Meatballs with Spaghetti

Self cooking photograph

Sauce:
tomatoes	1 can, puree
onion	1 small, chopped
lemon	1
parsley	2tbsp
oregano	2tbsp
salt	to taste
red chili powder	1tsp
green chili	1, chopped
oil	2tbsp
Meatballs:
minced meat	1/2 kg/ lean lamb
bread crumbs	1/2 cup
gram flour	1 tbsp
egg	1
milk	1 tbsp
ginger garlic paste	1 tsp
black pepper	1 tsp, crushed
fresh mint	2 tbsp, chopped
fresh coriander	1 tbsp
salt	to taste
cheddar cheese	1 tbsp
Method:
Mix together all the meatball ingredients except the minced meat.
Now add the ground meat and just mix to combine.
Divide meat mixture into 12 portions and shape into balls.
Makes 12 balls.
In a pan, preheat the oil and light fry meatballs until light golden color; keep aside.
Method for Sauce:
Heat oil, add onion and fry until light golden.
Add tomato puree, a half cup of water and the rest of the ingredients except lemon; stir for 30 seconds.
Now add meatballs, cover and cook on low heat for 30 minutes on low heat.
Stir occasionally with a gentle hand not to break balls.
When meat is completely cooked and gravy is turning thicker, squeeze in lemon; stir.
Remove from heat and serve hot with cooked spaghetti.
Serves 4.

Spaghetti Carbonara - Chicken

Self cooking photograph

Self cooking photograph

Self cooking photograph

chicken strips	250g
onion	1, small, chopped
green chili	2, chopped
garlic clove	3, minced
lemon juice	1 tsp
salt	1/4 tsp
black pepper	1 tsp, crushed
olive oil	1 tbsp
spaghetti	400 g
parmesan	1 tbsp, grated
For Sauce:
eggs	4
cream	4 tbsp
salt	a pinch
black pepper	a pinch
parmesan	1 cup
parsley	1 tsp, chopped
Method:
Sauce:
In a bowl whisk together the eggs, cream and parmesan.
Stir in salt, a generous amount of black pepper and parsley; mix well set aside.
Fill a large pot with water, add salt and bring it to a boil.
Add spaghetti and let it cook until al dente.
Drain it well, toss it with olive oil and set aside.
In a pan, heat the olive oil and add onions until soft.
Add chicken strips and cook for a few minutes until light golden.
Season with salt and black pepper; and cook for atleast 5 minutes.
Take the pan off the burner and add spaghetti and toss it well.
Very quickly add in sauce, stir and toss.
Do not scramble the eggs. Sauce has to remain silky and smooth.
Sprinkle remaining  cheese on top and serve immediately.
Serves 4.
* Beef can be used instead of chicken.

Strawberry Jelly Poke Cake - Christmas Special

Self cooking photograph

Self cooking photograph

vanilla cake mix	1 box (super moist)
strawberry jelly	1 box (85g)
hot water	1 cup
lemon juice	2tbsp
red food color	1/2 tsp (optional)
whipping cream	250ml
sugar	1tbsp
Method:
Bake the cake as directed on the cake mix box.
Let it cool completely.
(detach the sides of the springform pan once it cools or leave as is in the baking dish to poke)
Poke the cake all around with a fork.
Separately, stir jelly powder into a boiling hot water and add red food color; mix till the powder is completely dissolved.
Take one tablespoon of jelly liquid and keep aside.
Now add lemon juice to the remaining jelly liquid and mix well.
Pour this jelly liquid over the cake evenly.
Now make frosting.
Beat the whipping cream and sugar together until soft peaks.
Spread the frosting on the cake evenly using a butter knife.
Now take that 1tbsp of jelly liquid and drizzle on top of the cake frosting.
(You can heat this liquid before pouring on top of the cake)
Take a butter knife and swirl around to make a design.
Garnish with strawberries if you like.
Serves 6 to 8.
Merry Christmas!

Mushrooms in Yogurt

Self cooking photograph

mushrooms	800g, sliced
onions	2, chopped
tomatoes	400g, chopped
garlic paste	1tbsp
red chilli powder	2tsp - adjust as per taste
garam massala pwdr	1tsp
turmeric powder	1tsp
sugar	1/2 tsp
salt	as per taste
yogurt	125ml
oil	4tbsp
coriander	1tbsp, chopped
Method:
Heat oil in a wok over medium heat and add onions.
Stir constantly for 8 minutes or until golden.
Stir in garlic paste and stir for another 2 minutes.
Add tomatoes, chilli powder, garam masala, turmeric and salt.
Keep stirring, cook for 3 minutes.
Add mushrooms and sugar; cook until mushrooms have given off their liquid and tender,about 8 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in yogurt, a little at a time, mix well.
Sprinkle with coriander and cover and cook on very low heat for a minute.
Serve hot with steamed rice.
Serves 4 to 6.

Lamb Stew - My Sister in Law Style

Self cooking photograph

Stews have been made since ancient times but choices are all unique to the individuals' personal preference.
lamb/ beef	1/2kg
onions	3, chopped
yogurt	1/2 cup
garlic paste	1tbsp
ginger paste	1tbsp
cinnamon sticks	2
black pepper whole	1/2tsp
red chillies whole	6
cloves	3
coriander whole	1tsp
salt	to taste
oil	2tbsp
Method:
Heat oil and add onion, saute until soft.
Add meat, garlic paste and ginger paste, fry for 5 minutes.
Now add cinnamon sticks, black pepper, red chillies, cloves, coriander, salt and yogurt.
Mix well and fry for 1 minute and then add 2 cups of water.
Cover and cook until meat is tender or put on pressure for 20 minutes on low heat.
Uncover, let water dry and continuous stir till oil separates from gravy.
Serve hot with chapati.
Serves 4.
Note: I am using digital cooker so u can adjust timing as per yours.

Stri-fried Lamb with Orange

minced lamb        450g
garlic clove           2 cloves, crushed
cumin seeds        1tsp
ground coriander  1tsp
onion                   1 medium, sliced
orange                 1, peeled & segmented
soy sauce            2tbsp
salt & pepper to taste
finely grated rind & juice of 1 orange

Method:

Heat a large pan without adding oil.

Add minced lamb and dry fry for 5 minutes or until browned.

Add garlic, cumin seeds, coriander and onion and stir-fry for further 5 minutes.

Stir in the grated orange rind, juice and soy sauce.

Cover and cook on a low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove the lid, increase the heat, add the orange segments and stir to mix.

Season with salt and pepper and heat through for further 2 to 3 minutes.

Serve in a hot plate, boiled rice on the side but I prefer with french bread.