Missing UAE

Tried and tasted by Nivedita

Hi

So at last I reached and settled in India. I have so many good and bad experiences, which I will writer little later.

Now as I am missing many things from UAE, thought of writing about that first.

Even though I have already moved to India, my heart is still there in UAE. It takes time for me to come out.(one more reason is my husband is still staying there)

I am very happy that I came back to India,and waiting to do lot of things which I couldnot do back in UAE.

But, yes! I miss UAE for so many reasons, It has given me a chance to start the life in a new and totally different way..

I started to speak in English, which was not at all possible in India. When I went there first time, I missed many interviews, only because I could not speak English properly. Even though I am not perfect now also, but I can talk with confidence with less mistakes. I used to feel very insecured and inferior. I am thankful to UAE, it gave me self confidence. I learnt a lot of things here only.

I was explored to the new world of food. I tasted so many international cuisine and enjoyed every bite.. I could meet many people from every corner of the world. I got a chance to see the lifestyle of people from different countries.

Now after coming back and knowing that I will not go back again, I miss few things(food), which are not available here at my place. Mainly, Chicken showrma, Falafel sandwich. I always loved Hummus, Garlic paste and Tabouleh. These things I can make at home. But I miss the aroma coming from Pakistani roti shop, and showrma shop.

I miss non vegetarian food, as it is not possible for me to cook at my mother's place.

I miss the busy streets with traffic jam (used to scold the same when I was there), I miss the regular water and power supply!!

I think I will continue the saga of my stay in UAE in the future also.

Bye for now. Catch me with my "BACK TO INDIA" experiences soon.

(I am attaching a photo of Hummus, Garlic paste and Tabouleh, which I had just few days before I came.)

Keep smiling,

Life and Laugh

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi All,
Children are very innocent, but still they teach us lessons with their innocence in the life,and make us laugh with the same innocence.
This is one recent experience I had last week.
My elder daughter Rajul was chatting online with her father last week. While chatting, he was explaining her that she is big girl now(only 7 yrs!!), and need to take care of mother(That's me), her sister, Naani(My mother), mama and mami. He wanted say do not trouble any one!

Her immediate reaction: Papa, I am not octopus,I don't have 8 hands to take care of all at one time!!!!

keep Smiling,

Nivedita's Kitchen: Sai bhaji(Green leafy veg curry)

Nivedita's Kitchen: Sai bhaji(Green leafy veg curry)

Tried and tasted by Nivedita

Nivedita's Kitchen: Instant coconut halwa

Nivedita's Kitchen: Instant coconut halwa

Tried and tasted by Nivedita

Nivedita's Kitchen: Sago(Sabudana) kheer

Nivedita's Kitchen: Sago(Sabudana) kheer

Tried and tasted by Nivedita

Sago(Sabudana) kheer

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi All

Sago kheer is one of favourite sweet dish of my husband. He likes to have it with puris.

And Today is my husband's birthday. Missing him on his great day and this sweet is for him. Waiting for him to join us as soon as possible.

It is must on Hanuman jayanthi in our home.(No particular reason for that!!) Its easy to make and as I am not soaking the sabudana, its done whenever we feel like having.

Even though its very common sweet, its taste is different.

Here is the recipe.

Sago - 1 cup

(Smaller size will be fine, as we are directly cooking without soaking it)

Sugar - 3/4 cup

Ghee - 2 tbsp

Cardamom powder - 1 tsp

Milk - 1 cup

Water as per required.

Take the pan with thick bottom, keep it on fire. when its hot, add ghee and add sabudana. Fry till they are almost double in size. If they don't turn into double size, its fine, fry till nice aroma comes. Remove and keep aside. Add milk in the same pan. When it starts boiling, add the fried sabudana. Let it cook for 5 minutes or till its cooked 3/4Th. Now add sugar and 1/4 cup water. Let it boil till sabudana is cooked full. It may take 10 minutes approx. Now add cardamom and boil it for a minute.

Sago kheer is ready to serve hot. Or keep in the fridge and have cold kheer.

I am sending this to Srivalli's Announcing Mithai Mela ~ Celebrating 2 years!

Hope all will like it.

Keep smiling,

Nivedita's Kitchen: Gram flour vadi(ಜ್ಹುನಕದ ವಡಿ)

Nivedita's Kitchen: Gram flour vadi(ಜ್ಹುನಕದ ವಡಿ)

Tried and tasted by Nivedita

Gram flour vadi(ಜ್ಹುನಕದ ವಡಿ)

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi All

When I read about preparing food in 15 minutes, I told to my sis in law, her immediate response was to make jhunakada vadi(ಜ್ಹುನಕದ ವಡಿ )! so without second thought, I planned to prepare the same.
I kept the clock in front of me, and it took 13 minutes to finish it!! Of course, need little planning,
One more good thing of this is, one can store it for 2 days. Good while travelling.

