Jhatpat Bhendi Masala#Alphabet Challenge

I, was multi tasking today. The bread was baking in the oven, on the other side I was making phulkas for lunch and it was already past 12.30 in the noon and the sabji was not ready. I actually wanted to make Rajasthani Bhendi Masala but I knew that would take helluva of long time. So I made this Jhatpat Bhendi Masala. No stirring, no need to keep a watchful eye. Still this sabji became very tasty, my daughter's prompt comment on eating this sabji. Mummy this bhendi curry is tasting very nice which recipe this is. I smiled, very happy in mind and replied really, good .. enjoy it! So here is the recipe. 

Ingredients
250 Grams Bhendi
1 Large Onion
2 Tomatoes
1 Small piece Ginger
5 Flakes Garlic
1 Tablespoon Malai / Fresh Cream
1 Teaspoon Chilly powder
1 Teaspoon Coriander - Cumin powder
½ Teaspoon Goda masala
½ Teaspoon Kitchen King masala
½ Teaspoon Magic Masala
¼ Turmeric powder
1 Teaspoon Sugar
2 + 1 Tablespoon Oil
Salt to taste
Method 

Wash, wipe and cut the bhendi into ½ inch roundels. 
In a nonstick pan add a tablespoon oil and the bhendi and fry on high flame stirring off and on till stickiness vanishes and lightly brown in color. Switch off the flame and keep aside.

Grind the onion, tomatoes, ginger, garlic and malai together to a fine paste.

In a kadai add 2 tablespoons oil and the ground past with ½ cup water and place it on high flame till it comes to a boil, cover with a lid and keep on slow flame till oil floats. Then add all the spices and again ½ cup water give it a quick stir, cover and cook again till the masala is cooked and oil floats. Add water to adjust the consistency of the gravy , add salt, sugar and the bhendi , give a quick stir, cover and cook for 3 minutes. Garnish with coriander and serve hot with phulkas.

Labels: Alphabet Challenge, Bhendi, Okra, Main course, Vegetarian, Indian, Curry, Vegan, Gluten free 

• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Jeera Bhaat | Jeera Rice 
• Sneha’s Recipe: Jhatpat Bhendi Masala 
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya 
• Culinary Cam: Bulgogi-Inspired Oven Beef Jerky 
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Blueberry Jam Palmiers 
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Johnnycake Cobblers 
• Blogghetti: Jam-Filled Corn Flake Muffins 
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Brown Sugar Caribbean Jerk Seasoning 
• Magical Ingredients: Jackfruit Paratha 
• Food Lust People Love: Java Dry Spice Mix Chops 

Homemade Refried Beans#SundayFunday

This is an homemade refried beans recipe, it's vegetarian, vegan & gluten free and  gives you a really delicious and creamy refried beans. It tastes too good plain so have these with nachos or in tacos, quesadilla or tortillas. 

Vegetarian tacos or nachos made with refried beans and other accompaniment taste so good.

Refried beans is a well-known dish made in Mexican and Latin American countries. It is made with beans like pinto beans, black beans or kidney beans. I have used white beans

In Spanish language refried beans is called frijoles refritos. the word by word translation of ‘frijoles refritos’ in English is refried beans, ‘refritos’ means well fried. The beans are cooked and then mashed, so this is an healthy dish.

I have cooked beans in a pressure cooker or use an instant pot as it saves times and gets mashed easily . 

 Lard  is used to sauté the garlic & onions, but,  for vegetarians, one can easily use coconut oil, olive oil, butter or any vegetable oil.

