Mom's Recipies

Schezwuan Veg Hakka Noodles are a delicious Indian-Chinese Meal .There's nothing like making your own fresh sauce . This is very easy to make.These Noodles tastes very delicious.

Ingredients:-

For Schezwuan Sauce:-

6 garlic cloves - Crushed
1/4 cup fresh ginger - peeled and chopped
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup tahini (sesame paste)
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup dry sherry
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
1/4 cup honey
1/2 tsp hot chili oil (just warm some oil and add red pepper flakes to it and keep it aside for 3-4 hours)
2 tbsp dark sesame oil
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper

For Noodles:-

1 pound / 1/2 Kg Asian Hakka noodles
1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
4 spring onins - sliced diagonally (white and green parts)
1/2 cup onions - thinly sliced
1/4 cup spring onions - just the greens
2 sp salt to taste
2 tbsp soy sauce

Method:-

Making the Sauce:-

1) Add the garlic and ginger in a food processor or blender.
2) Add the vegetable oil, tahini, peanut butter, soy sauce, sherry, vinegar, honey, chili oil, sesame oil, and
ground peppers.
3) Puree the sauce to make a smooth paste.

Making the Noodles:-

1) Add a splash of oil to a large pot of boiling salted water and cook the noodles as directed on the package.
2) Drain the pasta in a colander, place it in a large bowl, and while still warm, toss with 1 tbsp oil so that the
noodles don't stick to one another.
3) Now take a wok, add 4 tbsp oil, and saute the chopped onions and bell peppers till they become soft and glazed.
4) Add the scallions and toss well. Add salt and 5-6 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to your taste), then add the prepared schezwuan sauce and turn off the heat. Gently pour the sauce over the noodles while still hot. 5) Garnish with some chopped spring onion greens and serve hot.
Enjoy a delicious Indian-Chinese meal cooked right at home!

Tip:-

1) Ready-to-use schezwuan sauce packets are available in all grocery stores in the asian foods section.
2) Sherry adds a nice flavor to the schezwuan sauce, but if you don't have it, don't worry; you can omit it without compromising much. And try using fresh ginger and garlic instead of the ready-made paste, because none of these can come close to the taste of fresh ginger.
3) You can substitute red chilli powder for cayenne pepper.

Source:- Tarladalal

Ingredients:

   
    * 2 cups cooked whole wheat pasta in small shapes like macaroni, rotini, or small shells
    * 1 tbsp olive oil
    * 1 cup tomatoes, diced
    * 1 small onion chopped
    * 1 cup chopped spinach, fresh or frozen
    * 1 tbsp minced garlic
    * salt and pepper to taste
    * 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
    * 1 tbsp toasted pine nuts (Optional)

Method:

   1. Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente ( little bit kachha / Not fully cooked), according to package directions.Drain it and keep it aside.
   2. Heat olive oil in a medium nonstick saucepan over medium heat and saute onion.When the onions become transparent add the tomatoes, spinach, and garlic and continue to saute for a few minutes until spinach is wilt and and tomatoes are soft. Add some salt and pepper to taste if desired.
  3. Stir in the cooked drained pasta and continue to cook and stir the mixture for a 2 minutes to heat up the pasta and blend the flavors. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and turn off the heat. Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes, garnish with  pine nuts , and serve!

Pizza bagels are ultimate snack.They are easy to prepare and ready in minutes. Kids love this.You can add almost any toppings you would like to these cheesy little treats.Try finely diced pineapple,finely chopped tomatoes and onions,finely sliced mushrooms or finely chopped bell peppers and onions.

Ingredients:-

Whole wheat mini bagels - 2
Minced Fresh Oregano  or Dried Oregano - 1 tsp
salt to taste
Mozzarella Cheese ( Shredded) - 1/3 cup
Topping of choice (Optional)( I used tomatoes ,green pepper and onions)
Tomato sauce
Black Pepper / Crushed red pepper - a pinch (Optional)

 
Method:-


1) Pre heat oven to 400 F (200 C) and set a rack in the top third of the oven.

2) Carefully cut the bagel in half and pop it into the toaster for some light toasting. 

