Xmas decoration in the neighborhood.

Amazing decoration....I have never seen anything like this before :)

                                  

Isn't it beautiful? :)

Merry Christmas to all. May the Santa brings u bag full of happiness :)

My experiments in cooking-1 Dahi-Vada (without chutney)

The name Dahi vada itself is enough to bring water in the mouth. Usually dahi vadas are made of lentils (urad dal) deep fried in oil. For a healthier version I used moong dal instead of urad dal because it is easy to digest. Instead of deep frying the vadas I made the them in the microwave oven. Cooking them in the microwave is easier, healthier and saves a lot of time.

Non-fried dahi vada

Topped with cumin powder and pomegranate seeds.

Ingredients
Vadas:

• 1 cup moong dal
• 1/4 cup urad dal for taste
• 1 green chili
• 1/2 tsp unflavored fruit salt
• 3 cups chat masala water for soaking vadas
• Salt and sugar to taste
• Oil for greasing 

Dahi:

• 3 cups yogurt
• Black salt to taste
• sugar to taste
• 1tsp roasted cumin(jeera) seeds powder

Preparation

Vada:

1. Soak the moong dal and urad dal together in water overnight or in warm water for at least 4 hours.
2. Drain out most of the water and grind it to a smooth paste in a blender along with the chilies.
3. Add the fruit salt to the mixture and mix well.
4. Pour 2 tbsp of the batter in to 6 small greased microwave safe bowl or you can use egg poacher(I have used it and it works really well) and microwave it for 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
5. Remove and allow it to cool completely. Once cool, remove the vadas from the mould.
6. Soak the vadas in chat masala water for a few minute,until they are soft.
7. Drain and squeeze out any excess water and place on a serving plate.

Dahi:

1. Add black salt, sugar and roasted cumin seeds powder to the yogurt and whisk it.

Dahi Vadas:

1. Pour the yogurt over the soaked vadas.
2. Garnish it with the chili powder, roasted cumin seeds powder, pomegranate seeds and chopped coriander leaves.
3. Serve immediately.
4. Don't let it soak for a longer time or overnight. It won't taste that good the next day.     "njoy!!"