Shikanji

Shikanji is nothing but a north Indian version of lemonade. None can resist having a tall glass of chilled shikanji on a hot summer day but even otherwise will you? I learnt this version from my roommate, Nidhi a friend as cool as lemonade itself. I may get addicted to it after tasting once.

Ingredients:

1. Lemon – 1
2. Sugar – 1 1/2 tbsp
3. Black salt  – 1 pinch
4. Ice cubes – 4
5. Water - 1 glass

Method:

Step 1: In ¼ glass of water dissolve sugar completely and then mix black salt to it.
Step 2: Now squeeze lemon juice into it
Step 3: Add water to fill the glass
Step 4: Serve with excess ice cubes

Baingan Ka Bartha

Baingan is Brinjal and this dish is more like a ‘kathirikai masiyal’ that we’ve in south India. Here we like to eat it with steamed rice while in north it is preferred with rotis also. Usually for Baigan ka bartha, large eggplants are chosen and charred on stove before the flesh is scooped to prepare bartha. This is so flavourful and even people who detest Brinjal would like to try it.

Ingredients:

1.     Brinjal – 1 large

2.     Tomatoes – 2 medium

3.     Onions – 2 medium

4.     Garlic – 3 cloves

5.     Chilli powder – 1 tsp

6.     Asafoetida – 1 pinch

7.     Dhaniya powder – 1 tsp

8.     Cumin seeds – ¼ tsp

9.     Salt to taste

10. Oil - 1 tbsp

Method:

Step 1: Roast the Brinjal directly on stove on all sides
Step 2: Cool it peel the skin and slit to check for worms and mash it with masher
Step 3: Heat oil in a tawa, temper with cumin seeds and asafoetida
Step 4: Sauté with it finely chopped onions then add grated garlic ,chopped tomatoes, chilli powder, dhaniya powder and salt in that order
Step 5: Add little water if required and let it cook
Step 6: Once done add the mashed Brinjal to it and stir well
Step 7: Serve with rice/ rotis.

Macaroni with Cheese & Tomato

As a learner I was disciplined to religiously follow the instructions and try recipes on the pack of any procurement for kitchen. This recipe is an adaptation from bambino macaroni pack and it is pretty easy. Tangy and cheesy, this is loveable for kids and kid-likes. 

   

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

1. Oil – 1 tbsp

2. Onion – 1 large

3. Ginger-Garlic paste – 1 tsp

4. Garam masala – 2 tsp

5. Chilli powder – 1 ½ tsp

6. Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

7. Jeera powder – 1 tsp

8. Chopped tomatoes – 2 cups

9. Macaroni – 2 cups

10. Salt to taste

11. Cheese – 2 cubes or slices

Method:

Step 1: Cook macaroni with salt as per instructions on the packet.

Step 2: Heat oil in a cooker and sauté chopped onions, then add ginger-garlic paste to it and continue to sauté.

Step 3: Add garam masala, chilli powder, turmeric powder, jeera powder and chopped tomatoes.

Step 4: Sauté until the tomatoes are mushy.

Step 5: Add macaroni, stir and cook covered for 5 min in simmered heat.

Step 6: Now open and add cheese, stir and serve immediately.