Zucchini Stir Fry#Foodieextravaganza

A courgette / zucchine is a variety of squash / edible fruit, usually long and available in yellow and green, which is used to make vegetable as well as in other sweet or savory dishes. 

In Maharashtra it is called Gilke. Do you know that Zucchini is very low in calories and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol.  Have started eating zucchini in last few years, because, earlier this was an exotic vegetable, expensive and not readily available. But now in winters we get these in plenty and reasonably priced , it's also available through out the year but at a high price. I have started to love this vegetable.  

For Foodie Extravaganza {Party} event this month the theme is Zucchini! Our host is Sue Lau. Thank you Sue for hosting this event and choosing a wonderful theme.

Let's make this quick and simple stir fry. 

Ingredients

5-7  Zucchini Green & Yellow -  meduim sized and  tender
1 Teaspoon Cumin seeds½ Teaspoon Mustard seeds

¼ Teaspoon Asafoetida

¼ Teaspoon Turmeric powder

1 Teaspoon Red Chilly powder

Salt to taste
2 Tablespoons Oil
Chopped Coriander to garnish

Method

Chop the ends, wash zucchini gently, but properly (don't bruise the skin). Cut into half vertically and then cut into 2-3 mm slices.

In a pan, heat oil. Add mustard seeds , when they splutter, add cumin seeds when they start to brown, add asafoetida,  immediately slide in the zucchini. Sprinkle salt and turmeric, stir once and cook on high flame for 2 minutes. Cover and cook on medium low flame for 3 to 4 minutes.  Open  the lid,  add chilly powder, mix well, cook for another  two to three  minutes (do not overcook or else they will become mushy since it's high in water content)

Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with coriander. Enjoy as a side dish or with rotis.  

Labels : Foodie Extravaganza Party, Zucchini, Vegetables, Vegetarian, Healthy, Vegan, Gluten free

Posting day for #FoodieExtravaganza is always the first Wednesday of each month. If you are a blogger and would like to join our group and blog along with us, come join our Facebook page Foodie Extravaganza. We would love to have you! If you're a spectator looking for delicious tid-bits check out our Foodie Extravaganza Pinterest Board! Looking for our previous parties? Check them out HERE.

See all the other recipes of today's Foodie Extravaganza:
Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes from Jolene's Recipe Journal
Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread from Cookaholic Wife
Greek Inspired Breakfast Casserole from A Day in the Life on the Farm
Grilled Zucchini Salad from Food Lust People Love
Sugar-Free Bread and Butter Zucchini Pickles from Palatable Pastime
Zucchini Corn Fritters from Caroline's Cooking
Zucchini Frittata from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Zucchini Pizza Rounds from Our Good Life
Zucchini Sandwich Bread from Karen's Kitchen Stories
Zucchini Stir Fry from Sneha's Recipe

Idli – Steamed Sourdough Rice and Lentil Buns#BreadBakers

Bake a gluten free yeast, sourdough or quick bread for this month's, event for Bread Bakers our Host is  Stacy Livingston Rushton.

Idlis are naturally fermented buns, yeast free, gluten free, vegan and oil free too. They are soft, spongy and easy to digest.

Making idlis, is not difficult, nor does it need a lot of attention, the sourdough however, does need preparation time for soaking and fermentation. So, just plan it a day in advance before making them since it requires soaking time and depending on weather 8 to 12 hours fermentation time.

While a basic proportion for idli is using 2 parts rice to 1 part lentils, for the texture and softness I, sometimes use 2 and 1/2 cups parboiled rice or idli rawa to 3/4 part lentils / urad dal and 1/2 cup of rice flakes or poha into the batter also, which  makes a huge difference, it gives a fantastic soft texture. To make a good idli it's essential to use a short grain parboiled rice or what it's also know as idli rice or even idli rawa which is readily available , rather than the long grain basmati rice or any other raw / cooking rice.

Ingredients
2 Cups Parboiled Rice / Idli Rice
3/4 cup White lentils / Urad Dal
1/2 Cup Poha /  Beaten Rice Flakes
1/2 Teaspoon Fenugreek seeds
1 Teaspoon Salt or to taste
Water for soaking and grinding
Oil for Greasing the moulds

Method
Soak the rice and the lentils separately  for at least 4 to 5 hours. Soak the fenugreek seeds along with the lentils.
Wash and drain the grains.

Just before you start blending wash and soak the poha in just a little water.

