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Orange Tofu – Vegan Orange Tofu

March 23, 2021 By anusha Leave a Comment

vegan orange tofu served in a pink sauce pan placed on a jute mat

Crispy tofu simmered in a zesty Orange ginger sauce is the answer to all those midweek Asian food cravings. 

Why we love Orange Tofu?

  • Tofu is plant-based. So it s a great source of protein for vegans.
  • The sauce is to die for- zesty tangy orange, some maple syrup for the sweet kick and then the heat from the ginger; all these are indicative of flavor bombs.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
  • You can also add some roasted cauliflower in place of the tofu for an Orange cauliflower recipe.
  • When you have this ready, make a complete meal by pairing this with steamed jasmine rice or even some Thai basil fried rice

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Ingredients

 

Orange Juice- We are going to be using freshly squeezed orange juice to make our orange sauce today. Because canned orange juice tends to turn bitter when heated, this s not ideal in this vegan orange tofu recipe.

Maple syrup- The orange sauce is a combination of sweet, spicy and tangy. The maple syrup is what brings out the sweetness. However, you can substitute this with 2 tbsp raw cane sugar or 2 tbsp jaggery or 2 tbsp honey. Please note that when honey is added, the recipe is no longer vegan.

Aromatics- Ginger, garlic and orange zest are our star aromatics in this recipe. You can also add finely chopped green onions as garnish towards the end.

Which tofu to buy for stir-fries?

In this Orange tofu recipe, we will be using firm pressed tofu. Silken tofu is a big no for any recipes that involve frying the tofu. This is because such varieties do not hold shape while frying.

Look for firm blocks that say pressed on the packaging. Some tofu brands even mention if the tofu is ideal for stir-frying. In Singapore, we find something called Tau-Kwa. This is a firmly pressed tofu and it works well in recipes that involve frying tofu.

Which orange works best for Orange Tofu?

While I tested this recipe, Kinnow oranges were in season. So that is what I used. But I have made with Navel oranges too. Choose any variety that has a slight tang to it. 

Prep Work

Pressing the tofu

The most important step in this recipe is pressing the tofu to squeeze the excess moisture from it. Think of tofu as a sponge. It absorbs all the flavors and liquid. So when there is moisture in tofu, it simply wont absorb the flavors of the sauce. And if it has moisture, it will not crisp up while frying.

Pro Tip: If you find that the tofu is still a wee bit moist after all the squeezing, toss it in cornstarch before frying. The cornstarch will absorb all the excess moisture and form a layer on the top. This cornstarch layer will help in crisping up the tofu better.

Making the sauce

The tofu takes about 6 to 8 mins to crisp up. And that is how much time it takes to cook the sauce too. So, while the tofu gets fried, get started on the sauce. By the time the tofu is ready, the sauce will be done too. Then all you have to do is dunk and cook the tofu in the sauce.

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Vegan orange tofu on pinterest

Vegan Orange Tofu- Method

Pressing and frying the tofu

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Open the tofu from its packaging and drain all the liquid in it. Now, place it on a stack of kitchen towels. Place a chopping board on top of the tofu and then, keep a heavy weight like a mortar and pestle on the board. Let this sit undisturbed for 30 mins. 

After 30 mins, chop the tofu into 1 inch squares or finger.

Heat a castiron skillet with oil. Now, add the tofu and fry on medium flame until it crisps around the edges. Using a pair of tongs, flip the tofu pieces in between to make sure all the edges are crisped up.

Making the sauce

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While the tofu is in the skillet, let us work on the sauce. Combine orange juice, maple syrup, ginger, orange zest, rice wine vinegar, sriracha sauce and salt in a sauce pan. Mix well. Now add the cornstarch to this and using a balloon whisk, whisk the mixture well, making sure there are no lumps.

Now, cook the sauce on low flame for about 5 mins until it thickens. When it begins to thicken, add the fried tofu and mix well. Simmer for 2 to 3 mins on medium flame.

When done, serve hot with Thai basil fried rice.

 

 

More Asian Recipes

  • healthy and hearty vegan laksa soup served with different toppings in a shallow bowl
    Vegan Laksa Soup
  • A platter featuring essential Thai herbs including galangal and lemongrass
    A beginner’s guide to Thai Herbs
  • Instant pot vegan Thai noodle soup
    Vegan Thai Noodle Soup (Instant Pot)
  • vegan summer rolls served on a plate with a spicy dipping sauce and herbs
    Vegan Summer Rolls- Rice Paper Rolls

Follow me onย Instagramย orย Facebookย for regular cooking updates and short videos. Find us on ย Pinterestย for delicious content. Tried Vegan Orange Tofu?ย We value your thoughts and comments! Leave a comment and tell us how it worked for you.ย Email us your questions to anusapraj@gmail.com if you need any guidance in making this curry.

vegan orange tofu served in a pink sauce pan placed on a jute mat
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Vegan Orange Tofu

Crispy bits of tofu cooked in a zesty orange ginger sauce.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Resting time30 minutes mins
Course: Mains
Cuisine: Asian
Servings: 4 persons

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet
  • Sauce Pan

Ingredients

For the Tofu

  • 300 g Firm tofu
  • 1 tbsp Sesame oil

For The Sauce

  • 1 c Freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tbsp Maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp Rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Sriracha Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Grated orange zest
  • 1/2 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp Corn starch
  • 1 tsp Salt or to taste

Instructions

Frying the tofu

  • First step is to press the tofu to remove all excess moisture.
  • To begin with, remove the tofu from its packaging and drain all liquid.
  • Now, place the tofu on some kitchen towels.
  • Place a chopping board on top of it and then a heavy weight like a mortar and pestle.
  • Allow this to sit for 30 mins.
  • After 30 mins, discard the paper towels.
  • Chop the tofu into 1 inch long pieces.
  • Heat a castiron skillet with 1 tbsp sesame oil.
  • Place the tofu on the skillet and fry them on medium flame till edges are golden.
  • When done, remove and set aside.

Preparing the orange sauce

  • Combine orange juice, maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, sriracha sauce, grated ginger, orange zest and salt in a sauce pan.
  • Stir well.
  • Now add corn starch to this mixture and using a balloon whisk, whisk well making sure there are no lumps in the mixture.
  • Cook this mixture on medium flame for about 2 to 3 mins until it begins to bubble and the sauce has thickened.
  • Add the fried tofu pieces to this and mix well.
  • Continue to simmer the sauce on medium flame for 2 to 3 mins.
  • When done, serve hot with fried rice or just regular white or brown rice.
    vegan orange tofu served in a pink sauce pan placed on a jute mat

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

Filed Under: Weeknight Dinner Ideas

Mexican Air Fryer Cauliflower

March 22, 2021 By anusha Leave a Comment

mexican air fryer caulilflower served in a tray with a mint dipping sauce and lemon wedges

Mexican Air-fryer cauliflower is going to become your star air-fried snack. Pinkie promise! These little flavor-packed crisp cauliflower bites are the answer for all your weekly snack woes.

mexican air fryer caulilflower served in a tray with a mint dipping sauce and lemon wedges

Why should you try this Mexican Air Fryer Cauliflower?

  • We are talking minimal effort and maximum snacking made healthier.
  • These Mexican-style cauliflower bites are vegan and gluten-free.
  • And you can eat this as a snack on its own or add it to a salad or a Buddha-bowl.

Ingredients

  • Cauliflower– Is our star ingredient, as the recipe suggests.
  • Olive oil– We are going to be using olive oil to air-fry chunks of cauliflower to a beautiful golden brown. If you do not have olive oil, use Canola or rice-bran. I have just used light olive oil over here and not the extra virgin olive oil.
  • Mexican flavors– Let us talk taco seasoning, paprika, lime and cumin here, shall we? All these spices are synonymous with Mexican food. When you toss cauliflower in them, it means only one thing- Good things!
  • Lime Juice– This is like the magic ingredient in this recipe. Adding lime juice brings out the flavors of the other spices and makes it a complete Mexican recipe.
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Air-fryer Cauliflower- Variationsย 

When I say air-fryer cauliflower, my mind is already conjuring up umpteen flavor combinations to try. Cauliflower is that veggie that adapts itself to air-frying so well. While this recipe uses Mexican flavors, there really is no reason to limit ourselves to just that, right?

Some more variations to this Air-fryer cauliflower-

Middle eastern Inspired Air-fryer Cauliflower

Use olive oil, zaa’tar and sumac for that middle eastern style air-fryer cauliflower.

Indian-inspired Air-fryer Cauliflower

Try garam masala or Pav Bhaji masala in the spice mix for a typical Desi-style version.

Asian style Air-fryer Cauliflower

Toss the cauliflower in Sriracha sauce or Thai chili sauce with some Soy or Tamari and air-fry for an Asian-inspired recipe.

Tell us in the comments if you have tried other flavor combinations for air-fryer cauliflowers.

Recipe Notes

This recipe is slightly different because we are going to be blanching our cauliflower. Why blanch? Well, to begin with, this recipe is gluten-free. So there is no binding agent like corn starch or flour or bread crumbs. This is also vegan. So we are not going to be using egg either. Because of these two reasons, we need to blanch. Blanching will help in coating the cauliflower florets evenly with the spices.

I did try this recipe without blanching. While the texture was the same, I somehow felt that the spices did not merge well with the cauliflower. But this method truly gave some amazing air-fryer Mexican cauliflower.

Prep Work

As a part of your prep work, you can always blanch the cauliflower the first thing. Drain all the water thoroughly. Spread it out on a kitchen towel and allow it to dry. Alternatively, you can use a paper towel to pat them dry.

Drying the blanched cauliflower is very important here as any moisture will make them soggy while they are air-fried.

Baked Mexican Cauliflower

I can almost hear you asking me- What if I do not own an air-fryer? You can still make this in the oven. Preheat your oven to 200c. Spread out the marinated cauliflower on a baking tray in a single layer. Make sure there are no overlaps and that you space them apart nicely.

Bake for 10-12 mins, making sure to toss them around once they are baked for about 6 to 7 mins. And there, our baked Mexican cauliflower is ready.

Cast-Iron Skillet Baked Mexican Cauliflower

For a super crispy baked Mexican cauliflower, bake these in a cast-iron skillet instead of a regular baking sheet. And one more thing- When you preheat the oven, grease your skillet and pop it in the oven while it is pre-heating. Doing this helps the skillet retain the heat better. This, in turn, means crispier cauliflower.

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Mexican Air-fryer Cauliflower- Method

Blanching the cauliflower

Pick a large mixing bowl and combine turmeric and salt in this. Add hot boiling water to this, mix well. Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and mix well. Cover and let it sit for 5 mins. After 5 mins, drain the cauliflower in a colander.ย 

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Now, spread out the blanched cauliflower florets on a paper towel and allow it to air- dry. This takes roughly 5 to 7 mins. Alternatively, you can also pat dry each floret with a towel. This is a very important step. Skipping this step means you will have soggy cauliflower after frying. So make sure to dry the florets thoroughly.

Preheat the Air-fryer for 10 mins at 400F before we begin coating the cauliflower with spices.

Adding the spices to the cauliflower

Add olive oil to a bowl and add the florets. Toss well. Now, sprinkle all the spice powders along with the salt and lemon juice over the cauliflower florets. Mix well using a silicon spatula.ย 

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Air frying the marinated cauliflowerย 

Once the cauliflower has been coated evenly, line your air-fryer basket with baking paper. Arrange the florets in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. If they overlap, then they wont be roasted evenly. Because my air-fryer is not very big, I had to do two batches of roasting. You can also do the same if your basket is small.

When you are done arranging them, air-fry for 12 mins. After 6 mins, stop and shake the florets up and continue air-frying for the remaining time. Depending upon the model and make of your air-fryer, it may take upto 15 mins to get one batch of this yummy Mexican air-fryer cauliflower done.

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ย 

When done, remove from the basket and repeat with the second batch.ย 

Once you have finished with both the batches, serve hot or warm with any dip of your choice.

If you are looking for more Dip ideas, then check these recipes out-

  • Pico De Gallo
  • easy 5 minute tahini yogurt sauce served in a small black dip bowl with falafel
    5-Minute Tahini Yogurt Sauce
  • Vegan Ranch Dip
  • avocado green goddess dressing sauce served in a creamer placed on a chopping board with cut veggies.
    Avocado Green Goddess Dressing

Follow me onย Instagramย orย Facebookย for regular cooking updates and short videos. Find us on ย Pinterestย for delicious content. Tried Mexican Air-fryer Cauliflower?ย We value your thoughts and comments! Leave a comment and tell us how it worked for you.ย Email us your questions to anusapraj@gmail.com if you need any guidance in making this soup.

https://tomatoblues.com/2012/11/maidaburfi.html?replytocom=1796

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4.25 from 4 votes

Mexican Air Fryer Cauliflower

Easy and simple mexican inspired air-fried cauliflower bites
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time24 minutes mins
Standing Time15 minutes mins
Course: Mains, Vegetables
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 2 persons

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Ground turmeric
  • 5 c Boiling hot water
  • 300 g Cauliflower florets

For the Marinade

  • 2 tsp Ground paprika
  • 1 tsp Taco seasoning
  • 1 tsp Cumin powder
  • 1 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 2 tsp Lime juice
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil

Instructions

Blanching the cauliflower

  • Combine salt and turmeric in a bowl.
  • Add the boiling water to this and mix well.
  • Now, dunk the cauliflower florets in this and keep it covered for 5 mins.
  • After 5 mins, open and drain the water fully.
  • Spread the cauliflower on kitchen towels and pat them dry fully.

Marinating

  • In a bowl, add the olive oil and toss the cauliflower in this.
  • Now sprinkle the salt, lime juice and spice powders over the cauliflowers and mix well using your hands or a silicon spatula, making sure the spices coat the cauliflowers well.

Air frying

  • Pre heat the air fryer at 200 C for 10 mins.
  • Line the air fryer basket with a sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper.
  • Now, place the cauliflower in a single layer. We are going to be air-frying cauliflower in two batches
  • Cook for 12 mins in the air-fryer. Stop after 6 mins, shake the pieces up and continue the frying process.
  • Repeat the process with the next batch.
  • Once done, serve hot with any dip of your choice.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

Filed Under: Airfryer Recipes

Mango Peach Smoothie | Vegan Peach Smoothie

March 15, 2021 By anusha Leave a Comment

HOW TO MAKE MANGO PEACH SMOOTHIE?

Mango Peach smoothie- a filling breakfast smoothie using two amazing stone fruits

Stone fruit. Equals bliss. Devour the fruit and spit the pit out with fervor and passion. Then, you will know what i m talking about. I love Summers for the abundance of fruits in the market. Or rather, my favorite fruits in the market. Peaches, mangoes, litchis and cherries ( although they dont strike my fancy in that order). My fridge is groaning under the weight of some juicy peaches, deep dark red cherries and mangoes. When i had had enough of mango milkshakes andย peach lemonade, i decided to go a bit overboard and make this smoothie.

What Mangoes to use?

Choose sweet mangoes for this recipe. I won’t recommend using tineed mango puree as they tend to contain sweeteners. This is a no added sweetener smoothie that solely depends on the sweetness of the mangoes.

Orange Juice in Mango Peach Smoothie

Both freshly squeezed and store-bought Orange juice works perfectly for this smoothie. However, if you are going to use a store-bought one, choose something that does not have any sugar added.

Variations to Vegan Peach Mango Smoothie

We love adding herbs to our smoothies. They bring a flavor burst to it without any extra effort. This smoothie recipe uses fresh mint. You can also use fresh sweet basil in this smoothie. Mango and basil, as I have discovered, are just amazing!

I have used plain chilled water. In case you want something fancier, replace the plain water with tender coconut water or coconut water.ย 

Meal Planning and Prep Work

Meal Planning

You can peel and chop the mangoes and place them in the freezer over the weekend. Also, stone the peaches, chop them into pieces and freeze them. Freezing the fruits means you can even skip the ice cubes.

Prep Work

In case you have not prepped the fruits beforehand, you can always use them fresh along with ice cubes. The only prep involved is peeling and stoning the mangoes and the peaches.ย 

ย 

More Smoothie Recipes

  • mango spinach smoothie served with hemp seed topping. Mangoes, zucchini and herbs around the smoothie glasses.
    Mango Spinach Smoothie- No Banana
  • Mango Peach Smoothie | Vegan Peach Smoothie
  • vegan coffee banana smoothie topped with cacao nibs and served in glasses
    Vegan Coffee Banana Smoothie| Breakfast Coffee Smoothie
  • carrot milk
    Carrot Milk For Toddlers- Carrot Milkshake

Follow me onย Instagramย orย Facebookย for regular cooking updates and short videos. Find us on ย Pinterestย for delicious content. Tried Moroccan Red Lentil Soup?ย We value your thoughts and comments! Leave a comment and tell us how it worked for you.ย Email us your questions to anusapraj@gmail.com if you need any guidance in making this soup.

Vegan Mango Peach Smoothie Recipe

mango peach smoothie served with ice cubes around it
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Mango Peach Smoothie

A delectable combination of peach, mangoes and mint. Makes a fabulous breakfast smoothie
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: International
Servings: 2 persons

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients

  • 1/2 c peeled and cubed Mangoes
  • 1 c peeled pitted and chopped peach
  • 5 mint leaves
  • 1/2 c Orange juice 1/2 c
  • 1 tbspLemon juice 1 tbsp
  • 2/3 c Chilled Water
  • 10 Ice cubes

Instructions

  • In a blender, combine mango, mint, peach and ice cubes and blend till smooth.
  • Now, add orange juice, water and lemon juice and blend once again till smooth.
  • Serve chilled.

Notes

  1. I have not used any sweeteners in this recipe because my fruits were sweet enough on their own. Feel free to use maple syrup or agave if you want a sweeter smoothie.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

Filed Under: Smoothies Milkshakes And Juices, Vegan Smoothies

Instant Pot Whole Green Moong Dal

March 15, 2021 By anusha 2 Comments

Instant pot green moong dal served in a blue bowl with rotis

Instant Pot Green Moong Dal made with whole green mung beans and aromatics. Vegan. Gluten-free. We use whole green mung beans instead of green gram lentils in this recipe.

Instant pot green moong dal served in a blue bowl with rotis

Why should you try this?

โœ” Plant-based protein.

โœ” Easy as pie wholesome weeknight dinner.

โœ” Minimal effort cooking.

โœ” Wholesome vegan meal when served with rice or Rotis.

What is Green Mung Beans?

Green Mung beans are one of the most widely consumed legume varieties in Asia. We make several dishes with these green mung beans. The South Indian style Sundal is a stir fry that uses hydrated green mung beans and fresh coconut. Think of it as a warm salad.

Apart from this, we also make crepes with these nutritious beans. These crepes called Pesarattu are very filling and work well for breakfast and dinner.

ย Moong Beans-ย  Pacha Payiru in Tamil, Hara Moong in Hindi, and Pesarapappu in Telugu. It s called Cherupayaru in Malayalam. We also refer to it as green gram too.

While mung beans are whole and green, regular Moong dal is basically a lentil. They make this by husking the whole green mung beans and splitting them apart. Green mung beans and Moong dal are two of the quickest cooking legumes and lentils respectively.

What is Green Moong Dal?

This recipe is a curry or gravy made with hydrated whole green moong beans. I highly recommend hydrating the moong beans for at least 6 hours to save on cooking time. Whole Moong Dal curry is a mildly spiced creamy curry that pairs well with rice, rotis, or even just toasted bread.

Meal Planning and Prep Work

Meal Planningย 

Soak the moong beans over the weekend. When hydrated, drain the water fully and store it in an air-tight container. I always have some hydrated beans in my fridge for days when I do not have time to chop veggies or when I m just tired but want a nutritious meal anyway. These soaked beans stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Prep Work

If you are not into weekly meal planning and are someone who does meal planning the night before, make sure to soak the beans the previous night. That way, you can save time on cooking.ย 

Pro Tip: If you forgot to soak the beans the previous night, hydrate your beans in hot water for 1 hour and increase the cooking time to 20 mins on high-pressure cook mode in the IP.

Green Moong Dal – FAQs

I forgot to soak my moong beans. Can I still make Green Moong Dal Curry?

In this case, you can do two things. If you have some time to spare, then wash the beans and hydrate them in hot water for 1 hour. And then amp up the cooking time to 20 mins.ย 

If you do not have any time at all, then wash the beans and hydrate them while you prep the veggies. Cook the curry for 40 mins in high-pressure cook mode and do a natural pressure release.

Can I use split green moong dal to make this curry?

Yes, you can! Split green moong lentils also work well in this recipe. The only thing you have to remember is that split moong dal cooks faster. Also, the texture will be a bit different. In case you are going the split moong dal route, then I recommend soaking it for just 2 hours.

Can I make this curry in a regular Pressure Cooker?

Of course yes! I don’t see any reason why this recipe will not work in a regular pressure cooker. In fact, that was how I used to make it before the IP era. When using a regular PC to make this curry, then pressure cook for 5 whistles and do a natural pressure release.

Why didn’t my Moong beans cook?ย 

There are many reasons why mung beans don’t cook well. One of the most common reasons is that the beans are old. Try to use fresh stocks of mung beans. And if you find that the beans are not cooked, close the IP and continue cooking for 10 more mins on high-pressure cook mode. Do a natural pressure release and this will do it.

Green Moong Dal in Mealthy Multipot

I have made this curry both in my IP and in my Mealthy. If you are using the Mealthy to make this recipe, then pressure cook on High for 10 mins. And allow the cooking cycle to complete. Wait for the pressure to release naturally and then proceed with the recipe. Mealthy takes little less time for the pressure to release naturally and so, you need not perfom a quick pressure release. All you need to do is, let the natural pressure release do its job.

More Bean& Dal Recipesย 

  • Punjabi chole masala served in a white bowl with steamed rice
    Chana Masala (Indian Chickpea Curry)
  • Instant pot green moong dal served in a blue bowl with rotis
    Instant Pot Whole Green Moong Dal
  • pesarattu- high protein moong beans dosa served on a black plate placed on a table.
    Pesarattu – Andhra Pesarattu Recipe
  • pachai payaru sundal
    Pachai Payaru Sundal | Navratri Recipes
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Instant Pot Green Gram Curry- Method

Soaking the beans

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green moong dal method in instant pot (17)

Firstly wash the green moong in water. Drain all the water used for washing. Add 3 c water to this and allow it to soak overnight.

You will notice that the beans become plump and swell up in volume as a result of being hydrated.

Sauteeing the aromatics

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To begin with, place the inner pot in the IP. Turn on saute mode and set the timer to 8 mins. Add oil and allow it to heat up. I have used vegetable oil here but you can also use coconut oil for a beautiful flavor. 

When the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and bay leaf. Once the cumin seeds begin to crackle, add the ginger-garlic paste, and onions. Mix well. Saute for 1.5 mins until onions turn soft and pink. 

Add the salt at this stage and mix well. Now add the spice powders, mix well and saute for 20 to 30 secs. Add the finely chopped tomatoes and mix well. Saute for 1 min. Now add 4 tbsp water and mix well. Cook till tomatoes turn mushy.

In the meanwhile, drain the soaked beans and keep ready. As soon as the tomatoes turn mushy, add the soaked beans and the water to this. Mix well.

Instant Pot Cooking and Timing

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When you have finished sauteing the ingredients, turn off the saute mode. Close the IP and turn the valve to sealing. Turn on pressure cook mode ( Manual mode in older versions) and set it to high-pressure cooking for 10 mins.

Allow the cooking cycle to complete. When the cooking cycle is complete, do a natural pressure release for 10 mins. After 10 mins, do a quick pressure release by turning the valve to venting. However, a word of caution while doing a QPR- use a long ladle to turn the vent and wear gloves to protect your hands.

Make sure not to turn off the IP after the cooking cycle is complete. The keep-warm function comes on when the cooking cycle is complete. As the timer is on in this setting, it will help you keep a track of the time easily.

After opening the lip, mash the curry using a potato masher lightly. This step helps in making the curry creamier. Make sure not to mash too much. Over mashing will change the texture of this dal. 

Lastly, when you have finished mashing, turn on Saute mode for 2 mins and simmer the curry. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves and mix well.

Our green moong dal curry is now ready to be served.

Instant pot green moong dal served in a blue bowl with rotis

More Mung Beans and Moong Dal Recipes

  • Moong Dal Shorba Recipe| Easy Soup Recipes
  • Moong Dal Ladoo
  • Moong Dal Khichdi

Serving Suggestions

As I mentioned before, you can serve this creamy curry with Rotis or rice. We enjoy this curry with Rotis and even Parathas. Here are some serving suggestions for you.

  • Quick and easy 15 minute air fryer naan pizza
    Easy Air Fryer Naan Bread Pizza
  • methi thepla,an Indian flatbread stacked and served with buttermilk and pickles
    Methi Thepla- Soft Thepla Recipe
  • Wheat Kulcha- Wheat Kulcha Without Yeast
  • avocado parathas served on a black plate with yogurt and millet in a bowl by the side.
    Avocado Paratha Recipe

Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for regular cooking updates and short videos. Find us on  Pinterest for delicious content. Tried Instant Pot Green Moong Dal? We value your thoughts and comments! Leave a comment and tell us how it worked for you. Email us your questions to anusapraj@gmail.com if you need any guidance in making this soup.

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Instant pot green moong dal served in a blue bowl with rotis
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Instant Pot Green Moong Dal

Whole green mung beans dal curry made in the Instant Pot. Easy and quick.
Prep Time6 hours hrs
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Pressure release time10 minutes mins
Course: Mains
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

For soaking the Green Moong Beans

  • 3/4 c Whole green moong
  • 3 c Water

For the Instant Pot Green Moong Dal

  • 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 1 Bay leaf torn
  • 1.5 tsp Cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp Ginger garlic paste
  • 3/4 c Finely chopped onions
  • 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1.5 tsp Ground Coriander Dhania powder
  • 1 tsp Ground paprika Red chili powder
  • 3/4 tsp Garam Masala
  • 1 c Finely chopped tomatoes
  • 4 tbsp Water
  • 1 recipe Soaked moong dal
  • 2 c Water

For Garnish

  • 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves

Instructions

Prepping the Moong Dal

  • Wash the moong dal thoroughly in water.
  • Drain all the water used for washing.
  • Add 3 c water to this and let it soak for 6 hours.

Making Instant Pot Green Moong Dal Curry

  • Place the inner pot in the IP and turn on Saute mode for 8 mins.
  • Add oil and once it heats up, add the bay leaf and cumin seeds.
  • When the cumin seeds crackle, add ginger garlic paste and onions. Mix well.
  • Add salt and mix well. Saute this till the onions turn soft and pink. Takes 1.5 mins approx.
  • Now, add the spice powders to the onion mixture and saute for 20 secs
  • When done, add the tomatoes and mix well. Add 1/4 c water.
  • Cook the tomatoes till mushy.
  • When done, drain the water from the soaked moong beans and add this to onion tomato mixture.
  • Add 3 c water to this and mix well.
  • Turn off the saute mode.
  • Close the lid of the Instant Pot and turn the valve to sealing.

Instant Pot Cooking Time and Method

  • Turn on the IP to pressure cook mode. Choose high pressure cooking for 10 mins.
  • Allow the cooking cycle to complete.
  • When done, do a natural pressure release for 10 mins. Allow the IP to stay in the Keep warm mode. This way, you can check the timer.
  • After 10 mins, do a quick pressure release by turning the valve to venting.

Mashing and simmering

  • Turn off the IP. Open the lid and gently mash the Moong dal with a potato masher.
  • Turn on saute mode for 2 mins.
  • Simmer the curry and garnish with coriander leaves.
  • Our creamy Instant Pot Moong dal is ready to serve.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

Filed Under: Gluten Free Recipes, Indian Vegan Recipes, Instant Pot Curries, Mung Beans and Moong Dal, Vegan Recipes

Mango Milkshake

March 13, 2021 By anusha 5 Comments

mango milkshake

How To Make Mango Milkshake?

Mango Milkshake- A creamy milkshake with mangoes and creamy milk.

mango milkshake

Before I share the recipe for this creamy dreamy mango milkshake, my sincere apologies first for not visiting a few spaces that I love. I have too many things on my plate at the moment and that s why devoting time to blogging has become a fantasy all of a sudden. I promise, I’ll get back to you all soon and will read up on all your piquant and divine posts. In the meanwhile, it s not like i m not stepping into my kitchen. ย There s no calling quits to cooking or whipping up something quick in the kitchen. Come rain, come hail, come snow. Or like the weather here, come shine. ๐Ÿ™‚

I ve been making really quick recipes off late. Today s recipe does not even require a stove. I mean heck its not even a recipe. It s one of those things that you make in a cinch. You dont even know what or how much of what s going into it. But you land up with something gorgeously delicious anyway. Assuming that you all have your basket of mangoes and milk ready( you do have them, dont you?) ย If you dont then you are not being fair and square to this scorching summer. Having prepped up all that, lets whizz and make some mango milkshake, shall we?ย 

Which mangoes for Milkshake?

Mangoes are a huge affair in Asia when it is summer. The moment you visit a farmers’ market, the presence of mangoes will hit you in full force and that is when you know, Summer has arrived.ย 

As for the variety, there are at least 50 of them that I can name from memory. But my favorite varieties are the Kesar, Badami and Malgova. Banganappali and Imam Pasand come close too. This milkshake uses abot 400g of cubed Imam Pasand.ย 

Using tinned mango puree to makeย  milkshake

If you do not have access to fresh mangoes, then tinned Mango puree will also work for making some creamy Mango milkshake. If you are using tinned mango puree, then use 1 c mango puree with 1 c whole milk. There s no need to add sugar because the tinned puree is sweet on its own and is just perfect for milkshakes.

mango milkshake

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ย 

Follow me onย Instagramย orย Facebookย for regular cooking updates and short videos. Find us on ย Pinterestย for delicious content. Tried our Mango Milkshake?ย We value your thoughts and comments! Leave a comment and tell us how it worked for you.

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a comment and Iโ€™ll respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging us @tomatoblues.

More Mango Recipes

  • Mango stuffed mochis stacked and served on a rustic metal platter. Chopped mangoes in a small wooden bowl at the background
    Mango Mochi – Vegan
  • two servings of mango shrikhand served in brown ceramic bowls placed on a wooden tray. Cardamom and saffron along with cut mangoes by the side.
    Mango Shrikhand | Aamrakhand
  • vegan mango overnight oats topped with pomegranate pearls and mangoes
    Mango Overnight Oats | Vegan Overnight Oats
  • mango milkshake
    Mango Milkshake

mango milkshake
Print Recipe
4.50 from 2 votes

Mango Milkshake

Mango Milkshake- A creamy milkshake made with season's best mangoes, milk and cardamom. Tastes best when served chilled
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Total Time10 minutes mins
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Servings: 2
Author: Anusha Praveen

Ingredients

  • Juicy ripe mangoes medium sized ones 2 peeled and chopped into chunks
  • Milk 1.5 to 2 cups
  • Cardamom Powder 1/4 tsp
  • Sugar 3 tbsp
  • Ice cubes to serve

Instructions

  • Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend to a smooth puree.
  • Serve chilled.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

Filed Under: Mango Recipes, Smoothies Milkshakes And Juices

Raw Mango Raita | Mangai Thayir Pachadi

March 13, 2021 By anusha 2 Comments

raw mango raita

How To Make Raw Mango Raita?

Raw Mango Raita- a tangy and refreshing yogurt sauce with grated raw mango and coconut.

raw mango raita

What is Raw Mango Raita?

Raita is a yogurt dip or sauce. It is usually served as an accompaniment and there are several ways to make one. While it is called Raita in Hindi, we call it Thayir Pachadi in Tamil. The typical South Indian raita is one that you can enjoy with rice and sambar.

Thayir Pachadi with Thotapuri Mangoes

This Raita recipe uses raw mangoes. It is the next thing I make after some instant mango pickle whenever I find Thotapuri mangoes in the market. For the uninitiated, Thotapuri mangoes are also known as Kizhi Mooku Mangai in Tamil. These mangoes have a sweetish sour taste and make a lovely choice for raita and salads.

raw mango raita

Few years back, i did not even know that raw mango raita existed. Thanks to my Andhra-based friends for leading me to this wonderful raita.

ย 

Mangai Thayir Pachadi

Before I share the recipe for raw mango raita, I highly recommend using only fresh curd (yogurt) for this recipe. Whisk the yogurt thoroughly for a smooth texture in the Raita.ย 

What Mango to use for Mangai Pachadi?

While I have used the Thotapuri raw mangoes to make this, you can use any sour variety of raw mango for this recipe. The mangoes used for making Avakaya can also be used. The pickling varieties can also be used.ย 

Serving Suggestions

This Raita tastes great as a part of a South Indian meal platter. Or you can team this with a spicy Thogayal mixed with rice. You can also pack this for lunch box as a side with Karuveppilai Sadam or Ellu Sadam.

More Raita Recipes

Raita is my best friend as summer approaches. Here are some Raita recipes that you can include in your diet to keep your body cool and refreshed.

  • raw mango raita
    Raw Mango Raita | Mangai Thayir Pachadi
  • Zucchini Sweet Pepper Raita
  • Mixed Vegetable Raita Recipe| Dips Spreads and Sauces Recipes
  • Carrot Raita Recipe| Dips And Spreads Recipes

Follow me onย Instagramย orย Facebookย for regular cooking updates and short videos. Find us on ย Pinterestย for delicious content. Tried our Raw Mango Raita?ย We value your thoughts and comments! Leave a comment and tell us how it worked for you.

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a comment and Iโ€™ll respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging us @tomatoblues.

ย 

Print Recipe
4 from 1 vote

Raw Mango Raita Recipe

Raw mango raita is a yogurt sauce made with fresh yogurt, coconut and raw mango. This pairs well with rice and sambar.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time2 minutes mins
Total Time12 minutes mins
Course: Accompaniment
Cuisine: South Indian
Servings: 2
Author: Anusha Praveen

Ingredients

  • Raw mango Thotapuri kind 1 pitted and cubed
  • Freshly grated coconut 1 tbsp
  • Green chili 2 chopped
  • Yogurt 1 c
  • Salt to taste
  • Sugar 1 tsp
  • To Temper:
  • Oil 1 tsp
  • Mustard seeds 1 tsp
  • Urad dal 1 tsp
  • Curry leaves 1 sprig
  • Hing a small pinch

Instructions

  • In a blender grind raw mango, coconut, green chili and 2 tbsp yogurt to a fine paste.
  • Whisk the remaining yogurt until smooth.
  • Add the ground paste along with salt and sugar.
  • Mix well.
  • Heat oil in a pan.
  • Pop the mustard and immediately tip in the urad dal, curry leaves and hing.
  • Once the dal begins to brown, add this to the raita and mix well.
  • Serve with rice and sambar

Notes

Make sure that the yogurt is fresh and not sour.
The sugar brings out the flavor in the raita. Optional but highly recommended.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

Filed Under: Raita Recipes, Raw Mango Recipes, Recipes with Indian Vegetables, Summer Recipes, TamBrahm Recipes

Moroccan Red Lentil Soup | Instant Pot Moroccan Lentil Soup

March 12, 2021 By anusha 7 Comments

Moroccan red lentil soup served in blue soup bowls. Fresh parsley as a garnish on the top

MOROCCAN RED LENTIL SOUP

Vegan Moroccan red lentil soup is a hearty, protein-rich soup made in the Instant Pot.

Moroccan red lentil soup served in blue soup bowls. Fresh parsley as a garnish on the top

Why should you try this Instant Pot Moroccan Lentil Soup?

โœ” Minimal hands-on cooking recipe.

โœ” Vegan and gluten-free.

โœ” Easy to make in large batches. Double the recipe in a pinch!

โœ” Freezer-friendly and a meal planners’ delight.

Ingredients

This vegan and gluten-free soup calls for minimal ingredients and yet packs a punch in terms of nutrition and flavors.

โœ” Red Lentils- Also called pink lentils, we call this Masoor dal in Hindi. These are the basic building blocks of this recipe. Pink lentils are not only protein-rich but keep you full too.

โœ”Aromatics- We are going to be using smoked paprika, garlic, parsley, and cinnamon as our primary aromatics. I won’t recommend replacing or substituting any of these. This combination is so good and strikes the perfect balance in our recipe.

โœ” Olive Oil-ย  Our red lentil soup recipe calls for olive oil but you can also use cold-pressed coconut oil in its place. You can try any neutral-flavored oil like canola or rice bran too. Please remember that using coconut oil is not the original Moroccan way of doing things.

โœ” Water or broth? I didn’t have broth with me. So I just used water. You can use any vegan-friendly broth in place of water in this soup. If you are going to use broth in place of water, then make sure to cut down on the salt.

โœ” Carrots and Potatoes-ย We will be adding these to give more body to our soup. Not only does this thicken the soup but the sweetness of the carrots and the starchy potatoes round out the flavors really well. Besides, it is a great way to sneak in veggies.

Moroccan red lentil soup served in blue soup bowls. Fresh parsley and sweet paprika as a garnish on the top. Vegan dinner rolls in the background

Meal Planning and Prep

Freezer-friendly red lentil soup

This lentil soup is a meal planners’ delight. While you cannot do much in terms of prepping ingredients beforehand, this soup freezes really well. So you can make it in bulk, transfer it to portion-sized containers and freeze it. Do this and you have lunch ready for at least 3 days.ย 

To use later, all you need to do is thaw the soup in the fridge the previous night. You can also use the microwave to defrost this soup. Once thawed, add it to a pot and bring to a gentle simmer. When hot, serve with dinner rolls.

If you are going to use a microwave to defrost the soup, make sure to freeze the soup in food-safe glass containers like Pyrex.

Prep Work

Begin prepping for the soup by washing and soaking the lentils first.While the lentils soak, you can get started on chopping the herbs and veggies. Once done, you can start off with cooking the soup. Soaking any kind of lentils before cooking them is crucial as it cuts off cooking time to a great extent.ย 

This is especially true if you are going to cook lentils in an open pan.

Instant Pot Vegan Moroccan Carrot Red Lentil Soup

While this soup here calls for using an Instant Pot, you can easily make this in a regular pressure cooker or even the Mealthy multipot.

If you are using the Mealthy,ย  you can follow the same timings and settings used for theย  Instant Pot version.

Instructions for making this soup in a regular pressure cooker are included in the recipe card.

Moroccan Red Lentil Soup- FAQs

Can I make this red lentil soup with any other lentils?

You can make the same soup with green lentils too. I recommend soaking the lentils for 40 mins if you are using green lentils.

How to blend Moroccan red lentil soup without a stick blender?

