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January 4, 2016

How To Cook Basmati Rice For Biryani, Pulao In Pressure Cooker, Open pot, Microwave, Rice cooker

How to cook basmati rice for biryani
In this post, I have shared how to cook basmati rice in a pressure cooker, open pot, rice cooker and Microwave oven.

Basmati rice & Seeraga Samba Rice/Samba rice is one of the most important ingredient for making biryani and pulao recipes. This fragrant rice gives a nice flavor, aroma to the dish and makes it more special. Perfect cooking of basmati rice yields a fluffy, slender, long grain look that makes the dish more appealing to our eyes. So most of us always look for basmati rice cooking tips, correct water ratio, soaking time & proportions to cook it perfectly. Having tried more than 30+ Veg biryani recipes using basmati rice, I thought of sharing my observations and tips to cook a perfect basmati rice in various ways in this post. Cooking jeera rice/Seeraga samba rice is very simple. I have shared the details below.

Basmati rice can be cooked in a pressure cooker, rice cooker or in a pot(Open or closed). Its cooking method completely depends on the dish we make. For making one pot biryani or pulao recipes, pressure cooker method or closed pot method is the best whereas for Dum biryani, open pot cooking is preferrable. I personally like to cook basmati rice using open pot method as we can have control over the cooking of rice and remove them without breaking. So in this post, I have shared how to cook basmati rice using pressure cooker, rice cooker, microwave and open pot method.

There are many brands of Basmati rice available in the market. But I prefer & buy Kohinoor & India Gate basmati rice. Ok, enough of stories, lets see how to cook basmati rice perfectly with stepwise pictures and its health benefits at the end of this post.

Points to note
  • You can use any brand of basmati rice but please read the back of packet for the instructions of cooking and water quantity to get a rough idea. This is the first thing you should do to cook a perfect rice.In this post,i have mentioned the water quantity for India Gate Dubar- Green color packet.
  • Basmati rice needs a minimum soaking time for 30 minutes to elongate while cooking. As a first step, try to soak the rice before you start making pulao/biryani. It is enough to soak it for a while you chop the veggies and do the grinding jobs if any.
  • You can whole garam masala like 1 cinnamom,2 cloves, 1 cardamom, 1 bayleaf, 1 star anise & 1 black stone flower in the water while cooking. 
  • Addition of lemon juice gives you the rice white in color. So wash the rice twice and add lemon juice while cooking to get the nice color.
  • If the recipe calls for more tomatoes or tomato puree, adjust the quantity of water accordingly.
  • In my observation, For 1 cup of basmati rice i.e.250ml
Soaking time Water quantity
No soaking 2 cups
Less than 30 minutes  1.75 cups
1 to 4 hours 1.5 cups
More than 6 hours or overnight 1.25-1.5 cups

How to cook basmati rice in cooker

How to cook basmati rice


How to cook basmati rice How to cook basmati rice for making biryani & Pulao
Cuisine: Indian
Category: Cooking basics
Serves: 2 cups
Prep time: 10 Minutes
Cook time: 15 Minutes
Total time: 25 Minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 cup = 250ml

  • Basmati rice - 1 cup ( India Gate Dubar-Green color packet)
  • Water -1.5 to 2 cups depending on soaking time
  • Salt - as needed
  • Whole garam masala( 1 cinnamon,2 cloves,1 cardamom,1 bayleaf,1 black stone flower) – optional
  • Lemon juice – 1/2 of small lemon
FOR SAMBA RICE
  • Seeraga Samba Rice –1  cup
  • Water – 1.75 cups
  • Cooking oil – 1 tsp
METHOD

HOW TO COOK SEERAGA SAMBA RICE/SAMBA RICE

Wash and add the rice to the cooker along with sauteed spices. No need to soak the rice. Add 1.75 cups of water for 1 cup of water. Pressure cook the rice in low flame for one whistle. Remove the rice after steam is released. Fluff it with a fork. Please check my Ambur biryani recipeDonne biryani recipe, Kovai Angannan biryani using samba rice.

