Sunday, 28 June 2015

Bharva Karela|How to make Bharva Karela|Stuffed bitter gourd

The name of bitter gourd doesn't bring very good taste in most of us mouths.But this recipe will change it all.It will be liked by small and big both.It is a time tested recipe of my grandmom.So just check it out and try it at your homes..




And what more it is as always an easy recipe with a bit of preparation.My husband is a bitter gourd fan(yes..phew!).Hence I always prepare this karela at my place ...weekend or weekday...festival or holidays....Karela is a usual treat at my house.Sounds unusual!Well with this recipe it wont.




A time tested recipe like this doesnt need a stamp for taste but let me assure you it will be a relish and you will make it a regular in your household too!






Preparation time:30 minutes(bitter gourd to be salted and kept for 8 to 9 hours or overnight)
Cooking time:45 minutes

Ingredients:
8 bitter gourd of medium size
  1. 5 big onion(paste)     
  2. 2 tsp fennel seeds(saunf)
  3. 2 tsp sugar
  4. 2 tsp turmeric powder
  5. 4 tsp coriander powder
  6. Salt as per taste
  7. 4 to 5 tbsp. vegetable oil 
RECIPE:
  1. Peel the bitter gourds,slice them vertically and remove all the seeds.If they are too big then divide them horizontally into two halves.
  2. Apply salt on all surfaces of bitter gourds thouroughly because this will reduce the bitterness of gourds.
  3. Keep the peeled and salted bitter gourds overnight.
  4. Next day wash the gourds properly to remove salt.
  5. Take a pan.Add Vegetable oil to it.Add the onion paste.Let it sauté.But don't make it golden brown.Just soften them because onion will provide sweetness to the otherwise bitter veggie.
  6. Add turmeric,coriander powder,fennel seeds,sugar ,salt to the paste.Add salt less than usual because gourds are already salted.
  7. Now start filling the gourds with this paste.They will become small parcels,you can tie these parcels with thread or simply keep them open.
  8. Now take 4 tbsp. oil in a pressure cooker,place all the gourds side by side in it.Add 3/4 th cup of water to it.Put on the lid.After one whistle turn off the gas.
  9. Now place all the gourds with oil in another heated pan  with vegetable oil and let them roast for around ten minutes on low flame.
  10. Your  bharva karela is ready!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    Thursday, 25 June 2015

    Sago pudding|Sabudana kheer|How to make sabudana kheer

    Sabudana kheer is one dessert which takes me back to my childhood instantly.



    My mother and grandmother used to make this kheer every thursday(as they used to fast on thursdays).And me the little greedy girl,used to wait for thursday to come.



    I used to attack this kheer with all my might and not even bothered to keep fasting food satvik or pure.Obviously my mom and grandmom never minded.And the result is that I am still super crazy for this kheer.



    Sabudana kheer is also a great #babyfood as it is very soft on stomach and filling.

    Preparation time:2 to 3 hours to  soak and store drained sago pearls
    Cooking time:15 minutes
    Serves:3 to 4

    Ingredients:

    1. 1 cup sago pearls
    2. 2 cups water(for soaking sago)
    3. 3 cups toned milk
    4. 5 tbsp sugar
    5. Pinch of saffron strands(optional)

    RECIPE:
    1. Soak sago pearls in water ,drain the water and keep wet pearls stored in a bowl covered with lid.
    2. Take a thick bottomed pan.Add milk in it .Let the milk come to boil.Now add swollen sago pearls to the pan.Let this cook on low heat for 8 to 10 minutes.
    3. Once the milk has reduced to half of its original quantity,add sugar.Let this cook on low heat for 5 minutes.Stir well.
    4. At the end add saffron strands,stir once again and take it off heat.Serve hot and relish this simple dessert!


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    Wednesday, 24 June 2015

    Cauliflower pattice|Cauliflower cutlets|How to make cauliflower cutlets

    This recipe has  been adapted from famous TV cookery show host Rachel khoos kitchen notebook london.www.rachelkhoo.com


    I have given various Indian twists to the cutlets and made it completely vegetarian.After I made Baked Kaccha kela kabab| Baked Raw Banana Cutlet|How to make kaccha kela kabab.....I wanted to try out some new type of cutlets and Bingo ....I came across this recipe of Cauliflower cutlets.I found it very innovative and interesting.And surprisingly its amazingly delicious too.


