POHA (INDIAN STYLE RICE FLAKES)

Posted on April 16, 2012 by nituchugani

Poha are rice flakes and make an excellent snack or breakfast dish in many homes. These rice flakes are available in many asian supermarkets. Many have their own way of making poha and flavoring it with raisins, cashewnuts and maybe even an apple????? This is Dipa Motwanis recipe and picture. I thank her for all her contributions and patience in writing the recipe and emailing it to me.
INGREDIENTS
one huge onion  finely chopped
green chillies as per as choice
curry leaves
black mustard seed 1tps
a pinch of asafoetida (hing)
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon of sugar
salt to taste
one cup of Poha(rice flakes)
1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon of garam masala ( recipe of garam masala also on http://www.nitudidi.com)
lemon juice to taste
chopped coriander leaves
Soak the Poha (rice flakes) in a recepient with water fr 5 minutes and keep stirring with hands , and after five minutes
wash it a bit below the tap of water and then  strain it. Add turmeric powder, sugar, lemon juice, fresh chopped coriander leaves and  garam masala . coriander powder ,all
into the poha (rice flakes) which is in the strainer
take a pan heat a bit of oil … when heated lower the flame and add mustard seeds ,asafoetida , curry leaves and green chilles and chopped onions
and keep to golden brown on a slow flame , when golden brown the onions add all the poha (rice flakes) with spices and cilantro all together in the pan
and stir on slow flame keep string till well mixed …. and garnish with chopped coriander leaves….serve hot
with chutney  .. as per as choice …
hope you like it !!
Dipa .. enjoy
Posted in Everything Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Healthy Options, Veg Starters, Vegan | Tagged , | 2 Comments

SPANISH TAPA (POTATOES WITH 2 SAUCES)

Posted on April 15, 2012 by nituchugani

This spanish tapa is very common in the Canary Islands and being totally vegetarian and vegan its a boon for everyone! The 2 sauces are called “mojo” and are excellent not only with these potatoes but even as a sandwich bread.  The baby poatoes are boiled to perfection and then dipped in either sauce and eaten whole !!!The amount of heat you want to put in it totally depends on you!! The recipe and pic has been sent to me by my dearest friend Sarita Wadhwani who lives in the Canary Islands!! Thank you soo much sweetie. Sometimes i like to put up the recipes my followers send me as they feel happy and there are many dishes i dont make because my family wont eat them. You all are most welcome to send me your recipes if you wish 🙂
INGREDIENTS:
How to make these potatoes
put about 1 kilo of small baby potatoes to boil in water that just about covers them and put a rock salt with it (about 1 heaped teaspoon) and yes it has to be rock salt. Boil till fork tender and then drain out all the water. Return to pan and on slow heat. Put a moist kitchen towel on top and press it firmly to sort of seal the potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes shaking the pan (do not stir with a spoon) and then turn onto a serving dish and serve with the 2 sauces.
FOR THE GREEN MOJO
1 cup of washed  and chopped parsley
2-3 cloves of garlic (or more if you like a stronger flavor)
1-2 green chillies for spice
a splash of vinegar
a good pinch of cumin powder
a  good splash of extra virgin olive oil
salt to taste
Mince all the ingredients except the olive oil in a blender or a food processor. In olden days they would do it in the pestle and mortar. Add salt and olive oil and taste. If you like it a bit more tart add more vinegar. Serve with the potatoes. This mojo keeps well for a few days in the refrigerator.
FOR THE RED MOJO
1 red capsicum or a few fresh red chillies or a bit of both…depends on how hot you want your sauce
2-3 flakes of garlic
a splash of vinegar
a good pinch of cumin
a good splash of extra virgin olive oil
salt to taste
Mince all the ingredients except the olive oil. Check seasoning and correct it. Serve with the potatoes
THANK U SOO MUCH SARITA !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted in Everything Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Healthy Options, Sauces and Chutneys, Spanish Tapas, Veg Starters, Vegan | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

CHINESE NOODLES WITH PRAWNS (RAMEEN)

Posted on April 14, 2012 by nituchugani

Instant chinese flavoured noodles also known as (rameen noodles) are a boon to every household. They are becoming the ultimate snack or quick food in many kitchens. In Spain we get the chinese ones in the chinese supermarkets but now spanish supermarkets have also come out with their own version of these oriental noodles as they are called here. I was in Adelas home when we decided to make a video of this dish using prawns. The vegetables you can use are of your own choice as i used what Adelas family eats. Prawns can be substituted for chicken or even it can be made totally vegetarian 🙂 Just let your imagine run wild and create your own delicious stir fried instant chinese noodles 🙂 For all my halaal followers…please omit the brandy ok???
INGREDIENTS:
3 packets of prawn flavoured instant chinese noodles of your favourite brand
2 bowls of chopped mixed vegetables of your choice ( i used cabbage, leeks,and capsicum)
300 gramos of shelled prawns or chicken
1 tablespoon each of minced ginger and garlic
soya sauce, sesame oil
brandy (optional)
a little cooking oil to stir fry
METHOD:
Marinate the prawns in half the ginger garlic , a little soya sauce , brandy and sesame oil. Chop all the vegetables of your choice. Put the noodles to loosen in hot water and when loosened just drain. Heat oil in a frying pan and sautee the marinated prawns till just about done. Do not over cook!! The prawns will get tough and dry!!! Remove from the pan and let the juices be…add the vegetables and sautee till a bit done. Add the flavoured sachets from the noodles and some soya sauce and sesame oil. Add the remaining ginger garlic and if you like you can add some chilli sauce also to make it spicy. Add the drained noodles, check seasoning and correct seasoning. Toss well till well heated and serve!!!

