Butter chicken

As I was on spring break I received a few phone calls on how to cook Indian foods.  Indian recipes for curries and rice and stuff. So I have decided to post some very simple everyday curries that people can make every day.  Healthy alternatives to your typical Indian restaurants meals and for those who are already Indian and may not know a few basics, you will realize that the stuff you eat at “dawats” or parties is not everyday food, You are not required to have 2 inches of oil, You don’t have to have those whole spices floating around, you don’t cook the onions for half hour until they turn brown and stink up your house you hair and give you acne ….and you don’t have to cook it for hours.  I will post one recipe a day to make it simple, and help you progress into an awesome amazing Indian somewhat Hyderabadi cook.

Basic ingredients shopping list: (Indian store would be perfect)

Salt

Chili powder

Turmeric powder

Cumin seeds

Black cumin seeds

Coriander seeds

Garlic and ginger paste

Cinnamon sticks

Cardamom

Whole black pepper

Whole red chili dried or red chili flakes

Onions, yogurt and Tomatoes are a must have for an Indian cook.

Cilantro, mint and green chilies would be good to have around

*did you know that chicken tikka masala is not even an authentic Indian dish.   Ironically  Britain’s true national dish. How what when who?  You ask? Well.  A British walks into an Indian restaurant (true story) and orders chicken, he gets small pieces of grilled chicken marinated Indian style.  Heis not satisfied (go figure) so  he demands the dish needs more curry so the chef takes in the chicken opens up a can of Campbell soup and adds in a dollop of yogurt and a few more spices and VOILA!  An official dish has been born.  Even though it’s been how you say ummm illegitimately been conceived by the idea of the ever so delicious Punjabi dish Butter chicken. The concept is the same but a quick thinking chef created the most important, most consumed Indian curry dish on the planet.  So, who would have thunk it!!!

Seriously?  I love chicken tikka masala and I refuse to even cook this dish...Why? well because when I go to an Indian restaurant I would like to try something that is authentically a restaurant dish like the waldorf salad or that horrid red velvet cake not somethin that is homemade.  I can do homemade all by myself. 

Butter Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless chicken, cut into 1-inch cubes
juice of 1 lemon
salt and red chili powder, to taste
1 cup yogurt
2 tsp ginger
2 tsp garlic
1 1/2 tbs tandoori masala
3 tbs butter
2 cardamoms
1 cinnamon stick
2 cloves
4 medium ripe tomatoes, blended
1 tbs tomato paste

½ cup cashews toasted and grinded into a paste in a food processor or a coffee grinder
1 tsp garam masala
1 tbs dried fenugreek (methi) leaves (the secret ingredient muahahahha)
16 oz thick cream
extra butter or coriander to garnish

Method:

Marinate the chicken cubes in lemon juice, salt, chili powder, yogurt, ginger, garlic and tandoori powder for at least half an hour. Overnight is best. Preheat the oven to the highest grill setting. Place the chicken on a baking tray closest to the grill and grill for at least 10 minutes on each side or until cooked. Allow the chicken to cook until it JUST starts to char. Or BBQ it!

To prepare the gravy, heat and melt the butter. Add to it the cardamoms, cinnamon sticks and cloves. Stir fry for a minute before adding the cashew paste tomatoes and tomato paste, Let this simmer on low to medium heat, half covered, for about 15-20 minutes. You will notice the gravy thicken and the oil will form a film on top. If the gravy is too thick, you can add a small amount of water. Add the rest of the ingredients (cream and fenugreek) as well as the grilled chicken and simmer for another 15 minutes. Garnish with butter or coriander.

Enjoy with rice or Naan

This dish is only recommended for people who do not have high cholesterol, who run at least 5 miles a day and enjoy dancing to bhangra music at least 3 times a day for at least 20 minutes.  Or for people who enjoy their foods in moderation.

A poem

Good Friends

I show distress and you say to be strong

I beg for help and you say to be patient

I lose my hope you say I have lost faith

I break down and you say I am weak

I am disheartened and you say I am selfish

I am falling apart and you walk away

And so I disappear and you wish you were there.

