tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64995302094424485152024-03-15T09:12:13.114+05:30Chef Naaz - The Mistress of Spices!Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-6640958590154664282011-05-27T22:16:00.000+05:302011-05-27T22:16:18.161+05:30Egg Delicacy - A Sweet beginning to my NY food blogging :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<em><strong>'Shubh Aarambh' - A Good Beginning, in fact a sweet beginning :)</strong></em><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tFh-OKsgzw4/Td_TOW_K4GI/AAAAAAAAALM/bHcaT6zarV4/s1600/DSC01894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tFh-OKsgzw4/Td_TOW_K4GI/AAAAAAAAALM/bHcaT6zarV4/s640/DSC01894.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is my first recipe which i am posting after moving to NY and it is a sweet dish. In my earlier post i had mentioned all that i did since i came to NY. And now since the summer is here, our family has been planning on BBQ's and trips and camping and what not! Today, Friday, the whole family is going for BBQ and i am thrilled! Its my first here with Zuhair's family and i am so looking forward to it! Gonna miss my folks back home! Sigh!<br />
<br />
As everyone is supposed to get one dish to the BBQ party (ofcourse other than the chicken), i thought lemme make something sweet which everyone would relish after a heavy BBQ'd meal! I decided on an Egg sweet dish - Ande ka Meetha! I just got done with it and its tasting yummy ;) <br />
<br />
<strong>Ingredients:</strong><br />
Eggs - 8<br />
Khova/ Mava / Milk powder - 200 Gms<br />
Ghee - 2 Tbsp<br />
Sugar - 16 tbsp ( i.e 1 egg= 2tbsp)<br />
Almond & Cashewnuts - 1 cup ( Grounded) <br />
Cardamom - 2 tbsp ( Grounded) <br />
Pinch of Baking soda<br />
<br />
<strong>Method :</strong><br />
<br />
1. Beat eggs well using a beater.<br />
<br />
2. Once it is well done, Add Ghee, sugar and Khova and mix well. Use the beater itself.<br />
<br />
3. Now add baking soda, Almond - Cashew powder, grounded cardamom and mix well.<br />
<br />
4. Bake it in a microwave for around 20 mins or till done or Preheat oven and bake at 300 for around 45 mins or till done. Make sure you keep an eye on it to avoid getting a burnt dish ;)<br />
<br />
Thats it! Tan tanaaaaaaaaaa! Your Sweet tooth is all ready for a feast :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--bmqC4ZhENA/Td_UI5yE5SI/AAAAAAAAALQ/AA3DvW02Mjc/s1600/DSC01897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--bmqC4ZhENA/Td_UI5yE5SI/AAAAAAAAALQ/AA3DvW02Mjc/s640/DSC01897.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>Hope it becomes a hit at the BBQ party today ;)</strong><br />
<br /></div>Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-69789477308138598302011-05-12T08:25:00.000+05:302011-05-14T01:51:49.563+05:30And so i am BACK to Blogging! :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hey Friends! How you all doin? Yeah i know i am back after a real nice break :) As you all know i moved to NY and met my hubby and in-laws after nearly a year, this break HAD to happen! ;) Actually its not that i was busy with work and stuff! It was just that i took my own sweet time to get busy with blogging! ;)<br />
<br />
In the meantime what i did was, to spend time with hubby and in-laws, roam around NY, click dozens of pictures, share them with my family back home, Shop *wink wink*, eat, and yeah Cook! :) Its close to 3 months now that i came to NY and i soooooooooooooo LOVE IT! :D Alhumdulillah! <br />
<br />
India is THE BEST but there is something so good about NY that you would love to explore. I love my family here. I love the other people here too. I love the cleanliness here. I love the enegry here. I love the calmness here. I Love the trains and the buses here. I love the streets and the avenues here. I love the.. I Love the.. I love EVERYTHING here yaar! Alhumdulillah! :)<br />
<br />
I wanted to get back to blogging earlier actually but was just lazzzzzzzzyyy! I used to cook, learn new recipes from my MIL, try new ones from books and blogs but was just a lil lazy to type :p Today, i said enough to myself and signed in to my blog and i am typing! So random! LOL!<br />
<br />
Anyway, i am glad to be back and i hope to be active at the blogging world like i 'used to be'! :) All the best to me! </div>Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-53786799795491187632011-03-03T17:11:00.000+05:302011-03-04T03:41:43.193+05:30Hello from New York! :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Alhumdulillah! I have reached NY.<br />
<br />
I came here on the 23rd of February and it was such a longggggggggg flight. Mangalore - Bangalore - Dubai - NY. Total travelling time - around 25 hours! But thanks to Emirates, i LOVED the journey :) I had so many options to pass my time that i simply did not feel like i was having such a long flight! The food.. Aaaahh.. So yumm..Movies, flight cameras, tv shows, news, gorgeous air hostesses all kept me occupied. And i guess i was a little xtra lucky coz the other two seats in my row wernt booked and so i had the ENTIRE row to myself. Yawnnnnnn.. what a peaceful sleep i had! Hehe!<br />
<br />
The best part was yet to come. The reception i got at the JFK airport was mind blowing! I ofcourse knew my hubby and my in-laws would come to receive me and i was looking forward to see only them. But when i got out of the airport, what do i get to see!! Zuhair - My hubby with a beautiful bouquet, my in-laws, Zuhair's uncles, aunts, cousins, Grandma! Around 15-20 people to receive me at the airport! And each one had a bouquet! My face was burried with the bouquets and all the hugs , kisses and love i was receiving, all of it made me feel soooooooooo happy! Trust me i did not feel so important even on my wedding day! LMAO! :D<br />
<br />
Thanks to the winter here, everyone were packed with sweaters and jackets and i was just in my abaaya ( burqa). Though i had my sweaters and jackets with me i decided not to wear them cuz i wanted to 'feel' the cold! Hehe. Staying in Mangalore you never know what winters are, so i wanted to feel this. I got out of the airport lounge and Oh my! It was seriously real cold. All kept asking me if i wanted a sweater but i kept on saying no just enjoying the weather. But the car ws parked a little far and as i reached the car i started to shiver cuz of the cool breeze. I quickly got in to the car and sat next to Zuhair. What better warmth can i ever get ;)<br />
<br />
I reached home and to my surprise there was another young reception committee waiting for me! Snow sprays, paper crackers, wishes, sweets and gorgeous girls (Zuhair's cousins) with a banner saying - 'Welcome to the Family Mehnaz Bhabhi ' )! I will never forget that day as i was welcomed by each and every member of the family with so much of love and open arms! Maasha'Allah! Let the love remain forever and ever! Aameen!<br />
<br />
And since that beautiful day to this day - a week later i have been enjoying every bit of my life here. Ofcourse i do miss India and my family - Nothing can match that - But here is a different country with different people, different lifestyles, food, weather etc etc. Alhumdulillah i am loving every moment here. I pray to Allah (swt) to bless me with good health and patience to help me live a life filled with love, care, happiness and success in this world and the herafter. Aameen! :)</div>Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-67394508218215460472011-02-13T15:42:00.000+05:302011-02-13T15:42:38.128+05:30I have been BUSY!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
*SIGH*<br />
<br />
My last post was on Jan 27th!!! - Sad part!<br />
<br />
My visa interview has been scheduled for Feb 15th - AWESOME part! ;)<br />
<br />
So yeah i have been so very busy with my preparations for the interview and to fly to NY, which calls for trips to Chennai , medicals, shopping, shopping and more SHOPPING! I just came back frm Chennai a day back and guess what, i am leaving to Chennai again tomorrow morning! I am so tired of traveling, Phew!<br />
<br />
I miss blogging but yes this phase is very important for me so i am leaving no stone unturned ;) I need your prayers Friends, so that i may clear my interview and have a safe journey to NY and join my hubby and in-laws! Please pray for me and wish me all the luck in living a ''Happy Married life'', Insha'Allah ;)<br />
<br />
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div>Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-77005583690070229972011-01-27T16:39:00.001+05:302011-01-27T16:40:31.746+05:30Tiramisu cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TUFSN4BKCLI/AAAAAAAAALE/M83ec-kElnQ/s1600/PB101775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TUFSN4BKCLI/AAAAAAAAALE/M83ec-kElnQ/s640/PB101775.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">If anybody visits Mangalore , there is no way they go back without having an ice cream at Ideal ice cream parlor here. They got some really amazing drool worthy ice creams and we almost go there every weekend, like every other Mangalorean! There is this real awesome ice cream you get there named Tiramisu! My sister's all time favorite. It is basically chocolate ice cream with the Tiramisu cake and choc chips! I wanted to try making the cake and I got this recipe from my friend Ayesha which i tried out for my younger bro's birthday! It was a huge hit at our place! :) Thanks Ayesha! :)</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Preparation Time : </b>30-40 minutes<br />
