Kitchen Corner-Try It

Mawa/ Milk Powder Burfi Burfi is one of my favorite sweets and this milky fudge candy is undoubtedly one of the easiest to make. If you have mawa milk powder in hand you can make this in less than 15 minutes.This delicious milk candy/fudge is a yummy treat for any festival or holiday season. If you do not have mawa milk powder you can substitute it with full fat milk powder. Try this, you will surely love it. Ingredients Mawa powder- 250 grams (or full fat milk powder) Milk- 1 cup Sugar- 1 cup Cardamom- 3-4 Ghee- 3 tbs Sliced almond or pistachios-  to garnish Make a fine powder of sugar and cardamom and set aside. In a heavy bottom melt butter and add milk and mawa powder/milk powder. Mix well till it well combines and there is no lumps. Keep stirring in low flame for two to three minutes. Into this add powdered sugar and cardamon and mix. The mixture will start to loosen a bit, but it will soon thicken and come together. Continue to stir till it leaves t...

Shami Kebab Kebabs are popular appetizers in South Asian cuisine and are made with chunks of meat or with minced meat. Shami kebab is flavor-packed meat patties made with minced mutton. It is pan fried and one of the easiest kebabs to make. Shami kebabs have the flavor of lentils too. Lentils like chana dal (yellow split peas) are cooked and ground together with the meat to bind and hold shape while making patties. It is then dipped in eggs and pan-fried. It is a party favorite with delightful with a soft melt in mouth texture and taste. Are you looking for delightful crispy snacks/appetizers for entertaining? Shami Kebab is a perfect appetizer. Kids will love this finger food, and it is fun to make. Go ahead then and give it a try. I am sure you'll love them too! The best meat to use is mutton, but you can also use beef or chicken. Recently I have been cooking the meat and lentils together in an Instant Pot. They cook together beautifully, and it is easy. Shami Kebabs are ...

Tandoori Prawns Tandoori marinade is spicy and zesty with an amazing smoky flavor. This marinade goes well with  chicken ,fish, prawns and veggies like cauliflower. Grilled prawns is a tempting delicacy.Traditionally these are made in tandoor oven but you can grill them or pan fry. Try this,you will surely love it. Ingredients Prawns large sized- 10-12 Kashmiri chili powder- 1 1/2 tbs Pepper powder- 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder- 1/4 tsp Ginger- garlic paste- 1 tsp Gram flour- 1 1/2  tsp Cumin powder- a pinch Garam Masala- 1/2 tsp Yogurt (hung)- 2 tbs Kasoori methi powder-a  pinch Lemon juice- a few drops Mint leaves- 3-4 Mustard oil- 1 tbs Use a sharp kitchen scissors to trim off the legs, antennae and the sharp point at the top of the head.Keep the head and shell intact.Make a cut just near the head and the body and pull out the vein. Insert a tooth pick to retain the shape and avoid curling. Whisk yogurt and gram flour into a smooth paste.Mix a...

Vegetable Makhani Vegetable Makhani or Sabji Makhanwala is a creamy and rich vegetable curry that goes well with naan or pulao. This is a home made version of popular restaurant style makhanwala. The gravy is creamy and smooth like Kurma. It is a tomato and nut based gravy enriched by cream. Try this recipe,you will surely love it. Ingredients Paneer cubed- 100 gram Potato cubed- 1 cup Carrots small-2 Green peas- 3/4 cup Capsicum- 1/2 (add any vegetable of your choice) Onion- 1 Green chilly-2 Tomato-3 Ginger- 1 inch thick piece Garlic- 3-4 pods Cashew nuts- 7-8 Turmeric powder- 1/4 tsp Kashmiri chilly powder- 1 1/3 tsp Coriander powder- 1 tsp Garam masala- 1/2 tsp Kasoori methi powder- a pinch Cream- 1/2 cup Cinnamon stick- 1 Cloves- 3 Green cardamom- 3 Coriander leaves- garnish Oil and salt to taste Boil vegetables (except capsicum) with little salt, green chilly and 1/2 cup water. Heat oil in a pan and add chopped onion, cashew n...

Mutton Yakhni Pulao Mutton yakhni pulao is a  quick and delicious one pot aromatic meal. The rice is cooked in mutton stock and is very flavorful and filling meal.It is milder than biryani but is unique it its own way. Mutton is cooked till tender and later the rice is cooked in the mutton stock along with spices. Try this,you will surely love it. Ingredients Basmathi rice- 2 1/2 cups Mutton  - 1 1/2 lb Onion- 1 medium Thinly sliced onion- 1 medium Green Chilly-2-3 Ginger garlic paste- 1 1/2 tsp Chilly powder- 1 tsp Pepper powder- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder- 1/2tsp Kewra water or rose water- 1 tsp Lemon juice- 1/2 lemon Cashew nuts or chopped almonds- 2 tbs Chopped coriander leaves for garnish salt to taste Ghee- 1tsp oil Whole spices for rice and mutton- Cinnamon - 2 small stick,Kala Jeera/black jeera- 1/2 tsp Ajwain/carom seeds- a pinch,bay leaves- 2,cloves-6-7,Star aniseed- 2 Cardamon- 2,Black cardamon- 2   First step is to cook ...

