Olya Naralachi Karanji / Fresh Coconut Nevries#Alphabet Challenge

We East Indians make this for San Jao Cha Sann/St John feast, which is celebrated on 24th June the proper day or the coming Sunday. 

This is must in my family, my mother and grandmother used to make this every year,  I too make this since my husband loves them. This year I decided to take step by step pics, here is my family recipe. You can add more sugar if you want, but for us the sweetness was just right.

This Karanji is  also a traditional Maharashtrian sweet,  usually made  for festive occasions like Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi.  

Olya means fresh, naralachya means coconut,  karanjya is turnovers or nevries,  which means fresh coconut karanji. The shelf live of these are just 3 - 4 days,  for a longer shelf-life you may use dry or desiccated coconut and sugar. 
I, prefer making karanji using fresh coconut for a superior taste. Making these, is quite a time consuming task, but,  if you love these, all the effort is worthwhile. This is one of the most easy recipes, do try preparing karanji this way and let me know how it turned out. 
Makes around 9 - 10  Nevries /Karanjies - depending on the amount of filling inside. 
Ingredients
For The Filling
1 Cup Packed Fresh Grated Coconut
¼ Teaspoon Heaped Cardamom pods
3 Tablespoons Heaped Sugar
A Pinch of Nutmeg powder
15 Cashewnuts - chopped
1 Tablespoon Golden Raisins/Kismis
1 Teaspoon Ghee/Vegetable Shortening

For The Covering

2 Cups All Purpose Flour

1½ Tablespoon Heaped Melted Ghee

¼ Teaspoon Salt

For Frying 

Vegetable Oil as required
 Method

For The Filling

In a pan / kadai take ghee, coconut and sugar. Cook on low heat till  melts and the mixture comes together, add the raisins, cashew nuts, cardamom  and nutmeg powder and continue to cook the mixture on low medium heat for a 2 minutes stir continuously, since tends to burn quickly, so do not stop stirring at any given point of time. Once the mixture is dry  take  off the heat and set aside to cool completely.

For The Covering

In a thaal/bowl mix  flour, melted ghee and salt, mix well.  Add water as required and knead to a soft, pliable,  smooth dough.  Keep it covered in a moist cloth  for 25 to 30 minutes. 

After 30 minutes, knead the dough again slightly and make small round balls.

Take one small dough ball. With the help of a rolling pin, roll it flat (same as the size of a poori)

Place a spoonful of the coconut jaggery mixture in the center

Dip your finger into the water and apply on the edge of half the poori. Flod the other edge of the poori, press the edges well to seal the filling inside.
Be sure that no air bubbles remain inside. The edges should be tightly sealed or the filling may ooze our during deep frying.

Press the edges using the back of a fork  or a cutter to give it that  design.  Place the filled karanjis on  a plate and cover with  a damp towel to avoid drying. 

Heat oil for deep frying in a kadhai or deep pan.
Slowly fry the karanjis on low flame till golden brown. Remove on paper towel and let them rest for 20 mins. When cooled down, store in airtight container upto 3 - 4 days. If refrigerated, it can be stored for a few more days.

Enjoy.. these are delicious, I am sure you can't stop at one or two!!
Labels:   Coconut, Fried, Nevries, Karanji, Turnover, Festival , Maharastrian Cuisine, East Indian, Vegan,Alphabet Challenge

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

Besan Almond Ladoo#Alphabet Challenge

These ladoo's are my hubby's favorite, he simply loves them. I have already posted a recipe of the these ladoo's , but, this is with almond meal, it has a nutty taste.
Ingredients
¾ Cup Ghee
2 Cups Chickpea Flour/Besan
½ Cup Ground Almonds/Almond meal
½ - ¾ Cup Caster sugar
½ Teaspoon Cardamom powder

Method

Heat the ghee. Stir in the chickpea flour and cook over low heat until the chickpea flour is toasted and the mixture smell fragrant, about 10 to 15 minutes. The mixture should be pasty, not powdery. Remove the mixture from the heat and cool slightly. Add the ground almonds, caster sugar and ground cardamom to the pan and mix thoroughly. Taste for sugar, add according to the sweetness you require. While the mixture is warm, shape it into balls.

