Friday, January 30, 2009

It's A Small World....

It's a world of laughter
A world of tears
It's a world of hopes
And a world of fears
There's so much that we share
That it's time we're aware
It's a small world after all
There is just one moon
And one golden sun
And a smile means
Friendship to ev'ryone
Though the mountains divide
And the oceans are wide
It's a small world after all
It's a small world after all
It's a small world after all
It's a small world after all
It's a small, small world
says Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. How true the lyrics are. Many are the occasion/times when I thought/felt “How small the world is!”.....Some days back when I posted Spicy Prawn Fry recipe I received a comment from Valarmathi of Simple And Yummy Recipes. Following the comment I went to check her blog to know what she posted that day. To my amazement she too posted Prawn Fry recipe. The pictures of my recipe and her recipe look almost same and I learned that she is also from Bangalore. I left a comment in her post asking her, “Where does she stay in Bangalore?” An hour later I got a message from her with an area name. To increase my amazement we both are staying in the same area and then again I rushed back to her blog and left a comment saying, I know this world is so small but it this small I came to know now only. By knowing we two are staying very near by or in the same area my thoughts began to roll. I thought who could be she? Did we pass each other anytime on the street? What if she is staying in the same apartment? Again when I went to check her blog I noticed another blog other than food blog in her list. I clicked on the blog name and found that she is having a doggie by name Spike (a cute German Shepherd) and there were some snaps of the Spike. The wardrobes and balcony in the pictures look same as that of my flat. I rechecked again and again, by now my heart is beating out very fast out of exuberance. This is all because we both are staying in the same apartment. It was almost night till I got confirmed that we both are staying in the same apartment. I got up and completed my morning chores and rushed to ring the bell of her flat. No one opened the door. I thought she is not at home. I came back and again went through her blog. Later in the evening I slowly went to her flat and rang the bell. I thought what I am going to tell her? How I am going to introduce myself? I kept on thinking…..She opened the door and I just said Hi, and asked r u Valarmathi the food blogger? Without any delay she said hello are you Lubna of Kitchen Flavours. I just can’t believe till today how this all happened. From that day there is no looking back…..we became so close as if we were friends from childhood days. We not only share foods, cultures, interests, hobbies, recipes,…..we go out together, shop together, spend so many hours talking about everything, having lunches together, cooking for one another…… Can you believe if I say that we two were staying in the same apartment since a year and we didn’t even see each other or know each other before….hmmm that’s the life in fast and very fast running cities dear friends.

Gajar Ka Halwa

Friendship is a lifetime celebration....to celebrate it in a simple, sweet and special way I prepared Gajar Ka Halwa/Carrot Halwa.(I blogged about carrot halwa before also, you can have a look at the recipe here). This is another simple variation of the recipe. Gajar/Carrots are full of nutrients. No other vegetable or fruit contains as much carotene as carrots, which the body converts to vitamin A. Carrots are excellent source of vitamins B and C as well as calcium pectate, an extraordinary pectin fibre that has been found to have cholesterol-lowering properties. They also contain a form of calcium which is easily absorbed by the body. Finally they also contain Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorous and Sulphur - better than a wonder drug!! isn't it? Here comes a simple recipe to make this flavourful and aromatic halwa.

Gajar Ka Halwa


INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 kg Carrots, washed, peeled, and grated
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 1/2 tbsp Cardamom powder
  • 1/2 cup lukewarm Milk
  • 100 gm Cashew nuts
  • Ghee

Gajar Ka Halwa

PREPERATION:

  • Add ghee to heavy bottom cooking vessel and fry cashew nuts till light golden brown and set aside.
  • In the same ghee add grated carrots and fry them on low flame till the raw smell disapears. Now add cardamom powder and sugar.
  • Cook till sugar melts and gets dissolved with the carrots. Stir lightly.
  • Once the grated carrots are soft enough add lukewarm milk and mix well.
  • Now cook till the milk gets absorbed by the grated carrots (on a very low flame).
  • Serve hot by garnishing with fried cashew nuts.
  • Last but not least add your 'love' to make the dish 'YUMMY'.

