Chicken Kale Saag

Kale got me keenly interested for all its health assets.After all one can never get enough of greens.Copious serving like such in this saag is healthful as well as toothsome.

Did you know that besides being rich in Vitamins A,C and K,dietary Fiber,Kale is also a very good source of Calcium?,good news for those with milk allergies.A cup of kale supplies 93.6 mg of calcium (9.4% of the daily value for this mineral) for only 36.4 calories.
Recipe : Chicken Kale Saag

Saag is a cherished green side dish of North Indian cuisine.Spinach is common tender green in saag ,often paired with bitter mustard greens,the hearty kale is an equally healthy accomplish for a green in the saag.I like the saag little more runny than thick,add less water for a more thicker gravy.
As for the meat not just chicken,the saag is good with lamb or turkey.Or make the saag all vegan, with plant protein like soy nuggets or firm tofu.
Ingredients
2 lb Free-range skinless chicken with bones,cut in medium pieces[vegans could use soy nuggets or firm tofu,reduce the cooking time]
5-6 medium Kale leaves,rinsed and roughly chopped
1/2 a medium onion ,chopped
2 cloves garlic,minced
1/2 inch ginger root ,minced
1/2 teaspoon each of cumin and coriander powder(or poultry seasoning)
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Method
Trim any excess white fat from chicken. Freeze the chicken for an hour before trimming that can help remove the fat. Clean meat of any blood,by running it through cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Mix with turmeric and keep aside for few minutes.This helps kill any bacteria on meat.

Heat oil in a skillet on medium high ,saute onions until lightly brown. Then add the minced garlic and ginger,saute another minute before adding rest of the dry spices. Cover and cook for about 30 minutes on medium low heat until chicken is cooked through. Meanwhile puree the kale in a heavy duty grinder(ordinary blenders may not yield good results)with 1 cup(or less) of water until smooth.Add to the simmering chicken ,cook another 8-10 minutes until flavor fuse .Serve warm with rice or bread.


Kale belongs to Cruciferous family of vegetables,in focus for Health Nut Challenge 5.Please find the details of the challenge here.

Craving More Cranberries. And Xagave N Cookbook Giveaway

If the previous post wasn't enough ,here are some more of the appetizing dishes with the phenomenal cranberries, that always crave me for more.Why not ,these are incredibly healthy and cheapest this season.Make the most of their abundance in the markets,devour them in sweet or savory ,the berry is very adaptable in everyday cooking.The recipes are also part of Health Nut challenge: Healing foods.

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Cranberries have long been valued for their ability to help prevent and treat urinary tract infections. Now, recent studies suggest that this native American berry may also promote gastrointestinal and oral health, prevent the formation of kidney stones, lower LDL and raise HDL (good) cholesterol, aid in recovery from stroke, and even help prevent cancer..Read more about its health benefits at whfoods.org

Cranberry Salsa with Baked Sweet Potatoes

Serves 3-4
Both Recipes adapted from My Own Sweet Thyme
1 cup cranberries,chopped
1 small tomato,finely chopped
1/2 a medium onion,finely chopped
1-2 jalapeno or any other hot peppers, seeded and finely chopped
2 Tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon orange zest
1 Tablespoon orange juice
1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

Method
mix all the ingredients and let sit for an hour for flavors to infuse.Serve with any baked chips or as a relish.

Baked Sweet Potato Chips
Ingredients
1 large sweet potato (approximately 8 ounces)
1 table spoon of extra virgin olive oil or canola oil
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Method
Peel the sweet potato and slice crosswise into 1/8 inch slices using a very sharp knife or other vegetable slicer.
In a mixing bowl mix the slices with salt ,oil and chili powder.Use hands to rub oil in to each one of the slices.Arrange the sweet potato slices on 2 baking sheets in a single layer.
Bake at 375 degrees ,while turning once ,for about 18-20 minutes.Cool and immediately transfer in air tight containers.Chips tasted best on the same day,if store properly are good for a week or two.

Cranberry Lentils

Recipe adapted from Cham's Cranberry Dhal(lentil)
Ingredients
1 cup split yellow Moong lentil
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon Turmeric
1/2 teaspoon Salt
Tempering(tadka)
1/2 cup Fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 a medium onion,finely chopped(about 2 tablespoon)
2 dry red chillies
2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil or canola oil
1/2 teaspoon each of Mustard seeds and Cumin seeds
few Curry leaves
Method
Cook the lentils in a 2 cups of water ,turmeric,chili powder and salt until lentils are soft. May take 8-10 minutes in a pressure cooker or 25-30 minutes in a covered skillet. Now mash the cooked lentil mixture.
To prepare the tempering, heat oil in a smallest pan in the kitchen. Add the berries,onions,dry chillies,mustard seeds ,garlic and curry leaves and chillies. Turn off the heat when the mustard seeds start to splutter and berries start to pop.Mix this in to the lentil mixture.Serve with any kind of bread.


