26th April 2012

Quiche

Ingredients:

250gms Shortcrust Pastry

10 oz bacon, cut into strips

3 large eggs

2 cups heavy cream

3/4 teaspoon coarse salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

         

Method:

Step 1. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thick. Press dough onto bottom and up sides of an 11-inch tart pan with a removable bottom; trim dough from the top edge of pan. Prick bottom all over with a fork. Freeze until firm, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 180ᵒC

Step 2. Line tart shell with parchment paper, and fill with dried beans. Bake until dough starts to feel firm on the edges, about 20 minutes. Remove parchment and beans continue baking until crust is pale golden brown, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Leave oven on.

Step 3. Cook bacon in a large pan over medium heat until browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Step 4. Whisk eggs, cream, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Pour mixture into tart shell, and scatter the bacon strips on top. Bake until puffed and pale golden brown, about 30 minutes. Let cool at least 30 minutes before serving.

26th April 2012

Meatloaf

Ingredients:

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

6 – 8 cloves garlic (chopped)

2 onions (chopped)

2 red peppers, seeded, small diced

¼ cup dry basil

2 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves

4 eggs

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 cups grated Parmesan

1 ½ cups breadcrumbs

3 pounds beef/pork mince

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Method:

Step 1. Preheat oven to 180ᵒC.

Step 2. Heat olive oil in a medium sauté pan over medium heat and add the garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute and then add the peppers and onions and sauté until just soft. Set aside to cool.

Step 3. Whisk together the basil, parsley and eggs in a small bowl, and then add the salt and black pepper.

Step 4. Combine the Parmesan and breadcrumbs in another small bowl.

Step 5. Combine the meat, herbs and eggs, Parmesan and breadcrumbs, the Worcestershire, vinegar and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil together in a large bowl using your hands.

Step 6. Pack the meat mixture into an oiled loaf pan, if you do not have a loaf pan, form the meat mixture into a loaf shape on an oiled baking dish. Step 7. Bake for approximately 50 to 60 minutes.

Step 8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 9. Slice and serve.

2nd April 2012

Beef Chilly Fry

Ingredients:

½ kg Beef (cut in strips)
¼ cup Water

2 tbsp oil

6 Onions 

8 – 10 Mushrooms (Sliced)
1 inch piece Ginger (finely chopped)
6 cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
1 bunch Coriander Leaves (chopped)           
1 bunch Mint Leaves (chopped)
4 – 6 Green/Red Chillies
1 Potato (cut in small cubes)
½ tsp Tamarind Juice/Vinegar
Salt and Pepper to taste 

Method:

Step 1. Put meat on a hot pan(no oil) and add salt and pepper to taste. Take out on a plate and set aside. *Put ¼ cup water in the pan and scrape whatever is stuck, put in a bowl and keep aside.

Step 2. In the same pan put oil and fry the potatoes till golden brown on all  sides. Take out on a paper towel to drain and set aside.

Step 3. Fry the onions (in the same pan) until translucent. Add ginger, garlic, chillies, coriander, mint, mushrooms and meat. Pour in the *water and simmer until the meat is done. 

Step 4. Add the tamarind/vinegar and continue cooking, uncovered over a high heat until the water has evaporated.

Step 5. Mix in the fried potatoes and serve.

18th March 2012

Lasagna

Ingredients:

1 ½ kg Ground Beef

3 Large Onions (chopped)

4 Cloves Garlic (chopped)

1 can Crushed Tomatoes

2 cans Tomato Paste

½ cup Tomato Sauce

½ cup Water

2 tbsp White Sugar

1 ½ tsp Dried Basil 

1 tsp Oregano

1 tbsp Salt

¼ tsp Ground Black Pepper

4 tbsp Chopped Fresh Parsley

12 Lasagna Sheets (pre-cooked)

400 gms Grated Mozzarella Cheese

3/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

For the Cheese Sauce:

500 gms Ricotta Cheese

1 egg

½ tsp Salt

Method:

Step 1. Cook ground beef, onion & garlic over medium heat until well browned.

Step 2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce & water.

