SIMMY'S SPICES & FLAVOURS

Peda  is a sweet from the Indian subcontinent, usually prepared in thick,semi-soft pieces. The main ingredients are khoya(mawa), sugar and traditional flavorings, including cardamom seeds, pistachio nuts and saffron. The colour varies from a creamy white to a caramel color. The word peda is also generically used to mean a blob of any doughy substance, such as flour or (in the case of the sweet) khoya. Mathura Pedas are very famous throughout India and is one of the most imortant objects to shop for during a visit to Mathura. Today is Janmastami. It is an annual celebration of the birth of the LORD SRI KRISHNA. On this auspicious occasion I have prepared Mathura's famous Peda. So let's start step by step Mathura Peda's recipe- INGREDIENTS:- Mawa(khoya)-1 cup(I used Nanak mawa) Sugar-3/4 cup Ghee-1/2 tsp Warm milk-2 tbsp Cardamom powder-1/2 tsp Sugar for garnish METHOD:- 1-In a nonstick pan heat ghee,then add mawa. 2-When mawa starts mel...

Quinoa is a grain crop grown primarily for its edible seeds.It is closely related to species such as beetroots,spinach and tumbleweeds.It is good gluten-free source of high protein, iron and fiber.It is a quick and flavorful way to get in a serving of whole grains.  INGREDIENTS:- Quinoa-1 cup Toor dal-1/4 cup Masoor dal-1/4 cup Cauliflower-8-10 florets Chopped carrot-1/2 cup Beans-1/2 cup Green peas-1 cup Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp Roasted cumin powder-2 tsp Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp Curry leaves-5-6 Bay leaf-1 Whole Red chili-2 Salt to taste Oil or ghee-1 tbsp Water-4 cups METHOD:- 1-Wash quinoa,dal and vegetables separately and drain well. 2-Heat oil or ghee in a pressure cooker,crack the cumin seeds,bay leaves,red chili and curry leaves. 3-Add all the vegetables and fry for 5-6 minutes. 4-Add turmeric powder,roasted cumin powder and salt and mix well. 5-Then add quinoa,toor dal and masoor dal,mix properly. 6-Fry for 3-4 minutes on a low flame. ...

Chili cheese toast is a very simple,quick and delicious recipe for perfect tea time snack and breakfast.  INGREDIENTS- Bread-8 slices(I used french bread,but you van use any type of bread) Grated Cheese-1/2 cup(I used cheddar cheese) Chopped capsicum-1 medium(I used green capsicum) Green chilies-4(finely chopped) Chopped tomato-1/2 cup Chopped Garlic-2 tbsp Olive oil-1 tbsp & some use for brush Crushed black paper to taste Salt to taste Italian seasoning to taste(I used crushed chili paper,crushed oregano,crushed parsley & roasted garlic herbs)  METHOD:- 1-Preheat the oven to 350 degree F. 2-In a bow mix all the ingredients and set aside. 3-Take all the slices of bread and brush with some olive oil. 4-Place the slices of bread on a baking tray. 5-Now put the mixture over the bread and spread that out evenly. 6-If you want more cheesy then sprinkle little grated cheese on the top of the mixture. 7-Then bake it 4-5 minutes unti...

INGREDIENTS:- Desiccated coconut or dry coconut powder-1 cup Condensed milk-1 cup Green cardamom-2-3(crushed) Few tbsp desiccated or dry coconut powder METHOD:- 1-In a pan add condensed milk and desiccated coconut. 2-Mix well and cook on low flame. 3-Once the coconut mixture comes out clean from the sides of pan add the crushed cardamom and mix. 4-Turn off the heat and let the coconut mixture cool enough for handle it but still it is warm. 5-Grease your hands,make some little balls by rolling between your palms and rolled in desiccated coconut. 6-Store the coconut ladoo in an air tight container and refrigerate it or you can keep it at room temperature up to 2-3 days. NOTE- 1-You can also use fresh coconut or frozen coconut but it will take extra time to cook. 2-You can also use any nuts of your choice.

Thandai is a refreshing summer cooler drink recipe made during Indian festivals.This famous drink is traditionally prepared as an offering to Lord Shiva during the festival of Maha Shivaratri & the festival of colors,Holi.It is also known as "sardai".It is a cold drink prepared with a mixture of almonds,fennel seeds,melon seeds(char magaz),poppy seeds(khus-khus),rose petals,pepper,cardamom,saffron,milk & sugar.This thirst-quencher is tasty & cools you down.So let's start.... INGREDIENTS:- Whole Milk-4 cups(You can also use low-fat or soy or almond milk) Whole almond-1/2 cup Melon seeds(char magaz)-2 tbsp(if n't available,then use pumpkin seeds) Poppy seeds(Khus-khus)-1 tbsp Cardamom pods(elaichi)-10 Fennel seeds(saunf)-1 tbsp Peppercorns(kali mirch)-8 Rose water-1 tbsp(you can also use 1/2 tsp rose essence or 1 tsp dried rose petals) Sugar-1/2 cup(or adjust according to taste) Chopped pistachio-handful Saffron-few stands Ros...