White Chicken#AlphabetChallenge

This  is a chicken dish  in white gravy, hence it is called White chicken. It can be made with boneless or  with bones,  it will still taste delicious.  I, have used chicken with bones and this dish was too  yummy. Its a very rich gravy made of yogurt, poppy seeds, cashewnuts and cream.  It's a  Mughlai cuisine and makes a fantastic  party dish and mildly spiced.

Ingredients 

½ kg Chicken - cut into medium pieces
2 Medium Onions - sliced
4 Tablespoons Heaped Yogurt - beaten
3 Long Green chillies
2 Tablespoons Ginger Garlic paste
Salt
2 Tablespoons Fresh Cream
12 Whole cashewnuts
1 Tablespoons Poppy seeds / Khus Khus
¼ Cup Warm Milk
Whole  Spices

1 Bay leaf

1 Big Brown Cardamom 

2 Green Cardamoms

2 Cloves 

2 Black peppercorns 

1 Teaspoon Cumin seeds 

1 Stick Cinnamon
Oil as required 
Method

Marinate chicken in yogurt, ginger garlic paste, salt and keep aside for half hour.

Soak the cashewnuts and poppy seeds in ¼ cup warm milk for at least half hour.  Then grind this to a fine paste with the milk.  Keep aside.

Saute  the onions in 2 tablespoons  oil,  till then turn light pink then add all the whole spices and green chillies saute till the spices release an aroma ( do not brown the onions or else the color of the dish will change). Let this cool completely then grind it to a fine paste with little water.

Saute the marinated chicken with 2 tablespoons oil on high heat till chicken becomes soft for 10 mins. Add the ground  onion and spice paste and saute till oil surfaces. Add  the cashew and poppy seeds paste and stir till well incorporated and on low flame let it simmer for 10 minutes or till oil surfaces and chicken is done.  

Keep giving it a stir after every 2 minutes or else it will burn at the bottom of the pan.   Drizzle a little cream. 

 Garnish with sprigs of mint leaves and  serve it with Hyderabadi Parathas or naan or any crusty bread.  

Enjoy...

Labels: Chicken, Mughlai Cuisine, Cashewnuts, Poppy seeds, Alphabet Challenge

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

• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Chocolate Mint Whoopie Pies 
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Cranberry Wild Rice 
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Creamy Butternut Squash Soup with Whiskey
• A Messy Kitchen: French Onion Sausage and White Bean Bake
• Culinary Cam: Frisky Whiskey Chocolate Cake 
• Blogghetti: Homemade White Gravy Mix
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash 
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Waldorf Salad 
• Food Lust People Love: Welsh Rarebit Potatoes with Cavolo Nero 
• Palatable Pastime: Warm Potato Salad with Kielbasa
• Sneha’s Recipe: White Chicken 

Vangi Bath Masala - Homemade#AlphabetChallenge

This is a recipe from Karnataka. This spice blend is so flavorful and fragrant, easy to make and a versatile masala, can use this to make other masala bath with the veggies you like. This masala has no preservative or added color.

Try this flavorful masala and you too will love it.
Ingredients
¼ Cup Chana dal
¼ Cup Urad dal
12 Bedki Red chillies or Adjust according to your taste
1 Tablespoon Heaped Coriander seeds
1 Tablespoon Heaped Poppy seeds
1 Tablespoon Heaped Dry Coconut grated or 8 - 10 slices
1 Stick Cinnamon
6 Cloves
1 Cardamom
A Sprig Curry Leaves
Method

Heat a teaspoon of oil in a pan and fry each of these ingredients - chana dal, urad dal, poppy seeds, coriander seeds, dry coconut, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, curry leaves and red chillies, separately on low flame until they release an aroma and turn red. Remove from pan and keep aside.

Once they cool down, grind all the ingredients into a fine powder. Ta daa.. Vangi Bath Masala is ready .
Store the powder in an air tight container and use it for making Vangi Bath or any other masale bath / rice with the vegetable of your choice.

