Malpua

Malpuva in Marathi

Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 to 10 malpuas

Ingredients:
Pancakes::
1 cup All purpose flour (Maida)
3/4 cup Khova
2 tbsp semolina (rava/ sooji)
1 pinch baking soda
1.5 cups milk (room temperature)
1 pinch of salt
2 pinches saunf
Sugar Syrup::
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 tsp cardamom powder
1 pinch saffron
For garnishing::
2 tbsp pistachio, crushed coarsely
Few saffron strands
1/2 cup ghee (tip)

Method:
1) Take a medium bowl. Add maida, khova, semolina, milk, and salt. Mix well. To make it smooth, blend it in a blender for 15 seconds. After blending, add saunf. Keep it aside for 15 minutes. Consistency of the batter should be similar to idli batter, medium thick and free-flowing.
2) To make sugar syrup, add sugar, cardamom powder and water into a saucepan. Boil for 5 to 6 minutes. Dip a spoon in the sugar syrup and put a small drop in a plate. Once it's handleable, pinch it between index finger and thumb. If you see a single thread then the sugar syrup is ready. If you don't see any thread, then boil for a couple more minutes. When you get the one thread consistency sugar syrup, turn the heat to very low to keep the it warm.
3) Once sugar syrup is ready, start making pancakes for malpua. Take the batter and add a pinch of baking soda. Mix well.
4) Heat a small frying pan. Add a tbsp of ghee. Once ghee is hot, turn the heat between medium and high. Add a ladleful of batter and spread gently. Flip to the other side. Cook both the sides well.
5) Transfer immediately to the sugar syrup. Soak for 2 minutes, garnish with pistachios and saffron. Serve hot.
Likewise prepare all the malpuas.

Tips:
1) Malpua tastes delicious only if eaten warm and fresh. It will loose its taste and texture if kept for longer.
2) I have shallow fried malpuas with as little ghee as i could. You can fry malpuas in the ghee. In that case, you may need more ghee.
3) Do not fry malpuas in oil. It won't taste good.
4) Malpuas can be served alongwith some rabdi.
5) Try to make thin malpuas. Thin malpuas taste much better than thick malpuas. Hence adjust the batter consistency accordingly.

Makhani Gravy

Makhani gravy in Marathi

Time: 20 to 25 minutes

Ingredients:
5 big tomatoes, riped and juicy
1 tsp garam masala
1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp kashmiri red chili powder or pinch of red food color
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp kasoori methi
1/2 tsp cumin powder
2 tsp lemon juice (Tip 2)
1/4 to 1/2 cup heavy cream
salt to taste
2 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp Sugar (optional)


Method:
1) Put the tomatoes in a big microwave safe bowl. Pour enough water to cover the tomatoes. microwave for 5 to 6 minutes. Grind them. Strain well and get a fine puree.
2) Heat butter in a pan. Add ginger garlic paste red chili powder. Saute for 10-15 seconds. Add tomato puree, coriander-cumin powder, kasoor methi, salt and lemon juice. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3) Once raw flavor of tomatoes disappears, turn off the heat. Transfer this mixture to the blender. Blend well. Add heavy cream. However, do not add all the cream at once, there is a chance of curdling the cream. Therefore, add little at a time and blend. Add cream until you get desired color and consistency.
4) Now transfer the gravy to the pan again. Keep flame on low. simmer for 5 minutes.
This gravy can be used for making paneer makhani or butter chicken.

Tips:
1)  A slight sweetness balances the flavor.
2) Incase the tomatoes are sour in taste, then reduce the amount of lemon juice. A pinch of Citric acid can be used instead of lemon juice.
3) Paste of 1/4 cup cashews can be added for thickness and rich flavors.

Spicy Eggplant Curry

Eggplants in Spicy Curry in Marathi

Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4 persons

Ingredients:
10 small eggplants (small)
Masala Paste
1 cup Onion, thinly sliced
1 medium tomato, roughly chopped
5 big garlic cloves, chopped
1 inch ginger piece, chopped
5 curry leaves
4 green chilies, chopped
1 tbsp roasted peanuts powder
2 tbsp grated coconut
1/2 tsp roasted poppy seeds, ground (optional)
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp garam masala
salt to taste
3 tbsp Oil
other ingredients:
2 tsp oil
5-6 fenugreek seeds
1/4 tsp hing
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp kashmiri mirch powder
2 tbsp tamarind pulp

Method:
1) Wash eggplants and cut the stems. Cut the eggplants and make 6 to 8 wedges of each one.
2) Masala Paste
i) Heat oil into a pan. Add curry leaves, onion, green chilies, garlic and ginger. Saute until onion becomes translucent.
ii) Add tomatoes, and cook until tomatoes are mushy.
iii) Add peanuts powder, coconut, cumin-coriander powder, poppy seeds, garam masala and salt.
iv) Let the mixture cool down. Then ground to a fine paste. Add little water if needed when grinding.

