GO GREEN :-)

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!!!!!

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!!!!!

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)

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!!!!!

CHAAR YAAR AUR PYAAR!!!!!! ;-) Four Friends & Love........

Hmmm.... I am here again.... But questioning myself, if I am losing focus, or rather if I am getting diverted totally........... because of my card making spree at its HEIGHTS!!!!! I have been enjoying myself preparing lovely card recipes, kinda trying to satiate myself by taking up all those ideas thrown by many professionals, challenging my imagination...... I have been able to cook a few recipes, out of those.... which I have posted on my "Hastkala"...Ashaon Ka....... Do not forget to PEEK-A-BOO!!!!!




I have had several drafts to be posted..... But it was kinda difficult to choose, which one of them, now....... And I found this yummy & one of my favorites, Kichdi....... It is a very common preparation in every household of North India....... The way they prepare differs though..... Mainly, they are prepared plain & simple or sometimes prepared rich & a bit more of a task..... Rich in the sense, of the ingredients used in the process....... Depends on what peeps prefer to & when!!!!!

The simple version is assumed to be a sick patients food...... simply because of the ingredients being limited & cooked so well that it turns out to be a porridge......so as to ease the digestion in favor of the SICK...... My Maa in-law says that it is a must prep, every Saturdays for lunch, because of their belief that it rids off the evils or the Negative Cosmic Effect of the Shani Gruha of that day... which is Saturday.....

As I mentioned in my earlier posts, when I get sick of the usual & regular food, it tempts me to savor something rich & yummy!!! And I turn towards an awesome rice prep for it..... (If I do not order for a home delivery ;-) And when I am tired of fried rice & Pulaos..... I look for a change, in that too..... And that is when, I plan of this rich, juicy & yummy Kichdi...... And this prep becomes rich simply because of all the special ingredients added.... Like the Ghee, the whole Garam Masala & the Vegetables......

And when it is this Rich Kichdi, then it has to be accompanied by the similar match..... By which I mean the additional accompaniments as a side dish...... And it is then I remember the four friends of the Kichdi...... As is said in HINDI - "Kichdi Ke  Chaar Yaar - Dahi, Chokha, Papad aur Achaar" Meaning ....."The four friends of Kichdi are  - Yoghurt or set curd, a potato mash, a cracker and Pickle"...... Once you have them by your side, your Lunch seems to be the last thing u eat...... for that day...... Very filling....  I know it looks & seems ELABORATE..... But it gets digested very easily & by evening you are hungry again..... I remember this song at this moment & changing it a bit to suit myself...here......

Jahan Chaar Yaar....
Miljaaye wahan
Khana ho gulzar....
Jahan Chaar Yaar!!!!






Okay....... Do not curse me for my ongoing story of its being.... Let's get down to the prep & its ingredients.....

VEGGIES KICHDI

Ingredients:

Rice - 3/4 cup
Tuar Dal + Masoor Dal} - 1/2 cup 
(***I store a mix of both the dals - can be prepared with just Tuar too***)
Cardamom - 4 pieces
Clove - 6 pieces
Cinnamon - 1 piece
Bay Leaf - 2
Fresh Peas - 1/4 cup
Carrot - 1 medium, finely chopped or cubed
Round Beans - 8 pieces, finely cut
Refined Oil - 4tbsp
Ghee - 1tbsp
Coriander Leaves - 5 twigs (washed & finely chopped)
Cashew Nut - 8 pieces
Turmeric Powder - 3/4 tsp
Green Chilli - 2 to 3, slit lengthwise
Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
Tomato - 1 medium, finley Chopped
Coriander Powder - 1/2 tsp
Cumin Powder - 1/2 tsp
Garam Masala - 1/2 tsp
Salt to Taste
Water - 5 cups

Method:

Wash the rice & the dal togehter or separate & keep aside......

Heat oil + ghee in a pressure cooker..... Add the whole garam masala..... like the cloves, bay leaf, cinnamon & cardamom.... Saute for a minute & then add the green chilli & saute further for a minute..... Now add the chopped onions & fry till translucent...... Once done, add the chopped tomatoes & stir fry further & cook lightly covered, for 2 minutes, on medium flame...... Then add all the masala powders & stir fry till all the masala combines well & releases a fine aroma...... Now add the cashew, the washed & cubed veggies & mix well.... Stir fry for a  minimum of 5 minutes...... When done add the washed rice & dal & stir fry for 2 minutes..... Now add the water & stir once to combine all the ingredients.... Now lock the lid of the cooker & let it whistle for minimum 6 whistles.... Then turn off  the flame...... Once all the steam is released, open the lid, add in the chopped coriander leaves & mix once......






 
CHOKHA

Ingredients:

Potato - 1 medium
Dry Red Chilli - 1
Onion - 1/2, chopped finely
Salt to taste
Mustard Oil - 1/4 tsp
Garlic Cloves - 2 , finely chopped

Method:

Boil the potato & peel the skin off..... Now mash it well...... Now heat the oil in a small fry pan & fry the broken chilli & chopped garlic, till golden brown....... Now add this along with the oil, onto the mashed potato..... Add salt & chopped onions & mix well by hand....... The Chokha or the potato mash is ready......




