STRAWBERRY AND LEMON LOAF

 Strawberries are in season now and what better way than storing up on all the goodness on what they have to offer by making, jams, desserts or just eating them fresh. But of course who can refuse a good bowl of Strawberry and cream...are you a berry addict like me? then this dessert/bread is certainly for you. If you are not a fan of berries you shall become one after tasting this😀.

This as always is a one bowl recipe and one of the simplest. I have used Whole wheat flour in this recipe, which can be easily swapped with Maida/refined flour if you prefer. A simple dish does not need much of a description I believe, therefore lest get to the recipe directly.

While you are here do check out my other bakes like-  Millet Cookies, Easy 2 way Muffins, Upside down Orange Vanilla cake, Oatmeal Cookies, Baked Samosa Pie, Apple Crumble, Pineapple Jam Tart, Blueberry Cheese cake and more...

Here is the recipe for Strawberry Loaf for you-

     PREP TIME: 10                                       COOK TIME: 50Mins

     TOTAL TIME:60 MINS                          COURSE:  DESSERT/BREAD

     CUISINE:  WORLD                               SERVINGS: 1 LOAF

     AUTHOR: Rajni Ram

 

Ingredients:

Fresh Strawberries 200 gm ( 12 to 15 pcs) chopped into cubes and a few lengthwise

Whole wheat flour 2 cups

Baking Soda 1 tsp

Lemon Juice of 1/2 a lemon

Zest of half a lemon

Egg 1 

Butter 100 gm melted

Milk 1 cup (+ 1/4 cup if required)

Salt a pinch

Lemon Glaze Ingredients:

Sugar 1/4 cup

Lemon juice of 1/2 lemon

Warm water 2 tbsp

Directions for Lemon glaze: Mix together all ingredients until sugar is dissolved and set aside. Do not exceed the water limit mentioned.

Directions for Loaf:

Preheat oven to 180 C for 10 minutes. In a bowl sieve the whole wheat flour along with the baking soda. To this add the sugar and the strawberries chopped to cubes and mix well. In another bowl take the melted butter ,lemon juice, lemon zest and egg and mix well. Add this to the flour and sugar mix, and combine well. Now start adding the milk little by little to make a thick batter. If batter looks very dry add 1/4 cup milk or even less to adjust consistency. Now arrange a loaf tin with parchment/butter paper. Pour the batter into the tin and tap to remove air gaps. Now arrange the reserved strawberries that were cur lengthwise,  on the batter and press gently with your finger. Bake in the oven at 200 C for 50 minutes. Check for doneness by piercing with a toothpick in the center. If undone bake for another 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the cake from oven, prick holes all over it and pour the prepared lemon glaze when hot. Allow to cool completely and then remove from loaf tin. The yummy Strawberry and lemon loaf is ready to serve with tea or as dessert.

STEPWISE RECIPE FOLLOWS:

1. Preheat oven to 180 C for 10 minutes. In a bowl sieve the whole wheat flour along with the baking soda. 

2. To this add the sugar and the strawberries chopped to cubes, add a pinch of salt and mix well.

3. In another bowl take the melted butter, egg, add lemon juice and lemon zest and mix well. Add this to the flour and sugar mix, and combine well. 

4. Now start adding the milk little by little to make a thick batter. If batter looks very dry add 1/4 cup milk or even less to adjust consistency. Now arrange a loaf tin with parchment/butter paper. 

5. Pour the batter into the tin and tap to remove air gaps. Now arrange the reserved strawberries that were cur lengthwise,  on the batter and press gently with your finger. Bake in the oven at 200 C for 50 minutes.

6. Check for doneness by piercing with a toothpick in the center. If undone bake for another 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the cake from oven, prick holes all over it and pour the prepared lemon glaze when hot. Allow to cool completely and then remove from loaf tin.

NOTES:

1. I have used Fresh strawberries as they are in season now. Alternately dried ones can be used. If using frozen strawberries use without thawing.

2. Feel free to use refined flour if you prefer.

3. Egg may be swapped with flax egg, but I have not tried it for this recipe, therefore cannot comment now on the texture. When I make it with flax egg I shall update here.

If you tried this recipe and liked it please comment below. I would love to hear from you. If you have a query about the recipe email us and ill respond as soon as I can.