Here is the recipe,
Gram flour - 1 cup
Jeera - 1 tsp
Onion - 1 medium(chopped finely)
Tamarind paste -1 tbsp
(soak tamarind in a bowl, and turn it in microwave oven for 30 seconds.
Chilli powder - 1tbsp
Haldi - 1/2 tsp
Salt to taste
Grated coconut(dry) - 2 tbsp
Poppy seeds - 1 tbsp(optional)
Coriander chopped to garnish
Oil-2 tbsp
Ghee - 1 tsp
As we have to prepare it in thick bottomed pan, I kept the pan on heat, and then started cutting onions(that saves time)
Once oil is hot, add jeera, and onion. Saute for 2 minutes or till slightly brown. Add curry leaves. Now add gram flour. keep on stirring,as there is chance of getting burnt till nice aroma comes. It hardly takes 5 minutes. Then add,tamarind paste, salt, chilli powder and haldi.
Mix properly and add 1 tsp ghee. Let it cook for 2 more minutes. till that time, apply little ghee on a plate and remove the ready mix to the same. Press it evenly and garnish immediately with coconut, poppy seeds and coriander.
Have it with chapati or hot rice as side dish.

I am sending this one to Mahima's(http://spicesetc.blogspot.com/) event ,

http://spicesetc.blogspot.com/2009/04/15-minute-cooking-spieces-etc.html

Keep smiling,

Carrot burfi

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi all,

Today I thought of posting the recipe for Carrot burfi.My hubby and me got sweet tooth. Especially for me, after food, I must eat something at least one spoon.So sometimes what I do is, can you guess!!! I go to kitchen take Boost and eat one spoon. He he!!! or if I have condensed milk in the fridge I eat one spoon. One spoon is also enough for me but I must have sweet after food. So sinful for weight watchers!! So I am labelling it in "A sinful D(W)ish".
This is one sweet you can make anytime, and its quick also.
Here is the recipe
Carrot- 2cups grated
Sugar - 1 1/2 cup(If you are using condensed milk, add 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup condensed milk) Milk - 1 cup
Cardamom powder - 1/2 tsp
Almonds - 8 to 10 crushed
Ghee 2 tbsp
Churn the grated carrot in the grinder just one round.
Heat 1 tbsp ghee in thick bottomed pan. Add carrot and fry it for sometime, till the raw smell goes.
Take it in a plate, and in the same pan add milk and let it boil. When it starts boiling add sugar and carrot.
Let it cook for sometime. Now add Cardamom powder. When It starts becoming little solid add condensed milk and crushed almonds.
Keep on stirring or it will get burnt.
When the carrot starts leaving the pan, add one more tbsp ghee and transfer it to greased plate.
Spread it evenly on the plate. Cut with the knife in desired shape.
Once it is cold you can cut and serve.
Or enjoy it hot.

As I have just come back to India, still not reached to my place. But I am in Pune, at my brother's place, enjoying my vacation. Even though, not getting much time to sit in front of computer, I always make it sure to visit all my favourite blogs.

Today I had time, as my both daughters went down to park with my sister in law, I thought I will re post this sweet and send it to Srivalli's event,(I had kept in my mind, as soon as I get time, I will do this!!).

So here goes the recipe to Srivalli's Announcing Mithai Mela ~ Celebrating 2 years!

Keep smiling

Nivedita's Kitchen: Carrot burfi

Nivedita's Kitchen: Carrot burfi

Tried and tasted by Nivedita

Taking short break!!

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi all,
I am so happy that I entered the blog world to share my views, experience, knowledge, ideas and so lot. Thanks for the support. (PJ,Sudeshna and Aparna for now)
Now I am going to take a break for a month or so as I am moving back to India to settle down. I am not sure how many days its going to take, but sure to be in touch, whenever it is possible, till I settle down full. (hopefully, till June 15th).
Bye for now,
Keep smiling,

Nivedita's Kitchen: Cabbage poriyal

Nivedita's Kitchen: Cabbage poriyal

Tried and tasted by Nivedita

Cabbage poriyal

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi all,

It is so easy to cook when you have the guide in front of you!! When I checked the event Tried and Tasted by "My Diverse Kitchen", I visited Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen and was explored to so many vegetarian dishes, so many, which I never heard before. I wanted to start form easier one, as I have less time to experiment this month but I wanted to participate also.
So I tried her cabbage poriyal and liked it so much that I had it without anything.
Here is the link for the same,
http://foodandspice.blogspot.com/2009/02/cabbage-poriyal.html
I stayed 100% true to the recipe.

I am sending this recipe to Announcing Tried and Tasted, April 2009 – Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen from My Diverse Kitchen, which originally started by Zlamushka's original event announcement.