SERVING:

Serve the veggies Kichdi, along with the chokha & a dash of pickle, yoghurt & fried crackers or papads..... Add a dab of ghee onto the rice & savor the divinity of this prep, which would reach your soul.... finally....... ALL YUMMY YUMMY!!!!!




 
Since this a Perfect COMBO preparation..... This prep makes its way to the COMBO EVENT, hosted by Pari, marking her milestone...... This is her very first... Challenge hosting..... I'm glad I could finally be a part of it...... CHEERS!!!



BLOGFARES:

There are a couple of TOFAS, that I need to mention about........

Simply Food shared her love through this cute & yummy TOFA..... The Loyalty Award..... It is really beautiful.... And it was her happiness that made her spread the cheers further...... I am so thankful to her for that cutie......



And I would also like to thank Jagruti of Joy OF Cooking, for sharing her TOFAS...... But just like the AD of Bournville, which uses the tagline.... "U DON'T JUST BUY A BOURNVILLE.... U EARN IT" , Jagruti's TOFA comes with a similar tagline too..... U don't just get them... U get them with a tag......

First, Brag about it.......

Second, flaunt it on your blog & link the one who tagged you......

Third, Share 10 things about yourself..... Which I have done already.... HERE!
And Fourth, Pass the Cheers to peeps, letting them know about it......

Hmmm... Today with all the pleasure & happiness, I request everyone to GRAB IT from here...... PLEASE DO!!!!! I would be happy if u did so..... along with my TOFA........ from my previous post....... (Peeps who forgot to pick it)    ;-) 

And this month Jagruti is hosting her first event.... Joyful Eating Whilst Travelling....... So my dear peeps, do send in your entries to this awesome event..... Let us all get hold of those moments of travelling & picture them together..... being a part of your experience...... HURRY!!!!!!

I also thank Daisy Blue of Spicy Lounge for sharing this honest scrap, with me.... Thank You Deary!!!! It means a lot to know that I was thought...... :-) 


And the last but never the least, I am thankful to Fimere of The Delights Of Gourmets for remembering me during her small distribution of TOFA....... She shared this unique cubical piece of TOFA with me.... Thank You!!!!!!




Hmmmm...... Well I thought of continuing & ending my EK CHOTISI LOVE STORY...... today.....

HERE is the First Part of my story...... After that lovely, interesting & a private & secret proposal, which was rather a FIRST TIMER....... & after that realisation of our love for each other..... We met everyday.....  He would always wait for me around, & I would drop in, mount the bike & zoom away....... We went on several dates ...... of course.... Our destination was the Sankey Tank...... We shared our thoughts, we shared our opinions, our likes & dislikes, we shared chocolates, we would have our lunch out...... It went on..... We were very soon the TALK OF THE TOWN...... U know!!! how people, especially aunties GOSSIP!!!!! He moved away from my neighbourhood...but not far off.... so that I could visit him conveniently..... Neighbours around thought THAT WAS THE END OF OUR STORY!!!!!!! How Funny & Foolish of them all!!!!!!! to think that I was like them...... Hmm.... who would just give up!!!! like a loser....... I knew what I wanted, FOR & IN MY LIFE........ I wanted to have the LAST LAUGH!!!!!!! I had decided...... He had decided that it was me for him....... Why should anything else bother us???????

After his studies, he went back home, to Giridih, a place in Bihar...... And I pursued my Post Graduation..... We were connected through letters, cards & through out over the phone...... He would call me any time possible..... Early morning, afternoon, evening, late evening, night & late nights too..... We were so stuck to our telephones that, the instrument became a part of us.... It had become the 'TESTIMONY - PERSONIFIED'...... Any moment that I got to get out of home.... I would run to a telephone booth..... And that moment may be the silliest of all.... Like my mom would ask me to get some ingredient she fell short off..... And in the process, I would also make a call & let him know that I was out & for what reason.... And my bills ran up... I needed quite a sum to pay them off..... My pocket money did not have the potential to satisfy it..... I lied for more at home.... But sometimes got caught too...in the process..... After some days Kuku started depositing some money into my account.... That helped me to cope up with my telephone bills & few of my other small expenditures too...... Hmmm.... That was my side of the story....

Kuku called me every now & then..... His father once received a telephone bill of Rs. 25,000 for a month.... after which they locked the STD..... Then Kuku started calling me from the booths around.... He made many BOOTH FRIENDS ;-) ..... He called me up at my computer class.... where I had made friends with all the people around..... One particular guy who I would like to mention is Mr. Palecanda Nanjunda..... Who was young & dashing.... who hailed from Coorg...... He was very understanding & helped me receive calls from Kuku, at his office..... I would never ever forget his support, then......

