31 Dec 2014

Fruit Cake Fudge Bar

This is an excellent fudge bar, full of the fruit cake, it tastes like cadbury fruit and nut bar - only better! These bars are made with left over fruit cakes. This time I set aside some of my fruit cake to make this fudge bar and some christmas truffles.
This tastes absolutely delicious! So fudgy and chocolaty! I absolutely loved it. 
You can make this bar with any of these Christmas Fruit Cakes.

Fruit Cake Fudge Bar


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30 Dec 2014

Pineapple Juice

We had some pineapple in our home, which no one wanted to eat and the only other option I had was to make some juice out of it. And I should say, everybody loved the juice! 
For the pineapple juice, you can either strain it or have it without straining. My husband and daughter likes the strained juice and I prefer having the juice without staining it.
The last image is the strained juice, whereas the first two images are the un-strained juice.


Pineapple Juice


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27 Dec 2014

Eggless No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

We love cheesecakes in our house, I made this strawberry version to take it to my in laws house and we all enjoyed this flavor. Tastes awesome! Of course, I have used cottage cheese to make this cheesecake, like all my other cheesecakes but you can make it with the traditional cream cheese too.

Eggless NoBake Strawberry Cheesecake


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23 Dec 2014

Eggless Christmas Fruit Cake | Eggless Plum Cake

I have posted a Christmas Fruit Cake with eggs and that is the recipe we love the most but when we have to distribute cake for others, I need an egg free version since some of our neighbors don't eat eggs. And for that this recipe works beautifully! I have also posted a Dundee Fruit Cake which is so rich in fruits and nuts, that it's totally delicious!


Eggless Christmas Cake


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22 Dec 2014

Mango Brownies

I had completely forgotten about this post! I made these lovely mango brownies during the mango season this past summer and forgot to post it. It's been hiding in one of my old folders and I'm glad I found it now since this is one yum brownie! 

Ever since I saw these brownies in Tadka Pasta, I have been wanting to try it out. I love brownies and I'm game to try out any brownie recipe! There are lots of brownie recipes in my blog. You can't go wrong with chocolate!


Mango Brownies


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20 Dec 2014

Dark Chocolate Mud Cake

I was looking to bake a wonderful cake for one of my cousin's birthday and I wanted to make it super delicious and decadent. As I was searching, I remembered my friend Nicole from Salmela Family Cakes, had posted a mud cake recipe in her face book page. I went ahead with this recipe and it was one of the most delightful cakes I have ever had. So rich and deep in flavor. Do try out if you love your cakes to be dark and rich!


Mud Cake


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19 Dec 2014

Kadai Mushroom

Mushroom has been a favorite of mine ever since I tasted it first in my mother in law's house. And knowing the health benefits of mushrooms, we make it often. I used button mushrooms for this recipe, which are easily available here.
Ever since I made the Kadai Paneer, I have been wanting to make Kadai Mushroom as well and this turned out to be too good! This recipe can be made as dry, semi dry or a gravy. I made it semi dry. 


Kadai Mushroom


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18 Dec 2014

Mushroom Pulao

Mushrooms are one of my most favorites! And the best part is, my husband also loves mushrooms, unlike paneer. He hates paneer so I can't make a lot of paneer dishes but since we both love mushrooms, I make plenty of mushroom dishes. Our most favorite mushroom recipe, is mushroom biryani. I make this biryani very often and we enjoy it a lot. This time around I decided to try mushroom pulao and this was another hit! 



Mushroom Pulao


Pulao is always very delicious and a favorite among kids too but you need to have a nice, spicy side dish to make it even more delicious. 

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11 Dec 2014

Pots de Creme

Pots de creme are delicious and rich desserts that you can make ahead for your guests. They are made with cream, milk and chocolate and it's somewhat like mousse. There are no cook versions of pots de creme too but I am not comfortable eating raw eggs so prefer this cooked version.
Pots de Creme

I like these make-ahead desserts since it leaves you free to cook and bake other things for a party or get together. Especially great for stress pots like me, who wants everything to be just perfect!!
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8 Dec 2014

Beet Root Pulao

I have been looking high and low for new and different versions of lunch box recipes. I need to pack lunch for my daughter and she is extremely finicky with food. I already make beetroot rice for her so I figured this beetroot pulao will work and so it did! 

Peas Pulao is another favorite lunch box recipe in our house and I'm glad this dish was welcomed too! This is very easy to make, one pot meal and perfect for lunch boxes.