"Whosoever relieves from a believer some grief pertaining to this world,
 Allah will relieve from him some grief pertaining to the Hereafter." (Muslim)

by my daughter isra

Chicken pot pie Easy as pie

Beautiful day today, as I was driving in beautiful sunny California I just wanted to stop the car and run in the rolling hills alongside the freeway.   That scene from “sound of music” comes to mind.  Then I just thank god for all his favors that he has placed before us.  Then, I realized that my life is like one of those independent films.  You know what I mean ,you see multiple shots of the main character observing the most peculiar of things.   First the shots of nature the trees that sway in the gentle wind and the leaves sparkle reflecting the afternoon sun, you notice that the most ordinary people are looking quite extraordinary doing things in a typical manner of absolute satisfaction, just simply displeased by everyday  routine.  It was a busy day indeed, I literally had 2 and half hours at home to cook. So needed something fast and quick. My youngest suggested chicken POT PIE mom.  Are you out of your mind, well not really if I have all the ingredients handy.  All I need is

2 ready made PIE SHELLS

1 can of mushroom soup condensed not with garlic

1 pound chicken breast

1tsp salt

Pepper and or red chilli powder

Garlic (you can also add garlic ginger paste it will do no harm but just enhance the flavor)

Carrots

Frozen or fresh peas I prefer frozen since I have no time to remove peas from their pods, do they even sell those any more?

*sometimes I use left over grilled chicken pieces or roasted chicken pieces even if they are currified.  As long as they are not floating in curry you can use it.
1 egg beaten to brush on the dough before baking and for a nice pretty sheen. 

The optional ingredient is mushrooms which I happen to have in my fridge.

Now I can technically make it from scratch but that would be silly of me, I mean old grandmas in their day actually sat their kneading dough to make roti and pie crust.  Than the stand mixer came out and took over her job.  No wonder they are bitter some of them.  Now they sell ready made ones in the market, we young ones are lucky. I can make the pot pie stuffing from scratch too by making chicken broth than adding flour and spices and stuff but sorry ive tried it it’s a bit boring and and i have to work real hard to enhance the  flavors and texture and yumminess.  

I saute the chicken with the spices in 2 tlbsp oil, than i lower the heat and cook for fifteen minutes until it is cooked

I addd in sauted mushrooms


Add in carrots and peas and saute those on high heat

Than i add in 1 can of mushroom soup and 1/4 cup water
from scratch people :  i would add chicken stock, flour, spices
and cream.


Slightly thaw out the shells


pour in the cooled mixture

Roll out the other shell and just plop it on top of the pie, if you have time than you can gently plop it on to the shell and make pretty designs.  I dont have time for that so i just plop.  Do make slits on top of the shell for the steam to come out. Brush it with beaten egg evenly

Place the pie into the oven 400 degrees for 45-50 minutes.  If the sides of your pie crust look like they are  burning you may want to cover it with foil but you dont have to.


This is what it looks like when you just plop the top onto the pie. 


TIP:
The crust should be firm but should crumble when you put it in your mouth.. It should not be doughy and it should not coat your mouth with butter.  Doughy because you didn't bake it long enough (the outer crust is actually a good indication for the doneness, so if a part of it looks like its burning its fine it tells you the the inside crust is done.  If It coats your mouth with butter than that means that the crust was too soft and the fat was melting, if it looks like the dough is too soft than just put  the pie in the freezer for 5 minutes than place the pie in the oven immediately. 

To make perfect pastry you must make sure the crust is cold and the butter is not sweating out of the dough.  If it does do that you must place the pastry back into the freezer than place it in the oven while it is cold. 

