Last Cheat Meal Of The Year

Last Cheat Meal Of The Year

Tandoori Raan (Goat Shank)

Ingredients

Raan (Goat Shank) – 1 kg

1^st Marinade

Curd – 1 cup

Ginger-Garlic Paste – 5 tbsp

Red Chili Powder – 5 tbsp (vary according to taste)

Turmeric Powder – 2 tbsp

Salt – 3 tbsp (vary according to taste)

Garam masala powder (freshly ground – homemade) – 1 tbsp

2^nd Marinade

Lime juice – of 1 lemon

Garam masala powder (freshly ground – homemade) – 3 tbsp

Salt – if required

Method

Clean the shank and make gashes on either side

Mix Marinade 1 and apply all over the shank even inside the gashes

Let it rest for about 6 to 8 hours

Mix Marinade 2 and apply all over in the same manner

Let it rest overnight

Preheat the oven to 170 degrees C

Brush it with mustard oil on both sides and bake for about 35 to 45 mins

Check if it’s done

Turn over to the other side

Scoop out the juices on the tray and pour it on the meat

Bake for another 25 mins

Make sure it does not get dry

Peas Pulao

Ingredients

Basmati Rice – 2 cups (washed and soaked in water for about 20 mins)

Green Peas – 3 cups

Onions (medium) – 2 (cut into thin slices)

Tomatoes (medium) – 2 (cut into thin slices)

Ginger – 1’ (cut into strips)

Garlic paste – 3 tbsp

Green Chilies – 3 (vary according to taste)

Peppercorns - 20               

Bay leaves – 4

Green cardamoms – 4

Big cardamom – 2

Cloves – 6

Cinnamon – 2

Cumin seeds – 2 tsp

Black Stone Flower (pather ke phool) – 1 tbsp

Water – 2 cups

Ghee or oil – 4 or 5 tbsp

                                                  

Method

Heat ghee

Add the whole spices and fry for a minute

Add ginger and fry again

Add onion and fry till light browned

Add peas, salt, tomatoes, garlic paste and green chilies and fry again

Cover the pan and let it cook for about 5 mins

Add the water and cover again for 5 mins

Add rice and mix carefully

Cover and cook till done

This can be done in a pan or pressure cooker

Enjoy hot

Whisky Chocolate Volcano

Ingredients

Butter – 100 gm

Dark Chocolate – 100 gm

Jaggery (powder) – 90 or 100 gm

Salt – pinch

Eggs – 2

Egg yolks – 2

Maida – 1 tbsp

Whisky – 3 or 4 tbsp

Method

Melt the chocolate and butter on low flame

Take off from the fire

Add eggs and beat well

Add yolks and beat again

Add the rest of the ingredients and beat well

Preheat an oven to 170 degrees C

Pour into small baking cups greased and dusted with cocoa powder

Bake for about 10 to 12 mins

Cool slightly

Unmould and cut in the centre to let the lava flow out

  

Beer Bread n Spiced Up Squids

Beer Bread

I had to try out this beer bread ever since I stumbled across this recipe. I've always used rum in my plum cakes. I ventured into whisky and beer cakes. The bread was the next on the list. And to say how easy baking bread using beer is, would be another story. It's a no-knead bread and you can't go wrong if you follow the steps correctly. Make sure you give it enough time and temperature to rise. So go ahead, pour some of that beer into your bread... Enjoy it for it's pure wholewheat with just a tablespoon of butter and a teaspoon of honey. And what better lunch than beer bread teamed with spiced up squids. 

Ingredients

Beer (mild small can) - 250 ml

Yeast – 1 ½ tsp

Sugar or honey – 1 tsp

Wholewheat flour - 3 cups (approx.)

Baking powder – ½ tsp
Butter - 1 tbsp

Method

Step 1

Take yeast and sugar or honey in a bowl

Add warm water and swirl the bowl

Add 3 tsp wholewheat flour and give a quick mix

Don’t disturb the yeast by over mixing

Cover and keep in a warm place for about 20 mins or till the mixture looks frothy and bubbly 

Step 2

Pour the beer into the mixture and stir

Sieve the flour with baking powder and salt

Add little at a time to the mixture and stir with a spatula to form soft dough

You may need more or less flour depending on the moisture content of the flour

Keep in a warm place for 2 hours till the dough has almost doubled in size

Step 3

Add little flour on a smooth surface and roll the dough gently on it to firm it up

