The Exotic Crumbled Banana Walnut Muffin

 

If you love banana and walnuts this would be the perfect treat for your tastebuds. I spotted this recipe on australian womens weekly and gave it a try. It has a wonderful flavor and texture with every bite. The best part if you have overriped bananas to throw away you could use it here !!

 

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup all purpose flour / maida
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup oil (rice bran oil)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup mashed banana
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• pinch of salt

For Topping

• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 tbsp butter

Procedure

Line a muffin pan 2x3 with paper cups.

Prepare the topping by combining sugar and flour in a bowl, rub in butter and mix the chopped walnuts and keep aside

 

Preheat the oven to 200 degree centigrade, sieve the dry ingredients(flour,baking soda,baking powder,salt) into a bowl for 3 times

 

Beat the egg with brown sugar for 1 min then mix milk,oil,banana to it. Now add the dry ingredients to the mixture slowly till all ingredients get incorporated. Do not overmix.

 

Mix the walnut and pour the mixture into the paper cup upto 3/4th level.Sprinkle muffins with topping, bake at 200 C for 25 min or until the muffins are brown and firm. Remove and let it cool on a cooling rack.

 

Serve warm or store in a air tight container.

 

 

 

The Aromatic and Heavenly Pull-Apart Pesto Rolls

Recently I picked some fresh basil leaves from star bazaar and I got inspired to make these pull-apart pesto rolls, baked bread fresh out of the oven is a heavenly experience and with the addition of pesto has made these rolls so delightful. These pesto rolls have a intense flavour and a fresh fragrant aroma. 

These pesto rolls taste awesome, each time I had these pesto rolls I would mildly warm them in the microwave to add that extra zing to every bite and are the perfect mood lifter.

Ingredients for Pesto

• 1 1/2 cup packed basil leaves
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 green chillies
• 3 garlic pods
• 1/4 tsp salt

Procedure:
Add all the above ingredients and make a rough paste,your pesto is ready to use .

Ingredients for rolls ( 2 sets )

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1.5 tsp instant yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese

In a big bowl add yeast,sugar,salt n warm milk let it sit for 10 min. It will become foamy. Then add butter mix nicely. Then add flour slowly 1/2 cup at a time n stir with spatula. Then take it out of the bowl n on a lightly floured surface knead it for 5 min n then make it into a ball. Grease it with oil then put it in a bowl n cover with a damp cloth n let it sit for 1 hr.

The dough size will double after 1 hr, knead it again nicely and divide it into two parts and spread it with a roller like chapatti with 2mm thickness and apply pesto sauce equally and sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly. Then roll it and cut into 1 inch thick swirls. Let is rest for 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven for 180 Celsius. Bake the roll for 30-40 min till golden brown. Remove the baking tray and brush all the rolls quickly with butter ,let it cool. 

Note: 
1. The temperature of milk should be luke warm to ensure the activation of yeast is perfect. If the yeast does not foam then the yeast is not activated properly, discard the solution and prepare fresh again.

2.If basil leaves are not available you can replace it with spinach or cilantro/coriander.

3.You can use the same pesto sauce for sandwiches or some yummy pasta 

The Bewitching Spiral Apple Bread

Baking bread is always a delightful experience , I still recollect my first attempt when I would faithfully watch the yeast proof,lift the towel on the dough bowl to see if it is ready to punch down and the joyfull aroma of bread fill the kitchen while baking.My heart would pound with excitement when I pull the bread out from the oven.I relive these lovely moments whenever I bake any type of bread be it a simple loaf, or stuffed bun or a braided bread.

