Vegan Egyptian Koshari#EattheWorld

Egyptian Koshari is comfort meal of lentils, rice, chickpeas, with a topping  tomato sauce and  browned crispy onions! 
Koshari  is also spelled as, "Kushari",  it's a national dish of Egypt. Koshari is street food  and is  more or less like our Khichdi, which is supposed to have been taken  to Egypt in the late 19th century, during British occupation of both countries. This also similar to the Mujaddara, a classic rice-brown lentils dish.

Although this recipe takes a little extra time to put together, each element is simple to make and has to assembled just before serving.

This Koshari is a real comfort food , so satisfying, am, sure you will make it more often!

Ingredients 
For the Koshari 
1/2 Cup Brown Lentils / Puy Lentils / Sabut Masoor
1 Cup Basmati Rice
1 Cup Small Elbow Macaroni
1/2 Teaspoon Cumin powder
1/2 Teaspoon Coriander powder
1/2 Teaspoon Pepper powder
1 Cinnamon stick
1 Cup Boiled Chickpeas
1 Cup Fried Onions
2 Tablespoon Vegetable oil
Salt to taste
For the Sauce 
1 Teaspoon Garlic - minced
1 Cup Home made Tomato sauce
1 Onion - finely chopped
1 Teaspoon Vinegar or to taste
1 Teaspoon Cumin powder
1/2 Teaspoon Sugar
1 Teaspoon Paprika powder


MethodFor the Sauce

In a saucepan, heat a tablespoons of oil, add garlic when the garlic releases an aroma, add the onion saute till soft and translucent, stir in tomato sauce, cumin and paprika powder and saute for few seconds. Add, sugar and pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens. Stir in the white vinegar,give it a good stir. Take off flame, cover and keep warm until ready to serve.

Make the Koshari

To cook the Brown Lentils
Put lentils, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 4 cups water in a large pot/ pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer lentils until done and not mushy. Drain lentils and set aside. Rinse the pot / pan .To cook the rice 

In the same pot /pan , heat a oil, add rice, cinnamon stick saute for a minute add 2 cups of water, salt, pepper, cumin and coriander powder. Bring the water to a rolling boil then to cover the pan and cook until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is cooked through (about 15 - 20 minutes). Add the cook lentils on top and Keep covered and undisturbed for 5 minutes or so. Now combine the lentils and the rice - fluff with a fork. Set aside.

To make the pasta 

Cook the pasta according to package instructions by adding the elbow pasta to boiling water with a dash of salt cook until the pasta is al dente. Drain.

Cover the chickpeas and warm it in the microwave just before serving.

To serve it 

Place the rice and lentils to a serving platter. Top with the elbow pasta and a tablespoon or two of the tomato sauce, then the chickpeas, and finally a sprinkle of the fried onions for garnish. Serve, Keep the remaining sauce and crispy onions separately in bowls, to add more if required.

Enjoy this delicious and filling meal.

Join us as we Eat the World!!!


Each month Evelyne of CulturEatz invites us to visit a country and explore their foods. This month it's Eygpt.

Check out all the wonderful  Egyptian recipes prepared by fellow Eat the World members and share with #eattheworld. Click here to find out how to join and have fun exploring a country a month in the kitchen with us!


Labels : Rice, Vegan, Lentils, Chickpeas, Tomato Sauce, Eygpt

Check out all the wonderful Egyptian dishes prepared by fellow Eat the World members and share with #eattheworld. Click here to find out how to join and have fun exploring a country a month in the kitchen with us!
Culinary Adventures with Camilla: Lahma Bil Basal (Egyptian Beef in Onion Sauce) PalatablePastimeBedouin Stuffed Grape Leaves
Sneha's Recipe:Vegan Egyptian Koshari# Eat the World
Literature and Limes: Taameyya
Pandemonium Noshery: Ful Medames
Amy’s Cooking Adventures: Ghorayebah Cookies
The Gingered Whisk: Basbousa Cake Recipe
Margaret @ Kitchen Frau: Egyptian Fava Beans and Feta
A Day in the Life on the Farm: Koshary

Salsa Potato Stacks In Muffin Pan#BakingBloggers

Who does not love potatoes? They are most loved and a sure shot winner at any party, use them as in a main course dish or in a casserole, soup or serve them as appetizers/finger food, they are enjoyed by all. These stacks are healthy, incredibly versatile, be imaginative and use any added  ingredients / veggies of your choice.

The potato stacks are thick enough to be eaten as finger food, but are a little messy. Be sure to give napkins to each one as you are serving. I have made these for a crowd. 

 Baked  2 lots of the above.  Use silicone moulds so that you don't have to wash them.  Wipe it with a kitchen towel and reuse them, these are a real blessing to use for a crowd. 

