RIP !!!

Year is ending with the sad news. Day started with a news of losing a close relative.  An intelligent, talented person but crooked, broken in many ways with ego, attitude, inferiority complex and successfully failed in leading a better loving life. I was little when he stepped into our family. I admired the little frog and intestine diagrams he drew for me for my science class. I still remember his obsession about few little things (like listening to the same old telugu song repeatedly many times without getting bored, eating the same thing without changing the recipe for several months or years). I do remember his narrow mind and crooked mentality which broke everyone many times. I remember how many times our family got hurt, disturbed and spent more time for them. To me, this couple is the best example who got everything, but ruined their life successfully with Inferiority complex, ego, unrealistic expectations and lack of trust. He was my measuring scale for all my alliances what not to do. To me, he suffered all his life (atleast since 30 years that I know him) and I dont see him happy at any moment. I never saw him living peaceful life at all. I don't know. I may be wrong. He must be having his own perceptions and his own analysis for his deeds. However he is no more. I only knew how negativity, ego, and inferiority complex ruined one life time. One Lifetime …. Cannot be returned any more. Cannot be regained at any time at any given moment. Any change in his perceptions could’ve turned the whole family in a beautiful song, could’ve turned the family into most beautiful way. No matter what ever he was, I loved him. I deeply saddened of hearing the news. I hope he get peace and happiness in heaven. I truly pray for him and his peace in heaven.  May his soul rest in peace and in heaven. 

The Snowman- Who stole my heart

Little things matter. I got a Christmas gift, a little cute snowman in snow globe. He is so cute, little, a carrot nose, with blue scarf and cap, so cute, in a glassy globe, glows like twinkling star in multi colors. I simply loved him. I really became a little kid, kept the snowman in my bedroom. I open my eyes little bit, look at the snowman in middle of my deep sleep, smile cheerfully and sleep happily like a baby. This is the most wonderful gift I received this year. I simply fell in love with this snowman. Thank you so much for the one who gave me such a cute beautiful gift. Sometimes it’s little things that matters most. And the little things that bonds more. Hmmm..Its almost mid night… Good Night Snowman !!!

Year End - 2016

12/30/16

Year end…Hectic work, unrealistic schedules, unrealistic expectations, I am kinda tired of everything. Year End…means New year fun… people are rushing for parties, people are preparing for parties. I simply smile people who plan their weekend or holidays with crazy busy schedule. I know, I was like that few years ago. I am missing my family. I wish to be with them for next holidays. I don’t want to go to any friends place. I just want to be alone and be silent. I am enjoying my silent evening with myself in my beautiful, little house. Hall is glowing with Christmas tree, little Christmas lights. Little gifts, little poinsettia plants are glowing in the Christmas tree lights. I had the most wonderful Christmas after many years. Happiness in my family, Friends visiting, kids, affection, love, tons of laughs, little gifts, good food…house is so filled with peace, heart is so filled with tranquility. It looks like Santa gave me a gift of affection, love and peace for the pain and suffering I had. It looks like God listened to my prayers and blessed with wonderful peace and love. Everything looks more softer, more lovelier and more brighter to me. I am able to regain myself from the intense hurt caused by immaturity. I know, I lost my energy in controlling the negativity, but I am glad, I am strong. I am strong enough to regain myself and my positive attitude. After a long time, my heart, my soul, my body totally experiencing the silence and peace. The pain, the suffering, the tears, the hurt, everything washing away from heart. I am enjoying every moment with myself, I am making peace and love with in myself.  The bond I’m making with myself, my self-love without any selfishness making me more energetic, more confident. I am analyzing myself, I am correcting myself, I am restoring myself, reconnecting with in my soul, empowering myself. I simply saying to myself repeatedly "I love myself".   If Christmas is all about hope, peace and love… I gained it successfully in this Christmas. I just wanted to thank God for his support in my tough times and his help in regaining myself. I also wanted to thank my family and friends and my enemies who helped me to be as me. I decided to focus on my work, and on my hobbies more. I also decided to combine my personal and cooking blog into one and do more blogging. More blogging means…more thoughts and more pictures and more recipes. Happy Blogger in Happy New Year !!! 

