PRAWN MINI VOL-AU-VENTS IN TORNADO SAUCE #FISH FRIDAY FOODIE

This group is a brain child of Wendy ,  our host of the month, if you wish to join this group, kindly send her an email with your blog url at (wendyklik1517@gmail.com) and she will gladly add you to the group.  The theme of the month is appetizers or first courses that include fish and/or seafood.

I have made party appetizers, try them and your guest will enjoy them.  We enjoyed these, could not stop at one, so make more in case , your guest ask for another one.

Ingredients

12 Mini Vol-au-vents Shells - used ready shells

For the Prawn Marination
24 Prawns - cleaned and de-veined
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 Teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Salt or to taste
1 Teaspoon Lime juice

For the Tornado Sauce
100 ml Single Cream
1 Tablespoon Butter
1 Tablespoon Oil
1 Medium Onion - finely chopped
1/2 tsp Chilly flakes
5 Cloves Garlic - finely chopped
1/2 Teaspoon White Pepper powder
A pinch of salt
1/2 Teaspoon Tobassco sauce
2 Cubes Cream Cheese
1/2 Teaspoon Mustard Sauce

Cheese slices or grated cheese as required

Method

Marinate the prawns with the given ingredients and keep it in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.  After 15 minutes, saute the prawns in a pan till it turns  pink.  Keep aside.

In the meantime let's make the sauce
In a pan heat oil, fry onions in till brown.  add garlic fry again,  add spices and sauces fry again add cream mixed in water (diluted) stir continuously add, cheese and little water to make it saucy. Bring it to a just boil, add mustard paste stir take off flame.

To Assemble

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees, turning both the elements on ( i.e. grill rod too).

Take each shell and core it with a spoon carefully so that you do not break right into the bottom ( this is to give  a little depth). 

Like wise prepare all the shells.

Arrange them in a lined tray, place a prawn at the bottom.

Pour the sauce  

Again place a prawn on top.

Cut the cheese slice to fit the shell, garnish with a red capsicum piece and place it in  the oven till the cheese melts say about 10  minutes or so.

Take them off and serve as appetizers to your guest ...enjoy.

My Notes: 

I have used cheese slices since it look neat when serving to your guest, can use grated cheese too.
Can serve this sauce with chips or pitta bread or chicken roulade.

Labels :  Appetizer, Fish, Fish Friday, Jams & Sauces, Starters, Tornado Sauce, International Cuisine, Puff Pastry

An InLinkz Link-up

Jabeez - Yemeni Style Savory Cake

Jabeez is a Yemeni style savory cake served as appetizers during Ramadan. In Mena cooking club this month we are exploring Yemeni cuisine.   I made two recipes from the given list this and the Red Bean Stew.  Wanted to make third  -  Khaliat Al Nahl, but here it too oo very hot to on the oven so left this. Thanks Mena for hosting this month.

Serves -  6 Cakes
Ingredients
1.1/4 Cup Dried Black Eyed Peas 
1/2 Cup  Bread crumbs
2  Scallions / Spring Onions - finely chopped
1 Egg - beaten
2 Tablespoons Capsicum  - finely chopped
1/2 Teaspoon Salt or to taste
1 Teaspoon Jalapenos - finely chopped
1/4 Teaspoon Turmeric
1/2  Teaspoon Black pepper powder
3/4 Teaspoon  Cumin powder
2 Tablespoon  Coriander leaves - finely chopped
Oil for frying 

Method

Wash and soak  the  black eyed peas for an hour or two. Then drain the water and blend it to a fine paste.  If needed add a tablespoon of water, but I did not require,  ground this in a small mixer jar little at a time.

In a bowl add the pea paste along with scallions, jalapenos, capsicum, coriander leaves, cumin powder, black pepper powder,  turmeric and  salt, mix them well.   Add  half the beaten egg and mix well, if the paste is watery , add a tablespoon of bread crumbs(  I did)  It will form into a thick smooth paste. Taste and adjust salt if needed.  Make small cakes and place them  in  a plate and keep it in the refrigerator for a hour to set well.  