    The recipe is easy without any flour or potato.And if you eliminate the cheese part,it can even become a VEGAN recipe.

    Preparation time:20 minutes
    Cooking time:15 minutes
    Serves:5

    Ingredients:

    1. 8 to 10 florets of cauliflower(boiled)
    2. 2 cups chickpeas(boiled)
    3. 2 cups  grated cheddar cheese(block available in supermarkets)
    4. 2 green chillies(finely chopped)
    5. 2 tsp ginger garlic paste
    6. 2 tsp crushed black pepper
    7. 1 tsp dry mango powder
    8. Salt as per taste
    9. Vegetable oil for applying on hands
    10. Vegetable oil for frying cutlets

    RECIPE:

    1. Take boiled cauliflower and chickpeas and air dry them completely.Make sure they are not wet at all.
    2. Once cauliflower dries down,put it in food processor followed by chickpeas.Grind them completely till you get a semisolid and not very fine mix.
    3. Take  a bowl.Add cheddar cheese,green chillies,black pepper,ginger garlic paste,dry mango powder and salt to the mix of cauliflower and chickpeas.
    4. Mix well till you get a soft but firm dough.
    5. Applying  vegetable oil in your hands,shape the mixture into small round cutlets/kababs.
    6. Take a skillet.Brush it generously with vegetable oil.Place it on low heat.Start placing cutlets on skillet,3 to 4 at one time.
    7. Let the cutlets cook on each side on low heat first and then on high heat till crisp and golden brown.
    8. Take them off heat and serve them as it is or with ketchup or in burger buns.

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    Wednesday, 17 June 2015

    Egg curry|Anda curry|How to make egg curry

    This is North Indian version of Egg curry.A regular in my house,this anda curry tastes delicious with roti or paratha.


    Make it with garam masala or without it,this curry is bound to excite your taste buds.The nice red colour comes from kashmiri red chilli powder.


    Whenever I prepare this egg curry,I just dont need any side dish.the simplicity with taste factor is very unique to thsi dish.Also it is quite fast and fuss free to make.So cook it in your kitchen and impress your near and dear ones!

    Preparation time:10 minutes
    Cooking time:25 minutes
    Serves:3

    Ingredients:

    1. 6 hard boiled eggs
    2. 3 tbsp vegetable oil
    3. 2 medium onions(finely chopped,sauteed in 2 tbsp vegetable oil and then grinded in mixer)
    4. 2 green chillies(finely chopped)
    5. 2 tsp garlic paste
    6. 2 tsp ginger paste
    7. 2 tsp coriander powder
    8. 1 tsp turmeric powder
    9. 2 tsp kashmiri red chilli powder
    10. 1  tsp garam masala
    11. Salt to taste
    12. 2 cups water

    RECIPE:

    1. Take a thick bottomed pan.Add vegetable oil to it.When oil heats up,add onion paste to it.Cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
    2. Add ginger and garlic paste to the pan and cook till raw smell of garlic goes away.
    3. Now add green chillies,coriander powder,turmeric powder and red chilli powder to the pan.Add water and cook for 2 minutes.
    4. Add salt and garam masala and cook for further 2 minutes.Stir well.
    5. Now half slit the boiled eggs vertically and add the gently to the curry in pan.Let this cook for 8 to 10 minutes on low flame till curry reduces to half of original quantity.
    6. Take it off heat and serve hot with Indian flatbreads like roti or paratha.

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    Thursday, 11 June 2015

    Bharvan Baingan|Stuffed Eggplant|How to make stuffed brinjal

    I am a big fan of Brinjal/Eggplant.Serve it in any form and I will eat the whole serving by myself.




    But thats not the case with my hubby and son.They hate eggplants.In fact they tease each other by calling each other baingan(uff).....




    So I have to keep searching ways of feeding them this versatile veggie.This stuffed eggplant is one such attempt.
    This dish is very popular in north India.A very old recipe of my mother.And I am so proud to put it on blog as it has been in my family for generations.







