Vegetable Red Lentil Stew, & 

Palak Paneer (Indian Spinach & Cheese)

I was busy doing summery things recently, including making dinner for special visitors ... Vegetable Red Lentil Stew, and Palak Paneer (Indian Spinach & Cheese). These are the leftovers. 

The Lentil Stew is based on Supper with Michelle's recipe. I say "based on," because 1) I used the Instant Pot (not sponsored ) and so needed to modify the instructions, and 2) I had no zucchini, the carrots weren't good, and after cleaning and tidying the house, I was just too tired to chop onions or cut up potatoes. (Apologies to Michelle. 😐) Instead, I used frozen chopped mirepoix mix (carrot, celery, onion), as well as frozen chopped broccoli. The lentils ended up very creamy. I hope that next time, I'll make it according to the recipe. My visitors and I enjoyed this version, so thanks, Michelle! 😃

The Palak Paneer is from Madhu Gadhia's New Indian Home Cooking, which has a lot of great, simple, healthy recipes. The Paneer (cheese) was also homemade, leftovers from the freezer. I don't actually press the Paneer very thoroughly, so I just broke it up and stirred it into the spinach. The key here seems to be slowly cooking the spinach for at least a half-hour, until it smells less like raw spinach. We also enjoyed this! 

Supper with Michelle Website, Vegetable Red Lentil Stew

Grilled Veggie Pakora Sandwich

Here's a new sandwich, assembled at home of (mostly) bought ingredients. I was inspired by the many Indian toasted sandwiches I've seen on Instagram. The filling is Veggie Pakoras (fried vegetable fritters), cut-up and mixed with instant mashed potato. The inside of each slice of bread is spread with chutney: cilantro on one side, tamarind on the other. The sandwich was fried in a covered pan, with some butter-olive oil mix, and coconut oil, until golden brown and crispy.

I wasn't sure how it would turn out.  My off-recipe experiments sometimes fail dramatically. 😐 However, in this one, the cilantro chutney added freshness, the tamarind chutney added sweetness, the Pakoras added spice and substance, and the mashed potato brought it all together. I'd say this was a success!

Broccoli-Cauliflower Kootu

This was based on the Cauliflower Kootu of Alemalu Vairavan and Patricia Marquardt in Healthy South Indian Cooking. I wanted something quick-ish and tasty, and remembered that I had some frozen homemade cooked masoor dal (red lentils), as well as the remainder of some frozen broccoli-&-cauliflower. I cooked them with some spices for this Kootu. The only thing was, I wasn't sure how much spice to add, and may have added a little too much. Otherwise, it was simple yet excellent. 

Instant Rava Uttapam 

(Savory Cream of Wheat Pancake), 

with Eggplant Chutney/Kathirikkai Thogayal (Thuvaiyal)

This made a yummy South Indian breakfast. The Rava Uttapam recipe is from Hebbar's Kitchen. Although this Uttapam batter has to rest for 20 minutes before cooking, it's still "instant" compared to other traditional versions. The Thogayal recipe is from Padhu's Kitchen. This was a great way to start the day!

Hebbar's Kitchen Website, Instant Uttapam Recipe

Hebbar's Kitchen YouTube, Instant Rava Uttapa Recipe

Padhu's Kitchen Website, Brinjal [Eggplant] Chutney -- Kathirikkai Thogayal (Thuvaiyal)

Broccoli Poriyal 

(Stir-fried South Indian Broccoli with Coconut)

This was based on Broccoli with Coconut Poriyal from Healthy South Indian Cooking by Alemalu Vairavan and Patricia Marquardt. Rather than using chopped broccoli, I thought I'd experiment by using "broccoli slaw," instead. I'd seen it at the supermarket, and it looked handy: shredded broccoli, with some shredded carrot and red cabbage, as well. It did take longer to cook to get to the level of "doneness" I prefer, but in the end, it was awesome! 