Ingredients
Olive oil for coating the muffin tin
6-8 Large Potatoes - sliced in roundels
2 Cups  Homemade Salsa Sauce
2 Tablespoon Dried Thyme
2 Tablespoon Black Pepper powder
2 Teaspoon Chilly Flakes
Salt to taste
5-6 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Grated Cheeza Cheese as required
Slices Of Homemade Pickled Jalapenos 

Sliced Black or Green Olives as required 

Method
Preheat the oven to 180˚C. Lightly Oil a muffin pan / moulds. Keep aside.

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes, I, used my V Slicer.

 Place all the slices in a big bowl, add the thyme, chilly flakes, black pepper powder, salt and olive oil and give it a good mix so that all the spices are coat the potato slices.

Spread a teaspoon salsa on the bottom of each muffin hole.

Take two potato slices and place them in each muffin hole on top of the salsa. Then place some slices of olives and a slice or two of jalapeno. 

Sprinkle a little cheese. 

Stack two more potato slices on top, the same size or a little smaller than the bottom slices and top with one pickled jalapeño slice, sliced olives and then top it with grated cheese.

Top it with little salsa sauce, leave of coriander leaves. Like wise prepare all the muffin pan/ moulds. 

Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil, again spread a little cheese on top of the potato stacks, and broil for 2 - 3 minutes. 

The potatoes should be a little crispy around the edges. 

Scoop out the potato stacks from the muffin tin with fork and a spoon onto a serving plate Serve warm with napkins. 

These vanished in a jiffy, just got 3 to take a pic. These are excellent for tailgating parties.

Lables : Baked, Baking Bloggers, Potato, Pickled Jalapenos, Olives, Olive Oil, Cheese, Homemade, Salsa Sauce, Appetizer, Gluten free, International Cuisine

This month, the Baking Bloggers are baking with potatoes!
If you love potatoes, be sure to check out everyone's recipes.
Baked Cajun Potatoes by Anybody Can Bake
Baked Potato Skins with Paneer and Veggies by Cook with Renu
Easy Savory Sweet Potato Muffins by Recipe Pocket
Egyptian Sanyet el Batates by Pandemonium Noshery
Hasselback Fondue Potato Bake by Food Lust People Love
Italian Potato Cake (Gattò di Patate) by Karen's Kitchen Stories
Oven Roasted Garlic Potatoes by Palatable Pastime
Quiche with Potato Crust by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Roasted Befteki and Potatoes by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Salsa Potato Stacks In Muffin Pan by Sneha's Recipe
Wizarding World Roasted Potatoes by Simply Inspired Meals

Meat Pan Rolls#FoodieExtravaganza

This meat pan rolls , uses thin pancakes and are shallow fried, a perfect snack or hi tea party pleaser. They are delicious soft and mouth melting, your can't stop at one. 

My mum use to make them so often,  practically every Sunday for our evening tea, parties or get together's. These are most loved by all of us at home and were finished in no time, however how many she made. Brings fond memories of Mum, my brother's and sister's sitting at the dining table, enjoying these with our evening tea, getting nostalgic!

Ingredients
For the Pancake
150 Grams All Purpose Flour
1 Egg

¼ Teaspoon Salt
Oil for brushing the pan as required
1½ to 2 glass water to form a not too thick nor too thin batter (just like pancake batter)
For the Filling 
250 Grams Minced Meat  - mutton/beef
1 Medium Onions – finely chopped
¾ Teaspoon Ginger - Garlic paste
2 Green chilies - finely chopped
1 Teaspoon Meat Masala powder
¾ Teaspoon Chilly Powder
¼ Teaspoon Turmeric powder
½ Teaspoon Salt
1 Tablespoons Oil
A pinch of Sugar
2 Tablespoon Coriander leaves – finely chopped
1 - 2 Eggs - beaten
Bread Crumbs as required for coating

Method

First let's make the filling

Mix chili powder, turmeric, meat masala powder and ginger garlic paste with a little water to form a paste.   
Heat oil in a pan, add onions and saute till translucent, add masala paste and saute for 2 minutes then add the mince and saute till the colour changes. Add salt mix well cover and cook till the mince is done. Open and check if the mince is cooked and it is completely dry. Keep aside to cool. Add chopped coriander. 

In the meantime let's make the Pancake BatterMix the flour and salt in a large bowl, make a well in the center add the egg and whisk it with a fork . Add water ½ cup at a time to make a batter. Keep this aside for 15 minutes to 20 minutes.

Heat a non stick small pan, brush it oil and then wipe the pan with a kitchen towel.  Pour a ladle full of batter, test this for thickness, if the pancake is too thick then add water to make a thin pancake.  Cook on one side till it starts to leave the sides on medium low flame.  Lift it and place it on a clean cloth.

