Cinnamon rolls

 

This year I decided to go on a baking mode with some new cookie recipes and some older tried and tested goodies, Filling up the house with the smells of butter, sugar and cinnamon oh yum 😋. This is one my boys favorite holiday treats and mine too!! Who can resist these Warm & cozy cinnamon rolls well the answer is no one they are so inviting and decadent just right for the holiday time!

What U need:

For the dough

All purpose flour- 3 cups

Warm milk- 1 cup]

Active yeast- 1/2 tablespoon

Sslt- 1/2 teaspoon

Butter- 4 tablespoon melted 

Sugar- 4 tablespoon

Egg- whisked and at room temp

Vanilla flavor- 1 teaspoon

For the filling 

Butter- 4 tablespoon melted 

Sugar- 1 cup

Cinnamon powder- 1 tablespoon 

• Add warm milk in a large mixing bowl, along with yeast and sugar and let this stand for 5 mins at least for the yeast to activate, then add 1/2 a cup of flour and mix and let this stay for at least 30 minutes.
• Add one whisked egg to the mix, gradually add the melted butter, vanilla, salt then start adding the remaining flour until completely mixed this will take 10 mins if using electric mixes last part is better when done with hand, let this dough sit for at least 2 hours Thai gives it enough time to double in size and give the rolls its pillowy structure.
• Now roll out the dough and sprinkle the filling mix first by adding the melted butter than the sugar and cinnamon all over and tightly roll it up.

• Once rolled up use a floss to cut the rolls into 1 inch smaller rolls, and line in a pan with some space between each of the rolls, let this sit for 25 mins, meanwhile heat up the oven to 350 degrees 

• Bake these rolls for 20 mins and let it sit for 5 mins, I keep it simple by drizzling a mixture of cream cheese, vanilla and powdered sugar all over the rolls, add it when the rolls are warm and enjoy this decadent delight on a wintery morning! ❤️❤️

For the love of dosa's ❤️❤️

There is something about comfort food that make you feel like it is wrapping you in a warm cozy foodie blanket and transporting you to your childhood days, that is what a simple dish like dosa does to me, so many good memories of this yummy food when my mom used to make it for me and now I make it regularly for my boys and they love it! Just pay it forward 💕

Now to the recipe :

Rice- 2 cups (I use basmati rice )

Urad dal- 3/4 cup

Fenugreek seeds- 1 tablespoon 

Salt- as needed 

Olive oil- as needed 

Yeast - 1 teaspoon

Cooked rice- 1 tablespoon

Soak the rice and dal for at least 4 hours along with fenugreek seeds, clean the water out a few times until clear

Grind the mixture more on the coarser side *add some cooked rice for softness I use cooked basmati rice works every time soft and crispy ones Yum! lastly add the yeast to the batter so it ferments specially in colder areas it hard to get the dosa batter to ferment without a activator and yeast is a good one 

Leave the batter overnight at least 8 hours, then next morning add salt as needed and heat a iron flat pan

Pour the batter to a preseasoned flat pan and spread like for a pan cake and let it cook for a few mins make sure to add oil to the edges while cooking the dosa so it will easily come off the pan

Serve hot with chutney or sambar or both 😊

 

Mediterranean spiced Lamb with yellow rice

For the Lamb chops here’s the recipe ~

Lamb chops – 1 pack from Costco usually has 8 pieces
Crushed garlic – 2 tbsp
Parsley chopped – 1/2 cup
Black pepper – 1 tbsp
Paprika – 1 tbsp
Sumac – 1 tbsp
Oregano – 1 tbsp
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Turmeric – 1 tsp
Lemon sliced – 1
Cumin – 1/2 tsp
Chilli powder – 1 tbsp

Mix all the above ingredients and make a smooth paste , apply this to the lamb chops and marinate for at least 30 mins or overnight . 

Marination is the key !!!
Preheat the oven to 350 F and cook the meat for 30 mins do not leave it the oven as the meat tends to dry up also before serving let the lamb sit
at room temperature for at least 10 mins , it will taste yummier  

Serve with some mediterranean rice and Persian salad 

Pumpkin loaf ! 🍁

 💕 Have a safe and happy thanksgiving 🍂🍁  !!

Pumpkin loaf recipe is a take on delicious Miss Brown's awesome Chai spiced pumpkin loaf.

This is an extremely moist cake so soft and truly delicious , my staple has always been banana cake but now this pumpkin loaf is a strong contender and a must try during winter 😊

I am adding the link to the recipe that I used Njoy !