Step 3. Season with sugar, basil, oregano, salt, pepper & 2 tbsp parsley. Simmer, covered, for about ½ hr stirring occasionally.

Step 4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining parsley & salt.

Step 5. Preheat oven to 190ᵒC

Step 6. Assemble: spread some meat sauce in the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange sheets lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with mozzarella cheese. Spoon meat sauce over mozzarella & sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers & top with remaining mozzarella & Parmesan cheese.

Step 8. Cover with foil to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese & bake for 25 mins.

Step 9. Remove foil & bake an additional 25 mins.

Step 10. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

8th March 2012

Home-Made KFC

Ingredients:

1 Full Chicken (cut into big pieces)

1 Bunch Parsley

4 – 6 Cloves Garlic

1 inch piece of Ginger

2 Green Chillies

1 tsp Chilli Powder

1 tsp Pepper Powder

1 Egg

Corn Flour

Oats

Salt to taste

Method:

Step 1. Grind together the garlic, ginger, green chillies and parsley to a paste.

Step 2. Marinade the chicken with salt, pepper, chilli powder and the paste for about an hour.

Step 3. Coat the chicken pieces with corn flour and set aside.

Step. 4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan and fry the chicken till golden and set aside to cool.

Step 5. Beat the egg and dip the fried chicken in and coat with the oats.

Step 6. Fry again till nicely browned.

Step 7. Serve with French fries or salad.

4th March 2012

Spinach Rice & Pumpkin Prawns

For the rice:

2 tbsp Oil

1 ½ cup Basmati (washed and soaked for ½ hr)

1 bunch Spinach (Puréed)

1 Onion (Sliced)

2 Bay leaves

4 Cloves

8 – 10 pepper corns

1 inch stick Cinnamon

1 Maggie Cube

For pumpkin and prawns:

2 tbsp Oil

¼ tsp Mustard seeds

¼ tsp Jeera seeds

6 – 8 Curry leaves

4 Small dry red chillies

1 Onion (sliced)

1 Tomato (chopped)

¼ tsp Turmeric powder

¼ tsp Chilli powder

½ kg Prawns (shelled, deveined and lightly salted)

½ kg Red Pumpkin (cubed)

Method:

For the rice

Step 1. Heat oil in a cooking vessel and add the bay leaves, cloves, pepper, cinnamon and onions fry till onions are soft.

Step 2. Add the spinach and Maggie cube and stir till the cube is diluted.

Step 3. Add the rice and fry for 1 minute and cover with boiling water (water should be an inch above the rice)

Step 4. Cover and cook on low heat till the rice is done.

For the Pumpkin Prawns

Step 1. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard, jeera, curry leaves, chillies, onion and fry till onion is soft.

Step 2. Add the tomatoes and fry further till soft.

Step 3. Add the turmeric and chilli powder and pumpkin.

Step 4. Add water just in level with the pumpkin and cook stirring occasionally.

Step 5. When the pumpkin is done add the prawns and cook for 5 mins. (Add salt to taste)

Serve hot.. 

23rd Feb. 2012

Rib–Eye Steak w/ Sautéed Veggies

Ingredients:

Steaks about an inch thick each

Salt & Pepper to Taste

Veggies of your choice

Butter/Olive Oil

Method:

Step 1. Wash & pat dry the steaks.

Step 2. Rub all over with salt & pepper set aside.

Step 3. Wash & cut your veggies. Make sure they are cut all the same size so they cook evenly. 

Step 4. Heat a pan & coat with butter/olive oil (just enough so the veggies don’t stick to the pan)

Step 5. Add the veggies, lower the heat & stir frequently until they are nicely browned & cooked through. Take off the heat & set aside. (the ones that take longer to cook add first to the pan & cook till almost done then add the rest)

Step 6. Heat a grill/pan & put the steaks on.

Step 7. Cook on each side for about 4 – 6 mins. for medium rare or longer depending on how u like your steak. (Do not turn twice)

Step 8. Remove from heat & let it rest for 5 mins. before serving.

Step 9. Serve with a good portion of veggies for a healthy & delicious meal. 