Cranberry Vegetables

Include cranberries with any kind of spicy sauteed vegetables,I add the berries towards the end of the cooking process and cook for another 5-6 minutes.

Spicy Cranberry sauce Chicken

The tangy cranberries with spices and herbs enhance the flavor of chicken.I remember tasting this dish with turkey at one of my friends place,the recipe also worked perfectly with chicken.

Recipe
Ingredients
2 pounds Skinless Free range chicken,whole or cut in medium pieces
1 teaspoon spice mix(I used Shan Tikka masala or use any other chicken seasoning)
1 teaspoon salt
for the sauce
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 teaspoon each of cumin and coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon hot chili powder
1/2 cup fresh herbs,cilantro or mint or parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
Method
Marinate the chicken in the spice mix and salt for an hour.
Prepare the sauce,blend all the ingredients under sauce in a food processor or blender.Cook the mixture on medium heat for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
Preheat oven to 325F.T
Transfer the chicken in an baking dish.Bake for about 35 minutes. Get the dish out of the oven and pour the sauce all over the chicken.Cook for another 25-30 minutes until tender and cooked through.Serve warm as a side dish.


Xagave(Agave Nectar) and Delicious Meet Nutritious Cook book give away!

I've tried and loved the wonder product,now is a chance to win this awesome package of Xagave and the Delicious Meet Nutritious Cook book :
*Leave a comment on this post about the favorite agave recipe from the list I tried or from the Xagave blog.
*Spread the word ,if you own a blog ,mention about the giveaway or tweet about it.
You have until next Monday(30th November) to enter.One lucky winner will be announced on next day.Good luck!

Updated:The lucky winner is tasteofbeirut.Congrats!Please claim your prize by December 5th.Drop me your address at YasmeenHealthnut@gmail.com.

Mint Harissa Chicken

The fiery Harissa is got to be the spicy lovers favorite hot sauce.The Splendid North African chile sauce is a perfect spicy replacement for ketchup,goes well in bean soups ,salads and as spread on sandwiches.Marinating tofu ,seafood ,chicken or meat in harissa gives an amazing spicy flavor.
The following recipe is from Hasan M'souli's Modern Morrocan,adding roasted bell peppers and mint certainly eases some of the heat from the hot peppers,although you could use any other kind of green like cilantro or Parsley.And the surprisingly common ingredients makes it possible to adjust the spice ,use a hot or mild Chile,as per your heat index.

Mint Harissa
Ingredients
6 dried red chili peppers
1 Red bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon Olive oil
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 cup fresh mint ,Chopped

Method
Char the pepper on high heat in a broiler or grill or stove top.Turn occasionally with tongs, until skins are blackened, 15 to 20 minutes. Allow to cool then peel and remove the peel and seeds.


Blend all the ingredients together in a processor along with the roasted peppers until well combined and smooth. Use the sauce in salads or marinate tofu,meat or spread on sandwiches. Can be refrigerated up to a month in an air tight container.

(Thanks to Pooja)The Harissa is my entry for AFAM, hosting Bell Peppers is Priya's Easy N Tasty treats.

Mint Harissa Chicken With Freekah
The bland chicken gets a whole new make over with the enticing hot sauce.Served with any kind of whole grains and greens,the meal is good balance of flavor and nutrition.And of course vegetarians could make replace chicken with Firm tofu.

Ingredients
2 tablespoon Mint Harissa
1 chicken breast(about 1 pound),cut in cubes
1 teaspoon Extra virgin Olive oil

Method
Marinate the chicken in Harissa for about 30 minutes.Baked at 375F for 25minutes.Serve with Whole grains like Freekah,Quinoa,Couscous or Broken wheat.

Freekah'
Ingredients
2 cups Freekah(green wheat)[or use whole grain couscous or bulgur wheat,change the cooking time accordingly]
1 medium onion, chopped
1 ripe plum tomato, finely chopped
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Chilly powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin and coriander powder
2 cups fresh greens for garnish(romaine lettuce or arugula)


Method
Heat a big skillet over medium flame. Add extra-virgin olive oil, cumin seeds and onion . Saute for few seconds before adding turmeric, chilly powder and other dry spices. season with salt.Add the broth to the skillet and stir and add the freekah. Cover and cook for 30 minutes until freekah is soft. Serve with Baked Mint Harissa Chicken and garnish with fresh greens.


