We always think cooking gourmet food for our family will be an expensive affair. However, it's possible to plan an inexpensive meal without compromising on flavour and flair. Try these three-course meal recipes which are easy to make. Grace your table with this sumptuous and healthy meal. A velvety-smooth, pumpkin soup is the perfect warm up for the delicious lasagne with a spinach and cottage cheese filling. Serve it with garlic celery bread makes and warm honeyed noodles, served with vanilla ice-cream for dessert. Layout the table attractively to create the right ambience to enjoy this fare. Surprise your family with a meal that looks a lot more elaborate and expensive than it actually is.
Method:
Mix the celery, garlic and butter. Apply the mixture generously on the French Bread slices. Arrange the slices on a baking tray. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 180degree C(360 degree F) for 3-4 minutes. Serve hot.
2. Pumpkin And Dill Seed Soup:
A creamy, wholesome warm-up.
Ingredients:
4 Serves
3 cups red pumpkin (cut into cubes)
1 tsp dill seeds
2 tbsp onions (chopped)
2 tbsp fresh cream, 2 tbsp butter Salt and pepper to taste.
For the garnish:
Chopped spring onion greens.
Method:
Heat butter in a saucepan. Add the dill seeds and onions and saute for a few minutes. Add the pumpkin pieces and cook for a few minutes. Pour 3-4 cups of water, salt and pepper and cook till the pumpkin is tender. Cool and puree in a blender till smooth. Strain the pureed soup. Pour in a saucepan, add cream and bring to a boil once again. Serve hot, garnished with spring onion greens.
3.Honeyed Noodles In Vanilla Ice-cream:
Ingredients:
4 Serves
For The Crispy Noodles:
1 cup plain flour
1/2 cup warm water
2 tsp oil
1/2 tsp salt.
For The Honey Sauce:
1 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp sesame seeds (toasted).
To Serve:
Vanilla Ice-cream.
Method:
Sieve the flour and salt. Gradually add water to make a soft dough. Then add oil and knead for a while. Keep covered with a damp muslin cloth for 30 mins. Make the dough smooth and elastic palm by kneading with a few drops of oil in your hand. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6 inch diameter circle. Cut into strips 1/4 inch thick. Deep fry in hot oil until they are golden brown. Drain on absorbent paper.
For The Honey Sauce:
Take a small vessel and combine the sugar with 1 tsp of water. Heat over a low flame. When the sugar melts, add the honey and sesame seeds and mix well.
How To Proceed:
Place the crispy noodles on a large serving plate. Reheat the honey sauce and pour over the noodles. Serve immediately with the vanilla ice-cream.