BeetRoot Pulao


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6 Dec 2014

How to Whip Cream to Stiff Peaks

I always prefer whipped cream frosting, you will find only whipped cream and ganache frosting in my blog since I hate buttercream!! The most number of queries I get is about whipped cream so I decided to write a detailed post on the whipped cream I use. Hope this will clarify all your doubts.


How to whip cream to stiff peaks


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1 Dec 2014

Eggless Strawberry Mousse Cake

I love this fruit!! If you go through my blog, you will realize how much I love strawberries and mangoes by the number of strawberry recipes and mango recipes on my page! I can't have enough of these fruit! Although I prefer to eat these fruits as it is, strawberries makes some dee - lee - cious desserts. I have waited a whole year for this fruit to make an appearance and oh I am in strawberry heaven!


Eggless Strawberry Mousse Cake


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Event Announcement - Dish It Out

There is another event happening here and this one is Vardhini's "Dish it Out". Vardhini's page Cooks Joy is a wonderful page with lots of recipes and she hosts great events too. The topic for this month is "Cook With Left Overs". 
Everyday, there is some amount of food that is left over and we are all looking forward to using up the left over food without wasting it. This event will have a collection of these recipes that we can look up.



The rules for this event are
1. Make a dish that fits the theme "Cook with leftovers.".
2. Only vegetarian entries. Eggs are allowed in baking.
3. Use of logo is appreciated as it helps spread the word.
4. Link to Dish it Out event announcement page and to this event announcement page.
5. Archived entries are accepted as long as they are linked with both announcements.
6. The event runs from December 1st to December 31st 2014.


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30 Nov 2014

Event Announcement - In My Veg Box

I am happy to announce that I am hosting my second Veg Box event by citrusspiceuk.com! This time the topic is Green Beans. This is one of my most favorite vegetables! I used to love this as a kid and I'm sure this is a favorite among many. There are many varieties of green beans and you can link any of the beans recipe. 




To Participate:

1. Prepare any vegetarian recipe using Green Beans please link your dish using the linky below by entering your Dish Name and Post URL
2. All entries must link this event announcement page and citrusspiceuk blog (http://citrusspiceuk.com/) with the entry post, this is mandatory. Any entries without both blog links will not be accepted.
3. Use of logo is not mandatory but it helps to spread the word if you can use it.
4. Multiple entries are allowed, archived are only allowed if reposted and updated with this event link and citrusspice link

In the event of problem using linky you can email me the entry at (your email here)

Please use this format:
Your Name: Recipe
Name Recipe URL
Image no larger than 300 pixels.

Lets link up some green beans recipes!


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25 Nov 2014

How to bake a flat topped cake | How to prevent domes in cakes

I have been wanting to share this for long but somehow never got to it! Today I am going to share a very simple tip that will help you bake flat cakes. There are many ways to control the dome and this is the easiest for me. No domes, no cutting off the excess and wasting some bits cakes. I don't know where exactly I got this tip from, long before I started baking, I did a lot of research on baking. Went through tons of websites reading up on various aspects of baking and this is one tip that I have found very useful.


How to bake flat topped cake


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23 Nov 2014

How to make a Doll Cake | Doll Cake | Princess Cake


                       Celebrating One Year of Blogging with this gorgeous Doll Cake!

Today marks one year of my blogging journey, seems just like yesterday since I started writing with my first post Fudgy Cocoa Brownie (of course it's a brownie recipe!!) From there I have progressed to 250 plus recipes, not bad with two small kids tagging along! 

It's all because of my Lord Jesus that I have been able to do this, there's no doubt about that! He has given me the strength, wisdom, resources and favor to carry on writing successfully. Many of my friends and family are surprised that I am writing a blog but all credit goes to my Lord who has helped me throughout. Without God we are nothing but with Him I (we) can do all things! 

My favorite verse in the Bible is "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13


Doll Cake


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19 Nov 2014

Christmas Fruit Cake

Christmas Fruit Cake / Plum Cake

"Joy to world, the Lord has come,
Let earth receive her King"

Christmas is in the air! This season brings a lot of joy and fond memories! This is the time of the year when we as children used to visit my grandmother's house and all our cousins, uncles and aunties together had an awesome time of fun! Christmas tree in every house, singing carols, a time to enjoy and be joyful!

"Deck the halls with boughs of holly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la,
Tis the season to be jolly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la"

We would all wake up early in the morning, Christmas Day and go to church and come back home for a time of feasting. Without a doubt, there will be a lot of chicken recipes! Breakfast of idli and chicken kuzhambu, chicken biryani for lunch and of course my athai (my aunt) made the most fabulous, fabulous Christmas cake!

"Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way,
Oh what fun, it is to ride, in a one horse open sleigh"

The only thing that annoys me about Christmas is that, people now a days associate Christmas with only fun and frolic and forget the real meaning and purpose of Christmas. Christmas is celebrated since Christ was born in this earth, salvation came through Jesus, without whom we will all die in our sins. He is the savior who went on to die on the cross to pay for all our sin and sickness. True joy of Christmas is knowing that we are saved through knowing and receiving Him.

"Into my heart, into my heart,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus"

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17 Nov 2014

Bread Pizza

Bread Pizza is a delicious alternative to regular pizza. Well, actually it's nothing like the regular pizza but when in a fix this makes a wonderful snack, easy and quick to make! Try making this as an evening snack for your kids, they'll love it! 


Bread Pizza


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15 Nov 2014

No Knead Savoury Buns | Khara Buns | Masala Buns

These no knead buns are perfect to have for evening snacks, so easy and simple to make that even yeast beginners can master it, without fear! They are so soft and so flavorful! The best part about these buns are that, they don't require any kneading! Just mix the ingredients like you do for a cake and let it rise! Easy peasy! But please go through the notes section before proceeding with the buns.


No Knead Savoury Buns



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14 Nov 2014

Oreo Cupcakes | Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

A kid's favorite recipe on Children's Day! Every child is Oreo crazy, so are my nieces. So every time I visit them or they visit us, I make sure I make some sort of an oreo dessert for them. This time I made these delicious oreo cupcakes. 

I had first seen these cupcakes in my friend Nicole's fb page, Salmela Family Cakes. She makes some beautiful cakes and cupcakes and this recipe caught my attention since it's easy and simple to make and obviously a kid favorite recipe!

So here's wishing all the kids a very Happy Children's Day with this delightful Oreo Cupcakes!! { For those who don't know, Children's Day is celebrated on November 14th in India, on the birthday of our 1st Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who loved children}


Oreo Cupcakes


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13 Nov 2014

Choco Banana Nut Ice Cream - A guest post

Today I am writing a guest post for one of my friend, Remya from Remmy's kitchen. Remya has been one of my friends from the time I started blogging and has helped me a lot with the technical aspects of blogging. She has a lovely blog with lots of delicious dishes. 


Choco Banana Ice cream

When she asked me to do a guest post for her, I was wondering what to write for her. She told me her favorite is chocolate ice cream, so I chose a chocolate ice cream recipe for her. 

I have already posted some ice cream recipes in my blog. Check out the other 18 ice cream recipes in this site.

Check out her page too.

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12 Nov 2014

Masala Paneer Rice

This paneer rice is a very easy lunch box recipe, I thought of making this dish after I made this masala egg rice. I had tweaked the egg bhurji recipe to make the masala egg rice so I wondered how it will taste if I tweaked the paneer bhurji recipe and thus came this paneer rice!
It turned out to be very tasty and most of all very easy to prepare! The only thing is make sure the paneer is soft otherwise it will not taste good. You can use left over rice too.


Paneer Rice


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10 Nov 2014

Sweet Cucumber Lassi

Cucumber lassi is a wonderful refreshing drink and a brilliant cooler, that I make for my husband. I simply love this yogurt based drink, it's easy and simple to make and tastes awesome! There are two ways to make this drink, one is with sugar and the other is with salt and spices. This is the sweet version and I will post the salted version later. 
I love to make variations to the simple lassi, makes it more yum! I have already posted a strawberry lassi and a mango lassi, check that out as well.


Sweet Cucumber Lassi


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8 Nov 2014

Apple Cinnamon Milkshake

There is an apple overload in our house. I'm trying to finish it off, have been making different recipes with apples in it. This is a healthy drink and very easy to make. It also tastes awesome and a favorite among kids. A great way to sneak some fruit into your child!

Apple Cinnamon Milkshake


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6 Nov 2014

How to make Caramel for Fruit Cakes

Making the caramel for fruit cakes can be pretty daunting if your a newbie to baking. It is hyped up a lot and people generally look for fruit cakes that does not require the making of caramel sauce. But in reality it is not such a big thing. It is quite simple, it requires a lot of patience and towards the end some quick action to make a really good caramel sauce.
If I can do it, then you most definitely can!!


The first description is making a caramel without adding water to it, it's also called the dry caramel. The second description is the wet caramel, where water is added to the sugar. Which ever method your recipe calls for, follow that using this as a guideline.