Keep smiling,

Nivedita's Kitchen: Nutty Egg Omelet

Nivedita's Kitchen: Nutty Egg Omelet

Tried and tasted by Nivedita

Nivedita's Kitchen: Eggs and rice noodles

Nivedita's Kitchen: Eggs and rice noodles

Tried and tasted by Nivedita

Eggs and rice noodles

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi all,

When it comes to eating eggs, I am always hungry. I love to eat egg in any form, except half fried egg. Rice noodles and scrambled egg is a great combination and a very healthy breakfast for everyone. It is easy and quick recipe to fix.
Here is the recipe
Rice noodles (Sevia) – 150 gms (ready made, Indian)
(I have tried with Thai rice noodles, it wont taste good as with Indian rice noodles)
Eggs – 3
Onion – 1 big
Green chilly – 4 to 5(Put less if making only for kids)
Curry leaves – 8 to 10
Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
Jeera (cumin seeds) – 1 tsp
Cinnamon stick – 1 inch
Lemon Juice – 2 tbsp
Salt to taste
Haldi – ½ tsp
Oil – 2 tbsp
Fresh coriander chopped to garnish
Boil the rice noodles in the hot water and drain and keep aside. (Follow the instructions on the packet)
Heat oil in a thick bottomed shallow pan. Add mustard seeds, jeera, and cinnamon stick then curry leaves. Saute it. Now add green chilly and onion and fry till transparent. Beat the eggs in a bowl and add it to the pan. Stir continuously till it is mixed properly with onion.Sprinkle little water, cover and cook for two minutes, so that egg is cooked full. Add salt and haldi. Mix once again. Now add boiled noodles and lime juice. Mix properly. Cover and cook for 3 minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.

Sevres 3. Good for kid’s lunch box.

I am sending this recipe to Sudeshna's Announcing: Event for Eggs.

Keep smiling,

Onion and Tomato Sabji

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi All

This is one recipe, with which one can prepare so many dishes. It alone goes well with Dosa, chapati. And you can use it as sandwich filler, use with boiled eggs, use for omelet!!!

Here is the recipe,
Onion – 1 big (Chopped lengthwise)
Tomato – 1big (Chopped finely)
Curry leaves – 4 to 6
Chilly powder – 1 tbsp
Crushed peanut and almonds – ¼ cup(crushed to big pieces)
(If you like add cashew nuts also)
Mustard seed – ½ tsp
Jeera – ½ tsp
Salt to taste
Haldi -1/2 tsp
Oil - 1 tbsp
Hing – a pinch
Sugar – 1 tsp
Fresh coriander – 1 tbsp
Add mustard seeds and jeera in hot oil. Now add curry leaves, hing and onions with crushed nuts. Cook till brown, add tomato. Let it cook till oil separates. Add Chilly powder, salt, sugar and haldi. Add little water and boil it for five minutes. Mix with chopped fresh coriander.

Onion and tomato sabji is ready. Serves two.

Keep smiling,

Sweet Tomato

Tried and tasted by Nivedita

Hi all,

No cooking food and most of the kids will love it. My granny used to give us as starter. But you should have large grain sugar, what we get in India,then it tastes better and crunchy.
Tomato – 1 or 2, big
Sugar – to sprinkle
Cut Tomato in to thin circles.
Arrange on the plate.
Just before serving, sprinkle sugar on tomato slices. It tastes better if tomatoes are kept in the fridge before adding sugar.

Sending this to 

PJ'S ONGOING EVENT

Healing Foods -Event Announcement which is started by Siri  (Healing foods)

Keep smiling,

My nine inspirations

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi all,
My nine inspirations
These are my nine inspirations, which come in my mind immediately when I think about inspiration in life.
About people, there are so many who might have struggled harder and achieved more in life, but I think about those whom we remember easily and who comes in my mind always.
1.Diya (Deep)
It burns itself to give light to others.
2.Water
It takes the shape of its container (so adjusting) and purifier of our life.
3.Ant
It is hard working and it saves for rainy days!
4.Elephant
A pure vegetarian still the strongest and biggest animal on the earth. And so graceful and have lot of patience.
5.Bitter gourd and neem
Both are bitter but cure our diseases.
6.My mother
Full of life, positive attitude towards life, strong will power.
7.Dr.A. P.J. Abdul Kalam
Dedication, knowledge, wisdom
8.Kiran Bedi
Strong character, honest
9.Shah Rukh khan and Akshay kumar
Yes! When I think about these actors, always comes in my mind is hardworking and believing in self.

Keep smiling

Mutton Biryani

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi All


(I forgot to take seperate photoes! So for all the three recipes, the same photo will be posted!!)

I am very bad cook, when it comes to prepare rice varieties. I can make only white rice, tomato rice and methi rice. Other type always turns into disaster. But few months back, when I was searching for rice recipes, I came across Mishmash’s egg Biryani (http://kitchenmishmash.blogspot.com). The rice in the photo was so tempting; I decided I will make it the same day. Even though, I followed the basic recipe, I skipped adding omelet and frying eggs. But, the result was superb!!!!!!! Thanks Mishmash!!! Then I made the rice several times and every time it was a hit.
Now, I thought of using the same Biryani masala for mutton Biryani and my reward was, I had to prepare again the very next day for our picnic.(as it got over the same day I made!) All enjoyed it in the picnic.
Here is the recipe,
Mutton – Half kilo
Rice – Half kilo (any long grain)
Onion – 3 big (long and thin sliced)
Tomato – 2 big (Finely chopped)
Garlic paste – 1 tsp
Ginger paste – 1 ts[
Fresh coriander – 1 bunch Cleaned and chopped (Optional)
Mint leaves or pudina – ½ bunch cleaned and chopped (Optional)
Curds – ¼ cup
Green long chilly - 2
Salt to taste
Chilly powder – 2 tbsp
Dhania powder – 1 tbsp
Oil – ¼ cup
Tej patta -1 big