Place the half the  rice in the blender with 1/4 cup  water and  blend in a blender, pausing if needed to ensure a smooth paste with just a hint of  coarseness.  Grind the remaining rice also the same way.  Remove this into a large pot  / vessel, or  a large container with a lid which has  enough space to allow the batter to ferment and expand, much like bread dough. 

In the same  blender  (it is not necessary to wash the blender) add in the soaked lentils / urad dal with 1/4 cup of water and blend the mixture until light and super soft and fluffy.  Remove this into the same pot / vessel of the ground rice.  Now grind soaked  beaten rice and blend for another minute. 

Add this also to the blended lentils and rice mixture,  whisk well until they are mixed to form a smooth batter and light and fluffy.  Keep this batter overnight   or more depending on the weather ( in summer it take 6 to 7 hours ) to let the batter ferment.  A good batter will actually double in size.

 In a idli cooker or  large stock pot, or a pressure cooker.  that fits the idli moulds.  Add about 2 inches of water.    Bring the water to a simmer.  Brush oil  on the idli moulds.

Add salt to the fermented batter and mix it lightly, the batter should have the consistency of thick pancake or waffle batter. 

Pour the batter into the mould till about 3/4 full, allowing a little room to let the buns rise.  Gently lower the filled idli moulds  in the idli cooker and cover it with a lid. Let it steam on high flame for 12 t0 15 minutes or till a knife inserted comes out clean.

Turn off the heat and let the idlies rest for about 10 minutes, before gently un-molding them and serving.

Dunk them in mouthwatering Instant Sambar and enjoy..
Instant Sambar recipe.

Labels :  South Indian, Gluten free, Vegan, Oil free, Lentils,  Parboiled Rice, Breads, Bread Bakers, Steamed, Sourdough, Healthy, Breakfast, Main course

Gluten Free Breads -- check the other recipes

Coconut Flour Pancakes from A Day in the Life on the Farm
Gluten Free Cheddar Garlic Biscuits from What Smells So Good?
Gluten-Free Petite Vanilla Bean Scones from All That's Left Are The Crumbs
Idli – Steamed Sourdough Rice and Lentil Buns from Sneha's Recipe
Japanese Rice Crackers from Karen's Kitchen Stories
Low Carb Garlic Rosemary Bread from Gayathri's Cook Spot
Pan de Yuca from Mayuri’s Jikoni
Pão de Queijo - Brazilian Cheese Bread from Food Lust People Love
Quinoa Chia Multiseed Bread (Vegan ~ Gluten Free ~ Dairy Free) from CookWithRenu
Spicy Besan and Fenugreek Crackers (GF and Vegan) from Sizzling Tastebuds

#BreadBakers is a group of bread loving bakers who get together once a month to bake bread with a common ingredient or theme. Follow our Pinterest board right here. Links are also updated each month on this home page.

We take turns hosting each month and choosing the theme/ingredient.

Roasted Chicken & Corn Chowder#Soupswappers

Made the is chowder using potatoes as a thickening agent and absolutely no tomatoes, yet this soup is so delicious. Used this Homemade Cream Style Corn to make this chowder.  Have big bowl of this during a rainy day its filling and perfect for the day!

Ingredients
2 Slices Bacon -  chopped
1 Small  onion - finely chopped
1 Stalk Celery -  diced
1 Tablespoon Diced Carrot
2 Cloves Garlic -  minced
1 Teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 Cups Roasted Chicken broth

1 Tin (14 oz)  Cream-Style Corn - Homemade
1 Cup Roasted Shredded  Chicken
1⁄4 Teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1⁄4 Teaspoon Dried Rosemary

1 Small Raw Potato -grated

Method

Boiled one carcass of roasted chicken in 1.5 liters of water and reduced it to 2 cups (500 ml).  Strain it in a cheese cloth and used this broth to make the chowder.

In a large non-stick soup pot over medium-high heat until lightly browned but not crisp. Stir in onions, celery, carrot  and garlic. Cook and stir until tey begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

Add Italian seasoning, rosemary, black pepper powder and grated potato. Mix well. Stir in broth and bring it to a gentle boil and stir continuously until soup thickens slightly.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in cream style corn, chicken and seasonings,  let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve hot.

This is filling and warm comfort food and makes such a comforting meal.

Labels : Soup,  Roasted Chicken, Corn, Chowder, Gluten free, Potato, Italian seasoning, Chicken, Soupswappers

Fruity Rice Paper Rolls#Foodieextravaganza

In Foodie Extravaganza group we celebrate food holidays wherein we cook and bake together with the same ingredient or theme each month. 

