12 ounces linguine
1 teaspoon butter or olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
8−12 medium size shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 pound chicken breast meat, diced
2 1/2 tablespoons all−purpose flour
2 cups of 1% milk
2 tablespoons sherry
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
4 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup frozen peas
Salt and black pepper to taste
Prepare the linguine according to package directions.
Drain and keep warm until ready to serve.
Melt the butter in the center of a large non−stick skillet over
medium−high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the
shrimp and chicken. Pan−fry until the chicken is cooked through,
3−4 minutes. Whisk the flour, milk, sherry, and Parmesan cheese
together. Pour into the skillet and bring to a boil while stirring.
Reduce heat to medium and continue to cook for about 5 minutes
until the mixture has thickened, stirring occasionally. Add the
cayenne and fold in the tomatoes and peas. Cook until heated
through. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Arrange the
linguine on individual plates and spoon the sauce over the top.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Bulgar Wheat and Fruit Stuffing
1 1/4 cup bulgar wheat
1/2 cup apple juice
1/4 cup dried apples
10 dried apricots
1/4 cup raisins
1 8−ounce package seasoned bread stuffing
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or pecans
1/2 to 3/4 cups fat−free and low sodium chicken broth
Salt and pepper for seasoning
Bring 2 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add the bulgar wheat, bring
back to a boil. Lower heat just enough so that the pot doesn't spill
over and cook for 15 minutes.
While the bulgar is cooking, pour the apple juice into a micro−safe
measuring cup. Chop the apples and apricots. Add the apples, apricots
and raisins to the apple juice stirring to combine. Microwave at full
power for 1 minute and set aside.
Drain the bulgar wheat and return to the pot. Stir in the bread
stuffing, apples, apricots, raisins and pine nuts. Stir in just enough
chicken broth to moisten the bread. Season to taste with salt and
pepper. Heat in the microwave for 3−4 minutes. The stuffing can be
made 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
1/2 cup apple juice
1/4 cup dried apples
10 dried apricots
1/4 cup raisins
1 8−ounce package seasoned bread stuffing
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or pecans
1/2 to 3/4 cups fat−free and low sodium chicken broth
Salt and pepper for seasoning
Bring 2 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add the bulgar wheat, bring
back to a boil. Lower heat just enough so that the pot doesn't spill
over and cook for 15 minutes.
While the bulgar is cooking, pour the apple juice into a micro−safe
measuring cup. Chop the apples and apricots. Add the apples, apricots
and raisins to the apple juice stirring to combine. Microwave at full
power for 1 minute and set aside.
Drain the bulgar wheat and return to the pot. Stir in the bread
stuffing, apples, apricots, raisins and pine nuts. Stir in just enough
chicken broth to moisten the bread. Season to taste with salt and
pepper. Heat in the microwave for 3−4 minutes. The stuffing can be
made 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Buffalo Chicken Strips
Blue Cheese Dip:
2/3 cup nonfat plain yogurt
2 tablespoons reduced−fat mayonnaise
2 ounces crumbled blue cheese
3 tablespoons finely chopped scallions
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Chicken Strips and Celery Sticks:
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/2 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut crosswise into
1/4−inch strips
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons butter
1 tablespoon Frank's original hot sauce
5 celery stalks, cut into 3−inch sticks
In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise and blue
cheese. Stir in the scallions and pepper and set aside while preparing
the chicken. Cover and refrigerate.
Heat the oil in a large, preferably nonstick skillet. Season the
chicken with the salt. Cook the chicken over medium−high heat,
stirring frequently, until lightly browned and cooked through,
3 to 4 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the butter
and hot sauce to the pan and swirl until the butter barely melts
and the sauce coats the chicken.
Serve the chicken and celery sticks along with the blue cheese dip.
Provide toothpicks for spearing the chicken and dipping it in the sauce.
2/3 cup nonfat plain yogurt
2 tablespoons reduced−fat mayonnaise
2 ounces crumbled blue cheese
3 tablespoons finely chopped scallions
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Chicken Strips and Celery Sticks:
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/2 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut crosswise into
1/4−inch strips
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons butter
1 tablespoon Frank's original hot sauce
5 celery stalks, cut into 3−inch sticks
In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise and blue
cheese. Stir in the scallions and pepper and set aside while preparing
the chicken. Cover and refrigerate.
Heat the oil in a large, preferably nonstick skillet. Season the
chicken with the salt. Cook the chicken over medium−high heat,
stirring frequently, until lightly browned and cooked through,
3 to 4 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the butter
and hot sauce to the pan and swirl until the butter barely melts
and the sauce coats the chicken.
Serve the chicken and celery sticks along with the blue cheese dip.
Provide toothpicks for spearing the chicken and dipping it in the sauce.
Black Bean Lasagna
1 − 28 ounce jar tomato pasta sauce
1/2 cup water
2 cans (15 ounce) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 3/4 cups lowfat ricotta cheese
1 egg
12 uncooked lasagna noodles
2 1/2 cups shredded skim mozzarella cheese
Preheat oven to 375F. Over low heat, simmer tomato sauce, water, and
black beans. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese and
egg. Set aside. Using a 9 X 13 inch baking dish, place 1 cup of the
bean/sauce mixture on the bottom of the dish. Place 3 pieces of
uncooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Next, spread about
2/3 cup of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with 1 cup of the
bean/sauce mixture, lastly about 1/2 cup of the mozzarella.
