Category: Food

Sagar Ratna:Redefining South Indian Food

Light as air,crispy and paper thin,the marks of the spiral style of spreading the batter on the hot tava,stuffed with well spiced and flavoured potatoes topped off with coconut seasoning,now that is a Dosa that the Sagar Ratna restaurant in Defence Colony,Delhi, serves you with.We all have seen long queues in front of restaurants and eateries that offer Mughlai,Continental,Italian,Chinese,Thai or simply amazing North Indian food,yet Sagar Ratna restaurant will be the first of its kind to have a really long queue out side its gates for something as simple as sambhar rice,idlis vadas and dosas in a place like Delhi,that has no shortage of absolutely fantastic and flamboyant other cuisines of n number of different origins.The majority being eaters of typical Rajma Chawal and Chhole Bhature seem to be hell bent for getting a seat in this restaurant ,so as to savor the ultra light and simple food straight from the south.Mind you ,when i say that the food is simple i do not imply that it lacks in any manner in taste and flavour.The richness of the food here is the most undeniable facet.
The neatness maintained here is absolutely remarkable.A spic and span place with glistening plates and glasses,polite waiters efficiently taking orders,the air a mix of coconut and incense ,the ambiance has its own tranquil yet lively quality.
With a vast menu that covers an amazing variety of vegetarian south Indian dishes,it becomes a task to select particular dishes that you would order.The types of Uttapam and dosas itself are numerous to such an extent that you may no longer be able to stick to the tag of “monotony” when it comes to South Indian cuisines.Types of rices available,be it lemon rice,coconut rice etc to name a few,also add to the peacock feathers of this restaurant.The vadas though not as varied as the other dishes definitely have a taste and crispiness that is unmatched for.
Coming to the “must order” dishes,the South Indian platter tops the list.Though you can also get your fair share of dosa treat,this platter includes Uttapam that is topped with crispy tomatoes ,onions and capsicums(the toppings can also be changed) in a slightly sour tasting batter as an alternative to dosa,a portion of lemon rice that are set to tingle your tastebuds with their tangy flavour,, topped with mustard seeds and cashew nuts peanuts,the crispy reddish brown vadas,soft spongy idlis,a serving of tangerine and yellow coloured aromatic sambhar,servings of the different varieties of chutneys to accentuate the taste and yes for the people with a major sweet tooth, here comes Payasam ,Suji and badam ka halwa.Not to forget,the absolutely satiating butter milk.

Proceeding with the list of “must order”,opting for any dosa mentioned in the menu does quite the trick.Each type of dosa has its own unique flavour and appeal ,hence it is really a tough call to rank them.One could nevertheless rank them in accordance with the fact that how filling each is.The rava masala dosa is a common favorite .A commendable job of taste enhancement is done by the chutneys here.
The Four feet never ending family dosa is yet another addition to the spectacular menu .Just in case we have a gargantuan pang of hunger,this dosa will do just the trick for you and your family/friends.

The filter coffee is yet another must try.The coffee is perfectly brewed and the aroma is addictive.Guess Cafe Coffee Day and Starbucks have an Indian competitor!
The Halwas and payasam available are amazing treats at the end of any meal.Serving deserts that are the right kind of sweet,maintain a praiseworthy balance of flavours.With each bite you can taste the tinge of saffron and sugar mixing softly over your tongue.
With numerous other branches over the entire city ,Sagar Ratna restaurant in Defence colony is a four star on zomato.The best amongst all its chains of restaurants,it has the most amicable staff ,a quick and neat service,and a lively atmosphere.The simplicity of the food that envelopes within itself the complexity of flavours amalgamated by chefs in the most professional and sophisticated a fashion,makes the food absolutely unmatched for,when it comes to overall dining standards.Redefining South Indian cuisines and the general approach towards them,Sagar Ratna offers a variety of dishes that are clearly a fusion of the west and aspects of our nation as well.Not only this,but they also offer North Indian dishes as an inclusion to the South Indian Thali with their scrumptious puris and rasam,which they efficiently recreate on each plate,the flavours distinct yet likable.

A versatile restaurant,with a flexible approach to its customers,the name and fame of Sagar ratna is well deserved.Ideal for a simple yet classy dine in,or a casual ,relaxed breakfast and lunch,this place definitely steals the show.
A vast ,all encompassing south Indian menu,extremely likable service and atmosphere,versatile,fusion based dishes,perfection in flavour and remarkable balance of spices,now that is the true mark of a good restaurant.So jump in for dosas and idlis galore!Its really worth a try!BON APPETITE!