I love my stick blender and believe me when I say this is the most versatile gadget you can have in your kitchen. In the event that you do not have one, blend this soup after letting it cool down a bit in a regular blender.ย 

You can also use a potato masher to mash the lentils and veggies. Using a potato masher to mash the soup will give you a chunkier soup.

Serving Suggestions

Soups make a complete meal when served with breads. Here are some bread recipes that you can serve.

  • soft cinnamon rolls from scratch baked in the air fryer oven recipes
    Air fryer cinnamon rolls (from scratch)
  • freshly baked pull apart rolls filled with store bought pasta sauce in a baking tray. Spatulas, a jar of sauce and some vegan butter by the side.
    Pull Apart Rolls- Air Fryer & Oven
  • Easy Vegan Dinner Rolls
  • Cheesy Garlic Herb Pull Apart Bread
    Cheesy Garlic Herb Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Method- Vegan Moroccan Red Lentil Soup

Prepping the lentils

Wash the red lentils under running water. Once done, add 2 c water to this and soak the lentils for 20 mins.

While the lentils are soaking, prep the veggies and herbs.

Making the soup

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Turn on your Instant pot, switch on Saute mode for 10 mins. Add olive oil to the inner pot. Allow it to heat up.

When hot, add the onions and garlic and saute till onions become pink and soft. We are not looking at browning our onions because they are going to be pressure-cooked anyway. Once done, add the finely chopped parsley and celery. When the herbs wilt, add the spice powders and mix well.

Drain the soaked red lentils and add this along with the onions and herbs. Add water and salt. Mix well. Tip in the carrots and potato. Allow the soup to begin boiling. This takes 2 to 3 mins. No need to simmer it. It is enough if you see a few bubbles along the edges. Doing this speeds up the cooking inside the IP.ย 

Cooking in Instant Pot

Turn off the saute mode. Close the IP and turn the valve to sealing. Now, turn on pressure cook mode and set the timer to 14 mins on high pressure. Allow the cooking cycle to complete.

As soon as the cooking cycle is complete, allow natural pressure release for 10 mins. After 10 mins, turn the valve to venting and do a quick pressure release. When done, open the lid.

Blending the soup

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You can see that the lentils and veggies are perfectly cooked now. Mix well using a ladle.ย  Using a stick blender, blend the soup into a smooth puree. You can choose to keep it a bit chunky too by blending lightly.

After blending, turn on saute mode for 2 mins and allow it to simmer. When the soup begins to simmer gently, switch off flame.ย 

Serving

Scoop and serve in bowls. Garnish with finely chopped parsley and sprinkle some paprika on top before serving. Try sprinkling smoked paprika for an amazing flavor.ย 

Moroccan red lentil soup served in blue soup bowls. Fresh parsley and sweet paprika as a garnish on the top. Vegan dinner rolls in the backgroundย 

Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for regular cooking updates and short videos. Find us on  Pinterest for delicious content. Tried Moroccan Red Lentil Soup? We value your thoughts and comments! Leave a comment and tell us how it worked for you. Email us your questions to anusapraj@gmail.com if you need any guidance in making this soup.

Instant Pot Moroccan Red Lentil Soup

Moroccan red lentil soup served in blue soup bowls. Fresh parsley and sweet paprika as a garnish on the top. Vegan dinner rolls in the background
Print Recipe
4.75 from 8 votes

Moroccan Red Lentil Soup

A hearty protein-rich soup with Moroccan flavors. Minimal effort Instant Pot vegan recipe that makes for a light dinner or a filling lunch with some rolls.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time14 minutes mins
Pressure Release time25 minutes mins
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Moroccan
Servings: 4 people

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1/4 c finely chopped onions
  • 1.5 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped celery
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp Sweet paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1/2 c husked red lentils
  • 2 c water or vegan broth
  • 70 g Potato peeled
  • 80 g Carrot peeled and chopped into 3 or 4 pieces
  • 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste

For garnish

  • 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

Soaking the lentils

  • Wash the red lentils well under running water.
  • Now, add 2 c water to this and let it soak for 10 mins. This speeds up the cooking process.

Sauteeing

  • Turn on saute mode in the IP and set timer to 7 mins.
  • To the inner pot of your IP, add olive oil.
  • When hot, add onions and garlic.
  • Fry till onions become soft and pink.
  • Now add the parsley and the celery.
  • Mix well and fry till herbs wilt. This takes 30 secs roughly.
  • Add the spice powders next and mix well.
  • Drain the water used for soaking the red lentils completely.
  • Add the drained red lentils to the IP.
  • Next, add 2 c water and mix well.
  • Now, add potatoes and carrots.
  • Add salt to taste. Mix well and allow the water to begin boiling.
  • When done, turn off the IP.

Red lentil soup in Instant Pot

  • Now, close the IP and turn the valve to sealing.
  • Turn on the IP, set the pressure cook mode to high pressure on 14 mins.
  • Allow the cooking cycle to complete.
  • When the cooking cycle is done, allow natural release of pressure for 10 mins.
  • After 10 mins, do a quick pressure release by turning the valve to venting.

Blending the soup

  • When done, open the lid and mix well.
  • Using a stick blender ( Immersion blender), blend the soup till smoothy and creamy.
  • Now, turn on saute mode for 2 mins.
  • Let it simmer for 2 mins.

Garnishing and serving

  • Garnish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and finely chopped parsley.
  • When done, serve hot in bowls.
    Moroccan red lentil soup served in blue soup bowls. Fresh parsley and sweet paprika as a garnish on the top. Vegan dinner rolls in the background

Moroccan Red Lentil Soup in Pressure Cooker

  • Add the olive oil to a pressure cook and heat it up.
  • When hot, add onions and garlic.
  • Fry till onions become soft and pink.
  • Now, add the spice powders along with the celery and parsley.
  • Drain the water used for soaking the red lentils completely.
  • Add the soaked red lentils and mix well.
  • Now add 2 c water along with the carrots and potatoes.
  • Allow this mixture to begin boiling.
  • When it begins to boil, close the lid with the weight on.
  • Cook for 3 whistles and allow pressure to release naturally.
  • When done, open and blend to a smooth puree using a stick blender.
  • Simmer for 3 to 4 mins.
  • Garnish with smoked paprika and finely chopped parsely.
  • Serve hot with dinner rolls.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

Some More Soup Recipes

If you are looking for more soup recipes, here are some easy recipes that you can explore.

  • a bowl of vegan tortilla soup with black beans
    Vegan Black Bean Tortilla Soup (Instant Pot)
  • A bowl of Instant Pot vegetable soup and some bread
    Instant Pot Vegetable Soup (No Potato)
  • creamy-vegan-pumpkin-soup-with-a-swirl-of-coconut-milk
    Easy Instant Pot Pumpkin Soup
  • a-bowl-of-soup-made-with-canned-ganrbanzo-beans-and-orzo
    Quick & Easy Garbanzo Bean Soup

Filed Under: Instant Pot Soups, Soup Recipes, Vegan Recipes, Weeknight Dinner Ideas

Aloe Vera Lemonade- Basil Seed Drink

March 12, 2021 By anusha 5 Comments

aloe vera lemonade

This refreshing Aloe Vera lemonade is a basil seed drink with the goodness of fresh aloe juice and cooling Sabja seeds. This refreshing thirst quencher is a great way to beat the heat.Think of this like a cross between lemonade and aloe juice. When you combine the both, you have a drink that has the benefits of aloe vera and basil seeds.

aloe vera lemonade

What is Aloe Vera Lemonade?

Aloe Vera Lemonade With Basil Seeds is a refreshing lemonade made with fresh aloe jelly and basil seeds also known as sabja. It is common knowledge that aloe vera is a natural body coolant and aloe jelly works wonders on burns. Aloe Vera drinks are very popular in Singapore as is Apple Aloe Vera Juice.

Lil A is fond of Apple Aloe Vera juice and enjoys eating the bits of aloe jelly in it. I was at a supermarket for my weekly errands and I happened to notice cartons of aloe juice in various flavors stacked till the ceiling. That is when I decided to use fresh aloe vera to make this Aloe Vera Lemonade with basil seeds.

Fresh Aloe Vera Juice

To make fresh aloe juice, you need to scoop out the gel from Aloe Vera leaf. Growing Aloe Vera plants is very easy. All you need is a small leaf and it can be propagated very quickly. You can either use home grown Aloe Vera or store bought aloe vera leaf too.

We find fresh aloe leaves here in most wet markets.ย 

Wear gloves before you begin to extract the gel from aloe vera leaf. Now, trim the thorny edges along the green aloe vera leaf. When the edges have been trimmed, slice open the leaf by cutting through it vertically. You can cut the leaf into 2 to 3 pieces to make this process easier.

When you have sliced the leaf open, use a sharp knife or spoon to scoop out the aloe gel.

To make fresh homemade aloe vera juice, just combine the aloe vera gel, 2 cups water, sweetener of your choice and some ice cubes in a blender. Blend till smooth.

Recipe Notes

I have used fresh aloe vera gel to make this recipe. Wear a gloves while you scoop out the gel. The edges of aloe vera is thorny and wearing a gloves makes it easier and safer to scoop out the gel.

When buying Aloe Vera leaf, look for thick, fleshy and green leaves. Avoid yellowish green leaves or leaves that have browned edges.

Shelf Life

This lemonade keeps well for 4 days in the fridge. So, this makes for a great party drink and a fantastic way to keep yourself hydrated through the day. You can even pack this for lunch in a leak proof bottle.

Sweeteners

While this recipe calls for caster sugar, I have used raw cane sugar, maple sryup and even honey to make this drink. Caster sugar dissolves easily and hence is my first choice if I m in a hurry or am whipping this up for guests.

You can choose honey, jaggery, maple syrup or raw cane sugar for a healthier aloe vera lemonade. The color will be brownish and not translucent white, like you see in the picture. But rest assured, there wont be any compromise in taste.

Basil seeds lemonade

Basil seeds are a natural body coolant. They swell up just like chia seeds and give a beautiful texture in any recipe. Basil seeds are called as Sabja seeds or Falooda seeds. They are easily available in most supermarkets.

In case you are not able to source this, then you can use chia seeds in place of the basil seeds. Using chia seeds in this lemonade will also give a nutrition boost to the lemonade.

aloe vera lemonade

If you are wondering what basil seeds are, they are something like chia seeds. They become jelly like when immersed in cold water for a couple of minutes. They are also called as falooda seeds in India.

We usually consume a lot of these seeds during Summer and we have been eating it regularly ever since we moved to Singapore because it is always summer here. Basil seeds are also known for its cooling properties. So it was a no brainer to combine aloe vera and basil seeds to make this delicious and refreshing Aloe Vera Lemonade With Basil seeds.

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

Not many people tend to tap into the nutrients of these commonly grown aloe vera plants.ย 

It reduces dental plaque, is great for controlling blood sugar levels and has a cooling effect on burns and wounds. Aloe Vera is a laxative and is great to relieve constipation. It is also effective on mouth ulcers and sores.

Variations

  1. You can make this aloe juice more interesting by adding some rose syrup or crushed mint leaves. Thai basil or sweet basil leaves also make a lovely addition.
  2. Adding soda water or sparkling water to this lemonade is a nice variation too.

aloe vera lemonade

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Aloe Vera Lemonade With Basil Seeds

Aloe Vera Lemonade With Basil seeds is a refreshing and a healthy drink appropriate for Summers
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Total Time15 minutes mins
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: International
Servings: 4
Author: Anusha Praveen

Ingredients

  • 100 g Aloe Vera gel
  • 1/4 c lemon juice extracted from fresh lemons
  • 1/2 c Caster sugar use 1/4 c maple syrup as an alternative
  • 2.5 c Cold water
  • 2 tbsp Basil seeds
  • 10 cubes Ice to serve

Instructions

  • Cut the base of the aloe vera.
  • Now trim the thorny sides using a sharp knife.
  • Using a really sharp knife, peel the green skin of the aloe vera on only one side.
  • Using a spoon, scoop out the jelly from the aloe vera.
  • In a blender, place the aloe jelly, sugar and 1/2 c of water and blend to a smooth puree.
  • You may choose to leave a few chunks of aloe jelly while doing this.
  • Once done, squeeze the lemons into this and add the remaining water.
  • Add 3 to 4 tbsp water to the basil seeds and let sit for 5 mins.
  • You will find that the seeds have bloomed and become jelly like.
  • Add this to the lemonade and stir well.
  • Serve cold topping with ice cubes if desired

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

More Summer Recipes

  • vegan zucchini spaghetti in a greyish rimmed shallow bowl placed on a white marble table top. Spoons, herbs and lemon by the side of the bowl.
    Zucchini Spaghetti – Vegan & GF
  • easy fresh strawberry lemonade served in tin can style glasses placed on a metal tray with fresh strawberries and a pink linen cloth around it
    Fresh Strawberry Lemonade
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    Strawberry Jam – No Pectin
  • Three glasses of Iced peach oolong tea served with lemon wedges and peach slices as garnish.
    Iced Peach Oolong Tea

Filed Under: Fasting Recipes, Lemonade Recipes, No Cook Recipes, Smoothies Milkshakes And Juices, Uncategorized, Vegan Recipes

Blueberry Iced Tea| Iced Tea with fresh blueberries

March 3, 2021 By anusha Leave a Comment

Blueberry Iced Tea

HOW TO MAKE BLUEBERRY ICED TEA?

BLUEBERRY ICED TEA- A REFRESHING ICED TEA WITH FRESH BLUEBERRIES.

What is Iced Tea?

Iced tea is basically a cold drink made with tea leaves and some added flavors. It is usually a dairy-free drink. Iced tea with dairy will become something of a latte. I m a complete tea addict. I love my morning chai and green tea. Come summer, the hot chai or green tea becomes a little too much. That is exactly why we need to brew some blueberry  tea.

What is blueberry iced tea?

This iced tea is my latest favorite way to enjoy tea. The tangy-sweet berries combined with tea is a beautiful amalgam of flavors. Also, any drink with fruits is considered healthy, right?

Blueberry Iced Tea

When we moved to Singapore newly, some things took me by surprise, especially their choice of drinks. The nation loves to drink beer, tea, and Bandung in that order. And I have never seen as many varieties of packaged teas anywhere else. There is literally a tea with every vegetable or fruit you can imagine. And if you don’t find it packaged, you’ll find it in the form of teabags.

Blueberry Iced Tea

Sweeteners

This recipe is inspired by all this. And the fact that I get blueberries almost through the year makes it such a win. You can choose your sweetener for this. I personally like using Thai black sugar for all my iced teas. The flavor is so different and yet so soothing. White sugar will work too.

Or you can go completely sugar-free with this recipe too. If you want, you can also use maple or agave syrup.

Blueberry Iced Tea

If you are looking for more ways to enjoy tea, then do try the Iced lemon teaย and mango passion fruit iced tea.

More Iced Tea Recipes

  • Blueberry Iced Tea
    Blueberry Iced Tea| Iced Tea with fresh blueberries
  • mango chamomile tea
    Mango Chamomile Tea | Mango Tea With Chamomile
  • mango passion fruit iced tea
    Mango Passion Fruit Iced Tea

Recipe For Blueberry Iced Tea

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5 from 1 vote

Blueberry Iced Tea Recipe

Blueberry Iced Tea- a refreshing new way to enjoy the goodness of blueberries and green tea.
Prep Time2 hours hrs
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Course: Drink
Cuisine: International
Servings: 3
Calories: 47kcal
Author: Anusha Praveen

Ingredients

  • 3 bags Green tea bags
  • 1/2 cup Blueberries
  • 1.5 liter Water
  • 2 tbsp Thai black sugar or any sweetener of choice
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup Ice cubes to serve
  • 3 wedges Lemon wedges to serve

Instructions

  • Boil 1 liter of water. Add the tea bags and let them steep for 10 mins.
  • Add sugar and mix well.
  • Once done, let cool completely.
  • Blend blueberries with 1/2 c of water.
  • Add this to the brewed tea along with lemon juice.
  • Mix well.
  • Strain this through a strainer thoroughly.
  • Refrigerate and serve chill or serve over ice cubes and lemon wedges.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Nutrition

Calories: 47kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

Filed Under: Blueberry Recipes, Iced Tea Recipes, Summer Recipes

Rambutan Mojito | Rambutan Virgin Mojito

March 3, 2021 By anusha Leave a Comment

Rambutan Mojito

HOW TO MAKE RAMBUTAN MOJITO?

RAMBUTAN MOJITO- A REFRESHING VIRGIN MOJITO LACED WITH RAMBUTAN FLAVORS.

Rambutan Mojito

Summer is here. And its already two months down in 2018. Time sure does fly! I haven’t been very active when it comes to blogging. But this year, i intend to make the best use of my time and give it my best. So here I am with a brand new recipe for Rambutan Mojito.

Virgin mojito with rambutan served in a moscow mule mug

What is a Mojito?

Well, generally speaking, a Mojito is a highball cocktail drink. It is usually made with a combination of soda, ice, mint or any herbs and white rum. Over the years, many variations of this popular summer drink have come and gone. And our favorite way to enjoy a Mojito is with some Rambutan.

This Mojito recipe is a non-alcoholic mocktail that makes it perfect for kids parties and baby showers. It is light, mildly sweet and refreshing.ย 

What is Rambutan?

Rambutan is a very interesting fruit. I love how scary it looks and yet tastes so delicious. The meat is like jelly and the flavors are so subtle. The best bit is that the fruit is not cloyingly sweet. This rambutan mojito is a virgin mojito but you can always spike it with some vodka or white rum.

Ingredients- Substitutes and Replacements

This recipe uses very simple ingredients like Soda, mint and lime. The star of this recipe is the Rambutan, of course. But if you are unable to source these fruits, then you can make the same mojito with strawberries or mango or lychees.

Tinned or canned Rambutan will also work here. Just make sure to drain the syrup completely before using. The syrup makes this mojito cloyingly sweet.

Tropical virgin mojito with mint and lime

This mojito happened last March. Yes. Precisely a year ago. Ok almost. I made the drink, we enjoyed it and I even clicked the pictures. But I never got around to posting it because of first-world problems like parenting. But I m happy that I finally am sharing it here.

If you are looking for more interesting ways to beat the heat , do check out the entire collection of summer recipes by clicking here-ย Summer recipes on Tomato Blues.

Non-Alcoholic Rambutan Mojito

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5 from 1 vote

Rambutan Mojito

Rambutan Mojito- A virgin mojito laced with subtle flavors of the exotic fruit- Rambutan.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Total Time10 minutes mins
Course: Drink
Servings: 2
Author: Anusha Praveen

Ingredients

  • Rambutan 10-12
  • Mint leaves a few
  • Lime 2
  • Sugar 2 tbsp
  • Water 200 ml
  • Sparkling water 500 ml
  • Ice cubes a few for serving
  • Lime wedges to serve
  • Mint leaves to serve

Instructions

  • Peel and pit the rambutan.
  • Place in a blender with sugar, water, mint leaves and blend to a smooth puree.
  • Strain this juice completely.
  • Combine with sparkling water and serve over ice cubes.
  • Add lime wedges and mint leaves too.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

Refreshing Summer Recipes

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    Zucchini Soup – Vegan, No Oil
  • vegan zucchini bread studded with nuts, sliced and stacked in a pile.
    Vegan Zucchini Bread
  • barley lemonade with orange and ginger served in a wooden platter. Lemon wedges, orange halves and lemon grass with a knob of ginger by the side.
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  • avocado lassi
    Avocado Lassi- Avocado yogurt smoothie

Filed Under: Summer Recipes

Raw Jackfruit Curry- Panasakaya Koora

March 3, 2021 By anusha Leave a Comment

jackfruit curry

RAW JACKFRUIT CURRY (PANASAKAYA KOORA)

RAW JACKFRUIT CURRY- A VEGAN MEATY CURRY MADE WITH FRESHLY GROUND SPICES AND SESAME SEEDS.

jackfruit curry

What is Andhra Style Panasakaya Koora?

Panasakaya in Telugu means raw jackfruit. While the jackfruit is widely enjoyed as a fruit in many parts of the world, the raw jackfruit still remains a thing of culinary mystery to many. This beautiful vegetable has a meaty texture and lends itself well to any curry base. It is like a sponge that absorbs any flavor well.

I have never eaten raw jackfruit as a child. But my palates have been subjected to so much of culinary exploration that i really have forgotten when was the first time i ate it too. While the raw jackfruit is a popular substitute for meat in Biriyani, what many don’t know is that it can also be used in regular cooking just like this curry.

jackfruit curry

I learned making this raw jackfruit curry from my first friend in Singapore. And i have made it several times since the day i learned it. I also love how the spice powder that is made for this particular recipe can be used for making other vegetable curries too. Plantains, aubergines, potato ,ivy gourd and okra are great choices.

How to prep Raw Jackfruit for Panasakaya Koora?

Discard the seeds from the flesh. Wash the raw jackfruit well. And pat it dry fully. To do this, drain the washed jackfruit pieces in a colander and air dry them. When fully dry, add this to your food processor or chopper and shred them.

You can also use a box grater to shred your raw jackfruit. 

Will frozen or canned raw jackfruit work in this curry?

Frozen raw jackfruit will work beautifully in this Panasakaya koora. However, canned raw jackfruit has brine. This does not work in recipes such as this raw jackfruit curry. 

If you are living in Singapore, you can find fresh raw jackfruit which has been cut into chunks in Sri Murugan stores or Mustafa.

More Andhra Recipes

Here are some more Andhra recipes for you to explore and enjoy.

  • andhra dosakaya pappu tempered with whole spices and curry leaves served in a white bowl.
    Dosakaya Pappu – Andhra style yellow cucumber Dal
  • jackfruit curry
    Raw Jackfruit Curry- Panasakaya Koora
  • andhra style puliogare presented in a triangular bowl alongside roasted baby potatoes and yogurt sauce
    Andhra Puliohara Recipe| South Indian Variety Rice Recipes
  • Bendakaya Palli Vepudu Recipe
    Bendakaya Palli Vepudu Recipe| Okra Peanut Fry
jackfruit curry

Panasakaya Koora- Video

Also, if you liked and enjoyed watching this video, please subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking here-My YouTube Channel.

Andhra Style Panasakaya Koora Recipe

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Raw Jackfruit Curry- Panasakaya Koora Recipe

Raw Jackfruit Curry- Panasakaya koora is a delicious vegan curry made with freshly ground spices. Tastes best with hot rice and ghee. Also pairs well with rice, sambar and such.
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time40 minutes mins
Course: Vegetables
Cuisine: Andhra cuisine, South Indian
Servings: 4
Author: Anusha Praveen

Ingredients

  • 300 g RAW JACKFRUIT shredded
  • 3-4 c WATER
  • SALT TO TASTE
  • 10 leaves CURRY LEAVES
  • 1/8th tsp ASAFOETIDA
  • 1 tbsp OIL
  • 1.5 tsp MUSTARD SEEDS
  • 1.5 tsp URAD DAL
  • FOR THE SPICE POWDER-
  • 1 tbsp CORIANDER SEEDS
  • 1 tbsp CHANNA DAL
  • 1.5 tbsp URAD DAL
  • 1 tsp FENUGREEK SEEDS
  • 2 tsp SESAME SEEDS
  • 3 g TAMARIND
  • 5 -6 DRY RED CHILIES
  • 2 tbsp KOPPARA DRY COCONUT
  • SALT TO TASTE
  • 1 tsp OIL 1 TSP
  • 1 tsp TURMERIC POWDER 1 TSP

Instructions

  • Shred the raw jackfruit.
  • Add a cup of water to it and pressure cook for two to three whistles.
  • Drain this completely and set aside.
  • Heat a pan with a tsp of oil.
  • Add the urad dal and channa dal and roast till golden.
  • Next add remaining ingredients for the spice powder except the dry coconut and turmeric.
  • Fry till aromatic.
  • Lastly, add the dry coconut and fry on low flame till it turns a golden brown.
  • Once done, transfer immediately to a mixer jar and add turmeric and salt to this.
  • Let cool.
  • Grind to a smooth powder.
  • Heat the same pan with the remaining oil.
  • Add mustard seeds and once they pop, add urad dal and curry leaves along with a small pinch of asafoetida.
  • Once the dal browns, add the shredded jackfruit and mix well.
  • Add the roasted and ground spice powder to this and mix well.
  • Cook on medium flame for 2 mins, stirring in between
  • Switch off flame once done.

Video

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

More South Indian Recipes 

  • Murungai Keerai Kootu with tempering in a white bowl placed over a burlap map. A bunch of verdant moringa leaves at the background.
    Murungai Keerai Kootu
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    Ponnanganni Keerai Poriyal
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    Pudina Thogayal ( Puthina Thuvaiyal)
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    Aviyal – Kerala Avial Recipe

Filed Under: Andhra Recipes, Indian Vegan Recipes, Poriyal And Thoran Recipes, Recipes with Indian Vegetables, South Indian Lunch Dishes

Thai Basil Fried Rice | Vegan Thai Veg Fried Rice

March 2, 2021 By anusha 6 Comments

vegan thai basil fried rice served in a black handled bowl alongside orange tofu

HOW TO MAKE VEGAN THAI BASIL FRIED RICE?

Vegan Thai Basil Fried Rice- Flavorful rice with the goodness of thai basil and crunchy cashews.

This post contains affiliate links to products we love. We earn a small commission when you click and buy through these links. This post is not a sponsored post.

vegan thai basil fried rice served in a black handled bowl alongside orange tofu

Why should you try this Vegan Thai Basil Fried Rice?

โœ“ Hands down the best way to make use of leftover rice. Yep. This fried rice.

โœ“ A complete meal with loads of veggies.

โœ“ The umami and the spice is a flavor explosion in your mouth.

โœ“ And finally, this is a freezer-friendly meal.

Let’s Talk Rice!

Rice is an integral part of the Asian cuisine. May it be South Asian or South East Asian or Indian, rice is indispensable. White rice became a staple only in the recent years. But before that, it was all about brown rice and heirloom rice varieties. 

When it comes to South Asian cuisine, Jasmine rice is the most used type of rice. This is a fragrant short-grain rice that works brilliantly for all fried rice and Asian-style rice varieties. I have used this variety to make this Thai-style veg fried rice today. However, if you cannot source this, you can use short-grained rice or Basmati rice to make this recipe.

How to cook rice for Thai fried rice?

Cold rice that is at least a day old works best for all fried rice recipes. I tend to cook rice the previous day and let it sit in the fridge till I m ready to make this. There is a reason why cold rice is the best for fried rice. The grains do not stick and mix well with the sauces and veggies well without becoming mushy. 

I have used Jasmine rice that has been cooked the previous day in this recipe. And I cooked the rice in my instant pot. You can also cook it on the stovetop using the open pan method. 

You can buy Instant pot on Amazon India too- Click here to buy.

Cooking Jasmine Rice in an open pan 

If you are cooking it in the open pan method, make sure to use at least 3 c of water for every cup of rice. When the rice is cooked, drain all the water completely, wash the rice once under running water and let it drain fully in a colander. When done, spread it out on a plate and let cool before refrigerating. You can also go ahead and make the fried rice immediately if you are pressed for time.

ingredients for thai basil veg fried rice

Where to source Jasmine rice and other ingredients?

If you are living in India and are looking to buy ingredients for this fried rice, then check out our favorite products on Amazon.

Jasmine rice

Rice wine vinegar 

If you are living in Singapore, then you can source Jasmine rice and all the other ingredients from Redmart on Lazada.

If you are living in the US, then you can source Jasmine rice from Asian stores.

Freezing Thai Veg Fried Rice

Like I mentioned before, this fried rice is a very freezer-friendly meal. Allow the rice to cool fully. You can then divide the fried rice into portions, transfer it to a freezer-friendly silicon bag or Ziploc bags, or pyrex and then freeze.

Before using the frozen fried rice, allow it to thaw in the fridge for 4 hours. Then add it to a pre-heated skillet and toss on medium heat for a few mins. That is all. Your frozen Thai veg fried rice is ready to be eaten. You can also defrost it in the microwave.

Basil and alternatives

Because I live in Singapore, it is very easy for me to source Thai basil. If you are living in the US, then you can find this Thai basil in Asian stores. If you are unable to source fresh Thai basil, you can use the regular Sweet basil too. 

Ingredients- Substitutes and Replacements

โœ“ Sesame oil- Fried rice tastes best when made with sesame oil. Cold-pressed sesame oil works like a charm in this recipe. You can also use canola oil or rice bran oil to make this.

โœ“ Jasmine rice- As I mentioned before, Jasmine rice works well here. But Basmati rice or any fragrant short grained rice will work too.

โœ“ Veggies– This fried rice uses baby corn, carrots, beans, cabbage and bell peppers. You can also add snow peas, broccoli and green peas too. Even sweet corn kernels will taste good. 

โœ“ Cashewnuts- Thai style recipes mostly call for cashews or peanuts. If you are not a fan of cashews, you can use roasted peanuts. Or just skip both for a nut-free fried rice.
 
โœ“ Sauces- Make sure the sauces you use are vegan-friendly. I have used a combination of Thai chili sauce, light soy sauce, mushroom sauce and rice wine vinegar. You can substitute Thai chili sauce with Sriracha too. 
 
homemade sriracha sauce

How to make Sriracha Sauce at home?

Whether you are making Thai basil fried rice or any thai style recipe, this sauce is a great condiment to have.You can also add this to your Mayo to spice it up a notch and make it more exciting.

Meal Planning and Prep Work

Meal Planning

This fried rice is a meal planners’ delight. Cook the Jasmine rice and leave it in the fridge until you are ready to make this. Cooked Jasmine rice keeps well for upto 2 days in the fridge. You can also chop all veggies except the bell peppers and onions beforehand and store it in a fridge-friendly container.

Prep Work

If you have leftover rice ready, then making this rice is a breeze. Get started on chopping the veggies and mix the sauces together beforehand to make this fried rice business faster. Make sure to pat your veggies dry before chopping them. Moisture in the veggies will make them soggy while cooking.

vegan thai basil fried rice served in a white platter placed on a tye dye napkin

Loved this recipe? Want to make it? Then save it on Pinterest. 

Thai Basil Fried Rice- Pin This Image For Later

Vegan thai basil fried rice on pinterest

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Vegan Thai Basil Fried Rice Step by Step

Cooking Jasmine Rice in Instant Pot

Wash the rice under running water and drain fully. Add this to the pot insert along with water, salt and sesame oil. Place the insert in the instant pot, close it and turn valve to sealing. Turn on the Instant pot . Choose Pressure cook mode ( Manual in older models),ย  high pressure and set the timer to 3 mins.

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Allow the cooking cycle to complete and wait for 10 mins. After 10 mins, switch off the IP and do a quick release by turning the valve to venting. Be very careful while you do this.

When done, open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Spread it out on a plate and allow to cool. When cool, store in a container in the fridge or use immediately to make fried rice or enjoy it as is.

Making Thai Basil Veg Fried Rice

Heat a pan with sesame oil. Add cashews and toast till golden. Drain and set aside. Now add minced garlic and basil leaves. Fry till garlic turns golden. Now, add the finely chopped onions and a pinch of salt. Mix well and cook till onions turn pink and soft.

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Now, crank up the heat and add the chopped veggies. Toss well and cook for 3 mins on high flame. We do not want the veggies to become soft and limpy. They need to be crunchy and yet cooked.ย 

When done, add all the sauces and white pepper powder. Add the cooked jasmine rice and mix well.

Finish by adding toasted cashews and garnish with more fresh basil leaves. Mix well and serve hot.

Recipe Card For Vegan Thai Fried Rice

vegan thai basil fried rice served in a black handled bowl alongside orange tofu
Print Recipe
4.67 from 3 votes

Vegan Thai Basil Fried Rice

Fragrant jasmine rice tossed together with veggies and sauces. Makes for a great weeknight meal.
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Resting Time30 minutes mins
Course: entree
Cuisine: Thai
Servings: 4 persons

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

For the Jasmine rice

  • 1 c Jasmine rice
  • 1 c Water
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Sesame oil

For the basil fried rice

  • 2 tbsp Sesame oil
  • 12 cashews
  • 5 cloves Garlic peeled and minced
  • 12 Thai basil leaves finely chopped
  • 1/2 c finely chopped onions
  • 1/4 c each Chopped carrots, beans, baby corn, cabbage and bell pepper
  • 1.5 tbsp Light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Thai Chili Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Rice wine
  • 1 tbsp vegan friendly red chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp Vegan friendly mushroom sauce
  • 1.5 tsp White pepper powder
  • 1 recipe cooked and cooled jasmine rice

For garnish

  • 10 Thai basil leaves

Instructions

Making Jasmine rice in Instant pot

  • Wash the rice thoroughly under running water.
  • Discard all the water used for washing.
  • Combine the rice, water, salt and sesame oil in the inner pot of your Instant Pot
  • Close the instant pot, set valve to sealing.
  • Turn on the IP and set it to high pressure on 3 mins.
  • Wait for 10 mins for natural pressure release.
  • After 10 mins, do a quick pressure release.
  • Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
  • Spread the cooked rice on a plate and allow it to cool.

Making Vegan Thai Basil Fried Rice

  • Heat a pan with sesame oil.
  • Add the cashews and toast until golden and crunchy.
  • Drain on a kitchen towel.
  • Now, add the minced garlic and basil leaves.
  • Fry till the garlic turns golden brown.
  • Add the finely chopped onions and a sprinkle of salt.
  • Mix well and fry till onions become pink and soft.
  • Next, add all the chopped veggies and mix well.
  • Cook on high flame for 3 mins.
  • While this is getting done, add the sauces and vinegar to a bowl and mix well.
  • Add the sauce mixture to the veggies.
  • Add the pepper powder.
  • Now, add the cooled rice and mix everything well.
  • Add the toasted cashews and remaining basil leaves as garnish.
  • Mix well and serve immediately.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

ย 

Gluten-Free Thai Veg Fried Rice

Soy sauce contains gluten. So this makes it unsuitable for celiacs. If you want to make this Thai fried rice gluten-free, use Tamari sauce or liquid Aminos in place of the light sauce. Also, make sure your mushroom sauce is gluten-free too. Check the labels for any mention of a warning that says the product has been processed in a place where they manufacture wheat and such.

vegan thai basil fried rice served in a white platter placed on a tye dye napkin

More Gluten Free Recipes

Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for regular cooking updates and short videos. Find us on  Pinterest for delicious content. Made our Vegan Thai Basil Fried Rice? We value your thoughts and comments! Leave a comment and tell us how it worked for you.

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a comment or write to anusapraj@gmail.com and Iโ€™ll respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging us @tomatoblues.

Now here are some more gluten-free recipes that you can enjoy.

  • brownies with finger millet flour and peanut butter
    Healthier Ragi Brownies (vegan, GF)
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Vegan Coffee Banana Smoothie| Breakfast Coffee Smoothie

February 17, 2021 By anusha Leave a Comment

vegan coffee banana smoothie topped with cacao nibs and served in glasses

HOW TO MAKE VEGAN COFFEE BANANA SMOOTHIE?

Coffee Banana Smoothie- A filling breakfast smoothie with the goodness of coffee. Vegan and gluten-free.

This post includes affiliate links to products we love. We may earn a small commission when you click and buy through these links. This is not a sponsored post.

vegan coffee banana smoothie topped with cacao nibs and served in glasses

Why should you try this Coffee Banana Smoothie?

โœ“ Coffee- I mean that’s what we love waking up to, right?

โœ“ย This smoothie is vegan and gluten-free. And it s also nut-free!

โœ“ย If you are looking for a smoothie to keep you full, then your search ends here.ย 

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Smoothies and Smoothie Bowls for Breakfast

A couple of years back, smoothie bowls became a huge trend on the internet. I remember them taking over Instagram like a huge wave. They came in all colors and flavors. And that is when I got hooked to the idea of having a smoothie or smoothie bowl for breakfast.

Ever since then, there has been no looking back. A smoothie bowl breakfast is a routine thing in my house. It is just that I don’t bother sharing the recipes unless I make an incredibly good smoothie.ย 

And this coffee banana smoothie is just that. It has got all good things, so good to keep you chipper through the day.

vegan coffee banana smoothie topped with cacao nibs and served in glasses

Ingredients- Substitutes and Replacements

When I began my smoothie bowl journey, I learned two things. One, almost all smoothies had some ingredient that was way too expensive. Think collagen, protein powders etc. Two, most smoothie recipes call for ingredients that are not easily available. Stuff like Acai powder, Maca, baobab, algae fall in this category.

And this is exactly why smoothie making can be difficult for people. But smoothies are not and should not be an expensive inaccessible affair. This vegan coffee banana smoothie calls for basic pantry ingredients and yet, checks all boxes in terms of a healthy breakfast idea.

Ingredient checklist

โœ“ Coffee-ย I have used instant coffee granules for this recipe. But you can also use freshly brewed coffee to make this smoothie.

โœ“ Millet Flakes- While most smoothies call for oats, I have used millet flakes. Any kind of millet flakes will work here. If you cannot source millet flakes, you can substitute this with quick-cooking rolled oats. Steel-cut oats and regular rolled oats will not work well in this smoothie.

โœ“ Hot water– Using hot water is recommended to soften the millet flakes and also enhance the coffee flavor.

โœ“ Dates- Not only do they add sweetness but they also improve the texture of the smoothie. You can use any soft variety of dates. It s not necessary to use Medjool. Make sure to pit the dates and chop them into small pieces.

โœ“ Maple syrup- Since my bananas were not sweet enough, I added maple syrup. You can skip this completely if your bananas are sweet.ย 

โœ“ Oat milk- We love oat milk! Especially with coffee, oat milk is such a game-changer. You can also use any nut milk or coconut milk instead of oat milk in this smoothie.

โœ“ Cocoa- Combining cocoa with coffee is such a fab idea for a chocolate cake recipe. But why should we restrict this just to a cake? Why not extend this to a smoothie? Right?

โœ“ Cacao Nibs-ย Raw cacao nibs are the purest form of chocolate. And they don’t taste anything like a bar of chocolate. Yet, this is loaded with nutrients. This is optional but highly recommended.

Meal Planning and Prep Work

Meal Planning

Like all smoothies, this recipe works well as a part of the meal planning routine. You can make this ahead and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. You can also freeze this smoothie and make them into coffee banana smoothie pops.

Prep Work

The only prep work involved in this recipe is soaking the millet flakes. But for that, you can just add all the ingredients to a blender and blend smoothly.

Which blender to use for Smoothie Making?

Any high-powered blender will work for making smoothies. But a blender that is made just for smoothies does wonders. I have used my blending attachment that came with my food processor to make this smoothie. You can also use Vitamix, Thermomix or Blendtec blenders to make smoothies.

