Mutton Turk kebab मटन तुर्क कबाब

Recipes are not just instructions to prepare a meal , they are indeed memories that are kept alive through practice. Mutton Turk kebab is yet another amazing recipe from my family’s culinary treasure. The taste and aroma of the dish evokes  vivid memories of childhood kitchen. It is a simple recipe of slow cooked mutton along with layers of onion, potato and tomato roundels. My blog provides me a platform to share my incredible family recipes with my readers and believe me this gives me immense  satisfaction and happiness.

Serving for 4 to 5 persons

Mutton : 1 kg

Onion : 750 gms

Potato : 4 large boiled

Tomato : 3 to 4 large

Ginger garlic paste : 2 tsp

Turmeric powder : 1 tsp

Red chili powder : 1 tsp

Coarsely ground black pepper : 2 tsp

Garam masala powder : 1 tsp

Curd : 2 tsp

Ghee : 2 tsp

Mustard oil : 4 tsp

Bay leaves : 6

Salt to taste

Step 1


Wash the mutton pieces thoroughly and drain the excess water. Marinate with 2 tsp mustard oil, ginger garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, pepper, curd and salt.

Step 2


Slice onion, boiled potato and tomato into roundels.

Step 3


Heat the remaining oil in a thick bottom pan. Once medium hot, place the bay leaves in the base of the pan.

Step 4


Evenly spread half the quantity of the marinated mutton in the first layer.

Step 5


Place a layer of onion roundels in the second layer followed by another layer of potato and next with the tomato. Repeat the same process with the remaining mutton. Once done with the second layer of mutton, tomato, onion and potato , add 2 tsp of ghee and kashmiri red chili powder on the top of the final layer.

Step 6


Seal the utensils and cook on the dum on low heat for an hour and half. Do not stir, instead wave the pan from side to side at regular intervals in order to prevent it from burning.

Step 7

Switch off the flame and leave it for another 15 to 20 minutes. Serve the Turk kebab along with any Indian bread of your choice.

Mutton Turk kebab is yet another amazing recipe from Nandini’s family culinary treasure

 

Tip 

The layering with onion, potato and tomato results in a perfect consistency of gravy.

Use chilled boiled potatoes for a perfect result.

Chicken Cutlet

Delicious, juicy and crispy chicken cutlet is  a fried patty that is served as a starter or even main course. This amazing recipe is from my mom’s kitchen that I have been enjoying since my childhood days. The love for the dish has graciously passed on to the generation next and my boys too love this scrumptious home made Indian style chicken cutlet. Quite often I make and store it in the freezer so that my son’s can have it whenever they wish. I have just used boneless chicken and a few regular spices available in any Indian household. My family relishes cutlets along with garlic bread but believe me it tastes amazing even with rotis and parathas.

Ingredients

Boneless chicken : 500 gms

Onion : 2

Ginger garlic paste : 1 tsp

Green chili : 4 to 5

Lemon juice : 1 tsp

Coriander leaves : 2 tsp

Mint leaves : 10 to 12

Black pepper : 1 tsp

Garam masala powder : ¼ tsp

Flour : 4 tsp

Bread crumbs : for coating

Oil for frying

Salt to taste.

Step 1

Wash the chicken pieces and pat them dry.

Step 2 

Grind into a semi smooth paste.

Step 3

Heat a tsp of oil in a pan. Add onion and saute for a couple of minutes. To this add the sliced green chili, ginger garlic paste, pepper, mint and coriander leaves, garam masala and salt. Cook them all together for about 2 to 3 minutes and then switch off the flame.

Step 4

Pour the onion mixture on the minced chicken. Add the lemon juice and mix it well until they all come together. Add a soaked and drained bread to it so that it works as a binding agent.

Step 5

Grease your palm and make equal sized balls. Next press and give the cutlets the desired shape.

Step 6

Mix the maida and water to make a slurry. In a separate plate spread the bread crumbs. First dip the cutlet in the slurry and the roll it in the breadcrumbs to evenly coat the cutlets.

Step 7

Heat oil in the frying pan and fry the cutlets until crisp and golden brown. Once done take them out in an absorbent paper.
Serve hot with sauce or mayonnaise of your choice.

Tip

Add a tsp of oil while grinding the chicken as it will help the cutlets to remain moist.

Korean Egg Roll

“Sunday ho ya Monday, Roz Khao andey  ( संडे-हो-या-मंडे-रोज-खाओ-अंडे )” and when you get bored of the repeated preparation opt for a new one. I just love including eggs in my recipe as there is something so satisfying about when they are perfectly cooked. I came across the recipe recently and thought of trying my hand on it and luckily I nailed it in my first try. There are many different variations of  omelet but believe me this will make you fall in love with it. A new spin to the traditional omelet is indeed a must try dish.