May 31, 2014
Let’s Make a Healthier Pizza
The Dominos commercials may show shiny, happy people gorging on slices of pizza, but you’re nobody’s fool. You know the ugly truth. The dripping cheese that looks so tempting on your television screen is bad news for your heart and waistline. But if you think that means pizzas are to be absolutely cut out of your diet – no matter how much that saddens your inner pizza-lover – think again. What is it that makes any kind of food healthy or unhealthy? The ingredients, of course! So, depending on what ingredients you favour, your pizza has the potential of being a quintessential junk food or a healthy pie. Here’s how to make a healthier pizza at home:
- Go for a whole-grain crust.
A whole grain crust will ensure that each satisfying slice adds more fibre and protein to your body. Store-bought pre-made whole wheat pizza crusts will make your work child’s play. If you’re passionate about building your pizza from scratch, simply substitute whole wheat flour for the white flour in your recipe.
- Cut back on the cheese.
Cheese not only tastes amazing on your pizza but is also a good source of calcium. But dollops of melted cheese all over the surface of your pizza can pack in more calories and saturated fat than you might be prepared to bargain for. A smart option is to go big on flavour and low on calories by using a light sprinkling of a combination of part-skim mozzarella, sharp provolone, and naturally lower-fat Parmesan.
- Load up on the veggies.
They’re nutritious and low in calories. Some delicious choices include sun-dried tomatoes, onions, broccoli, spinach, olives, spinach, peppers and mushrooms. There really is no rule. Pizza night is a great way to use up all that’s in the fresh zone of the fridge – whatever you’ve got, toss it on.
- Choose your meats smartly.
Processed meats like pepperoni and sausages are high on fat content and have been associated with stomach and colorectal cancers. Does that mean meat-lovers have to lose out? No! Swap processed meat for lean steak, grilled chicken, and shrimp for a protein-rich meal.
- Be sauce-savvy.
Store-bought jarred pizza sauces are usually drowning in sodium and other preservatives. Give them a miss and make your own to instantly improve the health quotient of your recipe. Think fresh tomatoes – that are a good source of lycopene, a powerful carotenoid that is fast earning a reputation for aiding the prevention of various types of cancers. If you are not a fan of red sauce, try pesto. It may be higher on fat content, but most of that is healthy monounsaturated fat from olive oil. Besides, the addition of basil and garlic adds a concentrated punch of cancer-fighting compounds.
- Spice it up.
Need a flavour boost? Think spice rather than grease. Fresh chillies and red pepper flakes are a good match for more subtle flavours like fresh tomatoes and herbs. Chilliis known to relieve pain and aid blood circulation, while red pepper is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K.
- Mind your potion-size.
Pizza is one of those foods that folks enjoy with friends and family or while watching a movie in the comfort of your living room. The result? Mindless shoveling of slice after slice way beyond satiation. It is thus worth the while to pay attention to your potion size. Before reaching for that third or fourth slice, ask yourself: do you really it?
- Serve with a salad.
If you have a big appetite or are super hungry, it may be difficult to downsize your meal. So instead of simply eating fewer slices of pizza, team your pizza up with a light salad.

Now that you have the tricks down, here are two simple recipes to help you make your own healthy pizzas.

Pita-Bread Pizza:

This is an easy recipe for a fun, healthy snack.

Ingredients:
- 4-6 whole wheat pita rounds
- 1 cup of pizza sauce
- 1 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese
- toppings of your choice (veggies, lean meats)
Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spoon pizza sauce over the pita rounds. Top with mozzarella and desired toppings. Place on baking sheet and cook for 7-10 minutes. Serve immediately.

Mediterranean Pizza:

This low fat Mediterranean pizza is nutritious and delicious, and is a great way to use up leftover roast chicken. Add a tossed green salad, and you have your dinner ready.

Ingredients:
- A 10-ounce pre-baked whole wheat pizza crust
- ½ cup tomato sauce, with no added salt
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded chicken
- ½ cup sliced olives
- 1 small jar artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 small jar roasted red peppers, chopped
- ½ tsp. dried oregano
- ½ tsp. dried basil
- 1 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese
Preparation:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spread tomato sauce over the crust. Sprinkle toppings on pizza, finishing with cheese. Bake on a pizza sheet for 10 minutes. Serve hot.

So the next time you invite your friends over for a “healthy” dinner, remember that it can include pizza, no matter how bewildered they may be. Gather up, all you pizza lovers! Let’s pledge to make healthier pizzas!
May 29, 2014
Curry in a Hurry – in less than 30 minutes!

Curry is a dish containing complex combinations of herbs and spices, usually including fresh or dried hot chillies. Curry dishes may contain fish, poultry or meat, either alone or mixed with vegetables. They may also be purely vegetarian.

Curries are great for using any leftover food one may have in the fridge from the night before. They are also quite versatile. Most are really easy to make and cost effective. One can keep it simple or spice it up to suit one’s taste.

Cooking a curry need not take long stressful hours in the kitchen. It can be prepared pretty quick and in an easy manner. Not only are these preparations delicious but they are packed with a good deal of nutrients.

My favourite Curry-in-a-Hurry is the Creamy Egg Curry. It is light, healthy, yummy and leaves me wishing I had cooked a bit more.

A few other ‘Yummy – Tummy – Curry’ are:

Speedy Green Chicken Curry

Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients: 1 tsp vegetable oil, 1 red onion (cut into half-moon slices), 4 tbsp Thai Green curry paste, 2 x 400g cans light coconut milk, 2 tbsp fish sauce, zest and juice 2 limes, 1 tbsp brined green peppercorn (drained and rinsed), 200g green beans (trimmed and halved), 4 skinless chicken breasts (cut into long strips), handful basil leaves, cooked basmati rice (to serve)

Method: Heat the oil in a medium pan, add the onion and fry for 2 minutes. Tip in the paste and cook for 1 min more. Pour in the coconut milk, fish sauce, lime zest and juice, and peppercorns. Bring to a simmer, then add the beans and chicken. Cook for 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.Just before serving, add the basil leaves. Serve with basmati rice.

Creamy Egg Curry

Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients: 2 tbsp sunflower oil, 2 onions (thinly sliced), 2 heaped tbsp curry paste, 400g can chopped tomatoes, 8 eggs, 140g frozen peas, 4 tbsp Greek yogurt, rice (to serve), mango chutney (to serve)

Method: Heat the oil in a pan, then fry the onions over a low heat for 10 minutes until golden. Add the curry paste and sizzle for 2 minutes, stirring. Add the tomatoes and 200ml water, season to taste and then bring to the boil. Simmer for 10 minutes until you have a rich sauce.Meanwhile, boil the eggs for 8 minutes, cool in cold water, then peel and halve. 3 Stir the peas and yogurt into the curry and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Put the eggs into the pan, spoon the curry sauce over and leave for another 2 minutes to heat through. Serve with rice and mango chutney.