Kuku came down to Bangalore to see me every Valentine's Day & on My Birthdays..... Never missed on his visits, Either he resided with some of his friends who were here or would take a room at a hotel for his stay... Those days were really such beautiful days, when we were just worried about each other & nothing else under the sun...... Since my DAD was against this alliance....all we thought was how would everything fall into its place.....

At Kuku's place.... He had a big family of 4 sisters & an elder brother & his family...... He was the apple of their eyes..... They loved him so much..... All they wanted was his happiness..... He had kept his family in loop..... He got his sisters to talk to me & got me to speak to his mom, in between too..... They received my communications for him, when he was not around..... I got my mom to talk to his mom too..... Everything was fine, except for my dad.....

Days passed, Months passed, Years passed too...... And with them our love & feelings for each other increased..... We both knew what we wanted..... We were both bent upon making this happen..... And one fine day I wrote to his dad, asking him to fix it all & that only he would be able to convince my dad..... Kuku's papa spoke to him, about what he wanted & when Kuku confided in him, they decided to visit my place & talk to my parents...... I was happy to see some kind of advancement happening.....

It was that day they had to visit my place.... My dad was not at all happy..... He never wanted them to reach home.... He was all cursing me & Kuku...... The most important thing that bothered my dad was the 'BIHARI STIGMA'....

They dropped in by evening..... Kuku, his mom, dad & his little sister..... I was very happy to see that positive response to my letter, from his Papa.... They sat, they spoke their heart out, his mom was a good orator... She had the gift of the gab..... His dad was a gentleman, with a large amount of politeness, generosity, understanding, positivity & words very polished...... My mom became his greatest fan...... She was so impressed by him..... & still is..... His sister was very sweet too.... She clicked a few pictures to register the moment..... & they left......

After they all left.... I over heard my dad tell mom, that the guy was good & so was his family..... That was THE MOMENT...... of relief....... The moment I knew, that  REST WOULD BE FINE..... And so was it..... My parents were invited to his place, they came back very happy & impressed...... The dates were out for all the HAPPY happenings.... by which I mean ceremonies..... And it was decided that the 6th of March would be the official engagement & the 7 th of March would be the WEDDING...... I invited all those nosey neighbours & those gossiping aunties to my wedding, who were all stunned to hear that I was getting married to THAT same guy..... Few of those aunties, did not turn up..... to see me laugh...... Few of them asked me Oh! that guy..... Do show me a snap to remind me of him, to which I humbly replied, do see him at the Wedding Reception...... Ha! Ha! Ha! I deemed with pride, with my head held HIGH, up in the air......

Kuku & his family along with the baraati, (The procession accompanied by friends & family in a Hindu Wedding) came down to my hometown PUTTUR at Mangalore...... Which was surely a journey they would all remember for their entire life..... FOR BOTH THE FAMILIES..... IT WAS A TIME THEY WOULD NEVER FORGET......All those things that they never thought they would ever do or those places they never thought would ever visit..... THEY HAD DONE IT ALL...... 

We got engaged on the 6th, got married on the 7th & left to Bangalore that same night for a reception at Bangalore the next day...which was the 8th of March...... On the 9th, we left to Nagpur, where they resided then...... We reached the next day, which was the 10th.... I was warmly welcomed by my new family....... Their traditional way..... In a BASKET....... That was very funny & interesting.... I still laugh remembering those moments..... The next day that was on the 11th of March was the reception there from the Groom's side..... Thus ended the 12 days of my wedding affair.....

That was the snippet of my HAPPILY MARRIED Love Story...... IN SHORT.... Because if I went into details, I would not have been able to complete my Story even by 8-10 posts........as it involves many many things like people, situations, seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks,months & years of love & longing for each other...... ;-)

By the grace of ALMIGHTY! & the blessings of our friends, teachers & families, we tied our sacred nuptial knot on the 7th of March 2002...... Hence we complete 8 YEARS of our MARRIED LIFE TOGETHER, TODAY...... & Look Forward to many more.....  which I am sure of...... even after we are gone......

Hmmm.... but this year, celebration was not like we expected it to be unlike our previous years..... First - my health, Second - we are held up with so many things in hand..... 

 Oh! BTW......people from my home sent me these...... That card was made by my brother........ good one as ever..... We are both kinda stuck up to cards now...... May be it is in our blood... Now I realize..... ;-)  The only difference is that he is a Graphics Designer, who would make cards that way... And I am passionate paper cards maker..... Anyways, Thanks a ton........ for all the efforts he put in to make that for US......





Me & Kuku prepared a small, yet nice lunch for ourselves...... I made the Rice & the Kebabs & he prepared his special delicacy... The Chicken Rassa....... And we had a quite lunch together..... It was just the two of us & our LOVE.......... I pray to God, to keep this happiness with me forever....... be it whatever that he takes in return........ from me......



So this is Ash...... signing off..... for now.... to celebrate the rest fo the DAY, Oops! night with KUKU.........

UNTIL NEXT, KEEP THE FAITH!!!!!!