Caramel for Fruit Cakes


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Egg Fried Rice

Fried rice is one of my most favorite dishes, I mostly make with eggs and sometime make vegetable and chicken fried rice too. This can be made with left over rice or you can cook fresh basmati rice and then make this rice. Either way, it tastes great. It can be made in s few minutes and kids love it too! It makes a great lunch box recipe too! Pair it with any curry or gravy and you can a healthy wholesome, filling meal!


Egg Fried Rice

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5 Nov 2014

Vanilla Chocolate Chip Ice Cream - A guest post

I was invited to do a guest post for Haffa's Kitchen and I gladly agreed! Haffa has some wonderful recipes in her blog and my favorites are her pizza recipes. 


As I was wondering what to make for her blog, I decided to do one of my most favorite recipes ever! The Ice Cream! This time I chose to make a vanilla ice cream with loads of chocolate chips added to it. 



Do visit Haffa's page!

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3 Nov 2014

Kadai Paneer | Paneer Recipes

Paneer is Indian Cottage Cheese and one of my favorite! I think everybody loves paneer, except of course my husband! He doesn't like paneer so I don't get to make it very often. But if I do make it, he will eat without fussing! So today  made paneer mainly for me and my daughter and my husband who is not a fan, actually enjoyed it. This tastes very good!


Kadai Paneer

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2 Nov 2014

Basic White Bread

Baking a bread at home, is a dream for many especially when you know what all goes into baking a commercial bread. This post is to help you bake the most beautiful, soft and delicious white bread. 


Basic White Bread

I have tried to list all points and also make it easier to understand with pictures, hope this helps you achieve your dream! If you know to knead and make roti/chapathi, then you should be able to bake a beautiful bread, with a few tips mentioned below. Also, if I can make it then so can you :)

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1 Nov 2014

Chicken Kurma

Chicken kurma is one of the most delicious curry's around and it goes well with idli, dosa, roti or even rice. It's a wonderful aromatic and flavorful curry that I love to make often. There are different ways to make this curry and this is how we make it and it's super yum! We had it with roti for dinner and it was a satisfying meal!


Chicken Kurma


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31 Oct 2014

28 Oct 2014

Egg Curry

Eggs are one of my favorites, simply because it's so easy to prepare and whenever there's nothing in the fridge, these simple eggs make a delicious side dish! This is one of the simplest and easiest egg recipes that I make but I should say, this is easily one of the favorites. It tastes absolutely yum!


Egg Roast


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25 Oct 2014

Dinner Rolls | Bread Rolls | Plain Buns

Have you ever wanted to bake breads at home but the yeast intimidated you? Well, I was like that too! I had to do a lot of 'talking to myself' to bring myself to bake breads. And besides, we are not a bread eating family so I never felt compelled to bake breads.
But then, when I did start baking with yeast, I was gripped with it! Obsessed may be the right word too! And it's not all that hard. You just need a good brand of yeast and then your good to go!


Dinner Rolls


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22 Oct 2014

Soya 65 | Meal Maker Recipes | Easy Soya Recipes

Soya nuggets is one of the richest food that is available, full of protein, iron, calcium among others. This is the vegetarian equivalent of meat. My husband loves soya nuggets and prefers eating this more. 
I had a packet of soya and decided to make this fried version for an evening snack. This tastes awesome, crispy and yum!


Soya 65


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20 Oct 2014

Mutton Kheema Biryani / Lamb Minced Meat Biryani

It was a quiet Saturday morning as I was standing by the window contemplating what to cook for that afternoon lunch... Well, what are weekends without a lipsmacking biryani! This biyani was made on one such lazy relaxed weekend, where everybody was waiting expectantly for a special dish and I did not disappoint them! This biryani was delicious and stayed true to the reputation of biryani!!


Mutton Kheema Biryani


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18 Oct 2014

Easy Nutella Muffins

This is one of the easiest muffin recipes you will come across! So simple to make and so delicious too. This is more like a brownie than a muffin. Nutella, which is a favorite among kids, makes this muffin - oh so yum!!
You can bake this with bare minimal ingredients which will be available in your kitchen. This is a great idea for an evening snack or even for kids snack box.


Nutella Muffins


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15 Oct 2014

Pomegranate Milkshake

My daughter goes through phases, sometimes she drinks milk and sometime she simply doesn't like it so I've been trying to come up with different flavors and tastes to keep her interested in milk. One of the new flavor I tried is pomegranate. I should say, even me, who never drinks milk, had a whole cup of this milkshake! It tastes really good!

pomegranate milkshake

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10 Oct 2014

Chocolate Biscuit Pudding | Easy No Bake Recipes

My nieces were coming to town and I was looking to make an easy chocolate dessert and I decided to do this since it's easy to make and any kid will love this! I have previously made marie biscuit chocolate balls which is also a favorite chocolate - biscuit recipe. I should say, any kid and any adult will love this dessert! It's easy to make and you will probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen so this can be made anytime with no prior preparation.