18th Feb. 2012

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Ingredients:

8 Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breasts

8 Slices Bacon

4 Slices Swiss Cheese, cut into 1 inch pieces

1/4 cup Melted Butter

1/2 cup Bread Crumbs

Salt & Pepper to taste

For the sauce:

1 can cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Mushrooms sliced (optional)

Method:

Step 1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees Cᵒ

Step 2. Place each chicken breast half between sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet to about 1/8 inch thickness. Place a piece of cheese on each bacon slice and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper to taste. Roll up seasoned bacon and cheese 'jellyroll-style', then roll each chicken breast with ham and cheese inside. Tuck in the ends and fasten with toothpicks.

Step 3. Place melted butter in a small bowl and place bread crumbs in a shallow dish or bowl. Dip each chicken roll in butter or margarine, then roll in crumbs, turning to coat thoroughly. Place coated rolls in a lightly greased baking dish.

Step 4. Bake at 200 degrees Cᵒ for about 40 minutes or until chicken is golden brown and juices run clear.

Step 5. Serve with cordon bleu sauce, if desired.

To Make Cordon Bleu Sauce:

Step 1. In a small saucepan add 1 tbsp butter and fry the mushrooms for about a min.

Step 2. Add the soup, sour cream and lemon juice. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally till it thickens, and serve hot over chicken.

9th Feb. 2012

Chicken Manchurian

Ingredients:

1 Chicken (with/without bone)

2 bunches Spring Onions chopped (whites and greens separately)

2 Green Bell Peppers cubed

4 – 6 cloves Garlic chopped

1" piece of Ginger chopped

2 – 3 tsp Soy Sauce

2 tbsp Chilli Sauce

2 tsp White Vinegar

1 tbsp Corn Flour (mixed with 3 tbsp water)

¼ cup Chicken Stock (diluted Maggie cube)

1 tsp Brown Sugar

½ tsp Red Chilli Powder

Salt to taste

1 ½ tbsp Oil (Use sesame oil it gives a very nice flavor)

Oil for deep frying

For marinade:

Marinate chicken with below ingredients for at least 15 mins.

1 tsp pepper powder

1 egg

salt to taste

1 ½  tsp ginger-garlic-green chilli paste

1 tsp soy sauce

1 tbsp all purpose flour

4 tbsp corn flour

(Add a little water if its too dry)

Method:

Step 1. Heat oil in a deep pan, carefully drop the chicken into the hot oil. (If using boneless chicken then make into small balls) Cook on low medium flame and once cooked increase flame to high and fry till golden brown. Drain and place on absorbent paper. Keep aside.
Step 2. Heat a large pan, add oil & chopped garlic & sauté (Don’t allow to burn.) Add the chopped ginger & green bell peppers & sauté for a few more secs. Add the spring onion whites and sauté for about 3 mins. on high flame.
Step 3. Reduce to medium heat and add the brown sugar, soya sauce, chilli sauce and vinegar. Combine well and cook for 2 mins. Add chicken stock and cook for a min. Add the deep fried chicken and cook for 4 mins. (Add salt if required)
Step 4. Add the corn flour water and cook, stirring for 4 – 5 mins. till thick.
Step 5. Add the chopped spring onion greens and combine. Garnish with more spring onion greens.

Step 6. Serve hot as a starter or with rice/noodles.

4th Feb. 2012

Roasted Lamb

Ingredients:

1 ½ kg Lamb shoulder

2 tbsp butter (Melted)

2 tbsp Rosemary (Dry)

Salt & Pepper to taste

2 Large Potatoes

6 – 8 Mushrooms

2 Celery Sticks

Method:

Step 1. Preheat oven @250ᵒC
Step 2. Wash and pat dry the lamb.

Step 3. Rub the lamb with salt, pepper, butter and rosemary.

Step 4. Cut all the vegetables and put it in a greased baking dish.

Step 5. Place the lamb on the top of the vegetables and cover with foil.

Step 6. Place in the oven and reduce heat to 180ᵒC and cook for 1 ½ - 2 hours.

Step 7. Take it out from the oven and let it rest for ½ an hour.

Step 8. Serve..

