Subhie's Passions!

National History MuSeum!- London

2011-01-29T13:17:00.000-08:00

Since my son is crazy of dinosaurs..,we made a visit to National History Museum in London some months back.There are several types of dinos..which names that i cant pronounces correctly lived millions years ago...The questions is did the dinos completely die or leave among us in the shape of birds.Check out National History Museum for more information.

Here,some pictures that we took during our trip.

Kuih Jagung Bakar

2011-01-21T13:53:00.000-08:00

Sorry dears i have no idea what is the exact name of this dish in english..u may count it as malaysian muffins or baked corn custard.When i saw this recipe ad ayu's blog ,i make my mind to give a try since my son love corns.I used to do baked corn using custard version but not this version....thanks ayu for the loving recipe.My first attempt as been success...but i changed the ingredients a bit.If u dont have muffins mould ,you can use can tray to bake too!

Let see what you Need,

Self raising flour- 3 cups
Sugar-1/2 cup
Egg-3
Sweetcorn-3/4 tin
Coconut milk -350ml
Yellow color- a few drops
Salt as taste
Butter for grease

How I Make,

Sieve the flour ,then combine flour, eggs, coconut milk, sugar, some salt and some yellow colouring in a bowl. Fold mixture till incorporated and not lumpy.Now add in corn and mix well. Grease mould with some butter. Pour mixture into moulds and bake till cook or according your oven instructions. I bake for 30 minutes.

Apam Balik-Malaysian Peanut Pancake

2011-01-20T06:14:00.000-08:00

Apam balik or known as Malaysian peanut pancakes is one of famous hawker snack Apam Balik in Malay language, is a pancake topped with butter, ground roasted peanut and creamy sweet corn and you can get everywhere in malaysia.You can make crispy version or thick version and you can your own fillings.This was always my favourite,when i found this recipe in myresipi blog,i make attempt to give a try..Let see what you need,

You Need,
Flour- 2 cup
Sugar-1/2 cup
Baking powder- 1tsp
Bicarbonate soda-1/4 tsp

Vanilla essences-1/2 tsp
Egg-1
Water- 1 1/2 cup

Fillings
Roasted peanuts- ground coarsely
Sweetcorn
Butter
Sugar

How I make,
In a large mixing bowl,whisk egg with vanilla essence and sugar until sugar is dissolved.
Sift together self-raising flour with baking soda, baking powder and add into mixture in batches.
Set aside in fridge for 2-3 hours.
Heat non-stick pan on low heat,pour a ladle of batter into the pan,and swirl the pan full cover with batter.Put more batter if you want thick pancakes.
Once the pancake is done, drop in diced butter, sprinkle ground peanut and spoon over some creamy sweet corn.
Fold it over while it is hold, and cool (do not have to cool completely) on rack to prevent soggy bottom.
Cut into serving size and serve warm.

Indian Thanksgiving-Pongal!!

2011-01-16T12:18:00.000-08:00

Pongal is a harvest festival - the Tamil equivalent of Thanksgiving. In an agriculture based civilization the harvest plays an important part. The farmer cultivating his land depends on cattle, timely rain and the Sun. Once a year, he expresses his gratitude to these during the harvest festival. With the end of the wet month of Margazhi (mid December to mid January) the new Tamil month of Thaiheralds a series of festivals. The first day of this month is a festival day known as "Pongal Day". Pongal means the "boiling over" of milk and rice during the month of Thai.
source-http://www.pongalfestival.org/
Check out more about pongal here

Wishing all my Readers a Very Happy Pongal.Hope you have great time with your loved one with great sweet and food.I forgot to took my sakkarai pongal/sweet rice picture, so i just uploading the dish that i have cooked for lunch menu.There 9 items all together.Back home those days...we celebrate pongal by tying cane sugar infront of the hse,make color ful rangolis...and wonderful treats with the veggies.

Spicy n Flavorful Salmon Fish Biriyani

2011-01-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

I wouldn't think that salmon fish biriyani also taste better as other biriyanis...after my succesful first attempt of fish biriyani...i make it regulary in my pantry in different way and flavor..this time ...i make this way ..which are spicy along mint coariander flavor..and i used to add some veggies along with this ...so that my son will have perfect meal...

For Fish,
Salmon -5 Fillets
Ginger garlic paste - 1tsp
Biriyani masala- 1tsp
Chili powder- 1 tsp
Turmeric powder-1 tsp
Lemon juice- a few drops
Salt- 1 tsp
Marinate fish with all spices in the list for about an hour.Shallow fry using little oil.Fry each side well on medium heat.Set aside for layering.

For Gravy,

Heat Oil in a pan.Fry 2 chopped onion with 2 tbsp of gingergarlic paste.

Once the onion is lightly browned add paste of ( 2 tbsp of coriander leaves + 1 tbsp mint + 1-2 green chilies,grind to smooth paste).Saute till the oil leaves the paste.

Now add 2 chopped plum tomato,1/2 cups sliced carrots or baby carrots ,and 1/2 cups garden peas and fry till the tomato is all mixed well and add some turmeric powder.

Then add of 2 tbsp Yogurt + 2 tbsp of any biriyani masala and 1 tbsp of coriander powder.

Now reduce heat and saute for couple of minutes till the masala is well cooked and add some water.

Add salt and mix everything well.Let the gravy come to a boil in medium heat.

Cook the gravy till thick.Check for seasonings,then remove from heat.

Now let see how to prepare biriyani,

Heat Ghee in the pan.Throw in 3 Cardamom,3 Clove, 2 star anise,1" stick of Cinnamonand 2 bay leaves and a lemongrass(optinal).

Add 1 finely chopped onions and 1 tbsp of ginger garlic paste.

Once the onion turn light brown add,washed/drain rice, saute well till get nice aroma.

Now add water and salt.Water depends on the rice brand.

Once the rice is nearly done almost 3/4% ,remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork.
Use oven safe bowl,

pour some gravy in the bottom....with some coriander and mint leaves.

then add a layer of rice.

Now on the top of rice, sprinkle some yellow color,then add a layer of gravy with some fish fillets coriander-mint leaves and some roasted cashews and sprinkle some garam masala and ghee.

now again add rice and gravy layer as earlier.

Cover with aluminium foil and bake in oven for 15 - 20 minutes.

Once done mix slight with fork ,then serve with onion raita and some papads.

You may like this too,which are similar of preparation.-Chicken Koftas Biriyani

Nasi Jagung - Corn Rice

2011-01-07T09:40:00.000-08:00

Here is another my son's favorite.My son just love sweetcorn a lot.So I always try to use corns in my cooking from corn pudding..fritters and rice.Once i saw this recipe in Rasa ,magazines , i make an attempt to try.My first attempt was success, my son like it.Since thats,its always been cooked oftentimes in my kitchen.You can have it simply like that or with any of your favorite curries.

Here what You Need,

Basmathi rice- 2 cups
Sweetcorn /corn - 1 cup
Evaporated milk - 1 cup ( i used fresh milk only)
Green chilies- 1,deseeded and chopped finely
Tomato -1chopped
Onion- 1 sliced
Ginger/garlic paste - 1 tbsp
Biryani powder - 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp
Screwpine leaves/pandan leaves - 1 knotted

Coriander leaves -some for garnish
Cinnamon stick -1
Star anise - 2
Bay leaf-1
Cloves- 3
Ghee- 1 tbsp
Corn/vegetable oil- 1 1/2tbsp
Salt as taste

How I cook,

Wash rice and soak for 40 minutes.Drain and keep aside.
Heat oil and ghee in pan, add cinnamon,cloves,anise and bayleaf.Then add green chilies,chopped onion,ginger,garlic,saute till oil turn on surface.Then add tomato,biriyani powder and salt.Mix all together and add corn.
Now add pandan leaves,milk and water.Let it boil then add rice.Once the rice cooked,give a quick stir using fork and garnish with coriander leaves.
.

Kek Chocolate Perisa Pudina-Chocolate Mint Cake

2011-01-06T07:32:00.000-08:00

One of our old days favourite cake...mummy used to bake this those days....and i like to help her ....after long time i got hold on the recipe..but its didnt turn out exactly same like what mum used to bake....so have to check out with her...but its really sponge n tasty..............

Here what you Need,

Self Raising Flour-200g
Butter-220g
Castor sugar-200g
Eggs-3
Vanilla Essence-1/2 tsp
Cocoa powder- 4 tbsp
Milk-6 tbsp
Green color-a few drops
Mint Juice/peppermint essence-a few drops

How I make,

Pre- heat oven according your manual.
Line a 20 cm round pan with greaseproof paper.
Beat the sieved self raising flour and butter to smooth paste.
In a separate bowl,whisk the eggs and sugar until spongy.Add the spongy mix and vanilla essence drops gradually into the flour paste.Beat till smooth.
Divide the batter to two.Add cocoa powder and milk to one half.Blend till smooth.Now add green color and mint juice into the other half.
Pour the batter alternatively into the baking pan.
Bake for 30- 40minutes.

Nasi Lobak Merah -Carrot Rice

2011-01-05T09:31:00.000-08:00

When I saw this post ad curlybabe 's satisfaction blog...I decided ad once that I must try this for my lil one.Its taste like carrot pilaf rice and goes well with any spicy gravies.And my son just love this and of course me too!

Here what you need,

Basmathi rice- 2 cups
Carrot ,grated - 1 cup
Green chilies- 1,deseeded and chopped finely
Tomato -1 sliced
Onion- 1 sliced
Ginger- 1cm ,peeled skin and minced
Garlic-2 pods ,minced
Cumin seeds powder- 1/2 tsp
Cinnamon stick -1
Cardomam- 2
Bayleaf-1
Cloves- 3
Ghee- 1 tbsp
Corn/vegetable oil- 1 1/2tbsp
Salt as taste

How I cook,

Wash rice and soak for 40 minutes.Drain and keep aside.
Heat oil and ghee in pan, add cinnamon,cloves,cardomam and bayleaf.Then add green chilies,chopped onion,ginger,garlic,saute till oil turn on surface.Then add grated carrot ,saute for few minutes.Now add tomato,cumin seeds powder and salt.Mix all together and add some water.Once its boiled ,add rice and cook till rice is cook.,Serve along with spicy gravy.

Kway Teow Goreng/Fried Flat Noodles

2011-01-03T15:28:00.000-08:00

Kway teow or flat noodles is a popular dish in Malaysia,Indonesia,Brunei and Singapore.And its typically known as street food ,since its been prepares ad stall food .It is made from flat rice noodles of approximately 1 cm about 0.5 cm in width, stir-fried over very high heat with light and dark soy sauce, chilli, belachan, prawns, cockles, bean sprouts and chopped Chinese chives and also with egg, fishcake, and less commonly with other ingredients and commonly served on a piece of banana leaf on a plate.Its was one of my favourite noodles.

Let see what you Need,

Flat noodles- 1packet,fresh
Prawns- 100g,shelled
Fishcakes-1 ,cut into small chunks
Mix stir fry veggie- 2 cup(bean sprouts,peppers,onions)
Chili paste/powder- 2 tbsp
Garlic -2 pods,minced
Egg -2

For Chili paste
Fresh Red chilies- 2 deseeded
Dry red chilies- 5 nos deseeded
Shallots- 2 ,peeled and sliced
Oil-1/4 tsp
Salt
Grind all together to smooth paste

For Sauce
Dark soy sauce - 1 tsp
Light soy sauce- 4 tsp
Sugar- 1/2 tsp

How I make,

Heat oil in pan, add garlic and cook until turn brown.Add prawn and fish cakes ,stir for 1 min or until cooked.
Now add the sauce mixture,stir fry mix,noodles and water and mix well.
Stirring constantly until the noodles tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Then push the noodles to one side, and add a little oil on the middle and crack an egg on it. Use the spatula to break the egg yolk and stir to blend with the egg white. Flip the noodles and cover the egg, and wait for about 15 seconds.
Now remove the noodles from heat to a platter.Garnish with crushed geen chilies and spring onions.

World First Most Amazing Hindu Glass Temple!

2011-01-02T19:03:00.000-08:00

I would like to share the places that i had visit with all of you as part of features in this blog under places.

My last visit to Malaysia in 2009,I managed to make a visit to the world amazing first hindu glass temple.Fortunately that is the exact time, i arrived ,where they held the Temple Opening Puja....so i dont miss the chance to visit.The temple chairman said that 95 per cent of the temple’s walls, ceiling, domes and pillars have been adorned with over a million pieces of colourful glass imported from Thailand , Japan and Belgium .Its was Malaysia’s 1st glass temple, the Arulmigu Sri Raja Kaliamman Temple , located in Jalan Tebrau, Johor Baru, Malaysia,is set to become a major tourist attraction apart from being used by Hindu devotees.The total cost of the temple is approximately three million ringgits.The glass pieces were carefully put together by nine Myanmar workers, and motifs and symbols like the Swastika, Namam and Sri Chakra were created from the glass pieces in seven colours.The chairman of the temple said the visualised of glass temple happens while his Thailand visit, and funds for the construction were raised through community programmes and public donations.The air-conditioned temple can accommodate about 1,500 devotees.Though Malaysia is a Muslim Country, the persecuted Hindus of Malaysia have formed various Hindu Forums and Organizations to keep alive their tradition of Indian roots and their ancestral Hindu faith through colourful Hindu rituals and practices.I used to visit this temple earlier before it was rebuilt as glass temple.I miss the big statue of kaliamman, which they change now.When I heard the news of glass temple,my visualisation was mirror.But once i enter the temple ,i neva thought that it will be so beautiful with wonderful colors.Hope i can make another visit to the templeon my next trip to Malaysia....here i share some pictures of the temple

A Bowl of Sardine fried Rice / Nasi goreng Sardin

2010-12-31T03:32:00.000-08:00

This fried is one of our favourite fried rice and easiest to make while we are staying in hostel.With a rice cooker,rice and canned sardine /mackerel fish.Sometimes we cook rice ,then make separate gravy with the can sardine.Canned sardine /mackerel are those days survival for hostel students along with maggi noodles.After so long i make this fried rice with more ingredients.This is perfect meal for lazy days.
Now let see what you need,

Cooked rice- 2 cup
Canned sardine/mackerel fish -1(remove the bone and roughly smashed)
Mix veggies-1cup(peas,carrot,etc)
Onion- 1 chopped finely
Green chilies- 2 chopped finely
Egg- 2 ,scrambled
Chili powder- 1/4 tsp
Ginger- 1 minced
Soya sauce-1 -2 tbsp
Salt as taste
Oil - 1 tbsp

How I cook,

Heat oil in pan,add chopped onion,ginger and green chilies.Fry till onion turn light brown.
Now add canned sardine,salt,chili powder and soya sauce.Saute for few seconds.
Then add mix veggie and fry for few minutes.Now add rice and scrambled egg and mix all together.Cook for another five minutes.Check seasoning.Remove from heat.
Serve hot.

