Wheat -Rava Cake

Here comes Christmas and the celebration starts. We do enjoy wishing people, having a piece of cake , cookies etc etc etc.
Even facebook pages are loaded with varieties of cakes. i too thought of preparing a healthy cake using wheat flour and rava/semolina. It has turned as perfect cake and let us enjoy together having a yummy and healthy cake and say Merry Christmas and happy new year 2018 to All.

Here we go :
I have used Ashirvad wheat flour and medium size rava, cooking oil and little bit of ghee, sugar, cinnamon. Added little dates also.
No egg in this Wheat -Rava Cake.

Things Needed :

Wheat flour : 1 1/2 Cup
Medium size Rava : 1/2 Cup
Sugar : 3/4 Cup
Cooking Oil : 1/2 Cup
Curd : 1/2 Cup
Milk : 1/4 Cup
Cinnamon stick : 1/4 inch
Sal : A pinch
Baking Powder : 1 Teaspoon
Baking Soda : 1/4 Teaspoon

Method :

1. Sieve wheat flour and rava, baking powder,salt and baking soda altogether.

2. Put sugar in mixi jar and powder it. Add oil and curd and churn it nicely till it turns smooth paste.

3. Add milk and, cinnamon stick and grind it for 2 to 3 minutes.

4. Now shift the ground mixture to a big bowl and mix the flour mixture slowly. Add little milk if the dough turns very hard.
5.Let it mix well. No lump should be remained.
6. Apply ghee on the baking tray and sprinkle little wheat flour on it. Spread it well.
7. Pour the ready mixture to a tray and tap the tray to spread the dough evenly.

8. Bake it with 180 degree celcius for 35 to 40 minutes. (Oven baked). Remove it from oven and let it be there on the top for for 5 minutes. ( After baking just leave it there).
9. Insert a knife edge to make sure the cake is done. (It does not stick to the edge of the knife).

10. Cut it once it is cooled. Enjoy with a cup of coffee/tea or whenever you want it.

Note :

You can use thin variety of rava. (optional). Use of butter /ghee instead of oil is optional. Use of rose essence instead of cinnamon is optional. You can also prepare this cake in pressure cooker. Remove the gasket from the lid. Do not use weight. Place a plate or bowl inside the pressure cooker and place the cake dough container on the top. Close the lid and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. If the cake turns hard pour some milk and mix it well. (It should be bit thicker than idli dough). I have used mixi jar to churn the ingredients. Use of egg beater, cake mixer is optional.
Time : 40 Minutes. 
20 Small pieces can be done.

Baragu/Proso Millet Sweet Kesari

Wow  😍😋....feeling very happy to say my  blog " ಅಡಿಗೆ /Adige " is stepping into 10th Year. 

I am thankful to all who see. comment, try and enjoy my own creative, traditional, delicious, simple and healthy dishes 

Let me thank each and every one who support, I feel that is my strength. I have no words to tell you how happy I am today. Thanks to my son Ravikanth Somayaji who inspired me and made me write recipes. Ravi and Rishi (sons) always there when the problem arises while writing and my hubby who supports in eating the first try and keeps on telling we have no problem to have it. Thank you my people.

It is always a pleasure to try what I know. Mostly Udupi style recipes, since we belong to Udupi/Karnataka. Sometimes I like to give a slight twist, keeping in my mind the healthy thoughts, simple and quick recipes.

I love to look forward to share traditional dishes which are really healthy. I also keep in mind that many are working women / men too have to cook and that should be quick. Outside food is ok for sometime and it may spoil the health, if he/she continues to eat for a long time.

One more thing  I always keep in mind is use of creams and lot of spices. I am not that  big fan of heavy spices or cream. Just adjusting to the taste of our own food,  simple traditional dishes, and some points to note about the food we eat. The health benefits of the ingredients are the main points added while writing the blog which helps the people to note about the food they intake.

Here is a simple, healthy, Quick and rich Sweet recipe  " Baragu/Proso Millet Kesari " for you all on behalf of My Blog " Adige"  is stepping into 10th year.
At this Moment I am so happy because I just got a beautiful  comment from Ashi :
This is what she said
Ashi Mysore : Nalini Somayaji Your blog is one of the best out there, such healthy traditional recipes .
I am happy to share  my little knowledge what I know. Nothing much..some where, some one who are in need is going to get help in this way too.
Ok let me come back to the " Recipe of the day ☺ : Baragu /Proso Millet Sweet Kesari.

Millets have become very popular because of their healthy benefits and gluten free, low in calories and full of fiber content.
Here I have used Baragu /Prosso Millet and it is filled with many healthy qualities.
Baragu has good amount of anti-oxidant properties and helps in delaying the aging process. It helps in strengthening the nervous system. Baragu contain good amount of calcium and helps in strengthening and maintain strong bones. It helps to control the cholesterol level in our body. It also helps to lower the bad cholesterol and increase the healthy cholesterol level. Proso millet contain minerals like phosphorus, manganese, magnesium. They do contain carbohydrates and fatty acids.
Let us see the recipe now :

Things Needed : 

Baragu /Proso Millet : 1 Cup
Water : 2 Cups
Jaggery : 1/2 Cup or little more
Ghee : 3  Tablespoons
Cardamom : 5 to 6 Pods
Raisinis and Cashews : 2 to 3 Tablespoons
Badam /Almonds : 5 to 6 Pods
Salt : A pinch
Fresh grated coconut : 2 to 3 Tablespoons (Optional).