3) Heat oil in a pan. Add fenugreek seeds and wait till color changes to brown. Now add hing, turmeric, and eggplant slices. Also add little salt. Cover the pan and cook for few minutes or till slices become tender. Then add ground masala, tamarind pulp and red chili powder.
Add some water to get the desired consistency. Boil for few minutes.
Serve hot with white rice or chapati.

Tips:
1) Choose small purple eggplants with glossy skin without any brown rust spots.
2) Kashmiri Red chili powder does not have spiciness, but gives nice red color to the curry. Therefore, its upto you whether you want to add it or not.
3) Little sweetness plays well along-with sourness of tamarind. Hence, if you like sweet and sour combination, add little jaggery or sugar (1/2 or 1 tsp)

Malai Kofta in white gravy

Malai Kofta in Marathi

Time: approx 1 and 1/2 hour
Serves: 3 persons

Ingredients:
For Kofta Cover:
3 medium potatoes
2 tbsp Corn Flour
Salt to taste
Oil to deep fry
Stuffing:
1/2 cup grated paneer
2 pinches salt
1/2 tsp sugar
1 green chili, finely chopped
25 Raisins
2 tsp finely chopped cilantro
Gravy:
1 big White onion, cut into two halves
2 tsp butter
2 green chilies
paste of 3 big garlic cloves,
paste of 1 small piece of ginger
Whole spices: 2 bay leaves, 2-3 cloves, 3 black pepper, 1 small stick of cinnamon, 2 cardamom buds
2 tbsp cashew paste
1/2 cup Half and half (Tip 5)
Salt to taste

Method:
Kofta:
1) Boil the potatoes. Peel and mash well (tip 2). Add 2 tbsp corn flour and salt to taste. Knead well and divide into 8 equal portions.
2) Mix all the ingredients given under stuffing label. Divide this stuffing in 8 equal portions.
3) Flatten the potato mixture and make a semi thick round disc (around 2.5 inches). Put the stuffing at the center and cover nicely by joining all the edges. Make the surface smooth. Finish making koftas.
4) Deep fry koftas over medium high heat. Keep aside until we make gravy.
Gravy:
5) Boil the onion (I pressure cooked the onion upto 2 whistles.). Make a fine paste.
6) Heat butter into a pan. Add whole spices (Tip 1), green chilies and ginger-garlic paste. Saute for 15 seconds. Now add onion paste and salt. Cook over high heat. Stir continuously until color changes slightly.
7) Add cashew paste. Stir in between as cashew paste tends to stick at bottom of the pan. Add very little water to adjust the consistency. Cover the pan and cook until raw smell of cashews disappear. (for 3 to 4 minutes) (Tip)
8) Turn the heat to low. Add half and half and stir vigorously as it may curdle due to salt and onion. Once its well blended put the flame over medium. Cook for few minutes. Add koftas and serve immediately with chapati or any Indian bread.

Tips:
1) In step 7, after cashew paste is well cooked, I removed the whole spices from the gravy. After that, I blended the gravy for couple of minutes to make it smooth and silky. Then I put the gravy in the same pan and followed the recipe as given.
2) Mash the potatoes very well. There shouldn't be any lumps.
3) If you add garam masala or any other spice powder, it will change the color of gravy. Therefore, add whole spices which will give flavor to the gravy without changing its color.
4) The stuffing can be variate or few additions like cashews, pistachios may be added to your preference.
5) Half and half is a mixture of 1 portion whole milk and 1 portion heavy cream.It is available at grocery stores in refrigerator section

Soya Methi Malai

Soya Methi Malai in Marathi

Serves: 3 persons
Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:
1.5 cups Methi leaves, finely chopped (plz see imp tip no. 1)
3/4 cup Soya Chunks
1/2 cup Green Peas (Frozen)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
For tempering: 1 tbsp Oil, 2 pinches cumin seeds, 1/ 8 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp ginger-green chili paste, 1 tsp red chili powder
2 tsp Kitchen king masala
1/4 to 1/2 cup Heavy cream
Salt to taste
For Garnishing - 2 tbsp Chopped tomato

Method:
1) Wash and finely chop methi leaves. Soak soya chunks in hot water for 5 minutes. Drain the hot water and add cold water. Leave it for 2 minutes and then squeeze soya chunks to remove all the water. Roughly chop them.
2) Heat oil in Kadai. Add cumin seeds, saute for 5 seconds and then add ginger-green chili paste. saute for 10 seconds. Now add onion, turmeric, red chili powder and 2 pinches of salt. Suate until onion becomes translucent.
3) Add green peas and cook for couple of minutes. Now, add soya chunks and methi leaves. Stir for 2 minutes. Add kitchen king masala. Cook till moisture in methi leaves evaporates. Do not cover while cooking. Check the salt and adjust the spices.
4) Turn the heat to low. Add heavy cream as much as required. Stir continuously to prevent curdling. Keep the flame low.
After adding cream, do not boil too much. There are chances of curry getting spoiled.
Serve hot with Chapati, or any other Indian bread.

