Somesh Rao's "The Graduate Student's Guide To Indian Recipes" A \LaTeX or Postscript version can be obtained via anonymous FTP at wpi.wpi.edu in the recipes-directory. Due to the length of the File I had to cut it into two parts. As I kept the original order in chapters, the alphabetical Contents does not correspond directly with the order in the file. The best thing is, to paste the files together, then you have Somesh Rao's book as a whole... CONTENTS: --------- Besan Burfi Bhel Bonda With Instant Mashed Potato Boondhi Raita Carrot Halva Cauliflower And Potatoes (Aloo Gobi) Chapati (Phulka) Chicken Curry (Murga) Chicken Curry North Indian Style Chicken Pullao (Sriram, 1985) Chole "Bill And Jim" (Chick Peas) (Somesh Rao) Coriander Fish (Bharia Machli) Curried Eggplant (Bhartha) Curried Garbanzo Beans Curried Mushrooms Dahi Vada (Savory Balls In Yogurt) Dry Potatoes (Sookha Aloo) Egg Cooked With Meat And Fried (Nargisi Kofta) Garam Masala Gobi Aloo (Cauliflower And Potatoes) (Somesh Rao) Green Pepper Curry (Sriram) Gulab Jamuns (Easy Method) Kheer (Vermicelli Pudding) (Dalbir Chadda) Kheer Lamb Vindaloo Mah Ki Dal (Whole Black Beans) Malai Chicken (Sriram, 1985) Mango Ice Cream Masaledar Sem (Spicy Green Beans) (Madhur Jaffrey) Masur Dal (Lentils) Mattar Paneer (Peas And Cheese) Mint And Coriander Chutney Mughlai Chicken With Almonds (Madhur Jaffrey) Navrathna Kurma Navrattan Pullao (Nine-Jeweled Rice) Okra (Bhindi) Onion And Tomato Raita Pakoras (Savory Fritters) Paneer (Cheese) Paratha Pork Curry Prawn (Shrimp) Curry (Sriram, 1985) Rasgoola Red Kidney Beans (Rajma) Rice Flour Pudding Saffron Rice (Kesar Chawal) Sambhar (Sriram) Sewian (Vermicelli) Shahi Korma (Mutton Curry) South Indian Pullav (Rice) (Sriram, 1985) Stuffed Parathas Suji Halva (Semolina Halva) Tandoori Chicken Upma (Sriram, 1985) Vegetable Curry (Sriram, 1985) Vegetable Kurma (Sriram) Vegetable Puff Vegetable Pullav (2) (Sriram, 1985) %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% THE GRADUATE STUDENT'S GUIDE TO INDIAN RECIPES EDITED BY SOMESH RAO ======= PREFACE ======= SOMESH RAO ---------- I have collected these recipes over the network. I am just responsible for typesetting it and running it through a spell checker. In a later edition I hope to add my own recipes. At this point I would like to apologize to those whose recipes I have used but whose names I have not mentioned. During the editing process I lost most of the addresses. Finally, I am not responsible for any of the recipes as I have been so busy trying to put this book together that I have had no time for experimentation. Please send comments, suggestions and other recipes to somesh@maxine.wpi.edu somesh@wpi.wpi.edu This book (\LaTeX and Postscript version!) is available through anonymous FTP from wpi.wpi.edu in recipes/indian.recipes.* I would like to thank Greg Leichtman and Jamille Hetke at The University of Michigan who took the trouble to correct my \LaTeX errors. By the way, I would prefer recipe contributions in electronic form. Bon Appetit. =========== INGREDIENTS =========== GUIDE TO INGREDIENTS -------------------- Most of the ingredients are available at the grocery stores or supermarkets. Some, though, are special and have to be obtained from the Indian stores. Substitutes may change the character of the dish. It is better to omit an ingredient if not available than to substitute for it. If whole spice is not available, you may use the ground form, but the ground form is less pungent. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAME INDIAN NAME DESCRIPTION ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Asafoetida Hing Dried gum resin from the root of various Iranian and East Indian plants. Has a strong fetid odor - definitely an acquired taste. May be obtained. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Besan Besan Flour of dried chick peas. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cardamom Elaichi Dried fruit of a plant. Mostly the seeds are used. Seeds of 4 pods measure approximately 1/4 t. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coriander dhania Aromatic herb of the parsley family. Sold as cilantro or chinese parsley. Also sold as seed or dry powder. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cumin Jeera Very aromatic and reminiscent. Sold whole or ground. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dals Dal Hindi name for all members of the legume or pulse family. Commonly used are: Arhar, Channa, Masur, Mung, Labia (black-eyed peas), Rajma (red kidney beans). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fennel Seed Sauf Has an agreeable odor and licorice flavor. Available whole or ground. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fenugreek Methi Has a pleasant bitter flavor and sweetish odor. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Garam Masala Garam Masala A mixture of spices; details come later. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chat Masala Chat Masala A variation of Garam masala. Available in Indian stores. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ghee Ghee Fat for frying. Pure ghee is clarified butter. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mustard oil Larson Pungent oil made from black mustard seeds. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mint Pudina Aromatic herb. Fresh and dried leaves are used in the preparation of chutneys. Dried leaves are much less fragrant than the fresh ones. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pomegranate Anar dana A flavoring agent. Has some scent. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Saffron Kesar Made of stigmas of a flower grown in Kashmir and Spain. It is aromatic and yields a yellow color. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Turmeric Haldi An aromatic powdered root. Used as a flavoring, and for flavoring curries. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To make GARAM MASALA ============ (approximately 1 1/2 cups) Ingredients: ------------ 3 - 5" pieces Cinnamon stick 1 c (???) Green cardamom pods 1/2 c Cumin seed 1/2 c Black pepper corns 1/2 c Cloves 1/2 c Coriander seeds Procedure: ---------- Dry the ingredients in an oven. Do not let them turn brown. Remove the seeds from the cardamom pods. Pound cinnamon sticks into smaller pieces. Combine ingredients until they are well mixed and blend at high speed for 2-3 minutes until completely pulverized. (LINE MISSING, The recipe seems to be complete, but as the original had this I am letting it remain.) ============= THIS AND THAT ============= ONION AND TOMATO RAITA ====================== (4-6 Servings) Ingredients: ------------ 8 oz. Yogurt (plain) 1 small Onion 1/2 t Salt 1 small Tomato 1/2 t Chat Masala (optional) 1/2 t Black pepper (ground) 1/4 c Milk Method: ------- Beat yogurt and milk until smooth. Chop onion and tomatoes and add to yogurt. Add salt and pepper and sprinkle the Chat Masala over, and serve. BOONDHI RAITA ============= Ingredients: ------------ 1/4 c Besan 1/2 c Water Ghee for frying to taste Salt to taste Pepper to taste Chat Masala 1 1/2 c Yogurt 1/4 c Milk Method: ------- Make a pouring paste of the besan and water. Heat ghee and drop paste into it through a slotted spoon to get little drops that fall one at a time (these are boondhi). Remove the drops when golden brown and dry on a paper towel to remove extra oil. Soak the drops in warm water. Add milk, salt, pepper, and add Chat Masala to yogurt. Squeeze water out of boondhi and add to yogurt. MINT AND CORIANDER CHUTNEY ========================== Ingredients: ------------ 1 bunch Coriander leaves 1 bunch Mint leaves 1 Green chili 1 oz Seedless tamarind 1 tsp Salt 4 T Water 1 medium Onion Method: ------- Wash and soak tamarind in water for 1/2 hour. Clean, pick and wash the coriander and mint. Separate pulp from the tamarind and squeeze out the pulp. Grind coriander, mint, green chili and onion into a fine paste. Add the tamarind pulp and salt. Blend well. In an airtight jar this can be refrigerated for up to one week. ====== BREADS ====== CHAPATI (PHULKA) ================ (for 4, serving 1 or 2) Ingredients: ------------ 1 c Whole wheat flour (or 1/3 white + 2/3 whole wheat) 1/2 c Water Method: ------- Put flour in a large bowl with half the water. Blend the two together until it holds. Beat and knead well until it forms a compact ball. Knead dough until it is smooth and elastic. Set aside for 30 minutes. Knead and divide dough into 4 to 6 parts. Roll each ball into a tortilla like flat, about $\frac{1{8$" thick. Heat an ungreased skillet. Put phulka on it, and let it cook for about 1 minute (The top should just start to look dry and small bubbles should just start to form). Turn and cook the second side for 2/3 minutes until small bubbles form. Turn again and cook the first side pressed lightly with a towel. It should puff. Serve warm (maybe slightly buttered). Note: ----- Since the rolled out chappati's will dry out if they are left to stand while cooking the others, it is advantageous to roll them out individually before cooking them. PARATHA ======= Ingredients: ------------ 1 c Whole wheat flour Ghee Water Method: ------- Make chappati dough. Divide into 6 parts and make balls. Flatten and roll each. Spread ghee over them and fold. Roll again. Heat the paratha on a griddle like you would a chappati, but spread some ghee over the top side. Turn and spread ghee on the other side. Fry until the bottom is crisp and golden, then turn and fry the remaining side. Repeat with all six. Serve at once, since they lose crispness if stored. STUFFED PARATHAS ================ Make dough for regular chappati's. Fillings: --------- Potato - Boil potatoes, mash, add salt and chili to taste. Add Garam Masala and mango powder. Radish - Grate one large Diakon Radish, add salt and leave for 1/2 hour. Squeeze out all the water, add grated ginger, chili, and pomegranate seeds. Cauliflower - Grate cauliflower, add salt, pepper, garlic, and Garam Masala. Method: ------- Roll out 2 small chappati's. Place filling on one, cover with the second, seal edges and cook as for parathas. ====== SNACKS ====== BHEL ==== This is a concoction that I often bought from street vendors in India. My mouth still waters whenever I think of Bhel. The recipe presented here was taken off the net, and I haven't had a chance to try it yet. I include the note from the contributors: Warning: -------- This recipe is directed at those who know what Bhelpuri tastes like, quantities mentioned are approximate, proportions are left to the reader's taste. Purists will have to go to an Indian grocery shop. Deviationists may use substitutes. The most important thing is to keep the puffed rice-sev mixture crisp by not adding the other ingredients to it until it is served. This should be done on the plate. Ingredients: ------------ Puffed Rice (1 carton of Rice Krispies may be used) 1 packet Bhel mix or Sev 2 cups Mashed boiled potatoes (mashed coarsely and then salted) 1/2 cup Chopped fresh coriander leaves (a.k.a Chinese parsley) 3 Tbsp Freshly roasted and ground cumin to taste Green chilies 1-2 Tbsp Freshly ground black pepper to taste Tamarind to taste Jaggery (or Brown Sugar) 1 cup Chopped onions. Method: ------- First boil the potatoes, mash them, salt them, and add pepper to taste. Add some coriander leaves too. Roast the cumin and grind it. Dissolve about 