tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90910112024-03-07T18:53:48.801-06:00That's Vani for U..!!Mere Ghar ke aaangan main,
chhota sa jhula ho..
sandhi saundhi mitti ho aur,
lepa hua chulha ho..
thodi thodi aag hogi,
thoda sa dhuan...................
Tinkon ka bas ek aashiyan..Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-70426513968009764032010-11-18T00:01:00.004-06:002010-11-18T00:22:24.565-06:00Back a full circle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFNNBmP5LDEgqwbVgxKLR2anjOr6Ye81Ky8TbNfXEwT2kbAIa1JCLJmi7413wFjanJX-r2PPXsvZvhFWARALyQLatPrkfa5ggyxUXu6DyIMXlzBzi_UNArpj5Z454UFI3Gf3iCQ/s1600/Sidi_Saiyyad_Ni_Jaali.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFNNBmP5LDEgqwbVgxKLR2anjOr6Ye81Ky8TbNfXEwT2kbAIa1JCLJmi7413wFjanJX-r2PPXsvZvhFWARALyQLatPrkfa5ggyxUXu6DyIMXlzBzi_UNArpj5Z454UFI3Gf3iCQ/s400/Sidi_Saiyyad_Ni_Jaali.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540771227468458786" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vherlekar.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></span></a><a href="http://vherlekar.blogspot.com/">Thats Vani for U</a> now live from Ahmedabad!<br /></div>Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-3311344019624109372010-03-01T11:53:00.007-06:002010-03-01T22:52:38.588-06:00February 2010I carefully wrapped the china<div>feeling its cold weight in my hands</div><div><div>in my favorite blanket, </div><div>the one with the<span style="font-style: italic;"> jaipuri</span> print<br /></div><div>also my red stilettos<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>One by one it all went into the box</div><div>to be donated the next day</div><div><br /></div><div>I sat sorting the pile of papers </div><div>for some important bill or a letter from you maybe?</div><div>as they came and took away the furniture</div><div>there muddy boots all over my sterilized carpet<br /></div><div>I cringed, you held me back, "let them" you said.</div><div><br /></div><div>The little green box on the book shelf now lay on the floor<br /></div><div>with wine corks from our date nights, doodled paper napkins.<br /><br />I dragged myself into the kitchen,<br />cleared the shelves, the strong sweet aromas of the <span style="font-style: italic;">masalas</span> stayed.<br />emptied my <span style="font-style: italic;">barnis</span> of <span style="font-style: italic;">dals</span> - big small green and yellow.<br />tossed the turmeric stained washcloth<br /></div>packed the<span style="font-style: italic;"> devara</span> and my little gods in your mom's old saree.<br /><br />gently pulled down the <span style="font-style: italic;">Toran</span> from the front door<br />and once again I held your hand, and moved on...<div><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Jaipuri</span>- from the region around Jaipur, India<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Masala</span>- spices(Indian)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Barni</span>- large glass jars used to store dried beans, lentils etc.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Devara</span>- A small temple structure to house idols of gods. (Marathi)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Toran</span>- A decoration hung above entrance door to a house, meant to bring good luck.</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-44776815706161689652010-01-23T18:20:00.000-06:002010-01-23T17:56:10.756-06:00Indian Textiles and Handlooms<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">My ultimate fashion dream is to one day have a collection of saris/ salwar kameez/ dupattas that covers traditional prints and weaves from regions all across India..:). The vibrant silks and the chikan kurtas in pastels, the intricate embroideries and the modest "not so perfect" hand prints, I want it all...I really havnt gotten far along but one day I will! </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Here is just a glimpse of some of traditional weaves and prints of India..</span></span></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUtSVcvuO-yXGob6sgDjejDTjFPfGNEXmmXtCaw_OngtggntIb8I9Y3CcHMQPEsqrX31brTT2aSXWQQGbBXyoLICZ4R0WPxNh4flyg2-iC_m9EaMg99NWfzAbXP2iB8a_FdmTsw/s400/indian+textiles.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430075651678105266" /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalamkari"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Kalamkari</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">: Hand painted on cotton generally the prints are very distinct featuring flowers and "</span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">bel</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">" or creepers. The term Kalamkari comes from "</span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">kalam</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">" or pen. The craft is native to </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machilipatnam" title="Machilipatnam" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Machilipatnam</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> in </span></span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andhra_Pradesh" title="Andhra Pradesh" style="text-decoration: none; background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Andhra Pradesh</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">. I do have a beautiful black and white kalamkari print </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">dupatta</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> from Fab India that I got more than 7 years ago..:)</span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandhani"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Bandhani</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">: Also called "</span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Bandhej</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">" or "tie and dye" bandhani comes from "</span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">bandh</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">" or to tie. The authentic Bandhani uses natural dyes. Comes from the "Kutch" region in Gujrat and also parts of Rajasthan. Married into a Gujarati family, I got some lovely bandhani sarees as a part of my trousseau! :)</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batik"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Batik</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">: Batik printing technique is popular all across South East Asia. Originated in Egypt to wrap mummies. It is a wax resist dyeing technique where linen is soaked in wax and scraped using a sharp tool. The technique traveled to India centuries back and became it's own! Major centers in India include Calcutta. I have in the past had a couple of bartik </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">kurtas</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">, currently don't have any. Now added to my shopping list! :)</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://www.chanderifilm.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Chanderi</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">: Famous for it's </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">light-weight quality and intricate designs, Chanderi Silk sarees are hand woven in Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh. I have a black and purple dupatta in chanderi, next on my wishlist is a saree! (Kareena Kapoor was recently spotted wearing a lovely Black Chanderi on the promotion tour for 3 idiots)</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paithani"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Paithani</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">: Woven from very fine silk in Paithan near Aurangabad, Paithani saree is the quintessential wedding saree in maharashtra. Love the vibrant blues, reds and yellows that are very characterstic of a traditioal Paithani. Also Lookout for the "peacock" design if you want the real thing! And no I dont have any Paithani saree yet..:(</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal;"><a href="http://www.rbcsgroup.com/OT/April-2004/kashida.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Kashida embroidery</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">: "Kashida" itself means embroidery in Kashmir. The single stitch embroidery is done using very fine silk thread. Generally done on wool and silks, it is one of the most intricate embroidery styles that I have come across. When I was a little girl my dad got me a very pretty white </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">pauncho</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"> with red embroidery from his Kashmir trip..loved it! Hopefully I will visit the beautiful Kashmir valley myself one day and indulge in some serious shopping! Those kashmiri shawls are gorgeous!!:)</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Vegetable hand block prints: Hand block printing is a technique practiced all across India, each state has it's unique colors and patterns. The Hand Block Prints of Gujrat/ Rajasthan are called Ajrakh. Blues and Reds are the most characteristic colors of this print. I owned several cotton salwar kameezes with beautiful hand block prints (all brought from Sarojini Nagar market in Delhi) and these were actually my signature during architecture days.. :)</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.patanpatola.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Patola</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">: Patola comes from Patan in Gujrat. It includes a very intricate weaving process where threads of silk are carefully marked, tied and dyed separately and then woven together to create a beautiful piece of art! </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">I could recognize a patola print as early as I was eight, thanks to one of my mom's wedding sarees - patterns of green and blues woven into a deep pink/ purple base.. I still haven't come across any other saree so beautiful! Last time in India, I was shopping for a family wedding I kept asking for Patola and was always dismissed saying it was old fashioned! I know the heaps and heaps of embroidered chiffons and Georgettes can never match up to my mom's pink patola! :)</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kantha"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Kantha</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">: Type of embroidery in bengal with decorative running stitch motifs. The traditional Kantha designs include flower patterns and animals. Recently got a turquoise blue saree with a Kantha print..:)</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.india-crafts.com/textile/embroidery_traditions/chikankari/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Chikankari</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">: Shadow work embroidery from Luckhnow, done in white thread on muslin cloth. The classic all white chikan kurta and churidaar- Sheer elegance! :)</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.culturalindia.net/indian-crafts/zardozi.