Methi - Tomato - Brinjal Curry

Methi/Fenugrik leaves - tomato and Brinjal curry is a gravy dish and you can have them with plain rice. chapati or any type of rotis. It goes well with idli and dosa also.

I have used Methi leaves, brinjal, tomatoes and toor dal. Added some rasam powder from M.T.R. Rasam powder and the seasonings. It tasted yummy.
Let us see some benefits of using mustard seeds in our diet.
Mustard seeds are rich in minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants. They do contain high calories. They are good dietary fiber. They are good source of B complex vitamins and they help in regulating body metabolism and lower the blood cholesterol levels.
It is better to cook all the veggies together and then add cooked dal to it. Use of lemon will be enough because tomatoes adds to the savoury taste. It is not necessary to use coconut and tamarind.

Lets see the recipe Now

Things Needed :

Methi/Fenugrik leaves : 1 Bundle
Tomatoes : 2 to 3 (Medium sized)
Brinjal (small) : 2 to 3
Toor Dal : 1/2 Cup (2 fistful)
M.T.R. Rasam Powder : 2 ti 3 Teaspoons
Seasoning :
Mustard seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Jeera /Cumin Seeds : 1/2 Teaspoon
Ingh /Asafoetida : a pinch
Curry Leaves : 6 to 8 or more
Salt : As required
Lemon extract : 1 Teaspoon
Coriander leaves : 1 Tablespoon
Turmeric powder : A pinch

Method :

1. Wash and cut methi leaves into small. Wash and cut tomatoes and remove the seeds from it.
2. Wash and cut brinjal into small pieces and put it in a big bowl of water for 10 minutes.
3. Wash and cook toor dal in a pressure cooker and keep it aside.

4. Now put cut methi leaves, tomatoes and brinjal pieces in a big pan and cook till they turn soft.

5. Keep a big pan and put cooked vegetables mixture and cooked dal.

6. Mix it well and add salt and turmeric powder. (a pinch).7. Add required water and cook for 2 minutes.
8. Add M.T. R. Rasam powder and mix the curry nicely and let it boil for 2 to 3 minutes.

9. Add mustard - cumin seeds, curry leaves and ingh seasoning and add it to the curry.

10. Shift the curry to a serving dish and add cut coriander leaves.

11. Add lemon extract and mix the curry well.
12. Serve with the main dish you have prepared. Add a spoon of ghee adds to the taste.

Note :

Adding onions and garlic to the curry is optional. Adding any brand curry powder is optional.(Taste differ). Adding tamarind instead of lemon extract is optional. Adding jaggery to the curry is optional. (I did not add).
Time : 30 Minutes
Serves : 3 to 4.

Custard Powder Cake

Happy New Year 2017 to Each and Every One.

Custard Powder Cake is one of the yummy cake that can be eaten at any time of the day. This is an eggless cake and it easy to prepare. The cake can be cooked in Pressure cooker also.
Inspired by Madhura Pradeep  a friend, one of the foodie group member and a regular baker who does wonder in baking.
I have used all purpose flour, Vanila flavoured custard powder, small cinnamon stick sugar, oil, curd and little milk.
Lets see the recipe Now:

Ingredients :

Maida/All purpose flour : 2 Cups
Custard powder : 100

Grams pack (small pack)
Sugar : 1 Cup (Little less)
Cinnamon stick : a small stick
Oil : 1 Cup
Curd : 1/2 Cup
Milk : 1/2 Cup
Baking Powder : 1 Full teaspoon
Salt : A pinch of salt.
Chocolate  : One or two Pieces

Method :

1. Sieve maida, custard powder, salt and baking powder together. Let it mix well. Sieve it once again.

 2. Powder sugar and mix it well with oil. I did grind powder sugar and oil with curd.
3. Grind it till you see bubbles the mixture.

4. Add cinnamon stick and milk. Grind it for another 2 minutes.
5. Remove it from the mixi jar and put it in a big bowl.

6. Add sieved flour and mix it slowly. Put this mixture in a greased baking tray. Just scrape out the chocolate on the top of the ready to bake the cake.

7. Preheat the oven for 5 minutes. Bake cake for 25 to 30 minutes in 180 degree celcius.
8. Check the cake by pricking a knife/fork edge to know it is done.

9. If the cake is baked well it does not stick to the knife edge.

10. Take out the done cake tray and let it cool. Cut and serve according to your wish.

Note :

Use of mixi jar helps the mixture to mix it well. Add little milk if the dough is very thick. Add little less sugar. Adding cinnamon adds to the taste and aroma. Adding butter instead of oil is optional. 

Use of eggbeater is optional. You can also bake this cake in a pressure cooker. 

Time : 30 Minutes
Serves : 20 to 25 pieces (According to your wish).