Instant amla pickle

Indian gooseberry or amla is the most nutritious fruit available during winters because of its antioxidant properties, does wonders to skin and hair. Its advisable to consume one amla daily but due to its bitter taste, it cant be consumed as it is... so pickle is a nice option. This is really quick to make and the spicy, tangy and sweetness overpowers the bitterness of the amla

Preparation time: 10 min.
Cooking time: 5 min.

Ingredients:

• 500 gms amla (gooseberry)
• 3 tblsp mustard oil

For grinding:

• 2tbsp fenugreek seeds(methi)
• 2 tbsp cumin seeds
• 2 tbsp fennel seeds
• 2 tbsp musrard seeds
• a pinch asafoetida (hing)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 1 tbsp salt

Method:

1. Pressure cook the amla alongwith a glass of water till one whistle.
2. Seperate the amla slices and discard the seeds.
3. Heat oil in a pan and allow it to cool.
4. Dry roast fenugreek, fennel, mustard seeds and cumin seeds and make a coarse powder.
5. Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder nd salt to the powder.
6. Add hing to the oil and masala mix.
7. Add amla slices and mix well.
8. Store in glass container once it cools down.

Potato Cheese Balls - Kid's Delight

This is an absolute kid's favourite snack recipe with very minimal ingredients required and are really quick to make. Kids will love the surprise with gooey and creamy centre stuffed with cheese. You can roll out the balls in large quantity and freeze the remaining balls, the next time your kids demand these, you only need to deep fry them and enjoy the cheesy munchies.

Preparation time: 20 min.
Cooking time: 15 min.
Type: Tea-time snack

Ingredients:

• 1 kg potatoes (boiled and peeled)
• 1 cup spring onion (chopped)
• 1/2 cup fresh coriander (chopped)
• 1 tsp black pepper powder
• salt to taste
• 1/2" cheddar cheese cubes as required
• 2 tblsp corn flour
• 1 cup dry bread crumbs

Method:

1. Grate the potatoes and add spring onion, coriander leaves, salt and pepper.
2. Divide the potato mixture into equal sized portions.
3. Flatten each portion and place one cheese cube inside and make all balls likewise.
4. Make a thin slurry using cornflour and water.
5. Dip each ball in the slurry to completely coat the balls.
6. Finally coat with bread crumbs and press lightly to avoid crumbs coming out while deep frying.
7. Deep fry the balls in hot oil.
8. Serve hot with tomato ketchup.

Banana Walnut Bread - Quick Bread Recipe

This is a simple and fool-proof recipe of delicious, moist and homemade banana bread which involves only mixing together of all the ingredients. Even a non-baker can bake this without going wrong. And you know what... it is the best way to use the most overripe black and mushy bananas that you might be planning to throw in the bin.. which will give you the super moist banana bread.

Preparation time: 5 min.
Cooking time: 40 min.
Type: Quick Bread
Serves: 4-5

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup castor sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1/2 cup yoghurt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3-4 banana
• 1/2 cup walnut (chopped)

Method:

1. Pre-heat oven at 200 degree celcius for 10-15 min.
2. Sift together all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon powder in a large bowl.
3. Mash all the bananas and whisk together with eggs, oil, yoghurt, milk and vanilla essence.
4. Add sifted flour mixture gradually, mixing gently using spatula.
5. Finally add walnuts and mix well.
6. Pour batter in a greased and dusted bread mould. 
7. Bake at 200 degree celcius for 40-45 min. or till a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Note:

• Use overripe bananas for better results.
• Sprinkle little flour on walnuts to avoid them from turning black and sinking down while baking.