Sunday, October 1, 2023

Chicken biryani

 



Ingredients:


For the Chicken Marinade:

- 500g chicken, cut into pieces

- 1 cup yogurt

- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- Salt to taste


For the Rice:

- 2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes

- 4-5 cups water

- 2-3 green cardamom pods

- 2-3 cloves

- 1 bay leaf

- Salt to taste


For Biryani Masala:

- 2 onions, thinly sliced

- 2 tomatoes, chopped

- 2 green chilies, slit

- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

- 1/2 cup chopped mint leaves

- 1/2 cup chopped coriander leaves

- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder

- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder

- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder

- 1/4 cup cooking oil or ghee

- Saffron strands soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm milk (for garnish)


Instructions:


1. Marinade the Chicken:

   - In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt.

   - Add the chicken pieces and coat them well with the marinade.

   - Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.


2. Prepare the Rice:

   - In a large pot, bring water to a boil.

   - Add the soaked and drained rice along with green cardamom, cloves, bay leaf, and salt.

   - Cook the rice until it's 70-80% cooked. It should still have a slight bite.

   - Drain and set aside.


3. Cook the Chicken:

   - Heat oil or ghee in a large, heavy-bottomed pan.

   - Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.

   - Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies; sauté for a few minutes.

   - Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.

   - Add the marinated chicken and cook until it's no longer pink.

   - Add red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala powder. Cook for a few minutes.

   - Add mint and coriander leaves, and cook for another couple of minutes.

   - Adjust salt and spice levels as needed.


4. Layering and Dum Cooking:

   - In a large heavy-bottomed pot or a biryani pot, start by adding a layer of partially cooked rice.

   - Top it with a layer of the chicken mixture.

   - Repeat the layers until you've used all the rice and chicken.

   - Drizzle the saffron milk over the top.

   - Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid or seal with dough.

   - Cook on low heat (dum) for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.


5. Serve:

   - Gently fluff the biryani with a fork.

   - Serve hot with raita, salad, or your favorite side dish.


Enjoy your homemade chicken biryani! Adjust spice levels to your preference and feel free to add fried onions and nuts as a garnish for added flavor and texture.


Fish fry

 


Certainly! Here's a simple recipe for making fish fry:


Ingredients:


- 4 fish fillets (such as tilapia, cod, or catfish)

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 2 tablespoons cornmeal (optional, for extra crispiness)

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 egg

- 2 tablespoons milk

- Vegetable oil for frying

- Lemon wedges (for garnish)


Instructions:


1. Prepare the Fish:

   - Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

   - Season both sides of the fish with salt and pepper.


2. Prepare the Coating:

   - In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal (if using), paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.

   - In another shallow dish, beat the egg with the milk.


3. Coat the Fish:

   - Dip each fish fillet into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.

   - Then, coat the fish fillet with the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.

   - Place the coated fillets on a plate and let them rest for a few minutes to set the coating.


4. Heat the Oil:

   - In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it's hot but not smoking. You can test the oil's readiness by adding a small piece of bread; it should sizzle and turn golden brown quickly.


5. Fry the Fish:

   - Carefully place the coated fish fillets into the hot oil. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.

   - Fry the fish for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until it's golden brown and crispy.

   - Use a slotted spatula to remove the fried fish and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.


6. Serve:

   - Serve the fish fry hot, garnished with lemon wedges.

   - You can accompany it with tartar sauce, coleslaw, or your favorite dipping sauce.


Enjoy your crispy and delicious homemade fish fry! Adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper in the coating mixture.


Mutton curry



 Certainly! Here's a basic recipe for making mutton curry:


Ingredients:


For Marinating the Mutton:

- 500g mutton pieces (bone-in)

- 1 cup yogurt

- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder

- Salt to taste


For the Curry:

- 2 onions, finely sliced

- 2 tomatoes, chopped

- 2-3 green chilies, slit

- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

- 2 teaspoons garam masala powder

- 1 teaspoon cumin powder

- 1 teaspoon coriander powder

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1/2 cup cooking oil or ghee

- Salt to taste

- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish


Instructions:


1. Marinate the Mutton:

   - In a bowl, mix the mutton pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.

   - Cover and let it marinate for at least 1 hour or longer in the refrigerator.


2. Heat Oil and Sauté Onions:

   - In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker, heat the cooking oil or ghee over medium heat.