4 Tbsp of tamarind concentrate in 1 cup of hot water, and let it simmer and thicken gradually. Dissolve the jaggery (or sugar) until the sauce becomes tart and slightly sweet. (You may add some salt and ground red paprika, if you want to.) The sauce should be of a consistency slightly thinner than maple syrup. Pour into a serving container (like a creamer). Mix the puffed rice and sev/bhel mix in a large bowl. On a plate, serve the rice-bhel mixture, add the potatoes, then the onions, chilies, and then dust the cumin powder over it. Next pour on the sauce and top with the coriander garnish. (Add salt/pepper to taste). Mix the ingredients on the plate and eat. BONDA WITH INSTANT MASHED POTATO ================================ This recipe was taken from Saranya Mandava's book on Indian cuisine. Ingredients: ------------ 1 medium Onion 2 cups Potato buds 1 1/2 cup Peas and carrots 2 big ones Green chilies 1 teaspoon Lemon juice 1 cup Gram flour 1/2 tsp Mustard seed pinch Turmeric 1/2 tsp Baking powder 1/4" piece Ginger 1 small bunch Coriander leaves 2 tsp Salt Oil Method: ------- The filling is prepared as follows: ----------------------------------- Mix potato buds and 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of hot water. Finely chop ginger, chilies, coriander leaves, and onion. Heat oil (about 5 Tbsp) and add mustard seeds. Add chopped ingredients and fry until onions are brown. Add carrots, peas, turmeric and 1 tsp of salt and cook on low heat for about 10 minutes. Add potato (now mashed) and fry for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add lemon juice and let cool. The batter is prepared as follows: ---------------------------------- Combine gram flour, 3 Tbsp of oil, 3/4 cup water, 1/2 tsp salt, the baking powder and mix thoroughly After the batter is prepared, make small balls out of the filling and roll them in the batter. Next fry it in hot oil. You will get about 20-30 small bondas. PAKORAS (SAVORY FRITTERS) ========================= Ingredients: ------------ Batter: ------- 1/2 c Besan 5 oz Warm water 1/4 t Red pepper 3/4 t Salt 1/2 t Garam Masala paprika (optional) Vegetables: ----------- 1 Small onion 1 Potato A few spinach leaves Oil for deep frying Method: ------- In a bowl put the besan and half the water, and stir until it becomes a thick batter. Beat hard for 5 minutes. gradually add the rest of the water, and leave to swell for 30 minutes. Add salt, pepper and Garam Masala and beat again. Wash peel and slice the onion and potatoes. Wash and pat dry the spinach leaves. Heat oil until smoking hot, dip the vegetables in the batter and deep fry until golden brown. Serve hot. DAHI VADA (SAVORY BALLS IN YOGURT) ================================== Ingredients: ------------ 1/2 c Urad dal 1/2 Moong dal 1 c Yogurt Spice to taste (cumin and paprika) Oil for frying 1/4 c Milk Method: ------- Clean dal, wash and soak in water for 4 hours. Blend in blender at medium speed using the minimum amount of water required to keep paste moving freely. Add salt and start heating oil. Drop spoonfuls of batter in the hot oil using a large tablespoon. Fry until golden brown. Drop in water. Let it soak till ready to serve. Beat yogurt with milk. Add spice according to taste. Squeeze out water from the vada and add yogurt. Serve. UPMA ==== Recipe from Sriram, 1985 This is a breakfast dish in the southern part of India. Ingredients: ------------ 1 cup Cream of wheat 1 Onion cut lengthwise 1 tsp Salt 1/4 tsp Mustard seeds 1/8 tsp Urad dal 1 Cashew-nut 1/4 Lemon 1/2 cup Peas 1 clove Garlic 1/10" piece Ginger 1 Green chili cut into small pieces. Method: ------- Fry cream of wheat on a dry pan for 5 minutes and set aside. Put two tablespoons of oil in a pan and heat. Add mustard seeds, Urad dal, cashewnut, and garlic clove. Wait till mustard seeds stop splitting. Add the onion, chili, and ginger and fry till the onion turns brown. Add cream of wheat and fry for 3-5 minutes. Add salt and peas. Add two cups of boiling water and stir for 2 minutes. (Switch off the stove as soon as the water is poured.) Cover the vessel for 4 minutes. Add lime if needed. VEGETABLE PUFF ============== (12 puffs) This is a local Karnataka speciality. Ingredients: ------------ 1 Ready to use pastry roll (Pepperidge farms) Mixed Vegetables. ( potatoes, peas may be added) to taste Masala Green Chilies to taste Salt Method: ------- Cook a vegetable mix with potatoes, peas, green chilies and lots of Masala. Check for salt, before you stuff it in the pastry roll; no way to rectify it later. Thaw the roll for about 10 minutes before unfolding. After the pastry roll has thawed, open it out on a flat sheet and roll it with a pin to make it a little thinner. The pastry sheet would now be about 12" x 12". Cut the sheet into 6 pieces. Place about 2-3 Tbsp of the cooked vegetable onto the sheet and fold it around it. Seal all the corners, by pressing the sheets together and applying a little water. Stick it into a pre-heated oven (350 $F^\circ$) for about 20-30 minutes or until it browns. Make sure that you flip it around every 5-10 minutes. ========== VEGETABLES ========== GOBI ALOO (CAULIFLOWER AND POTATOES) ==================================== This is my own recipe. This recipe livens up ordinary cauliflower and potatoes into something quite different. The recipe shown here has spices that are not necessary (like cloves and cardamom) or at least that's not how mom made it at home, however it adds a nice touch. Ingredients: ------------ 1 Large cauliflower 3 Medium sized potatoes 1/2 large Onion sliced thinly in long slices 1 tsp Mustard seeds 2 or 3 pods Cardamom 1 tsp Coriander 1 tsp Cumin seeds 1/2 tsp Turmeric 1 Bayleaf 3 Cloves 3 