Bulgur Wheat (Couscous) Salad

International Vegetarian Salad Special

Middle Eastern Cuisine- Moroccan Cuisine

Bulgur Wheat (Couscous) Salad

Serves 2

Ingredients:

Bulgur Wheat (Couscous)- 1 Cup

Maggi Vegetable Stock Tablet- 1 No.

 Courgette/Zucchini- 1, Diced

Red Bell Pepper- 1 Small, Finely Chopped

Yellow Bell Pepper- 1 Small, Finely Chopped

Onion-1 Small, Finely Chopped

Apricots- 4 No’s, Sliced

 

Salt- To Taste

Extra Virgin Olive Oil-

Chilli Flakes-

Organic Black Pepper- 

Fresh Mint Leaves- Roughly Chopped

Fresh Coriander Leaves- Roughly Chopped

Fresh Lemon Juice-

Method:

Boil Water in a Deep Bottomed Pot

Add the Vegetable Stock Tablet & Mix Well till it dissolves

Add Couscous, Cover & Cook till Al Dente

Check the Couscous with a Fork to see if done

Remove from Heat, Drain, Put in a Salad Mixing Bowl, Fluff it with the Fork & Keep Aside

In another Non Stick Sauce Pan, Heat Olive Oil

Add Spring Onion, Zucchini, Apricot & Saute on Medium Flame 

 

 Add Red Bell Pepper, Yellow Bell Pepper, Freshly Crushed Black Pepper, Salt & Sauté for Few Minutes 

 

Remove from Heat & Add these Vegetables in the Drained Couscous

Sprinkle Olive Oil, Mint Leaves, Coriander Leaves, Lemon Juice & Mix Well

Serve Immediately!

Tips:

Semolina becomes Couscous after it is Steamed & Turns Fluffy

Pick up Instant Par Cooked Couscous that is readily available in the Market as it is Quick to Make

The Cooked Couscous can be kept Refrigerated for up to a Week & can be served Hot/Cold

There are various combinations of Flavours to use with Couscous, so instead of using Butter to Seal the Grain, Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Smen (Moroccan Aged Butter) can be used

If Vegetable Stock isn’t available, boil the Couscous in Water, Season with Salt & Cook till Al Dente

Dry Fruits like Apricots add a Sweet Flavour to this Salad
Can Add 2 Finely Chopped Spring Onion, 1 Diced Yellow Zucchini 

The Vegetables should be just Tossed & avoid Overcooking 

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Banana Pudding with Caramel Sauce

International Dessert Special

Banana Pudding with Caramel Sauce

Serves 3-4

Ingredients:

Ripe Bananas- 3 No’s

Soft Butter- 175 Grams (6 Ounces)

Brown Sugar-

Castor Sugar- ½ Cup

Self Raising Flour- 2 Cups

Baking Powder- ½ Tsp.

Eggs- 3 No’s

For Caramel Sauce:

Single Cream- 1- ½ Cup

Brown Sugar- 3- ½ Cup

Method:

Mash Ripe Bananas in a Bowl with a Fork

In a Mixer, Add Soft Butter, Brown Sugar, Castor Sugar

Add Self Raising Flour, Baking Powder, Eggs & Whisk till Nicely Combined or for about a Minute or so

In a Lined Rectangular Aluminium Baking Tin, Spray Cooking Butter

Adjust & Fold the Butter Paper hanging out length wise on both sides

Pour the Mixture, Smoothen it & Give it a Shake so it settles down

Keep it to Bake in a 120 C Oven till done (Check with a Skewer to see if it comes out clean)

For Caramel Sauce:

In a Thick Bottomed Sauce Pan, Mix Single Cream, Brown Sugar & Let it Simmer till the Mixture turns Sauce like & thickens

Pour this Hot Liquid Caramel over the Pudding

Cut in Slices & Serve Warm!

Tip:

Brown Sugar adds a Nice Caramel flavour to this Dish

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Greek Salad

International Vegetarian Salad Special 
Greek Cuisine

Greek Salad
(an interesting version of the Classic Greek Salad with Bread!)