Tofu "Paneer" Pakora 

(Tofu Fritters in a Chickpea-Flour Batter)

I made these using the Pakora batter from My Tasty Curry's Special Paneer Pakoda Recipe. A few days ago, I baked some firm tofu before adding half of it to a noodle stir-fry (not pictured). I decided to transform the rest into Indian Pakora (fritters in a chickpea-flour batter), but wanted a recipe to guide me. This batter seemed the best candidate of those I found, and indeed, it ended up cooking nice and crispy. (I shallow-fried rather than deep-fried, but that seemed to be enough.)

The first pic is the Tofu Pakora. There was still batter left, so I fried that, too! That's the second pic. The third pic features everything together. The leftovers reheated nicely in a toaster oven, on a toaster-oven-safe tray, the next day. I just had to watch that some of the thinner pieces didn't burn. This certainly is tasty!

My Tasty Curry Website, Special Paneer Pakoda Recipe

Instant Pot Saag Aloo 

(Indian Kale & Potatoes)

Made with frozen chopped kale, and potatoes, this is from the recipe of Vegan Richa. I think next time, I'd first quickly defrost the kale in the microwave before cooking. I'd also add a bit more salt and spices, as I just added in most of a bag of kale (without measuring), and I tend to toss in extra potatoes when I take the time to cut one or two ... thereby diluting the power of those seasonings. These comments reflect on me, of course, and not on the recipe, which was fabulous. As it's better for me when things are well-cooked, I just let the pressure naturally release after the cooking time was up. Anyway, I was really wanting kale and potatoes, and this recipe was the perfect vehicle for that. 

Vegan Richa Website, Instant Pot Saag Aloo with Sweet Potatoes

Upma 

(Savory South Indian 

Cream of Wheat)

This is a savory South Indian breakfast dish. I remember my friend's mom making it for us (but I can never get it just like hers), which is how I was introduced to it. The ingredients here are basically rava/sooji/cream of wheat, oil, mustard seeds, urad dal (legumes, to add flavor), onion powder, and green peas. Sometimes, I want something fairly quick and easy. This is also very warm and comforting. It fits both descriptions. Win-win! 

Punjabi Kadhi Pakora

(Onion Fritters in Buttermilk Sauce)

These were from the recipe of Veg Recipes of India. I made Kadhi (sauce) with Pakora (fritters) once, long, long ago, when I was first learning to cook Indian cuisine ... but not since! I was inspired to make it now, as a way to use up the liquid (whey) left over from making Paneer/Chenna (Indian cheese).

I've read that this liquid can be used in any recipe in place of buttermilk, and indeed I've used it with success in muffins and such. So, why not Kadhi, too? The base of several Punjabi Kadhi recipes I've seen, was either yogurt or buttermilk, so I hope this isn't too outlandish. And while I was experimenting, why not make the Pakoras in an ebelskiver pan, rather than deep-frying? (The recipe says you can also bake them.)

The results? I found the Kadhi with this liquid to be too acidic (which isn't so good for me), so next time, I'll use yogurt according to the recipe. Otherwise, I liked it! The Pakoras weren't crisp, but then, I can never get anything I fry (except sometimes bread) to become crispy. The recipe called for mixing sliced onions with the batter ingredients (except water), and setting aside for 30 minutes first. I think this contributed to the onions just melting into the fritters, with a sweet taste. Yummy.

Sometimes I find chickpea flour (used in the Pakoras) to be too heavy, so I added a bit of baking soda to the batter (not in the recipe). Oops, I realized that turmeric + baking soda = red, too late. 😉 The Pakoras looked so good, that I tried them anyway, and I'm still here ... though I think they were a bit too acidic. However, this was my own error. Next time, I hope I'll remember not to add the baking soda! The verdict? I'll make this Kadhi Pakora again, but according to the recipe this time! 