Ingredients

Egg : 4

Grated carrot : 2 tsp

Coriander leaves : 1 tsp

Thinly sliced green chili : 1

Salt as required

Oil or butter : 1 tsp

Step 1

Separate the yolk and egg white.

Step 2

Add the grated carrot, coriander leaves, green chilli and salt to the egg white and lightly whisk with the help of a fork. Add a tsp of water to the egg yolk along with a pinch of salt and mix it .

Step 3

Take a thick bottom pan and brush with butter or oil.

Step 4

 

Once hot, reduce the flame and pour a thin layer of egg white and spread evenly.

Step 5

Once it starts to cook, gently fold it.

Step 6

With the help of a spatula, lift the edge of the cooked egg and pour the remaining egg white and let it cook.

Step 7

Repeat the process with the remaining egg white.

Step 8

With the help of a spatula gently lift the cooked egg and pour a thin layer of yolk and spread evenly in the pan.

Step 9

Once done, roll it gently and add the remaining yolk. Gently press the spatula over it to give a nice square shape.

Step 10

Take it out on a chopper board.

Step 11

 

Slice them into roundels and enjoy it.

Tip

Use low heat 

To make the roll thicker, increase the amount of eggs.

 

Crispy Chicken Leg

Crispy chicken leg is an easy dish with a beautiful blend of flavours of tandoori as well as crunchiness of fried chicken. Home made tandoori chicken is my family’s all time favourite recipe. But this time my husband asked for a different variation of this classic recipe with a crispier crust. And I attempted this recipe that luckily turned out to be an awesome one  with moist inside and wonderfully crispy on outside. Serve it as a starter or side dish to enjoy the delightful variation of crispy chicken legs.

Ingredients

Chicken legs with thigh: 2 pieces

Lemon juice : 1 tsp

Beaten egg : 1

Milk : 1 tsp

Bread crumbs : to coat

Salt to taste

For the marination

Hung curd : 2 tsp

Ginger garlic paste : 1 tsp

Kashmiri red chilli powder : 2 tsp

Tandoori chicken masala : 1 tsp

Chat masala : 1 tsp

Cournflour : 1 tsp

Butter : 1 tsp

Mustard oil : 1 tsp

Salt as required

Step 1

Cut deep slashes in the chicken pieces. Clean and marinate with lemon juice and a tsp of salt. Let it rest for at least half an hour.

Step 2 

In a bowl mix together all the above mentioned ingredients for marination.

Step 3

Pat dry the chicken and marinate with the second marinade. Keep it aside for at least a couple of hours.

Step 4

Place it in a preheated air fryer and cook for about 15 minutes at 200 degree Celsius .

Step 5

Once tender, take it out.

Step 6

In a deep plate whisk egg, milk and salt. Dip the prepared tandoor legs in the egg dip.

Step 7

Next coat it evenly in the bread crumbs from both the sides.

Step 8

Heat a couple of spoons of oil in a frying pan and shallow fry the legs from both the sides until crispy and golden brown.

Step 9

Serve it along with sauteed vegetables and salad.

Tip

Whisked egg and milk helps the crumbs to stick to the chicken.

Mango stuffed kulfi 

Summer is all about mango and each time it brings back the loving memories of my dearest mother in law who was an intense mango lover. Mangoes literally ruled her heart and she believed that no other food can match the aroma and taste of this incredible fruit and here I dedicate this dish to the doting lady” Ma”. Although I keep on trying creative recipes with mango, believe me the mango stuffed kulfi is beyond compare. It is a simple dish where the milk is reduced by boiling and sweetened and then stuffed in the mango. A must try recipe, simple yet amazing.

Ingredients

Mangoes : 4

Full cream milk : 1 litre

Sugar : 4 tsp

Cardamom powder : a pinch

Kesar : 10 to 12 strings

 

Step 1

To scoop the seed from the mangoes, cut the crown and with the help of a sharp knife cut along the seed. Make sure not to cut the edges.

Step 2

Now with the help of a grip twist the seeds to loosen it. Gradually pull out the seed.

Step 3

Squeeze the excess pulp from the seed and keep it aside.

Step 4

Boil the full cream milk in a thick bottom pan. Lower the flame and reduce it until it comes down to ⅓ in volume, stirring occasionally. To this add sugar, cardamom powder and kesar, mix well and switch off the flame after a couple of minutes. Let it cool.

Step 5

Once cool add the mango pulp and mix it well.

Step 6

Pour the rabari in the mangoes and cover with the crown.

Step 7

Place the mangoes straight in the container, let it freeze for at least 8 to 10 hours or until set.

