Category: Recipe

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Air Fried Chilli Garlic Potato Bites- Guilt Free Snacking

Summer holidays have begun. Kids are at home. As much as it is exciting with all the play dates, pool parties but sometimes let’s admit it, it gets exhausting too, thinking about snacking options for everyone.

Potato-based snacks are very common and are prepared for various purposes. The market is flooded with fusion snacks made from potatoes. We all love those bite sized frozen snacks because they are quick to prepare and are absolutely delicious. But I have major concerns when it comes to frozen foods.

  • First of all is the high sodium content. Sodium is widely used as a preservative. I literally get enfolded with guilt if I serve my child packaged food with high sodium. Too much sodium in a child’s diet increases the likelihood of osteoporosis. It can cause calcium to be lost from bones resulting in weak bones.
  • The ingredients that are used in packaged frozen food are not the same as those in freshly cooked meals. It contains hydrogenated palm oil that has harmful trans-fat.
  • Preservatives like starch, corn syrup which is made up of glucose are added to these foods to add taste and texture. This increases the risk of diabetes and are noted as carcinogenic substances.
  • The high fat and sodium content can also increase the risk of heart diseases, BP and high cholesterol levels.

There is no one who doesn’t enjoy convenience. Tossing a packaged frozen food once in while in your shopping cart is not a problem. However, when this convenience becomes a habit, it comes with a huge risk of health problems.

So, lets make fresh and delicious chilli garlic potato bites which I am sure you and your family will enjoy. They are air-fried, so there goes the guilt of deep frying too.

Recipe

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes 
Serving: 20 bites

Ingredients

  • 4 large Potatoes, boiled and mashed
  • 2 tbsps Rice flour
  • 3 slices of Bread (I used whole wheat)
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp Red Chilli Flakes
  • 1/2 Mozzarella Cheese (optional but recommended)
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Take boiled and mashed potatoes in a large bowl or a plate. Break the bread slices into tiny pieces and add to potatoes. Add all the ingredients mentioned above.
  • Squeeze and mix everything well to form a soft dough. If the dough feels sticky, add more rice flour or bread slice. It will help to absorb the moisture. Check for seasoning.
  • Now, shape it the way you like it. I shaped some in cylindrical shape but eventually got tired. The easiest is a round shape. So, if you plan to make a lot of these, I recommend a round shape.
  • Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 360 F or 180 C. Brush the basket with little oil and gently add the potato balls. Do not crowd the basket. Do few batches of a single layer. Brush a little oil over the top of each ball. Cook for 4 minutes, shake the basket. Spray or brush it again with some oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes more until golden brown.
  • Serve with ketchup, chutney or ranch dipping sauce.

Variations

  1. A great variation to this is adding ranch seasoning packet to the potatoes because ranch seasoned potatoes are to die for.
  2. You can make them cheesy by adding a block of mozzarella or cheddar cheese in the center.
  3. To make it more crispy, you can dip these balls in corn flour slurry and then coat them with more bread crumbs.
  4. You can make this recipe gluten free by using gluten free bread slices.

Enjoy! Happy Holidays! 🙂

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Spiced Plum and Dragon Fruit Compote with Jaggery

Welcome to my kitchen, where I am always experimenting with fresh and exciting flavors! Today, I’m thrilled to share a delightful recipe that combines the sweet and tangy taste of plums with the exotic flair of dragon fruit. Enhanced with the rich, caramel-like sweetness of jaggery and the warm spice of cinnamon, this compote is a versatile treat perfect for topping your favorite desserts, breakfast dishes, or simply enjoying by the spoonful. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just love to dabble in the kitchen, this Spiced Plum and Dragon Fruit Compote with Jaggery is sure to become a new favorite. The best part? You can store this compote in a jar and keep it in the fridge for a few days, making it a convenient and delicious addition to your meals throughout the week. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make, yet irresistibly delicious recipe!

Ingredients:

3 ripe plums, pitted and chopped
1 dragon fruit, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup jaggery powder
1 cinnamon stick

Instructions:

Start by chopping the plums and dragon fruit into small, bite-sized pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly and blend well in the compote.