When I saw this bread on treatandtrick I bookmarked it immediately and tried as soon as I got a chance.I am so glad it turned out so good.This spiral apple bread is crusty on the outside and flaky on the inside with a divinely soft flavor of apple.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1.5 tsp instant yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 apples cored and sliced

Topping

• 1/4 cups melted butter
• 1/4 cup sugar or to taste

Make: 2 bread spirals

Procedure

Step 1: Making the Dough

In a big bowl add yeast,sugar,salt n warm milk let it sit for 10 min. It will become foamy. Then add butter mix nicely. Then add flour slowly 1/2 cup at a time n stir with spatula. Then take it out of the bowl n on a lightly floured surface knead it for 5 min n then make it into a ball. Grease it with oil then put it in a bowl n cover with a damp cloth n let it sit for 1 hr.

After a hour or till the dough become double.Take it out n punch it in the center to take all the air out and knead for 5 min.Now divide the dough into two parts.

Step 2: Shaping and Assembly

Take one part and flatten it with a roller into rectangle shape as thin as a chappati and cut vertically into 9 strips. Take a 8inch round baking pan and grease it with butter.

Starting at the center of pan take one strip of dough and coil it initially in one round then add apple slices and bind with the strip.Continue to place apple slice and coil it further. Once the first strip is over join with the next strip and simultanously add apple slices within it.Continue till all strips are over.

Repeat the same for the second part of the dough.

Step 3:Baking and Glazing

Let it sit for 30 minutes.In the meantime preheat the oven to 190 degree Celsius.Bake for 30 minutes or till it becomes golde brown. Remove from oven brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar powder.

Cut into wedges and enjoy.

Submitting this recipe to a wonderful event hosted by Fun and Food Cafe and Cooks Joy

Low Fat Eggless Banana Bread

This is my first cake recipe without eggs and believe me you won’t miss the eggs! With it unique blend of ingredients you can still make a eggless cake that can rock a party.The original recipe was adopted from Jayshris Kitchen who inspired me to try this recipe. I changed it a bit to suit my taste-buds. It came out very well soft, moist with a tender flavor of bananas. Here is the recipe ...

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup wholewheat flour
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 ripe bananas
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp yogurt
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp tutty fruity
• 1/8 tsp salt

Procedure
Preheat the oven to 180 degree Celsius.Grease the loaf pan and keep aside. Sieve the dry ingredients,wheat flour, all purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon powder together 3 times.

Beat milk and sugar together till sugar dissolves.Add oil,yogurt,mashed banana, vanilla extract and mix nicely.Combine with the above dry ingredients and mix nicely until all lumps dissappear. Pour the batter in a 9x5x3 inch loaf pan upto 3/4 level.Sprinkle some tutty fruity over it. Bake for 50 minutes and test with a toothpick in the very center of the loaf to come out clean.Let it cool on a cooling rack, slice and enjoy.

Note:
1.You can replace brown sugar with normal sugar but it will be more sweeter.
2.Adding cinnamon powder is optional however it gives a good flavor.

Divinely Soft and Nutty Pumpkin Loaf

The heavens opened up today, my heart missed a beat and I soared in spirit with every bite of this pumpkin loaf.It smells amazing and tastes so divine it has been one of my favorite baking surprises.This moist and cakelike loaf with its nutty,chocolaty texture and a flavorfull undertone of pumpkin can be a wonderfull treat for your family to savor anytime of the day. Here is a recipe to be in heavan !!
Ingredients

• 1.5 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup red pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Procedure
Preheat the oven to 180 degree celcius.Grease the loaf pan and keep aside. Sieve the dry ingredients, all purpose flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg powder and cinnamon powder together 3 times.
Beat egg and sugar together till it becomes foamy.Add olive oil,water and pumpkin puree and mix nicely.Combine with the above dry ingredients and mix nicely until all lumps dissappear. Add the nuts and chocochips and mix again.Pour the batter in a 9x5x3 inch loaf pan upto 3/4 level. Bake for 50 minutes and test with a toothpick in the very center of the loaf to come out clean.Let it cool on a cooling rack, slice and enjoy.