This chicken dish is my entry for Vicki's Potluck-chicken Event.

Caribbean-style Kabobs with Rice and Beans

During my weekly shopping at Costco,the gorgeous Caribbean Pineapple and Tart Champagne mangoes caught my eye.Straight from sunny Islands these tropical fruits are in full bloom in stores here.The weather here still pretty much cold with on-n-off cold-n-warm spells,the warming tropical fruits like such are the best taste of the sunny side of world.

The sun-soaked scenic Caribbean Islands,is home to hottest peppers and bountiful tropical fruits and a spicy fusion cuisine of mostly African, Spanish and Indian flavors.Speaking of hot peppers,having tasted some really hot peppers
from South India,the Caribbean hot peppers Scotch Bonnet and Harbanero (falling in the range of hottest peppers in the world) are true delights for hot chili enthusiasts,just one or two are enough to add fieriness to the meal.

My Caribbean platter includes chicken kabobs with the Caribbean Jerk seasoning(blend of hot peppers and spices),tropical fruit kabobs with sweet and tart flavors of Pineapple and mangoes along side the classic Caribbean Rice and beans.To add an extra layer of fruit ,top with Sassy Pine apple mango salsa ,the recipe coming up in another post.
Jerk Seasoning
A traditional spicy hot blend of peppers and spices,the quintessential taste of Caribbean cuisine,in particular Jamaican cooking.The seasoning is used for curing meat, poultry or fish and then slowly grilling over wood fire.This smoking method was originally used for preserving the meat.Choose between the store-bought dry Jerk seasoning or fresh homemade marinade as in my following recipe.

To find a treasure of authentic Caribbean meals ,explore Cynthia's Taste like home. And join in the Meeta's Monthly Mingle ,featuring Caribbean cooking this month.

Caribbean-style Kabobs
Chicken Kabobs with Caribbean Jerk Seasoning

Ingredients
1 3/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium onion, cut in square 1 inch pieces
1 medium bell pepper,Red or Green or Yellow,cut into squares

For Jerk Marinade
2 Scotch Bonnet or Harbanero Peppers,seed it for easing some heat and chop.
1 clove garlic,peeled and chopped
1 medium onion,chopped
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon Orange Juice
1 tablespoon thyme,dried or fresh
1 teaspoon all spice
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 tablespoon Soy sauce
2 tablespoon lime juice,freshly squeezed.
2 tablespoon Extra virgin Olive oil or vegetable oil


4 bamboo skewers,soaked in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning.

Method
Blend all the marinade ingredients.Mix the marinade with the chicken and vegetables ,marinate for an hour.Thread them on skewers with chicken,peppers and onions alternately on each.
In Broiler
Preheat the Broiler.Place the skewers on a baking sheet,transfer in the oven and let bake for 7 minutes,turn once and allow to bake for another 5 minutes.Serve warm.
On Grill
Heat your grill or grill pan on medium high heat.Placed the skewers
on heated grill,cook for about 6-8 minutes on both sides. Serve warm.

Mango Pineapple Kabobs

Ingredients
1/2 a medium pineapple,peeled,cored and cubed
1 mango(Tart Champagne Mangoes),peeled ,seeded and cubed
1/2 teaspoon spice mix,blend of cumin,cinnamon and nutmeg
3 bamboo skewers(10 inch long)

Method
Mix all the ingredients and marinate for 10 minutes.Thread them on skewers with Pineapple and mango alternately on each.Broil or grill like the chicken kabobs,about 3 minutes on each side.Serve.

Caribbean Rice and Beans


Ingredients
2 cups White rice
1 cup Red kidney beans,cooked
1 medium onion,chopped
2 garlic cloves,minced
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 hot pepper , scotch bonnet or harbanero,seeded and finely chopped.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups water or vegetable broth.

Method
Heat the oil in a large skillet on medium heat.Saute onions until translucent about a minute,add garlic and hot peppers saute for few seconds, then add beans and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the rice to the beans, then stir in stock and coconut milk,season with salt and pepper, reduce heat,cover and simmer until rice is cooked, about 15 to 20 minutes.Allow to sit for ten minutes,fluff the rice with a fork then serve.

A word of caution while handling hot peppers
For particularly sensitive hands use gloves while seeding and chopping hot peppers or wash hands thoroughly to rinse away the essential hots oils of the pepper which can cause burning sensation.