BAJRA AND ALMOND FLOUR COOKIES (MILLET COOKIES)

I surfed the internet to find the easiest Cookie recipe with Millet's (that are trending currently), using ingredients that are easily available in our pantries, I scored and scored but couldn't find anything that interested me. By now those who are following the blog and my social media handles know that when it comes to baking, I choose the most easiest recipes, which can be mixed in a single bowl and stashed in the oven to bake. Zero mess.  

I love baking but I hate the mess that comes with it, so the trials in my kitchen are always on for a fuss free recipe. Though I did not find an ideal cookie recipe with Millet's that would satisfy the hundreds of queries in my mind(millet's are not the easiest to work with), I went adding ingredients purely on intuition to arrive at this recipe. As promised, its the easiest and egg free.

While you are here do checkout other bakes here on the blog like Blueberry Cheesecake, Apple Crumble, Easy 2 way Muffins, Upside down Orange vanilla cake, Oatmeal cookies, Apple tea cake and more...

Here is the simple recipe of the Bajra Almond Flour Cookies for you-

      PREP TIME: 15(+ 30 min resting)        COOK TIME: 15 Mins

     TOTAL TIME:60 MINS                          COURSE:  DESSERT

     CUISINE:  WORLD                               SERVINGS: 12 PIECES

     AUTHOR: Rajni Ram

 

    Ingredients:

    Bajra flour(Pearl Millet flour) 1.5 cups

    Almond flour 1/4 cup

    Baking powder 1/2 tsp

    Baking soda 1/4 tsp

    Desiccated Coconut 1/4 cup

    Brown sugar 1/2 cup

    Butter 100 gm softened

    Salt 2 pinches

    Black Currants a hand ful

    Vanilla essence 1/2 tsp

    Directions:

    In a bowl add softened butter(keep out of the refrigerator for 1 hr). To this add Brown         sugar and combine until smooth and creamy. In another bowl sieve the Bajra flour(Pearl Millet), baking soda and baking powder. To this add the Almond flour,Vanilla essence, desiccated coconut, salt and the Black Currants and mix well. Add this flour mix to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Use your hand to combine them well to form a soft dough. Check picture for consistency. You will not need any form of liquid, just the said amount of butter will do. Now keep the kneaded dough in the refrigerator for 30 mins. Pre heat the oven at 180 C for 10 minutes. While the oven is on preheat, get the cookie dough out of the fridge and divide them into balls. Flatten them on your palms and place them on the baking tray lined with parchment or butter paper. Space them a little apart. I got 12 cookies from this dough, so baked 6 in one round and another 6 in the other. Bake at 180 C for 15 mins. Oven temperature are different for different ovens so keep a check from 12 mins. Remove the cookies carefully from the baking tray to a plate. The cookies will be soft when just out of the oven. Don't worry they will turn crunchy on cooling completely. Enjoy the cookies with your favorite beverage. Cheers !!!

    STEPWISE RECIPE FOLLOWS:

1.  In a bowl add softened butter(keep out of the refrigerator for 1 hr). To this add Brown         sugar and combine until smooth and creamy. 

2. In another bowl sieve the Bajra flour(Pearl Millet), baking soda and baking powder. To this add the Almond flour,Vanilla essence, desiccated coconut, salt and the Black Currants and mix well.

3. Add this flour mix, little by little to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Use your hand to combine them well to form a soft dough. Check picture for consistency. You will not need any form of liquid, just the said amount of butter will do.

4. Now keep the kneaded dough in the refrigerator for 30 mins. Preheat the oven at 180 C for 10 minutes. While the oven is on preheat, get the cookie dough out of the fridge and divide them into balls. Flatten them on your palms and place them on the baking tray lined with parchment or butter paper(picture not taken). Space them a little apart. I got 12 cookies from this dough, so baked 6 in one round and another 6 in the other. Bake at 180 C for 15 mins. 

NOTES:

1. Since I made this recipe completely on intuition cannot say now if brown sugar can be substituted with white sugar or jaggery. When I try this again with white sugar or jaggery I shall update the recipe here.

2. I have used store bough Almond flour, however almond meal/flour can be made at home by blanching almonds, removing the skin, drying them and then powdering them. 

3. Oven temperature are different for different ovens so keep a check from 12 mins. 

4. The cookies will be soft when just out of the oven. Don't worry they will turn crunchy on cooling completely.

5. Also at this point i'm not sure if any other millet flour can be used for this recipe. I shall soon try it out and update here.

    

 If you tried this recipe and liked it please comment below. I would love to hear from you. If you have a query about the recipe email us and ill respond as soon as I can.

