Jai Ho! Desi Forums - Indian Veg, NonVeg Recipes http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/ Indian Vegetarian, Non Vegetarain recipes, snacks, cooking tips here. en Sun, 05 Sep 2010 18:47:36 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/techforums/misc/rss.jpg Jai Ho! Desi Forums - Indian Veg, NonVeg Recipes http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/ {Baking} COCOA BERRY DESSERT BROWNIES ... with Linwoods Milled Flaxseed, Cocoa and Be http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/27660-baking-cocoa-berry-dessert-brownies-linwoods-milled-flaxseed-cocoa.html Sun, 05 Sep 2010 03:24:12 GMT There's more to life than chocolate, but not right now.AnonymousTHUD! It was that all too familiar noise of the postie chucking a parcel over the gate again. While I braced myself for probable...

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More... ]]> Indian Veg, NonVeg Recipes icecalm http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/27660-baking-cocoa-berry-dessert-brownies-linwoods-milled-flaxseed-cocoa.html Hot As Hell in Houston http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/27250-hot-hell-houston.html Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:01:16 GMT Image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DPqKQp9pCA8/TH-GiSwctoI/AAAAAAAAFoI/Wa1E6FUJBqo/s320/IMG_1827.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DPqKQp9pCA8/TH-GiSwctoI/AAAAAAAAFoI/Wa1E6FUJBqo/s1600/IMG_1827.jpg)In four hours I was transported from pleasantly cool... In four hours I was transported from pleasantly cool San Francisco to the sweltering heat of Houston, Texas. I had my iPad with me and the four hours of travel time went by quickly in watching Mad Men, playing games and reading e-books. It was a weekend and I was looking forward to a much needed breather in the middle of two very hectic weeks. During the three days here, I had a chance to try some new eating places and re-visit an old favorite.


Canyon Cafe advertises Southwestern cuisine. It has an interesting ambiance with flaming torches, bamboo and wood interiors. Southwestern cuisine turns out to be Mexican with a contemporary twist. They put a bowl of chips and salsa that was quite nice.

I ordered a starter of chicken skewers on a bad of fruit salad and greens followed with fajitas. The fajitas were quite good as was the home-made ice-cream I ended with.



An old friend took me to a Persian restaurant for lunch. Kasra on Westheimer is named after Taq-e-Kasra, a monument and the only remnant of the glittering Persian palaces of King Khosrow I.

We cooled off with glasses of Doogh, a yogurt drink similar to Indian chaach as we waited for our starters and bread. The taftoon bread is completely awesome; along with it we had ordered Hummus and Mast Khair - made of yogurt, diced cucumber and crushed mint.




My entree was the Kubideh, Persian classic skewers of charbroiled, premium ground beef blended with grated onion and Persian spices. The Kubideh was served on a bed of dill rice and lots of butter. The dill rice went so very well with the flavors of the spices and meat.

We ended with a glass of Persian tea. That was fun!

One day, I was visited Anvil Bar & Refuge on Westheimer in Montrose. Montrose is quite an arty little place, quite unlike the plain, unremarkable neighbourhoods of Houston! Anvil probably has the best cocktails in this city and a lot of character! I ordered the Spindletop, made of Blackstrap and Jamaican Rum, Falurnum and Islay Scotch, Allspice and Angustura bitters. What more approriate in oil country than a cocktail that boasts of 'looking like oil and tasting as bold'. We also nibbled through some pizzas topped with pepperoni, chorizo, gouda, parmigiano and mozarella.


Finally, I was back with a colleague to a steakhouse I love: Sullivans. This place never disappoints. An excellent starter of pepper-crusted tuna tartare was followed by a wedge of Romaine with blue cheese and the most delectible 8oz ribeye with peppercorn sauce done absolutely right. Our pretty waitress was as efficient and friendly as the best of them!





PS: You can read some of my earlier posts from Houston here, here, and here.

Anvil pictures courtesy: Katherine Shilkutt




More... ]]> Indian Veg, NonVeg Recipes Induslady http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/27250-hot-hell-houston.html Eating Out in Taipei http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/27247-eating-out-taipei.html Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:01:16 GMT Image: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WaqLfud9sww/TH6PflDqzRI/AAAAAAAACFA/Ly4V9i_RnOs/s480/taiwan+053.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WaqLfud9sww/TH6PflDqzRI/AAAAAAAACFA/Ly4V9i_RnOs/s1600/taiwan+053.jpg) The first stall that I encountered in the Lin...

