My Squiggle

Cheese Sprint Dosas

2011-12-23T06:26:00.000-08:00

I woke up in the morning with a smile on my face. Winters.
They remind me of childhood, of love, the quilts we've slept in, snuggling in front of the room heaters, of all the good times and piping hot food that we've shared in these frozen warm moments.

Rubbing my hands together in the morning breeze, I stood in the kitchen when it dawned on me. What better way to get you warm than some molten cheese! :)

As always I believe in quick recipes and I had to remember that Prasad will give me the longest face ever if I repeated yesterday's Dosa. Thus, here's our recipe of the day!

Cheese Sprint Dosa

Always remember, presentation is Everything! Well, almost everything.

Ingredients:
1 medium sized Onion
Grated Cheese
Salt, Pepper
Dosa Dough

Procedure:
1. Cut the onions and grate the cheese.

2. Mix these two together and add salt & pepper to taste.

3. Spread the Dosa batter on a greased pan. Make smaller sizes as shown in the picture.

4. Immediately sprinkle the cheese mix on it and cover it.

5. Covering with a lid ensure faster cooking and especially the porous (and soft) Dosa.Which I Totally Love.

6. Toss it! Crisp it out.

7. Serve with Coconut-Ginger chutney and Tomato Ketchup! O yes, who said Ketchup goes well only with Burgers and Fries.

Bon Appetit!!

Hello!? You're expected somewhere!

2011-12-20T01:34:00.001-08:00

What panics me most? Being late.
When I am late to work or late for an appointment or commitment.
Especially when I leave the house in a hurry, I'm almost always sure that I've forgotten somethign behind. Which later reveals when I'm almost half the distance away from home.

This is what amazes me that when you see movie scenes which need a person to go on stage or for a fight or a conference or live on TV. When the person is told, "You're up in 5!". He / she just nods and continues with their daily chores like nothing happened.
They complete a whole scene, some dialogues, mental perplexities, emotional turmoils, reconciliation with heartbreaks and if Bollywood movie, then perhaps a song as well. Meanwhile, you've forgotten that they are expected somewhere else and suddenly the assistant peeps in and reminds us!

If I were to be in that scene. I would pop up in the first call and march down! Or mostly would have cold feet to begin with and perhaps not even make it to the stage 'cause I fainted en-route.

Crispy Sada Bahaar Parantha!!

2011-12-19T08:56:00.000-08:00

Tell me if these don't melt in your mouth.
And what's more? They are healthier than most dishes you can think of in five minutes!

This Easy Wheezy Recipe power packs all the nutrition that you can ask for, so its best for Mommies and barely takes 15 minutes to get done; what more can working girls ask for?

This proportion makes around six paranthas.

Ingredients:
2 bundles of Methi leaves ( Fenugreek). You even get them neatly cut and bundled up nowadays to make your life easier.
Garlic pods - 4
One small onion
Jeera
Salt, Chilly powder
2 cups of Wheat flour
Curd - on the side.

Procedure:

1. Grind the Methi, Garlic and Onion in a grinder.

2. Mix this paste into wheat flour, add salt, chilly, some oil and knead it. You mostly wouldn't need to add any additional water. Be vary of making the dough too slimy, as the Methi and Onion discharge water themselves. (Yup, I don't knead it by hand. Why waste energy here when you can use it in better ways!)

3. Make regular Paranthas with this dough.

Wowie! You've got yourselves Sada-Bahaar Paranthas. Even the kiddos who hate greens, will float towards the kitchen on the whiff of these beauties.

4. Serve them hot with set curd and pickle of your choice!

Bon Appetite.

Face the daemons!

2011-12-13T21:01:00.000-08:00

Confrontation. Some of us just hate the sound of that word.
Me? It makes me go uneasy in my guts. Especially because I want to make it face-saving for the other person.

I take pride in the fact that I tend to notice a lot of facts and things around me that most don't. I do think I am overly-observant. But then, sometimes I just wish I wasn't. Ignorance can be a bliss especially when you want to erase the fact you've discovered.

There are just so many occasions when I have realized that I could have done without the additional piece of information that has landed in my grey cells. And once it does, I am not at peace until I do something about it. Like the other time I observed that my ever-faithful maid had flicked half a cake of washing soap. Now, she might have been doing this all the past years, or might have been her first time. I was just too upset knowing that she 'can' steal. I hated confronting her for something as petty but I did want her to know that I knew. Finally, I did. And it wasn't that bad. She gave some lame explanation for it and I halfheartedly accepted it to kill the topic.

With friends, you observe some annoying habits which you would like to correct as a friendly gesture. But then, no one likes free advise in today's world. Also, my relentless brain can't help but notice these habits again and again. Like those who pick their nose, tap their feet at 10 times per second!, have lice in their heads or don't wash their hands but like to share your food!

Confrontation at work is even worse. You don't want to burn bridges with anyone. Yet, whether friendly or not-so-friendly suggestion is in the calling. I could never get myself to say No. Or, "Sorry! I beg to differ".

But, I think time and experience has told me that its best to confront. Sometimes you're doing the other person a favor. What would you think?

Julienne Chicken Quickie!

2011-11-28T09:06:00.001-08:00

I always wondered how do they get the chicken shredded so well while I gobbled chicken salads or sandwiches. Now, I know. :)

Easy Wheezy Recipe for a sumptuous Sandwich filled with creamy shredded chicken stuffing.

