Tag: delicious

4 Reasons Why You Love Samosa

Walk into the nooks and crannies of North India and you will not be able to find a single human being whose lips have not touched the crisp crust and gooey filling of heaven that is in a triangular shape. This lip smacking snack is none other than the humble samosa. We can just wonder why no Indian Neruda has written an ode to it! Samosa is a snack that is made by simple ingredients such as flour, potatoes, peas, salt and other spices. A filling of mashed boiled potatoes is created and spices added to it, in order to give it a flavour to die for. Thin rotis of the kneaded dough are rolled out and the filling goes into it as the dough neatly hugs it from all the sides in the shape of a triangle. This is one snack that everyone loves to have! This delicacy from India has started gaining a fan following overseas too. So much for gluttony! Here, we bring to you the reasons behind this mania for samosas:

1. Easily Available

Go to any part of North India and you are bound to find a person selling samosa. It is one thing which is found in a properly air conditioned and hygienic food chain as well as at a roadside stall. This snack is absolutely omnipotent in nature. It is so easily available that you simply cannot say no to this delicacy. It is said that if you do not like something in the beginning but if you keep on doing that repeatedly, you eventually develop a taste for it and get addicted to it. So, if you are getting a thing at every corner of your city, then how can you ever dislike it? Thus, the samosa available everywhere is one which you just cannot miss. The next time you come across a place with samosas, go grab them.

2. Pocket Friendly

We all love delicious pizzas and sandwiches of high end restaurants and cafes. However, as it is said with great power comes great responsibility. In the similar way, with great food comes great price! But, there is an exception.There is a snack which is so delicious and yet, so cheap. Even in today’s world where a mere cell phone costs a humongous fifty thousand rupees, having something to eat which is so reasonable can just be treated like a blessing from heaven. The humble samosa is available at Rs. 5 to Rs. 10 at some places even today! Ask any college student to name the thing which he/she loves to eat and that person will simply give out two names, Maggi and Samosa! We all know there is a tough fight between the two but given the price for both, you can always be sure that a samosa will never burn a hole in your pocket.

3. Gluttony

As the Bible says, we are sinners and as Satan says, if we are born sinners then we must sin. With the Supernaturals series getting hold of the attention of our generation completely, it is no challenge to guess whose side are we going to choose. Satan, it is! Eating a lot is definitely an inseparable part of your life. Or in fact, to put it in better terms, you do not eat to live, but live to eat or why would you be scanning this website right now! Samosa is a snack that is deep fried and oozes with glistening oil. That definitely does not guarantee a healthy body but the way its palatable nature satiates one’s hunger is beyond the realm of mortals. The unhealthy snacks are the tastiest snacks ever and that is no news to anyone. The same goes for Samosas. This Indian junk food is bound to get you up on your toes to satisfy those desperate pangs of hunger when you just want to eat something really fried and heavy.

4. Avant-garde

If you are a foodie then you must have had experimented with your food and tried erratic combinations that made your not-so-foody (read boring) friends puke and faint at the same time. Samosa is one snack that you can combine with any damn thing on the planet and it would taste just better than before. This avant garde aspect of samosas make them the object of envy for all the other cuisines. One can have a samosa in a simple way with chutney or go one step further and eat it with a gravy based dish made of chickpeas. There are many parts oin India, such as Gujarat and Rajasthan mainly, where the breakfast of samosa and jalebi is the norm. The crispness and spicy flavour of the samosas have the divine soulmate in the form of sweet jalebis. These variants of the simple samosa make it a snack that is meant to be the food of the nation. Nay, food of the world!

June 19, 2014
KARIM’S: A must visit restaurant for the non-vegetarians

Karim’s is one of the most famous non vegetarian destinations located in the Jama Masjid area of Old Delhi. The popularity of this restaurant can be described by the fact that today Karim’s is synonym to the area in which it is located. This place provides the best and most delicious Mughlai cuisine. None of the non-vegetarian food chain in India is more famous than Karim’s. This hotel has simply created its utmost position in providing the ultimate non vegetarian dishes. The reason behind its rise is the use of the secret exotic spices which they use in their dishes.

