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Life can get hectic, and we often find ourselves searching for quick and easy recipes to whip up on busy weeknights. Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this article, we will take you on a culinary adventure through six delicious pan recipes that are not only time-saving but also bursting with the vibrant flavours of India. So, grab your trusty pan, and let's dive into the world of quick and easy Indian cooking!
1. Paneer Stir-Fry:
Ingredients:
- 250g paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cubed
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Method:
1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for a few seconds.
2. Add the onion and bell pepper to the pan and sauté until they turn slightly tender.
3. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Cook for a minute.
4. Add the paneer cubes to the pan and gently toss to coat them with the spices.
5. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the paneer is golden and the flavors are well combined.
6. Season with salt and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with roti or rice.
2. Vegetable Pulao:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, beans, cauliflower, etc.)
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
Method:
1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 15-20 minutes, then drain.
2. Heat ghee in a pan and add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Sauté for a minute to release the aromas.
3. Add the sliced onion to the pan and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in the diced carrot and mixed vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the drained rice to the pan and mix well with the vegetables.
6. Pour in the water, season with salt, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
7. Remove the pan from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Enjoy the aromatic vegetable pulao on its own or with raita.
3. Aloo Paratha (Potato-stuffed Flatbread):
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- Water as needed
- Salt to taste
For the filling:
- 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Ghee or oil for cooking
Method:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, salt, and enough water to make a soft dough. Knead the dough for a few minutes, then cover and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, chopped onion, green chilies, grated ginger, garam masala, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well to form the filling.
3. Divide the dough into equal-sized balls and roll each ball into a small circle.
4. Place a spoonful of the potato filling in the center of each circle. Bring the edges together and seal the filling by pinching the dough.
5. Flatten the stuffed dough ball and roll it gently into a paratha, about 6-7 inches in diameter.
6. Heat a pan and cook the paratha on medium heat, applying ghee or oil on both sides until golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve the hot and flavorful aloo parathas with yogurt or pickle.
4. Egg Curry:
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 teaspoons red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Method:
1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
4. Add the tomato puree, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well and cook for 5-6 minutes until the oil separates.
5. Gently place the hard-boiled eggs in the pan and coat them with the curry sauce.
6. Cover the pan and simmer for 8-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve the flavorful egg curry with steamed rice or naan bread.
5. Lemon Pepper Chicken:
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken, boneless and diced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 teaspoons black pepper powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Method:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper powder, and salt to form a marinade.
2. Add the diced chicken to the marinade and mix well to coat evenly. Allow it to marinate for 15-20 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a pan and add the marinated chicken. Cook on medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
4. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve the zesty lemon pepper chicken with steamed rice or a salad.
6. Masala Omelette:
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small tomato, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
Method:
1. In a bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
2. Add the chopped onion, tomato, green chilies, coriander leaves, red chili powder, and salt. Mix everything together.
3. Heat oil in a pan and pour the egg mixture into the pan. Allow it to spread evenly.
4. Cook the omelette on medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until the bottom is set.
5. Flip the omelette and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
6. Serve the delicious masala omelette hot with bread or roti for a quick and satisfying meal.
With these six quick and easy pan recipes, you can effortlessly bring the rich flavours of Indian cuisine to your busy weeknight dinners. Enjoy the convenience without compromising on taste and treat your taste buds to a burst of Indian flavours tonight!