3) Arrange the bagel halves in a baking sheet.

4) Spoon some tomato sauce to your bagel. You should put on however much you like.

5) Sprinkle pre-shredded mozzarella cheese onto your bagels.You can put on however much you like. I used very less as my husband is little bit health conscious.

6) In a bowl , stir together the finely chopped tomatoes , onions and oregano. Season with a pinch of salt.If you want you can also add some spices like powdered garlic,crushed red pepper or black pepper etc.

7) Add the mixed toppings on the bagel.

8) Place in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown. Remove and serve hot.

Enjoy the Perfect and delicious Pizza!


Note:-

1) If your health conscious then you can avoid cheese or use very less cheese.
2) Finely chop all the vegetables.

Serves ~ 3

Ingredients:-


1 cup uncooked Garden Rotini pasta
2 carrots, peeled, thinly sliced
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 Roma tomatoes, finely chopped
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Method:-

1. Cook pasta as directed on the package.
2. During the last 3 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the chopped carrots and peas.
3. Drain pasta and keep it aside.
4. Heat oil in a pan.Add fresh tomatoes and let it cook for 5 mins. Then add cooked pasta.
5.Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over pasta. Add salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir to mix.Switch off the stove.
5. Transfer pasta to serving platter. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
6. Serve and Enjoy  yummy Pasta !!!

Falafel is very popular in the Middle Eastern fast food. It can be served as a main dish , a sandwich stuffed in pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and tahini. It can also be served as an appetizer on a salad, or with hummus and tahini. Falafel is high in protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber.Falafel is hearty enough to replace hamburger patties and meatballs in vegetarian dishes.

Ingredients:

* 1 cup dried chickpeas or 16 oz. can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans.
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 4 cloves of garlic, chopped
* 1-2 Green Chillies
* 3 tbsp of fresh parsley, chopped
* 1 tsp coriander powder
* 1 tsp cumin powder
* 2 tbsp flour
* Salt to taste
* Pepper to taste
* Oil for deep frying




Method:-

1) Wash and soak chickpeas in water overnight. Omit this step if using canned beans.

2) Drain chickpeas next morning and put them in pressure cooker and cook with water for 3-4 whistles.Cool for 15 minutes then remove the lid and drain them.OR Drain chickpeas, and place in pan with fresh water, and bring to a boil.Allow to boil for 5 minutes, then let simmer on low for about an hour.Drain and allow to cool for 15 minutes.

3) Combine boiled chickpeas, garlic, green chilli ,onion, coriander powder, cumin powder, salt and pepper (to taste) in food processor or blender. You want the result to be a thick paste.Don't add water while grinding.Take the grinded mixture in a bowl .Then add flour.Mix well.



4) Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a ping pong ball.

5) Deep Fry in 2 inches of oil until golden brown .It will take about 5 minutes.

Serve hot with hummus.

Recipe Source :- About.com


Falafel can be served as an appetizer with hummus and tahini, It can be served as main course , stuff pita bread with falafel, lettuce, tomatoes, tahini . As an alternative, falafel can be formed into patties and served like a burger.

Hummus is one of the more popular Middle Eastern dips. This home made hummus is is high in iron and vitamin C .It can be served with fresh or toasted pita bread or other bread .Hummus can be served as dip with snack or appetizer. Tahini is an important part of the hummus recipe and cannot be substituted. However, it can be omitted.Hummus freezes well for up to 6 months ,so you can always have it on hand. Kids also love this savory spread .

Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

    1 15 oz ( 470 gm ) can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans or 1 cup dried chick peas
    2 tablespoons olive oil ,plus more as needed
    2 cloves garlic, crushed
    1 lemon juice (depending on taste)
    1 1/2 tablespoons( 1/3 cup /100 gm ) tahini
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (Optional)
   
Method:-

1) Place dried chickpeas in a bowl, covering with cold water. Allow to soak overnight. Omit this step if using canned beans.

2) Drain chickpeas and set aside liquid from can.

3) In a blender or food processor, combine the chickpeas and 1 /4 cup of water or  .Puree until smooth.