This hotel was started by the veteran cook Haji Karimuddin who served as the royal chef in the court of the Mughals. In the year 1857, when the Mughal Empire came to end after the last ruler Bhadur Shah Zafer was overthrown by the Britishers, Haji Karimuddin had no other options but to run away from the shackles of the Britishers. He spent the next few years in the small area near the Jama Masjid. Although Haji Karimuddin was in a condition which he never expected of, he never forgot the recipes of mouthwatering dishes that he used to cook for the Mughals. During this time of struggle he taught his son all the secret recipes that were used in these dishes. Finally in the year 1911, when people from different parts of India were coming to Delhi to join the coronation ceremony of the King George V, Haji Karimuddin opened a Dhaba to help the people by providing them with the tasty food during their stay. He started by selling only two dishes. With the overwhelming response that he received, he finally opened his own restaurant in the year 1913 with a view to serve people with the dishes that he used to cook in the Mughal’s kitchen. Since then this family has been serving the royal foods. At present it is the fourth generation of this family which is looking after this famous restaurant chain.

Karim’s has a wide range of the main course and starters in its menu that ranges from chicken to mutton. One can simply select the dish as per their choice and experience the taste they will cherish for a long time. One of the reasons why Karim’s food is famous is because of the fact that they are delicious in taste and quite spicy in flavor. After the mouthwatering meal, one can simply enjoy a variety of desserts which this place has. If you are planning to visit Delhi, then this city has lots to offer in terms of the tasty and delicious food options that will be available in front of you. But if you are one of the non-vegetarians then this is one such place which you must visit. You will surely have the pleasure of experiencing the cuisines that you have never had before.

This is not one of the very highly priced restaurants and so people from all section of the society visit this place to get the taste of the Mughlai foods. Every time you visit this place you will find it filled with people more than its capacity. From the time the restaurant opens and till it gets closed, you can find people all over it. This is the power of the delicious food that they serve. This restaurant is the recipient of the many prestigious awards such as the Golden Plate Best North Indian Restaurant Award for the year 2005. Recently when the Prime Minister of Pakistan visited India on the oath taking ceremony of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he expressed his desire to taste the food from this veteran restaurant. This shows that not only in India, people in various other countries are also aware of the finest food that this place provides and whenever they get a chance to visit India, they do take out time to visit Karim’s. Even the painter M. F. Hussain had words of praise after he visited this restaurant.

Almost all the magazines and shows based on the Indian food have mentions the delicious non-vegetarian food served at the Karim’s. Pioneer described Karim’s as a place which is served by a family which has a rich heritage and expertise in cooking the non-vegetarian food. Not a single hotel or restaurant can match the food being served at Karim’s. In one of its edition, the world famous Time magazine termed Karim’s as one of the best restaurants in Asia. Leading newspapers such as The Hindu, The Sunday Observer, The Asian Age, The Indian Express and everyone else have constantly reviewed this place for their readers and have mentioned it as one of the must visit non place serving restaurant. The world’s famous travel and food shows being telecasted by the National Geographic and the BBC World Guide have also praised this restaurant and have telecasted the story of a family which is so much dedicated in serving the best Mughlai dishes in India.

June 19, 2014
Mouth-watering Kolkata Street Food

Kolkata. The City of Joy.
Kolkata. The land of literature and poetry.
Kolkata. The land of ‘tok-jhal-mishti’.
Kolkata. The city of history and heritage.
Kolkata. The Cultural Capital of India.
Kolkata. The city of street food.

Food as we know goes hand in hand with culture. Street food- the very culture of which began in Kolkata and it holds great importance in the city. Unlike other cities where there are particular areas where you can expect to find chaat-walla, gol-guppa walla and nimbu-pani wale bhaiya, in Kolkata you will find road-side vendors at every nook and crack of the city selling some or the other snack. Once you have lived in Kolkata and if you move out, more than your family you will miss the food- this is a popular belief. I was born and brought up in this city and I have explored all the possible street food items that are available here, being the foodie that I am. So here is a list of the 16 most delicious and mouth-watering street food items found in the City of Joy which sure will leave all of you wanting for more.

1. The all-time favourite: Puchka and Churmur.

This is one of the most iconic street food items and it is an all-time favourite. As we know it, puchka belongs to the Gol-guppa or the Paani puri family, which are the other variations found in other parts of the country. But puchka, as called in Kolkata is thought to be the King of all variations. It contains numerous spices and comes in lot of variations like- ‘Doi puchka or dahi puchka’ which has curd. This is one of the specialities of Kolkata. The spiced mashed potato along with the tamarind or ‘misthti jol’ (Sweet water) in the crunchy puri is sure to make you drool.