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">Zardozi</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">: Very rich and elaborate designs hand embridered using gold and silver threads. Extremely popular in Bridal Wear these days. Main Centers are Bhopal and Lucknow.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;">With cheap mass produced garments and the influx of "branded wear" in Indian markets, many of these traditional crafts and techniques are on a decline. There are constant efforts being made by governments as well as several non profit organizations to revive these industries. I hope that these local handloom and textile industries continue to flourish and add color to our lives..:)</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div>Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-73341651387432454412010-01-22T20:25:00.006-06:002010-01-22T23:38:18.674-06:00Freakonomics is Fun!<div><a href="http://freakonomicsbook.com/">Freakonomics</a> is statistics made fun and entertaining!</div><div><br /></div><div>I read the whole book (not very long , about 150 pages) in a breeze. For a book full of facts and "data analysis", it did not overwhelm me or bog me down, on the contrary it left me wanting for more...:). How effortlessly Steven Levitt uncovers the "why" behind a diverse range of everyday life topics. He analyzes the economics of drug peddling, crime, abortion, in the process humanizing these otherwise distant and touchy subjects. And then goes on to present a case for correlation between (people's)names and social development!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Intelligent,Witty and highly interactive, the book definitely challenges conventional wisdom and so many assumptions that we just consider "givens"... AND without sounding PREACHY!</div><div><br /></div><div>If you are looking for a light read for your next beach vacation or those 22 hour India flights, this is IT! :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-74876385540741440962010-01-20T21:57:00.000-06:002010-01-20T20:58:28.876-06:00Kitchen Jugaads!<div><i>Jugaad</i>: <i>"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 30px; font-family:'normal Verdana', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><i>Jugaad refers to an improvised solution; inventiveness, ingenuity, cleverness. It means creative improvisation and finding alternative ways of doing improbable things. It reflects on a person’s ability to think out of the box and optimize resources in the best possible way" (source: </i><a href="http://punya.educ.msu.edu/2008/09/07/jugaad-india-genous-creativity/"><i>this blog</i></a><i>)</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Recent talks around sustainability and "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;">Greening our lifestyle</span>" led me thinking about all the little innovations in an Indian kitchen that we all grew up observing. Be it dishing out tasty recipes from leftovers or reusing "Bournvita jars" for storage, these little "<i>jugaads</i>" were always easy on the planet and on pockets! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some green tidbits that I remember from my growing up years..</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Use it up, Wear it out</b>: Empty bottles and containers of any shape, size and kind found a use in the kitchen! Empty glass bottles were used for storing dals, <i>chai</i>, sugar..<i>roohazfa</i> bottles-washed clean and used to store drinking water in the refrigirator and the tiny ones which did not find a suiatble match were neatly displayed on the window sill with a little money plant. Most of us will also remember the little film roll containers-each and every one of them was put to a good use- to carry ketchup to school, for storing <i>saunf/mukhwaas</i>, a perfect little container for loose change and I still have one little one here with <i>angara</i> in it..:)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Eating off of leaves</b>!: As a kid I loved attending weddings and family functions with my grandparents . As is a custom in marathi weddings, food was always served in batches and in <i><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/2961107236_88a4f26643.jpg">pangats</a></i>- sitting down on the floor in rows facing each other. The food used to be served in <i>Patravli- </i>plates and bowls made from dried leaves . I so vividly remember the aroma of varan bhat with ghee served on a dried leaf platter, think it actually made the food taste even more delicious! :)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Newspaper to the rescue</b>: Old Newspapers were widely used everywhere. The paper cones with tasty <i>chana chor garam</i> and <i>moongfali</i> at the street vendors, as liners in kichen cabinets and drawers, and as paper plates during family trips and travels in trains. :) And come Diwali when <i>aaji</i> made several rounds of <i>chivda</i> and <i>shankarpales</i> in batches- newspapers were generously used to drain off excess oil in place of paper towels..:)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The multi use utensils</b> : I still remember our oldest casserole-a green and white milton!. other than keeping chapatis and curry warm it made a great yoghurt maker- mix a little<b> </b><i>dahi</i> in warm milk, stir well and place it in the casserole..whoa fresh curds for the next meal! Sharp edged <i>vatis/ katoris</i> were used to cut perfect round for pooris and the one pressure cooker was used for cooking and steaming and everything in between...</div><div><br /></div><div><b>What trash?</b> : I am still amazed at how little garbage an average household in India generates. Vegetable waste almost never finds its way into the trash can. packaging is minimal, all plastic bags (even the little <i>amul</i> milk bags) are washed and reused. No paper towels. No 100 type of kitchen cleaners. Amazing!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Old food, new avatar</b>: And how can we forget resusing food in tasty and innovative ways? Leftover p<i>olis/ rotis</i> became tasty <i>kuskara</i>, <i>dals</i> were hidden inside <i><a href="http://vherlekar.blogspot.com/2007/08/khichadi-che-thalipeeth.html">thalipiths</a></i>, curds turned sour made the most delicious<i> kadhi</i> and spoiled milk meant <i>matar paneer</i> the next day....:)</div><div><br /></div><div>As I struggle to make my kitchen as smart and easy on the environment, I understand how hard it really is. The economics have changed. We no longer think twice before buying a new kitchen gadget, paper towels are an "easy" alternative to the wash cloth and recycling takes "effort".</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe I will come back and post about our little experiments in sustainable living...</div><div>In the meantime I would love to hear green tips, stories and suggestions from your book of life as well! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Later.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-26229343465475067292009-08-07T09:36:00.003-05:002009-08-07T09:42:12.637-05:00To Tatya with love..<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfp2Rv4-W8FEhl0gto7tyu0jSXIQTEx0D6aUWD8pNDPG2EsN6WKhb-b_yNAOjUg9TJZUoOy1m-KJafb647El5p85waVl1R_P3dcTisbyY2ohSQ3DhNH92bpGqouylwTT9O45pUg/s1600-h/tatya.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367230960079578498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfp2Rv4-W8FEhl0gto7tyu0jSXIQTEx0D6aUWD8pNDPG2EsN6WKhb-b_yNAOjUg9TJZUoOy1m-KJafb647El5p85waVl1R_P3dcTisbyY2ohSQ3DhNH92bpGqouylwTT9O45pUg/s400/tatya.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Tatya, that’s what we call him- never recall calling him azoba(marathi for grandfather), Tatya he is for everybody. ..</div><div>Friends (and fans) he has many, he proudly claims that if he heads off on a journey and eats his three meals a day at three different houses (where he would be whole heartedly welcomed) everyday he would not have to come back home for an year. .I believe him.</div><div></div><div>With countless friends he has countless stories to tell. We have grown up listening to all his fascinating stories and the reminiscences of his past. He is also the one responsible for making algebra interesting for us! From arithmetic to Shakespeare verses to Sanskrit shlokas he was our door to the vast world of knowledge..He's a fun person to be with, a gifted story teller, with a super strong memory. Even today, everything is afresh in his mind-names people, places dates, events pooja hymns, everything…..</div><div></div><div>Tatya was born in 1918 in Devas, a small town in Madhya Pradesh that time a princely state under the rule of Pawars. He was the 8th child I guess and was thus named Damodar (Another name for Krishna). Born in a humble Brahmin family,He grew up learning Sanskrit verses at home and Wordsworth and Shakespeare at school….We have experienced his childhood countless times through his numerous kissas. All his stories are so amusing; it’s hard to believe that he's lived it all..!! I remember him telling us about his 4th grade English school teacher who taught the class a poem called Daffodils. Since none of the young kids in Devas had ever seen a Daffodil flower, the teacher painstakingly made trips to all the public libraries available to find a photograph. Once he found one, he neatly drew a Daffodil with yellow chalk on the black board for all to appreciate the beauty of this unique flower..</div><div></div><div>He fondly remembered that teacher when he saw a Daffodil flower for the first time in his life (some 60 years later) on a trip to Kashmir…</div><div></div><div>Such is his memory and his love for people..I found that poem online..