Category: Food

IndiJoe:Foodie dream come true

Behold!Here comes IndiJoe !Another page int he foodie diaries is about to be filled!A true foodie heaven(figuratively)has been uncovered from under folds and folds places and cities.Situated at the Ambiance mall,Gurgaon,this food joint comes across as an actual foodie dream with an ‘all you can ‘eat buffet.You name it and they have it.Indian,Chinese,Thai,Continental,Italian,American,Mediterranean,Mongolian ,and so on and so forth.The list goes on and on.Where some other restaurants may claim to provide similar variety,they cannot maintain a very consistent quality in every dish that they serve.Yet at IndiJoe ,the persistence and consistency is near perfect.From the most simple to the most complex of dishes,they tend to create each dish with equivalent finesse.As you enter,you would see elegant and private looking tables and cubicles that are set to provide for a one to one experience between you and your food. The walls speaking volumes of the craziness with Bollywood and Hollywood stars adorning it,Marilyn Monroe in her much loved smile and grace,urban art and figures surround you.

And from between the sections provided for the tables lies your path to the foodie salvation.At the end of the dining section lies a humongous array of food ,arranged in a buffet.Each pan,each casserole,each vessel brimming with hot ,mouth watering food that is ready to be served.All you have to do is pay for one plate and then you may please your appetite and taste buds as much as you can.The only labor being that of self service.

It is but obvious that as you come to the position of deciding ‘where to star’t and ‘what to eat’,you shall be confronted with a dilemma.The only sure shot way out of it being that you must quickly shortlist a few dishes according to your personal preference and take small portions of each of those shortlisted dishes.Take your own sweet time,indulge in the flavors,relish the aroma and tingle your taste buds with each savory bite,though keeping in mind the awesome taste of each dish I cannot fully assure you that you will be able to zero down on a dish or two,though you will surely learn the skill of rotating the dishes in turn to eat.Confronted by the same dilemma,I found myself stuck between the Mongolian chicken,Garlic noodles,cheese,mushroom and capsicum pizza and prawn curry with rice.Yes that is some variety on a single plate!The Mongolian chicken harbored a soft oriental tinge balanced with the flavor of spices,indeed a much relished form of chicken,the garlic noodles were absolutely remarkable for having maintained a subtle tinge of the strong flavor of garlic without overdoing it,the noodles being non greasy and well seasoned with the requisite ingredients added to the pleasant experience.

An all time favorite pizza,it was hard to resist this temptation,a thin crust well layered with cheese ,capsicum and mushroom chopped finely,a scrumptious treat indeed.

Coming to the prawn curry,maintaining the spicey tag with a tangy taste of tomatoes,the beautiful pinkish brown shade of prawns made it one hell of a delectable dish.An honorary mention to the regular Indian dishes such as Arahar ki daal and aloo ki sabzi that were totally worth eating and paying for.The crispy Kachoris and the burgers with juicy patties were also much enjoyed.Their menu is subject to rotation each day,though each dish is worth eating,absolutely delicious and unforgettable.

There is more out here!For those with a major sweet tooth,here lies more to your ultimate frenzy !They have a fountain that is brimming with molten chocolate,and its really hard not to go and dip one of these soft spongy plain vanilla or chocolate chip cakes in it!

A beatific blueberry cake,so light on the tongue that each bite melts in your mouth leaving the most delectable of all tastes on your palate.The lemon tart with an amazing balance between the sweet and sour taste was indeed well made.Hot walnut brownie with vanilla ice cream,the ‘melt in your mouth’ mal- pua and gulab jamun,and the list goes on and on.You shall definitely end up eating more than the usual.Getting up and serving rounds after rounds,to get some more of their scrumptious food.Every possible way of satiating one’s hunger lies in your plate! Simple or complex,Indian to international,sweet and sour,spicey to subtle,crazy yet gracious,that is how IndiJoe is.Keeping their consistency and quality intact in each dish that they serve,a friendly staff,delectable food,amazing urban yet cozy decor and ambiance,this place is sure to add to some really good memories.You might as well have a full stomach yet you just cannot help eating a few servings more than your actual capacity,and seeing the menu for the desert ,well the stomach itself shall crave for more!The entire world’s cuisines are in your plate,served at a single place,none other than at IndiJoe,what more could you ask for!Foodie dream come true!!Indulge as much as you wish to,a total Paisa Vasool food. BON APPETITE!!

June 11, 2014
Kebabs- something you can drool over.
Kebab is a Middle Eastern dish where pieces of meat or vegetables are grilled or roasted. They can be both vegetarian and non vegetarian. The traditional meat used for the preparation of kebabs was lamb however depending upon local tastes and preferences of the consumers, other options such as beef, chicken and pork also started being used. The kebab was so famous in the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia that it became a part of the everyday cuisine. From the Middle East it travelled to Central Asia and then slowly became a worldwide favourite with time. During the earlier days, the Greeks used portable trays made up of ceramic to grill pieces of meat and vegetables while Persian soldiers used their swords to grill meat over open flames.

Kebabs can be prepared at home as well. One of the methods for the preparation of chicken kebab is given below. Similar way can be used to make other non veg and vegetarian kebabs by just substituting chicken with any other meat or vegetable.

Chicken kebab

Directions:
- Dilute 2 tablespoon of cornflour in 1 cup of water
- Clean the chicken and chop the meat in medium size pieces
- Marinate the chicken with salt, vinegar and black pepper and place it for 15 minutes
- Add to chicken the cornflour mixture with curd, ginger green chillies and garlic with 1 tablespoon of ghee and mix well
- Cover and refrigerate it for about 8-10hours
- Melt ghee in a pan and slowly add the pieces of chicken on high flame
- Fry till the piece turn golden brown
- Once all the pieces are fried, serve with chutney and salad.
Green chicken kebab

This is another recipe for the preparation of chicken kebabs which uses coriander leaves, mint leaves, methi leaves and spinach as well.

