Author: sneha pujani

Basic and easy DIY snacks.

Morning blues are very real and in fact would remain so till you retire. From the moment you enter the secondary school, getting up in the morning is a bane to be faced and dealt with. Might as well do it head on. How ? Well, with food of course. For those lucky few who have breakfast waiting on the table when they get ready and have a mother hen forcing them to eat, please stop reading the misery of those who are on their own. Life outside home is more about understanding the value of a MOM and a Home cooked meal than anything else. Having had six year experience staying away and fending for my own meals, I bring to you few tricks for putting together a happy meal so that the day starts of just right and morning blues get a nice surprise. After this you will defiantly not jump up to the idea of getting up, for lets accept it, sleeping is all the more fun, but it will help you deal graciously.

POHA.

Among the easiest to make breakfast or snack ever. All you need is boiled potatoes, chopped onions, challis, salt, sugar, turmeric and poha of course. The meal starts with boiling the potatoes, chop them in eatable pieces once you are done. By the time have the dry poha soaked in water; add little salt when you do this. After the boiling, sauté the chopped onions, add turmeric, challis, chopped potato and salt. Stir till you get a faint yummy smell. In case you need a more specific indicator, make sure the turmeric is spread in the mix, the onions look slightly reddish. Now add the poha after straining the water. Make sure you dislodge the lumps formed in the poha. Now mix the poha into the pan. See the yellow color spread and the delicious smell waft through the house. Add little sugar, more like sprinkle it. Sprinkle few drops of water on the dish, turn down the flames and cover the pan for few minutes.

TIP: this tastes all the more delicious if you add sev on top with few drops of lemon. A cup of piping hot tea/coffee won’t hurt at all.

Bread Poha.

This is called a Friday poha or the leftovers dish for this dish uses all the things most likely to be leftover with you at the end of the week. Simply replace the poha with bread pieces, no soaking required! Cut them into pieces and add to the onion, potato chili, salt and turmeric mix. It tastes just as good and more interesting.

Boiled Corn.

Now this has been a rescue item to me and I have seriously strong feelings for the dish. Just get an ear of sweet corn, shell it out and boil them. Add salt at this point for your taste. In time when the corn is boiled, you can check with putting a fork through it or just taste one, one just needs to strain out the excess water and the perfect snack is ready.

TIP: a dollop of butter will go a long way into making the dish irresistible.

Sprouts

This is same as boiled corn. Do not get into the hassle of bringing in unshrouded ones and then do it yourself. Chip in additional 10 bucks for already sprouted and ready to cook kind of deal. Add all the spices like salt, chili powder turmeric to make the basic version. One can add tomato, onions etc. to spice it up. Get the taste of it and then experiment. Lemon drops won’t hurt either.

Eggs!

Probably a go-to dish for youngsters on their own. Boil them for a nice English feel, poach them or make a nice omelet. Practice making a sunny side up for a delightful breakfast. Make it Mexican style of Indian way; egg is a versatile way to start your day. IF you love to cook, French toast is one of the most loved snacks. Have a go at it.

Mashed Potatoes:

This is a little fancy and really easy way to get your meal ready. Boil a potato, add salt while boiling. They mash it. In an aluminum vessel, cook the potato with milk, chili flakes. This is the most basic way to do it and among the easiest way as well.

Bread delight.

Get a loaf of bread and then let the creativity flow. Go for classic bread butter, bread jam or a toast. Go nuts with Nutella or peanut butter sandwiches. For the health freaks, add on your veggies. OF make boiled egg sandwich. If you have a pan, then put the breads on the pan slathered with ketchup. Add grated cheese on it. Cover the pan for some time. And you have a delicious cheesy snack ready. It is hassle free, cheaper than a pizza and a move over the same old sandwich.

This concludes the easy snack tips. Look out for the one about easy lunches/dinners. Happy munching!