Method :

1. Clean baragu/proso millet and wash it nicely. Drain the water and keep it aside.

2. Remove cardamom skin and powder the pods.
3. Grate coconut and keep it aside.
4. Cut almonds into small pieces and keep it aside.
5. Keep a pan on the fire and heat. Add one tablespoon of ghee and let it melt. Add washed baragu.

6. Fry nicely for 3 to 4 minutes. Add 2 cups of water and pressure cook for 6 to 8 minutes. Let it cool.

7. Keep a big pan and put cooked baragu, a pinch of salt and jaggery. Mix it well. It turns as bit liquid.
8. Cook on medium flame and it turns thick slowly. Add cut almonds and powdered cardamom. A

9. Stir slowly and mix all the ingredients nicely. Let it cook for 2 minutes. Stir in between so that it does not get burnt.

10. Add grated coconut and mix it well.
11. Shift the ready " Baragu /Proso Millet Sweet Kesari " to a serving dish.

12. Fry cashews and raisins in remaining ghee and add it on the top of the ready " Baragu /Proso Millet Sweet Kesari. Serve as you wish.

Note :

You can pressure cook baragu without frying in ghee. Adding more ghee is optional. Adding more nuts is optional. Water should be 1 : 2 .(or it turns hard). Adding more/less jaggery is optional.
Time : 30 Minutes. 
Serves : 4 to 6.

Mango Fruit Burfi

Happy Vara Mahalaxmi to You all. Mango burfi is a sweet dish and you can serve them as desert.

Some time back I saw Mango burfi done very nicely in Foodie blog. Foddie blog is managed by Admins ..Mr. Sadashiva Rao Mailankodi, Shri Kripa and Madhura Pradeep...The blog is super and the members and admins are very creative. It is one of my favourite blog  too.
Sorry to say I forgot the name of the person who had prepared this sweet. It was looking superb. I wanted to try but was busy a bit. I had some Neelam Mangoes from sister Sujatha 's house. (Udyavara/Udupi/Karnataka). So Thought of the recipe and tried it with jaggery instead of sugar.
 I have used mango pulp, wheat flour, ghee and jaggery.
It is always better to eat /use seasonal fruits because they are fresh and filled with more nutrients and vitamins
Let us see the recipe :

Things Needed :

Mango Fruits : 3 to 4 (Medium sized)
Wheat flour : 1 Cup
Ghee : 1 Cup
Cardamom : 4 to 5
Jaggery : 3/4 Cup.
Almonds flakes /Powder : 3 to 4 Tablespoons.
Cashew nuts  : 6 to 8 or little more

Method :

1. Wash and clean mango fruits and squeeze out the pulp. Keep it in a bowl.

2. Powder cardamom and keep it aside.
3. Keep a pan and put jaggery and put 1/4 cup of water and melt jaggery and filter it. (with a tea strainer). Keep it aside.

4. Keep a pan on the fire and put ghee. Let it melt. (Keep a tablespoon of ghee aside).
5.  Put cashew nuts and fry nicely. Add wheat flour and fry nicely till the raw smell goes off. (4 to 5 minutes).

6. Remove it from the pan to a plate/tray.
7. Add jaggery and let it get one string consistency. Add mango pulp and stir for some time. (10 minutes).

8. Add fried wheat flour and mix it well. Stir continuously till it starts to leave the edges of the pan.

9. Stir for another 10 minutes and add a tablespoon of ghee. Mix it nicely. Keep stirring for a minute.

10. Grease ghee to a tray or plate. Shift the ready Mango burfi to the greased plate and spread it around evenly.
11. Just roll a roller or spatula and make it even on all sides.

12. Spread almond flakes on the top and press it with spatulla. Let it cool. Cut it according to your desire once it is cooled.

13. Put the pieces in a clean airtight box.
14. Serve when some one visits you and your family.

Note :

Do not use much water to melt the jaggery. |Use of clean jaggry is a must. You can also use sugar instead of jaggery. Use of more jaggery helps the burfi to get it thick quickly. But too much of sweet dominates more. It gets harden once it is cooled.
Time : 30 to 40 minutes
Pieces : More than 30 pieces. ( According to your desired shape and size).

Avocado - Nuts Desert

Avokado Nuts desert is a mild sweet desert, you can say its like an ice cream, soft, smooth and healthy desert which help us to gain many healthy benefits.

I have used Avocado, little honey and loads of Almonds and cashews. 

I remember Usha Bopayya who used to treat us with Avocado along with yummy breakfast whenever we stayed with her in Mysore. (Avocados are from her own Estate). It was the first time I had tasted this yummy fruit in Usha |Bopayya's house. She is such a nice kind lovable human being and she treats us like her own kids. 