Check this Vangi Bath Recipe

Labels: Homemade, Masala, Karnataka, South Indian, Alphabet Challenge

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

• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette 
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Instagram - Sweet Tea Vodka Vegetable Couscous Soup
• Food Lust People Love: Mirabelle Plum Vodka 
• Blogghetti: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Salata De Varza Rosie 
• Culinary Cam: Summer Rolls and Nước Chấm, a Ubiquitous Vietnamese Dipping Sauce
• Sneha’s Recipe: Vangi Bath Masala - Homemade
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Vanilla Bean Sable Cookies 
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Vaquero Chicken
• A Messy Kitchen: Vichy Carrots  

Upside Down Apricot Bundt#Alphabet Challenge

When my favorite apricots are in season, this apricot cake is the first on my baking list. Pretty basic upside down fruit cake , except this one is very soft , almost melt in your mouth,with a little tanginess from apricots. A real treat for apricot lovers and the apricot cake itself looks just gorgeous and so appetizing.  

1 Cup Measurement = 250 Ml

Ingredients
75 Grams Butter 
1½ Cups Sugar
1/3 Cup Water
2 Large Eggs
1/3 Cup Sour Cream
½ Teaspoon Grated Lemon zest
½ Teaspoon Vanilla Essence
1 Cup All Purpose Flour
½ Teaspoon Baking Powder
¼ Teaspoon Salt
Firm Ripe Apricots - see my notes
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting - optional
Method 
Preheat the oven to 180°C
Generously butter a bundtpan and arrange the apricots in the dish.

Slice the apricots in half and place the cut side up
Start by making the caramel ,sugar syrup

Combine ¾ cup of the sugar and 1/3 cup water in a small saucepan and cook over high heat until it turns a warm amber color, swirl the pan but don’t stir. Pour evenly over the apricot slices.

In a mixing bowl beat the butter and the remaining ¾ cup of sugar until light and fluff
Lower the speed and beat in the eggs one at a time.
Add the sour cream, zest, and vanilla and mix until combined
Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt, add to the mixture in 2 batches, mix until combined.
Pour the cake batter evenly over the apricot slices.

Bake 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool for 5 - 10 minutes, then turn the cake onto a flat  plate
Dust with confectioners sugar before serving. Enjoy!!

My Notes
Use apricots as many as you need to cover the bottom of the pan.
This same cake can be made with sliced apples, plums, nectarines or peaches. When choosing fruit for the cake, make sure they are not too ripe so they don’t produce too much juice and make the cake soggy.

Labels: Alphabet Challenge, Apricots, Upside Down, Bundts, Cake

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

A Messy Kitchen: Apple Bourbon Upside Down Cake
A Day in the Life on the Farm: Black Forest Upside Down Cake
Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Chunky Pumpkin Ancho Unsweetened Cocoa Chili
Blogghetti: Jumbo Upside Down Pineapple Muffins
Culinary Cam: Sea Urchin Crostini
Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Ube Pandesal
Mayuri’s Jikoni: Udon Noodle Salad
Food Lust People Love: Umeboshi Calamansi Lime Juice
Sneha’s Recipe: Upside Down Apricot Bundt
Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Upside Down Bacon Apple Pancake  

Thakkali Chammanthi/Tomato Chutney#AlphabetChallenge

Tomato Chutney is a tangy and tasty South Indian chutney made from tomatoes, herbs and spices, there is no onion no garlic or coconut in it. There are many variations of making Tomato Chutney/Thakkali Chammanthi. 

Ingredients
3 Rip Tomatoes - diced
3 Dried Red Chillies
1 Tablespoon Urad Dal
Salt to taste
1 Tablespoon Oil or as required
1 Teaspoon Finely Chopped Ginger
1 Clove
For The Tadka
A Sprig Curry Leaves
½ Teaspoon Mustard Seeds
A Pinch Asafoetida
1 Tablespoon Oil 
Method

Heat oil in the pan and add in the urad dal first. On low heat allow it to turn light golden. Now add in the ginger, red chillies (break them into pieces) and the clove. Sauté for a minute till the red chilly changes color. Now add in the chopped tomatoes and salt. Cook the tomatoes till they are soft and mushy.

