Apple Jam

A delightful treat for your entire family, try this absolutely delicious recipe made simple in microwave. This recipe tastes exactly like the one in the stores, sweet, tangy with a lovely spreadable texture. When its so simple and can be prepared at home, then why buy from a supermarket?

Serves: 1 Cup
Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

2 Apples, big , peeled & Chopped (if taking small apples,take 3 nos)
1/2 Cup Sugar
2 Tbsp lemon juice
few drops of lemon yellow color (optional)

Method:

Mix sugar and chopped apples in a microwave safe bowl covered. Microwave at 100% power for 3 -4 minutes. Or till apples are softened.

Blend softened apple-sugar mixture in a blender.

Microwave (covered) this blended mixture at 60% power for 7 -8 minutes. or till its slightly thickened and translucent. Stir in between to prevent scorching.

Stir lemon juice, color (if using) and pour in prepared glass jars. Let cool at room temperature and refrigerate. Serve with toasted bread, cakes and cookies.

Have a great week!

Sweet and Sour Dip

Combine this sweet and tangy dip with any deep-fried starter. It'll add a wonderful taste.

Makes: 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients:
100ml. fresh tamarind pulp
200 gms jaggery, crumbled
2 tsp red chilli powder or red chilli flakes
2 tbsps honey
1/2 cup water
1 tsp salt

Method:

Combine all the ingredients except honey in a pan and simmer till the sauce reduces to half.

Cool and add honey and salt. Mix well

Vegetarian Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese sauce, one of the best loved Italian pasta sauces, is traditionally made with ground meat, tomatoes and seasoning but here's a satisfying vegetarian bolognese tomato sauce that will add a hearty, wholegrain flavor to any pasta or lasagna dish. Its a vegetarian version and is loaded with vegetables and nutrition. Use the sauce to top freshly cooked spaghetti and you'll love it.


Ingredients Required;

3 tbsp Olive oil
3 cloves of Garlic, finally chopped
1 Onion, chopped
1 Red Capsicum(Bell pepper), chopped
1 Carrot, grated
1 Zucchini, chopped with skin
300 gm Mushrooms, canned or fresh
800 gms chopped canned tomatoes
2 Bayleaves
1 tbsp Chilli powder
1 tsp Light soy sauce
1 tsp Oregano
2 tsp Basil
5 tbsp thick tomato paste
1 cup Soya chunks, blended into powder
Salt to taste

Method:

First, before you start, take the powdered soya in a small saucepan. Add hot boiled water till the powder is completely immersed. Add a tsp of olive oil and set aside.


Heat 3 tbsps of olive oil in a large pan. Fry garlic for about half a minute and then add onions. Fry till the onions turn translucent. Add all the vegetables, capsicum, carrot, zucchini, mushrooms and tomatoes. fry for 2 to 3 minutes.


Then stir in the bay leaves and cilli powder. Keep it on low to medium heat.

Add the rest of the ingredients, the prepared soya along with the water, tomato paste, soy sauce, oregano, basil and salt to taste.

Simmer and cook till all the vegetables are soft and done and the sauce has reduced to the required thick consistency.


Vegetarian Bolognese Sauce is ready. Serve pasta with large ladlefuls of sauce and sprinkle generously with grated parmesan or cheddar cheese. Enjoy!

Storage;
Can be kept for 3 days covered and refrigerated. It also freezes well for up to 1 month.

Hot and Sweet Dip

This dip goes well with any crunchy starter.

For the hot and sweet dip you'll need..
1/2 cup Water
1/4 cup Sugar
1/2 tsp Chilli powder
1 Tbp Lemon juice
1tsp Salt or to taste

Preparation:
Place the sugar and water in a pan and bring to a boil.

Cook till the syrup is of a 2 string consistency.

Add the chilli powder, lemon juice and salt. Mix well.

Cool completely and serve.