By the end of the month, not only does the wallet feel lighter but the pantry also starts running out of staples and leftovers. Working on tiny budgets means going out to restaurants might just feel slightly heavy on the pocket. But wallets running dry and dwindling pantry ingredients seldom have to mean boring meals prepared over the month end.
A bit of culinary creativity, good presentation and some cooking techniques can transform meals cooked at the end of the month into nothing short of restaurant-quality experiences. When executed right, these are dishes that can turn everyday, home cooked meals into fine-dine experiences with elevated flavours.
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Toast With Herbs
Straightforward staples such as bread slices, mushrooms, garlic and butter are enough to prepare this delicious small bite accentuated with the flavours of assorted herbs like basil, thyme and oregano. Mushrooms and garlic can be sautéed in butter to make the base for the mushroom toast. Adding a splash of heavy cream introduces a dense and luxe touch into this simple recipe. Spoon the mushroom and cream mix over small, toasted slices of bread. For a restaurant-style touch, arrange the toasts on a beautiful wooden board and finish them off with chopped parsley and cracked pepper.
Spiced Tomato Rice With Peanuts
Cooked rice, rich and thick tomato purée and aromatic curry leaves come together to prepare this rice dish at home. Sautée the purée in a tempering of curry leaves, mustard, cumin and other assorted spices. Add long grain basmati rice to the pan and season with red chilli powder. Now, place the tomato and rice mix in an electric cooker. The rice will cook perfectly and become soft and fluffy without turning into mush. Garnish with roasted peanuts, chopped coriander and a lemon wedge. Serve with a small bowl of onion and cucumber raita for the restaurant touch.
Pan-Seared Fish In Lemon Butter Sauc
When fish fillets are found in the fridge at the end of the month, the easiest way to turn them into restaurant-style culinary fare is to sear them in a lemon butter sauce and some aromatic herbs. The sheer elegance and grace of this dish – as the fish crinkles on the pan in which melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper and rosemary sizzle alongside – will turn the pan-seared fish into a sophisticated, fine-dine experience. Plate with sautéed vegetables and serve some extra sauce in a sauce boat or ramekin for a more elegant effect.
One-Pan Veggie Stir Fry Noodles
There is perhaps nothing more delicious than an Asian-inspired feast served up using leftover pantry staples towards the month end. Stir-fry whatever vegetables including carrots, cabbages, beans, sprouts and proteins like paneer or chicken chunks are available in the fridge in a warm wok containing oil and minced garlic. Add boiled noodles, soy sauce and chilli flakes for more seasoning. Light small, aromatic candles while laying the table for a fine restaurant vibe and serve the noodles alongside fragrant jasmine tea. Garnish the noodles with toasted sesame and spring onions.
Sweet Caramelised Banana Dessert
While planning an exquisite menu for a home cooked month end meal, keep some room for desserts without which this repast would be quite incomplete. With simple ingredients like bananas, sugar, cinnamon and butter, it is possible to craft a delicious sweet dish to conclude a restaurant-style meal. Caramelise sliced bananas in butter and sugar and sprinkle cinnamon on them. Serve the dessert warm with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream as a cold contrast to the hot sweet treat. Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the caramelised bananas for an even more decadent finish.