    Preparation time:20 minutes
    Cooking time:30 minutes
    Serves:3 to 4

    Ingredients:


    1. 8 to  10 medium sized brinjals
    2. 4 Bay leaves
    3. 6 to 10 tbsp vegetable oil(for cooking brinjals)
    4. 3 cups water(for cooking)
    For stuffing:
    1. 3 to 4 medium sized onions(finely chopped)
    2. 1 "ginger(paste)
    3. 4 cloves garlic(paste)
    4. 1 tsp fennel seeds
    5. 2 tsp turmeric powder
    6. 4 tsp coriander powder
    7. 2 tsp red chilli powder
    8. 1 tsp garam masala
    9. 1  tsp dry mango powder
    10. Salt as per taste
    11. 4 tbsp vegetable oil(for frying onions)
    12. 1 cup water
    RECIPE:
    1. For making stuffing:take a large frying  pan.Add vegetable oil in the pan and keep it on high heat.Add chopped onions in the pan and saute them till golden brown.
    2. Add ginger garlic paste to the onions and cook till raw smell of garlic goes away.
    3. Now add fennel seeds,red chilli powder,turmeric powder,coriander powder to the pan.Mix well and keep stirring.Now add water to the mix and let it cook on high heat for 2 to 3 minutes till water evaporates.
    4. Now add salt ,dry mango powder and garam masala.Mix well.Cook for 2 minutes and take it off heat and let it cool.
    5. Now take  the brinjals.If the stems are green and fresh,Keep them otherwise chop them off.Slit the brinjals in a shape of cross .But dont let the knife pass completely through it.This way we are making space to fill the stuffing.
    6. With the  help of spoon,fill the stuffing in each brinjal.
    1. Take the large frying pan again,put vegetable oil into it.Keep it on low flame.Add bay leaves to the pan.Place brinjals in frying pan,well spaced and now add water to the pan.Cover the pan and let it cook for 25 minutes.After every 5 to 8 minutes,open the pan and flip the brinjals so as to avoid charring.
    2. Once the brinjals are all soft and look perfectly roasted ,take the pan off heat.
    3. Serve them hot with Indian flatbreads like Naan recipe| Naan made on tava|How to make Naan at home




  1. Wednesday, 3 June 2015

    Buddha Bowl|How to make Buddha bowl

    Buddha Bowl  is called so because the bowl in which you are eating is as full as Buddhas belly.


    Buddha bowl is not only fast to make but is also considered super healthy.It has greens,vegetables,carb and protein along with dressing of your choice.
    Its like making a meal of your own.Just put in whatever is there in your fridge or is leftover.
    It will make you fan of all the veggies which you dont want to eat otherwise.Dont believe me?put this Buddha bowl together and check out yourself.


    Preparation time:15 minutes
    Cooking time:20 minutes
    Serves :1

    Ingredients:
    Quantity depends on how much you want to fill your  bowl.

    Greens:I have used 1 cup boiled spinach.But rocket leaves,lettuce etc can be used too.


    Veggies:I have used 1 cup boiled carrots and capsicum.Other veggies like cauliflower,broccoli can be used too.

    Proteins:I have used 1 cuo boiled chickpeas and 1 cup roasted cottage cheese.Kidney beans,lentils are good options too.

    Carbs:I have used 2 cups boiled and peeled sweet potato.Other options are brown rice,White rice.

    Dressing:I have poured a simple dressing of olive oil,salt and black pepper.Other dressings are hummus,sour cream .

    TECHNIQUE:

    Choose a bowl which is wide as well as deep.Start with a layer of greens followed by veggies.Add carbs and proteins followed by dressing of your choice and voila your own buddha bowl is ready.Enjoy this food for stomach as well as soul.


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    Monday, 1 June 2015

    French fries|How to make French fries at home

    French fries....well who doesnt love them?These cream coloured soldiers when lined on a baking tray help me fulfill those anytime snacks demand of my little one.


    French fries can be made at home..equally crisp and golden brown.And the technique is as usual fuss free like most of my recipes.


