HELLO :)

Heya Reader...

JUST TO LET YOU KNOW (FYI) : As you may see... every post below has a 
{ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON} to begin with. And that is 'cuz  all these posts have been re-posted on this blog....

The ORIGINAL blog name used to be : AsraAshaonKa
The ORIGINAL blog url used to be : http://asha-oceanichope.blogspot.com/

I did post then regularly.... but after a while I started crafting which made this blog take a back seat.... Just recently when I wanted to look back for a recipe, I found that MY BLOG no more existed... :"( Made me sulk with remorse.... Since crafting too had taken a back seat due to health issues i had totally lost details to my blogs... 

Thankfully, Mozilla had saved my password for a login to my account... which got me to get back to the dashboard & was glad to see my posts where intact.... Even if my blog did not exist anymore online, I still had my posts in there... I would have been in distress if i had to lose all my moments, thoughts & memories tht i had been journaling of my days then.... They were a part of me & definitely ME in all regards.... Hence I thot of restoring them all back again by some other means... 

Best was to create a new blog book for my culinary & personal journals.... Doing that I did not wanna miss on, even the slightest of the treasure... Hence as i re-posted them all, I even saw to it that I put THEM ALL into this... including the comments & the dear people who were a part of me then... So, just copy pasted them all into  the comment box too....

Hoping to be able to continue with my journaling of recipes at the least, as before, any time possible.... Amen!

I hope you find, what got you here.... Any queries or suggestions would always be appreciated.... Kindly leave them in the comment box for me to look into them...

Thank You for your time & interest.... 

Love & (((Hugs)))

Ash... :) 

BREAD HALWA (Bread Pudding)!!!!!!

{ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON :

7/18/10, 10:13 AM

India Standard Time}

'Halwa' the very word is mouth watering. But during childhood the only halwa I knew was that of Mangalore. The Mangaluru Halwa. The hard varieties. Flavors like banana halwa, Bombay halwa, godhi halwa with nutty garnishing, were the only pictures of halwa I had tasted.

But after my acquaintance with Kuku (now my hubby), I learnt that even the "Ksheera" what we called, at Mangalore, popularly known as "Kesaribath" at Bangalore, was also called as sooji halwa. And many more puddings prepared similarly were called as the "respective ingredient halwa", such as the Gaajar ka Halwa ( Carrot Halwa), Lauki ka Halwa (Bottle Gourd Halwa), Moong Dal Halwa (Split Green gram dal Halwa), etc.,etc.,. That sure gives a picture of Halwa Mela!



One such Halwa is the Bread Halwa. I still remember, the restaurant at ITPL, "SINDBAD". This was when I worked for AOL, Pvt. India Ltd., we had our team lunch at this restaurant. I simply loved the Moong Dal Halwa that they served for the buffet lunch. I always looked forward for those team lunches, just to devour this halwa. They served it with ice cream. One day I decided that me & my hubby would have our lunch together at this place. And the day we had our lunch, the restaurant served bread halwa with ice cream. Both of us relished this dessert to the core. Some days later, I even took away a parcel of this halwa home, & devoured it. DIVINE!!!



And this was one preparation that we never forgot & never will. Whenever we had a craving for a sweet dessert, we just reminisced this halwa. That was when we decided that it was high time we tried it at home. We did & voila!!!!! It was a hit at home. For almost all special occasions, I landed up preparing this halwa. Even otherwise I would prepare it & even take a take away for my mom when I visited her. She sincerely devours it. She would serve a small bowl for everyone at home & then, you would never see it back. It would go underground. Then my mom would relish it alone, every now & then, till the last bit. :-)))



My brother (Amrith), got married recently. Now my mom has her newly wedded daughter in-law (Jyothi) with her. Last week it was her first birthday at her in-laws after wedding. I had prepared bread halwa, as a part of the sumptuous birthday lunch. After the lunch I left to my place & rest of the guests went home too. My mom still had 3/4 of the halwa with her. As she went in & out of the kitchen, she kept nibbling at the halwa. She also found that Jyothi did that too. Next moment she hid the halwa container. None of them could have more of it. Next morning they found out that the halwa was consumed completely by mom "THE HALWA CHORNI". My new sister in-law, asked me to prepare it again so that she could devour her share to the core.