Tips:
1) To reduce bitterness of fenugreek, soak the chopped fenugreek into cold salt water for 10 minutes. Then squeeze and use. But, soaking in water, methi loses its nutritional value to some extent. Hence, use this method only if you can't bare the bitterness. (the bitterness reduces a little after adding cream)
2) Soya granules can be used instead of soya chunks.
3) green peas give a sweetness to the curry. However, its an optional ingredient. The curry can be prepared with fenugreek and soya chunks.
4) Incase, if kitchen king masala is not available, use garam masala.

Masoor Pulav

Masoor Pulao in Marathi

Time: 40 to 50 minutes
Serves: 3 to 4 persons

Ingredients:
:: To cook Rice ::
1 and 1/2 cup Basmati Rice
3 cups hot water
1 star anise, 2 bay leaves, 2 Cloves
1 tbsp Ghee
1/2 tsp salt
:: To make Masoor Gravy ::
1/2 cup Masoor
1 tbsp ghee
2 cardamoms, 2-3 black pepper
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder (I used 1/2 tsp kashmiri red chilil powder for color and 1/2 tsp normal red chili powder for spiciness)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 tsp ginger paste
1 tsp garlic paste
1/2 cup yogurt
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp garam masala
2 tbsp golden raisins, few cashews
salt to taste

Method:
1) Soak Masoor overnight or 7 to 8 hours in sufficient water. Pressure cook Masoor up-to 1 whistle without adding water (For details see tip below). Add little salt when pressure cooking.
2) Heat ghee into a pan. Add cardamom and black pepper. Saute for 10 seconds. Add turmeric powder, chili powder, and ginger garlic paste. Saute for 15 seconds. Add onion and saute till it becomes translucent.
3) Now add cooked Masoor and 1/2 cup water. Add little salt (remember- salt added while pressure cooking). Simmer for few minutes. Add garam masala, cumin-coriander powder, raisins, cashews. Check the taste and adjust the spices. Remove from the heat. gravy should be thick in consistency as we are going to add yogurt once it cools down.
4) Let the gravy cool down a bit. Add yogurt and whisk well. Add little salt if needed.
5) Soak basmati rice for 10 minutes into cold water. Then discard the water and keep the rice aside for 20 minutes.
6) Heat a medium saucepan. Add ghee and wait till it melts. Add star anise, bay leaves and cloves. Saute for 10 seconds. Now add rice. Saute continuously until rice becomes completely dry. You will also notice the changes in texture of rice.
7) Once rice is nicely roasted, add hot water and salt. Give a nice stir and let it boil uncovered over high heat. Turn the heat to low, the moment water on the surface disappears. Cover the pan and let the rice cook in steam until grains are almost done.
Let the rice sit for a while, because if we add gravy in hot rice, the grains are likely to brake.
8) Fluff the rice with a fork and mix in the gravy little by little. Mix well but gently.
9) Add some ghee. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes over low heat.
Serve hot with Raita

Tips:
1) Roasting rice over high heat for 6 to 8 minutes results in fluffy rice after cooking.
2) If you don’t have enough time for soaking, immerse the masoor in hot water for couple of hours.
3) Pressure cooking without adding water means - Add a cup of water at the bottom of pressure cooker and DO NOT add water in the steel container inside the pressure cooker. In this steel container we are going to put only soaked masoor.
4) To lessen the amount of ghee, use oil for making Gravy and skip adding ghee at the end.

Spinach Rice

Spinach Rice in Marathi

Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 2 persons

Ingredients:
3/4 cup basmati rice
1 cup finely chopped spinach
3/4 cup hot water
1 tbsp butter
1/4 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp finely chopped ginger
1 tsp finely chopped garlic
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 small green chili
Whole spice: 2 bay leaves, 1 cardamom, 2 cloves
Salt to taste

Method:
1) Soak rice in water for 10 minutes. Drain the water after 10 minutes. Leave the rice for 10 minutes.
2) Add 1/2 cup of water to spinach and puree.
3) Heat 1 tbsp butter into a deep nonstick saucepan. Add cumin seeds, whole spices. Saute for 5 seconds. Add ginger garlic and green chili. Add onion and saute till translucent.
4) Add soaked rice. Roast for few minutes over high heat. Stir continuously to avoid burning the rice. You will notice that rice has become completely dry and rice grains are popping when touched directly to the pan's bottom. That means rice is roasted perfectly.
5) Add 3/4 cup hot water, salt and spinach puree. Keep the flame on high. Boil until you don't see water on the surface of rice. Then put the flame on medium low and cover the pan. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until rice is cooked completely.
Fluff with a fork. Serve hot with raita and fryums/ papad.