My All Time Fav- Green Gram with Spinach Curry

2010-12-29T03:24:00.000-08:00

This is one of my all time favourite.Green gram /Moong beans with green leaves.My mom used make with amaranth leaves or 'ponagakanni leaves.Since that leaves always rare in my kitchen,i used spinach.This gravy goes well with rice and chapattis too.

What You Need,

Green Gram-2cup
Spinach - chopped - 3 cup
Potato -2 cubed,small
Tomato - 1 chopped
Small onion- 6
Ginger - 1 ,sliced
Garlic -6 pods- sliced
Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp
Cumin powder- 1tsp
Black pepper powder- 1/2 tsp
For tempering,
Mustard seeds- 1/4 tsp
Cumin seeds- 1/2 tsp
Fenugreek seeds- 1/4 tsp
Urad dal -1/4 tsp
Red dry chili- 3,
Curry leaves-1 spring
Coriander,1 tbsp chopped finely
Salt as taste
Oil - 2 tbsp

How I cook,

Pressure cook or cook in vessel , green gram/moong beans,turmeric powder,salt with some water.
Once its cook,mashed well to make it mushy, then add spinach ,potato ,tomatoes ,small onions,ginger slices ,garlic slices,green chilies and add cumin seeds powder and black pepper powder and mix well.Add some water if its too thick and cook for few minutes or til the potato and spinach are cooked.
Then in a kadai/pan ,heat oil add mustard seeds,cumin seeds,urad dal,and red chilies.Once the red chilies splutter,add curry leaves,coriander leaves and asofoetida.Cook for few minutes then throw in the moong beans gravy.

Merry Christmas And Simple Butter cream CAKE!

2010-12-25T18:06:00.000-08:00

Wishing all of you a very "Happy Christmas" and wonderful year ahead.Hope most of you have wonderful christmas feast along with mouthwatering dishes and gifts from Santa Claus with your friends and family.And most of you sure be enjoying this holidays with celebrating ,visiting and of course shopping on boxing day..Enjoy shopping!

I promise my son that i will bake him cake on christmas...but its disaster when i went shopping for the baking stuffs and deco stuffs,i could not find the things i want...most of the racks empty.

So end up with baking this simple sponge cake with simple buttercream deco......didnt want to dissapoint my son...

Wishing all of you a very "Happy Holiday" and have great time with your family and friends.

Jeera Rice- Cumin seeds flavored Rice

2010-12-23T17:51:00.000-08:00

Cumin seeds are known as Jeera in Hindi.Cumin seeds are a very good source of Iron and Manganese and aids in effective digestion.Jeera rice is a simple and pilaf rice which goes well with any vegetable or non-vegetarian side dish.Since cumin seeds is very good ..I used to make jeera drink and jeera rice quite often ad home.This time i tried vahrehvah,sanjeev ji way of making of jeera rice.
Here what u need,
You Need,
Basmathi rice - 2 cups
Cumin seeds- 1 1/2 tsp
Green chilies- 1 deseed,chopped finely
Coriander leaves- 1 tbsp chopped
Cinnamon stick-1 small piece
Bay leaf- 1
Cloves- 4
Ghee/Butter-2 1/2 tsp
Salt as taste
Yellow color as required(optional)

How I Make,
Wash basmathi rice and soak for atleast 30 minutes.
Heat ghee in pan,add cinnamon,cloves,cumin seeds and fry them for few seconds.Then add green chilies and coriander leaves.Saute for 2 seconds.
Now add drain the rice and add into the fry along with salt and give a quick stir.
Add enough water and let the rice cook.
Once the rice cooked,sprinkle some yellow color .Let it cool for time,then use a fork to give quick stir to the rice.
Serve the rice along any of your favourite gravy...

Spicy Brinjal with Drumstick

2010-12-23T04:36:00.000-08:00

A simple side dish which goes well with mild curry like sambar...sodhi..etc....

What You Need,

Drumstick - 2 ,remove skin n cut into 4

Brinjal- 4 ,cut into small 4

Tomato -1 chopped

Onion- 1 chopped

Ginger garlic paste- 1 tbsp

Curry leaves- 1 strig

Mustard seeds- 1/4 tsp

Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp

Kashmiri red chili powder- 1 tsp

Salt as taste

Oil - 1tbsp

How I Make,

Heat oil in pan,add mustard seeds,cumin seeds and curry leaves.Once its pop,add onion and fry for 2 seconds or till its light brown .Now add ginger garlic paste and saute till the raw smells goes.

Now throw in drumstick and brinjal,fry for few minutes then add salt and chili powder.Mix all together and add some water.Cook in medium heat.Once the drumstick and brinjal cook,check seasoning and simmer for few minutes till the gravy turns to dry,then remove from heat.

A Thousand Splendid Suns By Khaled Hosseini

2010-12-22T02:00:00.000-08:00

From now onwards there will be new column in the blog abt book review to share,suggestion and comments regarding books are most welcomed.

Review,

A Thousand Splendid Suns is a novel about two womens with different age,background,and place in late Afghanistan who share an unbreakable bond.This novel divided into four main chapter.First chapter about Mariam,who was born an illegitimate child in 1959 and was forced to married to a man from Kabul when she was 15. Her husband was abusive and cruel.In Kabul, Mariam becomes pregnant seven successive times, but is never able to carry a child to term, and Rasheed gradually becomes more abusive.The second chapter talks about a girl named Laila and a boy named Tariq, who are close friends,who stayed in same neighbourhood with Mariam.Laila was born just before the Russian invasion and had dreams of a life of education and travel. A bomb kills most of her family and she recovers from her wounds in Mariam's house,and Mariam's husband has his eyes on Laila.The third chapter is about war in Afghanistan, and Kabul is bombarded by rocket attacks. Tariq's family decides to leave the city, and the emotional farewell between Laila and Tariq ends with them making love. Laila's family also decides to leave Kabul, but before that a rocket destroys the house, kills her parents, and severely injures Laila. Laila is taken in by Rasheed and Mariam. After recovering from her injuries, Laila discovers that she is pregnant with Tariq's child. Laila, who has been told that Tariq is dead, agreed to marry Rasheed, who is eager to have second wife, and hopes to pass her unborn child off as his and she gives birth to a daughter. Rasheed is unhappy and suspicious, and he soon becomes abusive toward Laila. Mariam and Laila eventually become confidants.Fourth chapter is about Tariq and Laila.One day, Tariq appears outside the house. He and Laila are reunited, and their passions flare anew and they leave to pakistan few days later.And Mariam killed her husband. Along with Mariam and Laila,Hossein had talked about old cultural of Afghanistan ,terrific taliban hospital, and religious too.

Creamy Kerala Prawn Curry

2010-12-18T04:40:00.000-08:00

I saw this recipe in bbc goodfood "Market kitchen"programme a long time ago..and its really stuck me to give a try to such a simple and quickest recipe.,but unfortunately I forget what are the ingredients are used,ad last i found the recipe from bbc goodfood site.I add some ingredients which are suits me.You can find the original one here here.

What You Need,

Red chilies- 3 chilies,cut lengthwise and de-seeded
Prawn - 300g
Small onion- 5 peeled and chopped
Garlic-3pods, peeled and chopped
Ginger-2.5com,peelend and chopped
Mustard seeds- 1 tsp
Fenugreek seeds-3/4 tsp
Peppercorns- 1/2 tsp cracked
Turmeric powder- 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves- 1 spring
Sunflower oil- 2tbsp
Salt as taste
Coconut milk thick - 1 cup
Lime - 1/2 squeeze

How I Cook,

Grind together red chilies,garlic,ginger and small onions with little water to smooth paste.
Now heat oil in pan,add mustard seeds,fenugreek seeds and curry leaves.Once they pop,add onion paste and saute for 2 minutes and turn the heat down.
Add turmeric powder and cracked peppercorns,stir for few seconds then add prawn and salt.Add some water and let the prawn cook.
Once the prawn almost cooked,add coconut milk and bring to simmer.The gravy should be in yellow color.Cook another 2 minutes or till everything heated through.Squeezed over some lime and garnish with coriander.Serve hot with steamed rice.

Curried Chicken Puffs

2010-12-16T06:33:00.000-08:00

Hi there,sorry for missing in action for sometimes....quite busy with normal routines.Hope all of you doing well....i manage to go through some of yours latest posts..will keep following the others soon.Weather here damn cold .....and feeling lazy all the day.....so that they are nothing new dish been tried out in my kitchen.I always like to keep puff pastry sheets in fridge and it become really handy when i need too make quick breakfast or snack.Today i make it as breakfast ..so i make it bigger..if you are making as snack ..make it smaller...And also you can make many type of stuffing like tuna,mince meat or veggies.Curry puff/karipap is one of my favourite puffs in malaysia,since it required lot of work ..i rarely make it.Since i notice this easy peasy puffs sheet in supermarket,its become handy for me to make karipap style and use in these pastries.Here is what you need,

Ingredients,
1 sheet of puff pastry
1 beaten egg

Filliing,
Chicken -minced 1cup
Potato- 2 diced small
Green peas- 1/4 cup
Onion- 1chopped finely
Ginger garlic paste - 1 tbsp
Green chilies-1 chopped finely
Chicken masala- 1 1/2 tsbp
Garam masala- 1/2 tsp
Coconut milk pwd - 1 tbsp
Salt as per taste
Oil - 2 tbsp

How I make,

Heat oil in pan,add chopped onions.Fry with some salt till golden brown color.
Now add ginger garlic paste along green chilies. Saute till the raw smell goes.
Add minced chicken, geen peas and potatoes and stir for 2 minutes.
Now add,chicken masala and garam masala and stir for another minute for the masala cook.Add some water and let the meat cooked well.
Meanwhile mix coconut milk powder with some water to thick paste or you can use cocont milk.
When the mixture is almost dry and once the meat cooked,add the coconut milk in.Stir continuously till the mixture is well combined and slighty wet.
Remove from heat and keep aside for cool.

Now thaw the puff pastry.Dust the work table with some flour.Unfold the pastry and rolled out to thinly and cut into 6 equal rectangles. I manage to make 6 pastry with 1 puff sheet,if you want small pastry then maybe you can 8 pastry out of that.Heap about a table of filling on the pastry and fold it over to close the edges,Press down the edges with fork.Brush the pastry with some egg eash and bake into golden brown.

Prawn in Tamarind Gravy

2010-05-30T04:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was jux passing like that with cookin..readin..cleanin..since its was raining.. cloudy outside.. so nothin to do much.Hope the this 2 days will have much better weathers.As usual seafoods take place in my kitchen once or twice in a week..As seafood lover ,i love to have fish or prawn.So each time i tried to make different flavor of them.Once of them tamarind base gravy which very adaptable with any seafoods.Lets see wat u need.

You Need,

Prawn- 200g
Brinjal-2 cut into pieces
Okra/lady finger-4 cut into halves
Tomato- 2 chopped finely
Ginger/garlic paste- 1 tbspn
Coconut milk- 1/2 cup
Tamarind Juice(thick)- 1/3 cup
Roasted coriander powder- 1 tbsp
Fish Masala- 2 tbsp
Chili powder- 1 tsp
Pepper pwd- 1/2 tsp
Salt as taste

For tempering,

Onion-1 medium chopped finely
Mustard seeds- 1/4 tsp
Fenugreek seeds- 1/4 tsp
Cumin seeds- 1/4 tsp

Green chilies- 3
Curry leaves -1 strand

How I cook,

Extract tamarind juice.Heat oil in kadai ,add mustards,fenugreek,cumin seeds.Once its splutter add chopped onions,curry leaves and green chilies.Saute till the onions turn light brown and thrown in the prawn.Fry for another few minutes.
Now add ginger garlic paste along with tomatoes and dry powders.And saute for few seconds.
Then throw in brinjal and okra. Mix all together along with salt.Add tamarind juice and required water for the gravy.Let it cook in medium heat.
Once the prawn and veggies are cooked.Add in coconut milk.Cook in simmer for 5 minutes.
Check seasoning.Then remove from heat.
Serve hot with rice.

Aloo Paratha/Potato stuffed Flatbread

2010-05-27T14:40:00.000-07:00

There are many types of Indian breads which easy and preferable to be eaten with any gravy dish. North Indian breads are include chappathi,roti,naan,stuffed paratha,bhatura,pori and etc.Stuffed parathas make more fillings than plain chappathi.There are many types of parathas..gobi,mooli(radish),methi(fenugreek) and so on.Among all this i dont know why i do fall in love with aloo paratha.The first time i tried aloo paratha with tofu saag was with my best punjabi friend in a restaurant in kuala lumpur,Malaysia.The one and only north indian restaurant that we found that time..long time back ago...From that time ...i often visit the restaurant and end up with aloo parathas.I get to know more varities after i came to UK.So since then ,i tried to make most the varieties of stuffed parathas.For me its more like stuffed chappathis.Chappathi dough stuffed with spicy mashed potatoes and cooked with butter/ghee in hot tawa can be excellent breakfast ,brunch or dinner.

You Need,

For dough

Wheat flour/chappathi flour-2 cups

Yogurt - 1-2 bsp

Oil- 1 tbsp

Salt to taste

Wheat flour for dusting

Butter/ghee - frying

Enough water to make dough

For Filling

Potatoes - 5 ,boiled

Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp

Red chili powder- 1/2 tsp

Coriander powder-1/2 tsp

Cumin powder- 1/4 tsp

Garam masala- 1/4 tsp

Coriander leaves- a handful chopped finely

Dry fenugreek leaves/kasoori methi,powder- 1/4 tsp( optional)

Cinnamon stick - 1 medium

Salt as taste

Oil for cooking

How I Make,

For dough,

Sieve the flour,add salt ,yogurt and oil.Add little water ad a time and knead to smooth dough.Knead well for some time.Rub little oil over dough and wrap with wet cloth.Keep aside for 15- 20 minutes.

Meanwhile prepare the filling.

For filing,

Peel the potato and grate the potatoes.Mix the grated potatoes with salt and dry powders.

Heat oil in pan,add cinnamon stick,then add the grated potatoes and mix well.

