AV's - VEG. KITCHEN | FOOD & TRAVEL STORIES

PURI / POORI - is a type of deep-fried bread made from unleavened whole wheat flour, originated from the Indian subcontinent. ROTI / CHAPATI - Unleavened flatbread is a common staple food in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh.   Chapatis (roti) made out of whole wheat flour cooked on a tava (flat skillet).   Chapatis were introduced to other parts of the world by South Asian immigrants, particularly by Indian merchants who settled in Central Asia, Southeast Asia, East Africa and the Caribbean islands. ALOO-MUTER-PANNER MASALA (POTATO-PEAS-COTTAGE CHEESE CURRY Chapati  Onion Chapati Grilled Chapati Chapati ingredients - Whole wheat flour, salt and oil - combined together to make a smooth dough, rested for 30 mins and then rolled into round shapes.  Cooked both sides on a hot tava (flat skillet) and served with chutneys, sambar, subji's, korma etc., Stuffed Chapati Ingre...

  INGREDIENTS & METHOD FOR GRAVY - 4 tomatoes, 1/2 cup together - cashews & almonds (soaked for 20 mins, skin removed), green chilli to taste, 1 tsp. ginger paste, 2-3 cardamoms, 1/2" cinnamon, 2-3 cloves, red chilli powder to taste, 1-2 tsp. garam masala ------>> grind these ingredients together into a smooth paste. OTHER INGREDIENTS - 2 cup paneer cubes, 3-4 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter), 1 tsp. each turmeric powder & kasur methi, 1-2 cups cream (coconut cream & whipped cream), salt to taste. Heat ghee in a pan, add grinded paste, turmeric powder, kasur methi, salt ----> mix to combine.  Simmer on medium flame for few minutes, slowly add paneer cubes & cream.  Mix again and remove from heat.  Serve hot with plain rice / jeera rice / roti / kulcha / paratha / any Indian breads.

  INGREDIENTS & METHOD 1 whole cauliflower (cut into bite size pieces) few curry leaves (coarsely chopped) salt to taste 1-2 teaspoons each - pepper powder, red chilli powder, garam masala, ginger-garlic paste (garlic-optional), turmeric/saffron powder 4 tablespoons each - plain flour & corn flour oil for frying FOR BATTER  - In a large mixing bowl, add 2-5 items listed above.  Make a medium thick batter using little water.   In a large vessel, add 1-2 cups of water and a tbsp. of salt.  Allow to boil.  Add cauliflower florets and bring it to boil for 4-5 minutes.  Remove from heat, drain and keep it aside. Heat oil in a frying pan (enough oil to deep fry cauliflower florets).  Dip cauliflower florets in the batter, deep fry on medium heat turning regularly.  Remove florets and drain any excess oil, place on a plate.  Add chilli sauce (optional), mix well to combine.  Serve hot.

  GUJARAT - State on the Western Coast of INDIA.   Hinduism is the major religion of the State & Gujarati is the official Language of the State.   Gujarati Cuisine is primarily VEGETARIAN & the dishes are distinctively sweet, salty & spicy at the same time.  The folk traditions of Gujarat includes "Garba" - a folk dance done as a celebration of "Navarathri", "Makar Sankranti" is a festival where people fly Kites. Ingredients & Method for making Lilva & Batata Nu Shaak (onion & garlic free recipe) 1/2 cup Toovar Lilva, 3 chopped potatoes,2 tsp. clarified butter (ghee), 1/2 tsp each - turmeric powder, hing powder, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, ginger powder, 2-3 tbsp. cumin & coriander powder, salt to taste, red chilli powder to taste, 1-2 tsp. sugar, 2 tbsp. gram flour paste (kadle hittu). Pressure cook potato & Lilva in 1 cup water for 3 whistles.   In a pan, heat ghee, season cumin, mustard seeds, hing...

PANEER - Indian Cottage Cheese, is a fresh set cheese made from Cow milk.  It's a non-melting soft cheese made by curdling milk with a fruit or vegetable derived acid such as lemon juice.  Its acid-set form (curd / plain yogurt) before pressing is called "Chhena". PANEER is a great source of Protein for Vegetarians in India & a vast majority of Indians are Vegetarians due to their Religious beliefs & reasons. A BLOCK OF PANEER PANEER CRUMBS PANEER CUBES PANEER , the most common type of cheese used in traditional cuisines from the Indian subcontinent such as Palak Paneer, Matter Paneer as well as in desserts & snacks such as Paneer Pakoda.

RAJMA (Kidney Beans) Chawal (Rice) is a popular Vegetarian dish originated from the Indian Subcontinent; consisting of red kidney beans in a thick gravy with Indian Whole Spices and is usually served with Chawal / Rice.  This is a part of regular diet in India, Nepal, Bangladesh & Punjab province of Pakistan. RAJMA & CHAWAL, when combined; make a "complete Protein" food &  RAJMA is considered as fat free & heart healthy food The combination of Rajma & Chawal is listed as a top favorite of North Indians and Nepali people.  Rajma / Red Kidney  Beans is prepared with onion, ginger and other spices in India and is one of the staple foods in Punjab & Nepal. Authentic Punjabi way of cooking Rajma is to soak red kidney beans overnight in water, cook them in a pressure cooker and then mix in grinded "bhuna masala" made with chopped onions, diced tomatoes, ginger, garlic and other spices which includes cumin seeds, coriander seeds, turmeric powder, ...

INGREDIENTS & METHOD 1 CUP WHOLE MEAL FLOUR, SALT TO TASTE, 1-2 TSPS. OIL, WATER AS NEEDED TO MAKE SOFT DOUGH.  DOUGH RESTED FOR 15 MINUTES DIVIDE DOUGH INTO EQUAL PARTS ROLL INTO SHAPE ROAST BOTH SIDES ON A PRE-HEATED PAN OR TAVA READY TO FILL STUFFING OF YOUR CHOICE Chapati Wrap | Roti Wrap with cooked potato & capsicum filling, lightly salted & spiced Kathi Roll sandwich - grilled pita bread with stuffing's - onion tomato, olives, parsley leaves, semolina, lemon juice, salt, pepper, green chilli paste WRAPS / Frankie / Kathi Rolls -  popular Mumbai (India) street food; great vegetarian or vegan treat; perfect meal for anytime or on the go.   This is my modified version of veggie wrap using Wholegrain Barley Wraps filled with mixed beans, hint of Indian herbs & spices - grilled sides to nice & crispy.   This is a type of sandwich made with a soft flat bread rolled around a filling.  The usual flat br...