Kaima Idli

Kaima idli is one of the specialty dish in vegetarian restaurants. The last time I had it at the restaurant was not that great. So tried reproducing it at home. Most of the recipes called for deep fried idlis. Because I make them for dinner I prefer the dish to be made with less oil. So I baked them and that didn't alter the taste. If you prefer deep frying its fine too and as the idlis are frozen, they don't usually break or absorb much oil. You can deep fry the chopped frozen idlis until golden brown. This can be served as packed lunch recipe or snack for kids. Either use left-over idlis or make them ahead and freeze.

INGREDIENTS :
Serves 2

8 Frozen idlis
3 Tbsp oil
1 Sprig curry leaf
1/2 Tsp fennel seeds
1/2 " Cinnamon stick
1 Green cardamom
2 Cloves
1 Big onion
1 Tsp ginger garlic paste
2 Small tomato
2 Green chilies
1/2 Small green bell pepper
1/2 Small red bell pepper
1/4 Cup green peas
1/4 Tsp turmeric powder
1/2 Tsp chili powder
1/2 Tsp fennel powder
1 Tsp sambar powder
1 Tsp tomato paste
1 Tbsp tomato ketchup
2 Tbsp chopped coriander leaves (optional)
Salt to taste

METHOD :

Cut the steamed idlis into small cubes and freeze them. When ready to make kaima idlis Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Take the idli cubes and sprinkle 1tbsp oil all over, line them in a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, 10 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Take care not to burn them.
Chop all the vegetables.
In a deep frying pan placed at medium heat, add the remaining 2 tbsp oil and fry the whole fennel seeds and curry leaves for 30 seconds. Then add the cinnamon, cardamom and cloves fry briefly and then chopped onion and saute until transparent and then add the ginger garlic paste and fry until raw smell is gone.
Then add the tomato paste, fry for a minute and then add chopped tomatoes along with some salt. Let the tomatoes cook and wilt.
At this point add the chopped bell peppers and peas. Mix and let cook for a minute or two.
Now add the spice powders and blend them well. To this add the tomato ketchup and mix well, check for salt and adjust seasoning according to your taste.
Add the baked idli to this and toss to coat completely.
Add 3/4 cup warm water increase heat and mix everything thoroughly until all water is absorbed.
Serve hot garnished with chopped coriander leaves.

Soy Manchurian

 To think of vegetarian food without actual vegetables is quite hard. You can make something out of paneer or tofu, but what if someone doesn't like both or you want to give something different?

 Soy is like that good friend who comes in handy and surprises you. I was really really skeptical (seriously) when I thought of trying the manchurian with soy chunks. But I have no words now; I never thought this would turn out so good. Shown below is the dry version of Soy Manchurian. Try this at home and enjoy the amazing results!

INGREDIENTS:

1 Cup Soy Chunks

1 Tblsp Corn Flour

1 Tsp Soy Sauce

11/2 Tsp Ginger Garlic Paste

3 Tblsp Oil

1 Medium Onion 

2 Green Chillies 

4 Spring Onions 

4 Garlic Pods

2" Piece Fresh Ginger 

2 Tsp Green Chilli Sauce

2 Tblsp Tomato Ketchup

2 Tsp Soy Sauce

5 Twigs Coriander Leaves (optional)

Salt 

METHOD:

   In a pan, boil 4 cups water along with the soy chunks for about 5 mins. Drain the water and squeeze out any extra from the soy chunks and chop them into smaller (2") pieces.

To this, add cornflour, ginger garlic paste,1tsp soy sauce, 1tsp green chilli paste, and a bit of salt (if needed), then mix well. 

Heat 2 tblsp oil in a pan and fry the soy chunks until they reach a light golden color, and keep aside. Just shallow frying is fine.

Chop the onion, ginger, garlic, spring 

onion and green chillies into small pieces. 

Heat a pan and add a tablespoon of oil. Keep the flame high and cook the onion for about two minutes until it starts to wilt off. Then add the white part of spring onion, garlic, ginger and green chillies one by one. Now add the soy sauce, then green chilli sauce and tomato ketchup. Check for salt and add if needed. Squeeze any extra oil from the fried soy and add to this. Give it a good stir and let cook through for two to three minutes.

Finally garnish with the green spring onion and remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped coriander on top.

A great starter or a side dish to go with any vegetarian meal.

Spinach Channa Curry

I was looking for a way to cook spinach but doesn't want to get into an elaborate cooking procedure. Also it should be protein rich.Bumped into this recipe when surfing (I meant the net), and thought of giving it a try.

It's good and great with any bread and so fulfilling. An easy one if you have canned vegetables and chopped frozen baby spinach. But no worries you can plan ahead and soak and cook the chickpeas and get fresh baby spinach too. Either way it tastes so good. 

INGREDIENTS:

1 Medium Onion Chopped 

4 Garlic Pods Chopped 

2 inch Ginger Chopped

2 Tomatoes (1-12 ounce canned diced tomatoes)

3 Cups Cooked Channa (2-15ounce canned Chick peas)

3 Cups Chopped Spinach (12 ounce baby spinach bag)

2 Tblsp Chopped Coriander Leaves

2 Tsp Coriander Powder 

1 Tsp Red Chilly Powder

2 Tsp Cumin Powder 

2 Tblsp Oil

Salt to taste 

METHOD:

Heat a deep pan over medium heat. Pour the oil into the pan and let it get hot.

Add the chopped onions and fry until they become transparent.

Then add the chopped ginger and garlic and fry for a minute. Once the raw smell is gine add the coriander powder, chilly powder and cumin powder along with s little salt and fry for about two mins. 

Now add the tomatoes and then the chick peas.Give it a nice stir along with some salt and close the lid, reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 mins.Note that the peas are already cooked.Add a little water if needed.

Then add coarsely chooped spinach and close the lid and let it cook for another 10 mins or so.

Finally add the chopped coriander leaves,check for salt and switch off the stove.

Its ine curry to be served with rice, chappathi, naan or any bread.

Veggie Kabobs

  The veggy kabobs are very moist, light and easy to make.I came up with this recipe accidentally but turned out really good. The texture is that of chicken and most of them won't figure it out that its not chicken.For vegetarians it is going to be a treat.

INGREDIENTS:

2 Cups Soya Granules

1 Medium Onion 

2 Green Chillies

2 Tablespoons Ginger Garlic Paste

1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice

2 Tablespoons Reshmi Kabob Masala

2 Slices Plain Bread

1/2 Cup Chopped Coriander Leaves 

1/2 Cup Cooking Oil

11/2 Teaspoons Salt

METHOD:

  Bring 4 Cups water to a brisk boil in a sauce pan with half teaspoon salt. Add the soy granules once the water starts to boil and let it cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, you can also follow the instructions on the package. Switch off the stove and drain the granules and keep aside.

 Chop the onion into 4 pieces. In a food processor (or the small cup in your mixie)

add the soy granules, green chillies, onion, coriander leaves, bread slices, lemon juice, kabob masala and blend together.

Remove from processor add salt and mix well. Apply little oil in your hands and make small round patties.

Heat about 1/4 cup oil in a pan and shallow fry the patties until lightly browned about 3 minutes on each side.