   - Add the finely sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.


3. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste and Spices:

   - Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw aroma disappears.

   - Add cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala powder. Cook for a few minutes until the spices are fragrant.


4. Add Tomatoes:

   - Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.


5. Cook the Marinated Mutton:

   - Add the marinated mutton along with its marinade to the pot.

   - Cook and stir for about 10-15 minutes until the mutton starts to brown and the yogurt is well incorporated.


6. Pressure Cooking (Optional):

   - If using a pressure cooker, you can now transfer the contents to the pressure cooker, add enough water to cover the mutton, and pressure cook for about 3-4 whistles or until the mutton is tender. Cooking times may vary depending on the mutton's toughness.


7. Simmer and Finish:

   - If not using a pressure cooker, continue cooking in the same pot. Add enough water to cover the mutton, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

   - Cover and cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the mutton is tender and the curry has thickened to your liking. Add more water if needed during the cooking process.

   - Adjust salt and spice levels to taste.


8. Garnish and Serve:

   - Garnish the mutton curry with fresh coriander leaves.

   - Serve hot with rice, naan, or bread of your choice.


Enjoy your homemade mutton curry! Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of red chili powder and green chilies according to your preference.


Rice kheer



 Certainly! Here's a recipe for making rice kheer, a delicious Indian rice pudding:


Ingredients:


- 1/2 cup Basmati rice

- 4 cups whole milk

- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)

- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)

- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

- Saffron strands soaked in 1 tablespoon warm milk (optional)

- 1 teaspoon ghee (clarified butter)

- Raisins (optional, for garnish)


Instructions:


1. Rinse and Soak Rice:

   - Wash the Basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for about 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.


2. Prepare Nuts and Saffron (if using):

   - Chop the nuts finely and set them aside.

   - If using saffron, soak a few strands in warm milk and set aside. This will add a lovely color and flavor to the kheer.


3. Cook the Rice:

   - In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the ghee over medium-low heat.

   - Add the drained rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it turns slightly translucent.


4. Add Milk and Simmer:

   - Pour in the whole milk and bring it to a boil.

   - Reduce the heat to low and let the rice simmer in the milk. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.


5. Cook Until Rice is Soft:

   - Continue to cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is soft and the milk has thickened. This can take about 30-40 minutes. Be patient; the slow cooking process is what gives kheer its rich and creamy texture.


6. Add Sugar:

   - Once the rice is soft and the kheer has thickened, add sugar to the pot. Stir well to combine.


7. Add Cardamom and Nuts:

   - Add cardamom powder and the chopped nuts to the kheer. Stir to distribute evenly.


8. Simmer and Finish:

   - Let the kheer simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the sugar to dissolve completely and for the flavors to meld.

   - If using saffron, add the saffron-infused milk at this stage for extra flavor and color.


9. Cool and Serve:

   - Remove the rice kheer from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

   - It will thicken further as it cools. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little milk to reach your desired consistency.


10. Garnish and Serve:

    - Garnish with more chopped nuts and optional raisins.

    - Serve the rice kheer warm or chilled, according to your preference.


Enjoy your creamy and sweet rice kheer! It's a delightful dessert often enjoyed on special occasions in India.


Tomoro khata

 


I believe you're referring to "Tomato Khata," which is a tangy tomato chutney commonly served in Indian cuisine. Here's a simple recipe for making it:


Ingredients:


- 4-5 ripe tomatoes, chopped

- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped

- 2-3 green chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)

- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- Salt to taste

- 1-2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)

- Chopped fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)


Instructions:


1. Heat Oil and Temper Spices:

   - In a pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

   - Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.


2. Sauté Onions and Chilies:

   - Add the finely chopped onions and green chilies to the pan. Sauté until the onions become translucent.


3. Add Tomatoes and Spices:

   - Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan.

   - Stir in turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.


4. Cook the Mixture:

   - Cook the tomato mixture over medium heat until the tomatoes soften and break down. This may take about 10-15 minutes.


5. Add Sugar:

   - Once the tomatoes are soft, add sugar to the mixture. Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preference. The sugar balances the tanginess of the tomatoes.


6. Simmer:

   - Reduce the heat to low and let the tomato chutney simmer for another 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally.


7. Adjust Consistency:

   - If the chutney is too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency. Simmer for a few more minutes if needed.