This Gajar Ka Halwa is going to participate in JUST FOR YOU event hosted by Alka of Sindhi Rasoi. Alka is hosting this event in celebration of her blog's first birthday. Happy Birthday Sindhi Rasoi. Wish you tons and tons of yummy wishes. Come indulge with us Alka and also this recipe is going to participate in Recipes For Rest Of Us - Desserts hosted by Varsha of Will-O'-The-Wisp. This event is started by Ramki of One Page Cookbook. The first picture is going to participate in Magnificent Click Contest-2009 by Gayathri of Just Urs.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

#14 Rendezvous With Kitchen Flavours

Hello and welcome to Rendezvous With Kitchen Flavours, scrummy sunday showcase. This is a event for you and of you. Through this event I not only get introduced to some new bloggers but also getting a chance to know more about the food, foodies, favourites, recipes, method of preparing etc. So come share with me, the magical and aromatic journey into culinary world. The guest in Rendezvous With Kitchen Flavours who is going to share her indulgence with us is Varsha of Will-O'-The-Wisp.

Varsha
of Will-O'-The-Wisp says source of happiness for me is to balance health and taste, what I try to do always...Living fully every moment of this life wid ma sweet heart, who is always my inspiration.. :-) Will-O-The Wisp was started by me initially as a random musing-literature blog, but later by the encouragement of my love & friends and inspiration of many wonderful fellow blogger's, I converted it into a food blog. That explains the "not-so-foodie" blog name and url, I haven't change it after that.

Varsha
of Will-O'-The-Wisp says 'My Five Favourites' are:
My Favorite Cuisine - Indian, my all time favourite..
My Favorite Book/ Novel/Magazine - Voracious reader, hence too many list. Still..love Harry Potter series..
My Favorite Film - Again too many.. :-) Pursuit of Happiness, Titanic, 50 First Dates, Rang De Basanti.. goes on n on..
My Favorite Pastime (interests) - Reading n blogging..
My Favorite Place - My Kerala and.. I love Mauritius..

Coming to Varsha's five favourite recipes which she likes the most and pamper her tastebuds anytime are:

1. Chicken Cutlet

2.
Egg Puffs

3.
Malabar Chicken Biriyani

4. Tandoori Chicken
5. "ThattuKada" Beef Roast



Clicking on the links mentioned above you can get to know recipe in detail. For delicious, authentic and flavourful recipes do visit Varsha's Will-O'-The-Wisp.

Want to know how to participate in Rendezvous With Kitchen Flavours. Click here or click on the image under "Every Sunday" in the left hand sidebar....

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Sem Ki Phalli Ka Salan

Sem Ki Phalli Ka Salan (Indian broad bean curry) is an all time favourite curry in my family. With piping hot roti's this recipe is going to gratify your tastebuds. Sem Ki Phalli/Chikkudu Kaya/Indian Broad Beans are excellent source of folic acid and a good source of potassium and magnesium along with copper, phosphorus, zinc, iron, thiamine and riboflavin. Vegetable markets will be full with this beans in winter season. With gorgeous green color and distinctive flavour these beans always tops my food charts. Where the chill air passing my kitchen window tickles my cheeks the hot aroma of roti's and this curry procure me to stand in the kitchen. Here is a very simple version to make this flavorful curry.

Phalli


This curry is going to particpate in My Legume Love Affair-Seventh Helping hosted by Srivalli of Cooking 4 All Seasons. This event is stared by Susan of The Well-Seasoned Cook Susan.

Photobucket

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1/2 Kg Sem Ki Phalli, destring, slit open, cut into 1 inch pieces and wash *
  • 1 Onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp Red chilli powder
  • 1/4 tbsp Turmeric powder
  • 2-3 fresh springs of Coriander leaves, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil
Photobucket
PREPERATION:
  • Add beans, onions, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, salt and oil to a pressure cooker along with half cup of water.
  • Pressure cook till the beans are soft. Now on a medium flame (lightly) stir the beans till water gets absorbed.
  • Add chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or roti's.
  • Last but not least add your 'love' to make the dish 'YUMMY'.

* NOTE: I always destring (trim of the ends length wise), slit open into half and then remove beans/seeds present inside and chop the outer green layer into pieces.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Tomato Chutney

Tomatoes are one of the world's most popular fruits. The French called it "the apple of love," the Germans "the apple of paradise." Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, C and K. Tomatoes are known for its Lycopene content. Lycopene is a vital anti-oxidant that helps in the fight against cancerous cell formation as well as other kinds of health complications and diseases. Tomatoes contains higher amount of flavonoids which not only have antioxidant but anti-viral, anti-inflammatory properties too. Tomatoes also keep a good check on your cholesterol level and very effective in purifying the blood. Tomatoes have been shown to be helpful in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. There are many more amazing health benefits of this nature's goodies. Today Iam going to share with you a simple, spicy and tangy chutney with this awesome fruits. My way of indulging is mix up this flavourful chutney with hot boiled white rice with a hint of ghee. Oooooh my tastebuds are oozing.....