This month's theme is National Fruit & Vegetables , our host of the month is Ellen Folkman and my recipe is Fruity Rice Paper Rolls.

Ingredients
10 Rice Paper Wraps
For the filling
1 Apple - sliced
2 Kiwifruits - sliced
10 - 12 Black Grapes - cut into two
1/2 Cup Pomegranate
2 Oranges - sliced
Can use any fruits or sprouts to of your choice

For the Dipping Sauce

2 Tablespoons Lime juice
4 Tablespoons Honey

Method

In a bowl mix fruits,sugar and a tablespoon of lime juice and keep aside.

To make the wraps 

Fill a large deep plate  with water  and completely dip your rice paper for 5 seconds, until slightly soft, carefully take it out and dry with kitchen towel Remove it carefully and place on a dry surface (marble/mat).

Arrange the fruits as you desire. Drizzle with honey and lime dressing 

fold it like a spring roll (in pic)

 Sealing the sides tightly. When done rolling, I recommend letting it sit for a bit, so the rice paper dries. I find it tastes better. 

Serve with honey and lime dipping sauce. Enjoy!!!

Labels :  Foodie Extravaganza Party, Vegetarian, Fresh Fruits, Rice Paper Rolls, Healthy, Honey, Gluten free,Sweets & Desserts

Vegetarian Mulligatawny#SoupSwappers

Mulligatawny is prounced as Mulli ga towny. This is a classic Anglo-Indian soup, the name of which means pepper water.  This is an English interpretation of an Indian dish.  It's a curry soup, full of nutrients, a mouthful of goodness in every spoon. Simply delicious and comforting soup.

"Let's Go Meatless" Event for Soup Saturday Swappers was the theme given to us by our hosted Paula Begley.   Made this Vegetarian Mulligatawny soup for the event.

Serves 4
Ingredients
2 Tablespoons Butter
1 Onion - chopped
1 Big Carrot - finely diced
1 Fresh Red Chilli - chopped
3 Cloves Garlic - minced
1 Teaspoon Ginger - minced
2 Apples- skinned and finely diced
2 Big Tomatoes - finely chopped
1 Tablespoon Curry Powder
1 Teaspoon Roasted Cumin powder 
1/2 Teaspoon Paprika powder
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon powder
1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric powder
1/4 Teaspoon Cardamom powder
1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper powder
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
1/2 Cup Masoor Dal / Red Lentils - soaked
4 Cups Vegetable Stock
2/3 Cup Coconut Milk
Salt to taste
Black Pepper powder to taste
Roasted Cashews for garnish
Chopped Coriander for garnish
Spring Onions for garnish

Method

Melt butter in a large pan / pot,  add the onion, carrot, and red chili, then sauté until the onions have softened. Add the garlic, ginger, apples and diced tomatoes.  Add in all of the spices and toss to coat. Add in the lentils, stock and let come to a boil. Turn the flame to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. 

Puree about 75% of the soup in with a stick blender. Leave some of the chunks whole, as it gives a nice texture and consistency to the soup. Return the pot  back to flame,  stir in the coconut milk and just warm it( do not bring it to a boil). Taste and adjust for salt and black pepper as needed. 

Serve topped with cashew nuts and spring onions.

Labels : Vegetarian, Soup, Mulligatawny, Masoor dal, Soupswappers, Gluten free, Healthy Dinners, Coconut Milk

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Vegan & Gluten Free Thai Tofu Red Curry

Veganism is fast catching up with many.  My daughter, too has turned to veganism.  Whenever she is with us, I,  have to be careful as to what is used in preparing  food.  Now, very often you will find vegan recipes on my blog. 

Though me and my husband tried to reason out with her, we still support her becoming a vegan.  I, go out of my way to cook total vegan food her, we love her too much.

This tofu curry is so delicious, quick and easy.  Add more curry paste if you want it spicy.  This had just the right amount of spice

Ingredients

250 Grams Tofu - cut into big pieces

250 Grams Broccoli - cut into florets
100 Grams French beans - cut into long sticks
100 Grams Carrot - cut into long stcks
1 Small Green Capsicum - cut into big pieces
1 Small Red Capsicum - cut into big pieces
1 Small Yellow Capsicum - cut into big pieces
4 Small Shallots / Baby Red Onions - cut into two
5 -6 Kaffir Lime Leaves - chiffonade cut
5 -6 Basil leaves - torn
1 Teaspoon Palm Sugar
Salt to Taste
1 Can (400 ML) Coconut Milk
3  Tablespoons Thai Red Curry Paste
1 Teaspoon Heaped Corn Flour Slurry

3 Tablespoons Oil

Method

In oil in a deep pan or kadai, add the curry paste, beans, onion, broccoli and carrot, saute till the veggies are well coated with the paste for 3 minutes.  Then add 1 cup water and cover  with a lid, cook on medium low flame till the  veggies are cooked.  

