VEGETARIAN – Batter Up With Sujata

Mint Yogurt Dip

Mint yogurt dip. A delicious dip similar to Greek sauce tzatziki which is a yogurt based sauce made of cucumber, lemon juice or vinegar, garlic, mint or dil. But its without cucumber and garlic. Mint, little cilantro, a small green chilli and a dash of lemon juice mixed this yogurt based sauce taste delectable.

Here are some more dip or chutney recipes on this blog.

1. Beetroot dip

2. Waterchestnut chutney or dip

3. Onion tomato chutney or dip

4. Peanut chutney or dip

5. Eggplant chutney

6. Almond walnut chutney with mango ginger

7. Mint almond hummus

8. Mint carrot beetroot hummus with green peas

9. Ginger chutney

10. Mango sesame chutney

11. Capsicum salsa

To make this delicious dip we need thick curd. You can serve this dip with veggies, snacks or pita bread. I think it would be great with Aruna’s Cucumber discs and pipes.

Strain the curd or yogurt with a cheesecloth or use Greek yogurt. Don’t use watery curd or yogurt. Very finely chopped or coarsely ground mint leaves and green chilli will give a wonderful taste. This dip is very lightly spicy because of a small green chilli and pepper powder. You can increase or decrease the chilli and pepper according to your taste. I have used 1 tablespoon cilantro or coriander leaves for taste. You can use 1 tablespoon more if you like. Or skip if you don’t like cilantro. Leaves should be coarsely ground don’t grind to a smooth paste. You can also use half grated and squeezed cucumber into the dip. Taste the cucumber before using. Don’t use bitter cucumber.

Recipe

Thick curd or hung curd – 1/2 cup

Mint leaves – 1/4 cup

Cilantro or coriander leaves – 1 tablespoon, chopped

Green chilli – 1 small

Lemon juice – 1 & 1/2 teaspoon or to taste

Black or pink salt – 1/2 teaspoon or to taste

Black pepper powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Method

1. Finely chop or coarsely ground mint leaves ,green chilli and cilantro or coriander.

2. Add hung curd or thick yogurt, black or pink salt, black pepper powder and lemon juice. If you don’t like your dip tangy use one teaspoon lemon juice.

3. Blend everything well. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more lemon juice if require.

4. Pour the dip into a bowl. Garnish with mint leaves. Serve with any snacks, pita bread, vegetable sticks or serve with any meal instead of raita. You can also use the dip as a sandwich spread.

Notes

1. Use chilli and black pepper according to your taste.

2. If you like less salted dip add 1/4 teaspoon first and adjust after tasting. 1/2 teaspoon is perfect for me. You can also use rock salt instead of black salt. But black or pink salt taste best.

3. You can add half grated and squeezed cucumber into the dip while blending. Squeeze the water of cucumber completely before adding.

4. You can store this dip in refrigerator to serve chilled.

If you tried my recipe, you can share your food pictures with me in the social network sites by using hashtag, #batterupwithsujata I would love to see your creations.

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Double Layered Aloo Paneer Cheese Paratha

Double layered aloo, paneer cheese paratha. A delicious layered paratha with potato, cottage cheese and cheese stuffing. Enjoy the different taste in one paratha.

Paratha or this Indian flatbread can be served in breakfast, lunch or dinner. But usually we make it for breakfast. A delicious and filling dish to start the day. Also sharing the method of only aloo paratha with this double layered paratha. If you feel your potato mixture for stuffing little soggy and difficult to roll, add 1-2 tablespoon roasted chickpea flour or sattu in the potato mixture. Keep aside for 10 minutes and you will get perfectly dry potato mixture.

You need atta or whole wheat flour, boiled potatoes, paneer or cottage cheese, cilantro or coriander leaves, green chilli with cheese and spices to make this paratha

You may like some more paratha recipes on this blog.

Sabudana or tapioca paratha or flatbread with sweet corn, green peas and paneer or cottage cheese. A delicious and easy to make fasting food.

Mixed veg stuffed paratha or pan fried flat bread with oats and whole wheat flour.

Peanut stuffed paratha. If you like the flavour of south Indian dishes then you will love South Indian flavour in this north Indian paratha.

Usually we make aloo paratha, paneer paratha or cheese paratha separately. Or with aloo cheese mixture. But in this recipe you will get all the taste in one paratha. I made it with whole wheat flour or atta but you can use all purpose flour or maida for the dough. Or use half atta and half maida. Choice is your. Maida paratha is definitely more tasty but not healthy at all so better to use atta. To make the stuffing more spicy add more chopped green chilli and red chilli powder or if you are making for kids reduce or skip green chilli. Cheese is also optional. If you don’t like cheese, you can omit it. Always add little salt while boiling the potatoes. Similarly you can use green peas, cauliflower or any stuffings. If you don’t like paneer then you can use any stuffing of your choice instead of paneer.

Recipe

For dough

Whole wheat flour or atta – 1 cup

Salt – 1/2 teaspoon

Oil – 1&1/2 teaspoon

Water – 1/2 cup

For potato stuffing

Potato – 3, boiled

Cilantro or coriander leaves – 3 tablespoon

Green chilli – 2-3, finely chopped

Salt to taste

Cumin powder – 1 teaspoon

Chaat masala powder – 1 teaspoon

Cheese as require

For paneer stuffing

Paneer or cottage cheese – 1/2 cup tightly packed

Salt to taste

Cumin powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Chaat masala – 1/2 teaspoon

Cilantro or coriander leaves – 1/2 teaspoon

Green chilli – 1-2, finely chopped

Oil or ghee for frying paratha

Method

1. In a large bowl mix atta, salt and 1 teaspoon oil. Mix everything well. Now add water gradually and knead the dough. Don’t add entire water in one go. Knead the dough to make soft dough like roti or paratha. Dough shouldn’t be too soft, make a pliable dough. Smear the dough with 1/2 teaspoon oil. Cover and keep aside for 15-20 minutes.

