Vegetarian

Quinoa Cakes

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Quinoa has been a staple grain in south america for centuries. But in recent times it has become increasingly popular around the world with its nutty flavor and high nutritional value. This is one of my favorite ways to cook quinoa and perfect for fall evenings when there is a little bit of chill in the air and all you want to eat is something warm and something snacky or as husband likes to say ‘Chakna’.

I have served this at brunches, as appetizers and as part of the main course. And its been a hit all around. In this instance I used a boiled potato to bind the quinoa dough but you can also use eggs (2 eggs lightly beaten), see notes for instructions.

Time for Prep: 10 mins     Time to Cook: 30 mins     Yield: ~8 Servings     Level: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1/2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 tbsp black pepper, ground
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cayenne
  • 2 tsp cumin, roasted and ground
  • 1 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
  • 3-4 fresh green chili, finely chopped
  • 1 medium sized potato, boiled and mashed.
  • Oil

Process:

  1. Cooking the Quinoa:
    1. Rinse the quinoa first always, this helps wash away the bitter coating. Make sure to use a fine mesh strainer.
    2. Heat a sauce pan, melt 1/2 tbsp of butter, add the quinoa and sauté for a couple mins. This really brings out a slight nutty flavor.
    3. Add salt and 1/2 tbsp ground black pepper, 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, cover and cook for 10- 15 mins in low heat or till all of the water is absorbed by the quinoa.
    4. Turn of the heat and let it sit for 5-10 mins to let it cool down.
  2. Making the Cake Dough:
    1. Heat a griddle, dry roast 2 tsp of cumin, until you smell the aroma. Transfer to a work surface and using a rolling pin roll over and roughly crush the roasted cumin.
    2. Combine the cooled quinoa, salt, cayenne, roasted  and ground cumin, cilantro, fresh green chili and the mashed potato.
    3. You should have a slightly moist dough.
  3. Cooking the Quinoa Cake:
    1. Heat a skillet or griddle pan, lightly oil it. Take around 1/4 cup of the quinoa mixture and form into a ball.
    2. Flatten it into a pancake around 1/4 inch thick.
    3. Place on hot griddle and cook, flip and cook until golden brown on both sides . Takes around 5 mins.
    4. Remove from pan and serve warm.

Notes:

  • I used potatoes here as a binding agent for the quinoa and that made it easy to shape the cakes with hand.
  • You can also use eggs (2 eggs lightly beaten) instead of the potato. In that case you will have a slightly wet mixture. So take around 1/4 cup and make it into a ball. Place it on the greased hot skillet and using a spatula flatten it into a pancake about 1/4 inch thick.
  • This is a vegetarian version, but I have made this by adding chopped cooked shrimp to the quinoa mixture to indulge by seafood cravings.
  • You can also add chopped carrots, grated beet roots etc..,. to the mixture. Have fun experimenting!

Narkel Nadu (Coconut Confectionary/ Coconut Truffle)

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Mahalaya (which just went by on October 12th) brings with it a tide of memories – setting the alarm for 3:45 am and gathering around the radio promptly at 4:00 am to hear ‘Mahisasura Mardini’ sung in the magical voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadhra, the man who made Mahalaya memorable. As he masterfully recites versus and narrates the story of the decent of Goddess Durga on earth and her valiant slaying of the demon Mahisasura, mom would get busy in the kitchen making a breakfast of Luchi (Puri), Aloor Torkari (sautéed potatoes) and Narkel Naru. The narration ends with mankind bowing to this supreme power- “Ya devi sarbabhuteshshu, sakti rupena sanksthita Namasteshwai Namasteshwai Namasteshwai namo namaha.”

And the feasting would begin! I am an Athiest,  but even today I wake up early morning every Mahalaya, turn on iTunes and listen to Mahisasura Mardini while making Luchi, Torkari and Narkel Nadu. It’s about traditions and re-living memories.

This is also a quick recipe for making a decadent dessert for any day in the year. My mom is known in our friend circle for the amazing Narkel Nadu she makes, I have just made a couple tweaks – she uses Cardamon Powder, I like to use All-Spice instead and replaced regular sugar with coconut palm sugar (for its low glycemic index).

Time for Prep: 5 mins     Time to cook: 30-35 mins      Yield: around 24     Level: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 12oz frozen grated coconut (or fresh grated coconut)
  • 8 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 4 tbsp coconut palm sugar (or regular sugar)
  • 1 tsp ghee
  • 1 tsp all spice (or cardamon powder)
  • Dry coconut flakes (optional)

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Process:

  1. In a heavy bottom pan mix in the sugar and coconut, before turning on the heat.
  2. Turn the heat to low settings and cook the mixture for 4-5 mins, stirring frequently, till the sugar is melted and the coconut is lightly toasted.
  3. Add the milk and condensed milk, slowly stirring it in.
  4. Add the ground all spice (or cardamon powder). Taste test to see the level of sweetness and add more sugar if needed.
  5. Keep stirring frequently and cook in low-medium heat till the coconut is cooked. This will take approximately 30-35 mins.
    1. Milk dries up and the coconut comes out clean from the sides (see picture above).
    2. Be careful not to dry too much or you cannot make the balls.  I usually just test it out by making a ball and seeing if it stays, if not I cook a little more).
  6. Take off the heat, Add ghee and stir it in.
  7. Cool slightly and start making the balls by rolling it between your palms which are around 1 inch in diameter.
  8. Roll in dried coconut flakes (Optional).