Repeat two layers of noodles, ricotta, bean/sauce, and mozzarella.
Then place on the remaining 3 lasagna noodles and pour the remaining
bean/sauce mixture over all. Top with remaining mozzarella. Cover with
foil and bake at 375F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake
another 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes
before cutting.
1/2 cup water
2 cans (15 ounce) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 3/4 cups lowfat ricotta cheese
1 egg
12 uncooked lasagna noodles
2 1/2 cups shredded skim mozzarella cheese
Preheat oven to 375F. Over low heat, simmer tomato sauce, water, and
black beans. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese and
egg. Set aside. Using a 9 X 13 inch baking dish, place 1 cup of the
bean/sauce mixture on the bottom of the dish. Place 3 pieces of
uncooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Next, spread about
2/3 cup of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with 1 cup of the
bean/sauce mixture, lastly about 1/2 cup of the mozzarella.
Repeat two layers of noodles, ricotta, bean/sauce, and mozzarella.
Then place on the remaining 3 lasagna noodles and pour the remaining
bean/sauce mixture over all. Top with remaining mozzarella. Cover with
foil and bake at 375F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake
another 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes
before cutting.
Beef Tenderloin with Cabernet Cherry Sauce
4 small filet mignon steaks (about 1/4 pound each)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper or freshly ground pepper
Cabernet Cherry Sauce:
1 1/2 cups Cabernet Sauvignon or Burgundy
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
4 whole cloves
8 whole pepper corns
1 bay leaf, torn into small pieces
1/2 pound fresh Bing cherries, rinsed
Salt and pepper for seasoning
Optional: 1−2 teaspoon sugar
Set oven controls to broil. Line a broiling pan with aluminum foil
and place in the oven on the top rack to preheat. Trim the steaks of
visible fat. Rub the garlic evenly over the steaks and season with
salt and cracked pepper. Set aside until ready to broil.
Add the Cabernet and balsamic vinegar to a saucepan and bring to a
boil. Tie the cloves, peppercorns, and bay leaf in a bundle with a
small piece of cheese cloth. Add the bundle to the wine mixture. Allow
the mixture to reduce to 1/2 cup, about 15 minutes.
While the wine is reducing, pit the cherries. Cut the cherries into
quarters and add to the wine mixture. Cover and cook over medium−high
heat until the cherries are tender, about 10 minutes. Season the sauce
with salt and pepper. Add the sugar to balance the flavors, if needed.
The sauce should have a deep robust flavor but not be too sweet.
While the sauce is cooking, broil the steaks for 3−4 minutes per side
for medium rare. To serve, remove the spice bundle from the sauce. Place
the steaks on individual plates with the sauce spooned over the top.
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper or freshly ground pepper
Cabernet Cherry Sauce:
1 1/2 cups Cabernet Sauvignon or Burgundy
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
4 whole cloves
8 whole pepper corns
1 bay leaf, torn into small pieces
1/2 pound fresh Bing cherries, rinsed
Salt and pepper for seasoning
Optional: 1−2 teaspoon sugar
Set oven controls to broil. Line a broiling pan with aluminum foil
and place in the oven on the top rack to preheat. Trim the steaks of
visible fat. Rub the garlic evenly over the steaks and season with
salt and cracked pepper. Set aside until ready to broil.
Add the Cabernet and balsamic vinegar to a saucepan and bring to a
boil. Tie the cloves, peppercorns, and bay leaf in a bundle with a
small piece of cheese cloth. Add the bundle to the wine mixture. Allow
the mixture to reduce to 1/2 cup, about 15 minutes.
While the wine is reducing, pit the cherries. Cut the cherries into
quarters and add to the wine mixture. Cover and cook over medium−high
heat until the cherries are tender, about 10 minutes. Season the sauce
with salt and pepper. Add the sugar to balance the flavors, if needed.
The sauce should have a deep robust flavor but not be too sweet.
While the sauce is cooking, broil the steaks for 3−4 minutes per side
for medium rare. To serve, remove the spice bundle from the sauce. Place
the steaks on individual plates with the sauce spooned over the top.
Baked Potato with Spicy Chicken Topping
4 baking potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 cup chopped onions
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 lb. boned chicken breast, cut in strips
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/4 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco
1/2 cup raisins
Scrub potatoes, dry and prick with fork. Cook. In a large skillet,
heat oil and saute almonds until golden brown. Add onion and garlic.
Saute until tender. Add chicken and cook, stirring, until chicken turns
white. Sprinkle with flour and mix well. Combine broth, lemon juice,
cinnamon, paprika, salt, and Tabasco. Gradually add to chicken mixture,
stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens. Stir in raisins.
Simmer 3 minutes. Spoon over blossomed potatoes.
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 cup chopped onions
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 lb. boned chicken breast, cut in strips
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/4 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco
1/2 cup raisins
Scrub potatoes, dry and prick with fork. Cook. In a large skillet,
heat oil and saute almonds until golden brown. Add onion and garlic.
Saute until tender. Add chicken and cook, stirring, until chicken turns
white. Sprinkle with flour and mix well. Combine broth, lemon juice,
cinnamon, paprika, salt, and Tabasco. Gradually add to chicken mixture,
stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens. Stir in raisins.
Simmer 3 minutes. Spoon over blossomed potatoes.