15 – minute Prawn Curry

Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients: 390g can coconut milk, 2 tbsp Thai green curry paste, 2 tsp sugar, small bunch fresh coriander (leaves and stalks), 400g bag frozen tiger prawns (defrosted, cooked, peeled), 100g baby spinach leaves, juice 1 lime, 1 tbsp Thai fish sauce

Method: Open the coconut milk; pour the thin milk into a jug, keeping back any thick coconut cream. Scoop the coconut cream into a blender. Add 2-3 tbsp of the coconut milk plus curry paste, sugar and coriander stalks and blend to a smooth paste. Heat a wok, tip in the paste, stir fry for 1-2 minutes, then pour in the remaining milk from the jug.Bring to a simmer, then add the prawns and spinach. Cook until the prawns are heated through and spinach has wilted. Add lime juice and fish sauce; then spoon into bowls. Scatter over coriander leaves and serve with plain rice or noodles

Squash and Coconut Curry

Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients: 2 tbsp Madras curry paste, 1 large sqush (chopped into medium size chunks), 1 red pepper (halved, deseeded and roughly chopped into chunks), 400g can reduced-fat coconut milk, small bunch coriander (roughly chopped)

Method: Heat a large frying pan or wok, tip in the curry paste and fry for 1 min. Add the squash and red pepper, then toss well in the paste. Pour in the coconut milk with 200ml water and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the butternut squash is very tender and the sauce has thickened. Season to taste, then serve scattered with chopped coriander and naan bread or rice.

No – fry Thai Curry

Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients: 2 rounded tbsp Thai green curry paste, 400ml can coconut milk, 2 skinless boneless chicken breast fillets (very thinly sliced), 1 red pepper (seeded and cut into chunks), 3 spring onions (halved lengthways and cut into long pieces), cupful of frozen peas, 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander or basil (to serve), rice or noodles (to serve)

Method: Make the sauce. Stir the curry paste over the heat in a medium pan for a few seconds, pour in the coconut milk and bring to the boil.Cook the rest. Add the chicken and vegetables, let it all start to bubble again, then turn down the heat and cook very gently for 5 minutes until the chicken is tender but the vegetables still have some texture. Stir in the coriander or basil and serve spooned over rice or noodles.

Recipe and Image Courtesy – bbcgoodfood.com

May 29, 2014
Your Guide to Surviving Without Cooking
There are days when you love to cook. You look up fancy recipes online, don an apron, and cook up a storm. Maybe you even invite a friend over. And then there are those days when you absolutely don’t want to. You hate the mess, you hate the fumes, and you really the effort required. What do you do then? Order a pizza? Eat out? Drive by a take-out? Any of those options could work once in a while. But college students and 20-something office-goers with rented apartments and no family living in will know that those lazy days come a tad bit too often. Besides, regular assignments and the pressure of timely submissions mean that there are those days, not all that infrequently, when you simply can’t afford time away from your laptop and in the kitchen. The sheer frequency then implies that Dominos deliveries and KFC takeouts might not only burn a hole in your pocket but also deal a heavy nutritional blow to your body!

So are there cost-effective and healthy ways to survive those lazy days without cooking? Thankfully, there are. A little thought, a little creativity can take you a long way. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started.
- Go Paleo.
Growing interest in Paleo diets has revealed just how far modern humans have divorced themselves from the healthy foods nature intended for us to eat. By eating more raw food and following a Paleo-style diet, you will not avoid cooking but also reconnect with some very healthy food choices. Eat foods that can be eaten pretty much in their natural states, without requiring any changes to be made by you – like fresh or dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and long-lasting veggies like carrots, cabbage, and peppers. You could spice up your veggies, too! Try Yogurt, hummus, salsa, and tomato sauce. Do note that if you want to puree or blend nuts, seeds, and fruits, then there is some preparation involved.
- Eat like a backpacker.
Stock up on granola bars, whole-bran corn flakes, whole-wheat cookies, bread, peanut butter, and canned beans. However, take care not to over-supply your kitchen – just as a backpacker keeps moving to new destinations and can’t be weighed down by too much food. Always only have sufficient to eat should you get too busy – or too lazy, as the case may be – in the next few days. This will ensure that you do not begin to live your life off energy bars.
- Be salad-savvy.
Salads are not only easily prepared but also pack great health benefits. They add more fibre to your diet, help keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check, enhance insulin sensitivity, and improve your immune system. And you don’t have to stick to the typical garden salad either. Come up with ways to make your salad more interesting! For ideas, you can always look for easy, no-cook salad recipes online
- Get creative with sandwiches
Sandwiches are easy to make, can taste great, and can be healthy too! Opt for whole-grain brown bread rather than the sliced white stuff that has had all the life processed out of it. Try as many fresh veggies as you can afford to. If you want meat between your bread, go for chunks of real, fresh chicken rather than processed meat like bologna and salami. If you are watching your weight, though, you’d do well to avoid too much cheese or fatty sauces. Instead, go for small amounts of hard cheese for a big flavour boost. For sauces, try mustard, mint, or tomato. Get creative with condiments – pepper and oregano will spice things up nicely. Try eating your sandwiches toasted, cold, open-faced, or heated in the microwave. Don’t be afraid to try sweet fillings such as sliced fruit – you might be pleasantly surprised.
- Use microwaveable foods and meals.
Every once in a while, you could buy food or pre-made meals that you can put in the microwave to heat up and eat up later. But make it a point to include a good dose of fresh food such as an accompanying salad or some lightly steamed veggies. Be sure to read the labels – many microwaveable meals are high in saturated or trans-fats, sugar, salt, and artificial additives. For good quality microwave meals, try a local delicatessen, specialist bakery, or gourmet foods store that makes microwaveable meals and fresh salads for takeout on a daily basis.
- Try the smarter on-the-go foods.
Don’t live off commercial food. They tend to be very high in trans-fat, salt, sugars and artificial flavorings, and colorings. You don’t need all those unhealthy, nutrition-deficient fillers in your body. However, there are ways to choose your take-out options smartly on those rare occasions that you absolutely have to. Skip the double-cheese pepperoni pizza and juicy hamburger. Instead, opt for cheese-free thin-crust veggie pizzas, Asian stir-fries, falafel plates, and salads.