2. Peel and grate the boiled potatoes. You can use potato masher to mash the potatoes. There shouldn’t be any lump. Add salt, chopped cilantro or coriander leaves, green chilli, cumin powder and chaat masala powder. Mix well. If you don’t have chaat masala use anardana powder or dry mango powder/amchur. You can also add little garam masala powder and red chilli powder if you like.

3. In another bowl grate or mash the paneer. I have used homemade paneer. To get the method of making paneer click here. Add salt, cumin powder, chaat masala powder, chopped green chilli and coriander leaves. Mix well.

4. Now knead the dough again. Make small puri like balls. We need three small balls for each paratha.

5. Take one ball and roll with rolling pin into a thin roti. Roll the ball evenly. Sides should be also thin. Roll thin roti as much as you can. Make two roti and place on a plate.

6. Take third ball and make a thin roti again. Spread a thick layer of patato mixture over it leaving the sides. Spread grated cheese over the potatoes. I have Amul diced cheese. A blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. So I used it with little cheese slice pieces. You can use any grated cheese.

7. Place a thin roti over it. Press gently with your fingers. Seal the edges by pressing with your finger tips. Spread paneer mixture over it leaving the sides. Cover it with another thin roti. Seal the edges again.

8. Press gently and sprinkle some flour on top and turn upside down. Sprinkle some flour again. Roll it very gently. Don’t press much.

9. Heat a tawa/skillet or pan. Place the paratha on it. Keep the flame low medium to cook the paratha evenly. Flip the paratha upside down and cook the other side till light brown. Press the paratha gently with a spatula.

10. Spread oil or ghee on both sides. And fry the paratha on low medium heat till golden brown. Flip the paratha carefully to avoid breaking like this.

11. You can cut the paratha in four pieces before serving with pizza cutter or knife. I have made three large size paratha with this stuffing. For remaining dough boiled two more potatoes and made simple aloo paratha.

12. For perfectly delicious aloo paratha always take the dough ball smaller than potato mixture. Dip the ball in flour and roll into 5 inch diameter. Make the potato stuffing as above. Place potato mixture in the middle. You can add some grated cheese with potato mixture. Kids will love the cheesy taste.

13. Gather the edges and pinch to seal it properly. After sealing well gently press with your palm. Dip the stuffed ball in flour and roll the paratha evenly. Roll into thin or thick paratha as you like. I like my aloo paratha thin. Don’t press much roll gently.

14. Now fry the paratha on medium high heat. Press the paratha with a spatula. Fry from both sides with oil or ghee.

15. Or you can roll two thin roti. Spread the stuffing on one roti and cover it with another roti. Seal the edges by pressing with your fingers tips. Sprinkle some dry flour and roll the paratha evenly. Fry the paratha as above method.

16. Serve hot paratha with curd or raita, pickle and butter.

Notes

1. You can add finely chopped onion in the stuffing.

2. You can make the paratha dough with maida or refined flour or use half refined flour/maida and half whole wheat flour/atta if you want.

3. You can use amchur, garam masala, anardana, red chilli powder or any spices of your choice.

4. Use green chilli according to your taste.

5. Green peas, cauliflower or any stuffing can be used instead of paneer.

If you tried my recipe, you can share your food pictures with me in the social network sites by using hashtag, #batterupwithsujata I would love to see your creations.

I would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and suggestions in comment.

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Tisane Or Caffeine Free Herbal Tea

Tisane or caffeine free herbal tea with blue pea and chamomile tea, HolyBasil and mint. A refreshing and flavorful drink with numerous health benefits. Enjoy the delicious aromatic tea warm or chilled.

According to Wikipedia Herbal teas—less commonly called tisanes are beverages made from the infusion or decoction of herbs, spices, or other plant material in hot water. The term “herbal tea” is often used in contrast to true teas, which are prepared from the cured leaves of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis.

Tisanes or caffeine free herbal tea can be served hot and cold both. I have used Organic Blue pea and chamomile tea bags or herbal infusion to make this tea. But if you don’t have blue pea tea then you can use any green tea bag. And I have Ceylon cinnamon dip bags or pouch so I used it. These herbal infusion bags are full of strong cinnamon flavour. But you can also use cinnamon powder if you want.

To get one more herbal tea click here. This blue pea tea looks beautiful blue in colour but when you add lemon juice it becomes purple.

Ingredients used in this herbal tea.

1. Blue pea and chamomile tea. Blue Tea is made by seeping dried butterfly-pea flowers in water and can be enjoyed both hot and cold. It is also said to have weight loss benefits. Blue tea is said to have detox and weight loss benefits Blue tea is caffeine-free and a good alternative to tea or coffee. While chamomile is very well-known for its mild and soothing flavour that acts as a stress buster. To read more about blue pea tea click here.

Cinnamon. The spice comes from the inner bark of a small evergreen tree. The bark is peeled and laid in the sun to dry, where it curls up into rolls known as cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon is also available in powdered form. It has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Contains antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects. Its prebiotic properties may improve gut health. Reduces blood pressure. Lowers blood sugar and risk of type 2 diabetes. Relieves digestive discomfort. Source

Tulsi or Holy Basil From the leaves to the seed, holy basil is considered a tonic for the body, mind, and spirit. Different parts of the plant are recommended for treating different conditions. The nutritional valueTrusted Source is also high, as it contains: vitamin A and C, calcium, zinc, iron, chlorophyll. Holy basil has been shown to boost your body’s health in a variety of ways. It can help protect against infection, lower your blood sugar, lower your cholesterol, ease joint pain, and protect your stomach. Source – Healthline

Lemons are high in vitamin C, fiber, and various beneficial plant compounds. These nutrients are responsible for several health benefits. Lemons contain a high amount of vitamin C, soluble fiber, and plant compounds that give them a number of health benefits. Lemons may aid weight loss and reduce your risk of heart disease, anemia, kidney stones, digestive issues, and cancer. Not only are lemons a very healthy fruit, but they also have a distinct, pleasant taste and smell that make them a great addition to foods and drinks. Source

Mint makes a delicious and healthy addition to many foods and beverages. Mint’s health benefits range from improving brain function and digestive symptoms to relieving breastfeeding pain, cold symptoms and even bad breath. To know more click here.

