tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56690994194927085932024-03-13T22:57:52.731-07:00simple taste ,simple food(Thora hai,Thorey kee jaroorat hai !)
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-77544391662297309952017-12-11T11:14:00.001-08:002017-12-11T11:17:55.557-08:00Coconut Laddu!Coconut Laddu or coconut fudge is the easiest ,healthiest, and tasty snack.Kids like it as well as adults.It is a grab and go snack which is very filling and looks pretty too.<br />
<br />
Here is what you are going to need to make these:-<br />
<br />
Freshly scraped coconut - one whole<br />
sugar - 1 cup(1/2 cup + 1/2 cup)<br />
whole milk - 1 and 1/2 cup<br />
Cardamom powder - 1/2 teaspoon<br />
Ghee - 1 tablespoon<br />
<br />
Steps :-<br />
<br />
1) Measure out every thing.Mix all the milk(1 1/2 cups) and 1/2 cup of sugar in the grated coconut and grind in the blender once to get them incorporated.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nkWXE1ph_E/Wi7PuJnWhBI/AAAAAAAABjI/8mV1S1KUSb0WThmyI1DYnarTwg91l6X3wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nkWXE1ph_E/Wi7PuJnWhBI/AAAAAAAABjI/8mV1S1KUSb0WThmyI1DYnarTwg91l6X3wCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2606.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
2) Heat up a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IEM05LY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01IEM05LY&linkId=44d60ac89d92c3574b003223e23122c7" target="_blank">non-stick pan</a> and pour the mixture (coconut + milk + sugar) in it.Also add the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-alE23tAzyJA/Wi7PuGKPXbI/AAAAAAAABjE/K53C6bJHAK4gbCoEd-S2bLTNZ3XnGjT4wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-alE23tAzyJA/Wi7PuGKPXbI/AAAAAAAABjE/K53C6bJHAK4gbCoEd-S2bLTNZ3XnGjT4wCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2607.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
3) On a medium heat cook every thing .Keep stirring all the time.Non stick pan is very important here as coconut and milk tend to stick at the bottom and that causes the discoloration of the laddu.Where as coconut fudge or laddu look appetizing only when they are snow white.<br />
<br />
4) After cooking for 5-6 minutes you will notice that the mixture has become semi liquid consistency because the sugar melts.Keep stirring so that the mixture dosen't get burnt.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQZNH9HlJlo/Wi7PuokLffI/AAAAAAAABjM/-4Na0H1mNo4IyxesTfQzzyYP3LxS6pUiACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQZNH9HlJlo/Wi7PuokLffI/AAAAAAAABjM/-4Na0H1mNo4IyxesTfQzzyYP3LxS6pUiACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2609.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
5)Keep stirring for next few more minutes until you see the mixture a little dry.Some thing as shown at the bottom.At this point add 1 table spoon of ghee and cardamom powder.Keep stirring.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fUuTBiIc6lI/Wi7PvD4tmaI/AAAAAAAABjk/gt7LcGQuZmQsROc9OdY_EeU5YGcGvyOuACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fUuTBiIc6lI/Wi7PvD4tmaI/AAAAAAAABjk/gt7LcGQuZmQsROc9OdY_EeU5YGcGvyOuACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2610.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
6) After 4-5 minutes the mixture will become dry and all the milk will evaporate.By this time the mixture will also take a shiny glaze.This is when you know you are done cooking any further.If you cook any further the sugar will start crystalizing and the color will also start changing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B-tmSZx9X0g/Wi7Pv9nodEI/AAAAAAAABjU/DAKP7p_5nz8wzeh9SBYErdHgPe0pNpZogCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B-tmSZx9X0g/Wi7Pv9nodEI/AAAAAAAABjU/DAKP7p_5nz8wzeh9SBYErdHgPe0pNpZogCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2611.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
7) This is ready now.Let the mixture cool down a little but not too much.While the mixture is still warm apply a little butter on you palm and take small portions of the mixture.By pressing both palms and rolling at the same time ,give the mixture a shape of laddu like below.Keep repeating until you are done with all the mixture.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iqGkSTRIAyU/Wi7PxQU26HI/AAAAAAAABjc/kd_Xj6LlHFEXB7EUqYLP5hHk98mitVLUwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iqGkSTRIAyU/Wi7PxQU26HI/AAAAAAAABjc/kd_Xj6LlHFEXB7EUqYLP5hHk98mitVLUwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2613.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
8) let it cool down completely and it is ready to eat.Laddus will firm up as they cool down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dV_oXD04Qw0/Wi7PxdpGQFI/AAAAAAAABjk/FuvD785E2rkBr7wFm6t79BvtPuyA5yhhwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dV_oXD04Qw0/Wi7PxdpGQFI/AAAAAAAABjk/FuvD785E2rkBr7wFm6t79BvtPuyA5yhhwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2614.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Notes:- </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
1) Use a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IEM05LY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01IEM05LY&linkId=44d60ac89d92c3574b003223e23122c7" target="_blank">non-stick pan</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
2) Always keep an eye and constant stirring until you turn off the heat.Little ignorance will scorch at the bottom and the whole mixture will pick up that caramel color which wont look appetizing at all.The goal is to make fully cooked laddus but still white.You can achieve the snow white color by constant stirring and using <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IEM05LY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01IEM05LY&linkId=44d60ac89d92c3574b003223e23122c7" target="_blank">non-stick pan</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
3) You can also use condense milk instead of sugar.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-46415566258988971462017-11-19T21:07:00.000-08:002017-11-22T09:43:37.660-08:00Chicken Kabab made easier!This chicken kabab is a very versatile recipe for me and my family.You can adjust the spices based on your liking.This kabab is a fool-proof recipe because you can not go wrong with it.Eat it with lunch, dinner or a big party.You can prepare ahead of time for the big party and cook whenever is convenient for you.There is nothing fancy yet it will taste like restaurant quality.That proves my belief that food can be cooked very tasty and healthy without making them fancy and using a whole lot of ingredients.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Here is what you are going to need:-</u></b><br />
<ul>
<li>chicken breast(or tenders) - about 1 pound</li>
<li>onion - 1 medium size(chopped)</li>
<li>garlic - 3 cloves(peeled and crushed)</li>
<li>ginger - 2 inches</li>
<li>raw almonds with skin - 7 - 8</li>
<li>coriander powder - 1 table spoon</li>
<li>Cumin seeds powder - 1 teaspoon</li>
<li>Black pepper - 1 teaspoon</li>
<li>cilantro leaves - 1 fistful(chopped) </li>
<li>lime juice - 2 tablespoon</li>
<li>hung or thick yogurt - 2 table spoon</li>
<li>Black salt - 1 teaspoon</li>
<li>table salt - to taste(factor in for the black salt then add table salt)</li>
<li>Green chili - 2-3 (more if you like spicy)</li>
<li>Garam masala - 1 teaspoon</li>
<li>Oil - 2 tablespoon</li>
<li>you can also add red chili powder if you like (I do not add as i am making them for my kids)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><u>Steps:-</u></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1) Take all the spices listed above(every single thing) except the chicken and put it in the blender.Run the blender until you get a smooth paste.Make sure to not add any water,otherwise the paste will become very liquid.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ayNj72R85Ow/WhJdVHsB7oI/AAAAAAAABh0/Euf_e7TVG3kYP9J7EE2dMR6U88GGd5RwQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ayNj72R85Ow/WhJdVHsB7oI/AAAAAAAABh0/Euf_e7TVG3kYP9J7EE2dMR6U88GGd5RwQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2578.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2) Clean the chicken breasts.Just try to trim off the cartilages.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZtDFmzXvlg/WhJdtnXktEI/AAAAAAAABiA/x7jb7UQNSjkCt6KwFSPAdP7veYDx9_d5wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZtDFmzXvlg/WhJdtnXktEI/AAAAAAAABiA/x7jb7UQNSjkCt6KwFSPAdP7veYDx9_d5wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2579.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3) Mix the ground paste properly and add the chicken breasts pieces.Rub the paste throughly on the pieces .</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3F1mIN7CIl0/WhJdtaFPvwI/AAAAAAAABiY/D336q91EPz092_dAqJwcuxaF2_B6XNN1gCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3F1mIN7CIl0/WhJdtaFPvwI/AAAAAAAABiY/D336q91EPz092_dAqJwcuxaF2_B6XNN1gCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2580.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1JTtXNnlS4/WhJduZ4GJDI/AAAAAAAABiY/s2SYyjCj5bIve8m8i9QHDzyppFttPYkMgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g1JTtXNnlS4/WhJduZ4GJDI/AAAAAAAABiY/s2SYyjCj5bIve8m8i9QHDzyppFttPYkMgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2587.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5) Take the fork and pierce every piece of chicken couple of times so that all the flavor is infused inside.Cover and marinate for at least 4-5 hours.By marinating, the kababs become juicy from inside yet crispy from outside.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J8ioya6vJC0/WhJdvWGHLHI/AAAAAAAABiY/7SsEYjlrjDkhi--WbYkjd5wB95rKrk-xwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J8ioya6vJC0/WhJdvWGHLHI/AAAAAAAABiY/7SsEYjlrjDkhi--WbYkjd5wB95rKrk-xwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2588.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6) When you are ready to cook ,get the chicken out from the fridge ,one hour before you have to cook so the chicken pieces do not get the thermal shock in the oven.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
7) Now take an oven proof dish and line it with the silver foil.Spray oil on the oven safe dish.Take pieces of kabab and insert it into skewers.This time I have used wooden chopsticks ,but otherwise I use <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002YFV90Y/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B002YFV90Y&linkId=839727f8019c1a4c0b8d4afd4d8a2312" target="_blank">metal skewers</a>.Also add some vegetables ,preferably all kinds of peppers and onion.They go very well with these kababs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIZ4c1ygMXA/WhJdwMhpZVI/AAAAAAAABiY/Llwvb3mS6LcBuatVsJltU5JdQZQgqSFogCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIZ4c1ygMXA/WhJdwMhpZVI/AAAAAAAABiY/Llwvb3mS6LcBuatVsJltU5JdQZQgqSFogCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2589.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8) Put the skewers about 6" below the broiler oven and broil it for 8 minutes on each side or depending upon the color and temperature setting of your oven.Serve with onion or cucumber salad as an appetizer or a side dish.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lNe2bGhmtVc/WhJdwUQvW9I/AAAAAAAABiY/-SX5AP9DR4sVg-pjkPxf9GQli74O75JHwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lNe2bGhmtVc/WhJdwUQvW9I/AAAAAAAABiY/-SX5AP9DR4sVg-pjkPxf9GQli74O75JHwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2590.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
9) Serve them hot with Paratha or naan or even toasted bread.You will love it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jw1d78KvW3E/WhJdxCggYpI/AAAAAAAABiY/RpaAaj8Pe6AxwdsgdmeGtiw806I9O4o0gCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jw1d78KvW3E/WhJdxCggYpI/AAAAAAAABiY/RpaAaj8Pe6AxwdsgdmeGtiw806I9O4o0gCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2591.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ready to eat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Notes:- </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1) Do not make the paste watery.Otherwise the spices wont stick to the chicken pieces.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2) Do not overcook or they will become rubbery.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-78803029576579134132017-11-12T18:35:00.001-08:002017-11-12T18:42:01.032-08:00The simplest Kulfi ever !You can make and eat all kinds of ice-cream at home or buy from stores,but eating the good old kulfi gives you the real satisfying feeling.This kulfi is one of those things after which you don't feel the heaviness that you normally feel after eating something cold and sweet.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Here is what you are going to need:-</u></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Heavy Whipping cream - 1 cup</li>
<li>cardamom - 3 pods</li>
<li>Sweet condensed milk - 1/2 cup <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ukh6QDBSBxY/Wgj6JwBiPhI/AAAAAAAABgc/O_p7Zz2kAaEEQW7DOQhdxIFs--Rbzqa-QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ukh6QDBSBxY/Wgj6JwBiPhI/AAAAAAAABgc/O_p7Zz2kAaEEQW7DOQhdxIFs--Rbzqa-QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2562.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MYVD4ER/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01MYVD4ER&linkId=77d02d95ef7e0566c279427b58bfe4be" target="_blank">Pure Saffron</a> - 1 pinch</span></li>
<li>Sea salt - 2 pinces.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><u>Steps:-</u></b><br />
<br />
1) Take a bowl and keep it in the freezer for sometime(10-20 minutes)<br />
<br />
1) Crush sea salt,saffron and cardamom together.<br />
<br />
2) Measure out the whipping cream and add the crushed sea salt,saffron and cardamom in it.<br />
<br />
3) Take the cold bowl out and pour whipping cream in it and start whipping it with either a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CH0ZLE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B001CH0ZLE&linkId=3332aa01c19b33ee85522bb099ea55c7" target="_blank">hand blender</a> or just a simple whisk.With whisk you just need a little extra time and a little elbow grease.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YgKy64FeCh0/Wgj6KQKnIBI/AAAAAAAABhA/JTe-cVuA8L4EcmufRz3V3T8WWLmWWtIaACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YgKy64FeCh0/Wgj6KQKnIBI/AAAAAAAABhA/JTe-cVuA8L4EcmufRz3V3T8WWLmWWtIaACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2563.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlbHJxYTpiA/Wgj6KXPlbVI/AAAAAAAABhA/plV6Z7vRO4kUkGOOZFpE4n6UwT2ZjFDHwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlbHJxYTpiA/Wgj6KXPlbVI/AAAAAAAABhA/plV6Z7vRO4kUkGOOZFpE4n6UwT2ZjFDHwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2568.JPG" title="half-way through" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Jhl0lnWZ14/Wgj6K56ytUI/AAAAAAAABhA/xM5fErlhq7cQDLObleUm63cctgT8uu1iQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Jhl0lnWZ14/Wgj6K56ytUI/AAAAAAAABhA/xM5fErlhq7cQDLObleUm63cctgT8uu1iQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2571.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
5) After whipping for 2-3 minutes stop, and add the condensed milk.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5SQtYMZb-4/Wgj6Mi0_u-I/AAAAAAAABhA/VJm-X5UpdCUHDW7pD0N-aqmgpC3KwLKJwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5SQtYMZb-4/Wgj6Mi0_u-I/AAAAAAAABhA/VJm-X5UpdCUHDW7pD0N-aqmgpC3KwLKJwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2572.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
6) Whip again for 2-3 minutes,until you see hard peaks.Something like below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GpkGvwE8AKI/Wgj-Esz41QI/AAAAAAAABhU/Iw6FjEdHZEUC_bN6HxgF2EZvIIkujvBMACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="853" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GpkGvwE8AKI/Wgj-Esz41QI/AAAAAAAABhU/Iw6FjEdHZEUC_bN6HxgF2EZvIIkujvBMACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2573.JPG" width="170" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
7) Transfer the whipped cream in a another cold lidded bowl.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JUIsMbW-qL8/Wgj6NerVzFI/AAAAAAAABhA/DKtQHvAN4-gC25izQENU2u79fM8rexT9QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JUIsMbW-qL8/Wgj6NerVzFI/AAAAAAAABhA/DKtQHvAN4-gC25izQENU2u79fM8rexT9QCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2575.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
8) Cover the bowl with the cling wrap first before putting it in the freezer. Now cover the bowl with the lid.The cling wrap prevents from forming water drops at the top.This can make the kulfi unusually hard.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIGDq6Fbpa0/Wgj6N_QlhEI/AAAAAAAABhA/Wv2ZMH4j7K4TyX3rU1QfoCPvr7NOTjbWgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIGDq6Fbpa0/Wgj6N_QlhEI/AAAAAAAABhA/Wv2ZMH4j7K4TyX3rU1QfoCPvr7NOTjbWgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2576.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
9) Freeze it.Kulfi will be ready to serve in 5-6 hours.<br />
<br />
Notes:-<br />
<br />
1) Adding sea salt is important so the kulfi doesn't turn rock hard.<br />
<br />
2) There is no need of cooking.<br />
<br />
3) No need of egg and hence perfect for vegetarian people.<br />
<br />
4) This is a quick homemade kulfi for sudden parties.<br />
<br />
5) If you so desire you can transfer the kulfi into individual kulfi molds.<br />
<br />
6) You can also add slivered pistachios/almonds for decoration.My kids are allergic to nuts so I don't add them.However real kulfi is never complete without pistachios.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-57379851455961826492017-11-06T14:07:00.001-08:002017-11-07T16:58:56.808-08:00A simple pasta Dish with dried mushrooms and peas !Dried mushrooms boost the flavor in this pasta dish;the flavor is concentrated and intense and their texture is good and meaty.It is good for dinner,lunch,and specially for kids Lunch boxes.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Here is what you are going to need:-</u></b><br />
<br />
