Evergreendishes

Tag: easy cooking ideas

  • Vegetable Pulav Recipe

    Vegetable Pulav Recipe

    Vegetable  Pulav is flavoursome and ideal for weekend lunch. The freshness of mint and coconut gives a good taste to this variety of pulao. 

    Usually Sundays call for something different and I end up making a variety of pulav. These folks come leisurely for breakfast on Sunday, have a good breakfast and never hungry till late afternoon.

    Pulav / Pulao is filling, tasty and usually loved by children. Being a one pot meal, it is easy to prepare. It can be paired with a curry or any yoghurt based salad.

    I have earlier shared many different kinds of rice This one is different in the ingredients used for the masala. The coconut and the freshness of mint gives a good taste to it.

    How do I  cook pulav? 

    Pulav can be cooked in instant pot, pressure cooker or even directly in a thick bottom pan.

    Which method of cooking pulav is the best?

    In todays busy world, instant pot is a saver. But, if you do not have one, you can cook it directly on a moderate heat. Pressure cooker may be used but I find that the pulav is slightly smudgy.

    What are the other kind of pulav recipes that I can make?

    The other kind of pulav are mint pulav, kadai pulav, soya chunks pulav, vegetable pulao and tri-coloured pulao 

    Veg Pulav

    Vegetable  Pulav Recipe

    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup basmati
    • 2 onion
    • vegetables (beans, carrot, capsicum)
    • 2 tbsp oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 bay leaf
    • water
    • salt

    To be ground to a paste:

    • 20 mint leaves
    • 2 green chilli
    • 1 tablespoon fresh coconut
    • 2 cardamom
    • 3 clove
    • 5 pepper corns
    • 4 cloves of garlic

    Method:

    1. Rinse the rice and keep it aside for fifteen minutes.
    2. Cut the vegetables into small pieces.
    3. Grind the ingredients mentioned together for paste.
    4. Take oil in a pressure pan. Add cumin and bay leaf to it. Once it splutters, put the onion to it. Saute for sometime.
    5. Add beans, saute it. After a minute, throw in the carrot pieces. Later, add capsicum to it and continue to saute.
    6. Put the ground paste and saute for three minutes.
    7. Add rice to it and saute for a minute.
    8. Put water and salt, give a stir.
    9. Close a lid and allow to cook on low flame.
    10. Once it done, fluff it slowly and serve after ten minutes with any curry or salad.

    Take a tip:

    • You can use other vegetables and green peas. I have not used here.
    • The spiciness was moderate, use more green chillies if needed.

     

    Veg pulav

    Veg Pulav is flavoursome and ideal for weekend lunch. Pair it with any yoghurt based salad.
    Print Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    10 minutes
    Total Time 35 minutes
    Course: dinner, lunch ideas, Main Course
    Cuisine: Indian
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup basmati
    • 2 onion
    • vegetables beans, carrot, capsicum
    • 2 tbsp oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 bay leaf
    • water
    • salt
    • To be ground to a paste:
    • 20 mint leaves
    • 2 green chilli
    • 1 tablespoon fresh coconut
    • 2 cardamom
    • 3 clove
    • 5 pepper corns
    • 4 cloves of garlic

    Method
     

    1. Rinse the rice and keep it aside for fifteen minutes.
    2. Cut the vegetables into small pieces.
    3. Grind the ingredients mentioned together for paste.
    4. Take oil in a pressure pan. Add cumin and bay leaf to it. Once it splutters, put the onion to it. Saute for sometime.
    5. Add beans, saute it. After a minute, throw in the carrot pieces. Later, add capsicum to it and continue to saute.
    6. Put the ground paste and saute for three minutes.
    7. Add rice to it and saute for a minute.
    8. Put water and salt, give a stir.
    9. Close a lid and allow to cook on low flame.
    10. Once it done, fluff it slowly and serve after ten minutes with any curry or salad.

