Saturday, July 18, 2009

Bhindi Do Pyaza



Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi All,
It is so easy to prepare food, when some one is guiding you!! That's why I enjoy very much when ever I follow other blog and cook any dish. And I post it in 'Food Remake' label, as it is very common in Indian film industry to remake the movies from one language to the other. So even my food here is the remake one!!!
This time I followed Sailu's (Indian food, Andhra recipes and Global cuisine inspired cooking) blog and prepared "bhindi Do Pyaza(Okra-Onion stir fry).
It was really delicious!!!!!!, tasty and I never loved bhindi so much!!!!

Keep smiling,






Peanut chutney powder(Shenga Chutney)

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi all



I am from North Karnataka, and there different types of chutneys are always at home, and served everyday with meals. These powders really make the food more tasty. I will try to post other types of chutney powder in future.
Here is the recipe:
Peanut - 1cup
Dalia ("Puthani" in Kannada) - 1/2 cup
Chilly 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 peanuts and remove skin. Mix all the ingredients and put in a mixer and make it coarse powder.
Chutney(ಶೇಂಗ ಪುಡಿ)is ready. Eat with chapatis and curds or hot rice and ghee.
But I always liked it with crispy jowar rotti(katak Jolada rotti) and curds.

This chutney powder is going to participate in
and the (JFI) WAS STARTED BY Indira (@ Mahanandi)


Keep smiling,

Friday, July 17, 2009

Nivedita's Kitchen: Peanut chutney powder(Shenga Chutney)

Nivedita's Kitchen: Peanut chutney powder(Shenga Chutney)

Tried and tasted by Nivedita

Monday, July 13, 2009

Cervical Rib Syndrome(Thoracic Outlet Syndrome) and me!!!

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi all,
Got confused with the Title of this post in my blog!! When you finish reading, then you will know the reason for the title.
First let me tell you what is Cervical Rib Syndrome. It is "compression of the neurovascular structures in the area just above the first rib and behind the clavicle. It represents a constellation of symptoms" (Ref. from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/760477-overview).

Why I am telling you about this is because, I am having this syndrome from past 11 years.
With this the bonus is: my 2 discs are also bulged in the back which gives unbearable 24x7 pain.
And I always controlled my pain by doing Pranayam, exercises and jogging. (It is easy for me and I enjoy doing all these as I was a State level Basket ball player.)
But this time, it was severe. So I went to Neuro surgeon. He suggested me to go for MRI.

MRI Experience:
Even though ten years back, I went through MRI, this time I was little scared. Before I went inside, I asked the person who was attending me, that how one feels inside. He told me that I will feel as if I am sitting in a traditional Mill Flour. And he told me not to get scared of the noise as it will be louder.. His strict instruction was not to move my body, head, and hands. Even coughing and sneezing was not allowed. He put me on the machine and told just keep my self calm and breathe slowly. He sent me inside, telling me he will be back in 10 minutes. I was really scared, but kept myself strong and lied down quietly. After a minute, the sound started. It was really scary!!! If he has not warned me before, I would have ran away from there. The sound went on for 30 seconds. Then silence surrounded me with only some data recording sound. I thought the sound will not come again. But!!! after few minutes, again the sound started "kharrrrrrrrr, khatt khatt khatt' Then I just assumed that I am in some Games zone and playing some video games and made my self strong. Again the sound went, but started again after few minutes. Mean while I was worried about sneezing, coughing and was really care full not to get them. But!!!! instead of cough and sneeze, I felt something is moving on my cheeks. I controlled some how, then my chin started scratching!!!! Then came the thought, If some insect or some moving creature is hiding here, and if it attacks me!!!!!!! Ohh, the ten minutes were horrible. At last after one more time the sound and data recording, the attender came and took me out!!!!
I got the report after 3 hours. I went to meet the doctor in the evening. He prescribed me 15 days steroids and advised me to put collar to my neck. I thought "wow such a big ornament for my neck" He told me to come after the treatment and go for surgery to cut the bulge as it is increased to a larger size in these 10 years.

Then the second stage, I thought (not only me!!, every one in the house) of going for second opinion. So next day my visit was to a Orthopedic Surgeon. Before checking the reports, he asked me to explain about my pain in detail and I did the same. Then he took the reports, put on the light.
He explained me in detail about my body parts on the report. He explained me that I have the Cervical Rib Syndrome(Thoracic Outlet Syndrome). This syndrome happens to one person among one lakh. I joked that I am unique in my own way!!! Plus my disc bulge is also giving me the pain. And both are different. He prescribed me 3 days steroids and one exercise which I have to do 30 times in the morning, after noon and night. It has to be followed for lifelong.
Now, I have started the same, hoping that I will get relief. Otherwise also it is ok! I am used to my pain so much that, may be I will feel that I don't have hand, if there is no pain!!!

Keep smiling,

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Life and Laugh again!

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi All,
Again from my daughter's corner!!