HOW TO COOK BASMATI RICE IN DIFFERENT WAYS
  • Pressure cooker method: Wash the basmati rice twice and soak it for minimum 30 minutes to maximum overnight. Soking helps the rice to elongate while cooking. So soaking atleast 30 minutes in necessary. Drain the soaked water(carbs would be removed) and put the rice inside the cooker. If you wish, roast the rice for 2-3 minutes in a kadai without breaking the rice. 
  • Take a pressure cooker and add 1.75 cups of water if you have soaked for 30 minutes to 1 hour. The quantity of water may differ based on the rice brands & soaking time. Check out the table above. Add a tsp of oil/ghee and squeeze the lemon juice in water. Put the weight valve when the steam is fully up. Lower the flame completely and cook the rice for one whistle. Remove the rice after the steam is released completely. Transfer it to wide plate. Drizzle a tsp of oil and let the rice cool down. Cover it with a lid to prevent drying.
How to cook basmati rice
How to cook basmati rice
  • Open Pot method: Take the rice and wash it twice. Boil 5 cups of water for 1 cup of rice. When the water comes to a roll boil, add the whole garam masala, few drops of lemon jucie, washed & drained rice. No need to close the bowl. Let the rice cook in open pot in medium high flame for 4-5 minutes. Stir it once or twice in between. 
  • When the rice is cooked to 90% ( You should be able to break the rice), remove it and drain the excess water in a colander. Collect the hot water in a bowl. You can keep this bowl of water over the lid when you put the rice in dum. Spread the drained rice in a plate and add 2 tsp of oil. Cover it with a lid to avoid drying.
How to cook basmati rice
How to cook basmati rice
  • Microwave method: Wash and soak the rice for minimum 30 minutes. Keep it in a microwave safe bowl double the size of water quantity ( to avoid water spilling) and add 2 cups of water, a tsp of oil and few drops of lemon juice. Cover the bowl with a microwave safe lid. Cook in high power (800w) for 2-3 minutes. Take the bowl and stir the rice once. Again keep in high power for 2 minutes. Check whether the rice is done. Transfer the rice to a plate and cover it with a lid to prevent drying.
  • Rice Cooker Method:Wash and soak the rice for 30 minutes. Saute the spices as per the recipe and pour 2.5 cups of water for 1 cup of rice. After the water starts to roll boil , add the rice. Check for salt and cover cook for sometime.Cooker will automatically switch to “Keep warm” mode. Open the lid and check whether rice is cooked well.If not add 1/2 cup of water, mix well and again switch it to “cooking” mode. Please check my tomato rice recipe using rice cooker recipe for more details.


Health Benefits of basmati rice
Basmati is considered to be a Healthy”super grain”.It is gluten-free and low in fat. It contains all eight essential amino acids, folic acid, and is very low in sodium and has no cholesterol. Basmati has a low to medium glycaemic index, meaning that energy is released at a slower, steadier rate leading to a more balanced level of energy. Basmati rice builds body tissue and is very rich in prana or vital bio-energy. Basmati rice can be beneficial to certain groups of people. Those on low-calorie diets can benefit from incorporating this grain into their diets since it is so low in fat. However, at slightly over 200 calories per cup, the calories can pile up if not eaten in moderation.

How to cook basmati rice for biryani
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January 2, 2016

Kesari Bath Recipe-Karnataka Recipes

Karnataka Kesari bath recipe
2015 was a big year for me. My long time dream of buying an own house came true. My blogging life also went well. I got so many new readers & a good fan base. 

Thanks to everyone for your continuous support and encouragement. I wish & I hope 2016 would be much better by God’s grace. I am happy to start this New year post with Karnataka’s most popular Sweet, Kesari bath recipe.

In most of the hotels, kesari bath & khara bath are served together as “Chow Chow bath” for breakfast. I have tasted this kesaribath in brahmin’s coffee bar and many popular restaurants here. My Kannadiga friends make Kesari bath with milk & banana and offer it as prasad for Satya Narayana pooja. I will try to get that recipe from my friends and share it here.

I usually make Rava Kesari following my MIL’s fool proof recipe adding less ghee and more water. Yesterday for our New Year celebration, I tried Kesari bhath (Sooji Ka Halwa in Hindi) in Karnataka style adding more ghee and water. It came out really well and got credits from my family members. I was extremely happy to see the ghee dripping Kesari bath just the way it is served in hotels.

 Actually I wanted to serve in a banana leaf but i couldn’t get it. So I clicked it by keeping it in a banana leaf plate.Soon I will make Chow chow bath and post it with a good picture.

Lets see how to make Karnataka Kesari Bath Recipe with step by step pictures.

