Shalgam Aur Mutter Ki Subzi - Turnip And Peas Subzi

This reminds me of my childhood when mom made this subzi. I couldn't resist buying it on my  visit to the  local produce market. When I saw these fresh turnips I had to buy them. Many a times I'm guilty of impulse buying. But I'm glad I bought these and made Shalgam Aur Mutter Ki Subzi for my family. This gave me an opportunity to share a few memories from my childhood with my kids. Also I made this Subzi in my cast iron skillet and the taste was  phenomenal.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium Turnips(Shalgam) washed , peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas 
• 2-3 green chillies slit lengthwise
• 1 large tomato chopped
• 1" ginger grated
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder  
• 1 tbsp Coriander-cumin powder
• salt to taste
• oil

For the garnish

• freshly chopped Cilantro
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice 

Preparation : Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, when they splutter add ginger ,chopped tomatoes and slit chillies. Fry for about 2 minutes. Then add the dry spices (turmeric, red chilli, coriander-cumin powder, salt). Give it a good stir. Add the cubed turnips. Mix it well. Add about 1/4 cup water and let it cook covered on medium heat till its almost cooked (8-10 minutes).Do check it from time to time and stir it as well. Add the frozen peas and mix it well.  Cook covered till the turnips are fully cooked.(About 4-5 minutes). Take it off the heat and add lime juice. Mix it well. Garnish with freshly chopped Cilantro. Serve with Phulkas ,Roti  or Parathas.  Could be served as a side dish along with dal and rice as well. This recipe serves 4-6. 

Eggless Chocolate Avocado Cake - Vegan Chocolate Avocado Cake

Though I have a few chocolate cake recipes on my blog, I always get requests for recipes of Eggless Cakes. So I'm always on the lookout for new recipes. This recipe which I tried from Joy the baker is a keeper . I loved the cake and the fact that it uses Avocado and unless someone told you wouldn't even know it has avocado. It just so happened that I had a couple Avocados, and I was looking for a cake recipe and this is what I found. This is a great cake for Valentine's Day ! I would even fill and frost it with chocolate ganache. I'm still not too sure about the Avocado butter cream yet. Maybe someday , I might give it a try. Until then enjoy this almost guilt free treat. 

 Ingredients:

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 6 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp salt *
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup mashed avocado( about 1 medium Avocado)
• 2 cups water
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract

* The recipe calls for 1/2 tsp salt, I cut it by half.   She has used Avocado Butter cream frosting and I have frosted my cake with chocolate butter cream frosting. These are the only changes I have made. 

Preparation: 

• Preheat Oven to 350 degree F . Grease and flour  two  8"or 9"  round pans.
• In a big bowl Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cocoa together and keep it aside. 
• In a another bowl add oil, water, the mashed avocado,vinegar and Vanilla extract. Mix it well. Add sugar and whisk it well.
• Now add the wet mix to the dry and whisk it until smooth. 
• Pour  the batter into the greased cake pans. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the tooth pick inserted comes out clean. 
• Allow the cakes to cool for about 15 minutes. Then invert them onto cooling racks to cool completely. 
• This cake can be enjoyed as is or you could frost and fill it with the icing of your choice. I have used Chocolate butter cream. Joy the Baker has frosted her cake with Alton Brown's Avocado Butter cream frosting.