Pahadi Paneer Tikkas

Smoky paneer pieces in rich mint gravy.

Cooking Time : 15 min.

Preparation Time : 20 min.

Serves 6.

Ingredients

For the tikas
200 grams paneer
100 grams capsicums
100 grams tomatoes
To be ground into a chutney
1 teacup chopped mint leaves
1/2 teacup chopped coriander
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
4 green chillies
1 teaspoon lemon juice
salt to taste

For the gravy
above leftover chutney
1 tablespoon fresh cream
2 tablespoons fresh curds
1 tablespoon oil
salt to taste

Method

For the tikas
1. Cut the paneer, capsicums and tomatoes into 25 mm. into 25 mm. squares.
2. Apply half the chutney on them and arrange on skewers.
3. Cook in a tandoor for a few minutes. Alternatively, roast on a flame for a few minutes, until the edges turn pink.

For the gravy
1. Heat the oil and fry the remaining chutney for a while.
2. Add the cream and curds and cook for 1/2 minute. Add salt.

How to proceed
1. Arrange the tikas on a serving plate.
2. Pour the gravy immediately on top.
3. Serve hot.

Healthy Snacks: Potato, Paneer and Peas Chaat

Khatta, mitha and chatpati.

Cooking Time : 10 min.

Preparation Time : 20 min.

Serves 6.

Ingredients
For the potato cakes
4 boiled and coarsely grated potatoes
150 grams grated paneer
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons plain flour
1 chopped green chilli
1 tablespoon chopped coriander
oil for frying
salt to taste

For the peas mixture
3 teacups boiled green peas or sprouted math
3 tablespoons chopped coriander
3 green chillies, finely chopped
3 tablespoons oil
salt to taste

To serve
beaten fresh curds
green chutney
sweet chutney
papdi (puris used in chaat)
sev
chopped coriander

Method
For the potato cakes
1. Thoroughly mix the potatoes, paneer, lemon juice, flour, green chilli, coriander and salt.
2. Divide into 6 parts and flatten into round cakes.
3. Cook with oil in a non-stick frying pan.

For the peas mixture
1. Heat the oil, add the peas, coriander, green chilli and salt and fry for a few seconds.

How to serve
1. Place the hot potato cakes on a large serving plate, surround with the peas mixture and spread the curds, green chutney and sweet chutney on top.
2. Arrange papdi on the border of the serving plate. Sprinkle sev and coriander on top and serve hot.
3. Serve immediately.

Tips
Keep all the ingredients ready and assemble just before serving.

Healthy Breads: Brown Bread

Cooking Time : 25 min.
Preparation Time : 60 min.
Makes 13 slices or 6 buns.

Ingredients
250 grams whole wheat flour
10 grams fresh yeast
3/4 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon butter
3/4 teaspoon salt

Method
1. Sieve the flour. Make a well in the centre.
2. Add the yeast, sugar and a little warm water.
3. Wait for at least 4 to 5 minutes or until bubbles come on top.
4. Add the butter and salt.
5. Make a soft dough by adding some more warm water.
6. Knead for 2 minutes. Leave for 20 minutes and knead again for a while.
7. Shape into a loaf and press into greased loaf tin with your fingers. If you wish to make buns or small loaves, shape accordingly and arrange on a greased baking tin.
8. Wait for at least 25 minutes or until double in size.
9. Bake in a hot oven at 200 degree C (400 degree F) for 10 minutes.
10. Then reduce the temperature to 150 degree C ( 300 degree F) and bake further for 15 minutes.

Healthy Soups: Broccoli And Walnut Soup

Vitamin C rich ingredient - broccoli, does wonders for your bones by enhancing protein absorption.
Cooking Time : 15 mins.
Preparation Time : 10 mins.
Serves 4.

Ingredients
2 cups chopped broccoli florets and stems
¼ cup chopped onions
1 medium potato, boiled and peeled
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon oil
salt and freshly crushed pepper to taste

For the garnish
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts

Method
1. Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the onions lightly.
2. Add the broccoli and cook gently for a few minutes.
3. Add 3 cups of water and cook until the broccoli is done.
4. Pass through a blender along with the boiled potato and make a purée.
5. Add the milk, salt and pepper and mix well.
6. Serve hot.