Punjabi-styled pickle

     Well, this post is most special to me, because this is my first achaar/pickle post.  All thanks to my dear potluck partner, Shoba from Foodmazaa.

With an hot mid-summer,  it is true that we always look upon to chilled beverages, but this pickle, I must say, is an all-weather-dish.  Especially to all savoury-lovers, this is an real treat.  The choice of spice mix is perfect, as it infused the smell of mesmerizing achaar, and to top that, you are making this with vegetables - puts forth an healthy option, isn't it?  

Yes, yes, I know... my time off is exceeding between posts -  nowadays, I am struggling to catch upon my usual routine, with my daughter shifted to another school, that includes odd sets of timings.  I, have hardly tried anything, but, I promise to be back in lane soon, keep in touch, guys :)

Restaurent styled Murgh makhani

Murgh makhani or Chicken butter masala originating from Punjab, is an tempting, rich and mild chicken gravy.  Loaded with khoya, cream and cashew paste,  these are heavy to stomach and delight the mind instantly. The dried kasoori methi leaves are also added along with cream/milk to top-up the flavor.  If you have any guests turning in or if it is one of your special occasions, this dish is an must-try. 

 

They look lovely,isn't it?? Got the red colour from degi mirch masala.   Chicken, marinated in curd and other spices is pan-friend, cooked on kadaai with onion, garam masala, khoya, cream and cashews.   But don't hesitate to make them  due to richness and high priced ingredients.  Check out my home-made khoya recipe here  Interestingly, here I used an quick version of khoya.  In an vessel with 1/4 cup of milk powder, I stirred in 11/2 tsp of hot water and  got an instant-form of doughy khoya, roughly around 1 tbspn.  I used them in this preparation. 

 

 And replacing cream, I used full fat milk.  (using low fat milk also is not an problem)  Also, lastly added green chillies for an spicy murgh makhani (which traditionally remains mild).  You can avoid them if you want creamy, non-spicy type.

 

You can check other murgh recipes like Karahi chicken, Murgh pasanda, Kolhapuri taambda rassa, Nattukodi pulusu, Chettinadu chicken gravy, Piri piri chicken, Chicken vindaloo, Kozhi kolambu etc   

Punjabi rajmah

My mother used to prepare most yummiest rajmah.  I like her curry/gravy/any dal preparation which she smartly accompanies with roti.  This punjabi rajmah is dedicated to my dear mother.

Ingredients required

To temper

• 4 tsp butter
• 1 bayleaf, crushed
• 2-3 cloves
• 2 tsp crushed black cardamon

Spice mix

• 1/2 tsp haldi/turmeric powder
• 1 tsp punjabi garam masala
• 1 tsp chilli powder
• 1tsp dhanya powder
• 1/2 tsp aamchur powder
• 1 tsp salt

Dal maharani

Dal maharani is an punjabi dal made with combo of black urad dal, chana dal, rajma cooked in creamy base in addition to normal spices.  Using punjabi garam masala can also be done, to enrich flavour.

Ingredients required

• 1 cup black urad dal
• 1/2 cup chana dal
• 1/2 cup rajma
• 4-5 tsp oil
• 1 tsp jeera
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp punjabi garam masala
• 1 tsp salt
• 11/2 tsp chilli powder
• 1 tsp dhanya powder
• 1/4 cup khoya/cream/milk
• 4 tsp of finely chopped coriander leaves, to garnish

For paste

• 2-3 cashews
• 1 tsp fennel seeds/sombu
• 2-inch piece of ginger
• 4 tsp finely chopped mint leaves
• 2-3 crushed green chillies

Method

Soak all daals, pressure cook them till done and keep aside.

Make paste using all above ingredients using mortar and pestle.

In a kadaai, heat oil , saute jeera and onions.

Add in crushed paste and cook

Add in tomato puree, followed by all the spices

After this gets cooked, add cooked dal along with water.  

Add in khoya/cream.  Check the seasoning and spice.  Cook for another 5-10 minutes on simmer flame and serve hot garnished with coriander leaves

It was very nice, yummy too!!

And i have an big kadaai full of dal maharani mixture.. anybody over there... Be my guest!!!