June 11, 2014
For the love of sea-side food (Alibaug beach)

Having lived 30 km from Alibaug, the glorious Arabian sea became like a second home. A feeling shared by many of the co-habitat of the region, I became fiercely possessive and proud of MY beach. With passing time the focus shifted from building sand castles to the serenity of the place . Lately i realized the serenity has as much to do with the food there as it is with the mildly threatening and soothing sound of the sea. The fact is I have lived away from my house for past 6 years and thinking of the beach is not about the lullaby of the waves, it is more about the heavenly food one has there.

It starts from the journey. We are travelling in direction of Alibaug from Mumbai. we start some 30 odd km before Alibaug. Now every one who has that curious bend of mind ( for food ) and does his research for the journey will know that there is a small shamble of a shack on the route to beach. Its halfway through our journey and what you get here is amazing drink called a s Ice cream soda. The soda -pub ( they do not like this tag) have much more to offer, the ice cream soda is widely popular. The place is legacy, with 3 generation of families enjoying same ambiance and surprisingly same server. the Pineapple juice is exquisite and is a part of the journey. the soda is sure to put a kick in your step and energize you fr the tour. The shack has been steady business through the recession period and is highly popular.

Next we travel to the beach itself and here is the mighty sea which calls you out for a dip You can walk and play . Wade through the sea and go explore the beach which is right into the beach. All this will work up a mighty appetite and the highly unhealthy and highly delicious food right outside is like a soldiers welcome back feast.

Here is the list of all the food one can have. Please appreciate the fact that you are soaking wet at this point and have that happy and hungry look. Now dig in.

Pani-Puri.

Those who live around a beach will know and agree that the beach is the one place where pani-puri tastes just right. It may be the air or the ‘feel’ but when the crisp puris mix with the spicy and sweet-sour juice and the added mixture of chick-pea meet the salty air of ocean the amazement of it is unbeatable. he hands of the maker works magic for they serve faster that you can eat and thus begins the race which ends with you giving up. But the end is surely delicious. Entire family crowds around the server to wait their chance for the delicious treat. The sukhi-puri in the end is a sigh of the expert of the preparation.

Other Chaat.

From ragda pattice to bhel to sev puri the whole scene is one which literally defines the beach. One has to enjoy all this when one gets a chance to visit the place. The spice mixes with sweet to create a different experience.

Dosa

It may seem weird but the beaches of Alibaug are known for their delicious dosa preparation. the line for this particular dish is long and tedious but the treat at the end of it is surely worth it. the tangy taste and the pipping hot dosas mix with the cold feet, courtesy of the wet water, makes for a smiling effect.

Coconut Water.

A must have for the beach goers. Period.

Maggie.

This seems like a stroke of genius for when one has a dip in the sea the tummy demands comfort food and what else other than a pipping bowl of Maggie right on the beach. Alibaug gives you this chance. Go nuts.

Chinese Shanty

For chicken lovers, the food list has to have something and beach seems to be a beautiful place to dig into that tandoori. Here you have delicious little hotel which gets you what you want and lot more. the taste has a distinct Konkani touch and the taste is apt for the place.

Gola (snow cones)

The Kala Khatta is the trade mark of Alibaug beach and is a perfect way to end your beach experience. The sweet and savory taste will baffle your taste buds and leave you asking for a lot lot more. It is no compulsion to have this version alone for the choices are abundant. Play with it and create a tradition your kids would love you for.

Alibaug has much more to offer form the famous mayur bakery to many hotels like Flora, foodies sure get their delight here . the sea foods baskets are a special treat.

June 9, 2014
Food from USA- Personal List!

One visit to America and a foodie who has grown with likes of Noddy and FRIENDS and Big Bang theory, reaches the seventh heaven itself. Having all the preparations one see in sitcoms and cartoons come to life is a different experience all together and here I share with you the what and how of my tummies journey through four states. This list is not exhaustive or innovative per say, it is a documentation of a fabulus time with locally loved dishes. the ones who have visited the Sates my relive the experiences and others my drool with jealousy , nonetheless all are welcome on this tummy train down the memory lane. I have compiled few of the restaurants I visited, the road side stalls and the local food which one cant possibly miss !