    Notes

    You can use other vegetables and green peas. I have not used here.
    The spiciness was moderate, use more green chillies if needed. 
    Veg Pulao is flavoursome and ideal for weekend lunch. The freshness of mint and coconut gives a good taste to this variety of pulao. 
    veg pulav

    If you ever make any of these recipes, take a picture and share it by tagging @foodiejayashree on Instagram or @evergreendishes on Facebook. I will be glad to see and share your creation further.
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  • Mixed Dal / how to make tasty mixed dal

    Mixed Dal / how to make tasty mixed dal

    Jump to RecipePrint Recipe

    mixed dal |  mixed dal recipe | north indian cooking | lunch ideas

    Mixed Dal is spicy and tasty, it makes a good accompaniment with roti, nan, steamed rice or even jeera rice.

    Dal is one of the essentials of daily cooking. I prefer using a combination of pulses as nutrients from various sources are derived. Being vegetarians, I try to provide a balanced diet by making dal regularly.

    A well prepared dal is not only tasty but goes well with both rice and flat bread. We often pair this with jeera rice too.

    Dal Methi is the one I commonly make at home. I have an e-book on Amazon titled, 30 Tasty Dal Recipes

    Mixed Dal
    Mixed Dal

    Ingredients:

    Measurement used : 1 cup =100 ml

    • 1 cup turdal
    • 1 cup moong dal
    • 1/2 cup masoor dal
    • 4 cup water
    • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
    • 1 tablespoon oil +ghee
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
    • 2 green chilli
    • 1/ tsp turmeric powder
    • a pinch of asafoetida
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 1 onion
    • 3 tomato
    • 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
    • salt

    Method:

    1. In a bowl, add all the dal in specific quantities. Wash and soak it in water for half an hour.
    2. Cut the onion and tomato finely.
    3. Cook the dal with a little turmeric powder and four cups of water for three whistles. Let the pressure release by itself.
    4. In a pan, add oil and ghee. Add cumin, as it splutters thrown in green chilly and garlic. Sprinkle asafoetida and a little turmeric powder to it. Put onion to it and saute it for sometime.
    5. Once it is golden in colour, put tomato pieces and salt to it. Let cook for five minutes. Sprinkle some water  to it, lest it may burn.
    6. With the back of the ladle, mash the cooked dal. Put it to the pan.
    7. Allow to cook for sometime. Adjust the consistency of the dal.
    8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

    Take a tip :

    • Depending on the quantity that you need, decrease the size of the cup. Otherwise, use a tablespoon of dal instead of a cup. The quantity I have given is sufficient for six people.
    • Adjust the measurement of dal to your preference, I prefer using this measurement.
    • Only oil may be used, but ghee gives a good taste.
    • Reduce the quantity of chilli powder if needed.

     

    Mixed Dal

    Mixed Dal is spicy and tasty accompaniment with rice or any kind of flat bread.
    Print Recipe
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup turdal
    • 1 cup moong dal
    • 1/2 cup masoor dal
    • 4 cup water
    • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
    • 1 tablespoon oil +ghee
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
    • 2 green chilli
    • 1/ tsp turmeric powder
    • a pinch of asafoetida
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 1 onion
    • 3 to mato
    • 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
    • salt

    Method
     

    1. In a bowl, add all the dal in specific quantities. Wash and soak it in water for half an hour.
    2. Cut the onion and tomato finely.
    3. Cook the dal with a little turmeric powder and four cups of water for three whistles. Let the pressure release by itself.
    4. In a pan, add oil and ghee. Add cumin, as it splutters thrown in green chilly and garlic. Sprinkle asafoetida and a little turmeric powder to it. Put onion to it and saute it for sometime.
    5. Once it is golden in colour, put tomato pieces and salt to it. Let cook for five minutes. Sprinkle some water  to it, lest it may burn.
    6. With the back of the ladle, mash the cooked dal. Put it to the pan.
    7. Allow to cook for sometime. Adjust the consistency of the dal.
    8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

    Pin it for later:

    Mixed dal is a spicy and tasty accompaniment with any meal. It tastes good with rice as well as flat breads.
    Mixed Dal

    A few dal recipes from my co-bloggers: Sukhi Pudine Ki Dal and Lucknowi Dal 

    If you have liked this post, do share it with your family and friends. If you ever make this, take a picture and share it by tagging @foodiejayashree on Instagram or @evergreendishes on Facebook or Twitter.

  • How to make mint pulao | Pudina rice recipe | Pudina Pulao

    How to make mint pulao | Pudina rice recipe | Pudina Pulao

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Mint Pulao / Pudina Rice is a flavoursome, one pot dish ideal to serve for lunch, brunch or dinner. A simple raita pairs well with it.

