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Saag Paneer

December 4, 2012, 3:00 am
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We call this "Palak Paneer" at home but I have seen that this dish is mostly referred as "Saag Paneer" at the Indian restaurants here in the United States. I decided to use the name "Saag Paneer" not because it is more ubiquitous here but I generally use any "saag" or leafy greens and do not limit myself just to palak or spinach. I have used the collard greens or even turnip greens instead of spinach. The picture above is actually "Collard greens Paneer"!
 
Saag Paneer
Leafy Greens with Indian Cottage Cheese
Ingredients
1lb/16 oz pack of frozen leafy greens of your choice [ use Spinach or Collard greens or Turnip greens]
salt to taste
 
1 cup Paneer cubes
 
Grind to a coarse paste (1)
Thawed greens
 
Grind to a fine paste (2)
3/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
2-3 garlic cloves, peeled & chopped
1" ginger, peeled & chopped
 
Tempering
1 tbsp oil
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1 small piece of cinnamon
A pinch of asafoetida
1/2 tsp turmeric powder (optional)
2-3 cloves
2 red chilies
 
Method
1. Grind thawed greens coarsely and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a heavy bottomed saucepan.
3. Add cumin seeds, cinnamon, cloves and chilies
4. As they sizzle, add onion-tomato paste.
5. Saute for at least 20 minutes till the raw smell of onion disappears.
6. Now add coriander-cumin powder, turmeric powder - if using and paprika.
7. Add ground leafy greens, salt to taste and 1 cup water.
8. Add paneer cubes and let it simmer for about 1/2 hour till the gravy is thick.
9. Serve with Naan or Paratha.
 
Note -
1. For richer flavor, you can use "creamed spinach" - available in the frozen section. But as the name suggests, it does have heavy cream. So along with rich taste, it also gives more calories and fat!;-D
2. For richer flavor, you can also fry paneer pieces before adding to the curry.
3. For richer flavor, you can also use "ghee" instead of oil.
4. If there is any leftovers, you can discard the whole spices and grind all the ingredients together to make a homogeneous mass with greens and paneer and then add enough whole wheat flour and salt to taste and roll out delicious parathas.
5. Some people do not use turmeric powder in this recipe to retain the lush green color of the leafy greens. Some people add a pinch of baking soda. I do not use baking soda and add turmeric powder for the health benefits.
 
 




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Bell Peppers Curry

December 5, 2012, 3:00 am
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This is a simple bell peppers curry from Malvan/Goa region. I had the last harvest from my bell peppers plant. So I decided to make this delicious curry.

BhopLya Mirchicha Ross
Bell Peppers Curry
Ingredients
3 smallish bell peppers, cored, deseeded, cut into 6 slices each
salt to taste
1 tsp jaggery

Grind to a fine paste
1/3 cup freshly scraped coconut
3-4 byadgi chilies
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
3-4 black peppercorns
1/2 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp tamarind paste

Tempering
1 tsp oil
1/4 tsp mustard seeds
1/4 tsp asafortida
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/8 tsp fenugreek seeds
2 sprigs curry leaves, torn

Method
1. Grind the coconut with remaining ingredients to a fine paste, adding little water if needed.
2. Heat oil in a saucepan. Add all the ingredients for tempering. As they sizzle, add bell peppers and saute for 2-3 minutes.
3. Now add ground coconut paste, salt, jaggery and water to get the curry like consistency. Remember not to make too thin.
4. Bring to boil. Switch the gas to low and let it simmer till bell peppers are cooked but not too mushy.

Note -
1. I don't like bell peppers to be overcooked. I like to keep a little crunch.