If you would like to receive our recipes on your mail please leave your mail id at the homepage. Every time Rajjo's Kitchen has a new post we will mail the recipe to you.

KADAI PANEER (GRAVY)

Kadai Paneer is a dish I like and make very frequently at home. I have this weekly one day is Paneer day compulsorily policy. Here on my blog I have another Kadai Paneer recipe which is a Semi dry version of this recipe. Though the Masala is same, the way I made it is slightly different. The Semi dry Kadai Paneer recipe is good to go with Rotis, and other flat breads and is a good lunch box recipe as it doesn't have much in the name of gravy and so is not messy at all, to carry in a box.

This gravy version is a great option to go with rice dishes like Matar Pulav, Jeera Rice, Biriyani etc. This version is what you will find at Dhabas in the North India. Considering Dhaba meals are supposed to be reasonably priced, do you think they would use Cashewnuts and cream etc, to thicken their gravy? Well, they use a very everyday ingredient that is found in Indian Kitchens and is gaining popularity the world over for its high protein quotient (and we have been using it since ages, that's India for us, a treasure house of recipes and food culture). Any guesses as to what that ingredient is? Besan. Yes, the humble chickpea flour. To find out how to use it, read the recipe and try it out and you will agree that it tastes delicious.

While you are here try out my other Paneer recipes likes Palak Paneer, Mava Paneer Curry, Paneer Khurchan, Malpua with Gulab Jamun mix and Paneer, and more...

Here goes the recipe for Kadai Paneer gravy style-

    PREP TIME: 15                                                   COOK TIME:15 MINS

    TOTAL TIME: 30 MINS                                         COURSE: MAIN 

    CUISINE: NORTH INDIAN                                   SERVINGS: 5

     AUTHOR: RAJNI RAM

    Ingredients:

    Paneer 200 gm cubed

    Onion 1 large cut into petals

    Onion 1 medium size chopped finely

    Capsicum 1 medium cut to large cubes

    Green chillies 2 slit lengthwise

    Ginger garlic paste 1 tsp

    Garlic 3 to 4 cloves (big ones)

    Tomatoes  2 large pureed

    Tomato 1 medium diced

    Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp

    Salt as required

    Cumin seeds 1 tsp

    Besan/ Chick pea flour 1.5 tbsp roasted on low flame until aromatic

    Methi seeds/ Fenugreek seeds 2 pinches

    Garam Masala Powder 1/2 tsp

    To be ground:

    Coriander seeds 1 tbsp

    Cloves 2

    Jeera/ Cumin seeds 1 tsp

    Dry red chilli 2 regular and 1 Kashmiri  dry red chilli (optional)

    Directions:

Take a Kadai and heat it, add the Besan and saute on low flame until it turns aromatic and light brown in colour. Keep stirring so that the Besan does not burn. Once aromatic, transfer to a plate. Now in the same kadai take 1 tbsp oil and drop in the Onion petals and saute for 1 minute. Now add the cubed capsicum and continue to saute over high flame for another 1 minute. Take care to stir constantly and the onion and capsicum should not overcook or turn limp. Transfer to a plate. Now in the same kadai take some more oil and add cumin seeds. Once they start crackling add the slit green chillies and saute for 30 secs. Now add the finely chopped onions and crushed garlic and continue to saute until the onion starts turning brown. In the meanwhile roast and grind the spices mentioned under "to be ground" and set aside. Grind them coarse and not very fine. Now add this powder to the sauteed onions, add turmeric powder, and if the mixture looks dry add another teaspoon of oil and saute the masalas in oil. Now add the roasted Besan and saute until the mixture starts appearing crumbly, but dry. To this add the tomato puree and mix nicely. Smoothen out all the lumps from the Besan. Add salt, followed by 1 to 1.5 cups water, drop in the diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Check for taste and add red chilli powder if required and adjust salt if required. Now add the cubed Paneer pieces , and the previously sauteed onion and capsicum and stir nicely. Add the fenugreek/Methi seeds. Cook until the gravy thickens. If you are particular about adding cream add now(this step is optional). Add garam masala powder and put off the flame. The yummy Kadai Paneer gravy style is ready. Enjoy with your favourite rice or Flat bread. Bon Appetit.

     STEPWISE RECIPE FOLLOWS:

1. Take a Kadai and heat it, add the Besan and saute on low flame until it turns aromatic and light brown in colour. Keep stirring so that the Besan does not burn. Once aromatic, transfer to a plate.