Kesari bath recipe

Kesari bath recipe


Kesari bath recipe How to make Karnataka style Kesari bath recipe
Cuisine: Indian
Category: Sweet
Serves: 2
Prep time: 5 Minutes
Cook time: 15 Minutes
Total time: 20 Minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 cup = 250ml
  • Rava/Sooji/Semolina - 1/2 cup
  • Sugar - 1 cup
  • Water - 2 cups
  • Melted Ghee - 1/3 cup
  • Cooking oil – 1 tbsp ( use odourless oil)
  • Cardamom powder - 1/2 tsp
  • Yellow food color -2 pinches
  • Cashewnuts - few to garnish
  • Cloves - 1 to 2 nos
How to make kesaribath - METHOD

  • Heat a kadai with mentioned quantity of ghee+oil.Roast the cloves and cashews till golden. Remove and set aside.In the same kadai, roast the rava till you get a nice smell but without changing its color. Switch off the stove and let the rava be in the same kadai.
Kesari bath recipe
  • Boil 2 cups of water in a bowl adding food color. When the water comes to a roll boil, add this water to the roasted rava.Be careful,water splashes. Stay a feet away and carefully pour the water. Sorry, I missed to take the pictures for this step.
  • Mix the water and rava. Add a pinch of salt. Switch on the stove and keep the flame in medium. Mix well till all the water is absorbed by the rava. Close the kadai with a lid and cook for 3-4 minutes.
    • After the rava is cooked well, add the sugar.Mix well.
Kesari bath recipe
  • When the sugar is melted completely, mixture will become watery. So keep mixing till the kesari bath becomes thick and starts to leave the sides of pan. Add cardamom powder, roasted cashews, cloves and mix well.
Kesari bath recipe

Kesari bath recipe
  • Transfer it to a ghee greased bowl and flatten it with a ladle. It will fall like a ribbon and looks very loose in consistency. But It will become just right when warm. Sprinkle more cashews if needed and serve hot if you like. If you touch the kesari bath when its slightly warm, it should be non-sticky. Scoop it with a ladle and serve hot to enjoy its best taste!
Kesari bath recipe
Kesari bath recipe


Note
  • Adjust the quantity of sugar based on your tastebuds. You can use 3/4 cup of sugar for medium sweetness. I used 1 cup here.
  • You can add more water but do not add less than the mentioned quantity.
  • You can also replace yellow food color with orange color.
  • Use pineapple essence if you like pineapple flavored kesari.
Enjoy this ghee dripping sweet- Kesari bath with your family !
Kesari bath recipe

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December 29, 2015

Eggless Custard Powder Cookies Recipe – Whole Wheat Flour Cookies

I tried this eggless whole wheat flour custard cookies & an eggless chocolate cake during Christmas for Raksha’s snacks party in school. It was a super hit among her friends & teachers.This is the first time I tried these custard powder cookies without eggs,butter & maida.I used whole wheat flour (atta) & oil by referring this recipe. It came out really well & crunchy with no trace of oil smell.You can use this recipe to make basic eggless biscuit with custard powder.Its so easy to make.This is different from yo yo cookies. Try this cookies/biscuits during this holiday season for your kids.They will enjoy for sure!! Lets see how to make eggless whole wheat flour custard cookies with oil.

Check out my Nankhatai/Ghee biscuit recipe !



Eggless whole wheat custard cookies recipe


Eggless whole wheat custard cookies recipe Eggless whole wheat custard cookies recipe
Cuisine: International
Category: Cookies
Serves: 12 nos
Prep time: 10 Minutes
Cook time: 15 Minutes
Total time: 25 Minutes


INGREDIENTS
1cup = 250 ml  1tbsp = 15 ml  1tsp = 5 ml
  • Wheat flour / Atta - 1 cup
  • Custard powder - 1/4 cup 
  • Vegetable oil/Cooking oil - 1/4 cup ( use odourless oil)
  • Sugar - 1/2 cup ( powder it)
  • Baking powder - 1/2 tsp
  • Baking soda - 1/4 tsp
  • Vanilla essence - 1/2 tsp
  • Milk - 1 tbsp ( add 1 tsp more if required)
METHOD

  • Powder 1/2 cup of sugar and set aside.In a wide bowl,sieve wheat flour,powdered sugar,baking powder,baking soda and custard powder.Mix well and make a dent in the center.
Eggless custard cookies recipe
  • Add oil,vanilla essence and mix well to make a crumbly mixture.Add 1 tbsp of milk and try to make a dough.If you are not able to make the dough,add 1 tsp more milk.Do not add more milk or oil.Cookies won’t cook well.So adding the mentioned quantity of milk is important here.(You should add powdered sugar else you can't make the dough adding less oil)
Eggless custard cookies recipe
  • Take a small ball sized dough and flatten it slightly. Press it with a fork to make an impression.No problem if there are cracks in the dough.Cracks are unavoidable in this cookies.
Eggless custard cookies recipe