4) Then add remaining ingredients in blender olive oil ,garlic, tahini ,salt.Cut the lemon in half and add the juice from one half.Blend for 3-5 minutes on low until thoroughly mixed and smooth. Taste and adjust the flavor and consistency with more lemon juice and olive oil.

5) Transfer into serving bowl, and create a shallow well in the center of the hummus.

6) Add a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) of olive oil in the well. Garnish with chopped parsley (optional).

Serve immediately with fresh, warm or toasted pita bread ,Falafel .

Variations :-

For a spicier hummus, add a sliced red chilli or a dash of cayenne pepper or paprika.

Storing Hummus:-

To store, refrigerate in an air tight container for upto 1 week .
If you want to store up to 6 months then spoon into ice cube trays or other freezer containers and freeze covered. Add a little olive oil if it appears to be too dry.

Ingredients:-

2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsps baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup or 4 tablespoons vegetable shortening / Vegetable oil / butter
1/2 cup hot water (approximate)
Comal /Griddle/ pan
Rolling board and pin / Tortilla Press


Method:-


1) In a large bowl with a pastry blender or with hand blend the flour, baking powder, salt , vegetable shortening together.When all combined well, slowly add water until soft dough forms. Add additional warm water if necessary.

2) We are looking for a soft dough consistency; it should not stick to your hands. If it does, add a little more of flour. If it looks dry, or crumbly, add more water.


3) Knead the dough by folding again and again. Knead for 5 minutes  to form soft dough that is no longer sticky.

4) Cover the dough with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Allowing the dough to rest will give you a softer tortilla after cooking.


5) Separate the dough  into 12 small balls or portions for small tortillas and 6 balls for large tortillas.

6) Heat a comal or griddle over medium heat.


7) On a lightly floured surface take one of the dough ball and begin to roll it out.  Continue to roll and turn until  the dough is about 1/8-inch thick round in shape.
                                                                     or
 Using a tortilla press , place a ball of the dough about 1 ½ inch in diameter between the two plastic pieces and press to form a 6 inch round tortilla.


8) Place each raw tortilla on the hot comal / Griddle / pan and cook .When air bubbles start to form then you turn over quickly and continue to cook for 1 minute until brown patches form. It will start filling up with air then you turn over again and cook for another 15 seconds. Cook until the tortilla begins to puff. Tap lightly with your fingertips to allow even puffing. Remove from the griddle and Wrap with a napkin or clean towel to keep them warm.Continue the same process with the remaining dough.



1) The dough can be frozen easily before cooking and thawed later.
2) Water quantity may vary depending on desired mixture texture

Pilaf is a smart way to cook up rice and vegetables together in same pot for a wholesome meal.
This is a Kids Friendly Pilaf.It is easy to cook and tasty to eat.

Ingredients:-

1/2 Onion
1 1/2 cups cleaned mushrooms
1 Zucchini
1 tbsp Olive oil / butter
2 Cups Vegetable broth /Water
1 Cup brown or white rice (Long Grain Rice)
1/4 tsp Black Pepper (or as per taste)
Salt to taste


Method:-

1) Wash the rice, drain the water and leave it on the sieve for sometime.
2) Grate the Onion in a blender.
3) Finely chop mushrooms and zucchini.
4) In a frying pan over medium heat warm the olive oil.
5) Add onion and cook until translucent about 2 minutes.
6) After that add finely chopped zucchini and mushrooms.
7) Season with pepper and salt and cook ,stirring often , until their moisture has evaporated, 5-7 mins.
8) Transfer the vegetables to a sauce pan, add the broth and rice and stir to mix. Cover and cook until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed about 15 minutes.
9) Remove the pan from the heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes.
10) Fluff with fork and Serve hot.


Note:-

As you child grows older you can liven up this pilaf by stirring in chopped raisins or other tiny pieces of dried fruits ,spices, such as 1/2 tsp garlic powder or 1/4 tsp cumin and coriander powder,flaked almonds. Add the stir ins along with the rice.

