Monday, September 26, 2011

My Cooking!

Hi Guys...I am back to blogging with some recipes invented by my otherwise lazy mind. I have tried them all and they were liked by many people. Hope U guys would like it too!





1) King fish Cutlets


Ingredients:
-2 large or 3 medium kingfish cooked and shredded
-1 small potato boiled,peeled and grated
-1 large onion very fine chopped
-a paste of mint,greenchillies and corriander leaves 
-ginger garlic paste
-2 tbsp oil
-1/4 tsp turmeric & red Chilli powder each
-1/4 tsp garam masala 
-1 maggi cube(optional)
-1 boiled and grated egg(optional)
-little tamarind pulp(optional,for extra tangy flavor)



Method of preparation:
Mix all the above ingredients,roll in bread crumbs and shallow fry. You may even bake it. Serve hot with any sauce of your choice and salad.




2)Cheese, Potato and Egg Balls

Ingredients:
2 boiled,peeled and grated potato
2 cheddar cheese cubes
4-5 tbsp fresh yoghurt
2 boiled and grated eggs
A bunchful of finely cut corriander and mint leaves
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp pepper powder
1 veg maggi cube
2 tsp oil





Method of preparation:
Mix all the above ingredients very well into a smooth batter.Cook it with butter or oil in a non stick pan for some time. Let it cool. Make small grape sized balls and keep on a microwave dish and cook for 4-5 minutes on high microwave heat.
An alternative would be to deep fry the above with bread crumbs. But it would not be a healthier option.

Put toothpick over each ball and serve hot with chutney or ketchup.




3)Nutmeg Ice-Cream


Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups whole milk or full cream milk
1 1/2 cups Amul cream or any fresh heavy cream
3 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon grated fresh nutmeg(1 whole nutmeg)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Method of preparation:
Bring  milk and cream to a boil. Do not boil but turn off the heat as soon as it gets to boiling stage.

In a bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla essence.Whisk 1/2 cup of the milk mixture into the egg mixture, and whisk the mixture into the remaining milk mixture.Cook the custard over moderate heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.Transfer the custard to a metal bowl and set in a larger bowl of ice and cold water and stir it until it is cold.


P.S You may even freeze the custard in an ice-cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.



4) Goan Style Kingfish Cutlets



Ingredients:

-3 medium kingfish cooked with lemon juice, haldi, salt & water and shredded
-2-3 large onion very finely chopped
-a paste of mint,3 green chillies and corriander leaves 
-fresh ginger garlic paste
-2 tbsp coconut oil
-1/4 tsp turmeric & red chilli powder each
-1/4 tsp garam masala 
-1 maggi cube
-1 beaten egg


Method of preparation:
Mix all the above ingredients,roll in bread crumbs or rava and shallow fry. Serve hot with or without any sauce and salad.

P.S This is a hot favorite at my place.




5) Grilled Chicken Kababs





Kababs are a favorite way of eating chicken.  So I make these simple kababs very often. I bake them most of the times, but when there is shortage of time, I like to grill them. I made these for a office outing few days ago. Simple, easy and very tasty.

Ingredients:
1 lb (0.4 kg) chicken
1 tea spn chilli powder
2 tbl spn thick yogurt
1/2 tea spn ginger paste
1/2 tea spn garlic paste
Salt
Spice powder(make a powder) -
3-4 cloves
1″ cinnamon
1/2 tea spn coriander seeds




Method:
Add all the ingredients to chicken and leave it for around 1-2hrs.
Grill them till they are done.
Serve with some lemon wedges.
Serves : 3-4
Preparation time : 20mins



6)




Dry Mushroom





















Ingredients:
• 1 Sliced mushrooms
• 2 tsp Bread crumbs
• 1 tsp Garlic paste
• 4 tsp Coriander powder
• 4 tsp Masala powder
• 1 tsp Ginger paste
• 1 Chopped onion
• 2 tsp Chilly powder
• 1 tsp Salt

How to make Dry mushrooms:
In a pan, heat oil.
Mix ginger and garlic paste and stir till it turns brown.
Mix onions and stir, till onion turns translucent.
Mix coriander and masala powder and stir well with mushrooms and chilly powder.
Cover the pan till mushroom is cooked.
Now add salt and stir well.
Add breadcrumbs and keep the dish on fire till it is fry.
Serve hot.















