Savoury Cake - Indian Style

This cake is made using Suji (Rawa/ Semolina) and the same ingredients used for making Rawa idlis or there is a similarity with Dhokla also. It tastes good moreover there is less consumption of fat since it is being baked and not stirred in a kadai/ frypan. I have shared a recipe which can serve four people. The recipe can be further enhanced by adding different spices and leafy vegetables like spinach or fenugreek (methi) to enhance the flavour. You can even add soya chunks to it.

The Ingredients
Rawa/ Suji/ Semolina - 1 1/2 cups
Curd - 1 cup
Mixed Vegetables (peas/ grated carrot/ chopped beans) - 1 1/2 cups (3 hand full)
Onion - 1 large chopped
Ginger - 1 inch grated
Green Chillies - 2 -3 slit or chopped
Oil - 2 table spoon
Chilli powder - 1 teaspoon
Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Mustard seeds/ Cumin seeds/ Sesame seeds - each 1 teaspoon
Baking Soda - 1 teaspoon
Salt - to taste

Method

1. In a bowl, mix together the semolina, yoghurt, vegetables, ginger, chilli powder, turmeric and salt to make a thick batter. add salt to it.
2. Heat the oil in a small pan. Add the mustard, cumin and sesame seeds and allow it to splutter. Stir the seasoning along with oil into the batter.
3. If the batter is too thick, add water to get a dropping and not a pouring consistency.
4. Add the baking soda and mix it thoroughly.
5. Pour the mixture into a baking dish greased with a little oil and bake it in a preheated oven at 200 c for 30 to 40 min. To check if it is ready - an inserted toothpick will come out clean if it is cooked. Leave it in the baking dish till it cools
6. Cut into squares and serve it warm with pudina chutney

Channa Toast Sandwich

Channa Toast Sandwich
(To serve 2 people)

Whole wheat bread - 4 Slices
Leftover channa gravy(accompaniment for Batura) - 1 Cup
Chopped Green Chillies - 2 nos (Optional)
Chopped Coriander - 2 tbps
Butter - one small cube

Method:

1. Grind the channa along with the gravy to a smooth paste. Either use a coffee blender or a hand blender. If the gravy is loose then simmer and reduce it to a fine paste by heating on low flame. Mix in the chopped green chillies and the coriander to the channa paste.
2. Take a slice of bread and spread the channa paste generously and cover it with another slice of bread. Repeat this process to make sandwiches.
3. If you are using a tawa - then place the sandwich on the hot tawa or girdle and dot with butter. Ensure that both the sides are crisp golden brown and not charred. In case you have a sandwich maker you can make this efficiently where the edges of the bread will get sealed.
4. Cut the sandwich diagonally and serve with mint chutney.
5. This recipe can be eaten hot or can also be packed for lunch. Instead of channa gravy, you can also use Hummus, a popular middle eastern dish.