    Those who follow my blog regularly, do know that I love making these one-pot recipes. Ever since these children grew up, I find making these rice dishes way simpler. Hence, I keep rotating Vegetable Pulav, Jeera Rice and a few other ones. Well, today I am sharing Mint Pulao Recipe. Do check the fuss free recipes collection that I have.

    Mint is abundantly used in Indian cooking to give a good flavour to the dishes, a few leaves and it spreads a good aroma all around. It is usually used in chutneys and pulao.

    What goes in this Mint Pulao / Pudina Rice

    Mint leaves : Use fresh leaves to make this dish.

    Coriander leaves: You may skip adding this, but I have added.

    Green chilli : This gives the spiciness to the dish.

    Ginger and garlic: It is one of the essentials in pulao.

    Fresh coconut : It gives a good taste

    Onion: It gives good flavour to the dish, I have used it in two forms, a small quantity is put in the paste and the rest is sauted.

    Vegetables to be used:

    You can use any vegetables here. I have used beans, carrot, peas and   cauliflower in small quantities. I have added onion pieces also.

    Rice variety to be used :

    Basmati rice is ideal for making pulao. You can use sona masuri also.

    About the event:

    I am sending this to Healthy Wellthy cuisines, the theme is “One Pot Dish”. The theme for this fortnight is suggested by Shalu Jain, a wonderful blogger, who has amazing recipes on Sunny Kitchenette. I want to try her Berry Blast Coconut Ladoos. Here are the other recipes from co-bloggers :

     

    Let’s get to the recipe of Mint Pulao / Pudina Rice.

     

     

    Mint Pulao / Pudina Rice
    Mint Pulao / Pudina Rice

     

    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup basmati rice
    • 2 tbsp oil and ghee
    • 2 cloves
    • 2 cardamom
    • 4 pepper
    • 1 stick cinnamon
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 cup vegetables ( I used carrot, peas, beetroot, cauliflower)
    • 1 big onion
    • salt
    • water

    For the paste :

    • 1 cup mint
    • 1/2 cup coriander
    • 2 green chillies
    • 1 tablespoon coconut
    • 1/2 inch ginger
    • 4 cloves garlic
    • 1 small onion
    • water

    Method:

    1. Wash the rice, drain the water and keep it aside for 15 minutes.
    2. Cut the vegetables in small pieces.
    3. Grind the ingredients together under the section, ” For the paste”
    4. Take a pan or pressure cooker.
    5. Add oil and ghee to it, put the spices into it.  Saute it.
    6. Add the onion, saute it. Put the veggies and saute for two minutes.
    7. Now, add the paste to it. Continue to saute for two minutes.
    8. Add the rice and gently saute it for a minute.
    9. Put water and salt to it.
    10. Give a stir, close the lid and put the whistle.
    11. Switch off after the first whistle.
    12. Let the pressure release by itself.
    13. Gently mix it. Serve hot with raita.

    Take a tip:

    • You may avoid using coriander leaves.
    • Use any vegetables that you want.
    • As I do not soak the rice in water, 1: 2 ratio works good for me.
    • You may add one more chilly for spiciness.

    Pin it for later:

    Mint pulao / Pudina rice is a tasty and easy to make, one pot dish. Serve it for lunch or as a weekend dinner.
    Mint Pulav / Pudina Rice
    Mint Pulao / Pudina Rice

    Mint Pulao / Pudina Rice

    Mint Pulao / Pudina Rice is a delicious, easy to make, one pot meal.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Soaking time 15 minutes
    Total Time 45 minutes
    Course: lunch ideas, Main Course
    Cuisine: Indian
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup basmati rice
    • 2 tbsp oil and ghee
    • 2 cloves
    • 2 cardamom
    • 4 pepper
    • 1 stick cinnamon
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 cup vegetables I used carrot, peas, beetroot, cauliflower
    • 1 big onion
    • salt
    • water
    • For the paste :
    • 1 cup mint
    • 1/2 cup coriander
    • 2 green chillies
    • 1 tablespoon coconut
    • 1/2 inch ginger
    • 4 cloves garlic
    • 1 small onion
    • water