The first stall that I encountered in the Lin Jiang (Tonghua) night market - they were selling pork dumplings and chicken, among other things. The pork dumplings had some black sesame sprinkled on them. The price for five was NT$40.


Steamed shrimp - mild and delicious



This stall had a variety of foods - meats on a stick, tofu, several bowls of broth bubbling away. I didn't know how to eat them but just bumbled along. It turns out that one way of eating them is that you have to choose your meats, tofu and veggies, which are priced separately. Then they will be boiled in a broth and given to you on a plate with some sauce, and the broth, topped with some celery, comes in a cup.


Meats on a stick - a phenomenon that I've seen in Thailand and Singapore as well, and which one can find throughout the other neighbouring countries, which I hope to visit someday soon!



One of the abovementioned assembled meat-veg-soup combinations

Another stall selling food. In the foreground, in those little cups, is what I think is chowanmushi, savoury Japanese custard containing seafood and mushrooms, which I tasted on a trip to Japan.

There are a variety of sweet potato snacks and desserts - I was too full to try any!

Some more, all colourful


And then some!

Sticky rice cakes, with black sesame and peanut powder, being steamed

And they're ready!

Lest you opt for the white sausage, be warned, it has rice and beans in it, not meat!

Name the body parts! Chicken feet, hearts and livers, great delicacies in Taiwan, I'm told!


Look at the stuffed lady's finger/okra. It was tasty - and cold.

Offerings at the Longshan Temple

Many, many more of them


Century eggs on tofu, I think

Shellfish!

I don't even know what this is!

And finally, ending on a pretty note!


Weekend Herb Blogging Travel Taiwan Taiwanese cuisine Night market Street market Lin Jiang Street Tonghua night market Huaxi night market Longshan temple TaipeiThis feed contains copyrighted photos and text from http://www.whenmysoupcamealive.blogspot.com. If you are not reading this material in a feeds aggregator or by e-mail subscription, the site you are viewing may be guilty of copyright infringement. Please contact srablog (at) gmail (dot) com.


More... ]]> Indian Veg, NonVeg Recipes Ammas http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/27247-eating-out-taipei.html Mattar Ke Kachori (Spicy Puff Pastry) http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/27243-mattar-ke-kachori-spicy-puff-pastry.html Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:01:16 GMT Image: http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/qCCYBCk_UMnRfmKIgqFkPmICCvo/0/di (http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/qCCYBCk_UMnRfmKIgqFkPmICCvo/0/da) Image: http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/qCCYBCk_UMnRfmKIgqFkPmICCvo/1/di ...


Click here to view the embedded video.

Mattar Kachori is delicious, fried puff pastry filled with spicy green peas. This mouth watering snack also can be served as part of any main meal.

Make 12 Kachoris.

Ingredients:

For crust
  • 1 cup All Purpose flour (plain flour or maida)
  • 1/4*teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • Approximately 1/2 cup chilled water
For filling
  • 1 cup green peas
  • 1 teaspoon oil
  • 1 tablespoon coriander powder (dhania)
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seed powder (sonf)
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon shredded ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon mango powder (amchoor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste)
  • Oil to deep fry
Method

