Perfect Basmati Rice

December 11th, 2019 | Posted by Milana in Indian Cuisine | Sides - (0 Comments)

INGREDIENTS:

2 Cups Basmati Rice

2 Tbsp Vegan Butter or Avocado Oil

2 tsp Lemon Juice

4 Cups Water

1/2 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare the rice:

Wash basmati rice under running cold water until water runs clear. Soak rice in enough warm water for at least 10-15 min. Drain the rice and let it dry in a strainer for 10 min. This helps to firm up the rice.

Cooking the rice:

Heat the butter/oil in a thick bottom saucepan on medium heat. Add and sauté for a minute. Add water, salt, and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat to the lowest it can possibly go. Simmer for 20 min. Turn off the heat and let it stand covered for an additional 10 min. This step is a must and should not be skipped. This allows time for the rice to firm up so it doesn’t break when your fluff it with a fork before serving. Then open fluff with a fork.

Nutrition Analysis:

Serving: 1 cup

Calories: 190

Carbohydrates: 35g

Protein: 3.3g

Fat: 2g

Saturated Fat: 1.1g

Cholesterol: 4mg

Sodium: 297mg

Potassium: 56mg

Fiber: 0.6g

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Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)

Chicken Tikka Masala

December 11th, 2019 | Posted by Milana in Indian Cuisine - (0 Comments)

Chicken Tikka Masala:

 

SPICE MIXTURE:

1 Tbsp curry powder (I use the one by Pereg)

1 Tbsp ground cumin

1 Tbsp ground coriander

2 tsp ground turmeric

2 tsp salt

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into cubes

1 cup Trader Joe’s Plain Cultured Cashew Beverage

6 cloves garlic, grated, divided

1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger, divided

2 Tbsp Refined Peanut or Avocado oil

1 Tbsp Vegan butter (I use Miyoko’s)

1 medium onion, finely diced

1 can (15 ounces) canned Organic tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

1 cup Organic canned coconut milk or cream

3 Tbsp Coconut Sugar

Fresh cilantro, chopped, to serve

4 cups basmati rice, to serve

DIRECTIONS:

In a small bowl, whisk together the spices. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cashew beverage, half of the garlic, half of the ginger, and half of the spice mixture, reserving the rest for later. Stir, cover, and allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or preferably overnight.

In a large, heavy bottomed pot, heat the oil and butter over medium-high. Remove the chicken from the marinade and add to the pot in batches. Cook until browned all over and beginning to char, turning once, about 6 minutes total. Remove from the pan and set aside for later. Repeat until all of the chicken is browned.

Add the chopped onion and the remaining garlic, ginger, and spices to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens, about 4 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes and gently scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release the browned bits while stirring.

Pour in the coconut milk/cream, sugar and add the chicken back to the pot. Stir and reduce to low heat. Let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve over basmati rice with naan or paratha bread. Enjoy!

*Originally adapted from Host the Toast.

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Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)


Cook Time: 4 Hours on High

6-8 Hours on Low

Prep Time: 10 min.

Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast or Thighs, cut into bite size chunks

1 sweet onion, minced

2 Tbsp Coconut Oil

3 Cloves Garlic, minced

1 Tbsp fresh grated Ginger

2 tsp Curry Powder

2 tsp Curry Paste (I use Thai Red Curry Paste)

2 Tbsp Garam Masala

1/2-1 tsp Ground Turmeric

1 tsp cayenne Pepper (optional)

1 (14 oz) can Coconut Milk (Light or Regular)

1/2 cup Cultured Coconut Milk Yogurt

1/4 Cup coconut creamer blend*

** scoop out the cream from a can of full fat coconut milk. Blend with 1/4 cup of regular soy milk to create consistency of half & half or heavy cream. Think out with more soy milk to get the desired consistency.

DIRECTIONS:

In a 4 cup measuring cup or medium mixing bowl. Whisk together the yogurt, garlic, ginger, spices, curry paste, coconut milk and cream blend.

Spray your crockpot with cooking spray. Layer the bottom of the pot with onions. Then your chicken, and then pour the masala mixture covering the chicken. Add your coconut oil on top. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours of 6-8 hours on low. Serve over fluffy Basmati and some delicious homemade Naan.

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Rating: 4.0/5 (3 votes cast)