Laugh Out Loud!!!!!! ऐसे ऐसे तो हलवा के किस्से हैं हमारे घर में. (Aise Aise Tho Halwa Ke Kisse Hain Hamare Ghar Mein)

Ingredients:

Bread Loaf - 1
Milk - 1/2 liter
Cashew nuts - 100 gm
Raisins - 25 gm
Sugar - 150 gm (1 cup)
Ghee - 100 gm

Method:

Tear the bread loaf into quarter a slice.



Boil the milk.



Now heat ghee in a wok.

Then add the crumbled bread & stir fry. Once the bread crumbs soak the entire amount of ghee & turns golden brown in color, add the cashews & raisins & stir fry.

P.S. you can also fry the cashews & raisins separately & then add it to the bread crumbs.

Once the cashews & raisins turn golden brown, add the boiled milk. Keep stirring as the milk would start throwing out. Mix well & keep stirring for 2 minutes even after the milk has been absorbed completely.

Once the bread looks dry, add the sugar & stir it well for at least a minute. And turn of the flame. Once the sugar has been absorbed, you are ready to relish the yum Bread Halwa.



P.S. It would taste best when it is relished hot.



Once you have prepared this do not forget to lemme know ;)

I have kinda re-posted this very old post from my archival..... But just updating better pics, of course.....

Sending this as my entry to Nivedita's CELEBRATE SWEETS~HALWA event..... Thanks to Jagruti for letting me know of this celebration.... It feels great to celebrate INDIA.... in all respects..... & Food is an integral part of the Colors Of India..... :)

Ha! That reminds me of the theme for June ATCs which was Ethnic India..... & Here are my creations portraying the ethnicity...... Do take a peek :-) @ HASTKALA!!!!!

That is it for now..... Will be back soon again.....

UNTIL NEXT, KEEP THE FAITH!!!!

BREAD HALWA (Bread Pudding)!!!!!

{ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON :

7/17/10, 3:30 PM

India Standard Time}

'Halwa' the very word is mouth watering. But during childhood the only halwa I knew was that of Mangalore. The Mangaluru Halwa. The hard varieties. Flavors like banana halwa, Bombay halwa, godhi halwa with nutty garnishing, were the only pictures of halwa I had tasted.

But after my acquaintance with Kuku (now my hubby), I learnt that even the "Ksheera" what we called, at Mangalore, popularly known as "Kesaribath" at Bangalore, was also called as sooji halwa. And many more puddings prepared similarly were called as the "respective ingredient halwa", such as the Gaajar ka Halwa ( Carrot Halwa), Lauki ka Halwa (Bottle Gourd Halwa), Moong Dal Halwa (Split Green gram dal Halwa), etc.,etc.,. That sure gives a picture of Halwa Mela!



One such Halwa is the Bread Halwa. I still remember, the restaurant at ITPL, "SINDBAD". This was when I worked for AOL, Pvt. India Ltd., we had our team lunch at this restaurant. I simply loved the Moong Dal Halwa that they served for the buffet lunch. I always looked forward for those team lunches, just to devour this halwa. They served it with ice cream. One day I decided that me & my hubby would have our lunch together at this place. And the day we had our lunch, the restaurant served bread halwa with ice cream. Both of us relished this dessert to the core. Some days later, I even took away a parcel of this halwa home, & devoured it. DIVINE!!!



And this was one preparation that we never forgot & never will. Whenever we had a craving for a sweet dessert, we just reminisced this halwa. That was when we decided that it was high time we tried it at home. We did & voila!!!!! It was a hit at home. For almost all special occasions, I landed up preparing this halwa. Even otherwise I would prepare it & even take a take away for my mom when I visited her. She sincerely devours it. She would serve a small bowl for everyone at home & then, you would never see it back. It would go underground. Then my mom would relish it alone, every now & then, till the last bit. :-)))



My brother (Amrith), got married recently. Now my mom has her newly wedded daughter in-law (Jyothi) with her. Last week it was her first birthday at her in-laws after wedding. I had prepared bread halwa, as a part of the sumptuous birthday lunch. After the lunch I left to my place & rest of the guests went home too. My mom still had 3/4 of the halwa with her. As she went in & out of the kitchen, she kept nibbling at the halwa. She also found that Jyothi did that too. Next moment she hid the halwa container. None of them could have more of it. Next morning they found out that the halwa was consumed completely by mom "THE HALWA CHORNI". My new sister in-law, asked me to prepare it again so that she could devour her share to the core.