tblsp Vegetable Oil Method: ------- Start boiling the potatoes in a saucepan. Let them boil for at least 15 minutes. After they are done, turn off the heat and let them stand in the water. Cut the cauliflower into small bite sized pieces (roughly 1" cubes), throwing away most of the stem pieces. Wash and drain in a collander. While the potatoes are cooking, heat the oil in a wide skillet until it is very hot. Add the mustard seeds and wait until they start popping. Add bay leaves, cardamom and cloves. Mix around for a while and then add onions. Wait until the onion starts to turn before adding the rest of the spices (except for turmeric). Put the cauliflower in the skillet and fry in the oil and spices for 2 minutes. While the cauliflower is frying, cut up the potatoes into bite sized pieces and add to the skillet. Add turmeric and stir. Continue stirring the vegetables under medium heat for another couple of minutes. Add 1/2 cup of water and reduce heat to low. Cover skillet and let cook for 5 minutes. Check tenderness of vegetables. If they are still too hard, add another 1/4 cup of water and cover again for 5 minutes. Salt to taste and serve. CHOLE "BILL AND JIM" (CHICK PEAS) ================================= This recipe is named after Bill Chiles and Jim Muller both of whom liked my concoctions well enough that I started cooking this a lot. This is a real simple way of making chick peas. It barely takes 15 minutes and the result is quite delicious. Ask Jim and Bill. Ingredients: ------------ 1 can Chick peas (also called garbanzo beans) (Progresso is a good brand.) 1 large Onion chopped finely 2 medium sized Potatoes (optional) 1 tsp Mustard seeds 2 or 3 pods Cardamom 1 tsp Coriander 1 tsp Cumin seeds 1 tblsp Garam Masala Vegetable Oil Method: ------- If you are using the potatoes, start boiling them in a saucepan. Let them boil for at least 15 minutes. After they are done, turn off the heat and let them stand in the water. While the potatoes are cooking, heat the oil in a wide skillet until it is very hot. Add the mustard seeds and wait until they start popping. Add bay leaves, cardamom and cloves. Mix around for a while and then add onions. Waituntill the onion starts to turn golden before adding the rest of the spices (except for the Garam Masala). Add chick-peas with all the liquid. Cut up the potatoes into bite sized pieces and add to the skillet. Add Garam Masala. Continue stirring the chick-peas under medium heat for 5-7 minutes without covering. Check the tenderness of the potatoes. If they are still too hard, add another 1/4 cup of water and cook for another couple of minutes. Salt to taste and serve. MASALEDAR SEM (SPICY GREEN BEANS) ================================= (Serves 6) This recipe is mostly Madhur Jaffrey's, although I don't follow it to the letter when I cook anymore. I like to serve the beans a little crunchier than you would find in an indian home, so I don't cook it as much in the end. It definitely warrants experimentation. This recipe is guaranteed to spice up an ordinary meal. It also goes well with plain rice and meat or chicken that has been prepared simply. Ingredients: ------------ 1 1/2 lb. Green beans (Trim the ends and then cut the beans in half crosswise.) 1 1/2" long and Fresh ginger (Peel and chop coarsely.) 1" thick piece 10 cloves Garlic peeled 1 cup Water 4 tblsp Vegetable oil 3 tsp Whole cumin seeds 2 tsp Ground coriander seeds 2 medium Tomatoes, peeled (put tomatoes in very hot water for a few seconds, peel off the skin and finely chop.) to taste Salt Freshly ground pepper 3 tblsp Lemon juice (or to taste) Method: ------- Put ginger and garlic into a food processor and add 1/2 cup water. Blend until fairly smooth. Heat the oil in a wide, heavy saucepan over a medium flame. When hot, put in the cumin seeds. Stir for half a minute. Pour in the ginger-garlic paste. Stir and cook for about two minutes. Put in the coriander and stir a few times. Put in the chopped tomatoes. Stir and cook for 2 minutes while mashing the tomato pieces with the back of a slotted spoon. Put in the beans and salt and one cup of water and simmer them. Cover, turn heat to low and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the beans are tender. Remove the cover. Add the lemon juice and a generous amount of freshly ground pepper. Turn up the heat and boil away the remaining liquid, stirring the beans gently as you do so. VEGETABLE KURMA =============== Recipe from Sriram Ingredients: ------------ 2 cups Vegetables 2 Onions cut length-wise 2 Green chilies cut length-wise 1 tsp Coriander powder 1 1/4 tsp Salt one pinch Turmeric powder 1/2" Cinnamon stick 2 Cloves 2 Cardamom 2 tblsp Coconut powder 1 tsp Khus-Khus (poppy seeds) 1/4 tsp (3 cloves) Garlic 1/4 tsp powder (or 1/2" fresh) Ginger Method: ------- Put a reasonable sized vessel on the range and heat oil. Add cinnamon, cloves and cardamom and fry for 2-3 minutes. Add onions and green chilies and fry till onions turn brown. Add garlic + ginger paste and fry for a minute or so. Add vegetables and fry for about 3 minutes. Add Water (about a cup or two). Let the vegetables + turmeric powder cook. If you are using canned or frozen vegetables skip the above step. Add coconut paste, khus-khus, salt and wait until cooked. (Note: Cook on low heat.) VEGETABLE CURRY =============== Recipe from Sriram, 1985 Ingredients: ------------ 1 cup Vegetables 1/4-1/2 tsp Coriander powder 1/8-1/4 tsp Chili powder 1/8-1/4 tsp Garlic powder 1 tsp Salt 1 large Onion 1/4-1/2 tsp Mustard seeds 1/8 tsp Urad Dal 1/4-1/2 cup Tomatoes-crushed Method: ------- Mix the garlic, coriander and the chili powder along with salt and place it aside. Pour about 