WOYP Day #67 Red Beans,Chickpeas& Oats Burgers with Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges

It’s been a while since I made burgers and even longer since I made Potato wedges so last night we had these wholesome Red Beans, Chickpeas and Oats Burgers and Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges on the side. My boys ate 2 burgers each and I didn’t hear any complaints about any of the ingredients so this was a big win haha! I often eat Whole Grain Rolled Oats for breakfast, soaked in milk and topped with loads of fresh fruit, honey and chopped nuts- almonds/ roasted cashews or unsalted pistachios. The boys don't like the texture and simply won't take a bite so I figured a great way to get in the goodness of Oats is to disguise it and give it to them in something they love - Burgers! :D 

If you own a food processor, and have canned beans on hand, this comes together in less than 10 minutes. If you don't have a food processor, you will need to chop the onions, garlic and grate the carrots. The beans are mashable by hand using a potato masher. The rolled Oats can be pulsed in a blender.

Red beans, Chickpeas & Oats Burgers:
You will need:

1 (8oz) can Red kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
1 (8oz) can Chickpeas (Garbanzo), rinsed and drained
1/3 cup red onion
4 pods Garlic (I used 3 large cut into pieces)
1 small carrot, peeled
1 tsp Black pepper powder

1 tsp Red chili flakes
Salt to taste
1/2 tsp Oregano
3 tbsp Organic Whole grain rolled Oats (regular if you don’t have Organic)
2 tbsp Cilantro, finely chopped

Panko Japanese style bread crumbs
Oil for shallow frying

Burger buns
Unsalted Butter,as needed
Cheese slices (Cheddar or any variety)
Fresh Avacado, thinly sliced
Tomato, sliced
Mayonnaise
Hot sauce (optional)

In the bowl of a food processor, using the shredder blade, grate the carrot. Add the onion and pulse. Now add the drained, rinsed red kidney beans and chickpeas, garlic, salt, red chili flakes,black pepper powder, oregano and Oats. Run on low speed for 15-20 seconds until everything is combined. Remove to a bowl and stir in the chopped cilantro. Refrigerate the mix for an hour. 

Butter the buns and toast on a pan. Shape the burger mix into patties. Heat a tablespoon or two of oil in a pan. Roll each patty in panko bread crumbs and place in the hot oil. Panko bread crumbs are larger crumbs and make for a crisp coating when cooked. Cook each patty on medium heat for 1-2  minutes on each side, until crisp. 

Remove to a plate. If assembling burgers immediately, place a slice of cheese on the hot patty.

To assemble - Spread two teaspoons of mayonnaise and hot sauce (is using) on the bun halves. Place 3 slices of tomato on the bottom half of the bun, top with the prepared burger patty with the cheese. Top with sliced avocado and then place the other half of the burger bun on top. Serve warm.

Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges:
These gorgeous wedges are hard to resist! Leaving the skins on makes them rustic and crispy. 

You will need:
4 medium Potatoes, scrubbed clean
2 tbsp Oil
1 tbsp Unsalted butter
1 tbsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Black pepper powder
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Oregano
2 tbsp Parmesan, grated
2 tsp Cilantro chopped

Preheat oven to 400F.

Scrub the potatoes with the skins on, using a food scrubber under running water. Pat dry with a paper towel. Slice each potato lengthwise into 4 and then cut each piece into 3-4 wedges. 

Place wedges in a large bowl. Melt the butter in a smaller bowl. Add the oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, black pepper powder and oregano. Whisk to combine and pour over the wedges. Combine to coat evenly. Spread the wedges on a large baking sheet. Do not overcrowd and spread them out in a single layer. This will help crisp the wedges evenly.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping the wedges halfway through the baking. Remove from oven, sprinkle with parmesan while still hot and toss. Top with chopped cilantro. 

Serve warm with Burgers and a side of ketchup. 

WOYP Day #63 2- ingredient Pizza Dough

I have simply lost count on the number of times I’ve made pizzas and burgers at home since March..since the time we’ve all been confined to our homes! We do order Pizza on occasion but for most part I’ve been whipping up different kinds of dough to keep my boys happy and go mmmm..that’s delicious pizza :D Dramatic indeed, but that’s what keeps my kitchen running..haha! 