Serves 2

Ingredients:

Lebanese Cucumber- 1 No.

Fresh Greek Tomatoes- 2

Red Onion-1

Dried Oregano- ½ Tsp.

Kalamata Olives- 4, Finely Sliced

Feta Cheese- 3 Tbsp., Crumbled

Dill Leaves- Finely Chopped

Red Wine Vinegar- 1-2 Tbsp.

Salt- A Dash

Pepper- A Dash

Ciabatta Bread- 1 Loaf

Method:

Slice the Edges and Sides of the Ciabatta Bread

Keep it in the Oven to Toast for about 5 Minutes

Peel & Dice the Cucumber into 1 Inch Cubes

Dice Tomatoes into Cubes

Peel & Dice Onion into Fine Slices

In a Salad Mixing Bowl, Add Cucumber, Tomatoes, Onion, Oregano, Olives, Feta Cheese & Mix Well

Add Olive Oil, Dill Leaves, Vinegar, Salt, Pepper & Mix Well

Add the Toasted Ciabatta Bread just before Eating and Serve Fresh!

Tips:

Greek Salad is one of the most Famous Summer Salads in the Greek Cuisine. Horiatiki Salata is the name for the Basic Greek Salad where Horiatiki means just like Village-Style. Throughout the Eastern Mediterranean, Greek Salad can be found in Varied Flavours.

One of First things to keep in mind while making an Authentic Greek Salad is that Lettuce is not a part of it but only its Variations around the World

In case Kalamata Olives can’t be used, only then opt for Canned Black Olives

Surprisingly the Ciabatta Bread is an extra addition we tried & trust me it blends in wonderfully. There is popular Saying in Greece that the Greeks gave the Ciabatta Bread to the Italians!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciabatta

It is very important to use Good Quality Fresh Tomatoes are a must

Good Quality Feta Cheese should preferably be used either as Cubed or Diced 

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Okra Fry (Bhindi/Bendakaya Vepudu)

Indian Vegetarian Main Course Special

Andhra Cuisine 

Okra Fry (Bhindi/Bendakaya Vepudu)

English- LadyFinger/Okra 
Hindi- Bhindi
Kannada- Bhendekayi

Malayalam- Vendakka

Tamil- Vendaikai

Telugu- Bendakaya

Ingredients:

Method:

Tips:

So after tasting some Varieties of Bhindi Recipes with my Mom, Family & Friends, we found that as Tasty as Bhindi turns out, it does take a few Tips to get the Perfect Recipe!
For any Bhindi Recipe, make sure follow the Proper Method where the Bhindi is Washed, Cleaned, Completely Dried with a Cloth (Bhindi needs to be Completely Dry before Cutting into Pieces or else the Cut Bhindi will be Sticky during Sauteing/Frying), Trimmed at both Ends

Variation:
Alternately Chopped Okra Can be Fried and Sprinkled with Salt & Red Chilli Powder for a Quicker Version!


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Farfalle/Bow Tie Pasta Simmered in Tomato Sauce

International Vegetarian Main Course Special

Italian Cuisine

Farfalle/Bow Tie Pasta Simmered in Tomato Sauce

Serves 2

Ingredients:

Farfalle/Bow Tie Pasta- 1 Pack

Olive Oil- 2 Tbsp

Salt- ½ Tsp.

Refined Oil- ½ Tsp.

Tomatoes- 3

Onions- 1 Cup, Diced

Garlic- 5 Cloves, Crushed

Yellow Bell Pepper- 4 Tbsp.

Olives- 1 Tbsp., Chopped

Salt- To Taste

Organic Black Pepper- 1 Tsp., Powdered

Chilli Flakes- 1 Tsp.

Oregano- 1 Tsp.

Tomato Sauce- 2 Tbsp.

Parmesan Cheese- 3 Tbsp.