Here's the link 

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/chai-spiced-pumpkin-loaf-9512308 

Tuna fish pickle

What U need :

Tuna fresh fish - 2 lbs

Turmeric - 1 tbsp

Chilly powder - 2 tbsp for marinade and 2 for later

Salt as needed

Asafetida - 1 tsp

Fenugreek powder - 1 tsp

Paprika - 2 tbsp

Curry leaves - 1-2 twigs 

Ginger - 2 tbsp finely chopped 

Garlic - 2 tbsp finely chopped 

Coconut oil - for garnish 

Olive oil - 1 cup

Vinegar - 1/2 cup

  

• Chop the fresh fish into small pieces marinate it with salt , turmeric , and chilly powder let this sit for at least 30 minutes 
• Heat a heavy bottom pan with EVOO once hot fry the marinated fish make sure it is fried well with no moisture left in the fish , drain the fried fish and let it cool 
• Heat a separate pan add EVOO then add the finely chopped ginger and garlic along with the curry leaves saute till it is fried well 
• Add the dry spices into the ginger garlic mix ( turmeric, paprika , chilly powder, asafetida , fenugreek powder )
• Once the above ingredients are cooked well add the fried fish and gently coat the spice mix together make sure the flame is low 
• Lastly add vinegar and salt , vinegar will make the mix more of liquid consistency keep cooking till the oil separates out then add coconut oil 
• Once cooled down move this into a glass container it always taste better the next day Njoy !😊

Carne asada chicken tacos with Pico de Gallo

What U need :

Chicken - 2 Lbs boneless meat
Onion pwd - 1 teaspoon
Cumin - 1 teaspoon
Black pepper - 1 teaspoon
Taco seasoning - 1 tablespoon
Red pepper flakes - 1 teaspoon
Paprika or chilli pwd - 1 tablespoon

Dehydrated onion - 1 teaspoon
EVOO - as needed to cook
Goat cheese - garnish
Cilantro and lemon - garnish

Pico de Gallo - chopped tomatoes , red onions, jalapeños , cilantro , lemon juice and salt

• Marinate the meat with the dry rub and keep aside for more than 4 hours or overnight. Do not add salt as taco seasoning as enough salt 
• Heat a pan with oil and shallow fry the marinated meat this will take 8- 10 mins
• Let this cool and shred it and add more spice and oil and recook the meat this can also be cooked by BBQ method will have more of a smoky flavor to the meat
• Heat up a tortilla add a little mayo or greek yogurt as a base to hold the meat add the cooked chicken carne asada top with some goat cheese a, cilantro and pico de gallo  NJoy !!

Garbanzo beans ( Chole ) and Naan OR brown rice

1. What you need :
2. 
   
3. 1 Red onion chopped fine 
4. 1 cup boiled Chickpeas aka Garbanzo beans (Chana) 
5. I used the canned one drain the water and rinse thoroughly 
6. 1 medium Tomato chopped
7. 1 tablespoon Ginger garlic paste
8. 1 tsp Cumin seeds
9. 1 tsp Turmeric powder
10. 2 tsp Red chilli powder
11. 1 tsp Chole garam masala 
12. Salt to taste 
13. Water as needed 
14. Juice of one lemon for garnish 
15. Cilantro leaves chopped
16. EVOO - 2 tablespoonfull

1. Heat oil in medium deep sized pan add the cumin seeds then add diced onion and cook until translucent.
2. Once the onion begins to sauté , add the ginger garlic paste and fry for a few seconds.
3. Once the above mixture is sautéed well add the potatoes.
4. Add the remaining spices (red chili, chole garam masala , and salt). Cook the spices until aromatic and then add the water.
5. Stir in the tomato and cook until the water and tomato juices begin to dry.
6. Add the chickpeas and stir to incorporate the spices to the chickpeas. 
7. Simmer for 5 to 8 minutes on medium heat.
8. Once the beans have cooked squeeze the lemon juice and give everything one big stir.
9. Garnish with Cilantro leaves serve with  Naan or Brown rice and Njoy !!

Sabudana khichidi

On wet and rainy mornings like this in the pacific north west my Indian palate craves for something more spicier and nuttier so I decided to go with the Maharashtrian crowd favorite Sabudana Khichidi sabudana is yucca small tiny white balls that are soaked overnight or at least 4 hours before so they swell up in water . They is a yummy breakfast delight & is a must try for all U adventurous folks :)

What U need :
Sabudana - 2 cups washed and soaked for at least more that 4 hours
Ground nuts - 1/2 cup roasted and crushed in a blender not too fine
Potato- 1/2 cup chopped fine
Onion - 1/2 cup chopped fine
Ginger- 1/3rd inch chopped
Green chillies- as per ur spice level
Cilantro - 1/2 cup  finely chopped
EVOO - 1 tbsp
Jerra - 1tsp
Salt - as needed
Lemons - 1 or more for flavor
Dried coconut shredded - 1 tbsp