To Make Crust
  1. Add the flour, salt and oil in a bowl and mix it well.
  2. Add the chilled water slowly, mixing with your fingers as you pour the water.
  3. Do not knead the dough. The dough should be very soft but not sticking to fingers.
  4. Cover the dough and let it sit for at least fifteen minutes.
To Make Filling
  1. Heat the oil in a frying pan, add green peas, stir-fry until peas are tender.
  2. Add ginger, coriander powder, fennel seed powder, chili powder, mango powder and salt, stir fry for another few minutes.
  3. While stir frying the peas mash them with spatula.
  4. Let the filling cool to room temperature.
To Make the Kachoris
  1. Take the dough and lightly knead it.
  2. Divide the dough in twelve equal parts.
  3. Take one part of the dough and with your fingers flatten the edges and make into about 2-inch circle. Leaving center little thicker then edges around.
  4. Mold the dough into a cup and place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center. Pull the edges of the dough to wrap the filling. Proceed to make all 12 balls.
  5. Let the filled balls sit for 3 to 4 minutes before pressing.
  6. Set the filled balls on a clean and dry surface with the seam facing up. Using the base of your palm, slowly flatten them into about 3 inches circle.
  7. Heat about 1-1/2 inches of oil in a frying pan on medium heat. To check if oil is ready put a little piece of dough in the oil. It should sizzle, and come up very slow.
  8. Do not over crowd the kachories in frying pan, fry them on medium heat.
  9. After they are puff, slowly turn them over.
  10. It will take about 3 minutes to fry from each side. Fry until golden-brown on both sides.
  11. If the kachories are fried on high heat, they will get soft and will not be crispy.
Serving suggestions

Kachoris can be served plain, with a variety of chutneys, or with Aloo Dam.



More... ]]> Indian Veg, NonVeg Recipes Ammas http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/27243-mattar-ke-kachori-spicy-puff-pastry.html Eggless French Toast http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/27175-eggless-french-toast.html Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:52:06 GMT Image: http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/IteH9bVSjBV5AnVdbe2biQMw-Pk/0/di (http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/IteH9bVSjBV5AnVdbe2biQMw-Pk/0/da) Image: http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/IteH9bVSjBV5AnVdbe2biQMw-Pk/1/di ...


Even if the nationwide salmonella outbreak from contaminated eggs hasn't actually made you sick, the horror stories that have emerged from the farms that produced these eggs have surely made you want...

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More... ]]> Indian Veg, NonVeg Recipes Ammas http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/27175-eggless-french-toast.html Alasande vade (Black eyed beans fritters) http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/27081-alasande-vade-black-eyed-beans-fritters.html Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:05:53 GMT How often do you all shop for vegetables, milk, bread etc? I say once a day!! I am crazy about stuffing my pantry with all the things (not) needed. I want my fridge spilling out vegetables & fruits & my cupboards filled with all flours & lentils. Same is the case with my wardrobe too.., Okay, that is a story for another day..

I always buy a big pack of black eyed beans & hardly use it. I add it with sambar, once a bluemoon make this pulao & this pasta. This is one bean that takes a backseat. It is only used during SOS. Now that we are shifting to a new home, I had to clear my pantry & hence soaked a large amount of this beans. I got beautiful sprouts too. But, didnot know what to cook. Hence, googled the recipes for black eyed beans & settled down on this vade from Shubha.

Vade was absolutely delicious, I wonder why did I not try it earlier! It is crunchy on outside & soft on the inside. It has a very distinct taste. I thought of taking step-by-step pictures & then posting it, but could not resist sharing it immediately. I tried making patties using sprouted black eyed beans & used it instead of cheese/paneer or veg patty for burger. Will post that recipe sometime.



Ingredients (For around 18 vadas/fritters)
Sprouted black eyed beans: 1 cup (Original recipe did not ask for sprouted beans)
Ginger: 1 inch
Onion: 1 medium sized (finely chopped)
Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
Rice flour: 1 tbsp (My addition to the original)
Salt: According to taste
Green chillies: 3 nos
Cilantro/Coriander leaves: 3 tbsp (finely chopped)
Oil: For deep frying

Method:

  • Wash the sprouts & drain the water(No need to pat them dry).
  • Very coarsely grind the sprouted beans, along with ginger and green chillies (just pulse it for 5-15secs). (Do not add water, the moisture in the beans is good enough)
  • Scoop out the coarse paste. Add finely chopped onions, chopped coriander leaves, cumin seeds, rice flour, salt to the paste & mix them well (Paste will be something similar to the cutlet batter).
  • Make medium lemon sized balls. Pat each ball into 1cm thick patties.
  • Heat oil in a broad kadai/pan. When oil is hot, reduce the heat. Drop the patties carefully in the oil & cook on a low heat(This is very important!!, else it will be cooked from inside) on both sides till the vadas turn golden brown.
  • Serve it hot/warm with a dip of your choice.