Add little melted butter and mix

Keep adding flour slowly to form springy dough that can be shaped

Oil a baking tray and place the dough in it

Keep in a warm place again for about 30 mins

Step 4

Preheat oven to 160 degrees C

Make a slit in the middle of the dough and bake for about 35 to 40 mins

Let it cool in the oven a bit

Brush the top with a milk and honey mixture for that gloss

Bite into this crunchy crust bread for breakfast or lunch

Squids Spiced Up

Ingredients

Squids (washed, cleaned and cut into rings) – 1 cup

Onions (medium) – 2

Tomato (medium) – 1

Ginger (grated) – 1 tsp

Garlic (cut fine) – 1 tbsp

Green chilies (slit) – 2 or 3 (according to taste)

Red chili powder – 2 tsp (according to taste)

Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

Lime juice – 1 tbsp

Curry leaves – 4 to 5 sprigs

Oil – 2 tbsp

Butter – 2 tbsp

Method

Marinate the squids in lime juice, salt, turmeric and chili powder for 15 mins

Heat butter

Add 2 sprigs of curry and fry the squids for about 5 mins

Masala

Heat oil

Add grated ginger and fry

Add onions and fry well

Add tomatoes and fry again

Add salt, masalas and ¼ cup water and cook the masala well

When it’s done, add the squids

Mix well, cover and cook for about 3 mins

Serve hot with beer bread

Plum Cake...Rum Loaded

Plum Cake...Rum Loaded

Ingredients

Whole wheat flour – 1 cup

Jaggery (powder) – 1 cup

Cloves, cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger  (powder) – ½  tsp each

Baking powder – 1 tsp

Baking Soda – 1 tsp

Cashewnuts, Walnuts, Raisins,Berries,  Candied peels (mixed)  – ½ cup each

Coconut oil or Butter – ½ cup

Eggs – 2

Vanilla extract – ½ tsp

Salt – ½ tsp

Caramel  sauce (thick)– 4 tbsp

Instant coffee (brewed) - 4 tbsp

Red Rum – 1 cup (Soak the nuts and peels in the rum for at least a week)

Method

Caramel Sauce

Mix sugar and 1 tbsp water

Heat on slow flame till it turns brown

Do not stir

You can swirl the vessel a couple of times

Let it turn brown and caramelize

Switch off the flame

Add half cup water gradually taking care it does not splash

Mix it

Let it cool

Cake

Sieve together the dry ingredients

Mix well

Beat eggs

Add the dry mix into it little by little and mix using the cut and fold method

Add oil and mix slowly

Add essence

Add 3 tbsp flour to the nuts and peels to coat well

Add it to the cake batter and mix slowly

Bake in a preheated oven (170 degrees C) for 15 to 20 mins

This time may vary from oven to oven

Sweet Potato Fudge

Sweet Potato Fudge

This is the best way to finish off leftover sweet potatoes. It's a nutrient dense dessert using healthy ingredients without compromising on taste. Do try out this. It's really simple to make and will be a hit with adults and kids. It's the best way to disguise sweet potato for those fussy eaters. They would never suspect the main ingredient.  

Ingredients

Sweet Potato (boiled and grated) - 1 cup
Ghee - 2 tbsp
Jaggery (powdered) - 4 to 5 tbsp (according to taste)
Condensed milk - 1 tbsp
Coconut milk (thick) - 4 tbsp
Salt - a pinch
Cashewnut (pieces) - 2 tbsp
Raisins - 1 tbsp
Cardamom powder - 2 tsp 

Method
Heat ghee in a pan
Add the sweet potato and roast it on slow flame for about 10 mins
Add condensed milk to coconut milk and mix well
Add to sweet potato and mix well 
Add salt, jaggery and keep roasting on slow flame for about 10 mins
Add cashews and raisins and mix well
Bake for 10 mins in an oven preheated at 160 degrees C
Cool and cut into pieces

Health Benefits of Sweet Potato

Packed with calcium, potassium, and vitamins A and C

Boost in energy. Iron in sweet potatoes helps provide you energy

Stronger muscles. Potassium in sweet potatoes helps build muscle and keep your heart working

Contains antioxidant Beta-carotene. Promotes healthy vision

Vitamin B6 in sweet potatoes helps fight off many diseases

High in dietary fibre. Stabilizes blood sugar

Helps boost brain function and improves memory

Enhances immunity

Weight loss and weight management. Promotes feeling of fullness

Improved skin. The vitamin C in sweet potatoes is important for your skin and promotes healing