Directions:
- Wash about 400 grams of chicken and chop them in medium sized pieces
- Apply salt, lemon, ½ teaspoon chilli powder on the pieces and keep it aside for 10-15 minutes.
- While the chicken is marinating, chop the methi leaves into thin slices and grind it with mint, coriander, spinach leaves, ginger, garlic and green chillies to form a paste.
- Now add curd and spices in the paste and mix well.
- Coat the chicken pieces with the paste and cover it and place it aside for 20 minutes. During this time span the chicken will suck in the smell and flavour of the green paste.
- After soaking the skewers in normal water for, apply oil and arrange the pieces of chicken onto it. Spread oil over the chicken pieces.
- Preheat the oven at about 350F for 5 minutes and after that place the skewers in the oven and leave it to grill for 18 minutes.
- A check has to be kept to see that all the sides of the skewer sticks cook evenly.
- Once the kebab is ready, remove it from the skewer and arrange it on a serving plate and serve with lemon wedges and spicy green chutney.
Veg Chilli Milli Kebab recipe

This is a vegetarian kebab recipe for the vegetarians out there
- Mash 4 potatoes in a bowl and at the same time boil spinach for some time then drain and blend the spinach to form a puree.
- Combine 1tsp of ginger and garlic each with 4 green chillies and capsicum and chop them finely.
- Now mix all the items together. The boiled potatoes, the spinach puree and chopped mixture of ginger garlic with chilli and capsicum.
- To this add red chilli powder, turmeric powder, black pepper, coriander and garam masala powder (1/2 teaspoons each)
- Also add 2 tablespoon of breadcrumbs and salt to taste.
- Wash and clean the skewers and then apply oil over them.
- Preheat the oven at about 350F and arrange the kebabs onto the skewers and then again apply oil over the kebabs.
- Grill the kebabs for about 20 minutes till they are golden brown and have a crispy crust.
- Once the kebabs look nice and golden, remove them from the skewer and place it on a serving plate and garnish it with some fried chillies.
- Your vegetarian kebab is ready to be served.
Vegetable Seekh Kebab

This is another vegetarian dish of Hyderabadi cuisine. This dish can be eaten both as a snack as well as a starter. The main ingredients used in this dish are French beans and cabbage and the special fact about this dish is that it is prepared on a stone.

Directions for cooking:
- In a pan heat 2 tablespoon of oil and then add chopped french beans, carrot and cabbage on one side of the pan and on the other side add about ¾ cups of green peas and mash them nicely.
- Mix everything and cook for about 3-4 minutes.
- In another pan roast gram flour (3 1/2 tablespoon) and caraway seeds for about 2 minutes.
- Now mix the flour with the vegetables along with ginger garlic paste and green chillies and mix well for half a minute.
- Add salt, chat masala and cashewnut powder with the flour and mix everything well.
- Take portions of this mixture and cover it on the skewer and press it around the stick till it’s evenly layered.
- Put oil on the grill stone and heat.
- Now place the kebabs on the hot stone for about 3 minutes till all the sides are slightly coloured.
- Serve the dish by sprinkling it with some chaat masala.
There are many more of such tasty kebab dishes which can be prepared at home. Earlier kebabs used to be consumed only by the royals but with time it became a favourite of all.

Georgie Rajan
June 11, 2014
CHICKEN CHOP SUEY TO THE RESCUE!

Ever had days when you desperately wanted to have something really tasty but was out of your budget?Or got scolded over the phone by your mother for not having something healthy?We all have had those days,and at such times its often noticed that we somehow come across memorable solutions.The ‘jugaad’ tech,the hunt for healthy or inexpensive food that would not bloat us into absolute wobbly humans as our mother warns us,memories of food arranged under such constraints is unforgettable.One such foodie experience is what I wish to share. Hungry,with not much in our pockets to pay, hearts that were reluctant to eat even a single morsel of street food,my friend and I,longed to have something proper,filling and within the budget of say around Rs.200,we racked our brains to work and come up with some decent place to eat.And each time,either the quantity seemed insufficient ,or the costs seemed too high.

With sheer dejection we de- boarded the metro at Green Park metro station,making a starved exit ,devoid of any ideas whatsoever,and there was the answer to our “no street ka khana” problem,a tiny air conditioned eatery stating to serve Chinese ,Thai and continental food,The Flaming Wok.From where we stood we could make out that it was a decent place,but what worried us was again the cost.Desperate to take the chance we walked in feeling the cool gust of air on our faces,we asked for the menu.At first our eyes lingered ,scanning for something that would fit our requirements,section after section we felt like penny less customers who were too hungry to leave and would eventually have to wash dishes to eat the scrumptious looking food they offered.But at the very end of it all we found our section,that of Chinese platter and combos.Having contemplated what would be better we zeroed down to the all time famous Chicken Chop Suey,keeping in mind that we must not regret what we ordered,after all being that hungry makes you no less cranky than an ancient quack.
Waiting in the neat space,seated on the beige coloured chair and table we had not much to look around ,except for an article of Hindustan Times praising the food served here and a certificate for the same.Convinced that though the place is not as huge as other restaurants are,it was well acclaimed for it’s food and service.As some time passed, about fifteen minutes or so ,having drank numerous glasses of water and a Minute Maid Pulpy Orange,we eagerly waited,controlling our pangs of hunger that wrecked havoc in our stomach ,there came a simmering bowl of chicken chopsuey,the oriental aroma tickled our nostrils,mouth watered at the thought of finally eating .