<b>Cooking Time : </b>20-30 minutes<br />
Sponge cake , 6 inch - 1<br />
Vanilla Custard powder - 4 Tsp<br />
Milk - 1/2 Cup<br />
Sugar - 6 tsp<br />
Instant coffee powder - 1 tbsp<br />
curd - 4 tbsp<br />
Whipped cream - 3 tbsp<br />
<br />
<b>Method </b><br />
1. Slice the cake horizontally into three slices.<br />
<br />
2. Mix custard powder in a little cold milk. Heat the remaining milk
in a pan, add the custard powder mixture and cook, stirring
continuously, till it begins to thicken.<br />
<br />
3. Add sugar and stir till it dissolves. Set aside to cool.<br />
<br />
4. Heat a cup of water in a pan. Add one teaspoon instant coffee
powder and mix. Set aside to cool.Add hung curd to the cooled custard
and mix. Add the whipped cream and mix well.<br />
<br />
5. Place the base slice of the cake in a glass bowl. Pour some of the
coffee decoction over it and let it soak well. Spread some of the
custard mixture all over it.<br />
<br />
6. Soak the remaining cake slices in the remaining coffee decoction.
Place another cake slice over the one in the bowl and spread some of the
custard mixture all over it. Cover it with the third cake slice. Pour
the remaining custard mixture over it and spread it over the top and the
sides of the sandwiched cake.<br />
<br />
7. Put the remaining instant coffee powder in a small sieve and
sprinkle it all over the top of the tiramisu. Keep it in the
refrigerator to set for at least one and a half hour.<br />
<br />
Serve Chilled!! :)<br />
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </div>Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-16196755273585604212011-01-21T21:11:00.001+05:302011-01-21T21:12:47.932+05:30Tandoori Paneer Tikka<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TTmn1OoxjxI/AAAAAAAAAK8/i0bbLL9Pjus/s1600/2011-01-10+21.40.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TTmn1OoxjxI/AAAAAAAAAK8/i0bbLL9Pjus/s640/2011-01-10+21.40.24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is one of the super easy and quick vegan side dish one can prepare. <a href="http://spicingyourlife.blogspot.com/2010/12/tandoori-paneer-tikka-on-stove-top.html">Srivalli of Spice your life</a> had shared this wonderful recipe and i couldnt wait to try it! Thank you so much Srivalli for sharing this, we all really loved it! :) The smoky aroma which came out of it was truly mesmerizing! Truly Tandoor! ;)<br />
<br />
The recipe below is the same like how Srivalli had explained!<br />
<br />
<b>For marinade: </b><br />
Paneer - 250 gms<br />
Ginger Garlic paste - 1 tsp<br />
Garam Masala - 1/2 tsp<br />
Cumin Powder / Jeera - 1/2 tsp<br />
Corn Flour - 2 tbsp<br />
Chili powder - 1 tsp<br />
Curds/ Yogurt - 1 cup, hung<br />
Salt to taste<br />
Oil - 2 tsp<br />
<br />
<b>For Garnish:</b><br />
Capsicum - 1<br />
Tomatoes - 1<br />
Onions - 2<br />
<br />
<b>Method:</b><br />
1. Mix the Paneer cubes along with Onion, Capsicum, Tomato pieces with the marinade and keep it aside for 15 mins. <br />
<br />
2. Arrange the Tomato Cubes, Onion, Capsicum in between the Paneer Cubes on the skewer.<br />
<br />
3. Light up your stove, and take it right over it.<br />
<br />
4. Pour drops of oil over the Paneer. When the oil comes in contact with
the masala and the flame you get that smoky effect and taste as how it
is made in a Tandoori Oven.<br />
<br />
5.Turn over all sides to make sure the chunks get equally burnt and cooked on all sides.<br />
<br />
6. Once done on all sides, Tikkas are ready to serve!<br />
<br />
Enjoy with Roti or Rice with a nice gravy! <br />
<br />
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </div>Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-23280193335805646822011-01-20T11:34:00.000+05:302011-01-20T11:34:56.969+05:30Domestic Tips!! WE NEED THESE!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TTfPNAzw55I/AAAAAAAAAK4/dnYKF_nbDos/s1600/helpful-tips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TTfPNAzw55I/AAAAAAAAAK4/dnYKF_nbDos/s200/helpful-tips.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody">Sometimes we have these silly day-to-day issues which we want to get RID of! We either want things to get done quickly or we want a solution to a domestic problem! I managed to few of such issues and their solutions which really came in handy for me and i wanted to share with everybody. Do check these out, who knows its gonna end some of your daily woes ;)</span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody"><b style="color: #e06666;">* Ants Problem</b><br /><br />Ants hate cucumbers. Keep the skin of cucumbers near the place or ant hole.</span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody"><span class="text_exposed_hide"></span><span class="text_exposed_show"><b style="color: #e06666;">* To get pure and clean ice</b><br /><br />Boil water first before freezing.<br /><br /> <b style="color: #e06666;">* To make the mirror shine</b><br style="color: #e06666;" /><br />Clean with spirit.<br /><br /> <span style="color: #e06666;">*</span><b style="color: #e06666;"> To remove chewing gum from clothes</b><br /><br />Keep the cloth in the freezer for an hour.<br /><br /> <b style="color: #e06666;">* To whiten white clothes</b><br /><br />Soak white clothes in hot water with a slice of lemon for 10 minutes.<br /><br /> <b style="color: #e06666;">* To give a shine to hair</b><br /><br />Add one teaspoon of vinegar to hair, then wash hair.<br /><br /> <b style="color: #e06666;">* To get maximum juice out of lemons</b><br /><br />Soak lemons in hot water for one hour, and then juice them.<br /><b><br /> <span style="color: #e06666;">* To avoid smell of cabbage while cooking</span></b><br />Keep a piece of bread on the cabbage in the vessel while cooking.<br /><br /> <b style="color: #e06666;">* To rid the smell of fish from your hands</b><br /><br />Wash your hands with a little apple vinegar.<br /><b><br /> <span style="color: #e06666;">* To avoid tears while cutting onions</span></b><br /><br />Chew gum.<br /><br /> <b style="color: #e06666;">* To boil potatoes quickly:</b><br /><br />Skin one potato from one side only before boiling.<br /><br /> <b style="color: #e06666;">* To boil eggs quickly</b><br /><br />Add salt to the water and boil.<br /><br /> <b style="color: #e06666;">* To remove ink from clothes</b><br /><br />Put toothpaste on the ink spots generously and let it dry completely, then wash.<br /><b><br /> <span style="color: #e06666;">* To skin sweet potatoes quickly</span></b><br /><br />Soak in cold water immediately after boiling.<br /><br /> <b style="color: #e06666;">* To get rid of mice or rats</b><br /><br />Sprinkle black pepper in places where you find mice or rats. They will run away.</span></span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody"><span class="text_exposed_show"><b><i style="color: #e06666;">Are you ready to handle your problems now</i></b>? ;)</span></span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody"><span class="text_exposed_show">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></span></span></h6>Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-51423384481637792412011-01-15T17:34:00.000+05:302011-01-21T20:58:32.460+05:30Khandvi - Indian cooking challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My first challenge in the Indian Cooking Challenge - Khandvi , a snack belonging to Gujarat. I was super excited when i mailed the moderator of ICC , i.e Srivalli about my interest to join the challenge. And my excitement grew further when i got to know this month's challenge - Khandvi. Why? Because it is a snack from the place where my hubby and in-laws belong! Me being a South Indian got married to a guy basically from Gujarat and so i need to adjust/adapt to North Indian traditions, cultures and FOOD! Since i haven't actually stayed with my in-laws till now, i was not able to learn Gujarati dishes. But this challenge has come at a perfect time, when i am about to leave to New York to join my hubby and in-laws and will complete my one year of marital bliss! :) Insha'Allah! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am sooo waiting to learn recipes from my mom-in-law and I can tell her, i <i>now</i> know a Gujarati dish, At least ONE! ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TTGJfRa0Z2I/AAAAAAAAAKs/UCJmLylia3I/s640/15012011570.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
From Anupama Krishnamurthy's <a href="http://mitholimdo.wordpress.com/category/recipe-by-name/khandvi/">Mitho Limdo</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>For the batter:</b><br />
<br />
Besan / Gram flour - 1 cup <br />
Salt as per taste<br />
Turmeric ¼ tsp<br />
1 cup water</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 cup Yoghurt<br />
Oil - 1 tbsp<br />
Red chili powder - 1/4 tsp <br />
1 green chili + ½ inch of grated ginger; both made into a very fine paste<br />
<br />
<b>For Tempering </b><br />
<br />
Oil - 3 tbsp<br />
Mustard seeds - 2 tsp <br />
Asafetida / Hing - 1/2 tsp <br />
Red Chili Powder - ½ tsp <br />
Sesame seeds - 1 tsp <br />
<br />
<b>For garnish</b><br />
<br />
Coconut, grated or dry coconut powder - 1.5 table spoon<br />
Finely chopped Coriander - 2 table spoons </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Method:</b><br />
<br />
1. Mix the batter ingredients and blend to get a lump less batter<br />
<br />
2. In a non-stick fry pan, add 1 tbsp oil. Add the batter and cook on
medium-low flame stirring constantly. You will see the batter
coagulating, but keep stirring the batter with the back of a spatula or
ladle to keep the batter smooth. This step will take about 10 minutes.<br />
<br />
3. When the batter is ready after 10 minutes, pour 2 ladleful batter on the
surface and spread the batter in a circular fashion as if you are
making dosa. You will have to press the back of the ladle firmly on the
surface to get thin and even strips. Do this for the rest of the batter.<br />
<br />
4. Cut strips with a knife
Roll the strips and arrange neatly in a serving dish.<br />
<br />
5. Heat 3 table spoons oil and do a tempering of mustard seeds, sesame
seeds and hing. Take it off the stove and add 1/4 tea spoon red chili
powder. With a tea spoon, spread the tempering over the khandvis making
sure each khandvi gets a nice coating. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Garnish with coconut and coriander leaves and enjoy the snack! :)</div>Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-20125292556247069032011-01-14T16:09:00.000+05:302011-01-21T20:58:45.128+05:30Chatpata Cabbage FrittersIt was a quiet evening yesterday at home. Everybody was just so lazy and no one was in a mood to do anything exciting. All were either sleeping or just lying down here and there :p I was online and when it was time for Namaaz, i did my ablution and did my prayers. Once done, i thought lemme make some quick snack which will lift everyone's mood. Something hot and delicious. I found a nice cabbage in my fridge and i knew what i was going to make! Since i wanted to make it super quick , i.e before others wake up, i asked my Granny to grate the cabbage while i made the mixture. Within minutes the cabbage fritters were ready and yes! Everyone really enjoyed it, so much so that our tummies were full and we couldn't have dinner too! LOL! <br />
<b> </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TTAksreD8vI/AAAAAAAAAKg/FAQzpaUDA8Q/s1600/13012011566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TTAksreD8vI/AAAAAAAAAKg/FAQzpaUDA8Q/s640/13012011566.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<b> </b><br />
<b> Ingredients:</b><br />
Cabbage - 2 cups (grated)<br />
Gram flour - 1 cup <br />
Chat masala - 1/2 tsp<br />
Red chilli powder - 1/2 tsp<br />
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp<br />
Roasted Coriander seeds - 1/2 tsp (Pounded)<br />
Asafoetida - pinch<br />
Salt to taste<br />
<br />
<b>Method: </b><br />
1. In a bowl, mix gram flour with sufficient water to make a nice paste ( not-thick-nor-thin)<br />
<br />
2. Add in chat masala, red chilli powder, cumin seeds, coriander seeds and salt and asafoetida.<br />
<br />
3. Heat oil in a wok/ kadai and once its well heated, take a little of the grated cabbage and coat it with the gram flour mixture.<br />