If all else fails, make friends with people who are enthusiastic about cooking and feeding others. But remember to be nice and reciprocate in other ways!
May 29, 2014
Be Salad-Savvy
Salads are a great dinner option. They are not only filling and often easily prepared, but with the right ingredients, they can potentially pack in a whole lot of health benefits. But while urban Indian restaurant-goers are fast developing a taste for Caesar salad and Coleslaw, salads at home still mean a side-dish comprising a few cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes – chopped, diced, or sliced. The result: A boring basic garden salad and a complete lack of interest in the culinary potential of salads. But think again. Great-tasting, interesting salads need not be the exclusive domain of fancy restaurants. All you need do is get creative with the ingredients. A little thought can take you a long way. Here are a few simple recipes to help you get started.

Apple and Lettuce Salad with Melon Dressing

Consuming fresh fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to replenish our body’s water and electrolyte needs. This recipe calls for a wide assortment of fruits and vegetables tossed together in a refreshing musk melon dressing. Enjoy a plateful of good health and pure taste.

Ingredients:
- ½ cup muskmelon purée
- ½ tsp. roasted cumin seeds, crushed
- 3 tbsp. chopped coriander
- 1 cup torn lettuce
- ½ cup shredded cabbage
- ¼ cup thickly grated carrot
- ¼ cup capsicum (red and yellow) cubes
- ½ cup chopped apples
- ½ tsp. lemon juice
- ½ cup bean sprouts
- 2 tbsp. chopped grapes
- 1 tbsp. chopped spring onion greens
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
Method of preparation:
- Blend together the muskmelon purée, crushed roasted cumin seeds, and chopped coriander into a dressing. Add salt and pepper. Keep aside.
- Next, soak the lettuce, cabbage, carrots, and capsicum in ice-cold water for 30 minutes. This will make them crisp. Drain, wrap in a muslin cloth and refrigerate till ready to use.
- Toss the apples in lemon juice and refrigerate till ready to use.
- Combine the lettuce, cabbage, carrots, capsicum, apples, bean sprouts, grapes, spring onion greens in a bowl. Add salt (optional) and mix gently.
- Before serving, add the dressing and toss well. Serve immediately.
Been Sprout and Capsicum Salad

This recipe combines the goodness of bean sprouts with a spicy, tasty dressing. Bean sprouts are a great source of calcium and vitamin C, while capsicum is a potent source for vitamin C.

Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups bean sprouts
- ½ cup thinly sliced capsicum
- 1 ½ tsp. oil
- 1 tsp. crushed garlic
- 2 tsp. vinegar
- 1 tsp. soy sauce
- ½ tsp. sugar
- ½ tsp. chilli powder
- 1 ½ tbsp. roasted and coarsely crushed peanuts
- Salt to taste
Method of preparation:
- For the spicy dressing, heat the oil in a small non-stick pan, add the garlic, and sauté on a medium flame for 15 seconds. Remove from the flame and keep aside to cool slightly. Add the vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, chilli powder, and peanuts; and mix well. Keep aside.
- Combine the bean sprouts, capsicum, spicy dressing, and salt in a bowl and toss well. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Serve chilled.
Egg-cellent Asparagus Salad

This is a power recipe that packs in the goodness of your daily egg and greens into one simple, great-tasting meal.
- 8 asparagus spears
- 2 tsp. olive oil
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 hard boiled egg
- 1 tbsp. vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Methods of preparation:
- Cut 8 asparagus spears into 2-inch pieces; saute with 2 tsp. olive oil and 1 minced garlic clove.
- Top 2 cups greens with cooked asparagus, 1 chopped hard-boiled egg, and 1 tbsp. vinegar.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Grilled Chicken Salad

Hard-core chicken fan? Love a desi zest? Then this is just the recipe for you! This recipe calls for an Indian tandoori-style yogurt marinade for the chicken. Then it’s grilled, chopped, and stirred together with tangy dressing. The flavours are to die for. What’s more? It won’t sit heavy on your waistline either.

Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups low-fat yogurt
- 1 tbsp. canola oil
- 1 tbsp. grated peeled fresh ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ tsp. salt, divided
- ½ tsp. red pepper, ground
- 4 bone-in chicken breast halves, skinned
- Cooking spray
- 1 cup seedless green grapes
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup mango chutney
- 1 cup finely chopped celery
- 1 tbsp. canola mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Methods of preparation:
- Mix the yogurt, canola oil, ginger, cloves. Stir in ¼ tsp. salt and pepper. Place the mixture in a heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag. Add chicken to bag; seal. Marinate in refrigerator for 2 hours, turning occasionally.
- Prepare grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from bag; discard marinade. Place chicken breast side down on grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill for about 10 minutes. Turn chicken over; grill for 20 minutes. Remove chicken from grill; let stand 10 minutes. Remove meat from bones; discard bones. Coarsely chop chicken and place in a medium bowl. Sprinkle chicken with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the chicken; toss gently to combine. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Now that you have the recipes down, go try them out, and create a few of your own. Go take that healthy, tasty walk down salad lane!
May 29, 2014
Burger Urges!!

What is it about that meaty (or veggie) patty topped with mayo, ketchup, lettuce and sandwiched between the oh-so-tasty buns that makes our tongues water? Is it the ambrosias aroma of the spice mix or the spectacular way the Burger sits in front of us neatly packed in its various layers? Or the inexplicable sensation the moment we take our first bite – the burst of flavour that hits us, the heavenly infusion of the crackle and the mayo, the melting of the chicken in our mouth…? Which one is it?

There is no one answer.

There is no answer.

One needs not a reason to love. One simply does.

All of us love our KFC Zinger Burger or McDonald Maharaja Mac. So, why not try making our own Burger at home?

Let’s start with a Burger for the vegetarian souls and then we will gradually move on to the meatier ones.

Veggie Burger with Mushrooms

Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients: 1 15-ounce can kidney beans (drained and rinsed), 1 small red onion (shredded and squeezed dry), 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, 1 small carrot (finely diced), 1 cup plain or whole-wheat breadcrumbs, 2 scallions (white and green parts, finely chopped), 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 2 tsp soy sauce, Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 3 cups assorted mushrooms (sliced), 4 English muffins (split and toasted), mayonnaise and/or mustard (for garnish), baby spinach (for garnish)

Method: Smash the beans in a bowl with a potato masher or fork until slightly chunky. Add the onion, walnuts, carrot, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, scallions, parsley and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper and mix with your hands until combined. Spread the remaining 1/2 cup breadcrumbs on a plate. Form the bean mixture into 4 patties; lightly coat with the breadcrumbs, shaking off any excess. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook until golden and slightly crisp, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer the burgers to a plate. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and the remaining 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; season with salt and pepper and cook until the mushrooms are slightly wilted, 3 to 4 minutes. Serve the burgers on the English muffins with mayonnaise and/or mustard, baby greens and mushrooms.