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Noodle Soup

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Its fall finally! The beautiful shade of blue of the sky, the pretty colors, the chill in the air and in my case the allergies which come with the season. After a long day at work nothing is more comforting than a warm cup of soup while watching new episodes of my favorite TV show. Add a few spices and I not only convert the regular store bought broth into something delicious and deeply satisfying, but also cook myself a natural remedy to relive those allergy symptoms. This recipe is super easy and one of my go-to when I have had a long day at work or I am feeling a little under the weather.

Every culture around the world, home cook and professional chef, have their version of a noodle soup. This is my version. Its a hybrid of pho chay, ramen noodle soup and my mom’s recipe for a home remedy she gave me for my seasonal sniffles and sneezes.

I am detailing the vegetarian recipe, but scroll down to see the notes section for suggestion for a Non-Vegetarian version. 

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Time for Prep: 10 mins     Time to cook: 30 mins      Yield: 2 Servings     Level: Easy

Ingredients:

  • For the Broth:
    • 4 cups vegetable stock/broth
    • 3-4 shallots, chopped
    • 2 inches of ginger, grated
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • 2-3 star anise
    • 2 tsp coriander seeds
    • 4-5 cloves
    • 1-2 tsp black pepper
    • 1 tsp cayenne
    • 1 tsp fennel seeds
    • 2 tsp soy sauce ( I prefer using a soy sauce reduction).
    • 1 tsp honey
    • 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional)
    • 1 tbsp oil
  • For the Noodle:
    • 1/2 lb or 7 oz thin rice noodles
    • 6 cups of water
    • 1 tsp oil
    • salt to taste
  • For the toppings (Choose all or just a few):
    • 1 thinly sliced carrot (I usually just peel layers, then roughly chop them)
    • Thinly sliced green bell pepper
    • Mushrooms, thinly sliced
    • 3-4 baby boo choy
    • Handful of kale, shredded
  • For Garnishes (Choose all or just a few):
    • 1/2 cup scallion, chopped
    • 2-3 chilli pepper, finely chopped
    • 1 lemon, cut in wedges
    • 1/2 cup mung bean sprouts (or any sprouts)
    • Handfull cilantro
    • Handfull basil
    • 1 tsp dried red chilli flakes
    • Hot sauce
    • Fried Egg

Process:

  1. To make the Broth:
    1. In a large pot heat oil, add the spices (cinnamon, anise, clove, fennel, coriander, black pepper) and dry roast in low heat
    2. When you smell the aroma of the spices, add the ginger, shallots and sherry (if using) sauté for 4-5 mins or till onions loose their raw smell
    3. Add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, honey and cayene
    4. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 30 mins
    5. Strain and keep hot till ready to serve
  2. To prepare the toppings:
    1. Slightly steam or blanch the vegetables chosen
  3. To prepare the Noodles (While the broth is simmering):
    1. Bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil, add salt and oil
    2. Turn of the heat and add the noodles
    3. Cover and let stand for 20 – 30 mins or till the noodles are tender
  4. To serve:
    1. Divide the noodles in two bowls
    2. Arrange the toppings over the noodles
    3. Ladle in the broth
    4. Top with garnishes and serve warm.

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Notes:

  • For Non-Vegetarian version:
    • Use chicken stock for the broth
    • Chicken topping: use shredded rotisserie chicken or stir fry chicken breast pieces with some soy sauce, ginger, garlic, salt and pepper
    • Sauteed shrimp topping: Stir-fry peeled deveined shrimp in hot oil with minced ginger, minced garlic, ground pepper and salt.
  • For Vegan Version:
    • Use stir fry tofu for the topping
  • For a pure vegetarian version:
    • Don’t use the fried egg as a garnish
  • The rice noodles can be replaced with Ramen noodles or Maggi that is popular in India, ditch the seasoning that comes with the package and just use the noodles
  • Instead of just soy sauce I like using a soy sauce reduction because the flavor is more intense
  • Use a tea steeper to add spices to the broth, to skip the straining step

Fried Quinoa

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Nasi Goreng, Chaufa, Khao Pad, Sinangag, Buteko bhaath, Htamin Gyaw, Arroz Fritto… all different names and variations of the most cooked dish in the world, Fried Rice. While the dish originates from China, it has become popular across the world for its versatility and ease of cooking. A classic way of whipping something delicious from left over rice and in my case all those half used vegetables sitting in the fridge.

Like every household in the world, fried rice is a favorite in our household too and is a regular on our dinner table. But every now and then I feel it’s time for some clean eating, so I make a simple swap – high protein quinoa instead of the carb heavy rice.