Rock salt or Sendha namak, a type of salt, is formed when salt water from a sea or lake evaporates and leaves behind colorful crystals of sodium chloride. Sendha namak, or rock salt, has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to boost skin health and treat coughs, colds, and stomach conditions. Sendha namak is highly valued in Ayurveda, a system of alternative medicine originating in India. According to this tradition, rock salts offer numerous health benefits, such as treating colds and coughs, as well as aiding digestion and eyesight. Source

So here is a healthy and aromatic warm drink to enjoy in the Monsoon. You may also like this hot delicious Lemon coriander amla soup by Swaty Malik As I mentioned above that you can serve this caffeine free herbal tea hot or cold. If you don’t have blue pea tea then you can use green tea instead. I used ginger powder as I always use it in my regular Herbal tea But you can use fresh ginger. Just grate the ginger before adding in the water. And instead of Cylon cinnamon dip bag you can use 1 teaspoon Cinnamon powder.

Recipe

Blue pea and chamomile tea bags or green tea bag – 2

Tulsi or HolyBasil – 15 leaves

Cinnamon dip bag – 1, or 1 teaspoon Cinnamon powder

Lemon – 4 slices

Dried ginger powder or fresh grated ginger – 1 teaspoon

Mint – 15 leaves

Rock salt – a pinch

Honey to taste, optional

Water – 4 cup

Lemon juice – 2 – 3 teaspoon or to taste

Method

1. Boil the water with tulsi or Holy basil leaves, dried ginger powder, rock salt and mint leaves for 5 minutes.

2. In a teapot place teabag and cinnamon pouch. Pour the boiled water with tulsi, mint leaves and dried ginger. Also add a few fresh tulsi, mint leaves and lemon slices.

3. Cover the teapot and let it steep for 5 minutes.

4. Now strain the tea in cup. Add honey and lemon juice to taste. Enjoy caffeine free refreshing and flavorful warm blue tea anytime. Or let it cool down and serve chilled with some ice cubes. Or refrigerate the tea and serve chilled.

Notes

1. If you don’t like your tea sweet skip honey.

2. You can use any sweetener instead of honey.

3. Green tea bag can be used instead of blue pea teabag.

4. You can also use cinnamon powder instead of cinnamon dip bag.

If you tried my recipe, you can share your food pictures with me in the social network sites by using hashtag, #batterupwithsujata I would love to see your creations.

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Masoor dal Chochchori Or Chorchori

Masoor dal chochchori or chorchori. A flavorful and delicious thick dal to serve with roti, paratha or steamed rice. Easy to cook but taste is scrumptious. This red lentil or Masoor dal chochchori is an age old recipe from Bengali cuisine.

After bhaja muger dal and narkol die chholar dal this Masoor dal chochchori is my most favourite dal. Serve it as a side dish or enjoy bowlful hot dal on its own. Earlier shared one more masoor dal recipe from Bengali cuisine. To get the recipe click here.

This recipe is my contribution for 306 #Foodiemonday bloghop theme is dal or lentil. This time it was my turn to suggest. Let’s see what my fellow bloggers share. Waiting for some wonderful dal or lentil recipes.

This dal recipe is very easy but taste is absolutely mouthwatering. I have used fried garlic cloves to garnish because my daughter loves fried garlic cloves in dal but you can skip this step if you don’t like. Also Kashmiri red chilli powder is not used in authentic recipe but I used to add some colour. You can use mustard oil to make this dal and omit ghee. Or make the dal with any oil and add a teaspoon of ghee before removing from heat. Choice is your.

Recipe

Masoor dal or red lentil – 1 cup

Green cardamom – 2-3

Cinnamon – 1/2 inch piece

Cloves – 3

Bay leaf – 1

Onion – 1, chopped

Garlic – 3-4

Ginger – 1/2 inch piece

Ghee or clarified butter – 2 tablespoon

Salt to taste Sugar – 1/2 teaspoon, optional

Garlic cloves – 6 to garnish, optional

Cumin powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Coriander powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Kashmiri red chilli powder – 1 teaspoon, optional

Water – 3 cup

Cilantro or coriander leaves – 2-3 tablespoon, chopped

Green chilli – 3-4 or to taste

Method

1. Wash the dal well and soak in water for 5-10 minutes. Drain the water completely and keep aside.

2. Crush the cardamom, cinnamon and cloves in a mortar pestle.

3. Grind onion, garlic, ginger and one green chilli into a smooth paste.

4. In a small bowl mix turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder and 1 tablespoon water. Mix well. You can use hot variety red chilli powder if you want your dal more spicy.

5. In a pan or wok heat ghee or clarified butter. You can use half ghee half oil if you want. See notes for more options.

6. Fry the garlic cloves till golden brown and take out of the ghee or clarified butter. This step is optional. You can skip if you want.

7. Add crushed cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and bay leaf. Add onion, garlic, ginger, chilli paste and saute till oil leaves the sides and raw smell of onion garlic goes away.

