Paneer Parata.

Paneer Parata is prepared using home made paneer and wheat flour.

Some time the milk gets spoil and curdles once it is heated. We feel sad because of it. When this happens I try and prepare paneer out of that split milk. (Immediately). The paneer is used in cooking later.
How to prepare Panner @ Home ?
Boil Milk, put some lemon extract/vinegar to the hot milk . It starts to curdle. Leave it for cooling. Take a clean towel. Drain the water through the towel. Let the thick milk content stay in towel. Squeeze out the remaining water. Place a heavy bottomed pan on the towel which has milk content. So the whole water goes off. Take the paneer content and kneed it well. Paneer is ready to use.
Paneer/Indian cottage cheese has become very popular than before and all age group love to have paneer in their dishes.
Let us see some benefits of eating  " Paneer " in our diet.
Paneer/Cottage cheese has a good source of calcium and it helps in maintaining strong teeth. Paneer contains Vitamin D so it helps to preserve the teeth to be in good conditions. Paneer is rich source of calcium and good for women, elderly and children who suffer from malnutrition. Paneer is a rich source of protein, and vitamins which are necessary for proper bone health. Vitamin B complex in Paneer is good for women, men and children. Paneer helps to absorb and distribute calcium in our body and it helps and guard against diseases. Paneer is good for gaining weight since it has good amount of proteins, fats, calcium, vitamins and minerals. Eating Paneer is good for enhancing blood formation and strengthen the liver.  
Lets see the recipe Now :

Things Needed :

Paneer : 1 small bowl. (1/2 liter milk)
Wheat flour : 2 Cups
Jeera /Cumin Powder : 1/2 Teaspoon
Garam Masala : 1/2 Teaspoon
Chilly Powder : 1/2 Teaspoon  
Dry Ginger Powder : 1 Teaspoon
Coriander leaves : 1 Handful
Oil : 4 to 5 Tablespoons
Ghee : 1 Tablespoon

Method :

1. Put wheat flour, paneer, garam masala, chilly powder, jeera powder and a little turmeric powder in a bog bowl.
2. Wash and add cut coriander leaves. Add 2 tablespoons of oil and a tablespoon of ghee.

3. Add a teaspoon of dry ginger powder and add warm water. Mix it well and prepare chapati dough.

4. Divide the dough into small size balls.

5. Keep 1 cup of dry wheat flour in a small bowl.
6. Dip a small size of parata dough and roll as chapati.

7. Keep a pan on the fire and heat. Put rolled paneer parata. Sprinkle oil on the top and cook for a minute.
8. Turn the other side and sprinkle little (1/2 teaspoon) oil around the parata on outer surface.
9. Cook on both sides and remove from the pan.

10. Repeat the same and prepare the remaining paratas.

11. Serve paneer paratas with curd and the side dish of your choice.
12. We had " Paneer Parats with a cup of curd/yogurt and mango tokku. (Chutney)

Note :

You can use more oil while preparing the dough. (Optional). Adding green chilly to the dough is optional. Adding grated onions to the dough is optional. I did not add. Adding any spice is optional.
Example : Pav bhaji masala, chat masala, channa masala etc. Adding normal water to prepare parata dough is optional. Warm water helps the dough turns parata soft and nice.  Use of any brand paneer is optional. (Nandini, Amul) .
Time : 30 Minutes.
Serves : 2 to 3 .(6 to 8 Paratas can be done, according to size ).                                                                                                                                                                                                

Veggie Macaroni with French Fry toppings.

Veggie Macaroni is filled with veggies like carrots, beans, tomatoes and potatoes. We can have them for breakfast/snack/dinner.

I wanted to make something spicy and was just searching for some thing, didn't know what to do. Saw a pack of macaroni and got the idea and tried this spicy macaroni. Of course its Indian style when you think of spicy.
I have used macaroni, tomatoes, beans, carrots, potatoes and coriander leaves with little spices including oregano. ( Herb spice used in Italian food).
Let us see the recipe Now :

Things needed :

Tomatoes : 2 to 3 (Medium sized)
Beans : 10 to 15
Potatoes : 4 to 5
Macaroni : 1 Bowl (250 Grams)
Olive oil : 2 Tablespoons
Jeera /Cumin powder : 1/2 Teaspoon
Chilly powder : 1/2 Teaspoon
Dry Ginger Powder : 1/2 Teaspoon
Oregano : 1 Teaspoon
Salt : As required
Coriander leaves : 1 Handful
Cooking oil : 1/2 Cup (To fry potatoes).

Method :

1. Keep water for boiling and let it boil. Put macaroni and let it cook till it is soft.
2. Drain out the water once macaroni is cooked and let the cooked macaroni cooled.

3. Put a teaspoon of olive oil on the top of drained macaroni.
4. Wash and cut tomatoes into small pieces.
5. Wash and cut carrots and beans. Cook with little water til it turns soft. (Not over cooked).

6. Wash and remove the outer skin of potatoes and cut it as thin stick.
7. Wash and put the pieces in a bowl of water. Wash and cut coriander leaves into thin pieces.
4. Keep a pan on the fire and let it heat. Put oil and let it get hot.
5. Add jeera and fry till it turns slightly golden brown.
6. Add tomatoes and fry nicely till it turns soft. Add cooked beans and carrots.
7. Fry for 2 minutes. Add salt, dry ginger powder and jeera /cumin powder. Mix it well.

8. Add boiled and cooled macaroni. mix it well. Let it cook for a minute.

9. Sprinkle Oregano ( 1 teaspoon) on the top. Mix it nicely and put off the fire.

10. Now keep oil in a pan on the fire. Let it get hot. Fry cut potatoes till they turn golden brown.
11. Remove it from oil and put it on Veggie Macaroni. Add cut coriander leaves.

12. Stir slightly and serve " Veggie Macaroni " with tomato ketchup.

Note :

Do not over cook vegetables and macaroni. (noodles). Do not put lots of spice. Let it be mild.
Adding a bit of garam masala/chilly powder (1/2 teaspoon) will add to the taste. Adding olive oil is good for health. Adding more vegetables is optional. Adding any type of sauce of ketchup to macaroni is optional. Example : Tomato ketch up, soya sauce or tomato sauce. ( I have not used).
Adding onions and garlic is optional.
You can choose and top up the macaroni with grated cheese, grated paneer, potato chips, onion rings or with vegetable salad. Try and Enjoy..
Time : 30 Minutes.
Serves : 2 to 3 .