It has to start with Starbucks !

When you are a coffee lover, it has to be one of the must places to visit. The Italian roast became a personal favorite and the caramel latte was a close second. Classic Cappuccino couldn’t be beaten and hence remained the go to drink. the ambiance, the air impregnated with freshly ground coffee certainly gave me a high. The pumpkin cake was delectable and didn’t hurt my motto to remain as unhealthy as possible. The very first hour in USA began with Starbucks and ended with it. Its a tradition I mean to follow for ever.

Chuys.

Believe it or not, the cheese and meat gets on your nerves after a point of time. It is the Indian taste buds which demande something close to home and here the Mexican dishes come to mind. We happened to visit a Tex-mes chain by the name of Chuys. It has superb enchiladas ( the real version ), nachos and platters and patters of Mexican food with beans and rice and Guacamole. The salsa sauce strikes it home. the unique part is the ceiling has the outer plate of tyres hanging all over. The rustic feel of it is far from sophistication. Something that just relaxes you.

Frozen Yogurt.

With the frozen yogurt being an elusive dish in India past couple years, this was the first experience and probably one of the funnest ones. The whole store have every imaginable flavous from basic strawberry, apple chocolate to mangoes and bubble-gums ! the add ones were varied. Nuts, cookies , marshmallows, Oreo, jams, gummie bears and what nots. Nonetheless my cup of yogurt was overflowing and it was delicious ( took me entire day to finish it ! first time greed.)

Olive garden.

Its not always about the five star rating, it is more about tradition and olive garden has mastered it. The service and the feel of the place is amazing as is the food. 5 cheese ziti, mozzarella sticks and of course the salad and bread sticks. It is Italian american cuisine and is one of the popular places to visit. It is said that the taste is maintained rigidly across all the chains ( 818 of them).

Churro.

This one may not feature in every snack one has in USA but given my extraordinary luck, i had this once and that is hard luck for i still want just one more bite of it. It is a fried dough pastry which has cinnamon-y taste to it. It is long strips as seen i the pic or it may be knotted as well. Technically eaten for breakfast with hot chocolate, we had this on the go in DisneyWorld. They are easy to miss but I strongly advice you to have it once!

Cheese Burger /Hot-dogs/Gyro

The trip has to have the famous cheese burger and hot-dog right from the stalls on the street of New York. The fun and the thrill is unbelievable although the taste of burger is unusual and one needs to get used to it to really apriciate it. The hot dog on the other hand is delicious and yes the mustard sauce does make it interesting. Gyro is a roasted meat sandwhich which is greek dish sold widely in NYC. Head to Rockefeller center and sample the locals.

Mac Donalds/ Subway

Now if the two brands need an introduction, then you are reading the wrong blog my friend. The global chains are must visits here giving you a peak into the source of it all. For eye-openers, the spiciest of the burgers in USA is edible for the spice-loving indian palatte, so be careful with the order. The subway is a different story for they make it as you want , rigt in front of you. so load up on the chillis and flavours to get a facinating mix of taste. The difference is they have chips and soda ( cold drinks ) as a must with subways. The Mac-Ds have unlimited refill for soda or whatever drink you choose. Nice deal , right!

Dunkin-Donuts

America runs on dunkin and it is true! Step out of the subway in NYC and pick a corner to observe. The game is simple for you will easily see those pink and orange marked cups screaming that America indeed runs on them. Needless to say the donuts are amazing as is the coffee. The fight for the chocolate donuts with my cousins is a story for another blog.

Cheese Pizza.

This was among the best ones and it was perhaps the simplest of my demands. a simple cheese decked pizza which strung and stretched and tasted heavenly. stop at whatever tiny eatry in any city you visit and ask for a cheese pizza. it will look something like the picture. Simple and delicious.