2. Jhalmuri

This is another speciality of Kolkata. This is so famous that it has made a mark for it across continents. It consists of puffed rice, spices, chanachur or bhujia, chopped onions, chilly and nuts. It might also have coriander, tomatoes and a coconut slice. This is a food item which can be modified according to the customer’s choice. Jhalmuri is served in old newspaper cones, something which has been an old tradition now.

3. Roll

The rolls found in Kolkata are definitely the most delicious ones you will ever eat. The Kathi roll is again a speciality of this city. Basically a parantha is filled with the stuffing of one’s choice (for example Aloo, paneer, tandoori chicken, egg, etc.) and it rolled up, which the customer is supposed to hold in the hand and eat. Rolls are a favourite of the students or office-workers because it is not only tasty, it is also filling and affordable.

4. Samosa or Shinghara

Usually it is an evening snack, enjoyed with a cup of hot tea. It is a triangular shaped baked of fried pastry and it has a stuffing of mashed potatoes and is served with mishti chutney. They may have variations where the stuffing comprises of paneer, minced mutton, keema, etc.

5. Telebhaja

Quintessentially Bengali, telebhaja means fried items. In every corner of the street you will find small road-side stalls selling fried items such as ‘Beguni, aloo’r chop, pyaaji, phuluri, etc. They are excessively oily but they taste heavenly. This is one item every Calcuttan definitely misses when they leave.

6. Ghoogni

This is a typical Bengali dish and it comprises of Yellow dried peas, onions, chilly, coriander, tomatoes, and seasoned with spices. One may also add sliced carrots and coconut. It is mixed with the peas and served hot in a dry leaves bowl. Some Bengalis also enjoy ghoogni with puffed rice.

7. Chowmein

You might be wondering how this dish is street food? Well in Kolkata it is. You will find street-side stalls where hot and spicy chow is pan fried or stir fried with added vegetables or egg or chicken and served in plastic plates. You have to try it and then you will never want to have chow in a restaurant again.

8. Jalebi or Jilipi

Jilipi as Bengalis love to call it, it a unique type of sweet. One can never say what it exactly taste like because it is crispy, chewing, and soft all the same time. Kolkata has a special variation of jalebi called the ‘Channa’r jilipi’ which is made of channa or thick, fresh cottage curd cheese.

9. Fish Cutlet or fish fingers

As we all know it, Bengalis love fish. Fish and even chicken cutlets once again can be found in and around every street corner and is enjoyed by all. These are really tasty snacks which are mouth-watering and very inexpensive.

10. Cha, Chaai in Earthen cups

Chai is available everywhere in the country. Then what makes Kolkata’s chai so special? The USP of the tea served here is that it is served in ‘Bhaanr’ or earthen cups. Every Calcuttan who has had chai in earthen cups will know that it adds a characteristically different flavour to the tea. The road-side vendors do add spices if the customer demands.

These are the list of 10 street-food items which are delicious and will totally satisfy your taste buds. So all the foodies out there, next time plan a trip to Kolkata and trust me you will not be disappointed!

June 18, 2014
Paneer Tikka
Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka is a popular tandoori snack which is a simple recipe. Paneer Tikka is a marinated paneer cubes which are arranged on skewerss,which are used for holding food and then baked in an oven.It is considered as one of the best paneer recipes.There are many varieties in paneer tikka to prepare.Mostly,paneer tikka is prepared on a tandoor and hence it can be named as tandoori paneer tikka but it can also be made simply through an oven.

Paneer Tikka Masala is used to make Paneer Tikka which is a spicy dish of onions and garlic.The garlic flavor richens the dish.This dish is originated in India and considered as an popular dish in Middle-east and Europe.This dish is popular for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians as many varieties lies in this recipe as it can always be substituted with chicken and also Chicken Tikka Masala can also be added inspite of normal masala powder while preparing.

Paneer

Paneer is a dairy product now-a-days become majorly famous due to its elegance in taste.It is a type of cheese of milk curdled from sheep,goats, cows.It has a good quantity of calcium which helps in building strong body and it strengthens the bones,teeth.It also develops insulin resistance syndrome and helps in back pain and joint pains.As it is rich in proteins,it reduces the risk of cancer and also prevents stomach disorders and is mostly useful for elder women.

