Punjabi
Punjabi fare
Punjabi Rajma
Its a rainy day, its Sunday. I can`t help but remember the past, the chaos and activities in the kitchen back then…
When the weather got chilly and cold, the kitchen would turn into a shrine, a sanctuary. It was a place for debates, battles, experiments. A place for laughter and fights. And in the process the fridge was invaded. The pantry invaded. Ransacked. Contents pulled out to check what`s left and what combinations can be out together to make an edible & tasty meal!
Then there would be the rajma that had been soaked last night. It was almost a regular tradition for a weekend. A feast of rice and rajma accompanied by creamy raita or crispy papads and pakoras or finger licking dip.
Lassi for the summer…
When the sun`s rays generously cast their golden rays over the earth and the temperature is soaring, even the rhythmic wind is warm and does nothing to cool you down, it is time to savour something fresh, cooling and vibrant…
It is that time of year now. The sun shines bright and smell of freshly blossomed roses linger in the air. The harsh heat provokes annoyance in our daily lives. And you tend to seek solace in something that brings down the temperature and makes the sun-drenched earth more tolerant.
Gajar Methi
Carrots sauteed with fresh fenugreek leaves….
One of those days I guess when nothing pops into my mind and I am left searching all around me for any inspiration and pick a topic and debate for a little while. Nothing wrong with the day, the weather is perfect, nice and relaxing activities planned for the day `et all. But I guess I am a tad impatient today to start off day`s chores and on days like these I detest sitting with my laptop as company. A good book to simply sit and read I would not mind though! And so I move on straight to today`s special. For this post I have decided to stick to the promise made at the start of this year, to post more healthier recipes. And so in support of ‘ healthy eating ‘ year, here is a dish apt for the theme!
Rustic & Dhaba Style – Peas Masala
With the mention of the word ‘dhaba‘ my thoughts immediately turn inwards as fond memories re-surface. The road trips along the countryside & highways where the lush green fields were engaged in a happy dance beneath the bright morning sun.
The song ‘Fields of Gold’ by Sting playing in the background only complemented this serene & calming ride.The chirping of the birds were dominant unlike in the cities. Here by the countryside it is their territory! They flutter about without a care in the world and with the abundance of food available to them and they are as happy as they can be.
As we move further and its nearing lunch time, the sight of small ‘dhabas’ that dot the highways make their appearance..And we just cant wait to stop by one of them to satisfy our hunger pangs while we take in the breathtaking scenery of the countryside..One such dish popular in ‘dhabas’ is the green peas masala. The rich and spicy gravy never fails in ensuring a satisfied meal before hitting the road again! Once back home after the vacation, it is but obvious to crave for lip smacking dhaba food.
And so an attempt made in making – ‘Dhaba Style Peas Masala‘ at home.
Now I wonder, what fault did I ever find in these innocent little green vegetable?? For one time, I was never fond of them..!
Rustic & Dhaba Style – Peas Masala
With the mention of the word ‘dhaba‘ my thoughts immediately turn inwards as fond memories re-surface. The road trips along the countryside & highways where the lush green fields were engaged in a happy dance beneath the bright morning sun.
The song ‘Fields of Gold’ by Sting playing in the background only complemented this serene & calming ride.The chirping of the birds were dominant unlike in the cities. Here by the countryside it is their territory! They flutter about without a care in the world and with the abundance of food available to them and they are as happy as they can be.
As we move further and its nearing lunch time, the sight of small ‘dhabas’ that dot the highways make their appearance..And we just cant wait to stop by one of them to satisfy our hunger pangs while we take in the breathtaking scenery of the countryside..One such dish popular in ‘dhabas’ is the green peas masala. The rich and spicy gravy never fails in ensuring a satisfied meal before hitting the road again! Once back home after the vacation, it is but obvious to crave for lip smacking dhaba food.
And so an attempt made in making – ‘Dhaba Style Peas Masala‘ at home.
Now I wonder, what fault did I ever find in these innocent little green vegetable?? For one time, I was never fond of them..!
