Watercress Salad Sandwich

My new favorite. I absolutely love this sandwich! This is from Glamour Magazine.

Ingredients: 

1/2 cup watercress
1/4 cup cheddar cheese (aged), grated
a few slices of kirby cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
1/2 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp lemon juice + some extra for drizzling
Kosher salt and pepper
1 tbsp mayo (I used the low fat version)
1/2 avocado thinly sliced

Method:

In a large bowl toss watercress, cheese, cucumber, oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Spread mayo on each slice of bread. Layer avocado on one slice. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle salt  and pepper. Mound the watercress salad over the avocado. Top with the remaining slice of bread.

Enjoy!

Courtesy: Glamour magazine

Bourbon Tea

My hubby and I have the habit of drinking tea after our dinner every night. We came across this recipe while waiting at our physician's office the other day. It looked interesting and at the same time very gourmet! It was like having a cosmopolitan or a screwdriver except with tea!

 On our way  home we stopped by our grocery store and bought a bottle of bourbon and sugar syrup that the recipe required. The flavor of Bourbon came through along with a bit of sweetness from the sugar syrup. We can't wait to serve this to our dear friends who like us also enjoy having tea after dinner.

Method:

Boil water in a tea pot with a couple of star anise and cardamoms. Place a tea bag in a cup. I used Twinning's Earl Grey breakfast tea bag. Now add the steamed water to the cup + 2 tbsp bourbon + 3/4 tsp sugar syrup. Mix well. Drop a thinly cut orange slice to the cup. Enjoy!

Red Fish Curry -- Tilapia Gravy

This is a Kerala inspired curry that is usually made with King Fish. The spicy and tangy flavor of the curry makes it lip smackingly good! I really can't wait to serve this dish to my parents and see their reactions. I came across this recipe on Food and Wine site. 


1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup fresh curry leaves
15 garlic cloves, smashed
4 medium shallots, thinly sliced
One 2-inch piece of ginger, peeled and julienned (1/4 cup)
4 long hot green chiles, seeded and thinly sliced crosswise
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
2 tablespoons tamarind puree
1 cup tomato puree or one 14-ounce can of whole tomatoes with juice, pureed in a food processor
Six 6-ounce skinless tilapia fillets
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Cilantro leaves, for garnish


Method: 

1. In a very large, deep skillet, heat the oil. Add the curry leaves and cook over moderately low heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the shallots, ginger and chiles and cook for 5 minutes. Add the coriander, turmeric and cayenne and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the tamarind and tomato purees and simmer over low heat until thickened, about 10 minutes.
2. Season the tilapia fillets with salt and black pepper and nestle them in the sauce. Cover and simmer over moderately low heat, turning once, until the fish is just cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer the fish to plates and spoon the sauce on top. Garnish with the cilantro leaves and serve.

Enjoy! 

Courtesy: Food and Wine

Udon Noodle Soup

Udon noodles was one of the first things that was introduced to me by my husband after our marriage. But somehow over the years we forgot about this lovely noodle dish as we became busier with our lives, and as studies and job took precedence over cooking. Gone were the days when both I and my husband would compete in our tiny kitchen for each other's praise and appreciation with our cooking skills. However, the second half of 2010 has made us realize that we need to start cooking again at least for a couple of times in a week as it is obviously more healthy and figure friendly. Therefore, while I was browsing through the net today to get some ideas for dinner I stumbled upon Steamy Kitchen's noodle dish. As it brought back a lot of wonderful memories I knew I had to make this dish tonight.

Ingredients:


One 12-ounce package fresh udon noodles (or substitute with dry pasta/noodles)
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots

1/2 cup snow peas, sliced on the diagonal
1/2 cup fresh mushrooms
2 tablespoons white miso (shiro miso)
1/2 cup green onions

Method:

1. Cook the udon noodles according to the package directions, drain and set aside.

2. In a large saucepan, bring the stock to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and add the carrots and cook until the carrots are crisp-tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the snow peas and cook until slightly tender but still bright green, about 1 minute. Add the mushrooms, cook for 30 seconds and remove from the heat.

3. Spoon the miso in a medium bowl and add a ladleful of hot broth. Whisk until the miso is completely dissolved, then pour the entire miso mixture into the pot with the soup. Do not boil the soup with the miso, as the miso will become gritty. Stir in the noodles and the green onions.