    All you need is some good large potatoes and patience.The result is a delectable snack.
    Till two years back,I used to  buy frozen fries for my son.But a mom that I am,I switched over to fries made at home so as to avoid all preservatives of frozen fries.
    These fries can be fried or bakedand can be stored in freezer for a month or so.(they wont last that long)



    Preparation time:1 hour 30 minutes
    Cooking time:15 minutes

    Ingredients:

    1. 4 large potatoes
    2. Vegetable oil for frying
    RECIPE:
    1. Peel the potatoes and wash them thoroughly.
    2. Now take a large bowl full of water.Start cutting potatoes first in circular slices and then cut each circular slice into long sticks.
    3. Soak these potato sticks in water for 1 hour.
    4. After 1 hour remove these potato sticks from waterand place them on kitchen towel to dry.
    5. PLEASE NOTE this stage is very important because if there is little moisture left in fries,they will not be crisp.So start dabbing each fry with papaer napkin.Yes.Literally each fry.
    6. Take a thick bottomed pan.Heat oil on low flame.Start frying by pouring some fries in oil.Fries will start floating on oil in a while,this means the fries can be removed from oil.Do thsi for all fries.
    7. After first round of frying,fries can be stored in freezer.But to serve we need second round of frying .Second time,fries are fryed on high heat till crisp and golden brown.Serve the fries witha  dash of  salt.
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    Monday, 25 May 2015

    Coconut macaroons eggless|easy coconut macaroons

    I am happy and celebrating.My blog is six months old (growing as fast as a baby) and I finished one whole diary of recipes and started with the second one.What a treasure these recipe books are to pass on to next generation!

    The foodie in me is helping me maintain this blog(inspite of my long working hours as doctor) and is also helping me and some others improve their culinary skills.This is the right time to celebrate with something truly fuss free.Coconut macaroons.

    Coconut macaroons define easy baking!!I first had them in a local cafe years back.And I loved them so much that I had to try them myself(as usual).I got this recipe from a tullu friend of mine who makes everything possible out of coconut.Happy reading and Enjoy baking!

    Preparation time:10 minutes
    Baking time:20 to 25 minutes
    Yields:2 dozen macaroons

    Ingredients:

    1. 2 cups unsweetened dessicated coconut
    2. 1/3 cup all purpose flour
    3. 1 tsp vanilla essence
    4. 1/2 tsp salt
    5. 1 can condensed milk
    6. Milk as required


    RECIPE:

    1. In a large bowl,mix dessicated coconut,condensed milk ,all purpose flour,vanilla essence and salt.Mix them properly.Now add milk to this  mix slowly till you get a batter which can be piped easily.I added 3 tbsp milk.
    2. Take a baking tray.Apply butter followed by flour on it or simply line the tray with parchment paper.
    3. Take a piping bag with a big star nozzle.Pour the mix into piping bag.Pipe the macaroons on baking tray but space them evenly.
    4. Preheat oven to 180degree celsius.Place the baking tray in oven and bake for 25 minutes.After around 15 minutes change the side of baking tray inside oven.
    5. Bake till macaroons are golden brown.Remove from oven and let them cool for 5 minutes.Serve with hot tea or coffee or milk.


    Wednesday, 20 May 2015

    Onion rings Indian style

    Onion rings are a popular western snack.


    The batter in western recipes is often made with flour and Beer.Here I am presenting Onion rings Indian style with no Beer and lots of red chilli powder.Hope these fuss free crispy onion rings will become a regular snack in your house too just like mine.


    Preparation time:10 minutes
    Cooking time:15 minutes
    Serves:3

    Ingredients:
    1. 3 -4 large onions
    2. Vegetable oil for deep frying
    For batter
    1. 1 cup all purpose flour
    2. 3 tbsp corn flour
    3. 2 tsp red chilli powder
    4. 1 tbsp vegetable oil
    5. 1/2 tsp baking soda
    6. Water as required
    7. Salt as required

    RECIPE:

    1. Cut the onion into circular slices and separate them into rings.
    2. In a large bowl,mix all purpose flour,corn flour,baking soda,red chilli powder,vegetable oil ,salt and water till you get a semi solid batter like consistency.Let this batter rest for 5 minutes for baking soda to act well.
    3. Take vegeatble oil in a thick bottomed pan.Heat it on high flame till its ready for frying.
    4. Dip each ring in batter and put in pan with oil.Fry these rings first on medium heat and then on high heat till rings get golden brown in colour.
    5. Remove onion rings from pan and serve hot with tea or as starter.