Step 8

Peal it with the help of a sharp knife.

Step 9

Cut into roundles.

Step 10

Garnish with saffron string and enjoy the incredible dessert.

Tip

Use firm mangoes for a perfect result.

 

 Rohu Matar ( Fish curry with Peas)

No matter how much you grow up and age, the childhood memory of your mom’s cooking is bound to have an influence on you and one could never match up to the same. And my story is no different with her being a great influence in my food journey. Her ability to cook the simplest food tastes best, something I look forward to inheriting from her. Rohu matar is my mom’s recipe, easy to make yet tastes amazing. A healthy recipe with the combination of seasonal vegetable and fish is a perfect treat for a winter brunch.

Ingredients

Rohu fish: ½ kg

Green peas : 100 gms

Onion : 2

Tomato : 1

Curd : 4 tsp

Coriander powder : 2 tsp

Turmeric powder : 1 tsp

Red chilli powder : 1 tsp

Ginger garlic paste : 2 tsp

Green chilli : 2

Mustard oil : for frying

Salt as per taste

Step 1

Grind onion and tomato into a smooth paste. In a bowl take a spoon full of water and add the ginger garlic paste, red chilli powder, turmeric powder and coriander powder and mix well to make a smooth paste.

Step 2

Marinate the fish with garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, salt along with a tsp mustard oil and ground masala.

Step 3

Heat mustard oil in a pan and shallow fry the fish.

Step 4

Rohu matar is my mom’s recipe, easy to make yet tastes amazing. A healthy recipe with the combination of seasonal vegetable and fish is a perfect treat for a winter brunch.

 

Once done take it out in an absorbent paper.

Step 5

Heat oil in a pan and add the onion tomato paste along with prepared masala paste and saute until the oil leaves the side of the pan.

Step 6

Add the peas and cook it along with masala for about four to five minutes.

Step 7

Next add the curd and stir them all together for a couple of minutes.

Step 8

Add the required amount of water and let it come to a boil.

Step 9

Gradually add the fried fish into the gravy and cook on high flame for about five  minutes. Add the slit green chilli and switch off the gas.

Step 10

Garnish with coriander leaves and serve it along with steamed rice.

Tip

Fried cauliflower florets and peas is a match made in heaven that combines well with rohu.

 

Strawberry Smoothie

One of the easiest ways to include seasonal fruits and nuts to my children’s diet in their growing up years was to make them drink smoothies and shakes. And to my surprise although they did not relish fruits and nuts on a daily basis, these nutritious drinks became their all time favourite. Come January and the market gets flooded with the bright red coloured sweet and tart flavoured strawberry. Since it’s Loaded with health benefits I try my level best to feed my boys with the fresh seasonal strawberry and this is the easiest way to do so.

Ingredients 

Strawberry : 8

Milk : 2 cups

Curd : ½ cup

Almonds : 10 soaked overnight

Powdered sugar : 4 tsp

Step 1

Rinse the fresh strawberries and discard the leaves.

Step 2

Put it in a blender jar along with sugar and soaked almonds and blend and puree them.

Step 3

Next add milk and curd to the pureed strawberry and blend them together until it has a smooth texture.

Step 4

Pour it into a serving glass and enjoy the nutritious creamy drink.

Tip

Use honey for a healthier version.

Add ice cubes for a slushy smoothie.

Pani puri ( Ghup Chup )

Pani puri ( Ghup Chup)

Pani puri does not need any introduction since it tops the chart among the Indian street food. The crunchy Puri’s along with flavourful stuffing and sweet chutney filled with spicy Pani is to die for. Believe me the burst of flavor in your mouth is so heavenly that you want to eat unstoppably and eyes become bigger than the stomach. A perfect balance of sweet, tangy and spicy, trust me pani puri can never go wrong. Although it is found in almost every nook and corner of Indian streets but due to unhygienic ways it eventually puts you at health risk. So here is a mouth watering recipe that can be easily prepared at your home so that it could be enjoyed within your comfort zone. The puri is easily available throughout the length and width of the country.

For the pani

Mint leaves : 1 cup

Coriander leaves : ½ cup

Green chilli : 4

Garlic : 4 pods

Cumin seed : 1 tsp

Tamarind pulp : 2 tsp

Chat masala : 2 tsp

Black salt : 2 tsp

Chutney

Tamarind : 100 gms soaked and deseeded

Jaggery : 100 gms

Chili powder : 1 tsp

Salt : ½ tsp

Stuffing

yellow peas : 250 gms soaked overnight

Potato : 2 large

Turmeric powder : 1 tsp

Red chili powder : 2 tsp

Coriander powder : 2 tsp

Cumin powder : 1 tsp

Ginger garlic paste : 2 tsp

Salt as per taste

Step 1

Pressure cook the soaked peas along with turmeric powder, salt and water for about 5 whistles. Separately boil the potatoes.