Sourcing Ingredients for Vegan Coffee Banana Smoothie

If you are looking to buy a good smoothie blender, you can check this one out-

Our favorite smoothie maker

If you are looking for millet flakes, then check this out-ย 

If you are living in Singapore you can find millet flakes and Oat milk on Redmart Lazada

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Coffee Banana Smoothie Step By Step

Prepping the millet flakes

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Add the coffee and the hot water to a bowl. Mix well to dissolve the coffee. Now add the millet flakes and dates. Stir to combine. Keep covered and let stand for 5 mins.

Blending the smoothie

coffee banana smoothie step by step (8)
coffee banana smoothie step by step (9)
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To a blender, add the bananas, coffee-soaked dates+millet flakes mixture, cocoa powder, oat milk, maple syrup and blend until smooth and creamy.

When blended, pour into glasses. Top with the raw cacao nibs and serve immediately.

vegan coffee banana smoothie topped with cacao nibs and served in glasses

Follow me onย Instagramย orย Facebookย for regular cooking updates and short videos. Find us on ย Pinterest for delicious content. Made our Coffee Banana Smoothie? We value your thoughts and comments! Leave a comment and tell us how it worked for you.

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a comment or write to anusapraj@gmail.comย andย Iโ€™llย respond at the earliest possible.ย If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it onย Instagramย by tagging us @tomatoblues.

Recipe Card

vegan coffee banana smoothie topped with cacao nibs and served in glasses
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5 from 3 votes

Coffee Banana Smoothie

Breakfast smoothie with coffee and banana- just what you need to wake up to. This breakfast coffee banana smoothie is vegan and gluten free.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: International
Servings: 2 tall glasses

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp Instant coffee powder
  • 1/2 c Hot water
  • 1/2 c Millet flakes
  • 4 pitted Dates Any soft variety will work
  • 2 largish Ripe bananas
  • 2 c Chilled Oat milk or any nut milk of choice
  • 2 tbsp Maple syrup
  • 2 tsp Cocoa
  • 1 tbsp Cacao nibs

Instructions

Prepping the millet flakes

  • Add the coffee and hot water to a bowl.
  • Mix well until dissolved.
  • Now, add millet flakes and mix well.
  • Add the pitted dates to this mixture.
  • Cover and let it sit for 5 mins.

Blending the smoothie

  • Add the bananas, milk, maple syrup, cocoa powder and the soaked millet flakes coffee mixture to a blender.
  • Let it blend till smooth and well blended.
  • Pour into glasses.
  • Top with cacao nibs and enjoy.

Notes

  1. You can use any millet flakes for this recipe.ย 
  2. I have used oat milk to make this smoothie but you can use any nut milk or coconut milk too. Personally, I love this smoothie with oat milk or almond milk.ย 
  3. This smoothie tastes great hot, cold or at room temperature.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

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Chocolate Orange Truffles | No Bake Chocolate Truffles

February 15, 2021 By anusha Leave a Comment

chocolate orange truffles in liners stacked on a vintage metal plate

HOW TO MAKE CHOCOLATE ORANGE TRUFFLES?

Chocolate Orange Truffles are an easy 4 ingredient truffles that make a fantastic treat.

This is not a sponsored post. This post contains affiliate links to products that we love. We may earn a small commission when you click and buy through these links.

chocolate orange truffles in liners stacked on a vintage metal plate

Why should you make these no-bake Chocolate Orange Truffles?

โœ”  Chocolate. Dark. Deep. Rich. 

โœ” It’s a combination of citrus and cocoa that will leave you in chocolate heaven.

โœ” These truffles only need 4 ingredients.

โœ” And they are no-bake.

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What are Chocolate Orange Truffles?

Before we go into the nitty-gritty of the flavors involved, let’s talk truffles. Truffles are easy chocolate treats that call for minimal ingredients. The key to achieving fantastic tasting truffles lies in choosing the best chocolate and some good quality heavy cream.

Most truffle recipes have a skeleton recipe- A combination of the good quality cooking type of chocolate chips and heavy cream. Though the flavors depend on your preferences, the texture remains the same. This recipe uses orange as the predominant flavor.

A bunch of oranges

Chocolate and Orange

If lemon and white chocolate is a thing, then orange and dark chocolate is an even bigger thing. The refreshing citrus flavors in orange complements the dark chocolate so beautifully. Personally, orange and chocolate is the thing for me. 

I have used the Kinnow variety of oranges in this recipe. This recipe calls for the zest of a largish orange. You can use any variety of orange and its zest for these truffles.

As for the orange essence, you can use orange oil or orange extract, or even artificial orange flavor in this recipe.

chocolate orange truffles in liners stacked on a vintage metal plate

Ingredients

โœ” Dark chocolate chips– As I mentioned, these truffles call for dark compound chocolate. Compound chocolate is used in cooking. These work best in recipes that involve melting chocolate.

โœ” Heavy cream– Cream with higher fat works best in this recipe. If you use low fat, then the truffle mixture will not set. They will be semi-solid and you will not be able to roll them.

โœ” Orange extract– I have used orange extract in this recipe. You can also use orange oil or artificial orange flavor to make these truffles. Like with all flavors, a little goes a long way. So please do not add more than what has been mentioned in this recipe.

โœ” Orange zest- The tiny shreds of orange zest give a slight bite and a subtle bittery taste in these truffles. The zest also helps in accentuating the orange flavors. 

Where to Buy?

If you are living in Singapore, then you can buy dark compound chocolate buttons from Phoon Huat’s Redman Shop

The same shop also stocks and sells heavy cream. I have used heavy whipping cream to make these truffles. Emborg and President are two brands that I love.

If you are living in India, you can buy the Dark chocolate from Amazon.

Click to buy Dark chocolate– Please note we dont get dark chocolate buttons. You can use this and chop it into small pieces before using.

Prep Work

These truffles need some planning ahead of time. This is because the mixture has to set before you can roll them or shape them. Ideally, a setting time of at least 6 hours is recommended if you live in a hot place like me. 

If you live in cooler places, then the mixture sets faster. A setting time of 4 hours works well in this case.

Shelf life and Storage

These truffles keep well for a week when stored in the refrigerator. Place each rolled truffle in a small muffin liner and keep them in a box. Make sure you place them in a single layer to prevent the truffles from sticking to each other. 

Chocolate orange truffles are best enjoyed when cold. As with all truffles, They tend to become sticky when kept at room temperature for a long time.

Recipe Notes

Truffles Too sticky to roll?

If you find that the truffles too sticky to roll, then dust your hands with cocoa powder. I did find them sticky but did not bother with this step. 

Dusting your hands with icing sugar or powdered sugar will work too but the truffles will look slightly whitish after rolling them.

Truffle too hard to scoop out?

If the truffle mixture has become hard and you are unable to scoop it out, then let it sit at room temperature for a few mins. Remember to remove the cling wrap and cover it loosely while this happens. After a few mins, the mixture will have loosened up.

How to scoop out the truffles?

I recommend using a melon baller or an ice cream scoop for this. A spoon also works but  you may get unevenly sized truffles.

You can get your Melon Baller here-

Get your Ice cream scoop here:

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Chocolate Orange Truffles Step By Step

Combining cream and chocolate

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To a heavy bottomed saucepan, add the cream. Heat this up until it just begins to boil. When you see tiny bubbles around the edges of the cream, switch off the flame. Let this sit for 1 min.

Now, add the chocolate buttons and mix well. Initially, the chocolate will be a bit resistant and wont melt so easily. Keep stirring until it has all melted. This takes roughly 3 mins. When the chocolate has completely melted, keep stirring until the mixture is all smooth and glossy.ย 

There should be no lumps of chocolate in the mixture.

When done, allow this to cool for 2 to 3 mins.ย 

Adding orange zest and extract

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When the mixture has become slightly warm, add the grated zest and the orange extract. Using a spatula, mix well.

Letting the truffle mixture set

Transfer the mixture to a glass bowl or a fridge safe container. If you are using a glass bowl, cover it with a cling wrap. Doing this will make sure that moisture does not get in to the mixture. This will also help prevent a layer being formed on the surface.ย 

If like me, you are using a glass box, then cover it with the lid and refrigerate.

Setting the mixtureย 

Allow the mixture to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours. This will take longer if you are living in a hot place like me. My truffle mixture took 6 hours to set fully.

Rolling the truffles

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Combine the cocoa powder, powdered sugar and orange zest in a bowl. Mix well using a spoon. Using a melon baller, scoop some truffle mixture. Dust your hands with some cocoa, shape and roll the mixture into a ball.

When shaped, roll the shaped truffle in the cocoa sugar mixture. Repeat the shaping and rolling step with the remaining mixture. As soon as you finish rolling one truffle, place it in a small muffin liner.ย 

Keep the rolled truffles chilled until ready to eat.

chocolate orange truffles placed on a vintage metal tray

Our chocolate orange truffles are ready.

Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for regular cooking updates and short videos. Find us on  Pinterest for delicious content. Tried Chocolate Orange Truffles? We value your thoughts and comments! Leave a comment and tell us how it worked for you.

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a comment or write to anusapraj@gmail.com and Iโ€™ll respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging us @tomatoblues.

ย 

chocolate orange truffles in liners stacked on a vintage metal plate
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Chocolate Orange Truffles

Decadent no-bake dark chocolate truffles with citrus notes.
Prep Time30 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Setting Time6 hours hrs
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: International
Servings: 15 truffles

Equipment

  • Sauce Pan

Ingredients

  • 1/2 c Heavy cream
  • 240 g Dark Chocolate
  • 1 tbsp Orange zest
  • 1 tsp Orange oil

For Rolling The Truffles

  • 1 tbsp Cocoa
  • 1 tbsp Powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp Orange zest

Instructions

Making the truffles

  • Heat the cream in a heavy bottomed sauce pan till it just begins to boil.
  • When done, switch off and let it sit for 2 mins
  • Now, add the dark chocolate and mix well.
  • Initially, it will be lumpy. But keep stirring and it will soon loosen up and melt.
  • Keep stirring until smooth and glossy.
  • Allow this mixture to become warm.
  • Now, add orange oil and the orange zest and mix well.
  • When done, allow it to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours.

Shaping and rolling the truffles

  • This truffle mixture will set and solidify beautifully after sitting in the fridge.
  • Combine the cocoa powder, orange zest and powdered sugar. Mix well.
  • When done, use a melon baller and scoop out portions of the truffle dough.
  • Dust your hands with cocoa and roll the scooped out dough into a ball.
  • Roll this in the cocoa-sugar-orange zest mixture.
  • Place in parchment paper lined tray or in tiny muffin liners.
  • Repeat with the remaining mixture.
  • Chill in the fridge until ready to eat.
    chocolate orange truffles in liners stacked on a vintage metal plate

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

chocolate orange truffles in liners stacked on a vintage metal plate

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Black Magic Cake | Black Magic Chocolate Cake Recipe

February 13, 2021 By anusha Leave a Comment

black magic cake glazed and sliced . served on a white plate

HOW TO MAKE BLACK MAGIC CAKE?

Black Magic Cake aka Black magic chocolate cake is the best chocolate cake you’ll ever bake. Pinkie promise.

black magic cake glazed and sliced . served on a white plate

Why should you try this Black Magic Chocolate Cake?

โœ” This is chocolate– rich, intense and soft slices ofย  chocolate that we are talking about.ย 

โœ” You only need two bowls to make this cake. It can be done in one if you are not picky like me, though.

โœ” There is no business of butter. I mean, we love butter. But that wait while the butter softens- that is just enough to put someone off baking a cake.

โœ” And then, there is coffee. Yep. In case you have not tried, let me tell you this- add coffee to all your chocolate cakes.There s only one word for the flavor that comes out of this- MIND BLOWING. Okay, that s two words. But you get the drift, don’t ya?

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What is Black Magic Chocolate Cake?

There is this trend going on where popular recipe creators are trying their hands at celebrity chefs’ chocolate cake recipes. Ina Garten’s chocolate cake has become insanely popular because of this.ย 

Then, there is the Hershey’s Black Magic Cake. True to its name, this is a decadent, intensely chocolatey, and very very beginner-friendly cake. Let us just say that I baked this yesterday and I m 3/4th of the cake poorer as I type this. If you ask me, what is the magic in this, it is the way in which basic pantry staples come together in this recipe.

Ingredients- Substitutes and Replacements

This recipe calls for no butter as I mentioned in the beginning.In fact, this recipe is so similar to the depression cake. Only, it is a tad more richer.

โœ”Flour– We will be using all purpose flour in this recipe. I will not recommend using whole wheat flour. Working with whole wheat flour means altering the wet ingredients. And the texture will be totally different.ย 

โœ” Eggs– Room temperature eggs work best in this cake. I have used medium sized white eggs. Again, I have not tried this recipe with any egg substitutes.ย 

โœ” Leavening agents– We will be using both soda-bi-carb and baking powder to bake this decadent cake.ย 

โœ” Sugar– The good old white sugar that is finer is what this recipe needs.ย 

โœ” Vegetable oil– No butter business here. Instead, we will be using vegetable oil. I have used rice bran oil for baking. You can also use Canola or sunflower oil to bake.

โœ” Cocoa– The original recipe calls for using Hershey’s cocoa powder. But I have tried making this with dutch process cocoa and other brands too. All work very well. The cocoa you use will only alter the flavor profile of the cake a bit. It will not affect the texture.

โœ” Coffee– And this is that one Aloha! ingredient. I have used instant coffee powder mixed with hot water. However, feel free to use freshly brewed coffee for a deeper flavor.

โœ” Soured milk– The original recipe calls for using buttermilk or suggests using soured milk. This is another ingredient that elevates this cake to what it truly is – magical.ย 

Recipe Notes

โœ” You can make soured milk by combining 1 tbsp vinegar with 15 tbsp room temperature milk. I have used full-fat milk. Your milk will take longer to curdle if it is cold. So, I strongly suggest that you use room temperature milk.

โœ” Smoothly whisked yogurt that is slightly watery also works very well in place of soured milk.

โœ” This recipe yields two cakes. I baked one in a 6 c bundt pan and the other in a 9 inch long loaf pan. You can also bake this in two 9 inch round baking pans.ย 

โœ” The batter is watery. Yes. It s thin and watery. Do not panic or get tempted to thicken it. The cake will bake beautifully. You just have to trust me.

black magic cake glazed and sliced . served on a white plate

Bundt Pans for Baking

While I do love baking in bundt pans, there is one thing that gives me the creeps when it comes to it. You never know if the cake is going to come out in one single piece when you bake in a bundt pan.

The grooves and the edges look beautiful. Nevertheless, it is this that makes it very tricky to invert a cake without breaking it into pieces.

Here are two things that you can do to prevent broken cakes- Grease your pan well and allow the cake to cool for at least 30 mins before loosening it up.

How to grease a bundt pan?

It is very crucial to grease the bundt pan thoroughly and effectively before we begin baking. Failing to do so will make your cake crumble along the ridges. While regular butter works brilliantly for greasing normal pans, the bundt pan needs to be greased differently.

Make a paste of cocoa powder and butter. Now, rub this mixture on the insides of your bundt pan. Cover every ridge, flute and corner. And then we ll be ready to bake.

Shelf life- Storing Black Magic Cake

The best place to store this rich chocolate cake is the fridge. Slice the bundt cake into slices and store them in a pyrex or Rubbermaid box in the fridge. Don’t overcrowd the box while arranging the slices.

This cake keeps well for 3 days in the fridge. And never lasts beyond that.ย 

Make sure you leave it out for at least an hour to allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving. Or leave it out for 30 mins and then microwave on high for 20 secs. Serve warm with Vanilla ice cream or some chocolate ice cream.

Hey, who says chocolate cake should not be enjoyed with chocolate ice cream?ย ย 

Glazing or frosting Black Magic Chocolate Cake

I have glazed this cake with a basic chocolate ganache. You can also frost this cake with a buttercream frosting or even cream cheese frosting.ย 

To make my ganache, I have used heavy cream and bakeable chocolate chips.

I suggest that you glaze the cake while the ganache is warm. It tends to set as it cools. So it is best to work with it when it is of pourable consistency.

Black Magic Cake Step By Step

Greasing the pans

Make a thick paste with softened butter and cocoa. Now, rub this on the insides of your pans, making sure that it s well coated.

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Preheating the oven

Preheat your oven at 180C for 10 mins.

Mixing the dry ingredients

In a bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients except the sugar. Alternatively, you can use a balloon whisk to mix and incorporate all of the stuff together. Once this is done, add the sugar and mix well again. This is our dry mixture. Set this aside while working on the wet mixture.

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Prepping the wet mixture

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To a large bowl, add the coffee powder and the hot water. Whisk well, making sure the coffee does not lump up in the process. When done, let it sit for 5 to 6 mins. We are doing this because adding eggs to very hot water may cook them. 

After 5 to 6 mins, add the vanilla, oil, eggs, soured milk to the bowl. Using a hand-held mixer, whisk this on medium speed for 2 to 3 mins. Alternatively, you can do this using a balloon whisk too. You just have to whisk till the mixture becomes frothy.

When this is done, add the sugar and mix well once again, using a whisk, making sure that the sugar is evenly distributed with the flour mix. Set aside.

Combining the wet and dry mixtures

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Now, add the flour-cocoa-sugar mixture slowly to the liquid mixture. Do this in a sprinkling movement rather than dumping all of it in one go.

Using a whisk, mix everything up, making sure that there are no lumps. The batter, as such, will be thin. So we are not going to whisk vigorously and this recipe does not need any kind of laborious whisking as well.

Like I mentioned, this s not your regular cake batter where the batter is thick. This is a slightly thinner batter and flows freely when poured.

Baking Black Magic Cake

When you have mixed the batter, pour 1/2 of it into the bundt cake pan and the remaining into the loaf pan. Tap both gently on the surface to pop air bubbles, if any, on the surface.

When done, bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 mins or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Mine took 53 mins to be precise. 

Slicing the cake

Now, here comes the tricky part. While you may be wondering what is so tricky about slicing a cake, let me tell you, a cake baked in a bundt pan can be a challenge when trying to invert.

Allow the cake to cool for at least 30 mins before trying to invert it. If you do not wait this long, then your cake will most likely break. After 30 mins, loosen up the sides by inserting a skewer along the edges. 

Then, invert it on a cooling rack by tapping gently. The  cake that I baked in the bundt pan, was reluctant to slide out even after waiting for it to cool. As a result, it did break a teeny tiny bit while I tried removing it from the pan.

Glazing the Black Magic Cake

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Now, let us get started on the glaze. This is a very straightforward recipe which involves combining heavy cream and chocolate chips. I used dark chocolate chips but you can also milk chocolate. 

In a sauce pan, heat up the cream until just boiling. Switch off the flame and let it sit for 1 min. Now, add the chocolate chips and mix well. Continue to whisk this until smooth, glossy and the chocolate is fully melted. This is our glaze.  

Do not allow the glaze to become cool. I strongly recommend glazing the cake while the sauce is hot. The pouring becomes a bit tricky when the glaze cools down, as it tends to set.

 

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Now pour this over the cake evenly and slowly. When done, let the cake sit for 30 mins to allow the glaze to set. When it sets, slice the cake and serve.

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black magic cake glazed and sliced . served on a white plate

More Cake Recipes

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    Eggless Dates And Walnut Cake Recipe
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    Gingerbread Recipe- Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cake
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    Carrot Cake Muffins Recipe
  • Blueberry Plain Cake Recipe| Eggless Cake Recipes

Glazing And Slicing Video

black magic cake glazed and sliced . served on a white plate
Print Recipe
4 from 1 vote

Black Magic Cake

The black magic cake, also referred to as the black magic chocolate cake is easily the most decadent and yet the easiest chocolate cake recipe you ever need.
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time55 minutes mins
Cooling time20 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: International
Servings: 20 servings

Equipment

  • 6 c bundt pan
  • 9 inch loaf pan
  • Balloon whisk
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula

Ingredients

For coating the bundt pan

  • 1 tbsp Cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp Softened butter

Dry ingredients

  • 210 g All purpose flour
  • 2 c Fine granulated white sugar
  • 2 tsp Baking soda
  • 1 tsp Baking powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 3/4 c Cocoa Any good quality will work

Wet ingredients

  • 1 c hot water
  • 3 tsp Instant coffee powder
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 c Milk at room temperature
  • 1 tbsp Vinegar
  • 1.5 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/2 c Vegetable oil

For the glaze

  • 1/4 c Heavy cream
  • 1/2 c Dark chocolate chips

Instructions

Coating the pans

  • Combine the butter and cocoa powder to make a thick paste.
  • Coat your bundt pan and loaf pan generously with this paste, making sure every nook and corner is coated with this.

Preheating

  • Preheat the oven at 180C for 10 mins.

Mixing the dry ingredients

  • Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cocoa in a mixing bowl.
  • Now, add the sugar and mix well using a balloon whisk.
  • Set aside.

Making the soured milk

  • Add the vinegar to the milk. Mix well
  • Let it stand for 5 mins. This is our soured milk. You can also use 1 c buttermilk in place of this.

Mixing the wet ingredients

  • Combine the coffee powder with the hot water in a large mixing bowl.
  • Let it sit for 5 mins.
  • Now, break the eggs into this and add the soured milk, oil and vanilla.
  • Whisk well for 3 mins on medium speed till mixture turns frothy.

Making the batter

  • Now, add the dry ingredients mixture to this wet mixture.
  • Mix well using a whisk for about 2 mins. The batter will be thin and more watery than the usual batter.

Baking the cake

  • Now pour 1/2 of the prepared batter into the bundt pan.
  • Tap this lightly on the counter.
  • Similarly, fill the loaf pan with the remaining batter.
  • Now, bake this in the preheated oven for 50 mins or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cooling the cake

  • Once done, let the cake cool for at least 30 mins before inverting it out.
  • Once cool, loosen up the cake by the sides using a toothpick or skewer. Invert and remove it.

Making the glaze

  • Add the cream to a saucepan.
  • Heat it until it just begins to boil. Switch off the flame.
  • Now, add the chocolate chips and mix well until the mixture is glossy.

Glazing the cake

  • Now, pour the glaze evenly over the cake. Make sure the glaze is hot to touch while doing this.
  • Let the cake sit for 10 mins before serving.

Slicing

  • Once done, slice and serve.

Video

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

black magic cake glazed and sliced . served on a white plate

Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for regular cooking updates and short videos. Find us on  Pinterest for delicious content. Tried ourBlack Magic Cake? We value your thoughts and comments! Leave a comment and tell us how it worked for you.

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a comment or write to anusapraj@gmail.com and Iโ€™ll respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging us @tomatoblues.

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    Chocolate Almond Chia Granola Recipe

Filed Under: Cake Recipes, Chocolate

Zucchini Channa Dal | Instant Pot Chana Dal

February 4, 2021 By anusha Leave a Comment

Instant pot zucchini channa dal served in a white bowl with a blue handle.

HOW TO MAKE ZUCCHINI CHANNA DAL IN INSTANT POT?

Zucchini Channa Dal- Zucchini and split chickpea lentils cooked Indian style in the Instant Pot. Vegan. Gluten free.

Instant pot zucchini channa dal served in a white bowl with a blue handle.

Why should you try Zucchini Channa Dal?

โœ” Zucchini and lentils are a match made in heaven.ย 

โœ” Makes for a fabulous weeknight meal. And you can repurpose leftovers by adding a dollop of yogurt, some grated cucumber, and carrots for lunch the next day. Think warm zucchini lentil salad.

โœ” Chickpea lentils are not only a rich source of protein but also a great source of folate.ย 

โœ” Packed with flavors, this vegan and gluten-free curry pairs well with anything from Naan to quinoa.

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Zucchini Dal 

Squash vegetables and lentils are so good when combined together.  This Zucchini dal is a spin-off of the popular Lauki channa dal curry. I tasted this combination for the first time when my then cook, Mrs Manju made it one night for dinner. 

And she insisted that I pair it with some yogurt. And oh boy! It was a brilliant meal. Because we are not huge bottle gourd fans, I tend to make this curry using Zucchini.

Channa Dal vs other lentils

Usually, Dals are cooked to a mush for lentil-based dishes in India. Take for instance, the popular Dhaba Style Dal Tadka. We pressure cook a combination of lentils until completely cooked and mushy for this. 

However, the Zucchini Channa Dal is slightly different. In this recipe, we are going to cook the Channa dal just till done. We are going to keep them intact, with a bite, that will add to the texture of this curry.

While zucchini can be cooked with other lentils too, channa dal is the best bet for this curry.

Zucchini Dal- Ingredients

โœ” Zucchini– I have used green zucchini here. You can also use yellow courgettes in place of the green ones.

โœ” Channa dal– This dal works best because it retains shape while cooking it along with the zucchini. Other dals like Mung, Toor and Masoor tend to disintegrate and become mushy while cooking.

โœ” Oil– I have used rice bran oil. Feel free to use any neutral-flavored vegetable oil in this curry. 

โœ” Spices– This recipe uses very basic Indian spices like ground paprika, ground coriander and cumin. You can use garam masala in place of all these spices if you don’t have them.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some flatbreads that you can pair with this vegan Zucchini Channa dal curry.

  • Rajma cheese paratha served on a wooden plate with capsicum zunka, pickles and yogurt by the side.
    Rajma Paratha- Stuffed Rajma Cheese Paratha
  • pudina lachcha paratha
    Restaurant Style Pudina Paratha Recipe ( Pudina Lachcha Paratha)
  • coriander paratha
    Coriander Paratha Recipe| Hara Dhania Ke Parathe
  • broccoli paratha
    Broccoli Paratha

Meal Planning and Prep Work

Meal Planning

Chop the zucchini and store in a ziploc bag or a fridge safe container. This stays good for upto 3 days in the fridge.ย 

Prep Work

Begin soaking the dal. And while the dal soaks, work on the chopping part. When done, get started with the cooking in the Instant Pot. If you plan to make parathas or chapatis, get the dough started while the IP is pressure cooking.

Recipe Notes

โœ” Make sure to soak the Channa dal. Soaking it is a must. If you attempt this recipe without soaking the Dal, then there is a good chance that it does not cook properly.

โœ” Avoid chopping the zucchini very finely. Smaller pieces tend to disintegrate on cooking. So i recommend chopping them to bite-size pieces.

Method

Soaking the Dal

Wash the Channa dal under running water twice. Drain all the water used for washing. Soak this in 2 c water for 20 mins.

Sauteeing the veggies

Turn on the saute mode and set the timer for 10 mins. Add oil. Now, add the cumin seeds and finely chopped ginger, and minced garlic. Saute for 20 secs and quickly tip in the finely chopped onions.ย 

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Now, cook the onions till pink and soft. This takes roughly 2 mins. When done, add the spice powders along with the salt and mix well. Saute for 20 secs.ย 

When done, add the finely chopped tomatoes and mix well. Add 1 tbsp of water at this stage and mix well. Continue to cook this mixture for about 3 mins until the tomatoes turn mushy. We are adding the water here to prevent sticking to the bottom or burning of the mixture.

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Adding the zucchini

When the tomatoes have cooked through, add the chopped zucchini. While I have not peeled the zucchini here, you can choose to do if it does not suit your palate. Give the mixture a quick mix.ย 

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Adding the Channa Dal

Now, drain the water from the dal. Add this soaked dal to the pot along with the water. Mix well.

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Pressure cooking

Now, switch off the saute mode. Close the IP and turn the valve to sealing. We are going to pressure cook our curry on high pressure today. So, turn on the Pressure cook mode ( Manual mode, if you are using older IP models), set the timer for 4 mins on high pressure.

Allow the cooking cycle to complete and wait for the pressure to release naturally.ย 

Simmering

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Once the pressure has released completely, turn the valve to venting. Now, open the lid and mix well. Mash the curry gently with a ladle once or twice. Take care not to over do this or mash the zucchini too much while doing so. Add finely chopped cilantro leaves and mix well. When done, turn on the saute mode. Simmer this mixture for 3 mins until the curry is slightly thicker.

Instant pot zucchini channa dal served in a white bowl with a blue handle.

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  • Spinach garlic dal served in a wooden bowl placed on a wooden plate
    Spinach Dal/ Dal Palak – Instant Pot& Stovetop

Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for regular cooking updates and short videos. Find us on  Pinterest for delicious content. Tried our Instant Pot Zucchini Channa Dal? We value your thoughts and comments! Leave a comment and tell us how it worked for you.

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a comment or write to anusapraj@gmail.com and Iโ€™ll respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging us @tomatoblues.

ย 

Instant pot zucchini channa dal served in a white bowl with a blue handle.
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Instant Pot Zucchini Channa Dal

A vegan and gluten free curry made in the Instant Pot with zucchini and Bengal Gram Dal
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time16 minutes mins
Inactive Time30 minutes mins
Course: Accompaniments, Vegetables
Cuisine: North Indian
Servings: 3 persons

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 2/3 c Channa Dal
  • 1.5 tbsp Vegetable oil I have used canola here.
  • 1 tsp Cumin seeds
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced approximately 3 g of minced garlic
  • 1 tsp Finely minced ginger
  • 3/4 c finely chopped red onions
  • 1 tsp Ground coriander
  • 1 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp Paprika Regular red chili powder or Cayenne works equally well.
  • 1 c finely chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp Water
  • 300 g Zucchini cubes
  • 1.25 c Water

Instructions

Prepping the Dal

  • Wash the Channa dal twice. Drain all the water used for washing.
  • Soak the channa dal in 2 c water for 20 mins.

Tempering

  • Turn on the Saute mode in the IP and set the timer for 9 mins
  • Add oil and allow it to heat up.
  • Now, add the cumin seeds and allow it to crackle.
  • Next, add the ginger and garlic and fry for 20 to 30 secs.
  • Now, add the onions and mix well.
  • Wait for the onions to turn pink and soft. There s no need to brown the onions.
  • Add salt and the spice powders now. Mix well and fry for 20 secs.
  • Add the tomatoes next and 1 tbsp water.
  • Mix well and cook till tomatoes turn mushy. This takes roughly 3 mins.
  • When done, add the zucchini and mix well.
  • Now drain the water from the soaked dal and add this to the IP.
  • Add water and mix well.
  • Switch off Saute mode.
  • Close the lid of the IP, turn vent to sealing.
  • Now, set the IP to pressure cook mode on high pressure for 4 mins.
  • Allow the cooking cycle to complete.
  • When done, wait for the pressure to release naturally.
  • Once the pressure releases, Switch off the IP. Open the lid, use the back of a ladle mash the dal gently once or twice.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro. Now, turn on the saute mode for 3 mins and allow the curry to simmer.
  • We can see that the curry has thickened slightly. Switch off the IP.
  • Serve hot with any bread or rice of your choice.
    Instant pot zucchini channa dal served in a white bowl with a blue handle.

Notes

Please note that the pressure building time for the Instant Pot may differ based on the amount of liquid inside, the weather and the altitude of the geographical location.
The inactive time mentioned here is a rough guide based on my IP and my geographical location. Please note that if you live in a high altitude place, then pressure may take longer to build.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

Filed Under: Dal Recipes, Gluten Free Recipes, Indian Vegan Recipes, Instant Pot Curries, Instant Pot Recipes, Vegan Recipes

Gobi Paratha | Gobhi Paratha- Indian stuffed cauliflower flatbread

January 29, 2021 By anusha Leave a Comment

Gobi ke Paratha- Indian style cauliflower stuffed flatbreads served with mixed pickles placed in a small white and green dip bowl, placed on the top.

Gobi Paratha is an Indian style stuffed flatbread made with riced cauliflower. These Parathas make a fabulous Sunday brunch treat or work well as lunch box options too. This is our favorite Paratha and we love it a wee bit more than the Aloo paratha and Paneer Paratha.

Come join us onย Pinterestย to find delicious pins.

Why should you try your hands at Gobi Paratha?

โœ” Cauliflower- it has got plenty of cauliflower. This is a great way to sneak in some cauliflower into your kids’ breakfast or lunch, peeps.

โœ” It is served with butter and yogurt. Doesn’t anything served with a dollop of butter make you drool, as a rule of thumb?

โœ” Gobhi ke Parathe, slathered with butter, is this amazing Sunday breakfast or brunch that you can indulge in. Not that you can’t make it on other days.

โœ” Gobi Paratha is freezer-friendly! Yep. This means you can freeze them leftovers and relish them later on some random Tuesday when the 4 PM hunger strikes or just because you can. Hey, you are an adult. You are entitled to treat yourself mid-week.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

So, lets talk some serious Paratha business, shall we?

The Ultimate Gobhi ke Parathe

For the best tasting Gobi Paratha, there are some key factors to remember. The dough has to be just right. It should not be too stiff or too soft. A very stiff dough makes very dry and brittle Parathas while a super soft dough means your stuffing will leak.ย 

The next thing to note is that the filling should be used up as soon as it s ready. More about this in the recipe notes section. Read on, folks.

Gobi Paratha, Indian style cauliflower stuffed flatbreads stacked and served on a black plate. Yogurt and pickles at the back.

Ingredients

โœ” Wheat flour– We’ll be making a dough with Aata for our outer covering.

โœ” Cauliflower– I have used only fresh cauliflower for this Paratha. Frozen cauliflower or cauliflower rice will not work because of its moisture content. In my experience, fresh cauliflowers work best. You can also try Romanesco or purple cauliflower for a different version.

โœ” Oil or ghee– You can choose to cook your parathas with either oil or ghee. Traditionally, they use desi Ghee to make them. But if you want a vegan Paratha, use any neutral-flavored vegetable oil. We are also going to be adding some ghee to our dough. You can skip this too and add vegetable oil for a vegan version.

โœ” Spices– This recipe calls for very basic spices. Cumin, red chili powder and Garam Masala are all Indian pantry staples. However, if you want to add some oomph to your Paratha, try some smoked paprika or even Cajun seasoning for a fusion Gobi Paratha recipe. When it comes to spice combinations, the sky is the limit! Some recipes call for adding green chili. I tend to avoid adding green chillies if I m making this for kids.

Meal Planning and Prep

Meal Planning

You can knead the dough up to two days in advance and let it sit in the fridge. Make sure that you wrap this tightly in cling wrap. It is very normal for the dough to develop some discoloration. So, please don’t panic. The dough is still good to use.

As for the filling, I suggest that you make it just before you start rolling the parathas.

Prep

Make the dough- let it rest- while it rests- work on the filling- begin rolling parathas when all set.

?Pro Tip: Use a chopper to shred your cauliflower for the stuffing. Quicker, easier and mess free. Also, less elbow grease.

More Paratha Recipes

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    Gobi Paratha | Gobhi Paratha- Indian stuffed cauliflower flatbread
  • spring onion paratha
    Spring Onion Paratha | Hara Pyaz Paratha

No onion no garlic Paratha

This Paratha recipe is a no onion-no garlic recipe. I have often observed that adding onions to this particular Paratha makes them tear very easily while rolling. This is because onions tend to release moisture. As for garlic, you can add one clove of garlic that is finely grated if you desire.

Storing and Packing for Lunch box

When you have finished making the parathas, wrap them in foil and place them in a container but make sure you do not close the lid tightly. Use a lid with a small vent to prevent condensation or sweating. This way, the parathas won’t turn soggy.

Similarly, when you remove the Parathas from the Tawa, place them on a trivet for a few secs before transferring it to the container. This will also prevent them from becoming soggy.

If you are packing these for lunch, cut into quarters and wrap them in foil. These stay fresh when packed this way. And kids will find it easier to eat them when served in quarters.

How to freeze leftover Paratha?

I am someone who tends to make a few extra every time I make Paratha. I like to freeze them for later. This is because I m mostly alone for lunch and these come in handy on those days.

If you are like me and want to freeze the extra Parathas, then you can try these steps. I will try to add pictures for this too soon.

โœฝ Cook the parathas for about 15 to 20 secs on medium flame. We are not going to cook them fully. The parathas will get cooked fully before we eat them.

โœฝ Once the parathas are cooked halfway, transfer them to a cooling rack and spread them out. Allow them to cool.

โœฝ Now, stack them in batches of 3. Place them on a piece of parchment paper. Insert a piece of parchment paper between the parathas. Finally, add a piece of parchment paper to the topmost paratha.ย 

โœฝย Place these in a Ziploc cover and seal it. Make sure to release all the trapped air inside before sealing it fully.

โœฝ Now, place it in the freezer and allow it to freeze fully.

How to use these frozen Parathas?

โœฝYou need not thaw them before eating. Just take it out from the freezer, remove the parchment paper. Place the frozen Gobi Paratha on a preheated pan.

โœฝIt will be hard and brittle when you place it on the Tawa but eventually, it will soften up as it heats.ย 

โœฝAllow it to soften up and smear 2 tsp ghee or oil on the paratha. Cook on a medium flame for 30 to 40 secs until you see brown spots appear on the surface of the parathas. Flip and repeat the same for the other side.ย 

โœฝWhen done, serve hot.

What to serve with Gobi Paratha?

Ideally, all Parathas are served with some butter on the top, creamy thick yogurt and pickles by the side.

However, you can also serve it with some tomato ketchup, if you are making it for the kids. Another alternative will be the Gujarati Style Gor Kheri pickle or the Gujarati Chundo-a sweet mango pickle.

Recipe notes- Tips for No tear Paratha

Does your Gobi Paratha tear up while rolling? Does the filling ooze out? Then try these tips and make your Parathas infinitely better. Psst.. these tips work well for all Parathas.

โœฝ Make sure the dough is not too soft or sticky. Sticky dough means you cannot roll it easily. It is very important for the dough to be of the right consistency.

โœฝ Cauliflower oozes water as soon as you add salt to it. So, you should make these parathas really fast as soon as you make the filling. If you let the filling sit for too long, it oozes out water and this makes the paratha tear up.

โœฝThe way you shred your cauliflower makes a huge difference. We are looking at evenly shredded cauliflower here. I strongly recommend a food processor or chopper or a box grater to do this effectively. If you have some stray bits that are big, then the rolling won’t be smooth. This in turn, will tear your parathas while rolling.ย 

โœฝ If your dough is too dry, then the Parathas will hard and chewy. If your dough is too soft, then you will use too much flour to dust it while rolling. And this will make it dry and hard too. So its important to knead the dough correctly.

โœฝ Please remember that the water and flour proportions mentioned here are a rough guide. The water quantity may differ based on the quality and age of your flour too. Even the weather plays a role in this

Method with Step By Step Photos

Making the dough for Cauliflower Paratha

In a bowl, combine wheat flour and salt. Mix well with your hands. Make a well in the center. Now add water gradually. First, bring all of the flour and water together into a big mass. We are going to be using 2 c flour and approximately 1.25 c water to make our dough. Begin by adding 1/2 c water and then gradually add the remaining. Reserve 1/4 c for the kneading part.

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Gobi Paratha- how to knead the dough?

The mixture will be slightly sticky and shaggy at this stage. Now begin kneading by using your palms and fingers alternatively. If you find the mixture too dry, sprinkle 1 tbsp water and proceed.