Pesto

Ok, havent been on here for a while, Its as if the universe it trying to tell me, whats wrong with you? didint you get the hint there is no way in hell you are allowed to do anything for yourself that is all about you. All of a sudden everyone in my family has a need and must be fulfilled as soon as i frikking pick up the frikkin laptop.  Why don't i do this while they are out? Hmm well, if i had a maid, cook and chauffeur i would soo totally do this.  So last night was fish night so i made fish curry. The night before i was pissed off and didn't wanna cook so i made Sandwiches.  They were really good actually.  All i did was i got my handy dandy electric griddle out and placed 6 slices of bread on it with a tiny layer of butter while on the griddle i slather on some pesto, a few slices of fresh mozzarella, a few slices of tomatoes some salt and pepper. Than i get another 6 slices and i spread a layer of pesto and place it on top of the others. I turn the sandwich over and brown the other side.  Very simple and yummy.  This is exactly what we order at Panera Bread with a side order of chips or apple for like 7 bucks each!!!. If i wanna order the Mediterranean, they jsut add in slice of bell peppers from a jar and few artichokes from a jar and 2 olives and instead of mozarella they add in feta.  Seriously atleast the tomato is fresh. Nevertheless i really like it. So, i chose to make it at happen also add in a small slices of saute mushrooms.  Pesto is really easy to make it, however it is important to know that it is a bit expensive and it needs to be consumed within two weeks.  But it tastes really yummy.  Pesto can be made in many many various way.  The common pesto is primarily made with pine nuts, garlic and basil.  There is options to make it with different types of nuts and herbs.  You can make a cilantro and almond pesto to coat fish before baking. You can make a walnut and mint  pesto to coat lamb before roasting.  All you need is a food processor and the stuff below.

Basic Basil Pesto
 large bunch of basil, leaves only, washed and dried
3 medium cloves of garlic
one small handful of raw pine nuts
roughly 3/4 cup Parmesan, loosely packed and FRESHLY GRATED (optional)
red chilli flakes (optional)
2/3 cup of extra virgin oil. Divided in half


Combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add 1/2 cup of the oil and process until fully incorporated and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
If using immediately, add all the remaining oil and pulse until smooth. Transfer the pesto to a large serving bowl and mix in the optional cheese.

Its good to have pesto around for quick meals. You can always coat fishh or chicken with pesto and ranch dressing than coat it with panko bread and shallow fry. You can add in 2 tblsp of pesto into alfredo sauce or marinara sauce. For appetizers just open a pouch of cream cheese lay in on a nice serving dish and pour the pesto on top than serve with crakers. You can make yummy tea sandwich with cream cheese mixed with pesto slice some super thinly sliced cucmbers. OR tomatoes or both or both with alfalfa sprouts or all with sliced kalamata olives. Go Crazy

Thats all for now Serve these great foods pretty with sincerity and good intentions will be sent your way with lots of DUA and prayers.

GArLiQue Chicken

So, today is sunday havent been on the post for a while.  Been busy, did something extremely productive this weekend. Cleaned the garage. I am hoping that this time we will be able to keep it clean. .... Check back in 3 months.  My hubs and I will once again be blaming each other for the disorganization and clutter in the garage and ultimately coming to a conclusion that it was "your kids who messed it up" and thats that.  Well, i mean thats life if we got everything done and had everything that we wanted than there wont be a reason to desire.  Desire is what makes our life more interesting. I dont know where that came from. I am a true definition of a scatter brain. My thoughts run away from me sometimes and meet up with other thoughts.  No wonder i understoood the movie "Inception" the first time i saw it. 
So, today to treat myself and the family i decided i should make Garlic Chicken desi style.  Apparently this is a brazilian dish but i had to "desify" (desify basically means to make any thing non desi (indian ) into desi.  My dad showed me this recipe a long time ago. Someone at his work gave it to him so he made it for us once. 

All you need is :
1 whole chicken cut up into pieces 10 or 12
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 lemon juiced
bunch mint
1/4c cilantro
3 green chillies
2 cups of whole garlic cloves (yes thats right i said it .Its called garlic chicken for a reason)
1 tsp garam masala (homemade not the weird yellow colored one you get at the store)
OR
use
 5 whole cloves,
6 black peppers,
a few cumin seeds,
 5 cardomoms
1 cinnamon stick maybe 1 1/2 inches
 (you can put them all in a small tea infuser so it doesnt come up in your mouth when you eat)  or you can just toss it on a hot pan roast it lightly and just grind it in a coffee grinder.  No coffee grinder? How about a mortar pestal. Not that either huh? How about you go outside find two flat rocks, wash it really well sanitize it for 30 minutes in water with bleach wash it again and grind the pieces between the two rocks.  Yeah thats what people did in India.


