Tag: Side Dish

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Kurkure Karele| Crispy Bitter Gourd Recipe| Crispy Karela

Bitter gourd or Karela was enough to make my face look disgusted back then. Whenever my mom used to tell me “Aaj karele bane hain,” I would refuse to eat lunch at home and go to my aunt’s house instead. Even after living alone in a different city, whenever I made karela, I made sure it was crispy like chips. A few years back, I discovered this crispy karela recipe with a great twist, and now I cook this recipe very frequently. So let’s quickly see the ingredients and method to make this crispy karela.

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium-sized Karela (bitter gourd)
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon amchoor powder (dried mango powder)
  • 2 tablespoons cornflour
  • 2 tablespoons besan (gram flour)
  • Oil for deep frying
  • Salt to taste

Method:

Cut the Karela (bitter gourd) lengthwise from the middle and remove the seeds using a knife or spoon. The Karela should be hollowed out.

In a large bowl, add water and salt. Place the Karela in the saltwater solution and let it soak for about 30 minutes. This helps reduce the bitterness of the Karela. After 30 minutes, remove the Karela from the water and pat them dry using a kitchen towel. Ensure the karela is completely dry.

In a plate spread the cut karela and combine turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, amchoor powder, cornflour, besan, and salt to make a dry spice mixture.

Take each Karela and generously mix them with the dry spice. Ensure the mixture is evenly distributed in all the Karela.

Heat oil in frying pan and carefully place the Karela into the oil one by one. Fry the Karela until they turn golden brown and crispy from both sides. This will take approximately 8-10 minutes. Flip the Karela occasionally to ensure even frying. Once the Karela is cooked and crispy, remove them from frying pan.

Serve the Kurkure Karele hot as a side dish with dal chawal or snack. They can be enjoyed with mint/ Coriander chutney or ketchup.

Note: Kurkure Karele are best enjoyed immediately after frying, as they tend to lose their crispiness with time. So, serve them fresh!

I hope you enjoyed reading this recipe. Do give this recipe a shot. 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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Skillet Mushroom and Zucchini Stir Fry- Fresh and Healthy

Sometimes, the best way to enjoy fresh veggies is a simple sauté. I love doing this with zucchini, especially because it cooks up quickly. Skillet sautéed mushroom and zucchini is fresh, healthy and absolutely delicious side dish. This is sautéed to crispy tenderness with garlic, scallions, butter, olive oil and mild spices. It is quick, easy and wholesome. Even kids will love it as a side.

Pair these veggies with scrambled eggs, omelette or roasted chicken. For vegetarians and vegans you can add Indian cottage cheese or tofu to it for protein. It could be your perfect light meal in summers. I paired it with omelette and a toast for breakfast. 

Tips for sautéing Zucchini to prevent it from getting Soggy

  1. Since zucchini contain a large amount of water content, it is best to sauté it at on a high flame. It allows the moisture to evaporate at a quicker rate, allowing the zucchini to brown. It also shortens the cooking time. 
  2. Be mindful when cutting the zucchini. Smaller and uneven pieces can burn more easily at high temperature. 
  3. Don’t overcrowd the zucchini in the pan. This will cause the zucchini to steam and not get browning effect.

Recipe: serves 3

Ingredients 

  • Zucchini: 2 cups, cut into roundels of roughly 1/2 cm thickness
  • Mushroom: 250 grams, chopped length wise
  • Garlic: 3-4 large cloves, cut thinly
  • Scallions: 2, chopped with greens
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Italian Seasoning: 1/2 tsp
  • Red Chilli flakes: 1/2 tsp or less
  • Butter: 20 grams
  • Olive Oil: 1 tbsp
  • Lemon juice: 1 tsp

Instructions 

  • Bring cast iron skillet to medium heat. Add half of butter and olive oil.
  • Increase the flame and add zucchini. Sauté at high flame for 3-4 minutes. Remove it from the skillet and set aside. 
  • Now add remaining half of the butter and oil and sauté garlic till it becomes lightish brown. 
  • Then add mushrooms and cook for a minute. 
  • Season mushrooms with some salt and pepper and then add scallions and scallions greens. Cook everything for 4-5 minutes or till mushrooms soften and become brown.
  • Return zucchini to the skillet. Add Italian seasoning and red chilli flakes if using. Mix well and cook for another minute on high flame. 
  • Taste for salt and other seasoning. Add more if required. 
  • Remove skillet from flame and finish it with lemon juice. 