8. Add water mixed all the spices. Fry again till everything dried up and oil leaves the sides.

9. Now add drained dal or red lentil. Saute for 2 minute. Add water, salt, chopped cilantro or coriander leaves, 2-3 green chilli and sugar if using. Mix well.

10. Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until dal becomes soft and thick on medium flame. Check in-between and stir. Dal should be thick. Taste and adjust salt if required.

11. Garnish with cilantro or coriander leaves and fried garlic cloves if using. Serve with steamed rice or Indian flatbread or any bread.

Notes

1. Mustard oil can be used instead of ghee or clarified butter.

2. Add green chilli according to your taste. Use more green chilli or red chilli powder if you want your dal spicy.

If you tried my recipe, you can share your food pictures with me in the social network sites by using hashtag, #batterupwithsujata I would love to see your creations.

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Masala Paniyaram Or Appe

Masala paniyaram or appe. A delicious and cute looking snack or breakfast dish with only a few drops of oil. Earlier shared some easy and quick instant appe recipe. Now sharing authentic recipe of appe or masala paniyaram. You need only thick grain rice and black lentils or udad dal with some spices to make this delicious appe/kuzhi paniyaram or paddu.

You can also use leftover fermented idli or dosa batter to make appe.

Paddu is an Indian dish made by steaming batter using a mould. It is named variously kuzhi paniyaram, paniyaram, paddu, guliyappa, yeriyappa, gundponglu, gunta ponganalu, or Tulu: appadadde, appe. The batter is made of black lentils and rice and is similar in composition to the batter used to make idli and dosa. Wikipedia

My Family members and friends love these appe as breakfast or snacks. I got this recipe 7-8 years ago from my friend Keerti Gupta. Now she is just like my younger sister. We met in a food group. That time I was a novice in food photography and writing recipes. I started to share my diabetic friendly innovative recipes whatever I tried for my husband. I love the way Keerti shared her recipes and interact with other group members. She always supports me and gave all the tips and tricks to click and write down the recipes. Now she is not active on social media but we are still connected with each other. I am very happy today to sharing her recipe on my blog. Thanks Keerti for the recipe.

Copy pasting Keerti’s words here. “The authentic recipe looks little cumbersome but trust me this gonna taste heaven.” So friends try and enjoy these delicious cuties as snacks or breakfast.

You may like some instant appe recipes on this blog.

1. Carrot peas instant appe

2. Rice appe with cooked rice

3. Masoor dal or red lentil appe

4. Beetroot appe

5. Semolina and lentil appe

6. Roasted gram or sattu appe

7. Semolina and flatten rice appe

8. Sprouts and oats appe

Monday again and this week’s 305 #Foodiemonday bloghop theme is Monsoon Snacks suggested by Sasmita Sahoo Samanta who blog at First Timer Cook. You can get numerous delicious recipes on her space like Jamun coconut panna cotta and many more.

My contribution for this theme is this healthy and yummy masala paniyaram. You need thick rice or mota chawal or idli rice to make these appe. But sometimes I also used regular Basmati rice if thick rice or idli rice was not available. But now its always available in local grocery store. You have to soak rice and split black lentils or udad dal overnight and grind in the morning. Let it ferment till evening and make the paniyaram for evening snacks. Or you can soak rice and lentil in the morning and grind in evening. Ferment overnight and your batter will ready for breakfast. You can half the ingredients if you want. Rice:dal ratio should be 1:1/3. You need only a drop of oil for each appe and after flipping no oil required for cooking other side.

Recipe

Thick rice/mota chawal or idli rice – 3 cup

Black lentils or udad dal – 1 cup

Salt to taste

Cilantro or coriander – handful, chopped

Green chilli – 3-4 or to taste, finely chopped

Ginger – 1 inch piece, grated or paste

Grated Coconut – 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup, optional

Mustard seeds or rai as require

Vegetable oil as require

Curry leaves – 1 tablespoon, finely chopped

Method

1. Wash & soak dal and rice separately for atleast for 5 hours or overnight. I have used split black lentils or udad dal.

2. First grind dal with little water to a smooth paste and in the same jar grind the rice with just enough water.

3. In a large bowl mix ground rice, udad dal or black lentils and salt. Mix well and cover with a lid (not an airtight lid). Leave it overnight to ferment. You can keep it in your switched off microwave oven. Batter will rise after ferment so don’t fill the bowl. Fill half of the bowl only or batter will be spilled out of the bowl after ferment.

4. In the morning the batter should be raised but in case it doesn’t add a teaspoon of Eno fruit salt just before pouring them in Paniyaram Pan. If the batter has raised, dont use eno.

5. Add chopped cilantro or coriander leaves, green chilli, ginger, chopped curry leaves and coconut if using. Mix well.

6. Heat a appe or paniyaram pan on high flame. Now simmer the flame and pour one drop of oil in each slot.

7. Sprinkle a pinch of rai. When the seeds starts to splutter start pouring Paniyaram batter in every holes. Flame should be sim.

8. After filling all the holes close the pan with a lid & Increase the flame to low medium. Dont ever put it on high.Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, checking occasionally. Remember the slots in middle cook faster than others.

7. When appe becomes nicely browned, flip them with fork or spoon or wooden stick. After flipping dont cover.

8. Cook on low medium heat. This side will take more time than the previous one so please be patient. If u increase the flame they will burn and remain raw from inside.

9. Now your masala paniyaram is ready. Serve with any chutney or sauce of your choice.

Notes

1. If batter doesnt rise overnight add a teaspoon of Eno right before you pour the batter in pan.

2. You can add grated carrot, onion or any vegetable of your choice.

3. You need only a drop of oil. After flipping the appe or paniyaram you don’t need need to add oil again.

4. Patience is the key, dont leave the sight else it will be a mess. Better to cook on low heat for crisp outside paniyaram.