• Heat up a pan add oil EVOO add Jeera once it splutters add onion , ginger and chillies sauce till translucent .
• Add the chopped potatoes and cook till well done after this add the soaked sabudana , along with salt , ground nuts , little paprika for color !!
• Cook this on medium heat for a good 5-7 mins the sabudana will turn from white to opaque color a good indication that its cooked . Make sure to constantly mixing this so it doesn't get burnt on the bottom of the pan 
• Then add the coconut , cilantro and lemon juice as garnish . Salt as needed 
• Serve with a slice of lemon and hot cup of chai !! NJoy 

My auntie's biryani

Biryani the one universal dish that is a unique combination of succulent marinated meat cooked along with long grain rice, there are tons of different versions of biryani's out there all following the basic guidelines of meat and rice . This dish basically originated in the middle east and now is a staple of Indian cuisines too. Biryani is such a complete meal the only thing needed with s scrumptious biryani is yogurt cucumber raita and some pickle and you are on your way to food heaven !!

This recipe was passed on to me from my dear cousin while  we were chatting one day, she mentioned that her mom was visiting her and they were making Biryani :)  that bought back so may good memories of visiting her family as a a kid and her mom would make this delicious recipe that we always looked forward too and to this date I remember her mom's Biryani was different and so good. So without any more delay took down the recipe and  here is it.

What u need:

Basmati rice - 4 cups

Salt as needed

Black Pepper  - 1 tbsp

Chicken - 2 whole (I used Cornish hen cut up and cleaned)

Ginger garlic paste - 1/4 th cup

Coriander leaves - 1bunch finely chopped 

Mint leaves - 1/3 cup

Onion - 2 big red onion chopped ( half for fried onions & the other half for the mixture)

Bay leaves - 4

Turmeric pwd- 1 tsp

Chilli pwd- 1 tbsp

Cardamom - 5

Clove- 4

Star anise - 2

Cinnamon stick - 2 pieces

Cashew nuts fried & Fried raisins - 5-8 for garnish
Carrots - sliced thin for garnish

Ghee - 1tbsp 

Coriander powder - 1 tsp

Water  - as needed for the stock

Lemon - 1 whole 

Garam masala : powder all these ingredients together

Cardamom - 5

Clove- 5

Star anise - 2

Cinnamon stick - 2 pieces
Black pepper - 1 teaspoon
Mace-  2
Nutmeg- 1/6

• Wash and marinate the chicken for at least an hour with salt, pepper, ginger garlic  paste & a little bit of garam masala . Overnight works too that helps to get a consistent flavor .
• Cook this in a cooker with enough water usually close to double the amount of rice to have a stock that can be used to cook the rice and just one whistle is good . 
• Grind together few pods of garlic, a big piece of ginger, 4 green chilies, mint leaves and  half of the coriander leaves. 
• Chop 2 large onions and  sauté with 1tsp turmeric, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp coriander powder then add a tsp of the ground mixture and fry. Keep the rest of the ground mixture for the rice 
• Add the half cooked chicken into onions  and fry well in an  pan . 
• Then in an other pan add 2 tablespoon of ghee, a few cloves, cinnamon pieces, bay leaves, star anise, add washed, dried rice then fry. 
• Add the remaining ground mixture to the rice and fry some more then add the chicken stock ,  and lemon juice , let this cook till rice is half done . 
• Add the fried chicken then let cook for 5-8 mins more.
• Then sprinkle a lil bit of garam masala to the rice, 
• Garnish with crispy fried onions, cashews and fried raisins , juliene carrots  . 
• Serve with yogurt raita and Njoy !

Eggs and toast

Today feels like one of those days when you want to take it easy ... easy with some eggs and warm toast although it is still just Tuesday so what !! 
I had some rustic bread and eggs in the fridge what better than getting them together for a holistic get together :)
What U need :

Rustic bread - 2 slices or more :)
Butter - 1 tablespoon i used the avocado butter
Eggs - 2 
Parsley- 1 teaspoon dried or freshly chopped
Black pepper - freshly ground
Salt as needed
Olive oil - 1 tablespoon 

Heat a pan on medium heat add the EVOO , meanwhile beat up the  eggs with some salt u can add some milk to make them more soft optional.
Also to make soft eggs it is very important to add the eggs to medium hot pan not super hot it should not sizzle then gently mix the eggs till they gets firmer not hard .
Put off the heat and add the chopped parsley and crushed pepper .
Serve these yummy soft scrambled eggs with butter toasted bread Njoy !!

Olive relish

If you have ever been to a authentic Italian restaurant then you have got a taste of the appetizer they serve the rustic bread with the olive oil relish . So yummy ! 😛

This  is a very simple recipe and equally delicious 

Here's what U need :

Olive Oil - 1 cup

Green olives - finely chopped 1/2 cup

Red chilli flakes - 1 tbsp

Salt - as needed as olives are salty 

Italian oregano - 1 tbsp

Dried basil - 1 tbsp

Dried Parsley - 1 tbsp

Mix all these ingredients together leave it for at least overnight and serve with rustic bread .Njoy !