The manager cum waiter politely served us with our portions of the dish.And here I must mention,the quantity even after being served a plate full of the dish was still enough to be served to two more people.The chop suey,in corn coloured gravy ,loaded with vegetables and soft and long slices of chicken would have made any mother proud for seeing their child consume that good a quantity of broccoli,capsicum,cauliflower, lettuce,celery,baby corn ,beans and bell pepper.Colourful and extremely healthy from the variety of vegetables and the chicken soft and tender made the most spell binding harmony to the palate.The brown shaded noodles,crisp and non sticky, fried perfectly made the combination of the two even better.

With each bite ,a savory mix of crispy noodles,tender chicken pieces and well flavored vegetables that retained a slightly raw tinge to their crispiness in a perfectly simmered gravy,made us thankful for having discovered this place and selected this dish.A complete paisa vasool,the quantity was so good that we actually had to get the remaining chop suey packed.The best part about the taste of the chop suey was its balance between the typical Indian version of Chinese and that of the oriental Chinese.This subtle balance,and the evident play of spices and flavor,putting forth the right kind of bland an the right kind of taste adds to the beauty of the dish.

As students we have days of running low on budget,chidings on call for not having enough vegetables,of eating out,precautionary warnings of eating any street food etc though not many college kids can avoid eating out,they can definitely do something about the above mentioned constraints .Flaming Wok seems to be providing a good way to tackle such problems.Easy on the pocket,great to taste and filling for the tummy.A perfect buster of hunger pangs,this Chicken Chop Suey is without a doubt a healthy and delectable treat available at a very pocket friendly price.With other scumptious dishes available as well,The Flaming Wok provides genuine Chinese,Thai and continental dishes .Their prawn based dishes are also a common favorite .Their crispy lamb is yet another addition to the oriental express ,though the price may not be as easy on the pocket.The actual variety of dishes based on chicken,mutton,fish and prawn is really praiseworthy.

Though sadly enough the Flaming Wok is no longer functioning at the green park branch,another branch has been inaugurated at the C.R Park,Delhi.There are many other outlets around the city,though the fond memories of this particular branch is unforgettable.A happy addition to the available eateries,though the address is different,yet the tantalizing taste remains just the same.BON APPETTITE!

June 9, 2014
Biriyani Galore

Be it the heavy rich biriyani in Arsalan or the seemingly light biriyani in Aminia or the just-perfect biriyani in Rahmania – EVERYONE loves a bit of biriyani.

When I joined college, I was literally in heaven. Park Circus is an area oozing out with old and new food places – an abode for food lovers (the fact that the food capital of the city, Park Street is a brief 7-minute-walk away simply adds a few feathers to its shiny blue cap).

Arsalan has been a favourite food joint to visit during the many lunch breaks for the past two years. There’s literally 2 Arsalans, 1 Shiraaz, 1 Kohinoor, 1 Zeeshan and other cheap beef biriyani places – all brooding near my college.

How you expect anyone to be in shape, I wonder.

Biryani, Biriyani, Biriani, Beryani, Beriani or Buriyani – however it is you may pronounce, you are bound to love it – it’s aroma, it’s flavor, it’s exquisite blend of the right amount of spices and the special place it takes you when you have your first spoonful…

Ah!

I’m getting hungry by merely thinking about it. So not fair.

Anyway, here are two recipes if you fancied cooking your Biriyani instead of a take-away.

Mutton Biriyani

Time: 3 hour 30 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

For the rice – 1 star anise, 500 gm basmati rice (washed & drained), 2 bay leaves, 2 black cardamom, 2 tsp black cumin seeds, 6 black peppercorn, 6 green cardamom, 2 cinnamon sticks, 6 cloves, 1 tsp fennel, 1/4th jaiphal, 1 javitri, 3 tsp salt
For mutton marination – 1 kg mutton (cut in 2 inches pieces, preferably front leg part and avoid shoulder cut), 1 Tbsp garam masala, 1 Tbsp garlic paste, 1 Tbsp ginger paste, 3 Tbsp raw papaya paste, 4 Tbsp hung curd, Juice of 1 lemon, 1 Tbsp red chilli powder, 1 tsp salt
Other ingredients – 4 onions (thinly sliced), 2 tomatoes (chopped), 1/4 th cup milk (warm), Ghee, Saffron strands, Oil, Rose water, Kewra essence, 4 green chillies

Direction:

Marinating the mutton – To the mutton add the beaten curd, ginger-garlic paste, raw papaya paste, chilli powder, salt, lemon juice, garam masala. Allow the mutton to marinate for 3 hours.

Making fried onions or Barista –Slice 2 onions very thinly. Separate the slices. In a pan or kadai add oil and fry the onion slices till nicely brown. Take care not to burn them. Fry in small batches. Do not put all the slices at a time, that will lead to lumpy messy onions. Make sure all the onion slices frying are dipped in oil, if needed add more oil. Keep stirring continuously but gently for an even brown color. Take the fried onions out with a slotted spoon or ladle. Keep them on a paper-towel lined plate. This crispy brown fried onion slices are called Barista.

Cooking the mutton – Heat ghee in a thick-bottomed pan. Add remaining sliced onions and green chillies. Cook, stirring continuously, till onions are light golden brown. Add ginger paste and garlic paste and mix well. Add marinated mutton and cook on high heat for seven to eight minutes. Add coriander powder, cumin powder and red chilli powder. Mix thoroughly. Stir in three cups of water, bring it to a boil, reduce heat and cook covered till mutton is almost cooked. Add tomatoes, salt, garam masala powder and fresh coriander leaves. Cook for 15 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally. The ghee would be separated from the spices and there should not be any watery gravy to the meat.

