QuickMeals – Page 2 – The Secret Ingredient

Baking

Stuffed Mushroom Cheesy Crack Bread | Cheesy Mushroom Pull Apart Bread

By anshu November 6, 2015

I needn’t say more about my obsession with mushrooms and breads. Clearly it is getting out of control. At least twice a week I want something mushroomy something bready in my meals. After doing the Mushroom Spinach Stuffed Braided Bread I bring you this Cheesy Mushroom pull apart bread. This was not planned but on my search I found this recipe which was like Love at First Sight. I happily baked a bread in the evening and stuffed it with Mushrooms and Cheese. Ohh man! It was pure indulgence. I served the bread with my mommy special Tomato Soup. I happily skipped my dinner for the sheer love of this bread.

This is more like a idea than a recipe to make something incredible with bread specially for Super Ball or Cricket Matches or may be catching up a flick late night on recliners with comfy cushions. I am just saying! Or be like me. You don’t need a reason to eat Mushrooms and bread..do you?

Directions:

1. Take a loaf of french bread or any bread other than sandwich loaf. I have used the same recipe as White Sandwich bread for this but simply placed it on a baking tray without using a pan for second proof and baked it. You can also use Sourdough bread for this. Using a bread knife cut the bread lengthwise and widthwise without cutting through all the way. You will notice cavity between the bread pieces. Place it on a Baking sheet lined with Aluminium foil. Set aside. Preheat the oven for 10 minutes on 180 degree Celcius.

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2. In a pan melt some butter.

3. Add finely chopped mushrooms and saute them them till they release their water. Let the water evaporate.

4. Add Thyme, I used dried. Add salt and combine. Set aside.

5. Finely chop some onions and add them to a microwavable bowl. Add butter to the onions. Microwave for 2 minutes or until the butter melts. Set aside.

6. Cut strips of cheese. I have used Mozzarella because that is what is easily available here. You can use Provolone if you lay your hands on it. Insert Cheese sticks or strips inside the cuts or cavity both horizontally and vertically.

7. Top up the cheese laden cavity with sauteed mushrooms.

8. Drizzle the bread with the onion butter all over. Sprinkle the top with some poppy seeds and garnish with fresh Coriander leaves.

9. Now cover the bread with the aluminium foil and bake it in the preheated oven on 180 degree Celsius (Learn more about Oven temperatures and Conversions) for 15 minutes and uncovered for another 10 minutes or until you see the cheese melting.

10. Serve hot and relish each bite.

Other recipes with bread you can try are: Cheesy Garlic Bread, Stuffed Mushroom and Spinach Braided Bread.

More Bread recipes you can try on The Secret Ingredient: White Sandwich Bread, Russian Bublici, Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread, Chinese Black Sesame Steamed Buns, Cherry Focaccia Bread with Rosemary and Sea Salt, Rosemary Garlic Focaccia Bread, Cinnamon Raisin Bread, Beetroot Bread with Garlic and Thyme, Honey Oats Bread, Domino’s Garlic Breadsticks, No Knead Light Wheat Bread.

[whohit]MushroomCrackBread[/whohit]

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Dinner

Cous Cous Pilaf | Couscous Vegetable Pulao | Mixed Vegetable Couscous Pulav

By anshu November 2, 2015

Its been a few months now I have been maintaining the regime to eat healthy and exercise daily. Luckily I have been able to shed a few kilos (Happy Dance!!) but a few kilos are still to go. I have been eating everything but in control and avoiding sugar and fried food as much as I can. I made Couscous Salad with Chickpeas some time back and it is a regular at my place.

I wanted to try the couscous pilaf which tasted flavourful with some spices and vegetables. All I can say it was amazing, filling and gets ready in minutes. If you are hungry and looking for quick dinner options, dont think twice make this healthy pulao which looks gorgeous and tastes divine. Its a good option when you want to avoid hi starch rice pulav.

Directions:

1. Chop Onions and Garlic Finely. Also chop Red and Yellow Bell Pepper in strips lengthwise. You can even add mushrooms, I did not have on hand. Set aside.