Soy Chunks Biryani (Meal Maker)

Soy Chunks Biryani:

“Nutella…or Nutrella… Eating Soy is like Eating Eraser…” a weird feeling on S’s face... Eating Eraser, what kind of comparison ...I tried hard to control my laugh.…simply admired S naughtiness...but yes, its so true… S is not alone. There are many people who hate eating Soy. Ofcourse why does any non-vegetarian eat Soy?? S has a point. J J Ofcourse, Soya is Vegetarian food. Pure Vegan. 100% high in protein.  I remember one of my visit to a Chinese restaurant with my friend, who is a pure vegetarian by religion. Its pure 100% vegetarian Chinese restaurant, which all the items made with Tofu or Soy or Sea weed… Interesting ingredients.. Interesting Menu like Phish and Chips.. is Tofu made in shape of fish and then chips… Kung Pao Schiken is Soy nuggets in Kung Pao Sauce… Well…taste was so good…so no comments. But still I don’t understand how my 100% vegetarian friend religiously eat KungPao Schiken…J J J anyways…coming back to my Soy curry… sometimes I too use  Soy as healthy option. Or for a change. I add in Vegetarian curry, and also I add with vegetables for vegetable biryani. Today my recipe with Soy Chunks is Biryani. Many people don’t like Soy because its chewy, with very different aroma infact it’s kind of rubber aroma ..hahaha…simply remembering  S’s face and smiling still... Well…There is a way to reduce the smell of Soya chunks.

Tip: Wash the soy chunks in cold water. Soak Soya Chunks in cold water for 30 mins. After soaking in water, soya chunks increase the size. Squeeze the water from soya by using hand or by placing in a dry towel. Fully drain the water and put into a separate bowl of water. let it sit for two minutes and squeeze the water again. Repeat the steps for two or three times to get rid of the smell. Squeeze the soya and remove the water, and soya chunks are ready to cook.
Tip 2: Wash and boil Soy chunks in water for 10 mins. Drain and soak soy chunks in cold water for 5 mins and squeeze out the water. repeat for two or three times to get rid of the smell.

This recipe is a traditional biryani recipe with adding soy chunks in it.
Preparation Time: 30 mins
Cooking Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:
Basmathi Rice – 2 cups (Wash, rinse and soak in water 30 mins before cooking)
Soy chunks (Meal maker) – 15 in number or half a cup
Peas –  a small cup (Option)

Ginger Garlic Paste – 2 spoons

Canola Oil -4  tablespoons
Onion – 1, chopped into small cubes
Fresh Mint leaves – 1 small cup, wahsed, chopped finely
Fresh Cilantro – ½ small cup, washed, chopped finely
Tomato – 1 small- washed, cut into small pieces
Curd / Yogurt – 1 spoon

Caraway seeds/ShahZeera – 1 tbsp
Fennel Seeds – ½ Spoon
Bay leaves – 1 or 2
Green cardamom – 1

Ghee – 1 tbsp
Cinnamon Stick – 1
Cloves – 2

Black Cardamom – 1  (Optional)
Star Anise – 1 (Optional)
Mace – 1 (Optional)

 (Please note, if you don’t have Black Cardamom, Star Anise, Mace or Fennel Seeds, That’s ok. You can add any biryani masala powder (1 tbl spoon)   Most of the Biryani Masala powders have these ingredients, so no need to buy separately.

Preparation:

Heat oil in a big kadai or in a pressure cooker, fry chopped onions till golden brown color, add ginger garlic paste, chopped mint leaves, coriander leaves, sautee for few mins, add Soya chuncks, chopped tomato, add salt, pepper, Yogurt.  Mix everything, let it cook high on 10 mins, and cook on medium flame for another 5 mins. (add little water if required).  Let the soya chunks absorb oil/ masala little bit.