Whole wheat pizza dough rates first but that does involve yeast and proofing the dough, and takes time, so when I’m in a rush I make this 2 ingredient Pizza dough. Yes you heard it right, all you need is simply 2 ingredients - Self Rising flour and plain Greek yoghurt!

 
It makes the most amazing thin crust pizzas, dough is ready in 8-10 minutes and the pizza bakes in 13-15 minutes so scrumptious pizzas are ready to dig into in less than 30 minutes!! That’s always a winner in the kitchen. This recipe has been around for years so I can't take credit for it, I did tweak the measurements though. 

Self Rising flour is flour that has salt and baking powder already added to it. If you are unable to buy it now where you live, you can make some by measuring out 1 cup All-purpose flour. To this add 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking powder and 1/2 tsp Salt. Stir to combine and use as needed. 

2-ingredient Pizza dough
You will need:

1 cup Plain Greek yoghurt (full-fat, fat free, 1%, anything works!)
1 1/2 - 1 3/4 cups Self rising Flour

Pizza sauce
Pizza toppings of choice 
Grated cheese
  
Tools:

1 large baking sheet
Cooking oil
Pastry brush

In a large bowl, add the greek yoghurt and 1 1/2 cups self rising flour. Using a wooden spatula or silicon spatula combine to form a soft slightly sticky dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. If the dough feels very sticky add more flour a tablespoon at a time until it forms a firmer dough. Knead the dough for a minute gently to form a soft ball of dough. 

 That’s it! The dough is ready to roll out and bake!!

Preheat oven to 425F.

Using a pastry brush generously grease the baking pan with oil. Oil helps crisp up the dough as well as in easy removal from the baking pan. Normally I use Semolina but with this dough oil works best. So don’t skip that!

Divide the dough into 4 portions. Roll out each piece into a thin circle. At this point any shape is fine!! Don’t stress over the circles. I was able to make two pizzas at the same time on one sheet.

Spread pizza sauce (I use a combination of marinara & ketchup). Spread a layer of grated Mozzarella or any pizza cheese of your choice. Top with veggies - I used thinly sliced onions, mini sweet peppers, green bell pepper and thinly sliced baby corn (canned), and some yellow corn too since the kids insisted! :D Spread little more cheese on top, a generous sprinkle of oregano and chili flakes. 

Place in the oven and bake for 12-14 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are nice and crisp. Baking time depends on your oven so keep an eye after 12 minutes.

Remove from oven, slice and serve!! 

  
The quickest pizza you will ever make and eat and the best part is its not frozen!! 

WOYP Day # 62 Paneer Lauki (Sorekaayi) Kofta Curry

I often buy Bottle gourd (Sorekaayi in Kannada /Lauki in Hindi) whenever I'm at the Farmers Market or the Indian store. I usually make Bottle Gourd Peas Saagu or Bottle gourd Dal. I add it to Vegetable Sambar too at times. Wanted to try something different this time, so made these Paneer Lauki koftas. I remembered reading about Lauki koftas very long back, but hadn't tried making them. I was skeptical if the family would like bottle gourd this way, so I added Paneer for good measure. They turned out perfect and everyone loved them!

Paneer Lauki Kofta Curry: 

You will need:

For the Koftas:

1 cup grated Sorekaayi (Bottle Gourd/Lauki)
1 cup grated Paneer
1 tsp Salt
2 tsp Garam masala
2 tsp Red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1/3 cup Besan (chickpea flour)

Oil for frying

For the Gravy:

2 tbsp Oil
1 large onion chopped
3 tomatoes chopped
1 tbsp Ginger Garlic paste
2 Green chilies, chopped
1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
6-8 whole Cashews

2 tbsp Butter
1 tsp Cumin seeds
1 tbsp Coriander powder
2 tsp Cumin powder
1 tsp Red chili powder
2 tsp Kasuthi Methi
2 tbsp Heavy whipping cream
Salt to taste
1 tbsp Chopped cilantro

Prepare the Koftas:

Peel the bottle gourd, remove the skin and spongy part on the inside. Grate into a large bowl. Place the grated bottle gourd in a clean thin kitchen towel and squeeze out the liquid. Grate the Paneer. 

