Sunday, March 22, 2009

Bottle gourd curry or simply.... lau ghonto


OK! A simple vegetarian curry was what we were craving for.... it was chilly outside..... and C was home for lunch and I had half of a bottle gourd at my disposal..... so the genius me thought ...why not try "lau bori" for a change....!!!
Till now everything was fine.... and then the idea struck....So here is the little "tweaked" recipe of my version of lau ghonto...!

Ingredients:(for 3-4)

half a bottle gourd- shredded fine
bengal gram lentil-1/4 of a cup(cholar dal) boiled and almost cooked with no turmeric
bori (small ones)-a handful
shredded coconut-3 -4 tbsp
cumin (whole)-a pinch
panchphoron-a pinch
ginger paste-1 tsp
black mustard (whole)-a pinch
dry red chili- 1
Ghee-1/2 tsp
cooking oil- 1 tbsp
Coriander sprig
Sugar
Salt



Fry the boris till they are brown and crispy and set aside.
Now heat 1 tbsp oil and add the red chili, panchphoron, cumin and mustard. Let them sizzle.
Next add the gourd , coat with the spice , put the gas on medium , sprinkle little salt, cover and let the gourd cook in its own water. It takes around 10-15 minutes. Check from time to time and stir.
Now add the ginger paste and the boris. Cover and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
Next add the shredded coconut and adjust the salt and sugar according to taste.
Finally sprinkle a handful of coriander and stir in the ghee.
Serve with white rice and voila!!!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Happy Holi...... and a yummy dessert....



Its been 4 days since I returned.... Surprisingly enough there is no jet lag and I feel totally fresh and perky in the morning... Yesterday being Holi I decided to cook a proper dinner for C who had been surviving on take -aways for the last 1 month.....

I cooked paneer khichuri, Chicken keema and this yummy dessert....... I will post the recipes for the former two later...... today its 'Shrikhand' time..... Learnt this form my Sister who stays in Delhi and thanks to her I gathered the recipe for an easy dessert....

Ingredients:(for two)

Unsweetened curd-2 cups
A clean white muslin cloth
Sugar-4tbsp or according to taste
Chopped pistachios-a handful
Black cardamom powder-a pinch

Hang the curd in the white cloth for 3-4 hours till all the water drains out.
Next transfer the curd in a serving bowl(not steel) and add the sugar.
Beat the curd until the sugar melts and the curd is thick and creamy.
Sprinkle the cardamom powder and the pistachios.
Refrigerate until you serve.
Serve chilled.