_________________I am Mrs. Kalpana Mhaske, a Home-Maker, from the city of 52-Gates, one of the famous heritage- destination of the world- Ajanta - Ellora Caves, Bibi-Ka- Maqbara (The Taj of Deccan) and Deogiri Fort. i.e. AURANGABAD. I admire cooking - tryout and innovate different cuisines. Basically, both of my gorgeous daughters are foodie, they have always encouraged me in the kitchen and forced to carve a Food Blog, that’s why, I am happy to share the makings with you. I am an artist too. Painting – especially, Canvas-Painting is my one more hobby. In total - Ours is an ART-FAMILY, my husband is an Architect. In the end, I keep the same belief with Louise Fresco - “ Food, in the end, in our own tradition, is something holy. It's not about nutrients and calories. It's about sharing. It’s about honesty. it’s about identity ”

Tuesday, 5 May 2020

CORN LOLLIPOP

Corn is mostly served on the cob or as fried or masala corn. Corn Lollipos, a variation which uses kernels but feels like a bite off the cob. Corn Lollipos are a lip-smacking snack for parties and get together. This is a healthy snack as this uses sweet corn, potato, cashew nuts powder and some very basic spices. You can also add veggies like grated carrot, onion, spring onion. These are an innovative way to serve the appetiser. Kids as well as all family members will love this lollipops. They are so light and taste so great that you can never stop at one. So next time, on weekend, when you have corn cobs show off your cooking skills and enjoy with your family.    


INGREDIENTS:
 1 Cup  boiled & half crushed Sweet Corn
2  Potatoes, boiled & mashed
2 tablespoon  Cashew Nut Powder
1 teaspoon p Garlic Powder
½ teaspoon  Ginger Powder
¼ teaspoon Black Pepper Powder
2 tablespoon  Corn flour
½ teaspoon  Dry Oregano
2  slices for fresh Bread Crumbs
2 tablespoon grated Cheese ( 2 cubes)
Semolina for coating
Chopped Coriander
1  Lemon Juice
Salt as needed
½ teaspoon Garam Masala Powder
Oil for deep frying

METHOD:

STEP 1 - Add leftover bread pieces in mixer pot and make fresh bread crumbs.

STEP 2 - Boil sweet corns and then blend coarsely in mixer pot.

STEP 3 - Mix all the ingredients in a bowl except semolina.
STEP 4 - Wet your hands, take small ball of the mixture and roll to form a ball.

You can make them flat by pressing gently. 


STEP 5 - Prepare flat round tikkies & roll in semolina.
STEP 5- Pierce a candy stick in the centre. Deep fry the lollipops with the candy stick till brown.
STEP 6- Remove the lollipops on a tissue to drain excess oil from it.
STEP 7 - Serve with tomato sauce & green chutney & enjoy.

NOTES: * I have prepared both the ways, so shared picture for both.

DAL BUKHARA

Dal Bukhara is a slow cooked creamy dal recipe made using whole black grams. There is Dal Makhani and then there is Dal Bukhara. The dish, which is a namesake of the Delhi-based restaurant where it originated, is a popular dal not only in the Capital but all around the world. I always heard about it but never got a chance to taste it. So decided to try it at home and it came out superb and an absolute delightful and a must try recipe. In fact, before tasting this dal both hubby and I was never really big fan of any particular dal. But this one really wins your heart.  Dal Bukhara is cooked with Whole Black Gram/ Akhaa Urad Dal, which is first pressure cooked and then mixed with a special blend of spices like cumin powder, chaat masala powder and garam masala powder among other that give the North Indian Speciality its signature taste. The taste of Dal Bukhara is very different than Dal Makhani because of its different preparation method. It tastes awesome when served with tandoori roti/ naan. So here we learn how to make Dal Bukhara in our own kitchen with detailed step-by-step photos.

INGREDIENTS:
1 Cup Saboot Urad
2-3 tablespoon Ghee
1 tablespoon Oil
1 tablespoon Ginger-Garlic Paste
½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
1 Cup Tomato Puree
Salt as needed
1 tablespoon Coriander Powder
1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
1 teaspoon Kasoori Methi
2 tablespoon White Butter
½ teaspoon Nutmeg Powder+ Cinnamon Powder
4+1 tablespoon Fresh Cream
1 teaspoon Garam Masala Powder
¼ teaspoon Asafoetida
METHOD:
STEP 1 – Wash sabot urad for 4-5 times with tap water and then soak them for at least 7-8 hours or overnight with enough water.
STEP 2 – After 8 hours, wash them with fresh water
and pressure cook with some turmeric powder and salt. Add water 2 inch above the dal. Water should be enough. Cook for 6-7 whistles.
STEP 3 – Cook till creamy consistency. Let’s release the pressure and then open the lid after cooling.
STEP 4 – Mash dal using a hand masher. Keep it aside.

STEP 5 – In a pan, add ghee and oil and then splutter cumin seeds in it. Then add ginger and garlic paste and cook till raw smell vanishes.
STEP 6 – Then add tomato puree, mix and cook till it starts leaving oil from sides.
STEP 7 – Add spice powders and mix well.
STEP 8 – Then add cooked and mashed dal in it and mix well and cook on medium flame for 20-25 minutes. Keep stirring in between.
STEP 9 – Add 1- 1 ½ cup hot water to adjust the consistency.
STEP 10 – Add salt, kasoori methi and garam masala and mix well. 
Again cook on slow flame for 20-25 minutes. The more you cook better will be the consistency.

STEP 11 – Add 1 tablespoon white butter, cream and mix well.
Cook for next 1-2 minutes. Dal is ready to serve.
Garnish with some more white butter and serve hot with naan, tandoori roti, chapatii and enjoy.