Store the ladoo's in an airtight container and they can be eaten immediately, but taste better after several hours.
Labels: Almond Meal, Besan, Diwali Faral, Festival Sweets, Maharashtra, Sugar, Ladoo, Alphabet Challenge

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

Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Lychee Martini 

 A Messy Kitchen: Lemongrass Chicken and Asparagus 

Food Lust People Love: Lobster Butter 

Culinary Cam: Enamored with Culinary Lavender: From Sips to Sweets 

Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Lemon Pudding Cookies

Magical Ingredients: Lentil Lasagna Dip

Mayuri’s Jikoni: Lobia Paneer Salad

A Day in the Life on the Farm: Preserved Lemons

Sneha’s Recipe: Besan Almond Ladoo

Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Chickpea Salad with Lemony Swiss Chard Pesto

Palatable Pastime: Tahdig Lubia Polo

Jeerem Meerem Powder/Cladin Masala-Homemade#AlphabetChallenge

This Goan Jeerem Meerem Powder is a type of spice mix powder. It is very versatile powder which can be used for meats, eggs or vegetables. Jeerem Meerem Powder is a roasted masala which is also known as Dry Cladin Masala Powder.

Ingredients
50 Grams Cumin seeds
35 Grams Turmeric
25 Grams Black peppercorns
1 Teaspoon Cloves
2 Sticks Cinnamon (1" each)
1 Dried Red Chilly
Method

Lightly Roast all these in a dry pan. Put the spices in a coffee grinder and powder it finely. Pass the powders through a sieve & bottle. Use as required.

This recipe is very versatile and can used as a dry rub for vegetables, meats and fish. Mix it together and store in a airtight spice bottle. Refrigerate if you are using it occasionally so that the color and taste is maintained.
It can also be used to make wet spice paste, just add palm vinegar and fresh ginger-garlic paste.

Labels: Goan, Masala, Jeerem Meerem Powder, Caldin Masala, Homemade, Alphabet Challenge

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

• Sneha’s Recipe: Jeerem Meerem Powder/Cladin Masala-Homemade 
• Blogghetti: Easy Crock Pot Chicken Jambalaya 
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Armenian Jajukh Salad 
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Creamy Jalapeno Corn 
• Food Lust People Love: Small Batch Strawberry Jam 
• A Messy Kitchen: Jollof Rice 
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Thai-Style Turkey and Jasmine Rice Soup 
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Jamaican Jerk Chicken 
• Culinary Cam: Inspired by a One-Word Text: Jjamppong 
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Sweet & Spicy Jalapeño Canned Tomato Salsa 
• Magical Ingredients: Jalapeno Popper Dip

Instant Urad Dal Flour & Rava Medhu Vadas#AlphabetChallenge

These are instant and crispy, but not so spongy  like the freshly ground dal, but  taste delicious . Have these with this Sambar and you will enjoy this.   

The  key to make these light is to beat for at least 15 minutes with a electric hand beater till bubbles are seen and the batter is fluffy.

Makes 12 - 14 depending on the size
Ingredients
1 Cup Urad Dal Flour
4 Tablespoons Heaped Rice Flour
½ Cup Heaped Fine Rava /Semolina
½ Teaspoon Cumin seeds
1 Green Chilly -finely chopped
6 Curry Leaves - finely chopped
1 Tablespoon Finely Chopped Coriander leaves
½ Teaspoon Salt 
1½ Cups Water
Oil for deep frying 
Method 

With an electric hand beater whisk the urad dal flour with water( adding a little water at a time) till it forms a light & fluffy dough, for at least 15 minutes. When light, fluffy add rice flour, whisk till a thick & bubbly batter is formed.

Now add the rava/semolina and beat again for 3 minutes (it should be a thick dough like batter). Let it rest for 10 minutes. Then add chopped green chillies, cumin seeds, coriander and curry leaves.

Mix well and again keep it aside.

Let this rest  till oil is getting hot in a kadai.

When the oil is hot make small vadas and fry on medium flame till crisp and golden.