Baked Chicken Breast with Fresh Basil
10 boneless skinless chicken breast (about 2 1/2 lbs.)
3/4 cup low−fat yogurt
1/2 chopped fresh basil
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Arrange chicken in single layer in baking dish. Combine yogurt,
basil and cornstarch; mix well and spread over chicken.
Combine bread crumbs with Parmesan and sprinkle over chicken.
(If making in advance, cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours.)
Bake chicken in 375 degrees oven for 30 minutes or until chicken
is no longer pink inside.
3/4 cup low−fat yogurt
1/2 chopped fresh basil
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Arrange chicken in single layer in baking dish. Combine yogurt,
basil and cornstarch; mix well and spread over chicken.
Combine bread crumbs with Parmesan and sprinkle over chicken.
(If making in advance, cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours.)
Bake chicken in 375 degrees oven for 30 minutes or until chicken
is no longer pink inside.
Hot and Sour Soup
2 1/2 quarts chicken stock
1 block (16 oz.) of tofu, cut into 1 1/2 inch long strips
5 shitake mushrooms, cut into thin slices
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 tsp. white pepper
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 1/2 cups bamboo shoot strips
2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 4 tablespoons water
3 eggs. beaten
1/2 tsp. sesame oil
Combine first seven ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil.
Drizzle the cornstarch mixture into the soup, stirring to thicken.
Then drizzle beaten eggs into soup, stirring. Top with sesame oil.
1 block (16 oz.) of tofu, cut into 1 1/2 inch long strips
5 shitake mushrooms, cut into thin slices
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 tsp. white pepper
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 1/2 cups bamboo shoot strips
2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 4 tablespoons water
3 eggs. beaten
1/2 tsp. sesame oil
Combine first seven ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil.
Drizzle the cornstarch mixture into the soup, stirring to thicken.
Then drizzle beaten eggs into soup, stirring. Top with sesame oil.
Fried Rice
2 eggs
1 teaspoon MSG (optional)
1/8 teaspoon groung white pepper
1/4 cup soy sauce
4 cups cooked rice
4 scallions, chopped, including green ends
2 cups diced cooked pork, ham, chicken, shrimp, or any meat
1 slice ginger, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Put first four ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir slightly;
the eggs should not be well beaten.
Heat wok or pan hot and dry. Add the oil. Brown the garlic and
ginger slightly, then add the rice. Cook for 2−3 minutes, stirring
to break up lumps and coat with oil. Add the rest of the ingredients
except the egg mixture. Fry and stir constantly until thoroughly
mixed. Add the egg mixture while stirring the rice so it will cover
as much of the ingredients in the pan as possible. Cook about
2 minutes, stirring constantly. Serve while hot.
1 teaspoon MSG (optional)
1/8 teaspoon groung white pepper
1/4 cup soy sauce
4 cups cooked rice
4 scallions, chopped, including green ends
2 cups diced cooked pork, ham, chicken, shrimp, or any meat
1 slice ginger, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Put first four ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir slightly;
the eggs should not be well beaten.
Heat wok or pan hot and dry. Add the oil. Brown the garlic and
ginger slightly, then add the rice. Cook for 2−3 minutes, stirring
to break up lumps and coat with oil. Add the rest of the ingredients
except the egg mixture. Fry and stir constantly until thoroughly
mixed. Add the egg mixture while stirring the rice so it will cover
as much of the ingredients in the pan as possible. Cook about
2 minutes, stirring constantly. Serve while hot.
Barbecued Spareribs
2 banks of spareribs, uncut, about 2 pounds each
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup sweet bean sauce (hoi sin deung) or hoi sin sauce
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup sherry
Trim off excess fat from the thick edges of spareribs. Place ribs
in a shallow pan or platter. Mix remaining ingredients for a
marinade and spread over both sides of the spareribs. Let stand
for at least two hours.
Place one oven rack at the top of the oven and one at the bottom.
Preheat to 375F. Hook each bank of spareribs with 3 or 4 S−hooks
across its width, on the thick edges, and suspend under top rack.
Place a large pan with 1/2" water on bottom rack. This pan will
catch the drippings and keep the meat from drying out. Cook
spareribs for about 45 minutes.
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup sweet bean sauce (hoi sin deung) or hoi sin sauce
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup sherry
Trim off excess fat from the thick edges of spareribs. Place ribs
in a shallow pan or platter. Mix remaining ingredients for a
marinade and spread over both sides of the spareribs. Let stand
for at least two hours.
Place one oven rack at the top of the oven and one at the bottom.
Preheat to 375F. Hook each bank of spareribs with 3 or 4 S−hooks
across its width, on the thick edges, and suspend under top rack.
Place a large pan with 1/2" water on bottom rack. This pan will
catch the drippings and keep the meat from drying out. Cook
spareribs for about 45 minutes.
Hunan Beef
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons cooking oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
4 small dried red chilies
1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 teaspoons water
Marinade:
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
3/4 pound flank steak, thinly sliced across the grain
Sauce:
3 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar or balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1. Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add beef and stir to coat. Let
stand for 10 minutes.
2. Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl.
3. Place broccoli in a large pot with 1 inch of boiling water. Boil until
tender−crisp, 2 to 3 minutes; drain.
4. Place a wok over high heat until hot. Add oil, swirling to coat sides. Add
garlic and chilies and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 10 seconds. Add
beef and stir−fry until no longer pink, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.