Once the dough is kneaded, add the ghee and knead again for 3 to 4 mins.ย 

Make sure you have a smooth, supple and pliable dough. You can watch this video here to watch how the dough is kneaded.

Once the dough is ready, keep it covered with a damp kitchen towel. This will prevent it from drying up.

Making the Stuffing

While the dough is resting, let s make the cauliflower stuffing. Wash and pat dry the florets thoroughly. There should be no water in it. Even a little water can tear up the parathas and make your stuffing leak. You can also fan-dry it as an extra step.

Once the florets are dry, add them to a chopper. First chop them into smaller bits by pulsing a few times. When done, add the salt and spice powders. Now blitz them until they are completely shredded. Do this in short intervals. Stop and scrape down the bits as you do so.

gobi paratha step by step (1)
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Rolling and Shapingย 

Once the filling is ready, divide the dough into 10 parts. Shape each part into a smooth ball. Keep the remaining balls of dough covered while working on one.ย 

Press the ball of dough slightly to flatten it up. Dust it with some flour and roll it into a thick disc. Smear a few drops of ghee or oil on this. Now, place 1 tbsp of the Gobi stuffing in the center. Sprinkle some flour on top of the filling. This will ensure that the filling doesn’t leak while rolling.

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gobi paratha step by step (7)
gobi paratha step by step (10)

Now, bring the edges of the dough together and seal it shut by pinching the edges together.

It will look like a small string bag. Pinch out the excess dough and flatten the stuffed ball gently. And dust it with flour lightly.

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gobi paratha step by step (19)

Now, begin rolling this into a 1/4 inch thick circle. Use some flour to dust as you roll the dough out thinly. Make sure to roll gently by applying pressure evenly.ย 

gobi paratha step by step (9)
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Cooking the rolled Parathas

Heat a cast iron pan or an iron Tawa. Place the rolled paratha on it. Cook on medium flame for about 30 secs. Now flip the paratha. You can see some brown spots here and there on the Paratha. Now, smear 1 tsp ghee on the top and continue to cook the other side for 30 secs. When done, flip again and smear 1 tsp ghee. Cook for 15 to 20 secs. Now flip and cook the other side too for 20 secs. When done, remove and serve hot.

It takes approximately 2 mins to cook each Paratha.

gobi paratha step by step (11)
gobi paratha step by step (12)
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gobi paratha step by step (18)

Repeat the same process with the remaining balls of dough and filling.

Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for regular cooking updates and short videos. Find us on  Pinterest for delicious content. Tried our Little Millet Kheer with Saffron? We value your thoughts and comments! Leave a comment and tell us how it worked for you.

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a comment and Iโ€™ll respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging us @tomatoblues.

ย 

Gobi ke Paratha- Indian style cauliflower stuffed flatbreads served with mixed pickles placed in a small white and green dip bowl, placed on the top.
Print Recipe
4.50 from 2 votes

Gobi Paratha

Gobi Paratha or Gobhi ke Parathe- Indian stuffed cauliflower flatbreads. Soft, flaky and stuffed to the brim with a deliciously spiced cauliflower filling
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Cooking time for each paratha2 minutes mins
Course: Breakfast/ Brunch
Cuisine: North Indian
Servings: 10 Parathas

Equipment

  • Chopper

Ingredients

  • For The Stuffing
  • 130 g Cauliflower florets
  • 1 tsp Punjabi Garam Masala 1 tsp
  • 1.5 tsp Red chili powder 1.5 tsp
  • 1 tsp Cumin Powder
  • 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 2 tbsp Finely choppedCoriander/ Cilantro leaves optional
  • For The Paratha
  • 2 c Whole wheat flour 2 c
  • 3/4 to 1.25 c Water to knead
  • 1 tbsp Ghee
  • 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 2 tsp Oil for each paratha
  • 1/4 c Extra flour for dusting

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine wheat flour and salt.
  • Mix well with your hands. Make a well in the center. Now add water gradually.
  • Begin by adding 1/2 c water and then gradually add the remaining. Bring all of the flour and water together into a big mass. Reserve 1/4 c for the kneading part.
  • The mixture will be slightly sticky and shaggy at this stage. Now begin kneading by using your palms and fingers alternatively.
  • Once the dough is kneaded, add the ghee and knead again for 3 to 4 mins.ย 
  • The dough should be smooth, soft and pliable.
    Gobi Paratha- how to knead the dough?
  • Once you have a smooth supple dough ready, cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 10 mins.
  • Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and separate the florets.
  • Mince the cauliflower thoroughly or grate it finely using a grater.
  • When done, add the salt and spice powders.
  • Now blitz them until they are completely shredded. Again, use do this in short intervals. Stop and scrape down the bits as you do so.
  • Set aside.
  • Divide the dough into 10 equal parts and shape each part into a ball.
  • Now, slightly press the ball of dough lightly into a flat disc in between your palms.
  • Dust it with flour and place it on the rolling board.
  • Roll the dough into a 1/4" thick round.
  • Smear some ghee on the rolled dough. Place 1 tbsp of the filling in the middle of this round,and sprinkle some flour on the filling.
  • Bring together the dough to form a bundle that resembles a money bag.
  • Pinch the excess dough off and dust with flour
  • Gently, roll the stuffed dough into 3 mm thick round.
  • Heat a iron skillet or griddle.
  • Place the rolled out dough on the tawa and cook for 30 secs on medium flame.
  • Flip it and you can see some brown spots on the surface.
  • Smear 1 tsp ghee or oil on the Paratha and continue to cook the other side for 30 secs.
  • Now, flip again and smear 1 tsp ghee on the other side. Cook the Paratha for 20 secs on medium flame. Flip again and cook for 20 more secs.
  • Once they appear, smear oil and flip and cook. Repeat the same with the remaining dough and parathas.

Notes

1. I have always found that resting my paratha dough for 10 mins after kneading yields softer parathas.
2. If you want a richer version, use butter or ghee to make Parathas.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

P.S. This post was originally published in March, 2015. This has now been updated with fresh photos, step by step pics and recipe cards.

Filed Under: Breakfast And Dinner Recipes, No Onion No Garlic Recipes, Paratha Recipes, Sides, Vegan Recipes

Little Millet Kheer With Saffron| Saame Kheer Recipe

January 27, 2021 By anusha 2 Comments

Little millet kheer served in glass mugs with tiny golden spoons in them.

LITTLE MILLET KHEER – SAMAI KHEER

Little millet Kheer with Saffron; Creamy millet pudding with subtle saffron flavors.

Please note- We earn a small commision if you buy through one of the links included in this post. This is not a sponsored post.

Little millet kheer served in glass mugs with tiny golden spoons in them.

Here’s why you should make this little millet kheer pronto:

โŠ Our star ingredient in this recipe is millet! This is definitely a great place to start if you are looking to include millet in your diet.

โŠ I solemnly promise that there won’t be any need to keep stirring and stirring the kheer for what feels like forever. We have a neat trick to skip this thickening part.ย 

โŠ Its got saffron, nuts and ghee ( obviously) and makes a very pretty dessert for a party.

โŠ I’ll also share how to fancify this further and make sure everyone at the table tells you how cool you are.ย 

So ready?

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What is Little Millet?

Little Millet is one of the positive millets. This is rich in fibre and is a great substitute for rice in your diet. Little millet and pretty much any variety of millet is gluten-free. This makes it a great option for people who are intolerant to gluten.

Little Millet is also called as Saame in Kannada, Samai in Tamil, Moriyo or Kutki in Hindi and Samalu in Telugu.

As the title suggests, this recipe uses Little Millet as its main ingredient. I have used polished Little Millet to make this kheer here today. And I highly recommend that you use polished millets for best results in dessert recipes.

While I have used little millet, you can also use Kodo millet ( Varagu arisi) or Barnyard millet ( Kuthiravali) in place of this and make this kheer. The proportions and the cooking time are all the same.

Click here to buy Little Millet- Little millet

Little Millet Kheer- Ingredients

โŠ Little Millet– Also called as Samai in Tamil, this is our main ingredient. You can also use Barnyard millet or Kodo millet in place of this to make Little millet kheer.

โŠ Sugar– I have used regular white sugar to make this today because this is a milk based recipe. I won’t recommend switching to other sweeteners like Jaggery. Jaggery tends to curdle the milk and hence it is not recommended.

โŠ Nuts– We are going to be using cashews to garnish our kheer. You can skip this entirely for a nut-free kheer.

โŠ Saffron– Delicate and subtle- that s how I will describe saffron. It s amazing how so very little of this ingredient can do wonders to a dish. And this millet kheer will just prove that once more.

โŠ Ghee– I have used ghee to fry the cashews and added the ghee and the fried cashews to the kheer. However, if you are feeling very calorie-conscious, you can skip ghee entirely. And this kheer tastes just as good!

โŠ Milk– In this recipe, we’ll be cooking the millet in full-fat milk. You can switch to low-fat milk but the result won’t be a creamy kheer. 

And finally, let s get to the most time consuming part in a kheer- reducing it. 

Thickening the Kheer without all that baby-sitting

I m sure you will agree with me when I say that the most trying part of a kheer recipe is when you have to keep stirring it and slaving over the stove while waiting for it to thicken and reduce.

And I m not even willing to discuss the scrubbing that ensues. Agreed? Well, let me share a simpler way to do it.

Evaporated Milk for thickening Kheer

While condensed milk used to be a very popular option for thickening kheer, it comes with loads of sugar. So, what is the next best bet? Move over, condensed milk. Because we have this can of magic- Evaporated Milk.

I discovered evaporated milk after moving to Singapore. I use it in umpteen ways and i m quite surprised that I have never written about it. I use it to thicken curries, make creamier soups and in Kheer recipes such as this.

Evaporated milk is my go-to when I m pressed for time and yet, I want to churn out this pot of creamy Kheer. They make evaporated milk by simmering it on low heat for a long time until it is dreamy-creamy thick.

Shall we say that someone very sweet decided to make your work so much easier?

Where to buy Evaporated Milk?

If you are in the US, finding evaporated milk is quite easy. You will find it in almost all grocery stores.

In Singapore, you can find evaporated milk sitting in the same shelves where you will find condensed milk. Fairprice or Giant is a sure bet. 

Finding evaporated milk in India used to be tough earlier but not anymore. You can buy a stash from Amazon. 

Click here to buy evaporated milk in India- Evaporated Milk in India

Meal planning and Prep work

Meal Planning 

Are you planning to serve this at a party? Then, you can make this ahead of a day and let it chill in the fridge. The flavors intensify as they sit and the result is this “heaven in every spoon” kind of kheer.

Prep Work

Begin by washing and soaking the millet for at least 20 mins. While the millet is soaking, you can prep the saffron, crush the cardamom and chop the nuts.

Serving Suggestions- Fancifying  Saame Kheer

Like i mentioned, let me share a few tips to make this fancier. Serve this topped with fresh fruits and a dollop of whipped cream on top. Or you can convert this into a layered dessert.

To a glass, add crushed Parle-G biscuits or Good Day cardamom flavored biscuits. Press them firmly using your thumbs to the base of the glass. Now, add 1/4 c of the kheer. Add chopped fresh berries- strawberries and blueberries work well. Or add some chopped fresh mangoes and bananas. Add chopped nuts as garnish. Serve chilled.

Before we go on with the Little Millet Kheer recipes, here are some more Millet recipes.

More Millet Recipes 

  • Healthy Ragi Rotti - a filling, gluten free flatbread packed with veggies
    Ragi Roti | Finger Millet Rotti
  • title image for millet glossary in English, Tamil and Hindi
    Millet Names- English, Hindi & Tamil
  • Ragi chapati with purple cabbage stacked and served with baingan bartha
    Ragi Chapati | Finger Millet Roti

Little Millet Kheer With Saffron- Step by Step

Washing and soaking

little millet kheer with saffron - step by step

Wash the little millet in water thoroughly. Because we are using polished millet, you need not wash it multiple times. When done, soak the millet in 2 c water for 30 mins. I recommend soaking at least for 20 mins to reduce cooking time.

Prepping the saffron

little millet kheer with saffron - step by step

While the millet is soaking, combine the saffron with 1.5 tbsp warm water and set aside.

Cooking the millet
little millet kheer with saffron - step by step
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Drain all the water from the millet. Add this to a heavy-bottomed sauce pan with the milk.

Now, cook this mixture on low flame until the millet is soft and cooked. We are not going to cook the millet to a mush. Our millet grains must be cooked and yet hold shape. Only then, they will look pretty too.ย 

It takes around 10 mins for the millet to be cooked fully. As the millet cooks, you can see that it absorbs the milk and thickens too.ย 

Adding Sugar

When the millet is completely cooked, add the sugar. Mix well. Add crushed cardamom and saffron water at this stage. Mix well. You can see that the mixture changes to a pale yellow color. Continue to cook till sugar dissolves completely. Once the sugar dissolves, continue to cook till the milk froths up. This takes about 3 mins on medium flame.

IMG_20210114_125337-2
IMG_20210114_125511-2

ย 

Combining the evaporated milk
IMG_20210114_125600-2
IMG_20210114_125511-2
little millet kheer with saffron - step by step

Now, add the evaporated milk and mix well. Continue to simmer for 5 mins on low flame, stirring every now and then, to prevent the millet from sticking to the bottom or burning. This simmering is done so that the flavors all mix and mingle well. When the mixture comes to a gentle boil, switch off the flame.ย 

Garnishing
IMG_20210114_130731-2
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Heat a pan with ghee. Add the chopped cashews and fry them till golden. Now add the ghee+cashews to the kheer and mix well. Our little millet Kheer with saffron is ready.

Little millet kheer served in glass mugs with tiny golden spoons in them.

Let the kheer sit for 15 mins before serving. Serve warm or as suggested in our serving suggestions column.

More Kheer Recipes

  • Instant pot carrot kheer served in glass bowls placed over a metallic tray. Kheer is topped with chopped almonds. brass spoons by the side
    Carrot Kheer- Instant Pot & Stovetop
  • Little millet kheer served in glass mugs with tiny golden spoons in them.
    Little Millet Kheer With Saffron| Saame Kheer Recipe
  • Makhane Ki kheer served in a wooden bowl placed on a wooden plate with makhane in the background
    Makhane Ki Kheer| Makhana Kheer
  • Sabudana kheer- a creamy indian dessert made with sago pearls and milk. Served in a glass bowl placed on slate board.
    Sabudana Kheer | Javvarisi Payasam

Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for regular cooking updates and short videos. Find us on  Pinterest for delicious content. Tried our Little Millet Kheer with Saffron? We value your thoughts and comments! Leave a comment and tell us how it worked for you.

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a comment and Iโ€™ll respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging us @tomatoblues.

Little millet kheer served in glass mugs with tiny golden spoons in them.

Little millet kheer served in glass mugs with tiny golden spoons in them.
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Little Millet Kheer With Saffron

Little millet kheer flavored with saffron- Saame kheer with kesar is an easy gluten free pudding made with Kutki ka chawal.
Prep Time30 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 5 people

Ingredients

For soaking the millet

  • 1/2 c Polished little millet
  • 2 c Water

For infusing the saffron

  • 10 to 12 strands Saffron
  • 1.5 tbsp Warm water

For the kheer

  • 2 c full-fat milk
  • 3 green cardamoms crushed
  • 8 tbsp Sugar
  • 1 c Evaporated milk

For Garnishing

  • 1 tbsp Ghee
  • 10 whole Cashews broken

Instructions

Washing and soaking

  • Wash the little millet in water thoroughly.
  • When done, soak the millet in 2 c water for 30 mins.
    little millet kheer with saffron - step by step

Prepping the saffron

  • While the millet is soaking, combine the saffron with 1.5 tbsp warm water and set aside.
    little millet kheer with saffron - step by step

Cooking the millet

  • Drain all the water from the millet. Add this to a heavy-bottomed sauce pan with the milk.
    little millet kheer with saffron - step by step
  • Now, cook this mixture on low flame until the millet is soft and cooked.
  • It takes around 10 mins for the millet to be cooked fully. As the millet cooks, you can see that it absorbs the milk and thickens too.

Adding Sugar

  • When the millet is completely cooked, add the sugar. Mix well. Continue to cook till sugar dissolves completely.
  • Add crushed cardamom and saffron water at this stage. Mix well. You can see that the mixture changes to a pale yellow color.
  • Once the sugar dissolves, continue to cook till the milk froths up. This takes about 3 mins on medium flame.

Combining the evaporated milk

  • Now, add the evaporated milk and mix well.
  • Continue to simmer for 5 mins on low flame, stirring every now and then, to prevent the millet from sticking to the bottom or burning.
    little millet kheer with saffron - step by step
  • When the mixture comes to a gentle boil, switch off the flame.

Garnishing

  • Heat a pan with ghee.
  • Add the chopped cashews and fry them till golden.
  • Now add the ghee+cashews to the kheer and mix well.
  • Let the kheer sit for 15 mins before serving. Serve warm or as suggested in our serving sugge

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

ย 

Filed Under: Gluten Free Recipes, Little Millet Recipes, Payasam And Kheer Recipes

Thengai Sadam| Indian Style Coconut Rice

January 23, 2021 By anusha 1 Comment

Thengai Sadam, south Indian style coconut rice served along with Kaala channa stir fry. Both placed at an angle to each other on a wooden chopping board.

THENGAI SADAM – SOUTH INDIAN COCONUT RICE

Thengai Sadam- A very simple and quick variety rice made with freshly grated coconut.

Thengai Sadam, south Indian style coconut rice served along with Kaala channa stir fry. Both placed at an angle to each other on a wooden chopping board.

Why should you try Thengai Sadam aka Coconut rice?

โœ“ Thengai Sadam is a great way to use up leftover rice.

โœ“ Coconut rice is a vegan and gluten-free recipe that can easily be made nut-free too.

โœ“ This recipe makes for a wonderful Neivedyam ( Prasadam), especially on days when you are pressed for time.

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When to make Coconut Rice?

Coconut rice is a fuss-free recipe. This is a popular dish during the Navratri festival and the Kanum Pongal festival. It is also a common dish in many South Indian baby showers. Because this is a Sattvic dish, this is a sought-after recipe during the festivals.

But it definitely does not have to be limited to those days, right? You can make this easy peasy lemon-n-squeezy Thengai Sadam as a quick meal, when you are alone and do not want to cook much.

However, I wont recommend packing this for lunch as coconut gets spoilt soon. Unless you live in a cold place or it is winter, try and avoid packing this for lunch.

Thengai Sadam- Ingredients and Substitutes

Making Thengai Sadam involves very few basic pantry ingredients.ย 

โœ“ Rice–ย  Cooked raw rice that has been cooled down is the best rice for this recipe. Short-grained rice varieties like Ponni, Jeeraga Samba or Surti Kolam also work well here. The only key thing is to make sure that the rice is completely cool and the grains are separate.

โœ“ Coconut- I have used freshly broken coconut for making this. But you can also use frozen fresh grated coconut after thawing it. I won’t recommend using dry coconut for this recipe.

Pro Tip: If you find scooping out the flesh from a broken coconut, i suggest that you break the coconut and freeze it. Once its frozen, remove and thaw the coconut. As soon as the coconut is thawed, use a sharp knife to make small cuts and scoop out the flesh.

Other than these two ingredients, we are going to make a basic tempering and some cashews to add some texture to our coconut rice.

How to cook rice perfectly for Kalandha Sadam or Thengai Sadam?

Kalandha Sadam in Tamil means mixed rice. We refer to recipes like Thengai Sadam as Kalandha Sadam in general. And almost all such recipes call for rice cooked perfectly.

So what is the correct consistency of the cooked rice? The grains must be cooked just right, separate and fluffy. To get this right every time, here are a few tips.

Add salt to the rice while cooking it.

For every cup of rice, add two cups of water. And pressure cook for just 3 whistles. Once done, do not rush to release the pressure. Wait for pressure to release naturally.

When the pressure releases, open the lid, transfer the cooked rice to a wide plate. Add a few drops of oil and spread it apart using a fork. Let it cool completely.ย 

What goes well with coconut rice?

Since this is not a spicy dish, a mildly spicy dry vegetable curry will taste excellent with this.

Here are a few suggestions-

Potato Podi curry

Jodhpuri Aloo

Kathrikai Podi Curry

Senaikizhangu varuval

South Indian Thengai Sadam- FAQs

Can we use dry desiccated coconut to make Thengai Sadam?

Dry desiccated coconut or Kopparai will not work in Thengai Sadam as they have a completely different flavor profile.

What variety of rice can be used to make South Indian Coconut rice?

As with all types of variety rice, Short-grained rice varieties like Ponni and Jeeraga Samba work best. But if you are unable to source this, then, feel free to use Basmati rice to make Thengai Sadam.

How to make nut-free Coconut rice?

For making nut-free coconut rice, skip the cashews in the recipe. Instead, in order to add some texture and bite, add some cooked brown chickpeas.ย 

Can we pack Thengai Sadam for the lunch box?

Because this recipe calls for fresh grated coconut, it s not recommended to pack it for lunch box. This tends to spoil quickly and hence, it is encouraged to enjoy this as soon as it is cooked.

Meal Planning & Prep Work

Meal Planning

Are you planning to make Thengai Sadam for the weekdays? Then, I suggest you grate the coconut over the weekend and freeze it. Just thaw it before using and use as per the recipe instructions.

Prep Work

Start the rice in the cooker- prep the coconut in the meanwhile- when the pressure drops, let the rice cool- start on your dry curry while this happens- finish the tempering once the rice is cool.

How to make Thengai Sadam, step by step?

Tempering

Heat a pan with coconut oil. Add the cashews first and allow them to become a pale golden brown. Now, add the mustard seeds, urad dal. Mix well. When the mustard seeds begin to pop and dal turns golden, quickly tip in the red chilies and curry leaves. Fry them for 20 to 30 secs. Switch off the flame.

thengai sadam step by step

Mixing the rice and coconut

Now add cooked and cooled rice. Add the grated coconut along with this. Gently mix everything together. Taste for salt and adjust the seasoning, if required. You can now serve Thengai Sadam with the fry of your choice.

thengai sadam step by step

Some more rice recipes

  • Instant Pot Bisi Bele Bath served in a wooden bowl with garnishing of curry leaves and cashews. The bowl is placed over an antique platter and is surrounded by bowls of raita and fried okra.
    Instant Pot Bisi Bele Bath- Easy Bisi Bele Bath
  • easy open pan jeera rice served in a bowl placed on a white cotton cloth
    Jeera Rice Recipe- Easy Cumin Rice
  • Thengai Sadam, south Indian style coconut rice served along with Kaala channa stir fry. Both placed at an angle to each other on a wooden chopping board.
    Thengai Sadam| Indian Style Coconut Rice
  • veg dum biriyani
    Veg Dum Biriyani

Pro Tip: Start with frying the cashews first, while tempering to avoid over frying them later. Switch off the flame while mixing in the rice and coconut. This is because, we don’t want the coconut to dry up in the heat. We want to trap those fresh coconut flavors. Also, if you keep the flame on, the rice tends to dry up and the coconut changes color too.

Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for regular cooking updates and short videos. Find us on  Pinterest for delicious content. Tried our Thengai Sadam? We value your thoughts and comments! Leave a comment and tell us how it worked for you.

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a comment and Iโ€™ll respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging us @tomatoblues.

Thengai Sadam, south Indian style coconut rice served along with Kaala channa stir fry. Both placed at an angle to each other on a wooden chopping board.

This is my entry for this week’s #fridayfiesta, started by Fiesta Friday, co-hosted by Goats and Greensand Food Eat Love.

Thengai Sadam, south Indian style coconut rice served along with Kaala channa stir fry. Both placed at an angle to each other on a wooden chopping board.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Thengai Sadam

Thengai Sadam, South Indian style coconut rice. Vegan and gluten-free.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Resting Time15 minutes mins
Course: Mains
Cuisine: South Indian
Servings: 3 persons

Equipment

  • Pressure cooker

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp Cold pressed coconut oil
  • 12 halves Cashews
  • 1 tsp Mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp Broken white urad dal
  • 1 tsp Channa dal
  • 1 sprig Curry leaves 2
  • 2 dry red chilis
  • 2 c Cooked raw Ponni rice, cooled Refer recipe notes for more information.
  • 3/4 c Fresh grated coconut
  • 1 tsp Salt or to taste

Instructions

  • Heat a pan with coconut oil.
  • Add the cashews and fry till pale golden brown.
  • Now, add the mustard seeds, Urad dal and channa dal.
  • Allow the dals to brown.
  • Now, add the dry red chili and curry leaves and fry for 20 secs.
    thengai sadam step by step
  • Switch off the flame.
  • Add the cooked rice and grated coconut along with salt.
  • Mix well.
    thengai sadam step by step
  • Serve with any curry of your choice.
    Thengai Sadam, south Indian style coconut rice served along with Kaala channa stir fry. Both placed at an angle to each other on a wooden chopping board.

Notes

For any South Indian style variety rice, short grained rice is preferred.ย 
I have used raw Ponni rice to make coconut rice today.
However, if you are unable to source this, then use Basmati rice which works equally well too.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

Filed Under: Indian Vegan Recipes, Rice Recipes, Vegan Recipes

Masala Puri – Bangalore Style Chaat

January 20, 2021 By anusha Leave a Comment

Masala Puri is a popular street style Chaat dish. This Karnataka style Chaat uses dried peas, lots of fresh veggies, green chutney, a sweet tamarind date chutney and some fried crunchy Pooris. Because it is so easy to make this for a crowd, this dish is a fantastic dish to take to a potluck or to serve at a gathering.

Follow us onย Pinterestย for delicious pins. Join ourย Facebook groupย for moreย Instant Potย andย Air Fryerย Recipes.

Bangalore style Masala Puri served in a white bowl with fried Pooris and chopped veggies beside the bowl.
A delicious plate of Masala Poori Chaat topped with sev, veggies and chutneys.

Why this recipe works?

โœ“ This is a semi-homemade recipe. You can use store bought Pooris and sweet chutney to make this in a jiffy.

โœ“ This is vegan, has loads of veggies and protein.

โœ“ And if I did not manage to convince you with the above two reasons, here is one more- this is insanely delicious and makes a great potluck dish.

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Bangalore Style Chaat

There are many versions of this recipe and I have tasted a few as well. But this one is my favorite.

So, what is so special about this street style food? Well, the Bengaluru style has loads of peas, veggies and involves crumbling the Pooris.ย 

Ingredients

Here is a rough list of all the stuff you need for this recipe.

โœ“Dried peas– I have used dried green peas here because I had them in plenty at home. You can always use dried white peas too.

โœ“Potatoes and carrots– Add texture and body to the gravy.

โœ“Onions, tomatoes etc are the basic flavor bringing factors here and cannot be substituted.

โœ“ Mintย leaves are an absolute must while attempting this dish. It is that ingredient which makes or breaks this recipe.

โœ“ Black stone flower– Although this is not something added in all versions, I learned from Vidhya that it is a great flavor to include. This is optional but highly recommended.

โœ“ Fennel– The magic spice that elevates this dish to another level.

โœ“ Jaggery- While the addition of jaggery may seem like something irregular in a Chaat recipe, it is a very common habit in Karnataka cuisine to round off any savory dish with some jaggery. This does wonders to a dish. Also, jaggery balances tang, spice and salt like magic.

a bowl of bangalore style masala puri chaat served over a wooden plate.

Recipe Notes

Use new dried peas. Anything sitting for longer than 2 months on a pantry shelf is considered old. And these older dried peas take longer to cook. If they do cook, they tend to have an unpleasant bite.

Hydrate the peas well– As with all beans and legumes, it is very important that you hydrate your beans for a good number of hours. This will speed up the cooking process and also ensure even cooking.

Making ahead

ย Prepare the mint chutney and the sweet chutney if making over the weekend and store it in clean sterilized jars. I have used store-bought Sweet chutney here. You can also try the same.ย 

Soak the peas ahead, drain all the water used for soaking and freeze the soaked peas in a freezer safe bag. When you want to make this, thaw the peas by pouring hot water over them and proceed with the recipe.ย 

Similarly, you can also air-fry the Pooris to reduce hands-on time. Or you can fry them and store them in an air tight box. Or better yet, simply buy readily available Pooris and proceed with the recipe.

Shelf life & Storage

The gravy keeps well for 2 days when stored in the refrigerator. The mint chutney keeps well for 4 days and the sweet chutney lasts up to a month if handled right.

You can also freeze leftover peas gravy in small portions. Thaw at room temperature for 2 hours and then gently reheat.

Dietary specifications

This dish is vegan-friendly and is free from soy and nuts. If you are looking to make this recipe gluten free, skip the Pooris and enjoy just the gravy with its toppings and sauces. Make sure you buy gluten-free sweet chutney.ย 

Method

Soaking the peas (hydrating)

Wash and soak the peas in enough water for 8 to 10 hours. When done, drain all the water used for soaking.ย 

how-to-do-masal-poori

Pressure cooking the peas

Combine the soaked peas, carrot and potato in a pressure cooker with water. Add salt. Pressure cook for 5 whistles. Let pressure release naturally.

Check if the peas are cooked by squishing one between your fingers. It should be soft and mushy.ย 

Mashing the peas

Drain the water used for cooking and reserve it for cooking the curry. There is no need to completely drain the peas. Set aside 1/2 the boiled potato and 1 small piece of the carrot because we will need this for the masala paste.

Now, go in with a ladle and gently mash the mixture. Set aside.

Making the Masala Paste

Combine cumin, pepper, cinnamon, mint, potato, Amchur powder and red chili powder in a blender jar. Set aside.

Heat a pan with oil. Add garlic and ginger. Fry till garlic becomes golden. Now, add the onions and fry till pink and soft. Add salt to speed up the cooking. Now, add fennel seeds and the black stone flower, if using, and mix well.

peas-gravy-for-chaat

At this point, add the tomatoes and mix well. Next, add green chilis and continue to cook till tomatoes are slightly mushy.

Add this fried onion tomato mixture to the blender jar with the other ingredients. Allow the mixture to cool. When cool, grind to a smooth paste without adding any water.

peas-gravy-for-chaat

Making the green peas gravy

Heat a pan with oil. Now add the ground paste along with 1 cup of the reserved water. Mix well. Tip in the cooked and mashed peas mixture.

peas-gravy-for-chaat

Add jaggery, garam masala, turmeric powder and salt. Mix well. Simmer this on low flame for about 10 mins. You will see that the gravy changes to dull green as it simmers.

peas-gravy-for-chaat

When it froths up at the surface and begins to bubble, switch off flame. Our Peas Gravy is ready.

peas-gravy-for-chaat

Frying or Prepping the Pooris

Heat a pan with oil. The oil should be hot enough for the Puris to fry well. Add the Puris in batches and fry on medium heat until golden, puffy and crisp. Drain on a paper towel.

how-to-fry-pani-poori-fryums?

Assemblingย 

In a deep bowl, crush 8 to 9 pooris. Pour about 2 cups of the gravy. Add all the veggies- shredded carrots, onions, tomatoes.

Now, spoon the green chutney and the sweet chutney over. Sprinkle some Sev and garnish with finely chopped cilantro.ย 

More Chaat Recipes

  • soft dahi bhalle served with chutneys and spices in a black bowl. Bowl placed over an antique charger plate with a brass spoon by the side.
    Dahi Bhalla Recipe- Soft Dahi Bada
  • bombay sandwich chutney in a glass jar with cheese slices, herbs and bread slices around
    Sandwich Chutney- Bombay street style
  • Masala Puri – Bangalore Style Chaat
  • Channa chaat served in a beige bowl with cilantro leaves garnished on top
    Channa Chaat Recipe| Easy Snack Recipes
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Masala Puri Chaat

Bangalore style Masala Puri Chaat; a scrumptious medley of green peas, crisps and an assortment of veggies; all served piping hot.
Prep Time10 hours hrs
Cook Time1 hour hr
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 6 plates
Calories: 765kcal

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Frying Pan

Ingredients

For the Green peas

  • 1.5 c Dried green peas
  • 5 c Water
  • 1 largish Potato
  • 1 large Carrot peeled
  • 1.5 tsp Salt

For the spice paste

  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp peppercorns
  • 1/2 inch cinnamon stick
  • 10 leaves fresh mint
  • 1/2 a boiled potato
  • 2 inch piece boiled carrot
  • 1 tsp aamchur powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 10 g finely chopped garlic
  • 3 g peeled and chopped ginger
  • 1 c finely chopped onions
  • 1 tsp fennel seeds
  • 1 small bit Kalpaasi ( Black stone flower) optional but highly recommended
  • 3/4 c finely chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 green chilis roughly chopped

For the green peas curry

  • 1.5 tbsp oil
  • 1 recipe masala paste
  • 1 c water
  • 1 recipe prepared peas, potato and carrot mixture
  • 1.5 tsp jaggery powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1.75 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1 c water to adjust consistency

For the pooris

  • 48 dried pooris
  • 200 ml oil

Toppings

  • 1/2 c Mint chutney
  • 1/2 c Dates and tamarind sweet chutney ( I have used store bought chutney here)
  • 1 c Peeled and grated carrots
  • 1 c finely chopped onions
  • 1 c finely chopped tomatoes
  • 1/2 c finely chopped raw mango Optional but recommended. ( I have not used this in the video though)
  • 1/2 c finely chopped coriander leaves
  • 3/4 c Sev I have used store bought sev here.

Instructions

Cooking the green peas

  • Wash the dried green peas and soak in 5 c water for 8 to 10 hours.
  • After its hydrated, drain all the water used for soaking.
  • Combine the hydrated peas, the peeled potato and carrot in a pressure cooker .
  • Add 5 c water and salt to this.
  • Pressure cook for 5 whistles.
  • Naturally release pressure.
  • Drain the water used for cooking and set aside.
  • Set aside one piece boiled carrot and 1/2 the boiled potato.
  • Now mash the remaining mixture gently. Set aside.

Making the masala paste

  • In a blender, combine the cumin, cinnamon, peppercorns, mint, boiled potato, carrot, Aamchur powder and red chili powder. Set aside.
  • Heat a pan with oil.
  • Add the ginger and garlic. Fry till garlic becomes golden.
  • Now add chopped onions and mix well.
  • Fry till pink and soft.
  • Add the fennel seeds and Kalpaasi. Mix well.
  • Now add finely chopped tomatoes and mix well. Add salt.
  • Add green chilis now.
  • Mix and cook till tomatoes turn mushy.
  • Once done, combine with the other ingredients in the blender.
  • Let cool and blend to a smooth paste. Set aside.

For the Green peas curry

  • Heat a pan with 1.5 tbsp oil.
  • Add the ground masala paste.
  • Mix well and add 1 c water. Use the water reserved from cooking the peas.
  • Simmer for 2 mins.
  • Now add cooked and mashed peas along with the water used for cooking the peas.
  • Mix well.
  • Add jaggery, garam masala and turmeric powder
  • Add salt.
  • Mix well and continue to simmer for 10 mins on low flame.

Frying the pooris

  • Heat oil for deep frying the pooris.
  • Add the pooris in batches.
  • Fry on medium flame until puffy and crispy.
  • Drain on a paper towel.

Assembling the Masala Poori Chaat

  • Crush 8 pooris in a deep plate.
  • Pour 2 cups of the hot peas gravy on the top.
  • Add grated carrots, chopped tomatoes, chopped onions.
  • Add 1 tbsp sweet chutney and 1.5 tbsp green chutney.
  • Now sprinkle sev on top.
  • Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.
  • Repeat the same process for assembling the remaining plates.
  • Serve hot.

Notes

Use new dried peas. Anything sitting for longer than 2 months on a pantry shelf is considered old. And these older dried peas take longer to cook. If they do cook, they tend to have an unpleasant bite.
Hydrate the peas well– As with all beans and legumes, it is very important that you hydrate your beans for a good number of hours. This will speed up the cooking process and also ensure even cooking.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Nutrition

Calories: 765kcal | Carbohydrates: 79g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 26g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 2066mg | Potassium: 1086mg | Fiber: 18g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 6962IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 4mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, please leave a STAR RATING (โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…) in the recipe card and tell us more in the comments. This will encourage others to try this recipe and that is what keeps me motivated to churn out more delicious stuff everyday. Thank you :).

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Filed Under: Chaat recipes, Indian Vegan Recipes

Seppankizhangu Roast | Arbi Roast Recipe

January 19, 2021 By anusha 2 Comments

SEPPANKIZHANGU ROAST- ARBI ROAST

Seppankizhangu Roast- Taro roots coated with spices and  pan fried to golden.

Seppankizhangu roast with some curry leaves as garnish- a close look

Why should you try this Seppankizhangu roast?

โ†  Seppankizhangu, known as taro root in english, is a fibre rich root vegetable.

โ†  It is vegan and works great as a snack too!

โ†  Makes for fantastic finger foods in a party.

โ†  Tastes heavenly with a bowl of rice and rasam.

โ†  Last but not the least, its a fantastic kid-pleasing dish. Okay, grown-ups love it too.

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What is Seppankizhangu?

So, let s begin with the basics, shall we? Seppankizhangu is Taro root or colocasia in English. It s Arbi in Hindi and Chamadumpa in Telugu. But no matter how you choose to address it, it’s a fantastic vegetable!

Arbi Roastย 

Until a few years ago, i did not know that this is quite widely used in Gujarat and Maharasthra too! Definitely,ย  I owe it to my cook for teaching me the typical Gujju style Arbi roast and that involves peeling the Arbi and frying it first. Then they toss it with spices. Well, i guess that recipe is for another day.

Cheppankizhangu Fry- Ingredients

We are going to toss the Cheppankizhangu in a coating and then fry it till golden.ย 

So for the spice mix, we are going to be using basic spices- Turmeric powder, chili powder and asafetida. Using asafetida helps in easy digestion. However, asafetida has gluten added to it.ย  So skip this for a gluten-free version of this Seppankizhangu roast.

Rice flour– This recipe uses rice flour. Adding rice flour helps in giving that much-needed crisp layer to our Seppankizhangu and so, I strongly recommend this.

If you do not have rice flour, you can add corn starch instead.

As for the oil, you can use any neutral-flavored vegetable oil to make this Seppankizhangu roast.

Cast iron pan for making Arbi Roast

If I have to give you that one tip to absolutely rock this Seppankizhangu fry, it has to be this- Use a cast-iron pan to make this recipe.

Cast iron retains heat and cooks evenly and slowly. As a result, you will have a beautiful golden crust on your Seppankizhangu. But this crust simply doesn’t get done in a nonstick or stainless steel pan.

ย Seppankizhangu roast makes a fine addition to any south Indian lunch platter and hence, you should make it without any further delay.