Preparing the rice – Use only good quality long grain Basmati rice. Soak the rice for 20 minutes in water. Wash well till the water runs clear. Drain all the water. In a small piece of cloth take cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, javitri, jaiphal, black peppercorn, shahi jeera, star anise and tie a knot to make a bag (potli). Bring 750 ml water to boil, add rice, bay leaf, salt and potli, cover and cook till rice is done 1/3rd. Drain the water & remove the whole masala potli.

Preparing the saffron-milk – Take 1/4th cup warm milk in a cup and dissolve saffron strands in the milk. Cover and wait for 20 minutes. Add rose water and kewra essence in the milk. Mix well and cover. Keep aside.

Layering the biryani – Take a large heavy bottom pan with tight fitting lid. Add 2tbsp ghee to the pan. Melt the ghee on low heat. Turn and rotate the pan carefully so the ghee can coat the bottom and sides of the pan. Switch off the heat. Add a layer of cooked rice, then cooked meat pieces, sprinkle saffron water, add fried onion slices and ghee. Again add a layer of rice, then meat…go on like this till you are done. Top and bottom layer will be of rice. Cover with chopped pudina and coriander, fried onion and slit green chillies and juice of half a lemon. Put the lid on. Seal the pan with flour dough or aluminium foil, then put the lid. Keep the heat to lowest. And cook the Biryani in this ‘Dum’ process for 40 minutes. Make sure your pan is heavy-bottomed or the rice will burn. Or you can place a flat tawa then keep the pan on that tawa. After 40 minutes switch off the heat and let the biryani stand for another 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve with raita and salad.

Fish Dum Biriyani

Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients: 1 kg fish fillets-cut into 1.5 ” cubes, 2 Tbsp oil, 1 cup onions-grated, 1 tsp ginger paste, 1 tsp garlic paste, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 Tbsp coriander powder, 1 tsp chilli powder, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1.5 tsp salt, 1 cup hung yogurt, 1 cup coriander leaves-chopped, Green chillies to taste-finely chopped, 1 tsp biryani masala, 1/3 cup browned onions

For the Rice – 2 cup rice-cleaned and washed, 2 tsp oil, 4 cloves, 4 peppercorns, 1 cinnamon-broken, 4 green cardamoms, 1 tsp salt, 3 cups hot water, Saffron or color mixed in 1 cup warm milk

Direction: Heat oil and add cumin seeds. When they splutter, add onions and ginger-garlic pastes. Stir fry till fat separates. Add the garam masala, coriander powder, chilli powder, turmeric powder, salt and yogurt and saute till fat separates. Mix in the fish and cook over high heat till opaque. Mix in the browned onions, coriander, green chillies and biryani masala. To make the rice, heat oil and add cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon and cardamoms. When they darken a bit, add rice, water and salt. Mix well and cook till rice is tender but still holds its shape. To serve, put the fish layer at the bottom of the dish, cover with the rice and sprinkle the saffron-milk mixture. Keep in an oven or over low heat, over a tawa for about 15 minutes. Mix to break up the layers and serve.

Image and Recipe Courtesy – cooks.ndtv.com

June 9, 2014
The no-fuss Valentine’s Menu

Valentine’s Day 2014 may have gone. But your Valentine surely hasn’t.

And for your next few Valentine Days, how about you prepare and sharpen your skills beforehand rather than the day before.

Here, by skills, I refer mainly to cooking since that is my forte.

It’s June now. So, you have exactly 9 months to learn and let learn.

For the beginners, you might want to start with something simple and quite easy, like the ‘Eton mess parfait with berry sauce’. For those who cook occasionally, you might be a tad bold and wind up cooking something like ‘Sweetheart choc and hazelnut sandwiches ‘. And for those who cook regularly, well, I don’t really have anything to teach but merely share a few lovely recipes.

For the beginners:

Eton mess parfait with berry sauce

Time: 15 minutes (plus freezing)

Serves: 6

Ingredients: 284ml pot double cream, 200ml pot Greek yogurt, 4 small meringues (crumbled), 200g strawberries (hulled and chopped), 2 tbsp lemon curd, 200g raspberries and strawberries (halved, for topping)

For the sauce – 150g punnet raspberries, 150ml punnet strawberries, 2 tbsp icing sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice

Directions: Line 6 x 150ml ramekin dishes with cling film. Lightly whip the cream, then fold in the yogurt, meringues and strawberries until well combined. Fold in the lemon curd to give a soft marbled effect.Spoon into the prepared ramekins and freeze for 2-2½ hrs or until semi-frozen. Meanwhile, make the berry sauce. Tip the raspberries and strawberries, icing sugar and lemon juice into a food processor and blend to a purée. Pass the sauce through a sieve to remove the pips, then set aside.To serve, turn the semi-frozen parfaits out onto serving plates and remove the cling film. Arrange the halved strawberries and raspberries on top of the parfaits. Serve with a drizzle of berry sauce.

For the Novice:

Sweetheart choc & hazelnut sandwiches

Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients: 4 slices from a small sliced brioche loaf, 3 tbsp chocolate hazelnut spreads, 1 large egg, 75ml whole milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp caster sugar, 2 tbsp chopped toasted hazelnuts, 1 tbsp butter, icing sugar (for dusting), ice cream (to serve), raspberries (to serve)

Directions: Thickly spread 2 of the brioche slices with the chocolate hazelnut spread, then top with the remaining slices to make 2 sandwiches. Use a large heart-shaped cutter to cut the sandwiches into hearts.Whisk the egg, milk, vanilla and caster sugar in a wide, shallow bowl. Tip the hazelnuts onto a plate. Dip the sandwiches into the egg mixture, leave for 1-2 mins each side to allow the brioche to soak up the liquid, then dip one side of each sandwich into the nuts. The sandwiches can be chilled like this, covered loosely with cling film, for up to 1 hour.Heat the butter in a wide frying pan until melted and foaming. Add the sandwiches and cook for 1-2 mins each side until golden brown and puffed up. Dust with a little icing sugar and serve with ice cream and raspberries.