<br />
4. Now fry the gram flour mixture coated cabbage into the hot oil and fry them in batches.<br />
<br />
Serve it hot with tomato sauce and a chutney of your choice! It seriously tastes yum! ;)<br />
<br />Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-7839938087986885282011-01-10T21:06:00.004+05:302011-01-21T20:58:52.246+05:30Pepper Chicken Fry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSsdGjq1EmI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/2HUz7Cp6SOI/s1600/05012011511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSsdGjq1EmI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/2HUz7Cp6SOI/s640/05012011511.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Pepper Chicken Fry - Trust me its REAL REAL yummy!! We all at home LOOOOOOVE this!<b> </b>We can gobble up as many roti's or plates of rice if this is on the menu<b>. ;) </b>My Ammi makes this so deliciously well and now i make it too! :D<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b>:<br />
Chicken - 1 kg<br />
<a href="http://chefnaaz.blogspot.com/2011/01/pepper-paste-masala.html">Pepper Paste/ Masala</a> - 3 tbsp<br />
Tomato -2 chopped<br />
Onion - 2 chopped<br />
Cinnamon - 1 stick<br />
Cloves -2<br />
Salt to taste <br />
<br />
<b>Method:</b><br />
1. Wash and cut the chicken into desired pieces.<br />
<br />
2. Add the <a href="http://chefnaaz.blogspot.com/2011/01/pepper-paste-masala.html">pepper masala</a> to the chicken pieces along with onion, tomato, salt, cinnamon and cloves. Mix well and cook till its done.<br />
<br />
3. IF there is excess water. allow it to evaporate by keeping it on low flame.<br />
<br />
4. Heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken pieces. Garnish it with chopped coriander leaves and sprinkle some lemon juice over it.<br />
<br />
Enjoy it with Roti or serve as a side dish with rice. :)<br />
<br />
Sending this to <a href="http://tasteofpearlcity.blogspot.com/2011/01/any-one-can-cook-series-11.html">Any One can Cook</a> event hosted by Taste of Pearl city<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSypQT2_N8I/AAAAAAAAAKc/UC9iauzWugQ/s1600/anyonecancook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSypQT2_N8I/AAAAAAAAAKc/UC9iauzWugQ/s320/anyonecancook.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-72502321170551153252011-01-10T20:09:00.002+05:302011-01-21T20:59:11.130+05:30Pepper Paste/ Masala<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSsdxIDTucI/AAAAAAAAAKU/jIDcn2-2qt0/s1600/Black_peppercorns_with_mortar_and_pestle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSsdxIDTucI/AAAAAAAAAKU/jIDcn2-2qt0/s320/Black_peppercorns_with_mortar_and_pestle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This masala is used for making yummy chicken dishes as well as for making gravy/ khurma.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<br />
Roasted Peppercorns - Fistful<br />
Roasted Coriander Seeds -Fistful<br />
Turmeric/ haldi powder - 2 tsp<br />
Roasted whole Red chilli- 4<br />
Ginger - 1''<br />
Garlic - 8 cloves<br />
<br />
<b>Method:</b><br />
Grind all the ingredients together till smooth.<br />
<br />
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-15447816994876906922011-01-09T10:20:00.002+05:302011-01-10T19:53:40.487+05:30Fish Curry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TScwBFpuksI/AAAAAAAAAKM/H2DH-Lu79Dg/s1600/15122010407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TScwBFpuksI/AAAAAAAAAKM/H2DH-Lu79Dg/s640/15122010407.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Fish curry - My Ammi Abba's Favorite :) A Not-so-favorite dish of mine- Simply because i don't eat fish! :p But as far as i can cook and serve others, am happy ;) I now know that my in-laws love fish curry too, so this is one dish i had to learn ! So here i am :) It is preferable to cook this curry in a clay pot. It tastes much better - That's what everybody says :) <br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
Fish - Bangda ( Mackerel) - 3 big cut into 3 pieces each, If Sardines use12 fishes<br />
Coconut - 1<br />
Roasted Whole Red chilli - 8<br />
Turmeric / Haldi powder - 1/4 tsp<br />
Roasted Whole Coriander - 1/2 tsp<br />
Onion - 1<br />
Garlic - 4 cloves<br />
Tamarind - small ball<br />
Roasted Cumin seeds/Zeera - 1/4 tsp<br />
Roasted Fenugreek seeds/ Methi - 1/4 tsp<br />
Salt to taste<br />
Tomato - 1<br />
Slit Green chilli - 4<br />
Ginger - 1''<br />
Curry or Coriander Leaves - 2 tsp<br />
<br />
<b>Method:</b><br />
1. Grind coconut along with Turmeric powder, Coriander seeds and whole red chilli.<br />
<br />
2. Once its getting into a fine paste, add tamarind, Zeera, Methi, garlic, onion and grind till smooth paste.<br />
<br />
3. Remove the batter/masala adding water to form a not-thick-not-thin consistency and transfer it into a bowl.<br />
<br />
4. Mix the batter real well and add salt and allow it to boil with the lid closed. Make sure you keep checking it in intervals so that it does not spill over.<br />
<br />
5. Once it starts boiling, add Green chillies, ginger, tomato and onion and give it a boil.<br />
<br />
OPTIONAL : Add chopped Ladies finger or Brinjal at this stage.<br />
<br />
6. After the first boil, add the fish pieces and allow it to boil till the fish is cooked. Depending upon the type of fish, the cooking time would vary. Please see to it that the gravy is not too thick nor too thin.<br />
<br />
7. Once its done, add in curry leaves or coriander leaves.<br />
<br />
Enjoy with rice , dosa along with a veggie side dish! :)<br />
<br />
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-2959606056096933492011-01-07T20:16:00.002+05:302011-01-12T00:31:29.899+05:30Beef Khurma/ curryFriday calls for special meals every week at our place. Main dish is either Biryani or Pulao, accompanied with beef/ mutton gravy and chicken fry. Sometimes its just Pulao, <a href="http://chefnaaz.blogspot.com/2010/11/daal-tadka.html">Daal</a> and chicken Fry - Everybody's favorite! Today my Ammi was out for a meeting at my sis's school and it went on for more time than expected. As expected, she was worried about lunch preparations and that too it was a Friday! I soo knew my Ammi would definitly be thinking about this, so i went to the kitchen, decided the menu and got cooking, without giving her a call. I decided on Pulao, Beef curry and Chicken 65! And when my Ammi called me up to say she would be late and that i should prepare something, i cool-ly sed 'Ammi, You just come and eat ;) Lunch is ready!! LOL!<br />
<br />
The happiness on my Ammi's face - Priceless! :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TScmQ9J1PII/AAAAAAAAAKI/-0FS7DUdpko/s1600/07012011519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TScmQ9J1PII/AAAAAAAAAKI/-0FS7DUdpko/s640/07012011519.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Beef Khurma/ Curry</b><br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
Beef - 500 gms<br />
Onion - 7-8<br />
Tomato - 5<br />
Potato- 2<br />
Cloves - 2<br />
Green Peas- 1/2 cup<br />
Cinnamon stick - 1<br />
Salt to taste<br />
<a href="http://chefnaaz.blogspot.com/2010/11/green-chilli-paste-for-meat-dishes.html">Green chilli paste</a> - 2 tbsp<br />
Coconut - 1<br />
Coriander Leaves - 1 bunch <br />
<br />
<b>Method :</b><br />
1. Wash and cut the beef in desired pieces.<br />
<br />
2. Heat oil in a pan and saute onions till brown. Add tomatoes and mix well till oil starts coming on the sides.<br />
<br />
3. Add cloves and cinnamon.<br />
<br />
4. Add the beef pieces, potato cubes, green peas, salt to taste and <a href="http://chefnaaz.blogspot.com/2010/11/green-chilli-paste-for-meat-dishes.html">green chilli paste</a> along with 2 cups of water and mix well. Pressure cook it till its done.<br />
<br />
5. Meanwhile, Grate the coconut and grind it. Extract the coconut milk from it using a strainer.<br />
<br />
6. Once the beef is well cooked, add this coconut milk to it and boil it for around 5 minutes.<br />
<br />
9. Add the chopped coriander leaves and serve hot!<br />
<br />
Sending this to <a href="http://tasteofpearlcity.blogspot.com/2011/01/any-one-can-cook-series-11.html">Anyone can cook event</a> hosted by Taste of Pearl city <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSypAFPjtVI/AAAAAAAAAKY/QnpyvzHQyDI/s1600/anyonecancook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSypAFPjtVI/AAAAAAAAAKY/QnpyvzHQyDI/s320/anyonecancook.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-17171763795016206602011-01-05T21:13:00.001+05:302011-01-07T19:47:09.333+05:30Desi PizzaMy blog is two months old today :)<br />
<br />
Few days back we were all in a mood to have some nice snack in the evening and i got thinking of what we should make. Somehow we came across a pizza ad on tv and we soo wanted to eat a pizza! But no one was in a mood to go out. So we thought lets make a pizza at home! It takes time!! And all of us were very hungry. So i thought ki chalo lets make something easy, quick and yummy! We had bread at home and that was it! See what it turned out into! ;) Y*U*M*M*Y in the T*U*M*M*Y!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSSQZXfcAdI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/qfrn0rgyFVI/s1600/DSC_0606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="620" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSSQZXfcAdI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/qfrn0rgyFVI/s640/DSC_0606.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b>:<br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS">White bread slices - 8 slices</span><br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblMethod"></span><span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS">Sesame seeds (til), toasted - 1/2 cup</span><br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS">Corn Kernels, boiled and crushed - 1 cup</span><br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS">Potatoes, boiled and grated - 3 medium</span><br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS">Green capsicum, seeded and chopped - 1 medium</span><br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS">Onion , chopped - 1 medium</span><br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS">Garlic, chopped - 4-6 cloves</span><br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS">Green chillies, seeded and chopped -</span><span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS"> 2-3</span><span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS"> </span><br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS">Fresh coriander leaves, chopped - 1 tbsp</span><br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS">Ginger, chopped - 1''</span><br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS">White pepper powder - 1/2 tsp</span><br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS">Soy sauce - 1/2 tbsp</span><br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS">Salt - to taste</span><br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS">Cornflour/ corn starch- 1/2 cup</span><br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS">Oil - to deep fry</span><br />
<br />
<b><span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS">Method: </span><span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS"> </span></b><span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS"> </span><span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS"></span><br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblMethod">1.Cut the bread slices
into squares or just cut the sides of the bread. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblMethod">2. Take potatoes in a bowl.</span><br />
<br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblMethod">3. Add green capsicum, onion, garlic, green
chillies, coriander leaves, ginger, crushed corn, white pepper powder,
soya sauce and salt and mix well. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblMethod">4. Spread the mixture on each bread square generously. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblMethod">5. Sprinkle some
sesame seeds over the potato mixture and press gently. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblMethod">6. Lightly roll in
cornflour.