To marinate the mutton:
Curds – 2 tbsp
Salt to taste
Chilly powder – 1 tsp
Dhania powder -1 tsp
Oil – 1 tbsp

Biryani masala
Fennel seeds -1/2 tsp
Cumin seeds / Jeera -1/2 tsp
Shahjeera/Caraway seeds – 1/2 tsp
Cloves - 4
Cardamom -1
Cinnamon (1” inch length) - 1
Grated nutmeg -1/4 tsp
Grind everything to a fine powder and keep it aside. We will need 2 tbsp for this Biryani.
Wash and clean the mutton and marinate with the given ingredients and keep it aside for 2-3 hours. The mutton will be tenderer, if it is marinated for full one night or 6-8 hours. Before making Biryani, keep in a cooker and give 3-4 whistles.

Clean and soak the rice. Remove the water and keep it for half an hour.

Add oil in a cooker, when hot add chopped onions. Fry till brown. Now add the Biryani masala powder. Mix it properly. Add 2 long green chilly.
Add chopped tomato and ginger and garlic paste. Stir for a minute. (If you are adding pudina and coriander, you can add now and fry for a minute).Then add curds, salt, chilly and dhania powder. Mix it properly. Add cooked mutton without water. Keep the stock aside. Cover it for 2 minutes. After that, add soaked and dried rice. Mix nicely so that all the things mix with each other properly. Now add the stock and hot water till the rice and mutton is covered. Close the lid and give 2 whistles.
Serve hot with onion raita.

Keep smiling

Agasi(Flax seed,ಅಗಸಿ) Chutney powder

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi All,





Agasi chutney (ಅಗಸಿ) is also one of the common powders in the food in North Karnataka. It is served with curds with rotti or chapattis. The taste is unique.
It is called Flax seed in English.
Here is the link for details:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flax_seed
It is prepared the same way as we prepare the Shenga (Peanut) chutney.
Here is the recipe,
Agasi(flax seeds) - 1cup
Chilli powder - 1 to 2 tbsp as per your taste
Curry leaves - 2 lines
Tamarind - 2 tbsp
Garlic - 4 to 6 big one(we get in UAE) or full one bulb if it is Indian.
sugar - 1 tsp
Salt to taste Turmeric a pinch
Roast flax seeds till aroma comes out.Let it cool. Mix all the ingredients and put in a mixie and make it to a powder.
The powder is ready and you can store it for 15 days in a dry place.
Enjoy with jowar rotti or chapattis.
Keep smiling,

Gurellu Chutney(Niger seeds,ಗುರೆಳ್ಳು) powder

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi all,

Gurellu chutney(ಗುರೆಳ್ಳು) is very common in North Karnataka kitchen shelf. Actually it is an essential ingredient used in so many recipes. And one can eat just like that with curds and chapatti or Jowar rotti. I tried to search in the web for its English name. Here is the link for the same.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niger_seed
but to be sure it is NOT “black sesame seeds”, as I read in few blogs. It is called as Niger seeds in English.
Here is the recipe
Gurellu – 1 cup
Curly leaves – 2 lines
Salt – 1 tsp (don’t use more, as it is used in making so many recipes, and we also put salt in those recipes.)
Red chilly powder – 1 tsp

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Roast the Gurellu in a thick bottomed pan on medium heat. Keep on stirring till you get nice aroma. If you leave in the middle, it will be burnt.
After its cold, add other ingredients and grind into powder and store in a jar. You can keep for 15 days, if stored in dry place.

It is used in brinjal, green moong, capsicum, cucumber and so many other preparations.
Or can have it with curds and Jowar rotti.
Keep smiling,

Stuffed brinjal masala(ಬದನೆಕಾಯಿ ಏಣ್ಣಗಾಯಿ)

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi all

Very tasty and spicy vegetable masala which is perfect with Jowar rotti. This is a very common food in North Karnataka. And it is compulsory in menu in the marriages. Here is the regular recipe, what my mother makes, and even I follow the same.
Brinjal – 4 to 6 (small)
Onion – 1 big (finely chopped)
Curry leaves – 1 line, chopped
Tamarind paste – 2 tbsp (soak the tamarind in warm water for half an hour then squeeze the juice)
Fresh coriander – 2 tbsp
Gurellu chutney powder – 2 tbsp (recipe will follow soon)
Red chilly powder – 1tbsp
Jaggery powdered – 1 tbsp
Salt to taste
Oil – 1 tsp
For stuffed brinjal
Oil – 2 tbsp
Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
Jeera – 1 tsp
Slit the brinjal in the middle and keep in the water.
Fry chopped onion in a pan till slightly brown. Remove in a plate, add all other ingredients except oil and mix it nicely.
This masala is so tasty, that we used to finish it with chapatti or rotti, before it was stuffed in the brinjal.
Now remove the brinjal from water and stuff the ready masala.
Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds. After they start crackle, add jeera, and stuffed brinjal. Fry for one minute. Now add remaining masala and little water. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
Stuffed brinjal masala(ಬದನೆಕಾಯಿ ಏಣ್ಣಗಾಯಿ) is ready to serve with hot rottis or chapattis.

