Chettinad Mushroom Masala#Alphabet Challenge

Button mushrooms sautéed in spicy Chettinad curry. Happened to taste this dish at a local Indian restaurant, since then wanted to try it out myself. Tried this recipe with my own blend of Chettinad spices and it turned good and it's a superb recipe. Chettinad Masala powders have special ingredients which gives the unique taste to the dish.

Ingredients

To Dry Roast Each Separately
3 Dry Kashmiri Red Chilies
1 Tablespoon Heaped Coriander seeds
¾ Teaspoon Cumin seeds
1 Teaspoon Poppy seeds
1 Teaspoon Split Roasted Gram / Pottukadalai/Dalia
1 Tablespoon Heaped Grated Dry Coconut or Desiccated Coconut
To Grind along with the above Roasted Ingredients
5 Shallots/Sambar Onion
1" Piece Ginger
5 Cloves Garlic
5 Curry leaves
¼ Teaspoon Turmeric powder
1 Teaspoon Kerala Garam Masala
Other Ingredients
200 Grams Button Mushrooms - chopped
1 Large Tomato - chopped
1 Green Chilly - slit
1 Bay leaf
2 Small Piece Dagdful /Black Stone Flower / Kalpasi
5 Curry leaves
1 Tablespoon Chopped Coriander leaves
½ Teaspoon Salt or to taste
3 Tablespoons Oil
125 Ml Water

Method
Clean, chop the mushrooms, cut them into pieces and keep aside. Slice them vertically for a even look.

Dry roast the ingredients separately will each releases an aroma . Let them all cool. Grind all the spices and coconut powder in a spice blender/ mixer and powder them to fine texture. This is your dry masala powder. To this add the small onions, ginger, garlic, curry leaves & turmeric powder to the spice powder and grind to coarse texture. A few pulse in the mixer will be sufficient to chop the onions and ginger garlic. 

Keep this wet masala ready for the preparation.

In a kadai, heat oil and toast the bay leaves, dagdful, green chilly and some curry leaves. Now add the wet masala mixture and fry along for few minutes.

Add the sliced mushrooms and tomatoes at this stage and add half cup of water. Cover and cook for 5-6 minutes over low flame.

Mushroom has the tendency to release water when cooked, so the gravy will be watery at this stage. Simmer till it reaches a semi-thick consistency, over low flame for the oil to separate.

Now garnish with chopped coriander and curry leaves and switch off. Serve as a side with rice or roti of you choice, this goes well with idli and dosa too!

My Notes
Poppy seeds & split roasted gram is added to give thickness to the gravy.

Labels: Alphabet Challenge, South Indian, Mushroom, Vegetarian, Sabzi, Side Dish, Indian
Let's take a look at the recipes being shared today with Alphabet "C"

Alphabet Challenge Please add your Blog Name/ Blog URL/ Recipe Title in the corresponding weeks below Alphabet Challenge-Week C - Jan 29

• Sneha’s Recipe: Chettinad Mushroom Masala
• Food Lust People Love: Chicken Chorizo Traybake
• Blogghetti: Captain Crunch French Toast
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Chickpea Chaat Salad
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Hot Chocolate Cookies
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Cider Glazed Chicken Wings
• Magical Ingredients: Cheesy Corn Dip
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Chia Seed Protein Bites
• A Messy Kitchen: Cappuccino Mousse
• Culinary Cam: Lemon Lavender Blackberry Cake
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Cheesy Cheddar Taco-Seasoned Corn Chip Dip

Keto Broccoli & Tomato Soup#SundayFunday

This Broccoli & Tomato Soup that is thick, creamy and delicious. The bright color should perk your winter up too! It has such great flavor, nutritious, light and can be served hot or cold.

Serves 6
Ingredients
1 Small Head Broccoli - chopped
1 Small Onion - chopped
2 Cloves Garlic - chopped
6 Medium Tomatoes - cut into quarters
2 - 3 Cups Vegetable Stock
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
½ Teaspoon Pink Himalayan Salt
½ Teaspoon Black Pepper powder or to taste
A Dash Of Red Chilly Flakes - optional

Method

Heat the oil in a large pan/kadai.
Add the onion and garlic and sauté till the onions start to caramelize. Add the broccoli and sauté for another 2 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and stock, bring to the boil, cover and cook until the broccoli is tender.
Blend with either a hand blender or food processor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy! This is a thick tasty soup and a good way to sneak broccoli into your loved one's diet. They will never know, it's a delicious soup

My Notes
This is a thick soup, you may want to add more stock if you prefer a thinner consistency.