Step 2

Heat oil in a kadai and add the ginger garlic paste and saute until the raw smell disappears. Next add the coriander powder, cumin powder, chili powder and chat masala and salt and cook them all together.
Add the boiled peas and stir till it comes to the boil, put the boiled and mashed potatoes and cook them together for a couple of minutes. Ragra is ready for the stuffing.

Step  3

Make the tamarind chutney by cooking together tamarind with jaggery, chili powder salt and chat masala. Cook them all together until the chutney reaches the desired consistency. Once done, keep it aside and let it cool.

Step 4

For the pani, grind together mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chili, garlic, cumin seed, tamarind paste, salt and chat masala.

Step 5

Transfer it in a large bowl and add about 3 to 4 cups of water whisk it together with the help of a spoon. The pani is ready. Put it in the fridge for some time before serving it.

Step 6

Stuff The puri with ragda , chutney and pani and enjoy the blast of flavor.

Tip

Boiled and mashed potatoes thickens the consistency of the ragda.

 

Pomfret fry

White pomfret is known for its amazing taste that is full of flavour and a perfect side dish for any meal. The fish is marinated with a spicy paste and eventually coated with semolina and  fried to perfection. Indeed pomfret or paplet fry in the local dialect is extremely popular in the coastal belt of Maharashtra region. My family simply loves it because of its melt in mouth texture with crispy and crunchy crust. At the end of the day what matters most to me is to see my loved ones relishing the dish together. Try this incredible dish to experience the smile of your dear ones.

Ingredients

Pomfret fish : 4

Ginger paste : 2 tsp

Garlic paste : 1 tsp

Red chilli powder : 2 tsp

Coriander powder : 2 tsp

Turmeric powder : 1 tsp

Lemon juice : 1 tsp

Rice Flour : 100 gms

Semolina : 100 gms

Salt as required

Oil for frying

Step 1

Wash the fish and make slits on both sides.

Marinate the fish with ¼ tsp salt and lemon juice and leave it aside for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2


In a bowl mix together the above mentioned masala. 

Step 3

apply it to the fish and make sure to put inside the slit.

Step 4

In a separate plate mix together rice flour, rava along with a pinch of salt.

Step 5

Coat the marinated fish with the rice flour and rava mix.

Step 6

Pat the excess flour from the fish. In a thick bottom frying pan shallow fry the pomfret from each side until golden brown .

Step 7

Serve hot along with onion rings and lemon wedges.

Tip

Lemon juice and salt reduces the fishy smell of pomfret.

Arbi Tacos ( taroo root tacos)

Being grown up in a big joint family, we were not fussy eaters and relished everything that was served to us. But it is not so with today’s generation since most of them live in a nuclear family with options of eating as per their taste and choice. Nevertheless as a mother, I keep planning an interesting menu with the lesser known vegetables so that my boys could be familiar with their unusual taste as well. Arbi is one such vegetable that grows Underground and has a complex taste. Children dislike its taste because of its starchy texture. As such I tried a new recipe with arbi  and to my utter surprise the dish turned out to be so exotic that my boys could not relate to its original flavour and enjoyed it . Try the recipe as it is a perfect one for all the fussy eaters out there.

Ingredients

Arbi : 250 gms

Coriander powder : 1 tsp

Amchur powder : ¼ tsp

Red chilli powder : 1 tsp

Garam masala powder : ½ tsp

Rice flour : 1 tsp

Oil for frying 

Salt as per taste

For the filling

Cabbage : shredded 4 tsp

Onion : 2 thinly sliced

Cheese : 2 cubes

Lemon juice : 2 tsp

Mayo mix : mayonnaise, Tomato sauce and chilli sauce.

Leftover chapati

Step 1

Pressure cook arbi for three whistles or until soft.

Step 2

Once cool, peel and flatten it by pressing with the palm.

Step 3

In a bowl mix together rice flour, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, amchur and Salt.

Step 4

Roll the flattened arbi into the masala mix and shallow fry them until golden brown.

Step 5

Roll out the half cooked lachha paratha or the leftover roti.

Step 6

Evenly spread the mayo mix on the roti and place the fried arbi over it. Finally place the shredded  cabbage, sliced onion and cheese over it along with lemon juice and a dash of salt.

Step 7

Fold the roti into half like a taco.

Step 8

Gently place it on a frying pan and add a tsp of oil.  Press with the spatula and cook on a low heat until it is crispy. Flip over gently and repeat the process on the other side.

Step 9

Serve hot.

Tip

Rice flour adds crunch to the fritter.