Combine the grated bottle gourd, paneer, salt, garam masala, red chili powder and besan. This will make a soft dough. Make smalls koftas. These can be shallow fried or deep fried. I deep fried them. Set the oil to heat and fry the Koftas on medium heat. Make sure the oil is not too hot, this will make the koftas brown very quickly without cooking the inside. Fry all the koftas and remove to a paper lined towel. Set aside while you prepare the gravy. 

Prepare the Gravy:

Heat oil in a pan. Add the cashews and once they turn light brown, add the onions. Sauté until done, then add the ginger garlic paste and sauté until fragrant. Add the green chilies, turmeric powder and tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes are soft. Turn off heat and cool the mixture. Grind to a smooth paste using a blender.

Heat butter in the same pan. Add cumin seeds and saute for a few seconds. Now add the prepared paste and saute for a minute. Add the coriander powder, cumin powder, salt to taste and red chili powder. Combine well. Add 1/2 cup water and mix well. Cover and bring to a simmering boil, about 6-8 minutes. Add crushed kasuthi methi and cream. Combine and simmer for 2 minutes. Turn off heat.

To serve: Place kofta in a bowl or plate, pour the hot gravy over the koftas. Top with chopped cilantro. Serve with Chapatis, Phulkas or Naan. 

WOYP Day # 54 Shahi Aloo Gobi with Jeera Rice

I was at a Farmers Market last week and stocked  up on a bunch of fresh fruits and vegetables. This place is almost an hour's drive so I don't get to go there often. I had work in the area and made a quick detour :) What was supposed to be a quick stop turned into a 2-hour shopping spree :D I bought a bunch of colored bell peppers too, more of the red since I love how they make any dish vibrant. The beets went into making these gorgeous cutlets. We've been gorging on various fruit too ever since - Fresh figs, Plums, Raspberries, Strawberries, Grapes, luscious giant Mangoes that are super sweet, Pineapple, Watermelon (which I'm yet to cut) and all the fresh veggies. 

Made a quick and easy indulgent curry using Cauliflower, Potatoes, Peas and Red bell pepper. I say indulgent, since it is calorie rich but also laden with veggies, so i think it's alright to indulge every now and then :D 

Shahi Aloo Gobi

You will need:

1 cup Cauliflower, cut into florets
1/2 cup Potato, cubed
1/2 cup Red bell pepper, cubed
1/2 cup Green peas, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup Onion, cubed
2 tbsp Butter
1/2 tsp Cumin seeds
2 tsp Ginger Garlic paste
1/4 tsp Turmeric
1 cup Tomato Puree
1 tbsp Coriander powder
2 tsp Cumin powder
1 tsp Kashmiri Red chili powder
1 tsp Kasuthi methi
3 tbsp Cashewnut paste
2 tbsp Heavy whipping cream
Salt to taste

Boil the potatoes, cauliflower and peas until cooked but not mushy. Drain and set aside.

Heat butter in a pan. Add the cumin seeds. Add the onions and sauté until soft. Add the ginger garlic paste and turmeric. Cook until fragrant. Add Now add the tomato purée, turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, Kashmiri red chili powder and salt to taste. Combine and cook for 5-6 minutes. Add 1/2 cup water, the boiled veggies, red bell pepper and kasuthi methi. Combine, cover and simmer for another 4 minutes. Stir in the cashew paste and the cream. Cook for a minute and turn off heat. This will thicken the gravy and make it creamy and delicious! 

Shahi Aloo Gobi goes well with Jeera Rice or Chapatis/Rotis.

Jeera Rice:

Traditionally Jeera rice is long grained rice cooked with cumin seeds and little salt. I make it with onions, green chilies and ginger garlic paste to elevate the flavors. 

You will need:

1 cup Basmati rice
1.5 cups Water
2 tbsp oil
1 tsp Cumin seeds
3 Green Chillies, slit
1/2 Onion thinly sliced
2 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste

Wash the basmati rice until the water runs clear. Soak in water for 30 minutes.

Heat oil in a pressure cooker. Add the cumin seeds. Saute for few seconds and then add the green chillies and ginger garlic paste. Add the sliced onions and cook until soft. Drain the soaked rice and add it with the measured quantity of water. Season with salt to taste. Stir and raise the heat to high. Close the cooker lid and allow the steam to rise. Place weight on the cooker lid and lower heat to low. Cook for 10 minutes and turn off heat. Rest for 5-6 minutes before opening the lid. Stir rice gently to combine and then serve. This method of cooking ensures perfectly cooked fluffy rice.