Though the dishes don’t end here, the list has to end. Hope you enjoyed the read and are not reaching out for some munchies now!

June 7, 2014
Barbecue the Indian hangout

The west has now twin meaning of Barbecue, it’s to barbecue and to be at one. The sheer tradition that this tiny (not literally!) thing packs in itself is awesome. From sports to backyard parties, Barbecue is a way of life there. The Wild West is set in its way and doesn’t seem to want to change, and rightly so. The untamed east has its versions of the game with the famous tandoor taking the spotlight. However why just confine ourselves to this and stay away from delicious wildness of the barbecue?

The idea seems good enough but is it really so easy? Where would one by a barbecue and top of that how would we convince anyone in our family for this, it seems a strange thing to be asked on our birthdays! But no worries my friend for there is a simpler option where you can just rush into a custom made barbecue just for the armatures like us. This may go to mild for the pros and the nitpicking foodies out there but for the enthusiasts and admirer of the craft this is the place to be. Its Barbecue nation.

The story of this restaurant began in Mumbai and later on spread out to 36 joints in all. It is one of the must try places of Asia, ranks in top 100 in the list. This place is among the 20 must try restaurants of the country. What is it about the lace that in mere 8 years it has loyal fan following who swear by the food and service and are all rearing to barbecue? The idea of over 600 per plate (with taxes) is sure to put off majority of people yet everyone from students to families to corporates swears by it.

To start with the place has unlimited option on the available food. The cooking is a fair mix of American, Mediterranean, Oriental and Indian style of cooking. This typically includes chicken, fish, prawns, crabs preparation for the meat lovers, cottage cheese, pineapple preparations, potatoes etc. prepared uniquely for the veggie lovers. One gets to keep ordering the starters till they wish to eat. The next step is buffet main course with equally diverse and delicious options. The last step is dessert with 5-6 desserts of unlimited count for you. First drink is one the house, this may be iced teas/ slushes or beer, choice is yours!

One of the most obvious attractions here is the live barbecue available for the customers on each table that gives you the opportunity to do the task yourself. The dishes are cooked and given to you with add on flavor to barbecue it with. This adds to the fun and experience of the place and makes it all the more unique.

Festivals:

If food and drinks weren’t enough to keep the crowd busy, Barbecue nation has all the more options to keep the customers loyal.

Grand Trunk road: the dishes complement the iconic path, offering food from the milestone places and it is no doubt a unique palette to experience.

Hakuna Matata: Here the African safari is celebrated with peri-peri chicken and coconut flan and lot more. With complementary hats being given to all. The African safari is a sure shot success.

Merry Madness: this is live troupe singing and dancing to classiest and funkiest music that will make you tap along for no good reason. Life at barbecue is never boring.

Personal input:

After a long day of shopping in heat of Mumbai in May (girls, you know!) we reached the worli Branch (Mumbai) for lunch with happy plans to leave in an hour and get back to the umm work! It was Hakuna Matata festival which meant some waiting. There was African jungle cardboard with pop-in-head for pictures which nicely occupied our time. After the entry and free drinks we were ready to dig in. And we did. I won’t go into all the mouthwatering details but 3 hours later we happily dropped the shopping plans and headed home to catch on some zzz.’s. The place convinced us against shopping and that is something else!

The service is impeccable. The server enquired about the dishes and taste. When a friend commented on the need for more spicy food, the cook was literally called out. The second round of the starters was made spicy for us and it was hot! The servers gave personal attention to the needs, the kind of food preferred and advice on what to try and even how! There were no raised eye brows on the fourth helping of the gateau or the ceaseless picture taking sessions.

Overall this place gives you space, is worth your penny and promises to give you a wonderful memory. The ambience and service separates it from other restaurants thus making it a place for friends or family to chill together with a live barbecue.

Have at it atleast once! The best part is as the bills are fixed on per plate cost, there will be no nasty surprises in the end to spoil your taste.

Cheers!

