Oatmeal and Raisin Cookies

Had a craving for something sweet today so thought I'd put the baking gloves on. End result? Oatmeal and Raisin Cookies! Crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside...can't go wrong.
Don't forget, this recipe is customizable-I added some walnuts and dates in here so feel free to throw in what you like. Also, for all you vegetarians/vegans out there, this recipe is egg-less so get on it!

Makes Approx 24

What we need:

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
Flax seed powder (optional)
3 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla essence
3/4 cup plain flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
3 cups oats
1 cup raisins
1 cup walnuts/almonds/dates (optional)

How we do:

• Preheat the oven to 180* C/ 350*F
• In a bowl, cream the sugar and butter. Add the vanilla essence and milk.
• In a separate bowl add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon powder, salt and flax seed. Mix well.
  
• Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and add the oats, raisins, walnuts and dates. Mix well.
  
• The mixture should be binded and sticky. If you find it's a little dry, add a little milk.
• Using wet hands, make little balls out of the dough and place on a lined tray. Flatten so they are 1/4" thick.
  
• Cook for 10-12 minutes or until cooked and golden brown.
  
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire tray.
• Balle Balle! You're done. Enjoy these delicious cookies with a glass of chilled milk :D
  

Punjabi Style Rajma Chawal

I'm excited about this recipe as Rajma is one of my favorite vegetarian dishes. Typically eaten with basmati rice, it's a very popular North Indian (Punjabi) dish. Both kidney/pinto beans can be used. This is my mum's recipe that never fails -it just tastes so darned good! Enjoy y'all.

Serves 4

What we need:

• 1 cup raw or 1 can cooked kidney/pinto beans
• 1 large black cardamom
  
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
  
• 1 whole diced onion
• 2 cloves fresh grated garlic
  
• 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
• 1 finely chopped green chilli (optional)
  
• 1/2 can diced plum tomatoes (or 1 diced fresh tomato)
• 2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
  
• 1/2 tsp haldi (turmeric)
  
• 1/2 tsp paprika
  
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• Handful of freshly chopped coriander

How we do:

• If you are using raw kidney beans, soak them overnight. Cook in pressure cooker or large pot until tender (usually about 10-15 minutes after first whistle in pressure cooker). Add a little salt and the cardamom in the water before you cook.
  
• For the masala, in a pan heat the oil on medium heat. Add the cumin seeds.
  
• When they begin to sizzle add the onion. Once golden add the garlic, ginger and green chilli.
  
• Cook for a 3-5 more minutes. Then add the salt, garam masala, turmeric powder, coriander powder and paprika. Mix well.
  
• Add the tomatoes and fresh coriander. Mash them up and mix well to form the masala.
• Cook for 3-5 minutes.
• Add the cooked kidney beans to the masala. Add 1/4 cup water and bring to a boil.
• Check the salt and alter accordingly
• BALLE BALLE! That is it, you're done. Extremely simple and easy, woop.
  

Stuffed Bhindi

This recipe is a must to try for all bhindi lovers...I know you're out there! It's a simple variation on the traditional Punjabi method of cooking okra and the result is a delicious moreish dish that is best served with hot chappatis! Check it out:

Serves 4

What we need:
1 lb washed and dried fresh okra
2 onions sliced
8 cherry tomatoes (halved)
Masala Powder: 1-2 tsp Salt (Or according to taste)
2 tsp Coriander powder
1 tsp Turmeric powder
1/2 tsp Paprika
1 1/2 tsp Mango powder (amchur)
Pinch of Asafoetida (hing)
2 tsp Cumin powder
4 tbsp Olive oil

How we do:

• Mix the dry spices listed above, together
• Slit each bhindi in the middle vertically and carefully fill each one with the the mixed spices
• Heat the oil in a open pan. Add the bhindi and onions and begin to continuously stir on medium heat. After 5 minutes, add the tomatoes and continue to stir for another 5 minutes or until soft and fully cooked.
• BALLE BALLE You're Done!!! Enjoy :)