Rava idli

So, there are other kinds of idlis than just the regular one which needs planning ahead by 2 days....but when you are short of time and you want to eat an idli right now, then this is the idli . Super fast and delicious.

Ravva idli( streamed sampling dumplings )

Ravva idli with beet root

  Ingredients 

1. 1 cup upma ravva or samolina
2. 1 tablespoons+ extra oil for basting the idli molds
3. 1/2 teaspoon each of cumin, mustard seeds, salt and baking soda
4. 1 teaspoon Chana dal soaked in water for 10 minutes
5. 1/2 cup plain yogurt
6. 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
7. 1 tablespoon each of finely chopped ginger, green chillies and cilantro, cashew
8. 2 tablespoons finely chopped onions
9. 1 tablespoon each of grated carrot, beetroot, cabbage

In a pan heat the oil and fry the cumin, mustard seeds, few curry and fry for a minute. Add cashew and fry for a minute. Add Chana Dal and all the veggies and fry for 5 more minutes. Add soji and fry/roast for 5-7 minutes.

In a bowl mix the yogurt with lemon juice , salt, baking soda and 1 cup water. Let the soji cool a bit and add this to the yogurt. Add more water to get the consistency of a thick pan cake batter.

Prepare the idli pans by applying oil with a finger. Add a tablespoon of batter. Stream in a cooler for 15 minutes. Enjoy with your favorite chutney 

Chunky bean and chicken soup

So... I went to the dentist today...mmm you figure out the rest and its soup for dinner

Chunky bean and chicken soup

This soup/ chilli is sooo simple, delicious and hardy I love it. You will love it too

Ingredients 

1. 1 large can fire roasted tomatoes ground to purée

2. 1 can beans in mild chilli sauce 

3. 1/2-1lb chicken breasts cubed small

4. 1 tablespoons oil

5. 1/2 cup finely chopped onions

6. 2 large garlic grated

In a pan heat the oil and fry the onions till translucent. Add garlic and fry for 30 seconds. Add chicken and fry through. Add tomato purée, beans with the sauce and 1 cup chicken stock or water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Enjoy with any crusty bread

Meat empanadas

Lately I have been making things at home which the kids can just heat up in the microwave and eat and won't go bad super fast. This empanada recipe from the food network is my favorite and and filling is ofcourse my own recipe.

Meat Empanada (Meat turnovers)

Meat empanada

Meat or lamb filling

Ingredients for the crust:

1. 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon salt
3. 1 teaspoon sugar
4. 3 tablespoons oil
5. 1 egg, beaten

Combine flour, salt, and sugar and mix well. Add the oil and mix. Add the egg and mix well and add water one tablespoon at a time until dough comes together and is pliable.Set aside.

Take a small golf ball sized dough and roll into 4-5 inch circle. Add 1-1.5 tablespoons filling. Dip your finger in water and run it over the edges and turoldnover on edge to cover the filling. Press the edges with a fork to create the pattern.

Heat the oven to 350 degrees and bake for 30-40 minutes until the empanadas look golden brown. Let it cool a bit before serving