Capsaicin,the heat of the Peppers
Capsaicin has many curative benefits such as lowering blood pressure,reducing sinus inflammation , promoting good blood circulation and also helps in burning unwanted fat .While not ever one has the same tolerance for capsaicin,an overdose can result in upset stomach or diarrhea.A cup of cold milk can help relief the lingering heart burn after eating spicy peppers.

An Update: Made for Each other Food Event

The Strawberry Cobbler with Orange-Carrot Frozen yogurt is the winner of Made for Each other Food event,which invited the recipes with foods that make a lovable combo.Here are the lovely entries.Thanks to Rathna for the exciting food event:).

The Day of Feasting:Eid

The Holiday of Eid(meaning festivity in Arabic) holds the best memories of fun n frolic for me. Eid is the time of reconciliation,joy and thanksgiving.Its a celebration of unity ,twice every year,one at the end of month long fasting in Ramadan and the other at the end of the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj.Growing up in the bustling city of Hyderabad South India,also known as the land of Nawabs(governors of mughalai empire),I adored the ecstatic ambiance of Eid every year.As a child it was the most awaited jubilant time of the year, we got our best clothes stitched for the occasion ,after the morning Eid prayers ,visited friends and family,slurping the warm sweet nutty sheerkhorma,embracing each other with warmest eid hugs and the most exciting moment of the day was the Eidi(gift as money) from elders.
The lavish feast on Eid is got to be the food lovers best part of the day.As the day progresses ,the inviting aroma of spicy foods fills the air making us voracious for the most appetizing meal of the year and the indulgence in sweet delicacies would leave us pretty much satisfied with sugar until next Eid.
The hyderabadi cuisine is haven of spicy dishes strongly influenced by Persian and Mughalai cuisine. The meaty Haleem and Biryani , prepared with many variations and known with different names from South Asia to Middle east,are the most crowding please recipes of the Eid feast.Here is the Eid feast menu with the array of enticing majestic flavorsome dishes sure to leave the guests stuffed up with contentment.


Appetizer
Hummus with Whole wheat pita chips

Starters
Salad Olviye .
Sesame Dinner rolls with Chicken Shorba

Main course
Haleem
Lamb Biryani

Side Dish
Mirchi Ka Salan

Dessert
Double ka meeta
Sheerkhorma

Drink
Pomegranate Juice

The key to making a satisfying stress free meal for a feast without spending major part of the festive day in the kitchen is to prepare a game plan.
Game Plan
4 days ahead
Make sure you shopped for all the spices and other ingredients needed .
3 days Ahead
Make the hummus and pita chips
2 days ahead
Make the dessert Double Ka Meeta ,Mirchi Ka Salan,Marinate meat for Haleem and chicken shorba
1 day ahead
Make the Chicken Shorba and Haleem ,marinate the meat for the biryani
Night before the feast
Make the SheerKhorma,Cook the meat gravy needed for the biryani
On the day of feast
Make the dinner rolls,Salad and the biryani

To make the feast as healthy as possible,I cooked with the healthiest olive oil ,enhanced flavors with fresh herbs and home made ground spices, bought Organic ingredients were ever possible,used meat low in fat,cut down the saturated fats in the desserts.


Appetizer
Hummus with Whole wheat pita chips
Hummus is creamy yummy is apt as a nutritious appetizer for any party.
The recipe .



Soup and Salad
Salad Olviye

When my buddy Zee gave me her favorite salad recipe,it was my instant choice for eid dinner.Salad Olviye/Olvieh is a hearty persian salad that's protein rich and usually served cold . Its original recipe was created by a French cook living in Russia and it is referred to as Olivier Salad in Russia.Even though it is referred to as a salad it can be consumed as a wholesome meal.
Ingredients

1 big russet potato boiled,peeled and finely chopped
2 hard boiled eggs ,finely chopped
1 medium sized chicken breast
1 dill pickle ,chopped
1/4 cup par-boiled fresh green peas/canned peas
2 medium sized boiled and chopped carrots
1 medium sized onion diced
1 cup fat free mayonnaise
2 tbsp vinegar/fresh lime juice
Salt and black pepper
2 tablespoon Olive oil

Preparation:
- Boil the chicken along with onion, a little bit of salt, pepper, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice and a glass of water.
- Simmer till done, cool and shred.
- In a big mixing bowl toss in all the ingredients; chicken, potatoes, eggs, pickle, peas, carrots, mayo, vinegar/lime juice, salt and pepper.
- Mix well, taste and adjust seasoning.
- garnish with fresh tomatoes, herbs, peas or pomegranates.