7)Dum Aloo

                              Dum Aloo Recipe


Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg Small potatoes
• 1 Small piece of cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp Caraway seeds
• 1 tbsp Coriander seeds
• 2 Cardamom
• A pinch of asfoetida
• 4 Cardamoms
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 tsp Chilli powder
• 1 Medium size onion
• 2 Cup fine curd
• 4-5 Cloves
• 7-8 Black pepper
• 4-5 Bay Leaves
• 1 tsp Ginger garlic paste
• 4 tbsp Ghee or oil
• 1/2 Cup milk
• Salt to taste 

How to make Dum Aloo:
Make a fine powder of cardamoms, black pepper, coriander seeds, caraway seeds, cloves, cardamom and cinnamon by the help of a blender.
Remove the peel from potatoes and prick them.
Take oil in a frying pan and heat it for about one minute. Fry the potatoes on a medium heat until their color changes from white to light brown. Keep it aside.
Add grated onion, asafoetida, bay leaves and ginger-garlic paste to the remaining oil. Fry the mixture till the paste turns reddish brown.
Add the masala prepared in first step to this mixture and heat for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add turmeric, chilli powder and salt. Fry again for about a minute.
Now pour the milk to make gravy followed by adding fine curd. Keep stirring continuously.
You can pour little water if the gravy appears too thick.
Now add pricked potatoes to this gravy and cook in a pressure cooker. Remove from the flame after 4 to 5 minutes just before the first whistle.
Garnish it with fresh coriander leaves.
Dum Aloo is ready to serve.





8) Chicken Sandwiches:






                                              

Ingredients:

* Sandwich bread
* Boneless chicken
* Finely diced carrots
* Chopped beans
* Mayonnaise
* Oregano
* Chillie flakes (optional)
* Salt to taste
* Butter

Method of preparation:

* Pressure-cook the boneless chicken along with the carrots, beans and salt. After about four whistles, drain away the water and shred the chicken into small pieces.
* Empty the shredded chicken, carrots and beans into a bowl. Add a generous amount of mayonnaise, along with the oregano and chillie flakes and mix well.
* Butter the bread and sandwich the chicken-mayo mixture between two slices.
* Once done, wrap your sandwiches neatly in silver foil and carry them to the office for lunch.












  • Monday, January 17, 2011

    Gals and Shopping: A shopping freak's thought!!


    P.S. Men read at your own risk. It is not meant for YOU.





    Why do most gals love shopping? What makes them a shopping freak?
     
    The thrill of the hunt also holds true for girls and shopping.Being a new shopping freak, I can say that shopping is truly fun and gives high level of fulfillment. I turned a shopaholic some months back and believe me It's fun, as it becomes a pleasurable hobby though I must admit that it does empty my pockets and gets me broke quite often. But still I do shop like a freak! My pals who have shopped with me know it well! They have to drag me out of stores coz i keep buying more and more stuff!
    I love shopping for cosmetics a lot!! I love to pick up lipsticks by Revlon,Lotus,Avon & Color-essence. Lip glosses and Lip liners by the same brands are equally good. My favorites are Lotus Botanical Tinted Lip Gloss and Revlon Street-wear gloss. Eye liners are also pretty interesting! I possess different shades of them like blue,maroon,brown,silver and the traditional black Mascara and diamond glitter beads for eyelashes by Lotus isnt bad either. Also LOTUS HERBALS-NATURAL BLEND-Swift Makeup-SPF 15 is a nice product. I also possess similar foundations and moisturizing powders by Color-essence and Revlon Touch & Glow. I think by now I can start a beauty salon with so many products at home.Also I crave for accessories like artificial jewelery ie earrings,bracelets and anklets. I love collecting them.

    OK that's enough about me!! Some gals are crazy about shopping just the way guys are crazy about gadgets like SLR cameras, bikes, cars etc...And yeah the brand names do matter to some. As for me, brand names matter when it comes to cosmetics only.But some gals are very particular about the brands of tees, salwaar kameez and other ethnic wear like kurtis etc..Its a matter of personal choice.

    Also footwear, handbags and stoles attract many ladies. Its nice to be trendy and in vogue. Frankly, fashion changes every minute and a girl has to keep up with it. It's almost a crime among girls to be outdated.Shopping is a necessary way to follow trends and stay up to date. SO GALS...ENJOY SHOPPING AT YOUR BEST!!

    The best meals I ever had!

    I have always found it difficult to answer the question , "What is the best meal you ever had?" Because there are so many new delicacies that I explore on my frequent visits to different restaurants. I am a very big foodie. All those who have been with me know the fact how big a foodie I am.