Ingredients:
Chicken breasts - 2
Mayonnaise - Any flavor of your choice
Pepper, Salt
Lettuce
Olives - I prefer the black sliced ones in brine
Jalapenos - If you like these
Carrot & Cucumber - Shredded into thin strings

Pardon me for the borrowed photos from the net this time. I couldn't stop myself from gobbling down before clicking!

Easy Wheezy Method of preparation:

1. Boil about 4 cups of water. Clean the chicken breasts, slice into quarter of each breast and place them in the boiling water pan.
2. Let the chicken cook thoroughly for about 15 minutes. The way to check is ensuring that there is no pink all the way inside of the chicken pieces. Also, don't over cook to avoid getting a rubbery texture.
3. Once done, discard the water and place the chicken on a clean plate. Let it cool down.
4. Place a fork on the chicken piece and slowly start scraping that piece with another fork. This will give you beautiful shredded textures. Tada! Julienne.

Allow it to be chilled preferably especially for cold sandwiches or salads.
5. Now, you're open to creativity of what all you want to stuff in your sandwich. This is what I did.
6. Mix this shredded chicken with Mayonnaise, pepper, salt into a thick paste.
7. Add this on top of a toasted bread slice.
8. Spread torn lettuce, olives, Jalapenos, shredded carrots & cucumber on top of this.

9. Place another toast on top of this. Ready to gobble!

If you have some chicken left over, make sure you put it in air tight container in the refrigerator. This chicken can also be used in pastas, salads or grills. Just that if you intend to cook it again for say baked or grilled dishes, do not boil it all the way. Or else, you will end up overcooking the final dish.

Creamy Cottage Cheese Sunrise

2011-11-24T22:20:00.001-08:00

So this one's a delicacy according to me, for my veg friends. :)
Creamy Cottage Cheese Sunrise.

Why did I name it that.. you'll know soon!

Ingredients:
Onion, Tomatoes, Garlic Pods, Ginger
Cottage Cheese ( Paneer)
Corn kernels & Green Peas ( Frozen ones available in market)
Milk / Fresh Cream
Corn Flour; Mix about two table spoons of cornflour in few spoons of water.
Salt, pepper, chilli to taste
Pasta Seasoning / Oregano
Oil / Butter for seasoning
Cheese for Garnish.

Procedure:

1. Grind ginger-garlic in fine paste. Chop onions and tomatoes in fine cubes.
2. Saute the garlic, ginger and onion in some oil / butter.

3. After the onion turn golden brown, add tomatoes.

Cover this and cook until the tomatoes are cooked completely. You might want to mash this mixture into a fine paste or use a hand blender.

4. Add Salt, Chilli & Pepper to this. Add the corn and peas to this mixture.

5. Add milk on top. Pour the cornflour mix in this, stir and cover the lid and cook well till the peas and corn are soft. In few minutes this sauce will have a smooth thick texture and a beautiful creamy orange 'sunrise' shade. Hence, the name. :)

6. Saute paneer ( Cottage cheese) in some butter. Add salt, pepper and oregano seasoning to this. Remove as soon as the paneer is soft.

7. Spread the paneer on a flat dish. Pour the red sauce that you've prepared on top of this.

8. Garnish with Cheese. Go on, be a little generous ;)

9. Place this dish into a preheated oven for about 10 mins at 180 degrees.

Tada! Tell me if this doesn't get people kissing your hands in sheer joy!

Me back with some yummilicious recipes :)

2011-11-21T07:03:00.000-08:00

I know I have been away on a long hiatus from blogging.
I had too many thoughts and things to share when I sat down. Which eventually ended up in not writing anything after all!

I have been cooking so much more (not because Prasad has been making me do that (;) but ) because, I just always loved doing this so much.

I was gifted a lovely OTG Oven by Prasad as a ( belated )birthday gift. This opened the doors to my world of baking which I always wanted to explore. Although, today I shall share one of the Mangalorean dishes I have learnt to make. Its called Mooga-gashi or Masala Rande or Masol . Which basically means Moong in the Masala.

It has an authentic flavor which your palette will never forget. Trust me.

Ingredients:
Moong (I sprouted these for better nutrition)
Fresh coconut
Red dry chillies ( Select the ones that are crinkled and more spicier version)
Dhanya seeds ( Whole Coriander seeds )
Tamarind or Amchoor, i.e. Dry mango powder ( Optional , this is my addition )
Mustard seeds and curry leaves for seasoning
Coconut oil or any other oil you use
Salt to taste

1. Steam cook the sprouts so that they are ready to eat.

2. Season the coriander seeds and red chillies in some oil.

3. Grind coriander seeds, chillies and coconut in the grinder into a very fine paste. The finer the better. You'll see that the roasted red chillies have created a mesmerizing orange color that will get your taste buds dancing.

4. Splutter the mustard seeds and curry leaves in some oil. Add the coconut paste to this.
5. Add some water to make the gravy. Add salt and the moong dal.
6. Cover and bring to boil.

7. Since I love the curries to become tangy, I added a little amchoor powder to this in the end. This also kills the bitterness of sprouts. However, this is completely optional.

Red Sauce Mushroom Spaghetti!!

2011-08-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

This easy weezy recipe will leave you finger-licking! Trust me on that.
Although, the red sauce is not Prasad's favorite, he prefers the white sauce hands-down. Nevertheless, I had been planning on making this one as I had imagined the recipe to be and so I did.

Here it goes:

Serves 2-3

Ingredients:
- Pack of Spaghetti ( Go for Delmonte or Bambino)
- Tomatoes - 3 medium sized
- Onions - 2 medium sized
- Garlic paste or finely chopped pods - about 6-7
- Pack of Fresh Mushrooms
- If you like broccoli, it would make a great combination here.
- Corn flour - 3-4 Tablespoons
- Other basic condiments, salt, black pepper, red pepper, pasta seasoning or oregano, basil.