Tips:
1) To make this rice more healthy and colorful, add vegetables like peas, carrot, french beans, cauliflower etc
2) Roasting rice helps to keep the grains separate after cooking. Also, use hot water and follow step 5 for better results.
3) Kids would love to eat this green rice. Do not add green chili to make it kids friendly.

Mango Lassi

Mango Lassi in Marathi

Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients:
3/4 cup Milk
1 cup Yogurt
3/4 cup Mango Pulp (I used readymade mango pulp)
4 tbsp Sugar
1/4 tsp Cardamom powder
Crushed Pistachios for garnishing

Method:
1) Add milk, yogurt, mango pulp, sugar and cardamom powder to a blender. Blend until mixed well.
Pour into 2 serving glasses. Garnish lassi with pistachios and serve chilled.

Tips:
1) Readymade mango pulp was already sweetened. Therefore I used only 4 tbsp of sugar. Mango pulp can be prepared at home. Use good quality Alfonso mangoes. Peel and remove stone. Puree into blender and then strain. Follow the same method given above. Add some more sugar, as homemade pulp is not that sweet.
2) Use full fat plain yogurt for better results. Yogurt made at home is preferable. Readymade lowfat or fat-free yogurt has gooey texture which ruins the taste and texture of lassi.
3) Adjust the consistency to your own preference by increasing or reducing amount of milk.

Dum Aloo

Dum aloo in Marathi

Time: around 1 hour
Serves: 3 to 4 persons

Ingredients:
15 to 18 small potatoes (Tip)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup finely chopped Tomato
1/2 inch piece of Ginger, finely chopped
4 to 6 big garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tbsp cashew powder
4 tbsp plain yogurt, well beaten
1/2 tsp dry ginger powder, 1 tsp fennel seeds powder, 2 pinches clove powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp garam masala
2 tsp kashmiri red chili powder (tip)
1 tsp red chili powder
salt to taste
3 tbsp oil
Oil for deep frying
Method:
1) Wash the potatoes. Boil 1 liter water. Add 1 tsp salt. Put the potatoes in, cover the pan and cook for around 7-8 minutes over high heat. Add some water if required. Don't cook potatoes fully. Cook enough, so that the skin is easily peelable. Once potatoes reach that point, drain the hot water and add cold water. Peel all the potatoes.
2) Heat oil in a kadai. Once oil is hot, turn the heat to medium. Deep fry potatoes till they turn golden brown. Do not fry over high heat. Potatoes will become brown quickly, but they will stay uncooked inside. Place the fried potatoes over a absorbent paper. Poke each fried potato 2-3 times with a fork.[This allows potatoes to soak the gravy.]
3) Heat 2 tbsp oil into a pan. Saute ginger-garlic for 10 seconds. Add onion and saute until translucent. Add red chili powder, cashew powder salt and tomato. Cook till tomato becomes mushy. Turn the heat off and let this mixture cool down. Grind it to a fine paste. Add little water if needed.
4) Heat 1 tbsp oil in that same kadai. Add turmeric powder and Kashmiri red chili powder. Add onion-tomato paste. Let the gravy boil. Then add dry ginger powder, fennel seeds powder, clove powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala. Mix well.
5) Turn the heat to very low, 5 minutes before adding yogurt. Add yogurt and whisk quickly so that yogurt won't get spoil and become grainy. Therefore use egg beater to stir the gravy.
6) Once yogurt is well blended, add fried potatoes. Cover the pan and cook for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Adjust the consistency to your own preference. Serve hot with white rice or chapati.

Tips:
1) In case, if baby potatoes are unavailable, cut the normal potatoes in big chunks and they are good to use.
2) Kashmiri red chili powder is used for bright red color. It's not much spicy, therefore normal red chili powder (cayenne) is also required.

Khoya matar paneer

khoya matar paneer in Marathi

Time: 35 to 40 minutes
Serves: 2 to 3 persons

Ingredients:
3/4 cup green peas (Frozen)
3/4 cup Khoya, roasted
150 grams Paneer, small cubes (Tip 1)
3/4 cup tomato puree (Tip 2)
1/2 cup milk/ water
1 tsp Ghee
1 small piece of ginger, finely grated
1/2 tsp red chili powder
1/4 tsp cumin seeds (Optional)
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
7-8 cashews, (reserve few for garnishing)
1 tbsp golden raisins + few more raisins for garnishing
1 tsp sugar
salt to taste
Whole spices - 1 bay leaf, 2-3 cloves, 3-4 Pepper corns, 2 green cardamom, 1 small stick of Cinnamon or 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder (Tip 4)

Method:
1) Heat a skillet. Lightly roast the whole spices. Cloves will puff up and cardamom will pop open. Grind the spices to fine powder.
2) Heat ghee in a pan. Add cashew-nuts, cumin, ginger and tomato puree. Cover the pan and cook for couple of minutes.
3) Add khoya, 1 tsp ground spices and mix well. Try to break as many lumps as you can. However, tiny lumps and grainy texture are expected. Saute until well blended.
4) Add peas and water/milk. Mix well, cover and cook for 4-5 minutes.
5) Now add coriander-cumin powder, sugar, red chili powder, raisins and salt. Cook for couple of minutes.
6) Finally add paneer cubes. Mix well and cook for couple more minutes.
Serve hot.