Now add coriander leaves and kasoori methi,And saute for some time till the potatoes are dry.Otherwise it would be very hard to roll out.Check seasoning and remove from heat.Remove the cinnamon stick too.

For Roll Out,

Divide the dough and stuffing into ball on equal portion.Then roll out each dough into small circle.Put a spoonful of stuffing in the center of the dough.Wrap it from all the side and gently pat out in the palm and rub flour on both side and roll out into fine circle shape.

Now cook on hot pan/tawa till it puffs and turn light brown ,then cook the other side too.

Drizzle some ghee or butter on the top and serve hot with any gravy or curd.

Fish In Milk Sauce

2010-05-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

We had wonderful weather this weekends..everywhere sun...i think most of London people enjoyed very much.Hope this amazing weather continue for few more days so that we can have more outdoor activity .Sat we had lunch in our garden, I thought make some mild gravy...and my choice are always milk sauce which is easy and quick with less ingredients.
Here how I make,

You Need,

Fish - 5 pieces
French beans- 1/2 cup, cut half
Tomato - 2 chopped
Onion-1medium chopped finely
Ginger garlic paste- 2 tbsp
Green chilies- 3
Turmeric powder- 1 tsp
Cumin powder- 1/2 tsp
Black pepper- 1/2 tsp
Semi skimmed milk - 1 cup
Tamarind juice- 1/4 cup
Curry leaves-1 strand
Mustard seed- 1/4 tsp
Fenugreek seed- 1/4 tsp
Cumin seed-1/2 tsp

How I Cook,

Marinate fish pieces with turmeric powder,salt and some lemon juice.
Fry the fish pieces lightly before add in gravy.
Heat oil in a pan,add mustard seeds,cumin,and fenugreek seeds.Once its splutter add onions,green chilies and currry leaves.Fry till the onion is translucent.Then add ginger garlic paste and salt.Fry for 2 seconds then add tomatoes,turmeric powder and cumin powder and mix well.
Now add some water , and tamarind juice.Once its start to boil add fish pieces.
Let in simmer till the fish is well cooked.
Then add milk and black pepper powder and mix well.
Let the sauce to boil.Once its done remove from heat and garnish with coriander leaves.
Serve hot with steam rice.
Enjoy cooking!

Jemput - Jemput Ikan Bilis/Anchovies Fritters

2010-04-30T02:21:00.000-07:00

Almost every malaysian favourite, fritters be eaten as tea snack.There would so many types of fritters,and today i would like to share is Anchovies fritters or known as' jemput jemput ikan bilis' in malay.Ikan bilis means anchovies.Other well known Malaysian fritters are prawn fritters,onion fritters and banana fritters.Crispy golden brown crust along with soft texture inside,once bitten reveals you the taste of spiciness n crunchiness.Enjoy with chilli sauce as dip.

Here how I make,

You Need,

Plain flour- 2 cup
Anchovies - 1/4 cup(soaked,washed,and deep fried lightly)
Onion - 1 chopped finely
Green chilies- 2 chopped finely
Spring Onions- 1 chopped finely
Turmeric powder- 1/4 tsp
Soda bikarbonat - 1/4 tsp(optional)
Salt as taste
Water - 1 cup
Oil for deep frying

How I make,

Mix flour,salt ,turmeric powder,soda and water to smooth texture.It should not be too watery or thick.
Now add all the chopped ingredients along with anchovies and mix well.
Heat oil for deep frying.Once its pipping hot,reduce the flame to medium heat and scoop a spoonful of the mixture and drop into the hot oil.Fry them to golden brown colour.
Serve hot with chilli sauce or any you favourite sauces.

Curry Puff/Karipap

2010-04-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

I love curry puff very much since am kid.Curry puff also known as ' karipap' in malay are another malaysian delicacies.Curry puff can be found in Malaysia,Singapore and Thailand too.The most common curry puff is deep fried pastry puff filled with potatoes and chicken and sometimes canned sardine.Its hard for one to resist the temptation of having a bite of curried pastry and smells of deep frying while one came across puff stalls.Do try and let me know ..how its turn!

Let see how i make,

You Need

For pastry

Plain flour- 1 cup
Corn flour-1 tbsp
Butter- 2 tbsp
Water as required
Salt as taste

For Filling
Potatoes -6
Chicken breast-20g diced
Chicken curry powder- 1 tbsp
Onion- 1 chopped finely
Ginger- 1/4 tsp minced
Curry leaves- afew
Salt as taste
Water- 1cup(adjust)
Oil - 1 tbsp

How I Make,

Filling,
Heat oil in pan, add ginger,onion and curry leaves.Stir in till onion transculent then add chicken.
Stir well,once the chicken turn white,add potatoes.Cook for 2 minutes then add curry powder and salt.
Mix all well,then add water and let the potato and chicken to cook.
Cool completely before use.

Pastry,
In large mixing bowl ,add both flour.Mix well and keep aside.Then melt the butter.Pour the melted butter over flour in mixing bowl and mix well using fork.
Now add water and knead to smooth dough.Wrap with wet cloths or plastic wrap and keep aside for 15 minutes.

Assemble,
Divide the dough to small balls,and roll out each ball to circle and heaped with the filling in the center.Fold the pastry dough into half circle shape and pinch or seal the edges with fork.If u have mould ,then can use it.
Then deep fry in medium heat oil till light brown color.

Quick n Easy Mushroom Rice

2010-04-21T03:27:00.000-07:00

There are so many varieties rice in Malaysia.Among them,this one is very easy and quick that i was planning to try long time ago.At last i got chance to try 2 days before..and its turn out very well.Your dont need much ingredients and time for this.This rice goes well with any non-veg gravy.

Adapted from magazine,RASA,Malaysia

Here How I make,

You Need,

Basmathi Rice- 3 cups

Button mushroom-1 cup,thinly chopped

Cinnamon stick - 1

Star Anise- 2

Cloves-3

Ginger-1 cm,chopped

Onion- 1/2 chopped

Red Chilies -1 sliced

Cashew- 10gm

Raisins- 10 gm

Coriander powder- 1tbsp

Tomato- 1/2 chopped

Garam Masala - 1/4 tsp - 1/2 tsp

Ghee-2 tbsp

Salt as taste

How I make,

Wash rice and soak for 30 minutes.

Heat ghee in a pan,add whole spices along with onion and ginger.Saute for few seconds,then add coriander powder and stir well,till it leaves the oil.I used half tsp of coriander powder only since my son dont like it much.

Now add tomato,chili,mushroom and give a quick stir.Then add salt and water along with rice.

Cook the rice.

Once the rice cooked garnish with coriander/mint leaves along with fried cashews and raisins.

Serve with chicken or lamb curry.

Roti Jala With Chicken Curry

2010-04-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

Roti Jala means" net bread" or lacy pancakes is another Malaysian delicacies.This crepes goes well with any non veggie curries.Roti Jala are popular during ramadan,muslim fasting month where vendors set up stalls selling roti jala with many varieties of curries along other malaysian delicacies.Lacy pancakes can be had as breakfast or tea snack.I always wanted make them all this year but i don't have the mould.I bought the mould on my last trip to Malaysia.I tried last weeks and its turn out well.

You Need,

Plain flour- 1 cup
Rice flour- 2 tbsp
Coconut Milk - 1 cup
Water - 1 cup
Egg- 1
Turmeric- 3/4 tsp
Salt
Butter/Olive oil

How I Make,

Sieve the flour and keep aside.
Beat Egg and milk together ,add gradually add flour and all other ingredients and mix well.
Make sure the consistency is not is not too watery or too thick.Set aside for 30 minutes.
Heat up the pan in medium heat,grease it with butter or oil.
Pour some batter into the mould and transfer the mould to the pan.
As the batter flows from mould holes,make round around the pan to form netty patterns.
Let the top to set and once bottom turn light brown ,roll into triangles and remove from heat.
Serve with chicken curry.

Fruity N Nutty Pancakes

2010-04-10T14:56:00.000-07:00

A pancake is a thin, flat cake prepared from a batter and cooked on a hot griddle or frying pan. Most pancakes are quick breads; some use a yeast-raised or fermented batter.

Every country has its own version of the pancake. In France you'll find buckwheat flour galettes and chickpea-flour socca. Italians make necci and the Greeks have sweet Cretan tiganítes. The Netherlands loves gigantic wheat flour pancakes whilst the Russians devour bite-size buckwheat blinis. Rosewater-spiked ataif are eaten in The Middle East, Ashkenazi cheese blintzes are favoured in Israel, and in North Africa, Moroccans make semolina baghrir.While south indian makes lentils/beans pancakes and Malaysian make plain flour pancakes.

Within the British Isles, the size, shape and texture of pancakes differed depending on county and country. The historical Gloucester pancake was made with suet for a rich texture, and was fried in lard. Scotland preferred to make mini drop-scones, which included a raising agent in the batter to make a thicker, spongier result. Wales griddled their raisin-studded Welsh cakes, similar to a flattened scone.In the UK, Shrove Tuesday is also known as Pancake Day (or Pancake Tuesday to some people) because it is the one day of the year when almost everyone eats a pancake.Check here for more details.

(Source,wikipedia,bbc)

Since pancakes is easy and quick to make,I always make when i didnt have any breakfast plan ahead.So I just throw in whatever i have tat time.Sometimes with fruits or chocolate chips but only this combination of dry fruits and nuts will keep repeating in my breakfast menu.Since my son also love it,and because of better way to make him indulge mix dry fruits.

Mix dry fruits are rich in vitamins,minerals and full of fiber which are excellent choice of snacks.

You Need,

Plain flour- 3/4 cups

Baking powder- 1/4 tsp

Almond coarsely ground - 1 tbsp

Hazelnut coarsely ground- 1 tbsp

Mix dry fruits - 1/3 cups

Egg -1

Butter - 2 tbsp,melted

Sugar- 2 tbsp

Vanilla extract - 1/2 tsp

Milk- 1/2 cup

Salt a pinch

How I Make,

Sift flour together with baking powder,sugar nuts gounds,and salt in large bowl.

Crack in the egg,add melted butter and milk in another bowl.Whisk till smooth.

Now add mix dry fruits.

Pour the mixture into flours.

Heat frying pan ,add little butter on the pan,then pour a ladleful of batter.Cook for 1-2 minutes,then turn over and cook the other side.Repeat with remaining batter.

Serve with maple syrup or your favourite sauces.

Prawn Sambal Revisited

2010-04-08T14:44:00.000-07:00

Nasi lemak and sambal was always my favourite.Maybe all of you wondering what is sambal means...'Sambal ' is a chili paste that make of dry long chilies,fresh chilies, shallots,candlenuts,gingergarlic paste and dry shrimp.
Nasi Lemak and sambal are well known Malaysian dish that someone who visit Malaysia should give a try.Both of this dish are serve as breakfast to dinner.
For more details ,do check out my earlier post Nasi Lemak here.You can use this chili paste to cook other many dish such as chicken sambal,lamb sambal,fish or even with veggies like beans and water spinach or can be used to make fried noodles.The paste can be store in refrigerator with air tight container for a week. Sambal dish goes well with steamed rice ,or nasi lemak(coconut milk rice).Even it taste better with dosas and idlis.
Here how I make prawn sambal,

You Need,
Prawn -250g,peeled
Onion-big,sliced
Tomato puree - 1 tbsp
Sugar- 1 tbsp
Oil - 4 tbsp
Salt as taste

For Sambal,
Dried Chilies- 15( soaked and drained)
Shallots- 3,chopped roughly
Garlic- 2 pods
Ginger - 1/2 tsp minced
Candlenuts -1 (optional)
Dry shrimp- roasted - 1tbsp

p/s; use long dry chilies or thai long dried chilies. small chilies will be too hot.

Here goes my treat.. prawn sambal serve with coconut milk rice ,cucumber ,spinach and eggs for my lunch....

How I Make,
Blend all the sambal ingredients to fine.
Heat oil in pan,add prawn and give a quick stir.Then add sambal paste and onion.Saute well.
Cook till the sambal leave the oil.Now add tomato,salt and some water.
Let it simmer till the prawn is well cooked.Check seasoning,add sugar and remove from heat.

Onde Onde - Pandanus Glutinous Balls

2010-03-31T09:26:00.000-07:00

Onde - onde is Malaysian traditional kuih.Kuih means is equilvalent of deserts,cakes and pastries.There are two types of onde - onde ,which use glutinous rice or sweet potato as skin. This little onde- onde are infused with Pandan/Screw pine juice ,stuffed with Gula Melaka and rolled on fresh grated coconut.The Palm Sugar in this tasty bites will melt in your mouth once you take a bite. Hope whoever tried this little bites enjoy it.I bought 400 g glutinous rice flour packet and i use half of it and I got around 18- 20 balls.
Recipe source, Saji Magazine,Malaysia

You Need,
Glutinous rice flour - 200g
Pandan leaves -6-7 leaves ,make juice with 150 ml water
Gula Melaka-120g,chopped finely
Coconut,grated -100g
Salt as taste

How I Make,
Combine glutinous rice ,pandan juice in a mixing bowl and knead well to form smooth dough.Cover the dough and set aside for 8- 10 minutes.

Now make small balls and flatten lighty.Fill the center of dough with chopped palm sugar.Then roll back into nice smooth ball.Cook the balls in boilling water.Once the rice balls float ,remove them with spoon and discard the excess water.
Roll the little balls in salted grated coconut and serve. Enjoy.

Tuna SweetCorn Sandwich

2010-03-30T01:43:00.000-07:00

I read this sometime ago,and i would to share with all my readers.

Word for the day,

Accepting yourself for who you are and who you are not,
Accept your strengths and bad habits,
Accept yourself ,warts and all,
Acknowledgement and acceptance is the first step
Towards changing negative behaviors,
In this whole entire universe,
We can find only one unique YOU!.

Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect,
It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections......

Now lets peep into my kitchen,They are many types of sandwich and my favourite is always tuna.Sandwich can be prepared in jiffy if you have ingredients in hand and most quickest and easiest meal which can be enjoy at any time especially this tuna sandwich ..no cooking... so you can give ur hob some rest - ;)

to mix

You Need,

Tuna- 1 canned ,drained
Sweetcorn-1/3 cups (frozen /canned)
Mayonnaise- 2 tbspn
Garlic -1/4 tsp minced
Green chilies - 1 chopped finely
Coriander/parsley leaves- 1 tspn chopped finely
Salt and pepper as per taste

For Serve,

Multi grain bread or sandwich rolls
Cheese slices
Lettuce or mix salad
Cucumber
Onion
Tomato

Combine tuna,sweetcorn ,mayonnaise,garlic and green chilies with seasoning.
Place lettuce,on the top of a slice of bread followed by tuna spread and other serving and another slice of bread.