3/4 oz. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RHXLDO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B000RHXLDO&linkId=d33cda075d14753a3c06749e9afa4ae3" target="_blank">dried shiitake mushrooms</a><br />
<br />
2 and 1/2 cup to 3 cups water<br />
<br />
2 Tablespoon olive oil<br />
<br />
1 small Red onion,finely diced.<br />
<br />
salt and pepper<br />
<br />
1/2 pound dried <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00338BY5Q/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00338BY5Q&linkId=5741938635ac2f647e6fc8537c0f2ff9" target="_blank">elbow pasta</a><br />
<br />
1 cup frozen peas<br />
<br />
1/4 cup grated parmigiano Reggiano<br />
<br />
2 Table spoon unsalted butter<br />
<br />
Few fresh basil leaves<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Steps to make:-</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>1) Soak the dried mushrooms in 1 cup of water until they soften,about 10 minutes.<br />
<br />
2) Heat the water in a sauce pan over low heat.<br />
<br />
3) Transfer the mushrooms to a cutting board and chop them very coarsely.Slowly pour off the mushroom soaking liquid in the heating water,leaving any sediment behind.You got the mushroom broth ready.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H3KfxN3gnWY/WgIq_P2rliI/AAAAAAAABfU/Ln0cuwB6nE0gc2mzj0y6XhmnYjnTFpuywCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H3KfxN3gnWY/WgIq_P2rliI/AAAAAAAABfU/Ln0cuwB6nE0gc2mzj0y6XhmnYjnTFpuywCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2511.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
4) Heat the oil in a large <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003L0ZOFC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B003L0ZOFC&linkId=822f69f3c24f1a470526bcc10854404c" target="_blank">heavy bottom sauce pan</a> over medium heat .Add onion,season generously with salt and pepper.Cook ,stirring ,until the onion is soft and translucent ,about 3 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nOmuEKw2BDM/WgIq_zu_UpI/AAAAAAAABfU/rJDpyDmbax8LwkHr1R4AXBiW_jw6dSE4wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nOmuEKw2BDM/WgIq_zu_UpI/AAAAAAAABfU/rJDpyDmbax8LwkHr1R4AXBiW_jw6dSE4wCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2510.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
5) Add the pasta and cook ,stirring ,until it browns in places and is coated evenly with the oil ,about 1 minute.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bPUj3Ao9Wy4/WgIrPkVx-FI/AAAAAAAABfU/IltUyalYCEofC4nbQXxwoUXxUx3q65kVACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bPUj3Ao9Wy4/WgIrPkVx-FI/AAAAAAAABfU/IltUyalYCEofC4nbQXxwoUXxUx3q65kVACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2513.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
6) Add the mushrooms and one cup of water from the mushroom broth;stir well.When the broth reaches a boil ,reduce the heat so that it simmers gently.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bba8NALz5qE/WgIrYP9NunI/AAAAAAAABfU/bZAYkuEnOzcMfUJaMUOcKgmVM6hwfyiXQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bba8NALz5qE/WgIrYP9NunI/AAAAAAAABfU/bZAYkuEnOzcMfUJaMUOcKgmVM6hwfyiXQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2514.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qoFIcRrucJ4/WgIrsDLMzvI/AAAAAAAABfo/R1w3AAp_YCgxua0XevSnWY-yEqyLQ4INwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qoFIcRrucJ4/WgIrsDLMzvI/AAAAAAAABfo/R1w3AAp_YCgxua0XevSnWY-yEqyLQ4INwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2516.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
7) When the broth is completely absorbed ,continue the add broth in 1/2 cup increments,stirring until it is almost completely absorbed before adding more .<br />
<br />
8) After the 3rd addition is absorbed ,toss in the peas and continue adding broth and stirring until the pasta is just tender,about 14 minutes(you may not need to use all of the broth).<br />
<br />
9) Stir in the cheese,butter and half of the basil.Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HznO8XySDDQ/WgIrmW07fdI/AAAAAAAABfo/PK9Xes3gv1sLjYVXz9Hni8NAhDeS_1OPACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HznO8XySDDQ/WgIrmW07fdI/AAAAAAAABfo/PK9Xes3gv1sLjYVXz9Hni8NAhDeS_1OPACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2518.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Qfrdurdiok/WgIrweOTvOI/AAAAAAAABfo/GrR3l6sl5lAFyqZ2QQPjrnO74l4wNdz_wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Qfrdurdiok/WgIrweOTvOI/AAAAAAAABfo/GrR3l6sl5lAFyqZ2QQPjrnO74l4wNdz_wCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
10) Serve immediately with the remaining basil sprinkled on top.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HniSAfs0qLg/WgIskxj2vwI/AAAAAAAABfw/PYpjUxSLzOYZBFEMBw4YrEqc6QeNmWS0QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HniSAfs0qLg/WgIskxj2vwI/AAAAAAAABfw/PYpjUxSLzOYZBFEMBw4YrEqc6QeNmWS0QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2522.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Note:-<br />
<br />
1) If you like you can add chicken broth instead of plain water.I just wanted to make it pure vegetarian.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-70756687919968059982017-10-26T12:28:00.000-07:002017-11-06T14:06:56.899-08:00Mithila ka "Thakua"!The name it self means "pressing".<br />
This cookie type of snack item used to be a staple in our home growing up.The reasons being Thakua was convenient to make,ingredients were always present at home,it can be stored for few weeks and above all it was a family thing.The whole family would get together and make specially kids.My mother would gather us kids around and ask us to mold the thakua's and she would fry and every thing was done within few minutes.<br />
<br />
Here are the things you will need to make them:-<br />
<br />
<u><b>Ingredients List</b></u><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EoyYeE_JY_k/WfIt6LgVd4I/AAAAAAAABcg/IvpW-KFBl2gXaneYyGVwvq8Rtsew8ds_wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EoyYeE_JY_k/WfIt6LgVd4I/AAAAAAAABcg/IvpW-KFBl2gXaneYyGVwvq8Rtsew8ds_wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2410.JPG" width="320" /></a><u><b><br /></b></u><br />
Whole Wheat flour - 3 cups<br />
All purpose flour - 1/2 cup<br />
Dry coconut - 4 by 4 inch piece<br />
Cardamom - 10<br />
Fennel seeds - 1 table spoon<br />
Ghee - 4 table spoon(to mix the dough)<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009OJW5OW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B009OJW5OW&linkId=60ed62023d33201e34540ed31fedb7cd" target="_blank">Gur(Jaggery)</a> - 1 cup (crushed)<br />
Oil to fry<br />
water<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Steps</b></u><br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<br />
1) Soak Jaggery in 3/4 cup water for sometime until it melts.<br />
<br />
2) Crush coconut and Cardamom in the grinder.Together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yLjEMOA9hRI/WfIvLo8fV_I/AAAAAAAABcs/5B8NGot6Ar8SRB-MfTBAK--KhV2EV5tzgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yLjEMOA9hRI/WfIvLo8fV_I/AAAAAAAABcs/5B8NGot6Ar8SRB-MfTBAK--KhV2EV5tzgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2411.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
3) In a big bowl take whole wheat flour and all purpose flour.Add fennel seeds,crushed coconut and Cardamom and also ghee .<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cx6etKj-pn0/WfIv_39c53I/AAAAAAAABc8/ikft7SmKb4AHX_Q1BuqhEz1cchCIcEn8ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cx6etKj-pn0/WfIv_39c53I/AAAAAAAABc8/ikft7SmKb4AHX_Q1BuqhEz1cchCIcEn8ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2424.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
4) Mix every thing with your hand.The texture and crumbliness of your Thakua depends on how well you incorporate everything at this point.It should look like below.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bb9p2dhrIig/WfIwCeh38jI/AAAAAAAABd4/-zKZ1X9i3cgU4splXB3ytFnLnOhyyj4gQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bb9p2dhrIig/WfIwCeh38jI/AAAAAAAABd4/-zKZ1X9i3cgU4splXB3ytFnLnOhyyj4gQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2426.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
5) Mix the jaggery well with the water and pour it into the dough.Mix the dough with jaggery water well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pw9qYBbQqZo/WfIwCH_1GUI/AAAAAAAABd4/mo81F8Sv3JYszBjnxEezhQloCLv4WFYawCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pw9qYBbQqZo/WfIwCH_1GUI/AAAAAAAABd4/mo81F8Sv3JYszBjnxEezhQloCLv4WFYawCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2427.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
6) After mixing the jaggery the dough will become very crumbly but not there yet to form a dough ball.Now you need to mix some water to make a hard dough.I had to add 1/2 cup of water at this point.The amount of water depends on how humid or dry is inside your house,also weather condition matters.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-jytGfIWHk/WfIwDxkP4XI/AAAAAAAABd4/00DHajqxQMk67S_fEORTErIfIlYXiLXxQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-jytGfIWHk/WfIwDxkP4XI/AAAAAAAABd4/00DHajqxQMk67S_fEORTErIfIlYXiLXxQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2429.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
7) After mixing 1/2 cup of water dough is finally ready.It is a hard dough like below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IH33DgKqS24/WfIwGHI58WI/AAAAAAAABd4/92rAB9OCtlMfQgvq31QUf2_tVDP3lzevACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IH33DgKqS24/WfIwGHI58WI/AAAAAAAABd4/92rAB9OCtlMfQgvq31QUf2_tVDP3lzevACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2436.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
8) Divide the dough into Lemon size balls.Make them into roughly round balls.<br />
<br />
9) With the help of your both hands press the dough into disk shape or you can use a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00134LXEY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00134LXEY&linkId=69fc03ccbfacc68f6835861b52b161b0" target="_blank">mold </a>like this and press the ball into a flowery disc shape.You can also use <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00134LXEY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00134LXEY&linkId=7b3de48bfd97aaa3b00a6bed22d228ed" target="_blank">cookie molds</a> like this one<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DIKAPSUrv7o/WfIwEV6A4UI/AAAAAAAABd4/lt3vkOrTKaYG93OhC9ZaBL5CMPaGxw9DgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DIKAPSUrv7o/WfIwEV6A4UI/AAAAAAAABd4/lt3vkOrTKaYG93OhC9ZaBL5CMPaGxw9DgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2433.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8WP-KMRHEE/WfIwFLfkW9I/AAAAAAAABd4/wlcIJARDOz44bMIN-hFRdQy9iQrdwTzYQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8WP-KMRHEE/WfIwFLfkW9I/AAAAAAAABd4/wlcIJARDOz44bMIN-hFRdQy9iQrdwTzYQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2434.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A_KRsi2mgQg/WfIwGNIjk2I/AAAAAAAABd4/GlqGwDRQWLI-zylqgrrCg1nAhlRwSpoGgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A_KRsi2mgQg/WfIwGNIjk2I/AAAAAAAABd4/GlqGwDRQWLI-zylqgrrCg1nAhlRwSpoGgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2435.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
10) Shape all the thakua's like above and keep them aside.<br />
<br />
11) Take a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003L0ZOFC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B003L0ZOFC&linkId=fcda93b42060ce1cf7185ac6f274660d" target="_blank">Heavy duty pan</a> with 2 inch deep oil and heat on low heat flame .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPjP1Z_M8yM/WfIwGRCbljI/AAAAAAAABd4/_G3HyTQbPHIB4bCY5ITH80Q5FrVH2hOwQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPjP1Z_M8yM/WfIwGRCbljI/AAAAAAAABd4/_G3HyTQbPHIB4bCY5ITH80Q5FrVH2hOwQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2437.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
12) Start dropping the Thakua's in the oil gently .Do not over crowd,because thakua's expand as they fry.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tcoAiYR1_ug/WfIwHVip33I/AAAAAAAABd4/0sJISW1RRbgR_h7gK3xw2RADoHIrkhS-ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tcoAiYR1_ug/WfIwHVip33I/AAAAAAAABd4/0sJISW1RRbgR_h7gK3xw2RADoHIrkhS-ACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2438.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
13) Fry on medium heat for 3-4 minutes on one side and flip gently.It should look golden .<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SLYybkp3yJw/WfIwIJcOitI/AAAAAAAABd4/mJWiLAm7T1gXJxXYtf3tAg9VQYatMR51wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SLYybkp3yJw/WfIwIJcOitI/AAAAAAAABd4/mJWiLAm7T1gXJxXYtf3tAg9VQYatMR51wCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2439.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
14) Fry the other side too.Now both sides should look golden brown.Keep your eyes on them while frying because they turn to caramelize and burn very quickly because of jaggery.<br />
<br />
15) Take them out in a paper plate over a paper towel.The paper towel is to soak up the excess oil from the thakua's.<br />
<br />
Here is how the final product looks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9x2H5IDWjNI/WfIwIuPjXbI/AAAAAAAABd4/XMszq1w-LXkQaOJ4wpxJBQeNnMUi_EpAgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9x2H5IDWjNI/WfIwIuPjXbI/AAAAAAAABd4/XMszq1w-LXkQaOJ4wpxJBQeNnMUi_EpAgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2440.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q3RKMbVnvT8/WfIwJL96XXI/AAAAAAAABd4/YKGLWy_jRlMGk4FW5s6xSkU0bsD0o5AMQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q3RKMbVnvT8/WfIwJL96XXI/AAAAAAAABd4/YKGLWy_jRlMGk4FW5s6xSkU0bsD0o5AMQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2441.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Notes :-</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">1) </u> Eyes well on Thakua's while frying.<br />
<br />
2) A good alternative for eggless cookies.<br />
<br />
3)Use of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009OJW5OW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B009OJW5OW&linkId=60ed62023d33201e34540ed31fedb7cd" target="_blank">jaggery</a> instead of sugarUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-62802948856044412532017-10-24T21:40:00.001-07:002017-10-25T11:47:10.338-07:00Cauliflower re-discovered!Not many people like cauliflower.It was not my favorite vegetable either until I found the secret to cooking it the right way.The most important thing in cooking cauliflower is the time.By that I mean the amount of time you cook the cauliflower.<br />
<br />
I realized myself one day and than while watching an episode of America's Test Kitchen ,they came to the conclusion that cauliflower's taste becomes more and more pronounced as you cook longer.So please take time in cooking cauliflower and it will for sure come out very tasty.<br />
<br />
This is one of the recipes I cook with cauliflower which goes very well with "roti,poori,rice and mostly paratha's".<br />
<br />
<b><u>This is all you need:-</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<br />
<ol><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vASWZ5SdcdU/WfDKKOztE-I/AAAAAAAABbA/yEfwVeEiSxscEs-KB-VMyBj8YfkRrcVtACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vASWZ5SdcdU/WfDKKOztE-I/AAAAAAAABbA/yEfwVeEiSxscEs-KB-VMyBj8YfkRrcVtACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2388.JPG" width="320" /></a>
<li>Cut cauliflower - 3 cups( 3 inch pieces)</li>
<li>Potatoes- 3 medium size boiled and cut into 2 inch pieces.</li>
<li>Tomato puree - 2 medium size</li>
<li>fresh grated ginger- 2 teaspoon</li>
<li>Raw cumin seed powder - 1 and 1/2 teaspoon</li>
<li>Raw coriander seed powder - 1 and 1/2 teaspoon</li>
<li>Raw grated turmeric - 2 teaspoon(Dry turmeric powder will do too)</li>
<li>Garam Masala - 1 and 1/2 teaspoon</li>
<li>Salt - to taste</li>
<li>Water - 2 and 1/2 cups</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u>For tempering</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<br />
<ol>
<li>Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoon</li>
<li>Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon</li>
<li>bay leaf - 2</li>
<li>dry red chill - 1</li>
<li>hing - 1/4 teaspoon</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<u><b>Steps</b></u><br />
<div>
<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
<div>
1) Take a heavy bottom pan add oil and heat it.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2) Add all the tempering ingredients one by one in the order mentioned above.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4UXeXiRHIM/WfDKJ3MT6YI/AAAAAAAABa4/Ij0MOMj51jwl96M-x1N3mfJV9gknTt3ZgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4UXeXiRHIM/WfDKJ3MT6YI/AAAAAAAABa4/Ij0MOMj51jwl96M-x1N3mfJV9gknTt3ZgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2389.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
3) Once the tempering picks a little brown color ,add the spices(ginger,cumin powder,coriander powder,turmeric,garam masala).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QHgM0phryq4/WfDKKCL0zlI/AAAAAAAABa8/IypI9LKPZmINC9CJesrpjFrZHZ2yYczvQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QHgM0phryq4/WfDKKCL0zlI/AAAAAAAABa8/IypI9LKPZmINC9CJesrpjFrZHZ2yYczvQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2390.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4) Cook for 1-2 minutes.Don't let it burn at all.Let me mention here I have not added any salt yet.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rdF0HSpRwwQ/WfDKLYOkSKI/AAAAAAAABbE/cK79F67jPekfY7ghhmt1HT9wKUDhCgcwQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rdF0HSpRwwQ/WfDKLYOkSKI/AAAAAAAABbE/cK79F67jPekfY7ghhmt1HT9wKUDhCgcwQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2391.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
5) Now add cauliflower florets and mix.Still no salt .The reason for not adding salt yet is because once you add salt in any vegetable they start releasing water,which prevents them from browning.Here our goal is to let the cauliflower florets brown a little to get that roasted taste.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-juvg5RQmlpU/WfDKMIdgtrI/AAAAAAAABbI/UM6hZskctd4tByUMJenhLEbqcOU9JZ4VwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-juvg5RQmlpU/WfDKMIdgtrI/AAAAAAAABbI/UM6hZskctd4tByUMJenhLEbqcOU9JZ4VwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2392.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
