BAKED PAV BHAJI (BAKED SPICY VEGETABLES ON TOAST)

The Indian pav bhaji covered with a Western sauce.


Cooking Time : 25 min.
Preparation Time : 15 min.

Serves 6.

Ingredients

2 onions, finely chopped
4 tomatoes, finely chopped
2 teaspoons pav bhaji masala
3/4 teaspoon chilli powder
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
2 tablespoons chopped coriander
1 tablespoon finely chopped green chillies
2 teacups mixed boiled vegetables ( french beans, carrots, green peas, cauliflower), chopped finely
6 toast slices
2 potatoes, boiled and coarsely mashed
4 tablespoons butter
salt to taste

For the topping

2 tablespoons beaten cream or 1 teacup white sauce
4 to 5 tablespoons grated cheese

Method
1. Melt the butter on a tava (griddle) and fry the onions until slightly brown in colour.
2. Add the tomatoes, pav bhaji masala, chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander and green chillies and fry for 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Add the mixed vegetables, potoatoes and salt and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, sprinkling a little water from time to time
4. Put the mixture in a baking dish, top with the beaten cream and cheese and bake in a hot oven at 200 degree C (400 degree F) for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Cut the toast in triangles, spread the mixture on top and serve hot.

BEAN AND PASTA SOUP

Cooking Time : 15 mins.
Preparation Time : 10 mins.

Serves 4.
Ingredients
½ cup canned baked beans
¼ cup sliced onions
½ tablespoon sliced garlic
1 cup chopped tomatoes
¼ cup macaroni or any small pasta
2 teaspoons cornflour
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons cream
2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

For the garnish
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese or processed cheese

Method
1.Heat the butter in a pan, add the onions and garlic and sauté till the onions turn translucent.
2.Add the baked beans, tomatoes, macaroni, salt and 4 cups of hot water and bring to a boil. Simmer till the macaroni is cooked (approx. 8 to 10 minutes).
3.Dissolve the corn flour in 2 tablespoons of water and add to the soup.
4.Add the oregano, cream, tomato ketchup, salt and pepper and mix well.
5.Serve hot garnished with cheese.