Tofu And Stir Fried Vegetables In Hot Schezwan Sauce
Any Tofu lovers? I agree its an acquired taste,but going by the health benefits it has to offer, I try including it in my diet now and then. People are not very fond of the bland taste, but once that is overcome, Tofu does taste good.
Tofu is a plant based milk product that comes from the milk of Soya beans, it is also called Bean curd. There are different kinds of Tofu based on their texture, such as- silken, soft, firm and extra firm. Depending on the dish we make the tofu is chosen. Popular dishes with Tofu include Soups, stir fry, and curries.
Tofu has zero percent cholesterol and is a weight watchers delight, because it is protein dense and less in carbohydrates. It is also considered to be a good source of iron and calcium.
So how do we take away the blandness, obviously by marination. Tofu requires a little more time than paneer to marinate. So, I plan ahead when I want to cook my tofu dish. I prefer Tofu as a stir fry or as part of mixed vegetables in a sauce. So this dish is a combination of a Stir- fry and sauce. In this dish I have infused the sauce while stir frying instead of marination.
I usually choose to make this with fried rice as the Schezwan sauce base of this dish is the perfect pairing for the fried rice. I usually use a homemade Schezwan sauce made the traditional way using Chinese five spice, but for this particular recipe I have used Ching’s secret Schezwan Rice masala. Since I am using a ready made masala the work gets done a little sooner, so it is perfect for my after work dinners.
Here is the recipe for Tofu and stir fried vegetables in hot Schezwan sauce-
PREP TIME: 20 Mins COOK TIME: 40 Mins
TOTAL TIME:60 Mins COURSE: MAIN
CUISINE: FUSION SERVINGS: 5
AUTHOR: Rajni Ram
Ingredients:
Tofu 200 gm cut to cubes
Green chillies 4 (divided)
Garlic 10 cloves (divided)
Ginger 1 inch piece (divided)
Assorted vegetables 1.5 cups ( I used capsicum, carrot,purple cabbage, spring onion, baby corn, Red bell peppers, all cut lengthwise).
Ching’s Secret Schezwan Rice Masala 1/2 packet
Chings secret Schezwan sauce/chutney 1 tsp
Soya sauce 1 tsp
Vinegar 2 tsp
Salt as required
Sugar 1 tsp
Water as required
Cornflour 1/2 tbsp
Sesame seeds 1 tsp
Oil for sauteing
Directions: In a blender take green chillies(2), garlic(4 pods), ginger(1/2 inch), soya sauce and Vinegar, and blend. In a pan take some Oil for sauteing the Tofu. Drop in the tofu cubes when oil id hot and stir fry until they have a brown coating. Now pour the blended sauce into the tofu and continue to stir fry, until all the sauce is absorbed by the Tofu pieces and they turn dry. Transfer to a plate and keep aside. In the same pan take some more oil. When hot add the chopped garlic, green chillies and ginger and fry for 30 seconds. Now add the Spring onion(both greens as well as bulb), and saute. Further add the capsicum, carrot, cabbage and saute, add the salt and sugar, and continue to stir fry until the vegetables are done, but are still firm. In a bowl take the corn flour, Chings Schezwan masala powder, and any remaining sauce used for trying the tofu, and make a slurry by mixing them in 1/2 cup water. Pour this slurry into the stir fried vegetables, add another 1/2 cup water, Schezwan sauce or chutney and stir everything together very well. Finally add the stir fried Tofu pieces and cook for 2 minutes. Switch off the flame and sprinkle some sesame seeds. Enjoy hot with some Fried rice.
STEPWISE RECIPE FOLLOWS:
1. In a blender take green chillies(2), garlic(4 pods), ginger(1/2 inch), Soya sauce and Vinegar, and blend. (Picture not inserted). In a pan take some Oil for sauteing the Tofu. Drop in the tofu cubes when oil id hot and stir fry until they have a brown coating.
2. Now pour the blended sauce into the tofu and continue to stir fry, until all the sauce is absorbed by the Tofu pieces and they turn dry. Transfer to a plate and keep aside.
3. In the same pan take some more oil. When hot add the chopped garlic, green chillies and ginger and fry for 30 seconds. Now add the Spring onion(both greens as well as bulb), and saute. Further add the capsicum, carrot, cabbage and saute.
4. Add the salt and sugar, and continue to stir fry until the vegetables are done, but are still firm.
5. In a bowl take the corn flour, Chings Schezwan masala powder, and any remaining sauce used for trying the tofu, and make a slurry by mixing them in 1/2 cup water. Pour this slurry into the stir fried vegetables, add another 1/2 cup water, Schezwan sauce or chutney and stir everything together very well.