Notes:

  1. Instead of sprouted beans, soaked or canned beans could be used to. Be cautious while adding salt as canned beans might contain salt.
  2. It is very important to deep fry the vada/fritters on low heat to ensure proper cooking of the patties.
  3. Do not add water while making a coarse paste.



More... ]]> Indian Veg, NonVeg Recipes chinni http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/27081-alasande-vade-black-eyed-beans-fritters.html Contest September 2010 http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/27052-contest-september-2010-a.html Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:05:53 GMT Image: http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/bz25xT7fdbT2k8k0sFuFRtWTpig/0/di (http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/bz25xT7fdbT2k8k0sFuFRtWTpig/0/da) Image: http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/bz25xT7fdbT2k8k0sFuFRtWTpig/1/di ...


I was very happy with the last contest. Thank you to all who participated. There were quite a few votes and it came very close at the end. I will be keeping the same format this month where I will choose the top five and let you vote for the winner. The rules for September are the following:

  • You may create any appetizer using potato as the main ingredient.
Be sure to check out Manjula’s appetizer recipes for inspiration. Good Luck!

  • Be Creative!
  • Search the web for ideas. There are many resources available.
  • Please send me a detailed recipe of the variation to contest@manjulaskitchen.com. Explain how you came up with the ideas for the variation.
  • You must also send original picture(s) of the recipe – do not simply grab a photo from the web. Otherwise your recipe will not be considered for entry.
  • The deadline is September 22nd.
  • The winner will be featured on the homepage with the new recipe and a link to their website (if available).
1st Prize: $50 gift certificate from Amazon.com
2nd Prize: $25 gift certificate from Amazon.com

**Anyone can join this contest**



More... ]]> Indian Veg, NonVeg Recipes Ammas http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/27052-contest-september-2010-a.html Pearl Onion Sambar (China vengaya sambar) and a tip.... http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/26814-pearl-onion-sambar-china-vengaya-sambar-tip.html Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:04:14 GMT Sambar belongs to south Indian cuisine and can be easily described as a cousin to the more well known dhal. Among various types of sambar, there is a special place in my heart for pearl onion sambar....

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More... ]]> Indian Veg, NonVeg Recipes Induslady http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/26814-pearl-onion-sambar-china-vengaya-sambar-tip.html Kaayappola / Pazhappola / Egg and Banana Sweet http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/26744-kaayappola-pazhappola-egg-banana-sweet.html Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:55:25 GMT Image: http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/ZwM2LOcM7qKYz0PGorIZhDlN588/0/di (http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/ZwM2LOcM7qKYz0PGorIZhDlN588/0/da) Image: http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/ZwM2LOcM7qKYz0PGorIZhDlN588/1/di ...


Few ingredients and a wonderful dish! Once you have, you will crave for it...This is also known mutta marichathu in Malabar. Don't know what is the difference between kayappola and mutta marichathu, hope some experts could help.. :) Try using non stick pressure cookers or pans while preparing this to avoid sticking to the pans.Am little busy, thats why not responding to your queries, please bear


More... ]]> Indian Veg, NonVeg Recipes Ammas http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/26744-kaayappola-pazhappola-egg-banana-sweet.html <![CDATA[{No Bake/ Summer Drink} GINGER & PEACHY BUBBLES ... Ginger Ale & Peach Consommé]]> http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/26675-no-bake-summer-drink-ginger-peachy-bubbles-ginger-ale-peach-consomme.html Sun, 29 Aug 2010 22:52:51 GMT "Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun"Noel Cowards The origin of that expression is from Rudyard Kipling who once described the delirium produced by the sun in India, observing that...

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More... ]]> Indian Veg, NonVeg Recipes icecalm http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/26675-no-bake-summer-drink-ginger-peachy-bubbles-ginger-ale-peach-consomme.html {Baking} SWISS BLACK FOREST CAKE ... whipping up low fat cream into submission! http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/26424-baking-swiss-black-forest-cake-whipping-up-low-fat-cream-into-submission.html Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:45:44 GMT "Bakers are born, not made. We are exacting people who delight in submitting ourselves to rules and formulas if it means achieving repeatable perfection" Rose Levy Beranbaum Was missing from...