Heat 2 tablespoons of  oil in a pan.

Roll each cake in  bread crumbs and then dip each in egg and fry the cakes on medium flame till brown on both sides.  We enjoyed this hot with spicy  chutney. 

Labels:  Black Eyed Peas, Starters, Mena Cooking Club, Yemeni

An InLinkz Link-up

Roasted Potatoes with Zaatar Spice - Homemade

Zaatar is a herb used in the Middle East and Mediterranean countries. Zaatar is generally prepared using  dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, or some combinations of other spices too.  

For the marathon this week the theme is Condiment from Countries, wherein we have to choose condiments, sauces, spreads or seasonings - its week 3 - day 16.

Condiment - Zaatar

Country - Middle Eastern Countries

Ingredients

8 - 10 Baby Potatoes
1 Tablespoons Zaatar
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Olive oil
1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper powder
For the Zaatar Spice

1 Tablespoon Oregano
1 Tablespoon Thyme
1 Tablespoon Marjoram
1 Tablespoon Sumac
1 Tablespoon Cumin - coarsely ground
Method

To make the Zaatar Spice

Mix all the ingredients and the spice it ready. Some even add sesame seeds, which I have  not add.

Preheat your oven to 180 degrees. 

Wash and scrub the skin of the potatoes well.  Chop the potatoes into halves and toss in a large bowl with the olive oil, salt and zaatar. Pour the potatoes along with the marinade onto a baking sheet. Roast for 35-40 minutes, stirring the potatoes with a fork after 20 minutes. Enjoy ....  These are yummy and flavorful, can be served as starters too.

My Notes:

Make this spice and store it in the refrigerator for a year.

Labels :  Potato, Starters, Masalas ,Zaatar, Homemade, International Cuisine , Baked, Vegetarian, Middle Eastern

An InLinkz Link-up

NUTELLA PARCELS

These are flaky and gooey nuttella parcels, wherein when you bite into it nutella oozes out. Simply yummy and delicious. These parcels I made for our evening tea. They were finished in jiffy. Try them and you too will enjoy.

While making these parcels I had a tough time.  Heat was too much and the pastry sheets were just melting and soft.  Had to refrigerate after every step.

Ingredients
5 Square Puff pastry sheets

For the filling
Nutella as required
1 egg + 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash

Method
To assemble the parcels:

Preheat oven to 180 degrees . Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Defrost the sheets and cut into squares (of one sheet I got 2 parcels) Top with a teaspoon of Nutella.

Brush edges with the egg wash. Top with the other half  and press to seal. 

Use the back of a fork to press a decorative edge around the parcels.  Refrigerate them for at least half an hour.

Brush tops with egg was.  Bake until crust is golden. Let cool slightly and serve immediately. 

These parcels are best had the day they are baked, but will keep at room temperature for a few days.

Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM# 55

Labels : Puff Pastry Sheet, Nutella, Blogging Marathon, Snacks

Prawn Koliwada

Prawn Koliwada is a spicy Fried Prawn dish, relished as a starter in restaurants  and also a appetizer for a party. 

This dish got its name  from the  north Indian immigrants of  Punjab who put up stalls selling it in the Sion village called  Koliwada in Mumbai .  These deep-fried ,crunchy prawns can be identified by their signature red color because of the use of Kashmiri red chili powder. 

Sending this to BM#54 week 3 day 3 under the theme " One Bite Appetizers".