6) Stir on and off for couple of minutes(may be 8-10 minutes).Don't let it burn,just brown a little bit.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hfti4P0LqUc/WfDKM2YelUI/AAAAAAAABbQ/8rgPILJGjaMFCty2lZnsCmrQcf3_sNdqQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hfti4P0LqUc/WfDKM2YelUI/AAAAAAAABbQ/8rgPILJGjaMFCty2lZnsCmrQcf3_sNdqQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2394.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
7) Add the boiled and cut potatoes.Cook for 5-6 minutes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
8) Now is the time to add salt and mix up every thing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
9) Add water ,mix, cover and let it cook on medium- low heat for 1/2 and hour.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RsmIw_ZDpIw/WfDKORLmVdI/AAAAAAAABbc/OZgX3qVxqoMUOnUrR0HLRGi1SCZZUZkKACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RsmIw_ZDpIw/WfDKORLmVdI/AAAAAAAABbc/OZgX3qVxqoMUOnUrR0HLRGi1SCZZUZkKACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2397.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5mpgPrA4qM/WfDKPStwP1I/AAAAAAAABbk/IsJA8tsDvxsetSex1YGPFe3agVA0LTjngCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5mpgPrA4qM/WfDKPStwP1I/AAAAAAAABbk/IsJA8tsDvxsetSex1YGPFe3agVA0LTjngCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2398.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6gz1bFxeiwg/WfDKPYB6VgI/AAAAAAAABbg/wIvvuRnFk3QmWRFpYzB6q6MGiX-obNRCgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6gz1bFxeiwg/WfDKPYB6VgI/AAAAAAAABbg/wIvvuRnFk3QmWRFpYzB6q6MGiX-obNRCgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2399.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
10) In 1/2 an hour cauliflower will 80% cooked.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
11) Now add tomato puree,mix and cover again.Cook for another 10-15 minutes.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Plc7n-_aVOs/WfDKReiM8KI/AAAAAAAABb0/N8Hbffg1UsYBCcgZNVSOiXYU6nnw_uAAACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Plc7n-_aVOs/WfDKReiM8KI/AAAAAAAABb0/N8Hbffg1UsYBCcgZNVSOiXYU6nnw_uAAACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2404.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
12) After mixing the tomato puree this is how the gravy will look.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hs-cfbVqC3k/WfDKSDY3CcI/AAAAAAAABb4/z5RQak7GkGQl4wcbmyklEllPfu7SRRnZQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hs-cfbVqC3k/WfDKSDY3CcI/AAAAAAAABb4/z5RQak7GkGQl4wcbmyklEllPfu7SRRnZQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2405.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
13)cook for 8-9 more minutes ,uncovered with tomato puree </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
14) After 8-9 minutes time gravy will thicken up a lot.At this point if you want to adjust salt ,or amount of gravy you can do so.But let me tell you very thin gravy of cauliflower will not taste as good so keep it a little concentrated.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5LS7R2TPSk/WfDKSl0tzLI/AAAAAAAABb8/frwgNkdYRrM9S0MkEB1hW_2Oc9T4ZL2ZACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5LS7R2TPSk/WfDKSl0tzLI/AAAAAAAABb8/frwgNkdYRrM9S0MkEB1hW_2Oc9T4ZL2ZACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2406.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
15) You are done now .If you want you can garnish with cilantro and serve hot. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ja8jCdtlg0o/WfDKTRLblZI/AAAAAAAABcE/xEQCfVyNZi8y9Si_q8i6IvO1TNs7WSRYQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ja8jCdtlg0o/WfDKTRLblZI/AAAAAAAABcE/xEQCfVyNZi8y9Si_q8i6IvO1TNs7WSRYQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2408.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-25823051519949987032017-10-24T21:11:00.003-07:002017-10-24T21:23:31.346-07:00pumpkin! sweet and Savory.<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As winter arrives so do pumpkins.In America more because it is considered such a festive vegetable for so many occasions around Thanks giving and Christmas. When we were in India we did not like pumpkin as much as I do here now,sole reason being pumpkins taste better here because pumpkins are a little on the sweet side.This is a special vegetable eaten with plain "Roti" or Chapati.Yes you can definitely eat with rice as a complimentary side dish.However it tastes good with either of them.As usual there are very few ingredients needed and least amount of work you can think of.</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Here are the things you need for this vegetable:-</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ol>
<li> small size pumpkin(prefer organic pie pumpkin) - 3 cups(cut into 1 inch cube pieces)</li>
<li> Methi seeds(Fenugreek seeds) - 1 teaspoon</li>
<li> Hing(Asfotida) - 1/4 teaspoon</li>
<li> Vegetable oil - 1 and 1/2 tablespoon</li>
<li> Bay leaf - 2</li>
<li> Dry red chili - 2</li>
<li> freshly grated ginger - 2 teaspoon</li>
<li> Turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon</li>
<li> salt - to taste</li>
<li> cumin powder - 1 teaspoon</li>
<li> coriander powder - 1 teaspoon</li>
<li> Jaggery - 3 teaspoon.</li>
</ol>
<div>
<b><u>How to make it:-</u></b></div>
<div>
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div>
* Cut pumpkin into pieces.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cftlIiQKmY0/We-wDpvtOeI/AAAAAAAABZc/iIWW6C6hjmU-QPkHLyysWMhzP3aacFIugCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cftlIiQKmY0/We-wDpvtOeI/AAAAAAAABZc/iIWW6C6hjmU-QPkHLyysWMhzP3aacFIugCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2301.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
* Put a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00080HEOM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00080HEOM&linkId=1e146b6f12baf44190556f785184075b" target="_blank">clay pot</a> or a pan on the stove and turn on heat.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
* Add vegetable oil and Methi seeds.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JwQqjQzljko/We-wDSCFSsI/AAAAAAAABZU/8Dv7nWQZQ88oECnxiz5y6VpdxCY2s2SVgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JwQqjQzljko/We-wDSCFSsI/AAAAAAAABZU/8Dv7nWQZQ88oECnxiz5y6VpdxCY2s2SVgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2300.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
* Let the Methi seeds become a little brown,then add hing,bay leaf and red chili</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
* After 30 seconds add the rest of the ingredient(number 7 to number 10) all at once.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVQCC5oVWWc/We-wEpoyUWI/AAAAAAAABZg/rToo_BV4pUQ1NIECyeau27xpCb1xL-FpQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVQCC5oVWWc/We-wEpoyUWI/AAAAAAAABZg/rToo_BV4pUQ1NIECyeau27xpCb1xL-FpQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2303.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
* Stir for a minute.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
* Add cut pumpkin pieces.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-z7fEULNbI/We-wFMTxpnI/AAAAAAAABZk/sA-zg6nfQhk1PYLbJJAj3VZ-sJ36xotFwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-z7fEULNbI/We-wFMTxpnI/AAAAAAAABZk/sA-zg6nfQhk1PYLbJJAj3VZ-sJ36xotFwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2304.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
* Stir everything together to mix.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MWkCZEbHz_E/We-wFawNPJI/AAAAAAAABZo/RQeNx2Q_bOEAHNlyADDANKmDKAO_4gHkQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MWkCZEbHz_E/We-wFawNPJI/AAAAAAAABZo/RQeNx2Q_bOEAHNlyADDANKmDKAO_4gHkQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2305.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
* And cover and lower down the heat to medium so that the pumpkins don't burn at the bottom of the pan.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ENd5Yjduy0s/We-wF5BqW0I/AAAAAAAABZs/TjyNxpxjkKUtPPBSAoaY8EpWBARoOr8xQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ENd5Yjduy0s/We-wF5BqW0I/AAAAAAAABZs/TjyNxpxjkKUtPPBSAoaY8EpWBARoOr8xQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2306.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
* After 5-10 minutes,uncover and stir again so that pumpkin pieces get equally distributed and they will release water.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kk2kKPeDc8g/We-wHbZi3oI/AAAAAAAABZ0/NvEUyyqKohckB6Jg-hWToBXln7yfIxM6ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kk2kKPeDc8g/We-wHbZi3oI/AAAAAAAABZ0/NvEUyyqKohckB6Jg-hWToBXln7yfIxM6ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2307.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
* Cover again and cook for some more time .After 15 minutes of on and off covering and stirring this is how it looks like.It is almost cooked ,about 80%.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-ssB7OaIGk/We-wHHAViyI/AAAAAAAABZw/D01JEY-zkNYiq7UD9LIfiyDk5nxs96P1ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-ssB7OaIGk/We-wHHAViyI/AAAAAAAABZw/D01JEY-zkNYiq7UD9LIfiyDk5nxs96P1ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
* After 1/2 an hour the vegetable is cooked completely.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OHxJgTiI5bA/We-wHlCwFTI/AAAAAAAABZ4/Xxr2QxAnJmsihAPAf0dVKtIKbPUKS-9rwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OHxJgTiI5bA/We-wHlCwFTI/AAAAAAAABZ4/Xxr2QxAnJmsihAPAf0dVKtIKbPUKS-9rwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
* Now is the time to add jaggery and stir throughly and cover the pot.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
* Below is the brand of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009OJW5OW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B009OJW5OW&linkId=291f4095f3d599825c1bba30f71e01e7" target="_blank">jaggery</a> I used.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N3IFTvvcCN4/We-wI98y0-I/AAAAAAAABZ8/VJBqq7aav_QvXUED5l9hF2eUvPxcUwkRACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N3IFTvvcCN4/We-wI98y0-I/AAAAAAAABZ8/VJBqq7aav_QvXUED5l9hF2eUvPxcUwkRACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2310.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
* Cook for another 5-8 minutes until everything is incorporated.<br />
* And here is how it look after all done.Eat with plain "roti" and it tastes heavenly.<br />
*Methi seeds are good for digestion,and urinary track infections. Methi Seeds also helps in hair growth and hair loss.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DJXOamQ8s2s/We-wJaN3Y5I/AAAAAAAABaE/1Yk41AT4R-0iHZcUq2ggTprRlWpHC89IwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DJXOamQ8s2s/We-wJaN3Y5I/AAAAAAAABaE/1Yk41AT4R-0iHZcUq2ggTprRlWpHC89IwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2312.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Notes:-<br />
<br />
1)Add little water if you see the vegetable becoming too dry and burning.<br />
<br />
2) Add jaggery only after pumpkins are cooked through completely.Any kind of sweetener,inhibits further cooking process.<br />
<br />
3) For the final touch ,if you add 1 teaspoon of Ghee just before serving,the taste is completely different .It tastes very creamy and the delicate flavor of ghee pleases the tongue a lot. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-46436420191905080352017-06-23T11:17:00.001-07:002017-06-23T11:17:05.168-07:00Gattay ke SabjeeThis is a very versatile recipe ,easy to make and the ingredients are almost always available in our pantry.It is also a good change from the monotonous routine of eating rice ,daal and green sabjee everyday.<br />
<br />
This is what you need to make gattay:-<br />
<br />
Besan - 1 cup<br />
salt - to taste<br />
chilli powder - to taste<br />
Dry Kasoori methi - 1 table spoon<br />
Cream - 2 table spoon( you can use oil instead of cream ,however gattay will come out softer with cream)<br />
<br />
yogurt - 2 table spoons<br />
Ajwain - 1/2 teaspoon<br />
Cumin powder - 1/2 teaspoon<br />
coriander powder - 1 teaspoon<br />
water - about 2 tablespoons<br />
<br />
<br />
1) Mix everything mentioned above and make the gattay.Add little water at a time as the dough should not be very soft.<br />
<br />
2) Leave aside covered for 15 minutes.<br />
<br />
Things you need for the gravy:-<br />
<br />
yogurt -1/2 cup<br />
Ginger - 1and 1/2 inch long<br />
green chilli - according to your taste<br />
tomato - one medium size<br />
<br />
Make a thin paste out of above 4 ingredients and keep it aside.<br />
<br />
coriander powder - 1 teaspoon<br />
cumin seed poder - 1/2 teaspoon<br />
cumin seed - 1/2 teaspoon for tadka<br />
mustard seeds - 1/2 teaspoon also for tadka<br />
curry leaves - few for tadka<br />
Hing - a pinch for Tadka<br />
turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon<br />
salt - to taste<br />
oil - 2 table spoon<br />
water - enough for the gravy<br />
<br />
1) Cut put portions of the gattay dough and make thin logs like the diameter of two adult fingers.<br />
<br />
2) Take a pot with enough water so the gattay logs can stay submerged and bring it to a boil .<br />
<br />
3) Once the water starts boiling drop the gattays and boil them for 10-15 minutes until gattays come up floating in the boiling water.<br />
<br />
4) Get the gattays out and cut them into 1 inch long pieces.<br />
<br />
5) Put the pan on heat,add oil and add tadka items<br />
<br />
6) Once the tadka starts crackling add the other dry spices and roast for 1/2 minute. Don't let the spices burn.<br />
<br />
7) Add the cut gattay pieces and sauté for 1 minute.<br />
<br />
8) Now add the tomato, ginger,chilli and yogurt paste. Saute for 1 minute and add water and salt.<br />
<br />
9) How much water to add depends on how think gravy you want.We eat with rice so I keep the gravy a little on the thiner side.<br />
<br />
10) Cover the pan and cook for 6-8 minutes until oil separates.Turn off the heat and transfer it in a bowl.<br />
<br />
Serve with rice,rotee,stuffed daal rotte.The choices are endless.<br />
<br />
I will soon post the pictures of every step.<br />
Cook and let me know how this recipe turned out for you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-55993907225782527822017-04-24T18:36:00.002-07:002017-10-23T12:12:35.729-07:00Whole Wheat(almost) Bread.I love bread and unlike when I was in India,I don't feel guilty when I eat bread or give bread to my family.The reason is I know what went in my bread and how healthy the ingredients are.To begin with ,I use whole wheat flour,oat flour and very little all purpose flour.I have full control over how much sugar and salt I add.<br />
I use this loaf of bread for sandwiches,french toast or for just simple toast with butter and jam.<br />
Here are the things you need to make this bread:-<br />
<br />
Whole Wheat flour- 1 and 1/4 cup(I grind <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RHV0IM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B000RHV0IM&linkId=2cdb38ec88872fc29be57b92ee250f7f" target="_blank"><u>H</u><b><u>ard Winter Wheat</u></b></a> at home in my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W8JEDPE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00W8JEDPE&linkId=c823abc43775e76fb43288611bdeceae" target="_blank">wondermill machine</a>).<br />
Rolled oat - 1/2 cup<br />
Bread flour - 1 cup<br />
Salt - 1 teaspoon<br />
Honey - 2 teaspoon<br />
instant yeast - 1 teaspoon<br />
Vital Wheat gluten - 1/2 teaspoon<br />
dry milk powder - 1 tablespoon(optional)<br />
coconut oil - 1 tablespoon(organic)<br />
Water - 1cup + 5 tablespoon.<br />
<br />
I usually dump every thing in my food processor along with water(room temperature) and mix for 45 seconds.Then after 20 minutes I again run the machine for another 45 seconds.I keep repeating this process for next 1 hour.Don't worry about over mixing because when it comes to bread dough there is never over-mixing.Specially when you are using whole wheat flour for the most part you need to mix the dough a lot to form the gluten.With bread flour or All purpose flour you don't have to worry about gluten formation.<br />
<br />
On the side note ,if you don't have a food processor you can use hands or bread machines dough cycle.Either way it will be fine.<br />
<br />
After one hour of mixing just leave the dough for one hour to rise.Then repeat the mixing and resting process again for next 1/2 an hour .<br />
<br />
In the mean time prepare your loaf pan(size <span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">L - 10.125", W - 5", H - 2.75")</span> as you normally do.<br />
<br />
After total of 2 and 1/2 hours of resting,get the dough out on the floured counter top and shape it into a loaf.Then put it in your loaf pan and cover it with plastic bag or your clean shower cap. Here I want to mention one thing that the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QM8SMK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B004QM8SMK&linkId=d63d0f0bd7dbf40b05b70e831a6fe94c" target="_blank">iron loaf pans</a> are the best for best loaf of bread.Nothing can beat the distribution of heat and the way your loaf will brown, is amazing.<br />
<br />
Let the dough rise for full 2 hours or until at least double in size .<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9kR6VS56EkY/WQPPRSSfK4I/AAAAAAAABW8/vs9Gx2JhHEo4ekZ_Z0TEwvEY3J12VQhHwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9kR6VS56EkY/WQPPRSSfK4I/AAAAAAAABW8/vs9Gx2JhHEo4ekZ_Z0TEwvEY3J12VQhHwCLcB/s320/IMG_2038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dough rising covered with the plastic bag.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qfmw_JQwWaE/WQPPdVVhbGI/AAAAAAAABXA/96TYW_cILZskRThRhehy-zK3e0Y6ZQ3awCLcB/s1600/IMG_2039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qfmw_JQwWaE/WQPPdVVhbGI/AAAAAAAABXA/96TYW_cILZskRThRhehy-zK3e0Y6ZQ3awCLcB/s320/IMG_2039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dough has risen significantly after 2 hours of rise.Ready to get baked.</div>
<br />
<br />
Towards the end of final dough rise in the loaf pan ,pre-heat your oven to 400 degree fahrenheit .<br />