Hearty Comforting Chicken Curry Noodles!

2010-03-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

Noodles are another well known dish in Malaysia.There are many types of noodles ,such as vermicelli rice noodles,flat rice noodles,egg noodles,and etc.Noodles can be cook as dry dish or with gravy.Among them curry noodles are my favourite,you can make veggie curry,seafood curry or chicken curry noodles.

You Need,

Egg Noodles - 1 packet

Boneless chicken - diced 1 cup

Bok Choy-2 cup

Long Bean -1/2 cup(optional)

Garlic +Ginger paste-2 tbsp

Small Onion-3 crushed

Lemongrass-1

Chicken stock-2 cups

Cooconut Milk-1 cup

Curry paste/powder- 2 tbsp

Chili Paste/sambal olek - 1 tbsp

Black pepper pwd and salt as taste

Garnishing,

Boiled Eggs,

Blanched Beansprout

Cucumber slice

Spring Onion

How I Make,

Heat oil in pan,add onion,and ginger garlic paste and fry for few minutes then add chili paste.Saute till the paste leave oil and raw smell of chili is gone.Now add lemongrasss and curry powder,saute for few minutes and add chicken and beans.

Then add chicken stock. Season with pepper and salt. Cook covered till chicken is well cooked.

Cook noodles in separate pan in boiling water.Once the noodles is cooked ,drain.You also can cook noodles along chicken.

Once the chicken is cooked add bok choy and,pour in coconut milk,let simmer for 2-3 minutes then remove from heat.

Serve hot with noodles, cucumber,blanch beansprout,spring onions,and egg.

Enjoy your Bowl Of Curry Noodles.

Palm Sugar Jelly - Agar Agar Gula Melaka

2010-03-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

Jelly or known as agar - agar in Malay are well known sweet dessert among Malaysians.They are so many types of jelly dessert ,one of them is palm sugar jelly.As I known its a nyonya delicacies which be served for most functions especially birthday along with sweetcorn custard pudding.This jelly bit different from other types jelly dishes since it used palm sugar/ dark brown sugar or gula melaka which gives brown color and better sweetness from normal sugar.And of course coconut milk also give its greatness.

You can get agar agar strands from Chinese grocery stores.I bought 40gm packet agar agar and i used half of them.You also can use agar agar powder.

You Need;

Agar -agar strands -20g( wash to soften)

Palm sugar/ dark brown sugar -150g(adjust according preferences sweet level)

Screw pine leaf -1

Water-5cup

Coconut milk-220ml

Fresh Milk-50ml(optional)

How I Make,

In a pan,add washed agar agar strands,screw pine leaf,palm sugar and water to boil.Cook in simmer till the sugar and agar agar dissolve in water and turn to a golden syrup.Give a stir occasionally.

Once the syrup is half from its original ,remove from heat.Discard the screw pine leaf.Sieve the syrup into another pan.Place on heat again and add coconut and fresh milk.Simmer for 2-3 minutes before pouring on mould or cake pan.

Let it cool in room temperature then place it refrigerator.

Spicy Egg Curry- Malaysian Style!!!

2009-08-31T12:43:00.000-07:00

Malaysian foods are strongly influenced by neighbouring land,Javanese,Sumatran,Thai and Indians. In Malaysian food fresh aromartic herbs and roots are used ,some familiar such as lemongrass,ginger,garlic ,shallots,kaffir leaves and fresh chilies.Both dried chilies and fresh chilies are used to make chili paste.These are the most preferable ingredients in malaysian cooking...making chili paste.To knoe more about malaysian dish check my previous post Introducing Malaysian Food Nasi Lemak.Its been ages since i cook malaysian and kerala dishes,since my better half enjoy true india foods more.Here i make different style egg curry...source from malaysian cooking magazines.Its first time i cooked this style but it turn to be very tasty and spicy.Hope u all enjoy too.

Here how I make,

You Need,

Egg -3 boiled

Onions-2 big

Garlic- 3 pods

Ginger- 2 cm

Coconut milk -250ml

Thai brinjal -1 cut into 4

Thai Large dried red chilies-10

Fish masala powder- 2-3 tbsp(store bought)

Curry Leaves- 2 strand

Salt

Oil

How I Made,

Grind onion ,ginger and garlic to coarse paste and keep aside

De -seeded red chilies then soak in hot water.Then grind the chilies to smooth paste with some oil and water.Do not use small chilies since it will turn out to be too hot or u can use store bought "sambal olek".

Heat oil in pan,use lil oil here,fry the boiled eggs slightly.Once its turn light brown remove and keep aside.Then throw the ground ginger garlic paste and curry leaves ,saute till raw smell goes and add chili paste,fish masala pwd and salt.And some water if the paste is to thick.Let it cook for few minutes ,once the gravy start to boil add brinjal and eggs.Once the brinjal is cooked add coconut milk.

Cook for another 5 minutes and then remove from heat.

Strawberry Lassi N a Award!

2009-08-26T09:01:00.000-07:00

My son loves lassi..so whenever there r leftover ..well ripen mangoes or strawberry i used to make him lassi without ice.

Here how I make,

You Need,

Strawberries- 300 g well ripen,hulled
Plain yogurt-150ml
Sugar-2 tbsp
Ice cube to serve

How I Made,

Put strawberry,yogurt and sugar in a blender and blend till smooth.
Pour in a glass and serve.If prefer chilled one then add iced cubes.

I have receive this beautiful award from sangi of simplydelicious. Thanks alot sangi. I love to share this with all of u....pls do aceept!Do copy and paste.

Dry Beancurd n Spinach Sodhi /in Coconut Milk

2009-08-18T02:18:00.000-07:00

Very Good Article On Late Sitting

It's half past 8 in the office but the lights are still on...
PCs still running, coffee machines still buzzing...
And who's at work? Most of them ??? Take a closer look...

All or most specimens are ??
Something male species of the human race...

Look closer... again all or most of them are bachelors...
And why are they sitting late? Working hard? No way!!!
Any guesses???

Let's ask one of them...
Here's what he says... 'What's there 2 do after going home...
Here we get to surf, AC, phone, food, coffee that is why I am working late...
Importantly no bossssssss!!!!!!!!!!!'

This is the scene in most research centers and software companies and other off-shore offices. Bachelors 'Passing-Time' during late hours in the office just bcoz they say they've nothing else to do...
Now what r the consequences...

'Working' (for the record only) late hours soon becomes part of the institute or company culture. With bosses more than eager to provide support to those 'working' late in the form of taxi vouchers, food vouchers and of course good feedback, (oh, he's a hard worker... goes home only to change..!!).

They aren't helping things too...
To hell with bosses who don't understand the difference between 'sitting' late and 'working' late!!!

Very soon, the boss start expecting all employees to put in extra working hours.
So, My dear Bachelors let me tell you, life changes when u get married and start having a family...
office is no longer a priority, family is...
and That's when the problem starts...
b'coz u start having commitments at home too.

For your boss, the earlier 'hardworking' guy suddenly seems to become a 'early leaver' even if u leave an hour after regular time...
after doing the same amount of work.

People leaving on time after doing their tasks for the day are labelled as work-shirkers...
Girls who thankfully always (its changing nowadays... though) leave on time are labelled as 'not up to it'.

All the while, the bachelors pat their own backs and carry on 'working' not realizing that they r spoiling the work culture at their own place and never realize that they would have to regret at one point of time.
So what's the moral of the story??
* Very clear, LEAVE ON TIME!!!
* Never put in extra time ' unless really needed'
* Don't stay back unnecessarily and spoil your company work culture which will in turn cause inconvenience to you and your colleagues.

There are hundred other things to do in the evening..
Learn music...
Learn a foreign language...
Try a sport...
TT,
cricket.........
Importantly,get a girl friend or boy friend, take him/her around town...
* And for heaven's sake, net cafe rates have dropped to an all-time low (plus, no fire-walls) and try cooking for a change.

Take a tip from the Smirnoff ad:
*'Life's calling, where are you??'
*Please pass on this message to all those colleagues and please do it before leaving time, don't stay back till midnight to forward this!!!

IT'S A TYPICAL ASIAN MENTALITY THAT WORKING FOR LONG HOURS MEANS VERY HARD WORKING & 100% COMMITMENT ETC.
PEOPLE WHO REGULARLY SIT LATE IN THE OFFICE DON'T KNOW TO MANAGE THEIR TIME. SIMPLE !

Now Let 's peep into my kitchen!

Sodhi is light gravy ...which i prefer to have once while ...after taken so much spicy dishes.There so many versionor style of making..but tis is my way of making sodhi..hope u all will like it...

Dry bean curd is soya base product which u can get from asean /chinese/vietnam grocery along with mong dal vermicelli.

Tofu skin also known as dried beancurd, yuba or bean skim^[1], is a Chinese and Japanese food product made from soybeans. During the boiling of soy milk, in an open shallow pan, a film or skin composed primarily of a soy protein-lipid complex forms on the liquid surface. The films are collected and dried into yellowish sheets known as tofu skin or soy milk skin. Because it is derived directly from soy milk, the name tofu skin is technically inaccurate.

source :wikipedia

checkout http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tofu_skin

You Need,

Dry bean curd- 2 stick ,broken to small pieces

Spinach -1 bunch cut into big sizes

Moong dal vermicelli- 1 small packet(optional)

Coconut Milk -1 cup

Tomato -1 medium chopped

Onion- 1 medium finely chopped

Gingergarlic paste- 1 tbsp

Turmeric pwd- 1/2 tsp

Cumin pwd- 1/4 tsp

Black pepper pwd- 1/2 tsp

Red chilies- 3 split

Boiled rice water/water- 1 cup(optional)

Salt

Oil

How I make,

Soak dry beancurd and vermicell in hot water.Leave it for few minutes maybe 5- 9 minutes.Once its have soften,remove from hot water and drain.

Meanwhile heat oil in pan,add onion and greenchilies.Let the onion turn light brown then add gingergarlic paste and tomato.

Saute for some time.Then add turmeric powder n cumin pwd n salt.Mix well and add rice water and cook for few minutes.Then dry beancurd n moong vermicelli n spinach.

Cook in medium heat.Once the gravy start to boil ,add coconut milk.

Check seasoning,if the gravy is too thick then add some water.Cook for another few minutes.Then remove heat and serve hot with rice.

p/s;since we had soaked the drybeancurd n vermicell in hot water ,it wont take long time to cooked.

Mung Beans Tadka

2009-08-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

I love mung beans alot...Mung beans are blessed with lot of benefits.

Mung Beans tadka are simple dish which are very comfort.Its very easy to make with very less ingredients and goes well with chappathi and rice.

You Need,

Mung Beans- 1 cup

Tomatoes- 2 chopped

Small onion -10 peeledd

Ginger- 1 julienned

Garlic - 2 pods minced

Green chilies- 2 split lenghtwise

Turmeric powder- 1/4 tsp

Black pepper pwd- 1/4 tsp

Salt as taste

For tempering,

Dry Redchilies- 2 broken

Mustard seeds- 1/4 tsp

Urad dal- 1/2 tsp

Cumin seeds- 1/2 tsp

Curry leaves- alot

Asafoetida a pinch

How I make,

Pressure cook or cook in vessel ,mung beans,turmeric powder,salt with some water.
Once its cook,mashed well,to make it mushy and add tomatoes ,small onions,ginger garlic ,green chilies and add black pepper powder and mix well.Add some water if its too thick and cook for few minutes or til the tomatoes and onions are cooked.
Then in a kadai/pan ,heat oil add mustard seeds,cumin seeds,urad dal,and red chilies.Once the red chilies splutter,add curry leaves and asofoetida.Cook for few minutes then throw in the mung beans gravy.

Mung Beans Lovers do check out Mung beans sambar .

Meen Pulikulambu (Fish in Tamarind sauce)

2009-08-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

Last Sun we have great lunch in garden.....its very simple menu..but we enjoying eating outside hse.... fish pulikulambu and cabbage fry...and papads and some lemonade make perfect meal for the day.

Here how i make ,

Fish Pulikulambu,

Fish fillet- 2 cut into pieces
Brinjal-2 cut into pieces
Okra/lady finger- cut into halves
Tomato- 2 chopped finely
Ginger/garlic paste- 1 tbspn
Coconut milk- 1/2 cup
Tamarind Juice(thick)- 1/4 cup
Fish Masala- 2 tbsp
Chili powder- 1 tsp
Pepper pwd- 1/2 tsp
Salt as taste

For tempering,

Onion-1 medium chopped finely
Mustard seeds- 1/4 tsp
Urad dal- 1/4 tsp
Fenugreek seeds- 1/4 tsp
Cumin seeds- 1/4 tsp
Green chilies- 2 split
Curry leaves -1 strand

How I cook,

Extract tamarind juice.Mix tamarind juice ,squezee in tomato,garlic ginger paste and all dry powder with brinjal n okra.
Cook in medium heat.Once the brinjal n okra half cook,add fish in.Cook in simmer.Once the fish cook,add coconut milk.Cook another 5 minutes.
Meanwhile heat oil in kadai ,add mustards,urad,fenugreek,cumin seeds.Once its splutter add chopped onions,curry leaves and green chilies.Saute till the onions turn light brown and thrown in the gravy..and close the lid.

Cabbage fry wth Green peas,

Heat oil in kadai , add mustard seeds,cumin seeds and dry red chilies.Saute for 3 minutes then add chopped cabbage.Fry for sometime,then add turmeric pwd and salt.Mix well.
Pour some water ,and let the cabbage cook.
Once the cabbage is half cook,add canned green peas.Cook another 5 minutes.

For fish lovers pls do check out my other tried fish curry fish curry with yogurt and malaysian style fish curry with cucumber.

From My Blissful Garden..N Some rants...

2009-08-07T01:37:00.000-07:00

Let peep into my garden and see what i have plant for far so this summer....This summer is very special since its our first summer in our very own house and garden.In my garden there is a fish pond which still under construction ....As cooling for our eyes...Here am posting some natural beauty of natures ........Hope coming year will plant more plants...This year its like disaster since its raining too lot..!!

I got this from a friend...its a nice reading....thot of sharing with all of u!!!

An excellent read

When it comes to making the decision about choosing a life partner, no one wants to make a mistake. Yet, with a divorce rate of close to 50%, it appears that many are making serious mistakes in their approach to finding Mr./Miss. Right!