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Fulka - Indian flatbread

December 6, 2012, 2:30 am
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Ever since I was a child, I was obsessed with cooking. I spent hours together begging my grandmothers or mom to let me do something in the kitchen. Sometimes, Mom would oblige me with a small ball of dough. I would spend my time perfecting my own flatbread using my toy rolling pin and toy rolling board/poLpaat. Then my mom would roast that flatbread and I would feel very proud of my achievement. I gradually progressed from making map shaped flatbreads to something that was pretty close to the circular shapes. I was then promoted to  the task of spreading toop/ghee on the roasted chapatis/fulkas.

My obsession with making/observing chapatis was especially encouraged by my moushi. She actually took me under her wings. She taught me how to knead a dough, how to make uniform balls. I was so eager to roast my own chapati. She had told me that she would teach me only on one condition. I was ready to do anything. She would say laughingly - you have to be tall enough to reach the kitchen platform and reach the gas!! I just couldn't wait. Finally, I reached the stage where I could finally roast my own fulkas. My maushi has a special method of roasting fulkas. I thought of sharing it with everyone. It's quite possible that everyone does exact same way but this is how I learned. My moushi learned it from her moushi or my grand aunt who was married to a Gujarati.

Now, fulkas are made by Maharashtrians, Gujaratis and Marwaris on the daily breads. I am sure the rest of the communities make it too. But I am sharing my observations. Maharashtrian fulkas are bigger than that of Gujarati counterpart. My Marwari friend had told me a (horror!) story that after the fulkas were ready, their cook would dunk the entire fulka into a big pot of ghee and serve.

I am sharing my aunt and grand aunt's Gujarati fulkas that we have been making for at least three generations in my family.

I got many requests since I started blogging, to blog about fulkas. But believe me, if it took me years to master (if I may say so!) this flatbread, it felt that it took me even more time to blog about it (due to proportions, pictures, steps and explanation).


Fulka
Daily Indian Flatbread
Ingredients
1 cup wheat flour from Indian stores
Approx 1/2 cup water

1 tsp oil

Rice flour for dredging
Ghee/oil for smearing on the fulkas

Method
1. Take flour in the paraat.
2. Add water gingerly to make a dough. add oil and keep kneading till the dough is not sticky anymore.
3. Cover and set aside for at least 15 minutes.
4. Make 12 uniform balls. Make sure that they have smooth edges and there are no crevices. This is very important to achieve the perfect circles.
5. Heat a cast iron/iron griddle or pan.
6. Dredge one ball in the rice flour which you will place in the side of the paraat. Flatten the ball with your fingers. Make sure that the ball is covered with rice flour on both the sides.
7. Roll into a thin flatbread. It's extremely important that the flatbread has uniform thickness from all the sides. Sometimes center gets thin while edges remain thick or vice versa.While you are rolling, the disc below also should roll in a circular motion.
8. By now your griddle/pan must be hot enough to start roasting. Switch the gas to low.
9. Place your flatbread on the pan. Do not disturb for at least 30 seconds.
10. When you see small bubbles, flip the fulka. Switch the gas to high immediately.
11. Now, roast till brown spots appear on the side which is at the bottom.
12. Take the pan off the heat. With the help of a tongue, flip and roast it directly on the flame till fulka puffs up like a football. Remember, you are putting the side which has no brown spots.
13. Take off the heat. Place in your container.
14. If you choose, smear ghee/toop - which is a traditional method.
15. Serve hot and puffed fulka from pan to plate.

Note -
1. My moushi/grandaunt's this method always results in a perfectly puffed fulka. However, even if you follow all the roasting tips perfectly, the rolling has to be perfect too. Most importantly, the entire fulka should have a uniform thickness.
2. I do not apply any ghee. I have seen that some people, these days, apply safola oil instead of ghee. You choose your own grease!:-D
3. Fulkas are meant to be eaten fresh. If kept for a long time, they may turn dry - especially if you don't use ghee/toop.If you do need to eat later, store them in a clean kitchen napkin.
4. Some people use wheat flour for dredging.  but rice flour does not stick too much while rolling the fulka and hence is preferred.
5. You can add salt to taste while kneading the dough, if you like.