Laugh Out Loud!!!!!! ऐसे ऐसे तो हलवा के किस्से हैं हमारे घर में. (Aise Aise Tho Halwa Ke Kisse Hain Hamare Ghar Mein)

Ingredients:

Bread Loaf - 1
Milk - 1/2 liter
Cashew nuts - 100 gm
Raisins - 25 gm
Sugar - 150 gm (1 cup)
Ghee - 100 gm

Method:

Tear the bread loaf into quarter a slice.



Boil the milk.



Now heat ghee in a wok.

Then add the crumbled bread & stir fry. Once the bread crumbs soak the entire amount of ghee & turns golden brown in color, add the cashews & raisins & stir fry.

P.S. you can also fry the cashews & raisins separately & then add it to the bread crumbs.

Once the cashews & raisins turn golden brown, add the boiled milk. Keep stirring as the milk would start throwing out. Mix well & keep stirring for 2 minutes even after the milk has been absorbed completely.

Once the bread looks dry, add the sugar & stir it well for at least a minute. And turn of the flame. Once the sugar has been absorbed, you are ready to relish the yum Bread Halwa.



P.S. It would taste best when it is relished hot.



Once you have prepared this do not forget to lemme know ;)

I have kinda re-posted this very old post from my archival..... But just updating better pics, of course.....

Sending this as my entry to Nivedita's CELEBRATE SWEETS~HALWA event..... Thanks to Jagruti for letting me know of this celebration.... It feels great to celebrate INDIA.... in all respects..... & Food is an integral part of the Colors Of India..... :)

Ha! That reminds me of the theme for June ATCs which was Ethnic India..... & Here are my creations portraying the ethnicity...... Do take a peek :-) @ HASTKALA!!!!!

That is it for now..... Will be back soon again.....

UNTIL NEXT, KEEP THE FAITH!!!!

GO GREEN :-)

{ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON :

6/29/10, 2:04 AM

India Standard Time}

Hello! I am here... finally! Long time...... I had several things on my mind & that did not or has not let me try something new... Hence did not post..... It was a regular dal + rice + some veggie sabzi..... What do I post about that??? I have already done..... So there was no much scope.... But I know it is almost the end of this month & I thought I ought to post something at least..... not to skip an entire month on my archival..... Hence sought this simple prep from my draft for today's post.....

Many of my fellow bloggers wondered where I was & they might have been furious for the delay too.... I am sorry again... I hope things fall into place for me ASAP!!!!! I keep my fingers crossed.... And yes! to keep away from being depressed.... I kept myself busy with my crafty creations...... That helped me a lot to beat the heat of my thoughts..... :-) Thanks to my expensive hobby ;-) U can take a peek here @ Hastkala.

Hmmm.... Let us get on with our post for today.... It is a simple rice prep, which only has green veggies in it.... It is green & hence the name..... A very simple, healthy yet delicious rice prep with some raitha as an accompaniment..... Awesome as a quickie..... :-)

Green Rice




Ingredients :

Basmati Rice - 2 cups
Fresh Peas - 2 tbsp
Round Beans - 2 tbsp (chopped)
Spring Onions - 2 tbsp (finely chopped)
Green Chilli - 1 tbsp (finely chopped)
Onion - 2 tbsp (optional finally chopped)
***I did not use any as I strictly went by the shade I chose ;-) Green!
Oil - 2 tbsp
Salt to Taste
Water - 3 1/2 cups

Method :

Wash all the above ingredients..... (except oil & salt ;-) Keep the rice aside..... Chop all the greens... Heat oil in a pressure cooker.... Add the green chilli & saute for 2 seconds..... Add the optional onion & saute till translucent or add the chopped veggies directly (except the spring onions) & stir fry for 4-5 minutes..... Now add the rice & fry further for 5 minutes..... When the rice shows a shine, add water, add salt & the chopped spring onions..... Stir once & cover the lid... Allow the steam to whistle for 4 whistles..... Then remove from fire..... When all the pressure is let out, all by itself, serve hot with any raitha or gravy as an accompaniment, of your choice.....

Accompaniment is a must.... If not it seems very dry.... Remember? They are only greens..... SO it needs some support system.... May be I was so involved in my card creation which had a green theme to be incorporated..... which I carried to the kitchen with me.... & got even my food themed GREEN!!!!

The other day Kuku got some raw mangoes from a farm.... I was so thrilled.... Rather we both were..... But the problem was, we were just the two of us at home & what would I do with all of them..... I know nothing nor have the patience to bring them to use other than SLURPEE! savoring ;-)



I distributed few & the rest I just left them in a cover.... My maid asked me to keep them in a rice container..... We just get 5 kg rice packet & where would I fit them all in... Hence I kept a few, say 5-6.....