Chickpeas Kurma Chickpeas kurma is a rich and tasty dish. Chickpeas is slowly cooked in a rich mildly spiced cashew nut gravy. You can also add other vegetables to the gravy. It pairs perfectly with chapathi/naan Give this recipe a try... Ingredients Chickpeas- 1 1/2 cup Onion- 1 large Tomato-1 Ginger garlic paste- 1 tsp Green Chilly -3-4 Chilly powder- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder- 1/3 tsp Coriander powder- 1 tsp  Whole garam masala- cardamon-1, clove- 2 Cinnamon- 1 stick, star aniseed-1 Thick coconut milk- 3/4 cup coriander leaves- a little Cashew nuts- 12-15 Fennel seeds- 1/2 tsp Soak chickpeas for 4 to 5 hours and cook till soft. Soak cashew nuts and fennel seeds in 1/2 cup of warm water for half an hour(or you can put cashews into boiling water for two minutes,drain and then wash with cold water if you want it quick). Make a fine paste and set aside. Heat oil in a pan and add whole spices and roast till there is a nice aroma. Add onion,green...

Lahori Fish Fry Today's recipe is a a popular street food from Lahore. They have a rich diversity of tasty food. This a quick and easy fish fry which we can make at home. It can be served with rice or as an appetizer. This is skillet fried,but you can also batter dip and deep fry them to serve like pakoras. It is perfect for potluck parties. Ingredients Fish fillet of your choice- 1/2 kg (I used king fish) Gram flour- 2 tsp Ginger garlic paste- 1 tsp Turmeric powder- 1/2 tsp Kashmiri chilly powder- 1 tsp Dry red chilly- 2 Coriander seeds- 1 1/2 tsp Fenugreek seeds- 1/ 4 tsp Ajwain seeds- 1/4 tsp Cumin seeds- 1/2 tsp Chat Masala- 1/4 tsp Salt to taste and oil for frying  Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds,ajwain, fenugreek seeds and dry red chilly till there is a nice aroma. Crush this using a mortar and pestle or make it into a course powder using a mixture . Marinate the fish with this powder, kashmiri chilly powder,gram flour,turmeric powder, salt ...

Rajma/Kidney Beans Pulao  Pulao is simple one pot meal and I often make with vegetables or meat. This time I had some leftover kidney beans/rajma. Its delicious and aromatic combo of rice, spices, beans and vegetables. It is easy lunch box recipe. Ingredients Basmathi Rice- 1 1/2 cups Kidney beans- cooked- 1 cup Beans- 1/2 cup Onion- 1 Green chilly- 3 Ginger- 1 inch piece Garlic- 2 Turmeric- 1/2 tsp Garam masala- 1/8 tsp Chicken broth/ Vegetable broth- 1 cup Water- 2 1/2 cup Whole spices-Cinnamon- 1 inch  stick,Cardamon- 2,Cloves - 4 Lemon juice-  1 tsp Salt to taste Cashew nuts chopped- 5 Raisins- a few Oil 2 tsp Ghee- 1 tsp To cook rajma/kidney beans soak over night. Pressure cook (5-6 whistles) and keep aside. Chop beans, onion, ginger and garlic and set aside. Heat oil and ghee in a deep heavy bottom pan and add in the whole masalas, cashew nut and raisins . When it changes color  add onion,ginger- garlic and saute till the ...

Tangdi Kabab Tangdi kabab or grilled chicken drumstick is a yummy starter/appetizer. Chicken tastes yummy and tender because of the flavorful and spicy marinade. For this chicken I used green masala paste along with spices and yogurt for the marinade. I made a small portion with four chicken drumsticks.Try this,you will surely love it. Ingredients Chicken Drumsticks- 4 Hung curd- 1/2 cup Chilly powder- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder- 1/2 tsp Gram flour-3 tbs Garam masala- 1 tsp ( use regular garam masala and for extra flavor add a pinch of Ajwain, amchur/dry mango powder and dry ginger powder) Chaat masala- a pinch To make a paste Coriander leaves- 1/3 cup chopped Mint- 4-5 Green chilly- 5-6 Ginger- 1inch thick Garlic- 6-8 cloves oil- 3 tsp salt to tate Marinate chicken with salt, hung curd,chilly powder and turmeric powder. Set this aside for at least half and hour. For best results marinate over night in the refrigerator. In a pan dry roast gram flour till t...