5. Paniyarams taste best when hot.

If you tried my recipe, you can share your food pictures with me in the social network sites by using hashtag, #batterupwithsujata I would love to see your creations.

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Baked Bitter Gourd Or Karela

Baked bitter gourd or karela. Make this nutritious and immunity booster vegetable in an easy way. You don’t need to spend lots of time in kitchen in this scorching hot weather. Just mix everything and bake. Enjoy the crispy bitter gourd as a side dish.

You can peel the bitter gourd if you don’t like the bitterness. And add more onions while baking. You can also add some lemon juice before serving. Crispy delicious baked karela will be a perfect side dish for any meal.

You may like some more bitter gourd recipes on this blog.

1. Bitter gourd with tomato

2. Sukto

3. Gujarati bitter gourd stir fry

4. Bitter gourd dopyaza

5. Crispy bitter gourd and potato

According to Healthline here are some health benefits of bitter gourd.

• Packs Several Important Nutrients. Bitter melon is a great source of several key nutrients.

• Can Help Reduce Blood Sugar.

• May Have Cancer-Fighting Properties.

• Could Decrease Cholesterol Levels.

• May Aid Weight Loss.

• Versatile and Delicious.

Linking this recipe to Facebook gourmet group Shhhhh Cooking Secretly Challenge. In this monthly group members are paired with different partners every month and two secret ingredients are given to each other. We have to use these ingredients in our recipe. This month theme is Fear Not Bitter suggested by Seema Doraiswamy Sriram who blog at Mildly Indian. Seema is a very talented blogger. You can get numerous healthy and delicious recipes on her blog. I recently bookmarked her Millet jaggery cake and some more.

This month my partner is Poonam Bachhav. I love her space for her versatile recipes. Specially her authentic thali recipes. You can also get many delicious, healthy treat on her blog. You will definitely love her Mango bundt cake and many more. Poonam gave me cumin and Amchur as secret ingredients and I gave her milk and jaggery. Poonam made Eggless banana chocolate cupcakes with these ingredients.

You can use as much shallot or small onions as you want. Sliced onion and shallot both will reduce the bitterness. I used Kashmiri red chilli powder to add some colour. You can skip it or if you want your karela more spicy then you can add hot variety red chilli powder.

Recipe

Bitter gourd or karela – 2

Shallot/sambhar onion or small onions – 15

Onion – 1 large Salt to taste

Cumin powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon

Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Kashmiri red chilli powder – 1 teaspoon

Amchur or dry mango powder – 1 teaspoon

Oil – 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon

Coriander leaves and lemon wedges to garnish

Method

1. Wash the karela or bitter gourd and cut off the both tips. Cut the bitter gourd or karela into thin round slices. You can peel the bitter gourd to reduce the bitterness. I didn’t.

2. Peel the sambhar onion or shallot and keep aside. Slice one large onion. You can use one more onion if you like.

3. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil and brush with little oil. I used parchment paper.

4. In a bowl mix all the dry spices, salt, 1 tablespoon oil and bitter gourd slices. Mix well and keep aside for 10-15 minutes.

5. Arrange the marinated bitter gourd slices on lined baking tray in single layer.

6. In the same bowl mix shallot and onion slices with little salt and one teaspoon oil.

7..Bake the bitter gourd slices at 200 degree temperature for 10 minutes.

8. Take out the baking tray and mix both the onion with bitter gourd slices.

8. Bake for 10 minutes again or until bitter gourd becomes crisp. Keep an eye after 7 minutes. Bitter gourd shouldn’t be burnt.

9. Garnish with cilantro or coriander leaves and lemon wedges. You can add some lemon juice before serving. Serve warm as a side dish.

Note- To reduce the bitterness peel the bitter gourd and use more onion.

If you tried my recipe, you can share your food pictures with me in the social network sites by using hashtag, #batterupwithsujata I would love to see your creations.

I would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and suggestions in comment.

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Gluten Free Bread With Garlic And Mixed Seeds

Gluten free multigrain milk bread with garlic, mixed seeds and Italian herbs. A super healthy breakfast bread with quinoa, bajra or pearl millet, soybean and oats. And you don’t have to compromise on taste for health. This bread is nutritious and delicious. Posting after a long time. A very difficult month. Lost some near and dear ones. Still some are under treatment. May God bless all. Please stay home stay safe and protect others.

I have used mixed garlic and herbs in the dough this time. You can also make this bread by following my Stuffed savoury bread recipe. I sometimes make like it. Make the dough first and pat or roll the dough into flat and rectangular. Spread fried or roasted garlic, Italian herbs or chopped cilantro or coriander leaves and cheese. And fold it to make loaf. After baking and slicing you will get the bread slice like this 👇

Have a look on the ingredients of this gluten free bread.

Bajra or pearl millet flour. Most famous millet and rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals and many healthy nutrients.

Quinoa flour. Quinoa is also very high in fiber, protein, iron and unsaturated fat. And it has a Low Glycemic Index, which is good for blood sugar control.

Soybean flour. Protein enriched soybean flour also is rich in vitamins and minerals. Low calorie soybean flour is great for health watchers and diabetic people.

Oats powder or oatmeal. Oatmeal is high in fiber, minerals, antioxidants and various vitamins. It helps to reduce blood sugar levels and reduce risk of heart disease. It also helps to weight loss. Source – Healthline

Xanthan gum. According to King Arthur Baking Xanthan gum helps you get that with gluten-free bread. It locks in moisture to the dough, while also providing structure, so your loaf will hold its shape while baking and slice up perfectly when cooled.

Salt. Salt will enhance the taste of the bread.

Olive oil. Heart healthy olive oil will make your bread soft. You can use any oil or butter instead.

Yeast. It will make your bread soft and airy.

Brown sugar. Sugar helps to activate the yeast. You can also use white sugar or honey. It also enhance the taste.