Just yesterday, I looked at them... few seemed ripe.... But the rest were intact..... Even the ones that were ripe had few spaces which were still raw..... But still our inquisitiveness got us to slice the few..... & Voila!!!! So juicy, yum & luscious they were.... :-p, with one or two bites sour.....




Lovely Color :-p though..... But we enjoyed them.... The rest are intact in the polythene cover.....

Peeps! Please guide me with simple & stress free methods, by which I can get them to ripen ASAP to relish them all...... Of course with all thanks to you, for the guidance .... :-)

I forgot to give some to mom, when she visited.... I felt so bad.... At least she knew how to put them into use..... My Bad! :-(

Thanking you in advance, for all the guidance, u will be providing me with...... :-)

Will be back soon.... with my next.....

UNTIL THEN, KEEP THE FAITH!!!!

PREP TADKA MAARKE!!!!!

{ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON :

5/30/10, 7:08 PM

India Standard Time}

Hello!!!! I am very much alive...... It was my comp which ditched me & kept me away from catching up with the happenings around, for sometime..... I had to (oops! sorry, My hubby! No credits taken).... My hubby had to get few things changed in it, to get it back fixed & working.... He feels really bad & hurt, to see me without my Computer..... as I start drooping around, not knowing what to do..... ;-)

Now that it is back & since I had no challenges I was desperate to attempt, for my Craft blog, I thought it was time I posted here to save my nose..... ;-) Seriously, I felt ashamed looking at the archive, which showed just one post each for the months of April & May.... I really felt... "Chullu bhar paani mein dhoob maroon"..... I am sorry.... I know I am being unfaithful to this blog & all my supporters, who have made me grow till date... with my preps for consumption & postings too..... I thought at least to face myself, I had to post today......

So here I am with preps I thought would make an entry (last minute again! Shame! Shame!) to the Dal Event @ Veggie Platter....... I was looking forward to post since many days for this event, but it kinda got piled up... So here I am with Three Dal preps....... TODAY!!!!!


DAL TADKA!

This is a popular prep at my in-laws...... Very simple yet divine...... Goes well with both rice as well as rotis......

Ingredients :

Toor dal + Masoor dal - 1/2 cup ( I keep a mix of both)
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp
Red Chilli Powder - 1/4 tsp
Salt to Taste

For Tempering -

Green Chilli - 2, finely chopped
Onion - 1/2, finely chopped
Tomato - 1 medium, finely chopped
Oil/Ghee - 2 tsp
Cumin Seeds - 1/4 tsp
Asafoetida - a pinch


Method :

Cook the dal with the above ingredients as usual/ pressure cook..... Whip it lightly & keep aside...
Heat oil in a wok & add the cumin seeds...Allow it to splutter & add the green chilli, onion & tomato.... Stir fry till the onion turns pink..... Add asafoetida & stir for half a minute... Now add the whipped dal into the tadka..... Mix well & allow it to cook further for 5 minutes, covered.... Depending on the required consistency, add water...... Usually dal fry has a thicker consistency..... Now serve it hot with your rice or roti accompanied by any other dry sabzi......

Well I served it with Bhindi Bhoonjiya for the dry sabzi that day...... prepared similar to the Aloo Bhindi Bhoonjiya minus the Aloo (Potato). Savor!!!!!

Mango Dal!

I just wanted to try something different from the usual, hence added few pieces of raw totapuri mango, with the dal.......

Ingredients :

Toor dal + Masoor dal - 1/2 cup
Raw mango - 10 chunks (optionally peeled)
Onion - 1 medium (finely sliced)
Green Chilli - 2 small (slit lengthwise)
Garlic - 3 cloves (minced)
Tomato - 1/2 chopped
Methi Seeds - 4 to5
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
Red Chilli Powder - 1/4 tsp
Salt to Taste

For tempering -

Mustard Seeds - 1/2 tsp
Curry Leaves - 1 twig
Asafoetida - a pinch
Oil - 1 tsp
Cumin Powder - 1/4 tsp
Coriander Powder - 1/4 tsp
Dry Red Chilli - 2 broken



Method :

Pressure cook dal with all the above ingredients & once done, lightly whip the prep with a whisk & keep aside...... Now heat oil for tempering in a wok & add all the ingredients in the order from mustard seeds, curry leaves, dry red chilli, asafoetida, & the masala powders..... Stir fry for a minute & add in the whipped dal mixture....... Let it boil for 2 minutes & then savor it hot with rice..........

