One Day At A Time!

A new week, a new day!  How are you guys?  Its been a long time since my last post.  Turns out I am cooking for myself. My solitary lunches are generally salads. I know, it sounds kind of boring for some of you. Some days I find it boring too. A simple stir fry with lots of veggies is interesting enough, I guess.  Choose your favorite seasoning and add your own touch.

Looking for a crunchy instant snack? Here is one - a quick lemony Mumbai style Bhel. No need of any Mint or Tamarind Chutneys. Just a few ingredients easily available in your kitchen and store bought Nylon Shev does the trick for a filling snack. Ingredients: Puffed Rice/Kurmura - about 5 cups Red Onions (finely chopped) - about 3/4 cup Tomatoes (finely chopped) - about 1/2 cup Grated Carrots/Gajar - about 1/2 cup (optional) Roasted Peanuts/Shenga - about 1/2 cup Lime Juice - 4 tbsp Chat Masala or Aamchur Powder - 1/2 tsp Red Chili Powder - 1/2 tsp Nylon Shev - about 1 cup Cilantro/Coriander Leaves - few sprigs Salt  How to make Instant Sooki Bhel: Discard the soft tomato pulp and finely chop the tomatoes. Finely chop onions and cilantro. And grate the carrots. If available, finely chopped raw green mango and pomegranate arils would be great for this Bhel as well. In a mixing bowl, add onions, tomatoes, carrots, cilantro, chat masala, chili powder, salt and lemon j...

Finally, warm spring weather has blessed us. I am just glad that I don't have to wear those heavy winter jackets anymore... at least for a few months. And I get to enjoy my lovely morning walks. Fresh air does wonders for me. Now, lets get to cooking.. a rich, creamy Broccoli Masala with soft phulka. Ingredients: Broccoli Florets - about 1 pound Onion - 1 medium Roma Tomatoes - 4 medium Garlic - 3 cloves Dry Red Chilies - 4 Whole Almonds - 1/4 cup Raisins - 1/4 cup Whole Milk - 1 cup Meat Masala or any other seasoning - 1/2 tsp Oil - 2 tbsp Salt How to cook Broccoli Masala: Soak almonds and raisins in plenty of water overnight. If not overnight, soak the dry fruits in hot water for about an hour. Discard the almond skin. Puree soaked almonds, raisins and milk to a fine paste. Finely chop onions. Puree roughly chopped tomatoes, garlic and red chilies to a fine paste. You can use 3 tbsp canned tomato paste as well. Heat oil in a pan. Add onions and sauté u...