Tag: Italian Cuisine

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How to turn Leftover Rice into Gourmet Arancini Balls

Arancini balls are Italian rice balls that are stuffed, coated with breadcrumbs and deep fried. These are gooey, cheesy rice balls with crispy golden crust. Need I say more! The Italians are a genius! Arancini balls are a Sicilian street food made of risotto and are absolutely delicious. It’s crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. But they do take some effort to prepare. First you have to make risotto and allow it to cool. Then you have to make the balls and fry them. This sounds like quite a lengthy process. If you have the time, they are definitely worth the effort.

But if you don’t want to go that extra mile and still want to make delicious Arancini Balls, we have your back. I’ll show you how you can transform your leftover rice to these delightful little balls of pleasure that are truly pleasurable to nibble. They are perfect without any filling and are also a good way to use up other leftovers. These were gobbled in no time at my house. It took me just 10 minutes to prepare it and even less time for us to finish it. Even my 10 year old loves them. Italian herbs and cheeses make them taste like a cheesy pizza. Even if you don’t like fried food, I insist you give this one a try. Alternatively, you can bake these in the oven or can air fry them.

Recipe: Makes approx 12-14 balls

Ingredients 

  1. Leftover Rice or Pulao: 2 cups; cold is better
  2. Egg: 1 large; lightly beaten
  3. Mozzarella Cheese: 1/2 cup
  4. Fresh Basil Leaves: A handful
  5. Minced Garlic: 1 tsp
  6. Minced Ginger: 1 tsp
  7. Dried Oregano or Italian Seasoning: 1/2 tsp
  8. Chilli Flakes: 1/2 tsp or as required 
  9. Salt and Pepper to taste
  10. Breadcrumbs: 1/3 cup
  11. Oil for frying

Instructions 

  • In a bowl or a plate mash leftover rice or pulao. I have used leftover vegetable pulao here. Add basil leaves, mozzarella cheese, ginger-garlic, oregano, chilli flakes, salt, pepper and egg. Mix them all until well combined.
  • Form 12-14 balls equal sized balls and roll them in bread crumbs. 
  • Add frying pan to a wok or to a deep pan. Preheat the oil to medium high heat. 
  • Fry the arancini in batches until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the arancini from the hot oil and place them on a paper towel to drain the excess oil.
  • Serve hot with ketchup or marinara sauce

Variations: Any type of cheese can be used like cheddar, parmesan, and you can alternate the spices as well. Chopped veggies, such as mushrooms, zucchini, carrots or bell peppers can also be added.

Notes: 

  1. Always use cooked rice
  2. Use rice that is cold
  3. Add more breadcrumbs if the mixture is runny, it should be the consistency of a meatball mixture.

Do give this recipe a shot. It’s a perfect and a delicious way to upscale your leftovers. If you try this recipe, do give us a shout out. Just click a picture and tag us on @masala.monk or use the hashtag #MasalaMonkRecipe and share on Instagram and Facebook. We would love to hear from you. 🙂

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Ravioli Reinvented: 5 Indian-Inspired Twists to the Italian Classic

plate of tasty ravioli with beet sauce served on plate with nuts and herbs

Greetings, Food Enthusiasts! 👋

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that merges the rich traditions of Italy with the vibrant flavors of India? Today, we invite you to join us as we reimagine the classic Italian dish, ravioli, with a captivating Indian twist. Prepare yourself for a gastronomic experience that will take your taste buds on a sensational journey! 🌍🔥

Ravioli: A Brief Introduction 🍝🌶️

Ravioli, those delectable pockets of pasta filled with a myriad of delightful ingredients, have long been celebrated in Italian cuisine. These little parcels of joy are typically stuffed with a delectable combination of cheese, meat, or vegetables, and served with a luscious sauce. However, we’re about to infuse them with the bold and aromatic spices that characterize Indian cooking, creating a fusion that is truly irresistible! 🇮🇹🍝

So, without further ado, let’s dive into five tantalizing Indian-inspired twists on ravioli:

1. Paneer and Spinach Ravioli with Tomato Curry Sauce 🧀🍃

Let’s begin our Indian-inspired ravioli journey with a classic combination – paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and spinach. Picture delicate pasta pillows filled with a mixture of crumbled paneer, blanched spinach, and a blend of aromatic spices. As these exquisite ravioli cook to perfection, prepare a vibrant tomato curry sauce infused with Indian spices. The velvety paneer and vibrant spinach nestled within the ravioli will harmonize beautifully with the tangy and aromatic tomato curry sauce!

2. Masala Mushroom Ravioli with Coconut Cream Sauce 🍄🥥

Prepare your taste buds for an enchanting blend of earthy mushrooms and aromatic Indian spices. Imagine delicate ravioli parcels bursting with a filling of sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, and a medley of Indian spices. Once cooked, generously drizzle them with a creamy coconut cream sauce that will lend a hint of sweetness and richness to the dish. The combination of savory mushrooms and velvety coconut cream will transport you to the lush landscapes of India!