Few months back, my gardener did the garden.... Changing the soil, adding manure & sprayed pesticide..... And just recently I saw, few tomato plants in few of my pots along with the flowers in them, which were the original inhabitants of the pot........... I was like WOW!!!! There were quite a handful, which were raw.... I called Kuku & we both marked them together...... But later, we forgot......

One morning as my maid left, I went behind her to close the door & saw her leaving with two tomatoes...... I asked her "from where?" & she replied "from your garden" & I was like "What???" My tomatoes I forgot about & my maid was happily savoring them... I asked her to spare them for a minute at least, to let them pose for few captures as a memory of my garden tomatoes..... And willingly she did & left one for me too..... So here are the captures.....


Are they not cute & glossy..... I felt so proud to see them grow in my pots.......

And after that day, whenever she found one in the garden, she plucked them for me..... I felt good.... One tomato, I sliced into rounds for a simple salad & the other I used in my regular dal....


U can see the bits & pieces of my garden tomato in this simple regular dal, which I prepare for my daily lunch.......

Hmmm.... So that's a lot of Dal stuff...... These are my last minute entry to the Dal Event @ Veggie Platter.......



That is it for now...... I would be back soon, & I see to it that I keep up to my schedule this time.....

UNTIL NEXT, KEEP THE FAITH!!!!

DEDICATION TO MOM!!!!!

{ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON :

5/9/10, 12:14 PM

India Standard Time}

Hello Everybody!!!! I know it has been not just days but almost a month since I posted..... I am really ashamed of myself, not being able to keep up my promises..... I know I have to work something out as far as this blog is concerned.....

Okay! We would settle these pretty-petty things later & Celebrate..... Yup! It is OUR MOTHERS DAY!!!!!

I am so happy... It is a very special day...... Every day is special as far as mothers are concerned... but this 'day' make us all realize Our Very Existence, Our Very Identity...... It is the mother, who gives it to us.... She inculcates all those values & emotions in us, that make us all, who we are today...... Our 'base' is not taught to us by our mothers, but gets naturally transmitted through the affection she showers on us..... We inherit from her..... And proudly pose them as adults.... Making Us who we are..... Our thoughts, understanding, sensitivity..... are all those pricey possessions we inherit from our mothers..... I DID!!!! & Proud to pose & flaunt them too......

According to me....... 'Love' involves many thoughts into it...... but 'Mother' itself are all those thoughts...... No other emotions or thoughts are required to get us carried away..... The very word Mother tends to kindle all my thoughts & emotion.... The thought of separation from her, kills me, a thousand deaths..... I hate the thought.... As I strictly believe, I hate to repent later over anything... I believe in living at that moment & correcting our thoughts & actions, when we have time in hand..... There is no point crying over spilt milk later.....

But what if we are hurt now???? But what if our emotions are not reciprocated to???? I don't know nor understand how to get over it???? I am just left to lick my wounds..... All thanks to my hubby who is with me, in all times of distress..... If not for him, I would have had a breakdown, for sure..... I guess at the end of the day, it is just the husband & the wife, who remain for each other.....

I do not have a BEST FRIEND till date.... because I never found the necessity, for one.... Before wedding I had mom & post wedding I have Kuku.... So I always thought I have two of the worlds best friends, for I share every single stupid thing & thought with them.... But since few days, my friendship with my mom is undergoing stress.... And it makes me very weak & depressed.... There goes not a moment when I do not remember her & yearn to feel her, to my hearts content.... I hope & pray that things would fall back into place, sooooooooooooooooooooon.................

But I will forever remember all those things my mom did for me.... She took all the shouting from my dad, at times of my acquaintance with Kuku, before wedding... She always came in between, as a savior...... She means everything to me & forever will.....

I still remember few childhood incidents, that gives me goosebumps till date.... One such instance was when, as a child lived in my native Puttur (Mangalore Dist.), It was a dense forest kind of land with many unknown & wild plants & vegetation, around our house & I loved meandering in the jungle, day in, day out..... And during one such meanders, I found some colorful berries hung down a plant at my reach.... I was, may be, in CLASS 1...... Those berries looked so tempting that I chewed a few, which literally burnt my tongue & mouth & I felt very lifeless.... And seeing this my mom, in an instance of grief, thought, I would not make it & she ate the remaining berries, thinking there was no point for her to LIVE after that..... But with God's Grace, ALL WAS WELL THAT ENDED WELL!!!!! That was her Motherly affection for me...