If you ask most couples who are engaged why they're getting married, they'll say: 'We're in love'; I believe this is the 1 mistake people make when they date. Choosing a life partner should never be based on love. Though this may sound 'not politically correct', there's a profound truth here.

Love is not the basis for getting married. Rather, love is the result of a good marriage. When the other ingredients are right, then the love will come. Let me say it again: 'You can't build a lifetime relationship on love alone'; You need a lot more!!! Here are five questions you must ask yourself if you're serious about finding and keeping a life partner.

QUESTION ..1: Do we share a common life purpose?

Why is this so important? Let me put it this way: If you're married for 20 or 30 years, that's a long time to live with someone. What do you plan to do with each other all that time? Travel, eat and jog together? You need to share something deeper and more meaningful. You need a common life purpose.

Two things can happen in a marriage:

(1) You can grow together, or

(2)you can grow apart. 50% of the people out there are growing apart.

To make a marriage work, you need to know what you want out of life!

Bottom line; marry someone who wants the same thing.

QUESTION ..2: Do I feel safe expressing my feelings and thoughts with this person?

This question goes to the core of the quality of your relationship. Feeling safe means you can communicate openly with this person. The basis of having good communication is trust â€' i.e.. trust that I won't get 'punished'; or hurt for expressing my honest thoughts and feelings. A colleague of mine defines an abusive person as someone with whom you feel afraid to express your thoughts and feelings. Be honest with yourself on this one. Make sure you feel emotionally safe with the person you plan to marry.

QUESTION ..3: Is he/she a mensch?

A mensch is someone who is a refined and sensitive person. How can you test? Here are some suggestions. Do they work on personal growth on a regular basis? Are they serious about improving themselves? A teacher of mine defines a good person as 'someone who is always striving to be good and do the right ';. So ask about your significant other: What do they do with their time? Is this person materialistic? Usually a materialistic person is not someone whose top priority is character refinement.

There are essentially two types of people in the world:

(1) People who are dedicated to personal growth and

(2) people who are dedicated to seeking comfort.

Someone whose goal in life is to be comfortable will put personal comfort ahead of doing the right thing. You need to know that before walking down the aisle.

QUESTION ..4: How does he/she treat other people?

The one most important thing that makes any relationship work is the ability to give. By giving, we mean the ability to give another person pleasure.

Ask: Is this someone who enjoys giving pleasure to others or are they wrapped up in themselves and self absorbed?

To measure this, think about the following:

How do they treat people whom they do not have to be nice to, such as waiters, bus boys, taxi drivers, etc..

How do they treat their parents and siblings? Do they have gratitude and appreciation?

If they don't have gratitude for the people who have given them everything; can you do nearly as much for them?

You can be sure that someone, who treats others poorly, will eventually treat you poorly as well.

QUESTION ..5: Is there anything I'm hoping to change about this person after we're married?

Too many people make the mistake of marrying someone with the intention of trying to 'improve'; them after they're married. As a colleague of mine puts it: 'You can probably expect someone to change after marriage for the worse' If you cannot fully accept this person the way they are now, then you are not ready to marry them.

In conclusion, dating doesn't have to be difficult and treacherous. The key is to try leading a little more with your head and less with your heart. It pays to be as objective as possible when you are dating; to be sure to ask questions that will help you get to the key issues. Falling in love is a great feeling, but when you wake up with a ring on your finger, you don't want to find yourself trouble because you didn't do your homework.

Another perspective...

There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a distance.. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go of or at least minimize your time with draining, negative, incompatible, not going anywhere relationships. Observe the relationships around you.

Pay attention...Which ones lift and which ones lean?

Which ones encourage and which ones discourage?

Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are going downhill?

When you leave certain people do you feel better or feel worse?

Which ones dont appreciate you?

Which ones make you feel good, praises you, boosts you with loving and caring words or annotations.

The more you seek quality, respect, growth, peace of mind, love and truth around you...the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to sit in the front row and who should be moved to the balcony of your life.

An African proverb states, 'Before you get married, keep both eyes open, and after you marry, close one eye';

Before you get involved and make a commitment to someone, don't let lust, desperation, immaturity, ignorance, pressure from others or a low self esteem make you blind to warning signs. Keep your eyes open, and don't fool yourself that you can change someone or that what you see as faults aren't really that important.

Do you bring out the best in each other?

Do you compliment and compromise with each other, or do you compete, compare and control?

What do you bring to the relationship?

Do you bring past relationships, past hurt, past mistrust, past pain?

You can't take someone to the altar to alter them. You can't make someone love you or make someone stay.

If you develop self esteem, spiritual discernment, and 'a life';

you won't find yourself making someone else responsible for your happiness or responsible for your pain. Seeking status, sex, and security are the wrong reasons to be in a relationship.

WHAT KEEPS A RELATIONSHIP STRONG IS:

1. TRUST

2. COMMUNICATION

3. INTIMACY

4. A SENSE OF HUMOR

5. SHARING TASKS

6. DAILY EXCHANGES (meal, shared activity, hug, call, touch, notes,etc.)

7. SHARING COMMON GOALS AND INTERESTS

8. GIVING EACH OTHER SPACE TO GROW WITHOUT FEELING INSECURE

9. GIVING EACH OTHER A SENSE OF BELONGING AND ASSURANCES OF COMMITMENT

10. CONCERN AND CARE FOR YOUR LOVER IN YOUR OWN WAYS.

If these qualities are missing, the relationship will erode as resentment withdrawal, abuse, neglect, and dishonesty; and pain will replace.

An Award

2009-08-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

Sashi of Sashi's tasty bites has passed me a wonderful Kreativ Blogger award. Thanks Sashi. It means a lot to me.

The rules for this award are :

You must mention the person who has given you the award.
Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
Link to the person who has nominated you for the award.
Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
Nominate 7 other Kreativ Bloggers.
Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
Leave a comment on each of the blogs to let them know they have been nominated.

Well, Here’s some things about me.

1.I am passionate about cooking and also very much interested in trying different cuisines and recipes.

2.My favourite color is blue and pink.

3.My Favourite food is chinese food,thai food..and biryani too.

4.I like watching movies...any movies will do!

5.I hate travelling with kids..!!!

6.I love gardening.

7.I like collect stamps..postcards and coins too of all countries..!!!

Now as rule i like to pass this award to, the other 7 blogger

Sushma Mallya ,
Jyoti
kittymatti
sangi
Vrinda
Preeti singh
Sarah Naveen

Have nice weekends ahead!

Black forest Cake!!!!

2009-08-04T02:41:00.000-07:00

A Big HI to all of u... hope u all doing grt...i have take a long break without informing...missing suddenly....sorry..sorry..jux to busy cleaning..painting hse ..gardening....so i dont get free time to sit and do any post ..since after all the work i feel my body need rest..straight away i go to my bed.....and my son bday was on last month... so was busy planing and preparing for his bday party....i had bake black forest gateu for his bday....i saw lot of u had post v tasty n delicious dish..will catch up soon with all the post....here how i make...this time i tried gordan ramsay black forest cake recipe with slightly changes.....

You Need,

For the sponge,

125g self-raising flour
2 tsp baking powder
3 tbsp cocoa powder
5 large eggs, separated
200g unsalted butter, softened
150g caster sugar
1 tbsp strong coffee

For the filling,

500g ripe cherries + 2 tbspn caster sugar +75ml cherry cordial or krisch or cherry brandy or vanilla essences.

Remove the stems and pit three-quarters of the cherries,reserve some with stems for garnish. Put all the cherries, the sugar and cordial in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Simmer until the cherries are just soft, giving them an occasional stir. Remove cherries and cordial syrup into a bowl and leave to cool completely.

For whipping cream,

Meanwhile, whisk the 600ml cream and 1 -2 tbspn icing sugar into soft peak.

For Garnish,

Grated chocolate,use vegetable peeler to peel off chocolate bar...the chocolate shud not be too cold or hot...shud be at room temperature.

How I bake,

1. Preheat the oven to 150ºC/Gas 2. Butter, line and butter again the base and sides of a 23cm cake tin. Sieve the flour, baking powder and cocoa powder together and set aside.

2. In a large grease-free bowl, whisk the egg whites to firm peaks using an electric beater. Beat the butter and sugar in another mixing bowl until pale and light. Beat in the yolks one at a time, then fold the coffee through.

3. In several batches, fold the sifted flour mixture and the beaten egg whites alternately into the butter mixture. Spread the combined batter over the base of the prepared tin and level with a spatula.

4. Bake for 40-50 minutes until a skewer inserted into the middle of the cake emerges clean. Cool for 5 minutes and then turn out on to a wire rack.

5. Using a long, sharp knife, halve the cake horizontally. Drizzle each half with the cherry syrup. Place the bottom half on a cake stand and spread over half the whipped cream. Arrange the cherries from the syrup over the cream. Top with the upper half of the cake. Spread the remaining cream on top. Sprinkle over a little grated chocolate, then garnish with the whole stemmed cherries.

Chicken Koftas/Balls Biriyani-Father's Day Spcl Lunch

2009-06-22T00:45:00.000-07:00

I cant forget all those sweet memories of father's day which i celebrate with my dad ....before am married and fly far away...from school days itself..we used to save our pocket money....so whenever there r dad's day..mum''s day...or parents bday/anniversary...three of us tend up to sumthin...bake a cake ..cook nice meal and get a simple gift...how exciting...give a surprise and give rest day to them especially mum....from kitchen works..this things are not onli as celebration but as appreciate all the hard effort of parents bringin up us......i do remember father's day tat i celebrate before i came here...i bake a cake...i cooked fish pilau since my dad eat fish onli...then get him a watch and and pair of shirt n pant.How lovely was tat day.........

Today..since am staying far away..i manage to give a call n wish onli...And i do celebrate father's day for my better half...i bake cake a day earlier..then cooked chicken for meal..since he like chicken ...i cooked sumthing different from normal chicken biriyani...i make chicken koftas/balls biryani ..u can even make use fish and mutton.
here how i make,

For koftas,

Ground chicken- 300g
Green chilies- 1 chopped finely
Ginger/garlic paste-1 tbspn
Coriander leaves- a few- chopped finely
Mint Leaves - a few chopped finely
Coriander powd- 1 tbsp
Chili powder- 1/4 tsp adjust
Cumin powder- 1/2 tp
Garam masala- 1/2 tsp
Yogurt- 1 tsp
Salt as taste

Marinate all above ingredients together for 3-4 hours .Grease ur palm with some oil and make small balls and deep fry or grill the balls and keep aside.

For Kofta gravy,

Heat Oil in a pan.Fry 2 chopped onion with 2 tbsp of gingergarlic paste.

Once the onion is lightly browned add 2 plum tomato and fry till the tomato is all mixed well and some turmeric powder.
Then add of 2 tbsp Yogurt + 1-2 tsp chili powder+ 2 tbsp of any biriyani masala and 1 tbsp of coriander powder.

Now reduce heat and add 1 tsp of Kasoori Methi powder and saute for couple of minutes till the masala is well cooked.

Now ad this stage add 1 cup Coconut milk and some water.Add salt and mix everything well.Let the gravy come to a boil in medium heat.

Cook the gravy till the consistency you want.Check for seasonings, add the chicken balls to the gravy, mix everything well and garnish with finely chopped corriander leaves and mint.

Now let see how to prepare biriyani,

Heat Ghee in the pan.Throw in 3 Cardamom,3 Clove, 2 star anise,1" stick of Cinnamon and 2 bay leaves and a lemongrass(optinal).

Add 1 finely chopped onions and 1 tbsp of ginger garlic paste.

Once the onion turn light brown add,washed/drain rice.Add a pinch of turmeric and saute well till get nice aroma.

Now add water and salt.Water depends on the rice brand.

Once the rice is nearly done almost 3/4% ,remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork.
Use oven safe bowl,

pour some kofta gravy in the bottom....with some coriander and mint leaves.
then add a layer of rice.
Now on the top of rice,add a la yer of gravy with some koftas(dont pour alot)coriander-mint leaves,raisins and some roasted cashews and sprinkle some garam masala and ghee.
now again add rice and gravy layer as earlier.

Cover with aluminium foil and bake in oven for 15 - 20 minutes.

Once done mix slight with fork ,then serve wih cucumber raita and the kofta gravy and some papads.

Baked Raspberry Cheesecake- Father's Day Special

2009-06-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

Dads have left no stone unturned to express their love towards us...Now its our turn to express our love to him.....And father 's day give a great opportunity to us to do so...

Dedicating this special poem to all Great Dads out there.

What Is A Dad?

A dad is someone who
wants to catch you before you fall
but instead picks you up,
brushes you off,
and lets you try again.

A dad is someone who
wants to keep you from making mistakes
but instead lets you find your own way,
even though his heart breaks in silence
when you get hurt.

A dad is someone who
holds you when you cry,
scolds you when you break the rules,
shines with pride when you succeed,
and has faith in you even when you fail...

~By Susan Ceylise.~

Today I do bake a cheesecake as father 's day cake for my half better as advance since cheesecake taste better a day after.I got the recipe from bbcgoodfood website,where i did some modification,and turn well too.

Here how I make,

You Need,

Chocolate digestive biscuits-12

Butter-75g,melted

Almond chunks- 1/4 cup

Cream Cheese -600g(i used extra light)

Plain flour- 2tbsp

Caster sugar-170g

Vanilla extract -1 tbsp

Egg-2, plus 1 yolk

Sour Cream- 142ml

Raspberries-400g

Icing Sugar- 2tbsp

How I Bake,

Heat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Crush the biscuits in a food processor.Mix with the butter and almond chunks. Press into a 20cm springform tin and bake for 5 minutes, then cool.
Beat the cream cheese with the flour, sugar, a few drops of vanilla, eggs, the yolk and soured cream until light and fluffy. Stir in half the raspberries and pour into the tin. Bake for 40 minutes and then check, it should be set but slightly wobbly in the centre. Leave in the tin to cool.
Keep a few raspberries for the top and put the rest in a pan with 1 tbsp icing sugar. Heat until juicy and then squash with a fork. Push through a sieve.Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve.
Serve the cheescake with the raspberry sauce and raspberries on the top.

