Tuesday, August 14, 2012

GARAM MASALA RICE





Ingredients
  1. Basmati rice- 1 cup
  2. Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp
  3. Onion ( chopped)- 1 medium
  4. Ginger paste- 1/2 tsp
  5. Garlic paste-1/2 tsp
  6. Green chili ( chopped)-1 no( or to taste)
  7. Carrot ( cubed)-1/4 cup
  8. Green Beans (chopped)-1/4 cup
  9. Green peas( frozen)-1/4 cup ( optional)
  10. Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp
  11. Garam masala-1/2 tsp
  12. Grated coconut-2 tbsp
  13. Coriander leaves( chopped)-1 tbsp
  14. Mint leaves ( chopped)-1 tbsp( optional)
  15. Water- 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 cups
  16. Cardamom powder-1 pinch
  17. Salt to taste


Method
  • Wash basmati rice,drain well and keep aside.
  • Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan,add cumin seeds and let it splutter.Now add onion,ginger ,green chili and garlic , saute till onion turns translucent.
  • Now add carrot ,green beans and green peas( if using) and saute for a minute.Add turmeric powder and garam masala and mix well.
  • Now add the rice and stir well.Fry this for a minute or two ,stirring continuously.
  • Add grated coconut, coriander leaves,mint leaves and water.Mix well.
  • Now Add salt to taste.Bring it to a boil.
  • Reduce the flame to low .Cover and cook until the rice is done,this will take approximately 15 minutes.( Do not stir in between)
  • After the rice is just done,sprinkle the cardamom powder over the cooked rice and switch off the stove.
  • Gently fluff up the rice using a fork and cover and keep aside for  5 minutes.Serve hot with raitha.




Saturday, August 11, 2012

CHENA MEZHUKKUPURATTI / ELEPHANT YAM STIR FRY





Ingredients

  1. Chena/Elephant Yam (peeled and cubed)- 2 cups
  2. Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp
  3. Chili powder-1/2 tsp+ 1/2 tsp
  4. Mustard seeds-1/4 tsp
  5. Curry leaves- 1 sprig
  6. Garlic crushed- 2-3 cloves
  7. Shallots (sliced)-1/2 cup
  8. Pepper powder-1/2 tsp (or to taste)
  9. Fennel Powder-1/4 tsp
  10. Salt to taste
  11. Water


Method

  • Thoroughly rinse the cubed chena/yam.Add turmeric powder,1/2 tsp chili powder,salt and water to it and cook until done.Do not over cook.Drain well and keep aside.
  • Heat oil in a non stick pan ,add mustard seeds and let it splutter.Add curry leaves,garlic and shallots and saute until it turns translucent.
  • Now reduce the flame to low and add 1/2 tsp chili powder, pepper powder and fennel powder.Saute for a few seconds.
  • Now add the cooked chena and saute for a few minutes or until it is browned.
  • Serve with rice.