Keep smiling,

Jowar rotti ball(ಜೋಳದ ರೊಟ್ಟಿ ಉಂಡಿ)

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi all,

Jowar Rotti ball(ಜೋಳದ ರೊಟ್ಟಿ ಉಂಡಿ) was one of my favourite food, my granny (ajji) used to make. Her food was always very tasty and the aroma of her food would reach the last house of chawl which was almost half kilometer long. I miss her food very much.
She used to make these rotti balls during night when we all used to sit around her and eat. As this has to be prepared only with hot rottis and should eat immidiately, night was the best time.
Here is the recipe,
The ingredients for one ball, as we can make only one ball at a time.
Hot rotti -1(Big and thick) for one ball (There is recipe for rotti also in my blog)
Garlic 1 clove
Fresh coriander - 1 tbsp(chopped)
Green chilli - 1 or 1/2 (as per your taste)
Curry leaves -2 to3
salt to taste
Ghee - 1 tbsp
Take all ingredients except rotti, crush it in the crusher or blender. keep it ready. Once the rotti is ready remove it, tear it into pieces and put with the ready paste. Crush again with the paste. Add ghee and make ball with both the hands and serve hotttttttt.

You will not count how many you had!!!!!!

Keep smiling,

Jowar rotti(Jolada rotti)

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi all,

Jowar (Millet) rotti (ಜೋಳದ ರೊಟ್ಟಿ)is very common in North Karnataka.(They call Bhakkari also for this rotti.)
It is a healthy food. Back in India, in my house we eat both the times. And there is always full one box of crispy and thin rottis(In Hubli - Dharwad we call it "kataka rotti"(ಕಟಕ ರೊಟ್ಟಿ) or "birasa rotti"(ಬಿರಸ ರೊಟ್ಟಿ), which we can have with different types of chutney powder and curds.
But to make this rotti is little tricky and comes only by practice. I always remember a lady “Mallavva” who used to come to make rottis in my house and I am thankful to her that she taught me to make rottis. She always used to say, Man is born before all these things, so nothing is impossible.
Here is the recipe:
Jowar flour - 1 cup
Salt -1 tsp
Water – 1 cup (to make dough)
A square piece of cloth
Keep water in a vessel to boil. Add salt to it. Take Jowar flour in a big plate or wide vessel. Add little boiling water slowly to the flour and add little cold water and make the dough ready. It is not sticky like chapatti atta. It will be little softer. When you take it in hand and press it will spread easily. Keep little warm water in a vessel with cloth piece ready.
Now take a big lemon size and press it slowly to make it round. Spread little Jowar atta on the platform where you want to make rottis. Keep the flattened ball and slowly start patting. This is the tricky thing. You should be moving it circular while patting.(I don’t know whether “patting” is right word or not?). Again the tricky thing comes, to take it in hand and put it on hot tawa. Be very careful while doing this, otherwise rotti will be into pieces. After putting rotti in tawa, immediately spread little water with soaked cloth piece on the upper part. After few minutes, turn the rotti and just cook other side. You can press it with spatula to be sure that it’s cooked properly.
Remove and serve hot.
But I like to eat one day old rotti.

Keep smiling,

Nine things for Guests

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi all,
We, Indians believe “Athithi Devo Bhav” (Guests are like God). In this busy world, expecting and entertaining guests is little difficult, until you put an extra effort.
It is not possible for everyone to have guest room. I remember, in our child hood, we all cousins (10 to 12 children) used to share one bedroom during summer holidays. And we used to enjoy it so much.
My mother’s house, we always enjoyed people coming and staying in the house. Our house was always full of people. And summer vacation was like a mini fair.
Here, I am listing nine things, which I try to keep at home for the guests (for those who are going to stay one or more days with us), which is comfortable for both.
Nine things (in a pair) for guests:
1.Towels.
2.Tooth brush
3.Night dresses
4.Soap
5.House ware slippers
6.Hair brush
7.Blankets
8.Diet(If you know any health issues about the guest lik diabetes,BP etc)
9.Last but not the least, lots of love, time and hospitality.

Do you have any other ideas! Let me know.