<br />
Put the loaf pan in the 3rd rack of your oven,and bake for whole 10 minutes at 400 degrees.After 10 minutes turn the temperature down to 350 degrees fahrenheit and tent the loaf with a aluminum foil other wise bread will become too brown at the top.<br />
<br />
Now bake the bread at 350 degrees for 30 minutes .<br />
<br />
So total baking time will be :-<br />
<br />
10 minutes at 400 degrees + 30 minutes at 350 degrees = 40 minutes.<br />
<br />
After 40 minutes get the bread pan out and flip the loaf on a cooling rack .Apply a little butter on top of the loaf so the loaf doesn't dry out at the top.<br />
<br />
Let it cool completely and then slice and keep it wrapped in a plastic bag .It lasts for 4-5 days easily<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X6qSQ4l0kzg/WP6n6-Hbc9I/AAAAAAAABWk/_zJXvyBTNbgGRkO88ajdZ3nU3si07THBwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X6qSQ4l0kzg/WP6n6-Hbc9I/AAAAAAAABWk/_zJXvyBTNbgGRkO88ajdZ3nU3si07THBwCLcB/s320/IMG_2036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3wokXcWpL4/WP6n69hZtzI/AAAAAAAABWo/M8FxFaLNOoQZDz4DUw7CbZHehoQktOjqQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3wokXcWpL4/WP6n69hZtzI/AAAAAAAABWo/M8FxFaLNOoQZDz4DUw7CbZHehoQktOjqQCLcB/s320/IMG_2037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
on the kitchen counter top.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-52633998954684102872017-04-24T11:17:00.003-07:002017-10-24T10:38:49.632-07:00Chicken wings with a little twist!<span style="font-size: large;">I am posting a recipe of chicken wings which my daughters and my husband like a lot.They can not stop eating.The day I make chicken wings she announces me the best chef of the world.So here is the recipe.Since these wings are baked ,they are healthy and lean too.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here are the things you need:-</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">To marinate</span></b></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">chicken wings - 9 pieces(flats and drumettes included)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Cajun spices - 1 teaspoon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">cayene pepper- 1/4 teaspoon(or more if you want very spicy)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">smoked paprika - 2 teaspoon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">brown sugar - 2 teaspoon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Sea salt- according to taste</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Freshly crushed black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">garlic powder - 1 teaspoon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">ginger powder - 1/2 teaspoon</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"> Mix all the above spices and marinate the chicken in it.Rub the pieces very well without pulling the skin off.In the beginning spices will look very dry but hold the temptation to add any water or oil in the spice rub.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Stick the marinated wings in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours .</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Get the wings out of the fridge 1 hour before you have to cook,as we do not want to shock the wings with temperature change.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">In a paper bag throw in 4 tablespoons of all purpose flour,1 teaspoon of crushed black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Shake the bag and mix every thing together to dredge the wings.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Line up a baking sheet with aluminum foil.Put a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06X9KLW1P/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B06X9KLW1P&linkId=61dde5ac76fb42a095947b7db5bc526d" target="_blank">gridded baking rack</a> on top of the baking sheet .</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Now drop in one chicken piece at a time in the paper bag with flour.Shake it an take it out ,and start lining up on top of the gridded baking rack .Do the same thing with all the pieces.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">In the mean time preheat the oven to 450 degree Fahrenheit.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Put the baking sheet with chicken, in the oven on the bottom 2nd rack.Bake it for 20 minutes and flip to the other side.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">In 30 minutes you will see oil dripping out from the wings.Flip 1-2 more times.The moment it feels a little brownish and crunchy take the wings out of the oven.Do not over cook or the wings will become dry and chewy.Mine takes 30-35 minutes.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">While wings are baking prepare a simple sauce .You can eat as it is but this sauce adds a little kick to the wings.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here are the ingredients for the <u><b>Wing Sauce</b></u>:-</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 26px;">Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce</span> - 3 table spoons</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Honey - 3 teaspoon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">brown sugar - 1 table spoon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">butter - 1 table spoon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Salt - 2 - 3 pinces.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Lime juice - 3 tablespoon(you can add vinegar but I dislike the strong smell of it)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">garlic power - 1 teaspoon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">ginger powder 1/2 teaspoon</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Mix all the sauce ingredients together and heat it up in a pan.Once the butter melts and everything seems incorporated ,the sauce is done.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now get the wings out of the oven and drop all of them in the pan with sauce.Stir the chicken well so that all the pieces get coated with sauce .Serve hot.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I will definitely post pictures from next time I make ,so that things become clearer. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This kind of chicken wings are healthier because there is no frying going on and you don't have to spend too much time cooking them.If you want to make a large batch ,just go for this recipe as it takes so little time and work to cook .You can spend that time doing something else.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-69518296658780173812014-08-12T11:29:00.002-07:002017-10-24T10:22:04.674-07:00Clay pot chicken gravy.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This is the simplest yet tastiest gravy chicken I have had anywhere.At least that is what everyone in my family says.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You do not need lots of ingredients in this recipe,unlike the recipes these days.They ask you to add cream,cashew paste and lots of such things.In our house we make fun of recipes in which they add these pastes as adding these things can make even wood pulp tasty.But who will carry those extra fat on the waist ,that is something to consider.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I usually use drumsticks but you can use mixture of all parts and it will taste the same.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is what you will need:-</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Chicken - 2 pounds(cut into small pieces)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Tomato - 2(medium size,puree them)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Onion - 1 small </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">garlic - 2 cloves </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">ginger - 1and 1/2 inch</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Grind onion ,garlic and ginger together into a paste.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Green chilli - According to your taste</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">vegetable Oil- 3 table spoons</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">whole cumin seeds- 1 teaspoons(For tempering)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Bay leaf - 2</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">garam masala powder - 1 teaspoon(homemade preferred)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">coriander powder - 1 Tea spoon</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">cumin powder - 1 and 1/2 Teaspoon</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Turmeric powder-1 teaspoon</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Salt -to taste.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_UGX4OlPxc/U9gJV2FDdjI/AAAAAAAABL8/8cs9VZJmhsY/s1600/IMG_1720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_UGX4OlPxc/U9gJV2FDdjI/AAAAAAAABL8/8cs9VZJmhsY/s1600/IMG_1720.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">This is how you do it:-</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1)Put an oven proof pan or a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T4ANYJG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00T4ANYJG&linkId=a26763bad82f71773f68344fa9837705" target="_blank">clay pot</a> with the lid on the stove.Cooking in a clay pot gives a kind of earthy flavor and the meat becomes very tender and juicy because the steam is trapped in and allows the chicken to cook slowly. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2)Add oil and cumin seed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o4bokLvY7Jk/U9gJVxo_qxI/AAAAAAAABMA/lvmA4yggiC4/s1600/IMG_1721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o4bokLvY7Jk/U9gJVxo_qxI/AAAAAAAABMA/lvmA4yggiC4/s1600/IMG_1721.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">3)Dont let the cumin seeds crackle and add the onion,garlic and ginger paste.Also add bay leaf,turmeric powder,salt,add the dry spices(cumin,coriander and garam masala).</span><span style="font-size: large;">On medium heat fry the spices.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8m9ny54vwxM/U9gJV90sMEI/AAAAAAAABL4/c7Iv6uJ5hJs/s1600/IMG_1722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8m9ny54vwxM/U9gJV90sMEI/AAAAAAAABL4/c7Iv6uJ5hJs/s1600/IMG_1722.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">4)Once the oil separates from the spices add tomato puree.Stir for 3-4 minutes .Add chilli.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8V8WftjtXZc/U9gJW1gOn1I/AAAAAAAABMM/jK16lSjxhl8/s1600/IMG_1725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8V8WftjtXZc/U9gJW1gOn1I/AAAAAAAABMM/jK16lSjxhl8/s1600/IMG_1725.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">5)Add chicken pieces,keep the heat on medium and stir for 5-6 minutes.Now cover with the lid and let the chicken release its water.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">6)Every 5-6 minutes stir the chicken so that they dont stick at the bottom of the pan.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">7) When you feel that chicken has released a lot of water,uncover the lid and stir for few minutes.Depending upon how much gravy you want ,add water and cover the lid.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jFWLgQK0kzQ/U9gJXmKxnTI/AAAAAAAABMY/HHXnmmRNDbc/s1600/IMG_1727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jFWLgQK0kzQ/U9gJXmKxnTI/AAAAAAAABMY/HHXnmmRNDbc/s1600/IMG_1727.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">8)Once the gravy comes to a boil,transfer it to the oven at 250 degree temperature.Let it simmer in the oven for 30-45 minutes.Do check every once in a while to check upon the gravy and adjust the amount of gravy and salt accordingly.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">9)It is ready now to serve with hot plain rice,or chapati or naan.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7pEj0pPIRTM/U9gJYJrymSI/AAAAAAAABMc/9y7TcUu9M_I/s1600/IMG_1729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7pEj0pPIRTM/U9gJYJrymSI/AAAAAAAABMc/9y7TcUu9M_I/s1600/IMG_1729.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">One point to note though is to use <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T4ANYJG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00T4ANYJG&linkId=a26763bad82f71773f68344fa9837705" target="_blank">clay pot</a> if you have.Also instead of using all of vegetable oil ,make it half vegetable oil and half Ghee(clarified butter).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">These two changes will bring tremendous amount of flavor.Just clay pot cooking brings a lot of earthy flavor.Although you can finish the whole cooking on stovetop but cooking for extended period of time in the oven infuses all the flavor inside the chicken which is normally bland here.Chicken itself has no taste in America.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-63133881515656326802012-06-28T00:13:00.000-07:002012-06-28T00:23:40.460-07:00Egg masala with potatoes!I have seen people with refined taste and at the same time a very good cook,but very few people I have seen who have a very refined taste but with no cooking skills.I have no idea how that is possible but it happens.<br />
As the readers of my food blog you may have realized that my recipes are very simple with very few ingredients.So this recipe is one of them,very simple to gather things ,very simple to make yet very tasty.As a surprise this recipe came from a person I just mentioned who knows nothing about cooking at all however one of the tastiest egg recipes I have ever had.<br />
<br />
So here are the things you are going to need.<br />
<br />
eggs-5<br />
coriander leaves- 6-7 springs<br />
potatoes- 5(medium size)<br />
cumin seeds-1 teaspoon<br />
2 table spoon of oil<br />
turmeric powder- 1 teaspoon<br />
cumin powder- 1 teaspoon<br />
corainder powder- 1 teaspoon<br />
red chilli powder- to taste<br />
a little bit of mango pickles cut into tiny bits(one and 1/2 teaspoon)<br />
salt to taste
<br />
<br />
1) boil eggs,peel them keep aside.<br />
2) boil potatoes,peel them cut into bite size pieces and set aside.<br />
3) heat a non stick pan with oil and fry the whole eggs for 2-3 minutes till they turn a little golden(not too much).Take them out and keep them in a separate plate.<br />
4) Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.In the mean time in a small bowl keep all the dry masala ready(coriander powder, chili powder,cumin powder,turmeric).<br />
<br />
5) Once the cumin seeds are brown add all the masala at once and roast them for 10 seconds on very medium flame so that it dosent burn.<br />
<br />
6) Immediately add all the cut potatoes,sprinkle salt and mango pickles and stir very well about 2-3 minutes.<br />
7) Slice eggs into 2 pieces and add them in potaotes,stir for 1 minutes taking care that eggs wont break too much.<br />
8)Sprinkle chopped cilantro and serve as a side dish with rice or chapati.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HCWDHFHtHo8/T-wDvgJ7fgI/AAAAAAAABBI/-ap6mA0l0X8/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HCWDHFHtHo8/T-wDvgJ7fgI/AAAAAAAABBI/-ap6mA0l0X8/s320/photo+(1).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-3400300157610090882012-04-17T23:17:00.003-07:002017-11-04T12:08:54.965-07:00Minced chicken Kabab<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Who dosent like tasty food,especially if the food is tasty and healthy both.Normally tasty and healthy food do not go together ,but this chicken kabab is both.We love it and lots of my friends love it too after they tried it.However there is a little difficult and fattier version of kabab too , but believe me the taste difference is huge and believe me or not this lighter version tastes much better.I would not vouch for myself and it is better that you try it yourself.<br />
<br />
Here is what you are going to need it:-<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 full cup of chicken breast cut into pieces</li>
<li>1/4 cup onion sliced</li>
<li>2 cloves of garlic(chopped) </li>
<li>2 inch of fresh ginger root(chopped)</li>
<li>1/2 cup of chopped cilantro</li>
<li>2 tablespoon of oil</li>
<li>juice of 1/2 lime</li>
<li>1 teaspoon of coriander powder</li>
<li>1 teaspoon of cumin powder</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon of garam masala</li>
<li>1 green chilli or chilli powder according to taste</li>
<li>salt according to taste.</li>
</ul>
<br />
1)Heat a non stick pan and roast onion,garlic and ginger into translucent,just so that some of the moisture from onion,and garlic and ginger can be dried up.This step is very important.If you add onion ,ginger-garlic without drying up a little bit later the kabab mixture will be so soggy that it would not bind until you add bread crumbs and eggs.I prefer the pure taste of chicken without eggs and bread crumbs.Use about 1 table spoon of oil.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rWExEhUUkRc/T40N289yAYI/AAAAAAAABAw/p6m5iJf0SWw/s1600/P1060001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rWExEhUUkRc/T40N289yAYI/AAAAAAAABAw/p6m5iJf0SWw/s320/P1060001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
2)Once the onion ,ginger garlic cools down add cilantro ,green chili (or chili powder),all the dry masala powders,lime juice,salt and 1 tablespoon of oil.Add chicken pieces and run the food processor.Do not grind it into a fine paste.just 6-7 pulses.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxQvSVSFzLA/T40N3sXeCqI/AAAAAAAABA4/l6mSq3tyfPw/s1600/P1060004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxQvSVSFzLA/T40N3sXeCqI/AAAAAAAABA4/l6mSq3tyfPw/s320/P1060004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
3)You can also add the dry masala powder later once you grind the chicken.Keep it in the refrigerator for some time.Some people add a little egg white and bread crumbs at this point but believe me this kabab tastes good without adding these.Just make sure to prepare the spices very dry,pat down the water from the chicken pieces etc-etc.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FddOl_JLHpU/T40N453TgzI/AAAAAAAABBA/63iIFFKnhRA/s1600/P1060005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FddOl_JLHpU/T40N453TgzI/AAAAAAAABBA/63iIFFKnhRA/s320/P1060005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ElDMJcqKrD0/Wf4OYlHmC4I/AAAAAAAABeY/qs8t6h5Rj80VFcj5s1JRQv2Dq_FgGMrAACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ElDMJcqKrD0/Wf4OYlHmC4I/AAAAAAAABeY/qs8t6h5Rj80VFcj5s1JRQv2Dq_FgGMrAACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2495.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