Here is the video tutorial for all of you to watch how to make it!! Comments please !!!

Posted in Fusion, Made in China, Pasta, Something's Fishy | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

GUACAMOLE

Posted on April 13, 2012 by nituchugani

This recipe has been sent to me by my follower Paco Herrero who lives in the same city as i do! He loves to cook and is a good one too! I have yet to come across someome like him to loves cooking and eating and is so adventerous in the kitchen!! Thank you so much Paco!! He got this recipe from a mexican friend when he went to Mexico so its really authentic! A tried and tested recipe for all you guacamole fans!!! Enjoy!!

INGREDIENTS:
2 ripe avocados, chopped
1 small white or red onion ,chopped fine
1 small tomato, peeled and chopped fine
1 jalapeño hot pepper or any other kind of hot pepper, chopped fine
juice of half a lime
salt
a little chopped fresh coriander
METHOD:
Mash the avocado with a fork and add all the other ingredients. Mix well and check seasoning. Keep refrigerated at least for an hour and serve with Nachos!!
TIP FOR AVOCADOS: to prevent the flesh from discoloring keep it with the seed in and remove when ready to serve.

Posted in Everything Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Healthy Options, NO OIL RECIPES, Veg Starters, Vegan | Tagged , | Leave a comment

GARAM MASALA

Posted on April 12, 2012 by nituchugani

I have been asked why my meat dishes have this amazing aroma and flavour and its all due to the garam masala which i make at home myself. Garam masala is a blend of many spices and depending on the state of india they are also made with certain specific spices. I am using my mothers recipe and this is the way it used to be made in my home. The mutton my dad cooked was famous amongst all his friends.. Do i buy readymade garam masala?? No way!!! I also do sell a garam masala with my own brand Nitu Didi which is also good…but frankly id rather go through the effort of making my very own. I know of a few people who are going to be very happy with my video tutorial!!
INGREDIENTS:
6-8 bay leaves
4 tablespoons of coriander seeds
2 tablespoons of cumin seeds
4 big brown cardamoms
6 small sticks of cinnamon
1 tablespoon of cloves
40 green cardamoms ( yes you read right!!)
METHOD:
roast the spices till heated in a pan. Cool it a bit and while still warm blend it in the blender little by little till its well blended to the texture you like
Voila!! You have the most amazing tasting garam masala ala Nitu Didi!!!

Posted in Spices | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

SAFFRON , HONEY ALMOND SPONGE

Posted on April 11, 2012 by nituchugani

Its been nearly two years since i started my cooking page on facebook and how it has changed my life!! With over 8500 followers i sometimes myself wonder how i manage to write and post almost a recipe a day!! To mark these two years i decided to bake a sponge this morning! I know all of you wonder why i always bake eggless cakes. and i keep on repeating its for my vegetarian followers.
I did put one egg in this sponge but you can omit it and make it totally eggless 🙂
INGREDIENTS:
125 gramos of plain white yogurt, at room temperature
1.5 cups of white flour
1 cup (a little less ) of sugar
1/2 cup of cooking oil
1 egg , optional
4-5 tablespoons of hot milk
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1.25 teaspoons of baking powder
2-3 tablespoons of honey
2 heaped tablespoons of flaked almonds
a good pinch of Nitu Didi pure spanish saffron
1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom powder
1 teaspoon of rose essence
METHOD:
Mix the yogurt with the sugar, the saffron and the baking powder and baking soda and leave it for a few minutes to get all bubbly. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Sieve the white flour and add to the fluffy yogurt and mix well. Add the oil and the egg which is totally OPTIONAL. Add the honey, the almonds , and the cardamom powder , and rose essence. Mix all well. Add the hot milk in the end. Put into a sponge tin and lower the oven to 175 degrees. Bake till done, it should take around 30-40 minutes. Check by inserting a toothpick …if it comes out clean your sponge cake is done to perfection 🙂 Cool and cut and eat…. Its delicious over a cup of tea!!!