                                                                                                                                                                                          

Rum Soaked Raisin Cookies

Rum Soaked Raisin Cookies
The festive season doesn't feel right without my famous rum soaked goodies. I kicked off the rum addiction with these awesome healthy, scrumptious and crispy cookies. They are very simple to make and go well with your evening cup of tea, coffee or milk. It could even be your breakfast when you are in a rush. It has the goodness of oats, wheat flour and jaggery along with coconut oil and walnuts; healthy fats. Yes, the rum soaked raisins add to the fun. So go on and enjoy them.

Ingredients

Wholewheat flour – 1 ¼ cups

Rolled oats – 1 cup

Jaggery (powdered) – ¾ cup (add more if desired)

Egg – 1

Butter – ½ cup

Coconut oil – ¼ cup

Raisins (soaked in run for a week or more) – ¾ cup (can add more)

Vanilla essence – ¼ tsp

Baking powder – ¼ tsp

Baking soda – ¼ tsp

Salt – ¼ tsp

Cinnamon – ½ tsp

Cloves, nutmeg, ginger – ¼ tsp each         

Walnut (roasted) – ¼ tsp

Method

Beat the jaggery and butter

Add egg, spice powders, salt, baking powder and soda and mix well

Add the wheat flour and mix well

Add little milk if the mixture is too dry

Add the oats and walnuts and mix

Add the raisins and mix again

Bake in a preheated oven at 170 degrees C for about 25 mins till done

Let it cool in the oven to become crisp

Whisky Chocolate Cake

Whisky Chocolate Cake
'Tis the season. So go ahead and enjoy the healthy version of this otherwise sinful cake. Whisky in moderation is said to be beneficial. Besides, this cake has no refined or white flour, trans fat, butter and sugar. Plus, it has coconut oil.

Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

Whole wheat flour – 1 cup

Jaggery (powdered) – 1 (can increase if you want it sweeter)

Cocoa – ¼ cup

Baking powder – 1 tsp

Baking soda – ½ tsp

Salt – 1 tsp

Eggs – 2

Coconut oil – ½ cup

Sour cream or hung curd – ½ cup (to adjust consistency)

Apple cider vinegar – 1 tsp

White Chocolate (for topping) – 2 tbsp

Method

Beat eggs with salt, vinegar and curd

Add oil and beat well again

Sieve flour twice with baking powder and soda

Add jaggery and the rest of the dry ingredients

Add dry mix little at a time to the egg mix        

Bake in an oven preheated to 180 degrees C for about 20 to 25 mins

Let cool

Whisky Chocolate Ganache

Ingredients

Fresh cream – 150 ml

Dark chocolate chips – ½ cup

Whisky – ¼ cup (can increase or decrease according to taste)

Method

Microwave the fresh cream or heat in a double boiler for 5 to 10 mins

Add chocolate chips and cover for 15 to 20 mins till the chips melt

Mix well

Let it cool a bit

Add whisky and mix well

Assembling the cake

Cut the cake horizontally into two

Spread the icing on the cut part

Cover the cake with the other part

Pour the icing over it and spread it evenly on top and the sides

Top with bits of white chocolate

Health Benefits of Whisky

Weight Loss Aid              

A glass of whiskey may help dieters achieve weight loss while drinking in moderation. A 1991 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found alcohol increased total energy and decreased carbohydrate intake in men and women. Whiskey is an ideal choice of liquor, since it contains simple sugars that can quickly be broken down to be converted into energy for the body

Regulate Diabetes 

Whiskey has been shown to reduce the chances of diabetes by as much as 30 to 40 percent. A 2010 study published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases found alcohol consumption reduces the incidence of type 2 diabetes by improving the body’s ability to regulate insulin and glucose levels. However, binge drinking can actually increase the incidence

Cancer Prevention

Whiskey contains high levels of ellagic acid — an antioxidant compound that helps neutralize free radicals — the harmful by-products of cellular metabolism that cause diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The high levels of ellagic acid in whiskey could serve as an effective measure in preventing cancer. A 1998 study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found consumption of phenolic-containing alcoholic beverages, such as whiskey and wine, raised plasma total phenol content, and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of plasma. Moderate alcohol consumption and an increase in antioxidant intake can decrease the risk of coronary heart disease.