Make all the pancakes and place them in a clean cloth covered.  

Take one pancake, place the filling at one edge.  

Fold the sides and the roll it. Keep the seam side down on the plate.

Like wise make rest of the pancakes.

Dip them in beaten egg , then in dry bread crumbs and shallow fry in medium high flame.

Ready to serve.. with Ketchup 

Enjoy!!

Labels : Foodie Extravaganza Party,  Meat, Pan Rolls, Party pleasers, Kids delight, Starters, Savory Snacks

Foodie Extravaganza is where we celebrate obscure food holidays or cook and bake together with the same ingredient or theme each month.

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!

This month - September - Camilla of Culinary Adventures with Camilla invited the group to join her in wishing Happy Birthday to Duchess Anna, the Creator Of Afternoon Tea. She wrote, "Let's celebrate with anything Afternoon Tea-related. It can be your favorite tea, something made with tea, or something that you would eat at a tea party."

The #FoodieExtravaganza Tea Party

• Almond Clementine Cake Squares by Food Lust People Love
• Assorted Tea Sandwiches for Afternoon Tea by Karen's Kitchen Stories
• Cherry Almond Scones by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Gourmet Fruit and Nut Crisps by Palatable Pastime
• Hawaij Coffee Scones by Caroline's Cooking
• Meat Pan Rolls by Sneha's Recipe
• Prickly Pear Lemon Curd by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
• Pumpkin Cranberry Scones by Simply Inspired Meals

Firni / Phirni

Firni / Phirni is a sweet pudding, made by boiling milk, sugar and rice, it's popular sweet dish of India, made for festivals or important occasions/celebrations. The rice used in this sweet dish is coarsely powdered, so its without the individual grains of rice and with extra goodies of dry fruits and creamy. I am, sure you will loved it.

Ingredients  

500 ML Milk
2 Tablespoons Heaped Basmati Rice 

½ Cup Fresh Cream  

¼ Cup Sugar  

2 Tablespoons Each Almonds & Pistachio - silvered 

½  Teaspoon Cardamom powder
Method 

Wash the rice and soak it for 2 hours.  After that drain all the water in a fine mesh colander and then dry it on a clean cloth  for  an hour or so ( it should be slightly wet not completely dry).  After that grind it to a coarse powder. 

Boil milk, add  rice, bring it to boil, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Reduce the flame on medium low and stir continuously. Add more milk if starts to thicken and cook till the rice is done. 

Now add the sugar and again stir till the sugar melts.   Now add the fresh cream stir it and take it off flame. Add half of the pistachio and almond slivers, cardamom powder and stir well.   Chill it for few hours.  

Serve  this cold in kullad pots (terracotta clay pots) garnished with pistachio and almond slivers.

Enjoy!!!

Labels : Sweets & Desserts, Firni, Pudding, Rice, Almond, Pistachios, Milk, Festival Sweets, Kullad

Roasted Tomato Salsa Sauce - Vegan & Gluten Free

This chunky, smoky,  quite spicy salsa tastes amazing, use this as a dip, with tortilla chips, for wraps, salad or to make burrito's.

Makes  1½ Cup 

Ingredients
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
A Handful of chopped Basil leaves
3 Large Tomatoes - Roasted
2 Small Tomatoes - finely chopped
1 Medium Onion - finely  chopped
1 Medium Green or Red bell pepper - finely chopped
3 Big Cloves Garlic  - finely chopped
1 Teaspoon Ginger - finely chopped
3 Green chillies - finely chopped
2 Tablespoons Lemon juice
2 Tablespoons Tomato puree - I used tetra pack
1 Tablespoons Kashmiri Red Chilly paste or Kashmiri red chilly powder as per your taste -  I used paste

Salt to taste

Method

Roast the tomatoes on the gas flame till charred.  Peel the skin and wash them clean.  Then blend them, keep aside

Grind the ginger, garlic and green chilly to a fine paste.

In a pan, heat oil, add chopped onion,  ginger garlic- and green chilly paste.  Saute for a minute or two now add   or green bell pepper and  blended tomatoes, kashmiri red chilly paste, finely chopped tomatoes and blended roasted tomato puree, mix well and let it cook till it become a thick sauce.  Turn off the flame add lemon juice  and chopped  basil. 

Mix well and the Roasted Tomato Salsa Sauce is ready to use.

This is a spicy and a deliciously vibrant, earthy, and smoky-tasting salsa sauce you will definitely enjoy.

Labels : Salsa Sauce, Roasted Tomato, Spicy, Mexican, Basil, Homemade, Vegan, Gluten free