Take off heat and allow this mix to cool. Now grind this mixture to a fine paste and keep aside. While grinding, you can add 2-4 tablespoons of water to get the desired consistency of the chutney. 
For The Tadka

Heat oil in a small tadka pan add the mustard seeds when they splutter, add the asafoetida and curry leaves give this a good mix. Add in the ground tomato chutney, taste for salt, add if needed. Cook for 2 minutes till all comes together. Take it off heat and enjoy this yum..mm chutney!

This Tomato Chutney taste good and is a perfect accompaniment to enjoy with Idli, Dosa, Vada, Uthappam or even rice and dal. 

We enjoyed this with Ragi Idli and Drumstick Sambar/Murungakkai Sambar... a perfect combo!!

Labels: Vegan, No Onion No Garlic, Chutney, Tomato, Gluten free, Appetizer, South Indian, Alphabet Challenge

Let's take a look at the recipes being shared today with Alphabet "T" 

• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Tomato Tortellini Soup
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Tangerine Ricotta Cookies
• Food Lust People Love: Roasted Chicken Thighs with Stuffing
• A Messy Kitchen: Blueberry Buckle Tassies
• Sneha’s Recipe: Thakkali Chammanthi /Tomato Chutney
• Palatable Pastime: Pass Around Macaroni and Tomatoes
• Blogghetti: Thanksgiving Turkey Veggie Platter
• Culinary Cam: Bitter Orange and Blackberry Thumbprint Cookies
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Michigan End of Summer Harvest Salad
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Budget-Friendly Chunky Potato Soup with Thyme
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Mini Taco Salad Cups

Spicy Peas#AlphabetChallenge

When it's winter and you will find the heaps of peas in the market. These are so fresh and green that you are invariable tempted to buy them. These are fantastic to enjoy for a evening snack or serve as an appetizer. They are so easy to make.

Ingredients

500 Grams Peas
8 Tablespoons Oil
½ Teaspoon Hing
2 Teaspoons Ajwain/Carom Seeds
Salt to taste
Grind To Paste - Chutney
1 Cup Coriander Leaves
6 Green Chillies
8 Cloves Garlic
2" Piece Ginger
2 Tablespoons Lime juice
Salt to taste
Method

Mix well all ingredients with the chutney, over and keep in microwave high for 5 to 6 minutes. After every minute giving it a stir.

If you feel that it is not cooked well, then keep for an additional minute or two also. If done keep it in the microwave for a standing time of 4 -5 minutes. Remove and serve.

These were so yummy and super delicious that my daughter and me sat with a tray full of these and relished eating these as our dinner.
Labels: Vegetables, Peas, Microwave, Microwave, Peas, Alphabet Challenge, Vegan, Gluten free, Indian

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

• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothies 
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Sourdough Focaccia 
• A Messy Kitchen: Marionberry Lavender Chiffon Cake 
• Blogghetti: Spinach and Cheese Crescent Rolls 
• Sneha’s Recipe: Spicy Peas 
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Semitas 
• Food Lust People Love: Fresh Scallop Sashimi 
• Culinary Cam: Semifreddo al Miele 
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Weeknight Sweet Italian Sausage Gravy with Beer 
• Magical Ingredients: Shahi Paneer Dip
• Palatable Pastime: Seasoned Baked Chicken Legs
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Chermoula Sweet Potato Salad

Homemade Roasted Tomato Sauce - Keto#AlphabetChallenge

A delicious and fingerlicking sauce, easy homemade sauce, that is keto, no added sugar, preservatives or peeling of tomatoes. no thickening agents, so flavorful with herbs and spices, then blended into a sauce, freezes beautifully. When tomatoes are cheap then it's perfect time to make a batch of roasted tomato sauce. Use this to make pasta, pizza for even to make a gravy.

Makes 5 Cups

Ingredients

1½ Kgs Fresh Tomatoes
1 Whole Head Garlic - peeled
2 Medium Onions roughly chopped
1 Small Carrot - chopped - optional
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Wine - optional
2 Teaspoons Dried Oregano Leaves
2 Teaspoons Dried Basil Leaves
2 Teaspoons Dried Parsley
2 Teaspoons Dried Thyme
2 Teaspoons Dried Rosemary
½ Teaspoon Black Pepper Powder
½ Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional
1 Teaspoon Pink Himalayan Salt
½ Teaspoon Keto Sweetener - I used Stevia powder
Method
Preheat oven to 200°C With both the elements on.