Tips:
1) When using store bought paneer, cut into cubes. Immerse them into hot water for 2 minutes. Paneer will become soft and there won't be any need to deep fry.
2) If tomatoes are not enough sour, add very little amchoor powder.
3) Mix the gravy well after adding milk to avoid curdling.
4) If using cinnamon powder, do not roast it. Add directly along-with coriander-cumin powder.

Paneer Methi

Paneer Methi in Marathi

Serves: 2 to 3 persons
Time: 25 to 30 minutes

Ingredients:
1 big bunch of Methi, washed and picked
150 gram paneer, small cubes (Tip)
1 small onion, sliced lengthwise
1 medium tomato, medium cubes
1/2 inch ginger
3 to 4 big garlic cloves, roughly chopped
2-3 Black pepper
1 tbsp plain yogurt
1/2 cup cream (Tip)
Tempering: 1 + 1 tbsp Oil, pinch of turmeric
1 tsp Coriander powder
Salt to taste

Method:
1) Heat 1 tbsp oil into a pan. Add black pepper, ginger, garlic and onion. Saute till onion turns translucent. Add tomato and cook till tomato becomes mushy. Let this mixture cool down. Puree without adding water.
2) Finely chop methi leaves. Heat oil into a pan. Add turmeric and methi leaves. Also add 2-3 pinches of salt. Cook uncovered until water content of methi leaves evaporate.
3) Now add tomato- onion puree and yogurt. Stir well and cook for few minutes. Add little more salt and coriander powder.
4) Turn the heat to low (Tip). Add paneer and cream. Also add some water to get the desired consistency. Cook for few minutes.
Serve hot with Chapati, Naan or any Indian bread.

Tips:
1) When using store bought paneer, cut them into cubes and immerse into hot water. Drain the water after 2 minutes. This way, paneer becomes soft.
2) Incase, the cream is unavailable, mix 1/2 cup milk powder to 1/4 cup water without any lumps.
3) Do not add cream when flame is high. High flame will curdle the cream (when mixed with salt).

Dudhi Halwa

Dudhi Halwa in marathi
Time: approx 30 minutes
Servings: 3 to 4

Ingredients:
2 n 1/2 cup packed grated bottle gourd (First peel and deseed)
1 tsp ghee
3/4 cup condensed milk
1 tsp Chironji (Charoli)
1 tbsp Almond slivers, blanched and peeled
1 tbsp other dried fruits like cashews, pistachio, sliced
1/4 tsp cardamom powder

Method:
1) Heat a pan, add ghee and wait till it melts. The add bottle gourd. Cook over medium high heat. Stir continuously.
2) After 5 to 8 minutes, the water in bottle gourd will evaporate. Then check a little thread of bottle gourd and taste it. If you feel its under cooked, cook for few more minutes.
3) Add condensed milk and let it cook until nice and thick. Add chironji, and dry fruits. Stir nicely. Add cardamom powder and mix well.
Serve warm or cold. Both way, it tastes great.

Tips:
1) Do not cover the pan when cooking grated bottle gourd.
2) Adjust the amount of condensed milk as per your preference.

Dudhi halwa using Milk and sugar

Aloo Methi

Aloo Methi in Marathi

Time: 30 to 40 minutes
Serves: 2 to 3 persons

Ingredients:
3 cups finely chopped Methi leaves
1 medium Potato, (peel and cut into medium cubes)
1 small onion, finely chopped (around 1/2 cup after chopping)
1 small tomato, pureed
For tempering:- 1.5 tbsp oil, 2 pinches mustard seeds, 1 pinch cumin seeds, 1 pinch hing, 1/4 tsp turmeric
2-3 green chilies, slitted lengthwise
Salt to taste

Method:
1) Tomato Puree - Immerse the tomato into a water-filled glass bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes. Then drain, puree and strain.
2) Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, hing, turmeric and green chilies. Saute for few seconds. Add onion and cook 50 %. Then add potato cubes (Tip 1). Mix well, cover the pan and let the potato cook. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
3) Add tomato Puree and cook over high heat. Stir until tomato puree reduces and becomes very thick.
4) Now add chopped methi and 2-3 pinches of salt. Do not add too much salt as methi will shrink after sauteing. Stir over high heat.
5) Once methi reduces in size and water content in methi almost evaporates, reduce the heat and cook for couple of minutes. Add salt at this moment (only if required).
Serve hot with chapati.

