Let’s have a different start!

Bribe your way to the front of the line and… you guessed it right! We are talking about Appetizers or the starters. Take any occasion, be it any celebration, no dinner or lunch is complete without starters. And what better than having and serving them homemade.

But wait.. will I be able to recreate perfect starters for my parties? And probably it is too much of a headache – when will I get time while I am already working on main course? There goes the illusion of my perfect starters – how will I impress the guests?

If the answer to any of the above questions is YES, then go ahead and read the blog!

Let me share a secret – preparing starters is very easy!! You don t believe me – read through and let me know whether you agree!

Mexican Bread-Rolls:

Try these Yummy Bread-Rolls with a difference and you will love them even more.

Ingredients:

12 bread slices

For The Stuffing:
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp plain flour (maida)
1 cup milk
1/4 cup boiled sweet corn kernels
1/2 cup finely chopped capsicum
1/4 cup grated processed cheese
1 tsp dry red chilli flakes
salt to taste
oil for deep-frying

Method:

For the Stuffing:

1. Heat butter in a broad non-stick pan, add flour and cook on a medium flame for 1 minute, while stirring continuously.
2. Add milk and cook on a medium flame while stirring continuously till the sauce is thick. Take care that no lumps are formed.
3. Add the corn, capsicum, cheese, chilli flakes and salt, mix well and cook on a medium flame while stirring occasionally.
4. Transfer the mixture into another bowl and keep aside.

How to proceed

1. Remove the crust from all the bread slices and roll each slice with help of a rolling pin.
2. Place ½ tbsp of the filling in the centre of a bread slice and roll it up tightly.
3. Apply some water at the edges and press to seal the stuffing.
4. Heat the oil in a deep kadhai and deep-fry the bread rolls, till they turn golden brown in colour from all the sides.
5. Drain on absorbent paper and serve immediately with tomato ketchup.

Crispy Cheesy Paneer Mini Tortillas

Ingredients:

For The Tortillas
3/4 cup maize flour
1/2 cup plain flour
1 1/2 tsp oil
salt to taste

For The Topping
1 1/4 cups paneer  cubes
1 tbsp oil
1 finely chopped onions
1 cup deseeded and chopped tomatoes
1 medium finely chopped capsicum
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dry red chilli flakes
salt to taste
plain flour for rolling
oil for deep-frying
grated processed cheese

Grated Carrot

Method:
For the tortillas:

1. Combine the flours, oil and salt in a deep bowl and knead into a soft dough using enough water.
2. Cover and keep aside for half an hour. Knead again.
3. Prick tortilla rounds with a fork on both sides.
4. Heat the oil in a deep kadhai and deep-fry the mini tortillas, on a slow flame, a few at a time, until crisp or golden brown in colour from all sides.
5. Drain on an absorbent paper and keep aside.

For the topping:

1. Heat oil in a pan, add onions and sauté on a medium flame.
2. Add the tomatoes and capsicum, mix well and cook on a medium flame while stirring occasionally.
3. Add paneer, oregano, chilli flakes and salt, mix well and cook on a medium flame while stirring occasionally.

How to Serve:

1. Place a mini tortilla on a flat, dry surface, place a portion of the topping evenly over it.
2. Serve immediately garnished with tomato ketchup, cheese and carrot.

My dear friends, try these delicious Mexican starters in your upcoming get-together and gather all the compliments. Don’t keep them (winks) up to you but share with us as well.

Get the party started!!!