Cut tomatoes in pieces. Place in a large roasting pan. Scatter garlic , onion, carrot over-top. Drizzle with olive oil, wine & balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with all the herbs, salt, peppers. Toss with a large spoon to coat.

Place in preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, stirring well half way through cooking. The mixture shouldn’t dry out completely and some of the tomato skins will char slightly. Stirring well half way through ensures that nothing gets too dark. Allow to cool.

Blend in a food processor or use immersion blender to create a sauce with your desired chunkiness level. I made a smooth sauce, strained it into a strainer. If you find the sauces tangy then add ½ teaspoon sweetener of your choice, I added stevia powder. 

Here is a delicious, fingerlicking and silky smooth sauce. You will love this sauce. It has a natural roasted color, do try it, worth the effort and time taken to make this!!
Freeze this in a zip lock bag on a baking tray. When required just break pieces you require and your ready to go!! 

Labels: Alphabet Challenge, Roasted Tomato, Keto, Low Carb, Sauce, Garlic, Dried Herbs, Balsamic Vinegar, Wine, Carrot, International Cuisine, Marinara Sauce, Preservatives free 

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

• Food Lust People Love: Celeriac Mash with Scallop Roe Butter 
• Sneha’s Recipe: Homemade Roasted Tomato Sauce - Keto 
• A Messy Kitchen: Self-Saucing Rhubarb Pudding Cake 
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Caprese Ricotta Toast 
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Rosemary Roasted Red Potatoes 
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Rosolli, Finnish Salad 
• Blogghetti: Shrimp Fried Rice 
• Magical Ingredients: Ricotta Red Pepper Dip 
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Rustic Rye Sourdough Loaf 
• Palatable Pastime: Red Hot Pepper Vinegar 
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Cinnamon Raisin Vanilla Zucchini Bread Muffins

Quinoa Idli#AlphabetChallenge

Quinoa idli is a healthy variation for breakfast or even as a meal. This quinoa idli is very soft, you can try this as an alternate for the usual white idlis atleast once in a while.You can serve this idli with chutney, sambar or podi. These idlis taste really good and it's a great way to add protein in your diet. 

What I like about these Quinoa Idlis that ..
They are protein packed.
They are more wholesome than plain rice idlis.
They make a filling breakfast or lunch.
They are vegan and gluten-free.
They are easy to make with few ingredients.
Ingredients
¾ Cup Quinoa
1/3 Cup Idli Rice
1/3 Cup Urad Dal
1 Teaspoon Fenugreek seeds
1/3 Cup Heaped Poha
1 Teaspoon Sea Salt or to taste
Method

Wash and soak urad dal well and soak it along with the fenugreek seeds together for 4 hours, drain the water and but do not throw the water. This water will be used to grind the dal and the rice quinoa.
Wash the rice and quinoa very well and soak them together for at least 4 hours.
Before you start to grind wash and soak the Poha.

Just before grinding the dal and fenugreek seeds drain all the water and keep aside. Grind this to a smooth past using the water which we soaked the urad dal, use a little water as possible. Remove this on to large pot/vessel.
Now drain and grind the quinoa and rice, add little water as possible to grind this since (quinoa leaves water, so while grinding so add water carefully). Sprinkle water as and when it sticks to the sides, do not add to much water at a time.

Transfer the batters to the pot along with ground dal. Add salt to it. Mix well with hands to make it fluffy.
Close with lid and set aside for 8 hours or overnight for fermenting. 

Grease your idli plates with oil, take a laddle full of the batter and pour into the mould.
Steam cook for 12 to 15 minutess or until a knife or toothpick inserted inserted into the idlis comes out clean . Remove the idli plates, let it cool a little .

Dip a knife in water and run it on the sides and then the bottom, remove the idlis.