Easy weezy process to cook!
First and foremost, boil some water with about 1 teaspoon of salt and add the spaghetti to it. Once cooked ( do not overcook lest you want a spaghetti chutney), set aside in a strainer. Sprinkle a spoon of oil over this and stir so that the spaghetti strings do not stick together.

1. Chop the onions and garlic.
2. Add some oil in a cooking vessel. Saute first the garlic and then add the onions.
3. Meanwhile puree the tomatoes. After the onions turn golden brown, add the tomato puree to it.
4. Let this mix simmer until the tomatoes cook really well.
5. Add salt, pepper and all the seasoning to taste.
6. Once cooked, add the chopped mushrooms. If you're adding broccoli, now would be the good time.
7. Add about one small bowl of water to this and let it come to boil.
8. Meanwhile, take the cornflour in a separate bowl and mix with few spoons of cold / regular water.
9. Start adding this cornflour paste to the onion-tomato mix slowly while stirring.
10. You'll notice that you're red sauce is taking shape. Now depending on how soupy you like your spaghetti, retain the consistency of this red sauce.

Your red sauce is ready!!!

Mix the spaghetti with the red sauce while the sauce is simmering and has some liquid left to it. This helps the two mix well. Add any seasoning if lacking. Tada! Your Red-Sauce Mushroom Spaghetti is done!!

You can garnish it as you like :) I did it this way.

Bon Appetit!

My photo blog is here as well!!

2011-08-17T06:01:00.000-07:00

Dear readers,

I know I've been away for a couple of weeks but that is only because I got a little too occupied with my Canon 550D !!!! :D
I promised myself to make better use of it than I did for my Canon 400D. So, I started my photo blog..
My Shutter!!!

So please do check it out and keep checking in, because I am going to be posting in every now and then!
:)

O yes, and my recipe for Red Sauce Spaghetti with Mushrooms is coming right up!!

Crunchy-fried-mushy-roast-cheesy-block!!

2011-07-25T11:09:00.000-07:00

Prasad got the censored Anurag Kashyap movie; Paanch. It is meant to be the initial script of Shaitan that recently released. It got shelved because of its high amount of violence and drug abuse story line, w.r.t. the audience tolerance levels back in 2002. So, I was in a rush to get done with dinner and get down to the movie.

We've been trying to cut down on heavy food lately but, that has caused a cumulative heap of left overs in the refrigerator. The thing is, I hate to waste food. So, I decided I got to make a quick fix AND put all the precious food in the fridge to good use AND make Prasad's palate happy.

So, here's what I made! Crunchy-fried-mushy-roast-cheesy-block. That's how I would like to name it. Yes, that little heart was my personal touch.

Ingredients from my refrigerator:
1. Mutton sheek rolls
2. Mushrooms
3. Cabbage
4. Onion
5. Left over rice. Now, mind it you must use earlier made rice lest you want to make a rice paste.
6. Vinegar, Soy sauce, Chilli sauce
7. Salt, Chilli, Black Pepper
8. Some cheese to garnish.

Procedure:
1. Roast the Sheek rolls and set aside. Cut them into smaller pieces. For the vegetarian folks, you can substitute this with paneer or even french fries!

2. Roast the cut onions and cabbage into a crispy golden brown texture.

3. Add mushrooms to this and add all the condiments i.e. salt, chilli, pepper.

4. Season this mixture with Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Chilli Sauce to taste.
5. Add the rice and mix well.

This is where you realize that if you add freshly made rice, you'll end up with a warm paste, which you do not want.

6. Now, the best part. Garnish. :) You see, its all about presentation.

Cause its all about happiness and love after all :)

Bon Appetit!

Egg-xxotic Friday! :D

2011-07-24T02:23:00.000-07:00

As always Friday nights are special and so, they call for some special treat for the palate.

Today I decided to make the South-Indian Egg Curry since me and Prasad are whole-heartedly eggitarians. Its surprisingly easy and your stomach will thank you profusely as soon as the aromas of this delicacy fill your home.

So, here it goes!

Serving size: 2-3
Cooking time: 30 mins
Ingredients:
1. Eggs - 4 ( or as many as you'd like to eat!)
2. Onions - 3 medium sized
3. Tomatoes - 4 medium sized
4. Green Chilli
5. Coriander
6. Grated coconut (optional)
7. Ginger-garlic paste
8. Tamarind paste
9. Regular condiments: Salt, Chilli, Turmeric, Garam masla, Jeera, Mustard, Curry leaves

Procedure:
1. Hard boil the eggs and cut them into halves. Set them aside.

2. Heat oil in a cooking vessel. Add mustard seeds, let them splutter. Add the slit green chilies and curry leaves.
3. To this add ground onion paste. Let this roast till its golden brown.

4. Add the regular condiments mentioned above except salt. ( You see, salt doesn't let tomatoes cook well!)
5. Once all spices are cooked for about 3-4 minutes, add tomato puree to this.

6. Let the tomatoes get cooked. ( Add a lid to this if you don't want a mess around your stove! Plus the steam lets them cook faster.)

7. Once all the fluid from the tomatoes starts drying up, add another cup of water to it and let it simmer.

8. Once done, add the ground coconut, tamarind and salt.

Now, its imperative, that you check all the spices at this stage because you don't want to be smashing around those lovely eggs later for mixing up.
9. Add eggs to this, let it simmer for about 10 minutes to get the flavor of the spices.