Tips:
1) Boiled potato can be used to save time. In that case, follow the same steps except add boiled potato cubes at the end.
( tempering + Add onion and cook completely + Add tomato puree and cook until thickens + Add methi leaves and wait till the it shrinks + add potatoes cook for few minutes)
2) This sabzi tastes good without any spices. However, spices may be added as per your choice (garam masala, coriander - cumin powder).
3) Onion can be substituted by Garlic paste. Use 1 tsp garlic paste.

Harabhara kabab

Hara Bhara Kabab in Marathi

10 to 12 medium kababs
Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:
15 to 20 spinach leaves
2 medium potatoes, boiled, peeled and mashed
3/4 cup green peas, boiled
2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
2 tbsp corn flour
1/2 tsp ginger, grated
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp amchoor (dry mango powder)
salt to taste
oil for deep frying
8 to 10 Cashew-nuts

Method:
1) Blanch the spinach leaves - boil around 2 cups of water. Once water starts boiling, add spinach leaves. Stir for couple of minutes. Then drain hot water and immediately immerse spinach leaves into cold water.
2) Slightly squeeze out water from spinach. Add green peas, spinach and green chilies to a blender. Blend coarsely. Do not add water.
3) Transfer blended peas and spinach to a mixing bowl. Add ginger, mashed potatoes, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, amchoor and salt. Also add corn flour and mix nicely.
4) Grease your palms lightly. Divide the mixture into equal small portions and make smooth surfaced balls. Press slightly to flatten a little. Gently press a cashew-nut at one side. Deep fry over medium-high heat until pinkish.
Serve with Tomato ketchup, green chutney or tamarind chutney.

Tips:
1) Mash the potato without any lumps.
2) To make the mixture dry, squeeze the spinach well. Also drain the peas properly before adding to the blender. The kababs wont form well if the mixture is wet and ultimately more corn flour will require. This will ruin the taste.
3) To make kababs very green, add a small pinch of edible green color.

Stuffed Paneer Paratha

Stuffed Paneer paratha in Marathi

Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 medium parathas

Ingredients:
Stuffing
2 cup grated paneer
3-4 green chilies, finely chopped
1/4 cup Cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/2 tsp amchoor powder, 1/2 to 1 tsp grated ginger
Salt to taste
Cover
3/4 cup Maida
1 cup wheat flour
1/4 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1/4 tsp red chili powder
1/4 cup yogurt
Water as needed
2 tbsp oil
2 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 tsp salt
Other ingredients
Butter or oil to roast paratha
Dry flour for dusting

Method:
1) Take grated paneer into a bowl. Add green chili, cilantro, coriander-cumin powder, dry mango powder, ginger and salt and mix gently.
2) To make the dough, mix maida, wheat flour, cumin, turmeric, red chili powder, yogurt, oil and salt. Pour required amount of water and make a soft dough. Cover it and let it rest for 15 minutes.
3) Divide the dough into 6 to 8 equal portions. Divide the stuffing into same amount of equal portions.
4) Roll the dough ball into 2 to 3 inch diameter circle. Then put 1 portion of stuffing. Gather all the edges and seal. Roll it with a rolling pin by sprinkling little flour.
5) Heat a tawa. Place rolled paratha at the center. Drizzle little oil or melted butter. Roast both sides until brown spots appear.
Serve this paratha with green chutney or mint chutney.

Tips:
1) Add chopped mint leaves along with cilantro for more flavor.
2) Carom seeds can be replaced by cumin seeds.

Masala Papad

Masala Papad in Marathi

Time: 10 to 15 minutes
Serves: 4 persons

Ingredients:
4 Urad Papad (5 to 6" dia)
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup tomato, finely chopped
2 tbsp Cilnatro (coriander), finely chopped
1/2 tsp red chili powder or to taste
1/2 tsp Chaat Masala
1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Salt to taste
Oil to deep fry

Method:
1) Heat a flat pan (Tip 1). Add oil and deep fry Papad as usual.
2) Rub lemon juice to the chopped onion. (Tip 2)
3) Sprinkle Red chili powder (Tip 3)and chaat masala over the papad. Also spread tomato and onion. Sprinkle very little salt.
Garnish with Cilantro and serve immediately.

Tips:
1) Usually we use kadai to deep fry papad. But, sometimes papad gets twisted while frying. Hence I used flat pan. It requires very little oil and papad does not fold or twist.
2) Lemon juice gives nice tangy flavor. However, masala papad should be served immediately after adding lemon juice. Otherwise, papad becomes mushy.
3) I had used Jeera flavored Papad. It is better to use plain urad papad. You may use other flavors urad papad, but the taste changes a bit. Sprinkle very little red chili powder, when using Miri flavored (black pepper) Papad.
4) Papad can be roasted instead of frying. However, roasted papad soaks the moisture and gets mushy immediately.
5) Fine sev can be sprinkled to make the masala papad more attractive.