WOYP Day # 53 Spinach Corn Soup

We have had rainy, stormy days every now and then. Gloomy and cloud laden skies today, and plenty of rain. Though it is still warm outside, it felt like a Soup kind of day :) Spinach and Corn make a great combination in soup. This soup is light and is perfect with a sandwich to make a meal. 

Spinach Corn Soup: 
You will need: 

2 cups chopped Spinach
1/2 cup Yellow corn kernels (from a can, drained)
2 pods Garlic, finely chopped
2-2 1/2 cups water
1 tbsp Corn starch
Salt to taste
1/2 tsp Black pepper powder
2 tsp light Soy sauce
Salt to taste
1 tsp Sugar
2 tsp Oil

Heat oil in a saucepan. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Add the chopped spinach and corn. Cook for a minute until the spinach wilts but is still green, and then add water. Stir and then add the salt, pepper, soy sauce and sugar. Combine well and bring to a boil.Add little salt at a time, since the soy sauce is also salty.  Prepare a slurry of the corn starch using little water. Add to the boiling soup and stir. This will thicken the soup. Simmer and then turn off heat. Serve hot. 

That's it! A simple and heart warming soup for any season.

WOYP Day # 50 Beetroot Cutlets

Beetroot or Beets, are a popular root vegetable and used in many cuisines around the world. They are packed with essential vitamins, minerals and plant compounds, some of which have medicinal properties. Beetroot contains the Betalain pigment which is responsible for the deep red color. This color, vibrant and beautiful as it looks, can stain skin and clothes, so handle Beets with care. 

 

Beetroot Cutlets: 

You will need:

1 medium sized Beetroot
2 medium sized Potatoes
2 tsp Coriander powder
1 tsp Chili powder
1 tsp Chaat masala
1 tsp Garam masala powder
1/2 tsp Amchur powder (Dry mango powder)
2 tsp Ginger Garlic paste
Salt to taste
2 tbsp Corn starch

To coat:
2 tbsp Corn starch (mix with water to make a slurry)
Plain breadcrumbs

Oil to deep fry 

 
Boil the beetroot and potatoes separately. Peel and grate them into a large bowl. Add the coriander powder, chili powder, Chaat masala, Garam masala and salt to taste. Also add the corn starch and Ginger garlic paste and combine well. 

The mixture should be firm and hold shape. If it feels soft or sticky, add more corn starch as needed. Form into tear drop shaped patties. 

Heat oil in a deep pan and set it to medium high heat. Dip each patty into the corn starch slurry and then into the bread crumbs. 

 Turn to coat evenly and then drop into the hot oil. Fry on both sides until crisp. Drain excess oil and remove onto a paper towel lined plate. 

 
Alternately, you can shallow fry the cutlets in batches in a wide pan.

Serve hot with ketchup or Mint chutney. 

 

WOYP Day # 49 Moong Dal Parathas

Yellow Moong is Whole Green Moong that is split and skinned. When cooked it has a mellow, creamy taste. Yellow Moong dal can be used to make Spinach Dal, Moong Dal Payasa and even a traditional South Indian side dish made with soaked moong dal - Kosambari . I made a paratha filling with the versatile Moong for these Moong Dal Parathas. 

Moong Dal Parathas:
You will need:
For the Moong filling:

1 cup Yellow Moong
2 tbsp Oil
1/2 tsp Cumin seeds
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
2 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
1 tbsp Coriander powder
2 tsp Cumin powder
2 tsp Kashmiri Red chilli powder
1 tsp Red chili powder
Salt to taste
2 tbsp Chopped Cilantro

For the dough:

2 cups Whole wheat flour
1 tsp Salt
1 tbsp Oil
Warm water as needed

Make the dough:

Combine the wheat flour, salt and oil in a medium bowl. Slowly add warm water as needed to make a slightly soft dough. Knead for few minutes. Cover and rest for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile prepare the filling.

Make the Filling:

Dry roast the moong in a pan until light brown and fragrant. Remove from pan immediately since it continues to brown in the pan and burnt moong doesn’t taste good! 

Pressure cook the moong for 2-3 whistles and allow to cook. If cooking on stove top use enough water and cook until moong is soft. Drain the water.