Keep smiling,

My Daughter turned sweet 7

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi all,

Yesterday was my elder daughter’s birthday. She turned seven. So fast! She is very understanding, caring and matured for her age.
This year, one more reason to be happy is she got “Outstanding performance certificate” in her final exams. She is only in grade 1, but the girl who knew nothing other than writing A to Z and numbers only from 1 to 20, when she returned back from India after a year gap, to get this certificate, is really appreciable. In her first term, she could not answer any questions, as she did not know to read sentences. And it was a challenge for me too. After screaming, shouting,crying and beating (very bad mother!) and her continuous effort have given her the sweet fruit. And! my husband's cooperation to take care of younger one, when we are studying! Her teacher was very happy and she told it’s really a brilliant effort!! What else parents can expect other than this for their children. We both thank God to bless us this child.
We both are proud of her.
Wishing her a very happy birthday and bless many more to come.

Yesterday, she wanted to have Idli. So I thought of making Idli cake and give her. She was happy to have it.

And she was so happy, when one of her friends, brought her a box of chocolate ice cream than so many big gifts. This is what I call "Sweet Seven"

Keep smiling,

Nivedita's Kitchen: Tomato and Garlic Rasam(Tili saaru)

Nivedita's Kitchen: Tomato and Garlic Rasam(Tili saaru)

Tried and tasted by Nivedita

Tomato and Garlic Rasam(Tili saaru)

Tried and tasted by Nivedita

Hi all,

Tomato is my all time favourite. I love its color. It is so essential in almost every recipe, I always keep tomatoes in my fridge. Any type of soup or rasam with tomato is always welcomed by my taste buds. This is one recipe, usually my mom makes. It tastes great when she prepares it.

Here is the recipe,

Tomato – 2 medium

Garlic – ½ bulbs peeled and freshly crushed (if it is big. We get big one in UAE, if taking Indian, 1 full bulb)

Curry leaves – few

Mustard seeds – 1 tsp

Jeera – 1 tsp

Methi seeds – 1/2 tsp

Sugar – 1 tbsp

Salt to taste

Chilly powder – 1 to 2 tbsp or as per taste

Lemon juice – ½ tbsp

Oil 1 tbsp

Fresh coriander to garnish.

Heat oil in a vessel. Add Mustard seeds, and then add methi seeds and jeera.

Now add crushed garlic and curry leaves. Fry till garlic becomes slightly brown.

Then add chopped tomato, chilly powder, salt and sugar. Let it cook till tomato starts leaving oil. Now add 2 cups water and let it boil for 10 min.

Add lemon juice, just before switching off the stove. Garnish with coriander.

Servers for 3.

Sending this to 

PJ'S ONGOING EVENT

Healing Foods -Event Announcement which is started by Siri  (Healing foods)

Keep smiling,

Wishing a very happy Ugadi

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi All,

ಯುಗ ಯುಗಾದಿ ಕಳೆದರೂ
ಯುಗಾದಿ ಮರಳಿ ಬರುತಿದೆ
ಹೊಸ ವರುಷಕೆ, ಹೊಸ ಹರುಷವ
ಹೊಸತು ಹೊಸತು ತರುತಿದೆ....
Written by Shri. D R BENDRE, it is a beautiful song.

This was the song we learnt in the school on Ugadi. I dont remember the full song now, so writing only what I remember.

WISHING EVERYONE A VERY HAPPY UGADI

ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ಉಗಾದಿ ಹಬ್ಬದ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು

Keep smiling,

Meals with mutton

Tried and tasted by Nivedita

Hi All

Non vegetarian food is not much common in our house. I do not prepare often.So whenever I plan to make, I will try to make at least 3 varieties at a time.
Here is the photo. Recipe will follow soon.

In the photo, you can see Green Mutton chops,Mutton curry and Mutton Biryani with salted and sliced onions.
It is a feast, if you have with Jowar rotti(Jolada rotti) and onion raita.

Keep smiling,

Meals veg sambhar banana fry

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi all
One more "Food in photo".
Recipe for banana fry is posted, but please wait for veg. sambhar.
Keep smiling,

Meals dal and white kidney beans

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi All,
This is only "Food in Photo"
Recipe will follow for WhiteKidney beans.I have already posted recipes for chapatis and dal.
In the photo, you can see,
Chapatis, Salted curds,alasandi(White Kidney beans) pallya,Jeera dal and hot rice and chilli pickle.
Anything else to wish when one is hungry?????

Keep smiling,

Happy birthday to me

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
HI
Today is my birthday and I want to wish myself.
Should I feel happy to celebrate my ** years birthday? Is there anything special to celebrate? What have I achieved in these years to celebrate?
A few questions to myself and with honest answers I may be able to say YES, I can celebrate my birthday.

Q.1 Have I kept my family happy?
A: Yes! According to my Hubby. He says I am his strength. He really loves me very much and he thanks God to have me as life partner.(I feel the same for him).
My elder daughter who is 7 yrs old, she says "I am the best mother in this world"
(Hehe, all children are like that!!!) But I feel proud when I hear that from her.
Waiting for second daughter who is 18months old, to say the same for me!! Too greedy no?