Veg Recipes of India Website, Punjabi Kadhi Recipe

Aloo Gobhi 

(Potatoes & Cauliflower)

This popular North Indian dish is from a recipe of Madhu Gadia in New Indian Home Cooking. It contains a whole bag of frozen cauliflower, 3-4 potatoes, onion, fresh ginger, spices, and lemon juice. (I like to only add the lemon juice when I'm actually eating it; then, I add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to that portion.) Here, it's featured with basmati rice. Very yummy. 

This cookbook is good because the recipes are designed (by a dietician) to be quick and easy. Many call for frozen veggies. One of my favorite tips from here: use ready-made tortillas for samosas, if you don't have time to make the pastry.

Rava Idli 

(South Indian Savory Dumplings)

Here they are featured with some coconut oil and sprinkled with chutney powder (idli podi). These were from the recipe of Nisha Madhulika. I steamed them in an Instant Pot (not sponsored), using a very special idli rack. (You can get a glimpse of the idli rack, in the back left of the pic.) Yesterday was #worldidliday !

These idlis are considered "instant" although the batter must rest for 20 minutes, as that is still much quicker than the traditional version. The rava/sooji is basically cream of wheat/farina, and is mixed with yogurt. A little baking soda is added just before steaming, to further lighten the idlis.

These were very tasty just eaten plain, and even better as pictured here. I've been eating them for breakfast that way. Yummy!

Nisha Madhulika Website, Rava Idli Recipe

Nisha Madhulika YouTube, Rava Idli Recipe

Punjabi Dal Palak 

(North Indian Kale & Legumes)

This was based on the spinach dal recipe of My Tasty Curry. I had kale, so I figured I'd try it this time; next time, it'll be spinach, like the recipe. I made the dish in an Instant Pot (not sponsored). Basically, I just cooked everything together for about 18 minutes on Manual/High Pressure, and let the pressure come down by itself.

This is a blend of spices, fresh ginger, greens, tomatoes, and 3 different kinds of legumes. I used mung dal (yellow split mung beans) and toor dal (pigeon peas), like the recipe, as well as masoor dal (red lentils). I didn't even think of pre-soaking the toor dal, but as I prefer to overcook dal anyway, it came out okay. I know better, so I count that as "operator error" (= my own error). The end result was just a little heavy and very thick -- but that just lends it more to other uses, so it's all good! 

I like having so many nutritious ingredients cooked all together like this. Next time, I'm sure it will be even yummier! 

My Tasty Curry Website, Punjabi Dal Palak

Noodles Dosa

(South Indian Savory Crepes, 

with Spicy Noodles)

This was based on a recipe from Magic of Indian Rasoi. The recipe calls for dosai (savory South Indian crepes) filled with Chinese-style noodles.

The dosa batter is considered "instant" although it must rest for 15 minutes, because this is still much quicker to prepare than the traditional dosa batter. These dosai were delicious by themselves, and they were even a bit crispy with just a small amount of oil.

One reason I was so eager to make this, was because I already had leftover Thai Massaman Noodles. I used these (instead of the noodles in the recipe) to fill the dosai this time. These were chuka soba aka ramen noodles, which cook in 3 minutes. I cooked them with some chopped veggies (green peppers, onions, celery, and carrots), as well as leftover Thai Massaman Curry paste, soy sauce, and a little brown sugar. Hopefully next time, I can make this Noodles Dosa with the noodles from the recipe. 

These were awesome! 

Magic of Indian Rasoi Website, Noodles Dosa/Spring Dosa/Chinese Dosa Recipe

Magic of Indian Rasoi YouTube, Noodles Dosa/Spring Dosa

Almond Halwa 

(Indian Milk Fudge)

I made this with ground almonds, sooji/cream of wheat, milk, sugar, and cardamom. The recipe is from Suneeta Vaswani's Easy Indian Cooking. Halwa is an Indian sweet that's thicker than a pudding. I've seen it described as "fudge." This one stays nicely in the fridge for several days. 