Parmesan Cheese- For Garnish, Grated

Method:

In a Pan, add Water, Salt, Pasta & Boil the Pasta

In a Separate Pan, Boil Tomatoes & Blanch Them (in Cold Water)

De Skin & De Seed the Tomatoes

Roughly Chop the Tomatoes

Heat a Pan & Add Oil

Add Onion, Garlic, & Sauté till Golden Brown

Add Yellow Bell Pepper, Tomatoes, Salt, Freshly Powdered Black Pepper, Chilli Flakes, Oregano, Tomato Sauce, & Cook for 6-7 Minutes

Add Boiled Pasta, Parmesan Cheese & Mix Well

Remove in a Serving Plate

Sprinkle Oregano, Grated Parmesan Cheese, Chilli Flakes & Serve Hot!

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Grilled Assorted Vegetables Teriyaki Style

International Vegetarian Main Course Special 
Japanese Cuisine

Grilled Assorted Vegetables Teriyaki Style

Serves 2

Ingredients:

Teriyaki Sauce- 2 Tsp.

Sesame Oil- 1/2 Tsp.

Ginger- 1 Inch

Orange Juice- 1 Tbsp.

Lemon Zest- 1 tsp.

Chilli- 1

Light Soya Sauce- 1 Tsp.

Yellow Bell Pepper- 1/2

Red Bell Pepper- 1/2

Green Bell Pepper- 1/2

Mushrooms- 1 Cup

Zucchini- 1/2

Yellow Squash- 1/2

Garlic- 3 Cloves

Onion- 1

Salt & Pepper- To Taste

Method:

For Marinade:

Teriyaki Sauce, Sesame Oil, Ginger, Cracked Black Pepper, Orange Juice, Lemon Zest, Salt, one Chilli, Light Soya Sauce in a Blender & Mix

Pour Marinade over Mushrooms, Bell Peppers, Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Cracked Black Pepper, & Mix Well

Skewer the Vegetables & Place them on a Preheated Grill

Keep Turning the Skewers & Brushing the Vegetables with the Leftover Marinade from time to time

Put in Oven for 15 Minutes at 180 Degrees C

Tips:


English- Mushroom
Hindi- Dhool ka Phool/Guchhi/Khumb/KukurMutta
Odiya- Chhatu
Telugu- Puttagodugu

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Today's Mukkoti/Vaikunta Ekadashi 2012!

5th January 2012 is Mukkoti/Vaikunta Ekadashi

Celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka especially in Tirumala, Tirupati Andhra Pradesh

Darshan from the North Entrance in Tirumala is allowed on this day

Fast is observed on this day by avoiding Rice Items

Prasad/Naivedyam like Kheer is prepared & Fruits offered to Lord Vishnu

Five Lentils & Rice Porridge (Panchmel Dal ki Khichdi)

Indian Vegetarian Main Course Special 
Rajasthani Cuisine

Five Lentil Rice Porridge (Panchmel Dal ki Khichdi)

Serves 2

One of the best methods to get these colorfully blended 5 different Lentils in this One Pot Dish!

Ingredients:
Extra Light Olive Oil/Olive Pomace Oil- ½ Tbsp.

Clarified Butter (Ghee)- 1 Tbsp.

Rice (Chawal)- 1 Cup

Split Bengal Gram Lentil (Chana Dal)- 2 Tbsp.

Split Pigeon Pea- (Toor Dal/Arhar Dal)- 2 Tbsp.

Whole Red Lentil (Sabut Masoor)- 2 Tbsp.

Whole Green Gram Lentil (Sabut Moong)- 1.5 Tbsp.

Skinless Split Black Gram Dal (Dhuli Urad Dal)- 1.5 Tbsp.

Cumin Seeds (Jeera)- 1 Tsp.

Onions- 1 No., Finely Chopped

Ginger- 1 Inch, Finely Chopped

Green Chillies- 2, Slit

Green Peas- about 1 Tbsp., (Optional)

Sweet Corn- about 1 Tbsp., (Optional)

Tomatoes- 1 No., Finely Chopped

Fresh Coriander Leaves- 1 Tbsp., Finely Chopped

Method:

Clean, Wash & Soak Rice & Dals for 15 Minutes

Heat Oil & 1/2 Tbsp. Ghee in a Pressure Pan

Add Cumin Seeds and Sauté

Add Onions, Ginger, Green Chillies and Sauté

Add Peas, Sweet Corn & Sauté

Add Rice, Five Dals and Mix Well

Add Water, Cover and Pressure Cook on Medium High Flame for about 3 Whistles

Wait till the Cooker Lid Loosens up

Serve the Khichdi Hot with Pickle, Papad, Set Curd/Raita and Add the Remaining Ghee!