Q2.My parents?
A: I cannot say 100% yes, as I always went against my mother. But sure I made them feel proud at least few times. And it is not possible for me to achieve my mother's dreams. She is so full of life, enthusiastic and always positive minded and ever ready for anything to face in the life. Hats off to her. After being a mother of two kids, I know her value!

Q3.My brother and sister in law?
A: We too are always close and discuss anything under the sun. Till today, without asking my brother I have not taken any decision(even though my decision is final, sometimes!!)He is younger than me, but he is my guide and my critic.
Now my sister in law, she has brought us more close together. So happy to have her in our life.When their marriage was fixed, my brother told her alot about me, how I was so responsible and always took care of him and other cousins. That makes me happy!! So there is a reason to celebrate.

Q4.My relatives and my cousins?
A: Hey, definitely yes!!!! I am really lucky to have so wonderful family, everyone loves me and care for me. Thank you so much.

Q5. My friends?
A: I have very few friends and they are always supportive, caring and guiding. And we feel so happy whenever we talk over the phone.

Q6. Towards society?
A: Yes, I try not to waste water.I try to save energy. I try to water plants, when I am back in India. I am always ready to help needy. May be its not possible here, but once I settle down back in India, definitely will do something.

Hurray, YES!!! So many reasons to celebrate my birthday!!!!!!

Before I finish, I want to share few memories about my birthdays. I always celebrated my birthday in a big way. Thanks to mom!! She always kept surprise for me on my each birthday.

It was always a fun in my birthday party. I always got great gifts from my parents, especially mom.

A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep smiling,

Burnt Jeera dal

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi all

A simple dal recipe, it goes well with rice and even chapati. I like it both the ways. Here the jeera must be burnt and the flavour of burnt jeera with flavour of dal is toooooo good to resist!!!
Here is the recipe:
Toor dal or yellow moong dal - 1 cup(Boiled and mashed)
Tomato - 1/2 chopped length wise
Long dry red chillies - 4 to 5
Jeera - 2 tbsp
Salt to taste
Haldi - 1/4 tsp
Oil - 1 tbsp
Ghee - 1 tbsp(you can skip this and add 2 tbsp oil)
Coriander - 2 tbsp to garnish
Heat the kadai, add jeera and let them become black or almost burnt.
Immediately put oil and ghee. After few seconds, and red chillies, haldi, salt and then red chillies.
now add tomato and let it cook for 2 minutes.
Add toor dal or moong dal. Add little water and let it boil for a minute.
Check the salt and adjust according to your taste.
If you like, you can add 1 tsp lemon juice after you off the gas.
Garnish with chopped coriander and serve with hot rice and pickle with papad.

Keep smiling,

Nine things in the fridge

Tried and tasted by Nivedita

Hi All,

In "Nine and Mine" I am trying to share my 9 ideas or my 9 views on particular subject on many interesting things.
Why nine? Just like that! Because I like number "9". (It rhymes also!).
Sometimes, may be I will not be able to say all 9 things, or I may have more than 9 things to share, but I will try to take only 9 things.
As the name of this blog is connected with kitchen, lets start with the subject kitchen itself.
Today, I am sharing my ideas on,
"Which 9 things I do always have in my fridge"
1. Tomatoes
2. Paneer
3. Pudhina chutney(Mint and Coriander chutney)
4. Butter
5. Ginger
6. Eggs
7. Grated fresh coconut(Frozen)
8. Peas
9. Ice cubes(Must and should when you have babies and kids at home)

I hope, you all liked the idea!! Anyone wants to share more ideas, Please do it.

Next time, "9 things for ????" Guess!
Keep smiling,

Simple, tasty Chapati Rolls with guessing game

Tried and tasted by Nivedita

Hi all,

(The chapati I have decorated here is only for photo purpose as I wanted to show the spreads altogether)
A very simple, tasty and easy rolls for kids. I like too. These rolls were, our (my brother Avinash and mine) favourites during school time. It was easy for my mother also.

Now I give to my daughter, but with little guessing game, and she loves to play it.



Chapatis - 6

sugar - 3 tbsp

Jaggery powdered - 3 tbsp

Peanut and dalia chutney powder -3 tbsp(Recipe in my chutney label)(If you don't have, no problem. You can use MTR READY CHUTNEY POWDER).

Ghee to apply for above.

Any jam - 3 tbsp

Butter - 1 tbsp

Chocolate spread - 3 tbsp(I use Nutella)

Cheese spread - 3 tbsp(I use Knorr cheese spread)

Take 3 chapatis on the plate.

Apply 2 tbsp ghee on each chapati.

Spread sugar on one chapati, jaggery powdered on another and chutney powder on the third.

Roll and keep ready.

These 3 rolls we used to have in childhood.

Next rolls I have added according to today's kids world.

Take 3 more chapatis on plate.

Apply butter on one chapati, and then spread jam. Spread Chocolate spread on other and cheese spread on the third one.

Roll and keep ready.

Now keep all the rolls on a big plate.

Here the guessing game starts. If you have more than one kid, its more interesting. Even your kid's friends can join.