Note: 

1.To make pumpkin puree boil the pumpkin pieces,once its tender remove the skin and puree it.
2.For the above batter I prepared one loaf and 4 cup cakes.
Submitting this recipe a wonderful Go Nuts Event hosted by Archana and Kalyani

Freshly Baked Eggless Cinnamon Rolls

These last couple of months I have been very busy with some personal engagements. Now I have the time I thought I can share one of my favorite baking creations. I wanted to make these eggless as I am sure there are lot of you who would want to try this out without eggs. I was pleasantly surprised that they tasted wonderful too ... so here is the recipe

Ingredients

• 3 1/4 all purpose flour
• 1 tbsp yeast
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp sugar
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cup warm milk
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For spread

• 4 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp butter

For glaze

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla powder
• 1 tsp butter
• 3-4 tbsp milk

Stage 1 - Making the dough

Take a large bowl add sugar,salt, butter and yeast and mix nicely.Then add warm milk and let it sit for 10 min. After 10 min add the all purpose flour 1 cup at a time and knead for approximately 5 min or until the dough becomes smooth.Keep the dough aside.

Stage 2 - Resting the dough for baking

Coat the bowl with 1 tbsp olive oil,then place this dough in it and roll it. Cover this bowl with a damp cloth or a cling wrap and let it sit for 1 hr.

Stage 3 - Shaping

The dough size will double after 1 hr, knead it again nicely and divide it into two parts and spread it with a roller like chapatti and apply butter evenly and sprinkle cinnamon and sugar powder. Then roll it and cut into 1 inch thick swirls. Let is rest for 20 minutes.

( Click all images for enlarged view )

Stage 4 - Glaze Preparation

Preheat the oven for 180 Celsius. In the meantime whisk butter, sugar and milk till it reaches a thick flow-able consistency.

Stage 5 - Baking

Bake the cinnamon swirls for 30-40 min till golden brown. Remove the baking tray and let it cool. Drizzle the glaze over the rolls and let it sit. Serve warm and enjoy the cinnamon rolls.

Note: The temperature of milk should be luke warm to ensure the activation of yeast is perfect. If the yeast does not foam then the yeast is not activated properly, discard the solution and prepare fresh again.

Butter Naan With Corn Capsicum Masala

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This months tried and tasted is from chef in you blog choosen by Priya. I had bookmarked so many recipes and I got a chance to try butter naan today.Sometimes I am amused with the name naan wonder what it really means.With a little research I learnt the name stems from the Persian language, a generic word for bread.

Generally it is little thick but I prefer it to be thin. This give it the ability to eat easy. I have noticed people love nan when it is not too soggy.

I made corn capsicum masala to have with the nan which is one of my favorite combinations.This masala curry with corn and bell pepper is simmered in a mildly rich cashew,onion and tomoto gravy with a flavor of fenugreek leaves.I wanted to try this at home and I got this oppurtunity, it proved to be a beautifull combination to have with naan.

Butter Naan

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Ingredients

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp yeast
• 2/3 rd cup warm water
• 1/4 cup warm milk
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp chopped cilantro
• 2 tbsp butter
• salt to taste

Preparing the Naan

Mix yeast,sugar,salt in a big bowl ,add warm water to it ,stir it n let it sit for 15 minutes or till yeast become foamy(active)

Mix milk and 1 tbsp butter together and mix flour,cilantro together and keep both aside

After yeast activates ,add milk n then mix the flour n knead with hand to a smooth n sticky dough. The dough should be very soft .Add few drops of oil to dough n shape it to ball.Let it sit for 2 hrs or till it doubles .

After 2 hrs ,take out the air from dough n knead it approximately for 1 min . Divide into 12 to 14 parts and shape them to round .

Set the oven on high broil.

In lightly floured surface, take each ball of dough and with rolling pin shape to oval shape. Should be as thin as possible.

Take a baking tray, lightly grease it with oil put each nan into it and keep it in the oven for one min on the first side, it will start having some brown spots.Immediately flip it and keep it for another 30 seconds. It depends from oven to oven so keep a eye on it.

Remove the remove the naan from the tray and apply a little butter on it. Serve hot with your choice of curry.

