Chicken Bolognese#FantasticalFoodFight

For a healthier alternative to red meat I have made this in an authentic Italian style, try this Chicken Bolognese. 

Ingredients 

1 to 1½ Cups Homemade Pasta sauce
250 Grams  Spaghetti Pasta - boiled

Ingredients for mince sauce

250 Grams Chicken Mince
1 Medium Onion - chopped 
1 Teaspoon Garlic Paste   
½ Teaspoon Dried Oregano 

½ Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
1 Teaspoon Black Pepper powder
½ Teaspoon Salt or to taste
1 Teaspoon Dried Basil
2 Tablespoons Butter 

2 Tablespoons Oil
Method 

For the Chicken mince

Heat butter and  oil in a pan. Add chopped onion, garlic paste, seasonings and mince. Fry for 5 minutes, add a cup water. Cover and cook until mince done. Add to it the prepared pasta sauce, mix well and let it simmer or 2 to 3 minutes. Taste for salt and sauce consistency.   Now fold in boiled pasta. Remove in a dish. 

Serve sprinkled with parsley and basil leaves. 

Lables :  Chicken, Pasta & Noodles, Italy, Pasta sauce, Spaghetti, Fantastical Food Fight, Main course

It’s time for Fantastical Food Fight headed up by Sarah Ellis at Fantastical Sharing. Since October is National Pasta Month, so we are celebrating with making oodles of noodles to share! Our theme for the month is: PASTA
You can learn more about our group and how to join in the fun over at this site.

#FantasticalFoodFightClick on the hop link button to be transported to the other recipes:  

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Tomato Gravy Braised Veggies Served On a Bed Of Steamed Brown Rice

This is a nutritious, healthy and a real comfort food. It has a  just right spice, if you are not well and want something tasty,  then you should definitely try this . You can make this with whatever veggies you have, there,  no need to use what I, have used. Its is a quick dish and it turns out really really good. This dish is also vegan and gluten free.

Well my daughter cleaned her plate.. it was so comforting and delicious.

Serves 2
Ingredients
For the Braised Veggies
6 - 8 Broccoli Florets - cut into small ones
1/2 of Each Red, Green & Yellow Capsicum - sliced
2 Tablespoons Celery - finely chopped
1 Cup Zucchini cubes
1 Small Onion - diced
1/2 + 1/2 Basque Chilly / Red Chilly - finely chopped
1 Tablespoon Parsley - chopped
1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper powder
1.1/2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Sugar

For the Tomato Gravy
3 Medium Tomatoes - blended
1 Large Potato - thinly sliced into half circles
1 Small Onion - finely chopped
4 Cloves Garlic - finely chopped
1 Green Chilly - chopped
1 Teaspoon Curry Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Mixed herbs
1/2 Teaspoon Red Chilly Flakes
1 Cube Vegetable Seasoning
2 Tablespoons Level Coconut Milk Powder
1.1/2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
A Handful of Basil Leaves
1 Tablespoon Parsley - chopped

For the Steamed Rice
1 Cup Heaped Brown Basmati Rice
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Oil

Method
First Make the Steamed Rice
Wash the rice and place it in 5 cups to water to boil on high flame. When it comes to a rolling boil drain the water and keep just enough water to the level of the rice, add the salt and oil, stir it lightly and close with a lid, take 2 whistles on high flame. Your rice is done. When your ready to serve open the lid and fork it lightly.

For the Braised Veggies 

Heat a pan with oil. Add the onion & 1/2 the basque chilly, fry till the onion softens . Next add the three colored capsicum, zucchini, broccoli, salt, sugar, and pepper powder. Stir fry until they were mixed well. Cover it and let it cook in it's steam for 5 minutes.  The veggies should  be crisp so do not cook them till they are limp and soft. Remove it from the flame, added celery mix it and keep aside.