Grilled Fish In Spicy n Hot Sauce

2009-06-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

I love chinese foods..especially chinese seafoods...hump...miss out all favourite seafood restaurant out there in msia...grill fish..sizzling japanese tofu..butter prawn.carrot cake..etc...since its so tempting to eat seafoods...i remember my mum make tis grill fish for us..i did try it with some modifications and wat i had in kitchen...here how i make,

You Need,

Whole fish-1 (i used seabass)-clean,cut unwanted part
Cucumber-1,cut round
Lettuce -a few
Tomato-1,cut round

For Marinate,

Ginger garlic paste- 1 tbsp
Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp
Black peppr powder- 1/2 tsp
Salt

For Sauce,

Thai large red chili - 2
Thai green bird eye chili- 2
Shrimp paste- 1/4 tsp
Garlic- 2 pods
Chili sauce- 2 tbsp
Cornflour-1/4 tsp
Onion - 1 big

How I Make,

You can use any fish ..big will do more...depends how many ppl want to share...or if u prepare seabass,u can use few more fishes.
Prepare marinate paste ,mix ginger garlic paste,turmeric and black pepper or u can chili powder ,salt with some water.Rub on both side of fish and keep for 2-3 hours.Then grill as ur oven instructions or deep fry and keep aside.
De- seeded red chilies.Grind red chili,green chilies,shrimppaste and garlic.
Heat oil in pan,add chopped onions ,fry till light brown and then add the grind paste.Saute for some times,till the raw smells dissapear.Then add chili sauce and salt.Check seasoning,since chili sauce got salt..add less salt.
Then add cornflour paste.(mix cornflour with some water.
Remove from heat.
Arrange lettuce in long plate,place fish on the middle.Set cucumber and tomato on both side of fish ,then pour the sauce on the fish.

P/s,if u prefer less spicy then reduce the amount chilies

Whole Green Gram Sambar

2009-06-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

Whole green gram dishes always cooked in many indian hsehold in malaysia..whether as sambar...masala or keerai masiyal.....green gram is a healthier food which contains ton of fiber... so its alwiz cooked in my kitchen in varities way ...even u can use sprouted green gram...here how i make sambar...

You Need,

Whole green gram - 1 cup
Brinjal- 2
Drumstick -1
Tomato-1
Small onions- 10
Garlic- 2 pods minced
Ginger- 1 minced
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Tamarind juice - 2tbspn
Coconut milk-4 tspn
Red chilly powder - 1 tsp
coriander powder - 2 tsp
Cumin powder- 1/4 tsp
Asafoetida - a pinch

Tempering
Curry leaf - 1 strig
Coriander leaves for garnish
Mustard seed - 1 tsp
Cumin seed - 1/2 tsp
Dry red chilies- 3 broken
Big Red Onion - 1 sliced
Oil/ghee as required

How I Make,

Soak the green gram for whole night and pressure cook it along with water,asafoetida ,turmeric powder,small onion till the green gram becomes tender.
Once the green gram cooled, mash the cooked gram gently using a ladle.keep aside.

Heat oil/ghee in a pan. Splutter the mustard seeds,cumin seeds,onions and dry chilies.
Add few curry leaves and fry the chopped vegetables for some time.
Then add the tamarind extract, chilli powder, coriander powder,cumin powder and bring it to a boil.Add coconut milk and salt to taste. Once the vegetables get cooked add the mashed green gram and switch off once the sambar comes to a boil.

King Fish in Coriander-Mint Sauce.

2009-06-08T02:57:00.000-07:00

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet aneed you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty,
to provide you with guidance and support,
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die.
Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to moveon.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,

things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson,
love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life,
whether you were a reason,
a season or a lifetime.

I was busy n lazy few days where i didnt post anything.. jux missing in action..hehe...i dunt wanna to waste my summer tis year so simply drag my to be 2 yr son to aquarium n etc.... Now let's peep into my kitchen. After long break..finally my half better who didnt like fish much bought king fish from indian store....I fry some and make curry some of it....
here how i make it...you can use any ur favourite fish....

You Need,

King Fish - few pieces
Tomato- 1 chopped
Onion-1 chopped
Ginger/garlic paste- 2 tbsp
Coriander leaves- 1 cup
Mint -1/2 cup
Green chilies-3
Cashew- 8-10
Coconut grated- 2 tbspn
Yogurt- 2tbsp Kurma curry powder(store bought)-2 tbsp or u can use garam masala,coriander powder,cumin powder,pepper powder and fennel powder.
Cumin powder- 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder- 1/4 tsp
Pepper powder- -1/4 tsp
Salt as required Oil/ghee

How I Made,

Clean the fish and marinate with turmeric pwd,gingergarlic paste,pepper pwd and salt and some lime juice for few hours.Then fry to light brown and set aside.
Grind mint,coriander,green chilies and coconut together with cashew to smooth paste.
Heat oil/ghee in pan , add cardomam,cinnamonbark,cloves and star anise.Then add onions,add salt and turmeric pwd and saute till onions turn brown.Then add ginger garlic paste ..fry for 2 minutes or till the oil leave the paste then add tomatos and whisked yogurt.Saute well.
Now add kurma curry powder and coariander mix paste and some water .Mix well and add the fried fish and cooked covered for 1o minutes.
Check seasoning and once the fish is well coated with spices then remove from heat. Garnish with coariander leaves and enjoy with pilao or boiled rice.

An Award

2009-05-29T02:22:00.000-07:00

Priya have passed me this lovely award long time ago...which comes with the following note:

1) Add the logo of the award to your blog.
2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you.
3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs (Only if you like).
4) Add links to those blogs on your blog.
5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blog.

I'd like to thank you Priya, for your kindness but you're also leaving me the task to choose seven of them......that's really tough for a lazy bundle like me as there are so many blogs I love to read.

I request the following bloggers to kindly accept this award:

Aruna
Akal's sappadu
Asha
Mangala bhat
Pavithra
Phanitha
Priya
Dhanya
Sakshi
Kittymatti
Ramya
Vrinda
Varsha
Viki
Padma

Aval/Rice flakes Dosa- Carrot chutney

2009-05-29T01:59:00.000-07:00

Among the varieties of dosas ,i like aval/poha/rice flakes dosa which also known as "Sponge Dosa"because of its soft and spongy.Sponge dosas are light and soft in the center with slight crisp along the edges like oothapam ..and paal appam .

For Aval Dosa,

Rice -2 cups

Aval/rice flakes- 1/2 cup

Urad dal - 2tbspn

Fenugreek seeds- 1 tsp

Buttermilk(sour)- 3 -4 cups

Salt and oil as required

Soak rice,aval,urad dal and fenugreek seeds in buttermilk for 6-7 hours and grind into smooth paste then add salt and ferment for overnight.The batter should be of pouring consistency.
Preheat a pan on high heat for half minute.Sprinkle few drop of water over the hot pan ,if its sizzles then reduce the heat.
Pour a ladle full of dosa batter in the center of the pan and gently make a very slight circular like oothapam or let the batter spread on its own naturally.
Pour a few drops of oil along the edges.Cover with lid and cook for a minute or till the dosa brown ,flip the dosa and let it cook for another less than half minute.

Carrot Chutney,

2 large carrots

1 small onion

1 garlic pod

1 tsp cumin seeds

1/2 tsp mustard seeds

1 tsp urad dal

2-3 red dry chilies

2-3 tsbp grated coconut

salt and oil as required

Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds,cumin seeds, urad dal ,onion and garlic and red chilies saute for few minutes. Once the seeds splutter add carrots and saute till its turn soft. Then add grated coconut ,saute a few minutes. Turn off heat and cool. Grind the sautéed carrots with little water.Serve with dosa.

Chocolate and Orange Muffins

2009-05-29T01:23:00.000-07:00

Chocolate and orange are just great combo of muffins...yummy.....give a try and you 'll be won over...inspire from mad about muffins bake-book.

You Need,

For Batter,

Butter-120g

Plain chocolate-100g(cocoa solids-70%)

Oranges-2

Milk

Egg 1

Vanilla Essence- 1-tsp

Plain flour-285g

Light Muscovado sugar-200g

Bicarbonate soda- 1-tsp

Salt

For Filling

Plain chocolate (50%cocoa solids)- roughly chopped

How I Make,

Preheat the oven and line the tray with paper linens.
Melt the butter and chocolate together in a bowl over a pan of simmering water until smooth or microwave.
Grate the zest from orange into a bowl. Squeeze the juice from both oranges. Make the orange juice up to 190g with little milk and combine with orange zest. Add in the egg and vanilla essences and mix well,then whisk this mixture into melted chocolate and butter.
Sift the flour ,sugar bicarbonate of soda and salt into a large bowl.
Add the butter and chocolate mixture to the flour mixture and fold all together till just blended.
Fold in chocolate chunks.
Spoon the batter into prepared muffin paper liners.
Bake for 22-25 minutes till the muffins are well risen and the tops crack and spring back when gently pressed.
Cool little before enjoying.

Omlette Curry and A story!!!!!!!

2009-05-21T03:18:00.000-07:00

I Love Tis

Thought you'd get a laugh out of it............!!!

Here is something to think about when negative people are

doing their best to rain on your parade.

So remember this story, the next time someone who knows nothing and

cares even less, tries to make your life miserable...

A woman was at her hairdresser's getting her hair styled for a trip to Rome with her husband.

She mentioned the trip to the hairdresser, who responded:

"Rome.. ? Why would anyone want to go there..?

It's crowded and dirty.

You're crazy to go to Rome.

So, how are you getting there..?"

"We're taking Continental Airlines," was the reply.

"We got a great rate..!"

"Continental..?" exclaimed the hairdresser.

"That's a terrible airline. Their planes are old, their flight attendants are ugly,

and they're always late. So, where are you staying in Rome ?"

"We'll be at this exclusive little place over on Rome's Tiber River called Teste."

"Don't go any further. I know that place.

Everybody thinks its gonna be something special and exclusive, but it's really a dump."

"We're going to go to see the Vatican and maybe get to see the Pope."

"That's rich," laughed the hairdresser.

You and a million other people trying to see him.

He'll look the size of an ant.

Boy, good luck on this lousy trip of yours..

You're going to need it."

A month later, the woman again came in for a hairdo.

The hairdresser asked her about her trip to Rome.

"It was wonderful," explained the woman,

"not only were we on time in one of Continental's brand new planes,

but it was overbooked, and they bumped us up to first class.

The food and wine were wonderful...

and I had a handsome 28-year-old steward who waited on me hand and foot.

And the hotel was great!

They'd just finished a $5 million remodeling job,

and now it's a jewel, the finest hotel in the city.

They, too, were overbooked,

so they apologized and gave us their owner's suite at no extra charge!"

"Well," muttered the hairdresser, "that's all well and good,

but I know you didn't get to see the Pope."

"Actually, we were quite lucky, because as we toured the Vatican,

a Swiss Guard tapped me on the shoulder,

and explained that the Pope likes to meet some of the visitors,

and if I'd be so kind as to step into his private room and wait,

the Pope would personally greet me.

Sure enough, five minutes later,

the Pope walked through the door and shook my hand!

I knelt down and he spoke a few words to me."

"Oh, really! What'd he say ?"

He said: "Who fucked up your hair?"

Hope you all enjoy reading the story..This story was forwarded to me by my best friend..and I enjoyed reading it.....now let peep into my kitchen....

Omelette curry is one of my favourite curry.....

Here how I make,

Egg- 3

Onions- 1 medium chopped finely

Ginger garlic paste- 1tbsp

Tomato-1 chopped

Green chilies- 3 split

Coconut milk- 1/2 cup

Chicken Masala powder- 2 tbsp

Coriander powder-1 tbsp

Chili powder- 1/2 tbsp

Cinnamon stick - 1

Mustard seeds- 1/2 tsp

Cumin seeds- 1/2 tsp

Mint leaves- few chopped

Curry leaves 1 strand

Coriander leaves a few

How I Make,

Make omelette and cut into strips and keep aside.Make paste of the spices powder with some water.
Heat oil in pan ,add cinnamon,cumin,mustard seeds.Once its splutter add curry leaves and onion.Fry till onion turn brown then add ginger garlic paste,mint and coriander leaves.
Now add tomato and fry for some time till the gravy leaves the oil then spices powder paste.
Mix well and simmer for 5-8 minutes.
Now add omelette strips and coconut milk.Cook for another 7-9 minutes..then remove from heat.Enjoy with paratthas or cooked rice.

Nutty Coffee Cookies

2009-05-19T13:49:00.000-07:00

I love cookies...my mum and aunts used to bake lot of cookies during deepavali times..our deepavali used to be loaded with so many sweets from...laddoo..halwa...kesri..murukkku....to cookies and cakes....mum used to bake different cookies every year ...only our favourite cookies will be repeated....nah..i missed all the sweet times...helping mum in baking till late night....Nowdays i bake once a while for my kid ....and sometimes to surprise my better half....today i bake coffee cookies....with almond and chocochips....

Here how I make,

You Need,

Butter- 120g
Sugar/ light brown sugar-90g
Egg yolk- 1
Coffee essence - 1 tsp or Instant coffee powder- 1/2 tsp
Plain flour- 150g
Cornflour-70g
Chocolate chips - 50g
Almond- -50g

Pre-heat oven to 350 degree F. Roast almond till brown color in hob or oven,in a food processor, ground almond coarsely.
In mixing bowl ,beat butter and sugar till spongy then add egg yolk and coffee essence.Whisk well.
Now add plain flour ,cornflour ,almond chunks and choco chips to the butter mixture and mix well.
Shape the dough round and press flat using fork or cut into desired shape.
Bake in 350 degree F oven until golden brown.
Cool completely and keep cookies in an air-tight container.

Mint Chocolate chip Muffin

2009-05-16T12:05:00.000-07:00

Any muffins with chocolate chips on the tops is going to be very messy to eat while warm-but so very delicious.

You see the chips,you see the green and instantly you make the connections - mint chocolate chips.My son like muffins.So i bake muffins very often.....every time with different flavor.

Makes 12 muffins,

You Need,

For the batter,

Plain flour- 340g

Baking powder- 1 tbspn

Salt- 1/4 tsp

Sugar-185g

Eggs-2 medium

Milk-190 g/ (6 3/4 oz)

Peppermint essences- 1tsp

Green food coloring- 1tsp

Butter-100g

For Filling

Plain chocolate chips-100g

For Topping

Plain chocolate chips-100g

How I Cook,

Preheat the oven to gas mark as mention in oven manual for muffins. Line the paper-cups in muffins tray.
Stir all the dry ingredients into large bowl and stir well.
Combine the eggs,milk,peppermint essence and green food coloring in medium sized bowl. Beat together with fork.
Melt the butter in small bowl in the microwave or in a small saucepan.
Add all the wet ingredients including the melted butter,to the dry ingredients and stir with a large metal spoon until just combined.
Gently fold the chocolate chips into batter.
Spoon the batter in the prepared muffin tray sections. Sprinkle evenly with the topping.
Bake for 20-23 minutes till well risen and golden and tops spring back when lightly pressed. Watch out for the chips-they may get really hot!
Cool little before eating...