This happened when we were back in UAE. Taking care of my daughter's study was my responsibility. But my husband loved to take Moral Education for her as he loved stories from her book. (Now also, he loves to read Tinkle, Chanda mama, Amar Chitra Katha etc., other than big books!!)
One day he came very tired from the office. He was lying on the bed, and told my daughter Rajul to press his legs(dance on his legs rather). She was in playing mood. Instead of pressing the legs, she asked him the question "Pappa, last week you taught me a lesson in Moral Education no? Do you remember which one is that?"
My husband took a moment and happily told(he is very proud of his memory power)
"Yes! I do, we learnt "SELF HELP IS THE BEST HELP"!!!!

That's all!!! She saw his face, smiled and ran out of the house to play!!!!

Keep smiling,

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Nivedita's Kitchen: Paapad Samosas

Nivedita's Kitchen: Paapad Samosas

Tried and tasted by Nivedita

Curd Rice Balls(ಮೊಸರು ಬುತ್ತಿ ಉಂಡಿ)

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi All,




Yesterday, after I posted the recipe for "Paapad Samosas" I was feeling guilty for those who are facing scorching heat. Now to make myself feel good, I am posting the recipe for curd rice balls(ಮೊಸರು ಬುತ್ತಿ ಉಂಡಿ).
This food was common in our house, for picnics. At least once in 2 months, My mother and her sisters and cousins always arranged for short picnics. There used to be so many relatives. And we were about 15 cousins. We always had great fun. There were variety of dishes prepared by our grannys, packed nicely and systematical. We visited fields, farm houses or temples. If nothing, we used to meet in some one's house at least. Those were the days!!!, I never wish to forget! This "curd rice ball" was common, as its was easy to give in our hand. We used to run and play while holding it in the hand and eating.
Now, for my daughter, its like a feast!
Here is the recipe,
Rice - 2 cups(cooked with more water)
Fresh curds - 1/2 cup
Milk - 1/4 cup
Onion - 1 medium (chopped)
Garlic - 3 to 4 flakes
(Optional, skip it if you do not like the garlic taste!!, but tastes great with garlic.)
Green chilly - 1
Fresh coriander - 1 hand full
Curry leaves - few
Sugar - 1 tsp
Salt to taste
Mix ready rice, curds, milk, sugar and salt in a bowl.
Crush garlic, green chilly, fresh coriander and curry leaves together. Mix it with rice.
Adjust the quantity of curds and milk. After mixing, the rice should not be very watery, as we need to make balls. Keep aside for half an hour. Make balls and serve in the hands.
Great refresher for the summer!!

Keep smiling,



Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Paapad Samosas

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi All,








Here It is raining continuously and too cold to keep the doors open. It is the perfect ti
me to eat some fried snacks with hot coffee!!
Sorry guys who are staying in the part of the world where the heat is on its height!!!
Now a days most of the cookery shows are full of fried food to compete with the weather.
So I too thought of posting the same.
This is the snack which has to be served immediately.
Here is the recipe,
Potato - 1 big(Boiled and mashed)
Carrot - 1 medium(grated)
Green chilly - 2 chopped finely
Coriander or Parsley - 2 tbsp (chopped)
Salt to taste
Amchur Powder(Dry mango powder) - 1pinch
Paapad - 4(big)
Oil to fry samosas.
Mix all the ingredients leaving paapads and oil.
Keep oil in a pan to hot. Cut the paapads in to four pieces with scissors. Take one piece and dip it in the water just for 3 seconds. keep it on the plate. Fill the ready masala in the middle. Fold the paapad carefully from all three sides. Close it applying the water on the sides. Fry immediately and serve hot with ketch up or sauce.
I am sending this to Shanti's (shanthisthaligai.blogspot.com)



Keep Smiling,

Monday, July 6, 2009

What would you like to call yourself?

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi all,
Just a few days back I added a gadget in my blog for "Poll". And the question "If you are 'a stay at home wife' what would you like to call your self?"
This question came in my mind when I read "Ghettoised and forgotten...." in Vidya's(http://vidyajoseph.wordpress.com/2009/06/12/ghettoised-and-forgotten/) blog.
Do not think I am against men or working women. I was also a working mother till last year.I know the difficulties one has to face while handling both the office and the house.But my question here is "is a 'stay at home wife or mother' getting an equal respect or no"?
For many, to stay back home is wasting your life. Even many men think that woman at home do not have any work the whole day.
Does any one thinks how much energy and patience one needs to be at home and take care of the house? Don't they think one has to put so much effort to turn the house in to HOME? After managing everything ( supporting the family physically, morally and all the ways), her title is restricted to House wife!!!
If a husband is not working, have you heard anyone calling him 'house husband'? Even though he is unemployed, he will be recognized at least by his degree!!
My only question is what would you like to call yourself if the options are given. Please feel free to vote on my 'Poll' and share your opinion.

Can anyone suggest a better title for us???

Keep smiling,


Saturday, July 4, 2009

Nivedita's Kitchen: Breakfast in Photo

Nivedita's Kitchen: Breakfast in Photo

Tried and tasted by Nivedita

Breakfast in Photo

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi all,

Pasta, Indian style



Mix.Veg Poha(ಅವಲಕ್ಕಿ)



Aloo Paratha with Papad, Curds and Pickle



There are few foods which do not require any recipes to
explain. So I do post it in "Food in photo". Or sometimes, my dish comes out so good, but I will not be having time to post on the same day. That time I will post only photos and the recipes are posted later!!!
(Good reason to hide laziness !!!)