For Rice:
Take rice in a separate dish, wash, rince and Soak Rice in 6 or 7 cups of water.  Add Salt, Cinnamon sticks, Cloves, Cardamom, Fennel Seeds, Shahjeera, Bay Leaves, Black cardamom, Star Anise and Mace to the rice. Add a spoon of ghee to the water. Bring it to boil, let the rice soften little bit, make sure rice is half boiled. When the rice is half cooked, strain the rice and remove the water.  (Please note, adding salt while cooking rice is very essential for biryani, to make the rice delicious).

Mix the half boiled rice in Curry (in Kadai or Pressure cooker), close the lid. Turn the heat to low, let it simmer for 20-30 mins. Make sure the lid is tight and no vapor is coming out from lid. And make sure you don’t tempt by the aromas and open the lid for every 10-15 mins. J J J

If you use pressure cooker, keep the weight on, keep the heat low, and let it sim for 30 mins.

I made egg curry as a side dish and enjoyed Biryani with Egg Curry and Raitha.

Black Eyed Peas (Lobia) Fritters

Black eyed peas fritters are very special festival delicacy in our native place, (rayalaseema) region. My mom used to make these fritters as a holiday snack or festivals like Ugadi and Sankranthi and served with Mutton curry or Coconut chutney (for vegetarians). It’s a lot of work for her, especially those non grinder days, soaking these black eyed beans, removing the shells and the grind by using stone mill.  But the sweet aroma the scrumptious taste and the way we love these fritters, she used to take an extra pain to make these for us. I still remember I always roam around her, and eat the raw batter and get stomach ache all night long…. Well.. now, when ever I see these dried beans in grocery stores, I simply remember my childhood memories.  As a single woman, I definitely need audience to give company for such special items.  In general, most of my friends are all health freaks. They only prefer eating salads, and quinoa…ofcourse I am sure they love these fritters also, if I say I mix quinoa and oats with black eyed beans…. But I can’t lie… well…now, my dad is with me. So all my experiments are on my dad. He loves these fritters… and this is for his snack today with goat curry… After eating these, my dad said, I made just like my mom…. Ahhhh… he made my day…. So…. Here is my recipe to you all… hope you also give a try and enjoy…

Ingredients:
Dried Black eyed peas - 2 cups (Wash and Soak in water over the night or for 7-8 hours)
Rice – 1 tbl spoon (Optional)

Ginger – ½ inch or a small piece
Green Chilies – 2 or As per taste
Coriander Leaves – 2 tbl spoons ( Chopped into small pieces)
Onion – 1 small (Peel, and chop into small pieces)
Curry Leaves – 5 to 6 leaves (Thinly chopped into small pieces)
Salt – as per taste
Cumin Seeds – 1 tbl Spoon (Optional)
Oil – 2 Cups (Or  sufficient Oil to Fry)

Preparation Method:

Wash and Soak Black Eyed Peas and Rice in water over the night or around 8 hours. Drain the water completely.  Add green chilies, Ginger and Salt to the peas and Grind to Coarse Paste. Take two spoons of Coarse Paste aside, and grind the rest into smooth paste. Add little water only if required. The consistency of l the mixture should be like Vada Mixture. Add Chopped Onions, Coriander Leaves, Curry Leaves and Cumin Seeds to the mixture. Mix well, adjust the salt if required.

Pour Oil into a pan, let it bring to piping hot and then bring it to medium hot.  Take the mixture into small lemon size round, Press it like Vada or Patti Shape, Put a hole in the middle of Vada if you like, or press in the middle.  Place these vada s / pattis in oil,  fry till these vada s get golden brown color.  Serve Hot with Mutton(Goat) Curry or Coconut Chutney or any of your fav. Chutneys. I will post the Goat Curry recipe later.  Hope you enjoy !!!