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Gajrache Bharit - Carrot Dip

December 7, 2012, 5:20 am
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This is a nice accompaniment made with cooked carrots. It gets ready in a jiffy if you use pressure cooker and roasted peanut powder is pre-made.


Gajarache Bharit
Carrot Dip
Ingredients
5-6 carrots, peeled & pressure cooked
1/4 cup unsalted, roasted peanuts powder/daaNyache KooT
salt to taste
A pinch of sugar to taste

Tempering
2 tsp oil/Ghee
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
A pinch of asafoetida
1 green chile, cut (optional)

Garnish
1 tbsp minced cilantro (Optional)

Method
1. Pressure cook the peeled carrots and mash them with a fork.
2. Mix with yogurt, salt, sugar and peanut powder.
3. Heat oil in a small saucepan.
4. Add cumin seeds, asafoetida and chili- if using.
5. Drizzle the sizzling oil over the salad/dip and mix well.
6. Garnish with cilantro - if using

Note -
1. You can increase or decrease the amount of yogurt per your taste.
2. You can use Greek yogurt if you like thick consistency.


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Batatya Sukke

December 10, 2012, 6:00 am
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Sukke is a dryish curry made, using ground paste of coconut, tamarind and red chilies. This makes a terrific accompaniment with polay/dosa or even fulkas.


Batatya Sukke
Potato Curry (dry)
Ingredients
5-6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, boiled, peeled and cut
1 cup roughly chopped onion
salt to taste

Grind to a coarse paste
1/2 cup freshly scraped coconut
5-6 byadgi chilies, roast in a few drops of coconut oil before grinding
3/4 tsp coriander seeds
3/4 tsp urad daal
1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds
1 tsp tamarind paste

Tempering
1 1/2 tsp Coconut oil
2 springs of curry leaves, torn
1/4 tsp mustard seeds

Method
1. Grind coconut masala to a coarse paste.
2. Heat oil in a saucepan. Add curry leaves. As they sizzle, add onion and saute till it turns golden.
3. Add potatoes. Saute for 1 minute.
4. Add coconut masala. Add 1/2 cup water, salt to taste.
5. Mix well. Let it come for a boil. Switch gas to low. Let it simmer till it has dryish consistency.

Note-
This curry goes very well with dosas/polay or fulkas.



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Mexican Wedding Cookies

December 16, 2012, 5:30 am
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December is the month when I have to get rid of my baking inertia. This is the month of cookie swapping, gift wrapping and baking for friends, family and of course Mr. Santa. Being a food blogger, I always like to bake different cookies than the last time.

Mexican Wedding Cookies which also go by the name Snowball Cookies remind me of an Indian sweet - Balushahi or the same sweet which we call "SaanTH" in Konkani. Of course, there is a difference as Balushahi or SaanTh is deep fried and then dunked into the sugar syrup.

These cookies are eggless and I think next time, I am going to see if I can make "Naankatais" using the same recipe.

This recipe is from "KraftFoods"


Mexican Wedding Cookies or Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar, divided
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
1 cup finely chopped Pecans or almonds
 
Method
PREHEAToven to 350°F. Beat butter, 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar and the vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour and pecans, beating on low speed after each addition until well blended. SHAPEdough into 1-inch balls. Place, 1-1/2 inches apart, on ungreased baking sheets.
BAKE14 to 15 min. or until bottoms of cookies are lightly browned. Cool 5 min. on baking sheets. Roll warm cookies in remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar until evenly coated; place on wire racks. Cool completely. Store in tightly covered container at room temperature. 

Note -
1. Instead of using pecans, I used almonds in my recipe.
2. Makes 4 dozen small cookies.

Credits
http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/mexican-wedding-cookies-91976.aspx



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Pinwheel Cookies

December 18, 2012, 3:00 am
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I had bookmarked this recipe for a long time. As I was rolling, and unrolling the cookie dough, I almost thought these cookies were not going to make it. But I chilled the dough and that made it lot easier to roll the dough. I didn't have brown sugar at home, so instead of buying a big pack and then shoving it on the pantry shelf for another year, I just used regular sugar.
 