Call the children and ask them to guess in which roll what is there. Whoever guesses correct, they will get reward.

What I do with my daughter is,
I take any three rolls, keeping in mind to make one chocolate roll in that.

I tell her to take two rolls, and if the chocolate roll is not there in that, as she loves to eat chocolate roll, all the three chapatis will disapear in to her stomach in no time. My purpose to give her chapatis without fuss is served.

I AM SENDING THIS RECIPE TO PJ'S Tasty Bites For Toddlers.

Keep smiling,

Soft Chapatis my way

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi all
Even though I am making chapatis since long time, my chapatis were always hard or torn into pieces after few hours. Now after trying umpteen times, I learnt making chapatis, which remains soft even the next day.
Usually (not always)soya flour to wheat flour as soya is good for health and as there is no change in taste, no need to force the children to get soya in other form.
Here is the recipe:
For Chapati
Wheat flour - 2 cups
Soya flour - 3/4 cup
Salt- 1 tsp
Oil- 1 tbsp

For spread
Wheat flour -5 tbsp
Oil to make paste.

Mix wheat flour and oil to make paste to spread on the chapatis.

Add both the flours, salt and oil in a vessel and knead it with water to make dough. Keep it aside at least for half an hour.
While making chapatis, divide dough in to large lime size balls.
Take one ball, roll it puri size. Spread the paste. Sprinkle little flour. fold it to half. Again spread the paste and sprinkle flour and fold it to triangle.
Now roll chapati into desired shape (mine usually comes triangle shape, if I don't give attention while rolling).
Heat tawa in high flame, when frying chapatis, do on medium flame. Never fry chapatis on low flame, as it makes chapatis hard.
Repeat with other chapatis.
No need to put oil while frying.
Serve chapatis with subji, or make rolls or eat just like that.

Keep smiling,

Corn flakes chewda

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi All,

Here is the recipe for Cornflakes chewda. Very easy and fast to make. Children will love it. If they don't like to eat cornflakes with milk, this is the best way to give them.

Normal cornflakes - 1 cup

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Jeera - 1 tsp

Dalia (Puthani) - 2 tbsp

roasted peanut-2 tbsp

curry leaves few

chilli powder - 1 tsp

salt to taste

sugar - 1tsp

Oil - 2 tbsp

salted cashew nuts -10 to 12

Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, jeera. Then add curry leaves, Dalia. Fry for one minute and off the gas.

After a minute, add roasted peanuts, cashew nuts, salt, sugar and chilly powder. Keep it aside. Once its cold add cornflakes. mix properly.

Good filler for kids and elders can enjoy with a hot cup of tea.

I AM SENDING THIS RECIPE TO PJ'S Tasty Bites For Toddlers



Keep smiling,

A Hindi Poem "TREE" by me

Hi All
I was so happy the day I wrote a poem in Hindi for my daughter who is in grade I. She had Hindi poem competition and she wanted to participate in that.(She always wants to take part in everything!!). First 15 days I did not take it seriously. Then when she started crying that I am not teaching her any poem, I searched for an easy poem with good message, I could not get one. I mean, either they were very big or they had difficult words which I was sure she will not be able to pronounce. And from that time, something was singing in my head, I wanted to give a try and write down and only thing coming in my mind was about tree. And I was thinking about easy words which she should be able to learn fast.
And one day, after Mahesh(My Hubby) went to drop my daughter to school bus stop, instead of making breakfast for him, I took pencil and paper and went on writing. And I was getting words without much thinking. I stopped writing after 12 lines. I was so happy and read it in front of Mahesh, not even realizing he is getting late to the office. Here is the poem:

                                           पेड़

पेड़ है मेरा नाम

मैं हूँ पक्षियों का धाम

मेरा फल सबको भाया

मैं देता हूँ सबको छाया

मैं बदलता हूँ रंग हर रुतु के संग

मुझसे बनता भी है घर

कर कर वार मुझ पर

अगर बचाना है यह संसार

मुझसे करलो प्यार

मत करो मुझ पर वार

मेरी सबसे बिनती है

लगाओ हर घर में एक पौधा

आगे होगा सबको सुविधा

(PEDH- TREE)

PEDH HAI MERA NAAM

MAIN HOON PAKSHIYON KA DHAM

MERA PHAL SABKO BHAAYA

MAIN DETA HOON SABKO CHAAYA

MAIN BADALTA HOON RANG

HAR RUTU KE SANG

MUJHSE BANATA BHI HAI GHAR

KAR KAR WAAR MUJH PAR

AGAR BACHANA HAI

YEAH SANSAR

MUJHSE KARLO PYAR

MAT KARO MUJH PAR WAAR

MERI SABSE BINATI HAI

LAGAO HAR GHAR MEIN EK POUDHA

AAGE HOGA SABKO SUVIDHA

My daughter got selected for the final competition and participate. But she was scared to say it louder on the stage and did not get any prize. But I was happy she learnt it so fast and participated in the competition.

Keep smiling,