For the Expert:

Beef & beer pie

Time: 4 hours

Serves: 4

Ingredients: 1 onion, chopped, 1 small celery stick (chopped), 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp plain flour, 700g beef shin (featherblade or stewing steak, cut into large chunks), 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 beef stock cubes, 2 sprigs thyme, 540ml can dark ale or beer, 1 egg (beaten), a few pinches poppy seeds

For the pastry – 500g plain flour (plus a little extra), 250g vegetarian suet

Directions: Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Using a flameproof casserole dish with a lid, soften onion and celery in the butter. Stir in the flour until it has disappeared, then stir in the beef and Worcestershire sauce. Crumble in stock cubes and add thyme. Pour over ale, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook in the oven for 2½ hrs. Remove lid and cook for another 30 mins – this should thicken the sauce nicely.Increase oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. For the pastry, whizz the flour, suet and 1 tsp salt in a food processor until there are no suet lumps. Keeping the motor running, dribble in 1 tbsp water at a time until the pastry starts to come together, then tip onto a lightly floured surface and bring together with your hands.Roll out half the pastry and use to line a 20-22cm pie dish. Using a slotted spoon, spoon in all of the meat, then pour over some of the sauce until the meat is just coated. Put the rest of the sauce into a saucepan. Roll out the remaining pastry to cover the pie. Trim the edge with a small, sharp knife, then crimp or fork the edges to seal. Make a small heart from cuttings. Brush top of the pie and heart with beaten egg, then dip heart into poppy seeds and stick to top. Bake for 30-40 mins until golden brown and crisp. Reheat sauce and serve with the pie along with some mash and greens.

Treacle tart hearts

Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling)

Serves: 8

Ingredients: 200g cold unsalted butter (cubed), 350g plain flour (plus extra for rolling out), ½ tsp ground ginger (optional), 100g golden caster sugar, 1 egg yolk

For the filling – 400g golden syrup, finely grated zest of 1 lemon and juice of 1⁄2, 100g white breadcrumbs

Directions: Blitz the butter, flour and ginger, if using, in a food processor until the mix looks like fine crumbs. Stir in the sugar, then add the egg yolk and 2 tsp cold water. Pulse until the dough clumps together, or bring it together with a knife by hand. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and press into a smooth round. Chill for 30 mins or until firm.Roll out the pastry to the thickness of 2 x £1 coins and stamp out 8 x 11cm circles (or cut around a saucer and trim to fit tins). Line 8 x 10cm width heart-shaped tins with the pastry. Re-roll trimmings. With a small cutter, stamp out 8 hearts to decorate. Chill tins and hearts for 15 mins or until firm. Heat oven to 170C/fan 150C/gas 5 and put a baking sheet in.

Stir the syrup, lemon juice and zest together. Divide the breadcrumbs between tins (they should reach to the top of the pastry), then spoon the syrup over slowly, adding more once the first lot has started to soak in. Top with the small pastry hearts. Put tins onto the hot baking sheet and bake for 25 mins or until pastry is golden and the filling is orangey-gold and slightly set. Leave to cool for 15 mins, then turn onto a wire rack. Serve just warm. Will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Heat in a low oven for 5 mins to warm through.

Recipe and Image Courtesy – bbcgoodfood.com

June 9, 2014
ways to eat chia seeds

Chia seeds are traditionally consumed in Mexico, and United States. At present chia seeds are also grown in Argentina, Peru and Bolivia. Chia seeds are now also being grown in Australia, which is quite likely to become the biggest chia growing country in the world.Many Aztecs and Mayans considered chia seeds as their staple food by turning into small granular form and using them as flour, using them as oil and drinking them mixed with water in form of gel. During this period, chia seeds were considered as the super food because they could increase stamina many fold times and helps in building strong muscles.

Chia seeds contain a good amount of fiber- 5 grams in just a single tablespoon. It is this fiber present in the seeds of chia plant which leads to swelling up of chia seeds when mixed with water, leading to the formation of chia gel.

According to the statistical sampling by United States Department Of Agriculture (USDA), a single ounce of chia seeds contains 9gms of fat, 5mg of sodium, 4gms of protein, 11gms of dietary fiber, 27% phosphorus, 30% manganese and 18% of calcium. In 2009, the European Union approved with chia seeds being called as novel food. These seeds are rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, because they include a good amount of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

Chis seeds are food supplements that are totally gluten free, healthy for hair, skin and nails. They are rich sources of anti-oxidants and contains complete proteins with all the eight essential amino acids. Chia seeds have the following health benefits –

1. Helps to lower the cholesterol level.

2. Reducing body weight.

3. Has anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Reduces high blood pressure.

5. Maintains healthy heart and keeps immune system strong.

Ways to eat chia seeds –

There are a lot of healthy ways to use chia seeds in order to derive all the healthy nutritious contents of these seeds. Chia seeds is largely used as egg substitute especially when it comes to baking, due to the unique property of chia seeds to absorb liquids and turn into a gel. These seeds can also be used to grill meat and as a soup thickener.

These are the following ways to include chia seeds in our daily diet –

1. Breakfast topping – chia seeds can easily be enjoyed in morning by just simply adding them to your pancakes, yogurts and cereals.

2. Jellies and jams – chia seeds can be consumed more deliciously by adding it to the purree of fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries and raspberries and converted into mouth-watering jams and jellies.

