Envelope Parathas

I just made this today, adapted from one of Tarla Dalala's recipe books,  these parathas are easy and tasty. I enjoyed making them though I was not in a mood to cook.

For the Stuffing.

*Boiled and mashed potatoes - 1 cup
*Mixed vegetables - carrots, peas, cauliflower, corn - 1 cup
* Green chilli - 1
* Chopped coriander - a few stems ( 4-5)
* Gharam masala - 1/2 tsp
* Chat masala - 1/2 tsp
* Chilli powder - 1/2 tsp
* Salt

Mix all the ingredients for the stuffing and keep aside.

For the parathas,

* Whole wheat flour - 1 cup
* All purpose floour - 1/2 cup
* Oil - 2 tbps
* Water -as needed

Mix all the ingredients above adding water slowly to form a firm but soft batter.

Divide the batter into small balls. Roll each ball out into small tin chappatis.

Place the stuffing in the center and fold on all sides to close the stuffing. The paratha should look like a rectangular envelope.

Place on heated pan and cook till both sides are cooked properly. U can use ghee if required to cook the parathas.

Serve with ketchup or boondi raitha.

Here is a picture of what I cooked today, though the parathas don't look very appetising in there, I am sure they will look much better the next time I make them. Happy Cooking :D

Vegetable Parathas ready to be eaten :)

Had to do with ketchup this time, next time will try the boondi raitha. 

Health Breakfast drink - Magh nu Pani ( Sprouts water).

There are these days during winter when you'd like a hot cup of something other than the regular coffee or tea in the morning. Magh nu pani , as we call it in gujrati is a great breakfast drink, filling and also very health. This is my grandma's recipe, every summer when my sister and me used to visit my grandparents this drink would definitively be on the table for breakfast. This recipe reminds me of my childhood days, I hope you enjoy making the drink and serving it to your family creating memories. :)

You 'll need around one cup of green moong dal, cumin powder, salt, pepper and a dash of lime juice.

1) Soak the green moong dal overnight in water ( 2- 3 cups) .
2) The next day , boil the moong dal with the same water until they are soft. Note that if there is extra water its okay, so dont throw away any water.
3) Mash the dal with a hand blender and let it pass through a sieve.
4) If needed, use a spoon to mash up the remaining moong in the sieve and discard it once done.
5) Heat the sieved sprouts water for 3-4 minutes, adding salt, cumin powder, pepper and lime juice and serve immediately. It tastes the best when its drunk hot !

This is indeed a easy and healthy breakfast recipe. And in the cold chilly mornings, it just makes me feel great ! Have fun cooking. 

Hot Sprouts water

Asparagus Soup

It's been a while since I posted any recipes, I have been too lazy to take pictures while cooking and a recipe without pictures is like a painting without colours. Ah well, I promise to take pictures while I cook , but just for once lets start with today's recipe without pictures. Asparagus, I have never seen one until I lived in Adelaide , Australia but I had tasted the ready to make cream of asparagus soup my grandpa used to get us, from Mumbai. It was delicious and so ever since I wanted to make fresh asparagus soup and enjoy the creamy rich soup. Asparagus is not only low in calories and sodium it is also a good source of dietary fiber which we don't get in all foods.


So here's what you'll need to make this soup
* Asparagus - one bunch
* Small Onion - half finely chopped
* Unsalted Butter - 1 tsp
* All purpose flour - 1 tbsp
* Milk - 1/2 cup
* Fresh cream - 1/2 cup
* Salt and Pepper to taste

1. Boil the asparagus and onions with enough water ( or vegetable broth) to cover all the pieces. Boil until the asparagus is soft and looses its bright green colour to dull green.
2. Let it cool for a while.
3. Blend the boiled mixture entirely till the asparagus is crushed completely.
4. In a pan melt the butter add 1 tsp flour and add salt and pepper and sauté for 2 minutes. Do not let the flour brown.
5. Add 1/2 cup water and let the flour dissolve if needed add more water to dissolve lumps.
6. Then add the blended mixture, milk and cream, let the mixture boil for a while.
7. Serve with croutons or garlic bread.

Isn't things a quick and easy recipe to make a great dinner. What you waiting for go ahead and try it and let me know how you liked it. :)

Food carts Portland - Artigiano Pasta Wagon

There have been a few news articles of late proclaiming Portland to have the best street food in the world, and I must say its true.. US News on Portland. My husband and I, have been trying out different food carts off late and the one we recently tried was "Artigiano- Pasta Wagon" in Woodstock Boulevard in SE Portland. This little  foodcart which in italian means "artisian" is truly the best place to try authentic italian fare, not only do they make their own pasta but also use local produce to create their dishes.

We reached the pasta wagon at around 8 , which is almost an hour before their closing time. Since it was also raining , we were the only customers. We ordered garlic bread, Yukon gold gnocchi with zucchini and Ravioli. The food was hot, beautifully served and authentic. We loved the Yukon gold gnocchi a lot and ordered a second serving. Just before we left Racahel , gave us complimentary chocolate truffles .. oh I can still feel them melt in my mouth. They were the most delicious truffles I have tasted and where hand made right at the cart !!!.

If you have time, you should head out to Artigiano and give yourself a real treat :). You can check out their website online for menu and other interesting updates Artigiano. Or if your just too lazy to check online just drive to their food cart which is located at 4804 SE Woodstock Boulevard Portland, OR 97206.

The Pasta Wagon !!!!

Garlic Bread 

Hungry Hungry

Ravioli 

Yukon gold gnocchi ..yummieee

Here are a few pictures from our visit. Until the next time I right, Have a great day and Bon Apetite.