how to boil pasta in microwave recipe | boiled pasta | how to cook pasta in the microwave | with step by step images. cooking pasta in microwave is a fuss-free way of cooking pasta. Learn how to cook pasta in the microwave. To boil pasta in microwave, add 4 cups of water in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Add the olive oil, salt and pasta, mix well and microwave on high for 10 minutes, while stirring once after 5 minutes. Drain the pasta immediately using a sieve or a colander and refresh it with cold water. Use as required. The consistency and texture of your pasta is very important for the success of many Italian recipes. Cooking it less or more can result in rubbery or soggy pastas, which can often be unpalatable. So here’s a sure shot way of making boiled pasta in a microwave in 15 minutes. To cook pasta in the microwave, we have used fusilli. However, with different varieties of pasta like shell pasta, macaroni, spaghetti etc. the time may vary slightly. Cooking pasta in microwave can be done by kids as well. Once done, you can create delicacies like Basil Corn Fusilli, Bow Pasta with Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Sauce, Che-mato Pasta, Creamy Macaroni with Broccoli, Eggplant and Macaroni Bake, Farfalle in Olive Salsa, Macaroni Hot Pot, Pasta Genovese and Penne Arrabiata. Tips for boiled pasta. 1. Ensure the water is boiled well before adding the pasta. 2. Prefer using a fork to stir in between so it is easy to separate the pasta. 3. Remember to refresh it with cold water once or twice to arrest further cooking. 4. If the pasta has to be used later, add 1 tsp of olive oil and toss it after refreshing with water. Enjoy how to boil pasta in microwave recipe | boiled pasta | how to cook pasta in the microwave | with step by step photos.

Sourdough bread is a special type of French bread made with a hard dough that is allowed to ferment naturally for more than a day. This gives the bread a slightly sour taste. Another speciality of this bread is the use of sea salt, which gives a nice salty crunch to the bread. It takes two days and a bit of preparation to make this bread, but it is totally worth the effort. You can use this bread to make amazing starters and toasts. You can also use it like regular bread to make sandwiches, but remember that it is a bit salty. You can store this bread in a paper bag or thick plastic bag for 2-3 days. It always tastes better a day after it has been made! You can also bake other breads at home like Whole Wheat Ladi Pav , Multigrain Bread and Homemade Soft French Bread .

‘Healthy salads’ can sometimes be boring, and you might end up wishing for a richer dressing! But this one is sure to be a refreshing change. This healthy basket of veggies makes a healthy, fibre-rich treat that helps regulate blood sugar levels. A perfect food to satisfy small hunger pangs, it keeps you away from binge-eating. I have used a sugar substitute in place of sugar and also used less oil in the dressing. Oregano and pepper impart a mexican flavour to this salad. And the best part is, you do not have to necessarily abide by the selection of veggies used in this recipe – just go with whatever is handy!

Here's a low cal version of mayonnaise that will surely pacify health conscious people who always feel let down as they have to curb the intake of mayonnaise in continental dishes. This recipes reduces the calories almost to half as compared to our regular mayonnaise. Unusual ingredients like bread and low-fat curds used in this recipe will help retain the texture as well the taste. Use it to prepare dishes like Healthy Burger and you are sure to be impressed.

This is surely one of the yummiest ways to enjoy fresh and crisp broccoli! Marinated with lemon juice and black pepper, and then grilled to perfection, the Grilled Broccoli has a nice texture and fabulous flavour, with spicy and tangy tones. This delicious treat is also equally healthy, being rich in fibre, antioxidants and vitamin A, while being low in carbohydrates. It’s a great pick to serve as a starter or as a tea-time snack . You can also try recipes like Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Sea Salt or Roasted Bell Peppers .

grilled paneer recipe | Indian grilled cottage cheese | grilled paneer on grill pan | with 24 amazing images. In this yummy preparation, succulent cottage cheese is grilled with tongue-tickling chatpata masalas. Learn how to make grilled paneer recipe | Indian grilled cottage cheese | grilled paneer on grill pan | The crisp and soft texture of the grilled paneer served with green chutney and onion rings makes the grilled paneer an amazing preparation. It is very similar to tandoori paneer but this grilled paneer on grill pan quicker version which can be served as a starter or used as part of sizzlers. The more you marinate the paneer slices, the flavours will get more intense. However they don’t take much time to cook and those charred grill marks will sure be a hit in any party or get togethers! You can also serve this Indian grilled cottage cheese with sautéed vegetables. Tips to make grilled paneer: 1. You can also marinate the paneer for 1 hour or overnight for the best flavour. 2. Make sure you do not use malai paneer to make this recipe otherwise you’ll not get those grill marks. 3. Instead of olive oil you can also use any other flavourless oil. Enjoy grilled paneer recipe | Indian grilled cottage cheese | grilled paneer on grill pan | with detailed step by step images.