These quesadillas are open faced and are made into super-cute shapes by using a large cookie cutter for the tortilla and a smaller one in the same shape for the cheese.Kids will love and enjoy this .They will eat without any fuss.

Makes 4-8 Quesadilla Shapes

Ingredients:-
2 Corn or Flour Tortilla (Preferably Whole Wheat)
8 Slices Cheddar Cheese or any other Cheese
Olive oil Spray
Salsa for Serving (Optional)

Method:-

1) Use a large cookie cutter ,cut out shapes from the tortilla as desired.Using a small cookie cutter,cut the cheese slices into equal number of shapes.

2) Heat a frying pan on medium heat. Spray with Olive oil and add tortilla cutouts.

3) Cook the first side until it is golden for 1-2 minutes.Flip the tortilla and top each with a cheese cutout. Cover the pan and cook on second side until the cheese is melted for 1-2 minutes.

4) Transfer the quesadillas to a serving plate and let it cool slightly.

5) Garnish with salsa if using or sour cream or guacamole and serve.


Note:-

Quesadillas are so versatile you can literally put anything you like.

• chopped tomatoes
• avocado slices
• olives
• mushroom slices
• corn
• chopped onions
• Beans
• celery
• bell peppers
  

...and the list goes on, only limited by your imagination.

Vegetarian Hakka Noodles is a favorite Indian-Chinese dish for most of the Indians.These are the Noodles tossed with garlic and vegetables .I love this dish.Yummmmmmm.

Ingredients:-

1 Packet Ching's Secret Hakka Veg Noodles
1 Cup -Cabbage (Shredded)
2 Large Carrots (Sliced thinly)
2 Capsicums (Sliced)
4 Spring onions (Chopped)
1 Onion ( Chopped)
2 tsp garlic(Chopped)
2 tsp Ching's Secret Soy Sauce
2 tsp Chings Secret Red Chilli Sauce
1/2 tsp Black Pepper Powder
2 tbsp Oil
Salt to taste
Water

Method:-

1) Boil 8 cups of water to bubble in a large pan then add a 1 tsp of oil.Drop the noodles and boil them for 5 minutes only.The noodles should be 70 % cooked that means they should be partially cooked or slightly Kachcha.Drain the noodles immediately and spread on plate.
2) Heat oil in wok.
3) Add all the vegetables and stir fry them.
4) Then add salt and black pepper powder and stir fry.
5) Then Add noodles , soy sauce and chilli sauce and stir fry on high fame for 3-4 minutes.Mix well.
6) Serve hot garnished with chopped spring onions.


Tip:-

1) Please do not cook Hakka noodles fully, make sure it must have cooked partially or kachcha.
2) Vegetables Should also be not cooked fully .They should be crispy.
3) Instead of Red chilli Sauce you can also use Green chilli sauce.


Suggested Accompaniments

Vegetable Manchurian
Creamy Vegetables

This recipe is great and simple because it can be made with ingredients you can get at a regular grocery store or in your pantry.Its very delicious and very hearty.

Ingredients:-

1 cup elbow macaroni
2 cups water
1/2 onion chopped
1 tablespoons oil
2 Large tomatoes juice/puree
3 Green chilies paste
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

Method:-

Cook pasta in water until tender.
Drain.
Saute onion in oil in a large pan
Fry onions till golden yellow.
Now add tomatoes puree.Fry till oil comes out.
Then add green chilli paste, salt,pepper and saute for a minute.
Now add 2 cups of water and boiled vegetables as well as cooked pasta.
Simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve hot.

A Pleasant breakfast treat.This is a perfect meal for people on the go.Easy to prepare,tasty,healthy and fresh.


Ingredients:-

1 bagel, sliced in half
1 tbsp Honey mustard
1 leaf romaine lettuce
1 slice Cheese
2 rings green bell pepper
2 slices cucumber
2 slices red onion
2 slices tomato
salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste




Method:-

1. Apply Honey mustard onto the cut sides of the bagel.
2. Layer the lettuce,cheese, green pepper, cucumber,onion and tomato on one half.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Then cover with the other half of the bagel.

Delicious Bagel Sandwich is ready!!!