4)Now take an oven proof dish and line it with the silver foil.Spray oil on the oven safe dish.Make rolls of kabab and insert it into skewers.Spray the kababs with some oil and you are good to go.This time I have used wooden chopsticks ,but otherwise I use <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002YFV90Y/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B002YFV90Y&linkId=839727f8019c1a4c0b8d4afd4d8a2312" target="_blank">metal skewers</a>.You can use two <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002YFV90Y/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B002YFV90Y&linkId=839727f8019c1a4c0b8d4afd4d8a2312" target="_blank">skewers</a> and cook for the whole family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DRnJ0VIhcFA/Wf4OYliBsSI/AAAAAAAABeU/2ud7tU9lXYIES3RR2ecUDDHAYjyYSuZlQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DRnJ0VIhcFA/Wf4OYliBsSI/AAAAAAAABeU/2ud7tU9lXYIES3RR2ecUDDHAYjyYSuZlQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2496.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S_MCoSkuNfo/Wf4OYpeoWgI/AAAAAAAABec/6fM_LSus-TYcIqBbqwuBk8673owNUDoDwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S_MCoSkuNfo/Wf4OYpeoWgI/AAAAAAAABec/6fM_LSus-TYcIqBbqwuBk8673owNUDoDwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2497.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
5)put the skewers about 6" below the broiler oven and broil it for 8 minutes on each side or depending upon the color and temperature setting of your oven.Serve with onion or cucumber salad as an appetizer or a side dish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DxqmMA13dXs/Wf4OZgVX6NI/AAAAAAAABeg/rsuxa4lIoBAwNKoADByGw3V6-lcFLqi9ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DxqmMA13dXs/Wf4OZgVX6NI/AAAAAAAABeg/rsuxa4lIoBAwNKoADByGw3V6-lcFLqi9ACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_2498.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-34628939964935894262010-02-25T12:43:00.000-08:002010-02-25T13:25:21.063-08:00RasgullaThis is one of the most elegant,easiest yet simple dessert a person can make.With very few number of ingredients and least work in least time you can imagine.However practice is a great factor and I made this dessert so many times that making them have become as easy as making chapati to me.<br /><br />Here's what you are going to need:-<br /><br />1. milk 1/2 gallon<br />2. sugar 1 cup<br />3. water 3 cups<br />4. cardamom 3-4<br />5. rose water 2 teaspoons<br />6. lime/lemon juice 4-5 teaspoon or as required<br /><br /><br /><br />1) Make paneer out of milk or you can also get store bought paneer but the outcome will have a stark difference in texture and smoothness of rasgulla.At home too when you are making paneer for rasgulla try making a little smoother.You can have smooth paneer by adding least amount of lime juice ,just enough to curdle it and once the milk curdles completely immediately run the paneer under cold water or put ice cubes in it to stop further cooking.The outcome will be soft paneer which is perfect for rasgulla or any paneer based dessert .<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bkrDCXfCI/AAAAAAAAA-g/vZ97GAEwMkg/s1600-h/P1210069.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bkrDCXfCI/AAAAAAAAA-g/vZ97GAEwMkg/s400/P1210069.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442288627924565026" border="0" /></a>2) Mash the paneer pieces into a soft dough by mixing it with the heal of your palm.It takes around 5-8 minutes.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bkeCaX_VI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/Mw6JbIrxOac/s1600-h/P1210071.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bkeCaX_VI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/Mw6JbIrxOac/s400/P1210071.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442288404418526546" border="0" /></a>3) Divide the dough into equal size balls.Remember to keep the balls a little smaller than the size of rasgulla you want because after boiling in sugar syrup the balls will double in size.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bkl-8-ZII/AAAAAAAAA-Y/4sMGk5iMzww/s1600-h/P1210075.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bkl-8-ZII/AAAAAAAAA-Y/4sMGk5iMzww/s400/P1210075.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442288540928861314" border="0" /></a>4)Prepare the sugar syrup by dissolving sugar into water and bringing t to a rolling boil.Dissolve 3 cups of water in one cup of sugar.The ratio is always 3:1 for water and sugar.Add cardamom.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bkYKiryoI/AAAAAAAAA-I/n_Cl79IGVxQ/s1600-h/P1210077.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bkYKiryoI/AAAAAAAAA-I/n_Cl79IGVxQ/s400/P1210077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442288303521647234" border="0" /></a>5) with the help of your both palm make the balls .Try to have as less cracks as you can in the balls.You can achieve this by rolling and pressing the balls in between you palms for a while untill you get the smooth surface.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bkOJABy_I/AAAAAAAAA-A/YB-XGDS9qtY/s1600-h/P1210082.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bkOJABy_I/AAAAAAAAA-A/YB-XGDS9qtY/s400/P1210082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442288131309161458" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bkG9Oy5MI/AAAAAAAAA94/-yPIE_pIosw/s1600-h/P1210078.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bkG9Oy5MI/AAAAAAAAA94/-yPIE_pIosw/s400/P1210078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442288007890789570" border="0" /></a>6) Now turn the heat to high and bring the sugar syrup to boiling point again.Once it starts boiling start dropping the balls one by one gently.Should not crowd the balls so depending upon how many balls you have pick the size of the pan.To be on the safe side always pick a little bigger pan.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bj_Uwb-DI/AAAAAAAAA9w/p2erGB7V0HI/s1600-h/P1210080.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bj_Uwb-DI/AAAAAAAAA9w/p2erGB7V0HI/s400/P1210080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442287876766955570" border="0" /></a>7)Once you have dropped all the balls bring the heat to medium-low and let it boil for 2 minutes and the cover with a tight lid.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bj3G2eUtI/AAAAAAAAA9o/IqUcpO8605o/s1600-h/P1210084.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bj3G2eUtI/AAAAAAAAA9o/IqUcpO8605o/s400/P1210084.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442287735595225810" border="0" /></a>8) After 8-9 minutes lift the cover and you will see that the balls have doubled in size ,like the picture below.Now let all the steam come out and cover again on low heat.Boil for another 5 minutes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bjw2s-7II/AAAAAAAAA9g/rqv3eoV76BI/s1600-h/P1210086.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bjw2s-7II/AAAAAAAAA9g/rqv3eoV76BI/s400/P1210086.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442287628181236866" border="0" /></a>9) After 5 minutes when you will remove the lid you will see the balls doubled in size but this time they have somewhat settled at the bottom of the pan.This is because they have soaked the syrup to their heart extent.If they have not setteled then cover the lif for few more minutes on low heat.The sign that your rasgullas have soaked enough syrup is that they will become heavy yet still being very spongy and set at the bottom of the pan.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bjf3QCZnI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/A3pVYWeCLNU/s1600-h/P1210091.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bjf3QCZnI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/A3pVYWeCLNU/s400/P1210091.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442287336270489202" border="0" /></a>10) Let it cool down completely , add rose syrup and serve chilled.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bjR8vvTsI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/JdCl4jXzJ-Y/s1600-h/P1210094.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S4bjR8vvTsI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/JdCl4jXzJ-Y/s400/P1210094.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442287097227464386" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-5653310319088114382010-01-24T20:37:00.000-08:002010-01-29T14:00:43.006-08:00Chandra_KalaAs the name says ,this sweet signifies the looks and shape of the Moon(Hindi name chandrama).even though I am not trying to boast myself but making this sweet is a real piece of art.In old days a girl who knew how to make "Chandra_Kala" had easier time getting married as that proved her to be a skillful cook.It is nothing like this these days ,but since I grew up watching my mother making this dish unconsciously learnt how to make this.Again this sweet dosent require much ingredient as in my other recipes however it does require some time and real patience.But once you taste it you will feel every minute spent in making t worthwhile.<br /><br />Here is what you are going to need:-<br /><br /><p><strong>For the Crust:</strong></p> <ul><li>1 cup all purpose flour (unbleached white flour or maida)</li><li>1 tablespoon sooji (semolina flour)</li><li>2 tablespoons oil</li><li>1/3 cup lukewarm water or as needed</li></ul> <p><strong>For the Filling:</strong></p> <ul><li>1/2 cup heavy cream or whipping cream</li><li>1 cup milk powder</li><li>1/4 cup coconut powder</li><li>1/4 cup sliced almonds(optional)</li><li>1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder</li><li>2 tablespoon sugar</li><li>2 tablespoon melon seeds (optional)</li></ul> <p><strong>For the Garnish:</strong></p> <ul><li>1/2 cup sugar</li><li>1/4 Water</li></ul><ul><li>Oil to fry</li></ul><br />1) Mix the cream and milk powder in a frying pan.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10kdZqW6gI/AAAAAAAAA9I/6UL0vfkf9GA/s1600-h/P1150023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10kdZqW6gI/AAAAAAAAA9I/6UL0vfkf9GA/s400/P1150023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430536813202041346" border="0" /></a>2) Cook on medium heat until mixture starts leaving the sides of the frying pan and becomes soft runny dough. <em>Stir continuously so the mixture does not burn on the bottom of the pan.</em>Turn off the heat and add coconut, almonds, melon seeds, and cardamom powder. Mix together well.After cooling, the mixture will be lightly moist.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10kYe4BbwI/AAAAAAAAA9A/BcikP0UpE_M/s1600-h/P1150024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10kYe4BbwI/AAAAAAAAA9A/BcikP0UpE_M/s400/P1150024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430536728702185218" border="0" /></a>3) After the mixture cools down a little but still warm,mix sugar and mix well.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10kTjBA84I/AAAAAAAAA84/H2CEx1rgn88/s1600-h/P1150025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10kTjBA84I/AAAAAAAAA84/H2CEx1rgn88/s400/P1150025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430536643914298242" border="0" /></a><br /><br />4) This is how the final dough looks like.You can substitute milk powder with home made khoya or store bought khoya.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10kIBg8VPI/AAAAAAAAA8w/puQ8FOI5D3E/s1600-h/P1150026.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10kIBg8VPI/AAAAAAAAA8w/puQ8FOI5D3E/s400/P1150026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430536445942846706" border="0" /></a><br />5) divide it into equal parts.Around one table spoon each in each part.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10kEP7BURI/AAAAAAAAA8o/7-ucSFub44s/s1600-h/P1150028.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10kEP7BURI/AAAAAAAAA8o/7-ucSFub44s/s400/P1150028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430536381090844946" border="0" /></a><br />6) Mix the ingredients of dough,Knead the dough and set aside.Divide the dough into equal small parts and roll into balls with the palms of your hands.Roll each ball into about 4-inch diameter (like a roti or chappati).Dip your finger in some water and spread it around the rim of the rolled dough.On one of the rolled dough put one portion of the filling mixture in the center and cover it with another rolled dough. Now press the edges together with your fingers. <em>Make sure the edges are completely sealed otherwise they will open while frying and oil will get in and filling will come out.</em>Continue filling the rest of the chandre-kala in the same manner.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10j5V4Wq5I/AAAAAAAAA8g/VXfs9iCi8Nk/s1600-h/P1150029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10j5V4Wq5I/AAAAAAAAA8g/VXfs9iCi8Nk/s400/P1150029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430536193711713170" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10j1DLugQI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/AsNDmR2XkOE/s1600-h/P1150030.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10j1DLugQI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/AsNDmR2XkOE/s400/P1150030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430536119973216514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10jsKY7wNI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/bP_g92U1vSo/s1600-h/P1150034.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10jsKY7wNI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/bP_g92U1vSo/s400/P1150034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430535967288836306" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10jm3yNxOI/AAAAAAAAA8I/Ky0IYgfvx6E/s1600-h/P1150035.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10jm3yNxOI/AAAAAAAAA8I/Ky0IYgfvx6E/s400/P1150035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430535876395255010" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10jgfrxs-I/AAAAAAAAA8A/Oe26EVezIrY/s1600-h/P1150036.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10jgfrxs-I/AAAAAAAAA8A/Oe26EVezIrY/s400/P1150036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430535766846583778" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10jb1NDm0I/AAAAAAAAA74/JzIoJS7TbwQ/s1600-h/P1150039.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10jb1NDm0I/AAAAAAAAA74/JzIoJS7TbwQ/s400/P1150039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430535686723967810" border="0" /></a>7) Heat about 1-1/2 inches of oil in a frying pan on medium heat. <em>To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. It should sizzle right away but come to the surface slowly.</em>Place the Chandra-kala in the frying pan few at a time.After they are floating on top of the oil, turn them slowly. Fry them until they turn light golden-brown color on all sides. <em>Don’t fry on high heat; the chandra-kala crust will be too soft and not crispy.</em>When they are done cooking, lift them out of the oil with a slotted spoon.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10jT8niXZI/AAAAAAAAA7w/ZITPIxezudQ/s1600-h/P1150041.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10jT8niXZI/AAAAAAAAA7w/ZITPIxezudQ/s400/P1150041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430535551275130258" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10jG_f2tCI/AAAAAAAAA7g/vY60d9IpQIc/s1600-h/P1150045.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10jG_f2tCI/AAAAAAAAA7g/vY60d9IpQIc/s400/P1150045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430535328709915682" border="0" /></a><br /><br />8) <strong>Garnishing:</strong>Boil the sugar and water on medium heat until syrup is about one thread .Dip chandra-kala into the syrup making sure they are coated with syrup all around.Place them on a wire rack to allow the extra syrup drain.They will be dry in an hour.They can be stored in airtight container up to a month.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10jOuUdXEI/AAAAAAAAA7o/4_EhwNMrcVA/s1600-h/P1150042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10jOuUdXEI/AAAAAAAAA7o/4_EhwNMrcVA/s400/P1150042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430535461537668162" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10i_uwTYeI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/Rw_imX_7-4Q/s1600-h/P1150046.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10i_uwTYeI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/Rw_imX_7-4Q/s400/P1150046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430535203956416994" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10i5VQOh1I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/FUFTkyvhi4U/s1600-h/P1150049.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10i5VQOh1I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/FUFTkyvhi4U/s400/P1150049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430535094031779666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10ioRErgmI/AAAAAAAAA7I/E_I8ML1hqkQ/s1600-h/P6020012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S10ioRErgmI/AAAAAAAAA7I/E_I8ML1hqkQ/s400/P6020012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430534800851829346" border="0" /></a>Enjoy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-3168515097721468292010-01-20T15:32:00.000-08:002010-01-21T14:21:45.115-08:00Simple sandwich bread.I bake our regular sandwich bread at least once every week.The reason behind it is that it becomes a wholesome meal for lunch once a week and other than that there is always a loaf of bread handy in case we want to eat some thing nice and simple,easy to eat.Just whip up some side dish and salad and this bread serves a very hearty meal.