Enjoy!!

We had it with  Sambar for our Sunday lunch, a change from the normal food.  Enjoyed it thoroughly!!

Labels: South Indian, Instant Mixes, Snacks, Breakfast, Main course, Deep Fried, Vegan, Alphabet Challenge

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

Alphabet Challenge Please add your Blog Name/ Blog URL/ Recipe Title in the corresponding weeks below Alphabet Challenge-Week I - Apr 23-Final

• Sneha’s Recipe: Instant Urad Dal Flour & Rava Medhu Vadas 
• Blogghetti: Italian Chopped Salad 
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Ice Apple Salad 
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Ice Cream Wafflewiches 
• Food Lust People Love: Fresh Cherry Ice Cream 
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Italian Ice 
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Iced Gems 
• A Messy Kitchen: Irish Colcannon Mac and Cheese 
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Sun-Dried Tomato & Kale Italian Pasta Salad 
• Culinary Cam: Es Teler (Indonesian Drunk Ice)

Homemade Mango Frooti#AlphabetChallenge

Mango is a summer fruit, many at times the fruit is ripe but the taste of it is sour. Then what do you do with the fruit? Here is a mango frooti recipe, wherein, you can use this ripe but sour mango. Do try it and enjoy a delicious homemade summer drink.
Ingredients 
To Blend
1 Cup Sour Ripe Mangoes Puree
½ Cup Granulated Sugar
½ Cup Water 
To Serve - Per Glass
¼ Cup Prepared Mango Puree
¼ Teaspoon Roasted & Coarsely Crushed Cumin Seeds
Mint Leaves
Kala Namak/Black Salt
A Pinch of Salt or to taste
Ice Cubes
400 Ml Water
Method
Blend all the given ingredients well.

Place this in a sauce pan and cook on medium low flame , add ¼ cup granulated sugar and keep stirring ( add sugar according to sourness of the mango) till it sugar melts and it come to a boil.  

Keep stirring till it thickens a little for about 3 -4 minutes. Take off flame and let it cool. 

Then strain/sieve it.

To Make The Drink
For One Glass/Per Serving

In the prepared mango frooti, add a pinch of black salt/kala namak and roasted & coarsely crushed cumin seeds. Mix it well.

In a glass add mint leaves, ice cubes,

mango frooti, water, 

roasted and coarsely crushed cumin seeds, kala namak to taste, mix well.

It's ready to serve. Enjoy!!

My Notes

Do add the roasted and coarsely crushed cumin seeds is gives a soothing and delicious taste to the drink.
Can store for 6 months in freezer.

Labels: Homemade, Mango, Juices, Summer Fruits, Alphabet Challenge

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

• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Asian Beef Bowls 
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Baked Homemade Buttery Herb Croutons
• Blogghetti: Copycat Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning 
• A Messy Kitchen: Dutch Hagelslag 
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Grilled Halloumi Salad 
• Sneha’s Recipe: Homemade Mango Frooti 
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Honey Mustard Breaded Chicken 
• Culinary Cam: Huckleberry & Earl Grey Tea Cakes 
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Hurricane Popcorn 
• Food Lust People Love: Smoked Herring Spread  

Gravywali Gatte Ki Sabji#AlphabetChallenge

There are many variations of making Rajasthani "Gatte Ki Sabzi". Rajasthani Gatte Ki Sabzi is a delicious main course dish prepared from besan flour, roundels called "Gatte: which are cooked in a  yogurt based gravy. It's so delicious vegetarian dish that you will love  and it's gluten free too. 

Have no veggies in the house, then no worries, make this comforting  and finger licking "Gravywali Gatte Ki Sabji"

Ingredients

For Gatte
1 Cup Heaped Besan/Chickpea Flour
½ Teaspoon Red Chilly Powder
½ Teaspoon Salt
½ Teaspoon Saunf / Fennel Seeds

½ Teaspoon Cumin  Seeds

2 Tablespoons Yogurt - whisked

¼ Teaspoon Turmeric powder

2 Teaspoons Oil 

For the Gravy

¼ Cup Oil
2 Teaspoons Cumin Seeds

1 Bay leaf
Salt to taste 
1½ Teaspoons Red Chilly Powder or as per spice level

2 Tablespoons Coriander powder
1 Teaspoon Level Garam masala powder
1  Medium Onion  - grind to fine paste
 3 Cloves Garlic - grind to fine paste 
2 Green chillies - finely  chopped
3 Tablespoons Malai - optional
200 Grams Yogurt - whisked 
Mint and  Coriander leaves - for garnishing.

