Vegetable Quinoa Soup

Ingredients-1tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

white onion, chopped

2 medium/large carrots, peeled and chopped

2tsp  coriander stalks, chopped

1cup chopped seasonal vegetables, like cabbage , bell pepper, sweet corn kernels

2pressed or minced garlic cloves

1cup tomato juice

2cups vegetable broth

2tsp chopped fresh basil

1 teaspoon salt,or  to taste

2 bay leaves

Pinch red pepper flakes

Freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 cup cooked quinoa

Optional garnish: freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Method-. Heat the olive oil in large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the onion and cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the carrots and vegetables of choice and  continue to cook for 4 to 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the vegetable broth, tomatoes juice, bay leaves, coriander stalks and fresh basil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the vegetables are fork tender, approximately 10 minutes. Stir in the cooked quinoa and season with red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, to taste.Add lemon juice to taste. Serve warm garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Note: To cook the quinoa, rinse 1/2 cup quinoa under cold water.Soak for 10 minutes. Add quinoa, 1cup water, and a pinch of salt to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes. Turn the heat to low and simmer r until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.

Steamed Paneer Dumplings In Shahi Gravy

Ingredients for gravy-4tsp eastern shahi paneer masala,1tsp cashew nut powder,1cup tomato puree,2tbsps cream,1cup milk,1tsp butter, For dumplings-150gms paneer mashed, salt and pepper powder to taste, 2tsps corn flour 

For stuffing-2tsp cashew nuts coarsely ground, raisins to taste, 2tsp mashed paneer, ginger-chilli paste and salt to taste.(combine all the ingredients) 

To garnish-red chilli tadka,green coriander leaves and red chilli flakes tomato flower 

Method --For the steamed dumplings - Mix all the dumpling ingredients well and stuff some filling. Make small balls. Steam cook-in greased idli stand kept in pressure cooker for 4 minutes. For the gravy-Heat butter in a pan, add tomato puree and cook for 2-3 minutes. Now mix all the remaining ingredients and blend well. Cook till gravy is thick. Adjust the seasoning and consistency of your choice. Pour gravy in serving dish and arrange paneer stuffed dumplings. Garnish with -red chili tadka,green coriander leaves and red chilli flakes tomato flower. Enjoy- steamed paneer dumplings in shahi gravy .