Paneer Pakora Pakoras/pakodas are yummy tea time snack and also served as appetizers. They are batter dipped and deep fried. You can make pakoras with sliced vegetables or meat. This one is made with paneer. Ingredients Paneer cut into thin slices- 12-14 pieces Gram flour- 3/4 cup Rice flour- 2 tbs Chilly powder- 3/4 tsp Turmeric powder-1/3 tsp Coriander powder- 1/2 tsp Amchur powder- 1/3 Cumin powder-a pinch Ginger garlic paste- 1/2 tsp Chopped coriander leaves- 2 tsp Salt to taste Oil for frying Cut paneer into small thin slices. Make a batter with rest of the ingredients except oil. Batter should be a medium thick consistency. Dip each piece of paneer into the prepared batter, coat evenly and drop into hot oil and fry this on both sides. Fry each side for two minutes on medium flame. When it is slightly brown and crispy remove from oil and place  fried pakoras on a paper towel so that the excess grease is removed. Serve this with dates and tamarin...

Butter Chicken/Murgh Makhani    Butter chicken /Murgh Makhan i is a lip-smacking, lusciously creamy chicken curry with the flavor of butter. Grilled pieces of chicken are cooked in a buttery gravy with cashew nut paste and cream, which gives the curry sauce its richness and taste. It is an iconic North India delicacy and a treat for all chicken lovers. Murgh makhani with naan/flatbread or basmati rice tastes divine. It is falling in love with food all over again!  Recreating this popular dish at home may sound complicated, but let me assure you, it is quite simple to make at home. You can prepare an incredible dinner with minimal ingredients. As a South Indian, my first introduction to the rich, yet mildly spiced butter chicken was during a visit to Delhi years back. I was instantly in love with it and always wanted to try making it at home. There are a few tips to make the best restaurant-style butter chicken. Always use good quality butter, ghee, and cream. Ma...

Paneer pepper masala/ fry is a nice side dish with chapatis or pulao. I love to try different recipes with paneer. This recipe is flavorful with the kick of black pepper. This is an easy quick recipe for dinner. I like this as a filling for chapati wraps. Ingredients Paneer - 2 cups cubed Onion - one large Tomato- 2 medium Bell pepper- half cubed Ginger garlic- finely chopped- 2 tbs Yogurt- 1/3 cup  Garam Masala- 1/2 tsp Chilly Powder - 1/4 tsp turmeric- a pinch Pepper powder- 1 tsp Salt to taste oil for frying coriander leaves to garnish Cut Paneer into small size cubes.Mix in yogurt, salt, and turmeric powder. Keep aside for 10 minutes Chop onion and tomatoes and keep it aside. Heat oil in a pan and fry the marinated paneer. Fry till golden brown on both sides and keep aside. In the same oil saute chopped onions. Fry till they are golden brown. Add ginger garlic and saute till the raw flavor disappears.Now add tomatoes and saute them till ...

Mutton Keema Samosa Recipe/ Samosa With Minced Meat Filling Mutton Keema Samosas are deep-fried tea time snacks with a flaky pastry crust and delicious meat filling. You might have seen this type of triangular pastry with all sorts of filling.  If you are a meat lover, then Keema samosa or minced mutton samosa is the one for you. It is irresistible! The term samosa refers to an entire family of triangular pastries, found in India and South Asian countries. Samosa with potato filling is arguably the most popular Indian snack, and you find it everywhere- at parties and festive occasions or as street food. Hot piping Indian tea and samosas are absolute comfort food and a timeless favorite as party appetizers. You will love this savory appetizer with the delicious filling flavored with aromatic and earthy spices. The crust of the samosas is like pastry dough and is crispy tender. Ghee or clarified butter is mixed with the dough, which makes it flaky and aromatic. The stuffing I ...

Mughlai Chicken Today's dish is a Classic Indian dish and the tradition can be traced back to the Mughal period.This Chicken cooked in a creamy rich and aromatic sauce with exotic spices and nuts.The recipe is inspired from here .  It dish is time consuming,but really worth the effort. Try this you will love it! Ingredients To Marinate Chicken- 2 lb Ginger garlic paste-  1 1/2 tbs Turmeric powder- 1/3 tsp Green chilly paste- 1 tsp Salt For the gravy Onion- 2 medium Ginger garlic paste- 1 tsp Green chilly paste- 1 tsp  Chilly powder- 1/3 tsp White pepper powder- 1/3 tsp Coriander powder- 3/4 tsp Nutmeg powder- a pinch Almonds- 1/3 cup Cashew nuts- 8-10 Yogurt- 3/4 cup Heavy cream- 1/3 cup Garam Masala- 1/2 tsp Cumin powder- 1/3 tsp oil For tempering Ghee - 2 tbs Cardamon-2 Black Cardamon- 2 Cinnamon stick-1 inch  peices-2 Aniseed- 2 Cloves- 3 Slivered Almonds- 2 tsp Raisins-  2 tsp Fried Onions and mint to garnish ...