10. Garnish with coconut or coriander on top and serve immediately!

Bon Appetit!!

NOTE: Do not boil the eggs too much in advance of consumption, else you may land up with blackened insides. Although, I'm an egg-lover, I myself despise that!

Mangy-Mangy ..lure..

2011-07-13T06:10:00.000-07:00

I'd been to Mangalore last weekend, as I'd declared out loud to many of you.
As always, it was lovely visiting my in laws. They for sure adore me, I cannot speak for Prasad though. ;)

I do not completely agree with the phrase, " The way to a man's heart is through his stomach". Well, I think it should be, " The way to a woman's heart is through is stomach as well". Because, I sure can be owned like a helpless small pup with a piping hot home cooked meal!

The majority of our agenda for Mangalore visit primarily revolves around the menu during our visit.
Terrible. I know.
But, I confess, we do Live to Eat.
Pathetic. I do not deny.

Nevertheless, I had promised my dear readers and followers of a good review of Mangalorean dishes, so here I am. The biggest flaw in my food reviews is my lack of patience to capture the dish well before I dig my teeth into it. Thus, some of them here had to be "recreated" just for you all!!

Day 1:
On arrival, I went dashing to the kitchen lured by the mixed fragrances of coconut and aromatic steam.
Khotte Idli; Cylinderical Rice dumplings prepared wrapped in Jackfruit leaves.

Dalitoye : Mangalorean toor dal with prominent flavor of Asafoetida
Coconut Chutney : Carries the distinct tang of ginger and tamarind.

Mangalore Buns: Deep fried flour dumplings with mild flavor of ripe banana. These bakery-fresh babies can make you weak on the knees. Honestly, I never thought 'deep-fried-ripe-banana' can taste THIS GOOD.

While I was still ruminating my breakfast, it was time for lunch alright.
All my doubts about my appetite died away as soon as I saw the spicy red hot Prawn Curry, Fish curry in coconut gravy with rice. Yet again, it was time for some serious Eating.

We went out to the "Village" for dinner. I think this is the joint at Mangalore where all the happening crowd hangs out. I rate it really well for its food and service as well.
I was too preoccupied ordering and pigging out to click too many pictures. But, to name a few, when you're there, don't miss the Tawa Fry fish, Paneer Ghee roast and their amazingly-drool-worthy-heavy-as-hell Cheese Risotto. Well, its not a Risotto to the true sense, but it sure can make your palate dance!

Day 2:
Phew, writing about all that food has got me full! Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that I had this lovely curry made of tender Bamboo Shoots. Not only it tastes unexpectedly good, its healthy too! Unlike our regular dietary ventures. :)

Last but not the least, we visited the good old Pabbas, without which our trip is incomplete. The famous Ice Cream parlor of Mangalore. This is what we had there :D

Choco-Nut!

Chocolate Dad!

Gud-Bud!

American Choconut! I had this and yes, those are cashews!

Parafit!! Hehe.. I dono why it is called that. Does it resemble a parchute?? :] Although, you definitely glide after eating this!

As I said, too much, too heavy, too sinful , too finger-licking good. I don't deny any of that.
Do visit these places when in Mangalore!
Bon Appetit.

Tandoori Chicken! Mission Accomplished!

2011-07-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

As I was working from home today, I got the chance to spend a little more time than usual in the kitchen.
Today's specialty that smoked up my kitchen: Tandoori Chicken.

Disclaimer: I did not have my good old SLR so, please excuse the picture quality of my faithful Sony Cybershot.

Serves 4
Cooking Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts
- Lemon and Onion rings to garnish
For Marinate:
- Salt, Chilly powder, Turmeric, Dhanya Powder, Jeera Powder
- Ginger-Garlic Paste
- Tandoori Chicken Masala; there are tons of these in the market, make your choice.
- Lemon Juice

Procedure:
1. Mix all Marinate ingredients together.
2. Chop the chicken breasts into thinner slices; this is just to ensure uniform marination and faster cooking.
3. Mix the chicken well with the marinate, keep this aside for at least 2-3 hours.

4. I got a grill like the one below for this. It comes for about 150-200 bucks in the market and is perfect for those who don't have a full fledged barbecue at home.

5. Put the chicken pieces on the grill and keep the flame low, allowing the chicken to get crisp on the outside while it gets cooked from the inside.
6. Toss the chicken periodically for uniform cooking.

Once done, decorate your serving dish well. After all, presentation is everything!

This is the gorgeous serving tray Anjali gifted me. Its my favorite out of all my serving platters.

Bon Appetite!

CooooooooRG!!

2011-06-29T09:42:00.000-07:00

It started with a disaster. Our Coorg Trip.

We overslept, got delayed and decided to start off a little later than the decided time. (Last night was Friday night, Gosh).

While we stood at the Railway station waiting for the next Mysore bound train, we were increasingly losing patience and the crowd was getting wilder.

Next thing we knew, we're on our way to Mysore in a cab. Phew. So much more peaceful. Only until it started pouring and we were stuck in terrible traffic.

I'm sure the thought of this being a Bad Idea ran through our minds more than once. That's me and Prasad. But, we both kept our spirits high until we realized that we would reach Coorg only by night! Thanks to the rain, traffic and the beautiful mist at the hilly terrain.

My head was almost spinning with anxiety and my face was as pale as that mist, while the Cab driver was snaking his way through what looked like a layer of White Solid.

The last time I had seen such thick fog was in Delhi and I always dreaded driving through these. We reached at about eight at night at gorgeous Homestay called Gowri Nivas. Its rated best at tripadvisor.com for a reason.