Heat oil in a pan. Add the cumin seeds once the oil is hot and then add the chopped onions. Sauté until soft. Add the Ginger garlic paste. Cook for a few seconds until fragrant. Now add the spice powders - coriander, cumin and both the red chili powders. Add salt to taste and cook well. Cook for 2-3 minutes on medium until the spices are fragrant. Now add the drained moong dal and combine. Cook until the moong dal mixture is slightly dry and can be rolled into a ball. Add chopped cilantro and combine. Turn off heat and cool the filling before using.

Method to make the Parathas:

Knead the rested dough for few minutes until soft and smooth. Divide into 10-12 equal balls. Make small balls of the cooled filling.

Flatten a ball of dough and using your thumb and fingers form a cup. Place a ball of filling in the cup and gather the dough around the filling and seal on top. Remove any excess dough. 

Dredge the ball in wheat flour and roll gently into a thick disc using a rolling pin. Take care to roll gently and with even pressure so that the filling spreads evenly. Parathas are usually thick but I prefer to make them a little thinner, but definitely thicker than Chapatis.

Heat a pan on medium heat. Roast one side for 1 minute, apply little butter and then flip to cook the other side until lightly browned. 

Remove from heat and serve hot with Raita and Pickle. 

These Moong Dal parathas are great for lunch boxes or to carry on a picnic, they remain soft and taste good even when cold.

WOYP Day # 47 Bombay Grilled Vegetable Sandwich

My first memory of digging into this robust multi layered sandwich was years ago when I was probably in high school and we went on our first ever trip to Mumbai (then Bombay) with my parents. These sandwiches are classic, popular street food in Mumbai. A stack of veggies, crunchy and soft amidst layers of buttered bread slathered with a spicy green chutney, these sandwiches are a meal in itself. 

 I’ve made these several times in all these years and realized I haven’t posted it on here. I gotta blame my blogging hiatus once every few years in the past decade :D If you've been a regular reader you would know I go MIA from blogging so I can take focus on cakes.

The green chutney used for these sandwiches is very similar to the Mint chutney we use in Chaat, except this has body to it and is thicker, and yes a whole lot spicier. The chutney has to shine through all those layers or bread and vegetables so a mild tasting chutney simply doesn’t cut it.

Green Chutney for Sandwich: 

 
You will need:

1 cup Mint leaves
1/2 cup Cilantro leaves
1/2 tsp Cumin seeds 

3 pods Garlic
1” piece Ginger, peeled
10-12 green chilies
Salt to taste
2 tsp Lime or Lemon juice
1/4 tsp Black salt

Combine these ingredients in a blender and make a smooth paste. The lime juice helps keep the chutney a nice bright green and balances the heat from the chilies. Store in an air tight container and use as needed. This Chutney can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Bombay Grilled Vegetable Sandwiches:
Makes: 2 sandwiches

6 slices large Sandwich white bread
2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 large potato, boiled, peeled and thinly sliced
1 Onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
Salt to taste
1 tbsp Chaat masala
1/2 cup grated Mozzarella
1/4 cup softened Butter

Place 3 slices of bread in a row. Butter all 3 slices and then apply the prepared chutney. The butter prevents the chutney from soaking through the slices. If you like it spicy, apply a generous amount of chutney on each buttered slice. On one slice, place the sliced potatoes and onions. Top with a generous pinch of salt and chaat masala. Place the next slice on this. Top this slice with sliced tomatoes and bell pepper. Repeat the salt and chaat masala. Top this slice with a tablespoon or two of grated mozzarella.

 Flip the last slice over, chutney side down, to complete the sandwich assembly.Press down lightly. Apply butter on the top. Time to grill the sandwich.

Heat a Grill pan on medium high heat. Add a teaspoon of butter and spread on the pan. I have a cast iron grill pan which takes time to heat up but retains heat for a long time. Adjust heat according to the pan you use. If you have an electric grill, you can use that too. Once the pan is hot, flip and place the sandwich butter side down. 

Grill for 2 minutes until the bottom is crisp. Butter the top and flip and grill this side for another minute or two.  The butter makes a crisp toast on either side. 

Remove from heat and rest for a few seconds before slicing into 2 triangles using a sharp knife. Serve while still warm with a side of Fries or salted chips.

Couldn't resist the heady aroma of grilled bread and veggies while taking pics and had to take a bite! Yummm! :D