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan and heat. Add mustard seeds and urad dal. The mustard seeds will split and the oil may spill. Be careful when you are doing this. Wait until the mustard seeds stop making any noise. Add onions and fry until the onions turn brown. Add the vegetables, the mixture of step 1 and the crushed tomatoes. Fry for about 5 minutes, if you are using canned vegetables. Otherwise cover the pan and let the vegetables cook. (This might take about 10-15 min.) GREEN PEPPER CURRY ================== Recipe from Sriram Ingredients: ------------ 2 large ones Green Pepper 1/4 tsp Chili powder 1/8 tsp Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp Dhania powder 1 tblsp Coconut flakes 1 tsp Khus Khus (poppy seeds) 1 small bunch Fresh Coriander leaves 2 small Tomatoes 2 Onions 2 tblsp Oil 1 small piece Vadium (Vadium is a combination of various spices) 1 1/4 tsp Salt Method: ------- Cut the green peppers, onion and tomatoes lengthwise. Grind chili-powder, turmeric, dhania powder, coconut and poppy seeds. Heat oil and add vadium. When vadium turns brown, add onions and fry for 4 minutes. Add tomatoes and fry for 2 minutes. Add green pepper and Masala. Add coriander leaves. Cook on low heat (should take around 15 minutes). DRY POTATOES (SOOKHA ALOO) ========================== (4-6 Servings) Ingredients: ------------ 4 medium size Potatoes 2 t Cumin seeds 1 t Salt 2 t Mango powder 1/4 t Hot pepper 2 t Garam Masala Oil (to fill pan to 2") Method: ------- Boil potatoes until cooked but not overdone. Peel and cut into 1/2" cubes. Heat oil very hot, add and brown cumin seeds. Add potatoes and fry until they are golden brown. Add the remaining ingredients, and fry for 2-3 minutes or more. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon. Serve hot. Tips: Use enough oil so that the potatoes will not need to be stirred often. This avoids breaking them up. OKRA (BHINDI) ============= (Serves 6) Ingredients: ------------ 1 lb okra 2 small Onions 2 small Tomatoes 1/4 t Turmeric to taste Salt Red pepper (optional) Oil for frying Method: ------- Wash the okra and dry it thoroughly. Cut off the heads and cut into small circles. Chop the onions and tomatoes separately. Deep fry the okra until very brown. Remove from heat and set aside. Pour out some oil. Add turmeric to hot oil. Add the onions and fry until golden brown. Add the fried okra, salt, pepper, and tomatoes. Cover and bake at 250 deg F for 15 minutes. PANEER (CHEESE) =============== Ingredients: ------------ 1 1/2 pints Milk 1/2 t White vinegar AND 1/2 t Lemon juice OR 1 c Yogurt Method: ------- Heat milk and stir constantly to prevent a layer of cream from forming on the top. Remove from heat when it boils and slowly add white vinegar and lemon juice or yogurt. This sours the milk. Strain through a muslin cloth or a double layer of cheese cloth and squeeze out the whey (liquid). Hang to drip dry for 2-3 hours (or overnight). Then lay out the cheese in a rectangle in a tray and place a weight (the more the better, but at least 10 lbs) on it for 3/4 hour. Cut it into whatever shape you like. MATTAR PANEER (PEAS AND CHEESE) =============================== Ingredients: ------------ 2 Onions 2 Tomatoes 4 cloves Garlic 1/2 packet frozen Peas 1" cube Ginger 1/4 t Turmeric to taste Salt to taste Pepper 1/2 t Garam Masala 2 c Water Method: ------- Cut paneer in 1" cubes and deep fry. Make Masala with onion, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes. Season and add turmeric. Add peas and paneer. NAVRATHNA KURMA =============== (Serves 6) Ingredients: ------------ 100 g Paneer (or cottage cheese) 2 teacups Mixed boiled vegetables (carrots, french beans, green peas, potatoes) 3 Tomatoes 2 Onions 1 t Ginger and garlic paste 1 1/2 t Chili powder 1/2 t Turmeric powder 2 t Coriander powder 1 t Garam Masala 1 teacup Milk 3 t Fresh cream 3 t Ghee to taste Salt Ghee for deep frying Method: ------- Grate the onions. Put the tomatoes in hot water. After 10 minutes take off the skin and chop. Cut the paneer into small pieces and deep fry in ghee. Heat oil in a vessel and fry the onions for a few minutes. Add the ginger and garlic paste, and fry for 1/2 minute. Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, coriander powder and chili powder, Garam Masala and salt. Fry for at least 3-4 minutes. Add the boiled vegetables, milk, cream and fried paneer pieces. Cook for a few minutes. Serve hot decorated with silver foil. =========================================================== THANKS TO THE DELIGHTS OF VEGETARIAN COOKING -- TARLA DALAL =========================================================== CAULIFLOWER AND POTATOES (ALOO GOBI) ==================================== Ingredients: ------------ 1 medium Cauliflower 2 medium Potatoes 1 Onion 1 Tomato 1 clove Garlic 1" piece Ginger pinch Turmeric to taste Salt to taste Pepper to taste Garam Masala Method: ------- Make Masala with onion, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes. Add turmeric and spices. Break the cauliflower in flowerettes and cut the potatoes into cubes (8 pieces each). Add both to Masala and lower heat to simmer. Cover the pot until the cauliflower and potatoes are coated. CURRIED EGGPLANT (BHARTHA) ========================== (Serves 4 to 6) Ingredients: ------------ 2 lb Eggplant 4 medium Tomatoes 3 t Fresh chopped coriander 1/2 c Ghee 1/2 c Finely chopped onion Method: ------- Preheat oven to 450 deg F. Bake in the middle level of the oven for 1 hour or until very tender. While they are still warm, peel and crush the eggplants. Heat oil and fry onions until soft and clear. Do not brown. Add the tomatoes and fry for 2 minutes. Add the eggplant and stir until almost all