Lentils/Dal Seekh Kebabs

To tell you a little secret, I am very fond of kebabs. By the way did you know? The phrase “Kebab” is Persian in origin and the dish was invented by medieval Persian soldiers who used their swords to grill meat over open-field fires. Later on Swords were replaced by skewers.

Kebabs were originated in Middle East region, but now is a very popular all over the world. Kebabs are made in different ways but generally it is made with three meats (pork, beef and lamb) with subtle spices which are grilled to perfection. . India is also very famous for its kebabs. From the lanes of chandi chawk in Delhi, to the streets of mughal Lucknow- kebabs are everywhere.

Kebabs are like the only starter that I chose when I am eating at an Indian restaurant. I have tried making many kebabs in my kitchen, but never posted the recipe. Reason? Well I can die for piping hot kebabs and have no persistence to wait and click the pictures *grin*.  

Now obviously being a vegetarian you hardly get any choices in kebabs when you are in the UK. Back in India I had so many options to choose from. Any ways, I can’t mourn over it more. Lately I tried making Daal Seekh Kebabs and I was so satisfied (I have no words to explain my satisfaction level;).  These kebabs are very healthy and are enriched in protein. Hmmm! Also very simple and hassle free. :)

Ingredients:

Moong Dal - 1/2  cup

Channa Dal- 1/2 cup

Potato - 1/2 boiled and grated

Onion - 1 (grated)

Dried Fenugreek Leaves - 1/2 tablespoon

Salt - to taste

Ginger garlic paste - 1/2 tablespoon

Coriander powder - 1 teaspoon

Turmeric powder – 1/8 teaspoon

Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon

Red chilli powder- 1 teaspoon

Garam Masala powder - 1 teaspoon

Green chilies - 2  (minced)

Gram flour- 2 tablespoon

Oil- for greasing (I used olive oil)

Method:

Clean, wash and boil the moong dal and channa dal in 2 cups of water till the dal is soft and cooked and all the water has evaporated.

Combine the cooked dal with the rest of the ingredients and mix well.

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions.

Using a thick seekh (metal /wooden skewer/toothpick), press each portion of the dal mixture on it using your fingers to make kebab.

Brush each kebab with oil.

Heat oil in a pan and cook kebabs till both the sides are brown.

Serve hot with yogurt or chutney.

Notes:

These kebabs can also be cooked on charcoal or electric barbecue.

Other dals/lentils like urad dal, masoor dal can also be used.

If using wooden skewer, soak them in water for atleast 2 hours. This will not burn the skewers.

Different grated vegetables can also be opted.

Taste:

Soft, spicy and healthy

What kind of kebabs have you made? Any interesting memories relating to kebabs? Please share.

Chocolate Cake Topped With Mango Mousse

So, I am back.  I was so busy these days as my brother came to London to visit us. He was here for 2 weeks and we saw London like a tourist again. I used to just check emails and my Facebook page daily , after all who can live without doing that- Not me!! So-How are you all doing? How is the festive season going on? I missed blogging on Janamasthmi , Onam and Ganesh Chaturthi; So here is me sending you very warm wishes :-)

About the recipe. Well I made this cake for Mr. Husband’s birthday which appears in July. I clicked the picture then but was so much engrossed doing product reviews that I forgot posting this. Mango and chocolate is his favourite combination when it comes to dessert. I chose to make simple sponge cake and cover it with mango mousse. The cake turned out to be delectable:-)  Recipe below :)

Ingredients:-

For the sponge: Condensed milk– 400 grams(1 can)
Butter – 125 grams
All purpose Flour – 225 grams
Cocoa powder – 3-4 tablespoons
Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
Aerated cola – 200ml(I used Coke)

For sugar syrup:

Sugar – ½ cup
Water – ½ cup

For Mango Mousse:

1 cup alphanso mango pulp (canned or fresh)

1 sachet of vegetarian gelatin

1/4 cup milk

2 1/2 tbsp sugar

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp fresh ginger juice

3/4 cup whipped cream

For chocolate sauce:

100 grams dark chocolate

¼ cup milk

Method:-

For sponge: Grease and line an 8’ round baking tin.
Preheat oven to 150C.
Melt butter-Microwave for 1 minute on high. Let it cool.
Add condensed milk and beat well.
Sift together all purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and baking soda.
Add all purpose flour mix to the butter mixture alternating with cola till all purpose flour and cola are finished.
Pour into the greased baking tin and bake for 30-40 minutes or till a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool on a wire rack.

For Sugar Syrup: In a thick bottom pan, mix the sugar and water and boil till the sugar melts. 

Keep aside to cool.

For Mousse:

(See step by step pictures here)

Soak gelatin in 5 tbsp of cold water and mix till it dissolves.

Take a pan add mango pulp and add milk.

Mix in soaked Gelatine in it.

Lastly add sugar.Mix well and let the mixture heat.

Bring to boil till the stage when bubbles appear.

Take a bowl and add some ice cubes in it. Place another bowl on it such that ice cubes touches the bottom of the bowl Place a sieve on the bowl.

Remove from heat and Sieve the mixture. Keep mixing till the mixture turns cold.

When the mixture in completely cooled, add the whipped cream and fold gently.

The mousse will turn into pale yellow colour. Keep in fridge for 30 minutes.

For Chocolate sauce:

Melt milk and chocolate together on a medium flame. Cool and keep it ready for use.

For assembling the cake: Cut the cake into 3-4 layers horizontally -I cut it into 3 layers.
Keep one layer of the cake on the serving plate.
Sprinkle 3-4 tablespoons of sugar syrup on it.
Now spread 2-3 tablespoons of mango mousse on top of the cake. Repeat with other layers.
Cover the cake completely with mousse on all sides and the top.
Level the top and sides with a broad spatula dipped in chilled water.

Chill the cake for 1 hour and then decorate the way you like. I used the simple spiral design.

Notes:

Make sure that all the ingredients are at room temperature.

While making sugar syrup, brandy or rum can be put in for extra flavours

Various other ingredients like coconut, dry fruits, tuti fruity can also be added in the batter before baking.

The sponge of the cake can be utilized in making simple chocolate cake, tiramisu.