To buy Nitu Didi Saffron.

nitu didi saffron

Posted in A Piece of Cake???, Eggless Sweet Temptations, Everything Vegetarian, Floury Matter, Saffron | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

SPICY TUNA ON A BUN

Posted on April 10, 2012 by nituchugani

I have been asked to share my recipes for innovative sandwich fillings. Well this is not exactly a sandwich but its a nice and different meal. Spicy saucy canned tuna on  bun! My favourite way to eat tuna apart from a salad is to cook it in a nice spicy sauce and eat it piping hot!! If you make it less saucier you can even use it to fill pies or puff pastry!!
Here is my simple recipe
INGREDIENTS:
2 small cans of tuna, i use the one in oil
1 small white onion chopped fine
1 teaspoon of grated ginger
1 tomato, chopped fine OR a little tomato paste
2-3 green chillies chopped to make it spicy
1/4 teaspoon each of Nitu Didi cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala OR curry powder and red chilli powder
salt to taste
chopped coriander leaves
METHOD:
Heat a frying pan and put the oil from the tuna to heat in it. Add the chopped onions, ginger and green chiliesw and sautee till the onions are transparent. Add the spices and cook for a few seconds and immediately add the tomato so the spices dont burn. Cook it well till the tomato is cooked and then add the salt, the green chillies, coriander leaves and lastly the tuna and mix it all well. Spoon it over a split bun and serve!!
Quick and delicious!!

Posted in Fusion, Healthy Options, Sandwiches, Something's Fishy | Tagged , | Leave a comment

MINI CANAPES WITH BURGER MEAT

Posted on April 9, 2012 by nituchugani

I know store bought burger patties are a real time saver and last minute meal options…but have you ever thought of flavoring them arabic style??? I did just that to one range of burgers which ROLER SPAIN sent to me to try out. Their products are topnotch and excellent the way they are but sometimes its nice to give a different flavor to things. I made these mini pita canapes in a jiffy and they tasted sooo exotic!! You can also make them with ordinary minced meat (either chicken, lamb or beef) but i used ROLER burger patties to do so…I served them with a spicy yogurt sauce (video on cooking with nitu on youtube) and an instant arab style fatoosh salad!!
INGREDIENTS:
2 burger patties
a tablespoon of finely chopped parsley
a tablespoon of finely chopped mint leaves
a tablespoon of finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger
a big pinch of cumin powder
a big pinch of ground cinnamon
a big pinch of ground black pepper
METHOD:
break up the burger patty and add all the ingredients and mix well. Leave for a while for all the flavors to fuse with each other well while you make the salad. Shap into tiny balls and flatten to make a patty. Grill in a hot pan till browned and cooked well from within. Serve in any way you like…i just cut small rounds of pita bread and placed the mini burgers between and topped them with yogurt sauce and served it with fatoosh salad. Both yogurt sauce and salad recipes are on my blog….
THANK YOU SOO MUCH ROLER SPAIN FOR SUCH AN EXCELLENT QUALITY OF BURGER PATTY!!

Posted in Fusion, Healthy Options, Lets eat Meat!!, Low Cost | Tagged , | Leave a comment

PEAS N POTATOES (ALOO MATTAR)

Posted on April 7, 2012 by nituchugani

I make my aloo mattar in a very simple yet delicious way. It is lightly flavoured with mild spices and cooked with less oil. I dont like to overpower my vegetables with too many spices as i feel vegetables have so much of flavour on their own. I have done a step by step video tutorial on this for all my avid video watchers! Here is the simple recipe
INGREDIENTS:
1 big potato
1 cup of fresh or frozen green peas
2 tomatoes
3-4 green chillies
3-4 curry leaves
a small piece of ginger
2 tablespoons of cooking oil
1/4 teaspoon each of Nitu Didi cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder and red chilli powder
2 crushed cardamoms
coriander leaves chopped
salt to taste
METHOD:
Heat the oil in a pressure cooker or ordinary saucepan. When heated add the cardamoms, curry leaves and chopped ginger and sautee for a few seconds. Add the chopped tomatoes, green chillies and coriander leaves and cook till tomatoes soften, add salt. Add the spices and then the chopped potatoes and peas. Add a cup of water or a little more and put the whistle on the pressure cooker for 1 whistle. If not using a pressure cooker just cook till the peas and potatoes are done.
Simple and yet tasty and nourshing!!

Posted in Everything Vegetarian, Indian Restaurant Dishes, Low Cost, Typical Sindhi Dishes, Vegan | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

COUS COUS WITH CHICKEN

Posted on April 4, 2012 by nituchugani

Yummy cous cous made with a fusion chicken tastes quite nice! This is my first time making cous cous and with you dont need to serve it with a typical moroccan recipe!! My family is quite fussy so i kind of made up this chicken and served it with cous cous and needless to say they loved it 🙂
INGREDIENTS:
1 small cup of cous cous made acording to the instructions on the packet …i added salt, pepper and a teaspoon of cumin powder to it
FOR THE CHICKEN:
250 grams of chicken breast , cubed
1 teaspoon of ginger garlic paste
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon of Nitu Didi curry powder
red chilli flakes to taste
salt to taste
1 tablespoon of cooking oil to sautee
4 tablespoons of thick coconut milk
METHOD:
Marinate the chicken in the ginger garlic paste, salt, lemon juice and olive oil for one hour. Heat a pan with the cooking oil and sautee the chicken till its caramalised. Add the red chilli flakes. Add the coconut milk and sautee till the chicken is done. Serve with the cous cous.. Enjoy!!

Nitu didi tip for vegetarians: you can substitute chicken for a variety of vegetables

Posted in Chicken | Tagged , | Leave a comment