2. In a sauce pan add water and bring it to a boil. Turn the flame off.

3. Add Couscous to the boiled boiled and top it with ghee or clarified butter*. Cover and let it sit for 5-7 minutes or till the couscous gets cooked. Fluff it up with a fork and set aside.

4. In a pan add oil and heat it.

5. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle for a couple of seconds. Also add whole red chilies.

6. Add garlic and saute. Also add onions and saute till it turns soft and translucent.

7. Add bell peppers and mushrooms if you are using. Saute them till they become cooked but still crisp.

8. Add turmeric Powder and salt. Combine.

9. Add cooked and fluffed couscous to the veggies and combine. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

10. Serve hot with some Aloo Anaar Raita or plain yogurt.

Other Pulav or Pulao or Pilaf recipes you can try are: Mint Pulav, Mango Rice, Curd Rice, Kathal Ki Biryani, Veggie Vermicelli Pulao.

If you are looking for other healthy recipes you can try, Couscous salad with Chickpeas, Mango Black bean Salad, Grilled Chicken Salad, Healthy Broccoli Pasta.

[whohit]CouscousPilaf[/whohit]

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Appetiser

ต้มยำกุ้ง | Veg Thai Tom Yum Soup | Thai Hot & Sour Clear Soup With Rice Noodles

By anshu October 10, 2015

I have always been fond of clear soups. They are flavourful, light and don’t make you feel overly full. One day I was surfing on web to look for some delicious clear soup options. I was spell bound by the description of Thai Tom Yum Soup. It was spicy, sour and loaded with veggies. I planned to give it a try as I had lemongrass growing in my kitchen garden and galangal I had just got from my recent Delhi trip. I wanted to make a vegetarian version of this without shrimps. There are so many variations available. This is without coconut milk and tomatoes. Also I haven’t used any Thai Red Curry Paste.

Tom Yum soup was followed by Thai Red Curry and Sticky rice in main course. That night’s dinner was unforgetful. I am still recovering from the blast of flavours I had in my mouth. If you have never tried this soup before I would say go for it. Its a weight watcher’s haven.

Directions:

1. Chop lemongrass into small pieces. Last three inch you can trim and discard.

2. Peel off Galangal root and roughly cut into pieces.

3. Put both chopped lemongrass and galangal in a mortar and crush it with a pestle. You want it to release its juices.

4. Bring water to a boil in a dutch oven or any pot. Add crushed lemongrass and galangal.

5. Let the water boil further along with lemongrass and galangal. Reduce heat to low and simmer 15 minutes. Remove galangal and lemongrass.

6. Chop some veggies . I used Baby corn, Broccoli, Red & yellow bell pepper and mushrooms.

7. Add them to the pot of aromatic water. Put the lid on. Boil them till the vegetables are tender.

8. Add Fish sauce. If you are a vegetarian skip this altogether.

9. Add Soy Sauce.

10. Squeeze in a juice of lemon. Season with salt and also add sugar to balance the acidity.

11. Add chopped red chilli .

12. Add Rice Noodles and give the soup a boil.

13. Garnish with torn basil leaves and chopped coriander leaves.

Serve hot and enjoy the freshness of flavours.

Other International Cuisines you can try here are: Italian Frittata, Chinese Steamed Baos with Custard Filling, Mexican Black Bean Salad with Mangoes, Argentine Chimichurri.

If you are looking for more healthy soups : Russian Beetroot & Vegetable Soup , Zucchini Garlic Soup with Yak Cheese Shreddings, Classic French Potato Leek Soup , Chicken Soup With Rice, Tomato Soup, Soup of Red Kidney Beans.

[whohit]TomYumVeg[/whohit]

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Easy Recipe

Couscous Salad | Couscous Salad with Chickpeas in Lemon Olive Oil Vinaigrette

By anshu August 14, 2015

I was introduced to Couscous in Mexico. Couscous is a traditional North African dish made with semolina and cooked by steaming it. Its a staple food throughout the North African cuisines of Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania and Libya. But owing to its nutritional benefits its becoming very popular all across the globe. Couscous is made by sprinkling semolina with water and rolled with hands to form small tiny balls. It is then sprinkled with dry flour to keep them from sticking. These small balls or pellets are then steamed and cooked.