Recipe of Paneer Tikka:

Paneer Tikka can also be made in a tawa instead of oven.We also can make paneer at home easily which tends to be healthier than which are available in markets.

Method to prepare Paneer

muslin cloth
1. Boil 2 litres of fresh milk and add vinegar or curd or lemon juice to the milk and stir well and keep it aside.
2. After the milk has been curdled,wrap it in a muslin cloth(a thin delicate sheet) and rinse it with fresh water and squeeze the water.
3. Now,form it like a ball and place it under a saucepan for nearly 20 minutes.
4. Then,paneer of 200 gms is ready and we can use it in all foods.
Ingredients needed for Paneer Tikka-

ingredients needed

requirements
- 2 green and red cubed capsicums cut into cubes
- 1 onion cut into cubes
- 1/2 cubed tomato
- 1 1/2 cup of paneer cubes
- 1/2 tsp of tandoori masala powder
- 1/2 tsp of lemon juice
- 1 cup of hung curd or yogurt
- 1 1/2 tsp of ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp of red chilli powder
- 1/2 tsp of garam masala powder
- 1 tsp of coriander powder
- 1 1/2 tsp of oil
- 1/2 tsp of kasturi methi leaves
- 1 onion sliced for garnishing
- toothpicks
- salt to taste
Preparing Paneer Tikka
1. Take hung curd or yogurt in a bowl and beat it until it turns into a smooth paste.
2. Add all spice powders such as red chilli powder,garam masala,coriander powder,tandoori masala powder and also add ginger-garlic paste,kasturi methi leaves and salt.
3. Mix well and prepare a marinade(a mixture where the food is soaked to give flavor).
4. Now,add paneer and add the capsicum pieces,onions and stir them so that all ingredients are mixed up and leave it for an hour to marinate them.It can also be covered and placed in a refrigerator.
5. Now ,take a toothpick and arrange capsicums red and green,onion,paneer in an order.
6. Switch on the stove and heat tawa and put 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil.After mil heating,lightly fry paneer and vegetables over the heat. and cook them until those items turn light brownish in color for 3-4 minutes.
7. Now,Paneer Tikka is transferred to a plate and slowly remove the toothpicks by pushing the vegetables into the plate.
8. Add 1 -2 tsp of lemon juice over the food and garnish them with sliced onions and serve them.
Paneer Tikka
Paneer Tikka can also be served as a roll wrapped.The vegetables we arranged in toothpicks can be taken or also kept like it while serving.

Paneer Tikka can also be grilled in an oven.The marination process should be more than 2 hours.The more it marinates,the flavors gets fused much more that they get even more tasty after preparation.

You can also use mushrooms,babycorn,cauliflower,tomatoes in this dish.

For low fat,we can add 1/4 cup of milk.

We can add gram flour to the marinade such that it prevents from sticking paneer in the pan.

Also,we need to ensure that the paneer are not overcooked and it is cooked on all sides.

Paneer Tikka is a freshly made spicy Indian dish which can be accompanied with naans,chapati,bread.It is a tasty dish with several variations.It is also served with a gravy known as Paneer Tikka Masala.It has been popular such that even International fast food chains have added this recipe in their menu.Now-a-days,instant making packages are available in markets by different companies.It can be made within less amount of time.But the home made taste can’t compare with any taste which needs to be tasted once in a life time.
June 15, 2014
Street Food Made Easy Part-2

Okay, for those of you who have read the previous edition to this article, I am not going to bother with an explanation regarding what street food is, how it tastes, what are its benefits and the like. However, for those who are reading about street food for the first time, this article will surely prove to be a pleasant surprise. And dare I say both for the tummy and the mind!

Street food can be of various types. It can include heavy or light food items as per your hunger pangs. Well, in this article, I would like to satisfy those among you who prefer the former category.

Often while returning from work or from school or from college, you find your stomach rumbling. Really loudly! Well, what to do? You know that having food from the street is not really the safest bet for your health. But what is the alternative then? It is really simple actually. Just make those street food items which you have been craving for God know how many days at your own home! Follow the recipes given below to get the most satisfying and sumptuous results with the utmost amount of ease on your part. I assure you that you will not be disappointed in the least. Simply read on to find out more!