Nasi Goreng Ayam Paprik-Paprik style Chicken Fried Rice

2009-05-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

Nasi pad prik is a Malaysian dish of fried rice with a paprik sauce. Nasi is for rice in Malay and pad prik is a Thai phrase. Although Nasi Pad Prik today is regarded as part of Malay cuisine, it is Thai in origin.Here how i make,

You Need,

Cooked rice- 2 cups
Chicken fillet- 2 cut into chunks/strips
Mixed Veggie-babycorn,beans,carrot,capsium,cauliflower,broccoli)-1cup
Lemon grass- 1
Kaffir/lime leaves-2..chopped finely
Small Onions - 1 chopped finely
Garlic paste- 1/2 tsp
Cili paste /cili powder- 1 tsp(per ur spicyness)
Tomato ketchup-1 tbsp
Oyster sauce- 1/4 tsp
Cili Sauce - 2 tbsp
Soya sauce- 1 tsp
Salt as taste
Oil

How I Cook,

Heat oil in pan,add chopped onion and garlic,fry till brown .Then add chili paste,fry till it leaves the oil ,now add lemon grass and chicken.
Fry for few minutes,then add mix veggie and all the sauces and some water.Close with lid and cook simmer till chicken and veggies is cook.
Then add rice and check seasoning.Throw in chopped lime leaves.Mix well ,remove from heat and serve hot.

Methi Chicken

2009-05-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

I love methi/fenugreek leaves...i always try to add to my dish atleast weekly once.Fenugreek leaves provides lot of health benefits from it's seeds to leave.Mainly south india dish calls for fenugreek seeds while north indian prefer fenugreek leaves.Here is how i make Methi chicken.

You Need,

Fenugreek leaves - 1 small bunch(cleaned and chopped)
Chicken - 300gm cut into small pieces
Yogurt - 1/2 cup
Tomato puree - 3 tbspn
Onion - 1 big chopped
Ginger galic paste - 2 tbspn
Green chilies- 2 chopped
Coriander powder - 2 tbspn
Chili powder -1 tbspn
Turmeric powder 1/2 tspn
Cumin seeds- 1/2 tspn
Coriander leaves- handful

How I Make,

Heat oil in pan ,add cumin seeds,once it's splutter add onions.Fry till light brown,now add ginger garlic paste and salt.Fry for few minutes then add tomato puree ,yogurt and spice powder.Stir well and add chicken pieces and some water and close lid.Cook for few minutes.
Open the lid and add chopped fenugreek leaves.
Mix well ...then add cook till chicken is well coated with spices and fenugreek leaves.
Check seasoning and remove from heat.
Serve hot with rice or chappathi.

p/s- for chappathi make thick consistency.

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

2009-05-07T14:32:00.000-07:00

I love thai foods....one of my favourite is thai pineapple fried rice...so yesterday i make thai fried rice as lunchbox for my better half...here how i make

You Need,

Pineapple chunks – 1/2 cup

Cooked rice- 2 cup

Chicken breasts - 1 piece, cut in thin strips

Shrimps – 10- 12,clean and peeled

Red Bell pepper – 1/2 cut into cubes

Green peas- 1/4 cup

Small onion – sliced

Garlic – 1 pods -chopped

Curry powder- 1 tbspn

Fish sauce - 1 tbspn

Soy sauce - 1 1/2 tbspn

Salt and pepper to taste

How I Make,

Heat oil in a pan,add in onions and garlic and stir-fry until lightly brown .
Then add in chicken, fry until it changes color, followed by pepper and shrimps. Stir fry for another minute and add curry powder, fish sauce and soy sauce.
Add in rice and pineapple chunks. Stir-fry till rice is well coated with spices.Check seasoning and add salt.
Serve rice with some chopped spring onions and enjoy.

Biskut Kacang Tanah - Peanut Cookies

2009-05-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone ....am back after long weekends..hope all of you enjoyed ur weekends...i didnt do much this long weekend...jux sited ad home..relaxing..watching movies. ..and sure do our weekly grocery shopping....As my half better like peanuts too much...i like to try and do peanuts dish in many form....And i bake peanut cookies especially for him and surprised him....

Here How I Make,

You Need,

Plain flour- 3/4 cup
Custard powder - 1 tbspn
Peanuts- 1/2 - 3/4 cup(roast and coarsely powder)
Baking powder - 1/2 tspn
Powder Sugar- 1/2 cup (adjust to taste)
Corn oil/sunfllower/olive oi - 1/4 - 1/2 cup(as required to knead dough)
Egg Yolk - 1

How I Make,

Pre-heat oven to 350 degree F. Roast peanuts till brown color in hob or oven.Peel off the skins,in a food processor, ground peanuts coarsely( reserve some peanuts for decoration)
In a mixing bowl, mix flour,kastard powder, ground peanuts, sugar, baking powder and salt. Mix well.
Add in oil and knead to make into a dough. Shape the dough round or cut into desired shape.
Brush the top with some egg yolk and place on top with peanuts as desired.
Bake in 350 degree F oven until golden brown.
Cool completely and keep cookies in an air-tight container.

Shrimp Cuka

2009-04-30T04:52:00.001-07:00

I love prawns in any form..since my hometown is near seaside..we used to get fresh seafoods daily..so most of the seafoods take turns in our kitchen...I missed all those fresh seafoods...I bought a packet of frozen shrimp....and while thinking what to do ..I made shrimp cuka..Here how i make,

You Need,

Shrimp- i bought frozen packet-

Tomato - 1 chopped

Small onion- 2 chopped

Ginger/garlic paste- 1 tbsp

Coriander powder- 1 tbsp

Red chili powder- 1/2 tsp

Turmeric powder- 1/4 tsp

Cumin powder- 1/2 tsp

Mustard seeds- 1/2 tsp

Cumin seeds- 1/2 tsp

Dry red chilies- 2-3 broken into 2

Curry leaves 1 strand

Coriander leaves for garnish

How I made.

Heat oil in pan,add mustard seeds,cumin seeds and red chilies,fry for a minute.Once it splutter add curry leaves and onions.Fry till onion turn light brown,now add ginger garlic paste and tomato.

Now mix all the spices powder with water and add to the pan.Mix well and some salt.Simmer for 5-7 minutes or till the spices raw smell goes.

Then add the shrimp.Mix well and cooked for another few minutes till the shrimp is well coated with spices.

Remove from heat and garnish with coriander leaves.

Cilantro Pachadi

2009-04-30T04:12:00.000-07:00

Cilantro-coconut- yogurt pachadi is one of my favourite....It easy to make and delicious too.Serve alone with rice and ghee...taste heavenly...How i make it,

You Need,

Grind

Cilantro - 1 small bunch

Green chilies- 2-3

Coconut- 1/4 cup grated

Ginger- small piece

Curry leaves a few

Cumin seeds- 1/4 tsp

Others,

Yogurt - 1/2 cup

Dry Red chilies- 2-3

Mustard seeds- 1/4 tsp

Salt

How I Made,

Grind together all the ingredients mention grind list to coarse paste.Add the paste to the yogurt and add some salt,mix well.Heat oil in pan,add mustard seeds,urad dal and red chilies.Once it splutter, remove from heat.Let it cool for sometime and throw into the paste.

Serve with boiled rice.

This Cilantro pachadi is on the way to JFI-Cilantro hosted by Cilantro.

Spicy Dal -Potato Fry

2009-04-28T02:07:00.000-07:00

This is a different flavor combo of potato and dal..spicy dish ...jux perfect whoever like something hot.

Here how i make it,

You Need,

Toor dal- 1/4 cup- boiled
Potato- 3 boiled peeled and chunks

Onions- 1 medium chopped
Tomato -1 medium
Ginger/garlic paste - 1 tbsp
Green chilies- 2 split
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Red chilies - 1/2 tsp
Mustard seeds- 1/4 tsp
Cumin seed- 1/4 tsp
Curry leaves a few

How I Made,

Cooked dal separately and keep aside.
Boil potato ,peeled and cut into chunks.
Heat oil in pan,add mustard,cumin seeds.Once it splutter,add onions,green chilies and curry leaves.Saute for till onion lighty turn brown,then add tomatoes.salt,turmeric,chili powder.
Mix well and fry for few minutes.
Now add potato chunks and cooked dal.
Mix all together.Simmer for 5-8 minutes or till potato and dal are well coated with the spices.
Check seasoning and remove from heat.

Biskut Suji- Ghee Biscuit

2009-04-27T03:51:00.001-07:00

This is an easy and simple cookies with few ingredients.Whoever never tried baking biscuit /cookies earlier....can start with this biscuit.Ghee biscuits are too soft and would easily melted in mouth ...a right choice for kids and old people.And this is one of my son favourite biscuit.Try out this delicious cookies ..

Here how I made,

You need,

Ghee - 1/2 cup

Icing Sugar - 1/2 cup

Baking powder- 1/4 tsp

Plain flour - 1 1/4 cup

Salt a pinch

How I Made,

Preheat oven to 350 degree F (gas mark 4 or moderate heat) or check instruction in your oven manual for biscuit/cookies.
Mix ghee and sugar in mixing bowl and whisk well till it form like cream.
Now add salt,baking powder and flour.
Knead all well together ,make dough like for puris.Dont make rough or hard dough or biscuit would be to hard to bites.
The dough should be slightly sticky on your finger.
If ur dough is too sticky,add more flour.
Then make small balls and place it in baking tray and bake.
While baking you will get good ghee smell.If it turn very light brown in the bottom or it didnt stick on the tray ,remove from the oven.Leave for sometime to cool.Then store in air tight container.

Chinese Fried Rice

2009-04-26T03:04:00.000-07:00

Chinese fried rice is simplest and quickest meal to prepare.It wont take much time if u alredy have leftover rice.
Here how i make it too simple.

You Need,

Cooked rice- 2 cup
Shrimp- peeled and cooked a few
Carrot- 1 cut into chunks
Green peas- as much as u like
Onion- 1 chopped
Garlic- minced
Light Soy sauce - 1 tbsp
Salt & Pepper as taste

How I made,

Heat oil in pan,.add minced garlic and onions..saute till onion turn brown.
Then carrot and green peas ,saute for 3-5 minutes.
Once the carrot bit tender,add shrimp,fry for few minutes.
Add cooked rice and mix well.
Now add soy sauce ,salt and pepper.
Mix well and cook for another 5 -8 minutes.
Check seasoning and serve hot.

Creamy yummy Dal Makhani- Black Lentil Gravy

2009-04-25T15:52:00.000-07:00

Dal Makhani is a king of all lentils and very healthy and nourishes food....It also provide tons of fiber and proteins.
Here how I made.

You Need,

Red Kidney beans 1/2 cup
Whole urad dal 3/4 cup
Ginger garlic paste - 2 tbsp
Coriander powder 1tbsp
Chili powder 1 tbsp
Turmeric powder- 1/4 tsp
Cumin seed- 1 tsp
Tomato puree/blanches - 3-4 small
Cream - 2tbsp
Butter- 2tbsp
Kasoori methi - 1/2 tbsp
Salt as taste
Cinnamon- 1 stick
Bay leaves -2
Cloves- 2
Anise - 2
Cardomam- 2

How I Made,

Soak lentils overnight,then pressure cook until well cooked and keep aside.
Heat oil in pan,add cumin seeds,whole garam masala,and saute for 2 minutes.Now add ginger garlic paste and a pinch of turmeric powder and fry for few minutes.
Then add tomato blanches,chili powder and coriander powder and mix well and cook for few minutes with lid in simmer.
Now add boiled beans and mix well.Add butter and cream and simmer for 8- 10 minutes.
Add kasoori methi powder,mix well and serve hot with rice or naan/chappathi.

Aromatic Fish Keema

2009-04-23T02:06:00.000-07:00

The lovely pink-hued salmon can be served in a variety of ways and is always a favorite among fish lovers and enjoyed even by those who are not always fond of fish especially my half better. He is not a fish fond but he can indulge salmon. The season for the different species of salmon ranges from early summer to late fall, however, the increased production of farm raised salmon has made it available fresh in local supermarkets year round.Their flesh ranges in color from pink to red to orange with some varieties richer in important omega 3 fatty acids than others.

Some goodness of Salmon/fatty fish,

Protection against Stroke
Help Prevent and Control High Blood Pressure
Omega 3s Help Prevent Obesity and Improve Insulin Response
Salmon Slashes Prostate Cancer Risk
Reduce Risk of Macular Degeneration
Protection against Sunburn
Food for Better Thought
Highly Protective against Childhood Asthma

Best way of consuming salmon or fatty fish are by baked or broiled.

I will stop here about the goodness of fatty fish...we will discuss more next time....

Here how to make Fish Keema,

You Need,

Fish Fillet-2
Green Peas- 1/2 cup (I used frozen)
Onions- 1 medium, grated or finely chopped or pulsed in a blender
Tomatoes - 2 tbsp pureed
Ginger-Garlic Paste- 1 tbsp
Bay Leaves-2
Red Chilli Powder- 1/2 tsp ,as pertaste
Cumin Seeds- 1/2 tsp
A pinch of garam masala
2 tbsp Oil
Salt to taste

How I Made,

Boil fish fillet with turmeric powder,lemon juice and salt.Once it's done let it cool.Then crumble the fillet and keep aside.
Heat oil in pan,add cumin seeds and bay leaf.Once the seeds splutters add onions,and salt.
Saute till the onions turns light brown ,reduce the heat,add tomato puree , chili powder and green peas and mix well...Let the gravy simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Mix in the boiled and crumbled fish and check the seasonings.
Cook for another 5 -6 minutes, in low heat and ensure that the crumbled fish is well coated with spices.
Sprinkle some garam masala on top and enjoy with rice or with chappathi or roti....

