An Exotic Dinner

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.

1.Celery Garlic Toasts:

Ingredients:
Makes 12 pieces.
12 French bread slices (about 3/4 inches thick)
1 tsp garlic paste
2 tbsp celery(finely chopped)
2 tbsp butter(softened).

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:

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.

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