Suddenly, I felt this could never be a bad idea.

Our room..

My feeling was reassured when I shook Prasad up to see the gorgeous misty green morning next day. We were lucky enough to have one clear day in our trip, which we made the most of. We could cover the Elephant camp at Doobare,

Prasad and the Elephant Butt..

The Tibetian settlement at Bylakuppe

...as well as the Orange County.

We spent a day at the at Orange County drooling over the scenic setup and primarily gobbling their sumptuous buffets.

The second day was sort of a disappointment because we travelled really far off for a Adventure Sports club to do some Quad-Biking! Finally, we were heading for some adrenaline rush in this quiet, serene setup. But, when we were there, it kept pouring cats and dogs (and leeches) and we decided to value our lives more than a mere rush. :|

We saw these beautiful Chelvara Falls but, alas! only from the cab window. We tried to trek our way up the falls to have a better view but realized that the wet-and-moss-filled-stone-paths only look good in artistic paintings.

That is Prasad going all gaga over the slippery path. He's just a happy kid.

The food at Gowri Nivas was the best part. (My God! I live to eat)

We had all the Coorgi specialties, thanks to Muthu; the landlady of the homestay. This is the reason I believe that Bed and Breakfasts are always the best. They have a personal touch. :)

That's Muthu!

Okie, enough talkie talkie.. more pictures.

Yes, Prasad has some serious issues being in front of the camera.

A memorable trip :)

What have I been up to?

2011-06-22T08:18:00.000-07:00

Today I decided to write just as a ice breaker. I can't think of anything particular to talk about!

I had been busy at work with some changes. More than occupied, I was always preoccupied with things at work. But, now things look good. :)

I am in the process of upgrading my camera so, no new pictures lately. But no worries, once my precious Canon 600D is with me, you'll have some eye candy. I've been keeping myself busy working, cooking, cleaning and over all just giving myself a slice of life.

Right now, I'm watching Serial Mom sipping on my favorite herbal tea. Hilariously ridiculous movie.

The recent happenings;

My best friend got married!

God bless her.. They are a sweet couple. :)

Kitchen on fire with a hottie

My nephew lately

Mom Dad back in town! Woohoo.. :D

We went to Bangalore club! They said Deepika Padukone was there!! I never saw :(

O yes.. we were all dressy-dressy ;)

I couldn't capture any of my latest yummies from kitchen but, will be brought to you REALLY soon!

Italiano Spaghetti gone Chinese!!

2011-04-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

I was in the mood to cook something special. So, Garlic and cheese Spaghetti was on the menu. :)

Its way simpler than you may think and for the ones who can't live without white sauce in their Italiano, I will tell you just how to get that as well!

For this particular one, you need;

- Garlic pods

- Green chillies

- Vinegar, soy sauce

- Oregano ( I usually end up collecting the ones that come from Dominoes :D ). Else, nowadays you get them at any super market.

- Spaghetti

- Vegetables of your choice

- Oil, salt, pepper to cook

If you'd like to make it with white sauce ( as Prasad was begging me to do), you additionally need;

- Milk, about 2 cups of milk if you've got 3 cups of finally cooked spaghetti

- Corn Flour

Cooking time: 30 mins ( depending on your chopping speed ;) )

Procedure:

1. First things first. Cut green chillies finely and crush the garlic. Add these to about five tablespoons of vinegar. Let it remain soaked. I threw in the chilly flakes I had cause when I go spicy, I go all the way.

2. Chop these vegetables how you'd like them.

3. You can add mushrooms if you prefer them. We can't live without mushrooms.

4. Get the spaghetti of your choice. This is the one I got. Known and trusted, Delmonte's Gourmet Spaghetti.

5. Take the amount you'd like to cook and add to boiling salted water. Here, the trick is to add as much salt into this water as you'd like in your spaghetti if eaten right out of this.

If the salt remains less here, rarely you can get it spread evenly into it later.

Once boiled (for about 10 mins), check if its cooked. Drain the water and smear about two spoons of oil/butter on them to prevent them from sticking to each other.

Grease a pan with oil/butter and get the veggies roasted.

If you're using mushrooms as well, I'd recommend that you add them only once all the rest of the veggies are cooked. Lest, they may loose their texture.

As these veggies turn crunchy brown, add in salt, pepper, soy sauce. Take this off the flame.

Take a big bowl to mix the Spaghetti and veggies (+mushrooms). Over these, pour in the Vinegar mix that we prepared in the beginning. Garnish with Cheese(Indulge in this for once)!

If you would like this more of the Pasta way with white sauce.

To make the white sauce;

- Boil the milk

- Meanwhile, mix three spoons of corn flour with 5 spoons of water

- Pour the corn flour mix into the milk and let it boil.

- Add salt, pepper to taste. Soon, the White Sauce will take shape. Do not boil for too long, unless you want a big white blob! (The consistency should be that of the Dosa batter when taken off the flame)

Pour this on top of your prepared Spaghetti and run it through the Microwave for 5 minutes. Bon Appetite!

Oye Amritsar!!

2011-04-25T20:02:00.000-07:00

This was a well-deserved holiday for Ma, Dad after almost two years.

Well, the last two years were spent setting up marital lives for my sister and me respectively. :)

The master plan was for me and Prasad to join them at Delhi and have a blast at Amritsar. Sadly, Prasad's trip didn't materialize and he was sweet enough to ask me to go ahead.

Day 1: The holy reunion :)

I was received with a lot of food (A typical Kharbanda family trait).

All my favorites were lined up smiling back at me, Momos, Dahi Vada, Dal Parantha, Malai and Pepsi, just to settle it all down.