Dal Para(n)thas

(Indian Flatbread)

I made these Parathas with leftover Sambhar (South Indian Dal/Legumes & Veggies). I don't recall the specifics of what was in the Sambhar (as it was from the freezer), but it certainly contained tomatoes. In the interest of full disclosure, I'll mention that these weren't perfect . . . but I sure enjoyed them! Nice for a light meal with some whole-milk yogurt.

Chawla's Kitchen YouTube, Punjabi Dal Paratha / Dal Wali Roti

Instant Rava Kuzhi Paniyaram 

(South Indian Savory Dumplings)

These were from the recipe of Hebbar's Kitchen. These dumplings are made from rava/sooji/farina/cream of wheat, mixed with yogurt. They are "instant" even though the batter must rest for 20 minutes, as this is still much quicker than the traditional version. I cooked these in an ebelskiver pan, as I don't have an appam/paniyaram pan.

The results were amazing! Even with using little oil, they were still a bit crispy. The leftovers kept in the fridge weren't crispy, but were still spongy and yummy for the time they lasted. They were good just by themselves with whole-milk yogurt.

Hebbar's Kitchen Website, Instant Kuzhi Paniyaram Rava Appe 

Hebbar's Kitchen YouTube, Paniyaram recipe | Instant appe recipe | Instant rava kuzhi paniyaram 

Instant Rava Toast

(Eggless Indian Savory French Toast)

This was from the recipe of Something's Cooking with Alpa. Basically, rava/sooji/semolina/cream of wheat is mixed with yogurt, spices, and veggies. The mixture is spread on a piece of bread, and fried on a griddle on both sides. (Though the recipe calls for butter, I used my usual oil.) Very yummy! When I ran out of bread, I just fried the remaining rava topping as a pancake (1st photo).

This is a great use for leftover bread. For example, I like Calabrese Italian bread from the store, which is oval; sometimes I have to be creative to use the much smaller slices left at the end. That's what is featured here, with defrosted frozen chopped veggies (mirepoix mix = onion, carrot, celery; and green bell pepper).

Something's Cooking with Alpa Website, Instant Rava Toast Recipe -- Open toast sandwich 

Something's Cooking with Alpa YouTube, Instant Rava Toast Recipe -- Open toast sandwich

Punjabi Dal Fry, 

with Masoor Dal (Red Lentils), 

Tomatoes, Broccoli, & Cauliflower

This recipe was from Vegan Richa, and made in the Instant Pot (not sponsored). The tomatoes were leftover from a can, and the broccoli and cauliflower were frozen and defrosted, before I added them. Everything went together in the IP, which I set to cook extra (longer than the recipe) (to make sure the lentils were very well-cooked). The end result would have fit nicely into a 7-cup container, but I also put some in 2 smaller containers for the freezer. Instead of adding lemon juice directly, I squeezed fresh lemon juice over the portion of dal I was eating. This dal was good with toast (including as a sandwich), as well as over cooked potatoes. Yummy! 

Vegan Richa, Punjabi Dal Fry Recipe

Aloo Para(n)tha 

(Indian Flatbread with Potato Stuffing)

These were inspired by the videos of Eat East Indian. As I already had leftover cooked potato, I decided to live it up, and make this griddle-cooked flatbread. In the interest of full disclosure, while I enjoyed eating these, I didn't get it quite right on the inside. I say that, because it's important to be able to make whatever you want, even if its not always perfect. They say, practice makes perfect. Now that I have a method and pan that work for me, I can practice more often. In the meantime, these Aloo Para(n)thas have made some nice meals for me, accompanied by applesauce and whole-milk yogurt. 

Eat East Indian Facebook 

East East Indian Youtube, How to make Punjabi-style Aloo Paratha | Indian Potato Flatbread - Aloo Paratha

Eat East Indian YouTube, How to make Aloo Paratha  (Potato Stuffed Indian Flatbread)

Eat East Indian YouTube, Mom's Aloo Paranthas | How my mom makes breakfast for us