Paneer Biryani

Paneer Biryani in Marathi

Time: 60 to 90 minutes
Serves: 5 to 6 persons

Ingredients:
2 cups Basmati Rice
3-4 Cardamom pods, 3-4 Bay leaves, 3-4 Cloves, 1 small Cinnamon stick
Salt to taste
Paneer Marination
250 gram Paneer
1/2 cup Yogurt
1 tsp Ginger-garlic paste
1/4 tsp Salt
Gravy
1 cup Onion, thinly sliced
5 medium Tomatoes
2 tsp Ginger-garilc paste
2 tsp Ghee
Whole Garam Masala - 2 cardamom pods, , 3-4 Bay leaves, 3-4 Cloves
1 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp red chili powder
1 cup milk powder (or 1/2 cup cream) (Tip 5)
salt to taste
Approx. 3/4 to 1 cup cut vegetables (I used peas, carrot, french beans)
Other Ingredients
4 tbsp Ghee + some more ghee [its optional :) ]
1 cup thin slices of Onion, 8 to 10 Cashew nuts, 8 tp 10 Raisins
1/4 cup Mint leaves finely chopped, 1/4 cup Cilantro finely chopped
2 tsp Milk + 4 strands of Saffron (Tip 6)

Method:
Paneer
Beat the yogurt. Add ginger-garlic paste and salt. Mix well. Marinate paneer pieces in this yogurt for 30 minutes
Rice
1) Wash rice and drain the water. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Then boil 6 cups of water in a deep pot. Add cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaves and salt. Wait till the water comes to a rolling boil.
Gravy
1) Blanch the tomatoes. Peel the tomatoes. Chop the tomatoes coarsely.
2) Heat 2 tsp Ghee into a pan. Add whole garam masala and saute for few seconds. Add ginger garlic paste and onion. Saute onion until golden brown. Now add chopped tomatoes and saute until tomato becomes mushy. Add red chili powder.
3) Let the mixture cools off. Puree into a blender (Don't add water)
4) Heat 2 tbsp Ghee. Fry cashews and raisins. Remove them with slotted spoon. Add the prepared puree in the ghee. Simmer over medium heat. Add cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder and milk powder. Also add vegetables. Mix well and cook for few minutes until gravy become thick. Add salt to taste. The consistency of the gravy should not be too runny or too thick (Tip 1). Once the gravy is thick enough, add marinated paneer. Cook for few minutes.
Fried Onion
Deep fry 1 cup onion slices into ghee or oil until crispy. This fried onion is for decoration.
Biryani (Tips 2,3,4)
Once Rice and gravy is ready, divide rice into 4 equal portions and gravy into 3 equal portions. In a deep nonstick pan, spread 1 tbsp melted ghee at the bottom. Then layer 1 portion of rice. Spread 1 portion of gravy. Sprinkle mint leaves, cilantro, 3-4 cashews and raisins. Complete all the layers accordingly. Sprinkle remaining cashews, fried onion, raisins and milk + saffron on the top layer of the rice
Cover the pan with a tight lid. Cook the Biryani for 15 to 20 minutes over low heat.
Serve the biryani with Raita.

Tips:
1) Consistency of the gravy should not be runny. Thin gravy makes the biryani mushy.
2) The last part of steaming can be done in the oven. Preheat the oven at 250 F. Then make the layers in a baking pan. Cover tightly with a oven proof lid or aliminum foil. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
3) If you dont have nonstick pan, use a heavy bottom pan. Do not put this pan directly on the flame. Place a tawa on the flame and put the pan on the tawa. it will avoid burning.
4) Ghee can be added in each layer according to your preference.
5) Try to use milk powder. It quickly gives thickness to the gravy. If using cream, stir nicely until it blends well in the gravy.
6) Saffron can be replaced by edible saffron color.

Mushroom Mutter Curry

Mushroom Matar in Marathi

Serves: 2 to 3 persons
Time: 30 to 35 minutes

Ingredients:
12 to 15 Button Mushrooms (medium size)
1/2 to 3/4 cup Green peas
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp red chili powder
1/2 cup Onion paste
3/4 cup tomato puree
2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
Garam Masala - 2 cardamoms, 2 cloves, 1/2 inch cinnamon, 4 pepper corn
1/2 tsp Garam masala powder
2 to 3 tbsp cream or evaporated milk
Salt to taste

Method:
1) Heat a wok or a pan. Add garam masala Ingredients, except cardamom. Dry roast for a minute. Make a fine powder (I used mortar and pestle). Thinly slice the mushrooms.
2) Heat the pan. Add butter and let it melt. Add fine powder of Garam Masala and cardamom. Saute for few seconds and then add onion paste, ginger-garlic paste and red chili powder.
3) Saute the onion paste until color turns to golden brown. Add tomato puree. Cover and cook for couple of minutes. Now introduce green peas. Cover the pan and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes over medium heat. Add little water if required. Also mix in the salt and readymade garam masala powder.
4) Once peas are cooked nicely, add sliced mushroom. Let the mushroom cook for couple of minutes. Turn off the heat and add cream. Stir nicely till the cream incorporates in the curry.
Serve this delectable curry with any Indian bread.