    Method
     

    1. Wash the rice, drain the water and keep it aside for 15 minutes.
    2. Cut the vegetables in small pieces.
    3. Grind the ingredients together under the section, ” For the paste”
    4. Take a pan or pressure cooker.
    5. Add oil and ghee to it, put the spices into it.  Saute it.
    6. Add the onion, saute it. Put the veggies and saute for two minutes.
    7. Now, add the paste to it. Continue to saute for two minutes.
    8. Add the rice and gently saute it for a minute.
    9. Put water and salt to it.
    10. Give a stir, close the lid and put the whistle.
    11. Switch off after the first whistle.
    12. Let the pressure release by itself.
    13. Gently mix it. Serve hot with raita.

    Notes

    You may avoid using coriander leaves.
    Use any vegetables that you want.
    As I do not soak the rice in water, 1: 2 ratio works good for me. 
    You may add one more chilly for spiciness. 

    If you have liked this post, do share it with your family and friends. If you ever make this, take a picture and share it by tagging @foodiejayashree on Instagram or @evergreendishes on Facebook or Twitter.

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  • Fuss free recipes

    Fuss free recipes

    Life has gone a series of changes throughout the world and it will take sometime before things are back to normal. The best thing is to stay safe at home, prepare easy meals and enjoy the time with your loved ones. Make the best use of the time that you have. Learn a skill that you have been thinking or read that book that you wanted. Or simply, cook and enjoy the time with your children. Spend quality time with them, you might never get this time again.

    Here are some fuss free recipes from the blog. I have selected those keeping in minnd, the ingredients that one can possibly have at home. Feel free to browse the blog for more.

    Avalakki  Upkari : It is made using thin flattened rice. Give a try to this.

     

    avalakki upkari
    avalakki upkari

    Wada: Urad dal wadas are loved by all and now seems to be the perfect time to enjoy these Indian doughnuts.

    urad dal wada
    urad dal wada

    Aloo Puri : Bored of the usual cooking, make these puris.

    aloo puri

    Thepla, we love it and it is ideal for breakfast or lunch.

    Gujarati thepla, methi paratha
    Gujarati thepla, methi paratha

    Jowar dosa, a twist to the usual one.

    Jowar dosa
    Jowar dosa

    Neer Dosa, this is again another kind I love making. The good thing is it needs no fermentation.

    neer dosa
    neer dosa

    Masala Dosa : It is cherished by all South Indians and a dosa batter in the refrigerator saves a busy day.

    Masala Dosa
    Masala Dosa

    Potato and Pea Paratha : I bet you agree with me, this combination works likes a charm.

    potato and pea paratha
    potato and pea paratha

    Ragi Idli: No, this is not the instant version. It is fermented and super soft.

    Ragi Idli
    Ragi Idli

    Dahi Vada: This is ideal for summer, it is loved by both, kids and adults.

    Dahi Wada
    Dahi Vada

    Gundapongal: It is another popular dish that you can easily make anytime and serve, if you have the batter.

    gundapongal
    gundapongal

    Masala Bhat: I know we are in lockdown and getting all kinds of veggies is difficult. I have used potato, peas and capsicum.

    masala bhath
    masala bhath

    Spanish rice: If you have the ready sauce, you can make it in a jiffy.

    spanish rice
    spanish rice

    Spring onion and corn pulao: Something different to try for your weekend.

    spring onion and corn pulao
    spring onion and corn pulao

    Veg Pulav: This is such a life saver for me, I keep making it quite often.

    veg pulav
    veg pulav

    Lemon rice : When every other dish fails to appease me, this one lights up my day.

    lemon rice

    Corn and Peas Pulao : I always keep sweet corn kernels and green peas in my freezer, they can be used in many dishes.

    corn and peas pulao
    corn and peas pulao

    Spiced Yoghurt: This is a simple yet tasty dish that you can make in a few minutes.

    Spiced Yoghurt

    Dal with methi : It is a comfort food for me, I make it at least twice in a month.

    dal with methi

    Sambar : Ask any South Indian and they are happy with a rice and sambar along with a few roasted papad.

    sambar
    sambar

    Drumstick rasam : I love the flavour of this rasam.

    drumstick rasam
    drumstick rasam

    Authentic Chana Masala 

    chana masala

    Kafuli : This pairs good with any meal.