This recipe is from C & H Sugar website.
 
 
 
Pinwheel Cookies 

Ingredients

1 cup firmly packed C&H® Golden Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cocoa powder, unsweetened
 
Method
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Grease cookie sheets.
  3. Beat brown sugar and butter in large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
  4. Add egg and vanilla; beat until creamy.
  5. Stir together flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to sugar mixture.
  6. Divide dough in half. Add cocoa to 1/2 dough.
  7. Wrap in a Saran Wrap and chill before rolling the dough.
  8. Roll dough separately on floured waxed paper into 2 rectangles, about 1/4-inch thickness.
  9. Top one with the other and press together with rolling pin.
  10. Roll up lengthwise, jelly roll fashion.
  11. Trim edges; wrap and chill.
  12. When firm, cut roll into 1/4-inch slices and bake on prepared cookie sheets 12-15 minutes.
 
Notes -
 To keep their round shape, be sure to chill dough thoroughly before slicing it with a sharp knife. Rotate the roll as you slice it.

- To spice up these pinwheels, add 2 tsp. cinnamon and 1/2 tsp. nutmeg or ground cloves to the flour mixture.
- I used regular sugar instead of brown sugar.

 
 
Credits
 
 







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Merry Christmas!!

December 25, 2012, 2:30 am
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Tutti Frutti Cookies

December 20, 2012, 5:46 am
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In spite of baking two cookies already, Gudiya feels that they are not "Christmas worthy" cookies as there is no colorful [ read red and green] frosting. So I made this batch with red and green sugar. These are ready for cookie swapping.

This recipe is from C&H Sugar wesbsite. But instead of using dried cranberries, I used tutti-frutti/candied peels.

TuttiFrutti Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
2 teaspoons orange rind, finely grated
2 teaspoons orange extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1/2 cup molasses
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon, ground
1 teaspoon ginger, ground
1/2 teaspoon cloves, ground
1 cup cranberries, dried/ I used 1 cup tutti frutti and 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Sugar Topping/ I used Wiltons Green and Red Sugar
 
Method
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.
In large bowl, cream butter and sugars until smooth; add rind and extracts.
Add egg; beat until fluffy.
Pour in molasses; mix until totally incorporated.
In medium bowl, sift flour and all dry ingredients; slowly beat into sugar mixture.
Stir in cranberries or tuttifrutties and almonds.
Place dough in freezer for 10 minutes.
 Form golf ball-size balls; roll in red/green sugars, lightly flatten in palm of hand and place on cookie sheet.
Bake 10-13 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on sheet 5-7 minutes before placing on wire rack to cool completely.

Note -
1. Instead of cranberries, I used 1 cup tuttifrutti and 1/2 cup sliced almonds
2. Makes 3 dozen cookies.

Credits
http://www.chsugar.com/recipe/orange-cranberry-spice-cookies-1211

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Almond Biscotti

December 21, 2012, 2:30 am
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I wanted to try the "Hazelnut Biscotti" recipe from the back of Bob's Red Mill White Flour packet. Since I didn't have hazelnuts, I decided to use almond slivers. I thought that the flavor of orange zest would go really well with almonds instead of powdered fennel seeds. I was happy to see the result!

Original Recipe -
http://www.bobsredmill.com/recipes_detail.php?rid=1073

Almond Orange Biscotti
Ingredients
Mix
1 1/2 cup Bob's Red Mill Organic Unbleached White Flour
1 tsp Orange Zest
1/2 cup coarsely ground almonds
1/4 cup almond slivers/slices
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking powder

Cream together
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey, warm
1 egg
1 tsp Orange essence

Method
1. Preheat oven 325 F
2. Grease the baking sheet.
3.Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
4. Mix well. Divide into 2 or 4 parts*.
5. Roll into logs
6. Place on the baking sheet 4" apart
7. Flatten slightly.
8. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes.
9. When cooled, cut diagonally.
10. Place again on the baking sheet, 1/2" apart.
11. Bake again for 10 - 12 minutes

Note -
1. * I lwanted  to make a batch of small biscottis so I divided the dough into 4 parts instead of 2.