Tomato Chutney

INGREDIENTS:
  • 3 medium sized Tomatoes
  • 3-4 Green Chills, deseeded and finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp Tamarind pulp
  • 1/4 tbsp Turmeric powder
  • 2-3 springs fresh Coriander leaves
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil

TEMPERING/TADKA/POPPU:

  • 1/2 tbsp Mustard seeds
  • 1/2 tbsp Cumin seeds/Jeera
  • 1 dry Red chilli
  • 2 cloves Garlic, peeled and crushed with hand
  • 5-6 Curry leaves
Tomato Chutney

PREPERATION:
  • Cut the tomatoes into half and deseed them. Then chop them into small pieces.
  • Heat oil in a kadai or thick bottom vessel and then add chopped tomato pieces, finely chopped green chillis, tamarind pulp, turmeric powder and salt.
  • Cover and cook on a low flame till tomato pieces get completely cooked (or smashed).
  • Leave it to cool. Once it gets cooled enough grind the mixture roughly and set aside.
  • Now add oil to kadai or thick bottom vessel and add the ingredients one by one listed under "Tempering".
  • When the curry leaves start to change color, turn off the heat and add this tempering to the above grind paste.
  • Last but not least add your 'love' to make the dish 'YUMMY'.

UPDATE : The first picture in this post is going to participate in splendid CLICK event hosted by Jai & Bee of Jugalbandi. CLICK is a monthly theme-based food photography event/contest. This month CLICK is luscious, hot, spicy and fiery RED.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

# 13 Rendezvous With Kitchen Flavours

Some desire is necessary to keep life in motion says Samuel Johnson. A desire to cook, a desire to share, a desire to be part of this yummy world, a desire to introduce new foodies, a desire to know the favourites of my buddy bloggers leads me to Rendezvous With Kitchen Flavours a scrummy sunday showcase... Where you can taste some mouth watering diffrent cuisines in the world.... Today my guest in this Rendezvous With Kitchen Flavours is Sanika of Spicy & Tangy.....Sweet & Yummy !!!!... Sanika is a versatile blogger. She writes, sings, cooks, blogs...... One post which catched my attention was Is This Love??, very true and touchy post... There are many more flavours in her blog as she says her blog is spicy and tangy and at the same time sweet and yummy....

Sanika of Spicy & Tangy.....Sweet & Yummy !!!! says 'My Five Favourites' are:

My Favourite Cuisine: Chinese, Italian but Indian food takes my breathe away.
My Favourite Book/Novel/Magazine: Shala, Wise and Otherwise, Books by Deborah Ellis, Not Without My Daughter, Deception Point, Many Marathi Books.
My Favourite Film: Dil Chahta Hain, Lagaan, Sarfarosh, Rang De Basanti, Taare Zameen Par, Bheja Fry.
My Favourite Pastime: Reading, Blogging, Cooking, Shopping, Photography.
My Favourite Place: Aamchi Mumbai Of course, Any place where me n my family members are there together.


Coming to five favourite recipes, Sanika of Spicy & Tangy.....Sweet & Yummy !!!! likes to pamper her tastebuds with the following.....

1. I just love eating Dabeli (Double Roti) anytime. Initially I missed it here in UK but then decided of trying this recipe at home and yeah I succeeded.

2. This is my most favourite Egg Curry and i love having it with steamed rice...yummy...
3. Every Saturday I cook this Mixed Vegetable Pulao for me.It saves lot of time and is full meal.


4. Ahh haa yummy PuranPoli....usually we make this during Holi festival but i just cant wait for 1 lonnngggg year to eat these yummy, mouth watering Puranpoli...so i make them whenever i wish eating them.

5. I love eating Khari Biscuits be it plain, flavoured i just love them.


Clicking on the recipe names you can view the recipes in detail. So, what are you waiting for. Browse Sanika's Spicy & Tangy.....Sweet & Yummy !!!! for tempting and inviting recipes.... It's me signing off with a promise to be back on Sunday with a new guest in Rendezvous With Kitchen Flavours, a scrummy sunday showcase.

Want to know how to participate in Rendezvous With Kitchen Flavours. Click here or click on the image in the left hand sidebar....

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Happy Anniversary


For the beautiful moments of yesterday, for the happiness and satisfaction of today, for the promise of tomorrow.....for all of this and much more.... I look forward with eagerness to share the rest of my life with you...... Happy Anniversary......