Labels: Soup, Broccoli, Tomato, Garlic, Keto, Low Carb, Vegetarian, International Cuisine, Sunday Funday

• Bacon Cheeseburger Soup from Amy's Cooking Adventures
• Cabbage Roll Soup from A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Chicken and Dumplings Soup from Palatable Pastime
• Chicken Enchilada Soup from Karen's Kitchen Stories
• Homemade Golden Mushroom Soup from Food Lust People Love
• Keto Broccoli & Tomato Soup from Sneha's Recipe 

Baked Vegetables Pasta Less Lasagna#SundayFunday

A delicious vegetable lasagna no pasta noodles necessary! Yes, it’s all veggies, cheeses and  sauce for a tasty comforting vegetarian dinner. (You won’t miss the noodles!)
6 inch Pyrex dish
Serves 2 as a complete meal

Ingredients
Cheese Sauce
¾ Cup Homemade Pasta Sauce
To Sauté Vegetables
1 Tablespoons Oil
1 Teaspoon Butter
1 Tablespoons Finely Chopped Garlic
1 Medium Onion - diced into small cubes
½ Cup Boiled Sweet Corn
1 Cup Diced Colored Capsicum - small cubes
1 Large Tomato - de seeded and diced
½ Teaspoon Oregano
½ Teaspoon Red Chilli flakes
½ Teaspoon Salt or to taste
10 White Bread Slices 
150 Grams Cheeza Cheese 
Method
For The Veggies 

Heat oil in a pan add the chopped garlic sauté for a minute add onions and sauté this for a minute add rest of the veggies, salt and dry spices sauté for 2 minutes stirring continuously then add tomato and sauté just for a minute. Keep aside to cool.
For The Bread

Flatten the bread slices with a rolling pin thinly
Assembling The Lasagna

Grease a oven proof glass dish/Pyrex dish 6 inch, spread 2 - 3 tablespoon red sauce, then on it drizzle a tablespoon heaped white sauce, arrange a layer of bread slices to cover the bottom leaving no gap ( fill the gaps of the dish), again spread red and white sauce over the slices/ base, spread little of the veggies and then a layer of processed & mozzarella cheese( I used cheeza). 

Again spread white and red sauce and on top the layer of veggies , a layer of cheese to cover it again white and red sauce, a layer of bread slice covering the base ( no gaps), again red and white sauce, layer of veggies again cheese bread slices, again all of the remaining red and white sauce and remaining veggies all of the remaining cheese, arrange for garnishing some diced colored capsicums, a dash of oregano, red chilly flakes.

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15 minutes with both elements on.

Baked Vegetables Pasta Less Lasagna is ready, cut in square and serve immediately. Making Lasagna at home has never been so easy, make your own vegetable Lasagna at home and Enjoy!

Labels: Bread Slices, Bread Slices, Lasagna, Pasta Less , Pasta sauce, Cheese Sauce, Coloured Bell Peppers, Sweet Corn, Cheese, Baked, Serves Two, Vegetarian, International Cuisine

For Sunday Funday , we are sharing "Comfort Foods"

Sneha's Recipe: Baked Vegetables Pasta Less Lasagna 

Amy's Cooking Adventures: Broccoli Cheese Pierogi Soup 

A Day in the Life on the Farm: Roast Pork Loin with Cherry Sauce 

Karen's Kitchen Stories: BBQ Glazed Meatloaf with Sweet Potatoes and Pearl Onions 

Food Lust People Love: Lemony Spring Vegetable Chicken Soup 

Culinary Cam: Comforting Beef Stroganoff 

Bhune Mutton Paya#Alphabet Challenge

This an easy and delicious paya / trotters curry. I am already posted a recipe earlier Paya / Trotters Ka Salan , this is a another delicious one. I have added potatoes in this dish, but you can avoid it.

Ingredients
4 Mutton Paya / Trotters - cut into pieces
2 Large Onions - sliced
3 Large Tomatoes - sliced
1½ Teaspoon Ginger - Garlic Paste
1½ Tablespoons Kacha Masala 
½ Teaspoon Garam Masala powder
3 Green Chillies - optional
2 Potatoes - cut into four pieces (optional)
2 Tablespoons Coriander leaves - chopped
Whole Spices
1 Stick Cinnamon
5 Black Peppercorns
4 Cloves
2 Green Cardamons
½ Cup Oil
1 Teaspoon Level Salt or to taste
2 - 3 Cup Water -  as required for the gravy
Method

Wash the paya thoroughly and then again rub wheat flour on them and scrub them well, then wash them in clean water and keep aside.

In a pressure pan, heat the oil and fry the onions till golden, then add the ginger garlic paste and tomatoes and sauté for 3 minutes add the whole spices, Kacha Masala  and ½ cup water stir it well, cover, cook till the tomatoes are mushy and oil surfaces. Add the paya pieces and sauté well for 5 minutes stirring continuously till they are coated with the masala.  

