Monika Food Stall

22/05/2023

Chana sattu drink is a nutritious and refreshing beverage made from roasted chickpea flour. Here's a simple recipe to make it at home:

Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons chana sattu (roasted chickpea flour)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon jaggery or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- A pinch of black salt
- A squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
- Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, add chana sattu and gradually pour water while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Mix until you get a smooth and lump-free consistency.
2. Add jaggery or sugar and mix well until it dissolves completely.
3. Add roasted cumin powder and black salt. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
4. If desired, squeeze in some lemon juice to enhance the flavor. Mix well.
5. Pour the mixture into glasses and add ice cubes if you prefer a chilled drink.
6. Give it a good stir before serving.
7. Enjoy your homemade chana sattu drink!

Note: You can customize this recipe by adding other ingredients like crushed mint leaves, chopped coriander leaves, or a dash of ginger juice for added flavor.

15/05/2023

Summer home made drinks for kids

**Watermelon Lemonade**

Ingredients:

* 1 cup fresh watermelon juice
* 1 cup lemonade
* 1/2 cup sparkling water
* Ice cubes
* Watermelon slices, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pitcher, combine the watermelon juice, lemonade, and sparkling water.
2. Stir until well combined.
3. Add ice cubes and watermelon slices.
4. Serve immediately.

**Frozen Fruit Punch**

Ingredients:

* 1 cup frozen strawberries
* 1 cup frozen raspberries
* 1 cup frozen blueberries
* 1 cup orange juice
* 1 cup cranberry juice
* 1/2 cup sparkling water
* Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the frozen strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, orange juice, cranberry juice, and sparkling water.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into glasses over ice.
4. Serve immediately.

**Iced Tea**

Ingredients:

* 4 cups water
* 4 tea bags
* 1/2 cup sugar
* Ice cubes
* Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
2. Remove from heat and add the tea bags.
3. Let steep for 5 minutes.
4. Remove the tea bags and add the sugar.
5. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
6. Let cool completely.
7. Pour into glasses over ice.
8. Garnish with lemon slices.

**Slushies**

Ingredients:

* 1 cup frozen fruit (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, etc.)
* 1/2 cup water
* 1/4 cup sugar
* Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the frozen fruit, water, and sugar.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into glasses over ice.
4. Serve immediately.

These are just a few ideas for summer home made drinks for kids. With a little creativity, you can make all sorts of delicious and refreshing drinks that your kids will love.

15/05/2023

A recipe for tinda (Baby gourd) vegetables in points:

Ingredients:

* 1 kg tinda (baby gourd), cut into halves
* 1 tsp turmeric powder
* 1 tsp coriander powder
* 1 tsp cumin powder
* 1 tsp garam masala powder
* 1 tsp red chili powder
* 1 tsp salt
* 1/2 cup oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 tomatoes, chopped
* 1 green chili, chopped
* 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
* 1/2 cup water
* Cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened.
2. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
3. Add the tomatoes, green chili, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft.
4. Add the tinda and water. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the tinda is tender.
5. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Here are some tips for making tinda vegetables:

* Choose tinda that are firm and have smooth skin.
* If the tinda are large, cut them into quarters.
* Do not overcook the tinda, or they will become mushy.
* Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.

11/05/2023

You can make a cake for kids at home without an oven using a stovetop or a pressure cooker. Here's a simple recipe for a stovetop cake:

Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Sprinkles or chocolate chips (optional, for decoration)

Instructions:
1. Take a large, deep saucepan or a pressure cooker with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure it's large enough to fit your cake pan.

2. Grease a round cake pan or a heatproof dish that fits inside the saucepan or pressure cooker. Dust it lightly with flour and set aside.

3. In a mixing bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together. Mix well and set aside.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and powdered sugar until they are well combined and slightly frothy.

5. Add melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined.

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients (egg mixture). Mix well until you have a smooth batter without any lumps.

7. Pour the cake batter into the greased cake pan or heatproof dish.

8. Place a heatproof stand or a small inverted bowl inside the saucepan or pressure cooker. Fill the saucepan with about 1 to 2 inches of water, making sure the water level is below the stand or bowl.

9. Place the cake pan on top of the stand or bowl inside the saucepan or pressure cooker.

10. Cover the saucepan or pressure cooker with its lid. If using a pressure cooker, remove the whistle or weight.

11. Heat the saucepan or pressure cooker over medium-low heat. Bake the cake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

12. Keep an eye on the cake while it's baking to ensure it doesn't burn. Adjust the heat if needed.

13. Once the cake is done, turn off the heat and carefully remove the cake pan from the saucepan or pressure cooker. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.