</div><div></div><div><em>To Daffodil by Robert Herrick. </em></div><div><em>Fair Daffodils, we weep to see </em></div><div><em>You haste away so soon; </em></div><div><em>As yet the early-rising sun </em></div><div><em>Has not attain'd his noon. </em></div><div><em>Stay, stay, </em></div><div><em>Until the hasting day </em></div><div><em>Has run </em></div><div><em>But to the even-song; And, having pray'd together, we </em></div><div><em>Will go with you along. </em></div><div><em></em></div><div><em>We have short time to stay, as you, </em></div><div><em>We have as short a spring; </em></div><div><em>As quick a growth to meet decay, As you, or anything. </em></div><div><em>We die As your hours do, and dry</em></div><div><em>Away, </em></div><div><em>Like to the summer's rain;</em></div><div><em>Or as the pearls of morning's dew,</em></div><div><em>Ne'er to be found again.</em> </div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>I hope to see him soon, leisurely squatting on that rocking chair with his evening cup of tea, trying to make sense of those clues in the Sunday times crossword… </div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>Happy 91st Birthday Tatya! :)</div>Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-38716822940081943602009-05-20T18:48:00.001-05:002010-01-20T18:22:02.143-06:00Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-71424535623192315742009-05-20T18:48:00.000-05:002010-01-20T18:22:02.144-06:00Peek into the Past -1 Brunch Specials<div style="text-align: justify;">Cleaning my hard drive today, I found so many unfinished posts and tons of recipes I never blogged about! It was fun to revisit the 2 years of cooking explorations-some successful, some disasters :) Most of these dishes were "first times" for me and thus deserve a special mention on this blog!! I will be posting these past pictures in between "real time" posts. This first post documents my experiments with breakfast/ brunch foods! <br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A perfect Saturday brunch for me has to be something which is quick to make, requires minimum groceries and can fill me up for the day! (And yes it has to be HOT (as in off the stove), I am not too much a fan of cold foods. Here are some of my all time favourites :</div><div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Vermicelli Upma</span></div><div>Learnt the recipe from my mom. (Still haven't come across anybody else in my circle who prepares this). Its a fun and easy alternative to rava upma and very hard to mess up!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFqWnTeEVRpgnBA_o7WZGfMfvYsGCXaZZcpaDdvZKFX8pxknuGjPqAtJucKTgpOT4k6x5BjjojOeQBgRSP68uqj3IP1FkdcQs8oGwOSeG-fLc2shkskb5TGrkunGqeGyT7ePj-w/s400/IMG_0516.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 371px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338106733402134738" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Roast the vermicelli (seviyan) in a little ghee till browned. Keep aside. Heat some oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, chana dal and urda dal. Roast till the dals are browned. Now add chopped onions and green chillies. Once the onions are cooked you can add your choice of vegetables- (peas, carrots go well). Add salt and red chilli powder, cover the lid and cook for some time. Add the roasted vermicelli and water. cook till the seviyan are soft and cooked completely. We totally relish this upma with Molga podi and dollops of yoghurt!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Tomato Omelet/ Dhirda</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Indian/vegetarian alternative to an egg omelet. Made with besan, a pantry staple in most Indian kitchens. Great for days when there is nothing else in the refrigerator. ! Try it between two slices of bread with some hot chutney. mmmmm..:)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kmXyqgb2BUxK-z6TShB39fbyJNE7eM-mkqTqRBaTY95w4QRSwrO0vBkpibn6rgIhAkua0EfE-n5DN-h0T967z0NIuCW6p9pJP8ba_v9kX0ZUOPGgaiRkYCZ4g6aS6iUvC2pOHg/s400/IMG_1810.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 382px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338106470555750290" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mix besan (gram flour) with salt, red chilli powder, ajwain, diced green chillies, tomatoes and cilantro. Carefully add water while constantly beating the mix to avoid any lumps. The end batter should be easily spreadable but not too watery. Pour the batter on a lightly oiled skillet. Cook till both sides are browned. Serve hot with ketchup or green chutney.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">French Toast</span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">When omelets and bhurji seem routine, we love to dig into this more 'exotic' alternative! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitc7ESSDcN6O21y2vLJJTuk0SOBMcsSTvWjQdycyhZsTnQK1HwUXF2B4ky-_8NnyYUt36qCnDis7Js9-x8gBEQYCydOpAVTb7KN6JZRBlRPR5xvHh6zNTe_62-ayOsYW7g9Z6hXg/s400/IMG_0441.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 356px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338106107079035778" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Beat eggs. Add chopped onions, diced onions, chillies, cilantro, a little milk, salt and pepper. Mix well. Dip bread slices into the egg batter (slightly stale/ hardened bread works better). Fry bread slices on a skillet till cooked completely and browned on all both sides. Enjoy with tomato ketchup!</div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Pohe</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">ayushya he, chulhi varlya, kadhai tale kande pohe.</span>." This new song by Avdhoot Gupte is enough to describe the importance of Pohe (flattened rice) in a Marathi household..:)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMh06cq5O3oCnYVdUTvq3jNXrgdD9qqpf7MiI4D_hLdluKRWCwtO7PbaoSRY3ayXaypP3I13vGfXrqshENJSg5KmFAEWyGULr1VDJjlvj94Vg58zQCe4kWydkRnN3xCgRYYQaywA/s400/IMG_1904.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338105818095577858" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am still striving for perfection when it comes to pohe, so I will skip the recipe. Every time I make Pohe there is something or the other wrong- either the raw pohe smell lingers around, or the potatoes remain slightly uncooked or they end up in a soggy mess! Would love to hear from you guys any tips/ secrets to get this one just right! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Chao for now, I really enjoyed writing this post! (This one's for you Aai!! ) :)</div></div></div>Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-48992345546608456722009-05-12T19:22:00.000-05:002010-01-20T18:22:02.146-06:00The vegetarian 100<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px; ">A fun meme developed by Barbara of <a href="http://www.tigersandstrawberries.com/">Tigers and Strawberries</a> :)</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">( And thanks to <a href="http://onehotstove.blogspot.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Onehotstove</span></a> for posting the link )<br /></span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px; "><span style="font-style: italic; ">"If you want to play along, here’s how you do it: copy the list, including my instructions, and <span style="font-weight: bold; ">bold any items you have eaten</span>and <span style="">strike out any you would never eat</span>, and then post it to your blog. If you want, you can leave a comment here, linking to your results, or you can link back to this post so I can try and keep tabs on what folks have eaten and not eaten."<br /></span><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px; ">(I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">don't</span> know how to strike out items!!! so I am highlighting the ones I wont eat in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Red</span>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Barbara's Vegetarian Hundred<br /></span><br />1. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Real macaroni and cheese, made from scratch and baked</span><br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tabouleh</span></span><br />3. <span style="">Freshly baked bread, straight from the oven (preferably with homemade strawberry jam)</span><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Fresh figs</span><br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Fresh pomegranate</span><br />6. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Indian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">dal</span> of any sort</span><br />7. Imam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bayildi</span><br />8. Pressed spiced Chinese tofu<br />9. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Freshly made hummus</span><br />10. <span style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tahini</span></span><br />11. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kimchi</span><br />12. <span style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Miso</span></span><br />13. <span style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Falafel</span></span><br />14. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Potato and pea filled samosas</span><br />15. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Homemade yogurt</span><br />16. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Muhammara</span><br />17. Brie en <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">croute</span><br />18. <span style=""><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Spanikopita</span></span><br />19. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Fresh, vine-ripened heirloom tomatoes</span><br />20. <span style=""><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Insalata</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">caprese</span></span><br />21. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Stir-fried greens (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">gai</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">lan</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">bok</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">choi</span>, pea shoots, kale, chard or collards)</span><br />22. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Freshly made salsa</span><br />23. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Freshly made guacamole</span><br />24. <span style="">Creme <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">brulee</span></span><br />25. <span style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Fava</span> beans</span><br />26. <span style="">Chinese cold sesame peanut noodles</span><br />27. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Fattoush</span><br />28. <span style="">New potatoes</span><br />29. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Coleslaw</span><br />30. <span style="">Ratatouille</span><br />31. <span style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Baba</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">ganoush</span></span><br />32. <span style="">Winter squash</span><br />33. <span style="">Roasted beets</span><br />34. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Baked sweet potatoes</span><br />35.<span style="font-weight: bold; "> Plantains</span><br />36. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Chocolate truffles</span><br />37. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Garlic mashed potatoes</span><br />38. Fresh water chestnuts<br />39. <span style="">Steel cut oats</span><br />40. <span style=""><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Quinoa</span></span><br />41. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Grilled <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">portabello</span> mushrooms</span><br />42. <span style=""><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Chipotle</span> en <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">adobo</span></span><br />43. <span style="">Stone ground whole grain cornmeal</span><br />44. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Freshly made corn or wheat tortillas</span><br />45. <span style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Frittata</span></span><br />46.<span style="font-weight: bold; "> Basil pesto</span><br />47. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Roasted garlic</span><br />48. <span style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Raita</span> of any type</span><br />49. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Mango <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">lassi</span></span><br />50.<span style="font-weight: bold; "> Jasmine rice (white or brown)</span><br />51. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Thai vegetarian coconut milk curry</span><br />52. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Pumpkin in any form other than pie</span><br />53. Fresh apple pear or plum <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">gallette</span><br />54. Quince in any form<br />55. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Escarole, endive or arugula</span><br />56. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Sprouts other than mung bean</span><br />57. <span style="">Naturally brewed soy sauce</span><br />58. <span style="">Dried <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">shiitake</span> mushrooms</span><br />59. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Unusually colored vegetables (purple cauliflower, blue potatoes, chocolate bell peppers…)</span><br />60. Fresh peach ice cream<br />61. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Chevre</span><br />62. <span style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Medjool</span> dates</span><br />63. <span style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Kheer</span></span><br />64. <span style=""><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Flourless</span> chocolate cake</span><br />65.<span style="font-weight: bold; "> Grilled corn on the cob</span><br />66.<span style="font-weight: bold; "> Black bean (or any other bean) vegetarian chili</span><br />67. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Tempeh</span><br />68. <span style=""><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Seitan</span> or wheat gluten</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px; ">69. Gorgonzola or any other blue veined cheese<br />70. <span style="">Sweet potato fries</span><br />71. Homemade <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">au</span> gratin potatoes<br />72. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Cream of asparagus soup</span><br />73. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Artichoke-Parmesan dip</span><br />74. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Mushroom risotto</span><br />75. Fermented black beans<br />76. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Garlic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">scapes</span></span><br />77. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Fresh new baby peas</span><br />78. <span style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Kalamata</span> olives</span><br />79. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Preserved lemons</span><br />80. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Fried green tomatoes</span><br />81. <span style="">Chinese scallion pancakes</span><br />82. <span style="">Cheese souffle</span><br />83. Fried apples<br />84. <span style="">Homemade <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">frijoles</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">refritos</span></span><br />85.<span style="font-weight: bold; "> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">P</span></span><span style=""><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">asta</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">fagiole</span></span><br />86. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Macadamia nuts in any form</span><br />87. Paw paw in any form<br />88. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Grilled cheese sandwich of any kind</span><br />89. <span style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Paneer</span> cheese</span><br />90. <span style="">Ma Po Tofu (vegetarian style–no pork!)</span><br />91. <span style="">Fresh pasta in any form</span><br />92. Grilled leeks, scallions or ramps<br />93. <span style="">Green papaya salad</span><br />94. Baked grain and vegetable stuffed tomatoes<br />95. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Pickled ginger</span><br />96. <span style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Methi</span> greens</span><br />97. <span style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Aloo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">paratha</span></span><br />98. <span style="">Kedgeree (the original Indian version without the smoked fish, not the British version with fish)</span><br />99. <span style="font-weight: bold; ">Okra</span><br />100. <span style="">Roasted <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">brussels</span> sprouts</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;">My score : 54% Not bad! And as it turns out I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">don't</span> mind trying everything as as long as its vegetarian!</span></div></div>Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-88573856100992218662009-03-18T19:51:00.000-05:002010-01-20T18:22:02.148-06:00Rasam - Bhaat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZEZerBZSg9ZxW8hLFksvAgf4-5NtNZuOqJAdREDIxSbxwKreFSq4NA2vcNzIMhJeEYfcCQYTVylLTKu8JFxkpWxf5ZPWJlxY9chzEdS0_hgyOCDeXrJTExQaUgO48jUGjBx1IQ/s1600-h/DSC_0174.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 352px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZEZerBZSg9ZxW8hLFksvAgf4-5NtNZuOqJAdREDIxSbxwKreFSq4NA2vcNzIMhJeEYfcCQYTVylLTKu8JFxkpWxf5ZPWJlxY9chzEdS0_hgyOCDeXrJTExQaUgO48jUGjBx1IQ/s400/DSC_0174.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314695490034083746" /></a>Dinner today: Piping hot <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Rasam </span>Rice with a side of Potato roast (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Urulai Vathakkal) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">and curds</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span><div><br /></div><div>You can get both these wonderful recipes at <a href="http://www.tastypalettes.com/2008/01/pepper-cumin-and-garlic-rasam-with.html">Tasty palettes</a>. :) Happy Eating!</div>Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-79231516774684060352009-03-18T18:19:00.000-05:002010-01-20T18:22:02.150-06:00Chai and Pakora!<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">what else do you crave for on cold wintry days like these...???</span></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFIraC6rNuH5CLxR5pIjTNmkYifqgGwk-ve3rt9Ep96oHARNGFDFutcCOReUN-D7wwREF1_qteox7F445DOq2O1FN-CCY7HeRpPmN59h4PnC0MmGnT67XDuE2QPqPTuiXKlBL7A/s1600-h/DSC_0165.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFIraC6rNuH5CLxR5pIjTNmkYifqgGwk-ve3rt9Ep96oHARNGFDFutcCOReUN-D7wwREF1_qteox7F445DOq2O1FN-CCY7HeRpPmN59h4PnC0MmGnT67XDuE2QPqPTuiXKlBL7A/s400/DSC_0165.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314673276219058770" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This was a couple of weeks back, when we saw the season's first snow storm in Atlanta .. It was a Sunday..:) We enjoyed the day with several rounds of chai..lots of TV and yummy Paneer Pakoras!</span><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSbC30uD5W36mfmyjLvI0yQfzhyCw7hZSo47lAedSP0HGUpyeAZZkto95Hyc7rPuFHmHS79QMZd939ex90-u_-mSMrV8d_B1toMd3OKKnCVlRG0AXCEBHh2ZoT1XrZE8ob032dg/s1600-h/DSC_0163.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSbC30uD5W36mfmyjLvI0yQfzhyCw7hZSo47lAedSP0HGUpyeAZZkto95Hyc7rPuFHmHS79QMZd939ex90-u_-mSMrV8d_B1toMd3OKKnCVlRG0AXCEBHh2ZoT1XrZE8ob032dg/s400/DSC_0163.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314671880468097922" /></a></div></div>Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-10858293574092422372009-01-05T16:35:00.000-06:002010-01-20T18:22:02.151-06:00Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly Plants<p>Came across <a href="http://www.michaelpollan.com/article.php?id=87">this</a> article from the New York Times. It was an eye opener for me and really led me to think about our eating habits and exercise routine (and also make my new year resolutions which I NEVER EVER have) :<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">1.) Incorporate more fresh vegetables in my everyday meals. In addition to the usual <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dal</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">chawal</span>,our meal will now include more vegetables (cooked/raw).<br /><br />2.) Start shopping at the Farmer's market instead of the Grocery stores.<br /><br />3.) Create AND STICK to an exercise schedule (walking/jogging to start with)</span></p>Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-71591885829717125632008-12-25T13:59:00.000-06:002010-01-20T18:22:02.152-06:00Some like it Hot..!