1 cup of regular unflavored yogurt (Not greek)
1/4 cup of water
1/4 Cup of chopped mint and cilantro leaves
1 Tsp roasted and ground cumin seeds

Salt and black pepper to taste

Mix all the above and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. 

Saffron rice – Perfect accompaniment to any gravy or curry or just to eat as a side!

You will need;

1 Tsp cumin seeds
2 whole cinnamon sticks
A few whole cloves
2-3 whole green cardamoms (smashed with the back of a spoon to release the seeds)
2 dried bay leaves
1 Tsp turmeric powder
6-7 strands of good quality saffron (Let the saffron blossom in a Tbsp of warm milk to release the aroma and color)

1/2 an onion sliced thin (optional)

Salt to taste
1 Tbsp ghee (optional)

1 Cup of Basmati rice- Rinsed in a couple of changes of water and drained.

Sauté cumin seeds and onions in 1 Tbsp of olive oil for 4-5 minutes till the onions turn translucent. If not using onions, saute for 2-3 minutes. Add the rest of the dry spices and saute for about 2 minutes. Add the basmati rice. Add salt and 2 cups of water.

Mix well. Cover the pot and cook on low- medium heat for 15 to 18 minutes. Take the cover off to make sure all the water has evaporated. Add more water if the rice is still undone. Keep the pot covered for five more minutes and take it off the stove. The rice should be separated and easily flaked using a fork. Add the Ghee before serving.

Chicken tikka masala!

Marinade for about a pound of chicken breast cut up into 2″ thick pieces;

1/3 cup of yogurt
2 teaspoons of minced garlic
1 teaspoon of red food coloring or paprika
1 tablespoon of garam masala
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
Salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper to taste

Mix all of the above.

Marinate the chicken in the marinade for at-least 30 minutes. Broil the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side for even cooking in a preheated oven or on a grill top.

For the sauce/gravy;

1 onion
2-3 ripe tomatoes
2 tsp garlic

Blend all the above.

You will also need;

2 Tbsp Tomato paste

Dry masala:

1 Tbsp Garam masala
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 teaspoon of red food coloring or paprika
1/2 Tbsp dried fenugreek leaves
Salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper to taste

1/2 cup of full cream
1-2 cups of water

Sauté the onions garlic and tomatoes puree for about 10-12 minutes in 2 Tbsp of oil till the rawness of the onion fades away. Add 2 tablespoon of tomato paste and mix well. Cook for another 8-10 minutes till the mixture separates on the edges and you can see the oil on top of the sauce. Add the dry masala and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Add the chicken and toss well. Add the cream and one cup of water.Mix well and continue to simmer with a cover on low to medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes. Add more water if you desire a thinner sauce.

Finish off with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Mix well and serve with Saffron rice and/or Naan!

Nothing says “Tea time” in India than garam garam (Hot Hot) Pakoras (Fritters) !!

1/2 cup of Gram flour
1 tsp minced garlic
2 cups of sliced onions, potatoes and rough chopped spinach leaves
1 tsp Garam masala
1 tsp Turmeric powder

Salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper to taste

Mix all the above.

You will also need;

1/2 cup + 1/2 cup of water
2 cups of vegetable/canola oil for frying

Add the 1/2 cup of water to make a light batter.

If you need more water, start adding Tbsp by Tbsp from the remainder 1/2 cup. The mixture should not be too thin but almost like a semi pancake batter like.

Heat about 2 cups of vegetable/canola oil for frying on medium heat to about 325-330 degrees.

Drop in a small spoonful of the mixture to see if it rises up to the top. If it doesn’t, the oil is still cold.

Allow for even browning and cooking on all sides for 3 to 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels and serve hot!

All set to cook !

The “Fab 4!”

Frying some Pakoras

Yumm!

Saffron rice!

Chicken Tikka masala

The “cooking group”

Lunch is served

Deliciousness!

Recipes:

Pakoras: http://freakycurry.blogspot.com/2013/08/garam-garam-pakoras.html
Chicken Tikka Masala: http://freakycurry.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-ever-green-chicken-tikka-masala.html
Saffron rice: http://freakycurry.blogspot.com/2013/08/perfect-floral-and-flavorful-saffron.html
Herb Raita: http://freakycurry.blogspot.com/2013/08/herb-raita.html

To serve 4;

1 medium onion chopped
2 large tomatoes chopped
2-3 cloves of garlic chopped
1 Tbsp tomato paste
1 cup of assorted veggies (zucchini, asparagus, carrots, celery)
1 cup of white navy beans (rinsed and drained)
4 cups of broth (chicken or veggie)

2 Tbsp of Basil chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauteé the onions, tomatoes and garlic in a couple of Tbsps of Olive oil for about 7-10 minutes till the onions turn pale pink and the tomatoes start to lose water. (You don’t want to caramelize the onions).

Add the veggies and cook for about 5-6 minutes till they start getting soft.

Add the beans and the broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and simmer on medium heat for 15-18 minutes till the veggies cook to your desired level. Add the basil and stir the soup. Check for seasoning and consistency. Add more broth for thinner soup or let cook without cover for thicker.

Enjoy with some Mortar and Pestle Pesto!!

1/4 cup of fresh Basil leaves
2 Tbsp fresh grated Parmesan
2 Tbsp pine nuts
1 Clove of garlic
3-5 Tbsp Olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Using a mortar and pestle, grind the above into a smooth paste. (Trick: Try adding the Olive oil Tbsp by Tbsp to achieve the desired consistency)

The texture of this pesto is much smoother than the blended version.