Serves 3
Ingredients 
½ Cup Chitriwaale Rajma/Pinto Beans Or White Beans 

For Pressure Cooking  

2 Cups Water
¼ Teaspoon Salt 
Other Ingredients

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 Medium Onion - finely chopped
2 Cloves Garlic  – finely chopped
¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper powder
¼ Teaspoon Dried Oregano
½ Teaspoon Red Chilly powder or as per your spice level
1 Teaspoon Cumin powder
Salt to taste
½ to ⅔ cup Water 

To Garnish
Coriander leaves or Parsley

Method

Rinse the kidney beans a couple of times with water and then soak them in enough water overnight or for 8 to 9 hours. In India, these are called Chitri waale Rajma ( are white rajma) which are commonly known as Pinto Beans in other countries. You can use red kidney beans or black beans or white beans. Then next day discard the water. Rinse the beans very well in running water. Then add them in a large pressure cooker, with salt and 2 cups water. On a high flame take one whistle then reduce the flame to low and cook for 15 to 18 minutes.

When the pressure falls down on its own or the cooker, open the lid and check the beans. They should be completely cooked and mash easily when you press them. Drain all the water from the beans and keep aside.
Making Refried Beans

Heat olive oil in a pan, add the finely chopped garlic.
Fry the garlic for some seconds till its raw aroma goes away. No need to brown the garlic. Then add finely chopped onions, sauté on a medium-low flame till they become translucent. Then add the cooked beans. Add ½ to ⅔ cup water ( I have vegetable stock). Taste for salt add if necessary according to your taste and mix well. On a medium-low flame let the bean mixture come to a boil. When the mixture comes to a boil, then with a vegetable masher, lightly mash the beans. I preferred chunky beans, so I have not mashed the beans fully or you can blend them according to your taste. But do mash to much as this gives a creamy consistency in the refried beans.

Then add black pepper powder, dried oregano, red chili powder (or cayenne pepper), cumin powder. You can add cayenne pepper or red chili powder depending on the heat you want in the dish. So adjust the spices and herbs as per your requirements. Mix very well. On a low to medium-low flame continue to stir and simmer the beans for 5 to 6 minutes till it thickens. You can make refried beans thick or with a slightly liquid and flowing consistency. Add more water for a slight liquid consistency or if the beans look dry. When the refried beans have thickened to the desired consistency, switch off the flame. Check the taste and add more of salt, red chili powder, black pepper and oregano if you want.

I wanted dry refried bean, since I wanted it for nachos I did not add much water/stock. If you want you it as a dip or for any other dish, you can make this thicken more by cooking for some more minutes with stock or water accordingly.

Pour in bowls and serve refried beans. you can garnish refried beans with some coriander leaves or parsley leaves. Some grated cheddar cheese can also be sprinkled on the refried beans.

Additionally, you can serve a side of guacamole, tomato salsa, and sour cream to go along with the refried beans. 

Refried beans make for an excellent filling with tacos, chimichangas, or burritos. 
Labels: Mexican, American, International cuisine, Side Dish, Vegan, Gluten Free, Vegetarian , Beans, Sunday Funday

Today in Sunday Funday we are celebrating Cinco de Mayo.
• Amy from Amy's Cooking Adventures shares Bean Burrito Bowls
• Sue of Palatable Pastime gives us Ground Beef Quesadillas
• Sneha from Sneha's Recipe cooked up some Homemade Refried Beans
• Camilla of Culinary Cam has Humitas
• Karen of Karen's Kitchen Stories provides Polvorones de Naranja
• Wendy from A Day in the Life on the Farm is serving Turkey Taco Salad 

Campanelle Pasta In Creamy Beetroot Pesto Sauce#SundayFunday

This is a vegetarian and delicious pasta dish which is easy, quick and delicious.  You will love it.

Serves 2
Ingredients
2 Cups Campanella Pasta
1 Large Beetroot - boiled, cooled and grated,
3 Cloves Garlic - chopped
1 Small Onion - chopped into big cubes
½ Cup Sliced Black & Green Olives
3 Sliced Green Jalapenos
3 Sliced Red Jalapenos
Salt To Taste
½ Teaspoon Black pepper powder
½ Teaspoon Oregano1½  Tablespoon Toasted Pine nuts
2 Cups Milk
½ Cup Dill Sauce
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
8 Basil Leaves - torn

Method

Boil the pasta until al-dente for 10 - 12 minutes or as per the packet instructions. Do not overcook the pasta. Retain some of the liquid.

