Recipe> Chilled Spicy Cucumber

Image: Chilled Cucumber

Text by: Tanya Munshi

This is an incredibly simple and easy snack to make. Its healthy and tasty. Rare combination I know, but do try it out. Goes well with drinks.

Ingredients

• Cucumbers - 2-4 nos
• Salt - to taste
• Tabasco Sauce - 1 - 2tsp
• Lemon juice - 1/2 a lemon
• Vinegar - 1-2 tsp
• Chat Masala - 1 tsp
• Chili flakes - to taste
• Crushed Garlic - 2-3 nos
• Coriander leaves - 1/2 cup, finely chopped

Method

1. Crush the garlic in the vinegar and keep aside.

2. Don't peel the cucumber, the skin adds a crunchy texture to it. Wash it, clean it well and cut into thin strips.

3. Add all the above ingredients including the crushed garlic in vinegar. Toss them in a large salad bowl.

4. Serve chilled.

Recipe> Stir Fry Broccoli with Mushrooms and Paneer

Image: Stir fry broccoli with mushrooms & paneer

This vegetarian dish is simply fantastic. Serve it hot along with fried brown rice and you'll keep wanting for more.

1

Ingredients

• 450gms paneer (you can also opt for tofu if you like)
• 1 and half cup broccoli florets
• 3 tsp sesame oil/ olive oil/ refined oil
• 5-6 nos. spring onions thinly sliced
• 5-6 tbsp of finely chopped garlic
• 2 and ½ tsp soya sauce
• 3-4 tbsp toasted almond sliced
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Cut the paneer into small cubes.
2. Steam broccoli for 5 mins till crisp.
3. Heat 2tsp oil in a wok. Add paneer and cook while stirring constantly for 5 mins till it browns and transfer to a bowl.
4. Add the remaining 1 tsp oil to wok. Add the spring onions, garlic, pepper and broccoli. Stir fry for 2 mins on medium heat.
5. Stir in soya sauce, almonds and paneer and mix gently.
6. Serve hot with the fried brown rice.

Recipe> Fried Brown Rice

Image: Fried brown rice served with stir fry vegetables

This is a simple recipe that I came across in a health magazine. The best part being, after having brown rice for dinner, it does not make you feel as heavy when you have the usual white rice.

1

Ingredients

• 1 and ½ cup brown rice
• 25 gms sliced onions
• 1 cup red, green and yellow capsicum (thinly sliced)
• 4-5 tsp finely chopped garlic
• 2-3 tsp olive oil/ refined oil
• 1-2 tsp fresh ground pepper
• Salt to taste

Method

1. Boil the brown rice for 15 mins, drain and keep aside.
2. Heat the oil in a work and fry onions and garlic till light brown.
3. Add brown rice and stir fry for five mins.
4. Add the coloured capsicums and stir fry for another minute and sprinkle salt and pepper.
5. Serve hot with stir fry broccoli and paneer.