I can never forget many such instances that left marks of my mother in my heart, my mind & my soul..... I would always wish the best for her... be it whatever, & with whatever in my hand.... My mother can always count on me.... The two Passions of my life.... My mom & My Hubby..... I love them both so much, that I cannot think of losing even one..... My existence is with them.... Without them I DO NOT EXIST......

I take this moment to salute all those mothers, who drain their love & energy till the last drop.... Happy Mothers Day!!!!!

I made some goodies for her, best to my abilities & paraphernalia...... Here they are @ "Hastkala"...Ashaon Ka ..... Take a Peek!!!!







And today I post this prep that is my 'Mom's Special'........ I never attempted to learn this prep from her till date, but due to the distance that has formed between us & all those moments I remember & miss, her & her delicacies, I thought of trying this prep all on my own..... Might not be exactly what she prepares, but similar...... Because the Egg-licious Curry she prepares is Green in color... & so is mine..... ;-) Hence I dedicate it to her, on this Special Day...... My way!!!!!

If you are reading it, I LOVE YOU!!!!! AMMA...... I just want u to remember, that I would be there for you, ever, at times of distress & even if u just need an ear to listen to you & a heart to feel your pain..... I am there forever.....

Okay! I have drained out my emotions enough, let us continue with my posting for today...... So here it is...... Mom's Egg Curry.... Daughter's Way.......!!!!




Ingredients :

Eggs - 5 (boiled)
Cloves - 4
Oil - 3 tbsp
Turmeric Powder - a pinch
Coriander Powder - 1 tsp
Cumin Powder - 1 tsp
Kitchen King Masala - 1 tsp
Garam Masala Powder - 1 tsp
Salt to Taste

Grind to Paste

Coriander Leaves - 1 cup, finely chopped
Green Chilli - 6
Grated fresh Coconut - 1/2 cup
Garlic - 6 cloves
Ginger - 1"
Dry Red Chilli - 2
Onion - 1 medium


Method:

Grind the above mentioned ingredients to a fine paste.... & keep aside.....

Heat oil in a Kadai..... Add cloves & dry red chilli & saute for a minute... Add the ground paste & stir fry on a low flame for 5 minutes...... Add all the masala powders & stir fry further for 2 minutes..... Add in the boiled eggs ( either cut into halves or full - If full, just poke in holes with a fork) Fry further for another 5 minutes..... Now add in water as required & cook covered for the next five minutes or so...... Goes well with any kinda rice prep or freshly made phulka rotis.......


Simple & Quick Jeera Rice


Ingredients :

Rice - 2 cups
Onion - 1 medium finely sliced
Green Chilli - 2, slit into two
Cumin Seeds - 1 tbsp
Oil/Ghee - 3 tbsp
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
Salt to Taste


Method :

Wash the rice & keep it aside..... Now heat oil/ghee in a pressure cooker...... Add in the cumin seeds & saute till brown... Now add in the slit green chilli & sliced onions & saute further for two minutes..... Now add in the washed rice, turmeric powder & salt..... Stir fry for 5 minutes..... Then add enough water ( 2:3 1/2).... Tighten the lid of the cooker & cook for 4 whistles..... Turn off the flame & allow the pressure to release, on its own....

Serve hot with raitha or the above prepared egg curry......




I would love to send this as an entry to PanchPakwan' s Mothers Day Cooking Celebration event......




There were many TOFAS, the acknowledgment of which were delayed... I am really sorry for the delay.....










I thank

Simply Food, Neetz Kitchen, Thattukada, Curry & Beyond & Sailaja Kitchen for spreading CHEERS!!!!! I am glad & happy to have received them.....

And would love to share & spread these TOFAS! further...... Anybody who stops by please accept them...... Let us spread Cheers!!! And be CHEERFUL!!!!

That is it for now......

UNTIL NEXT, KEEP THE FAITH!!!!!

MUSHROOM MANCHURIAN!!!!! ( Dedicated to Amma on Mother's Day)

{ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON :

4/11/10, 9:08 PM

India Standard Time}

Hello Everyone!!!! I know it has been a long time, since I really posted..... The last one being just a LOL!!!!!! I promised to keep up...... Yes! I partially did by being able to visit people & their space to read their awesome posts & write ups, as soon as I was Okay.... But as for my blog
post..... I have disappointed myself.... to the core....