  • Grease a baking tray with oil or line it with a butter paper.Arrange the cookies giving enough gap.These cookies will flatten while baking.So leave enough space between each cookie.Preheat the oven in convection mode at 180c and bake the cookies for 15-17 minutes.Keep an eye after 12 minutes.
Eggless custard cookies recipe
  • The bottom of cookies turn light brown and it will come off easily from the tray.Remove the tray and allow the cookies to cool down completely.Remember these cookies would be very soft while you remove from the tray.It will turn crunchy once it cools down completely.So let the cookies cool down before you taste them.Store in a container.It stays good for a week.Enjoy with tea/coffee !
Eggless custard cookies recipe


Note
  • You should use powdered sugar for this recipe.You can replace with icing sugar if you wish.
  • You can use maida/All purpose flour instead of wheat flour or use both in equal quantity.
  • Do not add more milk or oil while making the dough.Cookies will take more time to bake and it will remain soft n chewy in the middle.So take care.
  • Don’t worry if there are mild cracks in the dough.These cookies will have more cracks after baking.

Enjoy these crunchy cookies with tea,coffee or milk!!
Eggless whole wheat custard ciookies
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December 28, 2015

Biryani Spices List, Names, Pictures, Health Benefits

Biryani spices
For the past few months, I have been sharing varieties of (Vegetarian)Veg biryani recipes in my blog under “Sunday Lunch Recipes”. I hope many of you had found it useful and tried them too. 

I am planning to compile list of all the biryani recipes under one page for easy and quick reference. But before that I want to make a post on list of spices used in most of the biryani along with pictures and names in different languages like English, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Tamil for people to identify & buy them easily in your place. I have also shared their health benefits so that you can enjoy your biryani without any guilt.

You can find about cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, bayleaf, black stone flower, mace, nutmeg, kapok buds and fennel seeds. Nowadays in most of the shops all these ingredients are together sold in small packets as “Biryani masala”. You can use these spices to make Biryani masala powder at home. Ok, lets see the biryani spices list with its names and pictures.

**All these informations are collected from Internet. Please leave your feedback in comments if you feel anything important is missed or mispelt. I will add them. Thanks !

BIRYANI SPICES NAMES IN TAMIL

English Tamil
Cinnamon Pattai
Cloves Krambu/ Lavangam
Cardamom Elakkai
Mace Jathipathri / Jathikai thol
Black stone flower Kalpasi
Fennel seeds/ Aniseed Soambu
Star anise Annasi poo
Bay leaf Brinji ilai
Nutmeg Jathikai
Dried kapok buds Marathi mokku

BIRYANI SPICES NAMES IN HINDI

English Hindi
Cinnamon Dalchini
Cloves Laung
Cardamom Elachi
Mace Jaipatri / Javintri
Black stone flower Phathar ke phool, Dagad Phool
Fennel seed/ aniseed Valaiti Saunf / Aawonf
Star anise Anasphal / Badayan / Chakri Phool
Bayleaf Tej Patta
Nutmeg Jaiphal
Dried Kapok buds Shalmali, Semul, Kachra, Kabra, Karer, Kariyal

BIRYANI SPICES NAMES IN TELUGU

English Telugu
Cinnamon Dhalchinachekka
Cloves Lavangam
Cardamom Elakayi
Mace Japathri, Jajikaya Pathri
Black stone flower Kallupachi, Rathipachi
Fennel seeds/Aniseed Kuppi Soptu/Sompu
Star anise Anaspuvu
Bay leaf Masala Aku / Biryani Aaku
Nutmeg Jajikaya
Dried Kapok buds Marathi Mogga, Tella Buruga, Enugadanta, Mumudatu

BIRYANI SPICES NAMES IN MALAYALAM

English Malayalam
Cinnamon Patta / Karugapatta
Clove Grambu
Cardamom Elaka
Mace JathiPoo
Black stone flower Celeyam, kalppuvu
Fennel seeds/ Aniseed Perum Jeerakam
Star anise Takkolam
Bayleaf Karuva Ela
Nutmeg Jathikka
Dried kapok buds Appakuttaka, Parappoola, Parapanni