<div style="text-align: justify;">I don't have a sweet tooth at all..so when everybody around me is trying hard to keep away from all the cookies and candies and cakes this holiday season, It's no problem for me..:) - that means no post Christmas diets and workouts..;P<br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am the other extreme - the fiery-spicy food lover. "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">teekha</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">khana</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">teekhi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ladkiyo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ke</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">liye</span></span>"(Hot food is for hot girls ;P) a dialogue from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Bollywood</span> Hit- Hum <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Dil</span> De <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Chuke</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Sanam</span> very rightfully applies to me..giggles..:) There is no dearth of spicy food in India, specially the quick- light on the pockets spicy street food. From the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">pani</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">puri</span> water, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">wada</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">pav</span> with the red hot chutney to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">mirchi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">bhajia</span>, I have had my fair share of all :). And one of my all time favourite snack is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">misal</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">pav</span>- the healthy goodness of sprouts in a spicy hot curry. The spicier the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Misal</span> the better..:) - it is no fun to eat <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">misal</span> without the red runny nose and watery eyes...:)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had my first taste of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">misal</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">pav</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Nashik</span>, during my days in architecture school. And after that first time I couldn't get enough :). There was this place we used to frequent a lot in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Satpur</span> industrial area- "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">shyam</span> Sunder" which has the best <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Misal</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Pav</span> in town. The authentic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">misal</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">pav</span> is an elaborate affair- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">misal</span>(cooked sprouts) is served with separate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">cutta</span>(the spicy curry), boiled potatoes, yogurt, onions and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">slices</span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">pav</span>/bread. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Shyam</span> Sunder is an "eat as much as u can" joint, as most <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">misal</span> places are. That means you keep getting several rounds of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">misal</span> drowned in the spicy "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">cutta</span>". I remember not leaving that place once, till our faces were all red..:)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div>My version of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Misal</span> is very quick and easy - by no way authentic but after several experiments, I have managed to get the end product pretty close to the original. Here it goes:</div><div><br /></div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Misal</span>- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Pav</span> Ingredients:<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>3/4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">th</span> cup moth</div><div>1/4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">th</span> cup- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">kala</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">chana</span> and whole <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">moong</span></div><div>1 onion finely chopped</div><div>1 small tomato cubed</div><div>1 potato diced in small cubes</div><div>1-2 hot peppers</div><div>2-3 garlic pods crushed</div><div>cumin seeds</div><div>mustard seeds</div><div>salt to taste</div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">chilli</span> powder</div><div>turmeric powder</div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">garam</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">masala</span></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">goda</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">masala</span></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">vada</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">pav</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">masala</span></div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxD4JAd_EnfeYOdf4KDPGIxDqUU_sqDbj80hKKYyDodbAc7CnKm8gOeVfjsKrg3SNRWFVcWh6zCvHcrK9yV8mdQ1GD3Na31E6OlIOEjVQZMMeruymqC-EXiYTuXsGbvgP1C_itg/s400/lentils.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284181145457262402" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The beans- to be sprouted</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>1.) Soak the moth, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">moong</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">kala</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">chana</span> overnight and then wrap it in wet cloth for a day or two till the beans are sprout well.</div><div><br /></div><div>2.) Pressure cook the sprouts with potatoes and tomatoes.</div><div><br /></div><div>3.) In a pan heat some oil, add cumin seeds and mustard seeds, once the seeds start spluttering add the chopped onions and garlic. Once the onions are cooked and translucent, add red <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">chilli</span> powder, turmeric powder, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">garam</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">masala</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">goda</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">masala</span> and roast for a few minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>4.) Add the cooked sprouts to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">masala</span> mixture with enough water. Let it come to a boil and then add salt and a pinch of the dry garlic chutney. Add some lemon juice and mix well.</div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMEP3SOYOZap2vIemXQfOCuqKwzzslBTABE23J_ZtQ8fT3ZxUjJTdG9jgdJLfLijwTSvzPtiR9RTxvbSdW1aPlOqky-HngQkGapOlbwXKQpQ7SzyN3eNja1EGa0qgMg2qzCxj4A/s400/IMG_0249.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284170685965061234" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The Fiery Hot Cauldron</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The fixings<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>In a separate bowl mix curds into a smooth paste.</div><div>Keep Chopped red onions, lemon wedges and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">farsaan</span> (hot mix) ready for garnishing<br /></div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMk5BWRJwVnhhiztR-TY55WPkMdLgQzikiEMPaFu-aTKqB-8hmpaKW3wR6mILAUcuR4KryWdud_tdZvVNEluNDZh_qNK_aFOvlgRYeVqGfMAudlArM8vzfXSASaj8oEmchMLhxrA/s400/fixings.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 211px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284173857632392050" /><div><br /></div><div>To serve<br /></div><div>In a deep bowl pour the hot <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">misal</span> and garnish with curds, onions and hot mix. Serve with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">pav</span> or dinner rolls.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtmsRWOkjdm_Yrl2bKAyCXFy6jp4Flfkv4rLJn1v2IoA7gxjINmq_oHh65aAljEoht7Mj7ErOtxmbv7aCcLGyngMGr_vtQHgGhHl5PA23zEiPQa24jll8XOh69pFEzLyqMKUnWw/s400/misal+pav.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284171424804181810" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The Bowl that doesn't last more than a few minutes..</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I am sending this as my entry to My Legume Love affair- Hot and Spicy event on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">Suganya's</span> blog- <a href="http://tastypalettes.blogspot.com/2008/12/announcing-mlla-sixth-helping-hot-spicy.html">Tasty Palettes. </a><br /></div><div><a href="http://thewellseasonedcook.blogspot.com/2008/09/my-legume-love-affair-host-lineup.html"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://thewellseasonedcook.blogspot.com/2008/09/my-legume-love-affair-host-lineup.html">My Legume Love affair</a> is a fantastic monthly blog event started by Susan- <a href="http://thewellseasonedcook.blogspot.com/">The Well Seasoned Cook.</a> Do visit the past entries for tons of wonderful recipes with lentils and legumes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">Suganya</span> for hosting the Sixth Helping!</div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutdfoQkd5YA1MYC25vgQ2ha9oUy8afSr7nrFF2Mr02cbyCB6v2Isy6lDROgFE6IJennF2YNsg4fEaFhesryEY4XDFFNHxBm3o502uk9OlQhOPYSVq5RP8YXeutX3_VDMfU7D9MA/s400/mlla.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 168px; height: 250px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284167056386081890" /><div><br /></div><div>And on en ending note -Wishing you all a Sweet and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Spicy</span></span></span> New Year! :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-51037856193808338552008-11-17T15:29:00.002-06:002008-11-23T12:08:46.503-06:00An Autumn Tale<div>Yellow and withered..I wander aimlessly with the gentle breeze..I hate to fall on the dusty road amongst those others..discolored crumpled leaves.. I prefer the grass which is still fresh and green..