3. Grilling meat – remember next time you start with grilling, sprinkle some chia seeds to the grilling mixture in order to thicken the spread.

4. Soup thickener – this tip is beneficial for those who are allergic to the use of gluten, you can use an overnight soaked chia seeds as a thickener instead of using the flour thickeners for the soup.

5. To thicken meatballs – meatballs can easily be thickened using a healthy substituent for bread crumbs that is chia seeds, by adding an appropriate amount of chia seeds to your meat.

6. Using as all-purpose flour – chia seeds can grinded or blender in a mixer grinder or with blender and turned into fine powdered form, and can be used as an all-purpose flour.

7. As an egg substituent – as mentioned, chia seeds can easily absorb the liquids and turns into a nice gel, it can be very well used as an egg substituent for baking.

8. Adding to juices and tea – chia seeds can be added to a glass of juice, tea or any of the hot drinks. This can be done by allowing the drink with added chia seeds to stand for a few minutes so that the seeds can absorb some of the liquid, making it into a thick beverage.

9. Chia seeds smoothies or fresca – just 2 tbsp of chia seeds can be added to the smoothies and blended nicely, in order to get the even mixture. For chia fresca , chia seeds can be added to water, lime juice and a spoon of honey to enjoy it in summers.

10. Chia sprouts for salads – this is a simpler and a healthier way of consuming chia seeds- by turning them into sprouts. This can easily be done by putting some chia seeds in water, draining this water off and leaving behind the chia seeds in a jar container for a few days and rinsing and pouring off the water after every 12 hours. Within a few days, you will get chia seeds turning into sprouts.

Some healthy chia seed recipes-

1.so Chia seed smoothie :

   In a bowl, blend almond milk, yogurt, vanilla and 2 tbsp of maple syrup with a little salt. Whisk in the chia seeds in this mixture, and let it stand for about 30 minutes. Cover and refrigerate this mixture. After few minutes, mix it with berries, maple syrup and a few almonds.. Serve this in glasses topped up with berries and enjoy on a bright sunny day.

2. Chocolate chia seed pudding :

   Mix 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 2 tbsp brown sugar and 1 tbsp coffee powder in a bowl and mix them all together until no lumps remain. Add chia seeds to the mixture, also add 1 cup milk to the bowl and mix properly. keep the mixture aside for a few minutes and repeat this stirring again for a few more times. Cover the mixture and refrigerate it overnight. Serve this chocolaty pudding next day with a spread of honey.

3. Chia cherry crunch bites :

   Place 1/2 cup almonds, 1/4 cup cashews, 1/4 cup dates and grind them until finely chopped. Add vanilla, chia seeds, dried cherries and 2 tbsp almond butter and blend them with a blender. Transfer the mixture into another bowl. Now add cacao nibs to mixture and roll them into balls. The chia cherry crunch bites are ready and can be stored in airtight containers in refrigerator.



June 9, 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
Rainy Day Nibbles!

“Rain, rain, go away! Come again another day. “ ~

It’s raining outside and you can hear the raindrops going pitter patter against the window glass. You strain your ears to hear the splashing of the rain against the sidewalk. It is at that exact moment you realize that the Monsoon season has truly arrived.

With the advent of the rains, you can hardly go out to eat as you are bound to get thoroughly drenched in the process. So what to do to satisfy your inconsolable tummy which seems to have a mind of its own? Or in case some unexpected guests drop in at your home? Not to worry! Here is a list of two yummilicious food items along with their recipes that you can make on your own and that too while sitting in the comfort of your home sweet home. We know that it is pleasure personified to gorge on some tasty snacks along with a hot cup of tea or coffee in your hand on a rainy day. So, there you go. Read on as we help you accomplish that goal!

(1) ALOO CHAAT:
This is a tasty snack loved by one and all. Diced potatoes (Aloo) are cooked in oil and deep-fried until they are crisp and golden-brown. Then they are garnished with all your favourite things and ready for you to nibble on! But hey! Wait a moment now. Do we spot drooling?
Hint: Use toothpicks instead of usual spoons or forks to get that perfect ambiance of your favourite street food stall.

Ingredients:

3 Peeled Medium-sized Aloo (potatoes)
1/2 tsp Red Chilli Powder
1 tsp Roasted Cumin Powder
1 tsp Chaat Masala
Tamarind Chutney
Mint Chutney
Chopped Coriander Leaves
Optional garnish – Chopped onion, Tomato julienne, fresh Pomegranate seeds and oil for frying.

Preparation:

•Dice Aloo (potatoes) into fairly large 3/4 to 1 inch cubes.
•Heat the oil in a wok and deep fry the potatoes till golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper.
•In a bowl, place the fried potatoes and toss with red Chilli powder, Cumin powder and Chaat Masala.
•Add mint chutney and/or tamarind chutney according to taste and toss to coat evenly.
•Serve sizzling hot with toothpicks in individual bowls garnished with coriander leaves.
•You can also additionally garnish the Aloo Chaat with chopped Onions, Tomato julienne or fresh Pomegranate seeds.

Preparation Time: 20-25 minutes

Serves 2/3

(2) VEGETABLE SAMOSA:
This is a special North-Indian snack which is extremely easy to make and delicious to eat as well. A fried crispy covering with the stuffing of your choice inside leaves you craving for yet more. It is roughly triangular in shape usually but the size can vary from place to place.
Hint: Potato acts as the binding agent here. So, be sure to be liberal with that while stuffing!

