#COOKING ISNT ROCKET SCIENCE :P

They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.... and I do believe this.... And that's how I stumbled upon my passion for cooking... Before marriage... being the pampered child that I was... I never was asked to cook... or take care of any other daily chores. But after marriage I shifted to a different state and a different town with a different language. Being a foody myself and then having a huge foody for a husband, I started looking out for ways to improve my cooking skills and was constantly on the lookout for new recipes. And the internet was a major boon coz this is where I explored new recipes and started trying them out..... and I realised that cooking is not that difficult after all. All you need is the passion for cooking and the right ingredients.... and ... well there is no stopping you. So, even if you are a first timer...or newly married.... there is really no need to worry. Catch hold of some good websites keep following the updates regularly..start experimenting when you have time.... and there is no stopping you.... All the best!!!!

#SPICY SCRAMBLED EGGS

SPICY SCRAMBLED EGGS

Bangalore is famous for its fresh vegetables fruits and leafy vegetables. The sight of the fresh aromatic vibrant greens with the mud from the fields still sticking to roots inspires me to get cooking. :P. The freshest greens would be usually available with the carts on the road sides. I usually prefer to buy my coriander and curry leaves with these guys coz the aroma of these greens definitely adds to the flavour of whatever you are cooking. And I cant do without fresh corinder. You would always find a bunch of coriander in a plastic container in my fridge. I find the best way to preserve coriander for a longer time is by chopping off the roots from the coriander bunch and then storing it away in an air tight container in the fridge...


The most frequently available greens is Pudina and I try to use it as much as possible in my dishes.

I am an Eggitarian and I love anything to do with eggs (except boiled eggss :P) and i keep experimenting with different ingredients to come up with the best possible scrambled eggs which is one of my all time favourites.

I came up with a good way of making a spicy scrambled egg and here is how I made it.

You would require:

Eggs ----- 2
Jeera(Cumin Seeds)--- 1 tsp
Onion ----- 1 medium chopped
Chilli ----- 1 medium cut to 1" sized pieces
You can also finely chop it if you like the heat of the chillies
Garlic ----- 3 pods finely chopped
Pudina leaves ------ few coarsely chopped
Turmeric ------ 1/4 tsp
Chilli powder ------ 1/4 tsp or according to taste
Salt ------ according to taste
Pepper powder ------ a pinch or according to taste
Coriander ------ few leaves finely chopped.
The stems can be used too as stems are supposed to add to the whole flavour
Oil ------ for tempering



Beat the eggs with adding the salt according to taste. I find that adding salt while beating helps in the salt dissolving properly.
Heat some cooking oil in Kadhai or a heavy bottomed pan. When the oil is suffecinetly heated add the Jeera. Allow it to splutter.
Add the garlic green chillies, fry for a minute and then add the onions. When the onions start turning translucent or pink in color add the chopped pudina leaves and fry for another minute.
Now add the turmeric powder chilli powder and fry for a few seconds. Now add the beaten eggs. The eggs should be added on high flame so that the coagulation takes place properly.
Keep stirring on high heat till you get the required consistency of scrambled egg. Just before removing from fire add the coriander and pepper powder. Check seasoning.
If the salt is less, extra seasoning can be added at this stage.

VARIATIONS:

Some people like adding Dhania/Fenugreek powder and Jeera/Cumin powder. This can be added at the stage when turmeric powder is being added
I like using dried herbs like chives and Italian seasoning in my cooking. These would be available at some big supermarkets. They can be added along with pepper powder.
Left over seasoning that are got with pizzas (oregano seasoning) is also a good option.

#HEALTHY SNACKS: PEANUT CHAT

HEALTHY SNACKS: PEANUT CHAT

Bangalore... the city with beautiful weather year round (if you enjoy winters and the rains that is :P), bustling with crowds traffic.. (traffic jams ofcourse)... and yummy street food. And when it is raining everyday like it is now, you would feel like munching something hot and spicy...And if you have a foodie for a husband (like me) you have to rake your brains for healthy tasty nutritious recipes so keep himm happy (and get those gifts you have been drooling over). A part of my blogs would be about such recipes which can be made in a jiffy and enjoyed any time of the day.. with a cup of tea/coffee or that glass of beer.... Ahhhh!...

Lets start with some easy to make chaat recipes..

PEANUT (GROUNDNUT) CHAT :

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Peanuts are a major part of our cuisine and most of the kitchens would have a jar of peanuts avaiable any time of the day. The most important and commonly eaten item being peanut chutney that goes well with dosas, idlis and other South Indian snacks. You would also find road side wallas making chat out of hot steaming peanuts.. Here is my take on this lovely chat.

You would require:

Peanuts (groundnuts) --- 2 cup.
Onion --- 1 medium finely chopped
Green chilli --- 1 medium slit seeds removed and cut into 1" pieces
Chat powder --- as required
Dhania (Coriander) powder--- a pinch or as needed
Jeera (cumin) powder --- a pinch or as needed
Garam Masala ---- a pinch (optional)
Turmeric ---- a pinch or as needed
(For a tastier chat, it would be a better option to use freshly ground Dhania and Jeera powder
Oil --- for tadka or temperning or popu
Grated coconut --- 3 tbsp (optional)
Coriander --- for garnishing
Lemon juice of half a lemon


Boil the peanuts in a pressure cooker with half a teaspoon of salt and a pinch of turmeric. To get the authentic chat taste, I boil it in a vessel with water and salt for about 15-20 minutes. Once the peanuts are boiled properly, drain the water and keep them aside.

In a Kadhai, heat some oil. Add the onions, and fry for a minute, add green chillies and fry further.

When the onions change colour slightly, add the dhania powder, jeera powder,garam masala powder, chat masala, salt and turmeric powder and mix well. Add the peanuts and fry for 2 minutes. Now add the grated coconut and chopped coriander and mix well.

Just before serving add the lemon juice, mix well and serve.

Chat masala can also be added at then end instead of in between the process along with the other masalas.

Garnish with chopped coriander, lemon wedges and serve.

This is a very good accompaniment with evening tea or juices and other beverages. It is a quick fix for kids as an evening snack.

Hope you liked this snack.

Do post your feedback. Would help me do better. Looking for some specific recipe? Do let me know and I will get back to you.

#Welcome :)

Welcome to the world of a full time house wife who loves cooking, experiments with new recipes, loves being stylish and fashionable and hates serials :P. This is my first attempt at full time blogging and through this I hope to share my recipes, thoughts and knowledge with you. Wish me a happy blogging and ..Oh yes..do send me your suggestions and feedback....