    Mushroom masala|How to make simple mushroom masala

    A favourite in my kitchen,Mushroom masala is easily the fastest and most delicious way of using mushrooms.

    Button mushrooms are always stocked up in my freezer.I love to use them in pizzas and pastas and salads and this yummy dish.This is my mothers recipe which has been modified by me to make it more flavoursome.I have added milk to give it a more creamy texture.Milk can be replaced by low fat cream too.
    This is one comfort food which I go back to often.



    Preparation time:15 minutes
    Cooking time:20 minutes
    Serves:2

    Ingredients:

    1. 1 medium size onion(paste)
    2. 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
    3. 2 tbsp vegetable oil
    4. 1 cup water
    5. 1 cup low fat milk
    6. 1 tsp red chilli powder
    7. 1 tbsp garam masala
    8. Salt as per taste
    For pressure cooking
    1. 2 cups button mushrooms(sliced into half)
    2. 3 cups water
    3. 3 cups cold water(for use after pressure cooking)

    RECIPE:

    1. Take a pressure cooker,add mushrooms and water to it.Keep it on high heat.After two whistles take it off heat.
    2. Remove all water from cooker and pour mushrooms in cold water to stop cooking.
    3. Take a frying pan,add vegetable oil to it.Add onion paste and saute it till its brown in colour.Add ginger garlic paste and saute it till raw smell of garlic goes away.
    4. Add red chilli powder followed by water and mushrooms.Stir well and let it cook for 2 minutes.Now add garam masala and salt ,stir well and let it cook on high heat till it comes to boil.
    5. Lower the heat and add milk to the pan.Stir well and let it cook till you get desired creamy consistency.
    6. Serve hot with naan Naan recipe| Naan made on tava|How to make Naan at home


    Monday, 18 May 2015

    Mathura ke dubki wale aloo|Potato curry|How to make Mathura aloo

    These Mathura ke dubki waale aloo/Potato curry might look a simple conventional dish but actually it is a family recipe....One of those recipes where amount of each ingredient is never fixed.Its always a bit of this and a bit of that.




    As my grandfather hailed from Mathura,we often tasted these aloo with Bedmi kachori whenever we visited there.I always used to wonder what makes these aloo so flavourful.That was when my grandmother gave me this recipe.


    Addition of bengal gram flour roasted in clarified butter is the secret ingredient which contributes the most to the taste of this rustic dish.



    Preparation time:20 to 25 minutes
    Cooking time:20 minutes
    Serves:4

    Ingredients:
    1. 4 to 5 medium sized potaoes(boiled)
    2. 4 tbsp clarified butter(pure ghee)
    3. 2 green chillies finely chopped
    4. 1 tsp cumin seeds
    5. 1 tsp carrom seeds
    6. 1 tsp asoefetida
    7. 1 tsp fenugreek seed paste(soaked overnight and grinded into paste)
    8. 4 tbsp roasted gram flour in 1 tbsp clarified butter(pure ghee)
    9. 2 medium sized tomatoes finely chopped
    10. 2 tsp turmeric powder
    11. 2 to 3 tsp kashmiri chilli powder
    12. 2 tsp garam masala
    13. 1 tsp dry mango powder
    14. 2 cups water
    15. Salt as per taste
    16. 1/2 cup chopped coriander leaves or chilli flakes for garnish
    RECIPE:
    1. Take a heavy bottom pan.Add clarified butter to it.Let it heat on medium heat.
    2. Add cumin seeds and carrom seeds to the pan.Let them splutter.Add asoefetida followed by fenugreek paste.Let this cook on medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes.
    3. Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder and kashmiri chilli powder to the pan.Now add water and stir well.Add salt to the curry and let it cook for 2 minutes on medium flame.
    4. Mash the boiled potatoes with hands and add to the pan.Donot chop.Add garam masala and dry mango powder to the curry.Let this cook on low flame for 15 minutes till curry thickens.
    5. Take it off heat and garnish with coriander leaves .Serve hot or cold with Indian flatbraeds like poori or kachori.