Enjoy the goodness! 🙂

I hope you enjoyed reading this recipe. Do give this recipe a shot. I am sure this recipe will bring you a lot of joy. 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. Happy Cooking!

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Easy Crispy Okra (Bhindi) Raita: Crunchy and Cool

Just like any other raita this crispy bhindi raita is also easy to make. It’s a perfect side dish for your summer meal . This raita can make any boring meal exciting as a side dish. Eat this raita with any pulao or with simple dal chawal. The crispness of coated bhindi and creamy tanginess of curd makes excellent combination. The best part is that this bhindi raita remains crispy and never turns slimy.

Ingredients:

For Okra Coating:

250g Okra (Bhindi), washed, dried, and sliced

1 cup Besan (gram flour)

1/2 tsp Turmeric powder

1/2 tsp Red chilli powder

Salt to taste

For Tempering:

5-8 Curry leaves

1 tsp Rai

1 whole Red chillies

For Raita:

2 cups Curd (yogurt), beaten

Black salt to taste

Instruction:

In a bowl, mix besan, turmeric powder, red chilli powder and salt. Coat the sliced okra with the mixture. deep fry coated okra until crisped.

In a large bowl, beat the curd until smooth. Add black salt to taste and mix well. In a small pan, heat a little oil. Add curry leaves, rai, and whole red chilli. Let them crackle for a few seconds until aromatic.

Add the tempering to the beaten curd and mix well. You can keep this mixture in fridge to chill. Raita taste better when it’s chilled.

Serve the Okra Bhindi Raita chilled, garnished with a few extra curry leaves if desired.

Tips:

  • Make sure the okra is completely dry before coating to avoid it becoming slimy.
  • Add the fried okra to the raita just before serving to retain its crispiness.
  • Adjust the spices according to your taste preference.

This Okra Bhindi Raita is a delicious and unique addition to any meal. The crispy okra adds a wonderful texture to the creamy raita, making it an irresistible side dish. Give this recipe a try and let us know how you like it! And don’t forget to check out our other recipes and share your feedback. Happy Cooking!

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Mastering the Perfect Mashed Potatoes: Gordon Ramsay’s Signature Recipe

potatoes beside stainless steel cooking pot

When it comes to mashed potatoes, few chefs have mastered the art quite like the renowned Gordon Ramsay. Known for his culinary expertise and exceptional flavor combinations, Ramsay’s mashed potatoes are a true delight. In this tantalizing blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to recreate Gordon Ramsay’s signature mashed potatoes, ensuring you achieve creamy, fluffy, and flavorful results that will elevate your dining experience. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this show-stopping side dish straight from the culinary genius himself! 🥔🍽️

🍟 Ingredients for Gordon Ramsay’s Mashed Potatoes To recreate Gordon Ramsay’s iconic mashed potatoes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (900 grams) of Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (115 grams) of unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh chives, for garnish (optional)

🍟 Step-by-Step Instructions Follow these steps to create Gordon Ramsay’s exquisite mashed potatoes:

1️⃣ Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a fork into the potatoes; they should be easily pierced.

2️⃣ Heat the Cream: While the potatoes are cooking, in a separate saucepan, heat the cream over low heat until warm. This will ensure that the cream incorporates smoothly into the mashed potatoes.

3️⃣ Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for a minute or two until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

4️⃣ Drain and Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them well and return them to the pot. Using a potato masher or a ricer, mash the potatoes until they are smooth and free of lumps. Take care not to over-mash, as this can result in a gluey texture.

5️⃣ Incorporate the Cream and Garlic Butter: Gradually pour the warm cream into the mashed potatoes, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula. Continue adding the cream until the desired consistency is achieved. Next, pour the garlic butter into the mashed potatoes and mix well to distribute the flavors evenly.

