United Nations held an observation day on the 22nd of March, World Water Day, to highlight the importance of fresh water. Faster melting glaciers are becoming a grave problem - ecosystems and countless communities are at risk of devastation. The key message for this day is ‘preserving water’. 

Foodism is here to suggest you waterless recipes in honour of this World Water Day -

Baking Breads

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups warm milk
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp butter (softened)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix warm milk and sugar. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and softened butter.
3. Mix and knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it is doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
6. Cover and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes until it puffs up.
7. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. 
8. Remove from the oven and brush the top with butter for a soft crust.
9. Let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
10. Suggestion: Mix softened butter with minced garlic and add herbs - spread it over your homemade bread, topped with cheese and microwave it to have that cheesy goey texture. Congrats! You have made yourself an amazing cheese garlic bread. 

Butter Garlic Mushrooms 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups button mushrooms (sliced)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp chilli flakes
• Coriander leaves (for garnishing)
• 1 tsp mixed herbs (oregano, thyme, or rosemary)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Add mushrooms and stir-fry until they release moisture and turn golden brown.
4. Sprinkle chilli flakes, herbs, salt, and black pepper.
5. Cook for another minute, then garnish with coriander and serve hot.

Grilled Paneer Tikka

Ingredients:

• 200g paneer (cut into cubes)
• ¼ cup hung curd (greek yoghurt)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp mustard oil
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients (except paneer) in a bowl to form a marinade.
2. Coat the paneer cubes evenly and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat a grill pan and brush with oil.
4. Grill the paneer on medium heat until golden brown on all sides.
5. Enjoy and serve with mint chutney.

Cheese & Herb Omelette

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup shredded cheese
• ½ tsp mixed herbs (oregano, thyme, basil)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Whisk eggs with salt, black pepper, and mixed herbs.
2. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
3. Pour the egg mixture and let it cook until the edges set.
4. Sprinkle cheese on top and fold the omelette.
5. Cook for another minute, then serve.

Coconut Laddoo

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated coconut
• 1 cup condensed milk
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tbsp chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat a pan on low flame and add grated coconut.
2. Stir in the condensed milk and cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
3. Add cardamom powder and mix well.
4. Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Shape it into round balls and garnish with chopped nuts.
6. Enjoy your healthy coconut laddoos 

Pro kitchen tips to save water

1. Line your roasting pans with foil to save on washing. It can be reused and then discarded.
2. At times go with making one-pot dishes to save on washing multiple dishes.
3. Baking or air frying can be a way to avoid extra water usage.