For the Tomato Gravy

Heat another pan with olive oil, fry the garlic till it releases an aroma.  Add the onions, 1/2 the chopped basque red chilly, green chilly and potatoes. Saute for a minute, cover and cook till the potatoes are half done.  Now add the blended tomatoes, mixed herbs, curry powder, red chilly flakes and a little water,  add the seasoning cube, cover and let the potatoes cook till done. 

Mix the coconut half cup water and add to the gravy, mix it well let this cook on a medium flame until the gravy thickens. Now add the fresh basil leaves (have used loads of basil leaves since I, have a plant in my kitchen garden.) and parsley to give this dish a beautiful aroma and taste. Take it off flame and it's ready to serve. 

To Serve

Place a mold of brown rice in the center of the plate. 

Top it with the braised vegetables and pour in the tomato potato gravy around the rice. 

Garnish it with parsley and basil leaves and enjoy this healthy, delicious,  perfect comfort meal.

You may also want to check this recipe

Brown Basmati Pulao

Labels : Brown Rice, Vegetables, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free, Healthy, Main course, Tomato, Zucchini, Broccoli, Capsicum, Potato, Brown Rice, Coconut Milk

Almond Chicken Soup#Soupswappers

Its time to share our recipe with Soup Saturday Swappers today for which I am the host. The theme for this month is "Almonds".

I love this nut for all its nutrition and other benefits. I especially crave for the salted ones, these are tempting and can munch on them non stop.. really they are so addictive. If you can get a bag of these you must buy them. Coming to this soup I, have used the unsalted ones.. made Homemade Almond Meal, easy and simple to make.

Serves 5
Ingredients 
1 Chicken Breast - cubed
6 Cup Chicken Stock   OR

6 Cups Water + 1 Big Chicken Stock Cube
4 Tablespoons All Purpose Flour
2 Tablespoons Butter
3 Tablespoons Heaped Homemade Almond Meal 

½ Teaspoon Salt  or to taste
1 Cup Milk
½ Teaspoon Black or White Pepper Powder or to taste
Bread Croutons as required for serving
2 Tablespoons Fresh Cream for garnishing

Method

Melt butter in a pan, add chicken pieces till it turns pink to white. 

Homemade Almond Meal 

Then add flour with pepper , salt and almond meal, saute for 2  minutes, add stock, cook till chicken tender and soup thick, keep stirring , remove soup from the flame, add milk, sugar, salt, stir well and keep it again on medium low, cook for 5 minutes.  

Just before serving drizzle with cream.

Enjoy this soup with bread croutons.

Labels : Almond, Almond Meal, Chicken, Soup, Soup Swappers, Healthy, Main course, Appetizer

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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.

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 

Butter Garlic Sauce With Saute Veggies Sizzler Platter#Fishfriday

For my birthday hubby took us out for a day and treated us to his office colleagues favorite fish joint in town. We had variety of fish / seafood dishes but the one that we really enjoyed was the butter garlic crabs. 

From that time this was on my to do list. Here is a copy cat recipe of the Butter Garlic Crabs. I, should say better than what we had, because at home you make better quality, eat with your hands and enjoy it much better.

Today is third Friday of the month. On this day we post our fish recipes for Fish Friday Foodies . Our host of the month is Paula Begley and the theme is " We're So Crabby ".

Ingredients
6 Fresh Live Crabs
1 Tablespoons Minced Garlic
Salt to taste and Pepper powder to taste
75 Grams Butter
2 Tablespoon All Purpose Flour
1 Cup Stock Water  of the boiled crabs
1 Cup Fresh Cream
For the Veggies
1 Boiled Corn - cut into two
A Few Carrot Sticks - parboiled
A Few Cauliflower Florets - parboiled
A Few Small Button Mushrooms
2 Tablespoons Butter
Salt and Pepper powder to taste

Method

Wash and scrub the carbs well, separate the hard top body of the crab and  clean them.  

In a large pot ,  add 2 cups of water and the  crabs and bring it to a boil, keep stirring the crabs up side down in boiling water. Cook the crabs until they are red, approximately 7 to 10 minutes, and then let crabs cool to the touch.

