Monsoon special snacks by Dr.Oetker – Quick and easy way relish in monsoons! — Reviewed!

With the onset of monsoon, our taste bud tantalises to try something spicy, crispy, crunchy which goes well with the climate. Bhajiyas and pakodas paired with masala chai have been the all-time favorite. Didn't want to go out in the rains for shopping grocery so was wanting to experiment with the existing material in the refrigerator. What I found was the Dr. Oetker's Mayo Veg, veggies, corn and macaroni so quickly wanted to try something quick and delicious. While browsing, I found Chef Gaurav Chadha's (In-house chef at Dr.Oetker) monsoon recipes which was just perfect with the stuff I had. I bookmarked few of them and used the other day. So, with the ingredients in hand, the fusion recipe of Italian and Mexican came into existence – Macaroni with Creamy Corn and Nachos. Following is the recipe...

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 3 Garlic Cloves (Chopped)
• 1 Onion (small. Chopped)
• 50 g Corns Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper Powder
• 100 ml Hot Pasta Stock
• 60 g Dr. Oetker FunFoods Mayonnaise Veg
• (4 Tbsp) 120 g Macaroni (Boiled)
• 20 - 25 g Nachos
• (8-10 pcs., Jalapeno flavour)
• 50 g Cheese (Processed, grated)

Process:

•  Heat oil in a nonstick pan (low flame) add garlic, onion and cook for 30 seconds or until onion, gets caramelize. Add corn and sauté for 1 minute. Season it with salt and pepper.
•  Add pasta stock to above vegetables and stir. Take the pan away from flame, add mayonnaise and stir well. Bring it back to flame and let it simmer for 1 minute or until sauce thickens.
•  Add pasta to above sauce and toss well.
•  For Assembling- Place nachos around the plate, add above pasta in the middle and sprinkle cheese on top. Serve.

Then, other day, was in a mood to try my hands on Baking and with Mexican food my favourite, I was keen to bake Tex Mex Calzone. I am sure you will like the spicy and crusty deliciously filled calzone. So, here we go with the recipe...

Ingredients:
Dough:
350 g Maida (White Flour)
5 g Dried Yeast (1tsp.)
5 g Salt (1tsp.)
2 1/2 g Sugar (1/2tsp.)
150 ml Water
15 ml Olive Oil

Tex-Mex Filling:
70 g Onions (1 small, chopped)
70 g Tomatoes (1 small, chopped)
70 g Red Bell Peppers (1 small, chopped)
70 g Yellow Bell Peppers (1 small, chopped)
70 g Green Bell Peppers (1 small,chopped)
10 g Green Chillies (2-3, chopped)
60 g Dr. Oetker FunFoods Salsa (4tbsp.)
60 g Mozarella Cheese (grated)
15 ml Vegetable Oil (1tbsp.)

Preheat oven to 180°C.
For the filling: Saute onions, tomatoes and capsicums in oil for 3-4 minutes or until vegetables are crisp and soft from inside.

• In a bowl sift maida, add yeast, salt, sugar and water. Knead with hands to make dough. 
• Place the dough on the working surface then briefly knead it while gradually adding oil until soft dough is formed. 
• Cover the dough with a thin kitchen cloth and leave for 45 minutes or until it doubles in size.
• Remove from heat and add in a bowl. Stir in salsa and green chillies. 
• Make four balls of equal size from the dough and roll out in approx. 8inch diameter spread to make the calzone crust. 
• Spread the filling in the center and sprinkle cheese on the filling. Fold top of the calzone crust into a half moon shape and seal the edges by crimping them with a fork. 
• Place the calzones on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until base of the calzone is slightly brown in colour. Serve hot.

Again, for that 'chhoti si evening bhook' I had these Savoury Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 medium Carrot, grated
• 1 medium Onion, sliced
• 4-5 Coriander Leaves, chopped 
• 100 g Rice, boiled
• 1 medium Potato, boiled and grated
• 2 tbsp Refined Flour
• 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
• 50 g (3 tbsp) Dr. Oetker FunFoods Veg Mayonnaise
• Salt
• Black Pepper Powder
• 30 ml Water
• 2 tsp Refined Vegetable Oil
• Chopped spring onion for plating

Directions:

• In a bowl add carrot, onion, coriander leaves, rice, potato, refined flour, red chilli powder, mayonnaise, salt, black pepper powder and water. Mix well until smooth mixture is formed.
• Heat oil in a non-stick pan (medium flame). Spread 2 tbsp of above mixture and cook from both sides till golden brown. Repeat with remaining batter and serve hot.

I am so glad with few easy to use and quick Dr.Oetker's product in hand, life becomes easier. Now can make delicious snacks in few minutes. Do try these recipes and let me know how did you like it.