Ingredients For Cover:

3-4 cup all purpose flour (Maida)
Water to Knead dough
2 tbsp oil
Little salt
1/4th tsp Ajwain seeds (optional)

Ingredients For Stuffing:

3-4 Potatoes (boiled, peeled and mashed)
1/2 cup Green Peas (boiled)
1-2 Green Chilies (finely chopped)
1/2 tsp Ginger (crushed)
1 tbsp coriander finely chopped
Few chopped Cashews (optional)
Few Raisins (optional)
1/2 tsp Garam Masala powder
Salt to taste
Red chili powder to taste
1/2 tsp Dry Mango powder( Amchur) (optional)

Preparation:

For Cover:

•Mix all the ingredients together in a big bowl except for the water.
•Then, start adding a little water at a time.
•Pat and knead well for several times until a soft pliable dough is made.
•Cover it with a moist Muslin cloth and keep aside for 15 minutes so that the dough becomes firm.
For Stuffing:
•In a bowl, add mashed potatoes and all the dry masala (salt, chili powder, mango powder, Garam masala) and green chilies and ginger. Mix well.
•Add the green peas, cashews and raisins into the mixture.
•Add coriander and keep aside for a while.

To Proceed:

•Take small rolls of dough and roll it into a 4″-5″ diameter circle.
•Cut it into two parts like a semi-circle.
•Now, take one semi circle and fold it like a cone. Use a little water while doing so.
•Place a spoon of filling inside the cone and seal the third side firmly using a drop of water.
•Heat oil in a deep vessel and deep fry till golden brown (medium flame).
•Serve the steaming hot samosas with tamarind chutney.

Preparation Time: 40-45 minutes

Serves 2

So, what are you waiting for? Come on. Go into the kitchen and get started! Cook these easy to make and irresistible snacks and satisfy those hunger pangs. These lip-smacking items serve to be an instant hit among all your guests as well. We assure you that you won’t be disappointed as these snacks will only add to your happiness on what would have been an otherwise dull and dreary rainy day.

Happy nibbling!

June 7, 2014
Hyderabad Chicken Dum Biryani

Hyderabad Chicken Dum Biryani has a lot of specialty and particularly it is famous all over the globe. The name Biryani is originated from a Persian word Beryan which refers to frying or roasting. Biryani is made out of fine basmati rice. The word Biryani itself enhances the feeling of joy and comfort. No one in the world want to ignore biryani, especially Hyderabad dum biryani has much more craze all over the world. There are many different types and versions of regional biryani recipes but Hyderabadi Dum Biryani is one of the most popular of all.

Hyderabad Chicken Dum Biryani

At first the Biryani was originated in Persia and later it came in existence in India because of the Iranian travellers and their people. This mouth watering dish not only famous in various parts of the globe, daily few millions of people across the globe have this as a favourite dish in their meal. Few people are even addicted and cant even live without having this dish daily. This popular Hyderabad dum biryani is served at all marriages, feasts, parties, occasions etc., whatever may be the occasions in India this plays a important role in all of the dishes. We can find many varieties in Biryani depending on the flavor and recipe there are nearly 49 varieties of Biryanis which includes Biryani made of chicken, prawn, goat, fish, quail, shrimp, deer and hare. Hyderabad Dum Biryani is famously named as “Kachi Akhni” Biryani as both of the marinated meat and basmati rice are cooked together which give a nice flavour of taste.

Ingredients required:

1) Chicken with bone : 3/4 kg (take large pieces)

2)Onions : 2 (cut them neatly length wise and make a deep fry)

3)Oil : 1/4 cup

4)Ghee : 2 tablespoon

5)Basmati Rice : 3 cups (washed and soaked for about 20 minutes)

6)Coriander Leaves : 1/4 cup

7)Mint Leaves : 1/4 cup

8)Bay leaves : 1

9)Cloves : 2

10)shah jeera or black cumin : 2 tsp

11)saffron : 1 tsp

Marinade Mix :

1)Green Chilies : 5-6 (according to the spicy level and finely chopped)

2)Ginger & garlic Paste : 2 tablespoon

3)Turmeric powder : 1/4 tablespoon

4)Coriander Powder : 1 tablespoon

5)Salt : taken upon the required taste

6)Yogurt : 1/2 cup

7)Shah jeera or Black cumin seeds : 2 tablespoon

8)Red chili powder : 2 tablespoon

9)Lime juice : 2 tablespoon

To Grind :

1)Coriander Leaves : 1/4 cup (chopped finely)

2)Mint Leaves :1/2 cup (Chopped Finely )

3)Whole Black Pepper/Peppercorns : 7-8

4)Bay leaves : 2

5)Cloves : 3

6)Cinnamon Sticks : 1

7)Green cardamom : 3

Ingredients required for Biryani preparation

Preparation:

The main ingredient which is most important for the preparation of Biryani is a good quality Basmati rice which is crucial for making best biryani. Apart from this rice other main and important one are cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, fresh coriander leaves, ginger garlic paste, fried brown onions and saffron are added. The best way of having a biryani combination is with dahi chutney or Raita which can be made from a mixture of curd & onions.

Step 1:

The first to start preparing Hyderabad Dum Biryani is that we have to marinate the chicken that we have taken which are cut into big pieces. In this step take the chicken pieces and add ginger garlic paste, fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves,chopped green chilies, pepper corns, black cumin or cumin seeds, chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, salt, whole garam masala which consists of all of these following i.e., cardamom, clove, cinnamon, bay leaves, mace. Along with these masala items take few fried onions that are cut long, curd and oil and now mix all the ingredients well for few minutes until all the spices are added to each piece.

marinate_chicken

Step 2:

Take another pan and add water, salt and rice and they are made to boil such that the rice is half cooked and the flaming if offed then and keep this aside. Now take a large bottomed biryani bowl, to that add these marinated chicken pieces, they are spread linearly at the bottom of this bowl. Above this marinate chicken rice is arranged in form of layers then add mint leaves, fried onion, saffron colour used for the biryani colour and close the lid tight and make it cook for about 30 minutes over a small flame.