Before I started with my other space & my card making, all I had was this space "ASRA"...ASHAON KA..... To connect, to write, to learn, to vent, to love or be it anything.... but since I have had my CARDINAL baby.... I have not exactly ignored, but yes, I could not make time to nourish my first baby..... And that is a disgrace..... :-(

I promise myself to try not to side track "ASRA...ASHAON KA"..... any further..... I pray God to help me through....

I had been busy after I got okay.... I was busy with few of my chores, my Card Projects & a new engagement...... By which I mean I have engaged myself for an hour everyday... (except Sunday)..... to give some quick card making lessons to my Doctor's daughter........ Since she has her vacation now & as she is interested in ARTS & CRAFTS, I have dedicated one hour everyday to her.... Just sharing few basic things I know as far as card making is concerned...... Hurray!!!! Because it is kinda learning for me in turn ...... in the process of sharing......

It has just been a few days... To be exact... four days... since I started of with this...... And during these days, she has been keen in picking up & remembering & practicing it again at home... for her friends, teachers & family.....

This is what she made...... I loved it because I never started this way... or rather did not get a chance to make them, CHILDLIKE ....... Are they not cute & adorable for a beginner.....??????



And for my creations just CLICK HERE!!!!!

And I remember reading Srivalli's post on her space Spice Your Life! regarding ideas to keep kids busy during their vacation..... I bet this is one among them......



They surely can be introduced to this awesome craft, which not only cultivates an interest towards it, but motivates them to give it a serious thought!!!!! I wish all the luck to those kids aspiring to make something personal for their friends, families & teachers...... :-)

I wanna thank everyone for all your love & support showered on me....... The previous post, which got me upset for a night, & which made me & my hubby laugh at it together the very next morning..... was surely a LOL!!!!!! It actually made me laugh to the core reading other instances where few of you had to put up with it..... So that was when I realized..... It really Happens & It happens!!!!!! It is a part of THIS WORLD..... Be it on NET or OUTSIDE...... We face it everywhere ...... So nothing OFFICIAL about it..... Later I just thought "Buri nazar waale,Tera Mooh Kaala".... (बुरी नज़र वाले, तेरा मूह काला ) which means directed as a curse, "Back off or smoke in your face"......... ;-)

And as for the post today..... Oh! it is a long long story.... I initially arranged to get a leftover delicacy made for a contest.... But as I went punching in the required words for that prep, it was time to prepare lunch & I had to hurry back to the kitchen.... My hubby asked if he could get anything interesting for his lunch!!!! Well I wanted it too, as it had been many days since we really had something interesting..... For the time being I have stopped savoring Non Veg....... I don't know when would I be able to savor them again......?????!!!!! Well, so the other best option is VEG & its variations.......

I went through my vegetable basket in the refrigerator & found a pack of mushrooms, I picked three days earlier.... & I went drooling at the thought of being able to savor Chilli Mushrooms.... So I came back to my comp to check for any recipe suitable...... But somehow, nothing satisfied me nor excite me to try....... My hubby got very irritated & impatient... He asked me to prepare what I knew & could manage & promised to savor whatever I prepared...... I said okay & went back to the kitchen..... Checked out for the basic ingredients I had & wanted, only to find the cornflour container was empty..... I had to pull out the stock from my storage.... As I did so, the recipe of THE MUSHROOM MANCHURIAN behind the packet caught my eyes...... I said VOILA!!!! Just what I wanted.... & went through the procedure.... to realize again that I did not have a stock of the pastes & sauces required... My hubby said, "It is okay, for a change let us try to improvise on that outline, & moreover it is just for us two & need not fear any criticisms" & I reluctantly agreed..... questioning myself .... should we not be able to ... if not savor... at least EAT what was made, than dumping it down the drains.......????