</div><div><br /></div><div>I wait for you to come and gently pick me up , blow the dust off me, and place me amongst those white crisp pages of your diary....No wind to blow me away, No feet to walk over me..</div>Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-84819098002794690112008-05-24T18:05:00.000-05:002010-01-20T18:22:02.155-06:00From the streets of New York<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGwO8zJQ66dF4IAxwX8sMRtLKBxgNDs0qHP7xMiAp_tco4LKmVb8-q88s5Djv1oJV1_66cqysAA6WxGI8zb4fBAqObq1TrZa8GzYY5yyB-9x6Q0XnkdWdl7OhyxPjtvWa_T_BEQ/s1600-h/DSC_0070.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204084682860162002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGwO8zJQ66dF4IAxwX8sMRtLKBxgNDs0qHP7xMiAp_tco4LKmVb8-q88s5Djv1oJV1_66cqysAA6WxGI8zb4fBAqObq1TrZa8GzYY5yyB-9x6Q0XnkdWdl7OhyxPjtvWa_T_BEQ/s400/DSC_0070.JPG" border="0" /></a><em> Chocolate dipped bananas, strawberries and marshmellows...</em><br /><br /></div>Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-45454875223236281832008-05-14T20:10:00.000-05:002010-01-20T18:22:02.156-06:00Rajashtan on a platter<div align="center"><em>"kesariya balam, aao ni padharo mhare des..."</em></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200779482622061730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="194" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnTMwCNFX9_Vl6WDnQPnzzAlaSr7vtF_igr92TPKYpdzAZ8CWLvbN3ve2N5As5_cokJJ2m3T9APqgzCAQk8Jw33Fpmd7VS9kN8HqOeCZT2uLnejESxgDsH2UrwednIjW9oYgvMA/s200/rajwomen6%5B1%5D.jpg" width="177" border="0" /></div><br /><p align="justify">My bestest friend S hails from Rajashtan :). She is a marawari jain and though her family has been residing in Mumbai for the past many years, her love for "<em><strong>Marwar</strong></em>" is more than intact. Nobody can miss the passion and excitement with which she talks about everything that is Rajasthan - colorful turbans and the kalidar ghagras in bandhani and leheriya prints, traditional silver jewellery, the havelis of jodhpur, pretty princesses and the valor of rajputana....so exotic!</p><div align="justify">I did get a taste of this exotic land and its myriad cuisine during my college study tour. Its been more than 8 years, yet it all seems so fresh in my mind. Dal Bati dinner in the middle of the desert, lunch thalis with 5-6 varieties of vegetables, moong wadas and delicious thick rabdis for breakfast ...mmmmm I loved it all. And the two things which always made Rajasthani food experience extra special : Lots of Ghee and <em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajasthani_cuisine">manuhar or manvar</a></em>. :)</div><br /><div align="left">So here I present my entry fro RCI Rajasthan- A simple platter consisting of two Rajasthani Jain favorites - Panchmela Dal and Sev Tamatar ki Tari. </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200410403197414530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSEHF5dvxy1Nf2yhhjfZNOEeuqHifC93zyOoMBrwh8GpvjaZ50mpNuRjvb6pKYjWut51GtKA_s2q7NL_jjNzgTX443cYwaLalobeSf2Eya0MDSRwpfVaoAC0fx7L4W6ar3bADjw/s400/IMG_0814.JPG" border="0" /><em>Panchmela Dal, Basmati Rice,Sev Tamatar ki Tari, Mirchi Pickle and Papad</em></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200777468282399890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoPdxxj-C88bt9qh3t_UYbkk1MZsz3_u116nFw717u5mGsh_RWdtRihmQ9BdnOUnt_wNxLb-cdbyTpo_aMxV2h4JAKQbzlBVQtBL4JkQmiVJHKBuJxyPT99ROqvVuUzHtGT3h8A/s400/IMG_0809.JPG" border="0" />Panchmela Dal</strong><br /></div><br /><div align="left">1/3 cup Toovar dal<br />1/3 cup Chana dal<br />1/3 cup Split Moong dal (green)<br />1/3 cup Split Urad dal with chilka<br />1/3 cup Whole Moong dal<br />Chilly powder<br />Turmeric powder (haldi)<br />Dhania jeera powder<br />Garam masala<br />3 cloves<br />2 bay leaves<br />Cumin seeds<br />Amchur powder<br />Tamarind pulp<br />A pinch of asafetida (hing)<br />Salt<br />2 green chilies slit<br />Ghee<br /><br />1.) Wash the dals and pressure cook them in 4 cups of water till completely cooked<br /><br />2.) In a bowl combine the chilly powder, haldi, dhania jeera and garam masala and some water to make a paste<br /><br />3.) Heat ghee in a kadhai and add jeera seeds, bay leaves, cloves. When the jeera starts to splutter add hing and cur green chilies. Now add the masala paste and fry for 1-2 minutes<br /><br />4.) Add the cooked dals, amchur powder, tamarind pulp and salt and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Add water as needed.<br /><br />4.)Garnish with cilantro and dry red chilies. Add a drizzle of ghee before serving..</div><br /><p align="justify"><strong>Sev Tamatar ki Tari</strong><br /><br />2-3 Tomatoes chopped<br />Green chilies<br />Jeera (cumin seeds)<br />Red chilly powder<br />Turmeric<br />Dhania jeera powder<br />Asafetida<br />Sev (a thicker kind)<br />Ghee<br /><br />1.) Heat some ghee in a pan, add jeers seeds. When the jeera starts to splutter add the hing, green chilies, turmeric and red chilly powder and chopped tomatoes</p><p align="justify">2.)Once the tomatoes are semi cooked and soft add salt and dhania jeera. Mix well and cook till the tomatoes are completely cooked.<br /><br />3.)Mix the sev to the curry right before serving.</p><p align="justify"><em>This is for S and her wonderful family - thanks for everything. Love you..:D</em></p>Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-13266613313767863592008-05-07T20:25:00.000-05:002010-01-20T18:22:02.158-06:00Simple Comforts<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcnO4Nh01DldT1ibB4TZ27htVsYENq_N0vUtLiEiNW9SZdfuClf2i_WGT2uTdZpn1oJmPBdEYUG8rycWpQ2gHOzZ5H4O8t6liNYkJqJfU9w80NAFQaVo6lXebBE9D6XJulwPKWA/s1600-h/IMG_0511.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197812666716951506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcnO4Nh01DldT1ibB4TZ27htVsYENq_N0vUtLiEiNW9SZdfuClf2i_WGT2uTdZpn1oJmPBdEYUG8rycWpQ2gHOzZ5H4O8t6liNYkJqJfU9w80NAFQaVo6lXebBE9D6XJulwPKWA/s400/IMG_0511.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Dahi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bhaat</span></span></strong></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">(<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Yogurt</span> mixed with Rice, tempered with mustard seeds, dried red chilies, curry leaves and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Urad</span> Dal )<br /></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Serve at room temperature, topped with lots of fresh cilantro</div></span></em>Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-53428903920536079482008-05-01T17:11:00.000-05:002010-01-20T18:22:02.160-06:00Kachi Dabeli<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dabheli</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">! One of my most favorite street food. Living away from home during my student days I literally survived on </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dabeli</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Vada</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Pav</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ragda</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">pattis</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> and all sorts of (</span><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">not so</span></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">) junk food. There is a street in </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Nashik</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> ( </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Sharanpur</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> road ) which used to turn into an ultimate street side food bazaar after 6.00 in the evening. (</span><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Now they have stopped allowing vendors..:(</span></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> ), bustling with activity with Carts selling everything from </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Bhurji</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">pav</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> to Indian Chinese and the oh so delicious </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Pista</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">kulfi</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">!<br /></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></span></div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></span><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">There were two carts which we frequented the most. A sandwich cart selling </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">desi</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> style grilled </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">sandwich</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> loaded with veggies (Boiled Potatoes, capsicum, cucumbers), Green chutney,cheese and topped with thin </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">sev</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> and cut onions. Ah! always so tasty and satisfying. The other was the </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dabeli</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> stall. Both these were owned by a group of </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Marwari</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> brothers who knew us so well that many a times they </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">allowed</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> us to eat at their stalls on credit! </span></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">An </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Amul</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dabheli</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> would cost 5 rupees. But whenever we had some extra money on hand, we loved indulging in the Rs. 7.5 Cheese </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dabheli</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">! And I remember always asking for more grated cheese on mine...