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I love fried rice and fried quinoa with loads and loads of vegetables cooked just enough so that it doesn’t feel raw but still remain crunchy. This does a few things – (a) adds a whole lot of color to the dish making it look so pretty when served, (b) the flavor they add to the dish, (c) the texture of crunchy vegetables with soft quinoa (or rice) and (d) then there is also the thing called nutrition.

I get my vegetables from the local farmers market and mostly cook with fresh produce but on occasions after long (12-16 hour) workdays I have reached inside my freezer and cooked this with frozen vegetables as well. It tastes just as good, just lacks crunchiness.

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Time for Prep: 10 mins     Time to Cook: 15 mins     Yield: 4-5 Servings     Level: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups quinoa, uncooked.
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tsp oil
  • 1/2 inch ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/4 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/4 cup orange bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
  • 1 onion, thick slices
  • 1/2 cup green peas
  • 1/4 cup cauliflower, chopped
  • 1/2 cup scallions, chopped
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp black pepper, ground
  • salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped

Process: 

  1. Cooking the Quinoa:
    1. Rinse the quinoa first always, this helps wash away the bitter coating. Make sure to use a fine mesh strainer.
    2. Heat a sauce pan, melt 1/2 tbsp of butter, add the quinoa and sauté for a couple mins. This really brings out a slight nutty flavor.
    3. Add salt and 1/2 tbsp ground black pepper, 4 cups water. Bring to a boil, cover and cook for 10- 15 mins in low heat or till all of the water is absorbed by the quinoa.
    4. Turn of the heat and let it sit for 5-10 mins before fluffing it with a fork.
  2. Cooking the Vegetables:
    1. Heat oil in a wok, add the vegetables (except scallions), ginger and sauté in high heat for 4-5 mins, just so that the rawness goes but they still retain the crunchiness.
  3. Add the cooked quinoa, chopped scallions and the remaining butter, stir it in and cook for another minute or so.
  4. Pour the soy sauce, around the edges of the wok and gently fold it in.
  5. Remove from heat, garnish with cilantro and serve.

Notes:

  • Cook the Quinoa like how you would cook Risotto. Add some chopped garlic and onions to some butter along with (rinsed and drained) quinoa. Mix and coat with oil and dry roast for a few mins before adding the liquid little at a time, stirring every batch of liquid, until its cooked through.
  • You can also use Broth to cook quinoa for extra flavor.
  • Spread cooked quinoa in a baking sheet and chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 mins. This takes care of any residual moisture and gives the dish a more fried texture. The same holds true if you are using rice as well.

Jhaal Aloo Dum (Spicy Potato)

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I like to call it ‘Baba’r Jhaal Jhaal Aloo’ (Dad’s spicy potato) since this was my dad’s speciality. The Mukherjee family, like most Bengali families, loved potatoes (still do) and had it for pretty much every meal. So to break monotony, we had multiple recipes and variations to cook this drool worthy vegetable. This one is by far one of my favorite recipes. It goes best with fresh, straight off the griddle, fulka/chapati,  vegetable pulao or peas pulao.

Family dinners was a big part of growing up, sitting together sharing a meal and talking about our day over delicious food and on Wednesdays watching Chitrahaar (when I was really young, and cable tv was still not popular). My mom was the main chef of our household, but every now and then my dad would whip up something delish. Dad with his favorite drink ‘Old Monk Rum’, mom, my sister and me with our glasses of lime juice cordial, working together to get dinner served. Being the youngest, I always got stuck with setting the table and my sister with cleaning after because I was too young to do it right (even when I was 15). I really liked being the youngest!

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It calls for the most basic ingredients, but here’s my preference:

  1. I like to use Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder (Everest brand) because of the rich red color it adds
  2. I use plum tomatoes because they have less seed, more meat and disintegrate really quick creating a rich creamy base.

Time for Prep: 10 mins     Time to Cook: 20 mins     Yield: 4-5 Servings     Level: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 8-10 baby potatoes, boiled
  • 2 plum tomatoes, chopped
  • 4-5 green chili pepper, slit
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp red chilli powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp cilantro chopped
  • a genrous pinch of asefoetida (optional)

Process:

  1. Heat a the oil in a pan/wok in low-medium heat setting, add cumin and let it roast till you smell the aroma.
  2. Add chopped tomatoes, slit green chill pepper and salt, cover with lid and let cook for 4-5 mins.
  3. Add chill, coriander and turmeric powder. Stir them in and let cook for another 5 mins. Add a little water at this stage if needed.
  4. Cut the boiled potatoes into half (This is optional you can leave them whole too. I like cutting them because I like smaller pieces) and add them to the tomato gravy.
  5. Cook for 3-4 mins (without cover) or till the gravy thickens and there is just enough to coat the potatoes.
  6. Add asafoetida and cook for 30 seconds more.
  7. Remove from heat and garnish with the chopped cilantro.