6. Finally add the stir fried Tofu pieces and cook for 2 minutes. Switch off the flame and sprinkle some sesame seeds. Enjoy hot with some Fried rice.
NOTES:
1. Tofu can be easily swapped with Paneer in this recipe.
2. The vegetables used here are completely customizable.
3. This recipe has been cooked with store bought sauce. To make homemade Schezwan sauce, click here.
4. I served the Tofu and stir fried vegetables in hot Schezwan sauce, with Gobi fried rice.
Rasakalan
Rasakalan is a traditional mixed vegetable dish from the Palakkad cuisine. The dish is so rustic and delicious and very easy to make. It is great to go with hot rice or can be served on the sides with Dosa or Idli. The vegetables mostly used in this dish are Ash gourd, Sweet potato, pumpkin, that are cooked in a tangy tamarind sauce and then a flavourful coconut masala paste is added. It is the paste that makes all the difference. Finally the seasoning in coconut oil enhances the flavours of the dish and takes it to a different level.
In our family my aunt makes this the best, so this recipe has been adapted from her instructions. This recipe allows you to customize the vegetables as per your liking. I have used a mix of Ash gourd, Capsicum, Carrot, Beans and Potatoes.
Tamarind paste 1 tbsp or soak gooseberry size tamarind ball and extract pulp appx 1.5 cup
Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
Salt as required
Coconut 2 tbsp
Green chillies 2
Dry red chillies 4 (or depending on spice choice)
Jaggery 1 tsp
Coconut oil or refined oil 1/2 tbsp
Mustard seeds 1 tsp
Chana dal ( gram dal) 1/2 tbsp
Asafoetida 1/2 tsp
Dry red chilli broken 1
Curry leaves a few
Directions:
In a pan add the tamarind paste plus 2 cups water or tamarind pulp 1.5 cups and switch on the flame. Add turmeric powder and salt followed by chopped vegetables and cook until the vegetables are done. The vegetables should be well cooked but firm. Overcooking may ruin the taste of the dish. When the vegetables are cooked grind the coconut, green chillies, dry red chillies to a smooth paste adding a little water. Pour this paste into the vegetable and tamarind gravy and cook further for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the gravy comes together. Put off the flame. In a tempering Kadai take some coconut oil or any oil of our choice and heat. Add mustard seeds, when they crackle add the gram dal, asafoetida and curry leaves. Add this tempering to the cooked curry. The delicious Rasakalan is ready to serve. Enjoy with hot rice or with Dosa, pongal or upma.
STEPWISE RECIPE FOLLOWS:
1. In a pan add the tamarind paste plus 2 cups water or tamarind pulp 1.5 cups and switch on the flame. Add turmeric powder and salt followed by chopped vegetables and cook until the vegetables are done.
2. When the vegetables are cooked grind the coconut, green chillies, dry red chillies to a smooth paste adding a little water.
3. Pour this paste into the vegetable and tamarind gravy and cook further for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the gravy comes together. Add the jaggery and put off the flame.
4. In a tempering Kadai take some coconut oil or any oil of our choice and heat. Add mustard seeds, when they crackle add the gram dal, asafoetida and curry leaves. Add this tempering to the cooked curry. The delicious Rasakalan is ready to serve. Enjoy with hot rice or with Dosa, pongal or upma.
NOTES:
1. As said earlier the vegetables can be customized to ones liking, keeping the vegetables traditional and Indian helps in retaining the traditional taste.
2. Using coconut oil enhances the taste, but any other oil of preference can be used too. Note taste will vary though.
3. The texture and consistency of this dish should be thicker then Sambar.
If you tried this recipe and liked it please comment below. I would love to hear from you. If you have a query about the recipe email us and ill respond as soon as I can.
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Menthiya Keerai Kootu/South Indian Methi Dal
Fenugreek or Methi green are my most favorite greens and i wish they were perennial. That said, even though they can be grown at home perennially, its always good to eat seasonal food, to get the maximum benefits out of them. These slightly bitter greens have loads of benefits to offer and one should make the most of it.
As said earlier I love these greens, so even in my regular North Indian subji’s I use a few sprigs for flavour. On my blog you will find Methi used in different ways like the Aloo Methi Paratha, Methi Wale Baingan and more…
Today I am posting a simple everyday South Indian recipe which is Menthiya Keerai kootu or Methi dal. This is different from the North Indain version as here ground coconut paste is used for flavouring, which reduces the bitterness of the Methi and ehances its flavour. I prefer using Moongdal for this kootu though Tuvar dal also can be used. Let’s get to the recipe right away.