Sesame Dinner rolls
Sesame dinner rolls are ideal for dunking in the spicy chicken shorba .

Ingredients
2 1/2 cup of all purpose flour
1 envelope rapid rise yeast
1/2 tablespoon salt
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoon Olive oil
2 tablespoon Sesame seeds for topping
2 tablespoon milk for brushing.

Method
Combine flour with yeast and salt in a large mixing bowl.Heat milk until its warm and pour in the bowl of dry ingredient along with the Olive oil.Knead the dough until smooth and silky.Grease the bowl with some oil on the sides and cover the bowl and let rise in a warm place until double its size.punch the air out and transfer on the flour work surface.
Make walnut size balls off the dough and form them in to small rounds,place on a greased or lined baking sheet.The balls of dough should be 1/4 inch apart .Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 425F,while they rise.When the buns have puffed up,brush them with some milk and sprinkle them with sesame seeds.Bake them for about 15 minutes until lightly brown on top.

Chicken Shorba

The spicy chicken shorba is the perfect warming start of the meal.
Ingredients you'll need are
1 lb Free-range skinless chicken,fat trimmed
1/2 cup fresh herbs cilantro and mint, chopped
2 medium onion chopped
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon chilly powder
2 cloves garlic
1/2 inch ginger root or 3/4 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon garam masala powder(ground cumin,coriander,cloves and cinnamon mix)
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

To make the Shorba
Trim any excess white fat from chicken pieces. Freeze the chicken for an hour before trimming that way fat cuts off easily. Clean meat by running it through cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric and keep aside for few minutes.This helps kill any bacteria on meat.
Heat a skillet on medium high flame. Add Olive oil ,chopped onions and cumin seeds. Saute until lightly brown ,for about 8-10 minutes and add the minced garlic and ginger . Now add the chicken ,turmeric ,garam masala ,salt and chilly powder.Saute for a minute on high flame,then add 2 cups of water. Cover and simmer for an hour on medium-low flame or in a slow cooker for 5-6 hours,until chicken is tender and falls off the bones,serve warm with rice or Flat breads.

Main Course
Haleem

Delectable Haleem is originally a Persian recipe and is commonly prepared during Ramadan.The recipe.

Lamb Biryani

Hyderabadi Biryani is my ultimate recipe for a flavorful rice. The bite of protein,the aroma of spices,the tang from lime,sweetness of onions and touch of herbs make this biryani a top favorite of my family and guests in any daawat(party).
The recipe.

Side Dish
Mirchi Ka Salan

This spicy Chillies curry is never missed in any local party in Hyderabad,one can always make it milder with mildest chillies.The recipe.


Dessert
Double ka meeta (Rich bread dessert)

The richness of this dessert has made it a prominent dessert of the authentic Hyderabadi cuisine.The recipe.


SheerKhorma

Sheerkhorma is a luscious dessert prepared on Eid,made with roasted thin vermicelli in milk garnished with loads of dry fruits,traditionally slurped after the morning Eid prayers.The recipe.

Sesame Chicken with Sauteed Cabbage Salad and Red Potato Oven Fries: A 30 minute Meal

It took me lesser time to cook this meal than to write down all the 3 recipes and put together the images along with the water marks.In other words this is a quick meal prepared under 30 minutes ;provided one can move and cook like Rachael ray in the kitchen,by quickly gathering all the ingredients and chopping ,mixing , baking and cooking all the dishes simultaneously .I was a regular viewer of Rachael show when I was a kitchen newbie,she is an inspiration for my quick cooking skills and home made meals to fit in our busy lifestyles.She took quick cooking to whole new level and charmed everyone with her bubbly personality and her favorite expressions "EVOO" ,Yum-O!,Delish! have become popular among foodies catch phrases.

Here is the recipe for a quick meal.For making this meal under 30 minutes,bake the chicken and fries together.When chicken is done,slightly increase the oven temperature for the fries.While it bakes ,cook the cabbage salad.
Sesame Chicken

Ingredients
1 chicken breast or 2 chicken tenders,sliced across(about 1/2lb)
1/2 teaspoon chilly powder
2 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoon Extra virgin Olive oil(EVOO)
1 tablespoon Sesame oil
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
2 spring onions ,chopped
Dash of hot sauce
Salt as per taste

Method
Preheat the oven to 375 F.Marinate chicken in all the ingredients except the sesame seeds and spring onions for about 5 minutes while the oven is preheating.
Spread the chicken in a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes until chicken is tender.
Transfer in to the serving plate,garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped spring onions.