    I have to mention some of my favorite delicacies which I often relish in Goa. You guys can try some of these:
    • Sachin Tendulkar Special Prawns Curry Rice at Martins Corner, Betalbatim
    • Golden Fried Prawns at Ritz Classic, Panaji 
    • Batter fried squids with tarter sauce at Texas, Panaji. 
    • Chicken Tikka Dry at Pentagon, Majorda
    • Prawns Biryani & Butter Garlic Prawns at Angels Resort, Porvorim
    • Chicken 65 at Anantashram, Vasco(This is the best chicken 65 Ive ever tasted)
    • Special Pepper Chicken at Peppers, Margao(barbecued chicken in white cream sauce)
    • Mushroom Butter Garlic Fry at Alua, Verna
    • Grilled Chicken & Cheese Sandwich with extra cheese toppings at Ha Ha, Maharaja, Vasco
    • Chicken Nuggets, Tandoori Chicken Pizza & Cheese Sticks at Mc.Cains, Margao
    • Chicken Shwarma at Miramar
    • Chaat at Krishna Bhel Center, Holy-spirit, Margao
    • Chicken Rosemary Quiche, Butterscotch Caramel Pastry & Gelatino Ice-creams at Daily Bread, Panaji
    • Veg walnut & chocolate cake at Cafe Central, Panaji
    • Khaman Dhokla & fresh Kachori at Gujarat Lodge
    • Chocolate shot at CAD-B, Panaji


                                            
    During my recent trip to Pune(ie my second home as most of my close pals reside there) I did explore some good zaaika(flavor) of Pune. Some of them are mentioned below:
    • Kachchi Dabeli & Chocolate sandwich near CAD-B at FC road. 
    • Ginger Tea which you have at 6am in the morning at any tea stalls is very refreshing.
    • Paneer Satay and Shahjani Pulav at Agatya Restaurant, Laxmi Road
    • Chicken Satay at Kyber, Shivaji Nagar
    • Smokin Joes Malabari Chicken Pizza
    • Pure Ghee Soan Paapdi at Kaka Halwai
    • Shrewsburry biscuits at Kayani Bakery
    • Chicken dimsums at Yo China, Kalyani Nagar
    • Caesar Chicken Salad at Bounty sizzlers
    • CHICKEN THALI AT MARATHA SAMRAT AT KARVE ROAD. 

    TO BE CONTINUED........


    Sunday, January 16, 2011

    MY BEST BUDDY - MY SWEET BUKLO !


    "Best friends are the siblings God forgot to give us. They share the good times and help you out by listening during the bad times. They know all about you and love you anyway. They bring out the best in you. When it hurts to look back, and you're scared to look ahead, you can look beside you and they will be there."
    I am really blessed to have met some wonderful angels in my life who stepped into my life some years back and have filled my life with lots of happiness and joy. I could not imagine life without them at school, college and office. I love all of them and consider them a real treasure.

    Amongst all of them is one very special person who has touched my heart in a way like no one else and has brought out the best in me. He has been a sibling, a friend, an idol, an adviser, agony aunt etc…I don’t think any one person plays so many roles in one’s life, if someone does, than he/she is YOUR BESTEST OF BEST FRIENDS. THAT SPECIAL FRIEND WHO IS NOT GIFTED TO EVERYONE IN THIS WORLD.

    Over the several years of knowing each other, I've learned that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time together. We fight a lot just like any siblings. Being miles away does not change a thing. We are connected through the heart and I believe when a relationship is true, distance can’t fade a thing. Some people call us “fighter cocks” but they fail to see the love behind those fights. Everyone loves cares and feels their best friend is the best in the world and so do I. Had I to hear anyone talking bad about my best buddy in my presence, I would not be able to take it and God save that person from ME.[:-D]

    For me, my best buddy is God’s best gift to me after my Parents. He is family. Life would not be right without him. We’ve had so many good and bad times together. But nothing on earth could change the love and affection we had for each other 6 years back. I know we will be best friends forever. No matter where we go, I know we won’t be too far. Even when we are old and gray, buddy I know that you’ll be here still to help me get on my way.
    MAY GOD BLESS MY BEST BUDDY WITH THE BEST OF HEALTH AND PROSPERITY AND FILL HIS LIFE WITH ALL THE LOVE AND HAPPINESS OF THE WORLD.

    Caste System in our society: Boon or Curse?!



    “Aap kaunsi jaath ke ho?!”
    “Which caste do U belong to?”
    “Tujhi zaath khanchi?”

    Familiar phrases…aren’t they?! Often hear people around us using them. This question when asked to me makes me aggressive. I hate this question which distinguishes one human being from another based on some few characteristics.