When the veggies are cooked open the lid, add salt to taste and sugar, give it a quick stir, add the kaffir lime chiffonade and the basil leaves, stir again,  add the coconut milk , tofu and colored capsicums, bring it to a rolling boil stirring continuously.  Reduce the flame and check for gravy consistency.  Add more water if necessary, cover and cook for 2 minutes.  Then open the lid, add the cornflour slurry and stir it, let it cook so that it thickens the gravy a little.  Take off flame and serve hot with steamed noodles or rice.  

We enjoyed with steamed rice.  

Labels : Thailand, Thai Red Curry Paste, Tofu, Vegan, Gluten free, Thai Tofu Red Curry, Healthy, Main course 

Sardinian Fennel, Chickpea & Tomato Soup#SoupSwappers

This month for Soup Swappers our Host of the month Camilla M. Mann , asked us create and share some soups that feature the darlings of Spring. Think fennel, peas, and whatever tickles your fancy. 

Made my first every fennel soup.. a Sardinain one and fell in love with fennel.  Thanks Camilla for choosing this wonderful theme, it's a delight to be part of this wonderful group of soup swappers which pushes us to try and make different cuisines.

This soup serves 4 as a complete healthy meal, we had  it as  our dinner.  Soup is so tasty and very satisfying, the fennel, chickpeas add different textures to it.

Ingredients
1 Cups Dried Chickpeas
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 White Onion - chopped
1 Big Clove Garlic - finely chopped
2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley - chopped
1 Bulb Fennel - sliced
2 Tablespoons Fresh Fennel fronds - finely chopped
1 Medium  Potato
200 Grams Tomato Puree

1/2 Teaspoon Sugar
Salt and  Freshly Ground Black Pepper as per taste

6 Cups  Water

2 Chicken Stock cubes
1 Cup Mini pasta -I used a mini Macaroni pasta
For Garnishing 
1/2 Tablespoon Fresh Fennel fronds - finely chopped
1/4 Cup coarsely grated or shredded Cheese - optional

Method

Wash and soak the chickpeas in water for at least 4 - 6 hours . Then pressure cook it with 1/2 teaspoon salt and water one inch above the chickpeas on high flame for one whistles then on low flame for 10 minutes. After soaking this makes 2 cups of cooked chickpeas.   When the cooker cools, open it and take 1/4 cup of chickpeas and mash it with a potato masher, keep aside.

Boil the potato till half done.  Peel and diced it into small cubes, keep it aside.

Boil the pasta till 3/4 done and keep aside.

Remove the stalks and fronds of the fennel, core it and thinly slice it. Keep aside.

In a large pot, heat the oil. Add the onion, garlic, and sliced fennel bulb,  cook gently, 

stirring occasionally until they are light pink or starts to caramelize, about 5 minutes.

 Now  add the  parsley, fennel fronds and potato and saute for  5 minutes. 

Add the tomato puree , sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste , pepper, stock cubes and chickpeas along with stock and water.  

Stir well, cover, and cook for 25 to 30 minutes over medium low heat.

After half an hour the stock will reduce  a little (ie. 2 cups ) and the chickpeas will absorb the flavor of the fennel.  

Now add the pasta and the mashed chickpeas, taste for salt, and continue to simmer, uncovered, until the pasta is just tender. 

Serve this hot with finely chopped fennel fronds and a dash of pepper powder.  Enjoy.

We loved the soup a lot,  without the cheese. The broth is so  flavorful.  

Had a bowl of it remaining the next day the pasta had swelled  up so much,  added more water, since the pasta  had absorbed so much liquid and it tasted ever more yum.

My Notes:

I have added 1/2 teaspoon sugar to the soup, to cut the sour taste that the puree sometimes has.

Many of the recipes that I read had added cheese,  which I did not add, loved this without cheese, it was healthy, low in calorie and  yum.

Can make this Vegetarian and Vegan add vegetable stock or stock cube.

Lables : Soup, Fennel, Chickpea, Tomato, Sardinia, Italy, Healthy, Soup Swappers, Gluten free, Internaional Cuisine

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