(1) Dahi Papdi Chaat:

Dahi Papdi Chaat is a very popular north Indian (Maharashtrian) street food item. Chaat essentially means a Hindi word which literally means ‘to lick’. It is now used to describe a whole range of savoury snacks and fast food items across Indian and in some places abroad as well. Papdi refers to the special crisp fried dough wafers which are made in a special way by using refined white flour and oil (mustard usually) as the main ingredients.

Ingredients:

•Crisp Papdis: 24.
•Whisked Yoghurt: 1 ½ cups.
•Salt: According to taste.
•Sugar: 1 tbsp.
•Boiled and Chopped Potatoes: 2 medium sized.
•Blanched Sprouted Green Gram: ½ cup.
•Red Chilli-Garlic Chutney: ¼ cup.
•Green Chutney: ½ cup.
•Sweet Tamarind Chutney: ¼ cup.
•Roasted Cumin Powder: 1 tsp.
•Chaat Masala: ½ tsp.
•Red Chilli Powder: ½ tsp.
•Fresh Coriander Leaves: According to use.
•Sev: As required.
•Peeled Pomegranate (Anar): 2 tbsp.

Preparation:

•Add salt and sugar to the yogurt and whisk further till it has arrived at a smooth consistency. Keep the mixture in the refrigerator till use. In the meantime, arrange the Papdis on a medium-sized plate.
•Place some of the chopped potatoes over each Papdi. Over that, put some boiled sprouted moong. Drizzle a little Red Chilli-Garlic Chutney, Green Chutney and Sweet Tamarind Chutney over those.
•Sprinkle cumin powder, chaat masala, a little red chilli powder and salt. Top it all up with the chilled yogurt mixture.
•Drizzle some more of the Sweet Tamarind Chutney and the Red Chilli-Garlic Chutney. Then add the coriander leaves, Sev and the pomegranate pearls on top at the end.
•Serve immediately.

Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes.

Serves 4.

(2) Pav Bhaji:

Pav Bhaji is an exceedingly popular Maharashtrian street food item that traditionally originated in the Mumbai cuisine. While the Bhaji part of the dish is a traditional Indian name for a vegetable dish, the Pav or Pau or Pao was the Portuguese word for bread (small rolls). Pav Bhaji is native to Mumbai and has now become popular in almost all the metropolitan areas in India especially in those of central and western Indian states such as Gujarat and Karnataka.

Ingredients:

•Turmeric Powder: ¼ tsp.
•Pav Bhaji Masala Powder: 1 ½ tbsp.
•Ginger Garlic Paste: 1 ½ tbsp.
•Finely Chopped Tomatoes: 3 medium sized.
•Tomato Sauce (Optional): 4 tbsp.
•Lemon Juice (Optional): 1-2 tsp.
•Finely Chopped Onion for Garnishing (Optional): 1 small sized.
•Coriander Leaves for Garnishing: According to requirement.
•Butter/Oil for Bhaji: 1 tbsp.
•Additional Butter for Pav: According to requirement.
•Pav (Buns): 6 to 8.

Preparation:

•Add the butter or oil in a pan and heat it up. Add the chopped onions and fry till they turn translucent. Then, add the ginger garlic paste and fry till it gets fragrant.
•Add the chopped tomatoes, the turmeric powder and then sprinkle salt. Continue to fry till the tomatoes turn soft and mushy.
•Add the chilli powder, extra salt and Pav Bhaji Masala powder. Mix well and fry for another 2 minutes.
•Pour water so that it is just enough to cover the vegetables.
•Add the coriander leaves. Mix well and mash the curry if you desire a smooth Bhaji.
•Cook till the consistency of the gravy becomes thick.
•Slit the Pav buns horizontally leaving one edge intact.
•Heat the butter on a pan. Open the buns and toast it for a minute or two. If you like to make it spicier, sprinkle some Pav Bhaji Masala Powder on the inner side.
•Garnish with onions and serve either hot or warm.

Preparation Time: 25-30 minutes.

Serves 3-4.

So, there you are. I am sure that you must be salivating by now if you have read through the recipes and seen the pictures. Especially if you are on an empty stomach! Well, then. Why the wait up? Go to the kitchen and start cooking. Nobody is going to stop you from devouring these delicious food items once you are done!

Happy snacking folks!