</span></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Those were the days..:)</span></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So basically </span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I had to had to</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> make </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dabeli</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> to satisfy my street food cravings here in the US. And Here is the quick recipe I used:</span></span></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Boil </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">potatoes</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">and</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> mash them fine. Add Salt, red pepper ,finely cut cilantro and green chillies to the potatoes. Heat some oil in a </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">kadhai</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> and add the potato mixture and </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Kachi</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dabeli</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">masala</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> to the potato mixture . I used "</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Rajesh</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dabeli</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Masala</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">" (</span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">available</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> in larger Indian stores) . Set aside.</span></em></span></div><div align="justify"><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></span></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></span></em></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Cut </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Pavs</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> (dinner rolls) in halves. On a girdle, heat some butter and heat the rolls till they turn brown on both sides. Apply Tamarind sauce (I used Maggi </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Tamarina</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">) on one side of the </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">pav</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. Fill in the potato mixture. Add some chopped onions, peanuts and pomegranate seeds. Top it all with a generous amount of grated cheese. Eat hot!</span></em></span></div><div align="justify"><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></span></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div align="justify"><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></span></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">One bite, and everything came back to me- the </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">glorious</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> days of architecture school, the submission nightmares, late night movies, 2.00 AM </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">bhurji</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">pav</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, triples on Kinetic, </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">chai</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">ki</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">tapri</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> and yes! the twice a week </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Dabeli</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Dinners..</span></span></div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></span><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And the best part, I did not have to check my pockets to eat more than One.:)</span></span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195538815314166658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo30W-nKeTqlcE7373nnMPs0H7lMqNDBiLzVtX9RTqgo1i5Tov4VpxaU9O2ZijZLRWa7IEpdORQ5hnr3VYuZ540QLgLhBPXuTeb1BN6_LoLYUzrqjRk3DA0NtbRJI2LZfJilIzVw/s320/IMG_1799.JPG" border="0" />Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-24110073693192835892008-04-21T21:29:00.000-05:002010-01-20T18:22:02.163-06:00Click Au Naturel : Earthly Delight<div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#666600;"><span style="color:#000000;"></span><strong><em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191891576331043682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8OuWYUZVJG7vLJ4LQHsTas6kF9Q8dL-2nbXxV31EJuK0-c2k83-VOrdaWD6-4IoVNOkSnF57q6PV5yxQzYQIY-wuK31RrxhcuFlH3D0RZHX4dCvkrzDvhgPBwporTIKUtmyNtA/s320/IMG_0799-1.JPG" border="0" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Vakda tikda hathi pai nakha, </span></em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><em><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#666600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">vedya aala re aala"</span></span></strong></em></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">As a kid I remember my grandpa asking us to solve this riddle (in marathi), the answer to which is hidden in the riddle itself. :D. Here is my best shot at translating it in English:</span></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div align="center"><span><em><span style="color:#666600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"crooked n twisted,with nails on it's numerous hands and feet,<br />oh! fool it's here, it's here"</span></span></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br />The answer ofcourse is </span></span><strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger"><span style="color:#666600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ginger<br /></span></span></a></strong><em><span style="color:#666600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Ala"</span></span></span></em><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> or </span><em><span style="color:#666600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Aalay"</span></span></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> in Marathi has 2 meanings One: "(something's) here" and two: "ginger". :D </span></span></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span></span></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The above picture is my entry to the</span><span style="color:#33cc00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><strong><a href="http://jugalbandi.info/2008/03/click-april-2008-the-theme-is/"><span style="color:#009900;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">click it (Au Naturel)</span></span></a></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> event hosted by Jugalbandi. Thanks Bee and Jai for such a wonderful event, I had fun writing this post..:D</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">____________________________________</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And here is a picture of Honey Ginger Tofu I made few weeks back taking tips from </span></span><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/109075"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="color:#666600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">this recipe</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">and one of those little recipe cards avalibale in the </span></span><a href="http://www.publix.com/Home.do"><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#33cc00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Publix</span></span></strong></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> vegetables section. Enjoy. :)</span></span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193537351964296050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDcOWk06tJeqGD3cwTbRSW_GDEsVTvSM0lhitb1ahPvEtD1O4ADDeYYoYPMDSbiCgCbgjIVMGw2PqqQdOknlYK6v0fodotg8JSxY4sWqUauAkIEheShBiL66IpXgbrTAn_AzCFw/s320/IMG_0622.JPG" border="0" />Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-74296936796853135502008-04-21T17:50:00.000-05:002010-01-20T18:22:02.165-06:00Home made Hummus with warm pita bread<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DgyBBPXA3yYBfL2YWHY9b_4u0Xho49DdhWE2aNUI0Xd3IkolSDDnUVJJxIo2j2C48wqPpIlWiBEQKhVvPmudAq-Kedr4TpMPAm7uImztskehYMo2qkZx_cQxOsPVdw_MyF_FHA/s1600-h/hummus.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191835418143824786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DgyBBPXA3yYBfL2YWHY9b_4u0Xho49DdhWE2aNUI0Xd3IkolSDDnUVJJxIo2j2C48wqPpIlWiBEQKhVvPmudAq-Kedr4TpMPAm7uImztskehYMo2qkZx_cQxOsPVdw_MyF_FHA/s320/hummus.jpg" border="0" /></a> I used <a href="http://happyfoody.blogspot.com/2006/10/creamy-hummus.html">This simple recipe</a> for Hummus from Happy Foody. Tasted yummy!Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-46597454150726173752008-04-05T13:05:00.005-05:002008-04-09T18:34:02.111-05:00April Atlanta<span style="color:#ff0000;">Gush of morning wind,<br />dogwood flowers in white and pink...<br /><br />Day Lily's , Daisies and tulips in red,<br />swaths of yellow pollen on the lovely green spreads...<br /><br />Beautiful days, the fresh in the air,<br />open windows, bright patio chairs...<br /><br />Art festivals, concerts and lively parades,<br />floral dresses, flip-flops, the coolest of shades...<br /><br />Delighted I am, merrily I sing,<br />Ah! the city is prettiest in spring...</span>Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-84470388994091608902008-04-02T14:53:00.002-05:002008-04-02T14:53:54.493-05:00April Fool's Day"<em>The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year."</em><br /> <span style="font-size:85%;"> - Mark Twain</span>Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-1148155674737314082007-09-05T19:49:00.000-05:002010-01-20T18:22:02.166-06:00Paneer Jalfrezi...and New York here I come!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFZOZV-4uL8bURFw5apPu4yrt2LSd1HVLpwne5UXPScUiJB2yz9JZIzN1d7qq67J3U1SoN1ZpcpTVESYFp-V16cpdgUE947ZjMDNzkZcrbtQE7MrWKUwOlykWISD7uA8BXPsMTA/s1600-h/IMG_0338.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFZOZV-4uL8bURFw5apPu4yrt2LSd1HVLpwne5UXPScUiJB2yz9JZIzN1d7qq67J3U1SoN1ZpcpTVESYFp-V16cpdgUE947ZjMDNzkZcrbtQE7MrWKUwOlykWISD7uA8BXPsMTA/s400/IMG_0338.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106889551507399074" border="0" /></a>Paneer - long rectangular pieces<br />Onions,Green Bell pepper, tomatoes ,Baby corn and green chillies - thin long slices<br />freshly grated ginger - abt 1 tsp<br />2 cloves garlic chopped fine<br />cumin seeds<br />red chilli powder<br />turmeric powder<br />Amchoor powder<br />salt to taste<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Heat some oil in a skillet, add cumin seeds and saute' ginger garlic and onions until they turn brown. Add red chilli powder and turmeric. Add all the vegetables except tomatoes and stir fry for a while. Now mix in paneer pieces. Sprinkle salt and amchoor powder. Lastly add tomatoes when the rest of the vegetables are cooked semi soft. Stir well for a while on a low flame. Serve hot with Paranthas!!