Oven Special

Vegetable Biryani

Experience the wonder of the microwave - perfectly cooked rice with each grain separated in this aromatic layered combine of rice, spices and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients : For Rice

• 1 cup rice
• 1 tsp ghee/oil
• 2 pcs. cardamon (elaichi)
• 2 pcs. cinnamon (dalchini)
  
• Cloves (laung)
  
• Peppercorns (kali mirch)
• 2 bay leaves (tejpatta)
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup milk and saffron a little

For Vegetable layer

• 1 tbsp ghee/oil
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 3 large tomatoes (chopped)
• 6-7 garlik flakes
• 2-3 green chillies (chopped)
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 1/4 cup carrots
• 1/2 cup cauliflower 
• 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
  
• 1/2 cup water
• salt, black pepper and red chilli powder (to taste)
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
• 1/2 tsp garam masala powder

Method:

1. Wash and soak rice in 2 cups of water for half an hour. Drain the water.
2. Microwave ghee/oil in a microwave safe bowl for 30 secs. at 100% power.
3. Add cardamon, cinnamon, peppercorn, salt, rice and 2 cups of water. Boil for 9-10 mins. at 100% power and then at 60% power for 5-6 mins.
4. Add 1/2 cup milk and saffron to the rice. Allow to stand covered for 5 mins.
5. In another microwave safe bowl microwave ghee at 100% power for 30 secs.
6. Add chopped onion, tomatoes and garlic. Microwave for 2 mins. at 100% power.
7. Add rest of the spices, chopped vegetables and 1/2 cup water and microwave covered for 5-6 mins. at 100% power. Allow to stand for 5 mins.
8. In a serving dish place one layer of boil rice and microwaved vegetables one by one. Microwave (covered) for 4 mins. at 100% power. Allow to stand for 5 mins.
9. Serve hot with dal or raita.
   

Dhokla

Ingredients:
For Dhokla

• 1 cup curd
• 1/2 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1/2 tsp soda-bi-carbonate
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• a pinch of sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup water

For Tempering :

• 1 tsp oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 bunch of green coriander leaves (chopped)
• 5-6 green chillies
• 4-5 curry leaves
  

Method: 
For Dhokla

1. Grease the microwave safe flat dish with little oil.
2. Beat all the ingredients of dhokla together. Pour the mixture into the greased dish.
3. Microwave (covered) at 60% power for 5-6 mins.
4. When ready, pour 1 cup water over it (till dhokla absorbed all the water) and cover it.

For Tempering

1. In a microwave safe bowl, microwave oil at 100% power for 30 secs.
2. Add all the ingredients (except coriander leaves) and microwave for 2 mins.
3. Spread the tempering evenly on dhokla and cut it into pieces.
4. Garnish with chopped coriander. Serve with chutney.

Chocolate Cake

 Ingredients

• 1/2cup milk
• 4 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 cup wheat flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder 
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup malai
• oil for greasing
• Nuts for dressing

 Method

1. Sift wheat flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Keep aside.
2. Add sugar and milk to the mixture and beat well till it gets fluffy . Add malai. 
3. Beat well for 3-4 minutes till the mixture is smooth and light. Transfer to a greased bowl of 6” diameter.
4. Microwave for 5-6 minutes at 60% power. Let it stand for 5 minutes in the microwave.
5. Let it cool. Transfer to a serving platter. Decorate with nuts.