Enjoy! 

P.S: I have copied and pasted the recipe from Steamy Kitchen's blog. 

Courtesy: Steamy Kitchen

Black beans and Corn with Roasted Salmon

Tonight's dinner was simple and healthy! Thanks to Martha Stewart -- I adore her blog, especially all the recipes on it. I asked my hubby to pick up salmon from our nearby store on his way back from work today with the intention of making grilled salmon until I realized I did not have dill in my pantry. I browsed for some more salmon recipes and came across this one. 

Black beans and Corn: 

 3/4 can black beans (drain water)

1 large can corn kernels (drain water)

1 large finely diced red onion

3 large garlic diced

2 tbsp tomato puree

1 small green chilly

1/4 tsp (or less) oregano

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tsp lemon juice

salt and pepper

Heat oil in a pan. Saute onions and garlic till transparent. Add the beans, corn, tomato paste, chilly. Cook for 5 mins.  Add oregano, salt and pepper. Add lemon juice and mix. Sprinkle parsley. 

Courtesy: Marthastewart.com

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!

Blogs we can't get enough of!

http://www.harpalssokhi.com/recipevideos.php#
http://www.aartipaarti.com/2009/11/06/the-4-supper/
http://newasiancuisine.com/http://steamykitchen.com/
http://www.veggiebelly.com/entrees/page/3
http://www.foodandwine.com/
http://noteatingoutinny.com/2009/10/26/sake-stir-fried-scallops-with-root-vegetables/
http://www.kamalascorner.com/search/label/Poriyal%20Varieties?updated-max=2008-06-01T16:31:00%2B05:30&max-results=20
http://simplyspicy.blogspot.com/search/label/Fish%20-%20Curries%20-%20Fries
http://divya-dilse.blogspot.com/search/label/salads

Turkey Sandwich with Roasted Pepper Hummus

My dad is a picky eater and as children we often heard our mom say that she wished her daughters married men who were less picky. Luckily my mom's prayers were answered and we both married men who are not fussy at all, sometimes we wish they were a little more strict to keep us on track! I made this sandwich for lunch today for my hubby who was working from home. I told him to rate it on a scale of 1-10 with the condition that I would post it on my blog only if he gave the green light. He said 10 on 10!!!

2 whole grain bread + 1 tbsp roasted red pepper hummus + shaved turkey breasts + swiss cheese + sliced tomato + boston lettuce leaves. salt and pepper to garnish.

Enjoy!

Mom's Fried Rice

While the older sister was cooking up a storm on the west coast, the younger wasn't slacking in the east coast. Indeed she was working very hard too. Mom are you listening? Isn't today Mother's Day! Just as I was finishing posting my recipes on the blog, I saw an email pop up through my yahoo messenger. It read "Fried rice " from Chaya. I had to put this recipe in here as well!

 Heat olive oil in a non stick pan. Sauté onions till transparent. Add your favorite veggies. Fry for 5-6 mins. Add finely chopped garlic (1 tsp). Add 3 tbsp sauce sauce + 1 tbsp chilly sauce (you can find this in Indian groceries). Mix well. Add a cup of rice + 2 cups water. Mix well. Cover and cook till almost done. Add salt and freshly ground pepper. Mix well and cook for 5 more mins. Garnish with coriander leaves. Enjoy with cucumber raita.

Enjoy!

Creamed Spinach (Another Southern Classic)

While I am in the mood for some comfort food, I thought why not try another Southern classic -- my favorite creamed spinach which goes well with grilled meat or fried fish. I found a great recipe for this on YouTube which I have posted here. I will post pictures as soon I try out this dish. Oh btw, if you are a fan of southern
 food check out ANGELINE'S KITCHEN (mostly serving Louisiana cuisine, not exactly southern but they do have some dishes like hushpuppies, creamed spinach, fried catfish on their menu) in Berkeley, famous for their catfish fry, jambalayas and gumbos. Their hushpuppies are really good. For $16 you get an entrée with 6 hushpuppies, 4 catfish, cole slaw and tartar sauce.

