Eggless Dates Cake

This was the first cake I ever baked and the recipe was adapted from showmethecurry.com. with only one change- Replaced all purpose flour with wheat flour!
This is a simple eggless cake for beginners and tastes heavenly.So far I would have made this cake more than 10 times and never failed.

Ingredients
Chopped dates: 1 cup
Water: 1/2 cup
Wheat flour: 1.25 cups
Condensed milk: 1 can (14 oz)
Butter: 1 stick (1/2 cup)
Baking soda: 1.5tsp
Baking powder: 1 tsp
Walnuts:1/2 cup


Procedure:
Step1:
Soak the dates in hot water for 30 min


Step2:
Bring the butter to room temperature (can microwave for 10 seconds as well)

Step3:
Grind the dates with very little water as possible


Step4:
Mix the butter and dates puree well.Mix the condensed milk as well

Step5:
Sift together all the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda and baking powder)


Step6:
Mix together both the dry and wet ingredients

Step7:
Finally fold in the walnuts


Step8:
Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 9" baking pan

Step9:
Bake in a preheated oven of 350C for 40 minutes

CONDENSED MILK THIRATTIPAL | MICROWAVE PALKOVA

This thirattipal can be made in microwave oven in just 6 minutes.

Ingredients
Condensed milk: 1 can (14oz)
Curd/Yoghurt: 2 tablespoon
Milk: 2 tablespoon
Ghee: 2 tsp


Procedure:
Step1:
Mix condensed milk, curd and milk in a large bowl (I used 2.5 quart pyrex bowl).
Make sure that you take a large bowl to avoid milk spilling out.

Step2:
Microwave for 2 minutes.Take it out and stir it once and again heat it for 3 more minutes

Step3:
Add ghee and mix well and microwave for 1 minute.(Some microwave will take a minute more to thicken)

Step4:
Allow to cool and serve

Click here to view the traditional method of making Thirattipal

QUICK AND EASY SAMBAR | PRESSURE COOKER METHOD

I usually prepare Arachuvitta sambar almost every alternate days.Whenever I feel tired and lazy to grind fresh masala I go for this instant and simple version of Sambar.I learnt this recipe from one of my friends.

Ingredients
Toor dhal: 1/2 cup
Chopped vegetables (Raddish) - 1 cup
Onion chopped: 1 small
Tomato chopped: 1 small
Green chilli: 1 sliced in half
Tamarind extract: 1/2 cup (Extracted out of a small lemon sized tamarind)
Chilli powder: 1 tsp*
Coriander powder: 1 tsp*
Turmeric powder: 1/8 tsp
Salt:1.25 tsp(or to taste)
Oil: 1 tsp
Mustard seeds: 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves: a sprig
Asafoetida(hing): a pinch


* If you have store bought/home made powder replace chilli powder and coriander powder with 2 tsp of sambar powder
Procedure:

Step1:
Heat 1 tsp of oil in a pressure cooker and add mustard seeds and curry leaves

Step2:
Once it starts spluttering add onions and green chillies and saute until translucent

Step3:
Add tomatoes and raddish and saute for a couple of minutes

Step4:
Now add chilli powder, coriander powder and salt 

Step5:
Add 1/2 cup of toor dhall and add 2 cups of water to it

Step6:
Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for 2 whistles


Step7:
Add tamarind extract and hing and let it boil for 3-4 minutes

Note: Do not add vegetables like brinjal, drumstick etc.They becomed mashed.
Works best with Raddish, capsicum or turnip