     
    Castes are those quintessential groups in our society which categorize or rank people based on occupations. A common belief is that the high caste is associated with purity and low status with pollution. A Brahmin or Priest Caste is born with more inherent purity than a Dalit. Even today, in the 21st century, some Brahmins refrain from physical contact with people of lower caste. Members of the Leather work caste are described to be of a very low status because of their association with the caste occupation of skinning dead animals and their leather. Butchers, who kill and cut up the bodies of animals, also rank low on the caste hierarchy because of their association with violence and death. When god made us there was no difference of caste, race etc.

     
    I, representing today’s youth would term it as “Man -made disaster”. I understand the older generation‘s mentality in finding it difficult to
    accept the fact that caste system is a man-made disaster as they have been thought to believe in for many many years. But it feels bad when I see some youth making the unnecessary categorization to the date.

     
    I have seen some upper caste boy refusing a drink from a peer just because that peer belongs to a lower caste. But he willingly accepts a drink from his peer who belongs to his own caste. When questioned by anyone, he shows his thread which he wears under his shirt to the people.

     
    Some temple priests (Purohits) in Goa are no better. I would like to highlight a personal experience which had me shattered and made me act somewhat like an atheist (someone who doesn’t believe in God) for some days. My dad asked me to visit a very famous temple at Vasco and perform an Abhishek (it’s a small ritual or puja which the temple priest performs for your well being). So I obeyed Dad. Dad had told me that the simple ritual would cost less than Rs.30. But when I inquired about it with the temple priest, he gave me a sermon on price hike on every commodity. I had to hear it for about half an hour. So finally the ritual which costs about 15 to 20 bucks at other temples cost me Rs.150 that day. It was a two minute prayer which he said and slipped the money into his pocket without giving me any bill (normally every temple priest gives a bill after a ritual they perform. This man did not give me any.)
    Then he inquired everything about me and my family background including my paternal & maternal grandparents and my origin. I
    felt for a moment that I was answering some matrimonial interview. I answered him very politely because my parents say no matter how badly a priest behaves, you have to respect him. But I was losing it at this man. After a while he called me to take god’s blessings inside the chamber of the temple where the god’s idol is placed. After a moment, god knows what got into him, he asked me a question: “Tu Saraswat Brahminach mago?” I kinda lost it at him and answered firmly to express my displeasure: “Na,haav saraswat nhi. Haav Dalit.” He immediately told me to leave the chamber and move away. And I did so. 


    But what I didn’t understand is Does God Bless his devotees based on their castes? Who are these demons in our society to distinguish us from each other? I came home and told my parents all this and they were fuming in anger too! I didn’t pray or visit any temple for months after that. And I vowed myself that I won’t step in that temple till that psychopath rules that temple.
    THESE PEOPLE NEED TO CIVILIZE. THEY HAVE TO JUDGE A PERSON BY HIS HEART AND BEHAVIOR AND NOT CASTE. WAKE UP INDIA. WAKE UP!!

    Some people in our lives….A thought by Hemangi Naik:

    Ever wondered why some people in our life are nice to us at some point of time and not at other times?

    Well...some people become your friends with you cos of the mutual compatibility you'll share along with attraction to your persona.
    But there is a deeper thought which I would like to highlight.

    Some instances to highlight why people are fond of you and are 'good friends' with you at some time and not at other times.

    ->They seek your attention when they don't get it from others. They want love and affection from you when they feel lonely or advices and moral support when they are surrounded by problems in their life.
    You are there for them during those times. They call you their best pals and even say that you are a sibling to them at that point. You go out of the way to make them feel good.You care and love them and treat them like a sibling. But with time, this sibling love fades...those people forget all that you have been to them..all the love,care is forgotten coz they meet new people in their life who hang out with them,party and give them expensive gifts. So the value of friendship changes!! You are forgotten...its hurts a lot but you have to move on thinking that the one you cared for is happy in life w/o you.

    ->Some people especially of opposite sex are too attracted to you..And if you have some feelings for them..than it could lead to something that's called "Infatuation". You somehow love them for what they are. But they are with you just for aesthetic purpose ie sheer pleasure. When they dislike something that you do which according to them is a crime...they wish to have you out of their lives. So that shows your importance in their lives.

    So here I have to emphasize on the fact that not everyone who you think is closest to you....ACTUALLY IS CLOSEST TO YOU!! Its just a hallucination which you have. Only people you can truly say who care for you despite lots of clashes and cold wars are YOUR OWN PARENTS. They will never show you the door when you need them the most. Rest all relationships in this world have no validity. Can expire anytime.....