Monday, January 12, 2009

Masoor Ki Dal

Masoor Ki Dal is one of my favourite side dish with piping hot roti's. Whenever Iam in rush to prepare a side dish for Roti/Indian flat bread, this dal comes in for rescue. It is very easy to cook and cooks very fast. No need to soak for long and pressure cook it. I love the unequaled taste of this dal. Ginger-Garlic paste along with coriander leaves increases the flavour of this dal. Masoor Dal/Split Red Lentils are skinless, small, round, orange-red colored (turn golden upon cooking) with very high nutritional value. These lentils are light to digest and helpful in blood and skin diseases. Here comes a simple recipe to cook this dal....

This masoor ki dal is going to participate in My Legume Love Affair, Seventh Helping hosted by Cooking 4 All Seasons. This nutritive event was started by Susan of The well-Seasoned Cook and also to FIC-Yellow hosted by Tongue Ticklers.

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 cup Masoor dal, wash and soak *
  • 1 small Onion, finely chopped
  • 2 Green chillis, deseeded and finely chopped
  • 1/2 tbsp Ginger-Garlic paste
  • 1 tbsp Red chilli powder
  • 1/4 tbsp Turmeric powder
  • 2-3 Springs fresh Coriander leaves, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for cooking

PREPERATION:

  • Heat oil in a kadai/cooking vessel and add chopped onions and saute till they are translucent.
  • Now add water, red chilli powder, turmeric pwder, ginger-garlic paste and green chillis.
  • When the water starts to boil add washed and soaked masoor dal.
  • Cover and cook on a low flame till dal gets completely cooked. Now add salt and stir.
  • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with piping hot roti's or with hot bowl of steamed white rice.
  • Last but not least add your 'love' to make the dish 'YUMMY'.

* NOTE : Soak the dal for 5-10 minutes. The consistency of the dal should be bit runny. Add the salt in the last to fast cook the dal.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

#12 Rendezvous With Kitchen Flavours

This post is intentionally removed by the author.....More on this can be read here.
If you are intrested in participating in Rendezvous With Kitchen Flavours, Scrummy Sunday Showcase, you can find the details by clicking on the logo in the sidebar or you can click here.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Mega FIC-WHITE RoundUp

When I said "MEGA" roundup, I mean it. I received more than a ton yummy entries to this snowy, milky and sugary FIC-WHITE. I would like to thank Sunshinemom of TongueTicklers who has given me the oppurtunity to host FIC Event and a big thanks to all the blogger buddies who poured in their yummy entries to this FIC-White. You people rock! You people made this event a MEGA grand success.

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY!!!! Have a look at the yummy updated slideshow of the entries I received for FIC-WHITE. (on your speakers)

# 4 Mega FIC-White RoundUp

This is the final part of the grand mega FIC-WHITE roundup. With whole lot bunches of recipes coming in, I divided the roundup in four parts basing on blog author names. Today we are going to view the final part of the entries. This event Food In Colors (FIC) is the brain child of Sunshinemom of Tongue Ticklers. Before FIC-WHITE there were FIC-RED, FIC-GREEN, FIC-BROWN AND FIC-PURPLE & BLACK Food In Color(s) events. You can have a look at the roundup's by clicking on the above mentioned links. I thank from the bottom of my heart to Sunshinemom for giving me this oppurtunity to host FIC event, to all the blogger buddies who poured in their entries and to all the wonderful people who left a word of appreciation through comments, mails and chat messages... I made new friends through this event, go to know new and yummy recipes and came across so many new blogs.... As a tribute to Spring 'Food In Colors' goes YELLOW all January - the color of warmth and joy! Click on the logo for more details...


You can have a look at the previous entries of FIC-WHITE by clicking on the following links,

#1 Mega FIC-WHITE RoundUp (A-I)
#2 Mega FIC-WHITE RoundUp (J-P)
#3 Mega FIC-WHITE RoundUp (R-S)

U

Ujwal of Ujwal's KitchenLab presents her amma's signature dish DoodhPaak or Rice Kheer. Looks yummy, tempting and perfect for the event....


Uma of Essence Of Andhra drools us with two appetizing and scrummy recipes.

1. Vegetable Chowder


2. Christmas Cupcakes

V

Vindee (Deeba) of Passionate About Baking sends in an rich, delicious and delectable eggless Indian Rice Pudding Saffron Rice Pudding. Tempting to lick off right now.......

Valarmathi of Simple And Yummy Recipes presents creamy, milky, rich and scrummy Rice Pudding..... Looks yummylicious.....


Viki of Viki's Kitchen comforts us with melt in mouth, soft, snowy white Frosted Sugar Cookies. Looks alluring.....


Varsha of Will-O'-The-Wisp sends in snowy, creamy, yummy and pleasant-tasting Vanilla Milkshake. Iam carving for this right now....