6️⃣ Season to Perfection: Season the mashed potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give them a final stir to incorporate the seasoning throughout the dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

7️⃣ Serve and Garnish: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish. For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle chopped fresh chives over the top as a garnish.

See the YouTube video by Chef Gordon Ramsay’s Guide to Potatoes.

🍟 Join Our Foodie Community! We invite you to join our vibrant community of food lovers on our Facebook group. Share your creations, get inspired by others, and exchange ideas to take your culinary skills to new heights. There’s no better way to elevate your cooking game than by connecting with fellow foodies who share the same passion.

🥔💡 Now that you’ve learned the secrets behind Gordon Ramsay’s exquisite mashed potatoes, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Follow these steps, savor the creamy and flavorful results, and delight your taste buds with this culinary masterpiece. Remember, great mashed potatoes require patience, attention to detail, and quality ingredients. So gather your tools and ingredients, and let’s embark on a mashed potato adventure that would make Gordon Ramsay proud! 🍽️🥔

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5 Creative Ideas for Bacon-Wrapped Potatoes

happy woman with rolling pin cooking at home

If you’re a fan of crispy bacon and tender potatoes, then you’re in for a treat! In this delectable blog post, we’ll explore the mouthwatering world of bacon-wrapped potatoes. These bite-sized gems are bursting with flavor and make an excellent appetizer or side dish for any occasion. Get ready to indulge in the perfect combination of smoky, savory bacon and creamy, tender potatoes that will have everyone coming back for more. 🥓🥔

🍟 1️⃣ Classic Bacon-Wrapped Potato Bites Let’s start with the classic bacon-wrapped potato bites that are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Here are some additional ideas to spice up your potato bites:

1️⃣ Sweet and Spicy: Before wrapping the potato bites with bacon, lightly brush them with a mixture of maple syrup and sriracha for a sweet and spicy twist. The combination of the smoky bacon and the heat from the sriracha will create a tantalizing flavor experience that will keep your guests coming back for more.

2️⃣ Cheesy Goodness: Place a small cube of your favorite cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, inside each potato bite before wrapping them with bacon. As the potatoes bake, the cheese will melt, creating a gooey and delicious surprise in every bite. The combination of the crispy bacon, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

🍟 2️⃣ Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Potatoes Take your bacon-wrapped potatoes to the next level by adding a delicious filling to the equation. Here are some creative stuffing ideas:

3️⃣ Jalapeño Poppers: Fill the cavity of each halved potato with a mixture of cream cheese, diced jalapeños, and shredded cheddar cheese. Wrap each potato half with bacon and secure it with toothpicks. The creamy and spicy filling combined with the crispy bacon will create a flavor explosion that will have your guests reaching for seconds.

4️⃣ Savory Herb and Garlic: Mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley), salt, and pepper. Fill the cavity of each halved potato with this flavorful butter mixture. Wrap with bacon and bake until crispy. The herb-infused butter will melt into the potatoes, infusing them with irresistible flavor. The aroma of the herbs and garlic will entice your guests as they take their first bite.

🍟 3️⃣ Sweet and Savory Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes For a delightful twist on the classic, try these sweet and savory maple-glazed bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes. Here are some variations to consider:

5️⃣ Candied Bacon: Before wrapping the sweet potato bites with bacon, sprinkle the bacon with brown sugar and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy candied bacon effect. The caramelized sugar will add a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness to complement the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. This combination of sweet and savory flavors will have your guests raving about this unique twist on a classic favorite.

6️⃣ Smoky BBQ: Brush the bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes with your favorite smoky barbecue sauce before baking. The combination of the smoky flavors from the bacon and the tangy sweetness of the barbecue sauce will create a mouthwatering flavor profile that will leave your guests wanting more. The smoky aroma and sticky glaze will make these bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes an instant hit at your next gathering.

🍟💡 These bacon-wrapped potato recipes offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them ideal for parties, game nights, or simply indulging in a delicious snack. Feel free to experiment with different types of bacon, seasonings, and fillings to create your own unique variations. And remember, if you want to share your creations and get more inspiration, join us on our Facebook group where a vibrant community of over 75,000 Foodies awaits! Let’s celebrate the irresistible combination of bacon and potatoes together. Enjoy! 🥓🥔