Serve hot with chutney and sambar. 
Labels: Alphabet Challenge, Quinoa,Idli, Vegan, Gluten free,Healthy, South Indian,Breakfast,Main course

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

Food Lust People Love: Shrimp and Quail Egg Garden Salad

Sneha’s Recipe: Quinoa Idli 

Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Blueberry Banana Quick Bread 

Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Sourdough Quinoa Bread 

A Messy Kitchen: Roasted Cauliflower Quiche 

Mayuri’s Jikoni: Nectarine Quinoa Salad 

A Day in the Life on the Farm: Shrimp Fajita Quesadillas 

Magical Ingredients: Queso Dip 

Culinary Cam: Quince Sharlotka 

Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Parmesan Potato & Zucchini Crustless Quiche 

Blogghetti: Ham and Broccoli Quiche 

Grilled Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich#Alphabet Challenge

This is peanut butter and jelly with a twist. The kids and adults will love it!
Serves 2
Ingredients
2 Tablespoon Butter
4 Slices White Bread
2 Tablespoons Any flavor fruit jelly - used Strawberry
2 Tablespoons Peanut Butter - I used Sugar Free
Method 
Heat a griddle or skillet.

Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Spread jelly on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread; spread peanut butter on the other unbuttered side. Place bread slices together, so peanut butter and jelly are in the middle. 

Grill on the preheated griddle until golden brown and heated through, about 3 - 4 minutes per side.

Serve hot enjoy with a cup of tea or hot cocoa!
Labels: Peanut Butter, Jelly, Sandwiches, Breakfast, Grilled,  Serves Two, Alphabet Challenge 

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

  

• Food Lust People Love: Easy Pastina Soup 
• Sneha’s Recipe: Grilled Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich 
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Peas and Pepper Pasta Salad 
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Pasta and Pea Soup 
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Pineapple Salad 
• Blogghetti: Easy Pumpkin Pie Crescent Rolls 
• A Messy Kitchen: Maple Pecan Fudge 
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Pasta with Preserved Lemon 
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Peach Crumble Pound Cake (Cake Mix Recipe) 
• Culinary Cam: Brunede Kartofler (Danish Caramel Potatoes) 
• Magical Ingredients: Pepper and Cheese Dip

Orange Chocolate Cake#Alphabet Challenge

Made this Orange Chocolate Cake for our community Rosary held at my place. It's a moist and soft cake. 

The orange chocolate gives a awesome flavor to the cake.

Ingredients
3 Cups All Purpose Flour
250 Grams Salted Butter
2 Cups Sugar
1½ Teaspoon Baking powder
150 Grams Orange Chocolate - chopped
¼ Cup Milk
1 Cup Buttermilk
½ Teaspoon Orange essence
5 Eggs 
Method

Grease and line 10 to 12 inch rectangle or square baking pan. Preheat the oven at 180°C.
Sieve the flour and baking powder, keep aside
In a microwave bowl add ¼ cup milk and the chopped orange chocolate and for 30 seconds bursts till the chocolate melts. Mix it and keep aside.

In a large bowl cream the butter and sugar till light and fluffy, then add the eggs one at a time and continue whisking till it's creamy, add the essence and whisk again. Add the flour and buttermilk , till the flour and buttermilk is incorporated. Divide the batter into two equal parts, to one part add the melted chocolate and mix it with a spatula till well incorporated.

Pour the white batter in the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Then pour the chocolate batter and gently spread the batter evenly. 

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or till a toothpick inserted comes out clean. 

Cool it completely,

Slice & Enjoy!! 

Labels: Orange Chocolate, Cakes, Buttermilk, Choctoberfest, Baked, Alphabet Challenge

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

 Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Cranberry Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies 

Sneha’s Recipe: Orange Chocolate Cake 

Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Orzo with Parmesan and Basil 

Food Lust People Love: Jersey Octopus Ceviche 

A Day in the Life on the Farm: Overnight Oats 

Blogghetti: Easy White Chocolate Covered Oreos 

A Messy Kitchen: Citrus Marinated Chicken 

Mayuri’s Jikoni: Orange Avocado Salad 

Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Sheet Pan Italian Olive Oil Summer Vegetables

Culinary Cam: Octopus: Takoyaki, a Japanese Snack Food, from a Santa Cruz Apartment
Magical Ingredients: Onion Oaxaca Dip