BIRYANI SPICES NAMES IN KANNADA

English Kannada
Cinnamon Chakke
Clove Lavang
Cardamom Elakkaya / Elakka
Mace Japatri / Jayithree
Black stone flower Kallu huva
Fennel seeds / aniseed Sompu
Star anise Anasi hoova / Pineapple Mogg
Bayleaf Biryani Ele / Paththa
Nutmeg Jayikai
Dried kapok buds Marathi Moggu or Ilavu or Puulaa, Mullilavu

HEALTH BENEFITS
Fennel seeds

Fennel seed

  • Fennel symbolizes longevity, courage, and strength. In addition to its use as medicinal values, fennel has many health benefiting nutrients, essential compounds, anti-oxidants, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
  • It offers protection from cancers, infection, aging and degenerative neurological diseases..
  • Furthermore, fennel seeds indeed are the storehouse for many vital vitamins. Vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C as well as many B-complex vitamins like thiamin, pyridoxine, riboflavin and niacin particularly are concentrated in these seeds.
Source : http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/fennel-seed.html

Cardamom

Cardamom

  • Cardamom is one of the most effective remedies against halitosis. Simply chewing on the seeds eliminates bad odors. Cardamom is even used in some chewing gums because of its effectiveness, billed as a surefire cure to the most offensive breath.It can also be used to help soothe a sore throat and relieve hoarseness of voice.
  • The volatile oil in cardamom has been proven to soothe the stomach and intestines, making cardamom an ideal solution for a host of digestive problems, such as constipation, dysentery, and indigestion. 
  • Cardamom can be used aromatically to increase or encourage appetite, and also assists in soothing gas and heartburn. Generally, cardamom relieves most upset stomachs. To use Cardamom for digestive problems, consume seeds alone, serve ground seed with food, or serve as a tea.
  • South Asians use cardamom’s relieving properties to help with the discomfort of passing gall and kidney stones. Cardamom, combined with banana leaf and alma juice, can act as a diuretic, soothing a variety of kidney, bladder, and urinary problems like nephritis, burning or painful urination, and frequent urges to urinate. The relief from uncomfortable symptoms provided through cardamom should not be considered a cure to underlying diseases and disorders.
  • Cardamom oils can be added to baths as a form of aromatherapy that fights depression and reduces stress. Ground Cardamom seeds can be made into a tea for similar benefits.
  • Cardamom helps to fight cancers like breast cancer, ovarian cancer and prostate cancer. Early research suggests that consuming cardamom regularly may help with preventing these forms of cancer.
In addition to these specific medicinal uses, cardamom contains an abundance of antioxidants, which protect the body against aging and stress and fight common sicknesses.

Source : http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-cardamom.html

star anise

Star Anise

  • Medicinal Value :Star Anise fruit is anti-bacterial, anti-spasmodic and a diurectic. Hence widely used in flatulence or gas like conditions.
  • Culinery and Other Values:Star Anise is a major ingredient in Chinese Dishes for flavoring meat, veggies, curries, confectionaries and for pickling purposes. The oil of Star Anise is used to flavor bakery products, soft drinks and liquors. Also used in perfumery.
Mace
Mace
  • Good source of minerals like copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, iron, zinc etc. also rich in vitamin C, A, riboflavin, folic acid etc.
  • Used as drug in Eastern countries due to its stimulant, carminative, astringent and aphrodisiac properties.
  • Mace is used in savoury dishes.
Source:http://pachakam.com/GlossaryDetail/Mace=180

Cinnamon

Cinnamon

  • Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols (3, 4, 5).
  • cinnamon can be used as a natural food preservative
  • Cinnamon Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties.It helps the body fight infections and repair tissue damage.
  • Cinnamon May Cut the Risk of Heart Disease.In people with type 2 diabetes, 1 gram of cinnamon per day has beneficial effects on blood markers.It reduces levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while HDL cholesterol remains stable.
  • Cinnamon May Be Protective Against Cancer.Cinnamon Helps Fight Bacterial and Fungal Infections.
Cloves

Cloves

  • Temporarily treat a toothache.
  • Relieve upper respiratory infections.
  • Treat scrapes and bruises.
  • Improve digestion
  • Enhance sexual health.
  • Reduce inflammation.
Source :http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-9991/6-health-benefits-of-cloves.html

Black stone flower

Kalpasi

Black stone flower

Dagad phool/black stone flower are commonly found in any markets or with spice smiths and it has uses in many dishes in hyderabadi.Similar to those of sweet pepper, it has quite mild aromatic flavor. It is not only used for aromas in soup preparations but also used as soup thickeners.
Stone flowers have medical properties to cure HIV virus. Stone flowers are the biological indicators of air pollution.
It is a good pain reliever and also promotes early healing of wounds due to its bitter taste.
It helps treating the skin related problem due to its cold potency. It helps in reducing any kind of inflammation in body.