In a modern scenario couscous is available as instant couscous which requires soaking in hot water for 5 minutes. For this salad I have used Instant Couscous. The salad featured in Laura Vitale’s Webspace and I was so determined to try it. I found couscous and made it. It was sooo delicious, filling and refreshing. Its a boon for all weight watchers. The salad can be made with any fresh vegetable you like. You can use green onions, boiled beans even blanched beans.

Directions:

1. In a sauce pan add some water and bring it to a boil. Turn the flame off.

2. Now add equal quantity of couscous to the water. Let it get soaked and cooked for 5 minutes. Put the lid on and let it rest.

3. Peel a fresh cucumber. I partially peeled it for an amazing texture. Also deseed it using a spoon.

4. Chop Cucumber into bite size pieces. Also chop onions and tomatoes. I have used cherry tomatoes you can use any. Set aside.

5. For the vinaigrette, in a bowl add zest of a lemon. Also add lemon juice.

3. Add Extra Virgin Olive Oil and season it with salt and pepper.

4. Add chopped veggies to the vinaigrette along with boiled chickpeas.

5. Top it with fresh chopped parsley and combine everything.

6. Fluff up the soaked couscous with a fork.

7. Season it with salt and pepper.

8. Add couscous to the veggies and combine. Check for additional salt and pepper.

9. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate overnight to enhance the flavours. Its a full meal in itself.

You can even try Fresh Mexican Black Bean Salad with Mangoes, Avocado Parsley Pasta, Sundried tomatoes Pasta Salad, Thai Green Papaya Salad Recipe.
[whohit]CouscousSalad[/whohit]

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Dinner

Andhra Style Raw Mango Rice | Manga Sadam

By anshu July 30, 2015

There is a story behind this Andhra Style Mango Rice. This year I have been lucky for I made so many recipes with raw mangoes which I received from my home tree from my parents. I went crazy and made Instant Raw Mango Pickle South Indian Style, Sweet and Sour Mango Chutney, Aam Ka Panna, Raw Mango and Mint Chutney. When a few mangoes were left almost turning yellow I decided to do this Andhra style Manga Sadam or Mango Rice. It was incredible!!!

There is another version of this rice and also from Andhra Pradesh which uses freshly grated Coconut. It is often made on the occasion of Maavinakayi Chitranna. But the recipe I am posting is simpler and you would probably have all the ingredients at home.

Directions:
1. Wash and soak rice in a bowl for 15 minutes. Cook in a pressure pan that every rice grain remains separate. Keep aside. In the meanwhile peel some raw mangoes and grate them using a grater.

2. In a wok or karahi add some oil. And heat it up.

3. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.

4. Add Urad Dal and Channa Dal. Toast them in oil for a few seconds on low flame till they are nice and golden.

5. Add Kaddhi Patta and saute for a second.

6. Add peanuts and dry red chilies. Toss them in the oil.

7. Add asafoetida and turmeric powder.

8. Add grated raw mango and mix well for a few seconds.

9. Add red chili powder and Salt. Mix well and turn the flame off.

10. Gently mix the Mango Masala to the cooked rice.

11. Serve hot with Instant Mango Pickle South Indian Style and some Papads.

Other Rice recipes you can try here : Curd Rice, Kathal ki Biryani, Mint Pulav , Mushroom Risotto.

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Dinner

Pudina Pulao | Spicy Mint Rice

By anshu July 12, 2015

Pudina Pulao is an incredible rice dish and if you are longing for aromatic rich flavours without much effort you have reached the right place. This recipe is special because it makes the most delicious, fresh pulao with very less effort. The king of this recipe is mint because it imparts the whole recipe that amazing fragrance and character.

I wasn’t aware of this recipe until I had a lot of fresh mint which needed to be put to use. I googled and came across this recipe and since then this is hot favourite in my family. You can make your ordinary every day meals look and taste special. It remains my all time favourite comfortable meal after Curd Rice. The use of simple every day ingredients in this dish gives it an edge over other dishes which demand exquisite ingredients or difficult method of preparation.