baked buckwheat puri recipe | healthy kuttu ki puri | Indian buckwheat poori | low salt recipe | with 17 amazing images. baked buckwheat puri recipe | healthy kuttu ki puri | Indian buckwheat poori | low salt recipe is a non-fried snack for all health conscious. Learn how to make healthy kuttu ki puri. To make baked buckwheat puri, combine all the ingredients in a deep bowl and knead into a stiff dough using enough water. Divide the dough into 20 equal portions. Roll out each portion into a 50 mm. (2”) diameter circle using very little flour for rolling. Arrange them on a greased baking tray and prick each puri with a fork at regular intervals. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 200°C (360°F) for 15 minutes. Cool slightly and serve or store in an air-tight container and use as required. Who doesn’t like puris? It is a hard blow to puri–lovers when doctors tell them to go on a diet that omits deep-fried foods. Here is an awesome baked buckwheat puri, which lets you have fun hand-in-hand with a cartload of health benefits too. We have used buckwheat to make this healthy snack as it helps to manage blood sugar and cholesterol levels better. This native grain - buckwheat is a good source of manganese, which helps our body to produce the enzymes needed to build strong bones. The fact that it is a complete protein makes it apt for athletes too. What’s more, weight-watchers can also munch on this healthy kuttu ki puri at tea-time, or to replace unhealthy deep-fried snacks in their lunch dabba. This tasty Indian buckwheat poori is not only perfectly spiced and of the right crispness, but also have restricted quantity of salt which makes them suitable for a high BP diet too! Try other low salt recipes like Low Salt Green Pea and Basil Soup and Nourishing Khichdi. Tips for baked buckwheat puri. 1. The dough should be stiff to get crisp puris. 2. Buckwheat dough can be a little troublesome to roll, so you can pat it between your palms or roll it between plastic sheets. 3. Ensure to uniformly prick each puri so the puri bakes well. 4. Remember to cool the puri before storing as slight warmth might make the puri soggy. Enjoy baked buckwheat puri recipe | healthy kuttu ki puri | Indian buckwheat poori | low salt recipe | with step by step photos.

Flavour, aroma, texture, the Herb Rice with Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Sauce has it all! Tauntingly aromatic herb rice cooked with parsley and basil, is topped with a tangy yet creamy sauce of mushrooms and asparagus. The topping too has a dash of oregano, which makes this a very herby dish indeed. However, it is interesting to note that the herbs do not overpower the taste, as they are beautifully balanced by the mushrooms, vegetables, tomato puree and fresh cream. Overall, it has a very unique flavour that lovingly lingers in your palate.

tahini dip recipe | tahini sauce | how to make tahini | tahini yoghurt dip | with 17 amazing images. tahini dip recipe | tahini sauce | how to make tahini | tahini yoghurt dip is an attractive and aromatic sesame seed based dip. Learn how to make tahini. An inseparable part of Lebanese cuisine, tahini sauce basically means a paste of roasted sesame seeds. These tiny seeds along with curd add in some protein and calcium too, which are necessary for bone strengthening. The paste is widely used to make salad dressings, dips and sauces. To make tahini dip, first make the tahini paste. For that, Roast the sesame seeds in a non-stick tava (griddle) on a medium flame for a few seconds. Allow it to cool completely, transfer to a bowl and add the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and salt. Blend to a coarse paste. Keep aside. Then to make the dip, combine the curds and the prepared tahini paste in a bowl and mix well using a whisk. Serve the tahini dip chilled with pita bread or lavash. In the given recipe of tahini yoghurt dip it is combined with curds which results in a unique bitter-sour product. The lemon juice balances its flavours with slight sourness which is quite acceptable. The olive oil in how to make tahini lends the necessary smoothness to the paste and in turn to the dip. What’s going to make its taste lingering on your taste buds for days is it being served with authentic accompaniments like pita bread and lavash. With 46 calories per tbsp. of tahini dip, it’s a dip to be added to your health menu. However, for a complete health package, serve it with vegetable sticks like those of carrot and cucumber. It can then be enjoyed by diabetics, heart patients, women with PCOS and those aiming weight loss too. Tips for tahini dip. 1. Roast the sesame seeds very carefully. Roast for a few seconds and keep a close watch as they tend to burn easily. 2. Curd should be thick. Thin curd will make it runny and not have dip like consistency. Enjoy tahini dip recipe | tahini sauce | how to make tahini | tahini yoghurt dip | with step by step photos and video below.

Lemon Green Beans with Sea Salt is such a stunning way to enjoy French beans! Cooked in such a way that the vibrant green colour and juicy texture are retained, the beans are served with a sprinkling of sea salt and lemon zest, which give an awesome flavour. Be generous with the sea salt as it is very effective in enhancing the taste of the beans. The beans must be crunchy after cooking – if you cook them for too long, they will become soft and the colour will darken. You can also try other French Beans recipes like the Stir Fried French Beans and Garlic or Stir Fried French Beans with Kalonji .

bean and capsicum salad recipe | rajma, kabuli chana salad | protein rich Indian rajma salad with bell peppers | with 20 images. bean and capsicum salad is a protein rich salad also known as bean and bell pepper salad. Learn to make rajma, kabuli chana salad. Protein rich rajma and chickpeas tossed with capsicum and Indian spices to perfection in bean and capsicum salad . Generously loaded with protein, fibre and other important nutrients like calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin C, this rajma, kabuli chana salad is an all-in-one treat for healthy skin as well as strong bones, hair and teeth. Extra virgin olive oil or olive oil is a strong antioxidant and good for heart used in the dressing. Enjoy bean and capsicum salad recipe | rajma, kabuli chana salad | protein rich Indian rajma salad with bell peppers | with step by step photos.