Crispy Cabbage Fritters (Cabbage Pakoras)

Crispy Cabbage Fritters:

Some days are so tiring. Today is one such tired busy day with doing nothing. Weather is also not so good, its so gloomy, Cloudy, making me feel more dull.  The more I feel dull, the more I cook. Cooking is kind of meditation to me, and bring my energies and focus back. I want to make something quick, and something spicy crispy pakoras. When I forced myself to step into the Kitchen, I realized that there are no onions… Booom…. Dull face again…opened the fridge, and saw a big cabbage waving hand to me…jump…. Swap Onion with Cabbage, and here is Crispy Cabbage Fritters…

Preparation & Cooking Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:
Cabbage – 1 big slice of cabbage, washed and sliced into thin, 1 inch pieces
Green chilies – 2 Medium spice, Wash and Chop into small pieces
Chickpea flour / Besan Flour – 1 cup
Rice Flour – 1 tbl spoons
Salt – as per taste
Jeera / Cumin Seeds – 1 tbl spoon (Optional)
Ginger  Garlic Paste – 1/2 tsp
Red Chilli Powder (Optional) – ½ tsp (as per taste)
Curry Leaves – few (As per taste)
Oil – to deep Fry

Preparation Method: Take Besan flour in a bowl, Add Rice Flour, Salt, cumin seeds, chopped green chillies, Ginger Garlic paste, Cabbage, Curry Leaves to the bowl.  Heat a spoon of oil, and add to the bowl. Mix all the ingredients well with fingers. Make sure the batter is little hard, not a smooth paste. The batter should just coat the cabbage. Add just few drops of water if required. Make sure the flour is not watery. Watery mix turns soggy or soft pakoras, not the crisp ones.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Once the oil turns hot, reduce it to medium flame. I prefer using fingers to make a small fritters, and drop the fritters in oil. You can use a small spoon of batter and drop the batter in oil. Deep fry till it turns golden brown color.  Once its done, remove the fritters, place on paper towel to remove the excess oil.  Enjoy the Yummy hot fritters (Pakoras) with any ketchup or Tomato Chutney with a hot coffee/ tea. 

Methi Chicken (Chicken with Fenugreek Leaves)

Life became super busy, busy for nothing. Trying my best to bring my sensitivity, energy and taste back to normal during my hectic schedule. This recipe is simple chicken with big bunch of fenugreek leaves (Methi Leaves). Fenugreek leaves are one of my favorite veggies, I simply love the health benefits , taste and aroma of the leaves. Cooking chicken is really interesting to me. The more I experiment, the more flavorful Chicken I make. The style in cooking chicken make the difference in its taste.  

Preparation Method: Simple, Easy

Preparation Time: 30  mins

Ingredients: Chicken – 2 lbs (with bone and skin removed)
Onion – 1 medium (Peel, cut into small pieces)
Ginger Garlic paste – 1 spoon
coriander powder – 2 spoons
Salt – as per taste
Turmeric – ½ spoon
Red Chilli powder – 1 spoon (or as per taste)
Oil – 4 spoons
Tomato – 1 (Wash, Chop into small cubes)
Methi Leaves – 1 big bunch (Separate the leaves and wash in cold water)

Preparation Method: Apply Salt and Turmeric to chicken and wash in cold water. Take oil in a pan, heat the oil. Add chopped onion to the oil, fry till onions get light golden brown. Add ginger garlic paste, fry for a min. Add chicken, add Coriander Powder, Turmeric, Salt, Red Chilli powder to chicken and mix well. Cook on medium flame for 10 mins by covering the lid. Add Methi leaves to chicken. Mix well, cook for 5-10 mins till the leaves get browned. Add chopped tomato, add water if required. Cover the lid, Let the mix simmer for 10-15 mins on medium flame till it gets thickened. Stir occasionally. The more chicken simmers in the gravy, the more it taste better. Switch off the flame, and enjoy the curry with hot rice or roti.