Curried Prawns in Coconut Milk

Today in the middle of my studies I had this unbearable craving to have something Thai. I realized that just yesterday I had bought a bag of frozen prawns from Whole Foods. With this basic ingredient to start with, I raided my pantry for some more Thai stuff -- found a can of light coconut milk and green curry paste. Had some peppers and onions in the fridge. And I picked basil from my kitchen garden to help me complete the dish. This dish took me just 15 mins to make and it tasted amazing. 

Bring half a can of light coconut milk to boil. Add 1 tbsp of green curry paste. Mix well. Simmer for 5 more mins. Add 1/2 tsp palm sugar and salt. Add the remaining milk. Now add about 15 jumbo shrimp + 15 cherry tomatoes + 1/2 cup diced bell peppers + 1/2 cup yellow onions. Cover and simmer on medium heat for 6-7 mins. Add some lime juice. Complete the dish with a garnish of generous amount of basil leaves.

Enjoy!  

Prawns with Pomegranate Seeds

Roasted Patty Squash

Courtesy: underagereading.files

Going to farmer's market is a Saturday morning ritual in my house. My hubby and I are like two kids in a candy store. This week we picked a bunch of produce like organic spinach, tomatoes, cauliflower, peppers, patty squash and zucchinis. Patty squash is rich in Vitamin A & C and folic acid. I also read somewhere that you can sauté them in butter. Heat the oven to 475 F. Add the diced squash to a baking dish that is covered with aluminium foil. Drizzle olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 mins. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese at the end.

Enjoy!

Aarti Paarti's Indian Lentil Curry -- Dal

Conversation between the two sisters over the phone one day.

Chaya: Are you watching "The Next Food Network Star" on Food Network?
Divya: Nope, I don't find anyone interesting. All last seasons contestants were hopeless including the winners except for Guy Feiri.
C: Oh, this time there is an Indian contestant called Aarti and she is from Mangalore (that's where we are originally from) and she seems good. Looks like she has some talent and is very camera friendly!
D: Really? Hm, still don't think that's good enough a reason for me to start watching it again
C: You know she has a great story too. One that is very inspiring (hint hint sister, this is for you....)
D: What?
C: Yes, She is a North Western grad in journalism. Was working for CNN before she got laid off....
D: (Wow, this seems like me...curious to know more about her now). Oh, tell me more....
C: She and her husband are both currently unemployed and are surviving on unemployment. Last year while she was sitting at home she started taking interest in cooking, and on insistence of her husband started taking cooking classes. He noticed a budding talent in her
D: Wow, that really sounds like me (well, my husband noticed I loved finance more than engineering and persuaded me to follow my dreams! Well, he also started this website for us as he noticed how much my sister and I loved food!  Seems like a lot of similarity to Aarti's life! Well, it doesn't end there -- she has a   younger sister too!!!)
C: She has a great website too. Check out her videos on You Tube under Aartipaarti.

Two days later, I go online and read everything about Aarti. Soon afterwards, I become a convert! I start watching the "The Next Food Network Star" again just to support her. Honestly, when I support Aarti I am not just supporting her but I am also supporting myself -- I also want to be successful in my career and have great dreams for myself! I too came to America like her looking for opportunities. But like her and millions of Americans our dreams were shattered when the economy crumbled and we were asked to go home for no fault of ours....

People like Aarti are inspirational at this time when our future (at least mine!) seems so fragile. She is the symbol of American dream that emphasizes hard work, perseverance and success!!!!

Go girl, we are so proud of you. And thanks Chaya, you are a great support to me and I know that you always want the best for me. I hope not to disappoint you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzpPfr1qY_U&feature=related

1/2 cup toor dal +1cup masoor dal.  Was and add to pressure cooker. Also add 1/2 diced onion + 1 medium diced tomato + 6 garlic cloves+1/4 inch ginger diced. add 2 cups water and pressure cook till the dal is mushy. Heat oil (2 tbsp) in a pan. When it heats up add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds+ 1/2 tsp cumin seeds. When the mustard begins to pop add 2 cloves of garlic + 1 sprig curry leaves +1/3 tsp  asafoetida + 1/2 tsp red chilly powder + 1/4 tsp turmeric powder. Saute for a min. Transfer the dal mixture to this pan. Mix well. Add salt and simmer for 2-3 mins. garnish with coriander leaves.

Enjoy!

My new love -- My Fagor Pressure Cooker

I am head over heels in love with my new Fagor pressure cooker. It pressure cooks like a dream -- not messy, easy to clasp and close and most importantly no more spills and leaks! Thank God, I made the right decision to replace my old one -- for all of you curious to know what did I own before this I had a small Indian made cooker. I see myself cooking chicken and dal in it for many many years to come unless it decides to leave my hand. Ouch. 

Till then, Happy Cooking!! I wish there was someone like a Steve Jobs of Kitchen Gadgets!

Enjoy!

Spinach Omelette

Today's dinner was very healthy. I realized that the spinach sitting in a lonely corner of my fridge was crying to be rescued. I thought of steaming it and eating it as a side. But that did not seem appetizing enough to my hungry stomach. Then suddenly I realized I can make a frittata, using some peppers, onions and tomatoes along with the spinach. However, I ended up with an omelette (read scramble!) as I was lazy to put the pan into the oven after cooking on the stove.

Heat some butter in a pan. Add finely chopped spinach + 1/2 cup diced onions + 3/4 cup diced bell peppers + mushrooms. Sauté' till the veggies are just soft (not mushy!). Now add 3 eggs that are beaten together in a bowl and seasoned with salt and pepper. Cover and cook till the eggs are cooked. Transfer on a serving plate and garnish with goat cheese crumbles. Enjoy with your favorite juice or tea/coffee.

Enjoy!