Directions:

1. Wash and soak rice in water for 15-20 minutes.

2. While rice is soaking, add some washed mint leaves, ginger, garlic cloves and green chilies to a grinder and make a coarse paste. You can add couple of spoons water to ease grinding. Set aside.

3. In a pressure pan add ghee or clarified butter.

4. Add Cumin seeds, Bay Leaf and Cinnamon Stick to the butter.

5. Also add sliced onions to the pressure pan and saute them till they are translucent and soft.

6. Add the mint puree to the onions and saute till the raw aroma of garlic and ginger fades away.

7. Add soaked rice to the pan and combine. Also add water to the rice.

8. Add salt and red chili powder. Close the lid and pressure cook for 4 whistles or 7-8 minutes after the full pressure has been attained.

9. While rice is cooking add ghee in a separate pan and add halved cashew nuts. Roast them till slight golden. Remove them on a plate and set aside.

10. Open the lid of the pressure pan after the steam has escaped. Fluff the rice with a fork or back of a service spoon. Serve in a plate and garnish with roasted cashews. You can accompany any yogurt based side dish with this like Anaar aur Aloo ka Raita or even Bathua ka Raita.

Other rice recipes you can try here are : Curd Rice, Kathal ki Biryani, Quick Mushroom Biryani.

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Breakfast

Apple & Cinnamon Pancakes

By anshu November 18, 2014

Pancakes are the most delicious breakfast which can be made in a jiffy. They are also known as Hotcakes, Griddlecakes or Flapjacks. They can be sweet or savoury. Each country has its own style of making them with unique toppings or ingredients. Apple Cinnamon Pancakes are a classic combination. Filling, Fast and yet so tasty.

I had so many apples which needed to be put to some use. I made apple bread, apple chutney, Apple Lapsi and what not still they were plenty. So I utilized few of them to make these amazing pancakes. The cinnamon gives the pancakes that divine flavour that its difficult to describe in words. You must try to understand it.

This is kid’s favourite. Its a good nutrition for them and they even relish the taste. Oh before I forget recently, I contributed few of my recipes to Indusladies to an event for 100 Kids Lunch Box Recipes. They got published in an e-book. You can download the e-book here for some delicious recipes.

Directions:

1. Whisk an egg in a bowl.

2. Add melted butter to the whisked egg.

3. Add milk and combine. Keep aside.

4. Wash, core and peel apples. Grate them using a grater. Add them to the wet ingredients. Keep aside.

5. In a separate bowl add All purpose Flour and Baking Soda. Combine evenly.

6. Add ground cinnamon and brown sugar. Combine.

7. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk to combine.

8. Heat a griddle and butter it well.

9. Pour one ladle or 1/4 cup of pancake batter in the center of the griddle. Do not spread, it should spread on its own. If it doesn’t, it needs more milk to liquefy it further to achieve perfect consistency.

10. When you see holes appearing on the surface of cakes its time to flip. It should take somewhere between 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, loosely cover with some Aluminium Foil so it doesn’t get dry and cold. Repeat with remaining batter.

11. Serve hot with maple syrup, chocolate syrup, whipped cream or even custard. You can even throw in some nuts or fruits.

You can even try Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes and Eggless Walnut Pancakes.

Other breakfast recipes you can try here are: Quick Rava Idli, Mexican Style Casserole Eggs, Wrapped French Toast, Soya Veggie Vermicelli, Rava Pizza Bread ,Italian Frittata, Shahi Poha.

Other Apple Recipes you can try: Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread, Apple Cider Spiced Doughnuts, Apple Spiced Butter, Apple Crisp, Apple Raisins Streusel Bread,

[yumprint-recipe id=’74’] [whohit]appleCinnamonPancakes[/whohit]

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Breakfast

Shahi Poha | Beaten Rice with Dry Fruits

By anshu January 6, 2014

Beaten Rice or Pohe as they are called in Marathi makes an interesting and healthy breakfast or quick snack. My father is very fond of pohe. I remember a normal evening in my house where my Father would be sitting on his porch. My Mom would ask him if he would like to have his tea. And with a spark in his eye he will say ” It will be great if chai is accompanied with pohe”. And in no time comes a platter of pohe with namkeen bhujia sprinkled on top along with raw onions, freshly chopped coriander and hint of lemon.

