sauce.