Credits
http://www.bobsredmill.com/recipes_detail.php?rid=1073



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Coconut Marble Cake

December 22, 2012, 9:00 am
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I made this coconut cake using Duncan Hines Cake Mix. The recipe was on the back of the packet. I also added unsweetened cocoa powder to the half of the batter to create a marbled effect.

Coconut Marble Cake
From Duncan Hines
Ingredients
1 pkt Duncan Hines Signature French Vanilla cake Mix
1 (3.4 oz) pkt Coconut cream instant Pudding and pie mix
4 large eggs
1 cup coconut milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup dessicated, dry coconut (unsweetened)

Method
1. Preheat oven 350 F
2. Prepare batter with all the ingredients above except cocoa powder. Divide the batter in half and add cocoa powder only to the half of the batter.
3. Grease 10" Bundt Cake pan.
4. Pour white batter. Add brown batter on top. Using a knife or a skewer, swirl it lightly.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes
6. Cool in the pan for 25 minutes.
7. Invert of a serving platter. Enjoy!

Note -
For the original recipe, click here
http://www.duncanhines.com/recipes/cakes/dh/coconut-pound-cake






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Goan Marzipans for Christmas

December 23, 2012, 3:00 am
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A Goan sweet for Christmas - Cashew and sugar moulded into fruit shapes!
 
Marzipan is made using cashew and sugar in Goa. It's made all over the world but elsewhere it's made with almonds & sugar. You get these cloyingly sweet (for my taste anyway!) Marzipans during Christmas time in Goa and in the bakeries of Bandra. In my opinion, these sweet & festive morsels taste better with the cashew powder than the almond powder.


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Russian Salad

December 26, 2012, 5:04 pm
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Thanks to Wiki, I recently came to know that Russian salad is also known as Olivier Salad. I always wondered if Russians really made this salad or is it something made by Indian chefs since this salad is quite popular in India. Many restaurants in Mumbai have this salad on their menu. My aunt makes her own version.
My version is as follows. Just like all the Indian chefs, I do not add any meat. I generally prepare this salad for Christmas. I am not a huge fan of regular mayo so I use the vegan mayo. Since I use milk in my version of this salad, this is not exactly vegan recipe.
 
Russian Salad
Ingredients
1 cup yellow corn, frozen OK
1 cup green peas, frozen OK
1 cup green beans, cut into 2" , frozen OK
1 small red delicious apple, unpeeled but cored
1 cup peeled/ carrot dice
1 cup potato peeled/ diced
1 celery, finely chopped
 
1 cup Vegan Mayo such as Earth Balance or Spectrum
2 tbsp milk
1 tbsp sugar or to taste
salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, generous pinch
A dash of mustard -  yellow or brown.
 
 
Method
1. Bring 6 cups water to boil. Add 2 tsp salt. Add, potato dice. When half cooked, add carrots. Boil for 5-7 minutes. Now add all the frozen veggies. Boil for 1 minute. Switch off the gas.
2. Drain the veggies and place them in a bowl containing cold water.
3. Whisk mayo with salt, sugar, black pepper, mustard and milk.
4. Drain boiled veggies. Add apple and celery. Fold in mayo dressing.
6. Mix carefully without breaking the veggies.
7. Serve chilled.
 
Note -
1. Refrigerate any unused portion immediately.
2. Use within 1 day.
3. This recipe may serve up to 6 people.
4. Do not overcook potatoes or carrots.