Half cooked rice for dum biryani preparation

Step 3:

The lid of the Biryani preparation bowl is covered with midha roll or chapati roll so that we can manage to see that the heat may not escape. After thirty minutes of cooking the rice gets cooked with the marinated chicken juice and it takes the flavour of chicken. Once done switch off and let it be rest undisturbed for another 15 minutes and do not open the lid and make it closed to avoid leakages this particular stage is called dum where the pressure within the vessel develops flavours.

Dum process going on after cooking is completed let it be undisturbed closed tight

Step 4:

After the time of 15 minutes is completed let the lid be opened then you will notice a fine bursting flavors of the spices gushing through the steam. The streams of flavors gushes and the rice looks amazing with the soft finishing, fried onions give it a great look.It’s truly a gorgeous dish with the rich, creamy, golden sauce with the perfectly browned chicken pieces.The piece gets easily chewed which is well cooked and it gives a melted feeling with the contrasting tastes.

Hyderabad Chicken Dum Biryani final look

It can be served with raita to have a better taste.Raita can be prepared by taking slices of onion and cut them into small pieces add curd,salt,mint leaves and mix them so that it gives a better taste with this wonderful Hyderabad Chicken Dum Biryani.

Raita

June 7, 2014
Cake, Lovin’ it!

Cakes… Are they only for Birthday occasions? Not Really. Cakes are such mood changers. They are irresistible. We love cakes and they love us. I don’t think there’s anyone out there who doesn’t love cake. Everyone fancies it and Chocolate cake, its like king of all. Just so delicious. Eating a chocolate cake simply makes our day so effortless. They are yum, rich, creamy, fluffy, soft and what not!
The picture is of actual cake, made by me. It is very simple to make, yet looks delicious. And this is the cake, I have been making from last few years. I got to know about this recipe in my 1st year of graduation and since then, this is kinda my favorite tea-time cake. My family loves the taste and they simply wait for that time of the day, when I will make this cake and serve them. It can take many variations with toppings, and I experiment a lot. I usually bake this cake on weekend and I use electric baking oven. It is simple, easy, light and fun to make and bake. Well, if concerned about calories, for that I am answerless, but yeah, its fun to sometimes put down your diet schedule and enjoy the delicacies. No?! I simply famish it and love to make it and bake it. It is a simple Vanilla cake with Chocolate cream frosting. When I originally made this cake in 2011, I simply garnsihed it with almond and chocolate flakes. Since then, I have played with the flavorings. Vanilla extract (or seeds from a scraped out bean) is classic. Feel free to vary the flavours and make the basic buttercream your own.

VANILLA CAKE
Servings: 4-5

Ingredients:
2 large eggs
½ cup powdered sugar (sugar has to be powdered otherwise it burns)
½ cup maida (flour)
1 tsp baking powder
¼ cup milk
½ cup oil
1 tsp vanilla essence

Method:– Sift flour with baking powder. Keep aside
Beat eggs and powdered sugar till the eggs turn fluffy and the mixture becomes more than double volume. Add vanilla essence.
Add oil to beaten egg-sugar mixture in the bowl. Mix well.

Fold in flour gradually till all the flour is used. Add milk to get a slightly thinner than a soft dropping consistency.
Grease a deep aluminium baking bowl. Pour the batter in it.
Preheat the electric baking oven at 220 degrees Celsius. Then, after that put the baking dish containing batter in the oven and let it bake.
It will take around 30-35 minutes. You can see it through the transparent mirror if you are satisfied with its bake look, you can take it out. You can check by seeing if cake shrunk away from sides of baking pan and is brown form the up side. Cool on a cake rack before removing from the pan.

For Toppings and decorating:

Variation 1: You can spread chocolate sauce on the cake all over and garnish almonds and chocolate and sprinkle on it. There are other decorative eating material available in markets like sugary stars or balls, which you can sprinkle on cake to make it look more attractive.

Variation 2: Buttercream Topping: Mix 100 ml cream (I take Amul cream), sugar (to taste), 2 tablespoons butter and 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder in a double boiler and prepare the chocolate sauce. As it is thick it can be used as a cream on cake and frosting as well. Pour on the cooled cake and spread it with spatula. Garnish with chocolate, almond and walnut flakes. Voila! Your cake is ready!
Chocolate cake with same recipe: To convert a vanilla cake into a chocolate cake, add 2 teaspoon cocoa powder and 2 extra 2 tablespooon powdered sugar to the recipe of vanilla cake given above. After the cake is ready, pour some chocolate sauce on it and serve.
You can also put cherries and strawberries on the buttercream and decorate it as per your creativity. Sometimes, I put Cadbury gems and Cadbury shots on it and it just looks lovely. The most important thing to increase its fluffiness and softness is to whisk it and beat it as much as you can. I usually switch on a tv or songs while beating the mixture and keep doing it for atleast half an hour, taking breaks in between. This way it becomes less tiring. The more you beat, the perfectly it will be baked. It is the key point which you should just follow while making the batter. For a cake, beating is like electricity needed to light a bulb.
It is like perfect tea time cake and can be used in many ways, on birthday occasion or to on some other happy occasion but it just serves well at any time. Above all, when it is baked by you, cake so delicious, it is sure to receive heavy compliments.
You cannot be sad when you can bake. This is what I feel. There is an unexplainable satisfaction when you see your cake baked so perfectly. With so many benefits ranging from so good taste, emotional satisfaction, easy to make and bake, lovely to serve, easy to experiment, can be variated , can be baked to win someone special’s heart, kid’s first choice and many other countless benefits.

So, just keep baking. Love it. Serve it. Eat it.

June 7, 2014