P.S: Guys, 3 hours later here I am with my creamed spinach recipe. Luckily, I had everything I needed to make this dish, except whole milk. I used non-fat milk instead. It still turned out good. I used less butter, 1/4 stick and left out nutmeg as I ran out of it. Here's my version of the dish -- Heat 1/4 stick butter in a non stick pan. Add finely diced 1 1/2 white onions and 1 garlic diced. Let the onions sweat for sometime. Now add 2 tbsp of all purpose flour. Lower heat. Mix well. Add milk and keep mixing till you get a nice mixture. Now lower heat and cook till the milk reduces to half. Add salt+pepper+nutmeg powder. Mix well. Add the steamed spinach (make sure you drain all water by folding spinach in between paper towel or else the dish will turn out soggy). Mix well. Serve hot!

Enjoy!

Blackened Catfish Fry

I was introduced to southern barbecue and soul food like catfish fry, creamed spinach and corn bread by my husband when we lived in Knoxville, Tennessee before moving to California. Though I am not a fan of barbecue (huge pieces of meat don't excite me!), I love their catfish fry and other stuff. Since frying is not my forte, I wanted to do something similar with catfish -- that's when I came across this house blend of Cajun Seasoning at Whole Foods. It tastes great on catfish. I shallow fry the fish 6 mins on each side and serve it just by itself or with some steamed veggies on the side. I wish I knew how to make tartar sauce. 

Season catfish fillet with salt and pepper on both sides. Rub the Cajun Seasoning well on both sides. Heat oil in a pan. Drizzle some olive oil. Add catfish. Lower heat to medium. Cook 6-7 mins on each. Squeeze some lemon juice. Eat hot.


Enjoy!

A refreshing summer drink

This is such a cool refreshing drink for hot and humid summer days. I like to make it and chill it in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving. The lemon adds a citrus taste to it. Blend together 2 cups of watermelon + 1/2 cup of fresh strawberries with some cold water. Squeeze some lemon juice and add 1 tsp sugar or sugar sweetener. Garnish with some fresh mint(optional).

Enjoy!
Courtesy:marthastewart.com

No fuss lunch

What do you when you have terrible cramps and are confined to a sofa and T.V.  Make a quick lunch like I did today -- sautéed some lean white turkeys hot dogs and served them with Insalata Caprese and yellow mustard on the side. Both the wife and the husband were pleased.

Insalata Caprese: Mix together some cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Sprinkle salt and pepper. Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Garnish with fresh basil or mint.

My new LOVE!

I have been wanting to add a cast iron casserole to my kitchen collection for a while now. This is a Lodge brand, 6 quart casserole that I ordered from Amazon.Can't wait to make my first stew with this =)

Chicken Tagine

My friend has collected zillion of books on Home & Garden over the years, and whenever I visit her we both sit together and go through them one by one, making note of recipes or reading about fashion ideas etc. It was one afternoon when she was doing her summer cleaning (I guess!) and trying to get rid of stuff that she no longer wanted. She came across his book on one pot meals and told me that while she thinks the book is  interesting, she doesn't think she will be trying recipes from it anytime soon as her kids are fussy eaters and they prefer rice and vegetables separately. I borrowed it from her as I have also been trying to learn some one-pot meals. I decided on this chicken Tagine dias as I had pretty everything that this dish needed. The dish came out O.K, I wouldn't rate it as one of my favorite recipes but I was happy that it had vegetables to chicken to beans in it. I would definitely try it again.

Chicken thighs + 1 1/2 cup chicken stock + 1 bell pepper diced + 1 onion diced + 1 small eggplant diced + 6 large garlic cloves finely chopped + 1/4 cup garbanzo beans + 1 tbsp tomato paste + 1/4 cup dried apricots + 2 tbsp all purpose flour + salt & pepper + coriander leaves finely chopped + 1 big cinnamon stick + 1 tsp cumin powder.

Heat oil in a pan. Add onions and garlic. Saute for 5 mins. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 mins. Add cumin and cinnamon. Mix well. Saute for 2 mins. Add flour and mix well. Add eggplant and bell peppers. Saute for 2 mins. Add the tomato paste and chicken stock. Let it boil. Now add garbanzo beans and apricots. Cover and cook till done. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh coriander. Cook for 3 more mins. Enjoy hot!