Make the Beetroot Pesto

Grind the chopped beetroot, pine nuts , garlic, black pepper to a smooth paste. Add the reserved pasta liquid if the mixture is too dry and you need some liquid for grinding.

Heat the olive oil in a pan and fry the onion and cook until soft and translucent . Add the beetroot pesto, oregano, pepper and stir for a minute. Add the Dill Sauce and ½ cup of the pasta liquid keep stirring till it thickens. 
Add the salt, olives half of sliced jalapeno, olives and Campanella and stir for about 2 minutes until the sauce covers the pasta well.

Garnish with jalapeno for some extra spice and torn basil leaves and jalapenos, olives.
Enjoy this creamy pasta
Labels : Pasta, Beetroot, Jams & Sauces, Vegetarian, Olives, Dill, Main course, Healthy, Sunday Funday

• Sneha’s Recipe: Campanelle Pasta In Creamy Beetroot Pesto Sauce
• Palatable Pastime: Pasta with Pancetta 
• Culinary Cam: Handrolled Pasta alla Gricia
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Tuna Pasta Salad 
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Pasta With Vegetarian Bolognese Sauce
• Cook with Renu: Vegan Summer Pasta Salad (Oil-Free, Cheese-Free)
• Amy's Cooking Adventures: Homemade Gnocchi 

Cauliflower Curry Pathare Prabhu Style#SundayFunday

This is a quick and delicious Vegan & Gluten free Cauliflower Curry.  Perfect mildly spiced curry that can be enjoyed with rice or phulkas. 

Ingredients 

1 Medium Cauliflower - cut into florets
1 Medium Potato - cubed
2 Tablespoons Heaped Pathare Prabhu Masala - Homemade
1 Medium Onion - finely chopped
1 Medium Tomato - finely chopped
4 Tablespoons Freshly Grated Coconut
1 Teaspoon Heaped Ginger Garlic paste
Salt to taste
4 Tablespoons Oil

Method
Immerse the cauliflower florets in warm water and a tablespoon of sea salt, Keep it aside for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes wash in fresh running water 2 -3 times. Keep it to drain in a colander.

 Grind the coconut to a fine paste add the pathare Prabhu masala and grind again it well mixed. 

In a kadai heat oil , add the ginger garlic paste and saute for 2 minutes , then add the onion and fry till starts to turn golden.

Now add the ground masala paste and  ¼ cup water fry the masala till oil starts to leave the sides. 

Add the cauliflower, potato and fry 

till the masala coats it.

Add a cup of water and salt to taste, mix it well, bring it to a rolling boil. 

Cover with a lid and cook till the potato and cauliflower is  cooked and oil surfaces. Add the chopped tomato and mix well, let it simmer for 2 minutes . Taste for seasonings.

 Serve garnished with fried curry leaves. Enjoy with rice or phulkas.  

Check out these easy Cauliflower recipes

Baked Cauliflower Breadsticks
Baked Tandoori Cauliflower /Tandoori Gobhi
BBQ Whole Cauliflower Tikka 
Cauliflower / Gobhi Sabzi
Cauliflower Rassa
Doi Gobhi/Yogurt Cauliflower
Gobhi Kolhapuri Masala / Cauliflower Kolhapuri Masala 
Grilled Cauliflower Tikka Masala
Mughlai Cauliflower 
Pasta in Cauliflower Cream Sauce

Roasted Cauliflower And Garlic Soup
Stuffed Gobhi (Cauliflower) Parathas 
Tandoori Gobhi/Cauliflower Made On Gas Stove
Vegan & Gluten Free Tomato Cauliflower Rice