Butter Naan

Naan bread in Marathi

Yield: 4 to 5 medium Naan
Time: Fermentation - Approx 1 and half hour । To make Naan 10 to 15 minutes

Ingredients:
2 cups Maida (All purpose flour)
1 tsp dry yeast
1/4 cup Yogurt (Tip 1)
1/4 cup warm water
1/2 tsp Sugar
Salt to taste (approx 1/2 to 1 tsp)
2 to 3 tbsp Oil

Method:
1) In 1/4 cup warm water dissolve sugar and yeast. Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes. This mixture will become frothy within 10 to 15 minutes.
2) Take maida in a mixing bowl. Add salt, yeast water and mix nicely. Then add 1/4 cup yogurt and knead the dough. If required, use little warm water to knead the dough. Make a soft dough. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic. Use little oil while kneading. Cover the bowl with a plate and keep at a warm place for an hour to ferment.
3) After one hour, the dough will be fermented and doubled in size. Punch down the dough to remove air bubbles. Put the oven on Broil. Grease and keep ready a baking tray. Divide the dough into 4 to 5 equal balls. Sprinkle little dry flour on a flat surface and roll the dough ball into 1/4 inch thick naan. You can give any shape. But generally naan has uneven triangular shape or oval shape. Put the rolled naan on baking tray. Two naans would easily fit on the baking tray.
4) Put the tray on the top rack of the oven. Cook one side for one and half minute. If required, bake for 30 seconds more. Once you see brown spots on one side, remove the tray out and flip the side. Cook the other side for a minute.
Butter and Sesame Naan
Remove baked naan from the oven. Rub a teaspoon of butter on each naan and sprinkle roasted sesame seeds for garnishing. You can also sprinkle some chopped coriander. Serve hot.
Garlic Naan
Before baking the naan, keep ready a mixture of 2 tbsp butter and 3 garlic cloves (minced). Once naan is baked, rub 1 or 2 tsp garlic butter on the naan and serve hot.

Serve Naan with delicious North Indian curry dishes.

Note:
1) Do not use cold yogurt. It should be at room temperature. Cold yogurt slows down fermentation process. In winter season, use some hot water while kneading the dough.

Butter Paneer Makhani

Paneer Makhani in Marathi

Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 2 to 3 persons

For Restaurant style Makhani Gravy please check Tip no. 6

Ingredients:
250 Gram Paneer (Tip 4)
1/4 cup Onion paste (Tip 5)
1/2 to 3/4 cup Tomato puree (Tip 2)
1 tsp Ginger Garlic paste
1 tbsp Cashew Paste
Whole Garam Masala: 4 pepper corns, 1 bay leaf, 1 cardamom pod, 4 cloves, 1 small cinnamon stick
2 pinches of Kasoori Methi
1 tsp Coriander-Cumin powder
1/2 tsp Garam masala powder
1 tsp red chili powder
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp Cream or evaporated milk (Tip 3)
Salt to taste

Method:
1) Make medium cubes or 2 inch strips of Paneer. Deep fry or shallow fry the paneer until golden in color.
2) Toast the whole garam masala ingredients slightly. Crush and make a fine powder.
3) Heat 2 tbsp butter in a wok or in a pan. Add crushed garam masala (Step 2) and saute for few seconds.
4) Add onion paste and ginger garlic paste. Saute over medium heat until onion gets cooked (about 4 to 5 minutes).
5) Once onion becomes golden brown in color, add tomato puree. Let the tomato puree cook over medium heat.
6) Add the dry ingredients - Kasoori Methi, coriander-cumin powder, garam masala powder, red chili powder and salt to taste.
7) Now put the flame on very low. Add cashew paste and cream. Stir vigorously, otherwise the cream will curdle. Add some more butter
Once cream gets incorporated, add fried paneer pieces. Cook for about 30 seconds over low heat. Transfer it to the serving plate. Drizzle some cream for garnishing.
Serve hot with Naan bread or Chapati.

Tips:
1) Use well ripe and nice red colored tomatoes.
2) To make tomato puree, place tomatoes into a deep glass bowl. Pour water just enough to cover the tomatoes (3-4 medium tomatoes). Then puree into a blender. Strain through a sieve. Use the strained puree for good result.
3) If cream or evaporated milk is unavailable, then use 1/2 cup of milk powder. Add 1/4 cup water and mix well without any lumps. Use this mixture to substitute cream.
4) Instead of frying paneer, Immerse the cubes into hot water for few minutes. They will become nice and soft in minutes.
5) Thinly slice about 1 cup of onion. Then deep fry until dark brown. Grind the fried onion to a fine paste. This can be used instead of raw onion paste.
6) Restaurant style Makhani Gravy recipe