Drain out the stock in a bowl.

Place the sizzler plate on high flame to heat it very very hot.

In a deep skillet, melt the butter and add the garlic and saute it for a minute add the flour and saute till it releases an aroma.  Add the stock and keep stirring it  form a smooth and lump free paste.  Now add the seasoning like salt and pepper. mix it well and then add the cream, when cream just comes to a boil take off flame.  Keep 2 to 3 tablespoons of the sauce aside for the veggies and place the crabs in the butter mixture and toss it to coat them. 

In another skillet heat 2 tablespoons butter add the mushrooms first and saute them for a minute and rest of the veggies and toss them well into the butter, add the seasoning like salt and pepper. Mix well.

Now the sizzler is hot, place cabbage leaves or banana leaves (I used banana leaves).  Place the crabs and the veggies at the side.   Pour remaining butter suace from skillet onto the crabs before serving. The reserved sauce on to the veggies and enjoy ..... delicious and yum!!

Labels: Vegetables, Crabs, Shellfish, Butter, Garlic, Main course, Sizzler Platter, Fish Friday, Seafood/Fish

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Oil Free Baked Spiced Fish En Papillote#FishFriday

This month’s Fish Friday Foodies theme is Seafood / Fish en Papillote (i.e. the fish / seafood is baked and served in parchment paper) or called as is a meal in a packet. Our Host for the month is Sue.

This is the second recipe of Fish en Papillote. My earlier recipe is Mediterranean Fish En Papillote. Today's recipe is Oil free and yet so delicious. To tell you the truth, forgot to drizzle oil on the fish and when one packed was served to daughter's packet, she said Ma this fish is "Oiless" yet so yum, it's then I realised it. Any way since this had coconut and spice, the oil was not needed, since coconut does releases oil at the time of cooking. 

Do try this it's really really tasty and yum.. you will love it!

Ingredients  

2 Medium Whole Pomfret Fish
4 Tomatoes - sliced in thick roundles
2 Lemons - sliced in thin roundels
8 to 10 Mushrooms

2 Green Chillies - de seeded and slit

1 Red Chilly - de seeded and slit
To grind to a fine paste
1 Cup Freshly Grated Coconut
6 Cloves Garlic - chopped
Juice of 2 Small Lemons
6 Green Chillies
1 Teaspoon Cumin powder
2 Teaspoons Coriander powder
1 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric powder
1/2 Teaspoon Garam Masala powder
A Handful of Green Coriander Leaves

Salt to taste

Method 

Wash,  clean the fish and give a slit in the center as you give to stuff the fish. Apply 1/2 teaspoon salt on each fish and few drops of lemon juice on it and keep it in a colander to drain all the excess water and salt till the paste is being ground.

Let's grind the paste 

Grind all the ingredients mentioned above to a fine paste in small blender, without using any water. If necessary just add a teaspoon or so of water or better still add oil. 

 Apply the paste to fish inside out well ( see pic).  Place slit green  and red chilly  and in each fish . Keep this in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

As you can see in the pic the paste has nicely set on to the fish, so it's necessary to keep it to marinate in the refrigerator.

Take a two big pieces of parchment paper and place few slices of lime and tomato roundels. 

Then the fish, again top it with lime and tomatoes slices, whole mushrooms, seal the packet ( for details check this post Mediterranean Fish En Papillote).

Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees, 20 to 25 minutes. 

I, used the air fryer and baked single packet at a time, since the oven was not working it took around 15 to 18 minutes for each to be baked. After 8 minutes I turned the packet and baked again for another 8 to 9 minutes. Let is rest in the air fyer till it cools a little then gently lift it on to serving plate and Enjoy. 

This we had as a meal, it was so filling and delicious.

Labels :  Air Fryer, Continental Cuisine, Healthy,Baked, Fish Friday, Seafood/Fish, Spiced Fish En Papillote, Parchment paper, Whole Pomfret Fish, Oil Free, Indian, Main course

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