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More... ]]> Indian Veg, NonVeg Recipes icecalm http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/26424-baking-swiss-black-forest-cake-whipping-up-low-fat-cream-into-submission.html Curried Carrot Coconut Soup http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/26407-curried-carrot-coconut-soup.html Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:45:44 GMT Soups usually appear frequently in my kitchen but for the last few months I have hardly made soups. I think I made some a couple of times in the last couple of months, which in itself has to be some...

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More... ]]> Indian Veg, NonVeg Recipes Induslady http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/26407-curried-carrot-coconut-soup.html Back To Old Favorites http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/26399-back-old-favorites.html Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:45:44 GMT Image: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DPqKQp9pCA8/THfRbTHyanI/AAAAAAAAFnI/CY_EPFrYZL0/s320/IMG_1756.jpg (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DPqKQp9pCA8/THfRbTHyanI/AAAAAAAAFnI/CY_EPFrYZL0/s1600/IMG_1756.jpg)American cities were designed with the assumption that... American cities were designed with the assumption that everyone has a car. So much so, I suspect the car industry had an hand in city planning in this country. There are a few exceptions though: New York City and San Francisco being two that immediately come to mind. San Francisco is best appreciated when you walk around its downtown and waterfront areas.

In the few days I spend here during my frequent visits to this city, I rarely take a taxi to get to a restaurant. Which limits my options, but given the number of dining choices this city has, it isn't much of a problem.

I was back again at The Slanted Door for lunch one Sunday morning. It was August 15th, Independence Day in India. I had stayed propped up in bed with my iPad late into the morning watching episodes of The Gates. I noticed the Farmers' Market wasn't open today for some reason. As always, there was a long line waiting for tables at the Hog Island Oyster Co.

I ordered a glass of German Riesling and Bahn Nam. The steaming hot rice dumplings with pork and dried shrimp is wrapped in banana leaf before being steamed. Very slippery stuff that took some effort in getting to my mouth with chopsticks!

The Niman ranch flank steak with rice noodles was quite fantastic. The taste and feel of crushed peanuts went well with the excellently seasoned meat.

I ended with a Midnight Cake before walking back in the cool wind blowing in from the water.

On another night, I slipped into Annabelle's Bistro, right next to my hotel. The hearty beef barley soup with carrots and peas felt good, especially since the evening had gotten a little cold.

The King Salmon on a bed of Romaine lettuce, pimenta cake and sundried tomatoes was reasonably good. I realized I had left my wallet behind and had to run to my hotel so I could pay them!

I made trips to Roy's Hawaiian Fusion, Osha and Chez Papa Resto too during the week. Great places for quick lunches all of them if you are in the SoMa area. Also, discovered a good Indian restaurant in Burlingame, Roti. Very good sheek kababs, roti, and dal. And a decent wine list too.




More... ]]> Indian Veg, NonVeg Recipes Induslady http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/26399-back-old-favorites.html Vegan Curd-Rice (Dahi Annam) http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/26347-vegan-curd-rice-dahi-annam.html Fri, 27 Aug 2010 07:35:09 GMT Image: http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/vERgo4mrdEtWlSY2LfF7ZvgrQOg/0/di (http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/vERgo4mrdEtWlSY2LfF7ZvgrQOg/0/da) Image: http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/vERgo4mrdEtWlSY2LfF7ZvgrQOg/1/di ...


Some of you might wonder why curd-rice should merit a post of its own, but for that, to misquote Atticus Finch, you'd have to wear a South Indian's shoes and walk around in them.Curd, or yogurt,...

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More... ]]> Indian Veg, NonVeg Recipes Ammas http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/26347-vegan-curd-rice-dahi-annam.html Brown Rice and Lentil Cutlets http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/26134-brown-rice-lentil-cutlets.html Wed, 25 Aug 2010 23:17:57 GMT Leftover rice can sometimes provide a bit of a challenge to me. Sufficient quantities of rice quickly get turned into a rice dish and consumed. But if there is very little leftover it cannot be used...

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More... ]]> Indian Veg, NonVeg Recipes Induslady http://www.jaihodesi.com/forums/indian-veg-nonveg-recipes/26134-brown-rice-lentil-cutlets.html