Sauteed Cabbage Salad

Ingredients
2 cups shred cabbage
1/2 cup sliced Red peppers
1/2 a small onion sliced
2 tablespoon soy sauce
1 clove garlic
pinch of chilly powder
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
salt as per taste
Method
Heat EVOO in a pan on medium heat and saute garlic for few seconds until aromatic.Add rest of the ingredients and saute on medium high heat for about 8-10 minutes .Serve immediately.

Red Potato Oven fries

Ingredients
2 medium red potatoes
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Paprika and\or 1/4 teaspoon chilly powder
1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper

Method
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cut potatoes into wedges and drop in to a mixing bowl. Drizzle the oil and mix in the seasoning,toss to coat all over . Lay on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes until lightly crisp on top and cooked through.

I'm sending my Rachael inspired quick meal to Aartee's Sapadu ready event.Guess we all have our own way of saying "Dinner is ready!";I say "Khana Taeyaar hai"(in urdu)..how do you say it?

Calming Chicken Soup

Nothing can be more calming and comforting that a bowl of hot chicken soup when you are feeling sick and blue. It helps by rejuvenating your dehydrated body due to cold or flu or lethargy.Making chicken soup can be time consuming but sure is soothing and revitalizing in every slurp.For the most flavorful tender chicken soup,use fresh vegetable,herbs and simmer very gently.And make it more filling by adding any kind of cooked pasta.

Ingredients
2 lbs skinless Free range Chicken cut in medium pieces
1 big Chopped Onion,peeled and sliced
1 big Carrot,finely chopped
1/4 cup peas
1 cup Chopped Broccoli,chopped
4 garlic cloves
1 inch ginger root
Sea Salt and pepper as per your taste.

Method
Trim fat as much as you can from the chicken.Fill a big pot with about 5 cups of water and drop the chicken pieces and chopped onions. Peel ginger and garlic, grate them and mix in the pot of water.Add some salt and pepper. Cover and let simmer for at least an hour on medium low flame. Slow cooking keeps chicken tender.
Drain all the water in a big bowl. Separate the chicken from bones and keep aside in a bowl . Put the broth back in the pot and add finely chopped vegetables;simmer till vegetables are tender. Mix in the shred chicken and serve hot with some cooked whole grain pasta.

Harees,the Spicy Chicken Porridge.

A warm bowl of spicy Harees is gratifying to a hungry soul.Its nostalgic as a fulfilling Iftar meal in Ramadan .Its getting chilly here in Cleveland , spicy meals like harees are positively relishing on a gloomy cold day.
Harees, also called Haleem in some regions in South India,my Hyderabadi Haleem is made with whole wheat and lamb. Haleem or Harees are protein pack meals ,a favorite low-carb recipe.
The spicy Harees is off to Srilekha's Chicken Event

Ingredients
1 pound boneless chicken,most of the fat trimmed and preferably Halal\Kosher or Organic free range chicken.
1 medium Onion,thinly sliced
1 cup Whole grain broken wheat\bulgur wheat\daliya
3/4 teaspoon ginger garlic paste or 1/2 teaspoon each of freshly grated garlic and ginger
3/4 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon chilly powder
1 teaspoon garam masala(Ground cumin,coriander,cardamom ,cloves and cinnamon)
1 teaspoon sea salt\kosher salt
1/2 cup chopped cilantro and mint
1/2 a lime, freshly squeeeezed.
2 tablespoon Olive oil

Method
Soak the broken wheat for about 15 minutes in cold water
Heat Olive oil in a big skillet and add the thinly sliced onions. saute until lightly brown ,remove half of the fried onions and reserve for garnish. Add the chicken and spices. Saute until chicken changes color and spices aroma is toasty. Add the soaked wheat and chopped cilantro\mint(reserve few for garnish),2 cups of water,season with salt and cover .Cook on slow heat for about an hour(about 25 minutes in a pressure cooker) while stirring occasionally.
When cooked,uncover and let cool for 10 minutes before coarsely grinding using a immersion blender or any processor,stir in the fresh lime juice. Serve warm,garnish with toasted nuts,chopped greens and fried onions.

More Awards!
Priya has admired me as a hard working blogger, I'm elated! .Thanks Priya:).