Lables: Cauliflower,Gobhi, Potato, Pathare Prabhu, Masala, Homemade, Curry, Vegan, Gluten free, Vegetarian, Sunday Funday   

Buffalo Cauliflower Quinoa Bowls from Amy's Cooking Adventures
Cauliflower Cheese from Karen's Kitchen Stories
Cauliflower Curry Pathare Prabhu Style from Sneha's Recipe
Copycat Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheese Casserole from Palatable Pastime
Creamy Cheddar Cauliflower Soup (Instant Pot) from Food Lust People Love
Stirfry Chicken, Broccoli, and Cauliflower from A Day in the Life on the Farm
Tandoori Cauliflower Steaks from Mayuri's Jikoni  

Gavar Sabji#Alphabet Challenge

The Gavar or cluster beans (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) is an annual legume and the source of guar gum. It is also known as Gavar, Guwar or Guvar bean or in English Cluster Beans. Its kernel consists of a protein-rich germ and a relatively large endosperm, containing big amounts of the galactomannan.

Ingredients
250 Grams Gavar/Cluster Beans
1 Onion - chopped finely
1 Tomato - chopped finely
1/2 Teaspoon Cumin seeds
1/2 Teaspoon Mustard seeds
A pinch of Asafoetida
A pinch of turmeric powder
1 Teaspoon Chilly powder
1/2 Teaspoon Magic masala
1/2 Teaspoon Sugar
2 Tablespoons Oil
1 Tablespoon Coconut - grated
Salt to taste

Method
Wash and chop the vegetable in small pieces.  

In a pan heat oil, add the mustard and cumin seeds, when they crackle, add the asafoetida, onions, tomatoes and turmeric powder, saute this till the tomato is soft and forms a paste. Add the Gavar and saute for 2 -3 minutes, then add the chilly powder, magic masala and sugar, saute for few minutes. Add salt to taste, cover and cook till done. If necessary then add water. I cooked this sabji on steam. When done, garnish with grated coconut and serve hot with rotis, phukla or rice.  

Lables: Gavar, Main course, Vegetarian, Healthy, Vegan, Gluten free, Cluster Beans

Sneha’s Recipe: Gavar Sabji 

Culinary Cam: Aïgo Bouido (Provençal Garlic Soup) 

A Day in the Life on the Farm: Shrimp and Grits 

Mayuri’s Jikoni: Guacamole Salad 

Food Lust People Love: Grape Juice Jigglers

Palatable Pastime: Grilled Vegetables with Hot Bacon Dressing

Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Gyoza Wrapper Pizza Bites

Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Garlic Butter Gnocchi with Green Beans

Blogghetti: Easy Baked Garlic and Brown Sugar Chicken

Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Creamy Simple Stovetop Gouda Mac & Cheese

Magical Ingredients: Green and Red Salsa Paratha

Black Eyed Peas Curry /Safed Lobia ka Salan#SundayFunday

This is a delicious, vegan and gluten free curry, a main course dish , which can be enjoyed with steamed rice or rotis.

Ingredients
1½ Cups Black Eyed Beans /Safed Lobia
½ Cup Oil
1 Medium Onion - sliced
¾ Teaspoon Cumin seeds
2 Bay leaves
2 Teaspoons Ginger Garlic paste
2 Medium Tomatoes - chopped
1+ 2 Green chilies - chopped
Salt to taste
1 Teaspoon Red chili powder or to your spice level
½ Teaspoon Turmeric powder 
2 Teaspoons Coriander powder 
To Be Added Last
1 Vegetable cube
½ Teaspoon Garam masala 
½ Teaspoon Coriander powder 
¼ Teaspoon Cumin powder 
For Garnishing
Fresh Coriander leaves - chopped

Method

Wash and soak the black eyed peas in water for at least 4 hours.