Note:

In broil mode the oven will be hot so be very carefull in handling in the tray.

If you try big enough you can put 2-3 nans at a time.

Immediately put the nan in the tray for baking after rolling it as the dough should be as fresh as possible for baking.

Corn Capsicum Masala

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Ingredients:

• 1.5 cup frozen/fresh corn
• 1.5 cup diced bell pepper (red and green)
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced tomato
• 8 to 10 cashew nut
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tbsp kasuri methi
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• 1/4 tsp cummin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp chilli powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/8 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp ghee
• salt to taste

Cooking procedure:

Soak cashew nuts in milk for 30 min .

Heat 1 tsp oil in a pan and shallow fry the diced bell pepper for 5 min then add corn and fry for two more min and shift it to a plate.

Heat oil in the same pan ,add onion ,turmeric powder stir till onion become traslucent, then add tomatos and fry till tomatos become soft ,then add all powders , stir till oil begins to appear in gravy and transfer the mixture to a plate n let it cool.After it cool add to the blender with cashew nuts n milk ,make a smooth paste .

Now heat the ghee and add some oil in the same pan ,add cummin seeds n once cummin seeds splutter . Add the paste n fry for 2 more min n once butter starts coming out in gravy add the bell pepper and corn mixture and mix nicely

Add a 3/4 cup of water n let it cook till bell pepper become soft.Now add crushed kasuri methi and stir it nicely and let it cook for 2 more mins and serve hot with nan or rotis.

Note:

1.If are using frozen corn thaw it for 2 min in microwave and use it.

I am sending this to T&T -Chef in you guest hosted by Priya, event by Lakshmi.

Bookmarked Recipe Every Tuesday hosted by Priya n Aipi

I am sending Corn masala to Akheela's Food platter series-orange

Hearth n Soul

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Tags: Naan, Butter Naan, Indian Flat Bread, Corn, Bell Pepper, Curry

Spinach n Fenugreek Bread (Palak Methi Bread)

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After coming to the blog world, I have been inspired to bake different types of breads, whether it is simple classic white bread, cottage cheese stuffed buns or braided bread with spicy filling.Then I realized I need to make a bread with herbs too and with ingredients we can get in India easily....

Spinach,garlic and fenugreek is always a favorite combination of mine and wouldnt it be a great idea if i could use it in my bread.!!

When I started baking this bread it filled the house with a tempting aroma , and after baking was really pleased with the end result ,the bread was a little crispy on the outside and wonderfully soft inside. I had this bread with a cup of tea and it made my tastebuds dance.

I want to share this bread with a indian twist as 16 Oct is the World Bread Day,

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp dry active yeast
• 1/2 cup luke warm water
• 1/2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 cup finely chopped spinach(palak)
• 1/4 chopped spring onions
• 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
• 1 tsp dry fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
• 2 tbsp mozarella cheese / cottage cheese
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp milk for glazing
• 1 tsp salt

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Making the Bread

Step 1: Preparing the yeast

Mix yeast,sugar and warm water in a big bowl at let it rest for 15 min.After 15 min add 1 cup flour to the yeast and stir nicely and let it sit for 45 min.

Step2: Preparing the dough

Heat 1 tbsp oil in pan, add spring onion and garlic and fry till garlic turns light golden brown, now add spinach,pepper and a little salt and continously stir till spinach leaf (palak) becomes soft. Now add the dry fenugreek leafs (methi) and stir till all the moisture evaporates and switch off to let it cool.

After it cools add this spinach mixture to the yeast along with salt,oil and mix nicely, then add the remaining flour little by little and stir with spatula till it becomes a stiff to stir.

Transfer to a floured surface and knead until it becomes smooth and elastic. Now shape it into a ball and place it in a bowl , cover and leave to rise until it doubles in volumes for 1 -1.5 hrs.

After 1.5 hrs grease a large baking sheet,take the dough and punch out the air and knead it to nice round ball again. Leave it to rise in a warm for another 30 min.