Well, back at home that is still the regular evening snack. I guess some tastes do not change. I call this recipe “Shahi” or “Royal” because it is cooked with dry fruits instead of just vegetables. You can vegetables and dry fruits both.

Directions:
1. In a colander put the beaten rice and run it under cold water. Move it with your fingers gently so that the entire rice is soaked in water for a minute or so. Keep aside and let the beaten rice become soft and excess water drains out.

ShahiPoha3

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2. In a pan pour oil and add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. As they begin to splutter add fresh Kaddi Patta or dried. Keep your flame on medium low for you would not like to over toast your seeds.

3. Add Cashew Nuts, Almonds, Raisins and Peanuts and toast them for a minute . You will notice the raisin has swollen and dry fruits are acquiring colour.

4. Add chopped green chilies and onions and saute till they have become tender and translucent.

ShahiPoha7
5. Add Salt, turmeric powder and red chili powder and stir well.

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6. Add soaked beaten rice and mix well to coat all spices.

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7. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with freshly chopped raw onion, chopped coriander leaves, namkeen bhujia and a dash of lemon juice.

You can enjoy other hearty breakfast recipes on The Secret Ingredient: Quick Rava Idli, Mexican Style Casserole Eggs, Wrapped French Toast, Soya Veggie Vermicelli, Rava Pizza Bread ,Italian Frittata, Eggless Walnut Pancake, Apple Cinnamon Pancakes, Buttermilk Blueberry Pancakes.

[yumprint-recipe id=’7′][whohit]shahipoha[/whohit]

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Appetiser

Rava Pizza Bread | Sooji Toast | Quick Semolina Yogurt Pizza

By anshu November 13, 2013

This Rava Pizza Bread is my husband’s favorite breakfast. Even I don’t mind making for him because it is fast and is ready in no time. Also it is healthy and very filling. It is even great for fussy kids. I came across this recipe years ago when I just started experimenting with food. But even with years this recipe has always saved me when I was running out of time in the morning not because of any other reason but simply I was too lazy to get out of bed 😛 Yeah I am not a morning person so, such recipes are always my sought out breakfast recipes. Before I brag more tales of laziness I want you to note this recipe.

Directions:
1.In a mixing bowl mix onions capsicum and tomatoes along with yogurt and sooji.

RPB_01

2. Mix well till it forms a thick paste. You can add more yogurt if you feel the mixture is very thick but it should not be liquid.Add Salt and Pepper to this paste and set aside for 5 minutes for sooji to absorb yogurt.

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3. In a nonstick flat pan pour two tbsp oil to cover the surface and place two bread slices next to each other. Make sure your gas flame is on low otherwise the lower side of bread will become over toasted.

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4.Take the spoonful of paste and spread over each bread as a thin layer. Do not make the layer thick for it will not cook evenly and wont taste good.

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5. Drizzle little oil over the thin layer of paste and turn the bread upside down with the paste side facing down. Now you can turn the gas flame on high.

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6. Cook for about 3-4 minutes and then carefully turn it upside down. If the bread topping is properly cooked and settled it will come out easily without sticking to the pan. If you feel its still sticky give it couple of minutes to cook and then try turning it again.

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7. Place them on the serving plate and sprinkle on top some chili flakes and oregano.
8. Repeat the above with the other bread slices.

You can enjoy other hearty breakfast recipes on The Secret Ingredient: Quick Rava Idli, Mexican Style Casserole Eggs, Wrapped French Toast, Soya Veggie Vermicelli, Shahi Poha, Italian Frittata, Eggless Walnut Pancake, Apple Cinnamon Pancakes, Buttermilk Blueberry Pancakes.

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[whohit]pizza-bread[/whohit]

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