<br /></div>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">Going to New York for a vacation! Will return next Tuesday with lots of pictures.:)</span>Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-84102458719243863632007-08-27T20:37:00.000-05:002010-01-20T18:22:02.167-06:00राखी पूरणीमा की शुभ कामनायें<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="justify"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1gXxmaqePi5DkIVow1MvHYuPf8kU8u0fqutebPQl8fvc3V2g6slYxMyRsmA20XDAj-j3FosM4B94qNTb-jNTUvKyf9ve2zqC2O8LLxoS44Q_gicgZFBzZR2nLFxA-pAoA9N2Zw/s1600-h/rakhi+poornima.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103562545285865714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1gXxmaqePi5DkIVow1MvHYuPf8kU8u0fqutebPQl8fvc3V2g6slYxMyRsmA20XDAj-j3FosM4B94qNTb-jNTUvKyf9ve2zqC2O8LLxoS44Q_gicgZFBzZR2nLFxA-pAoA9N2Zw/s400/rakhi+poornima.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">My loving family and friends in India..to you all! Hope you had a colorful and flavorful <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Raksha</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bandhan</span>.<br />Wish we could celebrate it all together.<br />Best wishes<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Vani</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Chirayu</span></span></em><br /></span><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" align="justify">Both <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Chirayu</span> and I were fasting on Monday (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Narali</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Poornima</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Shravani</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Somvar</span>). We celebrated the auspicious day by savoring this simple yet very special "<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Sing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Batata</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ni</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Khichdi</span></span>" with Yogurt and a side of fresh fruits. This is a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Gujrati</span> recipe similar to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">upaaschi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">batata</span> bhaji made in Marathi households. </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103567656296947970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdTdiH5BD9NoqgYNkV9mjdSFaIrUFOeaueYkCAjc2bsrH8TwuJNUV-UdNpJy3BBhTgR_HdagodJJBdIgNmX_NKVvSVAqiFuznjxqyrqn7Rn0zUfMBu-rPbSyFSSbh2fKtX2eWIQ/s400/IMG_0379.JPG" border="0" /></div><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;">Sing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Batata</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">ni</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Khichdi</span></span></em></p><p align="justify">Here is the quick recipe - Courtesy my Mom-in-law:) </p><p align="justify">Boil Potatoes and cut them in small cubes. Heat some Ghee in a pan and add <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">jeera</span> seeds. Once the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Jeera</span> starts to splutter, add finely cut green chillies and grated ginger. Mix well.Now add the boiled potatoes and red chili powder. Grind roasted peanuts in a blender with a tsp of sugar. Let the <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Daanya</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">cha</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Koot</span></em> - (ground peanut powder) remain a little coarse. Add this to the potatoes along with some salt. Cook the potato-peanut mixture some more uncovered till the potatoes start turning brown and a little crispy. Turn off the flame and add fresh lemon juice. Serve hot with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">dahi</span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">chaas</span>.<br /></p><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="right"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="right"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div>Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091011.post-92048911807641957172007-08-27T17:37:00.000-05:002010-01-20T18:22:02.169-06:00Royal Rajma Masala<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6L7N9dt1iURb9Qo3T4GH5voOfbGK6A84Zw5eLtUyWlk1ECcj-gQ44oddsjjjUpZfF2DpkV54iux0ru1nmZRB-NA056TRbMNlx9SkrdP28JaK8hxIksR3gCmvQALEceoxRfAmWg/s1600-h/rajma-edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103519174706110610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6L7N9dt1iURb9Qo3T4GH5voOfbGK6A84Zw5eLtUyWlk1ECcj-gQ44oddsjjjUpZfF2DpkV54iux0ru1nmZRB-NA056TRbMNlx9SkrdP28JaK8hxIksR3gCmvQALEceoxRfAmWg/s400/rajma-edited.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><em><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"> </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Rajma Masala</span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"> <span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,102)">(Adapted from </span></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,102)"><a style="FONT-STYLE: italic" href="http://foodieshope.blogspot.com/2006/10/rajma-malai-maar-ke-with-parathe.html">this recipe</a></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,102,102)"> posted by Asha on Foodieshope)</span><br /></em></span></div><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><br /></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Sundays are special!</span><br /><br />Sunday is one day of the week when I love to indulge in some elaborate cooking:). After a busy work week and a Saturday designated for Groceries-Cleaning-Laundry and all other big-small errands comes the Super-Sunday:). Waking up every Sunday to a bright clean house and a kitchen full of fresh supplies, is one of the most awaited and cherished part of my week, and hence calls for a special meal :)<br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify">The menu for this Sunday was the classic combination of Rajma - Chawal. I added a few <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">shahi</span> spices suggested by Asha to my usual rajma recipe, and wow! that did make our meal royal:)<br /></div><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The basics:<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3f6u2fq-RUKphYlGU34YIlCv0UqK54HYuJR2Qx1_F-5H7RpxPc64fnAPsW8NkrNs5YFjapJ_jepJdcmjfntFXcNSUja0XhyEYxAAxqF0IxeN2YlOvo_DWgX0QkTLf9gJXG20aQ/s1600-h/basics.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103520750959108290" style="WIDTH: 181px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 145px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3f6u2fq-RUKphYlGU34YIlCv0UqK54HYuJR2Qx1_F-5H7RpxPc64fnAPsW8NkrNs5YFjapJ_jepJdcmjfntFXcNSUja0XhyEYxAAxqF0IxeN2YlOvo_DWgX0QkTLf9gJXG20aQ/s200/basics.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzd8ghHcr-yualru54B75wz0bNJez4796-NW3In4Z560PGQSJGL4ftRtn7CEk-CxoS3ATXl89tob4eeu1150kxFukQ7sgTP7JZPw9BjrloE2Ka1Gq2qJaz7hsVQQpeqDtI2qj53A/s1600-h/tomato+puree.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103520519030874290" style="WIDTH: 156px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 145px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzd8ghHcr-yualru54B75wz0bNJez4796-NW3In4Z560PGQSJGL4ftRtn7CEk-CxoS3ATXl89tob4eeu1150kxFukQ7sgTP7JZPw9BjrloE2Ka1Gq2qJaz7hsVQQpeqDtI2qj53A/s200/tomato+puree.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /></div>1/2 cup rajma (red kidney beans) soaked overnight and cooked in plenty of water<br />1/2 cup of tomato puree<br />1 small onion finely chopped<br />2 Garlic cloves minced<br />Grated Ginger<br />2 small green chillies<br />Fresh cilantro<br />Salt<br />Chilli powder<br />Turmeric<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The works:<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQi22yCVmzM8c9Hv7OE2Sg6Q-G_UTqBxIXzU0okok2lLOSvlXd5jN06k5vtP3POMNQQOsxQ9j_k1n6pxeO95zPSYUDfXK6NbmUUPjEmiv-HYmOgfpjhj2l118xaep_VNtY1TVxw/s1600-h/IMG_0329.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103521476808581330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQi22yCVmzM8c9Hv7OE2Sg6Q-G_UTqBxIXzU0okok2lLOSvlXd5jN06k5vtP3POMNQQOsxQ9j_k1n6pxeO95zPSYUDfXK6NbmUUPjEmiv-HYmOgfpjhj2l118xaep_VNtY1TVxw/s200/IMG_0329.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jeera (Cumin seeds)<br />Meere (Black peppercorns)<br />Saunf (Fennel seeds)<br />Dalchini( Cinnamon)<br />Tejpatta (Mace)<br />Elaichi (Cardamom)<br />Amcoor powder( Dry mango powder)<br />Garam Masala<br />Laung (Cloves)<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify">Heat some oil in a Kadhai. Add 1/2 tsp of Jeera , when the seeds start to splutter add the green chillies, ginger garlic and onions. Fry for a minute or two and add all the masalas. Saute' some more till the onions turn reddish brown. Now add the tomato puree and mix well. Cover the pan for some time , so that the tomato onion paste retains the aroma of all the spices. Now add salt and fry till you see some oil separate out and smell the fresh aroma. Add the cooked kidney beans to this paste along with the left over water in the cooker. Mash some beans with a wooden laddle , this makes the Gravy thick and creamy.Cover and let cook for 5-10 minutes.,add more water as needed.Slow down the flame and add 1-2 spoonsfull whole milk. Mix well. Garnish with cream and Cilantro.Serve with fresh Basmati rice<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">. Enjoy!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkYD_RaPqwum_4IwwJB14kSJexOfbXyL4uuAT2x7pfWR0H4IkMv9GMqGcuEoGlmtmBdFrp6ObyKmzlkWRweJu_pRWlZL0mrhy3yUNCGs8c2R3LDlZelhOxnuyS3uXDvk4jv4cFQ/s1600-h/IMG_0355.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103525724531237090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkYD_RaPqwum_4IwwJB14kSJexOfbXyL4uuAT2x7pfWR0H4IkMv9GMqGcuEoGlmtmBdFrp6ObyKmzlkWRweJu_pRWlZL0mrhy3yUNCGs8c2R3LDlZelhOxnuyS3uXDvk4jv4cFQ/s400/IMG_0355.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-size:85%;" >Rajma Chawal with a side of Aloo matar and a glass of spiced buttermilk- Our Sunday Lunch</span><br /></div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><br /></span>Vanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730627166605523313noreply@blogger.com4