Bhindi Bhaaja

I sampled this dish at my friend's place and simply loved the flavours. I loved the taste especially of the spices and immediately thought of trying it out yesterday. It turned to be pretty easy and the taste was very different. This dish gels pretty well with hot phulkas.

Serves: 2-3 individuals

Ingredients:
Okra – ¼ kg (chopped vertically and further chopped into 1 inch size)
Mustard oil – 2 teaspoon
Coriander powder – 2 teaspoon
Cumin powder – 1 teaspoon
Fennel powder – ½ teaspoon
Green Chillies – 2 (sliced vertically)
Salt – as per taste

Method:
1. Wash the Okra and chop and keep aside. Heat sesame oil in a sauce pan and sauté the green chillies.
2. Now add the Okra (chopped) and add the masala along with salt.
3. Keep on low flame and stir once in a while. Turn off flame once the vegetable is completely cooked.
4. Serve hot with Phulkas.

Update - The oil used here is Mustard oil. I realised using a different oil as base just changes the flavour of the subzi.

Mum's Bachelor Pulao

One quick dish which can satiate your hunger during any day is Pulao. I specially like this one made by Mommy and rejoice the taste when she prepares it. This Pulao is easy and quick to dish out. Specially recommended for Bachelor cooking where one has minimum resources and less time to dish out a quick meal. I also learnt while preparing this dish that adding one spoonful of ghee towards the end adds special aroma to the Pulao. One can use the regular MTR Pulao masala one gets at Food World et al. Try it out and enjoy!!

Serves: 2-3 Individuals

Ingredients:
Rice – 1 Cup
Chopped Vegetables – 2-3 Cups (Cauliflower, Onions, French Beans)
Ghee – 3-5 teaspoon
MTR Pulao Masala – 2 teaspoon
Pepper powder – ½ teaspoon
Hot water – 2 Cup
Salt – As per taste

Method:
1.Wash the rice and keep aside.
2.Add 3 t ghee in a pot and saute the vegetables. Once the veggies get a coat of fat
all over, add hot water and leave to parboil.
3.After the vegetables are parboiled and the water evaporates, add the rice
pre-washed.
4.Add rest of the ingredients and once mixed well, add 2 t ghee and leave on low flame for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot with pickle or Raita.

Gung-ho with Garlic Bread!!

I wanted a warm spread for a very light dinner. Found Bagel French Bread at the local store, so thought of dishing out a light snack with Garlic Bread. The final outcome was very tasty and I was surprised that the dish is actually very easy as opposed to the feedback which I had received.

For all those who have a Daredevil Baker’s spirit and wish to know more about Bread and Bread making, here is a site: http://www.bakeinfo.co.nz/school/school_info/types_of_bread.php).
I found the site useful in terms of providing the history and details related to Bread making. It talk about three types of Breads – High Rising Bread, Mid Volume Bread (e.g French Bread), Minimal volume Bread ( e.g Flat Bread aka Indian Naan, Chapatti, Pita).

Serves: 3-4 individuals

Ingredients:
French Bread – 1 loaf
Garlic oil or finely shredded garlic – 1/8th t for each slice
Unsalted butter – 8-12 t (melted)
Mushrooms – ½ C (thinly sliced)
Parmesan Cheese – 1 Cup (grated)
Paprika – as per taste
Oregano seasoning – as per taste


Method:
1. Slice the French Bread loaf to 1 inch size each.
2. Slather the melted butter and garlic oil on the bread surface.
3. Add mushrooms, parmesam cheese, paprika and oregano seasoning.
4. Place in the microwave grill mode on 100% heat for 1 minute.
5. Serve hot with Lasagna or Cream of mushroom soup.