I'd love to pass this to a much more hardworking blogger Sangeeth:)

Zee from Zeelicious blog has honored me with the "Best food blog",I'm awed. Thanks Zee:)


Ivy of has passed me the good job award,thanks so much Ivy:)


I'd love to pass the Good job award to Viki Xavier of Viki's Kitchen , Sara G of Life's Little Something blog, Adlak's tiny World,mamafami and Vidhas of Appetizing Recipes

Shahi Badami Khorma : A Majestic luscious dish

Khorma\Korma\Qoorma is a divinely rich recipe of Royal Mughalai cuisine. Prepared with a sauce of ground nuts (coconut,almonds,cashews ,sesame seeds and more),the variations of basic recipe are endless. Shahi Badami Khorma is made with either Lamb or chicken ,cooked until fork tender in creamy smooth spicy fragrant "Badami"(Almond)sauce
Traditionally(back in Mughalai period),the process of preparation was lengthy and laborious.The nuts where shelled by hand,toasted then ground on stone mortar and pestle.The meat had to be cooked for long hours(for lamb) until the meat fell off the bones,and bones were separated. Then simmered with sauce ,prepared with nicely brown onions cooked with spices,ground nuts and tangy yogurt,until all flavors are infused in the meat.
But thankfully in modern age we save lot of time with electric grinders ,pressure cookers and ready-to-use shelled roasted nuts and ground Spices.Mostly prepared on special occasions ,its a perfect dish to make for any celebration dinner ,serve with Naan,Layered Paratha ,Flaky Paratha or Biryani.

Ingredients
2 lbs Chicken or Lamb , white fat trimmed cut in medium pieces
1/2 cup roasted Almonds(or 3 tablespoon toasted Almond butter)
1 medium onion, finely sliced
1 cup fat-free yogurt
3/4 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon chilly powder
Few Whole spices like Cardamom,Cloves and cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon Garam Masala (Mixture of Ground cumin,coriander,cinnamon and cloves)
1/4 Mint and cilantro ,finely chopped.
2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive oil
Method
Marinate Meat
Clean the meat ,trim any excess white fat,run through cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Properly wash all the utensils ,knife and cutting board used for handling the meat to prevent cross-contamination.Mix cleaned meat with turmeric and let sit for an hour.
Prepare the sauce
In a medium saucepan heat oil on medium heat and add the thinly sliced onions. Saute until onions are nicely brown and lightly crisp,then grind to a smooth paste. In the same oil add the whole spices ,ginger garlic paste and saute until the paste in lightly brown about 2 minutes,then mix in the onion paste ,rest of the dry spices and the almond paste.
Cook the meat
Mix in the meat when after 2 minutes and stir well to coat all the spicy mixture. Let cook on medium high heat about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally. Then stir in the yogurt and cover ,cook until meat is tender,about 30 minutes for chicken and 45 minutes for lamb(15 minutes in a pressure cooker). Finally mix in the finely chopped herbs and simmer for 5 more minutes and turn off the heat,serve warm.
This Shahi recipe is my entry for Meeta's Monthly Mingle:Sensational Sides, hosted this month by Ruth's Kitchen Experiments.

The Beauty of Fall

The vibrant autumn colors are beginning to bloom throughout the Northeast Ohio.The pockets of trees around the area produce spectacular drives.

Those pretty pumpkins in the warm sun of autumn, are from the local fall festival here in Cleveland.Hoping to make some tasty bakes this fall.

Garlic Herb Chicken

Garlic Herb Chicken
Herbs like cilantro are rich source of Vitamin A and C. Spinach has endless list of useful nutrients. Garlic helps lower cholesterol and has lot of other healthy benefits.Herbs and garlic match very well with the mild taste of Chicken.


Ingredients you'll need are
1 lb Free-range skinless chicken with fat trimmed
1 cup cilantro chopped
1 cup spinach chopped
1/2 cup mint chopped
1/4 cup fenugreek leaves chooped
1 small onion chopped
1 small tomato chopped
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon chilly powder
2 cloves garlic
1/2 inch ginger root or 3/4 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

To make the Curry
Trim any excess white fat from chicken pieces. Freeze the chicken for an hour before trimming that way fat cuts off easily. Clean meat by running it through cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric and keep aside for few minutes.This helps kill any bacteria on meat.