14. Gently loosen the edges of the cake with a knife and invert it onto a serving plate.

15. Let the cake cool completely before decorating it with sprinkles, chocolate chips, or any other desired toppings.

Now you have a delicious homemade cake that kids will love. Remember to supervise children while using the stovetop or pressure cooker for safety. Enjoy the cake!

11/05/2023

Here's a simple recipe for making mung dal halwa at home:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup mung dal (split yellow lentils)
- 1 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, cashews, or pistachios)
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
- A few drops of rose water (optional)

Instructions:
1. Rinse the mung dal thoroughly and soak it in water for about 2 hours. Then, drain the water.

2. Grind the soaked mung dal into a coarse paste using a blender or food processor. Make sure not to make it too fine.

3. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pan or kadai on medium heat. Add ghee to it and let it melt.

4. Add the ground mung dal to the pan and sauté it in the ghee for about 15-20 minutes. Keep stirring continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom or burning. The mung dal should turn golden brown and release a fragrant aroma.

5. While the dal is cooking, in a separate saucepan, heat water and sugar together. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely and the syrup comes to a boil. Keep it aside.

6. Once the mung dal is nicely roasted, add the sugar syrup to the pan. Be careful as it may splutter. Mix well and continue cooking.

7. Add cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using) to the mixture. Stir everything together.

8. Cook the mixture on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan. This process can take around 20-25 minutes.

9. In the meantime, in a small pan, roast the chopped nuts in a little ghee until they turn golden brown. Set them aside.

10. When the halwa reaches the desired consistency, turn off the heat. Add the roasted nuts and mix well.

11. Optionally, you can add a few drops of rose water for a fragrant touch. Mix it in gently.

12. Your mung dal halwa is now ready to be served. You can enjoy it warm or chilled. Garnish with some additional nuts on top if desired.

Mung dal halwa is a delicious and rich Indian dessert. It's best served as a sweet treat after a meal or on special occasions. Enjoy!

01/05/2023

Recipe for vegan kheer that uses coconut milk instead of dairy milk:

Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of saffron
- Chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios) for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice and set it aside.
2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, bring the coconut milk and water to a boil over medium heat.
3. Add the rinsed rice and stir well. Lower the heat and simmer the mixture for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
4. Once the rice is cooked and the coconut milk has thickened, add the sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.
5. Turn off the heat and let the kheer cool down to room temperature.
6. Garnish with chopped nuts and serve chilled.

You can adjust the sweetness of the kheer to your liking by adding more or less sugar. You can also experiment with different types of nuts or add in raisins or chopped dates for additional texture and flavor. Enjoy your delicious vegan kheer!

I'm a passionate home cook who loves experimenting with new recipes and techniques in the kitchen.

30/04/2023

Here are some vegetarian food recipes that can help Indian women to make good milk for their newborn babies:

1. Methi (Fenugreek) Sabzi:
- Soak 1 cup of fenugreek seeds in water overnight.
- Drain the water and grind the seeds to a paste.
- Heat some oil in a pan and add cumin seeds and chopped garlic.
- Add the fenugreek paste and sauté for a few minutes.
- Add some salt, turmeric, and red chili powder and mix well.
- Add some water and let the sabzi cook for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve with roti or rice.

2. Palak (Spinach) Paneer:
- Heat some oil in a pan and add cumin seeds and chopped onions.
- Add chopped spinach leaves and cook for a few minutes.
- Add some salt, turmeric, and red chili powder and mix well.
- Add paneer cubes and cook for a few more minutes.
- Serve with roti or rice.

3. Masoor Dal:
- Wash and soak 1 cup of masoor dal in water for 30 minutes.
- Heat some oil in a pressure cooker and add cumin seeds, chopped onions, and garlic.
- Add the soaked dal, water, and some salt.
- Pressure cook for 2-3 whistles.
- Serve with rice or roti.

4. Carrot Halwa:
- Grate 2-3 carrots and set aside.
- Heat some ghee in a pan and add the grated carrots.
- Cook for a few minutes until the carrots are soft.
- Add some milk, sugar, and cardamom powder and mix well.
- Cook until the milk is absorbed and the halwa is thick.
- Serve warm.

These vegetarian recipes are nutritious and can help in milk production for new mothers. It is important to have a balanced and healthy diet along with regular exercise to maintain good health for both the mother and the baby.