    Kafuli

    Alu Methi: It is no onion garlic recipe and can be easily made for lunch or dinner.

    alu methi
    alu methi

    Palak Tambli : A simple dish but it is a comfort food for many. It tastes good with hot steamed rice.

    palak tambli
    palak tambli

    Methi delight: It can be easily if you have fenugreek leaves at home.

    methi delight
    methi delight

    Happy Cooking ! Stay safe and healthy.

    Pin it for later :

    Fuss free recipes are essential to keep these days going, we are passing through a difficult phase but we shall soon overcome.
    Fuss Free Recipes

     

    If you have liked this post, do share it with your family and friends. You can save the above image on Pinterest for further reference.

    If you ever make this recipe, do take a picture and tag @foodiejayashree on Instagram or @evergreendishes on Facebook

    Subscribe to get a book of handyhints for free !

     

  • Easy Cauliflower stir fry

    Easy Cauliflower stir fry

    Cauloflower Stir Fry is an easy to make, tasty side dish from North Indian cuisine.

    Cauliflower, popularly known as gobi,  can be used in a wide range of dishes. It is extensively used in curries, stirfry and starters. It is one of the veggies liked by kids today.

    This vegetable needs to be cleaned properly as it is the home to many tiny worms. Keep the florets immersed in hot water to which salt and turmeric is added.

     

    Various kind of dishes can be made using cauliflower. Cauliflower stir fry is easy to prepare and tasty.  It goes well with chapatis and phulkas. The other cauliflower dishes posted are : Gobi Manchurian is one of the preferred snacks at home.

    cauliflower stir fry
    cauliflower stir fry

    Cauliflower Stir Fry Recipe

    Ingredients:

    • 1 small cauliflower
    • 2 onion
    • 1/2 bunch coriander
    • 1 inch ginger
    • 2 green chilly
    • 1/2 tsp cumin
    • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
    • 2 tsp  oil
    • salt to taste

    Pre- requisites :

    • Take small florets of cauliflower and boil till tender with a pinch of salt and turmeric powder.
    • Chop onion finely.
    • Grind coriander, ginger and green chilly to a paste.

    Method:

    • Take a pan and add the oil. Add cumin, after a second, add the onions and turmeric powder to it. Saute for a while.
    • Add the ground paste and salt to it. Mix well.
    • Drain the water and add the florets. Mix well.
    • Let the flavours blend together.
    • Cauliflower stir fry is ready to serve.
    • Serve with chapati or phulka.

    cauliflower stir fry

    Cauliflower Stir Fry

    5 from 2 votes
    Cauliflower Stir Fry is an easy to make, tasty side dish. It pairs well with chapathi or phulka.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Course: dinner, lunch
    Cuisine: north indian
    Ingredients Equipment Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 small cauliflower
    • 2 onion
    • 1/2 bunch coriander
    • 1 inch ginger
    • 2 green chilly
    • 1/2 tsp cumin
    • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
    • 2 tsp oil
    • salt to taste

    Equipment

    • 1 pan
    • 1 ladle
    • 2 bowls

    Method
     

    Pre- requisites :
    1. Take small florets of cauliflower and boil till tender with a pinch of salt and turmeric powder.
    2. Chop onion finely.
    3. Grind coriander, ginger and green chilly to a paste.
    Method:
    1. Take a pan and add the oil. Add cumin, after a second, add the onions and turmeric powder to it. Saute for a while.
    2. Add the ground paste and salt to it. Mix well.
    3. Drain the water and add the florets. Mix well.
    4. Let the flavours blend together.
    5. Cauliflower stir fry is ready to serve.
    6. Serve with chapati or phulka.

    About the event:

    Sending this to Foodies_Redoing Old Post 80, a fortnightly event. I have made this stir fry since I have put it here. I like to make this simple stir fry with chapathi. Now, I have put better pictures here, the recipe remains the same.

    Pin it for later:

    cauliflower stir fry
    cauliflower stir fry

     

    If you ever make this stir fry, take a picture and share with @foodiejayashree on Instagram or @evergreendishes on Facebook. Subscribe to get all updates and an e-book for free!