Source : http://www.etradeasia.com/

Nutmeg

Nutmeg

  • Provides relief from insomnia
  • Helps to lower blood pressure
  • Helps to eliminate bad breath
  • Helps to dissolve kidney stone
  • Boost health of bones of body
  • Helps in elimination of toxins from body
  • Beneficial in maintaining optimal brain health
  • Helps to reduce inflammation and pain due to wounds,arthritis
  • Induces secretion of gastric & intestinal juices to ease digestion.
When used appropriately, as a spice, the benefits of nutmeg are obvious, but keep the amount under control, and find your thrills somewhere else!

Source : https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/nutmeg.html

Bayleaf

Bayleaf

  • Bay leaves have been found to be effective in treating type 2 diabetes as they cause reduction in blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
  • Bay leaves are good for promoting digestion and can treat digestive disorders such as heartburn and flatulence.
  • The powerful phytonutrients in bay leaf provide protection against cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.
  • Bay leaves are effective in fighting the symptoms of cold, flu and infections.
Source: http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-bay-leaf-for-skin-hair-and-health/

Marathi moggu

Kapok Buds

Kapok Buds or Marathi Moggu, best described as a type of caper, are the dried buds of the Kapok tree or the Silk Cotton tree. It is called moggu in Kannada and mogga in Telugu which literally means a bud. Moggu is a spice used in some of Karnataka's cherished dishes such as Bisi Bele Bath, Saagu, Kannadiga style kootus to name a few. It is not eaten raw but is always roasted and ground with other spices before going into a dish.
Marathi Moggu is a term which is a misnomer, as this spice is native to Karnataka. However that has not come in the way of its adorning several Andhra style dishes as a specialty spice. This spice is widely used in preparing curry powders and also finds a place in Chettinad cuisine.

For making any biryani, all these spices plays a vital role. No worries if you skip one or two from the above list. But spices like cinnamon, cloves, bayleaf, black stone flower and cardamom should be used to get the actual flavor and taste of biryani. You can either add them as whole or powder them and add to biryani. Among these spices, I would say black stone flower is the hero. Adding just one or two flower takes the biryani to next level and gives restaurant flavor. So make sure you buy them and keep in your pantry. But remember, do not add more than one or two else its smell would over power the masala. Hope this biryani spices list would be useful to you all.

Catch you all soon in my next post !



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December 24, 2015

Pina Colada–Virgin Pina Colada Recipe

Pina colada recipe
Pina Colada is a sweet cocktail made with rum,coconut cream/coconut milk and pineapple juice.It is a spanish term and is considered as the national drink of Puerto Rico.Pina colada can be prepared with alcohol and without alcohol.Today i have shared a non-alcoholic Pina Colada recipe with coconut milk which is popularly known as “Virgin Pina Colada”.I have heard about this drink but was waiting for a chance to taste in a restaurant.Recently I had this drink in cable car,Jayanagar.It was so rich,creamy and lip smacking !! We loved it a lot.Actually Pina colada is a summer drinks recipe but i wanted to try and blog it now by keeping Christmas & New year celebrations in my mind.Its an apt dessert that can be served in parties.I used readymade coconut milk powder to make it quickly.You can replace it with homemade thick coconut milk or coconut cream.It tastes even more rich.Lets see how to make this easy,yummy cocktail recipe - Virgin Pina ColadaHappy
Pina colada recipe

Virgin Pina Colada Recipe


Virgin Pina Colada Recipe How to make pina colada recipe without alcohol
Cuisine: Indian
Category: Cocktail
Serves: Serves 2
Prep time: 10 Minutes
Cook time: 5 Minutes
Total time: 15 Minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 cup = 200 ml
  • Pineapple pieces - 3/4 cup
  • Thick coconut milk – 1.5 cups
  • Sugar - 3-4 tbsp
  • Ice cubes - 3-4 ( adjust)
METHOD