30/04/2023

A healthy breakfast for an Indian family can include a combination of the following:

1. Oats Upma:
- Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and chopped onions.
- Once the onions turn translucent, add chopped vegetables like carrots, beans, and capsicum.
- Add salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder, and cook for a few minutes.
- Add oats and mix well. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

2. Vegetable Poha:
- Wash and soak poha for 5-10 minutes in water. Drain and keep aside.
- Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and chopped onions.
- Once the onions turn translucent, add chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, and beans.
- Add salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder, and cook for a few minutes.
- Add soaked poha and mix well. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

3. Moong Dal Cheela:
- Soak moong dal for a few hours and grind it to a smooth paste.
- Add chopped onions, green chilies, and coriander leaves to the dal paste.
- Add salt and mix well.
- Heat a non-stick pan and pour a ladleful of the dal batter on it. Spread it in a circular motion to make a thin cheela.
- Cook on both sides until golden brown.
- Serve hot with chutney or tomato ketchup.

4. Egg Bhurji:
- Heat oil in a pan and add chopped onions, green chilies, and ginger.
- Once the onions turn translucent, add chopped tomatoes and cook for a few minutes.
- Add salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder.
- Beat the eggs in a bowl and pour it into the pan.
- Keep stirring until the eggs are cooked and scrambled.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with bread or roti.

These are some healthy and easy-to-make breakfast options for an Indian family. You can also include a glass of fresh juice or a bowl of fruits to complete the meal.

30/04/2023

Recipe for Gurudwara-style dal:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole black gram (sabut urad dal)
- 1/4 cup kidney beans (rajma)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2-3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1-2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
- 2 tbsp ghee or oil
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed

Instructions:

1. Wash and soak the whole black gram and kidney beans in water overnight.

2. In a pressure cooker, add the soaked black gram and kidney beans along with 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Cook until soft and mushy, for about 20-25 minutes.

3. Heat ghee or oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

4. Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger to the pan and sauté until onions turn golden brown.

5. Add chopped tomatoes and green chilies to the pan and sauté until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.

6. Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala powder to the pan and mix well.

7. Add the cooked dal to the pan and mix well. Add salt to taste and water as needed to get the desired consistency.

8. Let the dal simmer for 10-15 minutes until the flavors are well combined.

9. Garnish the dal with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or roti.

Enjoy your homemade Gurudwara-style dal!

30/04/2023

Recipe for green chutney:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh coriander leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1-2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- Water as needed

Instructions:

1. Wash and roughly chop the coriander leaves and mint leaves.

2. Add the chopped leaves, green chilies, cumin seeds, sugar, salt, and lemon juice to a blender or food processor.

3. Add the garlic cloves and a splash of water.

4. Blend the mixture until smooth, adding more water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

5. Taste the chutney and adjust the salt and lemon juice as needed.

6. Transfer the chutney to a serving bowl or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Enjoy your homemade green chutney with your favorite snacks or meals!

30/04/2023

Recipe for Rajma (Kidney beans) without onion:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried Rajma (Kidney beans)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 2-3 green chilies, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2-3 cups water
- Coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Soak the dried Rajma (kidney beans) in enough water for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain the water and rinse the beans well.

2. In a pressure cooker, add the Rajma and 2-3 cups of water. Pressure cook the Rajma for 3-4 whistles or until the beans are soft and tender.

3. In a separate pan, heat oil on medium heat. Add cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle for a few seconds.

4. Add minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Saute for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Add tomato puree, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 4-5 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the masala.

6. Add the cooked Rajma to the tomato masala mixture and mix well. Add water to achieve your desired consistency. Cover the pan and simmer the Rajma on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or naan.

Enjoy your onion-free Rajma!

30/04/2023

Here's a recipe for making tandoori chicken at home without an oven:

Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tbsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp oil
- Skewers

Instructions:

1. Wash and pat dry the chicken pieces. Make slits on the chicken pieces with a sharp knife to help the marinade pe*****te.

2. In a large mixing bowl, add the yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, lemon juice, and oil. Mix well to form a smooth paste.

3. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

4. Soak skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

5. Preheat a non-stick pan on medium heat. Once the pan is hot, place the marinated chicken pieces on the skewers and place them on the pan.

6. Cook the chicken on medium heat, turning occasionally until it is cooked through and slightly charred on all sides. This should take about 15-20 minutes.

7. Serve hot with lemon wedges, onion rings, and mint chutney.

Enjoy your homemade tandoori chicken without an oven!