I burped my way through the afternoon and reached Amritsar by night.

Day 2: The action packed one!!

We set course to Beas, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radha_Soami_Satsang_Beas .

My parents being Satsangis, we were really looking forward to this visit since years. Finally it had materialized.

The scene at Beas was something that can only been seen to be believed. Twenty thousand volunteers work here on a daily basis on their own will and keep the township so clean that you can practically eat your food off the street.

Sadly, they don't allow cameras or mobile phones inside, but luckily I found some pictures on the net to show what The Dera-Beas really is like. Its no less than a European country inside. And the best part, its all self sustained, just by volunteer work.

Even the food is subsidized to the magnitude of few rupees for every item for the visitors and residents. We were privileged to have eaten there and rather hogged for that matter for just Rs.150.

I thought I had viewed the most of the trip. But, the evening was scheduled for the Wagah Border, Retreat Ceremony. I can assure you that the loud cheering insane-going crowd and the aristocratic soldiers from both India and Pakistan will make the hair on your neck stand.

Just to show what I mean; ( Oh yes, I was at the first seat on the first row ;) )

We head back to the city and next destination was the Golden Temple, Amritsar, properly named as Harmandir Sahib. Words can't do justice to this monument of faith.

24/7*365 days a year, this place provides food, water and shelter to the visitors.

What's more, they are all volunteers, working just for belief and peace in return.

How would a Amritsar visit be complete without pigging on the finger-licking, butter-smeared, calorie-bomb Punjabi food!

Thus, we landed at the "Brother's Dhaba" to complete this ritual. The customers here were clearly going savage with a lion's appetite and the drool of a dog. You can't blame them, you can silently merge with them. So did we.

We gobbled down Dal Makhani, Butter Paneer Masala and Laccha Parantha in a flash.

Day 3: Akhri din at Amritsar

It was only by the next morning that the flashbacks of the butter-coated meal haunted us. We skipped our breakfast. :|

We visited Jalianwala baag and A Vaishno-Devi look alike temple in quick successions.

Oh how can I forget, I broke the one rule I have for eating outside. Never touch the water outside. But, here, look at what I had! :S

Of course, we'd not vowed not to eat anymore. So, we dropped in at the (in)famous Kanha Halwai. He just specializes in Puri-Chana-Aloo and Lassi.

Allow me to rephrase, Gigantic Puri-Killer Chana-Chatpata Aloo and a jug full of Lassi.

We battled our way through it and came out kicking alive (perhaps only with a few choked arteries).

By night we were back in Delhi.

Day 4: The final countdown

Today I had decided to shop!

Mom was darling enough to accompany me to the Sarojini Market in that blazing sun.

We shopped for two hours and I had my two bags full. :)

Mission accomplished!

Bidding farewell to me with more of food and even more love, Mom Dad saw me off in the night.

Healthy Snacking? Green roll-ups coming up!

2011-04-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

Since me and Prasad have been trying religiously to eat some healthy meals, I decided to make something my mom would make when I was few feet shorter.

Cabbage Rolls.

I agree the name is not the USP here. And thats why I decided to go fancy with the 'Green Roll-ups'. This can be a great evening snack and surprisingly filling! And best part is, the cooking time is just about 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

For filling:

- Oil, salt, pepper

- Chopped onions,

- mushrooms / paneer ; depending on what you prefer, these are the two fillings that I would recommend.

Chop the mushrooms / grate the paneer finely.

For wraps:

- A lush green cabbage. Here, the trick is to pick a nice and tender cabbage, unless you want to do some serious rumination for dessert.

Procedure:

- Saute the onions with a spoon of oil

- When golden brown, add salt, pepper and mushroom/ paneer

- Roast this stuffing a little and then set it aside.

- Take out the cabbage leaves as whole.

- Boil some water, add salt to it and add the leaves to it and cover with a lid.

- Depending on how tender the leaves are already, leave them on the flame for upto 10-15 minutes or more. They should be edible by themselves at the end of the boil.

- Drain the water, the leaves are ready for wraps.

- Fill up the stuffing inside each leaf carefully and cut as follows;

- Serve this with a slightly spicy sauce, perhaps tabasco and mustard!

- Bon appetite!

Malayali dosa meets the Punjabi tadka!

2011-04-17T00:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my closest friend of years, Ayesha came over for lunch. We've been together for donkey's years making through college, tuitions, pigging out sessions, sneaking out , summer jobs, cooking, movies, shopping, gossiping (this makes a huge chunk of our time together_..What not. A typical Girls-Duo.

We have had days where we baked our own cake and ate it too. Till the last morsel.

We have eaten a whole casserole of lasagna or spaghetti without a wink or fear of tomorrow.

Of course, things change with time. Now, we discuss more recipes on lighter side of the calorie chart. We discuss fruits, salads or juices. But, today we decided to have good old Dosa for Sunday brunch.

As I always love, doing things with a twist of Me. I decided to have the regular Masala Dosa-chutney with a ‘tadka’. Here is what smoked up my kitchen today:

The Tadka dosa: There are endless variations to this. I made one that is not too extravagant so that it goes well with the other side dishes. But, the one that is my favorite and pretty much self-sufficient on its own is;

Makes about 8-10 dosas

Ingredients:

Dosa batter about 300ml,

Oil, Salt, turmeric, chilli, jeera, dry chilli, garam masala, chutney podi, tamarind paste

1 cup chopped onions, Curry Leaves

Procedure:

Pour few spoons of oil in a pan.