Some South Indian Lunch Recipes

  • kara kulambu, a tangy gravy with eggplants and moringa served in a rustic red bowl placed over a brown backdrop
    Kara Kulambu
  • tomato rasam served in a steel bowl placed over a blue napkin. Fried yam slices at the background
    Tomato Rasam
  • green beans poriyal served in a reddish brown bowl with curry leaves by the side
    Beans Poriyal – Beans Palya
  • Kovakkai fry served in a beige ceramic bowl placed over a wooden board. Sliced kovakkai scattered around the bowl on the board
    Kovakkai Fry- Tendli Fry

Meal Planning and Prep Work for Seppankizhangu Roast

Meal Planning-

This may seem like a time-consuming recipe, you know, one that won’t be easy on weekdays. If you feel that way, then you can wash the taro roots thoroughly, pressure cook, peel and slice them into roundels. Once the slicing is done, store in the refrigerator. This keeps well for 2 days. I won’t recommend freezing.

Frozen Arbi tends to have moisture and as a result, doesn’t fry well.

Prep Work-

The most time-consuming step in this recipe is cooking the taro. Make sure you choose fresh taro or those that dont have specks of green. Begin working on the taro the first thing in the morning and use a pressure cooker for quicker results!

Pro Tip: Taro or Seppankizhangu may cause itching to some. Smear your hands with some oil or wear a gloves to prevent this. Also, older taro root is more likely to cause itching.

Seppankizhangu Roast Video

Here s the video of making this crispy Arbi roast, in case you are interested.

Seppankizhangu Roast- Step by Step

Pressure cooking

Wash the roots well as they have a lot of mud in them. So I recommend soaking them in water for 10 mins.ย  Use a light tooth brush (obviously, a new one) to scrub them. This way, you can easily get rid of the mud.

Combine the taro, water and 2 tsp salt in a pressure cooker. Cook for 3 whistles and wait for the pressure to release naturally.

Pro Tip: Adding salt while pressure cooking helps in even cooking and easy peeling of the taro later.

Slicing and coating with spices

Now, peel the cooked taro. Slice them into thick roundels. Place them in a mixing bowl. Drizzle oil and add the spice powders, salt, rice flour and curry leaves.

Using silicone or a wooden spatula, gently toss everything together. Make sure the spices coat the Arbi evenly.

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Pan-frying the Arbi

When the taro is coated well, let s begin roasting them.

If fried together in large batches, Arbi simply doesn’t roast well. So I prefer doing this in batches. Also, I use a 10 inch cast iron skillet to do the same.

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Using a larger skillet means that there are fewer overlaps and more space to add more roundels.ย 

Heat up a cast iron pan and add 1.5 tbsp oil to it. When the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and allow them to pop. Tip in the urad dal next and as the dal begins to brown, add a batch of the coated roundels to the pan.

Add them in a single layer and try to avoid overlaps, as you place them. For best results, I recommend using a pair of tongs to do this. After adding the first batch, lower the flame to medium.

Finishing up our Seppankizhangu roast

Now, cook this for 3 to 4 mins or until they turn golden on the pan side down.

When they are golden, flip them over and cook the other side on medium flame until golden.

After they are done roasting, go in with a spatula and toss them gently. Cook on low flame for 2 mins.

When you have finished with the first batch, repeat the same cooking process for the remaining roundels. Simply add the remaining 1/2 tbsp oil to the pan and proceed.ย 

Once done, combine the two batches. Now, garnish with more curry leaves because there really is nothing like fresh curry leaves for flavor.

Our lip-smacking Seppankizhangu roast done in a cast iron pan is ready to be devoured!

Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for regular cooking updates and short videos. Find us on  Pinterest for delicious content. Tried our Seppankizhangu Roast? We value your thoughts and comments! Leave a comment and tell us how it worked for you.

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a comment and Iโ€™ll respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging us @tomatoblues.

ย 

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Seppankizhangu Roast

Seppankizhangu Roast; Indian style taro root roast with basic indian spices. Vegan.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time45 minutes mins
Course: Vegetables
Cuisine: Indian- South
Servings: 4 persons

Ingredients

  • 300 g Seppankizhangu Arbi or colocassia
  • 1/4 tsp Asafetida
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 to 3 tsp Red chili powder
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 10 curry leaves torn
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp urad dal

Instructions

Pressure cooking the seppankizhangu

  • Wash the taro roots well until all the mud is thoroughly washed away.
  • Place in a pressure cooker along with 4 to 5 c water and 2 tsp salt.
  • Cook for 3 whistles.
  • Let pressure release naturally.
  • Once done, drain all the water completely.
  • Peel the seppankizhangu and slice into thick roundels.

Coating the Seppankizhangu with spices

  • Place the sliced roundels in a bowl.
  • Drizzle 2 tsp oil over this.
  • Now add the asafetida, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, rice flour and curry leaves to this.
  • Using a silicone spatula, mix gently until all the spices coat the sliced roundels evenly.

Pan roasting the seppankizhangu roast

  • Heat a cast iron pan with 2 tbsp oil.
  • Pop the mustard seeds and add the urad dal.
  • Wait for the dal to brown.
  • Now add the sliced roundels in a single layer on the pan. Make sure the roundels dont overlap each other. We are going to fry the Arbi in batches. This is our first batch.
  • Turn down the flame to medium low and cook for 3 mins.
  • Now, using a pair of tongs, flip the sliced roundels and cook for 3 mins on medium flame.
  • Once done, using a spatula, mix well but gently.
  • Cook on low flame for 2 mins.
  • When done, remove the roasted Arbi from the pan. Now add the remaining oil.
  • Add the remaining Arbi in a layer and repeat the same cooking process.
  • When done, combine both batches. and garnish with curry leaves. Take off flame and serve hot.

Video

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

Filed Under: Indian Vegan Recipes, Poriyal And Thoran Recipes, South Indian Lunch Dishes, Vegan Recipes

Instant Pot Spinach Rice | Indian Style Palak Pulao

January 19, 2021 By anusha Leave a Comment

INSTANT POT SPINACH RICE- Aromatic Basmati rice cooked along with a puree made of fresh spinach leaves and veggies like carrots and green peas.

spinach pulao made in the instant pot and served in a blue bowl with raita

Why should you try this Instant Pot Spinach Pulao?

โ†  To begin with, this is quick, delicious and wholesome.ย  Hands-free because we are using the Instant pot!

โ†  Spinach and rice are a match made in heaven. You have to try this to believe me.

โ†  Because rice is great for gluten-free diets and this recipe can be made vegan too!

โ†  Packs a punch in your lunch.

โ† This is one of the easiest recipes to try in an Instant Pot if you are a beginner in the electric pressure cooking world

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Beginner Friendly Instant Pot Recipe

There are so many versions of this delightful combination of spinach and rice around the world. My version is the Desi-style Spinach rice. We call it Palak Pulao and it’s not only delicious but also healthy and wholesome.ย 

Making this Spinach Pulao in the Instant pot is very simple and easy. This recipe calls for basic pantry staples and a few whole spices. You can always skip or include the aromatics based on whatever is available in your pantry but cumin is that one spice that you have to add!

Ingredients, Substitutes & Replacements

The basic building blocks of this recipe are rice, spinach and veggies. And to spruce things up, we are going to be adding some whole spices to make this spinach rice flavorful and yumm.

Let us look at our ingredients, shall we?

โœ“Basmati rice– This is long-grained rice with a subtle flavor. This works best for any type of Indian style Pulao. I will not recommend switching the rice to a different variety for this Instant Pot version because the timings vary for different varieties of rice.

โœ“Spinach/ Palak– If you find fresh spinach, then nothing like it for this recipe. However, if you are unable to source fresh spinach, then frozen spinach puree works well too. Thaw the spinach puree as per package instructions and proceed with the recipe.

โœ“Veggies– I have used a combination of carrots, beans, and peas in this Pulao. You can use broccoli, cauliflower and potatoes too. Frozen mixed veggies work very well in this Pulao. Simply add the frozen veggies directly to the pot. No need to even thaw it!

โœ“Spices– Again, i have used spices that are pretty much basic to every Indian pantry. However, if you don’t have all these spices, just skip them and add cumin seeds alone.ย 

โœ“ Ginger+garlic- Both these add beautiful flavor and helps in easy digestion. I have used store bought ginger garlic paste for this recipe. You can use freshly grated ginger and garlic too! Use 1 tsp each grated ginger and garlic if you are using them fresh. If you dont have ginger, then you can skip that but garlic is an absolute must.

โœ“ Green chili- I have added just one green chili while pureeing the spinach. I did this on purpose because I wanted to make it kid-friendly. You can increase the number of green chilis if you want spicier rice.

Meal Planning Tips and Prep Work

Meal Planningย 

This is a super meal plan-friendly recipe. Chop veggies over the weekend and store them in a fridge friendly container. If you are going to use fresh spinach, follow the instructions in this recipe to prepare the puree and freeze ahead in freezer-safe containers. I assure you that if you have these two done, then this Pulao will come together in less than 30 mins.

Prep Work

If you plan to make this on the fly, then this is what worked for me-

Wash and soak the rice for 15 mins.ย 

While the rice soaks, prep the spinach puree and chop veggies.

Recipe Notesย 

Rice

Soaking the rice for longer than mentioned in this recipe will make it mushy when cooked. So soaking for the mentioned time is very essential. Using short-grained rice is not encouraged for this recipe because short-grained rice often becomes mushy and works differently.

Timings

Follow the timings mentioned in this Spinach pulao recipe for the best Instant Pot Spinach rice that s fluffy and just right!

Pro Tip: I love my kitchen timer for recipes like this! Use one to keep an eye on the time.

Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot Spinach Pulao

To make this a complete meal, you can pair this up with a cool and refreshing raita. Here are some delicious raita recipes that you can try!

  • Boondi raita garnished with mint leaves and served in a wooden bowl
    Boondi Raita Recipe
  • Tomato Raita

More Pulao And Biryani Recipes

  • Biryani Recipes
  • Pulao Recipes

Vegan versionย 

For a vegan-friendly version, skip the ghee and replace it with 1 tbsp organic cold-pressed virgin coconut oil. The coconut oil lends a beautiful flavor to this pulao.

If you don’t have access to coconut oil, you can also use 1.5 tbsp canola oil or any neutral-flavored vegetable oil for this Spinach Pulao.

Method

In this recipe, the first step is prepping the rice. We are going to begin with this. And as the rice soaks, let us work on the other ingredients, for instance, chopping veggies and making the puree.

Like I mentioned in our meal prep section, you can always do the chopping and puree part earlier. As a result, you will be all set to make this in a pinch! While you are at it, make sure you read our meal prep section in this recipe. Psst..we have some tips always to make cooking a breeze!

Washing and soaking the rice

Wash the basmati rice under running water till the water runs clear. Add 1.5 c water to this and soak for 15 mins. While the rice is soaking, let s prepare the spinach puree and chop the veggies.

Making the spinach puree

Wash and clean the spinach. I m not very picky about removing the tender stalks. Baby spinach works well for this recipe too! When the spinach is clean, add it to boiling water and let it rest for a minute.

To quicken up this process, i recommend starting the hot water kettle with water. This way, your water will be ready when you are done cleaning the spinach.

After a minute, drain the water fully. Wash with cold water. By washing the spinach in cold water, we prevent it from cooking further.

Combine the blanched spinach, mint and green chilis in a blender. Grind to a smooth paste. I used my immersion blender to do this and it is so effortless.

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Sauteeing the onions+veggies

Turn on the saute mode in your Instant Pot. Set the timer for 9 mins. Add ghee to the inner pot and wait for it to melt. When the ghee is hot, add all the whole spices.

When the spices begin to brown and pop, add chopped onions and ginger-garlic paste. Mix and saute until the onions turn pink and soft.

As soon as the onions are done, add veggies and mix well. Saute for 1 min.

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Cooking the spinach puree

Now add the spinach puree, Garam masala powder and salt. Mix everything well. Continue to cook till the mixture becomes thick and moisture reduces. This takes about 3 mins.ย 

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Adding the rice and water

When the mixture has thickened and the moisture has reduced, let us add the soaked rice.

Drain the rice completely and add it to the pot. Add 1.25 c water to this and mix well. Squeeze a wedge of lemon into this mixture, I added 2 tsp of lemon juice precisely!

Lemon juice helps retain the color. So I highly recommend it!

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Making the Spinach rice in Instant Pot

Cancel the saute mode and close the lid and turn the pressure valve to sealing. Now, turn on the pressure cook mode at low pressure for 3 mins. Allow the instant pot to finish its cooking cycle.ย 

Once it has finished cooking, wait for 7 mins. This is our natural pressure release time for this recipe. After 7 mins, do a quick pressure release by turning the valve.

Open the lid and gently fluff the rice gently with a fork.

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And that s it! Our Instant Pot spinach rice is ready to be served.

Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for regular cooking updates and short videos. Follow me on Pinterest for delicious content. Tried our Instant Pot Spinach Rice? We value your thoughts and comments! Leave a comment and tell us how it worked for you.

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a comment and Iโ€™ll respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging us @tomatoblues.

ย 

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4.50 from 2 votes

Instant Pot Spinach Rice

Easy flavorful and healthy Spinach rice made the desi way in Instant pot with basic spices and veggies.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time12 minutes mins
Resting Time7 minutes mins
Course: entree
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 3 persons

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

For the spinach puree

  • 300 g Cleaned spinach
  • 2 green chilis
  • 6 c Boiling hot water
  • 10 leaves fresh mint

For the pulao

  • 1 tbsp ghee
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2 cloves
  • 1 green cardamom
  • 1 small bay leaf
  • 1/4 inch cinnamon stick
  • 3/4 c finely chopped onions
  • 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
  • 1 c Mixed chopped veggies- Carrots, beans and peas.
  • 1/2 tsp Garam masala powder
  • 1 recipe Spinach puree as prepared
  • 1.5 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1 c Basmati rice
  • 1.25 c water
  • 2 tsp Lemon juice

Instructions

  • Wash the basmati rice well under running water until water runs clear.
  • Add 1.5 c water to this and allow it to soak for 15 mins.

Making the spinach puree

  • While the rice soaks, wash and clean the spinach.
  • Add this to the boiling water and let it sit for 1 min
  • Drain and immediately wash in cold water.
  • Place the blanched spinach, mint leaves and green chili in a blender.
  • Grind this to a smooth paste. I did not add any water while grinding.

Making Instant Pot Spinach Pulao

  • Turn on the saute mode in Instant pot and set timer for 9 mins.
  • Add ghee and allow it to heat up.
  • Add all the whole spices .
  • Mix and saute for 30 secs until spices begin to brown and pop.
  • Now add finely chopped onions and ginger and garlic paste.
  • Mix and saute till onions turn pink and soft.
  • Now add the veggies and garam masala and mix well.
  • Next add the prepared spinach puree, garam masala powder and salt.
  • Mix well and let it simmer till the moisture reduces and the mixture becomes thick. This takes 3 to 4 mins roughly. Keep stirring every now and then to avoid burning.
  • Once done, turn off the saute mode.
  • Now drain the soaked rice completely and add it to the pot
  • Add 1.5 c water and mix well.
  • Add the lemon juice and mix gently.
  • Close the IP and set Valve to sealing position
  • Turn on the pressure cook mode or manual mode on the Instant pot.
  • Set low pressure at 3 mins.
  • Allow the IP to finish the cooking cycle. The IP takes about 7 to 8 mins to build pressure and then begins cooking.
  • Once the cooking cycle is complete, wait for 7 mins.
  • After 7 mins, do a quick pressure release manually.
  • When done, open and fluff the rice gently with a fork.
  • Instant pot spinach rice is ready.

Notes

Please note-
The Instant Pot timings will vary if you live in a high altitude place or a cold place.
I have used aged basmati rice to make this Pulao. New basmati is not recommended in this recipe because it cooks to a mush.
Allowing the palak puree to simmer and waiting for the moisture to reduce is very important in this recipe. Excess liquid from the palak puree will make the rice mushier.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

Filed Under: Instant Pot Rice Recipes, Pulao Recipes, Sides

Ragi Dosa – Finger Millet Dosa

January 18, 2021 By anusha 2 Comments

Ragi dosa served with coconut chutney and sambar on a black plate

Step by step guide to make Ragi Dosa with whole Ragi grains and Urad Dal. This recipe uses no form of rice or Ragi flour. Make these healthy South Indian millet Dosas for breakfast or dinner and serve them piping hot with some hearty Sambar.

Follow us onย Pinterestย for delicious pins. Join ourย Facebook groupย for moreย Instant Potย andย Air Fryerย Recipes.

Ragi dosa served with coconut chutney and sambar on a black plate

The biggest challenge when it comes to including millet in our diet is to do so without adding rice. While an exclusive millet-only diet is not recommended by many nutrition experts, positive millets, when included a few times in a week, have great health benefits.

Ragi ( Nachni in Hindi, Keppai/ Kezhvaragu in Tamil) is rich in calcium and is also a good source of protein. Studies show that they are beneficial in controlling blood sugar too. So, including this nutrient-dense millet in our diet is a great idea.

Why do we love this recipe?

โ˜‘ This recipe uses only finger millet and urad dal, making this the ideal Ragi dosa made without rice.

โ˜‘ This is a fermented dosa batter. You can reap the benefits of both fermented foods and the wholesome nutrition of Ragi aka Nachni.

โ˜‘ This is a fantastic nutrient-dense breakfast recipe that also makes for a filling lunch when paired with a light vegetable kurma like this Vellai Kurma.

โ˜‘ Ragi is a great source of complex carbs and polyphenols, making it an ideal millet for people looking to cut down their simple carbs intake.

โ˜‘ And last but not the least, these no riceย dosas taste fantastic with a subtle bite.

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Ragi dosa batter without rice flour

Most people who begin new with a millet inclusive diet often assume that making dishes just with millet alone is a challenge. It is true that eating millet in place of simpler carbs like white rice and wheat is an acquired habit. But cooking with them is not much of a challenge.

If you are someone who thinks that Ragi dosa cannot be made without using any form of rice, then let me change that! You will be surprised at the taste of these crispy-edged dosas.

So what is different about this Ragi Dosa recipe?

Whole Ragi and Urad Dal

Unlike the instant ragi dosa, this recipe uses whole finger millet and whole white urad dal. We mainly rely on Urad dal in any Idli-Dosa batter recipe to aid fermentation and to add protein to the dish. This recipe that uses urad dal is the perfect combination of complex carbs+protein.

If you love millet or looking to include millet on a regular basis, then check out our Millet recipes.

Explore more millet recipes

  • Little millet curd rice served in a black bowl set against a blue backdrop
    Samai Thayir Sadam | Little Millet Curd Rice
  • Thinai Ven Pongal served in a brass box with ghee on the top. Curry leaves and millet in a winnow as a backdrop.
    Thinai Pongal- Instant Pot + Stovetop
  • Thinai Arisi Pongal | Foxtail Millet Sweet Pongal
  • Barnyard Millet Idli Dosa
    Millet Idli Dosa with barnyard millet
  • thinai nellikai sadam
    Thinai Arisi Nellikai Sadam Recipe- Foxtail Millet Gooseberry Rice
  • savory millet parfait
    Savory Millet Parfait In A Jar

Serving Suggestions

Here are some delicious side kicks that can be paired with these Dosas.

  • Palli chutney for dosa- vegan peanut chutney served with dosas on a banana leaf
    Peanut Chutney – Andhra Style Palli Chutney
  • Salavai Chutney- South indian style vegan dip for Idli, dosa served in a blue bowl placed on a beige cheese board on a cement like backdrop.
    Salavai Chutney| 5 Ingredient Coconut Chutney
  • tomato garlic chutney
    Tomato Garlic Chutney Recipe For Idli Dosa
  • onion mint chutney
    Onion Mint Chutney Recipe For Idli, Dosa- Pudina Vengaya Chutney

Prep Work and Meal Planning

If you intend to include this in your weekly meal plan, make sure to add finger millet and whole white urad dal to your grocery shopping list.

This ragi dosa batter freezes beautifully! Once the batter has fermented, To freeze this, transfer them to clean silicon bags or freezer-friendly containers. Place it in the freezer and allow to freeze fully.

If you plan to use this frozen ragi dosa batter, allow it to thaw in the fridge over night. If you live in a cold place, you can even leave it out on the counter for 4 to 5 hours before cooking.

Let me quickly share my workflow for this recipe-

During cold days-

Soak the millet+dal in the night- grind in the early morning- allow to ferment.

During hot days-

Soak the millet+dal in the morning- grind late evening- allow to ferment.

You can read more about this in our Millet Idli Dosa Batter post.

FAQs

Storing the batter – Shelf life

This batter keeps well in the fridge for 3 days. Freeze some batter after its fermented to use later. Store it in a clean air tight container to retain its freshness and prevent mold and fungi.

Pro Tip: Avoid freezing unfermented batter. When you freeze the unfermented batter, you will have to ferment it after thawing. It may not happen successfully owing to the cold treatment that the batter got!

Step by step method

Washing and soaking

Place the ragi in a large mixing bowl. Wash it under running water at least two times. Drain the water used for washing. Add water to this drained ragi and soak for 8 to 10 hours.

Similarly, combine urad dal and fenugreek seeds in a mixing bowl. Wash under running water. Drain this water used for washing, add fresh water and let it soak.

ragi dosa step by step (3)
ragi dosa step by step (2)
ragi dosa step by step (4)
ragi dosa step by step (5)

Grinding Urad dal

When the millet and dal has soaked, it is time to grind our batter.ย 

Wash the grinder and the stone well. Make sure the grinder and the stone is moist. We ll first grind our soaked urad dal+ fenugreek.

Drain all the water used for soaking the dal. Switch on the grinder and while its running, add the urad dal gradually. Add 1/4 c water to begin with. Our objective is to grind the urad dal to a smooth, fluffy and light batter. This takes approximately 22 mins in a grinder.

Make sure you stop every 5 mins once and add 1/4 c water. Scrape down the sides and then continue to grind.ย 

You will know that batter is done when a blob of the ground paste floats without disintegrating in a bowl of water. When the batter is ready, transfer it to a large clean mixing bowl.

Barnyard Millet Idli Dosa
Barnyard Millet Idli Dosa
Barnyard Millet Idli Dosa
Barnyard Millet Idli Dosa
Barnyard Millet Idli Dosa
Barnyard Millet Idli Dosa

Pro Tip: I highly recommend using the wet grinder to grind any millet based batter for best results. Using a blender to grind millet can damage the sensitive blades in a blender.

Grinding the finger millet

This s the most important step in this recipe. We are going to be using a slightly different technique to grind the millet today.

ragi dosa step by step (8)
ragi dosa step by step (9)
ragi dosa step by step (10)
ragi dosa step by step (11)

Firstly, drain all the water used for soaking the millet completely. There should be absolutely no water.ย 

Stop every 5 mins, scrape down the sides and add 1/4 c ground urad dal to the ragi for grinding. We won’t be using water to make our batter. We are going to rely on the ground batter as our liquid for grinding, instead.

Our objective is to grind the millet to a smooth consistency and it should not be runny or watery. It took me roughly 25 mins to achieve this consistency and i added about 1 c ground urad dal batter to grind.

Mixing the batters and fermenting

ragi dosa step by step (6)
ragi dosa step by step (7)

When the millet has finished grinding, combine this ground paste along with the remaining urad dal batter. Add salt and mix well. Add about 1/2 c water to the grinder, wash it well and add this water too to the ground paste.

Consistency

The consistency of the batter should not be too thick or too watery. This is why it s very important not to add too much liquid while grinding. You can always adjust the consistency of the batter if it s thick, later on. But on the other hand, if it becomes too watery, then the dosa will begin to stick to the pan.

Fermenting

Now allow this to ferment for 7 to 8 hours. After this time, the batter would have risen up and will have a beautiful bubble surface.

Making Dosas

To make this Dosa, mix the fermented batter well. If you find the consistency of the batter too thick, then add 1/2 c of water for 2 c ragi batter. Mix well. Make sure to adjust the salt as well.

ragi dosa step by step (13)
ragi dosa step by step (14)
ragi dosa step by step (15)
ragi dosa step by step (16)
ragi dosa step by step (17)
ragi dosa step by step (18)
ragi dosa step by step (19)
Ragi dosa served with coconut chutney and sambar on a black plate

Now heat a cast iron or iron dosa pan. When the pan has heated up, pour a ladle of the batter in the center of the pan. Spread it to a thin circle. Cook on low flame for about 45 secs until you see no raw batter on the surface. Drizzle some oil around the edges.ย 

When done, flip and cook for 30 secs on medium flame. Drizzle some more oil along the edges of the dosa as you do so.

Once the Dosa has finished cooking, flip the dosa over and fold in half. Serve hot with chutney and sambar.

Ragi dosa served with coconut chutney and sambar on a black plate

Recipe Notes

The first time I tried this recipe, I used water to grind the millet. The result was that, the millet simply wouldn’t grind to a smooth paste. It took nearly 1 hour to grind the Ragi. This obviously meant that the Dosas were brittly and not soft too.

So, I suggest using the ground urad dal mixture which is denser to grind this batter.ย 

It took roughly 30 mins and 1 c ground urad dal batter to grind the finger millet for me.

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a comment and Iโ€™ll respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging us @tomatoblues.

Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for regular cooking updates and short videos. Follow me on Pinterest for delicious content. Tried our No Rice Ragi Dosa? Then please rate this recipe and tell us why you loved our recipe!

ย 

Ragi dosa served with coconut chutney and sambar on a black plate
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Ragi Dosa -Finger millet dosa

Ragi dosa-Vegan and gluten-free finger millet dosa batter for making crisp and lacy ragi dosa without any rice or rice flour.
Prep Time8 minutes mins
Cook Time2 minutes mins
Fermenting and Grinding time8 hours hrs
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Indian- South
Servings: 20 dosas

Equipment

  • Wet grinder

Ingredients

  • 3 c Whole ragi ( Finger millet/ Nachni/ Kelvaragu)
  • 1 c Whole white urad dal
  • 1 tbsp Fenugreek seeds
  • 3 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 6 + 3 c Water

For making no rice Ragi Dosa

  • 1 recipe ground ragi dosa batter
  • 2 to 3 tbsp Peanut oil

Instructions

Soaking Ragi and Urad dal

  • Place the ragi in a large mixing bowl.
  • Wash the Ragi thoroughly. Drain the water used for washing. Add 6 c water and allow it to soak for 8 to 10 hours.
  • Add the urad dal and fenugreek seeds to a large bowl.
  • Similarly, wash the urad dal and fenugreek seeds. Drain the water used for washing. Add 3 c water and soak for 8 to 10 hours.

Grinding Urad dal

  • Wash the grinder before grinding.
  • Drain all the water used for soaking the dal.
    Barnyard Millet Idli Dosa
  • Switch on the grinder and while it s running, add the soaked urad dal and fenugreek.
    Barnyard Millet Idli Dosa
  • Add 1/4 c water.
  • Grind for 5 mins and stop. Scrape down the sides. Add 1/4 c more and continue to grind for 5 mins.
    Barnyard Millet Idli Dosa
  • Repeat this process - grinding, stopping, scrapping, adding 1/4 c water and grinding for 2 more times.
  • The urad dal takes about 22 mins to grind to a light fluffy batter. Use approximately 1 c water to grind Urad dal.
  • To check the consistency of the batter, drop a blob of the ground urad dal batter into a bowl of water. If it floats without disintegrating, its done. The batter will resemble butter in texture.
    Barnyard Millet Idli Dosa
  • When done, transfer the ground urad dal batter to a mixing bowl.

Grinding the Ragi

  • Drain all the water completely from the soaked ragi. If there is even little water, the ragi will take a long time to grind.
  • Add the soaked ragi to the grinder along with 1/4 c ground urad dal batter.
  • Grind for 5 to 7 mins. Stop and scrape down the sides. Add another 1/4 c batter and continue to grind for 5 mins.
  • Again stop and scrape down the sides.
  • Add 1/4 c batter and continue to grind. Repeat this process- grind, stop, scrape, add 1/4 c ground batter and grind for 2 more times.
  • The batter should be smooth by this time.
  • Ragi takes approximately 30 mins to grind and this grinding process uses approximately 1 c urad dal batter while grinding

Mixing the batters

  • When the batter has finished grinding, transfer this to the bowl along with the remaining urad dal batter.
  • Add 1/2 c water to the grinder, wash it well and add this water to the batter.
  • Now add required salt and mix well.

Fermenting

  • Allow the batter to ferment for at least 8 hours.
  • Fermenting takes longer if you dont add enough salt or if you live in a cold place.
  • The batter will have risen up beautifully with a bubbly surface after fermentation.

Making Ragi Dosa

  • Now, mix the batter well.
  • If you find that the batter is thick, add 1/2 c water for every 2 c batter. Mix well.
  • Heat a cast iron or iron pan.
  • Pour a ladle of batter in the center of the pan and slowly spread it to a thin circle.
  • Reduce flame to medium, drizzle 1 tsp oil around the edges.
  • Cook till you see no more raw batter on the surface. This takes roughly 45 secs.
  • When done, flip, drizzle 1/2 tsp oil around the edges.
  • Continue to cook for 30 secs.
  • When done, flip the dosa, fold in half and serve hot with chutney or sambar.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

More recipes with Ragi

You can also try our Instant Ragi dosa that uses Ragi flour, rice flour, finely chopped onions and cilantro or give our Ragi Chapati a shot.

ย 

Filed Under: Dosa Recipes, Finger Millet (Ragi) Recipes, Indian Vegan Recipes

Kathirikai Podi Curry | Brinjal Podi Curry

January 18, 2021 By anusha 6 Comments

kathrikai podi curry- brinjal stir fry made with fresh spice powder served in a white shallow handled bowl placed on a blue coaster

HOW TO MAKE KATHIRIKAI PODI CURRY?

Kathirikai Podi Curry- Brinjal Podi curry; South Indian style Eggplants sauteed with a freshly made spice powder

kathrikai podi curry- brinjal stir fry made with fresh spice powder served in a white shallow handled bowl placed on a blue coaster

Why you should try this Kathirikai Podi Curry?

โ˜‘ Melt in the mouth buttery soft brinjals and a nutty spice powder combined together just translates to heaven!

โ˜‘ Its an eggplant lover’s delight basically.

โ˜‘ If you make a double batch of this spice powder, you can use it with other veggies and make your own version of the South Indian style Podi Curry.

โ˜‘ And finally, if you eat this with some hot rice mashed with lemon rasam, then i assure you that you will be in a food coma

Sometimes life amazes me. Well, nothing new isn’t it? We are two souls happily living under one roof. But the amount of food that i make sometimes really makes me cringe with guilt. Take for example, the days when i decide to cook eggplants at home. Besides some tangyย ennai kathrikai kuzhambu, any form of eggplants is a total no no as far as Mr.P is concerned.

Its quite obvious that i land up making two curries when i cook an eggplant curry. But the eggplant lover that i am, i cant resist experimenting with those longish purple beauties. The small ones are a real favorite. While i love the regular stir fry with eggplants, i like to roll my sleeves up and get to some real work so that i can make this absolutely divine podi curry with eggplants.

I do make podi curry withย baby potatoesย which again is another love story altogether. This recipe is a win win recipe of sorts. You can eat this as an accompaniment or simply mix it with some hot rice, drizzle some ghee and begin noshing. Either ways, you will love it. The freshly ground spices makes your tongue sing and you wont be surprised if the bowls are licked clean.

kathrikai podi curry- brinjal stir fry made with fresh spice powder served in a white shallow handled bowl placed on a blue coaster

kathrikai podi curry- brinjal stir fry made with fresh spice powder served in a white shallow handled bowl placed on a blue coaster
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Kathirikai Podi Curry

Kathirikai Podi Curry- South Indian style Eggplants made with freshly ground spice powder.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Cooling time10 minutes mins
Course: Accompaniment
Cuisine: Indian- South

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients

  • 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder a pinch
  • 2 tbsp Oil 2 tbsp
  • 1 tsp Mustard seeds
  • 1 sprig Curry leaves a sprig
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 12 medium tender purple eggplants chopped into wedges
  • To Roast And Grind
  • 1 tsp Urad dal
  • 1 tsp Chana dal
  • 2 tsp Coriander seeds
  • 4 Dry red chilies
  • 1/4 tsp Cumin seeds
  • 1/4 tsp Pepper corns
  • 1/4 tsp Sesame seeds
  • 1 marble size Tamarind a small marble size
  • 3/4 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 3/4 tsp Oil 1/2 tsp

Instructions

Making the spice powder

  • Heat 1/2 tsp oil and add chana dal, urad dal, tamarind, coriander seeds and dry red chilies Turn flame to medium.
  • When they begin to brown a little, add the remaining ingredients and roast till aromatic making sure the flame is medium low all the time.
  • Once done, let cool completely.
  • Add salt and grind to a powder. This should slightly coarse. Set aside.

Making Kathirikai Podi curry

  • Heat a pan with 2 tbsp oil. Pop the mustard seeds.
  • Add curry leaves.
  • Now add turmeric and eggplant wedges and salt , give a good toss, making sure the oil coats the eggplants well.
  • Cook the mixture covered on medium flame until the eggplants are fork tender but still hold shape. This takes roughly 8 to 10 mins.
  • When done, add the ground spice mix and combine gently.
  • Cook on medium flame for 2 mins.
  • Switch off flame and serve hot.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

P.S. This post was originally published in March, 2014. This has now been updated with recipe card and fresh photos.

Filed Under: No Onion No Garlic Recipes, Poriyal And Thoran Recipes

Peanut Chutney – Andhra Style Palli Chutney

January 13, 2021 By anusha Leave a Comment

Palli chutney for dosa- vegan peanut chutney served with dosas on a banana leaf

Peanut Chutney or groundnut chutney is a popular South Indian accompaniment for Idlis and Dosas. This creamy, naturally vegan chutney uses a combination of roasted peanuts, garlic cloves, chana dal, dried red chilli and curry leaves among other things.

Peanut chutney served with

Why should you try this chutney?

โ˜‘ This is a protein-rich chutney that pairs well with just about anything even though the heading reads as “sidekick for idlis and dosa”

โ˜‘ This is a ridiculously easy chutney to put together if you have roasted peanuts on hand, which i assume you do, because its a fabulous snackย 

โ˜‘ And this chutney is so addictive that you will probably be eating spoonfuls of it or have an extra Dosa or two just because this chutney sits on the table. Don’t tell me i didn’t tell ya.

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Palli Chutneyย 

This peanut chutney is called as Palli chutney in Telugu. As weird as it sounds, Palli in Tamil means lizard. So needless to say, I was bewildered the first time i came across the term. But let me reassure you, if someone whose tongue is Telugu offers you some Palli chutney, rest assured that it is nothing but this creamy deliciousness of a peanut chutney.ย 

Groundnuts – Which ones to use and how to use?

I was introduced to this chutney by my very talented MIL. And in my MIL s wise words, use only roasted and unsalted peanuts for best results in this recipe. Also, make sure your groundnuts are not rancid.

Peel them or peel them not?

While this is a choice, I do not remove the skin on the peanuts to make this recipe. There is some evidence showing that peanut skin is rich in antioxidants. And peeling is just another step. It truly doesn’t alter the taste much and so I like it this way.

If you do choose to peel your peanuts, you will have a beige color groundnut chutney.ย 

So whichever route you choose doesn’t matter, really.

Prep Work- Meal Prepping

Like i mentioned earlier, this recipe is a breeze to make if you have roasted peanuts on hand. I tend to roast a large batch in the oven over the weekend if this recipe figures in my meal plan for the next week.

You can also peel the garlic in advance and store in them in air tight boxes in your fridge. Though, you need to be really careful about storing them in the fridge because the smell of garlic can be quite overpowering and also latches itself on to other foods in the fridge.

Pro Tip: Use a cast iron pan to roast your groundnuts on stove-top. You can also use the oven to roast them. If roasting a large batch, then place them in a single layer on a cookie tray and roast them in a preheated oven for 8 to 10 mins at 200C. Make sure you stop midway, shake them up well and proceed roasting.

Peanut chutney with rice

You can use the same recipe to make peanut chutney for rice. That will become a tasty thogayal. To adapt this recipe into a rice-friendly version, make sure you grind this into a thick paste and skip adding water to dilute it.

Palli Chutney- Variations

Like any self-respecting chutney worth its salt, this recipe is one with you can make so many variations.ย 

You can also add 1/2 c freshly grated coconut to the peanut chutney for a different taste in the groundnut chutney. However, adding coconut reduces the shelf life. You can also add 1 tbsp roasted sesame seeds to this. Sesame seeds give an earthy flavor and improves its nutrition profile too.

Shelf life and Storage

I store all my chutneys in the fridge in an air tight glass storage container. Pyrex works very well for this and so does Borosil.

As for the shelf life of this chutney, this keeps well for two days in the fridge. It develops a slight bitter taste after this.ย 

Method- step by step

Roasting peanuts

peanut chutney step by step (5)
peanut chutney step by step (6)

Heat a cast iron pan. Add the peanuts and begin roasting them on low flame till you hear a pop or two. Make sure you keep stirring every now and then. It takes about 8 mins to roast a cup of peanuts on low flame.

To know if they are roasted, pick one and slightly rub the skin. If the skin comes off easily, then its all roasted and good to go.

Pro Tip: Peanuts tend to be soft and chewy when hot after roasted. Don’t panic. They become crunchy once they cool down. Also, never grind the peanuts to a chutney while they are hot. Wait for them to cool down fully before grinding. Grinding hot peanuts means bitter chutney.

Roasting the dal etc

Once the peanuts are roasted, transfer to a plate and allow them to cool. Heat oil in the same pan and add channa dal, dry red chili and urad dal along with peeled garlic cloves.

Fry on low flame till the dal turns golden. This takes about 2 mins. When done, transfer to the same plate as the peanuts and allow it to cool.

Grinding

peanut chutney step by step (10)
peanut chutney step by step (12)
peanut chutney step by step (13)

Once the roasted and fried ingredients have cooled down, transfer them to a blender. Now, add tamarind paste and salt. Pulse this using the pulse mode for a few times.

Once done, add 1/2 cup water and grind to a paste. If you want a thick Thogayal like consistency in the chutney, then add very little water. If you want a runny chutney to dunk your Idli or Dosas in, then you can add more water.

peanut chutney step by step (2)

Tempering

Now for the aromatics part. Heat a small pan. Add the oil for tempering. Once the oil has heated up, add the mustard seeds and wait for them to splutter., tip in the urad dal and add curry leaves. Allow the dal to become a golden brown.ย 

peanut chutney step by step (3)
peanut chutney step by step (4)

When done, add the tempering to the chutney and mix well.