26th Jan. 2012

Pancakes 4 B'fast..

Ingredients:

3/4 cup milk

2 tablespoons white vinegar

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons white sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

2 tablespoons butter, melted

Method:

Step 1. Combine milk and vinegar in a medium bowl and set aside for 5 minutes to sour.

Step 2. Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3. Whisk egg and butter into sour milk.

Step 4. Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and whisk until lumps are gone.

Step 5. Heat a large pan over medium heat, and coat with a little butter.

Step 6. Pour 1/4 cup of the batter onto the pan, and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip with a spatula, and cook until browned on the other side.

Step 7. Serve with maple syrup/butter/whipped cream & strawberries or whatever you like..

19th Jan. 2012

Dahi Vada 

Ingredients: 

1 Cup Split Black Gram (Urad Dal)

Salt to taste

 ¼ tsp Roasted Cumin Powder

2 cups Yogurt (beaten)

½ cup water

Chaat masala

Roasted Cumin Powder

Red Chilli Powder

Green Chutney

Tamarind Chutney

Chopped Cilantro (leaves)

Oil for deep frying

Method:

Step 1. Soak the dal for 6 hrs or over night the longer the better it is to grind.

Step 2. Wash and drain the dal.

Step 3. Grind the dal coarsely using as less water as possible mixing occasionally so it grinds properly.

Step 4. Take the batter out into a bowl add a little salt and a little cumin powder and mix well so as to air the batter.

Step 5. Heat oil in a deep frying pan (Do not make too hot)

Step 6. Wet your hands and take a small portion of the batter on your hands move it around so it forms a ball and using your thumb gently press in the middle to form a hold and flip into the oil.

Step 7. Cook each side till golden brown take out and drain on a paper towel.

Step 8. After the vada’s have cooled soak in 1 cup water. (Add a little salt to the water) for about 15 – 20 mins.

Step 9. Squeeze out the water from the vada’s one at a time between your hands and place in a deep plate.

Step 10. Pour the yogurt in a bowl add very little salt (keep in mind the salt in the vada and the water it was soaked in) and beat with little water or milk (amount to your preference) and pour over the vada’s so they are immersed nicely.

Step 11. Garnish with cumin powder, red chilli powder, chaat masala, green chutney and tamarind chutney (add according to your taste) Top with the chopped coriander and refrigerate for 10 – 15 mins.

Step 12. Eat!!

12th Jan. 2012

Chilli Prawns with Spaghetti

Ingredients:

1/2 kg Prawns

2 bunches Spring Onions (finely sliced)

2 Green Bell Peppers(cut into squares)

6 - 8 Garlic Cloves (chopped)

1 tsp Soy Sauce

¼ cup water

1 tsp corn flour (diluted)

2 - 4 Green Chillies (finely sliced)

1 tsp Pepper powder

1 tsp chilli powder

Salt to taste

1 pkt Spaghetti

Method:

Step 1. Marinade the prawns with the salt, pepper powder and chilli powder and set aside.

Step 2. Add oil to a pan and fry the onions, bell peppers, chillies and garlic till soft.

Step 3. Add the prawns and fry for about a minute.

Step 4. Add the soy sauce, water, corn flour and simmer for 5 mins.

Step 5. Boil the spaghetti till soft and drain.

Step 6. Put the spaghetti on a serving dish and top it off with the chilli prawns. (you can also mix them together and serve)

5th Jan. 2012

Roast Chicken

6 Cloves garlic

10 – 15 pepper cons

1 tbsp honey

Salt to taste

Olive oil

Carrots

Celery

Baby Corn

Marrow

Mushrooms 

Method:

Preheat your oven to 240ᵒC

Step 1. Grind together the garlic, pepper and honey to a smooth paste.

Step 2. Apply mixture and salt to the chicken and keep aside.

Step 3. Cut the vegetables into big chunks and add a little salt (You can add whatever vegetables you like)

Step 4. Place the chicken on top of vegetables in a roasting tray and place in the center of the oven. Reduce heat to 180ᵒC  and cook for an hour and 20 mins. Baste every 15 - 20 mins.

Serve..