2. Now in the same kadai take 1 tbsp oil and drop in the Onion petals and saute for 1 minute. Now add the cubed capsicum and continue to saute over high flame for another 1 minute. Take care to stir constantly and the onion and capsicum should not overcook or turn limp. Transfer to a plate. 

3. Now in the same kadai take some more oil and add cumin seeds. Once they start crackling add the slit green chillies and saute for 30 secs. Now add the finely chopped onions and crushed garlic and continue to saute until the onion starts turning brown.

4. In the meanwhile roast and grind the spices mentioned under "to be ground" and set aside. Grind them coarse and not very fine. Now add this powder to the sauteed onions, add turmeric powder, and if the mixture looks dry add another teaspoon of oil and saute the Masalas in oil. 

5. Now add the roasted Besan and saute until the mixture starts appearing crumbly, but dry. To this add the tomato puree and mix nicely. Smoothen out all the lumps from the Besan. Add salt, followed by 1 to 1.5 cups water, drop in the diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Check for taste and add red chilli powder if required and adjust salt if required. 

6. Now add the cubed Paneer pieces , and the previously sauteed onion and capsicum and stir nicely. Add the Methi seeds and cook until the gravy thickens. If you are particular about adding cream add now(this step is optional). Add Garam Masala powder and put off the flame. Garnish with coriander leaves. The yummy Kadai Paneer gravy style is ready.

    NOTES:

1. Roast the Besan very carefully. Any burnt taste or flavour will change the taste of the dish. I always have a bottle of roasted Besan in my kitchen it helps to thicken gravies in a jiffy.

2. The roast and ground powder can be made ahead and stored in a bottle. This called the Kadai Masala because of which the dish gets its name.

3. I have not used cream in this dish. If you prefer adding cream, do go ahead and do so. I have specifically mentioned when to do so. 

If you tried this recipe and liked it please comment below. I would love to hear from you. If you have a query about the recipe email us and ill respond as soon as I can.

If you would like to receive our recipes in your mail please leave your mail id at the homepage. Every time Rajjo's Kitchen has a new post we will mail the recipe to you.

KATHRIKAI MASALA KUZHAMBU(TANGY EGGPLANTCURRY)

Eggplants or Brinjal is one vegetable that I love cooking with, because it is so versatile and the possibilities are so endless. Most cuisines around the world have atleast one Eggplant dish. Indian cuisine has many to its credit- be it the Baingan Bharta from the Punjab, the Vangi Bath from Karnataka, Gutti Vankaya Kura from Andhra Pardesh or the Bharli Vangi from Maharashtra.

On the blog I have quite many Brinjal recipes which proves this 😀 . This recipe of the Masala Kathrikai Kuzhambu may be a little different from other recipes you might find on the internet as I have not used Onion or Garlic, and the choice of Masalas will be different. The spices and the tamarind combine to give a very flavourful curry which goes very well with Rice, Parathas, String Hoppers(Idiyappam) and many other Main course dishes. 

While you are here check out other recipes on the blog like Brinjal Pepper Masala(no onion -no garlic), Gutti Vankaya Kura, Methi Wale Baingan, Drumstick Curry, Rajma Masala, Mirch Ka Salan,  Kadai Paneer and more...

Here is the recipe of Kathikkai Masala Kuzhambu ( Tangy Eggplant Curry)for you-

  PREP TIME: 10                                           COOK TIME: 20 MINS

 TOTAL TIME:30Mins                                    COURSE:  MAIN COURSE

 CUISINE: SOUTH INDIAN                           SERVINGS: 6

 AUTHOR: Rajni Ram

    Ingredients:

    Brinjals (any small variety) 250 gms. Remove stalk and make a cross cut in the center

    Tamarind- a lemon sized ball soaked in water and the pulp extracted.