Add water, cover and and take one whistle on high flame. Reduce the flame to low and cook for 35 minutes. When the cooker cools down , check if the paya is cooked, if the are done then add salt and potatoes, green chillies, stir well, close the lid and cook on high flame for one whistle only.

Let the cooker cool down completely, add the garam masala powder , coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice, rotis or naan. Enjoy!!

Labels: Paya, Mutton, Alphabet Challenge, Trotters, Main course, Pressure Cooker

Let's take a look at the recipes being shared today with Alphabet "B"

• Culinary Cam: A Belated Birthday Bûche De Noël (Yule Log) 
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Barley Salad 
• Sneha’s Recipe: Bhune Mutton Paya 
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Black Bean Sweet Potato Skillet 
• Food Lust People Love: Blistered Snap Peas 
• A Messy Kitchen: Blueberry Basil Cocktail/Mocktail 
• Blogghetti: Boiled Peanuts 
• Magical Ingredients: Buffalo Cauliflower Paneer Dip 
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Chocolate Espresso Rainbow Brownie Cookies
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Coconut Brigadeiros 
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: White Bean and Basil Salad

Bajri Tilachi Bhakri#BreadBakers

Its Makar Sankranti, to celebrate this Festival try this traditional Maharashtrian flatbread, Bajri Tilachi Bhakri. Bhakris are made primarily with hot water and millet flour. It needs to add hot water to make the dough which helps in rolling out easily.

The Bajra bhakri is mainly prepared in winter especially for the festival of Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra and is served with Bhogichi Bhaji. Pearl Millet commonly known as Bajra in India. Bajra Bhakri is naturally gluten-free. A great ancient nutritious grain which is a great energy source and hence is used as a part of the meal during winters to keep the body warm.
Ingredients
2 Cups Bajra Flour / Pearl Millet Flour
¼ Cup Sesame seeds /Til Seeds
Salt to taste
1 Cup +- Hot Water
1 Teaspoon Oil

Method
In a pot add a cup of water, with salt and oil, bring this to a boil, switch off the flame, add the flour and mix in well till no dry spots of flour is seen. Cover and let it cool a little when still warm knead to a soft smooth dough. Cover and let is rest for 5 minutes. Divide the dough into equal size balls.

Meanwhile heat tawa/griddle over medium heat. Dust your rolling surface with little flour. Take one portion of dough ball and with a rolling pin, roll it into a thin flat circle, the edges with start to crack, pinch them with your fingers or take a 6" or 7" cut it into a circle.

Place the roti over the pre-heated skillet and spread a little water on the surface of the bhakri. Now sprinkle some sesame seeds on the surface and press lightly with a flat spatula, so that the seeds stick to the upper part of the roti.
Turn over the roti and cook the other side for a few more seconds. Take a cloth and press the roti on all sides it will start to puff. When cooked remove it on to wire rack, smear it with ghee.

Similarly, prepare the remaining Bajri-til Bhakri and serve it with a dollop of ghee and Bhogichi Bhaji.

Labels: Bread Bakers, Flatbread, Millets, Bajra, Indian Breads, Maharashtra, Diabetic Friendly

#BreadBakers is a group of bread loving bakers who get together once a month to bake bread with a common ingredient or theme. You can see all our of lovely bread by following our Pinterest board right here. Links are also updated after each event on the #BreadBakers home page. We take turns hosting each month and choosing the theme/ingredient. If you are a food blogger and would like to join us, just send Stacy an email with your blog URL to foodlustpeoplelove@gmail.com.
We take turns hosting each month and choosing the theme/ingredient. This month’s theme is "Ancient Grains" .  

• Bajri Tilachi Bhakri from Sneha's Recipe
• Banana Millet Bread from The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Banana Oat Pancakes from A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Khapli Wheat Roti from Cook with Renu
• Milled Ancient Multigrain Bread from A Messy Kitchen
• Peanut Butter Ancient Grain Corn Muffins from Palatable Pastime
• Spelt and Poppyseed Sourdough Bread from Karen's Kitchen Stories
• Spelt Coconut Sourdough Bread from Zesty South Indian Kitchen
• Sprouted Spelt Banana Walnut Muffins from Food Lust People Love

Warm Chicken & Mushroom Salad - Keto#SundayFunday

A complete meal with added chicken, feta cheese, and seeds makes u this luxurious main dish. Do try this unique and really tasty salad!
Ingredients
3 Large Mushroom - sliced
1 Small Onion sliced
½ Each Bell Pepper - Red, Yellow, Green- diced
2 Cloves Garlic - finely chopped
1 Cup Chopped Lettuce
1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes - halved
100 Grams Feta cheese - cubed
Olives, Avocado, sunflower & pumpkin seeds- optional
1/2 Cup Shredded Cooked Chicken
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
For The Dressing
2 Tablespoons Mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons Fresh Cream
1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
2 Teaspoons Sriracha Sauce
Salt and Pepper to taste
Method

Mix all dressing ingredients keep aside.
Sauté the garlic for minute add onion till translucent then add in the mushroom and on medium high flame sauté till all the moisture evaporates then add the capsicum and chicken mix well till warmed. Switch off the flame.