Heat sufficient oil in a kadai and deep fry the bread slices till golden. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblMethod">7.Drain and place them on an absorbent paper.
Serve hot. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblMethod">It was seriously delicious. And yeah the name Desi Pizza, was given by my brother ;) He LOVED it too much. And as i am writing this post, my sis comes to me and says 'Didi, Please make this tomorrow'! ;)</span><br />
<br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblMethod">I take it as a compliment! :D</span><br />
<br />
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblMethod">-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </span>
<span id="ctl00_cphMiddleSection_lblINGREDIENTS">
</span>Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-77854393287521779442011-01-03T17:37:00.002+05:302011-01-07T19:47:17.437+05:30Thank You! :)My first event at Chef Naaz - The Mistress of Spices came to an end with the end of 2010. I am glad that my love for trifles has grown deeper, thanks to the entries which i got for my <a href="http://chefnaaz.blogspot.com/2010/12/trifle-event.html">Trifle Event</a> .<br />
<br />
I want to thank my blogger friends who sent me their gorgeous trifle entries and all those who sent in their good wishes. As a token of my appreciation, please do take this participation certificate from me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSG7NxY7e3I/AAAAAAAAAJM/yVtrmwlXdwg/s1600/286-thank_you_balloon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSG7NxY7e3I/AAAAAAAAAJM/yVtrmwlXdwg/s1600/286-thank_you_balloon.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I would love to pass it on to the following bloggers who sent me their entries and made my event delicious! ;) You can see the round up of the event below :) Enjoy! <br />
<br />
1. Nithya from <a href="http://www.4thsensecooking.com/2010/03/blogs-birthday-celebration-with-triple.html">4th Sense Cooking- Triple Trifle</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSG9xsnVqgI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/yfv0vIhBYvo/s1600/Triflepuddingscopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSG9xsnVqgI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/yfv0vIhBYvo/s1600/Triflepuddingscopy.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
2. Reshmi from <a href="http://rasoithekitchen.blogspot.com/2010/07/banana-trifle.html">Rasoi the kitchen- Banana Trifle</a> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSG-jAJjh_I/AAAAAAAAAJU/3ZvzSInJV7Y/s1600/DSC_0623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSG-jAJjh_I/AAAAAAAAAJU/3ZvzSInJV7Y/s1600/DSC_0623.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://rasoithekitchen.blogspot.com/2010/12/apple-triffle.html">Apple Trifle</a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSG-xRzQDvI/AAAAAAAAAJY/XFTajwuFPm8/s1600/DSC_0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSG-xRzQDvI/AAAAAAAAAJY/XFTajwuFPm8/s320/DSC_0033.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
4. Ramya from <a href="http://hotfrommyoven.blogspot.com/2010/12/chocolate-cherry-trifle.html">Hot from my oven - Chocolate Cherry Trifle</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSG_fxyQauI/AAAAAAAAAJc/htJnnfHHPo0/s1600/CT3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSG_fxyQauI/AAAAAAAAAJc/htJnnfHHPo0/s1600/CT3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
5. Aipi from <a href="http://usmasala.blogspot.com/2010/08/cherry-trifle.html">US Masala - Cherry Trifle</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSHALH3RXFI/AAAAAAAAAJg/z3qf0Vr6c5k/s1600/CherryTrifle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSHALH3RXFI/AAAAAAAAAJg/z3qf0Vr6c5k/s320/CherryTrifle.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
6. Prathima from <a href="http://prathimarao.blogspot.com/2010/12/ending-year-on-sweet-note-with-fruit.html">Prats Corner - Fruit Trifle</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSHAi6RPaNI/AAAAAAAAAJk/PW-KO-j8Opo/s1600/P7190004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSHAi6RPaNI/AAAAAAAAAJk/PW-KO-j8Opo/s1600/P7190004.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
7. Tamanna from <a href="http://www.joyfulreverie.com/2010/09/strawberry-lemon-curd-trifle.html">Dazzling Kitchen - Strawberry Lemon curd Trifle</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSHAozgvq8I/AAAAAAAAAJo/FqUiS8knMgc/s1600/DSC07204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSHAozgvq8I/AAAAAAAAAJo/FqUiS8knMgc/s1600/DSC07204.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
8. Veena from <a href="http://veenasvegnation.blogspot.com/2010/12/black-forest-trifle.html">Veg Junction - Black Forest Trifle</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSHAxSMeUfI/AAAAAAAAAJs/xvpgI9Mrizc/s1600/trifle+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSHAxSMeUfI/AAAAAAAAAJs/xvpgI9Mrizc/s320/trifle+011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Thanks to you Friends, i have now learnt 10 Trifle recipes!! :D :D I shall try all of them soon and post them on my blog! :)<br />
<br />
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-58466694294222115152011-01-01T14:02:00.004+05:302011-01-07T19:47:25.097+05:30Qubani ka Meetha / Apricot compote<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Qubani - This name reminds us of Hyderabad ALWAYS! Hyderabadis are known for their love for sweets. No Hyderabadi meal can ever
be complete without the finishing touch of 'meetha' (sweet). One of the hot favourites is the `Qubani Ka Meetha`. This sweet Temptation
is served at most Hyderabadi restaurants. This dessert can be served with fresh
cream, custard or even vanilla ice-cream which will be appreciated by all palates.