June 15, 2014
Assam House Delicacy:Home away from Home

In the Fast Food lane we all have our certain set of experiments,hit and trials,favorites and the ‘do not order’ list,but somewhere down the line we have always longed for food that reminds us of home,if not exactly like our much loved ‘ghar ka khana’.In search of such food ,my friend and I set out towards our destination at Race Course,Assam House Delicacy.The Assam Bhavan harbors this really humble eatery that offers you with special Assamese cuisines.Though I ain’t an Assamese,but where there is food,its worth a try!Having heard much about this eatery depending on the testimony of a friend who recommended us the potato chicken dish,we arrived at around 12 noon(around that time is when they serve the lunch) after a five minute auto rickshaw ride from the race course metro station(yellow line) that costed us Rs.40.
Entering the premises of the Assam Bhavan,a guard had us enter and sign our names in a register and entering further through the doors of the eatery one could see bamboo furniture, table mats that looked like banana leaves and neat and clean tables topped with glasses and paper napkins.

Not very crowded, we saw a couple of people having the traditional Assamese dishes,one could see that they liked it,it was really close to what home’s food tasted like to them.As we sat , a man in a uniform came with two menus in his hands and a writing pad ,with a soft hospitable smile.Ordering the much praised chicken and potato with chapatis and rice we awaited the arrival of our food .The waiter returned back with two medium sized bowls of some herbal appetizer cum soup before our actual order arrived.Warm with a tinge of ginger ,this herbal concoction was really soothing despite the blistering heat,and it really worked up our appetite as well.

After a bowl full of goodness there came our simmering bowl of chicken and potato accompanied with hot chapatis , rice,chutney and salad.
A beatific bowl full of soft juicy pieces of well seasoned and flavored chicken with hand smashed chunks of potatoes and peas.The chapatis,crispy yet soft made it evident that the dough was well kneaded.Basmati rice with a subtle aroma peeped up inside its bowl.
With a civilized start,as we served our portions and began eating,bite after bite our speed of eating quickened as if it was the last time we’d ever eat this dish again,hogging ,overeating and devouring .Though not as uncivilized as it sounds,the chicken definitely had us eating like famished souls.the tingly taste of lemon,the refreshing turmeric’s taste,fresh salad,the spicey and minty chutney grinded freshly for consumption and chapatis conjured the most nostalgic of all effects.We had the Ego moment from the movie Ratatouille the instant we had popped in the first bite.

You can(maybe)fathom the depth of emotions and memories,this one dish triggered. Each bite that lingered on your tongue urged you to keep on eating.After six chapatis(three each) and a bowlful of rice down in the pit of our tummies,we sat there satiated,relishing the typical ‘halwai’effect on the way our stomachs felt.The entire meal for two was worth about Rs.350 was indeed the best ever experience one could have.By stating this,I do not intend to demean the scrumptious treats that so many restaurants and eateries line up,though as a person away from home who has to deal with fast food and depends on the canteen food each day,this was certainly our bowl of happiness.Other dishes like dal and mix vegetables,fish curries and prawns are worth a mention.They too add to the homely perfection.The way the food tastes,simple undiluted and untouched by the need to serve ‘as much as you can’,the Assam house Delicacy prepares each dish on order.Nothing and by which I mean absolutely nothing is prepared before hand or served stale.Fresh ,hot and served with a smile,even the waiter seems to relish his customer’s satisfaction.

Occasionally indulging into foodie treats that are closer to one’s root seems a necessary act one must perform.It is when one is away from home that one learns to appreciate what they had.The idea itself varies from person to person,yet whatever a person deems as his or her haven,a place where the heart finds peace,would undoubtedly be identical to what this neat and clean eatery served you with.Its nothing extravagant,neither flamboyant,it is simplicity at its best.I would not call the taste mind blowing,but rather its what lulls your mind to the most peaceful of states with a tinge childlike excitement at having your favorite dish. The taste definitely reminds you of how your mother prepared things,how her curries and gravies were never too thick and sweet,nor layered with market bought cream,but plain ,savory,a little imperfect in the restaurant sense but the best when it came to the impeccable balance of flavors that created absolute magic on your taste buds.For once eating at the Assam house Delicacy,we found ourselves happier than at any other place we have ever visited.An instant favorite,I recommend this to anyone who craves for ‘ghar ka khana’.BON APPETITE!