Fennel Flovoured Dum Aloo- Fennel Flavoured Potatoes

2009-04-21T06:52:00.000-07:00

Hmm..Finally i got time to do post.We were really busy last two weekends with short trip to edinburgh and cleaning house for vishu.Summer has really made a wonderful touch everywhere....could see lots of colourful and cheerful blossoms flowers..pinkish...yellowish ...and wonderful fragrances too...i have start with veggie gardening....i become bit crazy where every morning i peep to my garden to see whether any plants come out from my seedlings pots....Anyhow my plants also played peek a boo with me...the plants which i sow long time ago...which i thot wont grow....shows it's faces after i back from my trip.Too happy to see....I had so many things in mind to do with this blog..but end up wth none.....time is so precious...so its wont wait for anyone..where i lost some ..without an useful stuffs...Hope this year before i miss the summer..plan to plant few colors of roses.. n..daisy...Lets now peep into my kitchen and see wat i had done...after vishu feast ..i become lazy to cook much...alwiz end up wth easy n simple meal.Yesterday i made dum aloo...
There so many versions and styles of making dum aloo...as person taste and creativity...
here how i made it.

You Need

Baby potatoes- 8- 10
Cinnamon- 1 stick
Bay leaf- 2
Cloves- 2
Anise- 2
Yogurt- 3 tbsp
Onion- 2 small chopped(optional)
Garlic - 3 pods juliened
Fennel powder- 1 tbsp
Coriander powder- 1 tbsp
Chili powder- 1/4 tsp
Dry ginger powder- 1/4 tsp
Turmeric powder- 1/4 tsp
Cumin Seeds- 1/2 tsp
Almond paste- 1 tbsp
Coriander leaves for garnish
Salt as taste
Oil - 1 tbsp

How I Made,

Boil and peel baby potatoes.Prick them with a fork in multiple sides and keep aside.
Heat oil in pan,add cumin seeds, then add cinnamon,cloves,bay leaves,anise.Saute well.
Once cumin seeds start to splutter add onion and garlics,stir for 2 minutes then add turmeric powder and salt.
Meanwhile make a paste of all the spices powders.
Once the onion turn light brown add spices paste and mix well..Saute for 2 minutes.
Now add yogurt and mix well.Add some water too then add potatoes...
Cover with lid and cook in slow mode for 5 -8 minutes.
Add almond paste and mix well...cook another few minutes..check seasoning.....
Remove from heat,garnish with chopped coriander .Serve hot wth rice,naan,parathas and puris.

Drumstick Rasam- Murgakkai Rasam

2009-04-17T04:16:00.000-07:00

After back from shortbreak to edinburgh ....then followed by vishu....keep me busy till i didnt find enuf time to blogging....I make simple preparation for vishu this year since my half better went to office. Will post my vishu feast soon..A day after vishu...i feel lazy to cook so end up wth murgakkai rasam n rice.A simple and quick meal.

Here how i make,

You Need,

Drumstick - 1 cut into 4
Toor Dal- 1/4 cup
Tomato-1
Turmeric powder- 1/4 tsp
Tamarind- a lemon size
Black Pepper powder- 1/2 tsp
Cumin seed powder- 1/2 tsp
Coriander powder- 1 tsp
Garlic- 2 pods-grated
Mustard seeds- 1/2 tsp
Coconut -grated 2 tbsp
Dry red chilie-2 broken into halves
Coriander leaves/curry leaves for garnish
Salt as taste
Oil - 1 tbsp

How I Made,

Cook dal ,drumstick with a pinch of turmeric pwd and water in pressure cooker till dal mushy.
Meanwhile extract tamarind juice and add mashed tomato and keep aside.
Heat oil in pan,add mustard seeds,coconut and red chilies and saute well.
Once the mustard splutters add tamarind juice with tomato.
Cook for 5 minutes ,once it start to boil add the spices powder and mix well.Now add boiled dal and drumstick.
Cook for another 3 minutes.Remove from heat and garnish wth coriander and curry leaves.

Happy New Year

2009-04-15T02:53:00.000-07:00

Wishing everyone who stops by a very Happy New Year....

Egg Fried Rice - Colourful Sweet and Sour Fish

2009-04-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

I like chciken sweet and sour but since my swtheart didnt like it that much so i make it very rare.But my son start to like it very much.So as weekend special i make for him sweet sour wth fish instead of chicken.I make it use salmon since he like salmon very much.
Here how I make.

You Need,

Fish Fillets-2 cut into small pieces
Yellow bell pepper- 1/2 cut into chunks
Red bell pepper- cut into chunks
Cucumber - 1/2 cut into chunks
Canned pineapple- 1/4 can chunks
Small onion-6 cut into half
Ginger - sliced- afew
Green chilies- 2 split

For Sauce,

Chili Sauce- 2 1/2 tbspn
Tomato sauce 2 1/2 tbspn
Vinegar- 1/2 tspn
Pineapple juice - 1/4 cups
Cornflour
Salt

For fry fish,

Egg -1
Cornflour- 2tbspn
Plain flour- 1 tbspn
Salt and pepper

Mix all together,make a paste ,adjust the flour if it is too watery.Marinate the fish in the paste for 10 minutes.Then deep fry each till light brown and set aside.

How I Cook,

Heat oil in pan,add onion and ginger.Saute for few minutes then add bell peppers,cucumber,green chilies .
Cook for 4-5 minutes then add sauces and saute for 2 minutes.
Now add add pineapple and juice and mx well.Add salt and check seasoning.
Then add fried fish and mix well.Cook for another 2 minutes and remove from heat and serve with egg fried rice.

Biryani Rice -Soya Chunks Curry

2009-04-05T08:56:00.000-07:00

Maybe everyone was thinking what i mean by biryani rice.Biryani rice a variation of pilaf/pilau...where ghee rice cooked with flavors of biryani.I have ate this type of rice ad my cousin diwali gathering..where she cooked biryani rice and biryani mutton gravy.which goes well with each other.For a twist i cooked biryani rice and normal soya chunks curry.Here how i make.

Biryani Rice.

You Need,

Basmathi rice - 2 1/2 cups
Coconut milk -2 cups
Ghee-2 tbspn
Raisins -1/4 cups or as ur wish(froast in ghee and keep aside)
Lemon grass-1 stalk
Ginger-minced
Cinnamon- 1 inch
Small onions- 6 chopped
Fennel seeds- 1/2 tspn
Cumin seeds- 1/2 tspn
Biryani mix powder- 2 tbspn
Salt as taste

How I cook,

Wash rice ,drain and keep aside.
Heat ghee in a pan,add cinnamon,fennel,cumin seeds.Saute for 2 minutes then add small onions, ginger and lemon grass.Saute for 3 minutes,then add biryani powder and rice and mix well.
Now add coconut milk and enough water to cook the rice.Add salt too.
Once the rice cooked,add roasted raisin and mix well.Serve hot with any your favourite curry.

Soya Chunks Curry

You Need,

Soya chunks - 1 cup
Potatoes -2 boiled,peeled and cubed
Green chilies- 2 slit
Cinnamon- 1 inch
Bay leaf -1
Onions- 1 medium chopped
Tomatoes -2 chopped
Curry leaves-1 strand
Meat masala powder- 2 tbspn
Red chili powder- 1tbspn
Ginger garlic paste- 1 tbspn
Coconut milk - 1/2 cup

How I cook,

Soak soya chunk in hot water and drain.Then press out the water in chunk.
Heat oil in pan,add cinnamon,bayleaft. Add soya chunk and saute well in oil till the raw smell of soya chunk goes.
Tthen followed by onions,and green chilies.Once the onions turn light brown,addginger garlic paste.Then add tomato.Cook till the gravy become loose and watery,then add meat masala and chili powder.Mix well.
Cook for another 5-8 minutes.Then add potato and coconut milk.Cook for another 4-5 minutes.
Add salt and check the seasoning
Remove from heat and serve with warm rice or pilau.

Bread Upma

2009-04-03T05:21:00.000-07:00

My husband is not an upma lover,so I make it very rarely in home.I make whenever I feel lazy to cook for my lunch.It's very easy and simple cooking with very few ingredients,which are ideal food for all those students and bachelors,who have no time to cook a proper meal.

Here how i make it.

You Need,

Bread - 6 cubed

Mustard seed- 1/2 tsp

Cumin seed- 1/2 tsp

Tomato- 1 chopped

Small onions- 5 chopped

Ginger- minced

Green chilies- 2 chopped

Turmeric powder- 1/4 tsp

Pepper powder- 1/4 tsp

Curry leaves- 1 strand

Salt as taste

Oil - 1 tbspn

How I Made,

Heat oil in pan,add mustard and cumin seeds.Once it splutter add onion,ginger and green chilies.Saute until it's turn light brown.
Then add curry leaves,tomatoes,pepper powder and turmeric powder.Mix well and cook for another 3 mins till the gravy become loose and litle watery.Add salt as taste.
Next add bread cubes and mix well and cook for another 2 mins.

Coconut Milk Idlis

2009-04-02T03:24:00.000-07:00

When I was thinking about to try some new idlis recipe since i got bore with normal idlis..then rava idlis..n ragi idlis....I remember i have kept a newspaper cutting with few types of idli recipes...on the spot i start of looking for it...then i found it among my other recipes collections...I go thru all the recipes..oats idli,soya idli..purana idlis..rava idlis and this coconut milk/thengaipaal idlis.....Basically i had used coconut in grinding for paal appam but never had tried for idlis.So i choose this idlis recipes to try which are too simple.And it is yummy and delicious too. Here how I made it.

You need,

Idli rice- 2 cups

Urad dhal - 1 cup

Fenugreek seeds- 1 tspn

Cooked rice - 1 tbspn

Coconut - 1

Salt

How I made,

Soak idli rice with urad dal and fenugreek seeds for 5-6 hours.
Grind coconut with some water.Extract thick milk from the coconut.
Drain the idli rice.
Inspite of using water to grind the idli mix ,use thick coconut milk to grind.
Add salt and ferment overnight.
Pour on idli stand and steam.
Serve hot wth sambar and you favourite chutney.

Black Eye Beans With Salted Fish Curry

2009-03-31T03:53:00.000-07:00

After long time,i was craving for salted fish curry..especially my mom's cook...black eye beans with salted fish.Eventough i have made it few times but it didnt really taste like the gravy she cook.
Here how i make it.

You Need,
Black eye beans- 1 cup soaked and boiled
Salted Fish - 3/4 pieces( soak in hot water and wash)
Brinjal - 2 cut into 4
Tomato - 1
Onion- 1 sliced
Green chilies- 2 split lenghtwise
Ginger/garlic paste- 1 tbspn
Tamarind paste - 1 tbspn
Fish Masala powder- 2 tbspn
Chili powder- 1 tbspn
Curry Leaves - 1 strand
Fennel seeds- 1/2 tspn
Mustard seeds- 1/2 tspn
Coconut milk - 1/2 - 3/4 cup
Salt as taste
Oil - 1 tbspn

How I Made,

Heat oil in pan/kadai, add mustard seeds and fennel seeds.Once it splutter add curry leaves, onion and green chilies.Saute well for 3 minutes or til the onions turn brown.
Then add ginger garlic paste and saute until the paste leave the oil.Add tomatoes,salted fish and brinjal followed by fish masala powder and chili powder.Mix all together well.Add tamarind paste and some water.
Let it cook for 10 minutes.Once the brinjal cooked,add black eye beans and coconut milk and mix well.
Cook for another 5 - 8 minutes.
The gravy should not be too thick.Add enough of water if the gravy is too thick.
Remove from heat and serve hot with boiled rice.

Ragi Flour Puri

2009-03-31T02:49:00.000-07:00

Ragi is known as finger millet in english which contains ton of benefits for our health...Whenever you feel bored with ragi idli/dosa or porridge...why dunt you try ragi flour puri......i dunt remember from which site i took this recipe long time ago...but since i start to love this dish..i make it frequently....

Here how i make,

You Need,
Plain Flour - 1 cup
Ragi flour -1/2 cup
Milk - 2tbsp
Oil /Butter -1 tbsp
Salt as taste
Warm water for kneading
Oil for deep frying

How I Made,

Mix ragi flour and plain flour.Add salt,oil and milk to the flour mix and crumble.
Add enough warm water to make a dough.Knead for 10 minutes.The dough should be smooth and hard texture.Make sure that all are mix well.
Then divide to small balls...like lemon size.
Roll to small circle and fry it out.
Heat oil in pan,and once it hot,slide one puri from the side.
Press in with spoon to allow it to rise up.Then turn over.Once the both side turn gold remove from heat and serve hot with potato - carrot sabzi.

Potato - Carrot Sabzi
Potato- 3 medium boiled,peeled and cubed
Carrot - 2 boiled and cubed
Onion - 1 sliced
Tomato -1 chopped
Green Chilies- 2 split lengthwise
Ginger garlic paste - 1tbspn
Bay leaf- 1
Cinnamon stick - 1 inch
Turmeric powder- 1/4 tsp
Coconut milk - 3 tbsp
Salt as taste Oil -1 tbspn

Heat oil in pan,once it hot add cinnamon stick and bay leaf.Then throw in sliced onions and green chilies.Once the onions turn brown add ginger garlic paste and turmeric powder, followed by tomatoes.
Then add potatoes and carrot and mix well.
Add some water and let it cook for 5- 8 minutes.Then add coconut milk and cook for another 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and serve hot with puri.

Idli Upma

2009-03-30T03:46:00.001-07:00

First i ate idli upma is at my friend house.She serve idli upma as evening snacks from morning leftover idlis.It's good idea to reuse the leftover in such a way it's look like another new dish.Idli upma with coconut chutney is tasty and delicious.I took recipe from her and i make it with what i have in my kitchen.
You Need, Idlis - 4- 5 Mustard seeds - 1/2 tspn Red chilies - 2-3 broken Curry leaves - 1 Chana dal - 1/2 tspn Urad dal - 1/2 tspn Asafoetida a pinch Turmeric a pinch Coconut(optional) 1 tbl spn Oil 1 tspn Salt as taste

How I made, Crumble the idlis with hand. There should not be big lumps. Heat oil and add mustard seeds, urad dal and chana dal. When they start popping up, add curry leaves, asafoetida, red chillies. Fry a bit. Add turmeric and crumbled idlis. Mix well. Add some salt as per taste.
Remove from heat.Serve hot with coconut chutney

Potato Fry

2009-03-29T16:04:00.000-07:00

An easy potato fry.Whenever i feel lazy to spend more time in kitchen.

You Need,

Potatoes-4

Red Chilies- 3 broken

Curry Leaves- 1 strand

Mustard seeds- 1/2 tsp

Cumin seeds- 1/2 tsp

Salt as taste

Oil - 1tsp

How I Made,

Boil,peeled and cubed potatoes.

Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds,cumin seeds.Once it splutter add red chilies and curry leaves.

Then add potatoes and salt.Mix well.

Remove from heat and serve with rice or chapathi as side dish.