But these photos are specially going to Divya's
(divya-dilse.blogspot.com)





Keep smiling,

Nivedita's Kitchen: Sesame seeds poli((ಎಳ್ಳಿನ ಹೋಳಿಗೆ)

Nivedita's Kitchen: Sesame seeds poli((ಎಳ್ಳಿನ ಹೋಳಿಗೆ)

Tried and tasted by Nivedita

Sesame seeds poli(ಎಳ್ಳಿನ ಹೋಳಿಗೆ)

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi all,


Here is the recipe for a sweet, which is common in North Karnataka. It is good in Winter as it is made of Sesame seeds(Til or ಎಳ್ಳು). It can be stored for a week also. I use it often in South Indian curries.
In UAE, we get Tahina (i.e sesame seeds paste) paste in super markets, which is used to make humous. It was regular in my house when I was back in UAE.
Not only are sesame seeds a very good source of manganese and copper, but they are also a good source of calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, vitamin B1, zinc and dietary fiber.Read more on this, in http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=84

Here goes the recipe,

Sesame seeds - 1 cup
Jaggery - 1 cup(or 3/4 cup, if jaggery is very sweet)
Cardamom - 2
Wheat flour - 3/4 cup
Maida - 1/4 cup
Fine rawa(Suji) - 2 tbsp
Oil - 1 tbsp
Salt a pinch
Mix the Wheat flour, Maida and Fine rawa with 1 tbsp oil, salt and water to make dough. (Little softer than we make for chapati.)
Keep it covered aside for 2 - 3 hours.
Roast the sesame seeds on a very slow flame, till nice aroma comes. After it is cool, grind it with jaggery and cardamom.
Now make small balls of dough(small lemon size). Take one ball, spread on the palm, and fill it with ready powder.
Roll it in to small puri size. Roast like chapati. No need to put oil. Repeat for other balls.
Sesame seeds poli(ಎಳ್ಳಿನ ಹೋಳಿಗೆ) is ready to eat. It tastes very delicious with Ghee spread on it.

I am sending this to
this month event,
OPEN SESAME!!who signed up with Sunitha .

Keep smiling,






Thursday, June 25, 2009

Strawberry

Tried and tasted by Nivedita

Hi all,




Strawberry, the most beautiful fruit, in spite having black spot on it!!! I call it black spot beauty!!!!
I love this fruit in any form. More than eating, I love to sit and watch it for long time.


It makes me think that even we should be like Strawberry. Have beautiful mind, think good, be kind and look beautiful, in spite of having bad things, many drawbacks or weakness in us!!
(Am I too bad in Philosophy???)
I am posting it in my "Food in Photo", as it looks more pretty like this than in any form.
May be I will post one or two preparations with this in future.
Its diffucult to get good strawberry at my place. So when ever I get, I will try to post a recipe.

Keep smiling,

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Sai bhaji(Green leafy veg curry)

Tried and tasted by Nivedita
Hi All,






This is the healthiest food for the whole family. Especially for children, all the green leafy vegetables will go in the stomach at a time.
It is a popular Sindhi dish, which I like to have at least one time in 15 days. It goes well with Hot rice, mainly with brown rice or yellow rice.
Here is the recipe,For bhaji:
Palak(Spinach) - 1 bunch
Methi leaves(Fenugreek leaves) - 1/2 bunchSabbasgi (Dill leaves) - 1/4 bunch(Optional)
(While making for this post, I did not had dill leaves and brinjal, so you can not see in the photo)
Brinjal - 1 medium (cut into cubes), its optional.
Potato - 1 medium(cut into cubes)
Tomato - 2 big(cut in to cubes)
Carrot - 1 medium(cut into cubes)
Channa dal - 1/2 cup (Soaked in water at least for an hour)
Salt to taste
Chilly powder - 1 tbsp
Haldi - 1/2 tsp
For tempering,
Oil - 1 tbsp(Ghee will taste better)
Mustard seeds - 1tsp
Ginger Crushed - 1tsp
Mix all the ingredients for bhaji in a cooker and make 4 whistles. When cooker is cool, remove the lid, churn it with churner or with blender. Adjust the taste for salt.Give bhagar with mustard seeds and crushed ginger in a oil.
Sai Bhaji is ready to serve with hot rice of your choice.
But, first thing what I do is I eat just like that in a bowl. Seeing me, my daughter also loves to eat like that!!
I am sending this to PJ's LET'S TURN SATTVIC THIS MONTH....
which is from Lakshmi’s blog
Hey, again one more chance for this recipe to participate in another event from Pavani's

Annoncing Cooking For Kids-Leafy Greens, which was originally started from







Keep Smiling,

Sunday, June 21, 2009

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,

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

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,

Monday, May 18, 2009

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,

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

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,

Thursday, May 7, 2009

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

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

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,

Thursday, April 16, 2009

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

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