Palli chutney for dosa- vegan peanut chutney served with dosas on a banana leaf

More Chutney Recipes

ย 

  • vengaya chutney
    Vengaya Chutney Recipe For Idli And Dosa
  • pudina chutney for idli,dosa
    South Indian Pudina Chutney
  • onion tomato garlic chutney
    Onion Tomato Garlic Chutney

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a comment and Iโ€™ll respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging us @tomatoblues.

Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for regular cooking updates and short videos. Follow me on Pinterest for delicious content. Tried our Kanda Batata Poha? Then please rate this recipe and tell us why you loved our recipe!

Recipes featuring Peanutsย 

Chocolate Peanut Butter

Peanut sesame Ladoos

Palli chutney for dosa- vegan peanut chutney served with dosas on a banana leaf
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Peanut Chutney

Peanut chutney or groundnut chutney- An easy to make sidekick for Idlis, Dosas and Uthapams. Made with roasted peanuts and
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Cooling Time15 minutes mins
Course: Accompaniment
Cuisine: Andhra
Servings: 2 cups

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients

  • 3/4 c Peanuts
  • 2 tsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp Channa dal
  • 1 tbsp Urad dal
  • 2 big garlic cloves peeled
  • 4 to 5 dry red chilis
  • 2 tsp tamarind paste
  • 1.25 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/2 c Water

Tempering

  • 1 tbsp peanut oil
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp Urad dal
  • 1 sprig curry leaves

Instructions

Roasting the peanuts

  • Heat a cast iron pan and add the peanuts to it.
  • Roast the peanuts on low flame until you hear a few pops. You will also be able to rub off the peel easily when you rub a peanut with your finger. That s when the peanuts are roasted. This takes 8 to 10 mins on low flame.
  • Transfer to a plate and let cool.
  • To the same pan, add 2 tsp oil.

Frying other ingredients

  • Now, add channa dal, urad dal, chilis and garlic.
  • Fry these on low flame until dals turn golden.
  • Add to the roasted peanuts and allow to cool

Grinding

  • Once cool, transfer all this to a blender along with tamarind paste and salt
  • Using the pulse mode, pulse this mixture a few times.
  • Now, add the water and grind to a smooth paste.
  • Adjust consistency by adding more water if desired.

Tempering

  • Heat a small pan with the peanut oil.
  • Add the mustard and allow it to pop.
  • When the mustard pops, tip in the curry leaves and urad dal.
  • When the dal becomes golden, add the tempering to the chutney.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

ย 

ย 

Filed Under: Chutney Recipes, Indian Vegan Recipes

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes – Eggless Pancakes

January 5, 2021 By anusha 4 Comments

vegan banana oatmeal pancakes stacked and served on a white square plate. Banana and blueberries as toppings

HOW TO MAKE EGGLESS BANANA OATMEAL PANCAKES?

Eggless Banana Oatmeal Pancakes- Soft and fluffy Pancakes free from refined flour.

vegan banana oatmeal pancakes stacked and served on a white square plate. Banana and blueberries as toppings

Why should you try these Vegan Banana Oatmeal Pancakes?

โœ” These are mildly sweet and fluffy.

โœ” Made with wheat flour and oats and egg-free.

โœ” Kid-approved fantastic weekend brunc

โœ” They take less than 30 mins to put together.

Well, let s get ready to flip some pancakes, shall we?

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Eggless Whole Wheat Pancakes- How to go about them?

Pancakes depend on plain flour and eggs for their light and texture. So how will they work with wheat flour and without eggs? The texture of a pancake made with whole wheat flour is certainly denser than that of pancakes.ย 

Having said that, we can still make soft and fluffy pancakes with wheat flour and without eggs by adjusting the liquid proportions and the fat content.ย 

Ingredients- Substitutes and Replacements

โžบ Wheat flour– This is one of the key ingredients in this recipe. We are going to be working around our other ingredients to make our pancakes fluffy and soft because wheat flour gives denser pancakes.

โžบ Oatmeal– I have used rolled oats to make my oatmeal flour in this recipe. You can also use quick-cooking oats. However, the amount of liquid you add should be slightly lesser than what s mentioned in this recipe.

โžบ Bananas– This is an eggless pancakes recipe. So, Bananas will work as the egg replacement here.

โžบ Milk– To make it softer and fluffier, we are going to be adding milk. This improves the taste of the pancakes.

โžบOil– I have used regular vegetable oil in this recipe. You can also use extra virgin coconut oil or canola oil in this recipe.

โžบ Raw sugar– That beautiful dark golden crust that you see on the pancakes in the picture is because of this. Do not be alarmed if you find your pancakes browning too much. This is very normal when you use raw sugar.

โžบBaking soda and Baking Powder– Both these are leavening agents that we’ll be using to soften up our pancakes.

โžบ Cinnamon and vanilla– Our flavor factors in this recipe. Feel free to give the cinnamon a miss if you aren’t a fan.

Prep Work and Meal Planning Tips

Is there a rule that says pancakes are for weekends? With the right planning, you can make these on a weekday too.ย 

I suggest that you powder the oatmeal ahead and keep it.

You can combine all the dry ingredients in the given proportions and store it in a dry air tight glass jar. This becomes your pancake mix.ย  Now when you are ready to make them, just add the wet ingredients to a mixing bowl. Whisk well. When done, add the pancake mix that you have already prepped. Mix well and proceed with making them.

Prep work

Like always, i m just sharing my flow of work here.. if you did follow this and it worked for you, feel free to tell us on Instagram!

Powder oatmeal- combine dry ingredients- make banana puree- prep wet batter- make pancakes.

Now that we are all set, shall we check how to make these pancakes step by step?

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes Step By Step

โžบ Mixing the dry ingredients

To begin with, place the oatmeal in a blender. Blend to a fine powder. Combine all the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Whisk well using a balloon whisk.

eggless banana oatmeal pancake step by step (4)
eggless banana oatmeal pancake step by step (5)
eggless banana oatmeal pancake step by step (8)
eggless banana oatmeal pancake step by step (9)
โžบ Banana Puree

After powdering and prepping the dry flour mix, get started on the banana puree. Combine 1/2 of the milk and the bananas in the same blender. Blend to a smooth puree.ย 

eggless banana oatmeal pancake step by step (6)
eggless banana oatmeal pancake step by step (7)
โžบ Making the batter

Make a well in the middle of the dry mixture. Tip in the oil, banana puree, remaining milk and mix well. If the batter is too thick, add more milk to adjust the consistency. The batter should be thick and yet flow easily from the ladle.

eggless banana oatmeal pancake step by step (10)
eggless banana oatmeal pancake step by step (11)
eggless banana oatmeal pancake step by step (12)
eggless banana oatmeal pancake step by step (13)

โžบ Flipping them pancakes

Heat an iron skillet or pan. Not really ideal for flipping but well, you know, I prefer using an iron pan any day! Add a blob of butter to the pan and when it melts, pour a ladle of the batter in the middle.

Do not be tempted to spread it too thin, like a Dosa.

Bring the flame down to medium. Cook covered for about 1 min or until at least 1/2 of the raw batter on the surface is cooked and you can see tiny pores on the pancakes.

Now flip them over and cook open. Feel free to add some more butter to the pan after flipping. Cook for 30 to 45 secs.ย 

eggless banana oatmeal pancake step by step (14)
eggless banana oatmeal pancake step by step (1)
eggless banana oatmeal pancake step by step (2)
eggless banana oatmeal pancake step by step (3)

Once done, flip and serve hot with toppings of your choice.

? Pro Tip: For fluffier pancakes, make sure to whisk the batter well to aerate it before cooking. This works especially well in wheat flour based pancakes that are denser in texture.

? Pro Tip: Don’t let the batter rest for too long after adding the baking soda and the baking powder.

vegan banana oatmeal pancakes stacked and served on a white square plate. Banana and blueberries as toppings

More Pancake Recipes

Eggless Pancakes

Eggless Buckwheat Pancakes

More Breakfast Recipes

  • South Indian Ven Pongal served on a banana leaf
    Ven Pongal (Khara Pongal)
  • some homemade granola in a jar
    Maple Cinnamon Granola (Air fryer & Oven)
  • Masala toast sandwich served on a plate
    Masala Toast Sandwich
  • broken wheat upma with banana and yogurt in a bowl. A spoon lies by the side.
    Broken Wheat Upma- Dalia Upma

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a commentย andย Iโ€™llย respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it onย Instagramย by tagging us @tomatoblues.

Follow me onย Instagramย orย Facebookย for regular cooking updates and short videos. Follow me onย Pinterest for delicious content. Tried our Eggless Banana Oatmeal Pancakes recipe? Then please rate this recipe and tell us why you loved our recipe!

vegan banana oatmeal pancakes stacked and served on a white square plate. Banana and blueberries as toppings
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes- Whole wheat and oatmeal pancakes flavored with bananas and such goodness
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Course: Breakfast/ Brunch
Cuisine: Continental
Servings: 12 Pancakes

Ingredients

  • 1 c Rolled oats 1 c
  • 1 c Whole wheat flour
  • 4 tbsp Raw cane sugar or brown sugar
  • 3 medium Ripe sweetish bananas
  • 1/2 tsp Baking powder
  • 1 tsp Baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp Cinnamon powder
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 3/4 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1.25 to 1.5 c Milk

For cooking the pancakes

  • 3 to 4 tbsp Softened Butter

For toppings

  • 1 banana sliced
  • 10 to 12 blueberries optional but recommended
  • 2 tbsp Maple syrup

Instructions

  • Powder the oats finely in a blender.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients together using a hand whisk.
  • Add 1/2 c milk and bananas to the same blender.
  • Blend to a smooth puree.
  • Make a well in the middle of the dry mixture.
  • Now, add remaining milk, banana puree, oil and vanilla extract in the well. Begin with adding 3/4 c milk. Reserve the remaining milk to adjust consistency later.
  • Using a hand whisk, combine the mixture thoroughly until you see no lumps.
  • The batter should fall freely from the ladle but be thick. This is the right consistency. If you find the batter is too thick, add reserved milk to adjust the consistency.
  • Once done, heat an iron pan.
  • Grease the pan lightly with butter.
  • Pour a ladle of the batter onto the girdle, spread lightly.
  • Cook covered on low medium flame for a min.
  • Flip the pancakes and cook for another 30 to 45 secs or until done.
  • Serve hot with banana slices and maple syrup as toppings
    vegan banana oatmeal pancakes stacked and served on a white square plate. Banana and blueberries as toppings

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

P.S. This post was originally posted in August, 2014. It has now been updated with fresh pictures and recipe cards.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Curd Semiya | Thayir Semiya Recipe

January 3, 2021 By anusha Leave a Comment

HOW TO MAKE CURD SEMIYA?

Curd Semiya- Vermicelli in chilled yogurt, tempered and garnished with nuts and fruits.

curd semiya served in a blue bowl placed on a wooden table

Why should you try Curd Semiya?

Let me bring you upto speed with 3 reasons. In no particular order though..

  1. Because it has fruits and nuts.
  2. Because its got yogurt ( think probiotic)
  3. Because its insanely delicious on a hot summer day.

You are welcome ๐Ÿ˜€

What is curd semiya?

Curd rice with Semiya

Can I say so? I guess i can. My love affair with this humble yet very gratifying dish began when i was in grade 8. It all began when i decided to order a plate of Thayir Semiya at Annapoorna. And there has been no looking back ever since.

Creamy yogurt, Vermicelli cooked till just right, crunchy cashews, a sweet bite or two in the form of pom pearls and raisins and a spicy lemon pickle by the side. This can only translate to heaven, right?

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Making the creamiest Thayir Semiya

Curd semiya is called as Thayir Semiya in Tamil. Semiya refers to Vermicelli. And Thayir refers to yogurt. Vermicelli is also called as Sevaiyyan in Hindi. Now, while this looks like quite uncomplicated, there are a few elements that have to be done right to get the creamiest Thayir Semiya.

…

Read On →

Filed Under: Easy Potluck Recipe Ideas, Semiya/ Vermicelli Recipes

Kanda Batata Poha | Easy Batata Poha

January 2, 2021 By anusha 1 Comment

HOW TO MAKE KANDA BATATA POHA?

Kanda Batata Poha- An easy vegan breakfast made with rice flakes, potatoes and peas.

kanda batata poha served in a white bowl with chai

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What is Kanda Batata Poha?

Poha, in Hindi means rice flakes. Rice flakes are also called as parched rice in some places. Poha is a fantastic healthy breakfast option and you can make so many different versions of it,

But the most popular among the versions of Poha is this lip-smacking Kanda Batata Poha.Kanda Batata Poha is a typical Maharashtrian dish that is a staple in many Maharashtrian households.

This comes together in a pinch and I resort to this hearty breakfast with a cup of chai on lazy weekends.

Kanda in Hindi means onions and Batata means Potatoes. This Kanda Batata Poha calls for basic pantry ingredients but onions and potatoes are an absolute must.

Which Poha to use?

I have used thin Poha to make this recipe. In fact, the thin Poha is my go to choice for all Poha based dishes. You can also use medium rice flakes to make this. I ll explain the nitty gritty in this down in my recipe notes and FAQs sections.

Variations

You can use thin red rice poha to make this recipe too. That will be a healthier version also.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious breakfast with a cup of masala chai or even a glass of this carrot milk to make it a complete brunch meal.

Recipe Notes

  1. Avoid soaking the Poha. This will make sure that the Poha does not become soggy.
  2. Frying the peanuts and draining them before making the Poha will give you crunchy evenly fried peanuts. This adds a nice texture to the Poha.

Thin Poha vs Thick Poha

Like i mentioned earlier, thin Poha is my preference for any Poha recipe. When using thin poha, i don’t soak the rice flakes. I place the poha in a colander, just wash them two times under running water and let it stand till it s ready to be added to the pan.

Thick Poha, on the other hand, requires soaking. If you are a beginner, kindly avoid using this variety. But if this is all that you have, then wash the poha two times under running water. Drain all the water used for washing. For every cup of Poha you add, add 1/4 c water, mix well and let it soak for 5 mins.

Prep Work

To begin work on Kanda Batata Poha, first prep the veggies.

Then, wash the poha and set aside. ( See recipe notes)

When the Poha is getting ready, begin with the peanuts and then go on to sauteeing the veggies.

Kanda Batata Poha- FAQs

Why is my Poha dry?

Your Poha will become dry if you there is not enough moisture in the Poha or if you cook it for too long. Not only will it become dry but also brittle. The Poha will also become dry if you haven’t washed it well and drained it properly. This is in case of thin poha flakes variety.

My Poha is dry. What can i do?

If your Poha is dry, transfer it to a pan. Sprinkle about 2 to 3 tbsp water and mix well. Cook covered on low flame for 2 to 3 mins. Your Poha will become soft and fluffy.

Why is my Poha soggy?

If you have soaked the poha for a longer time than 10 mins, then there is a very good chance that the Poha becomes soggy.

Can Kanda Batata Poha be made nut free and gluten free?

Yes! Skip the peanuts and Hing ( asafetida) for a nut free and gluten free Kanda Batata Poha.

How long should i soak Poha for ?

If you are using thin Poha flakes, then no soaking is required. It is enough if you just wash it. The moisture that remains after washing thin poha is sufficient to make it fluffy and soft.If you are using medium thick rice flakes, then soak it for just 2 to 3 mins. If you are using thick poha flakes, then wash, drain and soak the Poha for 5 mins. I strongly recommend using a kitchen timer for this purpose.

Why is salt and sugar added to the poha?

The typical Maharashtrian Poha is spicy with a slight hint of sweet. Hence, we add green chilis, salt, sugar and lemon juice too to add some zing.

Poha Recipes For You

  • Kanda Batata Poha | Easy Batata Poha
  • aval ladoo
    Aval Ladoo Recipe- How To Make Poha Ladoo
  • coriander poha
    Coriander Poha
  • Gojju Avalakki

delicious kanda batata poha served in a white bowl with toppings

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a commentย andย Iโ€™llย respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it onย Instagramย by tagging us @tomatoblues.

Follow me onย Instagramย orย Facebookย for regular cooking updates and short videos. Follow me onย Pinterest for delicious content. Tried our Kanda Batata Poha? Then please rate this recipe and tell us why you loved our recipe!

delicious kanda batata poha served in a white bowl with toppings
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Kanda Batata Poha

( Parched rice with onions and potatoes served with a hint of lemon)
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 3 persons

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Parched rice 2 c preferably the thin variety
  • 3/4 c Finely chopped onions
  • 3/4 c Peeled and cubed potatoes
  • 6 Green chilies sliced thinly
  • 10 Curry leaves
  • 4 tbsp Peanuts
  • 2 tbsp Oil
  • 1 tsp Mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp Coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp Fennel seeds
  • 1/4 tsp Hing a small pinch
  • 3/4 tsp Turmeric
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 2.5 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1.5 tbsp lemon juice

To Serve

  • 1/4 c Finely chopped onions
  • 2 tbsp Sev optional
  • 3 tbsp Pomegranate pearls
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves

Instructions

  • Wash the parched rice under running water and set aside.
  • Heat a pan with oil.
  • Add the peanuts and saute till golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a kitchen towel.
  • In the same pan, pop the mustard and add the coriander seeds, fennel seeds, hing, turmeric, curry leaves and green chilies.
  • Saute till green chilies turn white.
  • Add the chopped onions and saute till golden brown.
  • Add the potatoes next and saute till fork tender.
  • Now, add the salt and sugar and mix well.
  • Sprinkle about 2 tbsp water, mix well and cook covered on low flame till potatoes are fork tender. This takes about 4 to 5 mins.
  • Make sure, you open the lid every now and then and keep stirring to avoid the potatoes burning or sticking to the bottom
  • Add the parched rice now and mix thoroughly.
  • Sprinkle 1 tbsp of water and add the peanuts to this. Mix again.
  • Cook further for 30 secs.
  • Switch off flame and add lemon juice and coriander leaves.
  • Mix well.
  • Serve hot topped with onions, pomegranate pearls and sev.

Notes

Please note that the calorie values mentioned here are suggested out of courtesy and as a rough guideline.
I m not a nutrition expert to provide exact and accurate information with respect to nutrition values.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

P.S. This post was originally published in June 2013. This has now been updated with new pictures and recipe card.

Filed Under: Breakfast And Dinner Recipes, Gluten Free Recipes, Indian Vegan Recipes, Maharashtrian Recipes, Poha, Vegan Recipes

Eggless Mawa Cake | Eggless Parsi Mawa Cake

January 1, 2021 By anusha 2 Comments

eggless mawa cake

HOW TO MAKE EGGLESS MAWA CAKE?

Eggless Parsi Mawa Cake- Eggless Mawa cake is a classic Parsi style dessert made with unsweetened Khoa/ Mawa.

eggless mawa cake

Wishing you all a very happy new year! Let us all pray for a brighter year ahead, one filled with happiness, good health and prosperity. And what better way to usher in the new year than with cake, eh?

Now, I have a thing for plain cakes. A frosted cake with all its frills and fancies will easily thrill anyone but it takes a lot for a plain cake to be appreciated. A well made plain cake is my favorite dessert.

A plain cake relies on its flavors and textures to please your taste buds. And it s beauty lies in its simplicity. A few basic ingredients and techniques come together in most plain cakes to be baked into a fabulously tasting dessert. While frosted cakes are for occasions, it is a slice of plain cake that lights up an otherwise quotidian day.

And that is exactly why this eggless Mawa cake has my heart, soul and taste buds in it.

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What is Eggless Mawa Cake?

Well, this gorgeous Indian inspired cake scores on many levels. Mawa cake is a classic Parsi style dessert cake that is rich and decadent in terms of flavors and calories. No judgement, here, ahem… And this makes such a great High Tea dish.

What is Mawa?

Like the  name suggests, this is an eggless Mawa cake. So, what is Mawa? Mawa is nothing but milk solids. This is also called as Khoya or Khoa and this recipe calls for the unsweetened Mawa. Khoya or Khoa or Mawa are all the same. This is basically dried evaporated milk. They make this by heating milk on low heat over an iron pan for a long time.

Where to buy Mawa?

If you are living in Singapore, you can buy unsweetened Khoya or Mawa from Mustafa. You ll find this on level 2 in the frozen foods section where they stock Paneer etc.

You can buy Khoya or Mawa in stores like Namaste Plaza in San Jose if you live in USA. Most Indian grocery stores have this.

Ingredients- Substitutes and Replacements

As a rule, i don’t recommend substituting or replacing any of the ingredients except the flavoring agents in a baking recipe.

This cake uses very basic pantry staples.

Flour, yogurt, Mawa, saffron, cardamom , sugar and such are used. 

A classic Mawa cake calls for white sugar. And i like to keep it that way in this recipe. 

Mawa cake with Whole Wheat flour

While the authentic Parsi Mawa cake uses Maida fully, i have used half whole wheat flour and maida in this recipe. Whole wheat flour bakes are generally denser and also calls for more liquid in the recipe. This is why we are going to use a combination of both yogurt and milk here.

Eggless Mawa Cake- FAQs

What is creaming butter and sugar?

Eggless Mawa cake uses the creaming butter sugar technique to achieve a beautiful light crumb. Creaming butter and sugar means whisking them well together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. You will also see that the color of the mixture becomes whiter than before.

Can i skip saffron or cardamom?

Yes, the flavors are completely your choice. Feel free to use whatever feels like your favorite.

How to use Mawa in Eggless Mawa cake?

If you are using frozen Mawa, then make sure to thaw it and let it soften fully. Once it is soft, either crumble it well using your hands or grate it using a grater.

Why does my wet mixture look grainy and curdled?

If you add cold yogurt to the mixture, then the mixture will look grainy and curdled after whisking it with the creamed butter+sugar mixture. This is perfectly normal. Please don’t panic.

Prep Workย 

As always, let me quickly share my prep work pattern for this recipe too.

Soften butter and mawa- Grease pans- set out the ingredients- preheat the oven- get started on the cake.

Eggless Parsi Style Mawa Cake step by step

Preheating and prepping the pans

Preheat the oven at 180C for 10 mins. Grease two 6 inch round pans with butter. Set aside.

Step 1- creaming butter and sugar

Add the softened butter and sugar to a bowl. Whisk this using a hand mixer until the mixture becomes pale, light and fluffy. This takes approximately 3 to 4 mins on high speed when you use a hand mixer.

eggless mawa cake step by step (6)
eggless mawa cake step by step (7)
eggless mawa cake step by step (9)
Step 2: Adding yogurt and flavors

Now, add smoothly whisked yogurt, saffron and cardamom. Whisk all of this together until well incorporated. This is our wet mixture.

eggless mawa cake step by step (10)
eggless mawa cake step by step (11)
eggless mawa cake step by step (13)
Step 3: Prepping the flours

In a mixing bowl, add the whole wheat flour, all purpose flour, desiccated coconut, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk well using a balloon whisk to make sure that the baking powder and soda is evenly distributed into the flour.

eggless mawa cake step by step (14)
eggless mawa cake step by step (15)
eggless mawa cake step by step (16)
Step 4: Mixing the batter

Now, add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Whisk well until you can see no streaks of flour in the batter. There s no need to whisk vigorously. Just use a gentle hand and mix well.ย 

eggless mawa cake step by step (17)
Step 5: Adding milk and khoa

Now add the milk and mix well. When done, add the crumbled khoa and mix well but gently. Make sure the khoa is well incorporated into the batter. You can see that the batter is thick now.

eggless mawa cake step by step (18)
eggless mawa cake step by step (19)
eggless mawa cake step by step (1)
eggless mawa cake step by step (20)
Step 6: Filling the cake pans

Divide the batter into two portions. Fill each greased pan till 3/4th full. Now lightly drop the filled pans on the surface to level the batter.

Step 7: Garnishing

Sprinkle the slivered almonds and dried rose petals over the cake batter.

eggless mawa cake step by step (4)
eggless mawa cake step by step (5)

ย 

Step 8: Baking the Eggless Mawa Cake

Bake the cakes in the preheated oven at 180 C for 45 to 50 mins or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Step 9: Unmoulding

Once baked, remove the cakes and let it cool before removing them from the pans. When cool, invert the pans and tap out the cakes. Let cool on a wire rack. Slice and serve.

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a comment and Iโ€™ll respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging us @tomatoblues.

Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for regular cooking updates and short videos. Follow me on Pinterest for delicious content. Tried our Thinai Ven Pongal? Then please rate this recipe and tell us why you loved our recipe!

eggless mawa cake
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Eggless Parsi Mawa Cake

Eggless Mawa Cake is an easy Mawa cake that uses grated unsweetened khoa. This is a rich decadent Indian inspired dessert that pairs well with Vanilla ice cream.
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time50 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian, Parsi
Servings: 2 6 inch cakes

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Hand mixer

Ingredients

  • 1/2 c Butter softened at room temperature 115 g approximately
  • 1/2 c Sugar
  • 1 c Smoothly whisked yogurt at room temperature
  • 3/4 tsp Saffron strands
  • 1.25 tsp Powdered cardamom
  • 1/2 c All purpose flour 60 g approximately
  • 1/2 c Whole wheat flour 65 g approximately
  • 1.5 tsp Baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp Baking soda
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 2 tbsp Dessicated coconut
  • 1.5 tsp Crushed dried rose petals
  • 1/2 c finely crumbled Unsweetened Mawa 100 g in weight ( softened Khoya at room temperature)
  • 1/4 c Milk at room temperature
  • 1 tbsp Butter for greasing the cake pan
  • 2 tbsp slivered almonds

Instructions

Greasing the cake pans

  • Grease two 6 inch round cake pans with butter well. Set aside.

Preheating

  • Preheat the oven to 180 C for 10 mins.

Creaming butter and sugar

  • Add softened butter and sugar to a mixing bowl.
  • Using a hand mixer, whisk together the butter and sugar until fluffy,light and a pale yellow.

Adding flavors and yogurt

  • Now add the smoothly whisked yogurt.
  • Add the saffron and cardamom powder.
  • Whisk the creamed butter sugar mixture with these ingredients until smooth and well incorporated. The mixture may look curdled at this point. Please dont panic. Its absolutely normal.

Prepping the dry ingredients

  • In a mixing bowl, combine wheat flour, all purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, dessicated coconut and salt.
  • Whisk well using a balloon whisk.

Making the batter

  • Now add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
  • Whisk well using a balloon whisk until you see no streaks of flour on the surface.
  • Add the milk at this stage.
  • Mix well again until the batter is smooth and has no lumps.
  • Now add the crumbled Mawa.
  • Mix well, making sure the Mawa is well incorporated into the batter. The batter will be thick now.
  • Divide the batter into two portions. Fill each cake pan until 3/4th full
  • Lightly tap the filled pans to release the air bubbles and level the batter

Garnishing

  • Garnish the batter with slivered almonds and some more crushed dried rose petals.

Baking the eggless Mawa cake

  • Bake the cakes at 180 C for 45 to 50 mins or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

Slicing

  • Once they are baked, let cool on a wire rack.
  • When cool, slice and serve.

Notes

  1. Please note that the timings and settings may vary for different ovens.
  2. Keep an eye out for the cake after 42 mins. To test the doneness, insert a skewer in the middle. If it comes out clean, its done.
  3. Please wait for the cake to cool down before unmoulding it.
  4. All measures mentioned here are in the US metric.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

Filed Under: Eggless Bakes, Indian Inspired Desserts

Thinai Pongal- Instant Pot + Stovetop

December 21, 2020 By anusha 1 Comment

Thinai Ven Pongal served in a brass box with ghee on the top. Curry leaves and millet in a winnow as a backdrop.

Thinai Pongal is made with foxtail millet and moong lentils. This is a healthier version of the traditional Ven Pongal that is usually made with rice and moong lentils. This savory foxtail millet Ven Pongal is a great breakfast and makes for a great lunchbox too.

Come join us on Pinterest to find delicious pins.

Thinai Ven Pongal served in a brass box with ghee on the top. Curry leaves and millet in a winnow as a backdrop.

Like I mentioned in my Thinai Sweet Pongal post, Pongal is a ubiquitous part of Margazhi, the Tamil month dedicated to Andal. If there was Sakkarai Pongal, then Ven Pongal had to follow, right?

I cooked two batches of millet+ dal in my Instant Pot using the pot in pot method to make this Ven Pongal. While I did not make the Sakkarai Pongal completely using the Instant Pot, I did make the Ven pongal fully using the IP.

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Instant Pot Pongal

Making Pongal in an electric pressure cooker is such a breeze. Because Pongal is a dish where over cooking the carbs won’t mess up the end result, its such a forgiving dish to whip up in the IP or Mealthy.

Which is why, if you are a beginner, you should begin with this easy recipe in your electric pressure cookers.

I have used the pot in pot method to make both versions of Pongal. You can also just make the Ven Pongal in the Instant Pot on its own.

Prep Work

In terms of prep work, this worked out best for me. Do give it a shot and let me know if these prep work steps helped you.

Break the cashews- Crush the pepper- Chop ginger and curry leaves- Dry roast the dal- Wash the millet and dal- Proceed to pressure cook the Pongal in Mealthy.

While the Pongal is being cooked- prep the side dish.

Recipe Notes

I have not soaked the millet before making this Pongal. You can soak it for 30 mins to reduce cooking time and if you have difficulty digesting Millet in general.

Thisย  Pongal can be made in the Instant Pot/ Mealthy/ other electric pressure cookers. Please follow the same timings and procedure.

Cooking time for foxtail millet will vary if you are using unpolished millet. Also, its highly recommended that you wash the unpolished millet at least 3 times before using it. I also insist that you soak unpolished Foxtail millet at least for 2 hours before cooking it.

You can make the same Pongal in a regular pressure cooker too. Pressure cooking the millet+dal mixture with the other ingredients for 4 to 5 whistles will give you the perfectly gooey Ven Pongal. Please check the recipe card for the detailed instructions.

Ingredients- Substitutes and Replacements

Thinaiโ€“ This is the main ingredient in thisย  Pongal. Thinai is known as Kangni in Hindi, Korra in Telugu and Navane in Kannada.

Moong Dalโ€“ We are going to use Moong lentils to make. We are going to dry roast moong dal for a few mins before making the pongal.

Whole Spices-ย Spicy Pongal is a thing for many people. As such, Ven Pongal is bland. So we add whole black pepper and cumin seeds to make this interesting. Not only do these whole spices add flavor but they also help easy digestion.

Ghee-ย Clarified butter or ghee is the lifeline of any Pongal. If you are making Ven Pongal, i suggest adding 1 tbsp oil plus ghee while cooking the millet and dal. Adding oil will ensure that the Pongal doesn’t become cakey and solid even after it cools down.

Curry leaves and Ginger– Both these ingredients are crucial. Ginger not only adds flavor but also aids in easy digestion. Curry leaves add a fantastic earthy flavor to the Pongal.

Hing/ Perungayam/ Asafetida– This again is an important flavor component in any Khara Pongal or Ven Pongal recipe. Perungayam not only adds flavor but also helps control flatulence.

Instant Pot Ven Pongal- Method

Prepping Dal

Roasting Moong Dal for Ven Pongal

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Heat a pan. Add the Moong dal and dry roast on low flame till aromatic. The moong dal need not become golden or change color. Dal burns very quickly. So please do not leave it unattended while roasting. This takes around 4 mins on low flame.

Cooking

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how to make foxtail millet pongal step by step
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ย 

Turn on Saute mode in Mealthy/Instant Pot for 11 mins. Add ghee and oil.

Roasting cashews

When the mixture is hot, add the broken cashews and fry till golden brown. Once done, drain and set aside. I add the fried cashews after the Pongal is cooked. This way, they don’t lose their crunch.

Tempering for the Pongal

Add the crushed pepper, cumin, ginger, hing and curry leaves to the oil. Mix well. Saute till the spices begin to crackle.

Adding millet & dal for pressure cooking

When done, wash the millet and dal well under running water. Drain the water used for washing. Now add 2 cups water to this. Mix well. Add this mixture to the Instant Pot.

Simmering

Add salt to the pongal and mix well. Continue to cook this on saute mode till the mixture begins to gently bubble up on the surface.

Instant Pot Mode and Timings

Once done, switch off the Saute mode in your Instant Pot. Now, close the lid of the cooker. Turn the valve to sealing mode. Turn on the Pressure cook mode or Manual mode. Set the timer to 11 mins and the pressure to high. Wait for the pressure to be release naturally.

Mashing the mixture.

When the cooking is complete and the pressure has fallen, open the lid. Now, lightly mix and mash the mixture.

Adding the cashews

Add the roasted cashews to the Pongal. Now mix it up well, add a tbsp of ghee and serve the Pongal hot.

Pressure cooker millet Pongal

Heat a 3 liter deep pressure cooker/ pan. Add the moong dal and dry roast it for 2 to 3 mins on low flame till aromatic. Now, transfer the roasted moong dal to a colander along with the foxtail millet. Wash the dal and millet under running water till water runs clear.

Heat the same pressure cooker with ghee and oil. Add the roasted cashews and fry them on medium flame till they turn golden brown. Drain and set aside. Turn down the heat to the lowest setting possible. Now, add the cumin seeds, pepper, ginger and curry leaves. Immediately add the Hing/ Perungayam.

Add the washed dal and millet to this along with water and salt. Mix well. Ensure that the gasket is fitted properly into the pressure cooker lid. Now, close the pressure cooker and put the weight on.

Pressure cook on medium flame for 4 to 5 whistles or until the dal and millet have cooked to a mush. Allow the pressure to release naturally. When the pressure releases, open and mix well.

Add the roasted cashews. Stir to combine. Serve hot.

Millet Pongal Video

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Thinai Ven Pongal served in a brass box with ghee on the top. Curry leaves and millet in a winnow as a backdrop.

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a comment and Iโ€™ll respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging us @tomatoblues.

Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for regular cooking updates and short videos. Follow me on Pinterest for delicious content. Tried our Thinai Ven Pongal? Then please rate this recipe and tell us why you loved our recipe!

Thinai Ven Pongal served in a brass box with ghee on the top. Curry leaves and millet in a winnow as a backdrop.
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5 from 2 votes

Thinai Ven Pongal

Thinai Ven Pongal- savory Pongal made with foxtail millet and moong lentils.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time11 minutes mins
Preheat& Standing Time20 minutes mins
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Indian- South
Servings: 2

Equipment

  • Instant Pot/ Mealthy/ Stove top pressure cooker

Ingredients

  • 1/4 c Moong Dal
  • 3 tbsp Broken cashews
  • 2 tbsp Ghee
  • 1 tbsp Oil
  • 2 tsp Crushed Whole black pepper
  • 1 tsp Cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp Minced ginger
  • 10 Curry leaves
  • 1/2 c Foxtail Millet
  • 2 c Water
  • 1 tsp Salt or to taste

Instructions

Roasting the Dal

  • Heat a pan.
  • Add the moong dal and dry roast this on low flame until fragrant. Takes 3 to 4 mins.
  • Once done, combine this with the millet.
  • Wash the millet and dal thoroughly. Set aside.

Frying the cashews

  • Turn on Saute mode in your Instant Pot/ Mealthy
  • Add ghee and oil.
  • When hot, add broken cashews and fry till they turn golden. Takes 2 to 3 mins.
  • When done, drain the cashews and set aside.
  • Now, add the cumin seeds, crushed peppercorn, ginger and curry leaves.
  • Mix well and fry till the spices begin to crackle. This takes 1 min approx.
  • Now add the washed and drained millet and dal mixture along with 2 c water.
  • Add salt to taste.
  • Mix well. Continue to cook this on Saute mode for 2 to 3 mins until tiny bubbles begin to appear on the surface.
  • When done, Switch off the Saute mode by pressing cancel. Now, close the Mealthy. Turn the valve to sealing.
  • Switch to pressure cook mode. Choose low pressure and set the timer to 11 mins.
  • Once cooking is complete, allow for the pressure to be released naturally.
  • When done, open the lid and mix and mash the pongal lightly.
  • Now add fried cashews and mix well.
  • Drizzle some ghee over the pongal and serve hot.

Stove top pressure cooker method

  • Heat a 3 l deep pressure cooker/ pan.
  • Add the moong dal and dry roast it for 2 to 3 mins on low flame till aromatic.
  • Now, transfer the roasted moong dal to a colander along with the foxtail millet.
  • Wash the dal and millet under running water till water runs clear.
  • Heat the same pressure cooker with ghee and oil.
  • Add the roasted cashews and fry them on medium flame till they turn golden brown.
  • Drain and set aside.
  • Turn down the heat to the lowest setting possible.
  • Now, add the cumin seeds, pepper, ginger and curry leaves.
  • Immediately add the hing/ perungayam.
  • Add the washed dal and millet to this along with water and salt.
  • Mix well.
  • Ensure that the gasket is fitted properly into the pressure cooker lid.
  • Now, close the pressure cooker and put the weight on.
  • Pressure cook on medium flame for 4 to 5 whistles or until the dal and millet have cooked to a mush.
  • Allow the pressure to release naturally.
  • When the pressure releases, open and mix well.
  • Add the roasted cashews.
  • Stir to combine.
  • Serve hot.

Notes

  1. In the video of this post, I have made the millet pongal in Mealthy. You can use the same settings and mode to make millet ven pongal in Instant pot. I have tested both ways and both work well.
  2. If your millet is old, then it may take longer to cook.
  3. The ratio of millet and Dal is a personal preference. You can also use equal quantities of moong dal and millet.ย 

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

More Thinai recipes

 I always try to include as much variety of millet in our diet on a regular basis. Sometimes, I prepare mixed millet pongal too, using a combination of Kuthiraivali (Barnyard millet) and Thinai Rice( foxtail millet). If you like foxtail millet, then also check out

Thinai Sweet Pongal

Thinai arisi Nellikai Sadam

Filed Under: Foxtail millet (Thinai), Millet Recipes for a healthier lifestyle, Pongal Recipes

Thinai Arisi Pongal | Foxtail Millet Sweet Pongal

December 16, 2020 By anusha Leave a Comment

HOW TO MAKE THINAI SAKKARAI PONGAL?

Thinai Sakkarai Pongal- Sweet Pongal made with foxtail millet and jaggery.

how to make millet sakkarai pongal?- Foxtail millet pongal served in a tin coated brass vessel

Sakkarai Pongal And Margazhi

Sakkarai Pongal and Margazhi are synonymous. Margazhi is a Tamil month. For the uninitiated, Margazhi is that time of the year when we all snuggle into our blankets. Yes. You guessed it right. Margazhi begins mid-December every year. 

In Tamil Nadu, we wake up early in the morning, draw beautiful Kolams at our entrances and light a lamp by the doorstep at the main entrance. And every 1st of Margazhi, we prepare Pongal.