liquid disappears and the mixture leaves the side. Place into a bowl, sprinkle on coriander and serve at once. CURRIED MUSHROOMS ================= Ingredients: ------------ 1/2 lb Mushrooms 1 large Onion 1/4 t Turmeric to taste Salt to taste Chili 2 large Tomatoes Oil Method: ------- Wash and finely slice mushrooms. Slice onion fine. Heat oil and add turmeric and onions. Fry until soft. Add the sliced tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes, stirring all the time. Add the mushrooms, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remove cover and dry out all the water. Serve hot. ======= LENTILS ======= This chapter needs more recipes about Dals. For now, I only have a recipe for 'sambar' a thin dal recipe from South India. This is typically served with idlis or plain rice. Idlis are hard to make and I haven't been able to find a satisfactory recipe for them to date. SAMBHAR ======= Recipe from Sriram Ingredients: ------------ 1 cup Toor Dal 1 tsp Tamarind 3 tsp Salt a pinch Turmeric 2 tsp Channa Dal 3 tsp Dhania seeds 1 pinch Hing 3 Red chilies 1/4 cup Grated coconut 1 tsp Mustard 10 Coriander leaves 1 Green peppers cut into pieces 1 Onion chopped 1 Tomato cut into pieces Method: ------- Boil the toor dal with 3 cups of water. Fry channa dal, dhania seeds, hing, and red chilies for a few minutes, and then fry them with the grated coconut. Grind the above mixture with water. Fry the green pepper in oil for a few minutes. Boil the tamarind paste, water, salt, turmeric, tomato and vegetables. Add ??? 3 ??? and cook for about 5 minutes. Add boiled dal and bring it to a boil In the meantime fry the mustard seeds and onion. Add the above ingredients & coriander leaves to the mixture. MASUR DAL (LENTILS) =================== (Serves 4) Ingredients: ------------ 1 c Dal (Moong - yellow, or masur - pink) 3 1/2 c Water to taste Salt to taste Pepper 1/4 tsp Turmeric 2 cloves Garlic 1" piece Ginger 1 small Onion 2-3 Tblsp Ghee (Can be replaced by butter) 1 t Cumin seed Method: ------- Wash the dal and drain it. Boil water and add the dal, salt, pepper, turmeric, finely chopped ginger, and garlic. Cover the pot and simmer for 20 minutes. When done, heat the ghee, add the cumin and fry until golden brown. Add thinly sliced onions. Fry until crisp and brown. You may add paprika and finely chopped tomatoes to the above for color (Pour over the dal and serve). MAH KI DAL (WHOLE BLACK BEANS) ============================== Ingredients: ------------ 1 c Urad or Mah dal 1" piece Ginger 12 cloves Garlic Water to taste Salt 2-3 Tblsp Ghee (Can be replaced by butter) to taste Green chili (optional) to taste Garam Masala 1/4 t Turmeric Method: ------- Clean, wash and add the dal to boiling water. Add turmeric, salt, half of the finely chopped ginger, garlic and cook on medium heat for 2-3 hours or pressure cook at 15psi for 1/2 hour. Uncover, cook further in same pan on low heat for 1/2 hour, stir and mash every now and then until a creamy consistency is achieved. Heat the ghee, add remaining ginger, stir, add sliced onions, chili, and fry until golden brown. Add cumin or coriander (optional). Pour over dal just before serving. RED KIDNEY BEANS (RAJMA) ======================== (Serves 6 - 8) Ingredients: ------------ 2 c Red kidney beans 3 qt Water 1 t Turmeric 1 T Salt 1/4 c Oil 1 c Onion, Chopped 1" piece Ginger, chopped 1 t Garam Masala 3 Chopped tomatoes Coriander leaves for garnish Method: ------- Wash beans and boil for 2-3 hours or 1/2 hour in a pressure cooker. In the meantime make Masala of onions, garlic, ginger and tomato as in chicken curry. Add to the beans and cook again until most of the liquid dries up and the beans are soft and thoroughly cooked. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve. CURRIED GARBANZO BEANS ====================== Ingredients: ------------ 8 oz Garbanzo beans to taste Green chili (optional) 12 cloves Garlic 2" piece Ginger to taste Pepper 1 large Cardamom 6 Cloves 1" Cinnamon stick to taste Salt Paprika 4 oz Oil Mango powder 3 Onions Dried pomegranate seeds 4 Tomatoes Method: ------- Clean, wash and soak the beans overnight. Boil them in the same water with salt, 1 small finely chopped onion, 4 cloves garlic, 4 large cardamom, a 1" piece of ginger and 6 cloves. Simmer in pan about an hour or until tender, or pressure cook for 7 minutes at 15 psi. Heat oil. Fry thinly sliced remaining onions and cloves of garlic. Cook until mixture browns and dries up. Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook 4-5 minutes more. Add the beans and cook for 10 minutes more. Add the mango powder and pomegranate seeds, grated ginger and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes. Before serving, pour 1 oz. (2 T) sizzling ghee over the beans. ==== RICE ==== SOUTH INDIAN PULLAV (RICE) ========================== >From Sriram, 1985 Ingredients: ------------ 1 c Rice (Preferably Basmathi rice) 1/3 c Tomato puree 1 large Onion 1 c Vegetables (preferably peas and carrots) 1/4-1/2 tsp Coriander powder (also called dhania powder) 1/8-1/4 tsp Garlic powder or 1 1/2 cloves garlic 1/8-1/4 tsp Ginger powder 1/4" piece Ginger 1/8-1/4 tsp Chili powder 1 Green chili cut into small pieces 1-2 pieces Cardamom 1 piece Cloves 1/4" stick or 1/8 tsp powder Cinnamon 1 Bay leaf 1 tsp Salt 1 tsp Coriander leaves (if needed) Method: ------- Clean the rice with water and set aside. Cut the onions length wise. Fry the onions and cardamom in butter for about 4 minutes. If you are using green chili, then add the chili. Add bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon and fry until the onions turn golden brown (This will probably take another 4-5 minutes). Add the garlic and ginger