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Zeenat's Khatti Daal

December 27, 2012, 6:26 am
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Sometimes, my mom and I can have the craziest conversations - especially on the phone. I called her the other day and asked her what's for dinner and she said she was making"Zeenat's Khatti Daal". I told her that the only "Zeenat" I know is "Dum Maro Dum" fame. I was wondering if Zeenat Aman had started any cookery show, for some reason this concept sounded wierd. Mom replied that  she too  knows the same Zeenat  and her favorite recipe had appered in the Times of India.

Since mom gave very good feedback about Zeenat's Khatti Daal a day later, I had to try it. This daal tastes great with plain rice, jeera rice or even plain paratha.

As you may have guessed this recipe is now forever stuck with the perennial prefix "Zeenat's" in my family!

Please note that I have given the link to the original recipe which may yield enormous portion since it has 250 gm yellow lentil and 250 gm red lentils. I have tweaked the recipe to suit the taste and portion needs of my family. I also used masoor sprouts.

Zeenat's Khatti (Masoor) Daal
Tangy Daal by Bollywood Diva - Zeenat Aman
Ingredients
1/2 cup chana daal
1 1/4 cup masoor sprouts
salt to taste
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp tamarind paste

Tempering
1 tbsp oil
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
1/2 tsp ginger paste
2 green chilies, finely chopped
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp asafoetida

Suggested Accompaniments
Plain Rice
or
Paratha
or
Jeera Rice


Method
1. Pressure cook chana daal. Mash lightly and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a heavy bottomed saucepan.
3. Add cumin seeds, turmeric powder and asafoetida.
4. Now add cutty leaves, chilies, ginger and garlic. Saute till garlic changes its color.
5. Add cooked chana daal, water, tomatoes, salt, tamarind paste and masoor sprouts.
6. Bring to boil. Let it simmer till daal is thick.
7. Serve with plain rice or paratha/chapati.


Notes
1. Since masoor sprouts cook quickly, I do not pressure cook it with chana daal as the cooking time is different for both these ingredients.
2. Adjust tamarind pulp to your liking.

Credits
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-26/recipes/31121229_1_dal-moong-green-chillies



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Alphonso Mango Sorbetto

December 29, 2012, 7:00 pm
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One of the many pleasures of spending a Saturday in San Francisco is to visit Farmers' Market at the Ferry Building. It is indeed hustling and bustling with fresh produce that exceeds your expectations. You meet farmers selling Sugarcanes, Green Pea Shoots, Date Blossoms. Some stalls have just root vegetables or some specialize just in leafy greens. You may come across a vendor selling exotic beans (yellow eyed peas, Christmas beans etc!) and then just walk a few steps and you will see  florists selling beautiful flowers. I do go crazy. Just look up and you will see a statue of Gandhiji. Step inside the Ferry Building and you will be in a foodie paradise. The slanted Door -a welknown modern Vietnamese restaurant outlet - serves the best Banh Me and steamed dumplings and they do have vegetarian options available. Acme Bread company serves some delicious breads and sandwiches. Cowgirl Creamery whips up some seriously delicious cheeses. You will come across a vendor selling vegan cupcakes. The sheer variety that you see at this farmers' market is mind blowing. After tasting and sharing some of the best foods, we stop at the legendary "Ciao Bella Gellato Shop". Being Indians, it's not a surpise if we always take at least one scoop of "Alphonso Mango Sorbetto".
 
However tempting it was for me to try Ciao Bella's Alphonso Mango Sorbetto, I had decided not to bother. I mean why to produce my own versions, and be blasphemous to the legend? But destiny had different plans!!;-) I was browsing through the library and right there in front of my eyes, I spotted a book "Ciao Bella Book of Ice cream and Gelato" - I checked out the book from the library and there it was - "Ciao Bella Alphonso Mango Sorbetto Recipe".Well, looks like I was destined to try this after all!;-)
 
If you are an ice cream lover, don't forget to visit their shop and try some of their recipes from their book. It's awesome!
 
