Eggless Paneer Pudding

          I'm always on the lookout for anything simple and easy. So here is a yummy eggless pudding made of paneer / cottage cheese and is a must try. It has only two main ingredients in it. I have made use of store bought Amul Paneer but you can always go in for homemade ones. You can dish out this delicacy at a short notice. It is perfect for any party, festive occasion or after-meal dessert. Garnish it as per your preference and enjoy it chilled with your loved ones. 

• 200 gms. paneer, mashed till smooth 
• pinch of saffron 
• 2 drops of yellow food colour (opt)
• 90-100 gms. condensed milk
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
• 1 tbsp. chopped pista
• 1 tsp. rose water
• extra chopped pista, tutti frutti & cherries to garnish

          In a bowl, mix together all the above mentioned ingredients (except the garnishings). 

          Transfer to a greased steel container with a lid and steam for 12-15 minutes.

          Demould when it cools down and serve, garnish with chopped pista, tutti frutti and cherries.

          

Dates Kheer / Pudding

          Today I would like to share this very easy, simple and a healthy Dates kheer recipe that I tried. It has very few ingredients and can be served as an after-meal dessert. Sugar may be adjusted depending on the sweetness desired. Lots of nuts, dry fruits and fresh fruits too can be added to make it more nutritious. So go ahead make this yummy dessert and enjoy with your family and friends.

• 1 & 1/2  cups seedless dates, chopped
• 4  cups milk
• 2-3 tsp. sugar or to taste
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
• 1 tsp. ghee
• chopped almonds & pistachios to garnish

          Heat ghee in a pan and sauté the dates for a couple of minutes. Add the milk and pressure cook for 3 whistles. 

          (Alternately you can grind the dates coarsely, add it to the milk and boil till you get the desired consistency).

          Add the cardamom powder and sugar. Mix well till the sugar dissolves. Garnish with the chopped nuts and serve in individual bowls or as desired.

       

Plum Semolina Muffins

         Made this simple & easy eggless semolina muffins with some plums thrown in. It is a great way to use up any leftover fruits lying in the refrigerator. They are a perfect treat anytime of the day and can be served as a tea-time snack too. 

          They can also be relished as an after-meal dessert by drizzling some chocolate sauce or rabri a la Indian style. Pack them for a kiddie lunch box meal if required and can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for later use. 

• 1 cup semolina (sooji) - makes around 10
• 2 plums, sliced
• 1 tsp. butter
• pinch of salt
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
• 1/2 cup castor sugar
• 1/3 cup melted butter / oil
• 1/2 cup yoghurt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tbsp. pistachios, sliced or any dry fruits
• 1 tbsp. cherries, chopped
• pinch of saffron 
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• muffin liners
• castor sugar and cherries to garnish

          In a bowl mix together semolina, salt, cardamom powder and sugar. Then add in the butter, followed by the yoghurt and milk. Combine everything well and leave aside for 15-20 minutes.

          Heat butter in a pan and sauté the sliced plum for a minute on a medium flame. Set aside to cool down.

          After 20 minutes, check the consistency of the semolina mix. It should neither be too dry or too soft. Add more milk if required.

          Lastly add in the pistachios, cherries, baking powder, baking soda and the sautéed plums. Mix well. Place the muffin liners onto a muffin pan and spoon the batter into it.

          Bake in an oven at 180 degrees C. for 20-25 minutes. Do the toothpick test to ensure it is perfectly baked. 

          Cool on a wire rack and sprinkle some caster sugar. Garnish with a small piece of cherry and enjoy as an after meal dessert or serve as desired.

                         Place the muffin liners onto a muffin pan & spoon the batter into it.

                     Bake in an oven at 180 degrees C. for 20-25 minutes. Do the toothpick test 

                     to ensure it is perfectly baked. 

                                  Cool on a wire rack & sprinkle some caster sugar. 

                        Garnish with a small piece of cherry & enjoy as an after meal dessert 

                        or serve as desired.