Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Paneer Zaikedar and Jackfruit Dessert------- 100th Post

Hi pals, It's my 100th post! actually it's quite unbelievable to reach such a big number with my snail pace :P First of all I'd like to start off with thanking all my blogger friends for dropping by and leaving such encouraging lines and also, the awards shower from time to time. Secondly, this whole food blogging concept is so enlightening. Before I move further I'd like to thank Shobhaji of Food Mazaa for the wonderful award she generously offered me.


Over the years, visiting numerous food blogs has left me more knowledgeable about food, cooking methods, kitchen tips and many more things. It's an a on going process for life...as they say learning never ceases.....

Today being a celebration post, I've chosen what seems to be the favourite of most of the foodies and undoubtedly the most versatile ingredient to work with...yes, indeed it's paneer. I've selected one of Nita Mehta's paneer recipes and for dessert I've experimented and dished out a simple humble dessert using jackfruit. Without much ado, let me present to you the recipes....

Jack fruit Dessert

Ingredients:

Jack fruit ------------------ 8 - 9 segments, chopped
Coconut grated ------------- 1/3rd cup
Green cardamom ----------- 2
Crushed Jaggery ----------- -2 tbsp ( more or less, depends of your sweet tooth ;P)
Water -----------------------1 cup
Thick coconut Milk ---------- 1/2 cup

Method:
  • In a sauce pan cook the chopped jackfruit pieces with 1 cup of water.
  • Meanwhile, grind to a fine paste the grated coconut, cardamom, crushed jaggery with just enough water.
  • Once the jackfruit pieces are soft and cooked, add the ground paste, coconut milk and give it a nice stir.
  • Let it boil for a few seconds and turn off the flame.
  • Serve it hot or chilled, both taste awesome
  • Note: I've not added any thickening agent as I wanted it runny
Garnishing tips : top the dessert with fresh cream or crushed nuts or just anything out of your creativity :P


Paneer Zayekedar

Recipe Source: Nita Mehta's book - More Paneer

Ingredients:

vegetables:

Onions ------------------- 2 , sliced
French beans ------------- 10-12
Carrots ------------------- 2
Paneer ------------------- 200 gms, 1/2" cubes
Cooking oil --------------- 4-5 tbsp
Bay leaf ------------------ 1
Lime juice ---------------- juice of 1/2 a lime


Paste:

Garlic flakes (Opt) -------------- 6-7
Ginger -------------------------- 1" piece
Saunf ( aniseeds) ---------------- 1 tsp
Jeera ( cumin seeds) ------------ 1 tsp
Dry red chillies ------------------ 3
Dhania powder ------------------ 1 tsp
Cinnamon ----------------------- 1 stick
Cloves --------------------------- 3 - 4
Pepper corns -------------------- 3 -4
Brown cardamom ---------------- seeds of 2 no.

Method:
  • Grind all the ingredients of the paste column together with little water.
  • Chop the beans and carrots into tiny pieces and cook them in water with a little salt. once cooked drain the water and set it aside.
  • Heat oil. Add sliced onions. Cook till golden brown
  • Add the boiled vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the ground paste and bay leaf. cook for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add 1/4 cup of water or milk. Boil.
  • Add salt to taste and paneer cubes. Mix well. Sprinkle lime juice. Mix and serve garnished with chopped coriander leaves.