Ingredients

15  medium sized prawns
1 and 1/2 Tablespoon Chickpea flour/ Besan
1 Teaspoon All purpose flour
1 Tablespoon Yogurt

1 Teaspoon Ginger paste

1 Teaspoon Garlic paste

1 and 1/2 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 Tablespoon Kashmiri Red chilly powder

1 Teaspoon Coriander powder

1 Teaspoon oil, used for marination

Oil, for deep fry
1 Teaspoon Chat masala

Salt to taste

Method:
Peel and devein the prawns, wash thoroughly and pat dry.
In a bowl, marinade the prawns with ginger garlic paste, 1/2 tablespoon kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt, keep marinated for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes of marinated time, squeeze out the extra moisture, add all purpose flour, chickpea flour, another 1/2 tablespoon  kashmiri chili powder, rest 1/2 of the lemon juice, yogurt with a teaspoon of oil. Mix all the spices with the marinated prawns.

Heat oil for deep frying, on medium high.  Add one prawn initially in the hot oil to check if it is sufficiently hot.
Next add the marinated prawns in the oil in a single layer, fry till they turn a rich golden brown color on both the sides.  Remove on a absorbent paper towel.

Sprinkle chat masala on top, serve with green chutney or ketchup.  Enjoy these yummy prawns.

Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM# 54

Labels : Fish, Prawns, Starters, Blogging Marathon

Chicken Nuggets

Homemade chicken nuggets with the same texture and taste as the store ones. I have seen Nigella Lawson on TV using this method to make the nuggets. This is her recipe.

My daughter loves these nuggets, because they are exactly like the ready to eat ones. You can freeze these nuggets too after coating for 15 to 20 days. Take them out and deep fry them serve them as One Bite Appetizers to your guest.

Sending this to BM#54 week 3 day  2 under the theme " One Bite Appetizers".

Ingredients
250 Grams Chicken breasts, cut into ½ inch cubes
1 Egg - beaten
½ Cup All Purpose flour
1 Teaspoon Garlic powder
1/2 + 1/4 Teaspoon Pepper powder
1/2 + 1/4 Teaspoon salt
Oil for frying

Method
Pat dry the chicken pieces.
Beat egg in a shallow bowl, add the chicken pieces, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon pepper powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt, mix well and keep aside for 30 minutes.

In a zip lock bag mix the flour, 1/4 teaspoon pepper powder and salt, shake well so that the seasonings are incorporated.

Take a chicken piece at a time from egg mixture, transfer into the bag, shake the bag well to coat evenly.
Transfer coated chicken on to a plate. Repeat the process till all the chicken pieces are done.

Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.  Deep fry the chicken pieces in a single layer for  2-3 minutes without  stirring them till done.  Transfer on to a paper towel lined plate. Repeat process with remaining chicken pieces, serve. 

Labels : Chicken, Nuggets, One Bite, Appetizer, Homemade

Amratsari Fried Fish

For a party we look forward to one bite appetizers, they're easy and mess-free to eat. In the third week of BM#54, the theme is One-Bite Appetizers. I love the fish appetizers that are served in a party. My recipe is exactly that. This one bite will leave your taste buds tingling for more!
For this I used Basa fish , since basa is fleshy, tasty and without any thorns .

Ingredients
For The Marination

250 Grams Boneless fish fillet - cut into thick fingers
½ Teaspoon Salt
1½ Teaspoon Lemon juice
1 Teaspoon Chilly powder
¼ Teaspoon Turmeric powder

Ingredients For The Batter

3 Tablespoons All Purpose Flour
4 Tablespoons Corn flour
2 Tablespoons Rice flour
2 Tablespoon Chickpea flour
1 Egg - lightly beaten
1 Teaspoon Ginger garlic paste
½ Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Chili powder
A pinch Yellow color
Water to make batter
Oil for frying
½ Teaspoon Chat masala

Method

Wash the fish well and pat it dry with a paper towel.
Marinate fish with salt, turmeric, chilly powder, lemon juice for 30 minutes.

Mix together all the ingredients for batter in a bowl, except the chat masala and make it into a thick coating consistency batter. Dip the fish in it, deep fry to a golden color on low heat till golden and crisp. Sprinkle chat masala, serve hot with chatni or any spicy dip.
                                 