5. Add broccoli and sauce to wok; bring to a boil. Add cornstarch solution
and cook, stirring, until sauce boils and thickens.
2 tablespoons cooking oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
4 small dried red chilies
1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 teaspoons water
Marinade:
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
3/4 pound flank steak, thinly sliced across the grain
Sauce:
3 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar or balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1. Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add beef and stir to coat. Let
stand for 10 minutes.
2. Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl.
3. Place broccoli in a large pot with 1 inch of boiling water. Boil until
tender−crisp, 2 to 3 minutes; drain.
4. Place a wok over high heat until hot. Add oil, swirling to coat sides. Add
garlic and chilies and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 10 seconds. Add
beef and stir−fry until no longer pink, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.
5. Add broccoli and sauce to wok; bring to a boil. Add cornstarch solution
and cook, stirring, until sauce boils and thickens.
General Tsao's Chicken
Sauce:
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1+1/2 tsp minced garlic
1+1/2 tsp minced ginger root
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup cooking wine
1+1/2 cup hot chicken broth
1 tsp monosodium glutamate (optional)
Meat:
3 lbs deboned dark chicken meat, cut into large chunks
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tsp white pepper
1 egg
1 cup cornstarch
Vegetable oil for deep−frying
2 cups sliced green onions
16 small dried hot peppers
Mix 1/2 cup cornstarch with water. Add garlic, ginger, sugar, 1/2 cup
soy sauce, vinegar, wine, chicken broth and MSG (if desired). Stir until
sugar dissolves. Refrigerate until needed.
In separate bowl, mix chicken, 1/4 cup soy sauce and white pepper.
Stir in egg. Add 1 cup cornstarch and mix until chicken pieces are
coated evenly. Add cup of vegetable oil to help separate chicken pieces.
Divide chicken into small quantities and deep−fry at 350 degrees until
crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Place a small amount of oil in wok and heat until wok is hot. Add onions
and peppers and stir−fry briefly. Stir sauce and add to wok.
Place chicken in sauce and cook until sauce thickens.
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1+1/2 tsp minced garlic
1+1/2 tsp minced ginger root
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup cooking wine
1+1/2 cup hot chicken broth
1 tsp monosodium glutamate (optional)
Meat:
3 lbs deboned dark chicken meat, cut into large chunks
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tsp white pepper
1 egg
1 cup cornstarch
Vegetable oil for deep−frying
2 cups sliced green onions
16 small dried hot peppers
Mix 1/2 cup cornstarch with water. Add garlic, ginger, sugar, 1/2 cup
soy sauce, vinegar, wine, chicken broth and MSG (if desired). Stir until
sugar dissolves. Refrigerate until needed.
In separate bowl, mix chicken, 1/4 cup soy sauce and white pepper.
Stir in egg. Add 1 cup cornstarch and mix until chicken pieces are
coated evenly. Add cup of vegetable oil to help separate chicken pieces.
Divide chicken into small quantities and deep−fry at 350 degrees until
crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Place a small amount of oil in wok and heat until wok is hot. Add onions
and peppers and stir−fry briefly. Stir sauce and add to wok.
Place chicken in sauce and cook until sauce thickens.
Moo Goo Gai Pan
4 chicken breast halves, skinned, boned and sliced
salt and pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups water
1 tb cornstarch
5 tb corn oil
8 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced
4 lb. bok choy or Chinese white cabbage, chopped
2 tb sugar
4 tb soy sauce
6 scallions, chopped
1. In a bowl, toss chicken with the salt and pepper, garlic and cornstarch
mixture. Set aside.
2. Heat 3 tablespoons of corn oil in a wok and stir in mushrooms, bok
choy/cabbage and sugar for 2 minutes. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
Remove from wok.
3. Heat remaining corn oil in wok. Stir−fry chicken for 2 minutes over high
heat. Add soy sauce and mix well. Cover and cook for about 6 minutes,
or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
4. Mix in the cooked vegetables and scallions. Stir fry together for about 1
minute. Serve hot with rice.
salt and pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups water
1 tb cornstarch
5 tb corn oil
8 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced
4 lb. bok choy or Chinese white cabbage, chopped
2 tb sugar
4 tb soy sauce
6 scallions, chopped
1. In a bowl, toss chicken with the salt and pepper, garlic and cornstarch
mixture. Set aside.
2. Heat 3 tablespoons of corn oil in a wok and stir in mushrooms, bok
choy/cabbage and sugar for 2 minutes. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
Remove from wok.
3. Heat remaining corn oil in wok. Stir−fry chicken for 2 minutes over high
heat. Add soy sauce and mix well. Cover and cook for about 6 minutes,
or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
4. Mix in the cooked vegetables and scallions. Stir fry together for about 1
minute. Serve hot with rice.
Shrimp Toast
12 fresh uncooked large shrimp
1 egg
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch pepper
3 slices sandwich bread
1 hard−cooked egg yolk
1 slice cooked ham (about 1 ounce)
1 green onion
2 cups vegetable oil
1. Remove shells from shrimp, leaving tails intact. Remove back veins
from shrimp. Cut down back of shrimp with sharp knife. Gently press
shrimp with fingers to flatten.
2. Beat 1 egg, cornstarch, salt and pepper in a small bowl until blended.
Add shrimp to egg mixture and toss until shrimp are completely coated.