Chocolate Biscuit Pudding


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8 Oct 2014

Banana Chocolate Chips Muffins

This is one of my most favorite and special muffin recipe since this is the first muffin that I tried after I started baking. I remember, at that time, hoping secretly that no one would want these muffins so that I can have them all for myself!! It was that tasty! So soft and moist and yum! And this time when I made it again, I was left secretly hoping for the same thing!!
The flavor of banana with chocolate and cinnamon is absolutely divine. Do try it out if you have over ripe bananas at home.




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6 Oct 2014

Dates Milkshake

This is a delicious milkshake and works like magic for breakfast! Healthy and filling. This is also a great way to include dates in your child's diet, if they are not fond of eating them. 
I had a packet of dates lying around for sometime and was thinking of how to use it up and I ended up baking a date walnut cake and then with the remaining, made this fantastic milkshake.


Dates Milkshake

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1 Oct 2014

Eggless Pomegranate Mousse | Easy No Bake Recipes

I love mousse! Well, who doesn't! I love the silky soft texture of a mousse. I normally don't make mousse with eggs since most mousse recipes add raw eggs and I am not comfortable eating un cooked eggs. 
This recipe has no eggs and still tastes fabulous! We had lots of pomegranates at home and no one was interested in eating them so I went about making some pomegranate juice, pomegranate milkshake and then this mousse. All were awesome!





POMEGRANATE MILKSHAKE
Preparation time - 15 mins | Cooking time 8 hours | Serving - 4 dessert bowls
Recipe Category - Dessert | Recipe Cuisine - World

Ingredients
  • Pomegranate juice - 1 cup
  • Whipping cream - 1/ 2 cup
  • Sugar - 2 tbsp (add more if needed)
  • Vanilla extract - 1 tsp
  • Gelatin -  2 tsp [or] Agar agar powder 2 tsp 
  • Water - 5 tbsp


Here are some other mousse recipes


Method
1. Add the gelatin to 5 tbsp of water and let it bloom for 5 minutes. Then microwave for 30 seconds and let it sit till it cools down. It will become a clear solution.



2. Blend about 2 cups of pomegranate arils (seeds) with sugar and strain to get 1 cup of juice.
3. Add the vanilla extract and whip the 1/2 cup of cream to stiff peaks. The cream will double in volume and give you 1 cup of cream.



4. Now pour the pomegranate juice in the whipped cream and whip again until it blends together.
5. Add the cooled gelatin mixture and mix again.



6. Pour into moulds and let it set for 4-6 hours.




Notes
1. If you want to use this as a filling for cakes, cook the pomegranate juice with sugar until the sugar dissolves and then add the bloomed gelatin to this and proceed with the rest of the steps. This will make the mousse more firm and sets well.



Until next time,
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30 Sept 2014

Masala Omelette

This is one of the simplest recipes ever! When ever we need a quick side dish or when there are no veggies at home, this omelette always comes to the rescue! You can have this for breakfast also with bread, makes a delicious, flavorful, spicy breakfast!




Ingredients
  • Eggs - 2
  • Onion - 1 medium, chopped
  • Garlic - 1, chopped finely
  • Cumin powder - 1/4 tsp
  • Coriander powder - 1/4 tsp
  • Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
  • Garam masala powder - 1/4 tsp
  • Pepper powder - 1/4 tsp
  • Coriander leaves - 1 tsp, chopped
  • Curry leaves - 2 or 3 chopped
  • Salt - a pinch
  • Oil - 1 tsp


Method
1. Break open the eggs in a bowl. Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala powder, pepper powder and salt. Mix together.



2. In a pan, add a tsp oil. When the oil heats up, add the chopped onions and garlic. Saute till the onions turn translucent. 



3. Add the chopped curry leaves and coriander leaves and mix with the onion.
4. Add this onion to the egg mixture and mix everything well.



5. In  the same pan, add a drop of drop and spread well. Pour the egg mixture and spread lightly.



6. Cover and cook the egg. When one side is cooked, flip over and cook the other side as well.



7. Remove from flame and enjoy!




Notes
1. When you cover and cook, both sides get cooked quickly. But this is optional. You can cook without covering too.
2. You can make it more spicy by adding chopped chillies.
3. You can add some cooked vegetables to the mix too.



Until next time,
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