<br /><br />Here is what you are going to need:-<br /><br />1. white unbleached organic flour -3 cups<br />2. water at 80 degree F/27 degree C -1 cup<br />3. olive oil - 1/3 cups<br />4. sugar - 2 tsp<br />5. salt - 1 tsp<br />6. active dry yeast - 1 and 1/2 tsp<br />7. dried Italian seasioning<br />8. Un-toasted Sunflower seeds<br /><br /><br />1) Mix everything together and kneed for some time till the dough becomes soft and smooth.Once attaining that state leave it covered in a greased bowl for at least 2 hours in a warm place.This helps in giving the yeast enough time to make the final result that is bread very fluffy and soft.<br /><br />2) After 2 hours the dough will become the double of size .Take the dough out and keep it in floured surface and kneed a little more.This time the dough has rested enough and will be very smooth to touch.This is how the dough will look this time.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eUf-tX_XI/AAAAAAAAA5k/wpSO2CSpdiU/s1600-h/P1120007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eUf-tX_XI/AAAAAAAAA5k/wpSO2CSpdiU/s400/P1120007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428971152948591986" border="0" /></a><br />3) After kneading little like 4-5 minutes,start flattening it out in a rectangular shape.Like below.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eUX0tsD4I/AAAAAAAAA5U/7tBwK-fp-kY/s1600-h/P1120010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eUX0tsD4I/AAAAAAAAA5U/7tBwK-fp-kY/s400/P1120010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428971012826599298" border="0" /></a>4) Now starting form one end start rolling it into a log by constantly pinching the open end.Once you have completely rolled the rectangle into a log ,pinch the last two ends tightly.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eUT_J-i3I/AAAAAAAAA5M/YYnZBx7uUAc/s1600-h/P1120011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eUT_J-i3I/AAAAAAAAA5M/YYnZBx7uUAc/s400/P1120011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428970946910129010" border="0" /></a>5) Prepare the loaf pan by applying a little oil and dusting it with a little flour.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eUb-gsmLI/AAAAAAAAA5c/JAy6Gu4U0AU/s1600-h/P1120009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eUb-gsmLI/AAAAAAAAA5c/JAy6Gu4U0AU/s400/P1120009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428971084175939762" border="0" /></a><br />6) Now seam side down put the rolled log in the pan.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eUK-QCYaI/AAAAAAAAA48/48h6GAjE-Q0/s1600-h/P1120012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eUK-QCYaI/AAAAAAAAA48/48h6GAjE-Q0/s400/P1120012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428970792048288162" border="0" /></a>7) Cover it with a kitchen towel for at least an hour or till the roll loaf double in size in a warm place.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eUGVWEIhI/AAAAAAAAA40/c3YJlcePn6I/s1600-h/P1120014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eUGVWEIhI/AAAAAAAAA40/c3YJlcePn6I/s400/P1120014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428970712348238354" border="0" /></a>8) This is the state when it is ready to go into the oven.Preheat the oven at 400 degree F/205degree C and bake it for 20 minutes or until done(by looking at the crust color and tapping the crust which will sound like hollow.) in the middle rack.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eT_ms3HsI/AAAAAAAAA4s/wnWuBHJU49w/s1600-h/P1120017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eT_ms3HsI/AAAAAAAAA4s/wnWuBHJU49w/s400/P1120017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428970596748172994" border="0" /></a>10) Take it out form the oven and immediately transfer it into a cooling rack.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eT2PMic_I/AAAAAAAAA4k/2rDyV0EXGWc/s1600-h/P1120019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eT2PMic_I/AAAAAAAAA4k/2rDyV0EXGWc/s400/P1120019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428970435819762674" border="0" /></a>11)Let it cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eTwEB84iI/AAAAAAAAA4c/6Wfd3_VSj98/s1600-h/P1120022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eTwEB84iI/AAAAAAAAA4c/6Wfd3_VSj98/s400/P1120022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428970329743352354" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eVYji3tKI/AAAAAAAAA5s/TtmpcEZluc4/s1600-h/PC130005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eVYji3tKI/AAAAAAAAA5s/TtmpcEZluc4/s400/PC130005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428972124909319330" border="0" /></a><br />12) Use it into any type of sandwich you like.I mostly prefer making vegetable sandwich with green coriander leaf chutney,cucumber ,boiled potatoes ,tomatoes ,sliced onions .This bread also goes very well with the deli sandwich with your choice of meat ,chicken or turkey slices.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eVnWPgigI/AAAAAAAAA50/4OQtSQOTnJo/s1600-h/PC290007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S1eVnWPgigI/AAAAAAAAA50/4OQtSQOTnJo/s400/PC290007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428972379036486146" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-54478562949203684272010-01-14T20:59:00.000-08:002010-01-15T11:16:48.656-08:00Tilkut(sesame seeds bars)<p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style=""><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: courier new;">First of all happy "Sankranti" to every one.</span><br /></span></span></strong></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style=""><span style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: normal;">I remember when I was at home, my mother used to make sesame bars or sesame balls all the time. Not only in the special festival but otherwise too.</span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style=""><span style="font-weight: normal; font-family: courier new;">The main reason behind starting to make that was health .My father was transferred to a place which had lots of cement factories .As a result problem of pollution was huge and people used to develop lung and breathing problems a lot. When My father was transferred to that place as a precaution doctor asked him to eat products made of jaggery.Now eating jaggery alone was a not an easy task ,so my mother came up with the idea of sesame balls or bars which were made of jaggery.</span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style=""><span style="font-weight: normal; font-family: courier new;">No matter what the reason was, we kids also had good time eating them even though we did not live in the cement factory place .My father lived there alone and would come on weekends. Unconsciously I also learn't making that.</span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style=""><span style="font-weight: normal; font-family: courier new;">Now I live in a place, which is so polluted that we do not get a chance to see the starts in the sky. Since </span><st1:place style="font-weight: normal; font-family: courier new;" st="on"><st1:city st="on">Phoenix</st1:city></st1:place><span style="font-weight: normal; font-family: courier new;"> is a valley and thus surrounded by mountains, it is very hard for the polluted air to escape out. All the polluted air stays trapped in and the sky is not clear enough to let the stars visible to naked eyes. The saying that starts are countless is proved completely wrong with the stars in </span><st1:place style="font-weight: normal; font-family: courier new;" st="on"><st1:city st="on">Phoenix</st1:city></st1:place><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: courier new;"> sky. I was completely </span><span style="font-family: courier new;">unaware of this fact until I visited </span></span><st1:city style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: normal;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">Lowell</st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: normal;"> Observatory. That tour was incredible .We not only got to see 100 year old telescope in a wooden dome which was used to discover the planet Pluto but we also found out some interesting facts .The tour guide said that the pollution level in Flagstaff which is just 2 hours drive from Phoenix is much lower than Phoenix. That was obvious when we saw the sky full of starts at night in Flagstaff and compared it with stars in Phoenix. I never saw that number of stars after I left </span><st1:country-region style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: normal;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: normal;"> what I saw in Flagstaff.</span><o:p style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: bold;"></o:p></span></strong></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style=""><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style=""><span style="font-family: courier new;">Apparently, when I came back to </span><st1:city style="font-weight: normal; font-family: courier new;" st="on">Phoenix</st1:city><span style="font-weight: normal; font-family: courier new;"> after </span><st1:city style="font-weight: normal; font-family: courier new;" st="on"><st1:place st="on">Flagstaff</st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-weight: normal; font-family: courier new;"> trip, the first thing, which struck my mind, was to make that same old sesame balls and bars. Went to an Asian store and bought plenty of sesame seeds packets along with lots of jaggery.Now was the time of real experiment and test of my cooking skill, which I learnt unconsciously from my mother when I was a kid. I am glad that every thing went well, and the sweet came out good. Most importantly, my husband loved it and I felt my hard work was worth every thing.</span><o:p style="font-weight: normal;"></o:p></span></strong></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:courier new;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong style="font-weight: normal; font-family: courier new;"><span style="">Later I also found out that n</span></strong><span style="font-family: courier new;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: normal;">ot only are sesame seeds</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">very good source of manganese and copper, but they are also a good source of calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, vitamin B1, zinc and dietary fiber. In addition to these important nutrients, sesame seeds contain two unique substances: </span><i style="font-weight: normal;">sesamin</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and </span><i style="font-weight: normal;">sesamolin</i><span style="font-weight: normal;">. Both of these substances belong to a group of special beneficial fibers called </span><i style="font-weight: normal;">lignans</i><span style="font-weight: normal;">, and have been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect in humans, and to prevent high blood pressure and increase vitamin E supplies in animals. Sesamin has also been found to protect the liver from oxidative damage.</span></span></span><strong style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: normal;"><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></p> <span style="font-family: courier new;font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;" ><strong><span style="">The only thing I wish is that, I could send few pieces to my mother to let her know how her skills became helpful to me and how proud she should be for me. I wish she could taste a piece of these sesame bars.</span></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">Making this long story short(which is already too long) lets jump to the recipe.Here is what you are going to need:-</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">1. 2 cups raw sesame seed(buy from whole foods ,they are the best)</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">2. 1 cup of jaggery</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">3. some water</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">1) In a hot wok dry roast the sesame seeds until brown.Cosntant stirring is required otherwise they burn very fast which will give a bitter taste to the bars.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_5aeJcH4I/AAAAAAAAA4U/MvmpR8dTRd8/s1600-h/P1130025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_5aeJcH4I/AAAAAAAAA4U/MvmpR8dTRd8/s400/P1130025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426830309169307522" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">2) This is how they will look.It takes about 6-7 minutes.The aroma of roasted sesame seeds will be everywhere in the house.Transfer them into a bowl to avoid getting further roasted.</span><br /><a style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_5VpkehnI/AAAAAAAAA4M/w2GRye0ujrs/s1600-h/P1130027.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_5VpkehnI/AAAAAAAAA4M/w2GRye0ujrs/s400/P1130027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426830226336155250" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;">3) Put them in food processor.If you dont have one you can use mixer or grinder .The whole idea is to grind the seeds very course not fine.If nothing than mortar and pestle will also do.That is what my maa used .</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_5RhkFU-I/AAAAAAAAA4E/yiM6Oz1VcCY/s1600-h/P1130029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_5RhkFU-I/AAAAAAAAA4E/yiM6Oz1VcCY/s400/P1130029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426830155467543522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;">4) Here is how they will look.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_5NK92CPI/AAAAAAAAA38/QxHTZaWpRTM/s1600-h/P1130030.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_5NK92CPI/AAAAAAAAA38/QxHTZaWpRTM/s400/P1130030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426830080682100978" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;">6) heat up a non stick pan ,add jaggery and little bit water like 1/2 cup and bring it to boil.Remove the dirt with a spoon.Now keep boiling for some time until you get the consistency of the liquid very stringy and bubbling like shown below.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_5ITTrkOI/AAAAAAAAA30/EKW37fgGlA4/s1600-h/P1130032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_5ITTrkOI/AAAAAAAAA30/EKW37fgGlA4/s400/P1130032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426829997021827298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;">7) To test if the jaggery syrup has attained the desired consistency you can take some cold water in bowl and pour some bubbling liquid .You will see that as soon as you drop the liquid in the cold water it will from into a thick mass like caramelized candy.This step in very crucial as formation of proper bars depends upon how your jaggery syrup is.</span><br /><a style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_4z5q6M5I/AAAAAAAAA3s/V98cyj9VR1s/s1600-h/P1130036.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_4z5q6M5I/AAAAAAAAA3s/V98cyj9VR1s/s400/P1130036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426829646542549906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;">8) If you try to stir with a spoon the mass will stick into it and with your fingers you can easily form a ball of jaggery.That is when you know your syrup is done.</span><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_4wAASg7I/AAAAAAAAA3k/gT6OB6jJUuc/s1600-h/P1130037.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_4wAASg7I/AAAAAAAAA3k/gT6OB6jJUuc/s400/P1130037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426829579523359666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;">9) Now pour the syrup into ground sesame seeds ,not all at once but little by little.In the mean time keep stirring the sesame seeds powder so that you will get an idea how much more syrup you need.Once you think you have poured enough syrup ,you can stop and give it a final stir.</span><br /><a style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_4rwd8-BI/AAAAAAAAA3c/mC_0vfIOhGU/s1600-h/P1130038.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_4rwd8-BI/AAAAAAAAA3c/mC_0vfIOhGU/s400/P1130038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426829506633332754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;">10) Mix properly.You will have to be very fast because if the mixture cools down even a little then the jaggery syrup will crystallize.So keep every thing prepared ahead of time.</span><br /><a style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_4naP-SuI/AAAAAAAAA3U/OIabFSJS52w/s1600-h/P1130039.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_4naP-SuI/AAAAAAAAA3U/OIabFSJS52w/s400/P1130039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426829431949642466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;">11) Transfer it into the aluminum paper.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_4i--03oI/AAAAAAAAA3M/9Wa8lKL0flc/s1600-h/P1130040.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_4i--03oI/AAAAAAAAA3M/9Wa8lKL0flc/s400/P1130040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426829355910487682" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;">12)Dip your hands in cold water and start flatting it out.Keep it about 1/2 inch thick.Let it cool down a little .</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_4e7lg17I/AAAAAAAAA3E/9dAfSe1zTWo/s1600-h/P1130042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_4e7lg17I/AAAAAAAAA3E/9dAfSe1zTWo/s400/P1130042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426829286279534514" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;">13) Cut it in what ever shape you like.I made them in a square shape.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_4ajpBxzI/AAAAAAAAA28/RZn49rxXB0k/s1600-h/P1130043.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_4ajpBxzI/AAAAAAAAA28/RZn49rxXB0k/s400/P1130043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426829211132348210" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;">14) Enjoy.Once completely cooled down you can store them in an air tight container.It stays well for 2-3 weeks.However it is better not to make in large batches because the oil in sesame seeds can go rancid if kept for a long time.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_4U4kQhaI/AAAAAAAAA20/v-rsARjEAl4/s1600-h/P1130051.