Blend all the herbs and keep aside
Heat a skillet on medium high flame. Add Olive oil ,chopped onions and cumin seeds. Saute for a minute and add the minced garlic . Now add the chopped tomato ,herb mixture ,chicken and chilly powder. Cover and let cook for about 30minutes on medium flame. When the chicken is tender serve with Brown rice or Flat bread(Paratha)

This recipe is off to Srivalli's Curry Mela

Grilled Corn , Spice Rubbed Chicken Breast and Skewers with Chimichurri sauce

Chimichurri sauce is commonly prepared in Argentinian cuisine and is similar to pesto sauce. Spooned over grilled meats ,this garlicky herb sauce is easy to make and flavorful to taste.
All white meat chicken breast are low in fat and high in protein . Spice rub makes otherwise bland chicken very spicy ,the chimichurri sauce on the top add to the flavor .The grilled corn is the source of carbs in this grilled meal.

Ingredients needed for Grilled Chicken Breast
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Sea salt
2 tablespoon Olive oil
For Spice Rub
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon chilly powder
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

For the 3-Herb chimichurri:
2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley leaves
1 tablespoon freshly chopped basil/Mint leaves
2 tablespoons minced white onion
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

To make Chimichurri sauce
Mix all ingredients lightly in food processor until a coarse sauce is formed .Top on the grilled chicken breasts and skewers.

Grilled Chicken and Skewers

Heat your grill to high.Make the spice rub by mixing together all the spice rub ingredients .Use 3/4th of the spice rub mix to rub on grilled chicken and rest for the chicken skewers.
To make Grilled Chicken
Use 2 chicken breast and cut each in to two .Brush both sides of the breast pieces with the oil and season with salt. Rub the each side of the breast with spice rub. Then place on grill until golden brown about 7-8 minutes on each side.
Remove the chicken from the grill and drizzle with chimichurri and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions.

To make Grilled Skewers
Ingredients needed
1 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut in cubes
1/2 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
Sea salt
1/2 cup chopped Spinach or cilantro
2 tablespoon finely chopped onions
1 teaspoon of Spice Rub Mix
2 bamboo or metal skewers
Process together chicken cubes,chopped greens,onions the spice rub mix,1/2 teaspoon ginger garlic paste and until coarsely blended. Dip your hands in ice cold water and make the chicken skewers and grill for about 8-10 minutes until cooked through. Remove the skewers and serve with chimichurri sauce.

To Grill the corn
Peel the husk and silk away from the corn before grilling. Drizzle the corn on the cob with a little olive oil. Place the corn on the cob directly on the grill over high heat. Grill the corn on the cob for about 10 minutes, rotating the corn as needed to keep it from getting charred too much on one side.
After grilling the corn on the cob, season with salt and pinch of chilly powder and a squeeze of lemon if desired.


This recipe is my entry for the Monthly Mingle : Grill it event hosted by Sig of Live to Eat

Marvelous Meeta's Murgh Makhani (Creamy Buttery Chicken)

I couldn't wait to try Meeta's "MurghMakhani" for Dinner. This Spicy chicken has mark of authentic Indian flavors and spices. Considering how nuts I'm about nature's best food, this one particular recipe caught my eye because of the Nature's Best nut "Almonds" in it. I'm thankful to the Talented lady Zlamushka,who has given us this opportunity to try and taste some of the best recipes on web.

Ingredients you'll need are
2 lbs Free range Skinless chicken cut in small pieces
1 medium Onion Finely chopped
20-25 almonds blanced ,skinned and pureed
2 table spoon butter
2 tablespoon cream
2 table spoon Olive Oil
1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
1 cup yogurt
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 tablespoon garam masala(Powdered Spices like Cloves,Cinnamon
and Cardamom)
1 teaspoons red chili powder
1 tablespoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves(Kasturi methi)
3-4 each of Whole cloves,Cinammon sticks and cardamom
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon Salt
1/4 chopped coriander\cilantro

To make this Spicy Murgi
Marinate Chicken
Trim any excess white fat from the chicken and Clean meat by running it through cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.Mix chicken with the spices chilly powder,turmeric and let marinate for about an hour.
Bake The Chicken
Pre-heat oven to 400 F.

Heat the Oil in a pan and add the finely chopped onions. Saute for 2 minutes and then add the ginger garlic paste. Add the whole spices ,garam masala,coriander powder,dry fenugreek leaves and cumin powder. Roast for a minute then add the chicken pieces. Reserve the marinade. Let the chicken cook for about 10 minutes. Now transfer the chicken in to an oven proof dish. Stir in the reserved marinade ,1/2 cup of water and bake for about 30 minutes until chicken is tender.
Reduce the temperature of oven to 300F. Mix in Almond paste,Butter and cream. Allow to bake for another 15 minutes.Before serving garnish with chopped cilantro. Tastes best with Flat breads,Pita,naan or Rice