Step 3: Baking

Preheat the oven to 375 F, take a long knife and make a grid pattern on the bread by pressing the knife into the bread with i inch gap between the lines. Now brush with the milk and bake it for 25 min or until it turn golden brown or the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. Shift it to cooling rack.

Serving Tip:

After it cools, slice it and toast it with a little butter to serve with a cup of tea or a bowl of soup.

Note:

1. You can substitute spinach with any other green too.
2. To get a big loaf increase the measurement to double
3. The water should be luke warm while adding the least, as hot water kills the yeast and your bread will not rise.

This bread goes to the wonderful annual event " World Bread Day 2010 "

Braided Bread With Spicy Mushroom Stuffing

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I recently came across a braided bread recipe which captivated my mind . Few days back I prepared this braided bread . This bread is known as Vienna Bread in Denmark and as Danish bread in the rest of the world. Traditionally it is stuffed with fruits n butter but I used a Indian curry with mushrooms and some Indian spices as a stuffing for this aesthetic bread.It is very easy to prepare and very delightful to look at.

The whole process requires two main procedures

1. Preparing the stuffing
2. Making the braided bread

Ingredients for Stuffing

• 2 cups finely chopped mushroom
• 1 cup finely chopped onions
• 1 tbsp garlic ginger paste
• 2 chopped chillis
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander (cilantro)
• 1/2 tsp chilli powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• salt to taste

For paste

• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/4 tsp jeera
• 6-7 black pepper

Stuffing Preparation

Crush black pepper, garlic and cumin seeds together into a coarse paste and keep aside.

Heat oil in a deep bottom pan and add cumin seeds and fry till it splutter,add the above garlic mixture and fry for a min. Add onions and keep stiring and add garlic ginger paste, chopped chillies,turmeric powder and salt

Once the onion is golden brown add all powders and stir ,add mushrooms stir and cover and let it cook in medium flame till mushroom become soft .Make the flame to high to evaporate any excess moisture in it ..n ur stuffing is ready

Ingredients for Bread

• 2 cups all purpose flour + some flour for dusting
• 1/2 tbsp dry active yeast
• 1/8 cup luke warm water
• 1/8 cup luke warm milk
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 egg (optional)
• 2 tbsp butter at room temp
• 3 tbsp milk with 1 tbsp oil for glazing
• 1 tbsp olive oil for coating dough

( Click image for enlarged view )

Bread Preparation

Step 1: Making the Dough

In large a bowl yeast,salt n sugar nicely and add the luke warm water and stir. Let it sit for 15 min. The yeast will become foamy after 15 min then add milk and egg.

Gradually add flour cup by cup and stir it. Transfer to a floured surface and knead it to get a smooth and elastic dough.Shape it into a nice big. Apply oil to it and transfer it again the bowl,cover and keep in warm place to let it rise until double in volume. It will take about 1 hr 30 min.

After 1.5 hr grease a large baking sheet or tray,punch the dough to take the air out, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface,knead it lightly then roll out into a rectangle to a thin sheet 5 mm thick.

Step 2 - Making the braided pattern

Spread the stuffing in the center along the length.It should cover 1/3 width portion of the total width in the center.With a sharp knife cut 10 strips at a angle on both sides of the filling.

For a braided pattern fold up one end neatly then fold over the strips from alternating sides until all the strips are folded over.Trunk excess dough underneath at the end.

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Step 3 - Baking

Shift it to the baking tray carefully, cover loosely with a dish towel and let is rise in a warm place until almost double in volume, it will take about 30-40 min

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F, brush the bread with a glaze and bake until brown for about 30 min. Transfer to a rack to cool.

Your stuffed braided bread is ready

Note: You can choose paneer in place of mushroom stuffing but it should be dry.

I am sending this Bread to

Champa's Bake off event

Hearth n Soul

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Tags: braided bread, danish bread, stuffed bread, mushroom garlic stuffed bread