In a pressure cooker, heat oil and sliced onions, cumin seeds, bay leaves. Sauté until the onions start to turn light golden. Then add ginger and garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell vanishes. Add chopped tomatoes and one chopped green chilly cook until the tomatoes are soft & mushy and the oil separates from the gravy. 

Now add salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder and coriander powder, sauté for two minutes. Now wash the black eyed peas once again with fresh water and add to the gravy. Add 3 - 4 cups of water and pressure cook on high flame for one whistle then for 7 to 10 minutes on low flame. After that switch off the flame, let the pressure release and the cooker cool completely.

Open, remove the lid and cook for 5-8 minutes stirring occasionally until completely done and you have the gravy consistency you require. Now add vegetable cube, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder and remaining two chopped green chilies. Mix and let is simmer for just two minutes, then turn off the flame. Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves.

Serve hot with rice. Enjoy!!

Labels: Black Eyed Peas, Curry, Main course, Indian, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free, Sunday Funday, Lentils, Pressure Cooker, One Pot Meal 

• Anti-Hero Appetizers from Culinary Cam
• Banana Cream Pie from A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Black Eyed Peas Curry - Safed Lobia ka Salan from Sneha's Recipe
• Crab Rangoon Ravioli from Food Lust People Love
• Crockpot Pulled Pork with Ale from Amy's Cooking Adventures
• Mini Chicken Tostada Appetizers from Karen's Kitchen Stories
• Shrimp, Papaya and Pineapple Salad from Palatable Pastime

French Beans Fry - Andhra Style#Alphabet Challenge

This is a tasty, which is every easy and delicious to make, is a delicious Andhra Style french beans cooked in mildly spiced masala called Pappula Podi. Healthy, hearty and flavorful Andhra style beans fry goes well with rice and sambar or with rotis. You can add a bit of fresh coconut as a final garnish.

Ingredients
250 Grams French Beans
Salt To Taste
1 Tablespoon Oil
2 Tablespoons Pappula Podi Masala
1 Tablespoon Fresh Coconut - grated
For The Pappula Podi Masala
2 Dry Red Chillies
¼ Teaspoon Cumin seeds
1 Tablespoon Dry coconut - grated
1 Tablespoon Split Roasted Gram /Phutane/Chutney Channa
2 Cloves Garlic
A pinch of Salt
For The Tempering
½ Teaspoon Mustard seeds
A Sprig Curry Leaves
2 Dry Red Chilies - de-seed and cut into two
2 Cloves Garlic - crushed (I used garlic)
OR
¼ Teaspoon Asafoetida

Method
To Make Pappula Podi Masala

Dry roast dry red chilies and cumin seeds for a minute. Add grated dry coconut and roast for half a minute. 

Cool and grind to a fine powder along with garlic, split roasted gram (phutane/chutney channa) and salt. 

Wash, stringed and chop the French beans into small pieces. Then boil it with salt, turmeric and water enough to cook the beans till done, ( make sure that there is at-least 3 tablespoons stock in the beans). 

Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds and let them splutter, add curry leaves, crushed garlic clove and dry chillies and sauté for few seconds. Add the french beans, salt, pappula podi masala and mix well, then add the stock and place lid let it simmer for about 3 minutes. Turn off heat, add fresh grated coconut. Serve with rice and any curry of your choice. We had with simple dal and steamed rice and enjoyed this spicy French Bean fry.

Labels: Alphabet Challenge, Vegetarian, Healthy, Andhra Pradesh, Indian, Sabzi, Side Dish

• Sneha’s Recipe: French Beans Fry - Andhra Style 
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Chicken Fajita Bowl 
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Fruity Baked Oatmeal 
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Turkish Fig Pudding 
• Blogghetti: Homemade Fajita Seasoning 
• Palatable Pastime: Fake Fatty Pastrami 
• Food Lust People Love: Baked Chicken and Feta Meatballs 
• Magical Ingredients: Fava Fennel Paratha 
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Butternut Squash Soup with French Herbes

Dill With Chana Dal & Potato#Alphabet Challenge

Dill leaves or Shepu as we call in Marathi, is a super nutritious and healthy leafy greens and it's also vegan meatless! .
This green vegetable can be prepared in many ways and can be enjoyed with rice and rotis both.