This dessert is an essential part of any wedding feast in the city. The best
part is that this recipe can be easily made at home too.<br />
<br />
My Ammi learnt this from one of my aunt and she makes it just like how a hyderabadi would make it to perfection. We make it usually on Eid and my neighbors and cousins just wait for us to serve this every single time!! Yesterday we had a party at home for one of my cousin who loves this sweet, so we made it for her and this time i made it! ;) And it tasted awesome like always! It is simple yet a rich sweet dish which will definitely be loved by all :) <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TR7P2QZFNxI/AAAAAAAAAIo/KR7V1vKfLj4/s1600/PC313159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TR7P2QZFNxI/AAAAAAAAAIo/KR7V1vKfLj4/s640/PC313159.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>The soaked seeds on the right and when it is de-seeded on the left</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TR7OPnr2eHI/AAAAAAAAAIk/XGHLTPScLSg/s1600/01012011465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TR7OPnr2eHI/AAAAAAAAAIk/XGHLTPScLSg/s640/01012011465.jpg" width="532" /></a> </div>
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
Dried whole Apricots - 200 gms<br />
Sugar - 1 cup ( You can add more as per your taste buds)<br />
Fresh cream - 100 ml<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Method:</b><br />
1.Wash and soak the dried apricots overnight with
surplus water so that the water covers them by about 2-3 inches. The next
day, slit the sides of the swelled up apricots to remove their seeds and
keep them aside. <br />
<br />
2. Put the slit apricots into a large thick bottom pan with the soaking liquid. Let it cook on medium heat for about 45 minutes or until the
apricots are cooked very well. Keep stirring in between. Add more hot boiling water if needed. <br />
<br />
3. Meanwhile, crack open the apricots kernels and
soak the badam/ nuts in a cup of water to loosen their skin.<br />
<br />
4. Once the apricots are cooked real well and the consistency is fairly thick, add sugar and keep stirring for sometime.<br />
<br />
5. Taste for sugar and add in more if needed or else just switch off the heat and allow it to cool.<br />
<br />
6. Remove the skin of the soaking apricot nuts or badam. This should be pretty easy as they have been soaking.<br />
<br />
7. Garnish with the badam/nuts and serve it
chilled topped with fresh thick cream, custard or a generous dollop
of vanilla ice cream.<br />
<br />
This is an instant hit whenever it is made, so do try it out! I am sure every one will keep asking for more ;)<br />
<br />
Sending this to <a href="http://tasteofpearlcity.blogspot.com/2011/01/any-one-can-cook-series-10.html">Any one can cook -Series 10</a> hosted by Taste of Pearl City<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSH_VKlmKnI/AAAAAAAAAJw/CN3Rv96J5GM/s1600/anyonecancook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TSH_VKlmKnI/AAAAAAAAAJw/CN3Rv96J5GM/s1600/anyonecancook.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-78446670129085043642010-12-31T01:23:00.002+05:302010-12-31T01:36:33.967+05:30Best of Year 2010The Year 2010 will remain the most special year of my life FOREVER, <i>Alhumdulillah!</i> :)<br />
<br />
I say so because some of the most important developments in and around me and the best of the things happened to me this year. Waise i am a person who would love to live life in the best way possible and would never miss a chance to celebrate each moment! But this year has been exceptionally great and i loooooooooved every bit of it! Now lemme take a recap of the year 2010 and say what was so great about this year that i regard it ' The Best year' of my life till date.<br />
<br />
<b style="color: #e06666;">January</b> : I got married! :D So you know the main reason for me to love this year. * wink wink* The month was spent in shopping, shopping and more shopping! My wedding was on January 31st, so i had this whole month to indulge myself in the best. A south Indian family girl going to be a part of a North Indian family!! Such awesome times i had. If you would like to know about my wedding shopping experiences, you can read my post in my other blog <a href="http://naazuk.blogspot.com/2010/10/shopaholics-trip-to-mumbai.html">here</a> .<br />
<br />
<b style="color: #e06666;">February</b> : My honeymoon trip to Malaysia and Singapore! No doubt it was my best holiday ever. My hubby dearest showered me with everything that i wished and dreamt of! How can i NOT be happy then ;) Thank you soo much darling! :)<br />
<br />
<b style="color: #e06666;">March</b> : My hubby left to New York and my visa processing started - The only pain i experienced this year which is still going on!! But all is well and i would be leaving to NY soon, <i>Insha'Allah</i> :)<br />
<br />
<b style="color: #e06666;">April</b> : Tra la laaaaaaaa!! My hubby comes back to India to stay with me for one whole month! :D More reasons to celebrate! We enjoyed in my hometown - Mangalore for a week. We spent a week in his hometown - Gujarat for a week. We went on a fun trip with my family to Munnar, kerala for a week. The rest of the days were spent in post wedding parties ! ;) A fun filled month!<br />
<br />
<b style="color: #e06666;">May</b>: My birthday AND my hubby's birthday too! Since it was our first birthdays after marriage, we wanted to make it more special. We did celebrate it in the best ways possible showering each other with love, care and a whole lot of gifts! But unfortunately we could not be together for my birthday because he had to leave at the start of the month and my birthday was at the end of May! But nonetheless, he made sure he made my birthday reely special :) And now the tragic part of the month! :( I lost my dear friend in the Mangalore Plane crash :( She used to live next door and i had the keys of her apartment which i was waiting to give her on that fateful day. I will never forget that day :( May her soul rest in peace, that is all i can pray for now. <br />
<br />
<b style="color: #e06666;">June</b> : My visa processing was going on and i started my experiences in the kitchen full time! Yeah, till now i was busy with college and friends so i used to just be the assistant cook in my kitchen. But now i started taking the main jobs ;) I have a passion for writing and i wanted a platform to record events of my life and my thoughts! So yeah, started blogging - <a href="http://naazuk.blogspot.com/">http://naazuk.blogspot.com/</a>. <br />
<br />
<b style="color: #e06666;">July</b> : This month was spent in missing my hubby and my in-laws but i was enjoying being with my family even after my wedding ;) I know i was one of the lucky few who gets the opportunity to live with parents and siblings even after marriage, so i was making the most of it ;) My cooking sessions were going full on and my blogging too.My cousins flew down from Dubai and we had some of the most memorable weekends ;) I had posted about one such weekend <a href="http://naazuk.blogspot.com/2010/08/weekend-that-never-came-to-end.html">here</a> . <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">August</span></b> : I started baking cakes! One thing which i always wanted to do. I baked so many cakes in August and September that i got tired of baking them but my siblings were not tired of eating! So i went on and on!<br />
<br />
<b style="color: #e06666;">September</b> : Weddings, parties and get togethers. Caught up with school friends, college friends, MBA friends!<br />
<br />
<b style="color: #e06666;">October</b> : A very important month for me this year! My parents left for the 40 day pilgrimage to Mecca also called <i>Hajj</i>. So i was handed over the position of the 'Top chef' at home as my mum was on the 40 day leave from the kitchen! I knew it was a big responsibility for me as i had two working brothers and 3 college going siblings, an aunt and my grandma! I had to please their taste buds throughout the 40 days! And <i>Alhumdulillah</i>, it turned out one super splendid month for all of at home! We all gained weight! LOL! Not that while my parents were around we were skinny creatures, but the amount of chicken, paneer, cheese, cakes, desserts, sandwiches and chaats that went into our tummies this month, we all bloated up! :p And not to forget my elder bro's birthday meal preparations! Just fabulous!<br />
<br />
<b style="color: #e06666;">November</b><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span>: My younger bro's birthday! Again a special menu for all of us. I had such a good time cooking these 40 days! And guess what, i started this food blog ;) <a href="http://chefnaaz.blogspot.com/">Chef Naaz - The Mistress of Spices!</a>. My parents got back on Nov 21st and i prepared a special meal on their return which everybody feasted on! :) If you would like to know more of my experiences as a ' Top Chef', you can read it <a href="http://naazuk.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-40-days-as-top-chef.html">here</a> .<br />
<br />
<b style="color: #e06666;">December</b> : My visa processing is in the last stage and once all is well, <i>Insha'allah</i> i would be leaving to NY asap. My blog turned one month old and i hosted the 'Trifle Event' on my blog :) I participated in various events in this month and i got to know so many amazing bloggers and their delicious recipes. I was so very happy to be getting followers, awards and such lovely comments from fellow bloggers! It was such a good motivation. I also had a reunion with my MBA friends and we had a gala time.The year ended on a superb note with a family outing! :)<br />
<br />
Now to pick the <b style="color: #e06666;">top 5 of my posted recipes</b><span style="color: #e06666;">!</span><br />
<br />
I would give the <b style="color: #e06666;">first place</b> to my <a href="http://chefnaaz.blogspot.com/2010/12/fruit-trifle.html">Fruit Trifle</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRxleW44R_I/AAAAAAAAAII/cMyoYpy9l9U/s1600/tri+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRxleW44R_I/AAAAAAAAAII/cMyoYpy9l9U/s640/tri+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b style="color: #e06666;">Second place</b> to <a href="http://chefnaaz.blogspot.com/2010/11/prawns-manchuri.html">Prawns Manchuri</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRxmH_NahLI/AAAAAAAAAIM/eGzzZ10_Qrk/s1600/15112010377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRxmH_NahLI/AAAAAAAAAIM/eGzzZ10_Qrk/s640/15112010377.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<b style="color: #e06666;">Third place</b> goes to <a href="http://chefnaaz.blogspot.com/2010/11/kharaash-chicken.html">Kharaash Chicken</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRxnn--J9VI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/BsVlEuwJXQM/s1600/PA241344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRxnn--J9VI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/BsVlEuwJXQM/s640/PA241344.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b style="color: #e06666;">Fourth place</b><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span>has gone to <a href="http://chefnaaz.blogspot.com/2010/12/brown-rice-black-channa-curry-and-turai.html">Heart Healthy Meal</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRxob2_OR8I/AAAAAAAAAIU/vGBMa_xcAaM/s1600/2010-12-08+14.31.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRxob2_OR8I/AAAAAAAAAIU/vGBMa_xcAaM/s640/2010-12-08+14.31.39.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And last but not the least! <b style="color: #e06666;">The fifth position</b> goes to my gorgeous <a href="http://chefnaaz.blogspot.com/2010/12/my-gorgeous-chocolate-cupcakes-with.html">Chocolate Cupcakes with Strawberry frosting</a> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRxo5Fs1XgI/AAAAAAAAAIY/rbT_fm2C3CU/s1600/PC243149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRxo5Fs1XgI/AAAAAAAAAIY/rbT_fm2C3CU/s640/PC243149.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>My</b> </span><b style="color: #e06666;">Resolution for the Year 2011</b> is to cook real good food and please my hubby and in-laws taste buds every single time i cook! Its gonna be a new year and a new country for me and i hope to enjoy every single day doing the things which make me and my family happy the most! One thing i want to reeeeeeely do to perfection is Baking! I was such a reluctant baker and i wish to overcome all my baking fears in the coming year! Wish me luck guys :)<br />