paste (preferably prepared from fresh ginger and garlic). Add dhania powder and chili powder (if green chili was not added before). Add the tomato paste and one cup of water (you have to experiment with the quantity of water needed. I found 1- 1/2 cups to be optimal) and bring the mixture to boil. Add the vegetables, rice and salt. If you like coconut, add 1/4 cup of coconut flakes. Reduce the flame and cover the vessel. After about 4 minutes, stir the mixture. Cover the lid again and wait until cooked (might take about 10-15 minutes). Sprinkle on the coriander leaves in the end. VEGETABLE PULLAV (2) ==================== Recipe from Sriram, 1985 This recipe is slightly spicier than the previous one. Ingredients: ------------ 1 c Rice 1 1/2 c Water 1 c Vegetables 1/2" Cinnamon stick 2 Cloves 2 Cardamom 1 1/4 tsp Salt 1/8 tsp Turmeric powder 1 tsp Dhania powder 2 Chilies or 1/4 tsp powder 1/2 can or 1 lb. (16 oz) Tomatoes 1/2 cup Coconut 1 bunch Coriander leaves 4 cloves Garlic 1/2" piece Ginger (made into a paste) 2 tblsp Butter 1 Onion cut lengthwise Method: ------- Wash the rice and drain the water. Extract one cup of water from tomatoes. Pour the butter into a vessel and heat. Add cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. Add onions and chilies and fry until onions turn golden brown. Add ginger + garlic paste and turmeric powder paste and fry until you get a nice smell. Now pour in the tomato water + 1 cup water. Add coconut, coriander powder (Dhania powder), salt and let boil Add rice + coriander leaves + vegetables. Reduce to low heat and let the rice cook. SAFFRON RICE (KESAR CHAWAL) =========================== Ingredients: ------------ 2 c Rice 4 c Water 6 T Ghee 1 t Saffron threads (or less) 2 T Hot water 1 c Sliced onion 1 small Cinnamon stick - splintered 4 Bay leaves 4 large Black cardamoms 1 T Cumin seed 4 Cloves 2 t Salt Method: ------- Soak saffron in hot water. Wash and soak rice in 3 c water (optional). Heat ghee and fry onions and then remove and keep aside. Add cinnamon, cumin seeds, cardamoms, cloves and salt. Wait 1 minute and then add the bay leaves and 1/2 the onions. Drain the rice and reserve the water. Add the rice grains and stir for 4-5 minutes until all the water evaporates and the grains of rice are coated with oil. Add the water and bring to a boil. Add saffron and its water and pressure cook at 15 psi. Remove from the heat and allow the pressure to drop by itself. NAVRATTAN PULLAO (NINE-JEWELED RICE) ==================================== Ingredients: ------------ 1 c Basmathi rice 1 3/4 c Water 1/4 c Oil 1 small Finely sliced onion 6 Cloves 1" Cinnamon stick 1 t Salt 1/2 t Cumin seed For Mixing with rice before serving: A) 1/4 c frozen peas (boiled), salt, 6 drops green food coloring mixed with 1 t water. B) 1/4 c diced tomatoes, 1/4 t red pepper, salt, Garam Masala, 6 drops red food coloring mixed in 2 t water. Ingredients: ------------ 1 Thinly sliced onion 2 1/4 c Ghee 1 oz Almonds 1 oz Cashew nuts 1 1/2 oz Golden raisins 1 oz Pistachio nuts 1" piece Ginger thinly sliced 1 Green chili (optional) 1 Hard boiled egg Method: ------- Clean, wash, and soak rice in 1 3/4 c water for pressure cooking, or in 2 cups of water for pan cooking. Heat oil and fry the onions. Add whole spices. Fry 1 minute. Add rice and fry for 2/3 minutes to coat the rice grains with oil. Add the water which the rice was soaking in. Pressure cook, building up the pressure to 15 psi and let drop, OR cook in a pan bringing to full boil then down to a simmer followed by 20 minutes of cooking until the rice is done. Divide rice into three parts. Thoroughly mix A with one part and B with another. Leave the last part plain. Keep rice separate and warm in the oven. (C) Meanwhile fry the onion until it is crisp. Remove and fry almonds, cashew nuts, pistachios, raisins, ginger and chili. Chop egg and sprinkle with salt. Keep warm until required. To serve, place onions, nuts, chopped egg and all of (C) in a dish and spread the three batches of rice in clumps above it aesthetically. ========================== DESSERTS AND OTHER GOODIES ========================== KHEER (VERMICELLI PUDDING) ========================== Recipe from Dalbir Chadda: This has been my all time favorite dessert. Ever since I was very little, I can remember asking for seconds and thirds. What makes this dessert unusual is that it is not as sweet as most Indian desserts. It is fairly simple to make. Make sure that the vermicelli is very fine (angel hair pasta is ok but the very fine vermicelli that can be bought at chinese stores is the best). Ingredients: ------------ 1 stick Butter 2 handfuls Very fine vermicelli 4 cups Milk 1 pint Whipping cream 1 handful Raisins 3 tblsp Sugar 4 Almonds (optional) peeled and thinly sliced Method: ------- Melt butter in a 4 qt pot. Break vermicelli into 3" pieces. Over low heat stir vermicelli into butter until it turns light brown. Pour in the milk and stir over medium heat until it boils. Put in the raisins, almonds and sugar. Continue to cook under low heat for 10 minutes. Add whipping cream and continue to cook for a couple of minutes. Remove from heat and, when cool, chill in the refrigerator before serving RICE FLOUR PUDDING ================== (6 servings) Ingredients: ------------ 4 1/2 c Milk 3/4 c Sugar 2 oz Rice flour 6-8 drops Rose water 1 oz Almonds 1/2 oz Pistachio nuts Method: ------- Blanch (optional) and shred nuts. Mix rice flour into the milk and mix until smooth. Cook over medium heat until a creamy consistency is achieved (20-30 minutes?). Simmer and add sugar and stir for 2-3 minutes more. Cool (in refrigerator for 30 minute) add the rose water, almonds and pistachios (maybe before