Got down to arrange self made & self decided ingredients to prepare a worthy meal...... for us TWO...... Just went with the flow & once the so called Mushroom Manchurian with Variations was ready...... My hubby was like WOW!!!!!!! which continued till the last bite & even after that...... And he asked me to register the prep in my blog, so that I would remember the procedure while I made my next..... So there went the leftover delicacy I was supposed to post today, to my draft..... I feel sorry for it & promise to bring it out to the light very soon....... Sorry Leftover!!!!!! ;-(

SO here is My Accidentally TRIED, TESTED & TASTED MUSHROOM MANCHURIAN for ALL OF YOU..... Get down to prepare right away & see the results for yourself...... :-)

PS : Kindly adjust & make changes as per your requirements..... Because I just prepared this with what little I had then ...... And moreover too many cooks spoil the broth.... So little always lasts longer in quality...... Take my WORD for it...... :-)



Ingredients :

Fresh Button Mushrooms - 200 gm
Onions - 2 medium (sliced rings)
Green Chillies - 4 (slit lengthwise)
Coriander Leaves - 3 tbsp (finely chopped)
Oil - 3 to 4 tbsp
Ajinomoto - a pinch
Chings Secret Red Chilli Sauce - 2 tbsp
Weikfield Soy Sauce - 1 tbsp

Grind to Paste :

Ginger - 2" piece
Garlic Cloves - 7 pieces
Green Chilli - 4
Water - 4 tbsp

For the Batter :

Weikfield Cornflour - 4 tbsp
Rice Flour - 5 tbsp ( for crispiness)
Baking Soda - a pinch
Salt to Taste
Ground Paste - 3/4th of the total paste

Oil - for deep fry

**Add water only if required... The consistency of the batter should be medium... not watery nor thick......
**Do not add any food color.....

Method :

Wash the mushrooms under running water & cut them into equal quarters...... Now mix the ingredients for the batter, well & add in a portion of the diced mushrooms & combine......



Heat oil in a deep bottomed vessel or a wok...... When it is smoking hot, turn down the flame to low.... & drop the pieces of mushroom from the batter, with no extra batter along...... Deep fry till golden brown on a medium flame... When done transfer onto an absorbent paper & keep aside......

PS : (CONTROL popping on or savoring those fried mushrooms, which are really yummy!!!!!!!)

Continue the process to consume all the diced mushrooms .......

Now heat oil in another deep bottomed vessel or wok, big enough to accommodate all the ingredients & the mushrooms...... When the oil is hot, add the slit green chillies & saute for a minute, Then add the onion rings & saute for a minute only....... (we do not want the onions
totally cooked) Then add the red chilli & soy sauce along with the remaining ground paste. Add a pinch of ajinomoto & stir well to let it fry for a minute... Then add the deep fried mushrooms & stir till sauce just coats the mushrooms.... Add the 3/4th of the chopped coriander leaves, mix well & then transfer the entire prep into a serving bowl & garnish with the remaining chopped coriander leaves.....



Savor piping hot....till the last bite, as I did..... ;-)





Actually a regular lunch with dal & beans stir fry & rice was ready.....



But since we savored the whole of what we prepared, then...... we skipped our lunch.....



Kuku had a small portion of lunch very late by 4 pm. I was full...... Now just waiting for my dinner...... I have a small tummy as far as meals are considered.... As for these yummy delicacies, I can still make space...... ;-)

And since I made this for the first time & which turned out to be simply mind blowing, I would love to dedicate this to my mom.... As we always loved savoring these delicacies together or when prepared at home or at least trying to prepare at home & not being able to get satisfactory results...... now when I prepared this & since I was not able to share the taste of my first try with her, I would love to dedicate this preparation to her.... And would look forward to prepare it again sometime JUST FOR HER...... I love you & MISS you too.....To AMMA, with all my LOVE!!!!!!



And this being the theme of Jyoti's 'PANCHPAKWAN'..... Mother’s Day cooking celebration ..... I send this as an entry to the event......

And Yes! I had a few mentions too...... regarding all those cute TOFAS, I received from friendly bloggers......which was a backlog since quite some time.....




I thank Simply Food, Indu of Khatta Meetha Theeka, Deepa of Hamaree Rasoi, Vineetha of Ruchi & Supriya from Cook in a Blog World showered sunshine on me through this cutie...... Thank You so Much.....







I thank Sailaja for sharing her Thank You & One Lovely Blog Award........




I thank Dolly of Curry & Beyond & Food Lovers for remembering me for the Honest Scrap...... And Food Lovers again for the Block of TOFAS too......



It seems like everyone has one of these... So I don't wanna be repetitive..... Hence peeps, who do not adorn any of these pieces of TOFA, I request you to kindly grab one!!!!!!

THANK YOU ALL for the Love & Support..... It is held high.... in my LIFE.... Because that is all that matters at the end of the day...... Love You ALL.....

That is it for now..... I will be back soon with my drafted Leftover..... soon.... ;-)

UNTIL NEXT, KEEP THE FAITH!!!!!