Indian style tomatoes spinach pasta | creamy tomato spinach pasta recipe | one pot pasta | easy tomato spinach pasta | with 15 amazing images. The unusual combination of cherry tomatoes and spinach, with a dash of red chilli flakes and an extra dose of garlic makes Indian style tomatoes spinach pasta a flavour-packed and visually-appealing pasta treat. Loads of cheese and a sprinkling of herbs add to the charm of the easy tomato spinach pasta, as does an exciting garnish of chopped walnuts. Enjoy it hot and fresh to experience the best of this multi-textured dish. Indian style tomatoes spinach pasta is a sumptuous veg pasta with strong flavours which are enjoyed by all. Learn how to make easy tomato spinach pasta. To make pasta with chilli tomatoes and spinach, heat the olive oil in a broad non-stick pan, add the garlic, onions, chilli flakes, tomato purée, and mixed herbs, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 10 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Add the spinach and cherry tomatoes and mix well. Add the pasta, milk, cheese and salt, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 2 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Serve hot garnished with walnuts. Pasta with chilli tomatoes and spinach is a tangy pasta with a double dose of tomatoes – peppy tomato puree as well as sweet-and-sour cherry tomatoes. Tips for creamy tomato spinach pasta. 1. Do not try to replace cherry tomatoes. They add appeal and colour to the pasta. 2. Spinach is blanched, so do not cook it separately again. 3. If you serve this pasta after some time, then adjust the consistency by adding some milk and reheating them to relish the perfect texture and flavour. Try other pasta recipes like the Pasta in Tomato Sauce , and the Pasta and Vegetable Casserole. Enjoy IIndian style tomatoes spinach pasta | creamy tomato spinach pasta recipe | one pot pasta | easy tomato spinach pasta | with video below.

whole wheat pasta in low calorie white sauce recipe | whole wheat pasta for weight loss | Indian style whole wheat penne in white sauce | with 21 amazing images. whole wheat pasta in low calorie white sauce recipe | whole wheat pasta for weight loss | Indian style whole wheat penne in white sauce is a healthier version of pasta full of cheese and no veggies. Learn how to make Indian style whole wheat penne in white sauce. To make whole wheat pasta in low calorie white sauce recipe, heat the oil in a broad non-stick pan, add the garlic and sauté on a medium flame for a few seconds. Add the onions and sauté on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the whole wheat flour, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes or till the wheat flour turns light brown in colour, while stirring continuously. Add the milk, mix well and cook on a medium flame for another 1 to 2 minutes, while stirring continuously. Add the capsicum, broccoli, carrot, whole wheat pasta, salt, oregano and chilli flakes, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 2 more minutes, while stirring occasionally. Serve immediately. Satiating and delicious, the Indian style whole wheat penne in white sauce is an exciting meal in a bowl. Full of veggies and whole wheat pasta, this dish is a power-packed and fibre-filled treat that helps reduce bad cholesterol. The colourful veggies, apart from adding visual appeal and a lovely crunch to the dish, also pool in ample nutrients. Antioxidant-rich capsicum, broccoli and carrots also prevent oxidative damage to the arteries. The best part is that all this goodness comes at a low calorie count compared to cheese and fat laden pasta. The white sauce in this luscious whole wheat pasta in low calorie white sauce is made using low-fat milk, with just a teaspoon of olive oil and wheat flour for thickening. Cook up this delectable whole wheat pasta for weight loss occasionally to add an Italian touch to your meal. Weight watchers, heart patients and diabetics can enjoy this pasta in small quantities occasionally. Tips for whole wheat pasta in low calorie white sauce. 1. Blanch the broccoli and carrots such that they are partially cooked and maintain their crispness. 2. Once you add milk to the wheat flour for low calorie white sauce, stir it immediately and continuously to avoid lump formation. 3. Serve the pasta immediately. If you are serving it later, add little milk to adjust the consistency and re-heat before serving. Enjoy whole wheat pasta in low calorie white sauce recipe | whole wheat pasta for weight loss | Indian style whole wheat penne in white sauce | with step by step photos.

Wraps / Rolls are never complete without a dash of mayonnaise to add a hint of spice and a touch of gooeyness! However, regular mayonnaise also adds a bit of guilt to the recipe. Let us change that, and make this indispensable ingredient healthier. This recipe of Low-Cal Mayonnaise brings down the calorie count to almost half of regular mayonnaise by using unusual ingredients like bread and low-fat curds, which help retain the original texture and taste while just positively affecting the cal count! Try spreading a spoonful of this Low-Cal Mayonnaise on your next wrap or roll, and experience the magic for yourself.