3. Remove crusts from bread. Cut each slice into quarter. Place one
shrimp, cut side down, on each bread piece. Gently press shrimp to
adhere to bread. Brush or rub small amount of egg mixture over each
shrimp.
4. Cut egg yolk and ham into 1/2 inch pieces. Finely chop onion.
Place one piece each of egg yolk and ham and a scant 1/4 teaspoon
chopped onion on each shrimp.
5. Heat oil in wok over medium−high heat until it reaches 375F.
Fry 3 or 4 shrimp−bread pieces at a time in the hot oil until golden,
1 to 2 minutes on each side. Drain on absorbent paper
1 egg
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch pepper
3 slices sandwich bread
1 hard−cooked egg yolk
1 slice cooked ham (about 1 ounce)
1 green onion
2 cups vegetable oil
1. Remove shells from shrimp, leaving tails intact. Remove back veins
from shrimp. Cut down back of shrimp with sharp knife. Gently press
shrimp with fingers to flatten.
2. Beat 1 egg, cornstarch, salt and pepper in a small bowl until blended.
Add shrimp to egg mixture and toss until shrimp are completely coated.
3. Remove crusts from bread. Cut each slice into quarter. Place one
shrimp, cut side down, on each bread piece. Gently press shrimp to
adhere to bread. Brush or rub small amount of egg mixture over each
shrimp.
4. Cut egg yolk and ham into 1/2 inch pieces. Finely chop onion.
Place one piece each of egg yolk and ham and a scant 1/4 teaspoon
chopped onion on each shrimp.
5. Heat oil in wok over medium−high heat until it reaches 375F.
Fry 3 or 4 shrimp−bread pieces at a time in the hot oil until golden,
1 to 2 minutes on each side. Drain on absorbent paper
Cashew Chicken
3 Chicken breasts, boned and skinned
1/2 lb. Chinese pea pods
1/2 lb. Mushrooms
4 Green onions
2 cups Bamboo shoots, drained
1 cup Chicken broth
1/4 cup Soy sauce
2 tb Corn starch
1/2 ts Sugar
1/2 ts Salt
4 tb Salad oil
1 pack Cashew nuts (about 4−oz)
Slice breasts horizontally into very thin slices and cut into inch squares.
Place on tray. Prepare vegetables, removing ends and strings from pea pods,
slicing mushrooms, green part of onions, and the bamboo shoots. Add to tray.
Mix soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and salt. Heat 1 tbls of oil in skillet
over moderate heat, add all the nuts, and cook 1 min shaking the pan,
toasting the nuts lightly. Remove and reserve. Pour remaining oil in pan, fry
chicken quickly, turning often until it looks opaque. Lower heat to low. Add
pea pods, mushrooms, and broth. Cover and cook slowly for 2 mins. Remove
cover, add soy sauce mixture, bamboo shoots, and cook until thickened,
stirring constantly. Simmer uncovered a bit more and add green onions and
nuts and serve immediately.
1/2 lb. Chinese pea pods
1/2 lb. Mushrooms
4 Green onions
2 cups Bamboo shoots, drained
1 cup Chicken broth
1/4 cup Soy sauce
2 tb Corn starch
1/2 ts Sugar
1/2 ts Salt
4 tb Salad oil
1 pack Cashew nuts (about 4−oz)
Slice breasts horizontally into very thin slices and cut into inch squares.
Place on tray. Prepare vegetables, removing ends and strings from pea pods,
slicing mushrooms, green part of onions, and the bamboo shoots. Add to tray.
Mix soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and salt. Heat 1 tbls of oil in skillet
over moderate heat, add all the nuts, and cook 1 min shaking the pan,
toasting the nuts lightly. Remove and reserve. Pour remaining oil in pan, fry
chicken quickly, turning often until it looks opaque. Lower heat to low. Add
pea pods, mushrooms, and broth. Cover and cook slowly for 2 mins. Remove
cover, add soy sauce mixture, bamboo shoots, and cook until thickened,
stirring constantly. Simmer uncovered a bit more and add green onions and
nuts and serve immediately.
Fish Kuzhambu
Fish -250 gms.
Onion -3 nos.
Garlic - 3 pods.
Tomato -1 no
Tamarind - size of a small lemon
Turmeric powder -1/4 tsp
Chilli powder -1 tsp
Green chilli -3 nos.
Coconut -3 pieces (medium size
Oil -150 gms.
Mustard seeds - ½ tsp
Salt to taste
Method:
Grind garlic, coconut and tomato and set aside.
Add water to tamarind pulp measuring 2 glasses.
To this, add turmeric powder, chilli powder and salt and keep aside.
Pour oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds. Fry finely cut onion and green chilli pieces.
Add tamarind water and then garlic, coconut and tomato masala.
As it starts to boil, add fish.
Do not cover. Let the contents cook on low flame.
In 10 minutes fish kuzhumbu will be ready to serve.
Check if it has reached the desired consistency
Tips: Cooking in gingely oil and adding a spoonful of fenugreek seeks after mustard
seeds adds zing to your dish.
Onion -3 nos.
Garlic - 3 pods.
Tomato -1 no
Tamarind - size of a small lemon
Turmeric powder -1/4 tsp
Chilli powder -1 tsp
Green chilli -3 nos.
Coconut -3 pieces (medium size
Oil -150 gms.
Mustard seeds - ½ tsp
Salt to taste
Method:
Grind garlic, coconut and tomato and set aside.
Add water to tamarind pulp measuring 2 glasses.