3. Spiced Lentil Ravioli with Tamarind Chutney 🍛🌶️

Embrace the wholesomeness of lentils in your ravioli creation. Fill the pasta pockets with a flavorful mixture of cooked lentils seasoned with a blend of Indian spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. As the ravioli cook, prepare a tangy and sweet tamarind chutney to serve alongside. Dip each bite of spiced lentil ravioli into the chutney and experience a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more!

4. Potato and Pea Ravioli with Mint-Yogurt Sauce 🥔🌿

Embark on a culinary journey reminiscent of India’s beloved street food, the samosa. Envision ravioli brimming with a filling of mashed potatoes, peas, and a fragrant blend of Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. As the ravioli float in a pot of boiling water, prepare a refreshing mint-yogurt sauce to accompany them. The combination of the spiced potato and pea filling with the cooling mint-yogurt sauce will take your taste buds on a flavorful adventure!

5. Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli with Creamy Cashew Sauce 🍃🥜

Experience the marriage of creamy ricotta cheese and vibrant spinach within delicate pasta pillows. As you savor each bite of these delectable ravioli, allow your palate to be enveloped by the richness of the filling. To elevate the dish, drizzle a luscious creamy cashew sauce over the ravioli. The nuttiness of the cashews will complement the delicate flavors of the spinach and ricotta, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more!

As you embark on your culinary adventure, don’t forget to share your innovative ravioli creations with us and our community of food lovers at EatLo. Let’s celebrate the fusion of Italian and Indian cuisines and inspire each other with our culinary experiments!

Indulge in the fusion of Italian and Indian flavors with each mouthwatering bite of these ravioli creations. It’s a culinary journey that combines the best of both worlds and will ignite your passion for global gastronomy! 😜👊

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Pesto Pasta: Adding 5 Delightful Indian Twists to the Italian Classic

pesto paste on ceramic bowl

Namaste, Pasta Aficionados! 👋

Prepare to embark on a pasta voyage like never before. Picture this – your favourite Pesto Pasta decides to take a well-deserved vacation to the land of spices, India. The result? An unthinkably scrumptious fusion that would leave even the Italian Nonnas scratching their heads in amazement! Are you ready to witness this flavoursome spectacle? Then buckle up, and let’s hit the spice road! 🌍🔥

Pesto Pasta: A Quick Recap 🍝🌶️

First, let’s address the pasta in the room. Pesto Pasta, an Italian darling, has wormed its way into global hearts with its exquisite simplicity. Its traditional version, hailing from Genoa, is a brilliant concoction of fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano, garlic, coarse salt, and olive oil. It’s hard to resist, we agree, but our beloved pasta has packed its bags and is all set for an Indian adventure! 🇮🇹🍝

And guess what? This isn’t just a riot of flavours that’ll make your taste buds dance the Bhangra. Our Indian twists are also loaded with nutritious elements. Here’s presenting Pesto Pasta’s crazy, funny, and incredibly delicious Indian saga:

1. Coriander Pesto Pasta or ‘Dhania Pesto Pasta’ 🌿

Think of this as Pesto Pasta trying out the Indian green carpet look! Substitute basil with fresh dhania (coriander), and you’ve got yourself a green sauce that screams ‘desi’. Toss it with whole wheat spaghetti (because, hey, we’re health-conscious too!) and crown it with a sprinkle of roasted jeera (cumin) and crushed peanuts. It’s like our pasta just walked the ramp at a fashion week in Delhi!

2. Mint Pesto Pasta or ‘Pudina Pesto Pasta’ 🍃

This one’s like Pesto Pasta’s beach vacation in Goa. Fresh pudina (mint) replaces the traditional basil, giving the pesto a fresh, tropical twist. Blend it with almonds (pine nuts, who?), garlic, lime juice, and olive oil, and what you get is a pesto sauce that’s ready to party. Add some fusilli or penne to the mix and top it off with grated coconut. It’s like sipping a margarita on an Indian beach, but in pasta form!

3. Curry Leaf Pesto Pasta or ‘Kadi Patta Pesto Pasta’ 🍛

Picture Pesto Pasta trying out the traditional South Indian lungi dance – hilarious, right? This variation is exactly that! Replace the basil with kadi patta (curry leaves), and blend it with walnuts to get an aromatic pesto. Toss your pasta in this for an unforgettable taste and top it off with a sizzling tadka (tempering) of mustard seeds and dry red chillies. This dish is ready to do the lungi dance on your plate!

4. Spinach Pesto Pasta or ‘Palak Pesto Pasta’ 🥬

Inspired by the famous Indian dish Palak Paneer, this version sees our Pesto Pasta trying out Bollywood-style romance. Make a pesto using blanched palak (spinach) and let your pasta sway in this green, nutrient-rich sauce. Throw in some paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes, and voila! Your pasta is ready to serenade you, Bollywood style!