In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped plums, dragon fruit and cinnamon stick and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Now add the jaggery powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruits begin to soften and the jaggery dissolves, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll notice the wonderful aroma of the fruits and jaggery blending together.

Continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a compote-like consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the compote cool slightly. Once cooled, remove the cinnamon stick and transfer the compote to a clean jar. Seal the jar tightly and store it in the fridge. This compote will keep well for a few days, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.


Serve the compote warm or chilled. It’s a fantastic topping for yogurt, ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or toast.
You can also enjoy it on its own for a simple, satisfying treat.


Tips:
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less jaggery powder to suit your taste. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a squeeze of lemon juice towards the end of cooking. This Spiced Plum and Dragon Fruit Compote with Jaggery is not only easy to make but also a wonderful way to incorporate unique flavors into your meals. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do! Happy cooking!

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Vegan and Sugar Free Creamy Cold Coffee

As a lover of cold coffee, I’m always on the lookout for delicious alternatives that align with my dietary preferences. While I adore the creamy texture and rich flavor of traditional cold coffee, I’m mindful of overconsuming dairy and processed sugar. That’s why I’ve turned to a vegan twist on this beloved beverage. By swapping out dairy for plant-based alternatives like almond milk and eliminating processed sugar in favor of natural sweeteners like dates, I can indulge in my favorite summer treat guilt-free. With every sip of this refreshing vegan cold coffee, I satisfy my cravings while nourishing my body with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup soaked almonds
2-3 pitted dates
1 cup cold brewed coffee
1 cup cold water
Ice cubes, as needed

Instructions:

Begin by soaking the almonds in water overnight or for at least 4-6 hours to soften them.

Once the almonds are soaked, drain and rinse them well.

In a blender, combine the soaked almonds, pitted dates, cold brewed coffee, cold water, and a handful of ice cubes.

Blend everything together on high speed until smooth and creamy. If the consistency is too thick, you can add more cold water to reach your desired consistency.

Once blended to perfection, taste the cold coffee and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more dates.

Almond milk is lower in fat and calories than regular cow milk so include this healthy creamy almond milk coffee in your diet.

You can buy California almonds from numerous brands available online as well as offline. In case you are looking for a premium California almonds, you can always explore Masala Monk’s California Almonds ships all over India.

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Healthy Hung Curd Spinach Cheese Sandwich- Easy Vegetarian Protein Recipe

I normally avoid having commercial bread loaves on a regular basis. But once in every few days, we all crave for sandwiches. They are so versatile that everyone loves them. So, when that craving strikes, I try my best to add as much nutrition as I can.

I still remember when my child was 5 years old, he asked me before bedtime, if he can have cheese sandwich with 5 leaves of spinach for breakfast. 😄 The request was made so sweetly, I had to oblige. This was the time he tasted his first hung curd sandwich. He is 10 now and these are still his all time favourite.

This can be your easy peasy laid back weekend breakfast. Hung curd sandwiches are so easy to whip up. If you are looking for a veg sandwich recipe with high protein without mayonnaise, try these – a healthier take with the same creaminess level. These yogurt sandwiches are packed with probiotics from the curd & essential fiber, vitamins and minerals from spinach & herbs.

This recipe is very basic & is vegetarian but you can easily transform it to egg or chicken yogurt sandwich for more protein. 

Greek yogurt also known as Hung curd is nothing but strained yogurt. It is simply homemade yogurt that has been strained off the whey to get a thick and creamy product.

Hung curd can be a great healthy, low calorie substitute for mayonnaise, cream cheese or sour cream. 

I have made it using just spinach. You can use other finely chopped fresh vegetables like carrots, cabbage, onions, capsicum. Use herbs of your choice- mint, coriander, parsley, sweet basil. Sky is the limit! Customise this Yogurt Sandwich Recipe the way you want it.