Procedure:
In a bowl add in chicken salt, pepper, garam masala and lemon juice set aside
pour in 2 tblsp oil in a skillet or pot
*if you don't have garam masala than drop in the dried whole garam masala seeds into the hot oil
quickly add in garlic than saute only for a minute slightly yellowish brownishy, dont let it turn brown all the way it will turn bitter.
Toss in the chicken and green chillis than saute it on high heat until the chicken is well coated with the oil.
Add in 1/4 cup water bring it to a boil
lower the heat to low medium close the lid and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally maybe every ten minutes. After the first ten minutes you might want to taste it to check for salt and pepper. Add as needed
After 30 minutes the garlic should turn into mush and if not than stir it a bit and it should turn into mush
When the chicken is done and the garlic turns into a gravy like mush.  The oil should also be seperated away from the gravy. Turn off the stove
Add in the mint and corriander.

Enjoy it with really yummy warm Naan,  Or good french bread or Rice and Daal or make a burrito or eat it with paratha.

Enjoy and Remember to makegood intentions before and during the time you cook.  Good intentions make for good outcomes. :)

Simple fast and efficient

I made spaghetti today. Super fast super simple and great way to hide not so desirable vegetables. I dont know about other people but when i make "western" type foods i have to tweak it a bit to make it a bit more flavorful. Forgive me if i am being rude but dude american food is bland.  Easy peasey ingredients and lemon squeezy timing  cuz i had a lot of driving today.
First i get a large pot of water and turn the stove on. Than i stare at it until it comes to a rolling boil. NOT
While the water is on the stove i take out my thawed meat and i brown it with
1 tblsp oil
1 small onion
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chilli powder (or however much you please)
1 tsp garlic
1tsp ginger
After its browned i add in 1 jar of classico sauce (preferable the red one) it comes in lots of different flavors so pick what you like.  I bring int to a boil give it a quick stir and leave it to simmer
While my sauce is simmering i notice my water has come to a rolling boil. I throw in the pasta (spaghetti or fettucini, angel hair even that noodle one umm penne?)
so than i stare at it for about 8 to 10 mintues until its al dente i quickly strain it and place it back in the pot add in some olive oil to prevent it from sticking I also squeeze in some lemon juice for yumminess.
(I never add the sauce until it is time to serve, However if i would have made the penne one i would add in the sauce than toss it in a oven proof dish cover it with cheese and melt it in the oven.  Its yummy and fancy too.)
My sauce should be done by now, the flavors have been incorporated. While its still simmering i chiffonadde a handful of spinach. Chiffonade you ask? Yes chiffonade basically it means to arrange the leaves in a stack, roll them up cigar-style, and slice the roll as thinly as you can. Toss the spinach in and turn off the stove than stir it well.  I go off to pick up my kids and lo and behold my daughters vegetarian friend comes over, i cant keep her sitting on the couch while my hungry kids devour a bowl full of spaghetti.  Thank God i didnt add in the sauce.  I quickly had to think. I quickly took out a few sundried tomatoes slices from my fridge and chopped them up real fine, a handful of spinach and chiffonaded that : /, some olives,  few leaves of basil and some extra virgin olive oil.  Toss in some yummy cheese and she got a really yummy pasta dish.  Phew if she liked mushrooms i totally would have sauted and tossed those in as well.
OMG its time for Ellen.  She is so funny.

major bloggers block

Experiencing major bloggers block. I really really dont have anything to write about, I mean i do have a lot to say, its all jumbled inside of my head. The synapse that connects my creativity to the jumbled words aint connecting.  If that even makes any sense.  I mean talk about sense, there is so much senselessness going around in the world. I wish i can just turn off the TV and facebook and sit in a little corner inside my closet. Infact msot of us get most of our world news from facebook. Especially people like me who have friends literally all over the world. I wonder if all this technology is even good for us.  What happened to the good ol days when we were just stressed and depressed about our families and jobs. Now we got to think about other people too sheesh.  For people like me who care about everyone and their mama its really really stressful. We pray that we can just develop some mutant gene where we can just fly around fixing things with our super powers.
Well, thats all for now once my bloggers block clears up i shall return with something more informative.
I miss Peter Jennings.