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_4U4kQhaI/AAAAAAAAA20/v-rsARjEAl4/s400/P1130051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426829113670272418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;">15) On Sankranti we have the tradition of eating "chura-dahe-chinni aur tilkut"(That is water soaked beaten rice ,yogurt,sugar and sesame seeds bar)</span><br /><a style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_4OFBuvuI/AAAAAAAAA2s/Ih7Rq_Z5o9Y/s1600-h/P1140072.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0_4OFBuvuI/AAAAAAAAA2s/Ih7Rq_Z5o9Y/s400/P1140072.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426828996756029154" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:courier new;">Again the nice thing is that there are very few ingredients used,has less fat and very simple and less time taking.Above all a very good source of calcium.Sesame seeds have more calcium than milk.Good for kids as they love eating sweet ,at the same time getting loads of calcium for their constant and rapid bone formation.<br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:courier new;font-size:100%;" >This post is my contribution to <a href="http://priyaeasyntastyrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/01/cooking-with-seedsannouncing-new-event.html">"cooking with seeds event"</a> hosted by Priya</span>.<br /><br /><br /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/bldl/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/bldl/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/bldl/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.png" alt="" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-35908436645940538362010-01-12T14:03:00.000-08:002010-01-12T14:17:46.966-08:00Chili-Garlic chutneyThis is the simplest chutney I can make and also the tastiest one.More because there is no cooking no preparation and as you know very few ingredients.Goes well with every thing.I can eat it with regular chapati,<a href="http://fewingredients.blogspot.com/2010/01/makke-ke-rottecorn-tortilla.html">corn tortillas(makke ke rotte)</a>,with rice and daal,With parathas both plain and stuffed.<br /><br />Here is what you are going to need:-<br /><br />5-6 green chillies<br />3-4 cloves of garlic<br />One teaspoon of mustard oil<br />1 tablespoon of salt<br /><br />Every thing should be raw.You can increase the proportion according to your need.Once you will make following this recipe you will get a hang of it as how much to increase each ingredient to make a large batch.<br /><br />With mortar and pestle crush every thing together .Do not make it into fine paste.If you are making a large amount then you can use the food processor .<br /><br />That is it.It is ready to serve.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0zz9aFP_wI/AAAAAAAAA1M/-QrM9I89q5M/s1600-h/PC240126.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0zz9aFP_wI/AAAAAAAAA1M/-QrM9I89q5M/s400/PC240126.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425979887373516546" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-21443507650381731132010-01-12T12:55:00.000-08:002010-01-12T14:18:34.603-08:00Mustard Greens/sarso ka saagMustard greens are natures little secret. It is one of the most nutritious plants you can eat. Mustard greens belong to the same family as Broccoli and Collards. It is quite a spicy little plant.Mustard were often used for their extremely green chlorophyll. The taste is a bit bitter perhaps that is due to the many minerals found in the leaves. Mustard greens may possibly help with asthma and other respiratory problems. The magnesium in mustard greens helps to smooth the walls of the bronchial tubes.Mustard greens are low in calories and contain a large amount of antioxidants. They provide an excellent source of vitamins B6, C, and E, folic acid,calcium, carotene, manganese,copper, and fiber. They also offer a very good source of phosphorus, vitamins B1 and B2,magnesium, protein, potassium,and iron.<br /><br />Mustard greens once cooked go very well with pretty much anything like chapati,rice ,as a side dish and the best combination is with <a href="http://fewingredients.blogspot.com/2010/01/makke-ke-rottecorn-tortilla.html">corn tortilla/makke ke rotte.<br /></a><br />Here is what you are going to need:-<br /><br />1. One bunch of mustard greens(we buy from whole foods as it is organic and pesticides free)<br />2. Half bunch of spinach<br />3. 5 cloves of garlic<br />4. one inch big piece of ginger<br />5. one green chili<br />6. butter one table spoon<br />7. one teaspoon of vegetable oil<br />8. salt to taste.<br />9. 1/2 table spoon cornflour<br /><br /><br />1) Clean and wash the leaves(mustard and spinach)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0zjVtafDyI/AAAAAAAAA1E/xQwB8NQq_WU/s1600-h/PC220106.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 202px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0zjVtafDyI/AAAAAAAAA1E/xQwB8NQq_WU/s400/PC220106.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425961613182045986" border="0" /></a><br />2) Put the leaves and 1/2 cup of water in the pressure cooker and add a little salt.(Do not add too much salt as mustard greens are salty in it self.)Cook for two whistles and let the pressure come out on its own.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0zjRfVomRI/AAAAAAAAA08/BO7nrK8aoD4/s1600-h/PC220107.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0zjRfVomRI/AAAAAAAAA08/BO7nrK8aoD4/s400/PC220107.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425961540684126482" border="0" /></a>3) Blend the cooked leaves with one green chili into a fine paste along with the leftover water in the cooker.(Add more chili if you want more spicy)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0zjIXOuZDI/AAAAAAAAA0s/QUx8dwWDEjY/s1600-h/PC220110.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0zjIXOuZDI/AAAAAAAAA0s/QUx8dwWDEjY/s400/PC220110.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425961383888839730" border="0" /></a>4) peel ginger and garlic and mince them with your knife as fine as you can.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0zjCXERtUI/AAAAAAAAA0k/46MkWgq4D98/s1600-h/PC220112.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0zjCXERtUI/AAAAAAAAA0k/46MkWgq4D98/s400/PC220112.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425961280765801794" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0zi8wJHn4I/AAAAAAAAA0c/RETduYsfM2Y/s1600-h/PC220114.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0zi8wJHn4I/AAAAAAAAA0c/RETduYsfM2Y/s400/PC220114.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425961184417783682" border="0" /></a>5) In a pan heat the oil and add minced ginger and garlic together.Let it cook for some time till well cooked but do not let it turn brown.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0zi2NlrOSI/AAAAAAAAA0U/u3sBeIZMZG4/s1600-h/PC220115.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0zi2NlrOSI/AAAAAAAAA0U/u3sBeIZMZG4/s400/PC220115.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425961072063101218" border="0" /></a>6) Now add the pureed greens.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0zixoSWzXI/AAAAAAAAA0M/7y8wuPEDV-A/s1600-h/PC220116.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0zixoSWzXI/AAAAAAAAA0M/7y8wuPEDV-A/s400/PC220116.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425960993330482546" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>7) Add corn flour.Stir every thing well and taste a little.If needed add some more salt according to your taste.Cover and let it cook for some time on medium heat.It takes about 6-7 minutes untill you get the right consistency.It should not be very liquidy nor very runny.It should be like thick batter of idli.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0zigwKTF4I/AAAAAAAAAz8/7nmvvXXZWZM/s1600-h/PC220118.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0zigwKTF4I/AAAAAAAAAz8/7nmvvXXZWZM/s400/PC220118.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425960703386392450" border="0" /></a><br />8)Transfer it into a bowl and add butter/ghee on top and stir.Serve hot with <a href="http://fewingredients.blogspot.com/2010/01/makke-ke-rottecorn-tortilla.html">corn tortilla/makke ke rotte</a> and spicy <a href="http://fewingredients.blogspot.com/2010/01/chili-garlic-chutney.html">chili-garlic chutney</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ziHOutaUI/AAAAAAAAAzs/x9ZaIcVGJ3Y/s1600-h/PC240130.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ziHOutaUI/AAAAAAAAAzs/x9ZaIcVGJ3Y/s400/PC240130.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425960264915577154" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ziSVkIWfI/AAAAAAAAAz0/DPuJDXrAQcM/s1600-h/PC240133.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ziSVkIWfI/AAAAAAAAAz0/DPuJDXrAQcM/s400/PC240133.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425960455728814578" border="0" /></a>This a very hearty meal with full of nutrition.A good way to feed your kids greens.My two year daughter loves to dip pieces of <a href="http://fewingredients.blogspot.com/2010/01/makke-ke-rottecorn-tortilla.html">corn tortilla</a> in mustard greens and relishes it.<br /><br />Tips :-<br />1. Adding spinach takes out some spiciness of mustard greens and makes the whole dish very creamy.<br />2. Adding butter or ghee is must to bring out the flavor.<br />3. Never add roasted corn flour.Raw corn flour gives the creamy texture in the dish.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-54654348875920102282010-01-07T13:53:00.000-08:002010-01-12T14:20:01.533-08:00Makke ke rotte(corn tortilla)I think anyone who is from India is very well familiar with "Makke ke rotte" .Even though it is more popular in Punjab but every state has it own version of "makke ke rotte" recipe.In our culture of Mithila we do not eat it with <a href="http://fewingredients.blogspot.com/2010/01/mustard-greenssarso-ka-saag.html">mustard greens ("sarso ka sag"</a>) but with <a href="http://fewingredients.blogspot.com/2010/01/chili-garlic-chutney.html">spicy chutney </a>or pickles.It is healthy and wholesome meal.In our village the elites wont eat "makke ke rotte" as it symbolizes the food of poor or fodder food as it is grown in abundance and very cheap.It is so funny that here we go to whole foods to buy fresh corn flour and pay double the price to get that taste which is so readily available in my village.I am not ashamed of writing about it as I do not like adding frills and frame to hide the reality.I grew up with village food and we were not elites to show off enough.If food is tasty ,cheap and nutritious we would not care about anything else.<br /><br />Whole foods carries fresh cornflour/yellow cornmeal which tastes as good as freshly ground corn flour in my village.If you buy packed cornflour from any Indian store or other stores named as "masa harina",it wont taste as sweet as it should as most of the time the flour has gone rancid.<br /><br />So here is what you are going to need :-<br />1.) 2 cups of corn flour or fine corn meal.<br />2.) 1 cup of boiling water.<br /><br /><br />1) Measure corn flour and set aside.Boil water and pour little by little over the flour and start mixing it with a spoon.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ZdAkOQGTI/AAAAAAAAAzE/5RM6A6FeF4s/s1600-h/PC240119.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 175px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ZdAkOQGTI/AAAAAAAAAzE/5RM6A6FeF4s/s200/PC240119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424125065519175986" border="0" /></a>2) Since it will be too hot, you cant mix it with your hand in the beginning.Once you think you do not need more hot water and the dough has cooled down enough , you can use your hands to mix it.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0Zc41eIn0I/AAAAAAAAAy8/EI7reJt07QU/s1600-h/PC240120.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 192px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0Zc41eIn0I/AAAAAAAAAy8/EI7reJt07QU/s200/PC240120.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424124932710244162" border="0" /></a>3) some times depending upon the weather and quality of flour you may need more or less water so do not add all the water at once.Now with your hands knead on a flat surface for a while.Since there is no gluten in corn there wont be formation of gluten if you knead the dough a lot.However a little kneading makes the dough very pliable and smooth.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0Zc08W9MGI/AAAAAAAAAy0/ySWDXtJMTfM/s1600-h/PC240122.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 187px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0Zc08W9MGI/AAAAAAAAAy0/ySWDXtJMTfM/s200/PC240122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424124865839706210" border="0" /></a>4) Form smooth balls and cover it until ready to use or it will become dry at the surface.Divide it into 5 equal part.Make it into round balls with the help of your palms.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ZcuNt7ydI/AAAAAAAAAys/Ow87gvEWEwo/s1600-h/PC240123.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 316px; height: 193px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ZcuNt7ydI/AAAAAAAAAys/Ow87gvEWEwo/s200/PC240123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424124750240401874" border="0" /></a>5) Now take a cellophane or just a plastic transparent grocery bag and cut both long sides .So there will be three sides open and one side intact.Put one ball in between the plastic ,cover it and roll it like chapati.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ZcqBksUPI/AAAAAAAAAyk/DUmlw2DFHjQ/s1600-h/PC240125.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 195px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ZcqBksUPI/AAAAAAAAAyk/DUmlw2DFHjQ/s200/PC240125.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424124678260936946" border="0" /></a>6) While rolling you have to be very gentle and slow.Some times you will see frayed end after rolling or while rolling that is because you may have not kneaded the dough enough.Once you have rolled the "rotte" put a flat pan and heat it on high heat.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ZcjHa8r4I/AAAAAAAAAyc/qlq6SouLk9k/s1600-h/PC240127.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 205px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ZcjHa8r4I/AAAAAAAAAyc/qlq6SouLk9k/s200/PC240127.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424124559571595138" border="0" /></a>7) Now remove the upper layer of plastic .It will come off just like that.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ZceifuWlI/AAAAAAAAAyU/iIdwRxfjUA8/s1600-h/PC240128.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 180px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ZceifuWlI/AAAAAAAAAyU/iIdwRxfjUA8/s200/PC240128.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424124480940038738" border="0" /></a>7) Place your right hand palm on the "rotte" and with the left hand hold the lower plastic layer and transfer the "rotte" on your right hand.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ZcXzF8zEI/AAAAAAAAAyM/0yWu2YpmTbk/s1600-h/PC240134.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 206px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ZcXzF8zEI/AAAAAAAAAyM/0yWu2YpmTbk/s200/PC240134.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424124365136251970" border="0" /></a>8) Immediately transfer the "rotte" into hot pan.If you leave it on your hand for even a little bit time you wont be able to transfer the "rotte" into the pan properly .The "rotte" will get stuck in your hands.After 2 minutes flip it .<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ZcHtliYyI/AAAAAAAAAyE/XZKWF2TVPHE/s1600-h/PC240135.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 199px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ZcHtliYyI/AAAAAAAAAyE/XZKWF2TVPHE/s200/PC240135.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424124088780219170" border="0" /></a>8) Here is how it will look after the first flip.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0Zb_RZ3iTI/AAAAAAAAAx8/--iipJdd0Nw/s1600-h/PC240129.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 206px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0Zb_RZ3iTI/AAAAAAAAAx8/--iipJdd0Nw/s200/PC240129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424123943776127282" border="0" /></a>9) Now let it cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes and flip over again.This time press all parts with a clean cloth and the "rotte" will puff up.Cooking part is just like making ordinary wheat flour chapati.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0Zb597bYrI/AAAAAAAAAx0/hPhyOMmgik0/s1600-h/PC240131.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 203px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0Zb597bYrI/AAAAAAAAAx0/hPhyOMmgik0/s200/PC240131.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424123852648833714" border="0" /></a>10) It is now ready to serve with <a href="http://fewingredients.blogspot.com/2010/01/mustard-greenssarso-ka-saag.html">Mustard greens(sarso ka sag)</a> and <a href="http://fewingredients.blogspot.com/2010/01/chili-garlic-chutney.html">Chili-garlic chutney</a> Or you can just serve with tangy hot pickles.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ZbwBLOF6I/AAAAAAAAAxs/38tAa1z8K3Q/s1600-h/PC240133.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 335px; height: 231px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ZbwBLOF6I/AAAAAAAAAxs/38tAa1z8K3Q/s200/PC240133.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424123681721685922" border="0" /></a><br />Tips:- Some people mix wheat flour to make it more pliable to work with the dough.This happens in three cases:<br />1) when you use cold water to mix the dough<br />2) when you do not knead enough<br />3) you use excess water than needed.