Ingredients
1 Cup Heaped Chana Dal/Gram lentil
2 Medium Potatoes - cubed
1 Large Onion - sliced
1 Teaspoon Heaped Red Chilly Powder
1 Teaspoon Salt
½ Teaspoon Turmeric Powder
2 - 3 Tablespoons Dill / Shepu- chopped
½ Cup Oil
1 Teaspoon Cumin seeds 

Method

Boil gram lentil with salt, chili powder, and turmeric, when gram lentil half done add potato cubes, cover and cook till potatoes tender, add soya bhaji / dill, cook for 5 minutes.
For The Tempering

Heat oil half cup, fry onion light golden and add the cumin seeds and fry then add this to the dal, mix serve with paratha.
Labels: Alphabet Challenge, Dill, Lentils, Chana Dal, Potato, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free, Main course, Asian Cuisine

• Sneha’s Recipe: Dill With Chana Dal & Potato
• Culinary Cam: Dark Chocolate-Juniper Panna Cotta
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Dark Chocolate Mousse
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Durum Wheat Sesame Bread
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Devil’s Food Cake Mix Cookies
• Blogghetti: Deviled Egg Crostini
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Dangella | Tawa Handvo
• Magical Ingredients: Dates Walnut Paratha
• Food Lust People Love: Cajun Chicken Eggplant Dressing
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Italian Deviled Eggs with Heart-Shaped Tomatoes
• Palatable Pastime: Durkee’s Famous Sauce  

Beetroot Mezhukkupuratti#Alphabet Challenge

In Kerala vegetables are prepared two ways one is with grated coconut which is called Thoran and the other without coconut is called Mezhukkupuratti or stir fry.
In this recipe the beetroot is peeled, then cut into into strips or cubed, then cooked with onion, green chillies. This is a simple and delicious sabzi, do try this!

Ingredients
3 - 4 Medium Beetroot - peeled & cut into strips
1 Medium Onion - chopped finely
2 Green chillies - slit
A Sprig Curry leaves
Salt to taste
For The Tadka
½ Teaspoon Mustard seeds
A Sprig Curry leaves
3 Shallots/Sambar Onions- sliced
2 Tablespoons Oil

Method

In a pan add the beetroot, green chillies, onion with a cup of water. Place this on high flame and bring this to a boil. Cover with a lid and reduce the flame to low. Cook till the beetroot is done.

In a another pan heat oil when the oil is hot then add the mustard seeds, when they splutter add the curry leaves and shallots, fry till the shallots starts to changes color. Now add the cooked beetroot, give it good mix, Cover & cook on low flame for 7-10 minutes, stirring in between. After 10 minutes switch of the flame. Serve hot... enjoy!!

My Notes
You can use pepper powder instead of green chilly.

Labels: Beetroot, Kerala, Alphabet Challenge, Sabzi, Vegetarian, Side Dish, Vegan, Gluten free

Palatable Pastime: Blueberry Biscuits 

A Day in the Life on the Farm: Bisque of Lobster 

Blogghetti: 20 Minute Bean and Beef Tostadas 

Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Bagel Chips from Leftover Bagels 

Sneha’s Recipe: Beetroot Mezhukkupuratti 

Food Lust People Love:: Spicy Braised Ginger Pork Belly 

Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Spicy Barbecue Seasoned Rice Chex Mix 

Culinary Cam: Börek with a California Twist 

Mayuri’s Jikoni: Beetroot Tomato Soup 

Magical Ingredients Beet Fennel Paratha 

Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Brooklyn Blackout Cake 

Sizzling Tastebuds: Barley Karamani Adai (Barley Cowpea Savoury Pancake)