    Sambar powder (homemade)1 tbsp 

    Salt as required

    Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp

    Red chilli powder 1 tsp

    Jaggery 1/2 tsp (optional)

    To be ground

    Coconut 1 tbsp

    Cloves 4-5

    Dry Kashmiri Red Chillies 2

    Fennel seeds/ Saunf 1 tsp

    Fried gram Dal/Pottukadalai 2 tsp

    Peppercorns 1/2 tsp

   Coriander seeds 1 tbsp

    To Temper

    Gingelley oil/Sesame oil 2 tbsp

    Mustard seeds 1 tsp

    Chana dal/gram dal 1 tsp

    Dry Red Chilli 1

    Asafoetida 1/2 tsp

    Directions: 

Put a Kadai/pan on flame and put in all the ingredients mentioned under "To be ground" and dry roast them until you get a good aroma, and they turn a light brown. Transfer to the blender jar and let them cool. Once cooled, add little water and grind to a fine paste. Now in the same Kadai take the Gingelly oil and heat. Add all ingredients mentioned under "To temper" and fry for 30 seconds. Now drop in gently the Brinjals after removing the stalks and making a cross cut until midway. Add a little salt and turmeric powder(both in small quantity as we shall add them again to gravy) and  nicely stir fry the Brinjals until they are half done. You can cover the Kadai and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Now pour the tamarind extract, add the Sambar powder followed by salt and red chilli powder. Let them cook for 2 minutes. Now add the ground paste and stir nicely. Add 1 cup water to adjust consistency. Let the Brinjals cook until done.  Finally, add a small bit of Jaggery, it enhances the taste of the gravy, and balances the tanginess of the tamarind. This step is optional though. Take care that the Brinjals must not go limp, but must maintain shape as well as be cooked. The consistency of this dish will be gravyish or more like a Sambar.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: This can be served with Pulav, Variety rice, Dosa, Idli, String Hoppers(Idiyapam) and more. I served it with some  Matar Pulav. 

     STEPWISE RECIPE FOLLOWS:

1. Put a Kadai/pan on flame and put in all the ingredients mentioned under "To be ground" and dry roast them until you get a good aroma, and they turn a light brown. Transfer to the blender jar and let them cool. Once cooled, add little water and grind to a fine paste. 

2. Now in the same Kadai take the Gingelly oil and heat. Add all ingredients mentioned under "To temper" and fry for 30 seconds.

3. Now drop in gently the Brinjals after removing the stalks and making a cross cut until midway. Add a little salt and turmeric powder(both in small quantity as we shall add them again to gravy) and  nicely stir fry the Brinjals until they are half done. You can cover the Kadai and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

4. Now pour the tamarind extract, add the Sambar powder followed by salt and red chilli powder. Let them cook for 2 minutes. Now add the ground paste and stir nicely. Add 1 cup water to adjust consistency. Let the Brinjals cook until done. Finally, add a small bit of Jaggery, it enhances the taste of the gravy, and balances the tanginess of the tamarind. This step is optional though.

5. Take care that the Brinjals must not go limp, but must maintain shape as well as be cooked. The consistency of this dish will be gravyish or more like a Sambar.

    NOTES:

1. Any small variety/ baby Brinjals can be used.

2. Adding Jaggery at the end, not only balanced the sourness of the tamarind, but also enhances the taste.

3. For homemade Sambar Powder click here, or store bought powder can also be used. However there will be slight change in taste.

4. Please follow exact proportions for the whole spices and spice powders to get the exact taste.

If you tried this recipe and liked it please comment below. I would love to hear from you. If you have a query about the recipe email us and ill respond as soon as I can.

GARLIC NAAN

 Usually when we think of Naan we think of eating it at a restaurant. That's also the reason why I have never attempted to make this at home until now. But the Pandemic has made us all crave restaurant style food at home and so the search for the perfect Naan recipe, which can be made at home easily, without any sophisticated gadgets was on. 

Its also common knowledge that an Iron Kadai is used to cook the Naan. But I wanted to get the dough right. One which will yield perfect Naans without much effort and also I did not want to make the instant one with baking soda, because when baking soda is used  the dough must go on the girdle immediately without resting it. I always prefer resting the dough, be it Roti's, Paratha's or Naan. So, in this recipe I have used yeast, because that is what gives the perfect texture and fluffiness to the Naan.

As far as possible I try to use less, or no Maida, but, to get the fluffiness the Maida needs to be added, whereas taste and nutrition comes from wheat. So in this recipe I have used both. The result was fluffy and perfectly cooked Naan's.   

While you are here check out my other bread recipes like Aloo Methi Paratha, Beetroot Paratha, Missi Roti and more...