To this, add turmeric powder, chilli powder and salt and keep aside.
Pour oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds. Fry finely cut onion and green chilli pieces.
Add tamarind water and then garlic, coconut and tomato masala.
As it starts to boil, add fish.
Do not cover. Let the contents cook on low flame.
In 10 minutes fish kuzhumbu will be ready to serve.
Check if it has reached the desired consistency
Tips: Cooking in gingely oil and adding a spoonful of fenugreek seeks after mustard
seeds adds zing to your dish.
Pepper chicken
Boneless Chicken -250 gms (medium pieces)
Onion - 2 nos.
Tomatoes - 2 nos.
Green chilli - 3-4 nos.
Coriander - medium bunch
Coconut - 3 pieces.
Oil - 150 gms.
Salt to taste
Method:
Make gravy of onion, tomatoes, green chilli, coriander and coconut.
Use a medium size pressure cooker and heat it.
Pour oil. Wait for 2 minutes
Add chicken pieces.
Allow the chicken pieces to shrink in size slightly.
Add gravy, if required add ½ glass of water.
Wait for 3 whistles.
Open to check if water is well absorbed.
If required, transfer to a kadai and cook in low flame till dry.
Onion - 2 nos.
Tomatoes - 2 nos.
Green chilli - 3-4 nos.
Coriander - medium bunch
Coconut - 3 pieces.
Oil - 150 gms.
Salt to taste
Method:
Make gravy of onion, tomatoes, green chilli, coriander and coconut.
Use a medium size pressure cooker and heat it.
Pour oil. Wait for 2 minutes
Add chicken pieces.
Allow the chicken pieces to shrink in size slightly.
Add gravy, if required add ½ glass of water.
Wait for 3 whistles.
Open to check if water is well absorbed.
If required, transfer to a kadai and cook in low flame till dry.
Liver fry
Mutton liver -300 gms
Onion - 2 nos.
Tomatoes - 1 nos.
Ginger, Garlic paste - 2 tsp.
Turmeric powder - ¼ tsp
Chilli powder - 2 tsp.
Oil - 2 tsp
Salt to taste.
Method:
Heat a kadai/pan and pour oil
Fry finely chopped onion.
Add ginger, garlic paste.
Add finely cut tomato.
Let it turn soft.
Add turmeric and chilli powder.
Stir-fry well.
Add liver pieces.
Pour enough water to cover the contents (1/4 glass of water)
Occasionally stir-fry. Cook in low flame.
In less than 15 minutes, liver fry will be ready.
Serve with nan, rotis, dhal rice, parathas etc.
Note: Add turmeric powder while washing lever. In case there is a small layer of
skin, do remove it.
Onion - 2 nos.
Tomatoes - 1 nos.
Ginger, Garlic paste - 2 tsp.
Turmeric powder - ¼ tsp
Chilli powder - 2 tsp.
Oil - 2 tsp
Salt to taste.
Method:
Heat a kadai/pan and pour oil
Fry finely chopped onion.
Add ginger, garlic paste.
Add finely cut tomato.
Let it turn soft.
Add turmeric and chilli powder.
Stir-fry well.
Add liver pieces.
Pour enough water to cover the contents (1/4 glass of water)
Occasionally stir-fry. Cook in low flame.
In less than 15 minutes, liver fry will be ready.
Serve with nan, rotis, dhal rice, parathas etc.
Note: Add turmeric powder while washing lever. In case there is a small layer of
skin, do remove it.
Mutton Paaya (Aatukaal Paaya)
Paya -6 nos.
Onions -4 nos.
Tomato - 2 nos.
Ginger garlic paste - 50 gms
Chilli powder - 2 tsp
Turmeric powder -1/4 tsp
Coriander powder - 3 tsp
Coriander leaves - 4 tsp.
Oil - 4 tbsp
Salt to taste.
preparation
Wash paya. Drain water and keep aside
Cut onions and tomatoes into small pieces
Wash coriander. Cut and keep aside.
method:
Heat a 4-litre pressure cooker.
Add oil and heat.
Put onions, ginger garlic paste and fry well.
Add finely cut tomatoes.
Add turmeric, chili, dhania powder and salt.
Allow the mixture to cook on low flame for 5-10 minutes.
Transfer paya and coriander leaves. Cook for 5 minutes. Mix well.
Pour water enough to cover the contents in the cooker.
Continue to cook on low flame.
Wait for 5-6 whistles and then switch off.
Serve hot with idly, roti, iddiyappam, plain rice, dhal rice, fried rice, plain paratha.
Variation: Instead of cooking along mutton with other ingredients you can also pressure
cook mutton separately along with salt, water and a spoon of red chilli powder until
8 whistles.
Onions -4 nos.
Tomato - 2 nos.
Ginger garlic paste - 50 gms
Chilli powder - 2 tsp
Turmeric powder -1/4 tsp
Coriander powder - 3 tsp
Coriander leaves - 4 tsp.
Oil - 4 tbsp
Salt to taste.
preparation
Wash paya. Drain water and keep aside
Cut onions and tomatoes into small pieces
Wash coriander. Cut and keep aside.
method:
Heat a 4-litre pressure cooker.
Add oil and heat.
Put onions, ginger garlic paste and fry well.
Add finely cut tomatoes.
Add turmeric, chili, dhania powder and salt.
Allow the mixture to cook on low flame for 5-10 minutes.