June 13, 2014
Cupcakes
Cupcakes are small sized cakes suitable to be served to one person. These cakes are baked in small aluminum cups or thin paper and decorated similar to how normal sized cakes are decorated. Therefore one can see cupcakes as a miniature form of the normal sized cakes. In old times cakes used to me made in pottery cups or coffee mugs until the discovery of muffin tins which was a metal pan with or without a non sticky surface and had depressions or cups made in them. The number of such depressions ranged between 6 to 12 depending upon the length of the pan and the size of these depressions. Other than metal, such pans were made using materials such as silicone and stoneware. If we notice a cupcake, we find that the lower portion of the cake is covered with a thin sheet of paper. These are patty cases or cupcake liners which are used for bakes these cakes. This paper or cupcake liners are made up of paper or very thin aluminum foil or silicone rubber. These liners are placed in the packets of the muffin tin wherein the batter is put before it goes for baking. The main purpose or use of such liners is that they keep the cupcakes moist and makes it easy to remove the cakes from the tin once baking is over. It also saves time and efforts which would be otherwise put in cleaning the tin after baking is over. For people who could not afford a muffin tin, aluminum foils or silicone liners became handy can they could balance on their own. The paper used here are not the normal paper we find but are thicker yet lighter in nature. Some bakers use 2-3 paper liners joint together to make its stability similar to a single aluminum foil. Such liners also like muffin tin come in different shapes and sizes depending upon the size of the cupcake to be baked.

According to food historians, cupcakes originated in the United States around the 19^th century. The creation of cupcakes is considered to be a revolution in the field of baking due to the amount of time it saves in the kitchen however the origin of the name is still unknown. Historians have come up with two sets of theory which details out how the name could have come into existence. According to one theory the name “cupcakes” was devised from the fact that these cakes were made in cups or coffee mugs and the second theory states that the name was introduced because the ingredients used to make this cake was measured in cups like 1 cup of butter, 3 cups of flour etc. However nobody knows which of these theories explains the truth.

“Sprinkles cupcakes” established in Beverly Hills is considered to be the first cupcake bakery to be started by two investment bankers who had started this business at the time when the market of cakes and bakery products was falling. Though a very risky venture, the two partners believed that the survival of the industry now rested on their shoulders. The partners finally felt relieved that their decision to run the business was correct when the first set of cakes which was produced was sold out in no time and they had to bake more in order to meet the demand for the day. Around 2500 cakes were sold that very day and this was the start of cupcake fever. Cupcakes always proved convenient when compared to the normal sized cakes because they took less time to bake and secondly because of the use of muffin tins, the base of these cakes also did not burn. Since its creation they have been a boom in the culinary world with dozens of bakeries, cookbooks, blogs specially dedicated to them. The market for cupcakes saw a 52% increase in sales during the year 2010-2011 with market speculators predicting a rise in this percent in the future.

Cupcakes are easy to make and can be made at home as well on special occasions such a parties and family gatherings. With different recipes available to us, we have so much to choose from depending upon our taste and preferences.

Since chocolate is a favourite of many the recipe for a dark chocolate cupcake is given below which I would say is worth a try

Dark Chocolate Cupcake

Directions:
- Preheat the oven to about 350F and adjust the rack to the lower middle position in the oven.
- Take a muffin pan and line it with the baking cups and keep it aside.
- Now in a bowl add butter cocoa and chocolate and place it on a saucepan filled with water and heat until the chocolate and the butter starts to melt. Once the melting starts mix them both till they combine with each other nicely. Then keep it aside for cooling.
- Now in a medium sized bowl add flour, baking soda and baking powder and in another bowl add eggs, sugar, vanilla and salt and mix well.
- Now add everything together and mix well till they combine to become thick and homogeneous in nature.
- Divide the batter evenly inside the muffin cups and place them inside the oven. Baking takes about 18-20 minutes after which the cakes are ready to come out.
- Once out keep them aside for cooling
- Now in a separate bowl add peanut butter, sugar, vanilla and salt and mix well till they become creamy. Then add cream to the mix and continue to stir till we get a light and smooth batter.
- By the time this creamy batter is made the cakes would have cooled down. Now make small holes on the cupcakes and fill them with this peanut butter frosting
Your dark chocolate cupcakes is ready to be served

The popularity of this sweet dish has increased so much that according to Google, cupcake recipes are the most searched recipes in the world. So go forward and enjoy your sweet treat in the cup whether you are a child or an adult.
June 13, 2014
McDonalds – I’m Lovin’ It
McDonald’s

Can you imagine without Happy Meals,Chicken McNuggets?No!!That much popular is McDonald’s lately.It created a sensation in food chain and got popularity and now spread across world.A man named Ray Kroc started from a small burger restaurant restaurant in California city and his journey started until it reached world’s leading fast food chain spreading across 118 countries having more than 35,000 restaurants and serving more than 70 million people a day.