This is a simple recipe that gets done in under 30 minutes. The dal can be pre cooked to make quick dinner after a long day at work. Just this Kootu and some Rice and one is in for a super healthy and satiating meal.
Here is the recipe for Menthiya Keerai Kootu
PREP TIME: 10 MINS COOK TIME:15 MINS
TOTAL TIME: 25 MINS COURSE: MAIN
CUISINE: SOUTH INDIAN SERVINGS: 4
AUTHOR: RAJNI RAM
Ingredients:
Methi green/Fenugreek greens 1 bunch
Moong dal 1/2 cup Roasted to light brown
Tomato 1 finely chopped
Grated Coconut 2 tbsp
Cumin 1 tsp
Turmeric powder 1 tsp
Sambar powder 1 tsp
Red chilli powder 1 tsp
Dry red chillies 2 whole
Mustard seeds 1 tsp
Urad dal 2 tsp
Chana dal 1 tsp
Oil for tempering (I used coconut oil)
Directions:
In a Karahi dry roast the Moong Dal to a light brown colour and pressure cook for 4 whistles. In a pan, take the Methi leaves and add 1 cup water followed by turmeric powder and salt and cook. When the leaves are half done add Sambar powder and red chilli powder and continue to cook. Add chopped tomatoes and cook for another minute. Now add the cooked dal and give it a nice mix. Add grated coconut, mix well, cook for 2 minutes and put off the flame. In a small Tadka Kadai take some oil for tempering. When oil is hot add the mustard seeds, followed by Urad dal, Chana dal , broken dry red chilli, and asafoetida. Pour the tempering in to the Methi dal and the delicious and healthy Menthiya Keerai kootu is ready.
Serving Suggestions: This Methi dal or Menthiya Keerai kootu goes very well with Vathakuzhambu rice, Rasam rice, Paruppu podi. And me, I love them with Rotis too.
STEPWISE RECIPE FOLLOWS:
1. In a Karahi dry roast the Moong Dal to a light brown colour and pressure cook for 4 whistles, with a little turmeric powder. In a pan, take the Methi leaves and add 1 cup water followed by turmeric powder and salt and cook.
2. In a pan, take the Methi leaves and add 1 cup water followed by turmeric powder and salt and cook. When the leaves are half done add Sambar powder and red chilli powder and continue to cook. Add chopped tomatoes and cook for another minute.
3. Now add the cooked dal and give it a nice mix. Add grated coconut, mix well, cook for 2 minutes and put off the flame.
4. In a small tadka Kadai take some oil for tempering. When oil is hot add the mustard seeds, followed by Urad dal, Chana dal , broken dry red chilli, and asafoetida. Pour the tempering in to the Methi dal and the delicious and healthy Menthiya Keerai kootu is ready.
NOTES:
1. Dry roasting the Moong dal gives a good flavour, aroma and texture to the Kootu. I always have a roasted batch ready.
2. I have used Coconut oil for enhanced flavour as i used it for all south Indian tempering except Sambar and Rasam. One can use refined oil too.
3. Not over cooking the Methi greens is important, other wise the taste is lost.
If you tried this recipe and liked it please comment below. I would love to hear from you. If you have a query about the recipe email us and ill respond as soon as I can.
Pachai Sundakkai Kuzhambu (Chettinad Style)
Sundakkai/ Chundakkai in Tamil or Turkery Berry in English, as it is widely known, is a vegetable used in South Indian cooking to make a Kuzhambu or a gravy in which these berries are simmered with spices. As tasty as the Kuzhambu tastes, the berries are slightly bitter and have many medicinal benefits. This Vegetable is also known as Kudenekayi in Kannada or Usthikaya in Telugu. In Hindi it is called Bankatiya. I am giving here different names so that if you know this vegetable, one must try out recipes made of it because of its medicinal properties.
In SouthIndia the berries are blanched and then dried in the sun for a few days until it changes colour and is completely dry. The dried berries are then stored in an airtight jar then used to make the Sundakkai Vathakuzhambu. The dried berries are also fried in ghee and make an yummy accompaniment for curd rice. The berries fried in ghee are also mixed with hot rice and eaten as it is believed that it helps in deworming.
Health benefits of Sundakkai/ Turkey Berry- cures common cold, helps in treating kidney related issues, treats Anaemia, helps in treating cough and asthma, clears mucus, help in controlling diabetes, and they heal gastric ulcers.1Berry myriad benefits.