Method 

For the Gatte 

Mix all ingredients make tight dough roll them into long sausages.  

Then steam them in a plate for 10 minutes. 

Let them cool completely, then cut into small pieces.

For the Gravy 

Heat oil in kadai, add cumin  seeds when they sizzle, add the  bay leaf and the onion garlic paste, saute till  it starts to leave oil from the sides. Now  take the kadai off flame and add the whisked yogurt,  mix it well, place the kadai back on flame add the green chilles , red chilly and coriander powder and fry till oil surfaces.  

Add about a cup of hot water and  mix well bring this to a rolling boil, add salt to taste and the gatte, cover and let it cook for 5 - 6 minutes, stirring in between.  Now add the garam masala powder and malai(cream), mix it well, switch off the flame. 

 Garnish it with mint and coriander leaves. 

Enjoy this with rice or rotis. 

Lables:  Gluten free, Besan, Rajasthan, Vegetarian, Main course, Alphabet Challenge

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

Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Ginger Salad Dressing

Sneha’s Recipe: Gravy Wali Gatte Ki Sabji 

Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Stir-Fried Tomato Ginger Beef

Food Lust People Love: Extra Herby Gremolata

Culinary Cam: Garlicky Fregola with Edamame, Mint, and Ricotta

Blogghetti: Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Salmon 

Mayuri’s Jikoni: Guava Salad, Burmese Style

A Day in the Life on the Farm: Garlic Honey Chicken Thighs

A Messy Kitchen: Gâteau Ardéchois (Chestnut Cream Cake)

Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Guinness Stout Crockpot Simmered Corned Beef 

Firni/Phirni#AlphabetChallenge

Firni / Phirni is a sweet pudding, made by boiling milk, sugar and rice, it's popular creamy sweet dish of India, made for festivals or important occasions/celebrations. The rice used in this sweet dish is coarsely powdered, it has dry fruits and am, sure you will love it.

Ingredients  

500 ML Milk
2 Tablespoons Heaped Basmati Rice 

½ Cup Fresh Cream  

¼ Cup Sugar  

2 Tablespoons Each Almonds & Pistachio - silvered 

½ Teaspoon Cardamom powder
Method 

Wash the rice and soak it for 2 hours.  After that drain all the water in a fine mesh colander and then dry it on a clean cloth  for an hour or so ( it should be slightly wet not completely dry).  After that grind it to a coarse powder. 

Boil milk, add  rice, bring it to boil, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Reduce the flame on medium low and stir continuously. Add more milk if starts to thicken and cook till the rice is done. 

Now add the sugar and again stir till the sugar melts. Then add the fresh cream stir it and switch off flame. Add half of the pistachio and almond slivers, cardamom powder and stir well.  Refrigerate it for few hours.  

Serve  this cold in kullad pots (terracotta clay pots) garnished with pistachio and almond slivers.

Enjoy!!!

Labels : Sweets & Desserts, Firni, Pudding, Rice, Almond, Pistachios, Milk, Festival Sweets, Kullad, Alphabet Challenge

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

Jolene’s Recipe Journal: French Onion Soup

Blogghetti: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Fluffy Focaccia with Garlic Oil and Herbes de Provence

Sneha’s Recipe: Firni/Phirni

Food Lust People Love: Fish Sauce Roasted Chicken

Mayuri’s Jikoni: Fattoush Salad

A Messy Kitchen: Fennel, Tangerine & Olive Slaw

A Day in the Life on the Farm: Roasted Vegetable Farro Bowl

Culinary Cam: Fig Leaf-Wrapped Cheese 

Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Sausage Meatballs with Vodka Fennel Sauce