Here is the recipe of Garlic Naan for you-

 

    PREP TIME: 10 MINS+ 2 hrs                               COOK TIME:15 MINS

    TOTAL TIME: 2 hr 25 MINS                                  COURSE: MAIN 

    CUISINE: NORTH INDIAN                                   SERVINGS: 5

     AUTHOR: RAJNI RAM

    Ingredients for dough:

    Whole Wheat flour 2 cups

    Maida 2 cups

    Water(lukewarm) 1 cup ( refer note1)

    Dry yeast 2 tsp

    Sugar 1 tbsp

    Salt to taste or 1 tsp

    Oil 3 tbsp

    Curd 2 tbsp

    Milk less than1/2 cup

    Fresh coriander leaves finely chopped

    Kalonji/ Nigella seeds  2 tsp

   For Garlic butter:

   Table butter/salted butter 50 gm

   Garlic 2 pods minced

   Coriander leaves finely chopped 1 tsp

Directions to make Garlic butter: Put all ingredients in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds, alternately put the ingredients in a bowl and melt the butter.

Directions: 

In a large mixing bowl take both the flours, add the salt and mix well. Now in a bowl take lukewarm water, add the sugar followed by the yeast. Let this stand for 10 mins or until the yeast blooms and becomes frothy. Now to the bowl of bloomed yeast add the oil, milk and curd and mix well. Now use this mixture to knead the dough. Add little at a time to knead the dough. In case after using the whole mixture the dough is still dry, add water to make the dough. The dough will be sticky, but stiff. Grease a container and put the dough in it to rest 2 hours. After 2 hours, the dough would have doubled up in size. Take it out, punch to release the air inside and knead again. Now divide the dough into 10 equal portions. Dust a little flour and roll out in oval shape. Sprinkle the Kalonji/Nigella seeds and fresh coriander and gently press it on the rolled dough. Take an iron Kadai (non stick doesn't give the best results), and invert it over the gas flame. When it is hot, stick the rolled out Naan on it and cook. When done the Naan comes out easily, without sticking. Now remove the Naan from the Kadai and transfer over direct flame and cook on both sides like how you would a Phulka. Transfer to a plate, apply the garlic butter over it and serve hot. 

Serving Suggestions: Serve this Naan with Paneer Butter Masala, Mava Paneer Curry. Also goes well with Dal Makhni, Paneer Khurchan, Choley or Rajma.

STEPWISE RECIPE FOLLOWS:

1. In a large mixing bowl take both the flours, add the salt and mix well. Now in a bowl take lukewarm water, add the sugar followed by the yeast. Let this stand for 10 mins or until the yeast blooms and becomes frothy.

2. Now to the bowl of bloomed yeast add the oil, milk and curd and mix well. Now use this mixture to knead the dough. Add little at a time to knead the dough. In case after using the whole mixture the dough is still dry, add water to make the dough. The dough will be sticky, but stiff. Grease a container and put the dough in it to rest 2 hours. ( Please add the sugar, curd and milk, those pictures are not here and will be added as soon as possible)

3. After 2 hours, the dough would have doubled up in size. Take it out, punch to release the air inside and knead again. Now divide the dough into 10 equal portions. Dust a little flour and roll out in oval shape. Sprinkle the Kalonji/Nigella seeds and fresh coriander and gently press it on the rolled dough

4. Take an iron Kadai (non stick doesn't give the best results), and invert it over the gas flame. When it is hot, stick the rolled out Naan on it and cook. When done the Naan comes out easily, without sticking. Now remove the Naan from the Kadai and transfer over direct flame and cook on both sides like how you would a Phulka. Transfer to a plate, apply the garlic butter over it and serve hot. 

    NOTES:

1. The dry yeast must always be added to lukewarm water and not hot water. The temperature of the water is right if your finger immersed in water is able to bear the heat.

2. The Naan can be customized with whatever you prefer, if not garlic. Just apply plain butter without garlic for butter Naan or top it up with cheese for Cheese Naan. 

3. The dough should have risen well for the perfect turnout. So plan making the dough ahead.

If you tried this recipe and liked it please comment below. I would love to hear from you. If you have a query about the recipe email us and ill respond as soon as I can.

KOVA KAJJIKAYALU

 This Indian sweet is so close to my heart as they bring back many memories of places, people and a different time altogether. Kajjikayalu in Telugu means Karanji or Gujiya.

Kova Kajjikayalu or Kobbari Kova Kajjikayalu is a melt in the mouth sweet with a stuffing of coconut and jaggery, covered on the outside with sweetened Kova or Mava. This is a very easy to do recipe.

In this recipe I have gone completely by intuition and not referred any other recipe.  That's why it may be a little different from other ones. 

