Healthy Oat and Date Laddu | Oat and Date balls | No Added Sugar

Oat and Date Laddu

Healthy Oat and Date balls( Vegan, No added Sugar)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Maked: 15 to 18 laddus
Ingredients:

1. Olive oil /coconut oil- 2 tsp
2. Oats- 1 cup
3. Pistachios - 1/4 cup
4. Cashew nuts - 1/4 cup
5. Flax seeds - 2 to 3 tsp
6. Soft Dates - 20 to 24( or according to taste)

Instructions:

Heat  oil in  a pan,add oats,pistachios and cashew nuts.Fry for about 5 minutes over medium low flame.Allow it to cool slightly  and grind to form a coarse powder.

Add the oats and nuts powder to a mixing bowl.Add the pitted dates and flax seeds.

Mix well using your fingertips ,until combined.( use a food processor ,if desired.)Roll it into 1.5" balls.Store in an airtight container.

NOTES

• You can also use almonds ,walnuts or any other nuts of your choice.
•  Adjust the quantity of dates according to your taste.
• I halved the recipe as you can see in the pics.

Oreo Cookies and Cream No-Bake Cheesecake

Oreo cookies and cream No-Bake cheesecake

Quick and easy No- bake cookies and cream cheesecake.
Recipe source: countrycleaver.com, you can find the original recipe here.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook time: - minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
For cookie base:

1. Oreo cookies- 10 to 12
2. Melted butter - 2 tbsp

For crust:

1. Heavy cream- 3/4 cup
2. Cream cheese - 1 cup
3. Lemon juice- 1 tsp
4. Vanilla extract- 3/4 tsp
5. Sugar- 3 to 4 tbsp( or according to taste)
6. Crushed Oreos-1/4 cup

Instructions:

To prepare cookie base: Crush  Oreo cookies in a blender to form fine crumbs.Add melted butter and mix well.Divide the crumbs between 4 or 5 serving cups and gently press the crumbs into the bottom of  each serving cup.Refrigerate until required.

To prepare filling:In a bowl,beat heavy cream until medium peaks form.Keep aside.

In another bowl,mix together cream cheese,lemon juice,vanilla extract and sugar until smooth.Now fold in the whipped cream.

Gently fold in the crushed Oreo cookies.

Spoon or pipe this cheesecake mixture into each serving cup.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.Top with crushed Oreos ,if desired.

NOTES

• Check the recipe for homemade cream cheese here.

Chocolate Biscuit Pudding

Chocolate biscuit pudding

Recipe source-Ria's collection ,you can find the original recipe here.
Easy Chocolate and biscuit layer pudding.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Serves: 5 to 6 people
Ingredients:

1. Marie biscuits,crushed- 200 gms( about 40 biscuits)
2. Butter-100 gms( about 1/2 cup)
3. Milk-1.5 Cups
4. Sugar- 1 Cup
5. Cocoa powder- 3 tbsp
6. Cornflour-2 tbsp
7. Vanilla extract-1 tsp
8. Whipped cream-1 Cup( or as required)

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl,combine together crushed biscuits and butter.Blend with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.Keep aside.

In a sauce pan,combine together milk,sugar,cocoa powder and cornflour.Mix well until combined.Cook this milk mixture until it turns really thick,stirring continuously.Allow it to cool completely,add vanilla and mix well.

Place a layer of the biscuit crumbs in a large serving dish,or small individual bowls.Add a layer of the prepared chocolate pudding ,repeat layers finishing off with biscuit crumbs.

Top it with whipped cream,if desired.Refrigerated for about 3 to 4 hours.Serve cold.

NO BAKE LAYERED PINEAPPLE BREAD PUDDING

No bake pineapple bread pudding


Quick, easy and delicious layered pineapple bread pudding with praline.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook time: - minutes
Serves: 8 to 10 people
Ingredients:

1. Whipping cream- 2 cups
2. Thick cream-2 cups
3. Icing sugar-3 to 4 tbsp
4. White bread- 14 to 16 slices
5. Pineapple,chopped- 2 cups(see notes)

For Praline

1. Sugar-1/3 cup
2. Water-1 to 2 tbsp
3. Chopped nuts- 3/4 cup(i used cashew nuts)

For Sugar syrup

1. Sugar-3/4 cup
2. Water-1 1/4 cup

Instructions:

In a large bowl combine together whipping cream and thick cream.Whip using an electric mixer.

When it starts to thicken add icing sugar and continue to whip until it form soft peaks.

Spread a thin layer of cream on the base of a large pudding dish/ or small individual bowls.

Remove the crusts from the bread  and cut each slice into four.Dip the bread pieces in the sugar syrup and squeeze it well .Place them over the layer of cream.

Spread another layer of cream over the bread layer.Sprinkle praline on top of the cream.

Sprinkle  chopped pineapple and spread another layer of cream .Place few bread pieces over this.

Repeat the layers and finish off with praline and chopped pineapple.

Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

To prepare Praline

In a non stick pan,stir in sugar and water.Heat until sugar dissolves.Cook until the syrup turns pale amber colour. Gently swirl the pan in between,if required.

Add the chopped nuts and stir well.Mix well until combined.Continue to cook until the colour changes to deep amber.

Immediately transfer onto a grease tray ,spreading it as thinly as possible.Allow to cool completely and crush it using a rolling pin.Keep aside.( This can be made 2 or 3 days ahead,store in an airtight container)

To prepare Sugar syrup

Drain the syrup from the canned pineapple and keep aside.

Combine  sugar and water in a saucepan,heat until sugar dissolves.Bring this to a boil.

Let it cool.

Add the syrup from the canned pineapple and mix well.( skip this step if you are using fresh pineapple)

NOTES

• If you are using fresh pineapple ,increase the quantity of sugar syrup.

Chocolate pudding

Chocolate pudding


Quick, easy and delicious chocolate pudding.
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Serves: 6 people
Recipe source: Myrecipes.com,you can find the original recipe here

Ingredients:

1. Granulated sugar- 1/2 cup
2. Cocoa powder-1/3 cup( use good quality cocoa)
3. Cornflour-3 tbsp
4. Dark brown sugar- 3 tbsp
5. Salt-1 pinch
6. Milk- 4 cups
7. Egg yolks ,lightly beaten- 3 large
8. Grated chocolate- 1/4 cup
9. Vanilla extract- 1 tsp
10. Butter -1 tbsp

Instructions:

In a large saucepan combine together,granulated sugar.cocoa powder,cornflour,dark brown sugar,salt and milk.Mix well until combined.Bring this to a boil,stirring continuously.

Place egg yolks in a bowl.Gradually add hot milk mixture to egg yolks,stirring continuously.Return this to the saucepan.

Cook over medium heat ,stirring continuously,for about 5 minutes or until the mixture turns thick.

Switch off the stove,add grated chocolate and vanilla extract and butter.Mix well until chocolate melts completely.(If there are lumps,just pass the pudding through a strainer and break the lumps using the back of a spoon)

Transfer it to a bowl ,serve warm or chilled.

Rava Laddu | Rava Laddo

Rava laddu recipe

Quick and easy rava laddu recipe.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Yields: 20 small laddus

Ingredients:

1. Cashew nuts,broken- 10 nos
2. Raisins-10 to 15 nos
3. Grated coconut-1/2 cup
4. Semolina-1 cups
5. Sugar-3/4 cup
6. Cardamom powder-1/2 tsp
7. Warm milk-1/4 cup(or as required)
8. Ghee-1.5 tbsp

Instructions:

Heat ghee in a pan,add cashew nuts and roast until it turns golden brown.Now add raisins and saute for few seconds.

Reduce the flame to medium low.Add grated coconut and mix well.

Add semolina , roast until it turns fragrant and lightly golden,stirring continuously over low flame.This will take about 8 to 10 minutes.

Add sugar and cardamom powder, mix well and switch off the flame.

Slowly add milk,stirring well as you do so.Divide the mixture into 20 equal sized balls,while it is warm.Store in an airtight container.

NOTES

• Adjust the quantity of sugar according to your taste.

STOVE TOP PIZZA | NO OVEN PIZZA

Stove top pizza





Stove top pizza recipe with step by step pictures.
Prep Time: 30 to 40 minutes
Cook time: 10 to 12 minutes
Yield: 2 -6" or 1- 12" pizza

Ingredients:
For Pizza Base

1. All purpose flour- 1 3/4 cups
2. Active dry yeast-2 tsp
3. Salt-to taste
4. Sugar-1 tsp
5. Olive oil-2 tbsp
6. Warm water-about 1/2 cup( or as required)

For topping

1. Onion,diced- 1 small
2. Bell pepper,diced-1 small
3. Mushroom, sliced-few
4. Tomato,diced-1 small
5. Pizza sauce-1/2 cup( I used homemade pizza sauce)
6. Grated cheese-as required
7. Dried Oregano-1/4 tsp( or as required)
8. Olive oil-as required

Instructions:

To prepare the pizza base,combine all purpose flour,yeast,salt,sugar and olive oil.Mix well.Add just enough water to form a soft dough.Knead the dough for about 5 minutes or until it is soft.Cover with a kitchen towel .Allow it to rise,in a warm place,for about 25 to 30 minutes or until doubled in volume.

Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal parts.Transfer one half onto a floured surface and roll it into a circle.(Do not make it very thick.)

To prepare the topping,heat olive oil in a pan and add onion,saute for a minute.Add bell pepper,and mushroom,saute for about a minute.Finally add tomatoes and cook until it is just done.( this step is purely optional,you can also use the diced vegetables as it is ,without cooking).

Now to prepare the pizza ,heat a non stick pan and place the rolled dough on it ,cook for few minutes on a medium low flame.Cook until it is lightly browned on the bottom.(Check by gently lifting up a corner using a spatula.)