In fact, Pongal is the Neivedyam in most temples. If you go to a temple early morning on a chilly Margazhi morning, the chances are very high that you will be given a scoop of piping hot Sakkarai Pongal in a Dhonnai. Dhonnai is an eco-friendly cup made with dried Mandharai leaves. 

The aroma of hot Pongal served in a Dhonnai is something indescribable. You will understand what I m trying to tell only if you happen to taste it. So i strongly recommend that you try it at least once!

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Foxtail Millet in Sakkarai Pongal

Traditionally, pongal means a sweet pudding that s made out of newly harvested rice, mung bean lentils and jaggery. But i wanted to try something different this year. So, i came up with this sweet pongal that uses fox tail millet in place of rice. I was expecting a phenomenal change in the taste as the rice was missing but to my surprise, it tasted almost like the traditional rice pongal but the texture was different. I must admit here that we loved the texture in this version more than our regular sakkarai pongal.

Variations and different types of Millet Pongal

You can make the same Sakkarai Pongal using other millet too. Barnyard Millet, Little Millet and Kodo Millet work very well in Sweet Pongal.

We have a few other recipes for Millet Pongal. You can check them out too for more Millet inspiration.

Varagu Millet Pongal

Barnyard Millet Khara Pongal

Millet Pongal In Mealthy / Instant Pot

I have made this foxtail millet Sakkarai Pongal in my Mealthy today. I used the Pot in Pot method of cooking to cook two separate batches of millet+dal combination. One portion was used for Ven Pongal and the other portion was used to make this Sweet Pongal.

I have not soaked the millet before making this Pongal. You can soak it for 30 mins to reduce cooking time and if you have difficulty digesting Millet in general.

This Thinai Sakkarai Pongal can be made in the Instant Pot too. Please follow the same timings and procedure.

Cooking time for foxtail millet will vary if you are using unpolished millet. Also, its highly recommended that you wash the unpolished millet at least 3 times before using it. I also insist that you soak unpolished Foxtail millet at least for 2 hours before cooking it.

Thinai Sakkarai Pongal served in a brass bowl on a brass platter

Prep Work

  1. Wash and soak the millet if necessary.
  2. While the millet is getting soaked, chop the coconut and break cashew nuts in halves. Also, crush the cardamom pods.

Ingredients- Substitutes and Replacements

Thinai– This is the main ingredient in this Sweet Pongal. Thinai is known as Kangni in Hindi, Korra in Telugu and Navane in Kannada.

Moong Dal– We are going to use Moong lentils to make. We are going to dry roast moong dal for a few mins before making the pongal.

Jaggery– I have used organic jaggery powder in this recipe. If you are using non-organic jaggery, then make sure you strain the jaggery syrup. Also, if you are doing this, then fry the cashews and coconut in a separate pan and make the syrup in a separate pan.

You can also use grated jaggery in the same quantity mentioned here, in place of the jaggery powder.

Ghee– A good Sakkarai Pongal needs a lot of ghee. So be generous for best Sakkarai Pongal.

Cardamom– Adds flavor.

Pachai Karpooram/ Edible Camphor- I like adding this for bringing a temple style Prasadam flavor in the Pongal. Feel free to give it a miss if you are not a fan or if you don’t have access to it.

Thinai Arisi Pongal- Consistency

Any Pongal must be gooey and slightly flowy. The most important factor in nailing this right consistency is the amount of water. I have used approximately 2 c water to make this pongal and it is just right.

Thinai Sweet Pongal In Mealthy – Step By Step

Roasting Moong Dal

Heat a pan. Add the Moong dal and dry roast on low flame till aromatic. The moong dal need not become golden or change color. Dal burns very quickly. So please do not leave it unattended while roasting. This takes around 4 mins on low flame.

Pressure Cooking the Dal and Millet in Mealthy / Instant Pot

Combine the millet and dal in a pan. Wash it well. Drain the water used for washing. Now add 2 c water. Place inside the Mealthy / Instant Pot. Close the lid and turn the pressure valve to Sealing position.

Switch on the Mealthy/ Instant Pot. Choose Pressure cook mode if cooking in Mealthy. Choose Manual mode if cooking in Instant Pot. Set pressure to low and timer to 11 mins. Once done, wait for the pressure to release naturally.ย 

I have used the pot in pot method, like I mentioned earlier. If you are following this, then make sure to close the pot in which you have added the millet and dal.

You can also cook this in a regular pressure cooker. Cook for 3 to 4 whistles in a regular pressure cooker. Wait for pressure to release naturally.ย 

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cooking millet in mealthy

Makingย  Jaggery syrup for Millet Sakkarai Pongal

Once the millet+ dal is done, mash it well with a ladle. Set aside. Let s now make the jaggery syrup.

Heat a pan with ghee. Add the cardamom, chopped coconut bits and cashews. Fry on medium flame till cashews turn golden.ย 

Once done, add the jaggery, a very tiny piece of edible camphor and water. Mix well. Continue to simmer the syrup until it begins to bubble cheerfully. We are not looking for any string consistency here. You just have to cook the syrup till it begins to bubble and is slightly thick.

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Making the Thinai Sakkarai Pongal

Now add the mashed millet dal mixture to the pan. Mix well, making sure that the syrup is well incorporated into the millet mixture. When done, simmer on low flame for 2 mins. Add 1.5 tbsp ghee. Mix well.ย 

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Our Thinai Sakkarai Pongal is ready to be served.

You can check out these too

Vidhya’s Instant Pot Quinoa Pongal

Sharmi’s Wheat Rava Sweet Pongal

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a commentย andย Iโ€™llย respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it onย Instagramย by tagging us @tomatoblues.

Follow me onย Instagramย orย Facebookย for regular cooking updates and short videos. Follow me onย Pinterestย for delicious content. Tried our Thinai Pongal? Then please rate this recipe and tell us why you loved our recipe!

how to make millet sakkarai pongal?- Foxtail millet pongal served in a tin coated brass vessel
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Thinai Sakkarai Pongal

Thinai Sakkarai Pongal- Foxtail Millet and Jaggery pudding. Gluten free.
Prep Time7 minutes mins
Cook Time30 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: South Indian
Servings: 3

Equipment

  • Mealthy Multipot/ Instant Pot

Ingredients

For pressure cooking millet and dal

  • 1/2 c Thinai arisi/ Fox tail millet/ Kangni/ Navane Akki
  • 1/4 c Mung dal
  • 2 c Water

For making the Sakkarai Pongal

  • 2.5 tbsp Ghee (divided)
  • 3 tbsp Broken cashews
  • 2 tbsp Chopped small bits of Fresh Coconut
  • 3 Green cardamoms
  • 1/16th tsp Edible Camphor ( Pacha Karpooram)

For making Jaggery syrup

  • 2/3 c Organic Jaggery powder
  • 1/4 c Water

Instructions

  • Dry roast the moong dal on low flame until aromatic.

Thinai Sweet Pongal In Mealthy / Instant Pot

  • Wash millet and dal once or twice in running water. Drain water used for washing.
  • Add 2 c water to this.
  • Add water to the inner pot. Place a trivet. Now, place the pan with the millet and dal on the trivet.
  • Close the Mealthy/ Instant Pot. Set valve to Sealing.
  • Switch on the Mealthy and choose Pressure cook mode. If you are using Instant Pot, then choose Manual mode.
  • Set timer to 11 mins and pressure to LOW.
  • When cooking is complete, wait for pressure to be released naturally.
  • When cooked, open and mash the dal and millet well. Set aside.
  • Heat a pan with ghee.
  • Add the powdered cardamom, cashews and coconut bits and fry on medium flame until cashews turn a light golden brown.
  • Turn flame to the lowest possible.
  • Now add jaggery, edible camphor and 1/4 c water. Mix well.
  • Simmer this mixture on medium flame till it begins to bubble cheerfully and the syrup thickens slightly.
  • There is no need for any string consistency in this jaggery syrup.
  • When the syrup is done, add the cooked and mashed millet dal mixture. Turn the flame to low.
  • Mix well, making sure that the syrup is well incorporated into the millet mixture.
  • Simmer for 2 mins on low flame.
  • Add 1 tbsp ghee just before switching off the flame. Mix well.
  • Serve hot.

Video

Notes

Please note that the cooking time for the Millet+ Dal may vary depending upon the age and quality of the millet.
Also, cooking times for Mealthy and Instant pot will vary depending upon your geographical location. Higher altitude places may have a longer cooking time.ย 

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

This post was originally published in January, 2015. It has now been republished with new pictures and a fresh recipe card after retesting the same recipe in an Electric Pressure Cooker. 

Filed Under: Gluten Free Recipes, Millet Recipes for a healthier lifestyle, Pongal Recipes

Pesarattu – Andhra Pesarattu Recipe

December 14, 2020 By anusha Leave a Comment

pesarattu- high protein moong beans dosa served on a black plate placed on a table.

Step by step guide to make Pesarattu, an Andhra style no-fermentation needed dosa made with whole green moong beans. Wholesome, protein-rich and filling, this easy and beginner-friendly South Indian dosa is the perfect breakfast recipe, not that you cannot have it for dinner too.ย 

Come join us onย Pinterestย to find delicious pins.

pesarattu- high protein moong beans dosa served on a black plate placed on a table.

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In our family, we are team ‘Big Breakfasts’. Yep. We love ” All You Can Eat” breakfasts. While i strongly rely on options like my millet idli-dosa, I do forget to soak for the batter at times. There are also days when i just don’t feel like it to lug my grinder across that one foot length and breadth of my kitchen.

And that s when i resort to recipes like this protein-dense Pesarattu dosa.

Popularly called MLA Pesarat, this is a protein-dense, no fermentation Dosa. I cannot even begin to describe our love for this Andhra specialty.ย 

MLA Pesarattu Recipe

In Andhra, this is how they call this Moong Dal dosa. These are served with some Upma and a spicy Allam Pachadi. The Pesarattu Upma combination is something that is heavenly.ย  And that is what makes MLA Pesarat special. Allam Pachadi is Ginger Chutney and is considered the best condiment to serve up with these crepes.

Diabetic-friendly

This recipe becomes diabetic friendly if the rice is skipped and cold-pressed oil is used to cook it instead of ghee. It is also ideal for weight loss as it keeps you full for a long time.ย 

pesarattu- high protein moong beans dosa served on a black plate placed on a table.

Ingredients- Substitutes and Replacements

  1. Moong Beans– Whole green Moong Beans/ Mung Beans are used in this recipe. This not only adds nutrition value to the recipe but also gives a beautiful texture.
  2. Raw rice– We use raw rice to give some crispy texture to the Pesarattu. You can skip this for a low carb high protein Pesarattu recipe.

This is just an overview of the ingredients. The detailed list including the quantity of ingredients used are included in the recipe card below. Please use the JUMP TO RECIPE button at the top of the post or the table of contents to navigate through this post.

Prep Work

Just sharing my suggestions on the line of work for this recipe, if you are making these for breakfast.

The previous night– Soak the Mung Beans and raw rice.

In the morning– Grind the soaked beans and rice along with the spices to a batter and get started on making them.

FAQs

Does Pesarattu batter need fermentation?

No. Pesarattu is traditionally a no ferment batter. This can be made instantly after grinding the batter.

Can leftover Pesarat batter be stored? How to store it?

Yes, you can refrigerate and use this batter for 2 days. Store leftover batter in a clean air tight Pyrex container or stainless steel container.

Can broken green mung beans be used?ย 

Yes. You may use broken green mung beans to make this. However, replacing green mung beans with yellow split moong dal will make it Moong Dal Chilla and not Pesaratu.

Can we use moong bean sprouts in Pesaratu recipe?

Yes. Using green moong sprouts will make it much more nutritious. However, this is not the authentic Andhra style Pesarattu.ย 

Why is my Pesaratu sticking to the pan?

This means that the pan is too hot. I recommend using a cast iron pan to make these. Sprinkle some water on your pan, allow it to cool down and try again. Another reason why the dosa sticks to your pan is because of adding too much water to the batter while grinding. The batter should not be too watery.

Can we make Pesarattu without rice?

Yes. You may make this recipe without adding rice. That will make it low carb- high protein too. Or you can also add soaked Kodo Millet in place of raw rice. Soaked quinoa works well in place of rice too. If you are looking for substitutes for raw rice, you can also add 3 tablespoons rice flour to the green moong beans and grind.

Can we make Pesarattu without soaking the mung beans?

This is not recommended. If the whole green mung is not hydrated, then it becomes difficult to grind it. Also, dried beans should always be soaked before using. This makes digestion easier.

What is the soaking time for Pesarattu?

I recommend soaking the mung beans for at least 4 to 5 hours.ย 

Pro Tip- If you are pressed for time, then soak the Mung beans in hot water for 3 hours. That will speed up the soaking process. Also old mung beans take longer to hydrate.

Serving Suggestions

Traditionally, finely chopped onions are sprinkled as a topping once the dosas are cooked. You can also add shredded carrots, beets or cabbage as a topping.

You can also serve these with some chilled yogurt, coconut chutney or a tangy chutney. The yogurt helps in easy digestion too.

The best combination for this will be Allam Pachadi aka Andhra style ginger chutney. You can watch how its made here-

Fancified Serving suggestionsย 

Make them into mini pesarattus, add scrambled paneer or shredded veggies. Roll them up and serve as an appetiser. A creamy dip like Tzatziki will pair well with this.

Variationsย 

Skip rice in this recipe and you ll have a keto friendly breakfast option.

For a kid-friendly version, add shredded cabbage, beets or carrots.

More Dosa Ideas

Sponge Dosa- No Ferment

Mapillai Samba Adai

Azhagar Kovil Dosai

Method

Firstly, wash the mung beans and rice until water runs clear.

Then soak the beans and rice together in enough water for about 4 hours. Note that rice soaks sooner than the beans. However, we are soaking both together for convenience. Here is the picture of green gram after soaking. You can also spot the rice grains.

Once the beans are hydrated, drain all the water used for soaking. Add the garlic, ginger, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, green chilies, dry red chillis and all spice powders mentioned in the recipe along with the drained mixture.

Add this in batches to a blender and grind to a smooth paste adding water gradually. At this point, you can add finely chopped coriander leaves to the batter. This gives a great flavor to this green gram dosa.

How to make Pesarattu?

Once the batter is ground, heat an iron Tawa. The Tawa shouldn’t be smoking hot. It should not be cold either. The dosas will stick to the pan if it is too hot.

Take a ladle of the ground batter and spread it evenly to a slightly thick dosa. Reduce the flame to low. Drizzle ghee around the edges. Cook the Dosa till you see no more raw batter on the surface.ย 

Flip, drizzle some ghee around the edges and cook for 30 to 45 secs.

Once done, flip again, sprinkle finely chopped onions over the dosa, fold over and serve hot.

pesarattu- high protein moong beans dosa served on a black plate placed on a table.

P.S I m so sorry that i accidentally deleted these step by step pics on my phone. I’ll definitely update them as soon as i click the next set.

Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for regular cooking updates and short videos. Follow me on Pinterest for delicious content. Tried our Pesarattu? Then please rate this recipe and tell us why you loved our recipe!

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a comment and Iโ€™ll respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging us @tomatoblues.

ย 

pesarattu- high protein moong beans dosa served on a black plate placed on a table.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Andhra Style Pesarattu

Andhra style Pesarattu - Instant no ferment high protein dosas ideal for breakfast.
Prep Time4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Cook Time4 minutes mins
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Andhra
Servings: 12 Pesaratus

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients

  • 1.5 c Whole green mung beans
  • 1/4 c Raw rice
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 3 green chili
  • 3 to 4 Dry red chili
  • 1/2 inch knob of ginger, peeled
  • 2 cloves Garlic peeled
  • 1 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 3/4 c Water approximately

For Cooking the Pesarattu

  • 3 to 4 tbsp Ghee
  • 1 recipe Above batter

For serving

  • 3/4 c finely chopped onions

Instructions

  • Wash and soak the mung beans and rice together for 4 hours.
  • Once soaked, drain the water fully.
  • Add the soaked mung+ rice, garlic, ginger, green chili, dry red chili and turmeric powder along with salt to a blender.
  • Add 3/4 c water gradually and grind to a smooth paste.
  • You can grind the batter in batches too. Also, add water by 1/4 c while blending.
  • Once the batter is ready, heat an iron tawa.
  • Pour a ladle of the ground batter to the center of the tawa.
  • Spread it like how you would, a regular Dosa.
  • Reduce the flame to the lowest possible.
  • Drizzle 1 tsp of ghee around the edges.
  • Cook the Pesarattu till you see no raw batter on the surface and the edges have become a golden brown.
  • Flip and cook for 30 to 40 secs again on low heat.
  • When done, flip over, sprinkle 2 tbsp finely chopped onions, fold the dosa over and serve hot.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

More Moong Recipes

If you love moong like us, then do check out this Moong Dal Dosa.ย 

Here are some more recipes featuring whole green gram.

  • Instant pot green moong dal served in a blue bowl with rotis
    Instant Pot Whole Green Moong Dal
  • pachai payaru sundal
    Pachai Payaru Sundal | Navratri Recipes

Filed Under: Andhra Recipes, High Protein Dosa Recipes, Mung Beans and Moong Dal

Chana Pulao In Mealthy | Pulao in Mealthy

December 12, 2020 By anusha Leave a Comment

chana pulao in mealthy served in a beige bowl with cukes and raita.

HOW TO MAKE CHANA PULAO IN MEALTHY?

Chana Pulao in Mealthy- Easy and quick lunchbox friendly Pulao with chickpeas made in the Mealthy Multipot.

chana pulao in mealthy served in a beige bowl with cukes and raita.

Ever since A started school, I have been trying hard to send lunches that involve veggies and yet, easy to eat. On days when I am out of ideas to sneak in veggies, I resort to packing dishes like this delicious and nutritious Chana Pulao.

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Cooking in Mealthy Multipot

Its been a year since i bought my Mealthy. And i absolutely love it! My mornings have become so much easier because of the reduced hands-on cooking time. The Mealthy Multipot is very similar to the Instant Pot.ย 

My basic rice cooker conked. I began looking for a rice cooker that came with a stainless steel inner pot. But to my disappointment, I found none in the market. That s when I decided to invest in a multi-cooker ( Multipot).ย 

The reason why I opted to buy this 9 in 1 gadget is that it comes with a 304 stainless steel inner pot. And more reasons would be because it is truly one pot. You saute and pressure cook in the same pot. And that s why my Mealthy has become indispensable to me.

chana pulao in mealthy served in a beige bowl with cukes and raita.

Chana Pulao – Chole Pulao

Chana Pulao or Chole Pulao is a easy rice made with hydrated chickpeas and basmati rice. This is very mild in terms of spice and comes together in 30 mins if you have the prep work done.

Prep Work

This is how i go about planning my lunch box cooking for the day:

Previous night- Soaking the chickpeas, keeping the rice and spices out on the counter, set up my Mealthy to keep it ready for cooking next day.

In the morning- Soak the Basmati rice for 15 mins. While the rice is soaking, I chop onions.

Ingredients- Substitutions and Replacements

  1. Basmati rice- You can use Jeeraga Samba in place of Basmati to make this pulao. If you are using Jeeraga Samba, use 1.5 c water for 1 c of rice.
  2. Chickpeas- Canned chickpeas are not recommended in this recipe. You can use any kind of hydrated beans to make this Pulao. I have tried cooking the same Pulao with black-eyed beans, red beans, and cranberry beans.
  3. I have tried this pulao withย  Black-eyed beans, red beans, kidney beans and cranberry beans. The timings for black eyed beans, red beans and cranberry is the same as chickpeas but the timing largely varied for Rajma aka Kidney beans. So, I won’t recommend making this pulao with Rajma.
  4. Ghee- I have used ghee to make this Chana Pulao. You can also use any neutral flavored vegetable oil to make this for a vegan Chana Pulao.
  5. Spice powders- This pulao uses a combination of Pav bhaji masala and basic spice powders. If you don’t have Pav Bhaji masala, feel free to substitute it with regular Garam Masala

Chana Pulao / Chole Pulao in Mealthy or Instant Pot

You can make the same Pulao in an Instant Pot too. The timings remain the same if you follow the recipe instructions to the T.

Recipe Notes

  1. Please note that there are cases in which the chickpeas wont be cooked fully. This may happen if the chickpeas are not hydrated enough or if the chickpeas are very old.
  2. Timings for cooking this Chana Pulao may vary depending upon the altitude of your location too.

Chana Pulao In Mealthy Multipot- Step By Step Tutorial

Soak the chickpeas in 3 c water for at least 8 hours. When the chickpeas are soaked, wash the Basmati rice thoroughly. Drain the water used for washing. Soak the Basmati rce for 15 mins.ย 

Drain the chickpeas thoroughly and set aside. When the rice has soaked, turn on the saute mode and set the timer for this for 10 mins in your Mealthy.ย 

Add ghee and once it melts, add the whole spices. Saute till the spices pop. When done, add the ginger garlic paste and finely chopped onions. Saute the onions until pink and soft. This takes around 2 mins.

When the onions are ready, add the spice powder and salt and saute for 30 secs. Now add the soaked chickpeas.

Now add crushed Kasuri Methi and saute for 10 secs.

Drain the soaked rice completely. Add this along with the chickpeas mixture. Add water. Mix well.

Cooking the Channa Pulao In Mealthy

Switch off the Saute mode. Now close the Mealthy pot using its lid. Turn the pressure valve to Sealed. Switch on Pressure cook mode on LOW PRESSURE for 3 mins.ย 

Once cooking has completed, release pressure naturally. When the pressure has released, open the lip and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve with any raita of your choice.chana pulao in mealthy served in a beige bowl with cukes and raita.

More Pulao Recipes

Baby corn Pulao

Bengali style Vegetable Pulao

Capsicum Pulao

Serving Suggestions

This delicious Chana Pulao can be served with a chilled Raita and some salad by the side.

Here are some Raita recipes that pair well with this Chana Pulao-

Zucchini Sweet Pepper raita

Mango Raita

Carrot Raita

Ghee Rice In Mealthy Multipotย 

Follow me onย Instagramย orย Facebookย for regular cooking updates and short videos. Follow me onย Pinterest for delicious content. Tried our Chana Pulao? Then please rate this recipe and tell us why you loved our recipe!

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a commentย andย Iโ€™llย respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it onย Instagramย by tagging us @tomatoblues.

chana pulao in mealthy served in a beige bowl with cukes and raita.
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Chana Pulao Made In Mealthy Multipot

Chana Pulao or Chole Pulao- an easy rice made with chickpeas in Mealthy. Gluten-free. Vegan options included. Lunchbox friendly recipe.
Prep Time8 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Resting Time12 minutes mins
Total Time8 hours hrs 47 minutes mins
Course: entree
Cuisine: North Indian
Servings: 3

Equipment

  • Mealthy Multipot

Ingredients

  • 1.5 tbsp Ghee or Oil
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 2 cloves
  • 1/2 inch Cinnamon stick
  • 1/2 tsp Cumin seeds
  • 1/2 c Finely chopped onions
  • 1 tbsp Ginger garlic paste
  • 1.25 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 3/4 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder Add up to 1/2 tsp more for a spicier pulao.
  • 1 tsp Pav Bhaji Masala I have used MDH Pav Bhaji masala here,
  • 1/2 c Chickpeas
  • 2 tsp Crushed Kasuri Methi
  • 1 c Basmati rice
  • 2 c Water

Instructions

  • Soak the chickpeas for 8 hours in 3 c water.
  • When the chickpeas are hydrated, wash the basmati rice thoroughly.
  • Soak the washed rice in 2 c water for 15 mins.
  • Turn on Saute mode in Mealthy. Set timer for 10 mins.
  • Add ghee to the pot.
  • Once ghee is hot, add all the whole spices.
  • Wait for the spices to pop and crackle.
  • When done, add chopped onions and ginger garlic paste. Add salt.
  • Mix well and saute till onions turn pink and soft. Takes 2 mins.
  • Once done, add all the spice powder, mix well and saute for 30 secs.
  • Drain the chickpeas thoroughly.
  • Add the chickpeas to the pot and mix well.
  • Now add crushed Kasuri Methi and mix well.
  • Drain the soaked rice. Add the rice to the pot along with 2 c water.
  • Switch off the saute mode.
  • Close the Mealthy with the lid and turn the pressure valve to Sealing.
  • Switch on the Pressure cook mode at low pressure. Set timer for 3 mins.
  • When cooking has completed, wait for pressure to fall on its own. You can see the red knob on the lid fall down when the pressure has released. This takes 10 mins approximately. This is what we call as releasing pressure naturally in Mealthy.
  • When done, switch off. Open the lip and fluff the pulao with a fork.
  • Serve with any Raita of your choice.

Notes

Chickpeas may take longer to cook if they are old or not soaked for minimum 8 hours.ย 
If you are doubtful about the chickpeas cooking well, then i suggest pressure cooking the chickpeas and then adding it along with the soaked rice.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

Filed Under: Indian Vegan Recipes, Mealthy Rice and Pulao Recipes, Pulao Recipes

Onion Rasam | Vengaya Rasam Recipe

December 8, 2020 By anusha Leave a Comment

Onion rasam served in a stainless steel handled container placed on a wooden board

Onion Rasam or Vengaya Rasam is a South Indian style soup made with shallots and crushed garlic. Rasam is a South Indian style lentil broth and uses tamarind pulp, tomatoes and Rasam powder. This recipe uses onions and garlic for a unique flavor. Enjoy this Vengaya Rasam with hot steamed rice and some potato fry for a tasty comfort meal.

Onion rasam served in a stainless steel handled container placed on a wooden board

ย I m often wonderstruck at the brilliance behind theย  South Indian meal. Even an everyday south Indian meal is designed to take care of all nutritional requirements in the body. If you stop and think for a moment, the genius in the meal will leave you open-mouthed.

The sambar or kuzhambu that s usually loaded with legumes and vegetables takes care of your protein, the Rasam acts as a good digestive along with being loaded with pepper and cumin, both known for medicinal properties, a curry that usually is garnished with coconut takes care of vitamins, rice that adds carbs to your diet and finally the yogurt that stimulates digestion. Genius, right?

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It is the norm to make Rasam with plenty of shallots and garlic in many parts of Tamil Nadu. But somehow, in my house, Garlic in Rasam happens when someone s sick with a cold.ย I first came across the idea of adding onions to rasam at my friend Sangeeta’s house and I loved it!

Chinna Vengaya Rasam

Needless to say, thisย  rasam is an inspiration from her. And then, I read this Chinna Vengaya Rasam recipe in a small booklet that i have. And i was immediately intrigued. Among the many reasons i love this easy Rasam, it has got to be because it works well during summers and winters.

This recipe specifically calls for Shallots. Shallots are also called as Sambar Vengayam in Tamil. And they are rightly called so. They are flavor-packed and take the mediocre Sambar to the next level.ย 

But if you cannot source shallots, then you can make this with red onions.

Prep Work

    1. Soak the tamarind in 1 c warm water for 20 mins. While the tamarind is getting softened up, prep the dal.
    2. Wash the toor dal thoroughly. Add 3/4 c water and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder.
    3. Pressure cook for 3 to 4 whistles or until mushy. Natural release pressure. Set aside the cooked dal.
    4. You can also peel the shallots and prep the remaining ingredients while the tamarind is getting soaked and the dal is being cooked.

Ingredients- Replacements and Substitutes

Onions– This recipe calls for Shallots or Baby onions or Pearl onions. If you cannot source them, then substitute the quantity called for, with 1 c finely chopped red onions.

Tamarind extract-We are going to use a freshly made tamarind extract here by soaking tamarind. You can speed up the process by using 1.5 tsp thick tamarind paste diluted with 1 c warm water in its place.

Tomatoes– I recommend using ripe red tomatoes for best results.

Spices– Each of the whole spices called for in this recipe is very important. And so its not recommended that you skip any of it.

Homemade rasam powder– Apart from the spice paste, this recipe calls for using homemade rasam powder. This is to enhance the taste further. You can always use any store-bought rasam powder too.

Method with step by step photos

Soaking the tamarind

Like i mentioned in the Prep Work section, soak the tamarind in 1 c warm water for 20 mins. When the tamarind has softened, smash it well along with the water. Discard all the strings and fiber.

This is our tamarind extract.ย 

Cooking the Toor dal

While the tamarind is getting soaked, pressure cook the toor dal. To do this, wash the toor dal and combine it with 3/4 c water and a pinch of turmeric powder. Pressure cook for 3 to 4 whistles. Natural release pressure. Mash well and set aside.

Prepping the spice paste

Heat a pan with sesame oil. Add the cumin, fenugreek and whole black pepper corns. When they begin to pop, add the shallots and fry till pink. When done, add the chopped tomatoes and cook till tomatoes turn mushy.

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Let cool. Add turmeric powder andย  1 tbsp water.

And now grind to a smooth paste in a blender.

Making the rasam

Now, heat a pan with sesame oil. Add the mustard seeds and add the cumin seeds. This is our tempering.ย 

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When the mustard and cumin seeds start spluttering, add the peeled and chopped shallots and garlic. Fry till they turn pink and soft. Add the prepared tamarind extract and salt to the pan. Mix well.ย 

Now add the spice paste and Rasam powder to the tamarind extract. Mix well. Wash your blender with 1/2 c water and add this water to the pan too.

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Simmer on low flame till it begins to froth around the edges. At this stage, add the cooked toor dal. Mix well. Adjust the consistency by adding 1 or 1.25 cups water if you find it too thick.

Now, continue to simmer this on low flame till it begins to froth on the surface fully.

When done, garnish with curry leaves and coriander leaves. Serve hot with rice and potato fry.ย 

Pro Tip- If your Rasam is too tangy, then add a piece of Jaggery to balance the taste.

Onion rasam served in a stainless steel handled container placed on a wooden board

More Rasam Recipes

Vendhaya Rasam

Cumin Rasam

Tomato Rasam

Lemon Rasam

Pro Tip -Rasam should never be boiled too much. The right time to switch off the rasam is when it becomes fully frothy at the surface.

Onion rasam served in a stainless steel handled container placed on a wooden board

Follow me onย Instagramย orย Facebookย for regular cooking updates and short videos. Follow me onย Pinterest for delicious content. Tried our Onion Rasam? Then please rate this recipe and tell us why you loved our recipe!

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a commentย andย Iโ€™llย respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it onย Instagramย by tagging us @tomatoblues.

Onion rasam served in a stainless steel handled container placed on a wooden board
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Onion Rasam - Vengaya Rasam

Onion Rasam- A south Indian style rasam made with a fresh ground paste using shallots.
Prep Time30 minutes mins
Cook Time12 minutes mins
Course: entree
Cuisine: South Indian
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Pressure cooker/ Mealthy/ IP
  • Sauce Pan

Ingredients

For the tamarind extract

  • 10 g tamarind
  • 1 c Warm water

For The Toor Dal

  • 3 tbsp Toor dal
  • 3/4 c Water
  • 1/8th tsp Turmeric powder

For The Spice paste

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp Peppercorns
  • 3/4 tsp Fenugreek seeds
  • 10 numbers Shallots peeled and chopped
  • 1/2 c finely chopped tomatoes
  • 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1 tbsp water

For the rasam

  • 1.5 tbsp Sesame oil
  • 1 tsp Mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp Cumin seeds
  • 2 cloves Garlic chopped finely
  • 12 numbers Shallots peeled and chopped roughly.
  • 1 recipe tamarind extract
  • 1 tbsp Salt to taste
  • 1 recipe Above ground paste
  • 1 tbsp Homemade rasam powder
  • 1 recipe cooked toor dal refer step by step instructions.
  • 1 sprig curry leaves
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves
  • 1/2 to 1 c Water for adjusting consistency if needed.

Instructions

Tamarind extract

  • Soak the tamarind in the warm water.
  • When soft, squash it well with the water.
  • Discard the seeds, fiber and strings.
  • This is our tamarind extract.

Toor dal

  • While the tamarind is soaking, wash the toor dal well.
  • Combine with 3/4 c water and turmeric powder.
  • Pressure cook this for 3 to 4 whistles or until dal turns mushy.
  • Natural release pressure.
  • Mash the dal and set aside.

Making the spice paste

  • While the tamarind and dal is getting ready, we can make our spice paste.
  • Heat a pan with sesame oil.
  • Add the cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds and peppercorns.
  • When the spices begin to splutter and pop, add the finely chopped shallots.
  • Fry them till pink and soft.
  • Now add the chopped tomatoes and cook till tomataoes are mushy.
  • This is our base for the spice paste.
  • Let this cool.
  • When cool, add this to a blender jar along with 1 tbsp water and turmeric powder.
  • Grind to a smooth paste. Set aside.

Making Onion Rasam

  • Heat a sauce pan with sesame oil.
  • Pop the mustard seeds.
  • Now add the cumin and allow it to splutter.
  • When done, add finely chopped garlic and shallots.
  • Fry till shallots become pink and soft.
  • Now add the tamarind extract along with the salt.
  • Add the ground paste and rasam powder to this and mix well.
  • Now, add 1/2 c water to the blender and clean up all the spice paste.
  • Add this water to the pan too.
  • Simmer on low flame till the mixture becomes frothy around the edges.
  • When done, add the mashed cooked toor dal and mix well.
  • If you find the rasam too thick, add 1/2 c to 1 c water at this stage to adjust consistency.
  • Adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Simmer on low flame for about 3 to 4 mins till rasam begins to froth fully at the surface.
  • Switch off flame.
  • Garnish with curry leaves and coriander leaves.
  • Serve hot

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

What is Rasam Powder?

This is an unique spice blend that has coriander seeds, black pepper, cumin and dried red chilli. We use this in most South Indian rasam recipe. For this recipe, you can use homemade or store-bought rasam powder.

Filed Under: Rasam Recipes

Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookie For One| Single Serve Chocolate Caramel Cookies

December 8, 2020 By anusha 3 Comments

salted caramel chocolate cookie for one baked in a skillet

HOW TO MAKEย  SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE COOKIE FOR ONE?

Single-serve salted caramel chocolate cookie- Yep. This cookie serves just one. And has the delicious concoction of caramel and chocolate.

sea salt caramel chocolate cookie for one

The cookie season is finally upon us. And so is chocolate. And caramel. Which is why we are going to bake this wickedly delicious sea salt caramel chocolate cookie.ย 

Why did I just call it wickedly delicious? Because this is a Caramel chocolate cookie for one. Yep. You read right. This cookie recipe serves exactly one human.ย 

And its egg-free. So, please tell me you are like me- someone who just cannot pass up the opportunity to bite into some eggless sea salt caramel chocolate cookie.

When Vidhya announced that she is hosting the Kids’ Delight event this month and her theme is Single-serve desserts, I knew just what I should make, er, rather bake.

My long term wish to bake these single-serve cookies has been fulfilled!

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So without much further ado, shall we get started?

Single Serve Cookies

Single serve cookies, like the name indicates, are cookies that make exactly one cookie. These cookies are so convenient when you have that 12 am cravings to dig into one chocolate chipper. 

This saves you the trouble of getting out your mixer, cookie trays and then having to wash up huge mixing bowls etc. I used my small electric whisk to cream the butter and sugar in this recipe. 

If you are looking for more such easy Single serve desserts, check out this too-

Banana Mug Cake

More Cookie Recipes

Here are some more cookie recipes –

Easy Chocolate chip cookies

Gingersnaps cookies

Coconut cardamom cookies

Eggless Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookie

I have used Hershey’s sea salt caramel chips to bake this cookie. You can use any kind of caramel chips. And i highly recommend sprinkling some flaky sea salt over the cookie before baking. The sea salt elevates the flavors to a different level.

Psst.. let me let you in on a secret- I add a sprinkle of sea salt to my hot cocoa as well. Do you have any such weird preferences? Tell us in the comments.

Ingredients- Substitutes and Replacements

1.All purpose flour– This recipe works well with both all purpose flour and whole wheat flour. You can also use a mix of both in equal proportions.

2.Butter- Softened butter at room temperature yields the best results.

3.Sea salt caramel chips– These are what make the true flavor components of this recipe.

4.Baking soda– Soda Bi Carb is the leavening agent used here. For best results, please use a standardised measuring spoon or weighing scale to measure all the ingredients.

5.Cold milk– this is an eggless recipe. Cold milk is what helps to bring the dough together. Do not use room temperature milk or warm milk.

Prep Work

  1. Begin with softening the butter. There s no need to melt the butter.
  2. Use a whisk to lightly cream the butter and sugar. This is a single serve cookie. So this does not require extensive creaming of butter and sugar like we do for a large batch of cookies.
  3. Refrigerate the cookie dough for 5 to 10 mins if you have the time. This step improves the texture of the cookie. Optional but highly recommended.

Baking Time and Temperature

While i have baked this cookie at 180 C for 12 to 14 mins, please take note that oven timings will vary depending on your oven.

FAQs- Eggless Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Can this dough be doubled to make a large batch of sea salt caramel chocolate chip cookies?

I won’t recommend doing this. Because scaling everything in this single serve cookie recipe may or may not give successful results.

Making Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie for One step by step:

Preheating– Preheat the oven at 180C for 10 mins.

Creaming the butter and sugar– Add the sugar and butter in a bowl. Use a balloon whisk and whisk well for a min.

Adding the remaining ingredients– Now, add the flour, salt, vanilla, cocoa powder to the bowl. Using a spoon, combine everything together in such a way that the butter sugar mixture is evenly incorporated with the rest of the ingredients.

Your mixture should look similar to sand now.

Making the dough– Now add milk by 1/2 tsp and begin kneading the dough Mix all the ingredients together until you get a crumbly mass of dough.

Now, add the caramel chips and incorporate it into the dough.

Baking the cookie– When done, divide the dough into small portions. Shape into a ball, slightly press and flatten it.

I used a small skillet to bake one portion of the cookie. I wanted smaller cookies and hence, i divided the dough into two.

You can bake the whole dough into one large cookie too.

Sprinkle some flaked sea salt over the cookie just before baking.

Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12 to 14 mins or until cookie moves freely and the bottom of the cookie hardens.

Once done, let cool on a cooling rack for a few mins. Serve slightly warm with a dollop of ice cream or enjoy as it is.

salted caramel chocolate cookie for one baked in a skillet

Follow me onย Instagramย orย Facebookย for regular cooking updates and short videos. Follow me onย Pinterest for delicious content. Tried our Eggless Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookie for one? Then please rate this recipe and tell us why you loved our recipe!

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a commentย andย Iโ€™llย respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it onย Instagramย by tagging us @tomatoblues.

salted caramel chocolate cookie for one baked in a skillet
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5 from 1 vote

Eggless Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookie for One

Single serve caramel chocolate cookies- Egg free and delicious with a scoop of Vanilla ice cream
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time14 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Whisk
  • Cookie sheet

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp Softened butter
  • 1.5 tbsp Raw sugar
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 1/8th tsp Baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp Sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp Vanilla
  • 2 tsp Cocoa powder
  • 1 to 2 tsp Cold milk
  • 2 tbsp Sea salt caramel chips

Instructions

  • Preheat oven at 180 C for 10 mins.