Recipe

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes 
Serving: 5

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Hung curd
  • 1 cup tightly packed Spinach
  • 10 slices Bread (I used wholewheat bread)
  • 1 tbsp Butter 
  • 1 tsp Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 5 cloves, chopped of garlic
  • 1/4th tsp Oregano 
  • Red Chilli flakes to taste
  • 3/4th cup Mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions

  • In a pan, heat butter & olive oil.  Add chopped garlic. Sauté till rawness goes. Now add roughly chopped spinach leaves. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and cook till spinach shrinks and water evaporates. 
  • Allow it to cool a little. Add spinach in hung curd and mix well. Add black pepper, oregano, salt & chilli flakes. Give a good mix. 
  • Take 2 bread slices. Spread hung curd mix generously on one slice. Add some mozzarella cheese on it and top it with another slice. 
  • You can either grill it in a griller or cook it in a pan using a little butter. If cooking in a pan/griddle, cook on a low flame so that the cheese melts. 
  • If using an air fryer, place the prepared sandwich in the air fryer basket or rack. Brush it with some butter. Air fry for 2 to 3 mins at 360 F or 180 C.

Notes:

If you do not have Greek Yogurt/ hung curd, add regular curd to a cheese/ muslin cloth and squeeze it gently to remove excess whey. You can do this the previous night and also hang it in the refrigerator.

Enjoy 😊

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Calamondin Orange Marmalade- Simple Quick Recipe

I have a plant of this gorgeous beauty in my garden. I planted calamondin oranges as a mere ornamental beauty. Little did I know that they are a remarkable member of the citrus family. Calamondins originated in China and the Philippines. But this fruit soon gained popularity across the world for its versatility. This fruit is a hybrid between a mandarin orange and a kumquat.

The fruits are sour and slightly sweet, resembling a tarter version of traditional oranges. The peel of this fruit tastes sweet and the inside is sour but very flavorful. Despite its sour taste, the calamondin orange is a culinary delight. It’s widely used in marmalades, jams, and as a flavor enhancer in beverages and desserts. In Southeast Asian cuisine, it’s a common condiment, adding zest to dishes.

This fruit yields fabulous marmalade. The distinct aroma and sweet taste of the peels makes this marmalade quite different from the regular orange marmalade you had. And dare I say tastes so much better! If you personally ask me, this is best citrus food marmalade I have ever made.

This vital little fruit is also known for it’s healthy benefits. One of the most common applications is in the treatment of respiratory ailments such as coughs and phlegm. The fruit’s juice, when consumed, can help in loosening and expelling phlegm, making it easier to clear congested airways.

The fruit’s acidity can aid in digestion and help alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating and indigestion. Its mild laxative effect can also be beneficial in regulating bowel movements.

I think I have given you enough insight about this fruit. Now coming to the recipe. You only need 3 ingredients to make this marmalade. The entire recipe will take you no time since you don’t require much cooking unlike other citrus marmalades because the peels are very soft.

Recipe

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 12 minutes 
Yields: 700 grams

Ingredients

  • 500 grams Calamondin Orange
  • 500 grams sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp minced Ginger (optional, but adds flavor)

Instructions

  • Before starting the recipe, put a plate in a freezer for later testing the marmalade.
  • Cut the calamondins into half and take out all the seeds. This might take you 10 to 12 minutes but as soon as you are done with this step, this recipe is a piece of cake.
  • Now blend all the calamondins in a blender. 500 grams of this fruit will roughly give you 2 cups pulp.
  • Bring a heavy bottom pan to a medium heat. Add the pulp and cook it for 3-4 minutes.
  • Now add sugar and cook the pulp for 7-8 minutes. After 7 minutes of cooking, do the plate test.
  • Pour a tsp of marmalade on a chilled plate and try to wriggle it using your fingers. If the liquid starts getting wrinkles and it resembles a set jelly, you know that your marmalade is ready.
  • Pour the marmalade in a sterilized glass jar. Now add a tbsp of lemon juice and mix well. It will last you months at room temperature. Refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Enjoy this delicious treat!!! 🙂

Notes:

  • Never try to cook this marmalade beyond 10-12 minutes. Do the plate test precisely after 7 minutes. The marmalade might appear loose but as it cools, it will become thick. If you are still unsure, then once the marmalade coats the back of your spoon, it is time to take it off heat. If you keep cooking it beyond that time, your marmalade on cooling will become like a solid mass.
  • Do not reduce the sugar. Since calamondin is a sour fruit, you will have to add equal amount of sugar to balance the tartness.
  • Always take the ripest calamondins for better flavor.
  • Always store the marmalade in a glass jar due to its acidic nature.