Tips:

This Khichdi would be a Perfect Quick 30 Minutes Recipe

Ayurvedic Texts suggests that our Health exists when the 3 Doshas- Vata (Wind), Pitta (Bile) and Kapha (Phlegm) of the body stay in harmony. Ayurveda/Naturpathy does have a Cure for most Dosha Imbalances through a Strict Regime which includes proper Diet & Lifestyle, Herbal Preparations, Exercise & Tranquillity Routine like Yoga & Meditation, Ayurvedic Therapies & Panchakarma (for Deep Cleansing Process).

So, as our Mind-Body balance needs rejuvenation, ditch the strict Healthy Food once in a Week and indulge in Some Gorging Yummy Food. Don’t forget to De-Toxify and Calm your System with some Mild Comfort Food and this is where Khichdi helps.

So, a Light Khichdi can be an Option after a Long Tiring day/Stomach Upset/Menstrual Time (especially on the Second Day) or just a Quick Fix with Leftover Vegetables

The Rice used should be preferably Medium or Short Grain which cooks easily

Variations:

Can prepare this Dish in a Non Stick Deep Bottom Pot instead of a Pressure Cooker

If preparing in a Pressure Cooker, just add Vegetables like Chopped French Beans & Carrots with the Rice

For a Complete Meal with Rich Exotic Flavours, and add Ghee in the Beginning and while Serving, Cinnamon Stick, Chopped Potatoes, Whole Red Chillies, Red Chilli Powder, Fennel Seeds Powder (Kuti Saunf), Fenugreek Seeds Powder (Kuti Methi), Garam Masala Powder, and Crushed Dried Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi)

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Simple Snake Gourd Preparation (Potlakaaya Kura)

South Indian Vegetarian Main Course Special

Andhra Cuisine 

Snake Gourd Preparation (Potlakaaya Kura)

Serves 2

Ingredients:

Snake Gourd (Potlakaaya)- 1 Medium or 1/3rd of a Long Creeper

Extra Light Olive Oil/Olive Pomace Oil- 1 Tbsp.

Turmeric Powder (Haldi)- 1 Tsp.

Salt- To Taste

White Sesame Seeds (Kuta Til/Nuvvulu) Powder- 1 Tbsp.

Chick Pea/Gram Flour (Besan/Senagapindi)- 1 Tbsp.

 

For Tempering:

Mustard Seeds (Rai/Aavalu)- ¼ Tsp.

Cumin Seeds (Jeera)- ¼ Tsp.

Split Bengal Gram Lentil (Chana Dal)- ¼ Tsp.

Split Black (Urad Dal/Menapappu)- ¼ Tsp.

Asafoetida (Hing/Inguva)- a Pinch

Curry Leaves (Karvepaku)- 5-6 No’s

Method:

Wash, Clean & Cut the Potlakaaya in Rings/Slices

Heat Oil in a Non Stick Pan (Kadhai)

Add Tempering Ingredients & Saute

Add the Potlakaaya Pieces along with Turmeric Powder & Salt

As the Vegetable is cooked, Add the Powdered Besan/Til & Combine Well

Served with Andhra Meal of Steamed Rice, Andhra Style Lentils (Pappu), Andhra Style Soup (Charu) or Vegetable Stew (Pulusu), Oora Mirapakayalu or Appadam, Set Curd
a Light Summery Andhra Meal usually has Cooling menu Items consisting of a Light Cleansing Soup, easy Summery Vegetable Preparation, can have Boiled Lentils, Buttermilk or Curd etc.

 

Tips:

Snake Gourd or Chinese Cucumber is a Laxative so is a Cooling Vegetable for , Diarrhea, Natural Antibiotic so is effective in Fever, Anti Inflammatory, Jaundice, Alopecia, Constipation etc.   

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