Labels: Starters, One Bite, Appetizer, Fish  

Spiral Stuff Sweet Peppers - Vegetarian

Stuffed Peppers are one of my favorite. Whenever I, see the lushes light greens smileling at me in the market, just can't stop myself from picking few of them. When I,  severed these,  they were really surprised when they took a bite and ate the awesome stuffed peppers. Crisp from outside, soft and yummy from inside, not at all pungent. These are mind blowing. Try them.....

Sending these to this month's BM, week 2 day 3 - theme -"Deep Fried Love" this is the third recipe .
Ingredients

5 Long Green Chillies / Green Peppers

For the Stuffing
2 Potatoes - boiled and mashed
1 Scallion  - white and green parts - finely chopped
1/2 Teaspoon Freshly ground Black Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Oil

For the Crust
1 Cup All Purpose Flour
2 Tablespoons Hot Oil
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
Water as needed

Method

Wash and slit the peppers lengthwise on one side, leaving the stems intact and deseed carefully.

For the Stuffing
Mix all the ingredients and make into a dough. Cover and keep aside.

For the Crust
Mix all ingredients and add water as required to make a smooth and stiff dough. Cover with a damp cloth and keep aside for at least 15 minutes.

Stuff the peppers with potato mixture into it. Keep all the stuff peppers aside.

Divide the pastry dough into two balls and roll out each one about half an inch thick. Cut into long strips.

Wrap the stuffed peppers with the dough strips and seal by dabbing a little amount of water (Depending on the texture of your dough, you may or may not require this).

Join another strip and continue to roll till

Fully wrapped.  Repeat the same process with the other's and keep aside

Heat oil in a pan and flat base one see pic... Deep fry in hot oil

Do not put too much oil or while frying it will spill and cause fire.  Caution be careful add enough oil to cover half the peppers.   Fry two or three at a time.

Fry on medium flame, keep turning them with thongs by lifting the stem of the peppers.  Fry till golden brown.  

Ta ...Da  these beauties ... peppers... spiral and cute....  are ready.  These can be served as starters ... these are crowd pleasers.   Serve with mint chutney.

Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM# 54

Labels : Starters, Deep Fried, Stuffed Peppers, Potato, Vegetarian, Vegan, Blogging Marathon

Fried Spaghetti Fingers

If you enjoy pasta, then these fingers will make you feel happy and satisfied to have pasta in fingers.  These fried spaghetti fingers are very easy to prepare and taste absolutely yum, your little one won’t mess his or her clothes too!

All that is needed,  spaghetti and few other ingredients that are available in your kitchen pantry.  If you don’t have any pasta at home, try any kind of thin noodle of your choice.

For this month, week 2 day 2 the theme is "Deep Fried Love" this is the second recipe . This recipe was prepared after watching a cookery show. Sending this also for this week CCChallenge.

Ingredients
2 Cups Spaghetti -  boiled
1 Cup Potato - boiled and mashed
2 Tablespoons Tomato paste
2 Tablespoons Onion - finely chopped
1 Egg yolk
1 Tsp Salt
1 Teaspoon Black pepper powder
1 Teaspoon Red chilly powder or flakes
1 Tablespoon Lemon juice
2 Tablespoons Coriander leaves - finely chopped

For coating
1 Egg - beaten
All purpose flour as needed
Bread crumbs as needed

MethodMix all ingredients for the fingers together mashing it.  Divide into equal size balls.  Roll each ball into fingers.

Then roll in flour 

Dip egg and then in bread crumbs. 

Heat the oil in a wok, and deep-fry the balls on a medium flame till they are golden brown in color from all the sides.

Drain on an absorbent paper. Cool slightly and serve immediately with tomato sauce after you fry it. 

Dip into the sauce and enjoy this lip smacking fingers.

Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM# 54

Labels : Starters, Deep Fried, Pasta & Noodles , Blogging Marathon, CCChallenge