In this recipe I am using the fresh Sundakkai and not the dried ones( Vathal). Here the berries are cooked in tamarind sauce with a spicy, ground masala paste. The fresh berries are little bitter and so have to smashed using a pestle, so that as the Berry gets cooked in the tamarind pulp the bitterness is reduced. I am calling this a Chettinad style Kuzhambu because the masala paste used here is the Chettinad masala paste.
Here is the recipe of Pachai Sundakkai Kuzhambu for you-
PREP TIME: 15 MINS COOK TIME: 20 Mins
TOTAL TIME: 35 Mins COURSE: MAIN
CUISINE: SOUTH INDIAN SERVINGS: 5
AUTHOR: Rajni Ram
Ingredients:
Sundakkai/ Turkey Berry (fresh) 150 gm
Tamarind paste 1.5 tbsp ( or pulp of lemon sized ball)
Onion 1 (medium) diced
Tomato 1 large chopped roughly
Garlic 10 to 12 cloves
Curry leaves a few leaves
Green chillies 2
Gingelly/Til/Sesame oil 1.5 tbsp
Asafoetida 1/2 tsp
To grind:
Coriander seeds 1 tbsp
Fennel seeds 1.5 tsp
Dry red chilli 2
Kashmiri dry red chilli 1(optional)
Coconut gratings 1.5 tbsp
To temper:
Mustard seeds 1 tsp
Chana dal(gram) 1 tsp
Dry red chilli 1 broken
Methi/ fenugreek seeds 1 pinch
Asafoetida 1/2 tsp
Method:
Wash and pat dry the Sundakkai/Turkey berry. Now with a mortar and pestle smash it lightly, such that it splits midway(refer picture). Now in a pan heat oil, add all ingredients under tempering followed by asafoetida and fry for 30 seconds. Now add the lightly crushed Sundakkai to the tempering and fry nicely for a minute.Now add the garlic cloves followed by onion, curry leaves and green chillies and continue to saute for 2 minutes. Now add the tomatoes and saute until the tomatoes turn tender. Add the tamarind paste followed by 2.5 cups water (or) add the pulp extracted from lemon sized ball of tamarind. Stir nicely and begin boiling. Add turmeric powder and cook until the Sundakkai turns tender. Check for doneness of Sundakkai by crushing one with a spoon/ladle. If it mashes easily the berries are cooked. Now grind all the ingredients under “to grind” to a coarse mixture, then add 1/2 cup water and grind to a smooth paste. Add this paste to the Sundakkai simmering in the Tamarind pulp,stir well and allow to cook. Continue cooking until the gravy thickens and the raw small of the masala is gone. The tasty and healthy Chettinad style Sundakkai Kuzhambu is ready.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: With hot rice, with Dosa, Idli, pongal,
and Curd rice.
STEPWISE RECIPE FOLLOWS:
1. Assemble all ingredients. Wash and pat dry the Sundakkai/Turkey berry. Now with a mortar and pestle smash it lightly, such that it splits midway.
2. Now in a pan heat oil, add all ingredients under tempering followed by asafoetida and fry for 30 seconds. Now add the lightly crushed Sundakkai to the tempering and fry nicely for a minute.
3. Add the garlic cloves followed by onion, curry leaves and green chillies and continue to saute for 2 minutes. Now add the tomatoes and saute until the tomatoes turn tender.
4. Add the tamarind paste followed by 2.5 cups water (or) add the pulp extracted from lemon sized ball of tamarind. Stir nicely and begin boiling. Add turmeric powder and cook until the Sundakkai turns tender.
5. Now grind all the ingredients under “to grind” to a coarse mixture, then add 1/2 cup water and grind to a smooth paste. Add this paste to the Sundakkai simmering in the Tamarind pulp,stir well and allow to cook. Continue cooking until the gravy thickens and the raw small of the masala is gone.
NOTES:
1. Follow the precedure given to split open the berry midway. The kuzhambu will taste to bitter if the berries are not split.
2. After the berries cook in the tamarind sauce, check for doneness by pressing them with a ladle or soon. If they crush easily, they are cooked.
3. I have used Gingelly/Til oil as it adds extra flavour to the dish. Unless one is allergic to sesame oil or does not like the taste I recommend using the oil. Alternately refined oil can be used.
If you tried this recipe and liked it please comment below. I would love to hear from you. If you have a query about the recipe email us and ill respond as soon as I can.
If you would like to receive our recipes in your mail please leave your mail id at the homepage. Every time Rajjo’s Kitchen has a new post we will mail the recipe to you.