These particular Avocado is brought from Usha Suresh Cukkemane. Suresh and Usha are our family friends and we are like family members. (All friends circle from Dubai). I was very curious to prepare this desert. I have added dates and figs, honey and cashews, brought from Goa by Yadu Rajiv ( RishiKanth Somayaji's friend), Almond flakes  are from Krishnaveni Beedarhalli. (Vidya's sister).
Let us see some benefits of Avocado.
Avocado is filled with nutrients, minerals and vitamins. Avocado helps us to have healthy eyes, protect our skin. It is good for maintaining blood sugar levels. It has a good source of antioxidant properties. It helps in blood circulation and to build stronger bones. It helps in easy digestion and prevents the bad breath. It also helps in K vitamin deficiency related bleeding disorder. It takes care of our heart health and liver care. Avocado has a high fatty acid content but it is very low in cholesterol. They are rich in vitamins and minerals. They are good source of monounsaturated fatty acids. They are low in sugar content. Avocado is rich source of energy. They contain minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese, phosphorus and zinc. The minerals in avocado are Vitamin C, B6, B 12, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin K and Vitamin E. They are good source of dietary fiber. Avocado is rich in potassium and it balances the potassium and sodium level in our body, which is very important for overall health.
You can use Avocado to prepare dips or for sandwiches, milk shake, smoothie and other dishes.
Let us see the recipe now.

Things needed :

Avocado : 2
Figs : 5 to 6
Dates : 5 to 6 or little more
Honey : 1 Tablespoon
Cashew Nuts : 2 Tablespoons. (Cut into small pieces).
Almond flakes : 2 to 3 Tablespoons

Method :
1. Wash and clean Avocado fruits and remove the outer layer slowly.

2. Place the fruits on a bowl.
3. Cut cashews, dates and figs into small pieces.
4. Smash Avocado fruits with the help of a tablespoon and let it turn as soft paste.
5. Add a tablespoon of honey and mix it well.

6. Add cut figs and dates and mix it nicely.
7. Add cut cashews on the top and mix it.

9. Shift the desired quantity to serving cups and spread almond flakes generously.

10. Avocado Nuts Desert is ready to serve.

Note : 

Do not add any water for this desert. I have used honey for the sweetness. Instead of honey you can use sugar/jaggery /Palm jaggery or even jaggery. You can powder cashews and almonds in a mixi and then used it. Roasting of almonds and blag grapes.
Using Avocado instead of butter is a healthy option.
Time : 10 Minutes

Serves  : 4 to 5. 

Cocoa (Choco) Cake

Just wanted to try brown cake, which most of the children love to have. Just before closing the class for summer holidays we wanted to have a small party for children who comes to our home for studying.

We had a beautiful time with children, playing " Jenga" and some indoor games like musical chair. Felt that we had spent good time playing and laughing and having fun. Anyways there was no tension of studying lessons or completing notes. They were really free because the annual exams were over. Summer holidays were started and they were free to enjoy their time.
I have used Maida, Cocoa powder, sugar and some essence.
Lets see the recipe : Eggs are not used here in this cake and curd is used instead of eggs.

Things needed :

Maida/Al purpose flour : 2 Cups
Cooking Oil : (any cooking oil) : Little more than 1/2 cup.
Sugar : 3/4 Cup
Vanilla essence : 1/2 Teaspoon
Curd : 1/2 Cup
Milk : 1/2 Cup
Salt : A pinch
Baking Powder : 1 Teaspoon
Baking Soda : 1/4 Teaspoon
Cocoa Powder : 1 Teaspoon (Full).
Vanila Essence : 2 Drops

Method :

1. Sieve Maida, cocoa powder, baking soda and baking powder together. (Twice).

2. Powder sugar and add oil, curd and grind it nicely. Add milk and grind it.

3. Let it mix well and turn as smooth cream. Remove from the mixi jar and put it in a big bowl.

4. Add a pinch of salt and sieved maida, cocoa powder, baking powder and baking soda mixture.
5.  Add vanila essence. Mix it slowly without any lumps.

6. Heat the oven for 5 to 10 minutes.
7. Grease the tray with oil/ghee. Put the ready cake mixture and tap the tray, so that the mixture sets evenly.

8. Put the tray in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Insert a knife/spoon edge to check its done.
9. Put off the oven and remove the cake tray. Place it on the top of the oven for 5 minutes.

10. Now take it out the tray and let it cool. Cut the cake according to your wish. Yummy cake is ready to serve.

Note :

This is a simple cocoa cake which has turned very nice and we enjoyed it thoroughly. Our children enjoyed it. Adding more sugar is optional. Adding butter/olive oil instead of cooking oil is optional. Adding eggs instead of curd is optional. You can add some chocolate chips and bake.
Time : 10 Minutes for preparation and 35 Minutes for baking. I have used Mixi Jar (Liquidizer) to mix all the ingredients except maida. You can use egg beater instead.
Happy Summer Holidays 2017. (Children already gone for vacation). The very few around attended the Summer Holiday Party....☺☺☺