  • Take the washed, cleaned pineapple and chop into pieces.Take them in a blender/mixer.Add sugar and thick coconut milk( I mixed 5-6 tbsp of readymade coconut milk powder in 1 cup of warm water to make thick coconut milk).
Pina colada recipe
Pina colada recipe
  • Grind it to a smooth paste. Add crushed ice cubes and grind again.Transfer it to a serving glass and serve immediately.Enjoy !
Virgin pina colada recipe


Note
  • You can replace coconut milk by thick coconut cream.
  • Adjust the quantity of sugar as per your taste.
  • If using fresh coconut,use 1/2 of big sized coconut to make thick coconut milk.
Easy,yummy Pina colada – Enjoy this cocktail at home !!
Virgin pina colada recipe
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December 22, 2015

Eggless Plum Cake Recipe In Pressure Cooker | Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe

Eggless fruit cake in pressure cooker
Its my long time wish to try Christmas special Fruit cake / Plum cake recipe using pressure cooker. Last year I got few request to share some eggless cake recipe in cooker. So keeping that in mind, I tried this eggless fruit cake in pressure cooker using my plum cake convection oven recipe (dry fruits cake). I tried it twice by making some changes. It came out really well, soft n spongy equal to my convection oven & microwave methods. 

Friends, if you wish to make this Christmas special plum cake at home without oven, try this pressure cooker method. You can make a lovely cake and treat your family members. I wanted to post this recipe with video for beginners. So I have shared my eggless plum cake in pressure cooker video link below. Hope you will find it useful. Soon I will share a post on how to make cookies using cooker which was also requested by many. Now lets check how to make eggless plum cake recipe in pressure cooker with stepwise pictures.

P.S.The color of cake in the pictures are different as I used demerara sugar & refined sugar in equal quantity. In the first picture, both sugars are used whereas in the second picture, only demerara sugar is used.

Do refer my Microwave 3 minutes Eggless plum cake recipe & my fruit cake recipe using convection ovenHERE is my Full Christmas Recipes Collection.



Pros and Cons of pressure cooker cake
  1. Pressure cooker do a great job in baking a cake. So anyone can bake a cake without worrying about convection oven. I am sure you can bake crispy cookies as well.
  2. The softness & the flavor of cake would be almost equal to the oven cake. No compensation.
  3. Baking is done fastly in a cooker than oven based on the flame.
  4. You can either use the powdered salt/sand or in empty cooker for baking the cake. As I don’t want to heat my cooker empty,i used salt here.You can use the same salt for repeated baking. No need to change it everytime.
  5. Actually water is not suggested to use inside pressure cooker by baking experts. But I have baked a cake adding water & got good results HERE. If you buy a readymade pressure cooker cake mix,water is sugessted for baking. So i am not sure about this point.
  6. You should be very careful with the baking time when you use pressure cooker because it varies as per the cooker metal,size & the flame. If you use indolium cooker,heat may vary.I used steel cooker here.So you should stay nearby and keep checking every 10 minutes else cake will burn very quickly.Baking is done fastly in cooker than oven.You can easily identify the correct baking with the smell of cake.It wafts through your house nicely.
  7. DO NOT use your cooker for baking the cake very often because cooker will lose its shine and life. DO NOT use gasket. It may burn due to over heat.
  8. The most important thing which I felt bad is the stain marks of cooker. The color of cooker changes to dark brown after heating for 30-40 minutes continuously. So you have to wash it atleast for 10 minutes to remove its stains.
Eggless plum cake in pressure cooker

Eggless Plum cake in pressure cooker


Eggless Plum cake in pressure cooker How to make Eggless Plum cake in pressure cooker with stepwise pictures & a video!!
Cuisine: Indian
Category: Cakes
Serves: 10 pieces
Prep time: 20 Minutes
Cook time: 30 Minutes
Total time: 50 Minutes