Alphonso Mango Sorbetto
From The Ciao Bella Book of Gelato and Sorbetto
Ingredients
30 oz or 3 cups sweetened Alphonso Mango Puree, chilled
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
 
Method
1. Boil water with sugar over medium heat. Whisk to dissolve.
2. Simmer for 4 minutes.
3. Remove and let it cool down.
4. Pour into a bowl. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
5. Pour into an icecream machine.
6. Add chilled Alphonso Mango puree
7. Process the ice cream maker.
8. Transfer to an airtight container.
9. Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
 
Note -
1. For more information, refer to The Ciao Bella Book of  Gelato and Sorbetto
 
Credits
http://www.amazon.com/Ciao-Bella-Book-Gelato-Sorbetto/dp/0307464989
 
 
RIP Indian Braveheart/Amanat/Damini/Nirbhaya
 



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Happy New Year 2013

December 31, 2012, 5:42 pm
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It's a new year 2013 already! It feels as if 2012 just flew by in a flash.  Gudiya was asking me about the new year celebrations in India. I recalled that in Mumbai, we would see an old man rag doll representing the year gone by. I wonder if they still do that in Mumbai?
 
We had gone to a watch and dine movie theatre recently to watch "The life of Pi". The movie was amazing. Frankly, I wasn't so sure about the "dine" part in the theatre. I did have a preconceived notion that the food would be greasy and not so healthy. We ordered vegetable crudites as I was intrigued to see "Jicama" on the list. I must admit that it was really wonderful. The crudites plate consisted of very fresh and juicy strips of celery, baby carrots, peeled jicama and pizza with a bowl of hummus. It was delicious.
 
We had a serious case of foodie hangover over past few days. Actually it's going on since Diwali. There were just way too many parties and functions - Diwali, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Office Holiday Parties -  so on a new year day I have decided to serve something healthy and simple. Vegetable Crudites it is!
 
Have a wonderful, peaceful and healthy new year!


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Mississippi Caviar

January 3, 2013, 2:53 pm
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Black Eyed Peas are considered to bring in good luck and hence they are eaten on the New Years Eve/Day in America - especially in the southern parts of the United States. You start seeing "Black Eyed Peas" placed strategically in the super markets during late December. Often times, they are on sale. Isn't it surprising that these black eyed peas paired with pumpkin is consumed in my Gujarati family on the New Years Day/Diwali as an auspicious meal?

Mississippi Caviar is nothing but a salsa/salad made with black eyed peas. Last year, I travelled for training and became friends with two colleagues from Alabama. We had never met before and we bonded over food. They shared many of their deep down southern, sweet home Alabama recipes with me. They were very passionate about their Black Eyed Peas, Hush Puppies, Fried Green Tomatoes, Grits, Fried catfish/bass. My Mississippi Caviar recipe is based on their version. However, I didn't use chicken stock & vegetable oil to cook the black eyed peas.

We rang in the new year with this "Caviar". Though it says caviar, it is a vegan dish without any fish roe/eggs.

Mississippi Caviar
Ingredients
2 cups soaked black eyed peas
salt to taste
1/2 cup Finely chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup Finely chopped red onions
2-3 Finely chopped green chilies/jalapenos (optional)
Freshly squeezed lemon/lime juice - as needed
2 tbsp finely minced cilantro
2 Avocados, peeled/pitted and mashed or chopped
Freshly ground black pepper - A generous pinch

Method
1. Bring water to boil in a large saucepan. Add salt. Add black eyed peas and let it cook till about 20 minutes or so till peas are cooked but not too mushy.
2. Drain and let them cool down completely.
3. Stir in remaining ingredients.
4. Serve with chips of your choice.

Note -
1. I do not prefer to pressure cook the black eyed peas for this recipe, since they tend to get too mushy.
2. You can vary the amount of ingredients based on your own preference. You can also stir in yellow corn, frozen Lima beans. If using, thaw them before adding to the salad.