Dal Makhani
Many a days we would look forward to Sundays just to have a bowl full of piping hot & butter-y dal – Dal Makhni with chawal. And then after lunch the day would seem more brighter!
With every spoonful of buttery dal and rice, I become so immersed in tasting its different flavors that till I am done eating I become oblivious to the hullabaloo around me. It is like meditating with food! And once done savoring every last bit of it, I find myself more calm and happy and content! And then I think how some little and simple things can give you comfort amidst every day mad rush. Few minutes with a cup of coffee maybe as you watch the rains or staring out the window and seeing and hearing the cheerful chirping of birds or a good book or a hug from your loved one or watching the breeze gently caressing the leaves or sight of sunrise. Just few minutes taken to find solace and comfort in doing your favorite act will make you wealthier emotionally. The key is to find beauty in simple acts around you.
What is your favorite and comforting act?
Dal Makhani, one of the signature dishes of Punjabi Cuisine..
Dal Makhani
Many a days we would look forward to Sundays just to have a bowl full of piping hot & butter-y dal – Dal Makhni with chawal. And then after lunch the day would seem more brighter!
With every spoonful of buttery dal and rice, I become so immersed in tasting its different flavors that till I am done eating I become oblivious to the hullabaloo around me. It is like meditating with food! And once done savoring every last bit of it, I find myself more calm and happy and content! And then I think how some little and simple things can give you comfort amidst every day mad rush. Few minutes with a cup of coffee maybe as you watch the rains or staring out the window and seeing and hearing the cheerful chirping of birds or a good book or a hug from your loved one or watching the breeze gently caressing the leaves or sight of sunrise. Just few minutes taken to find solace and comfort in doing your favorite act will make you wealthier emotionally. The key is to find beauty in simple acts around you.
What is your favorite and comforting act?
Dal Makhani, one of the signature dishes of Punjabi Cuisine..
Aloo Jeera
Potatoes sauteed with cumin, a Punjabi delicacy…
Potato is a vegetable you will find in almost all cuisine recipes, be it Indian, Spanish, Italian, English, American, African and so on. Simply cook and mash them, add few seasonings and a dollop of butter and you have the ever popular and creamy mashed potatoes. Bake potato wedges with few herbs for moreish potato wedges. The sinful and addictive french fries need no introduction! Soft potato gnocchis make for a sumptuous meal.
Tandoori Rotis
…..without a tandoor
There are some who rejoice the start of rains and monsoon season. And there are some who find every possible excuse to curse at the pouring rain. Some eagerly await to go outside and feel the rain drops on their faces. The nature seems to be happy too. The birds chirp the happy song on top of velvety green trees. But then again, you have to travel to work and then the rainy weather becomes the foe!! Well, what can we do. Every season has the good & the bad!
When you find your thoughts wander towards the ‘grumbling-at-the-rain zone’ just look outside and be soaked in the joyous moment – be calmed listening to the soothing sound of rain drops and watch nature do a happy dance. And then maybe…..you will spot the rainbow……Right now its pouring outside and all I can feel at the moment is a warm and fuzzy feeling. The The cold air tempts me to grab a good book cookbook and escape under a blanket to simply drool at the pictures.
Simple Pleasures and Palak Paneer
“You`ve gotta dance like there`s nobody watching,
Love like you`ll never be hurt,
Sing like there`s nobody listening,
And live like its heaven on earth.”
Love like you`ll never be hurt,
Sing like there`s nobody listening,
And live like its heaven on earth.”
~William W. Purkey
Often the simplest things give great pleasure.Walking barefoot on the sand admiring the sun set over the sea. Sitting by the window looking out at the numerous shades of green of nature with the sound of raindrops as background music.Sighting a rainbow. An evening spent with loved ones. A mug of coffee, laughter and chilling out with friends. To dance, to laugh, to sing out loud.Laughing till you have tears in your eyes. A hug from your mother. The fragrance from a flower.The welcoming sight of the rising sun signalling another brand new day, newer opportunities.And having palak paneer for lunch! Continue reading