Flip it over and drizzle oil on the sides.Spread the pizza sauce on top.Sprinkle grated cheese and arrange the diced vegetables ,finally sprinkle dried oregano on top.Cover and cook over medium low heat for few minutes ( about 5 minutes)or until the cheese melts.

GUR PAPDI | EASY WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR AND JAGGERY FUDGE

Gur papdi

Recipe source: Sanjeevkapoorkhazana, you can find the original recipe here.

Ingredients

1. Ghee- 1 cup
2. Whole wheat flour- 2 cups
3. Powdered / grated jaggery- 1 cup
4. Sliced almonds and pistachios- 1/4 cup( and more for garnishing-optional)
5. Cardamom powder- 1/4 tsp
6. Nutmeg powder- 1 pinch

Directions

• Heat ghee in a heavy bottomed pan.Add whole wheat  flour and fry stirring continuously,until it turns golden.
• Allow this to cool slightly.When it is lukewarm,add grated jaggery and mix well until combined.
• Add  sliced almonds, pistachios( if using) ,cardamom and nutmeg powder and mix well.
• Transfer this to a greased tray .Press and level it using the back of a spoon.
• Add chopped nuts on top and press it using a spoon.
• Cut into squares.Allow it to cool completely before transferring on to a serving tray or an airtight container.

MINI FALAFEL

Mini Falafels

Ingredients
For Falafel

1. Dry chickpeas- 1/2 cup
2. Coriander leaves-chopped- 1/4 Cup
3. Parsley-chopped- 1/4 cup
4. Green chilies-chopped- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp( or to taste)
5. Cumin powder- 1/4 tsp
6. Coriander powder- 1/2 tsp
7. Red chili powder- 1/4 tsp
8. Baking powder- 1/4 tsp
9. Onion-chopped- 1/4 cup
10. All purpose flour- 1/2 to 1 tbsp( see notes)
11. Garlic- 2 cloves
12. Salt- to taste
13. Oil- for frying

For Tahini sauce

1. Tahini-(or use 4 tbsp toasted sesame seeds)- 2 tbsp
2. Yogurt-( for vegan option,use cashew yogurt)- 1/4 cup
3. Garlic-chopped- 1/4 tsp
4. Lemon juice- 1/2 tbsp
5. Salt- to taste

For Falalfel wraps

1. Pita bread- 4 to 5 nos
2. Hummus- 1/2 cup
3. Cucumber-sliced- as required
4. Tomato-sliced- as required
5. Salad greens-chopped- as requied
6. Pickled chilies- Few

Directions

 To prepare falafel

• Soak dry chickpeas in plenty of water for about 8 to 12 hours.

• Drain and add it to a blender with the rest of the ingredients listed under 'for falafel'( except oil).Grind to form a coarse paste.( It should not be smooth)

• Shape this into small patties.Refrigerate the patties for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Heat oil in pan and deep fry the falafels until it turns golden brown,turning once in between.( you can also shallow fry the falafels,if desired.)

Serve with tahini sauce or  make falafel wraps with it.

To prepare falafel wraps 

• Combine all the ingredients listed under 'for tahini sauce' in a blender and blend to form a smooth paste.
• Spread 2  to 3 tbsp of hummus on the pita bread.Top with cucumber ,tomato and pickled chilies.Then add two to three broken falafels.Drizzle tahini sauce,wrap tightly. Serve immediately.

NOTES

• You can make about 12 to 14 mini falafels from this quantity.
• If you are finding it difficult to shape the patties,add few tsp of water and pulse again.
• I used rice flour instead of all purpose flour and it tasted fine.

VETTU CAKE / FRIED TEA CAKE

Vettu Cake-Step by step recipe

Ingredients

1. Egg- 1 large
2. Powdered sugar- 1/2 cup(75 gms)
3. Baking soda- 1/4 tsp
4. All purpose flour- 1 cup(few tbsp more ,as required)
5. Cardamom powder- 1/4 tsp(see notes)
6. Oil- for deep frying

Directions

• In a large bowl,mix together egg and powdered sugar until combined.

• Add baking soda,all purpose flour and cardamom powder.

• Mix well until combined.
• Knead gently to form a smooth dough.(If the dough is sticky,add 1 or 2 tbsp more  all purpose flour.)Keep aside for 5 to 10 minutes.

• Divide the dough into two ,form each half into a rectangular log.( or just shape whole of the dough into a large rectangular log for slightly larger cakes)

• Using a sharp knife ,slice the dough into 3/4 to 1" thick slices.Make two deep cuts on each slice,as shown in the picture.Keep aside.
• Heat oil in a pan and deep fry,over a medium heat,until it turns golden brown.
• Drain on to a kitchen towel, allow it to cool completely.Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

NOTES

• Make sure you fry the cakes over a medium heat.If the oil is too hot,the outside of the cakes will brown too quickly and inside will be under cooked. 
• Do not over fry the cakes,if you do so it will be a bit too hard to eat.
• For best results use freshly ground cardamom powder.
• You can make 28 to 30 small cakes or 14 to 15 larger cakes from the above mentioned quantity.