Kadai Paneer

Kadai Paneer (cottage cheese) cooked in spicy masala (gravy) is a simple recipe and is delicious. Chunks of paneer are shallow fried and later added into the seasoning containing sautéed onions, tomatoes and spices.

Ingredients:

1 pound paneer cubes (Nanak brand)
3 tablespoons oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

3 bay leaves

3 cloves
1/4 teaspoon fenugreek leaves (methi leaves)

1 cup onion finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon ginger paste
1/2 teaspoon garlic paste
1 cup fresh tomatoes finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon garam masala (curry powder)
1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder

1/2 teaspoon cilantro powder
1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/4 teaspoon mango powder
Salt to taste

Few slices of bell peppers sliced
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnishing

Preparation:

Step 1

Heat oil in a pan or kadai and sauté cottage cheese pieces till golden brown. Keep aside.

Step 2

Heat oil in a pan. 
Add cumin seeds, fenugreek leaves, bay leaves, and cloves.

Stir well until light brown.
Add chopped onions and sauté for few minutes until golden brown.
Add ginger and garlic paste and sauté with continuous stirring.
Add fresh diced tomatoes. Stir well. 
Add powdered spices such as garam masala, cumin powder, cilantro powder, chilli powder, turmeric powder, mango powder, and salt to taste. Stir for 2-3 minutes.
Add paneer cubes and mix well. Add 1/2 cup water. 
Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so that paneer gets coated with spices.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and sliced bell peppers. 
Turn off heat, let it stand for a few minutes.
Serve hot with naan, roti, parantha, pita bread or rice.

Vegetable Quinoa

              

 Quinoa is great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is tasty, healthy and kids love it.

Ingredients:

2 cups quinoa

4-5 cups water

2 teaspoons olive oil or avocado oil

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 medium size onion chopped

1/2 cup celery chopped

1/2 cup carrots diced

1/2 cup sweet peas

1/2 cup diced potatoes cooked separately (optional)

1 cup mini peppers blend

1/2 teaspoon pepper powder

1 jalapeno pepper chopped (optional)

1 tablespoon knorr vegetable/chicken flavor bouillon powder

1 freshly squeezed lemon
2 tablespoons cilantro chopped

Salt to taste

Preparation:

Quinoa preparation: Boil water in a saucepan and add quinoa. Continue stirring making sure quinoa is cooked properly. It must be soft and tender. Drain access water with a mesh strainer. Run it under cold water, let it stand for few minutes until all water is drained out. Transfer to a bowl and keep aside.

Seasoning Vegetables:

In a large skillet heat oil over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and stir.

Add onions. Stir until onions softened and turns translucent. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

Add celery, carrots, potatoes, peppers, sweet peas and cook until softened.

Add knorr vegetable or chicken flavor bouillon powder, pepper powder, lemon juice and salt to taste. Continue stirring.

Add boiled quinoa and mix gently with all ingredients.

Sprinkle cilantro and serve hot.

Photos of Cooking Demo

Food & Nutrition Instructor @ Assabett Valley College of Marlborough, Massachusetts

 Art of Living_Cooking Demo @ the Whole Foods

Mango Salsa

I am sure you all love mangoes. Making mango salsa from fresh mangoes is simple and very delicious. Here is a very easy and mouthwatering recipe for you.

Ingredients:

2 cups ripe, peeled and diced mangoes

1 cup diced onions

1 cup diced celery

1/2 cup green bell pepper

1/2 cup red bell pepper

2 finely chopped jalapeno peppers *(if you like less spicy add just 1)

1 freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice

1/3 cup chopped cilantro leaves

1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper powder

Salt to taste

Preparation:

Take a big bowl.

Combine all the above ingredients.

Mix well.

Refrigerate for 2-3 hours before serving.

Enjoy it with tortilla chips, tacos, crackers or with any grilled meat/fish.

Chicken Stew with Vegetables

Chicken stew is delicious, healthy and a perfect recipe for all occasions and seasons. Chicken pieces cooked with fresh vegetables, spices and herbs adds a great flavor and is a complete healthy meal in itself.

Ingredients:

12 medium size chicken pieces (with or without bones)

6 sprigs parsley chopped

6 sprigs cilantro chopped

6 sprigs turnip greens (adds great flavor, optional)

1 medium size onion chopped

1 cup cabbage chopped

2 sticks celery cut into pieces

1 medium size carrot cut into pieces

4-6 string beans cut into pieces

1 medium size diced tomato

1/2 cup lentils

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon pepper powder

1/2 freshly squeezed lemon juice

3-4 cups of water

Salt to taste

Note: Make sure Chicken and all vegetables are nicely washed or rinsed.

Preparation:

Add all above ingredients in a pot or a pressure cooker.

Mix well.

Cook on a medium flame.

Instant pot cooking: On a medium flame, mix vegetables and chicken along with the seasoning. Bring it to boil with continuous stirring. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 35-30 minutes until all vegetables and chicken pieces are nicely cooked. Stir well and serve hot.

Pressure cooking: On a medium flame, mix vegetables and chicken along with the seasoning. Bring it to boil, after two whistles reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Turn off flame. Let it sit until all pressure is released. Open lid and mix well under low heat for 2-3 minutes. Stir well and serve hot.