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Tisryanche Bhujne - Clams Stir Fry

January 6, 2013, 5:05 am
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I spotted "Steamed Ready to eat clams with Garlic Butter" at Trader Joe's. I thought of using it and making my all time favorite simple stir fry.

Tisryanche BhujNe
Stir Fried Clams
Ingredients
1 lb Steamed Ready to eat clams with Garlic Butter [Trader Joe's Frozen section]
salt to taste [the clams are ready to eat so they already have salt]
2-4 kokums rinsed
2 tsp malvani masala or per taste
1/4 cup freshly scraped coconut

Tempering
1 tbsp oil
1/2 tsp sugar
1 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 tbsp grated garlic
1/4 cup cilantro
1/2 tsp turmeric powder

Method
1. Thaw the clams in a refrigerator. I discarded garlic butter but it can be used as well.
2. Heat oil in a deep saucepan. Add sugar and then stir in onion and garlic. Saute till onion is golden brown.
3. Add cilantro and turmeric powder. Stir fry for 1 minute.
4. Now add thawed clams, kokums, Malvani masala and coconut.
5. Adjust salt.
6. Serve with Rice Flatbread/Tandlachi Bhakri.

Note -
1. Cilantro is used in this recipe as a cooking ingredient and not just as a garnish. It lends a beautiful flavor.


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Kothimbeerichi Dushmi - Cilantro Flatbread

January 9, 2013, 7:09 am
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The flatbreads that are made by using milk instead of water for kneading the dough are called "Dushmee". Based on my grandmothers "Methichi Dushmi", I made cilantro flatbread yesterday.

Kothimbeerichi Dushmi - Count 12
Cilantro Flatbread
Ingredients
1 bunch cilantro, rinsed, plucked, minced
2 cups wheat flour
2 tbsp besan/chickpea flour
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp asafoetida
1/4 tsp owa/Ajwain
1 tsp oil

Milk as needed to bind the dough
Oil for roasting

Method
1. Mix all the ingredients till 1 tsp oil.
2. Using milk as needed, knead into dough. Cover and set aside for at least 30 minutes.
3. Make about 12 uniform balls
4. Using flour as needed for dredging, roll into a flatbread.
5. Roast on a hot tawa/griddle/pan, using oil as needed so brown spots appear on both the sides.
6. Serve with pickle & vegetable of your choice.

Note -
1. The total number of flatbreads will vary depending on the diameter and thickness of the flatbreads.
2. You can add ginger-garlic paste to the dough to enhance the flavor.
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Makai na Vada/thepla - Corn Flatbread

January 10, 2013, 11:10 am
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Makai na Vada is a popular Gujarati snack. However, it's deep fried and I was reluctant to try it myself. But then I thought, why not use the recipe and make a roasted flatbread instead? Those who wish to make "Vada", use the following recipe and roll into small puri shaped discs and deep fry.

Makai na Vada/Thepla
Ingredients
1 cup Masa Harina
salt to taste
1/2 tsp Chili powder
1/4 tsp asafoetida
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/8 tsp Owa/ajmo/Ajwain seeds
1/8 tsp baking soda

Oil for deep frying or roasting

Suggested Accompaniment
Chundo or sweet pickle

Method
1. Mix all the dry ingredients. Add 1 tsp hot oil. Add water as needed to knead a dough.
2. Cover and set aside for 30 minutes.
3. For making Vadas - make small uniform balls, and roll into small discs/ small puri (like bhel puri diameter). Deep fry and serve.
4. For making Theplas - Make about 6 uniform balls. Roll into big flatbreads. Roast on a hot pan, brushing oil on both the sides, so brown spots appear.

Note -
1. The above recipe will yield about 6 theplas.
2. As mentioned earlier, use the exact same recipe for making dough and then roll into small puries to make "Makai na Vada".
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