it cools). Pour into individual dishes and serve. BESAN BURFI =========== Ingredients: ------------ 1 c Besan 1 c Shortening 1 c Sugar 4 seeds Cardamom Nuts (optional) Method: ------- Melt shortening in a pan. Turn down heat and add cardamom and Besan. Fry, stirring constantly to prevent burning until it has changed to a brown color and smells done. (Test: a few drops of water sprinkled on it sputters instantly). Turn off the heat and stir in the sugar. Spread 1/2" thick onto a platter. Cut into diamond shapes after it has cooled down. KHEER ===== Ingredients: ------------ 1/2 c Rice 4 c Milk 1/4 c Raisins 3/4-1 c Sugar 1 t Cardamom seeds 1/4 c Shredded blanched almonds 6-8 drops Rose water 1/2 c Water Method: ------- Wash and drain the rice. Soak in 1/2 c water for 1/2 hour. Boil the rice in the same water until it is coated and the water dries up. Add the milk and simmer on low heat for 1 1/2 hours. Scrape the sides and bottom frequently to prevent sticking and mash rice while stirring. When it is creamy, add sugar and stir in well. Remove from heat and add crushed cardamom seeds, rose water and shredded almonds. Serve hot or cold decorated with silver leaves (optional). [Silver leaves are VERY FINE, tasteless sheets of silver.] GULAB JAMUNS (EASY METHOD) ========================== Ingredients: ------------ 1 c Bisquick 2 c Carnation powder 2 c Water 1 1/2 c Sugar 4 pods Cardamom few drops Rose water 1/2 stick Butter (4 T) 1/8 c Yogurt Milk Oil for frying Method: ------- Heat butter and pour in a bowl. Add Bisquick, carnation powder and yogurt and blend together. Knead well adding milk if necessary. Make a smooth ball, cover and let rest (30 minutes?). Make 12-14 small balls. Heat the water, add sugar, bring to boil, add cardamom seeds and simmer. Boil, then simmer to reduce the water by half. Heat the oil until hot and fry the balls to a golden brown or until they are dark brown---almost black. Soak in sugar syrup until they double in size (1 hour or overnight). Serve hot or cold. SUJI HALVA (SEMOLINA HALVA) =========================== (4-6 servings) Ingredients: ------------ 1/2 c Suji (semolina) 1/2 c Sugar 1/2 c Ghee 1 1/2 c Water 1 oz Sliced almonds 1 oz Raisins 8 Green cardamoms Method: ------- Boil sugar and water together for 5 minutes. Heat ghee add suji and stir on low heat until mixture becomes light creamy in color and ghee leaves the side of the pan. Add the syrup and stir briskly until it is absorbed in the semolina. Mix in crushed cardamom seeds, almonds, and raisins. Serve hot. SEWIAN (VERMICELLI) =================== Ingredients: ------------ 2 c Sewian (vermicelli) 3 1/2 c Milk 3/4 c Sugar 1/4 t Rose water (or 6-8 small cardamom seeds) Ghee Method: ------- Fry the sewian in hot oil until golden brown. Heat the milk to boiling and add the sewian. Cook until the milk is reduced by half. Add sugar and cook on low heat until creamy (about 25 minutes). Remove from the heat. Add in rose water. Decorate with blanched finely shredded almonds and pistachio nuts and silver leaves if desired. CARROT HALVA ============ Ingredients: ------------ 4 lbs Carrots 1/2 gal Milk 2 c Sugar 2 c Carnation milk powder 1 c Oil to taste Nuts Method: ------- Clean and grate the carrots. Heat milk to boiling and add the carrots. Cook until liquid is almost gone, stirring to prevent sticking and burning (3 to 4 hours). Add oil and cook more, stirring often, to roast the carrots well (about 1/2 hour). Add the powdered milk and sugar and cook until all the liquid is gone and the mass does not stick to the sides. Add the nuts and raisins and turn off the heat. Pour in a serving dish and serve warm or cold. Will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. RASGOOLA ======== Ingredients: ------------ 1 ltr Homogenized Milk 2 tsp White Vinegar 1 1/2 C Sugar 3 C Water Method: ------- Bring the milk to a boil and add vinegar to the boiling milk to separate the whey. Throw away the liquid part by sifting the stuff onto a muslin cloth. Pour some cold water over the curd to cool and wash it. Discard the water and hang the cloth for 15-20 minutes to let the excess water drip off. Put the curd in a food processor or blender and blend at high speed to get a smooth consistency. You may add just a little (1 tsp or so) water while blending, if the curd is too dry and will not blend. Be very careful so as not to add any extra water. Remove the paste and make small balls (1-2" in diameter). Boil water in a wide vessel. Make sure that there is at least 2-3" of water in the vessel. If not, add more water and increase the quantity of sugar proportionately. Add sugar to the boiling water to make a light syrup. Continue boiling the syrup and gently drop the curd balls in the boiling syrup. Cook the balls in the boiling syrup for 30-40 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the stuff cool down. Put the balls and the syrup in a storage container and refrigerate (don't freeze). Serve cold. MANGO ICE CREAM =============== This is a great desert which can be made with very little effort. You can replace the Mango pulp with any other pureed fruit. Ingredients: ------------ 1 can Condensed Milk 12 oz. Whipped cream(Cool whip) 1 can Mango pulp (Alphonso) It is very confusing to describe quantities as 1 can. Well, I do not remember the exact numbers so let me describe the sizes. The Mango pulp can is about 6" high and 3" in diameter. I think it is the only size available in an Indian store. The condensed milk can is about 3" high and about 2.5" in diameter and should be available in your neighbourhood grocery store. Method: ------- Mix all of the pulp, condensed milk and whipped cream in a bowl. Put in the freezer for about 8 hours.