5. Tomato and Sesame Pesto Pasta or ‘Tamatar Til Pesto Pasta’ 🍅

Think of this as Pesto Pasta’s rendezvous with Rajasthan’s vibrant culture. Sun-dried tamatar (tomatoes) and til (sesame seeds) give a flavourful twist to the traditional pesto. Add a sprinkle of fresh dhania (coriander), and you have a pasta dish that’s as colourful and tangy as a Rajasthani folk dance!

So, here’s the thing, folks. These Indian spins on Pesto Pasta are not just hilarious to imagine, they’re also incredibly delicious to devour! And remember, in the realm of fusion cooking, there are no rules. Only the wild, wild joy of experimentation.

As you create these laugh-out-loud funny pasta dishes, do share your culinary stories and pictures with us and our community of food lovers at EatLo. Let’s laugh, cook, experiment, and celebrate our love for food, one pasta dish at a time!

After all, who knew Pesto Pasta’s Indian vacation would be this hilarious and mouth-watering? But hey, that’s the beauty of food fusion! 😜👊

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Beyond Chicken: 5 Tofu-licious Italian Cuisine Dinner Meal Prep Ideas, Tofu as a Substitute for Chicken, High in Protein

MM Arrabiata Sauce

Transport yourself to the captivating flavors of Italy as you embark on a culinary journey with tofu as your main protagonist. By incorporating tofu into your Italian-inspired meal prep, you can elevate your dishes with a healthy twist while still enjoying the rich and comforting flavors of traditional Italian cuisine. Packed with protein, low in saturated fat, and brimming with versatility, tofu is a fantastic substitute for chicken that also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly diet. 🌿🍝🥢

Let’s dive into the tantalizing world of Italian cuisine and discover these irresistible tofu-based meal prep ideas:

🍝 Tofu Bolognese: Experience the cozy and comforting embrace of a classic Bolognese sauce with a tofu twist. Begin by sautéing crumbled tofu with onions, garlic, and a medley of Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. As the tofu absorbs the flavors, add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a splash of red wine to create a rich and robust sauce. Let it simmer gently until the flavors meld together, resulting in a tantalizing Bolognese sauce. Serve this savory delight over your favorite pasta or swap the pasta for zucchini noodles to keep it light and low-carb. You can make the Bolognese sauce in advance and refrigerate it, allowing the flavors to deepen and intensify, ready for a quick and effortless assembly during mealtime.

🍕 Tofu Margherita Pizza: Indulge in the timeless pleasure of a Margherita pizza by replacing the chicken with marinated tofu. Start by pre-baking a pizza crust until it turns golden and crispy. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce, arrange slices of tofu marinated in olive oil and Italian seasonings on top, and add a generous amount of fresh mozzarella or vegan cheese. Finish off with juicy slices of tomato and fragrant basil leaves. Bake the pizza until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbling. Slice into wedges and savor each bite of this delicious fusion of flavors. To make the process even easier, prep the tofu and pre-bake the crust in advance, ensuring a quick and enjoyable pizza-making experience.

🥗 Caprese Tofu Salad: Experience the simplicity and elegance of a Caprese salad with a tofu twist. Arrange slices of tofu, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves on a platter, capturing the essence of summer. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and a touch of olive oil to enhance the flavors. The tofu acts as a protein-packed substitute for traditional mozzarella, adding a delightful texture and depth to the salad. This dish requires minimal preparation, making it perfect for a light and refreshing meal option. Serve alongside a crusty bread to complete the Italian experience.

🍲 Tofu Minestrone Soup: Warm your soul with a hearty bowl of tofu-infused Minestrone soup. Begin by sautéing tofu cubes until they turn golden and set them aside. In a pot, combine vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, an assortment of colorful vegetables such as carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell peppers, and a medley of Italian herbs like rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Allow the soup to simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Add cooked pasta and the golden tofu cubes to the soup, creating a filling and nutritious meal. Prep the tofu and chop the vegetables ahead of time for a quick and nourishing soup experience. Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or vegan cheese and a slice of crusty bread for a complete Italian feast.

🍝 Tofu Alfredo Pasta: Indulge in the creamy and luscious goodness of Alfredo pasta with a healthy twist by incorporating tofu. Start by sautéing tofu cubes until they develop a golden crust. Then, blend the tofu with soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic, and vegetable broth to create a velvety Alfredo sauce. Toss the sauce with your favorite pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness. This dish offers all the richness and comfort of traditional Alfredo but with a lighter and plant-based touch. Prep the tofu and soak the cashews in advance for a smooth and hassle-free cooking process. Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Unleash your culinary creativity and add your personal touch to these Italian-inspired meal ideas. Adjust the seasoning, experiment with different herbs and spices, and savor the joy of creating delicious, plant-based Italian dishes in your own kitchen. Don’t forget to capture your culinary triumphs and share them with us! 📸 Tag your creations with #MasalaMonk and @Masala.Monk on Instagram or Pinterest to inspire others with your delectable creations.

Save this post for future meal prep inspiration and come back to revisit these Italian-inspired tofu recipes whenever you’re craving a taste of Italy. Let’s inspire each other to embrace the delicious possibilities of plant-based cooking while promoting sustainability and healthy eating.