Zucchini Orange Loaf

Zucchini Orange Loaf

I always wondered how zucchini would taste in a cake. Unlike carrots and beets, it has a neutral taste. But finally I decided to make the most basic zucchini cake. I added orange zest to add flavour to it. And the taste is simply wow. Not only does orange add a natural flavour to the loaf but also its sweetness. A must-try for those who haven't baked zucchini in a bread or cake. Plus, consider its numerous health benefits,

Ingredients

Whole wheat flour – 2 cups

Jaggery (powder) – 1 cup

Baking powder  -  2 tsp

Baking Soda – ½ tsp

Salt – ½ tsp

Eggs – 3

Zucchini (green) – 2 cups (grated)

Dark chocolate chips – ½ cup

Orange zest (grated) – 2 tbsp

Method

Sieve together the baking powder, soda and salt

Add jaggery powder and mix well

Add zucchini and mix to coat it with the flour

Beat eggs

Add oil and beat again

Add to the dry mixture gradually to blend well

Add chocolate chips and mix

Grease a 9x5” cake tin and line with parchment paper

Bake in a preheated oven (170 degrees C) for 20 to 25 mins

This time may vary from oven to oven

Health Benefits of Zucchini
Anti-inflammatory
Loaded with antioxidants
Improves digestion
Slows down aging
Lowers blood sugar levels
Supports healthy circulation and a healthy heart
Improves eye health
Boosts energy
Weight loss
Improves thyroid and adrenal functions

Indian Flatbreads (Parantha)

Onion Green Flatbread 

Ingredients

Wholewheat flour – 1 cup

Chickpea flour (Besan) – 2 tbsp

Onion greens – 1 cup

Whey (leftover from making paneer) – ½ cup (as required according to the moisture in the greens)

Garlic flakes (finely chopped) – 8 (can vary according to taste)

Green chilies (finely chopped) – 2 (can vary according to taste)

Salt – to taste

Oil – 2 tbsp + more for roasting the breads

Wholewheat flour – for dusting and rolling the bread

Method

Add salt to the onion greens

Add the garlic and chili pieces and mix well

Add the flours and mix well

Add whey little by little at a time to make stiff dough

Add oil and mix well

Keep aside for about 15 mins

Roll out into thick flatbreads

Smear an iron tawa with oil and roast on a slow flame adding little oil at a time

Cook both sides till crispy

Pumpkin Flatbread

Ingredients

Wholewheat flour – 1 cup

Chickpea flour (Besan) – 2 tbsp

Pumpkin puree – ¾ cup

Jaggery (powder) – ¼ cup (can vary according on taste)

Red chili powder – ½ tsp (can vary according on taste)

Salt – to taste

Oil – 2 tbsp

Ghee – 2 tbsp (for roasting the breads)

Wholewheat flour – for dusting and rolling the bread

Method

Add salt and jaggery powder to the puree

Add the flours and mix well to make stiff dough

Add oil and mix well

Keep aside for about 15 mins

Roll out into thick flatbreads

Smear an iron tawa with ghee and roast on a slow flame adding little ghee at a time

Cook both sides till crispy

Black Bean Brownies

Black Bean Brownies

Ingredients
Black beans (after soaking and cooking it. The originial dry beans taken is 250 gms)) - 500 gms
Eggs - 3
Milk - 1/2 cup (to adjust consistency)
Baking powder - 2 tsp
Coffee powder - 3 tbsp
Jaggery (powder) - 1 1/2 cups (can adjust according to taste)
Dark unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 cup
Dark chocolate (chunks) - 150 gm
Coconut oil - 6 tbsp
Butter (melted) - 3 tbsp

For garnish
White chocolate (chunks) - 100 gm

Method
Wash the beans thoroughly and soak in water for 5 to 6 hours
Drain it and grind using a little of the soaked water
Add the rest of the ingredients and blend well
Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for about 20 to 25 mins

Health Benefits of Black Beans

Improve cardiovascular health

Contains high levels of phytonutrients- especially flavonoids  which control lipid (fat) metabolism and help in cholesterol excretion

Rich in soluble fiber  

Boosts digestive health

Aids weight loss

Provides long-lasting energy 

Helps keep blood sugar levels stable

Rich in folate, copper, magnesium, phosphorus and B Vitamins

Plant based protein

Anti-ageing

Has high levels of antioxidants which help protect against cancer