The Story behind McDonald’s:

Ray Kroc

Ray Kroc,in 1954 was a small food salesperson and begun franchising his business which now became an international business.Ray Kroc,started his career from a small burger restaurant in California and he was once giving milkshakes to McDonald brothers,Richard and Maurice and these two began regular customers and best ones as they purchased his machines when his business was dying.Kroc was confused as they were purchasing and he suggested them the brothers to expand their visibility and he gave his services as their agents and the journey of their restaurants started with big yellow arches and spread across the United States.

Even Kroc was not the one behind the development of the chain restaurants,he initiated it and developed the plan and transformed his small hamburger restaurant consisting of burgers,fries,shakes into a vast empire.He was the chairman of McDonald’s until 1984,the year he passed away.Also,he sticked his morals and kept it consistent with cleanliness and also he made it available for the people of low class to afford their meals.

McDonalds’ Logo:

McDonald’s logo is familiar and very famous as the fast food.This logo has become a cultural icon with globalism,capitalism of Americans and it is one of the top brand on the earth.

In 1948,the McDonald’s brothers started fast food known as Speede Service System where they designed a winking character of chef.This served burgers and fries.

McDonald’s

In 1952,Stanley Meston designed their first franchised outlet with golden arches added to both sides of the building forming a letter M.It was officially corporated at 1961 by Ray Kroc.

McDonald’s

In 2003,the most successful logo has been evolved by Heye & Partner with a caption-I’m Lovin’ It introduced to Uk,Australia,US.It has become more popular and also many advertising campaigns were conducted which elevated its popularity.

Attractions of McDonalds:

happy meals

toys of happy meals

McDonalds attracts the customers by gaining their belief.They give many offers regarding which draws the attention of the customers.Happy Meals is the one which has been increasing its popularity now-a-days.The sales of Happy Meals is 10% there.As kids are interested in fast food centers,they brought out a special package known as Happy Meals.To draw a kids attention,we need to connect them emotionally.So,with every Happy Meal,a toy comes with them which is making a great influence on children and they love to buy them so that they can collect toys.

food items of mcdonald’s

McDonalds is also offering such as McCafe for coffees and beverages.It offers some coupons and vouchers.Also,for a time period,it offered free coffee to its customers.These simple techniques makes the customers attract towards McDonalds.It is a smart and largest fast food chain.

Some facts about McDonalds:
- The 100th McDonalds opened in Chicago.
- McDonald’s was the first restaurant of UK which introduced nutritional information throughout the country for the sake of customer’s benefits.
- The world’s first fast food ski in Lindvallen resort of Sweden was opened by McDonald’s.
- McDonald’s is the largest distributor of toys in the world and is favorite restaurant for most of the American Kids including 20% of its sales.
- America alone consumes five and a half million head of cattle(beef) in an year.
- It is said that the McDonald’s daily customer count of 62 million is more than the population of Great Britain.
- It has unique items in every country.
- The golden arches of McDonald’s are recognized by many people more than the cross.
- McDonald’s revenue is the 90th world’s largest economy in the world.
- The Queen of England owns drive-thru to McDonald’s.
- 1 out of 8 Americans are employed by McDonald’s.
- It serves more than 75 burgers per second.
mcdonald’s

Even though,McDonald’s has been one of the popular restaurant in the world.It is famous for their attractive offers,some special attractions like Ronald and proposing new marketing strategies which is the sole development of this franchise..At the time of the recession,it is said that the food is very unhealthy and lacked in nutritions as most of the food is refrigerated for a long time which is leading to obesity which made the sales to decline.After realizing the mistake,now the McDonald’s have been improving towards healthy food. The past McDonald’s which only served fast food such as hamburgers,cheese burgers,chicken,french fries,milk shakes,desserts,BigMacs now also came to healthier foods like salads,fruit mix,wraps,smoothies,seasoned fries and improving their venture.
June 12, 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