- Add curry leaves and roughly broken dry chillies

- Add jeera (cumin) and 1 whole cup of chopped onions and sauté for a while

- When the onions turn brownish, add turmeric, salt to taste and tad-bit chilli

- Let the seasonings cook for a minute.

- Add a pinch of garam masala, chutney powder and a spoon tamarind paste( Yes! You heard me right, that’s chutney podi).

- Take this mixture off the flame.

- Mix this well with the dosa dough.

- Make dosas out of this dough. You’ll have wonderfully colored, chat-pata Tadka-Dosas ready.

As I said, the possibilities are endless. You can choose to add a paste of mint leaves to this instead of the tamarind. Add some ginger-garlic and Tada! You have lightly-flavored mint dosas for a sumptuous breakfast.

Alas! We finished the tadka dosa before I could shoot a click :( Nevertheless, I did capture the regular ones.

Since it was lunch for my dear friend, I had these additionally; The good old peanut-coconut chutney.And the Potato-stuffing, which I prefer serving on-the-side.

Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans..

2011-03-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

Exactly 4 months since my last post;

- I'm married! Mrs.Bhat now.

- I'm an aunt! Trust me, this might look effortless to become an aunt, i.e., I didn't really push that baby out of my womb, but Phew! I was emotionally and physcialy almost there and here's the tiny little bundle, literally.

- I'm 2 kgs more than I used to be. :|

Note: I do not wish to display that pictorially.

- I stayed out of the house through out the night, carefree!

- I gambled in a casino! ( Don't gasp! legal one of course). Beautiful cruise at Goa called the Casino Royale.

- I'm more knowledgeable about house keeping, music ( I THINK), movies, video games, actor names (which I never earlier bothered to read) and Mangalorean food.

I shall definitely put some recipes up soon. :)

- I learnt making Non-Veg food, which I must modestly confess, was really finger-licking-good!

;)

- I learnt that midnight snack can be had at three in the morning as well. Or at five in the morning, depending on what you call your night-hours.

- Celebrated Graphicurry (www.graphicurry.com) turning 1 year old. Prasad's one year of absolute hard work, determination and efforts is now a year old and touch wood, will go places.

- I went to Goa TWICE and wish to go again and again..

- So many thoughts, so many events.. I just didn't know where to start and blog it all out. But, here I am. And its gonna keep coming now on. Since there has been so much happening in the past few months, I have just so much to share!

So, I decided to put up some sneak peeks into the scene with random pictures because, well... a picture is worth thousand words. Right? :)

Arranging some Love..

2010-12-04T21:09:00.000-08:00

My Brother and I were having some good laughs viewing profiles at www.keralamatrimony.com.

Yes, we're looking out for alliances for him. Its amusing how people can describe themselves as "white-complexioned", extremely good-looking, very intelligent and similar adjectives!!

How modest.

Another weird rule of the alliance-search is that the guy MUST have more alphabetic credentials ahead of his name. Basically, if she's a Graduate, he HAS to be a post-graduate, duh. If she's a PhD , you better have your guy with Supersize-PhD in Rocket Science.

Then comes the most rip-off-your-hair-and-scream-out-in-frustration torture, the Horoscope Matching. I wouldn't disregard this path of art/science because many people are staunch believers in that. Yet, there's a limit to everything people! Because, here people don't seem to be satisfied that your compatibility match works out. You need to be born with Paapam, Doshas, Jataka and one million star signs to match your life partners'. (I agree some of them do sound like dishes).

However, I cannot really blame them. It so happens that I didn't have to go through the pains of alliance-searching myself. So, I can't really be an unbiased judge.

I have so many friends and siblings who're in the same process and I must say, It can definitely be very frustrating. That's when one feels, it would have been so much easier to just fall in love with someone and be married. To certain extent, I agree to what they say. To certain extent, I would say, "...you don't just fall in love! Sure you CAN, but you gotta nurture it."

But then, one thing that's common to either Arranged or Love Marriage, something no couple can escape is, to make it all the way. Isn't it? :)

With my own marriage coming close, I wish the warmest feelings to all the people in love or in search of love, to find not the right person, but, the person right for them...and the journey ahead.

Who wants some Pav Bhaji!?

2010-12-01T07:50:00.000-08:00

Today was one of those days when I did every task that I had been procrastinating forever.

I cleaned up my cupboard, I cleared that nagging cobweb in that unreachable corner of the bathroom, I scrubbed my heels, I cleared my dressing table of all those unwanted creams/ nail colors/ cotton balls and unbelievably even stitched that one nasty button back on my favorite pants-which-was-unusable-since-the-button broke.

Phew! I feel productive alright.

Did I brag about the fact that I got a kitchen helper/cook. (Picture me hopping around in joy). So obviously, nowadays my mind is overjoyed at the thought of going home since I would get to do the one of the things I love, COOK! Without worrying to clean, chop, dice or mince.

So, today was the Pav Bhaji day. And I must say, Bro and Prasad were floored by it. So, I will let the lip-smacking do the talking too. :) Now, giddy up and take down the quick recipe right out of my kitchen.

Ingredients

- Fresh Pav (The numbers depend on your appetite)

- Vegetables may include;

Carrots, Potatoes, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Capsicum, Tomatoes, Onion, Green Peas...Basically anything you can lay your fingers on. Except of course, Brinjal and Ladies Finger!!

- Green chillies, Coriander and lemon slices for garnish

- Pav Bhaji Masala ( I would recommend Everest or Catch)

- Salt to taste

- Loads of butter of course.

Procedure

- Wash, peel and halve the vegetables, except for onions.

- Chop the onions, coriander leaves and green chillies finely.