Creaming butter and sugar

  • Combine sugar and butter in a bowl.
  • Use a balloon whisk and beat sugar and butter together for a min until combined and light.
  • Add all the remaining ingredients except milk and caramel chips.
  • Mix well using your fingers till mixture resembles sand.
  • Now, add cold milk by 1/2 tsp fulls and knead into a dough. Please don't add more than 2.5 tsp milk. I used only 2 tsp milk.
  • The dough should come together and form a slightly stiff dough.
  • Once done, divide the dough into two portions. Shape each into a ball. Flatten lightly.
  • Place on a lined cookie sheet. Or put them in small cast iron skillets.
  • Bake for 12 to 14 mins or until cookies move freely and bottom feels light.
  • Keep an eye out for the cookie from the 13th min onwards. Mine was done at 13.5 mins.
  • When baked, let it cool down for a few mins on a cooling rack.
  • When warm, serve as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

Sending this toย Srivalliโ€™s Kidโ€™s Delight event โ€“ single-serving desserts, hosted byย Vidhya of Vidhya’s Vegetarian Kitchenย this time.

Filed Under: Chocolate, Single Serve Desserts

Sattu Ladoo | How To Make Sattu Ke Ladoo?

December 7, 2020 By anusha Leave a Comment

Sattu ke ladoo held in the hand

Sattu Ladoo- Protein-rich roasted gram flour made into Ladoos. Ideal for winters. Refined sugar-free Sattu Ke Ladoo made with powdered jaggery. These are quick and easy treats you can make for festivals or as a light snack.

sattu ke ladoo on a black plate with rose petals in the background

If we go back deep into our roots of eating habits, we will be quite surprised at the science that existed behind these practices. Winter calls for eating foods that are rich in calories and fats.ย 

The logic behind this is that the body requires fats and calories to stay warm. Our skin also needs these to keep it moist. We can also call these hibernating foods. And then there s the concept of eating foods that keep our body warm and that s where we have the habits of indulging in Jaggery, ghee and such.

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Sattu Ke Ladoo

And that is exactly why these Sattu Ke Ladoo check all boxes and become the perfect winter snack. We call this the power Ladoos in our houses. They are the perfect healthyish dessert after a heavenly meal of roti, Dal and sabzi.

What is Sattu?

Sattu is made by grinding roasted chickpeas( roasted channa) into a flour. This is a staple food in states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkand. And this nutrient dense flour is also used to make Parathas.

You can also check out our Sattu Ke Parathe recipe.

Where to buy Sattu flour?

You can buy Sattu in all supermarkets in India.ย 

Sattu flour in Singapore- You can buy Sattu flour in Indian grocery stores like Sri Murugan in Singapore. This is also available in Mustafa.

Sattu Ladoo With Jaggery

Like I mentioned before, this is an ideal winter recipe. We enjoy these Ladoos with jaggery instead of regular white sugar. You can easily substitute Jaggery with regular white sugar too. Please use powdered sugar in place of the Jaggery mentioned here.

Sattu ke ladoo held in the hand

How To Make Sattu Ladoo Step By Step?

Step 1- Roasting the Cashews and Sattu

Heat a heavy bottomed pan. Add 1 tsp ghee. Add cashews and roast until golden. Drain and set aside.

Now add the Sattu and roast it on low flame till aromatic and very light brown. This process takes 6 to 8 mins.

Make sure you keep stirring the flour every now and then. And do not leave the flour unattended while roasting.

roasting sattu

Step 2- Making the Ladoos

Add the roasted cashews, roasted flour and powdered jaggery in a mixing bowl. Mix well using your fingers.

Heat a pan with ghee. When the ghee is hot, add the crushed cardamoms and fry these till they become puffy and fragrant. Now add the melted ghee to the flour mixture.

Combine all of it in such a way that the ghee is evenly incorporated into the flour mixture.

The mixture has to be warm for the Ladoos to hold shape.ย 

Now, scoop half a handful of the flour and try to shape into a ladoo by applying pressure and tightly pressing and rolling them. If the ladoos hold shape, then continue to shape ladoos with the remaining mixture.

If the ladoos do not hold shape, then add 2 more tbsp melted ghee and mix again. Proceed to shape ladoos.

And that s it! The Sattu ke ladoos are ready to be enjoyed.

Follow me onย Instagramย orย Facebookย for regular cooking updates and short videos. Follow me onย Pinterest for delicious content. Tried our Sattu Ladoo? Then please rate this recipe and tell us why you loved our recipe!

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a commentย andย Iโ€™llย respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it onย Instagramย by tagging us @tomatoblues.

Recipe for Sattu Ladoo

sattu ke ladoo on a black plate with rose petals in the background
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Sattu Ladoo- Sattu Ke Ladoo

Quick, easy and protein-rich ladoos made with Sattu flour. Refined sugar free.
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time12 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: North Indian
Servings: 12 ladoos

Ingredients

  • 1.5 c Sattu flour
  • 3/4 c Powdered jaggery
  • 3 to 4 tbsp Ghee
  • 4 crushed Green cardamoms
  • 12 numbers Whole cashews halved or broken

Instructions

Roasting

  • Heat a heavy bottomed pan. Add 2 tsp ghee.
  • Now, add the cashews and fry them till golden.
  • Drain the cashews and to the same pan, add the Sattu.
  • Roast the Sattu on low flame till very light brown and aromatic. Stir every now and then.
  • This takes 6 to 8 mins.

Shaping the ladoos

  • Transfer the roasted flour and cashews to a mixing bowl.
  • Add powdered jaggery to this.
  • Heat the ghee in a pan. Add the crushed cardamoms to this and fry these till puff up slightly.
  • Now combine all of this using your fingers making sure that the ghee is incorporated evenly into the flour mixture.
  • Scoop some of this mixture into your hands and press tightly and shape them into Ladoos.
  • If the Ladoos do not hold shape, then add 2 tbsp more melted ghee. Mix well and continue to shape into Ladoos.

Notes

It is very important that the ghee is hot while adding to the flour mixture.
Make sure the mixture is warm while making Ladoos. If the mixture is cold, then the Ladoos wont hold shape.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Vazhakkai Chili Recipe| Spicy Raw Plantain Stir Fry

December 1, 2020 By anusha Leave a Comment

Vazhakkai Chili served in a brown bowl placed on a galvanised tray

HOW TO MAKE VAZHAKKAI CHILI?

Update- This post was originally published in 2013. This has now been updated with new pictures and recipe cards.

Vazhakkai or Vazhakai Chili – A delicious Raw plantain dish with notes of Chettinad flavors. Pairs well with anything South Indian. But your best bet is Rasam!

Vazhakkai Chili served in a brown bowl placed on a galvanised tray

If you have read the title and that has left you a wee bit stymied ( you know that south indian and chili part?), then no i have not lost my mind. This is a Chettinad style dry curry made with raw plantains.

Another recipe that i have tried from Mrs. Menu Rani Chellam s book. It always works wonders when i m hosting a lunch. Makes a very good accompaniment for rasam or sambar or even someย lemon rice. I usually make it on those days when we crave for some spicy food. This is perfect for cold winter nights too.

When i was going through the contents part of the cookbook, i actually thought this would be some indo chinese style recipe. But when i read the recipe, i was surprised to see a melange of flavors. I was instantly sure that this recipe would work like a charm with Mr.P and a couple other friends.

Cooking The Plantains Perfectly

The secret to getting this fabulous is cooking the raw plantain just right. If you overcook it, you will have a mush. So do take care while you cook the plantains. ย The original recipe uses mushrooms. But since we dont eat much mushrooms at home, i subbed them with raw plantains.

vazhakkai chili served in a brown bowl

Chettinad Spices

This recipe uses some of the spices that are synonymous with the Chettinad Cuisine- Fennel, Cloves and Cinnamon. The addition of fennel seeds adds a beautiful earthy flavor to this stir fry.

Garlic And Ginger In Vazhakkai Recipes

We use ginger and garlic in this Vazhakkai Chili because of raw plantain’s tendency to increase flatulence and bloating.

Generally, using garlic and ginger in recipes that have plantains or such starchy veggies is a good way to help digestion too.

More Vazhakkai Recipes On Tomato Blues

If you are a fan of raw plantains, then don’t forget to check out these recipes too-

Vazhakkai Podi

Vazhakkai Varuval

Vazhakkai Podimas

Vazhakkai Chili served in a brown bowl placed on a galvanised tray
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Vazhakkai Chiliย 

Vazhakkai Chili- Chettinad style stir fry with Raw Plantain
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Course: Vegetables
Cuisine: Chettinad, Indian- South
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 150 g Peeled and cubed Raw plantains
  • 3/4 c Finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp Coriander seeds
  • 5 cloves Garlic peeled
  • 1 tsp Grated Ginger
  • 7 Dry red chilies
  • 1 Cardamom
  • 1 Clove
  • 1/4 inch Cinnamon stick
  • 1/2 tsp Fennel seeds
  • 3 tbsp Thick curd
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp Oil
  • 2 tbsp Finely chopped Coriander leaves

Instructions

  • Immerse the sliced plantains in 2.5 c water and cook till just tender. Takes about 8 mins.
  • Drain completely.
  • Heat a pan with oil.
  • Crush the coriander seeds coarsely.
  • Add fennel seeds, clove, cinnamon and cardamom to the heated oil.
  • Now add dry red chilies and coriander seeds.
  • Tip in the garlic and ginger.
  • Saute till garlic is lightly browned
  • Add onions and fry till transparent.
  • Now, add turmeric powder and the cooked sliced plantains and mix gently.
  • Add salt to taste.
  • Whisk the curd well and add to the mixture.
  • Cook till the mixture thickens. Takes 3 mins on medium flame.
  • Once done, garnish with coriander leaves.
  • Add lemon juice just before serving.
  • Serve hot withย tomato rasamย and hot rice.

Notes

The number of chilies may seem a bit too much but it s perfect because of the addition of curd and lemon juice.
Add lemon juice only after taking off the flame.
You can try this recipe with mushrooms too. But you need not precook them like we do for plantains.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!
ย 

Filed Under: Sautees And Stir Fries

Kala Jamun | Soft Black Jamun

December 1, 2020 By anusha 2 Comments

Kala Jamun cut into two and presented

How to make Kala Jamun, a delectable Indian style dessert infused in saffron flavored sugar syrup? These succulent black Gulab Jamuns are a treat in every sense. Warm, squishy and delicious, this is every beginner’s dream dessert. Make them for Diwali or your Thanksgiving party and just bask in the compliments that follow.

juicy kala jamuns and one cut up jamun stacked and served on a black plate. Garnished with rose petals.

ย 

I made this heavenly version of the ubiquitous Gulab Jamun for Diwali. Let me tell you a secret. I cannot make Gulab Jamun from those instant Jamun packets. Nope. No matter how much I try, I always goof up.

But any other version of Jamun- now that’s what we are talking about. From Makkan Peda to this soft and succulent Kala Jamun, the sheer process of making them is so therapeutic.

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What is Kala Jamun?

This succulent delight is like a cousin of the Gulab Jamun. Its called soย  because it s almost black in color and ‘Kala’ in Hindi translates to black.ย 

Kala Jamun vs Gulab Jamun

This is slightly different from the regular Gulab Jamun. The color aspects apart, this recipe uses Paneer/ Chenna and Khoya apart from flour in its recipe. Even though the ingredients are the same, the proportions are very different.

And because the proportions are different, the texture of this black Gulab Jamun is also very different.

Khoya- No Milk Powder

We will be using Khoya which is nothing but reduced milk solids and is also called Mawa. You need unsweetened Khoya to make these Jamoons.

You can buy unsweetened Khoya/Mawa easily in Singapore. Milky Mist and Nanak Brands both have unsweetened Khoya. This is easily available in Indian stores in Singapore.ย 

If you are using frozen Khoya in this recipe, make sure that it has thawed and softened completely. Read recipe notes for more information on this.

Paneer/Chenna

This recipe uses Chenna. Chenna is freshly made but unset Paneer. I have used full fat cow milk to make this.ย 

Pro Tip: Chenna made from buffalo milk yields rubbery Chenna. So full fat cow’s milk is the best for making Chenna for any such juicy sweets.

Shelf Life – How to store Kala Jamuns?

These Jamuns stay fresh for upto a week when refrigerated. Store them along with the sugar syrup in an air-tight glass container.

Bring them to room temperature before serving. If desired, warm them in bursts of 20 secs on high in the microwave before serving.

Ingredients-Substitutes and Replacements

  1. Khoya– Unsweetened Khoya at room temperature will work best here. Make sure that the Khoya has softened. Only when the Khoya has softened fully, you can crumble it easily and knead a crack-free smooth dough.
  2. Chenna–ย This recipe uses freshly made Chenna using Cow’s milk. You can substitute this with crumbled paneer in this recipe.
  3. Maida– This acts a binding agent and also helps in improving the texture.
  4. Sugar– I have used raw cane sugar to make the syrup. You can also use regular white sugar.
  5. Ghee– Frying these in Ghee is the best! But if you are looking for something lower in calories, please use any neutral flavored vegetable oil for frying these.ย 

Prep Work

  1. Making the Chenna– This is the first step and the waiting time for this is slightly more. So I suggest that you begin with this first. Skip this step if you are using Paneer.
  2. Sugar Syrup– While the Chenna is getting drained, you can start the sugar syrup.

Recipe Notes

  1. Make sure there is no moisture in the Chenna. Draining the Chenna is very important because moisture in Chenna will give you soggy oily Jamuns.
  2. If you find that the mixture is dry while kneading, sprinkle milk and knead. I used about 3 tbsp milk here.
  3. Once you have finished kneading the dough, keep it covered to prevent it from drying. If the dough dries up, the Jamuns will crack up while frying.
  4. The sugar syrup does not need any kind of string consistency. You just need to boil it till it thickens.

FAQs

1.Why did my black Jamun crack after frying?

This would happen if the dough is dry. Try adding a few drops of milk, knead the dough again and fry the jamuns. Make sure that there are no cracks while shaping the balls before frying. This also helps in preventing cracks while frying.

2. Can i use paneer instead of Chenna in this recipe?

Yes, you can. Using paneer made from buffalo’s milk will make your Kala Jamun hard and rubbery. Use Paneer made from cow’s milk for soft and spongy Jamuns. If you are using frozen paneer, make sure you thaw it by dunking them in hot water. Once thawed, drain the water completely.

Grate the paneer or crumble it well using your hands before using it in this Kala Jamun recipe.

3. Why did my Jamuns shrink after frying?

Please don’t add the jamuns to the sugar syrup while it s very hot. If you add them to very hot syrup, your Jamuns will shrink, dimple or become hard and rubbery.

Pro Tip: Make sure the sugar syrup is warm enough to dunk your fingers in it comfortably for 10 secs. This is the right temperature to drop the Jamuns in.

Method

Step 1: Making the chenna

Making chenna

ย 

Making chenna for Kala Jamun

Heat a pan with the milk. Bring the milk to a rolling boil. When it reaches this stage, add the lemon juice and mix well.ย  You can immediately see the whey and the milk solids separate.

Wait for the whey water to become completely curdle. This is done when the whey is fully transparent like water.

When done, line a colander with a cheesecloth. Pour the curdled mixture into this. Collect all the whey into a bowl. Bring the edges of the cheesecloth together. Knot it up and hang it so that all the whey drains. This takes around 20 to 25 mins.

Make sure all the whey drains completely. When this is done, the Chenna will have become a soft ball.

Our Chenna is now ready.

Step 2: Mixing the dough

kneading the dough fo rmaking Kala Jamun

kneading the dough fo rmaking Kala Jamun

Add the chenna to a bowl and crumble it nicely.

Similarly, add the Khoya to a wide bowl. Using your hands, break it down and knead the Khoya till smooth and lump free. Combine the Khoya, Chenna and Maida in a mixing bowl. Mix well and knead into a smooth dough without any cracks.

If you find that the dough is dry while kneading, sprinkle a few tsp of room temperature milk and knead. I used about 2 to 3 tbsp milk while kneading the dough.

Knead the dough for about 6 to 7 mins. I suggest switching on the timer while you do this. Also, use the heel of your palm and your fingers alternatively while you knead for best results.

The dough should be smooth and supple.ย 

Shaping the dough balls for  Kala Jamun

When the dough is ready, divide the dough into 18 equal parts. Shape each part into a smooth crack free ball.

Step 3: Making the sugar syrup

While you are kneading the dough, get the sugar syrup started. Combine the sugar, water, cardamom pods and saffron in a thick bottomed pan. Mix well.

Heat the mixture until all the sugar has dissolved. Continue to boil the syrup for 6 to 7 mins on medium flame till the mixture has thickened. Add rose water, Kewra water and lemon juice.

There is no need of any string consistency for this sugar syrup.

Lemon juice prevents the syrup from crystallising.

Once done, switch off the flame. Allow the sugar syrup to cool down till it is warm.

Step 4: Fryingย 

frying Kala Jamun

Heat a pan with oil+ghee mixture. Add the shaped balls in batches of 6. The balls will sink to the bottom as soon as you drop them. Reduce the flame to the lowest possible.

Now start moving the oil in and around the Jamuns using a ladle. Make sure you dont disturb the jamuns while you do this. This will make sure that the Jamuns don’t burn at the bottom.

As the Jamuns get cooked, they will slowly rise to the top. They will become golden brown in color slowly after 6 to 7 mins.

Continue to fry the Jamuns till they turn almost black in color. This takes around 8 mins for one batch. So the total cooking time for one batch of Jamuns is around 14 to 15 mins.ย 

This timing may vary depending on the heat in which they are cooked.

Pro Tip: Always fry the Jamuns on low heat till they turn golden brown in color. Once they are golden, crank up the heat to a medium high and fry them till they turn almost black in color.

Step 5: Soaking in sugar syrup

making sugar syrup for kala jamun

When you have finished frying the Jamuns, add them to the warm sugar syrup and allow them to soak the syrup for at least 4 hours.

Serve them once the Jamuns have soaked up the syrup.

juicy black jamuns stacked and served on a black plate. Garnished with rose petals.

More Diwali Sweets

If you are looking for more such easy sweet recipes, then do have a look at ourย 

Microwave Mysore Pak

Rasgulla

Besan ladoo

Recipe Card

Kala Jamun cut into two and presented
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5 from 2 votes

Kala Jamun

Kala Jamun- a delectable Indian style dessert made with milk solids and flour.
Prep Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Cook Time55 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: North Indian
Servings: 18
Calories: 384kcal

Equipment

  • Frying Pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • Cheesecloth

Ingredients

For the Chenna

  • 1.5 liter full fat milk
  • 2.5 tbsp lemon juice

For the Jamun

  • 150 g Chenna or Crumbled paneer
  • 250 g Khoya Crumbled
  • 60 g Maida 1/2c approximately
  • 2 to 3 tbsp Milk if the dough is dry while kneading
  • 1.5 c Vegetable oil
  • 1.5 c Ghee

For the Sugar Syrup

  • 2.5 c Sugar
  • 4 c Water
  • 8 pods Green cardamom crushed
  • 8-9 strands saffron
  • 2 tsp rose water
  • 2 tsp Kewra water Screwpine water
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice

Instructions

Making the Chenna

  • Heat the milk in a pan and allow it to come to a rolling boil.
  • Add the lemon juice and allow it to curdle completely.
  • When curdled, drain the mixture into a colander lined with a cheesecloth.
  • When the whey has drained, bring the edges of the cheesecloth together and tie it into a knot.
  • Hang this at a height and allow all the whey water to drain completely. This takes 20 mins.
  • When done, open the cheesecloth and crumble the collected Chenna in a bowl.

Mixing the dough

  • Add the khoya to a wide shallow plate. Crumble it or grate it and knead it till it becomes smooth.
  • Now add the Maida, Chenna and khoya to a mixing bowl.
  • Knead into a smooth and soft dough.
  • Sprinkle some milk and knead if you find the dough is dry while kneading.
  • Knead the dough for about 6 to 7 mins till the dough is soft, smooth and supple.
  • Divide the dough into 18 portions and shape each portion into a crack free smooth ball.

Making the sugar syrup

  • Make the syrup while you are prepping the dough.
  • Combine the sugar, cardamom, saffron and water in a thick bottomed pan.
  • Mix well and heat the mixture. Allow the sugar to dissolve completely.
  • When the sugar dissolves, continue to boil the syrup for 7 to 8 mins until it thickens.
  • When the syrup has thickened, add the rose water, Kewra water and the lemon juice.
  • Mix well. Switch off the heat .
  • Allow the syrup to cool down till it is luke-warm. This will happen while we are frying the Jamuns.

Frying the Jamuns

  • Heat a pan with ghee and oil.
  • This mixture should be of the right temperature. It should not be smoking hot. Drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it comes floating to the surface immediately, this is the right temperature.
  • When the oil is at the right temperature, add 6-8 balls. Reduce the flame to the lowest.
  • Now, move around the oil using a ladle without disturbing the jamuns. This will prevent them from sticking to the bottom and the bottom being burned.
  • When the Jamuns get cooked, it will slowly rise to the surface of the oil. Once they start floating, continue to fry the balls till they turn golden brown. This takes about 6 to 7 mins.
  • When they are completely golden brown, crank up the flame to a medium high and fry the Jamuns till they are almost black.
  • This takes 7 to 8 mins.

Soaking the Jamuns to the Sugar Syrup

  • Once done, drain them from the oil and immediately drop them in the warm sugar syrup.
  • Do not add the jamuns to very hot sugar syrup.
  • Continue to do this with the remaining dough balls.
  • Once all the Jamuns are fried, dunk all of them in warm sugar syrup and let them soak up the syrup for 4 hours.
  • Serve them once the Jamuns have soaked up the syrup.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Nutrition

Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 80mg | Potassium: 137mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 204IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 238mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for regular cooking updates and short videos. Follow me on Pinterest for delicious content. Tried our Kale Gulab Jamun? Then please rate this recipe and tell us why you loved our recipe!

Filed Under: Indian Sweets

Mapillai Samba Rice Adai

November 20, 2020 By anusha Leave a Comment

mapillai samba adai served on a turquoise blue plate against a blue backdrop

Mapillai Samba Rice Adai is a lentil crepe or Dosa that uses a native rice cultivar from India. Brownish red in color, this rice has a nutty flavor and is packed with nutrients.

Follow us onย Pinterestย for delicious pins. Join ourย Facebook groupย for more recipes, quick tips and hacks.

Adai served on a turquoise blue plate against a blue backdrop
Benefits of Mapillai Samba are many!

Before we get into the nitty gritty of this post, let me bring you up to speed on this traditional recipe called Adai, may I? Dosa is a well known South Indian staple that has spread its wings far and beyond the Indian subcontinent, agreed?

But.. but.. there is so much more to the South Indian cuisine than Idli and Dosa. And that s why we need to talk about dishes like Adai.ย ย 

What is Adai?

Adai is a complex carb Indian style Crepes. This is a traditional South Indian tiffin and is so much more than a Dosa in terms of nutrition.

It is basically a combination of rice, lentils and spices. These are then soaked and ground to a smooth paste.

And then some more nutrition boost. We add some freshly plucked Moringa leaves( Drumstick leaves) and there you go, we have a wholesome meal rich in carbs, proteins and iron.ย 

I have vivid memories of my MIL plucking a handful of Moringa leaves fresh from the tree during the mornings. And i would instantly know that its Adai for breakfast.

In case you are interested in making Adai the traditional way, then check out our Adai recipe by clicking here-ย  Recipe For Adai

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Mapillai Samba Rice

Mapillai Samba is a native variety of rice that is from the Tamil Nadu regions of Southern India. It literally translates to the Bride Groom’s Rice. There are some theories around this name but that s for another day.

Whatever the theories, the nutritional benefits of this reddish brown rice is plenty.

mapillai samba - native Indian rice scattered on a bamboo basket
What is Mapillai Samba rice?

Mapillai Samba Rice Benefits

Rich in nutrients- This is an indigenous variety of rice that is a powerhouse in terms of fiber. Apart from this, it is also rich in Magnesium, manganese and Vitamin B.

Low GI-ย And hence, this is diabetic friendly too. This also makes it ideal for people looking to control their carb intake and yet get their carbs too.

Great for managing diabetes, ulcers and blood pressure issues.

Additionally, regular consumption of this rice helps in boosting your immunity. The presence of pro-anthocyanins helps prevent cardiac diseases, stabilise blood cholestrol and regulate hypoglycemia.

mapillai samba - native Indian rice scattered on a bamboo basket

Prep Work

The only prep work involved is to wash and soak all the ingredients. Once this is done, everything else is pretty much straightforward.

Ingredients- Substitutes/ Replacements

  1. Rice-ย  We’ll use two types of rice- regular Sona Masuri rice and the indigenous Mapillai Samba. I have used both in this recipe because the adai made with just the Samba rice didn’t taste great. It was too dry for our taste.
  2. Green Moong Beans– Adds protein and also improves the taste and texture in this Adai.
  3. Garlic– Helps reduce flatulence that is common in all high protein recipes.ย 
  4. Dry Red Chili– Gives a nice spicy taste and flavor to the Adai.
  5. Onions– We are going to add finely chopped onions only after making the adai. This is optional but highly recommended.
  6. Coconut Oil– This Adai tastes best when made with cold pressed coconut oil. However, you may also use any neutral flavored vegetable oil.

Making Mapillai Samba Adai Step By Step

Soaking

Wash the rice and dal thoroughly under running water. The water should run clear.

Once done, soak everything together for 8 hours. Soaking time for this recipe is a bit longer when compared to the regular Dosa varieties.

This is because Mapillai Samba takes longer to hydrate. Also, lentils when hydrated for longer, grind quickly and digest easily.

mapillai samba adai step by step

Grinding

When the rice and dal has hydrated well, drain all the water used for soaking.

Divide the soaked mixture into two portions. Add the dry red chili, ginger, garlic and asafoetida along with salt to one portion.

Add this to a blender. Pulse this a few times to break down the garlic, chili and ginger to smaller bits.

Now add 3/4 c water and grind to a slightly coarse paste. Transfer to a bowl.

Add the remaining portion of the soaked mixture. Grind to a slightly coarse mixture, adding 3/4 c water. Add this to the same bowl as the previously ground batch.

Mix both the pastes well using a ladle or a whisk.

mapillai samba adai step by step

Pro Tip: Divide the soaked rice +spices into two batches for easier grinding.

Note: Add 1/2 c to3/4 c water for every batch of soaked mixture and grind to a paste. This paste shouldn’t be too smooth or too coarse. The consistency of the batter should be slightly thicker than regular dosa batter.

mapillai samba adai step by step

This Mapillai Samba Adai is a no ferment Dosa. This can be made instantly once the batter is ready.

Making the Mapillai Samba Adai

how to make adai step by step

Once you are done grinding the batter, adjust salt if required. You can also add finely chopped cilantro leaves for more flavor.ย 

To make this Adai, heat a cast iron Tawa. The tawa should neither be smoking hot nor cold.ย 

Once the Tawa is hot, spread a ladle of the batter, like how you would do regular dosa batter.

Pro Tip: If you are not able to spread the batter easily, try diluting the batter with 2 to 3 tbsp water and then proceed.

Lower the flame, drizzle some cold pressed coconut oil around the edges. Cook the Adai till you see no raw batter around the edges and the edges are golden and crisp.

We recommend- Cold pressed coconut oil for making this Adai for a fantastic flavor. Try adding different veggies like shredded cabbage, finely chopped banana blossom or spinach for a different taste Adai.

Once done, flip and cook the other side for 30 to 40 secs. When done, flip, sprinkle a handful of finely chopped onions and fold the dosa over.

Serve hot with any chutney of your choice.

Serving Suggestionsย 

mapillai samba adai served on a turquoise blue plate against a blue backdrop
Mapillai Samba Adai -a protein rich lentil crepe that is filling, healthy and wholesome.

Any type of Adai tastes best with Jaggery, a huge dollop of butter and a tangy Tomato Chutney.ย 

Great with any of these-

Aviyal

Mor Kuzhambu

Tomato Thokku

mapillai samba adai served on a turquoise blue plate against a blue backdrop
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Mapillai Samba Adai

Mapillai Samba Adai is a high protein no ferment dosa that features the native indigenous rice variety- Mapillai Samba
Prep Time8 hours hrs
Cook Time3 minutes mins
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: South Indian
Servings: 10 Adais

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients

  • 1 c Sona Masuri
  • 1 c Mapillai Samba rice
  • 1/3 c Green Moong Beans
  • 1/3 c Toor dal
  • 1/4 c Channa dal
  • 2 tbsp Whole white Urad dal
  • 8 dry red chilis
  • 5 cloves garlic peeled and chopped roughly
  • 1/2 inch knob of ginger peeled and chopped roughly
  • 1/4 tsp Asafetida
  • 1 c water approximately
  • 2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 4 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves
  • 4 tbsp Cold pressed coconut oil
  • 3/4 c finely chopped onions for garnish

Instructions

Soaking the ingredients

  • Wash the rice and dals together under running water for 2 to 3 times.
  • Add 6 to 7 c water to this and let it soak for 8 hours or overnight.
  • When soaked, drain all the water used for soaking.

Grinding the batter

  • Divide the soaked mixture into two portions.
  • Add the red chili, garlic, ginger, salt and asafoetida to one portion.
  • Place all this in a blender.
  • Add 3/4 c water and grind to a slightly smooth paste.
  • Once ground, transfer this to a mixing bowl.
  • Now, grind the remaining mixture with another 3/4 c water.
  • Grind to a slightly coarse paste.
  • When ground, combine both batches of the ground paste. Mix well using a ladle or whisk.
  • Adjust salt if needed.
  • If you find the batter too thick, dilute the batter with 1/2 c water.
  • Add the finely chopped coriander leaves. Mix well. Now the batter is ready.

Making the Adai

  • Heat a cast iron Tawa.
  • Add a ladle of the batter and spread to a slightly thick dosa.
  • Drizzle around 2 tsp coconut oil around the edges.
  • Cook on low flame till you see no raw batter on the surface.
  • When cooked, flip and cook the dosa on the other side as well for about 30 to 45 secs.
  • Once done, flip over and sprinkle 2 to 3 tbsp finely chopped onions over the dosa.
  • Fold the dosa over and serve hot.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

Filed Under: Breakfast And Dinner Recipes, Dosa Recipes, Heirloom Rice and Millet Recipes, Vegan Recipes

Sponge Dosa Recipe| No Ferment Set Dosa Recipe

November 19, 2020 By anusha 2 Comments

SPONGE DOSA- NO FERMENT SET DOSA

Sponge Dosa- This is an easy No ferment set dosa style Dosa. Gluten free recipe.

no ferment sponge dosa served on a black plate set against a grey backdrop

Its going to be year end soon. And my blog is almost a decade old. . I am a south Indian who loves her Idli and Dosa. If you follow me on Instagram, then you will probably have seen quite a number of Dosa and Idli meals on the feed.ย 

A while back, i had shared these “soft as pillows” Sponge dosa on my Instagram feed. And immediately, received so many DMs asking for the recipe. So here comes the recipe for Sponge Dosa.ย 

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Set Dosa / Atukalu Dosa

This easy dosa is also called as Set dosa or Atukalu Dosa or Poha Dosa in some places. What is the difference between set dosa and regular dosa? , You may ask. A regular dosa is usually thin, crisp and lacy.

A set dosa is like a pancake and is usually served as a set of two or three and hence the name. This is a very popular breakfast option across fast food eateries in Bangalore. But Set dosas that are served in Karnataka are made with a fermented dosa batter.

no ferment sponge dosa & tomato thokku served on a black plate set against a grey backdrop

Instant Sponge Dosa Recipe

And that is exactly how this no ferment dosa recipe is different. This dosa uses simple ingredients in the batter and is gluten-free too. Instead of allowing the batter to ferment overnight, we are going to use leavening agents and buttermilk to add texture and taste to this Dosa.

No Fermentation No Urad Dal Sponge Dosa Batter

Unlike regular Dosa batter recipes, this no ferment Sponge Dosa batter does not use any Urad dal. Generally, it is the Urad dal that allows for natural fermentation in Dosa batter. The Urad dal also helps to sour the batter.

Sponge Dosa With Buttermilk

This is the reason why we ll be using sour buttermilk to soak our rice mixture in this recipe. The buttermilk will not only give a sour taste but also make this dosa spongy and soft.

Ingredients- Substitutes and Replacements

  • Rice– This recipe uses Parboiled Idli rice. And this is the main ingredient.
  • Poha/ Aval– We use rice flakes to make these dosas soft and yet crispy on the edges.
  • Sago– Sabudana/ Sabakki isย  added for making these dosas spongy.
  • Buttermilk– The regular dosas use water to soak the rice and dal. Thisย  recipe uses sour buttermilk to bring a tangy taste in the dosa.
  • Baking Soda– Or Soda Bi Carb is the leavening agent that is going to help in getting perfectly porous, soft and spongy Sponge Dosa.

Recipe Notesย 

  • This recipe uses sour buttermilk. Make sure that your buttermilk is very sour for best results. Buttermilk made from fresh yogurt doesn’t work well here.
  • Once the rice mixture has soaked, drain all the liquid from it and use that to grind the batter. This quantity of liquid itself should be sufficient to grind. If you find that you need more liquid to grind, use some more sour buttermilk for grinding.
  • Please don’t use more liquid than mentioned here to grind the batter. The maximum amount that you can use is 1 cup.ย 
  • Baking soda is very important here. And Eno fruit salt doesn’t work well in the recipe. So please do not attempt substitutions.

FAQs

Why is my Sponge Dosa not porous/ not having holes?

This means that you have not added enough Baking soda. Try adding another 1/4 tsp to the batter, mix well and continue to make the dosas.ย 

Why is my Dosa sticking to the pan?

Your Sponge dosa will stick to the pan if you add too much liquid to grind the batter. This s why it s important not to add too much liquid while grinding.

I dont have Sago. What can i do?

You can use 1/4 c leftover cooked and cooled rice instead of the Sabudana to make this dosa.

How long can i store this batter for?

This batter cannot be stored for more than a day after adding baking soda. If you plan to store the batter, then i suggest adding baking soda only to the portion of the batter that you will be using.

If you are going to be doing this, then add 1/4 tsp baking soda for every cup of dosa batter that you use.

I don’t want to add baking soda. Can i still make this Sponge Dosa?

Baking soda leavens this dosa. But if you don’t want to add this, then i suggest leaving the batter to ferment naturally for at least 4 hours.ย  Understandably, this will no longer be a No Fermentation dosa.

Step Wise Instructions for Instant Soft Sponge Dosa

Making the Instant Sponge Dosa Batter-

First, wash the rice, sago and Poha in water until the water runs clear. I washed the mixture 2 to 3 times. Now soak this mixture in 4 to 5 c really sour buttermilk for about 6 to 7 hours.

When the rice has soaked, drain any liquid if left. We’ll be using this to grind our batter today. If there s not much liquid left, use about 1 c sour buttermilk to grind the batter. Begin with 3/4 c buttermilk and gradually increase the quantity.

Divide the soaked mixture into two. Add one portion to a blender. Add 1/2 of the drained liquid. Grind to a smooth paste.ย 

Repeat the same procedure with the remaining mixture.

You should not be using more than 1 c sour butter milk to grind the batter.

Once done, add salt and baking soda. Mix well.

Making Instant Sponge Dosa

Heat a cast iron pan. The pan shouldn’t be smoking hot. Add a ladle of batter.ย 

Do not spread the batter like how you would for regular dosas.

Now, turn down the heat to the lowest setting, cover the dosa and cook till you can see no raw batter on the surface. This takes about 1.5 to 2 mins on the lowest flame.

Once done, do not flip the dosa.

Remove from the pan and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions for Sponge Dosa without Fermentation

This dosa tastes best with some tangy curries or chutneys.ย 

I recommend serving this with one of the following accompaniments-

Tomato Thokku

Tomato Kurma

Onion Tomato Chutney

Some More No Fermentation Dosa Recipes

https://tomatoblues.com/ragi-dosa-recipe-pearl-millet-recipes/

Adai Recipe With Step By Step Tutorial

Follow me onย Instagramย orย Facebookย for regular cooking updates and short videos. Follow me onย Pinterest for delicious content. Tried our No Fermentation Sponge Dosa? Then please rate this recipe and tell us why you loved our recipe!

In case you have any questions regarding this recipe, leave a comment andย I’ll respond at the earliest possible. If you tried this recipe and enjoyed it, click a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging us @tomatoblues.

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5 from 2 votes

No ferment Sponge Dosa

These soft and spongy Sponge Dosas do not need any fermentation. They can be made straight after grinding the batter.
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time5 minutes mins
Soaking Time7 hours hrs
Total Time7 hours hrs 25 minutes mins
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Indian- South

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients

  • 2 c Par boiled rice
  • 1/4 c Sago pearls
  • 1/4 cRice flakes or flattened rice
  • 4 to 5 c Sour Buttermilk
  • 1 tsp Baking soda or cooking soda
  • 2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 2/3 c buttermilk approximately for grinding
  • 2 to 3 tbsp oil/ghee

Instructions

Soaking the rice etc

  • Soak the rice, sago and the rice flakes in the buttermilk for 6 to 7 hours or overnight after washing them thoroughly.

Grinding the Sponge dosa batter

  • Drain the buttermilk from the soaked rice mixture if there is any left. If not, use 3/4 c buttermilk for grinding
  • Use this drained buttermilk for grinding the batter.
  • Divide the soaked mixture into two batches.
  • Add the buttermilk little by little and grind to a smooth batter.
  • The batter should be as thick as dosa batter. So dont add too much liquid while grinding.
  • Grind the soaked up mixture into a smooth paste along with salt.
  • Add the soda just before making the dosas.

Making The Dosa

  • Heat a tawa and pour a ladle of the batter thickly.
  • Dont spread the batter.
  • Drizzle oil or ghee on the sides
  • Cook closed with a lid on medium flame until there s no raw batter on the surface.
  • Dont flip over the dosa.
  • Serve hot for breakfast or dinner.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Tried this recipe?Mention @tomatoblues or tag #tomatoblues!

Filed Under: Breakfast And Dinner Recipes, Dosa Recipes, Gluten Free Recipes, Instant Dosa Recipes

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Hi! I m Anusha. A very warm welcome to my blog Tomato Blues. I m an advocate by profession and chose to become a food blogger later. I live in Singapore with my husband and daughter. Tomato Blues โ€“ About The Author

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