Take this on to a serving platter add the lettuce leaves. Pour the dressing mix well. Enjoy.

Labels: Salad, Main course, Chicken, Mushroom, Cherry Tomatoes, Feta Cheese, Dressing, Sunday Funday, International Cuisine, Iceberg Lettuce, Keto
For Sunday Funday we are sharing Main Dish Salads.

• Arugula Salad with Pork by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Bacon Cheeseburger Salad by Amy's Cooking Adventures
• Hearty Taco Salad by Our Good Life
• The King of Salads: A Lighter Crab Louie by Culinary Cam
• Warm Chicken & Mushroom Salad - Keto by Sneha's Recipe

Zambian Dried Beans Curry#EatTheWorld

Dried Beans is a nutritious dish among Zambian local cuisines. It is a healthy alternative to meat for vegetarians. It can be enjoyed with rice. It is quite easy to prepare.

Ingredients

1 Cup Black Eyed Peas - can use any type of beans
2 Medium Tomatoes - chopped
1 Onion - chopped
1 Scallion/Spring Onions Greens - chopped
2 Tablespoon Oil
Salt to taste
Seasoning / Spice of your choice - optional

I used Red chilly powder & Cumin powder
Method

Wash the beans and put in a pot add enough water and put on heat to cook.
Let the beans cook until the beans it soft. Continue adding water bit by bit if the water evaporates.
In another pot heat oil, add sauté the onions till translucent then add the tomatoes, cook till they soften. 

Now add the cooked beans and stock, salt to taste and spice of your choice and mix well. Bring this to a boil, reduce the flame and let is simmer for 15 minutes stirring in between till the gravy thickens. Then add the chopped spring onion greens, cover and let this cook only for a minute. 

Switch off the flame and serve hot. Serve with rice.

Labels: Eat the World, Black Eyed Peas, Zambia, International Cuisine, Main course, Vegetarian, Scallions

For Eat The World we are sharing recipes of Zambia.

Check out all the wonderful Zambian dishes prepared by fellow Eat the World members and share with #eattheworld. Find out how to join Eat the World here and have fun exploring a country a month in the kitchen with us!

• Zambian Dried Bean Curry by Sneha's Recipes
• Zambian Spinach by Amy's Cooking Adventures
• Village Chicken by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Taking Inspiration from Zambian Flavors by Culinary Cam

Beetroot Tikkis#SundayFunday

Pan fried Beetroot Tikki are made with beets, spices and paneer/cottage cheese. These make a healthy snack or appetizer. These were super and enjoyed by my guest.

Makes 18 Heart Tikkis
Ingredients 
300 Grams Beetroot - grated
½ Teaspoon Ginger Garlic Paste
½ Teaspoon Garam masala
¼ Teaspoon Cardamom powder
½ Teaspoon Cumin powder
½ Teaspoon Chilly Powder
½ Teaspoon Roasted Fennel powder
1 Teaspoon Lemon juice
1 Green Chilly - finely chopped
2 Teaspoons Coriander Leaves
1 Cup Boiled & Grated Potato
100 Grams Paneer- grated
¾ Teaspoon Salt or to taste
Oil -  for pan frying
Method

Heat a teaspoon of oil in a pan and sauté beetroot for five to seven minutes on medium flame till the moisture evaporates.
In another pan, boil and mash the potato until smooth.
Chop coriander and green chilly. Grate the paneer.

Mix all the ingredients and bind until it comes together.

Once done, make medium size roundels and press them to get a semi flat heart tikki shape. Coat them in bread crumbs and then fry.

Heat oil in a non-stick pan and fry the tikki on medium heat.
Make sure to fry in batches.
When they turn golden brown on both sides, remove the fried tikkis on absorbent paper.

Serve immediately with a dip of your choice.

Labels: Appetizer, Snacks, Sunday Funday, Kebabs, Beetroot, Healthy snacks

For Sunday Funday we are sharing Nutritious Nibbles. See what other's are sharing.

• Culinary Cam: Adventures in Bliss Balls 
• Sneha's Recipe: Beetroot Tikkis 
• Karen's Kitchen Stories : Fresh Tomato Salsa 
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Fruit and Nut Bars 
• Our Good Life : Healthy Pizza Bites 
• Food Lust People Love: Olive Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery 
• Amy's Cooking Adventures: Peanut Butter Energy Balls (No Bake)