Milk. You can use water instead of milk but milk will make your bread more soft. And milk is packed with important nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, B vitamins, potassium and vitamin D. Plus, it’s an excellent source of protein. Source

Milk powder. It will enhance the flavour and taste. And milk powder will also help to browning the crust.

Vinegar. Acidic vinegar will help to add flavour to your bread.

Oregano, rosemary and basil. Used dried herbs for taste and flavour. You can use any herbs of your choice.

Garlic. Use lightly fried garlic for flavour. Garlic is well known for it’s numerous health benefits.

Mixed seeds. Nutrients rich mixed seeds will also enhance the taste of your bread. . I have roasted mixed seeds including sunflower, pumpkin, flax, watermelon, chia and gojiberries seeds. You can use any seeds.

Sending this post to #Foodiemonday bloghop theme is Lockdown Recipes suggested by Narmadha who blog at Nams Corner. Narmadha has a wonderful blog with different types of veg and none veg healthy recipes. I bookmarked her Healthy granola bar and Masala fish fry recipe to try.

This gluten free bread is not only healthy but its also delicious. If you want you can add one cup of whole wheat flour while making dough to make multigrain bread. If you have dough hook then you can make this dough in less time. Keep the dough soft to make soft bread. And you can add more garlic if you like. You can use any flavour instead of Italian herbs.

Recipe

Bajra or pearl millet flour – 1/2 cup

Quinoa flour – 1/2 cup

Soyabean flour – 1/2 cup

Oats powder – 1/2 cup

Xanthan gum – 2 teaspoon

Salt – 1&1/2 teaspoon

Olive oil – 3 tablespoon + for greasing

Dry yeast – 1&1/2 teaspoon

Brown sugar – 1 tablespoon

Warm milk – 1&1/2 cup

Milk powder – 2 tablespoon

Vinegar – 1&1/2 tablespoon

Oregano – 1 teaspoon

Dried Rosemary – 1 teaspoon

Dried basil – 1/2 teaspoon

Oats and sesame seeds to sprinkle

Garlic – 19-20 cloves or more

Mixed seeds – 4-5 tablespoon

Method

1. In a bowl mix brown sugar, yeast and warm 1/2 cup warm milk. Milk should be warm not hot. Cover and keep aside for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes yeast mixture will be foamy.

2. In a large bowl mix oats powder, sieved bajra or pearl millet flour, quinoa flour and soybean flour, xanthan gum, salt, milk powder vinegar, dried basil, dried rosemary, oregano, mixed seeds and 2 tablespoon olive oil.

3. Make a hole in the middle and pour foamy yeast mixture and 1 cup warm milk. Knead well. Use your food processor or dough hook of your hand mixer to knead the dough for 5 minutes.

4. Dough will be soft and sticky. Smear the dough with oil and also grease the bowl generously. Cover the bowl and keep in a warm place for an hour or till the dough becomes double.

5. In the meantime heat one tablespoon oil in a pan. Fry the garlic cloves lightly. Don’t make too brown. Fry till garlic cloves becomes light brown. You can use more garlic cloves if you like.

6. Let it cool down. Chop the fried garlic cloves roughly. After one hour dust your cleaned kitchen counter with flour. Take out the dough with your oil greased palm. Punch down the dough. Place the dough on your cleaned and flour dusted kitchen counter.

7. Knead the dough again. Now the dough will be less sticky. Add fried and chopped garlic cloves. And mix well. Flatten the dough with your oil greased palm. Press the dough into flat and rectangular. Fold and shape the dough into a loaf.

8. Place the loaf in a oil greased loaf pan. Cover and keep in warm place for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes loaf will becomes double. Brush the top with milk and sprinkle white sesame seeds and oats.

9. Preheat the oven at 190°. Bake for 40- 45 minutes. I have used my Samsung microwave. For microwave set hot blast function at 170° and press start. Your oven will start to preheat. After preheating bake the bread for 25-30 minutes. Or until bread becomes golden brown. Invert the bread on a cooling rack or plate. Let it cool down before slicing.

10. Slice and make crisp toast or sandwich with filling. Enjoy the healthy and delicious bread in breakfast. Or serve warm with soup in dinner. Stay home stay safe and healthy 🙏

Notes

1. You can use any flour instead of these flour.

2. You can use peeled one whole garlic if you like garlicky flavor.

3. Vegan people can use water instead of milk.

4. You can use any flavour of your choice instead of Italian herbs.

If you tried my recipe, you can share your food pictures with me in the social network sites by using hashtag, #batterupwithsujata I would love to see your creations.

I would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and suggestions in comment.

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Eggplant Or Brinjal Chutney

Eggplant/brinjal or baigan chutney. A lipsmackingly delicious chutney with very simple ingredients. Eggplant/aubergine or baigan haters will also enjoy this chutney without recognizing eggplant or brinjal in it.

You need very simple ingredients to make this chutney. For best result always use seedless brinjal or eggplant. And you can customize the recipe according to your taste. I have used dry coconut in the chutney. You can use fresh coconut pieces if you want. You can also use hot variety red chilli powder instead of Kashmiri red chilli powder for more spicy chutney. Usually same amount of eggplant and tomato used to make this chutney but I like more tomatoes and less eggplant in my chutney. So I used a small eggplant and three tomatoes. Tomatoes and tamarind both will make your chutney tangy and tasty. I have used eggplant, tomatoes, dry coconut pieces, green chilli, curry leaves, mustard seeds, ginger, roasted peanuts, dry red chilli, cilantro or coriander leaves, tamarind paste with some spices.

You may like some more chutney recipes on this blog. Click on the name below for recipe.