Vidhas of Appetizing Recipes presents her eight toothsome, delectable and luscious recipes
1. Broken Wheat Dhaliya


2. Apple Banana Milkshake

3. Pasta & Mushroom In White Sauce



4. Vegetable Cornflour Soup



5. Pasta & Corn In White Sauce



6. Iddiyappam With Thenai Pal


7. Rava Urandai


8. Idli Upma



Y


Yasmeen of Health Nut sends in appetizing, comforting, creamy, nutritious, nutty and palatable Mushroom Walnut Soup and also Salad Olviye.


Thursday, January 8, 2009

# 3 Mega FIC-White RoundUp

Thank You to all the wonderful people who not only sent their entries but also left their comments. As the sequel continues today Iam going to post another qaurter of entries same as the previous format i.e., in alphabetical order of blog author names.... For the first roundup of entries you can click here #1 Mega FIC-White RoundUp and for the second rounup of entries click here #2 Mega FIC-White RoundUp. Here comes the yummy feast of entries....

R

Roopa
of My Kitchen Treats presented us this velvety, snowy, fruity, rich and moist Red Velvet Fruit Cake. Looks beguiling....


Rajee of Simply Innocence sent her Ven Pongal, which she says is a good substitue to prevent nausea for those who hate the sight or smell of onion and garlic for their breakfast or dinner during their earlier pregnancy....



Ramki of One Page Cookbooks came up with 10 simple South Indian White Curries. Isn't it intresting?



Radhika of Tickling Palates sends in her Coconut Rice. She says this is a variety rice for a quick fix. Hmm looks yummmmmmmmy.....


Renuka of Fusion made a sweet recipe called Rasogollas and says, this was a long pending 'to try' recipe from my collection. Hmm looks spongy and tempting to lick offf....


S


Supriya of Ode 2 Food presented creamy, rich and tempting sauce called Lemon Garlic Cilantro Dipping Sauce. Looks tantalizing.....


Shreya of Mom's Cooking sends in fluffy, soft and yum Idli's with mouth-watering simple green chutney. Hmmm Iam drooling....


Sanika of Spicy & Tangy....Sweet & Yummy!!!! sends in her three tempting and go with the blog name recipes...


First to come is Rice Cup With Jam


Second in the list is Mattha (Buttermilk)


Third to hit is Homemade Paneer


Sunshinemom of Tongue Ticklers who is the brain child of this creative Food In Colors (FIC) Event presents us melt in mouth, luscious and delicious Vanilla Hearts...



Soma of eCurry made this Pineapple Coconut Mousse with Pistachios with a twist for the loved ones for a very special occasion.. Natural sweetness in the recipe attracts more attention. Isn't it????


Sangeetha of Art of Cooking Indian Food says, Coconut Rice is a delicacy. No one can deny it. It has a unique flavor that fills your kitchen pulling your husband and kids to the kitchen to take a peek. Hmmm very true...


Sahaja of My experiments In Kitchen sends in her favourite Coconut Burfi/Kobbari Lauzu. She says my grandmom makes it wonderfully delicious and so is one of my favorite!! In Andhra we call it Kobbari Lause.... Hmm mouth-watering, making me to rush into kitchen to make some balls for me.....



Sanghi of Sanghi's Food Delights came up with her favourite sweet dish Semiya Paayasam (Vermicelli Sweet Kheer). She says, I got so many appreciations for this one, made especially in special occasions and festivals..... Tempting....


Simran of Bombay Foodie says, I finally dared to make an Indian mithai. Yes, me! To ring out the year in style, here comes Rasmalai. Rich, creamy, thick and yummmmmmmmmmmy....


Shail of Shail sends in Dahi Vada, usually made on special occasions like Diwali, Holi, Birthdays or after fast feast. Looks spicy and scrummy....


Sindhura of Bay Leaf sends her Biscuit Pudding. Rich, soft, crunchy, sweet and chocolatey flavour sets to tease your senses......


Sowmya of Creative Saga presents Kerala breakfast Puttu without using the mould. Check out how she made it... Looks delectable....



Shama of Easy 2 Cook Recipes laid an yummy platter of nine awesome, tempting and yummy recipes....
1. Semiya Sago Payasam


2. Guava Milk Shake


3. Coconut Chutney

4. Radish Chutney


5. Sweet Kozhukkattai


6. Oats Healthy Drink


7. Pal Kozhukattai


8. Potato Masiyal


9. Semiya Corn Upma


NOTE : Next RoundUp will be full and final roundup.....