Falafel Burger

Time: 16 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients: 400g can chickpeas (rinsed and drained), garlic cloves (chopped), handful of flat-leaf parsley or curly parsley, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, ½ tsp harissa paste or chilli powder, 2 tbsp plain flour, 2 tbsp sunflower oil, toasted pitta bread, 200g tub tomato salsa (to serve), green salad (to serve), 1 small red onion (roughly chopped)

Method: Pat the chickpeas dry with kitchen paper. Tip into a food processor along with the onion, garlic, parsley, spices, flour and a little salt. Blend until fairly smooth and then shape into four patties with your hands.Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan, add the burgers and then quickly fry for 3 minutes on each side until lightly golden. Serve with toasted pittas, tomato salsa and a green salad.

Tuna Sweetcorn Burger

Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients: 85g white bread (torn into pieces), 198g can sweetcorn (drained), 2 x 185g cans tuna in water (drained well), 25g grated cheddar, 3 spring onions (finely chopped), 1 egg (beaten), 2 tbsp vegetable oil, wholegrain bread rolls (to serve), lettuce (to serve), salsa (to serve)

Method: Whizz the bread in a food processor to crumbs, tip into a bowl, then whizz half the sweetcorn until finely chopped. Add the chopped corn, remaining whole corn, tuna, cheese, spring onions and some seasoning into the bowl with the bread and mix well. Add the egg, bit by bit (you may not need it all), until the mixture is sticky enough to be shaped into four even-size burgers.Heat the oil in a non-stick pan, then cook the burgers for 5 minutes on each side until golden and hot through the middle. Stuff into wholemeal buns with your favourite lettuce and a good dollop of salsa.

Beef Burger

Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients: 1 small onion, 500g good-quality beef mince, 1 egg, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 4 burger buns, All or any of the following to serve – sliced tomato, beetroot, horseradish sauce, mayonnaise, ketchup, handful iceberg lettuce, rocket, watercress

Method: Peel the onion, slice in half through the root and trim off the top. Place cut-side down on a chopping board. With your knife parallel to the board, cut 3 slices through the onion, keeping the root intact. With the knife point at root end, cut down through the onion from top to bottom, 4 times. Holding the root end, finely slice to give you small diced pieces. Tip the beef into a bowl with the onion and egg, then mix.Divide the mixture into four. Lightly wet your hands. Carefully roll the mixture into balls, each about the size of a tennis ball. Set in the palm of your hand and gently squeeze down to flatten into patties about 3cm thick. Make sure all the burgers are the same thickness so that they will cook evenly. Put on a plate, cover with cling film and leave in the fridge to firm up for at least 30 minutes.Heat the barbecue to medium hot (there will be white ash over the red hot coals – about 40 minutes after lighting). Lightly brush 1 side of each burger with oil. Place the burgers, oil-side down, on the barbecue. Cook for 5 minutes until the meat is lightly charred. Don’t move them around or they may stick. Oil the other side and then turn over using tongs. Don’t press down on the meat, as that will squeeze out the juices. Cook for 5 minutes more for medium. If you like your burgers pink in the middle, cook 1 min less each side. For well done, cook 1 min more. Take the burgers off the barbecue. Leave to rest on a plate so that all the juices can settle inside. Slice each bun in half. Place, cut-side down, on the barbecue rack and toast for 1 min until they are lightly charred. Place a burger inside each bun, then top with your choice of accompaniment.

BBQ Chicken Burger

Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts (skinless, boneless), 4 rashers bacon (optional), 4 large burger buns (sliced in half), lettuce (to serve), tomato (to serve), red onion (to serve)

For the sauce and marinade: 4 tbsp tomato ketchup, 4 tbsp brown sauce, splash of chilli sauce (optional), 2 tsp clear honey, 2 garlic cloves (crushed)

Method: Make the sauce and marinade by mixing everything together in a large bowl and then put a few spoonfuls aside. Slice halfway into the thickest part of each breast and open it up like a book. Flatten down slightly with your hand and then toss in the bowlful of marinade to coat. Chill for as little, or as long, as you have time to.Barbecue the chicken for about 10 minutes until completely cooked through, turning so it doesn’t burn but is nicely charred and sticky. Cook the bacon at the same time until crisp, if using, and toast the buns. Assemble the burgers with lettuce, slices of tomato, onion and the reserved sauce on the side for dolloping on top.

Recipe and Image Courtesy – bbcgoodfood.com, foodnetwork.com

May 29, 2014
Tunday Kababi:Serving Perfection

The effortless tossing and spinning atop fingertips that have mastered the art of making soft,well spanned rumali rotis,skewers being fanned ,the spicy aroma of kebabs being made on open charcoal flames ,the soft smoky smell that lingers in your nostrils,the slicing and dicing of fresh salad,onions chopped into rings and the chutney being made on stone ‘silbatta’ ,coriander,chillies and lemon grounded into a perfect mix. This is the heavenly sight of the Tunday Kababi’s open kitchen in Aminabad ,Lucknow.
Established in the year of 1905,this place has still not lost its charm and flavour.It has never ceased to amaze people.The city of Nawabs has yet another ace in its deck of foody cards.With numerous franchises across the nation,in fact some even around the globe,The original Tunday Kababi is the Kohinoor of its kabab kingdom.