. Almond walnut chutney with mango ginger or amada

. Olive chutney

. Tomato oambal or chutney

. Ginger chutney

. Mango sesame chutney

. Date raisins jaggery chutney with mango bar

. Water chestnut or singhara chutney

. Onion tomato chutney

. Mango raisins chutney

. Peanut chutney

. Gur aam

293 #Foodiemonday bloghop theme is Tiffin Side Dish suggested by Priya Iyer who blog at The World Through My Eyes. You can get many chutney recipes on her space. I recently bookmarked her delicious Vegetarian pad thai noodles to try soon. And her Gujarati kanda Kairi recipe is also in my list to try.

I like my chutney tangy and spicy. Hotness depends on the green chilli you are using. You can taste and adjust the seasoning according to your taste. You have to roughly chop the ginger and green chilli. You can also serve it without blending as a side dish with roti, paratha or any Indian flatbread. I used roasted peanut but if you don’t have roasted peanut then you can dry roast the peanut separately or fry the peanut with ginger, green chilli and coconut. If you are using seedless eggplant, then its impossible to recognize the taste of eggplant or brinjal/baigan in the chutney.

Recipe

Eggplant/aubergine or brinjal (baigan) – 1 small

Tomato – 3, chopped

Ginger – 1/2 inch piece, peeled and chopped

Green chilli – 3-4 or to taste

Dry coconut – 2 tablespoon, chopped into small pieces

Salt to taste

Cumin/jeera powder – 1 teaspoon

Turmeric/haldi powder – 1/4 teaspoon

Mustard seeds/rai – 1/2 teaspoon

Curry leaves – 8-10 leaves

Dry red chilli – 1

Cilantro or coriander leaves – handful, chopped

Kashmiri red chilli powder – 1 teaspoon

Tamarind or imli paste – 1/2 tablespoon or to taste

Roasted peanut – 1 tablespoon

Oil – 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon

Method

1..Chop the eggplant or brinjal in cubes. Immerse the eggplant pieces in sufficient water to avoid discoloring.

2. Chop ginger and green chilli roughly.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan. Add half of the mustard seeds. When mustard seeds starts to splutter add 4-5 chopped curry leaves, chopped ginger, green chilli and coconut pieces. You can also add a few chopped garlic cloves if you want. I didn’t.

4. Fry till coconut pieces becomes light brown. Now add eggplant or brinjal, salt, cumin powder, turmeric powder and Kashmiri red chilli powder. Mix well and cover.

5. Cook till eggplant becomes soft. Stir in between to avoid sticking to the bottom of the pan. Add chopped tomato, cilantro or coriander leaves and roasted peanut.

6. Mix and cook covered till tomato becomes mushy. Add tamarind paste, mix and remove from heat. Taste and add more salt or tamarind paste if required. I added 2 teaspoon more tamarind paste because I like my chutney tangy. It will be delicious. You can enjoy it with roti, paratha or Indian flatbread.

7. Let it cool down. Blend the mixture in your mixer grinder.

Tempering

Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a small pan or wok. Add remaining mustard seeds and 4-5 curry leaves. When seeds starts to splutter pour the tempering on the chutney. Your chutney is ready to serve. Serve with idli, dosa or any meal.

Notes

1. You can use roasted eggplant to make this chutney if you like smoky flavour.

2. If you want your chutney more spicy, then add some more green chilli or you can also use some red chilli powder with other spices.

If you tried my recipe, you can share your food pictures with me in the social network sites by using hashtag, #batterupwithsujata I would love to see your creations.

I would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and suggestions in comment.

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Mixed Fruit Sumner Cooler

Mixed fruit summer cooler to beat the scorching summer heat with delectable taste. A sugar free fruity drink with numerous health benefits.

An easy to make drink and best part is, you can modify it according to your taste. You can add little black or pink salt or little sugar or honey or any sweetener of your choice. I have kept the glass in refrigerator before serving. You can use ice cubes to serve your drink chilled. Make according to your taste and enjoy.

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Recently shared a delicious and healthy Fruit parfait. And now a delicious drink with five types of fruits and lemon.

With black grapes, strawberry, kiwi and tender coconut water I have used dragon fruit in this drink.

Dragon fruits are not only looks beautiful and low calorie but also loaded with vitamins minerals etc.

High in Nutrients Dragon fruit, also known as pitahaya or strawberry pear, is a tropical fruit known for its vibrant red skin and sweet, seed-speckled pulp. Its unique look and acclaimed superfood powers have made it popular among foodies and the health-conscious. Dragon fruit supplies iron along with vitamin C, a combination that may improve your body’s absorption of this important mineral. Here are health benefits of dragon fruit.

1. High in Nutrients

2. May Help Fight Chronic Disease

3. Loaded With Fiber

4. Promotes a Healthy Gut

5. Strengthens Your Immune System

6. May Boost Low Iron Levels

7. Good Source of Magnesium

Source – Lifeline

Black grapes are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Black grapes also called immunity booster.

Strawberries are bright red, juicy, and sweet. They’re an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese and also contain decent amounts of folate (vitamin B9) and potassium. Strawberries are very rich in antioxidants and plant compounds, which may have benefits for heart health and blood sugar control. Source

Kiwi is rich in vitamins including vitamin C and antioxidants. Helps treat asthma. Aids digestion. Boosts immune system. Helps prevent sickness. Manages blood pressure. Reduces blood clotting. Protects against vision loss. Potential risks. To read more health benefits of kiwi click here.

Tender coconut water is not only delicious and refreshing but also enriched with several nutrients .

• Good Source of Several Nutrients.

• May Have Antioxidant Properties.

• May Have Benefits Against Diabetes.

• May Help Prevent Kidney Stones.

• May Support Heart Health.

• May Reduce Blood Pressure.

• Beneficial After Prolonged Exercise.