- If you have a food processor, I would recommend just running the raw veggies in that for a few churns. If not, you have more chopping to do. :| Don't fret over chopping evenly, they are going to be mashed anyway.

- Once ground coarsely, just pop them all into a pressure cooker and give them a few steams.

- Meanwhile, saute the onions & green chillies in oil and when golden brown, add the Pav Bhaji masala, salt and turmeric. (P.S. Spare some onions for the garnish!)

- Once, the veggies are boiled, use a large serving spoon or masher and manually mash them into a coarse pulp. Add these to the saute'd seasoned onions.

- Bhaji is ready!

- Butter a pan and roast the Pav on that. Make sure you slice them into halves for better greasing. :)

Serving Style

- Ensure piping hot Bhaji is served for the best taste. Garnish it with a blob of butter, chopped coriander leaves, chopped onions and a slice of lemon to squeeze.

- Bring in the buttered Pav.

- Serve right from the stove to the platter.

Bon Appetite!

Begging for beds...

2010-10-01T22:16:00.000-07:00

Its those post-lunch hours at work when you can kill someone to get a fluffy bed. Actually, not even fluffy, any bed, any horizontal surface would do. God bless those minds who came up with idea of a rest lounge at work for women. Especially women, the delicate half of the human species. Because of course, with all that they go through biologically, that a man can never undergo; they deserve it. Sadly and honestly, that's true!

Thus, winning us the brownie point of a dormitory.

But, then the million dollar question arises, do you ever get to sleep on that bunker bed in the dormitory!??

No.

Why??

Because some ladies sleep on them as though they have never encountered a bed before in their life.

Now, come on you can't be serious!

No, seriously! They sleep with their claws dug deep into the bed. They cannot be removed from their until (death do us part? Nah, that's too harsh) eternity!

Ah, that must really suck. Especially when you really need to get a shut eye, or worse, when you aren't well.

Oh tell me about it. I have stood there towering over sleeping women hoping that they will freak out when they open their eyes and would run out that door. I just got snores back in return.

God, that's outrageous!

Oh, that's nothing. Now, I get a feeling they even reserve the beds! They land on the bed in the off-sleep-hours and proceed with eating, chatting, stretching and then finally sleeping through the day. Makes me sometimes wonder if they even get their own pillows from home to make themselves 'feel at home'.

They should make some rule for the time that one person can occupy a bed for.

How!? You should see those women! They even cover their faces with the duvets to shut out any "official" disturbance from the outer world. What are we supposed to do? Yank their blankets off and pour a bucket of water , like the movies. Although that would surely be fun.

Although, I really wish if the world was the movies, one day I might just do that! LOL.

Straight from Dee's Kitchen!

2010-09-30T08:29:00.000-07:00

I had just got home from work and I was in one of my cookie-cookie moods. Yes, the days when I find cooking therapeutic. I just love cooking. Although, I will be more human and confess that sometimes, when you're tired out of your senses, obviously cooking for yourself is a pain.

As always my mind was on a hunt for palatable quick-fix recipes. I remembered having boiled chickpea (black chana) in the morning. But, I was in no mood for a run-of-the-mill chana curry (bleeeeh!). I would give a limb for a lip smacking chaat though. Quite on the contrary, I agree. Ah, I miss mum.

Nevertheless, here is what I made!

1. Throw in the boiled chickpea, jeera, ginger-garlic paste, salt, green chillies, dhaniya powder,pinch of garam masala.

Chef's tip: Add 2 spoons of bread crumbs or rice powder for more crunchy outcome. :*

2.Heat up a non-stick pan and smear a little bit of oil on it.

3. Make small cutlets out of this chickpea dough.

4. Place them on the pan on slow heat and toss them periodically for uniform browning.

Taaa-daaaa...

Much more healthier than the usual aloo tikki and when you have it with a dash of ketchup or salsa sauce, you're guaranteed to go yummy in the tummy!

Bon Appetite!

Do away with the bitterness.. :)

2010-09-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

My nose would twist in utter disappointment when Mom would make Karela (Bitter Gourd). Although I must agree, even back then, it would smell heavenly. But, I should be excused since children and bitterness don't really go together.

Today, I love Karela. Not the kind of love I would express by consuming it every day of my life. But, yes, I have definitely come to appreciate its taste and more so, the health conscious part of me loves its natural bitterness for its God-gifted healing powers.

Thus, today I decided to put up a simple recipe for all Karela-haters out there, just to give it a second chance. And for those who love it already, another lip smacking way to savor this

vegetable that definitely finds place in grandma's household remedies.

Here you go;

Ingredients: Bittergourd, Jeera (Cumin seeds, optional), Amchoor (Dry mango powder), Chat masala (for the tang), Vinegar/ Fresh Lemon, salt to taste.

1. Chop the bitter gourd finely. I usually skip the seeds (this is more because someone once compared them to lizard eggs and I couldn't ever get that notion out of my head).

There's no restriction to sizes, just that smaller pieces always cook faster!

2. Mix these with the Amchoor and set them off into the microwave for about 5 mins. ( Don't fret if you don't have a microwave at disposal, just skip to next step, you'll just need to give it more time on the stove).

3. Heat about 2 spoons of oil in the pan. Add Jeera and let it splutter. Toss the semi-cooked bitter-gourd into it. Add the salt, chat masala and sprinkle the vinegar / lemon juice over it. Cover it with a lid and give it a minute.

Don't forget to absorb the aroma when you remove the lid!

Relish this crunchy side-dish with your regular meal. Tell me if you still hate it.

Bon appetite!