<br /><br />So to correct these mistakes people use wheat flour.However there is no need of mixing wheat flour if you do every thing right.Because if you mix wheat flour you will feel the distinct taste of wheat in "rotte" which dosent serve the purpose if you want real "makke ke rotte"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-54549259011040792552010-01-06T21:42:00.000-08:002010-01-06T22:12:01.554-08:00Moong Sprout snacks!One of the simplest snacks or breakfast items is moong sprouts.If you want it to eat it as breakfast just add a teaspoon of fresh raw honey in the sprouts and eat it complimenting with a whole fresh fruit.It becomes a wholesome and hearty breakfast.Particularly I do not like to start my day with spicy food so this turns out to be my favorite breakfast.Hate cereals because they have more harmful effects than health benefits .Anyway without digressing let us talk about sprouts especially moong sprouts.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In the sprouted moong, the overall energy decreases by 15% but the protein availability increases by a whopping 30%. The carbohydrate molecules during sprouting are broken down and these, when they react with nitrogen, go to form amino-acids which, in turn, give rise to easily digestible proteins.Sprouts are considered an excellent and inexpensive substitute for expensive fruits since both are rich in fiber and vitamins. Sprouts are also a rich source of assimilable minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. In moong sprouts, the availability of calcium increases by 34%, potassium by 80%, iron by 40% and phosphorus by 56%. This is attributable to the release of minerals from protein complexes and decrease in the level of phytates during sprouting. </span><br /><br />People think that sprouts are very boring and monotonous to eat.Actually that is not true at all.A non complex food like sprouts can be turned into such a tasty treat with very little time and effort that it is very hard to fathom.And the best part is low calorie , rich in nutrients and yet tasty.What else can you want from a food item.My goal has always been to eat cheap and healthy.Here is my recipe to make a tasty snacks with moong sprouts.<br /><br />Here's what you are going to need:-<br /><br />* 1 cup of moong sprout<br />* 2 cups of puffed rice<br />* salt to taste<br />* 1 teaspoon of mustard oil<br />* 2 teaspoon of lime/lemon juice<br />* one green chill finely chopped.<br />* some thinly chopped raw onion.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0V1cMBw1lI/AAAAAAAAAxc/s3NUgdTFyHU/s1600-h/P1030145.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0V1cMBw1lI/AAAAAAAAAxc/s3NUgdTFyHU/s320/P1030145.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423870453363037778" border="0" /></a>There is hardly any steps here.Still to make it simple and readable I have divided this recipe into as simple as two steps.<br /><br />1) Except puffed rice mix every thing else in a big bowl.Stir it properly.<br /><br />2) Just before serving add puffed rice ,mix again and serve.If you mix puffed rice ahead of time they turn soggy and non non appetizing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0V1XkkQ6rI/AAAAAAAAAxU/9lGcg_zv_pA/s1600-h/P1030146.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0V1XkkQ6rI/AAAAAAAAAxU/9lGcg_zv_pA/s320/P1030146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423870374050851506" border="0" /></a><br />This really tickles your tongue.This recipe can be made with any kind of sprout such as kala chana sprout.However it tastes the best with moong sprout.Kids can eat this easily with lots of relish,just exclude the green chili .A very good way to incorporate sprouts in their meal.My 2 year old daughter can devour one bowl in just a blink of my eyes .Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-8862388742919280672010-01-04T21:43:00.000-08:002017-10-23T12:23:11.051-07:00Almonds KulfiAlmonds kulfi is one of my favorite desserts and so is my daughter's.Kulfi is better to me in several ways and one of them is that there is no use of eggs unlike ice creams.Even though we are non-vegetarians still I try to keep my kitchen untouched with non vegetarian items that includes mixing or touching other things with non-vegetarian hands.I know it sounds ridiculous but my MIL is a big time God fearing lady and believes that non-vegetarian and vegetarian items should be kept separately.For hygienic reason I also prefer the same.<br />
Cutting the idea short I want to say that when my daughter eats ice cream made with eggs she definitely spills few drops here and there which is not acceptable in our house.With this kulfi recipe I do not have to worry about all these and she can also eat carelessly.Above all it s little less fatty than your regular ice cream ,less ingredient used and easy to make.<br />
<br />
So here's what you are going to need:-<br />
<br />
* 4 cups whole milk<br />
* 1 slice of white bread<br />
* 1 teaspoon cornstarch<br />
* 1/4 cup sugar, adjust to taste<br />
* 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground cardamom (ilachi)<br />
* 10 Almonds sliced<br />
* few saffron strands<br />
<br />
<br />
1. Remove the crust from all sides of the bread and cut the bread in small pieces.<br />
2. Blend bread pieces, cornstarch, and a 1/2 cup of milk, making smooth paste and set aside.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0LSMWRhGTI/AAAAAAAAAxM/BmJk7MloO2Q/s1600-h/PC170069.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423128010886814002" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0LSMWRhGTI/AAAAAAAAAxM/BmJk7MloO2Q/s320/PC170069.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 239px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
3. Boil remaining milk (3.5 cups) in nonstick frying pan on medium high heat.Stir milk frequently to keep the milk from burning on the bottom of the frying pan. Stir the sides of the pan to avoid scalding.After milk comes to boil, let the milk boil for some more time till 3 1/2 cups reduces to 2 1/2 cups.<br />
<br />
4. Add the bread mixture to the milk in frying the pan and cook for another 4 minutes, reducing the heat to medium. Bread and cornstarch are added to reduce the water crystallizing in kulfi during freezing.Next add sugar and Almonds and cook for 2 more minutes.Turn off the heat and add cardamom powder and saffron strands.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0LSHBFWXeI/AAAAAAAAAxE/yiSb6b6vNUg/s1600-h/PC170071.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423127919299288546" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0LSHBFWXeI/AAAAAAAAAxE/yiSb6b6vNUg/s320/PC170071.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 239px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>5. Cool the milk to room temperature and pour into <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001RCTMTU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=simplefood03-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B001RCTMTU&linkId=07f7949e85b520a49aacabacd4160d56" target="_blank">molds</a>.This mold is very easy to use .Kulfi comes out without breaking,you can just peel off the silicone molds.My daughter does it on her own.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0LR-jrIjxI/AAAAAAAAAw8/PyW29193B0k/s1600-h/PC170074.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423127773965750034" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0LR-jrIjxI/AAAAAAAAAw8/PyW29193B0k/s320/PC170074.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 239px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
It will take about 6-7 hours to be ready to serve.<br />
As usual my daughter gave me the approval of super taste by not getting distracted by anything untill she finished the whole kulfi and here she is busy without any inhibition of people looking at her with kulfi smeared around her mouth.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ZW6JirTUI/AAAAAAAAAxk/aVB0e76wuWo/s1600-h/PC200096.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424118358208105794" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0ZW6JirTUI/AAAAAAAAAxk/aVB0e76wuWo/s200/PC200096.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 156px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-59724228127536882882010-01-04T13:34:00.001-08:002020-11-17T21:25:05.692-08:00Makhana KheerThis is the one of the most simplest and heart filling desserts I can think of.The subtle flavor of "makhana"also known as <b>fox nut</b>, <b>foxnut</b>, <b>makhana</b>, or <b>gorgon plant</b>) reminds me of my village and my childhood where we used to go in every summer vacation.In Mithila<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span> culture of Bihar,India<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India" title="India"></a>, the makhana is an auspicious ingredient in offerings to the Lord during festivals and is used in cooking, specially to make a porridge/pudding calle<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kheer" title="Kheer"></a>d kheer of makhana or 'makhane ki kheer'.Being from the same Mithila region I had the oppurtunity to see and feel this plant up close.<br />
The near by pond in our village would be full of "makhana plant" laden with "makahanas" inside.We would dip our legs inside the pond and pluck few of them even while raw and it tasted so sweet and elegant.There was no inhibition as kids getting saoked in muddy water of pond and plucking makhana.The best thing about this dessert is that you can never go wrong while making it.<br />
<br />
This recipe can be just right for those people who have sweet tooth but do not want to eat oil or butter too much or are avoiding too much frying.That in turn increases the otherwise health benefits of makhana.<br />
Here is what you are going to need:-<br />
<br />
Makhana :- 1 cup<br />
whole milk :- 1 and 1/2 cup(preferably whole milk but can be made in skim milk too)<br />
cardomom powder :- 1/2 pinch<br />
sugar :-1 table spoon and 1 teaspoon<br />
ghee :- 1 teaspoon<br />
raisins<br />
<br />
1)Roast makhanas in the non stick pan with ghee for 5-8 minutes.Let it cool down.It will become crunchy after getting cold.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0JgGWhVMAI/AAAAAAAAAw0/xU0we0an4Rk/s1600-h/PC150055.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423002563548360706" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0JgGWhVMAI/AAAAAAAAAw0/xU0we0an4Rk/s320/PC150055.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 239px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
2)in a mortar and pestle or just in a bowl with a heavy spoon crush it into a powder form.Grinder or food processor should not be used as we do not want makhana to be a fine powder.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0JfrvdEQtI/AAAAAAAAAws/9KS_3LPNGDo/s1600-h/PC150057.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423002106384892626" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0JfrvdEQtI/AAAAAAAAAws/9KS_3LPNGDo/s320/PC150057.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 239px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>3)Bring the milk to boiling point .Add raisins and pour the crushed makhana into the boiling milk.Stir properly and keep boiling for 2-3 minutes to bring it to the consistency you want.It however thickens after getting cold.So do not boil too much.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0JfXZdcdeI/AAAAAAAAAwc/tOoB4T4WDMU/s1600-h/PC150061.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423001756883514850" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0JfXZdcdeI/AAAAAAAAAwc/tOoB4T4WDMU/s320/PC150061.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 239px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0JfSJY_iJI/AAAAAAAAAwU/iJJMFrBG57U/s1600-h/PC150063.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423001666670528658" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0JfSJY_iJI/AAAAAAAAAwU/iJJMFrBG57U/s320/PC150063.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 239px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>4)Let it cool down ,sprinkle cardamom powder and serve .<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0JfM2W2Y3I/AAAAAAAAAwM/g4RvEkSQVyg/s1600-h/PC150064.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423001575661921138" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0JfM2W2Y3I/AAAAAAAAAwM/g4RvEkSQVyg/s320/PC150064.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 239px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0JfIkGEq4I/AAAAAAAAAwE/iV6prU2QShU/s1600-h/PC150065.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423001502040238978" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/S0JfIkGEq4I/AAAAAAAAAwE/iV6prU2QShU/s320/PC150065.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 239px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>When you are short on time or want some thing simple this is the dessert I will suggest.No complication at all.By the way you can buy "makhana" from Indian stores which is sold as "phool makhana" or some times just "makhana".Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-55499198713434805882009-12-29T13:40:00.000-08:002009-12-29T14:13:06.342-08:00Roasted Potatoes!I feel that food is the most soul satisfying thing in the whole world.Nothing comes before tasty food,except few things here and there.However my idea of tasty food is that it also has to be simple to cook and less time taking with as little ingredients it can be.<br /><br />Here is one item which I often cook just for myself and my daughter when I do not have to think about people judging my food.Some times my husband has dinner or lunch with friends and I do not have to cook for him ,I usually make this dish.But I never forget to save some for him because even though the food is simple ,the aroma stays inside the house till he comes home and will definitely ask for few bites.<br /><br />Here is what you are going to need:-<br /><br />5-6 potatoes<br />some salt<br />few tsp of mustard oil<br />one dry red chili<br /><br /><br />1)Turn on the oven to 350 degrees .Wash potatoes and put them on the bottom rack .Roast for 30 minutes turning upside down once.After 30 minutes turn the oven off and let them stay in the oven for another 30 minutes.I also roast one sweet potato for my daughter for later use.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/Szp6GSRImTI/AAAAAAAAAvk/f1y0SkAR6Jg/s1600-h/PC140053.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/Szp6GSRImTI/AAAAAAAAAvk/f1y0SkAR6Jg/s320/PC140053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420779349895321906" border="0" /></a><br />2)Take the potatoes out and peel them.Roast the whole dry red chili on the stove.Add salt(according to your taste) and 2 teaspoons of mustard oil.Mash them with your hands.Roasted mashed potatoes are ready.Eat it with plain chapati or phulka , curd and cabbage vegetables (optional).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/Szp6CLk51BI/AAAAAAAAAvc/Vy22Yf5T3FE/s1600-h/PC180078.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/Szp6CLk51BI/AAAAAAAAAvc/Vy22Yf5T3FE/s320/PC180078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420779279379715090" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/Szp59vMEVgI/AAAAAAAAAvU/bXb4yzO-khw/s1600-h/PC180080.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/Szp59vMEVgI/AAAAAAAAAvU/bXb4yzO-khw/s320/PC180080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420779203039876610" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/Szp541OxuyI/AAAAAAAAAvM/1tSGuu_G38w/s1600-h/PC180081.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FVinJk2JMQo/Szp541OxuyI/AAAAAAAAAvM/1tSGuu_G38w/s320/PC180081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420779118762507042" border="0" /></a>This food truly tickles my taste buds.When I crave for some thing spicy and simple this is what I eat.One more best thing about this food is that the day I make it I do not have to struggle to feed my daughter who has a very refined taste buds from this early age of 2.I just take out some mashed potatoes before I add red chili.She gets all the nutrition and satisfaction in the food.<br /><br />You can also make this mashed potatoes by boiling potatoes and following the rest of the recipes as it is but I have always felt that roasting makes it more flavorful.Taste of potaoes have more concentrated taste as excess water evaporates while roasting.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5669099419492708593.post-3349250162819340702009-12-16T20:49:00.000-08:002010-01-11T16:06:19.032-08:00Use less ingredients!<span style=";font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;" ><br />For few weeks I have been hooked on finding some good cooking ideas and recipes.I have to accept that on the one hand the Internet has made cooking very simple and on the hand it has made cooking equally difficult.Simple because you just have to recall the name of the item you had eaten some time ,some where which you liked it but do not know how to make it and you can get the recipe.Some times also videos of the recipe.Difficult because while searching for those recipes you will come across some recipes which need lots of effort and ingredients to cook.It is such an irony that most of the food bloggers post recipes which look very fancy and includes lots of ingredients,specialized utensils and what not.No one writes about recipes which are simple,less time consuming,less expensive yet tasty and filling.<br /><br />I remember when T.V was a new item in our house we used to watch each and every program during vacation.One of them was Sanjeev Kapoor's cooking show.One day my brother commented "add lots of almonds and cashew in any dish and it will become very tasty".I did not follow then but that is what I see these days in every food blog.Add almond paste in chicken curry,in aloo dum and every thing.Cant people make simple masala chicken curry.<br />Dont take me wrong I am not writing all this to judge the food bloggers ,but it is really overwhelming to follow some of the recopies.The most funny thing is that several people will comment nice things such as "wow nice pictures","wow good description" ,however it is very rare to see when some one did some practical work,took some time to actually try it out first and then appreciate.That is really annoying to me.<br />All this motivated me to write some thing about food and the recipes I like.May be some one out there will love to try out some of them.The every day food,which is nice simple affordable and tasty.Why does food always have to be fancy and high class.<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0