<br />
I would love to thank my hubby, my family, friends - both on and off the blogging world, for giving me so much of love, care and motivation everyday, to help me do the things that i love the most! :) Hope you all had a good time reading this post just like how i had a good time doing the recap! I wish you all a very happy New year 2011. May all your wishes, dreams and aspirations come true. May all that we cook be loved by all and may all of us stay good friends, help one another and spread peace and happiness around :)<br />
<br />
Enjoy and have a fantafabulously amazing, magnificently splendid and yummilicious year ahead! Happy New Year 2011! :)<br />
<br />
Sending this post to Srivalli's <a href="http://cooking4allseasons.blogspot.com/2010/12/announcing-best-of-year-2010-event.html">Best of the year 2010 Event</a> . Thank you Srivalli for making me do this wonderful recap. I enjoyed every bit of it :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRxsWLm_Y-I/AAAAAAAAAIc/BNOG7-v3RP4/s1600/Logo2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRxsWLm_Y-I/AAAAAAAAAIc/BNOG7-v3RP4/s320/Logo2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-57593830947733520892010-12-30T11:28:00.003+05:302011-01-07T19:47:42.367+05:30My gorgeous Chocolate cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRwa5nE37kI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/R8Qxg-7DXS4/s1600/PC243149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRwa5nE37kI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/R8Qxg-7DXS4/s640/PC243149.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Its been a month since i got a microwave for my Ammi, and ever since i wanted to make cupcakes in it. I had made cupcakes earlier in the oven but i wanted to bake some in the MW. While i went shopping for muffin cups and trays, i came across the silicon muffin cups and i just could not get my eyes off them! They looked sooo cute! I asked the guy there if they were really MW safe! :p And lo! I got 'em home! I got searching for chocolate cupcake recipes because my siblings love it and wanted to do a frosting with strawberries since i had them at home. So i went online checking for recipes and i came across <a href="http://shabscuisine.blogspot.com/2010/11/chocolate-cupcakes-with-strawberry.html">Shabs cuisine's chocolate cupcakes with strawberry frosting</a> . I loved the recipe and wanted to try it out. I made some slight modifications and baked the cupcakes. And you can guess by the pictures, they turned out AWESOME!! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRwblo4YonI/AAAAAAAAAHY/3793hy9-CuQ/s1600/PC243144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRwblo4YonI/AAAAAAAAAHY/3793hy9-CuQ/s640/PC243144.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Things we need:</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2oo g butter at room temperature</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2 ½ cups castor sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4 large eggs at room temperature</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 ¾ cup plain flour</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 tsp baking powder</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
½ tsp baking soda</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
¼ tsp salt</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 cup cocoa powder</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2 tsp Chocolate Syrup</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 cup whole milk</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2 tsp vanilla essence<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Method: </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Beat butter and sugar for 3 minutes on high speed until soft and fluffy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Add egg, one by one at a time to the above mix, mixing well after each addition.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. In a separate bowl, sieve together flour, baking powder and soda, cocoa powder and salt twice or thrice.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Mix vanilla essence with milk.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. Fold 1/3 of the flour mixture
to the egg-sugar mixture followed by little of the milk and mixing
well. Repeat the process until milk and flour is all used up. Add flour
and milk alternately, starting and finishing off with flour.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6. Pour in the chocolate syrup and mix well. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7. Scoop the mixture to muffin cups filling just below half or just half full. Bake for like 4 mins on microwave convection at 200 degrees. Cool them on wire rack completely before
frosting them.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRwbzAeoOTI/AAAAAAAAAHc/nwYVisVkzCY/s1600/PC243128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRwbzAeoOTI/AAAAAAAAAHc/nwYVisVkzCY/s640/PC243128.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Being baked in the Microwave</i>!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Now for the Strawberry Frosting:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 cupWhipped cream</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1/2 cup Lightly sweetened Strawberry Puree</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3-4 tsp of icing sugar </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Beat the whipped cream and beat only till soft peaks form.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Add the icing sugar and beat well. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Then add the sweetened strawberry puree a little at a time and beat until stiff peaks form when the beater is raised. Taste and fold in more puree if required.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since it was my first time doing the frosting, it dint turn out stiff. I learnt from my mistakes and Insha'Allah next time i hope to perfect it :) Until then enjoy the recipe and the pictures! :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRwcE3DwspI/AAAAAAAAAHg/2nPQmgxkrSE/s1600/PC243153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRwcE3DwspI/AAAAAAAAAHg/2nPQmgxkrSE/s640/PC243153.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRwcSViWCwI/AAAAAAAAAHk/8jlYTo01WQk/s1600/PC243146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRwcSViWCwI/AAAAAAAAAHk/8jlYTo01WQk/s640/PC243146.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRwchgE3UBI/AAAAAAAAAHo/lKsd8mdvpYA/s1600/PC243151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRwchgE3UBI/AAAAAAAAAHo/lKsd8mdvpYA/s640/PC243151.JPG" width="546" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sending these cupcakes to<br />
Srivalli's <a href="http://spicingyourlife.blogspot.com/2010/12/announcing-kids-delight-chocolate-feast.html">Kids Delight- Chocolate Feast!</a><br />
Dr. Sameena's <a href="http://myeasytocookrecipes.blogspot.com/2010/12/cookies-and-cakes-for-xmas.html">Cookies and cakes for xmas </a><br />
Smitha's <a href="http://tastebuds1.blogspot.com/2010/11/choco-delites-event.html">Choco delites event</a><br />
<a href="http://asankhana.blogspot.com/2010/11/its-time-to-jingle-again-christmas.html">Its time to jingle again </a>at Asan Khana<br />
Champa's <a href="http://versatilekitchen.blogspot.com/2010/03/bake-off-event-announcement.html">Bake off Event!</a><br />
<a href="http://sumarowjee.blogspot.com/2010/12/cakes-and-more-turns-one-shortly.html">Suma's baking event</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRwerXpJQ3I/AAAAAAAAAH0/exCNJSjeH34/s1600/Kids_Delight1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRwerXpJQ3I/AAAAAAAAAH0/exCNJSjeH34/s320/Kids_Delight1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRwe8uWeX2I/AAAAAAAAAH8/Y1DeU28CU5Y/s1600/cookiebadge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRwe8uWeX2I/AAAAAAAAAH8/Y1DeU28CU5Y/s1600/cookiebadge.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRwlegeAIdI/AAAAAAAAAIA/gfx3LbqOdas/s1600/chocolates+event.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRwlegeAIdI/AAAAAAAAAIA/gfx3LbqOdas/s1600/chocolates+event.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRwoUTIgozI/AAAAAAAAAIE/-Y4stSeE7II/s1600/done+cookies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRwoUTIgozI/AAAAAAAAAIE/-Y4stSeE7II/s320/done+cookies.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-62688586366933732592010-12-29T19:03:00.000+05:302011-01-07T19:47:50.907+05:30I have been tagged!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRs4ZnfFsCI/AAAAAAAAAHM/RAqCmG9pZEE/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRs4ZnfFsCI/AAAAAAAAAHM/RAqCmG9pZEE/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
My childhood friend Prathima Rao tagged me in a series of questions on her blog <a href="http://prathimarao.blogspot.com/">Prats Corner</a> . It was the first time i was tagged to answer questions and so i was all happy and excited to answer the Q's! Here i am with my answers! Hope this helps you in getting to know me better. :)<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #e06666;">
<b><i>1. </i></b><i><b>Who inspired you to cook or bake?</b></i></div>
<br />
Well, i guess i should say ' My Marriage' inspired me to cook ! LOL! I got married early this year and before that i was always busy with my studies, family and friends. I did have an interest in cooking but dint exactly spend time in the kitchen. But yeah once i got married, i knew i HAD to develop my culinary skills and that is how i got cooking ;) The food bloggers played a real big role in inspiring me to cook because i got to know people like me who did not know much of cooking, doing some amazing dishes. And If i have to name persons i guess i will mention my Ammi and my hubby. <br />
<br />
To inspire me to bake - It would definitely be my younger sis. She LOVES cakes, pastries and the like. So i started baking to heed to her requests! And i am so glad she got me baking. otherwise i don't think i would bake any cakes coz..psst psst.. i WAS a lil scared of baking. But now all is well :)<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #e06666;">
<b><i>2. What is your take on organic food? Is it a big deal for you?</i></b> </div>
<br />Organic food.. Ah its still something which i haven't given importance to. Probably in the future i might, but right now not a big deal!<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #e06666;">
<b><i>3. You try a new recipe and it does not turn out good, What will you do?</i></b></div>
<br />
Obviously, i would feel a lil sad if it does not turn out the way i expected, but then if it was something that went wrong because of my mistakes, i would definitely try again, but if its not liked by anyone of us at home, i would never try it again ;)<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #e06666;">
<b><i>4. Do you have a new years resolution - and would you be sticking to it?</i></b></div>
<br />
Well, New year always comes with a lot of enthusiasm for each one of us. We always wish to do much better than we did in the previous years. And i am no exception. I do make resolutions every year but i end up fulfilling just a bit of every resolution. For 2011 i would love to make resolutions AND stick to them! I intend to learn ALOT of cooking in the coming year and since i am going to join my hubby and in-laws in New York in January, i wish to please their taste buds every single time i cook. I wish to learn a lot of North Indian cooking from my Mom-in-law and hope to teach her my south Indian cooking. Wish me luck folks ;) <br />
<br />
<div style="color: #e06666;">
<b><i>5. Do you time your breakfast, lunch and dinner or eat when you are hungry?</i></b></div>
<br />
Ummm.. For my family, i would time the meals accordingly but for myself i choose the latter :p<br />
Actually much depends on the menu too. If its something that i drool over, i eat it ON TIME, actually.. before time :p But if its something that i do not like, i would postpone my meal to the maximum time and eat it when my Ammi's patience levels comes down totally and i get a earful! :p This usually happens during breakfast coz lunch and dinner we make it a point to have it together. I LOVE it when the whole family is together for meals.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #e06666;">