8. Garnish:

   - If desired, garnish the tomato khata with chopped fresh coriander leaves for added flavor and color.


9. Serve:

   - Allow the tomato khata to cool to room temperature.

   - Serve it as a side dish with rice, roti, dosa, or any Indian meal.


Enjoy your homemade tomato khata! It's a versatile condiment that adds a burst of tangy flavor to your meals. Adjust the spice level and sweetness to suit your taste.


Potato curry recipe



 Sure, here's a recipe for making a potato fish curry:


Ingredients:


For Marinating the Fish:

- 500g fish fillets (any firm white fish like cod or tilapia)

- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder

- Salt to taste


For the Curry:

- 2-3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced

- 2 tomatoes, chopped

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1 teaspoon coriander powder

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder

- Salt to taste

- 1 cup coconut milk

- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish


Instructions:


1. Marinate the Fish:

   - In a bowl, combine the fish fillets with turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.


2. Fry the Potatoes:

   - Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat.

   - Add the cubed potatoes and fry them until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.


3. Sauté Onions, Ginger, and Garlic:

   - In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed.

   - Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

   - Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.

   - Add minced ginger and garlic, and cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant.


4. Add Spices and Tomatoes:

   - Stir in coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.

   - Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.


5. Add Coconut Milk and Potatoes:

   - Pour in the coconut milk and stir well.

   - Add the fried potato cubes back into the pan.


6. Simmer:

   - Let the curry simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the potatoes are cooked through and the flavors meld together.


7. Add Marinated Fish:

   - Gently add the marinated fish fillets to the pan.

   - Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the fish is cooked and flakes easily. Be gentle when stirring to avoid breaking the fish.


8. Finish with Garam Masala:

   - Sprinkle garam masala powder over the curry and stir it in.

   - Adjust salt and spices to taste.


9. Garnish and Serve:

   - Garnish the potato fish curry with fresh cilantro leaves.

   - Serve hot with steamed rice or naan.


Enjoy your homemade potato fish curry, a flavorful and comforting dish! Adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the amount of red chili powder to suit your taste.


Fish ghanta

 


Fish Ghanta, also known as "Macher Ghanta," is a traditional Bengali fish curry made with various vegetables. Here's a recipe to make Fish Ghanta:


Ingredients:


For Marinating the Fish:

- 500g fish fillets (any freshwater fish like rohu or catfish)

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- Salt to taste


For the Curry:

- 1 cup mixed vegetables (potatoes, eggplant, pumpkin, and beans), chopped into small pieces

- 2 tablespoons mustard oil (or vegetable oil)

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2-3 green chilies, slit

- 1 teaspoon ginger paste

- 1 teaspoon garlic paste

- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

- 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

- 1 teaspoon coriander powder

- 1 teaspoon cumin powder

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- Salt to taste

- 1 cup water

- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish


Instructions:


1. Marinate the Fish:

   - In a bowl, marinate the fish fillets with 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder and salt. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.


2. Prepare the Vegetables:

   - Chop the mixed vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces.


3. Heat Oil and Sauté:

   - Heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil (or vegetable oil) in a deep pan or kadai over medium-high heat.

   - Add the marinated fish fillets and fry them until they turn golden brown on both sides. Remove them from the pan and set aside.


4. Tempering:

   - In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed.

   - Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and fenugreek seeds. Let them splutter.

   - Add chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until the onions become translucent.


5. Add Spices:

   - Add ginger paste and garlic paste. Sauté for a couple of minutes until fragrant.

   - Stir in turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, sugar, and salt.


6. Cook Vegetables:

   - Add the chopped mixed vegetables to the pan. Stir well to coat them with the spices.

   - Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.


7. Add Water and Simmer:

   - Pour in 1 cup of water and bring the mixture to a boil.

   - Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and let the vegetables cook until tender. Add more water if needed.


8. Add Fried Fish:

   - Once the vegetables are cooked, gently add the fried fish fillets back into the pan.


9. Finish Cooking:

   - Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the fish is heated through and the flavors meld together.


10. Garnish and Serve:

    - Garnish the Fish Ghanta with fresh coriander leaves.

    - Serve hot with steamed rice.


Enjoy your homemade Fish Ghanta, a delightful Bengali fish curry with a medley of vegetables! Adjust the spice level to your liking by modifying the amount of red chili powder and green chilies.