June 3, 2014
Dessert Dreams

Whats life without dreams and who said the dream has to be productive? It can just be a whim and the whim to eat is the best kind. Here I share with you two of my most delicious whims. One was surmounted and second is eluding me.

The Cheesecake Factory. The place where penny works! This comes from a diehard Big Bang Fan who also happens to be a foodie; unfortunately she is not so well read. The first time I heard of a cheesecake was on FRIENDS with a whole episode seeing chandler and Rachel stealing an old lady’s cheesecake and wolfing it all up on multiple occasions. The idea seemed awesome to me, cake made of cheese. Yummy. The fantasy was well enjoyed and lapsed. With big bang theory the memories came rushing back.

So basically cheesecake contains the main layer as a mixture of soft fresh cheese mixed with eggs, sugar etc. It is usually a layered preparation with the bottom layer made up of crust, graham cracker, sponge cake or even cookies. The cake can be either baked or unbaked. It is usually refrigerated. The topping can be glazed sugar, whipped cream, fruits or even nuts. The most loved flavors of cheesecakes are strawberries, chocolates, key-lime and the ever green one is the classic one.

When the two layers of the cake have to be separately prepared the time taken and the preparation level has to be on the heavier side. This little drop of heaven takes three hours of hard work to be ready. However the buttery, soft and crumbly cheesecake is going to be worth every bit of your time. Internet is full of ‘steps’ to make the perfect cheesecake so just get the eggs and get to work. The few basics that can make or break (literally) your cake are: whipping is the most tedious and the most important part of the process. Make sure you whip as long as possible for it just gets better with every whip. Make sure the crust doesn’t crumble as cheesecakes are notoriously crumbly and finally make sure the temperature is right for your kind of dessert. If you would rather buy than make, just Google out the top 10 places in and around your city and go nuts!! The cheesecakes are all yours.

Now for the dream of Cheesecake factory. I did get to live my dream on my visit to States last year i.e. in 2013. I had tasted cheesecake before (bakeries, Pizza huts etc.) but it just didn’t feel right. In the state of Colorado. I visited the Cheesecake Factory and it was just what I wanted it to be. The air was peppered with slight waft of cheese. It was soothing not overwhelming, it was sweet but not too sweet. And when I finally saw the stand lined with all the cheesecakes I would imagine, the foodie inside me had reached its personal paradise.

From classic one to kiwi and Oreo flavor they had it all. There was a chocolate, marshmallow and even Godiva special chocolate. The taste buds were in trance. In my enthusiasm I ordered 3 separate cheesecakes while my cousins looked on and shared smiles. Later after a single pastry I was full and overfull. Yet I couldn’t stop, I knew I would regret it if I did! (Just like Chandler Bing! FRIENDS). I put the remaining precious pastries in a container and jived my way home. Mission accomplished. What I did not foresee was that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy such lovely delight back home. New Dream: Go to States again!

The second part of dessert dreams is Lemon Meringue. This started when I was in school and some story about some cruise had the girl drooling over a lemon meringue. My professor was a foodie or let’s say a connoisseur of fine dining. He went on to explain the dessert in great detail and the whole class was glassy eyed when the bell finally signaled the end of the class. From that day on, lemon meringue has been elusive preparation for me.

Lemon meringue is a type of pie with a short crust, a crust that doesn’t rise when we bake it. The preparation has only one base crust with the lemon filling as the middle layer and the meringue on top of it. Meringue in itself is a dessert and is made of whipped cream, eggs etc. The one thing about meringue is that it is completely fat-free and hence can be added benefits for the diet-cheaters like me. The preparation is very delicate and requires a very soft and sure hand.

The cupcake or the pie both are supposed to combine the rich sweet and tart flavors of lemon and top it with sweet meringue. The bite has to mix the awesomeness of both the worlds. Haven’t been lucky yet to chance upon one of these but may be some day on some cruise I will drool over these tiny perfections!

If you know where I can find these amazing meringues, please ping!

May 23, 2014