Typically Almond flour is not used in this sweet, but I have used a little for the smooth texture and so that the Kova is easy to work around with.

Like me, my daughter also likes this sweet or may be she likes it, and so I like it😀. This is one of the most popular sweets at G Pullareddy Sweets of Hyderabad. Every time my parents would visit us they would get this for my daughter as she would always ask for this as a child. After that due to some reasons the connect with Hyderabad broke(oh!only from a proximity point of view, at heart I'm always a Hyderabadi). 

Since a few years we have not tasted this sweet and never dared to make it as it would always be compared to the Pullareddy ones, but then I guess today it had to happen. In my mind it was going on for a while. To bring it to fructification, I had to visualize it in my mind first. I am so happy that it turned out so well the first time. 

Lets go to the recipe right away. While you are here check out my other Indian sweet recipes like - Akkaravadisal, Chakkara Pongal, Pineapple Rabri, Atte ka Sheera, Aval Kesari, Vella Aval, and more...

Here is the recipe of Kova Kajjikayalu-  

  PREP TIME: 20                                         COOK TIME: 20 MINS

 TOTAL TIME:40Mins                                  COURSE:  SWEET

 CUISINE:  INDIAN                                      SERVINGS: 15 PCS

 AUTHOR: Rajni Ram

    Ingredients:

    Kova/Mava(unsweetened) 300 gm

    Sugar 6 tbsp

    Dessicated Coconut 2 cups( freshly grated coconut can also be used)

    Jaggery 1 cup

    Cardamom powder 1/2 tsp

    Almond Flour 3 tbsp 

    Directions:

Take a heavy bottomed Kadai and put the Jaggery and desiccated coconut in it. Sprinkle some water(less than 1/4 cup) in it and put it on flame. Keep stirring over a low flame until the jaggery melts and mixes with the coconut, and the stuffing comes together. If you are able to form a ball with the coconut jaggery mixture, thats the right stage. This takes about 10 minutes. The poornam will leave the bottom of the Kadai when done. Add cardamom powder and, let the stuffing/Poornam cool down. Grate/shred the Kova and keep it ready. Put the shredded Kova in a non stick pan, add the sugar and start stirring. The Kova will loosen up as the sugar melts, but will start solidifying again. Keep stirring until it leaves the bottom of the pan. Transfer it immediately to a plate and let it cool for exactly 5 minutes(not more as, if it cools too much making the cover gets difficult). Now add the Almond flour and combine with a spatula. Divide the Kova into 15 equal portions. Divide the Coconut stuffing also into 15 equal portions, shaping them as ovals. Apply ghee to your fingers and palms.Now take one roundel of Kova and flatten it on your palms with your fingers. Place the coconut stuffing in the centre and seal the edges as shown in the picture. Repeat for all the Kova and stuffing. Cover them with a clean cloth and allow to set for 2 hrs. The outer Kova covering will toughen up a bit as it cools, but will melt in your mouth and the coconut Poornam just takes this simple sweet to a different level. Overall a healthy sweet recipe. Ideal for gifting friends, make it for Diwali or Janmashtami when milk based sweets are made. Make them just of no reason an relish them, just as I made them today.

    STEPWISE RECIPE FOLLOWS:

1.  Take a heavy bottomed Kadai and put the Jaggery and desiccated coconut in it. Sprinkle some water(less than 1/4 cup) in it and put it on flame. Keep stirring over a low flame until the jaggery melts and mixes with the coconut, and the stuffing comes together. If you are able to form a ball with the coconut jaggery mixture, thats the right stage. This takes about 10 minutes. The poornam will leave the bottom of the Kadai when done. Add cardamom powder and, let the stuffing/Poornam cool down.

2. Grate/shred the Kova and keep it ready. Put the shredded Kova in a non stick pan, add the sugar and start stirring. The Kova will loosen up as the sugar melts, but will start solidifying again. Keep stirring until it leaves the bottom of the pan. Transfer it immediately to a plate and let it cool for exactly 5 minutes(not more as, if it cools too much making the cover gets difficult).

3. Now add the 3 tbsp Almond flour and combine with a spatula. Divide the Kova into 15 equal portions. Divide the Coconut stuffing also into 15 equal portions, shaping them as ovals. Apply ghee to your fingers and palms.Now take one roundel of Kova and flatten it on your palms with your fingers. Place the coconut stuffing in the centre and seal the edges as shown in the picture. Repeat for all the Kova and stuffing. Leave to set for 2 hrs. 