A typical eatery with all the cooking,simmering,frying and brewing happening right in front of your eyes,attaining a seat here is a tough bargain.
A colossal menu that comprises of every Mughlai dish you could think of,presents before you a dilemma that is tough to tackle,let alone dismiss.
To choose between biryanis ,kormas,shorbas and kebabs is without a doubt a really tough call.But to ease that tensed nerve ,here is a suggestion,begin with the all time favorite and famous KABAB.
Galuati,seekh,shaami,kakori,pasinda and boti kabab.Yes THOSE are the types of kababs that you have to choose from.Though it totally depends upon what your personal choice of kabab is,yet for those who are treading on the Nawabi grounds of mughlai food for the first time,a personal favorite is the Galauati kabab.
This particular type of kabab is a favorite of a vast majority,hence in all possibility ,even the rarest of cases who are not fond of anything mughlai will develop a liking to the galauati ,the moment their tastebuds come in contact with the kabab.

What is so special about it?
Well now,getting into the details of WHAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL,we begin with the preparation.Galauati kababs are made from mutton that is well beaten ,tender and juicy.They are then kneaded and rolled into soft lumpy round masses and then pressed down in a perfect circular shape on the ‘tava’ heated on charcoal flame.Flipped more than three times,the benefit of such rigorous cooking methodology will be uncovered as soon as your order arrives.The subtle smoky and spicey smell of crispy kababs is the most prominent of all sights in your plate.Taking the first bite would require you to break a portion of the soft rumali roti and as you pressure your finger on top of the kebab,the crispy crust of it breaks away ,paving way towards a soft ,juicy center. Precisely,this is the beauty of tunday ke kabab.Its not just a treat to the palate but a visual and olfactory treat as well.
Having made your first bite,the very moment you place it on your tongue,you would experience a subtle yet savory blast of flavours.The spices ,the way the mutton is marinated ,the smoky charcoal aroma,the freshness of the chutney and salad,all work together to conjure up the most fantastic of mughal food experiences.After the first,there is no stopping,you shall devour all the contents in your plate.
If your stomach still allows ,the butter chicken,Nahari mutton,Mughlai parantha,mutton curry and mutton biryani are also a must try.Neither too spicy nor too bland,maintaining the perfect balance of flavours the butter chicken and mutton gravy are also among the list of popular favorites.

The Mughlai parantha comes by as a surprise element. Clad in the spongy soft armor of flour made exterior with beautiful brown-1red spots bearing the sign of being well made,resides the core made up of mutton stuffed in every interstice of it.
This preparation is one beast of a dish that absolutely escalates the sensitivity of your tastebuds,catapulting you to the most sensuous of all palatial pleasures.The biryanis have a similar effect.Yet as stated earlier,the kababs are the show stealers .On the whole ,Tunday kababi offers you dishes that envelope your senses and make every bite an experience so indulgent that it leaves an everlasting mark on your memory.Each cell in your brain,stomach and tongue shall remember its delicious and delectable taste.Your olfactory nerves shall tingle at the mere thought of it,and the salivary glands shall water at the name of its dish.

Amazingly enough,an order for two people costs around Rs.250 or so and what is even more praiseworthy is just how filling this food is!As far as the hygiene,quality and validity of the praises showered are concerned,well it has been functional for over a hundred years,has numerous franchises and has a four and a half stars on Zomato,now that speaks volumes!A complete paisa vasool,each penny shelled out is justified by each bite you eat.Value for money,great taste,unforgettable experience and a delectable treat to the senses all under the same roof. The royal foody stroll in the fields of Nawabi Kababi would not have been possible without them!BON APETITE!

May 29, 2014
PANGS OF HUNGER :THE PARANTHA PARADISE

Beyond pizzas ,beyond sizzlers and yes way beyond every five star hotel’s food ,lies the PARANTHE WALI GALI in Chandni Chowk, Delhi.This city has a vast menu and a colossal buffet to satiate a foody’s taste buds,but one’s road to a finger licking dish is not complete in Delhi until and unless you venture into the scrumptious alley of Paranthas .

Every person that walks on the path of Chandni Chowk can easily point out the way to the Paranthe wali Gali.All you have to do is ask if your preferred way of exploring a new area is GPS free.be rest assured that the Paranthe wali Gali offers a lot more than just paranthas. Your first step in there ,and you will see sweet shops and eateries lined up offering you the Desi way of treating your palate and tummy.you name it and they have it.Gulab jamun ,Imarti,Jalebis ,Ras Gullas ,Mishti Doi ,Lassi, an unbelievable range of types of parathas ,whatever possible typical Delhi dish that you can name or think of is what will definitely make you hungrier than ever.
There is not just one eatery that will serve you a plate full of happiness but around dozens of such eateries ,situated in every nook and corner of that very place.

Beginning with the highlight of our foodie journey,that is ,parantha ,one would be absolutely amazed to see the types of paranthas available (even to an Indian ,let alone foreigners.!) .Well thought combinations of Paneer( Cottage cheese), Ghobi (cauliflower),Dal (pulses) ,mushroom ,Kashmiri,mirchi(chilly) and mix parantha are just a handful of the actual menu.These names are only the beginning of all things tasty.Enter any one eatery and you would see a framed photograph of some famous celebrity shaking hands with the cook.Guess we have no reason to doubt the taste and quality of any eatery.