<b><i>6. Name three ingredients you consciously avoid or eliminate even when the recipe calls for it. </i></b></div>
<br />
<span style="color: black;"></span>Mushrooms, MSG ( Ajinomoto), Lemon Rind.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #e06666;">
<b><i>7. Name three things you have to use in most of the recipes.</i></b></div>
<br />
I love using cumin seeds usually. I love the aroma it brings in. And i love Ginger garlic paste and yeah onions usually are a must for me.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #e06666;">
Now lets get the tag rolling ;) I wish to pass on the questions to 5 of my blogger friends. And they are..</div>
<br />
1. Fezi of <a href="http://kitchenboffin.blogspot.com/">Kitchen Boffin</a><br />
2. Ms. Chitchat from <a href="http://chitchatcrossroads.blogspot.com/">chitchat@crossroads</a><br />
3. Tahemeem from <a href="http://tahemeemshaik.blogspot.com/">Tahemeem's Blog</a><br />
4. Ayeesha from <a href="http://tasteofpearlcity.blogspot.com/">Taste of pearl city</a><br />
5.Akheela from <a href="http://torviewtoronto.blogspot.com/">Torview</a><br />
<br />
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-29870005541579737952010-12-25T00:22:00.000+05:302011-01-07T19:47:57.666+05:30Paneer Cutlets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRTriqcN-gI/AAAAAAAAAHA/oWMlq6vMVHc/s1600/16122010411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRTriqcN-gI/AAAAAAAAAHA/oWMlq6vMVHc/s640/16122010411.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Paneer is one awesome ingredient which can make any recipe taste delicious. I made this few days back when all of us at home where just lazying around because of the rains here and my dad and bro came back home early. So i thought lets enjoy the evening chai with everyone with these Paneer cutlets! And we did have a wonderful evening :)<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
Paneer - 1 cup<br />
Beans - 1/2 cup<br />
Green Peas - 1/2 cup<br />
Carrot - 1/2 cup<br />
Potatoes - 1 cup<br />
Chat masala - 1 tsp<br />
Red chilli powder - 1 tsp<br />
Pepper Powder - 1 tsp<br />
Coriander powder - 1/2 tsp<br />
Cumin powder - 1/2 tsp<br />
<br />
<b>Method:</b><br />
1. Boil and mash the potatoes.<br />
<br />
2. Boil and chop the veggies finely.<br />
<br />
3.Take a vessel and mix together all the veggies and the mashed potatoes along with all the spices and salt.<br />
<br />
4.Once the paneer- veggie mixture is ready, shape them into oval cutlets.<br />
<br />
5. Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry the cutlets.<br />
<br />
Enjoy with tomato sauce or <a href="http://chefnaaz.blogspot.com/2010/12/mint-chutney.html">Mint chutney</a>. :)<br />
<br />
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-26768497729705540242010-12-23T11:28:00.001+05:302010-12-27T18:48:19.801+05:30Penne Pasta in Green Peas Masala<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRLj8kMp2dI/AAAAAAAAAG8/IWX-N9rfVi0/s1600/PC223112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRLj8kMp2dI/AAAAAAAAAG8/IWX-N9rfVi0/s640/PC223112.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Last evening i was in a mood to cook something different other than our usual chapathi or rice for dinner. So i explored the pantry and saw two pasta packs looking at me and that was it! I took them out, searched for some nice pasta recipes online but i dint have some or the other ingredients at home that time. So i decided to make one masala from the things i had at home! And this is what i came out with. I served it along with Chicken 65 in a yummy gravy and i got soo many compliments for it. I was one happy cook last night! :)<br />
<br />
<b>Items Required:</b><br />
Penne Pasta - 250 gms<br />
Green peas - 150 gms<br />
Capsicum - 3<br />
Ginger - Garlic paste - 2 tsp<br />
Tomatoes - 250 gms<br />
Tomato Sauce - 2 tbsp<br />
Onions - 3<br />
Vinegar - 1 1/2 tsp<br />
Chilli powder - 3 tsp<br />
Ground cumin - 2 tsp<br />
Pepper Powder - 1 tsp<br />
Water as reqd<br />
Oil - 50 ml<br />
Salt to taste<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Method:</b><br />
<br />
<b>To prepare Pasta:</b><br />
1. For 250 g pasta, boil 2 1/2 litres of water.<br />
<br />
2. To it add 25 g salt and a few drops of cooking oil. <br />
<br />
3. To the boiling water slowly add the Penne pasta and continue cooking for approx 10-15 mins, stirring occasionally till pasta is done.<br />
<br />
4. Drain the cooled pasta and rinse in fresh cold water and keep aside. <br />
<br />
<b>For Green Peas Masala</b><br />
1. Soak green peas overnight, boil and keep aside. [I used frozen green peas and boiled it]<br />
<br />
2. Heat oil, fry onions, ginger garlic paste and pepper powder in a large dish and mix together.<br />
<br />
3. Cook for 5 mins stirring in between.<br />
<br />
4. Add tomatoes, capsicum, chilli powder, vinegar, sauce and ground cumin. Cook for 6-8 mins.<br />
<br />
5. Then add boiled green peas, water as required consistency and salt according to taste and stir the mixture. Cook for 5 mins.<br />
<br />
6. Lastly, add boiled Penne pasta. mix well and serve hot.<br />
<br />
Enjoy it with a spicy chicken gravy! ;)<br />
<br />
Sending this to <a href="http://tasteofpearlcity.blogspot.com/2010/12/any-one-can-cook-series-9.html">Any One Can Cook - Series 9 hosted by Taste of Pearl City</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRiSD5jMNYI/AAAAAAAAAHI/NxmRDQoZU2s/s1600/anyonecancook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRiSD5jMNYI/AAAAAAAAAHI/NxmRDQoZU2s/s320/anyonecancook.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-77272970822585696712010-12-22T09:09:00.000+05:302010-12-22T09:09:17.844+05:30Mint Chutney<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRFybz0OPkI/AAAAAAAAAG4/ceSvNmC-n-M/s1600/20122010435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TRFybz0OPkI/AAAAAAAAAG4/ceSvNmC-n-M/s320/20122010435.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
My favorite chutney made by my Ammi! Truly love this! I eat this chutney along with Roti, sandwiches, snacks or just about anything! <br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
Coconut - 1/2 <br />
Pudina/ Mint leaves - Fistfull<br />
Tamarind - Small ball<br />
Onion - 1 small<br />
Ginger - 1/2 inch<br />
Salt to taste<br />
<br />
<b>Method:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Grind all the ingredients together except onion to a smooth paste. Add the chopped onion to the paste and grind for a minute. Enjoy! :)<br />
<br />
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-34649248402738643732010-12-20T16:18:00.001+05:302011-01-16T23:46:33.565+05:30Hara Bhara Kabab<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TQ8xcLqRpHI/AAAAAAAAAGs/WfFM45EVt94/s1600/18122010430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TQ8xcLqRpHI/AAAAAAAAAGs/WfFM45EVt94/s640/18122010430.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hara Bhara kabab has been one of the most liked snack at my place especially by one of my aunt who had come over to our place during Ramadan. I had made this that day and she loved it sooooo much that she told about it to all her daughters! :p They all asked me what i had made that their mum is all gaga over it. Its a nice veg kebab filled with greens! A lil on the healthy side too except for the frying part but i shallow fry it so oil used in is also less. A perfect snack for a wintry evening!<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
Potatoes - 4<br />
Green Peas - 1/4 kg<br />
Palak / Spinach - 1 Bunch <br />
Pudina/ Mint leaves - 1 bunch<br />
Coriander Leaves- 1 cup<br />
Green chillies - 4-5<br />
Bread crumbs - 1 cup<br />
Chat masala - 1 tsp<br />
Lemon juice - 2 tsp<br />
Salt to taste<br />
Oil to fry<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Method:</b><br />
1. In a pressure cooker boil the potatoes, green peas and palak.<br />
<br />
2. Make a fine paste of pudina, coriander leaves, green chillies and boiled palak.<br />
<br />
3. Mash potatoes and green peas and add in green paste.<br />
<br />
4. Now add in chat masala, salt and lemon juice. Mix well.<br />
<br />
5. Make balls and press them a little to give it an oval shape. Dip in breadcrumbs and fry till golden brown.<br />
<br />
Enjoy with tomato sauce!<br />
<br />
Sending this to <a href="http://tasteofpearlcity.blogspot.com/2010/12/any-one-can-cook-series-8.html">Any one can cook- Series hosted by Ayeesha of Taste of Pearl city</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TQ8x7OVLTcI/AAAAAAAAAGw/PNgY9Uj6IpQ/s1600/anyonecancook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TQ8x7OVLTcI/AAAAAAAAAGw/PNgY9Uj6IpQ/s320/anyonecancook.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And also to <a href="http://simplysara07.blogspot.com/2010/11/only-greens-event-announcement-and.html">Only greens event</a> hosted by <a href="http://simplysara07.blogspot.com/2010/11/only-greens-event-announcement-and.html">Sara from Sara's Corner</a> and <a href="http://cooking-goodfood.blogspot.com/2010/11/event-announcement-and-giveaways-for.html">Pari from Foodelicious</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TQ8zn2zrqYI/AAAAAAAAAG0/BGIlKW1-uXs/s1600/onlygreens.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TQ8zn2zrqYI/AAAAAAAAAG0/BGIlKW1-uXs/s1600/onlygreens.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It also goes to <a href="http://torviewtoronto.blogspot.com/2011/01/food-palette-series-green-and-giveaway.html">Food Palette series - Green event hosted by Torview</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TTM1-wEjWwI/AAAAAAAAAK0/naSyEqveTaM/s1600/green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TTM1-wEjWwI/AAAAAAAAAK0/naSyEqveTaM/s1600/green.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-88944261201953867622010-12-17T22:41:00.002+05:302011-01-07T19:48:13.861+05:30Ragi Falooda<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TQuBZl1IhnI/AAAAAAAAAGk/h9nmG2Mx8l4/s1600/17122010418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TQuBZl1IhnI/AAAAAAAAAGk/h9nmG2Mx8l4/s640/17122010418.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This sweet dish is made in our house ONLY when we keep fasts. Muslims fast on the 9th and 10th of Moharram. Since today is 10th Moharram ( First month in Islamic Calender), we are fasting and we made this sweet today. Ashura is a religious observance marked every year by Muslims. The word <i>'ashura</i>
literally means "10th," as it is on the 10th day of Muharram. It has a lot of historical significance. During the time of the Prophet Mohamed ( peace be upon him), local Jews observed one day of
fasting at this time -- their Day of Atonement. The Prophet Mohamed ( Peace be upon him),
learned of of this tradition, and stated that the Muslims should also
fast. He himself fasted for 2 days, and recommended that all Muslims fast for two days as well. This fast is not required, simply recommended.<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
Ragi - 1 cup<br />
Dosa rice ( Kacchi chaawal) - 1/2 cup<br />
Sugar or Jaggery - 3/4 cup ( add more if needed)<br />
Coconut - 1/2 cup<br />
Cardomom (peeled and crushed) -10-12<br />
Ghee (to grease the plates)<br />
<br />
<b>For Garnishing:</b><br />
Badam / Almonds AND Pistachios -Peeled and slivered<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Method</b>:<br />
1. Wash the Ragi and rice. Sieve and grind with coconut and water.<br />
<br />
2. Once we get a fine paste, take a thin cloth or strainer and strain the paste.<br />
<br />
3. The paste should neither be thick nor too thin.<br />
<br />
4. Heat a steel vessel and pour the paste into it and start stirring it. The main thing while making this dish is to stir it right, to avoid it getting burnt and to cook it well. As you keep stirring it, add sugar/ jaggery and continue stirring it till its dissolved well and all the lumps in the paste vanish!<br />
<br />
5. Add the powdered cardamom to the paste and stir well. <br />
<br />
6. Once its cooked well and you get a nice not-too-thin-nor-too-thick paste, grease 2-3 plates with ghee and transfer the paste onto these plates. Do not use any spoon to transfer the paste to the plates, but pour it directly holding the steel vessel itself. This is done so that its evenly spread and this looks neat too ;)<br />