    .
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    Tuesday, 31 March 2015

    Deep fried chocolate wontons

    These crunchy chocolate filled wontons are easily the most lovable dessert recipe.



    Ready in less than 20 minutes,these wontons can increase the taste quotient of any dinner table.I first had them in a local chinese restaurant.Their taste made me crave for more and that led to making these wontons at home.I am sure this fast and fuss free recipe will win your hearts too.

    Preparation time:5 minutes
    Cooking time:10minutes
    Yields:10 wontons

    Ingredients:

    1. 1 cup crushed chocolate(I used Dairy milk)
    2. 10 wonton wrappers(eggless)/samosa wrappers
    3. Water for brushing wontons
    4. Icing sugar for dusting
    5. Vegetable oil for frying

    RECIPE:

    1. Lay out five wonton wrappers on work surface at a time.Now place 1/2 tsp of chocolate in the centre of top half of each wonton,keeping chocolate about 1/2 inch from edge.
    2. Lightly brush all four edges of wrapper with water.Now lift up lower edge to touch top edge forming a triangle.Seal well removing all air from pocket.
    3. Take oil in a thick bottomed pan.Heat on medium flame.Carefully place five wontons one after another in oil.Fry till they are light golden brown.Take the wontons out of oil and on kitchen paper towels.Repeat this for remaining wontons.
    4. Sift icing sugar on wontons and serve with readymade chocolate syrup or with vanilla ice cream.

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    Monday, 30 March 2015

    Stuffed Dough balls|How to make stuffed dough balls

    These stuffed dough balls are inspired by dough balls made by the famous chef  RACHEL ALLEN.



    These dough balls were initially made in my kitchen with left over pizza dough.But they are now appreciated so much by my family that I make pizza dough specially for these dough balls.


    The famous Rachel Allens  non vegetarian dough balls inspired me to try and make some veg dough balls.And here is the result...soft and delicious lipsmacking doughballs.And guess what ,makking them is not tedious at all.


    Preparation time:30 minutes
    Cooking time:15 to 20 minutes
    Resting time of dough:2.5 hours
    Serves:5

    Ingredients:
    For pizza dough:

    1. 2 cups all purpose flour
    2. 1/2 tsp salt
    3. 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
    4. Some more olive oil for greasing
    5. 2.5 tbsp active dry yeast
    6. 1 .5 tsp sugar
    7. 1 cup lukewarm water for kneading
    For stuffing:
    1. 2 medium capsicum(grate and drain water)
    2. 2 medium onion(grate and drain water)
    3. 2 cups grated cheddar cheese(cheese block)
    4. 2 tsp crushed black pepper
    5. Salt as per taste
    RECIPE:


    1. Mix yeast and sugar in a bowl with little luke warm water and keep aside to rest.Dont touch it for fifteen minutes.Keep it in a warm place to rise like near gas stove.
    2. Mix flour,olive oil,salt in a bowl.Pour yeast mixture to it.start kneading with luke warm water.
    3. Knead the dough with the help of dry flour for five to eight minutes on  kitchen counter.Stretch the dough and fold again for gluten to develop.This type of kneading will help us get soft and airy pizza or doughballs.
    4. Take a bowl.Grease it with olive oil.Place the dough in it and  cover it with dry towel. Keep it in warm area for two hours.Dough will double in size.
    5. After two hours knead the dough again so as to remove air bubbles.Place the dough in bowl.Cover it with towel and keep it again for second rising for half an hour.
    6. After half an hour dough is ready.Cut the dough into even sized balls.Flatten them a bit and keep aside.
    7. Take a bowl.Add capsicum,onion,cheese,salt and crushed black pepper in it and mix.
    8. Fill each flattened dough ball with 2 tbsp of mix and close it and roll it into a smooth ball.
    9. Place these stuffed dough balls on lightly greased baking tray.
    10. Preheat oven to 220 degree celsius.Place the baking tray on middle shelf and bake for around 15 to 20 minutes.After every 8 minutes change the sides of baking tray for even baking.Bake till the balls have puffed up and browned.
    11. Serve hot with regular butter/garlic butter  and mixed italian herbs.