Each of the available eatery is established since decades and is run by at least the third generation of the actual founder.At around 9’o clock in the morning you can visit this place throbbing with customers,the air a mix of orders being shouted out and the aroma of mouth watering food ,fresh pickle and chutney,topped off by the incense burning in a corner.
Having ordered your preferred choice of parantha,you will be served with a huge cabin plate filled with different types of pickles, syrups and chutneys .Aam(mango) pickle{sour and sweet} and chutney, nimbu (lemon) pickle{sour and sweet},hing ka achaar, Sonth ,mirchi(chilly) pickle etc are to name a few.
Within five to ten minutes ,the waiter arrives with the ordered parantha .Do not , at any cost be deceived or disappointed by the size of the parantha.not any bigger than a standard size quarter plate,it is well stuffed and cooked perfectly.regardless of its size,each bite melts into your mouth ,and even before you are able to finish half of that parantha,you will realize that it actually is quite filling.Not to forget the different varieties of appetizing raitas that they offer as well,along with plain,salted or sweet dahi.
Adding to the titillating aspect of your taste-buds,here comes lassi. A glass full of pure ,creamy lassi,be it sweet salted or mix would do justice to every gulp that you take .Who thought that such a non complicated dairy beverage could do wonders to the tongue and tummy.
After gorging on all that yummy food,it is never too late to enjoy something sweet,speaking of which,one would immediately find oneself in an identical state of a child in Charlie’s chocolate factory.Yes ,the treats are that amazing.
The mere sight of hot ,soft,spongy gulab jamuns being made in chashni(sugar syrup),the flawless design of crisp,juicy jalebis and imartis,the cool fragrance of ras gullas,would make space in your stomach in a mere matter of seconds.it takes a mere jiffy for each of these treats to envelope your taste-buds and catapult you to a savory sensation,that asks for more.For those who do not have Such a prominent sweet tooth can top there food with Bhalla Papdi and chaat,a place that serves you with the soft and crispy variety of all things that can be classified under the category of chaats and Gol Gappes.
You are going to return back home,stuffed like new year’s eve turkey ,happy, hail and hearty ,with a lingering taste of all that you ate.Never before would any memory of your’s had been as tasty as the one that you made in the Paranthe wali Gali.
It is obvious that not many of us enjoy the idea of street food and delicacies served by around the corner eateries,some of us might be sticklers for hygiene ,or simply that one might lack taste in desi food..Though it is worth the assurance and conviction,that one must visit the Paranthe wali gali ,at least once,and you are bound to be freed of any hesitation and hygiene issues that grasp your perspective otherwise.These eateries maintain good levels of hygiene,provide mineral water to drink and have freshly prepared stuffing .everything simmers,brews and cooks in plain sight.It is worth every penny that you spend and every step that you take.
So walk in to the paradise of Paranthas and numerous other street food items.

May 29, 2014
Sumptuous Salads

The word ‘salad’ comes from the French word ‘salade’ having the same meaning and from the Latin word ‘salata’ which means salty. In English, the word first appears in the 14^th century. The term ‘salad days’, meaning ‘days of youthful experience’, was first recorded by Shakespeare in 1606.

Salads are of different types, such as, Green Salad (only leafy vegetables used), Vegetable Salad (leafy or non leafy vegetables used along with non-vegetables), Bound Salad (often used as sandwich fillings. Salad examples- Egg salad, Tuna salad, etc), Fruit Salad (as the name suggests, they are made of fruits), Main Course Salad (a type of heavy salad. Example – Caesar salad, Cobb salad, Greek salad, etc.) and Dessert Salad (they are sweet. Example – Cookie salad, Pistachio salad, etc.).

Salads are highly nutritious and good for your health. Moreover, they are quite filling.

They are easy to make and they hardly take much time to be prepared. You can experiment with different textures, colours, flavours and prepare your salad as par to your taste bud.

A few delicious easy-to-make salads:

Chicken Caesar Salad with Herbs and Croutons

Time: 20 to 25 minutes

Serves: 6 to 8

Ingredients:

For dressing – ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 8 anchovy fillets, 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 garlic cloves, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, ¾ cup olive oil

For croutons and salad – 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 garlic cloves (minced), 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary, 3 ¾ inch thick country bread slices (crusts cut off, bread cut into ¾ inch cubes, 12 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper

Method:

For dressing:
Combine 1/2 cup Parmesan, anchovies, lemon juice, 3 garlic cloves, and mustard in processor; blend well. With processor running, slowly add olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

For croutons and salad:
Preheat oven to 325F. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, thyme and rosemary; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add bread cubes to skillet with garlic-herb oil and toss to coat. Spread out bread cubes on rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake just until croutons are golden, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.

Place romaine in large bowl. Add 2/3 cup dressing and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and toss to coat. Add croutons and toss well. Serve (passing remaining dressing, Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper separately).

Roasted Chicken Salad

Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Serves: 10 to 15

Ingredients:

For the dressing – 1 cup mayonnaise, ¾ cup sour cream, ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp honey, salt, pepper

For the salad – 7 ½ pounds chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), salt, pepper, 2 pinches cayenne pepper, 1 tbsp lavender, 1 lemon (juiced), 3 cloves garlic ( minced), 2/3 cup sliced roasted almonds, 1 large onion (chopped), ½ bunch celery (chopped), herbs ( 2 tbsp chopped parsley leaves, 2 tbsp chives, 2 tbsp chopped tarragon leaves)

Method:

For the dressing – Mix all ingredients together.

For the salad – Preheat the oven to 400 F. Clean the chicken thoroughly. Sprinkle salt, pepper, cayenne, lavender, lemon and garlic on chicken. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown. Let chicken cool and then pull it into small strips. Add roasted almonds, onions, celery, dressing and herbs. Mix together all ingredients in dressing. Add the chicken. Mix. Serve.

Greek Tuna Salad

Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients: 3 cans water packed tuna (unsalted and drained), 6 ½ ozs artichoke heart marin (drained and quartered), ½ cup kalamata (pitted, halved), 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbles, 2 tbsp minced garlic, ½ cups purple onion (sliced), 2 tbsp sherry vinegar, ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, ¾ tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black ground pepper (fresh), ½ cup flat leaf parsley (chopped), 1 head butter lettuce

Method: Combine all ingredients except lettuce in a large bowl. Arrange a few lettuce leaves on each of 6 plates. Spoon tuna mixture on top of lettuce and serve with pita chips or warmed pita halves.

Waldorf Salad

Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients: ½ cup walnuts (chopped, slightly toasted), ½ cup celery (thinly sliced), ½ cup red seedless grapes (sliced), 1 sweet apple (cored and chopped), 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, lettuce

Method: In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or yogurt) and the lemon juice. Add ½ tsp of salt, ¼ tsp of fresh ground pepper. Add the apple, celery, grapes and walnuts. Mix. Serve on a bed of fresh lettuce.