• Delicious Source of Hydration. Source

Lemon is enriched with vitamin C and antioxidants.

Lemons are high in vitamin C, fiber, and various beneficial plant compounds. These nutrients are responsible for several health benefits. In fact, lemons may support heart health, weight control, and digestive health. Here are 6 evidence-based health benefits of lemons.

1. Support Heart Health. Lemons are a good source of vitamin C.

2. Help Control Weight. Lemons are often promoted as a weight loss food, and there are a few theories as to why this is.

3. Prevent Kidney Stones.

4. Protect Against Anemia.

5. Reduce Cancer Risk.

6. Improve Digestive Health.

Source – Healthline

You can call it a mixed fruit juice. Clean and wash the fruits properly and blend. And your healthy and delicious drink is ready. Serve it chilled by adding ice cubes or storing it in refrigerator. Or to serve room temperature serve immediately after blending.

Recipe

Dragon fruit – 1/2

Black grapes – 1/2 cup

Strawberry – 1/2 cup, chopped

Kiwi – 1/2 chopped

Tender coconut water – 1/2 cup

Lemon juice – 2 teaspoon

Method

1. Rinse all the fruits well.

2. Cut the dragon fruit into half lengthwise and scoop out the fruit with a spoon. Chop the strawberries.

3. Blend all the ingredients in your blender. Taste and add more lemon juice if require.

4. Pour the mixture in your favourite glass. You can add some ice cubes in the glass or keep the glass in refrigerator for an hour before serving.

5. Garnish with dragon fruit and kiwi slices and serve chilled. Enjoy your delicious chilled fruity drink to beat the heat.

Notes

1. You can use little sugar or honey with the fruits if you want, I didn’t. Its perfectly sweet for me without any sweetener.

2. A pinch of black or pink salt can be used while blending the fruits or stir in the glass.

If you tried my recipe, you can share your food pictures with me in the social network sites by using hashtag, #batterupwithsujata I would love to see your creations.

I would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and suggestions in comment.

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Grape Cape Gooseberry Salad With Amada And Kasundi

Grapes rasbhari or cape gooseberry salad with mango ginger or amada and Kasundi or mustard sauce. Delicious healthy fruity salad with a zing of Kasundi or mustard sauce and flavored with raw mango and mint. Easy to make and filling salad for your busy days.

You may like some more salad recipes on this blog. Click on the name below for recipe.

1. Fruity salad with dried basil

2. Corn salad

3. Fruity salad

4. Peas chickpea low calorie salad

5. Mango pomegranate and tender coconut salsa

6. Watermelon salsa

Ingredients used to make this salad.

Black grapes These sweet juicy fruits are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients.

Cape gooseberry or rasbhari These cute small orange fruits are rich sources of vitamins, antioxidants and fiber.

Lettuce are commonly eaten fresh. And also a rich source of vitamins.

Tomato Low calorie tomato will not only enhance the taste of your salad but also enriched with vitamins, minerals etc.

Green chilli It will make your salad slightly spicy and its a rich source of vitamin C and other nutrients.

Carrot Highly nutritious carrot will give a sweetness and make your salad colorful and delicious.

Cucumber are low calorie and highly nutritious.

Amada or mango ginger has a rich flavour and also packed with many health benefits. To get one more recipe and other info about mango ginger click here.

Kasundi is a Bengali mustard sauce with pungent paste of fermented mustard seeds. Get the recipe here.

Raw mango will give a tanginess to the salad.

Sweet corn is my most favourite ingredient. And its rich in dietary fibre.

Mint leaves, cilantro, lemon juice, black salt and pepper for flavour and taste. And I also use a fresh red Jalapeno or large red chilli in the salad.

Sending this post to 289 #Foodiemonday bloghop theme is Salad Stories suggested by Poonam Bachhav who blog at Annapurna. Poonam has a wonderful blog with numerous mouthwatering recipes. Check out her delicious Vermicelli salad for this theme.

Recipe is very easy to make. Just combine everything and enjoy. Use green chilli, lemon juice and Kasundi according to your taste. I love the zing of Kasundi so added a teaspoon more before serving. If you don’t have amada or mango ginger then omit it. You can also use 1 teaspoon grated ginger in the salad if you like.

Recipe

Black grapes- 1 cup, halved

Cape Gooseberries or rasbhari- 1 cup, halved

Lettuce- 1 cup, chopped

Tomato- 1, chopped

Green chilli- 1-2 finely chopped

Red Jalapeno or large fresh red chilli- 1, finely chopped, optional

Carrot- 2 small

English cucumber- 1

Amada or mango ginger- 2 tablespoon, peeled and grated

Kasundi or mustard sauce- 1 tablespoon

Grated raw mango- 2 tablespoon

Sweet corn- 1/2 cup

Mint leaves- 1/4 cup

Cilantro or coriander leaves- 1 tablespoon, chopped

Lemon juice- 1 tablespoon or to taste

Black salt- 1&1/4 teaspoon or to taste

Black pepper powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Method

1. Rinse the grapes and rasbhari or cape Gooseberries well. Cut the both fruits into halved.

2. Tear up mint leaves roughly with your hand.

3. Cut the cucumber into small pieces.

4. Peel and grate the carrot.

5. In a large bowl mix all the ingredients. Mix well to combine everything.

6. Taste and add more lemon juice, kasundi or salt if required.

Notes

1. You can use 1 sliced onion if you like.

2. Any fruit, olive or cherry tomatoes can be used in this salad.

3. You can use 1 teaspoon grated ginger if you like.

4. If you don’t have amada or mango ginger then you can omit it.

5. Add chilli according to your spice tolerance.

If you tried my recipe, you can share your food pictures with me in the social network sites by using hashtag, #batterupwithsujata I would love to see your creations.

I would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and suggestions in comment.

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