Malai Kofta- short cut version

 Step 1- boil 1 large potato and keep is aside

Step 2- heat oil in a pan add diced onion.. 8 cloves of garlic ..1 inch ginger and 2 green chilli. Saute for some time.  Add tomato cubes and let it get soft.  Now add a few cashews. Dont add any other masala or salt etc. Just saute the veggies and let it cool. Once done then make a smooth paste of this. ( actually this mixture can be added to any other veggie and gives a perfect restaurant like taste)

Step 3- mash the potato. Add panner/cottage cheese..grate it finely. Then add green chillies, cumin powder and coriander leaves. Now add salt as per taste. Add all purpose flour ( approx 5 tablespoon) or enough to give the mixture a good binding. 

Mash everything well..and then make small balls .

Step 4- Add about 4 tablespoon of oil andfry these kofta balls . Keep them aside 

Step 5- heat 2 tablespoon oil and add bay leaves, cinnamon stick , cumin seeds,cardamom and cloves.. now add the onion tomato mix directly. Saute for some time. Then add salt ..turmeric..  cumin and coriander powder.. let it cook.

Then once the oil is released, add a little water to a consistency you like for gravy. Once it starts to boil , slowly release the kofta balls and then let it cook for another 2 to 3 mins and keep it covered. Check to see if the gravy thickens..

Now turn off the gas and add some fresh cream for that heavenly taste and perfect insta pic:) 

Serve with hot phulkas or plain rice

Masoor dal for beginners

 Step 1- wash the masoor daal approx 1 cup

Step 2- add a teaspoon of salt and pinch of turmeric. Add any 1 .5 cup of water and pressure cook for about 10 minutes.. say about 4 whistles. Then leave it to cool down completely

Step 3- chop onions and green chillies..

Step 4- heat up about 2 tablespoon of oil.. add the onions and chillies ..saute for a minute..

step 5- add the boiled daal and add a little water if required..based of the consistency that you want.

Let it boil.. and then turn off the gas.

Now just before eating, squeeze some lemon into it..

Have it with plain rice with some paper and aloo fry..

Simple..healthy and super yumm!

Piyali's yummy platter

MOONG DAAL WITH LAUKI Step 1- take 1 cup of moong daal and wash it well. The add 1 .5 cups of water. Put salt and turmeric and boil. Wait for 2 whistles. Open after 10 mins when it cools down completely and mash the daal Step 2- cut bottle gourd in small julians/cubes. Wash and keep aside. Step 3 – heat the oil, add cumin seeds ( approx. 1 teaspoon) 2 dried chilli and pinch of asafoetida ( optional). Add the bottle gourd .. mix well and then add salt , turmeric and pinch of sugar. Cover and cook till the lauki gets soft. Step 3- when the bottle gourd is soft, add 1 tablespoon of ginger paste and 1 tablespoon of cumin powder. Mix well .. and cover. After some time add tomato puree or tomato cubes cut finely. Mix everything well and let it cook .. Step 4. – add the cooked daal. And let the water evaporate by half. At this stage, add garam masala and turn off the gas. Cover and keep aside. Step 5 ( optional for better taste)- heat some ghee, add red chilli powder and immediately turn off the gas. Add this directly over the cooked daal.. add coriander leaves and serve with roti or rice.