Broccoli and Feta Pasta Salad

Time: 50 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients: 1 pound tri-color pasta, 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided), 1 medium head broccoli (chopped into 1/2-inch florets),8 ounces feta cheese, 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives (roughly chopped), 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, flaky salt, freshly-ground black pepper

Method: Cook the pasta in a generous quantity of boiling, well-salted water. Drain and return to the pan or a large bowl and toss until coated with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add the broccoli and cook until crisp-tender — about 5 to 7 minutes. Toss the broccoli with the cooked pasta. Crumble the feta cheese into the pasta, and stir in the olives as well. Whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and vinegar and toss with the pasta. Season generously with salt and pepper. Refrigerate overnight, or until serving.
Recipe and Image Courtesy – epicurious.com, yummly.com

May 29, 2014
Plan your Summer Cooking

Summer is here and so is the sickening heat. So, you need to start planning your summer cooking. I promise this will prove to be a boon later. You need a smart menu to get your way through. Jot down family meals which are simple, less time consuming, healthy and definitely not fussy.

Remember to drink loads of water throughout the day. This will help you get rehydrated and keep headaches at bay. The fitter you are the better. Since in summer it is quite hot most of the time, when you are shopping, shop at one go so you won’t have to keep going back. Always make a list before shopping. Be guided by your head, not your stomach. Learn to keep a well-stocked store cupboard and replace things as you use them. Store food in fridge and freezer – this way, you can make several meals in case of an emergency.

My Summer Collection –

Cheesy Scrambled Egg Croissants (Quick and simple yet incredibly mouth – watering)

[Good source of Calcium; Suitable for vegetarians; Not suitable for freezing]

Time: 7 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients: 8 large eggs, 100g grated cheddar, a splash of milk, chives, 4 large croissants, salt, pepper

Method: in a bowl whisk the eggs, cheddar, milk and some seasoning. Pour into a saucepan and heat gently, stirring continuously, until softly scrambled. Stir in a small bunch snipped chives, then split open 4 croissants and put the scrambled eggs inside.

Spicy Crab Courgette Flowers (Courgette flowers are generally in season in summer. This is a must-have dish)

[Gluten free; Not suitable for freezing]

Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 5 (makes 10 flowers)

Ingredients: 100g fresh white crab meat, 1 red chilli (finely chopped), 1 tsp white wine vinegar, 1 tsp freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley, 10 baby courgettes with flowers, 1 tbsp olive oil

Method: Mix together the crabmeat, chilli, white wine vinegar, parsley and some seasoning. Carefully fill the courgette flowers with this mixture. Twist the top of each flower to make sure that no filling comes out when cooking. Don’t overfill them. Once you have stuffed all the flowers, heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat and add the courgettes. Cook on all sides for about 6-7 minutes. Serve immediately.

Bang Bang Chicken with Sichuan Salad (A hit among friends and family)

[Good source of Folate; Not suitable for freezing]

Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

For the salad – 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, 1 large cucumber (peeled, deseeded and cut into matchsticks), 1 bunch spring onion (shredded), 1 tbsp sesame oil, juice ½ lime, handful chopped coriander

For the chicken – 1 kg pack chicken drumsticks or thighs, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Chinese five-spice

For the sauce – 140 kg chunky peanut butter, 100ml low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 2 red chillies (deseeded and finely chopped)

Method: Toast the peppercorns in a small frying pan until they begin to darken. Remove and cool, then crush with a large pinch of salt using a pestle and mortar. Mix in a bowl with the cucumber. Set Aside. Put the chicken in a bowl and rub in the oil and five- spice, leaving to marinate for an hour or use straight away. Cook on the barbeque, turning regularly, for about 35 to 40 minutes until the juices run clear. Whisk together all the ingredients for the sauce until smooth, adding water if needed. Drain the cucumber and mix through the carrots, spring onions, sesame oil, lime juice and coriander. Serve everything on a big platter.

Spinach with Raisins and Pine Nuts (easy to make and very healthy. You can use other nuts as well.)

[Suitable for vegetarians; Low fat; Gluten free; Not suitable for freezing]

Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 rounded tbsp pine nuts, 2 rounded tbsp raisins, 500g baby spinach leaves, 2 tsp balsamic vinegar

Method: heat the oil in a large pan, add the pine nuts and fry until golden. Add the raisins and fry briefly, then add the spinach leaves and turn in the pan over a fairly high heat until the leaves are just wilted. Sprinkle in the balsamic and seasoning, warm through and serve straight away.

Tomato Tart (A Mediterranean-inspired elegant summer tomato tart. Dig in!)

[Suitable for vegetarians; not suitable for freezing]

Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients: 3 whole garlic bulbs, 2 tbsp olive oil, 375g block all-butter puff pastry, 1 ½ tbsp honey Dijon mustard, 325g cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 egg (beaten), 150g pack soft goat’s cheese, handful basil leaves

Method: Heat oven to 180C . Slice the tops off the garlic bulbs and sit on a sheet of foil. Drizzle over 1 tbsp of the oil, season and wrap into a parcel. Roast for 50 minutes or until soft, then leave to cool (this can be done the day before). Use a sharp knife to cut the pastry into quarters. Roll out each piece and cut into 14cm- diameter circle. Use a saucer as a guide if you don’t have a cutter. Pop the circles on a baking tray and score a 1 cm border around the edge of each, being careful not to cut all the way through. Avoiding the border, prick the pastry all over with a fork and then chill. Increase oven to 200C. When the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the flesh from the bulbs into a bowl. Add the mustard, remaining oil and some seasoning, and use a fork to mash to a paste. Spread this over the pastry, leaving the border clear, then top with the tomato halves, skin inside down, and season well. Brush the edges of the pastry with egg, crumble over the goat’s cheese and bake for 25 – 30 minutes until the pastry is golden and crisp, and the tomatoes are starting to shrivel. Remove from the tray and allow to cool to room temperature. Scatter over the basil before serving.

Recipe and Image Courtesy – bbcgoodfood.com

May 29, 2014