Transfer paya and coriander leaves. Cook for 5 minutes. Mix well.
Pour water enough to cover the contents in the cooker.
Continue to cook on low flame.
Wait for 5-6 whistles and then switch off.
Serve hot with idly, roti, iddiyappam, plain rice, dhal rice, fried rice, plain paratha.
Variation: Instead of cooking along mutton with other ingredients you can also pressure
cook mutton separately along with salt, water and a spoon of red chilli powder until
8 whistles.
Mutton chops
Mutton chops -250 grams
Onion -300 gms.
Ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp (optional)
Green chillies - 8 pieces (medium
size)
Coriander - 1 bunch (big)
Black pepper - two spoons
Salt to taste.
Preparation
Finely cut onions and keep aside.
Slit green chilies.
Coarse grind pepper.
Wash coriander. Chop leaves and stems and keep aside.
Wash mutton chops. Drain well and keep aside.
Method:
Place a 4-litre pressure cooker on the stove. Add oil.
Add finely chopped onions.
Stir-fry. Add ginger garlic paste.
Allow the onion to turn brown. Add slit green chilies.
Fry for two minutes. Transfer mutton chops.
Stir the contents well. Cook on low flame for 5 minutes.
Add the chopped coriander leaves.
Add salt and pour water enough to cover the contents of the cooker.
Cook on low flame.
Wait for 5 whistles and then switch off.
A good side dish for roti, plain rice, fried rice, dhal rice etc.
Onion -300 gms.
Ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp (optional)
Green chillies - 8 pieces (medium
size)
Coriander - 1 bunch (big)
Black pepper - two spoons
Salt to taste.
Preparation
Finely cut onions and keep aside.
Slit green chilies.
Coarse grind pepper.
Wash coriander. Chop leaves and stems and keep aside.
Wash mutton chops. Drain well and keep aside.
Method:
Place a 4-litre pressure cooker on the stove. Add oil.
Add finely chopped onions.
Stir-fry. Add ginger garlic paste.
Allow the onion to turn brown. Add slit green chilies.
Fry for two minutes. Transfer mutton chops.
Stir the contents well. Cook on low flame for 5 minutes.
Add the chopped coriander leaves.
Add salt and pour water enough to cover the contents of the cooker.
Cook on low flame.
Wait for 5 whistles and then switch off.
A good side dish for roti, plain rice, fried rice, dhal rice etc.
Mutton Keema
Minced meat - 150 grams
Onion (medium size) - 1
Tomato (small) - 1
Ginger garlic paste - 1
Turmeric powder - ¼ tsp
Chilli powder - 1 tsp
Coriander powder - 2 tsp
Oil - 3 tsp
Salt to taste.
Method
Heat oil in a kadai or pan. Transfer finely chopped onions.
Stir-fry, add ginger and garlic paste.
Wait for onion to turn brown and then add finely chopped tomato pieces.
Let the tomato turn soft. Add turmeric powder, chili powder and coriander powder.
Mix well.
Wait for few minutes. Transfer minced meat.
Add ½ a glass of water and close the vessel with a tight lid.
Cook on a low flame. Occasionally open lid and stir the contents slowly.
In less than 15 minutes, the minced meat should be cooked.
If gravy is required, stop cooking. Sprinkle coriander leaves before serving.
If dry minced meat is required, allow it cook till the water is completely absorbed.
Sprinkle coriander before serving.
Minced meat gravy or dry can be served with rice or roti.
Onion (medium size) - 1
Tomato (small) - 1
Ginger garlic paste - 1
Turmeric powder - ¼ tsp
Chilli powder - 1 tsp
Coriander powder - 2 tsp
Oil - 3 tsp
Salt to taste.
Method
Heat oil in a kadai or pan. Transfer finely chopped onions.
Stir-fry, add ginger and garlic paste.
Wait for onion to turn brown and then add finely chopped tomato pieces.
Let the tomato turn soft. Add turmeric powder, chili powder and coriander powder.
Mix well.
Wait for few minutes. Transfer minced meat.
Add ½ a glass of water and close the vessel with a tight lid.
Cook on a low flame. Occasionally open lid and stir the contents slowly.
In less than 15 minutes, the minced meat should be cooked.
If gravy is required, stop cooking. Sprinkle coriander leaves before serving.
If dry minced meat is required, allow it cook till the water is completely absorbed.
Sprinkle coriander before serving.
Minced meat gravy or dry can be served with rice or roti.
Chicken Biryani
Chicken - One& half kgs
Basmati Rice - One and half kgs
Oil - 600 gms
Ginger Garlic Paste - 300 gms
Chilli Powder - 50 gms
Green Chillies - 15 pieces (medium sized)
Tomato - 500 gms (Ripe Nattu Thakkali)
Mint - 1 small bunch
Coriander - 2 small bunches
Cloves - 8 pieces
Cinnamon - 1 medium sized stick
Cardamon - 5 pieces
Onion - 250 gms
Lemon - 2 nos.
Curd -1 ltr.
salt
Preparation:
Cut onion lengthwise. Divide into halves.
Cut tomato into 4 pieces.
Extract lemon juice and keep aside.
Strip pudina leaves. Wash, cut and keep aside.
Strip coriander leaves. Wash, cut and keep aside. Optional to include tender coriander
stems.
Wash chicken, drain water completely and keep aside.
Method:
1. Place the bigger vessel on the stove. Allow the bottom of the vessel to be heated
well.