    NOTES:

1. I have used Desiccated coconut, but fresh coconut can also be used. Quantity same as above.

2. As I have used only Almond flour I cannot suggest any other flour at the moment. Once i try it out with other lours shall update the recipe. 

3. Almond flour is easily available in shops or almonds can be blanched in hot water dried for 1/2 an hour and then powdered in a mixie. The powder should be fine, without lumps.

4. This sweet can be stored outside for 3 days and in the fridge up to 15 days. Putting it in the fridge makes the Kova cover to become a little hard. Keep it out for a few minutes before consumption if storing in the fridge.

5. Store bought Kova is a light yellow in colour. If making at home it turns out white.

If you tried this recipe and liked it please comment below. I would love to hear from you. If you have a query about the recipe email us and ill respond as soon as I can.

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BHINDI ALOO (EVERY DAY SUBJIS)

This Subji is a simple stir fry with a mix of Ladyfinger and Potatoes as the name suggests. This is perfect for those rush hours in the morning or after work evenings when you want something simple that can be made with the least effort. This dish of Bhindi Aloo goes well with Rice and Roti or other flatbread varieties. It is healthy and becomes a good lunch box item for kids. 

Without much detailing getting in to the recipe directly. While you are here check out my other Subji and curry recipes like Paneer Khurchan, South Indian Kurma, Methi wale Baingan, Roasted Eggplant 2 ways, Paneer Mava Curry and more...

   

PREP TIME: 15 MINS                               COOK TIME:15 MINS

TOTAL TIME: 30 MINS                              COURSE:MAIN 

CUISINE:INDIAN                                        SERVINGS: 4

AUTHOR: RAJNI RAM

    Ingredients:

    Onion 1 large cut into petals

    Bhindi/Okra/Ladysfinger 200 gm cut to 1 inch length

    Potato 1 large or 2 medium diced

    Cumin Seeds 1 tsp

    Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp

    Red chilli powder 1 tsp

    Coriander powder 1 tsp

    Fennel powder 1 tsp

    Amchur powder 1/4 tsp

    Garam Masala 1/2 tsp

    Salt as required

    Oil for sauteing

Directions: 

In a Kadai or Pan heat oil. When its hot add the Cumin seeds and let them crackle. Add the turmeric powder followed by the chopped onions and saute until the onions start turning brown. Now add the diced potatoes and continue to saute. When the Potatoes are half done add the Bhindi and continue to saute. Keep stirring in between so that the vegetables don't burn. When the Ladysfinger are half done add salt, stir nicely, and cover the Kadai for precise 2 minutes. After 2 minutes open the lid and add Red chilli powder, Coriander powder, fennel powder and Amchur(dry mango) powder and mix nicely. Check for doneness of the Aloo and Bhindi by mashing between your fingers. When done add the Garam Masala powder and turn off the stove. The simple and healthy Bhindi Aloo is ready to serve wit our choice of rice or roti.   

     STEPWISE RECIPE FOLLOWS:

1. In a Kadai or Pan heat oil. When its hot add the Cumin seeds and let them crackle. Add the turmeric powder followed by the chopped onions and saute until the onions start turning brown.

2. Now add the diced potatoes and continue to saute. When the Potatoes are half done add the Bhindi and continue to saute. Keep stirring in between so that the vegetables don't burn. 

3. When the Ladysfinger are half done, add salt, stir nicely, and cover the Kadai for precise 2 minutes. After 2 minutes open the lid and add Red chilli powder, Coriander powder, fennel powder and Amchur(dry mango) powder and mix nicely. 

4.  Check for doneness of the Aloo and Bhindi by mashing between your fingers. When done add the Garam Masala powder and turn off the stove. The simple and healthy Bhindi Aloo is ready to serve wit our choice of rice or roti.   

    NOTES:

1. The Bhindi/Ladysfinger can sometimes turn slimy. To avoid this Pre cut the Bhindi and keep in the fridge or put it on a paper to absorb the moisture. 

2. Alternately you can squeeze 1/4 of a lemon if you find that it is turning slimy.

3. Adding quarter spoon of sugar helps to retain the green colour of the Bhindi.

4. If after adding all Masala powders if you subji still looks a little moist and not crisp and dry, add 1 tbsp bread crumbs.

If you tried this recipe and liked it please comment below. I would love to hear from you. If you have a query about the recipe email us and ill respond as soon as I can.

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