<br />
7. When you have all the ragi falooda paste on the plates, garnish it with Almonds, pistas and sprinkle some cardamom and allow it to cool.<br />
<br />
8. It can be eaten while its warm but its best to refrigerate it and have it after 2-3 hours. Before serving, make horizontal and vertical lines on the falooda, so that it is cut into medium sized pieces. <br />
<br />
As you all know the health benefits of Ragi, you will agree with me that this is one healthy sweet dish! Do give it a try :)<br />
<br />
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499530209442448515.post-63635165118437691322010-12-15T00:29:00.003+05:302010-12-15T16:16:47.644+05:30Brown Rice, Black Channa curry and Turai Sukka - A Heart Healthy Meal!I came across the<a href="http://tasteofpearlcity.blogspot.com/2010/10/eat-well-live-well-new-monthly-event.html"> Eat well Live well event </a>hosted by Ayeesha of Taste of Pearl city few days back and i wanted to send my entry to it. So i worked on a <a href="http://chefnaaz.blogspot.com/2010/12/heart-healthy-meals-keep-heart-and-add.html">Article Entry</a> and sent it to her. But i wanted to send a recipe entry to her the event too! I saw that the last date to send the entries was December 15th and since it was my brother's weddding last weekend i was super busy with it. But i told my Ammi about this event and told her lets make one whole healthy meal today. So the menu for lunch was Brown rice, Black Channa curry and Ridge Gourd/ Turai sukka - One perfect healthy meal! Lets move on to the recipes now!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TQe9Hby9G6I/AAAAAAAAAGI/bSKTygHGIj8/s1600/2010-12-08+14.31.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TQe9Hby9G6I/AAAAAAAAAGI/bSKTygHGIj8/s640/2010-12-08+14.31.39.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Brown Rice in its raw form, once its cooked and Black channa curry</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Brown Rice:</b><br />
<br />
The Brown Rice is now supposed to be healthy diet because of its health
benefits than a White Rice.The process that produces brown rice removes
only the outermost layer, the hull, of the rice kernel and is the least
damaging to its nutritional value. The complete milling and polishing
that converts brown rice into white rice destroys 67% of the vitamin B3,
80% of the vitamin B1, 90% of the vitamin B6, half of the manganese,
half of the phosphorus, 60% of the iron, and all of the dietary fiber
and essential fatty acids.<br />
<br />
<b>Health Benefits:</b><br />
<br />
1. Lower cholestrol<br />
2. Significant cardivascular Benefits for postmenopausal women.<br />
3.Protects against Haert diseases.<br />
4. Lowers type 2 Diabetes Risk.<br />
5. A good source of Fiber.<br />
6.<span id="intelliTxt"> Provides all necessary carbohydrates requirements. </span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">7. It is a body building food.</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">8. Beneficial for stomach and intestinal ulcers and for diarrhea. </span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">9. Because of the mineral content, it supplies important nutrient for the hair, teeth, nails, muscles and bones. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TQe17Q2_YjI/AAAAAAAAAF8/p2r4A0BnGXY/s1600/heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="546" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TQe17Q2_YjI/AAAAAAAAAF8/p2r4A0BnGXY/s640/heart.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Brown rice</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span id="intelliTxt"><b>How to cook :</b></span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"><br /></span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">For 1 cup of brown rice, we need 3-4 cups of water.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span id="intelliTxt"></span><span id="intelliTxt"> Boil the water and add the rice when the water is boiled along with salt to taste. Brown rice takes more water and time to cook than white rice. Once the rice is cooked and is soft, turn off the heat. </span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"><br /></span><br />
<b><span id="intelliTxt">Next let us move on to Black Channa curry!</span></b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TQe7DNGxD7I/AAAAAAAAAGA/W3dUXx5XHFE/s1600/2010-12-08+14.20.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TQe7DNGxD7I/AAAAAAAAAGA/W3dUXx5XHFE/s640/2010-12-08+14.20.59.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Black Channa Curry</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span id="intelliTxt"><br /></span><br />
<b><span id="intelliTxt">Ingredients:</span></b><span id="intelliTxt"> </span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"> </span><span id="intelliTxt">Black channa / Black Gram/ Black Chickpeas - 2 cups</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Coconut Grated - 1</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Beans - 10 ( chopped into 1/2 inch)</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Carrot - 3 ( Chopped medium size)</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Potato - 2 ( Chopped medium sized cubes)</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Whole coriander - 1 tsp</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Whole Red chilli - 5-6</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Turmeric/ Haldi powder - Pinch</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Garlic - 2 cloves</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Onion - 1 </span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Tomato - 1 big</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Whole Garam Masala - 2 cinnamon, 3 cloves</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Coriander Leaves</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"><br /></span><br />
<b><span id="intelliTxt">For seasoning :</span></b><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"></span><span id="intelliTxt">Oil - 2 tbsp</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Mustard seeds - 1/4 tbsp</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Garlic - 3 cloves</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"><br /></span><br />
<b><span id="intelliTxt">Method: </span></b><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"></span><span id="intelliTxt">1. Soak channa overnight or atleast for 6 hours.</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"><br /></span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">2. Roast the grated coconut till light brown. Make sure you keep stirring it cuz it might get burnt!</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"><br /></span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">3. Roast whole red chillies and whole coriander. </span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"><br /></span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">4. In a blender, add the roasted coconut, red chillies and coriander along with haldi powder and blend to a paste.</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"><br /></span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">5. Then add garlic and onion and grind till we get a smooth paste.</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"><br /></span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">6. Meanwhile, pressure cook channa along with water for 3 whistles or till its done.</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"><br /></span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">7. Remove the lid, add the chopped vegetables, salt and allow it to cook without pressure.</span><br />
<br />
<span id="intelliTxt">8. Add the ground coconut mixture to the veggies, adding water and allow it to boil. Once it starts to boil, add tomato and whole garam masala.</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"> </span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">9. Cook for 5 minutes.</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"><br /></span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">10. Add chopped coriander leaves.</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"><br /></span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">11. Last step is <b>seasoning</b> - Heat oil in a pan, add in mustard seeds and once it starts to pop, add garlic. Pour this into the channa curry and now a heart healthy curry is READY! :)</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"><br /></span><br />
<b><span id="intelliTxt">Ridge Gourd / Turai Sukka</span></b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TQe7ZZSQs8I/AAAAAAAAAGE/8nBBFA3pcjw/s1600/13122010403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TQe7ZZSQs8I/AAAAAAAAAGE/8nBBFA3pcjw/s640/13122010403.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Turai sukka</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span id="intelliTxt">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
<b><span id="intelliTxt"></span></b><span id="intelliTxt">Ridge Gourd / Turai - 4</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Onion - 1</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Toamto - 1</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Salt to taste</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Grated Coconut</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Mustard seeds</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Garlic</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Oil</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"><br /></span><br />
<b><span id="intelliTxt">Method:</span></b><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"></span><span id="intelliTxt">1. Peel, wash and chop the turai into small or medium pieces.</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"><br /></span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">2. In a pan, add in the turai, chopped onion, tomato, salt, water and cook till its green. Do NOT overcook as it will lose its nutrients.</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"><br /></span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Note : Do not add in too much of water as it loses its water while cooking.</span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt"><br /></span><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">3. Add grated coconut once its cooked</span><br />
<br />
<span id="intelliTxt">4. Seasoning: Heat oi</span><span id="intelliTxt">l in a pan, add in mustard seeds and once it starts to pop, add garlic cloves and then add this to the turai sukka.</span><br />
<b><span id="intelliTxt"></span><span id="intelliTxt"> </span></b><br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Trust me, this is one of the healthiest meals we can ever have! Do give it a try! </span><br />
<br />
<span id="intelliTxt">Keep smiling and stay healthy! :)</span><b><span id="intelliTxt"></span></b><br />
<b><span id="intelliTxt"><br /></span></b><br />
<b><span id="intelliTxt">Sending this to <a href="http://tasteofpearlcity.blogspot.com/2010/10/eat-well-live-well-new-monthly-event.html">Eat well Love well event at Taste of Pearl City</a></span></b><br />
<b><span id="intelliTxt"><br /></span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TQe_2PVfIzI/AAAAAAAAAGM/Sz5YWuiYIx8/s1600/eatwelllivewell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TQe_2PVfIzI/AAAAAAAAAGM/Sz5YWuiYIx8/s320/eatwelllivewell.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="intelliTxt">And to <a href="http://www.breastfeedingmomsunite.com/2010/12/vegetarian-foodie-fridays-30/">Vegetarian foodie fridays</a></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TQicgDNcZdI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/AA0NF7N1_aM/s1600/vegfoodiefridays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4vz2t8VKH_I/TQicgDNcZdI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/AA0NF7N1_aM/s1600/vegfoodiefridays.jpg" /></a></div>
<span id="intelliTxt"> </span><b><span id="intelliTxt"> </span></b><br />
<b><span id="intelliTxt">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></b>Mehnaz Kapadiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107856213134194267noreply@blogger.com12