2. Add oil. Put cloves, cinnamon stick, and cardamon pieces. Wait for few seconds
and as it splits add half the quantity of onions. Add full quantity of ginger, garlic
paste.
3. Simmer and allow the onions, ginger and garlic paste to cook. This should take
less than 10 minutes.
4. Add chicken. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of salt and mix well. Add the remaining
onions pieces.
5. Close the vessel with an aluminum lid. Continue to cook in low flame. Using a
ladle, stir the contents of the vessel. Allow it to cook for 15 minutes.
6. Remove the lid. Add chili powder, green chilies, tomatoes, coriander, pudina,
lemon juice and curd.
7. Stir well, close the lid and allow the contents to cook well. Continue to cook on
low flame.
8. Occasionally stir the contents slowly. After about 20 minutes you may notice the
oil separate.
9. Wash the basmati rice and let it remain soaked in water for not more than 10
minutes.
10. At this juncture place the other vessel on the stove. Add water, 4 times the quantity
of rice.
11. Allow the water to boil, add salt to taste. Remember you have added salt for the
chicken gravy.
12. As the water starts to boil, transfer soaked rice. Close with a perfect lid. Cook on
low flame.
13. When the rice is half cooked, without delaying quickly drain out water. Do not
throw the drained water.
14. Immediately, transfer half cooked rice (sprinkle kesar powder over rice if required)
to the chicken gravy. Slowly mix the contents. Ensure rice doesn’t get
smashed.
15. Put a dosa tava on the stove and place the vessel. Take a neat newspaper and
place it on top of the vessel and then keep the lid. On top of the lid, place the
drained water. The vessel is now airtight.
16. Simmer for about 5 – 10 minutes. Wait for few minutes and open lid. The aroma
of biryani would confirm that the cooking is completed.
17. Serve hot with onion raitha or brinjal tamarind gravy.
Note: Preferably, use aluminium vessels for cooking authentic chicken biryani. Two
aluminium vessels, one for cooking basmati rice (2 Kgs) and another for cooking the
gravy (3 kgs) is required. The ingredients are the same for one to one and half kgs of
chicken and equal quantity of basmati rice. This quantity serves 7-8 people. For mutton
biryani, use mutton and follow the same method.
Basmati Rice - One and half kgs
Oil - 600 gms
Ginger Garlic Paste - 300 gms
Chilli Powder - 50 gms
Green Chillies - 15 pieces (medium sized)
Tomato - 500 gms (Ripe Nattu Thakkali)
Mint - 1 small bunch
Coriander - 2 small bunches
Cloves - 8 pieces
Cinnamon - 1 medium sized stick
Cardamon - 5 pieces
Onion - 250 gms
Lemon - 2 nos.
Curd -1 ltr.
salt
Preparation:
Cut onion lengthwise. Divide into halves.
Cut tomato into 4 pieces.
Extract lemon juice and keep aside.
Strip pudina leaves. Wash, cut and keep aside.
Strip coriander leaves. Wash, cut and keep aside. Optional to include tender coriander
stems.
Wash chicken, drain water completely and keep aside.
Method:
1. Place the bigger vessel on the stove. Allow the bottom of the vessel to be heated
well.
2. Add oil. Put cloves, cinnamon stick, and cardamon pieces. Wait for few seconds
and as it splits add half the quantity of onions. Add full quantity of ginger, garlic
paste.
3. Simmer and allow the onions, ginger and garlic paste to cook. This should take
less than 10 minutes.
4. Add chicken. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of salt and mix well. Add the remaining
onions pieces.
5. Close the vessel with an aluminum lid. Continue to cook in low flame. Using a
ladle, stir the contents of the vessel. Allow it to cook for 15 minutes.
6. Remove the lid. Add chili powder, green chilies, tomatoes, coriander, pudina,
lemon juice and curd.
7. Stir well, close the lid and allow the contents to cook well. Continue to cook on
low flame.
8. Occasionally stir the contents slowly. After about 20 minutes you may notice the
oil separate.
9. Wash the basmati rice and let it remain soaked in water for not more than 10
minutes.
10. At this juncture place the other vessel on the stove. Add water, 4 times the quantity
of rice.
11. Allow the water to boil, add salt to taste. Remember you have added salt for the
chicken gravy.
12. As the water starts to boil, transfer soaked rice. Close with a perfect lid. Cook on
low flame.
13. When the rice is half cooked, without delaying quickly drain out water. Do not
throw the drained water.
14. Immediately, transfer half cooked rice (sprinkle kesar powder over rice if required)
to the chicken gravy. Slowly mix the contents. Ensure rice doesn’t get
smashed.
15. Put a dosa tava on the stove and place the vessel. Take a neat newspaper and
place it on top of the vessel and then keep the lid. On top of the lid, place the
drained water. The vessel is now airtight.
16. Simmer for about 5 – 10 minutes. Wait for few minutes and open lid. The aroma
of biryani would confirm that the cooking is completed.
17. Serve hot with onion raitha or brinjal tamarind gravy.
Note: Preferably, use aluminium vessels for cooking authentic chicken biryani. Two
aluminium vessels, one for cooking basmati rice (2 Kgs) and another for cooking the
gravy (3 kgs) is required. The ingredients are the same for one to one and half kgs of
chicken and equal quantity of basmati rice. This quantity serves 7-8 people. For mutton
biryani, use mutton and follow the same method.