INGREDIENTS
1 cup = 240ml , 1 tsp = 5 ml , 1 tbsp = 15ml
  • Maida/all purpose flour - 1 cup
  • Baking powder - 3/4 tsp
  • Cooking soda - 1/8 tsp
For fruit mixture
  • Dry fruits & nuts - 1/2 cup ( I used tutti frutti,cherries,dried cranberries.dry grapes,cashews,badam and pista)
  • Unsalted butter - 1/2 cup ( approx 100gms) at room temperature
  • Water - 1/2 cup
  • Dates syrup or maple syrup or golden syrup - 1/2 tbsp
  • Sugar or demerara sugar - 1/2 cup  ( I used bluebird brand)
  • Cooking soda - 1/2 tsp
  • Curd/yogurt - 3 tbsp
  • Vanilla essence - 1/2 tsp
  • All spice powder - 1 tsp (Crush 1 clove,1 small piece cinnamon & a small piece of nutmeg)
  • Mashed potato - 1/2 cup ( cook 2 medium sized potatoes)
  • Grated orange zest or orange peel – 1 tbsp (optional)
For pressure cooking
  • Powdered salt - 1/2 kg
  • Pressure cooker plate - 1 no
  • Aluminium Baking pan – Small size to suit cooker
  • Butter paper - to line the pan
  • Butter or oil - to grease the pan
HOW TO MAKE PLUM CAKE IN COOKER - METHOD

  • Choose a right baking pan for your cooker and set aside.
  • In a wide bowl, sieve maida, cooking soda & baking powder. Set aside. Grease a baking pan with butter and line it with butter paper. Keep aside.
Eggless fruit cake in pressure cooker
  • Chop the dry fruits and nuts.Mash the boiled potato ( pressure cook 2 medium potato & peel the skin, mash it) and set aside. Keep the orange zest/peel & all spice powder ready.
  • In a kadai,take the chopped dry fruits (Do not add nuts now). Add water, butter at room temperature, sugar or demarara sugar ( I used both in equal quantity). Mix well and boil the mixture in low flame for 15 minutes. Dry fruits will be cooked well & soft and the mixture thickens. Switch off the flame and immediately add 1/2 tsp of cooking soda. Mix well. Mixture will become foamy.
Eggless fruit cake in pressure cooker
  • After the fruit sauce is completely cool, add vanilla essence, orange peel, all spice powder, mashed potato & yogurt. Mix well.
Eggless fruit cake in pressure cooker

Eggless fruit cake in pressure cooker
  • Now add the sieved maida mixture, chopped nuts and make the batter. The consistency of batter should be thick and spoonable. Transfer the batter to the lined baking pan. Decorate it with cashews or badam.
Eggless fruit cake in pressure cooker
Eggless fruit cake in pressure cooker
  • Take your pressure cooker & a slotted plate. Any plate would do. I used my 5 liter steel cooker. Now spread 1/2 kg of powdered salt ( or sand ) in the bottom of cooker. Put the plate inside and preheat the cooker in high flame for 10 minutes. No need to put gasket & weight valve (whistle).
Eggless plum cake in pressure cooker
Eggless plum cake in pressure cooker
  • Open the cooker after 10 minutes and place the baking pan inside the cooker. Close it with the lid and keep the flame medium. Let the cake cook for 25-30 minutes. Open it once in the middle after 15 minutes and check whether it is cooked. The cooking time may vary as per the size & cooker type. You will get a nice cake smell. Keep an eye after 25 minutes because the bottom & sides of cake will burn quickly. I experienced this problem when i tried for the first time.  So please be careful.
Eggless plum cake in pressure cooker
  • Open the cooker after 25 minutes and insert the back of a long spoon or skewer in the middle of cake. If it comes out clean, cake is baked properly. Take out the pan and allow the cake to cool down completely. Invert the cake over a plate and remove the butter paper carefully. Slice and serve !! It tastes the best next day will full of flavors. This cake stays good for a week if stored properly in an air tight box. No refrigeration is needed.

Note
    1. Cake batter should be thick and spoonable as shown in the video.
    2. Baking time varies as per the flame. So its better to keep it low to medium if you are a beginner. Please keep an eye after 20 minutes else cake may burn at the bottom and sides.
    3.The color of cake depends on the sugar you use. If you use brown sugar or demerara sugar, the color of cake will be dark brown whereas if you use normal crystal sugar,color of the cake will be light brown.In the above recipe, I used demerara & refined sugar in equal quantity.
    4. Mashed potato, butter and yogurt gives the softness to the cake. So do not skip any ingredient.
    5. Adding orange peel/zest is optional but it gives a nice flavor. So add it along with yogurt.
    6. Most important point : You should remove the cake only after it cools down completely else it may break into pieces. This cake needs a standing time of 1-2 hours for all the taste to blend well.
    I hope you can follow the same in a idli pot instead of cooker but I have not tried it though.

Try this eggless plum cake recipe using pressure cooker and enjoy this Christmas festival!!

Eggless plum cake in pressure cooker 
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