Matar Paneer (One Pot)
Matar Paneer is an everyday dish made of Green Peas and cottage cheese in a tomato gravy. Usually had with any Indian flatbread or with rice. The sweetness of the Peas, the tanginess of the tomatoes, the texture of the Paneer, and the flavors of the spices all gel so well. It can be directly made in a pressure cooker( which I have done today) or can be made in a karahi.
In Rajjo’s Kitchen whenever I say tomatoes its mostly the local one( desi) and not the hybrid tomatoes ones which are sweeter. When I’m using the Hybrid ones will always specify.
Let’s get to the recipe right away.
PREP TIME: 15 COOK TIME: 15Mins
TOTAL TIME:30Mins COURSE: MAIN
CUISINE: NORTH INDIAN SERVINGS: 6
AUTHOR: Rajni Ram
Ingredients:
Green Peas 100 gm
Paneer 200 gm cut into cubes
Tomatoes 2 large or 3 medium(pureed)
Onions 1 large pureed
Ginger-garlic paste 1 tsp
Refined oil 6 tsp( 3 tsp first and 3 later, follow the recipe)
Besan or Gram flour 1 Tbsp(or) Cashew nuts 6( pre-soaked)
Fresh coriander leaves finely chopped 2 tsp
Salt to taste
Jeera/ Cumin 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
Red chilli powder 1 tsp ( can add 1/2 tsp more if you need more spice)
Coriander powder
Garam Masala powder
Directions:
If using a pressure cooker you don’t have to precook the peas. If using the Karahi method, precook the peas( they should be cooked soft, but not mushy).
Put the cooker on the stove, heat on medium. once hot, pour oil 3 tsp.
once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds, as they crackle add the turmeric powder.
Now add the onions puree and cook until transparent, don’t brown them. Add in the Ginger Garlic paste and saute well. The onion and Ginger Garlic paste will start releasing oil once they are cooked. Add another 3 tsp oil, reduce the flame of the stove and put in the Besan, and nicely saute it in the oil. Take care to not burn it. As the Besan browns, add the tomato puree and drop in the peas, add salt followed by all the spice powders( except Garam Masala powder). add about 1.5 cups water, close the cooker, and put on the whistle. cook for 6 whistles and put off the stove. While the pressure reduces in the cooker, let’s get our Paneer ready. Cut them into cubes, and drop them in boiling water with a pinch of salt for 2 minutes. Remove immediately and transfer to a plate. Once the pressure in the cooker releases, open the cooker and drop in the cubed Paneer and switch on the stove on low. check for salt and spices at this stage and adjust it. Add the Garam Masala powder now and put off the stove. Transfer the contents to a bowl and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. You can decorate it with a little grated cheese, for the restaurant effect. Voila, your Matar Paneer is ready. Enjoy!
STEPWISE RECIPE FOLLOWS:
1. Assemble all ingredients.
2. Put the pressure cooker on the stove and let it heat up. Once hot, pour 3 tsp oil and heat. Add Jeera and as it splutters add the onion paste and saute nicely.
3. Add the ginger-garlic paste and saute further until the oil is released. At this stage add the remaining 3 tsp oil and add the besan to this and roast on low flame till it becomes a little brown. It may appear as a paste, keep stirring this paste continuously till you see a light brown color. Add the tomato puree and stir nicely so that no lumps of the paste remain.
4. Let a slight boil come and add the Green Peas followed by all the masala powders( except Garam Masala). Add salt and stir.
5. Add 1 cup water, give a nice stir close the lid of cooker and let 6 whistles come.
6. After the pressure comes down open the cooker. Switch on the stove and add the paneer cubes and let it boil on low heat for two minutes. Add the Garam Masala powder, give it a stir and empty into a bowl. Garnish with fresh coriander. You can also sprinkle some shredded cheese to decorate( I forgot to do so).
Your tasty Matar Paneer is ready. Enjoy with Phulkas, Rotis, or Naan on the side or just rice.
Bon appetit…
NOTES
1. As it’s a simple everyday subji ( side dish) I did not add the whole masala in the beginning. If you are cooking it for a get-together or party, you can add the whole masala like 1 or 2 cloves, 1 Tej Patha( Bay leaf), few Peppercorns along with Jeera.
2. If you want to use cashew nuts instead of the Besan then, after adding Jeera saute onion, ginger garlic paste and cut tomatoes until they turn soft. Cool and blend in mixie. Pour this paste into the cooker and continue from step 4.
3. I usually don’t fry the Paneer in oil, instead, I put it in boiling water for exactly 2 mins, don’t let it stay in hot water for more than that, they may stick to each other.
If following the karahi method, pre-cook the peas and follow the same method.
If you tried this recipe and liked it, comment below. I would love to hear from you.
