Breakfast Brilliance ..... Bread Uppma!!

Bread Uppma -- Breakfast Brilliance!


My friend P brought up a dish to discuss (should start a forum soon...) on FB and it was bread Uppma!   It is a simple stir-fry of everyday bread, some spices and flavor-ants and viola.... you have a satisfying dish in your hands for breakfast, a light lunch or a sumptuous snack!!

I make it like my mom does, marinate it in a mixture of yogurt-salt-turmeric and then stir fry!
Here are the ingredients and steps to prepare it....

Marinade:  

1.  6 slices of everyday sandwich bread cut up into 1"cubes, with crust.

2.  1/4 cup of thick yogurt, whisked

3.  1/2 tsp. of turmeric powder

4.  Salt to taste.

Stir Fry:

1.  1 small onion, chopped

2.  1 medium Serrano chili, chopped

3.  2 tbsp. coriander leaves, chopped and an additional sprig for garnish

4.  2 tbsp. oil (canola please!)

5.  1/2 tsp. each mustard seeds and cumin seeds

6.  Curry Leaves (optional)

7.  1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper powder

8.   1 tsp. lemon juice (if you need additional twang and tang!)

9.  Salt to taste.

Method:  

• Mix all the ingredients in a glass bowl, gently and set aside for 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile... heat a saute pan, add the oil (reserve 1 tsp.), let it heat up and then add the mustard and the cumin seeds, as they splutter, add the curry leaves if you have them.  Once they all sparkle in the oil, add the onion.  Saute the onion until it is deep brown in color.  
• Add the marinated bread mixture, the cayenne pepper powder and salt.  Stir-fry it until it comes together as a pudding.  sprinkle some water to get the mixture going, but make sure to keep the pieces of bread chunky.  
• Sprinkle on the chopped coriander leaves, lemon juice for the kicked up tang and the additional tsp. of oil for the glisten.  
• Transfer it to a bowl, garnish it with a sprig of coriander and enjoy it as is or with some store bought mint-coriander chutney!!  As it was spring break for my kids, I served a special treat... a crispy waffle scone stuffed till the top with custom made strawberry blonde ice cream!!!

HAPPY PONGAL!!!!

Happy Pongal!!!!!!!

Wish You And Your Family A Very Happy Pongal!!!  

As I narrate a little about Pongal, have to mention its significance as per the Tamil Brahmin family tradition ---- which was how I was raised!!  

We were one of the typical nuclear families that spread its roots outside of Tamil Nadu, a southern state in India where the people spoke the Dravidian language Tamil and are called Tamilians!!  And, Tamil is pronounced and written as "Tamizh"  uttered with utmost pride with the resonant sound emitting from your deep throat with your tongue curved inwards....I know, It's an art form ....just to pronounce it!!!

Tamilians have a few distinct festivals that they celebrate with great gusto....today, it is recognized and celebrated as a state wide 3 day holiday...with all TV channels boasting their coverage on the latest Tamizh movie release, star interviews, and so on!!! 

Coming back to the significance of Pongal according to me, then as a little girl....girls would be given pattu paavadai, and cash from the brothers (the parents would actually give that if the brothers were young).  

Felt soooo pampered!!!  

In those good old earlier days, as far as my grandparent's generation, as they lived in the villages in the Tanjore district, this festival started off with the Boghi celebrations; Pongal is a three day festival, with Boghi, Pongal and Kaanum Pongal, and is celebrated on the first day of Thai maasam (when the month is born in accordance to the lunar calendar).....the houses would be cleaned, as my grandparents were a little affluent, the house would be white washed.....with fresh chemman and maa kolams in the front yard...all old things would be discarded, given away to the poor and needy.  Fresh  Nellu (rice, harvested from the first crop of paddy, turmeric plant,  gently unearthed for Kaanum Pongal.

  

My maami would would make (my paati's stories, told to me as a child  as she relived those days),  Aviyal  and Boli (stuffed pan bread with a sweetened lentil filling)  for sure ...a medley of vegetables in a coconut yogurt sauce, with Sambhar, rasam, other vegetable preparations, applam, paruppu vadai and of course, arasi ravai payasam!!!!  Oh!  how I wish I had a genie, who could whip up the whole menu for me!!

  

On Pongal, 

a special paanai...to be precise, a vengala paanai (made with the alloys of bronze and copper), would be decorated with the turmeric plant, draped around the paanai, and kumkumam and majal powders are used to put pottu on the paanai!  Once the paanai is all dolled up, rested on the wood stove, over a kolam (patterns drawn with freshly milled rice flour)sweet Pongal is cooked!!  Rice, with a handful of tuvar dal (pigeon peas), for it is inauspicious to cook plain rice, so something yellow is added....brown sugar/palm sugar is added with other flavor-ants....like cardamom.  

A huge feast is prepared also. and Sun God is worshiped. 

In my household, in the US, I use my nifty little rice cooker, and as the mixture of milk, water, rice and dal bubbles up, we prostrate, and pray and wish for all we want that year!!!  

This year....I had a few girls over, did the paal Pongal  crooned "Pongalooooo Pongal" , prayed, we all did kolam patterns on the counter, on which each dish was rested on, and we did kummi aatam to a popular kummi paatu. 

Here are a few glimpses of Pongal as we celebrated and had a blast!!  

The next day is Kaanum Pongal, where the preparations from the previous day is set out for the crows (who are considered as our ancestors) to feast on.....

Kannu Pidi Vechen....

Kaaka pidi vechen...

Kaka ellam maruthila vaazha....

Naamellam bhoomila vaazha...

ellorum otrumayaga, sandoshamaaga vaazhanam!!!!

English Translation:

I shall serve my bretherns....

shall serve all the birds and animals....

Let the birds and animals live peacefully in their space....

And us in ours....

And let us all coexist harmoniously!!!!

This is an age old and beautiful adage and I think, if we all live in accordance to that, what a wonderful place this earth would be!!!!!!!!!!!!  

Each festival comes with its own characteristic ritual, custom, and funnnn activity and tidbits!!!  Immerse yourself in it and Enjoy!!!!!!!  

Decadence In A Bowl!!!! Merry X-Mass!

The day is about to dawn, and I am typing up a quick post for my blog that is starving for some well deserved attention!!   

It is finally Christmas !  Merry Christmas!!!!
                                           Just got back from our annual Christmas eve party.  At our house....the tree is all decked up, and gifts are neatly stowed under the well lit tree.   Soooooo thankful for everything......
            In our house, this particular festival is celebrated with utmost joy ...   why????  Well... the first and foremost being, you get gifts!!!  The second one being....all things sweet and sugary are served!!   Thirdly, my most favorite....is the whole house is decked up and is christmassy...in colors of red, gold and green!!!  it is the season to be jolly and to rejoice!!  

One small gift from me......I thought, in case if you are hard pressed for time, and you need to whip up something totally sweet and decadent to wow your guests....you must do this!!  I just served some 40 people this at the X-mass eve party to some mighty happy clucks and yummooos and requests for seconds and repeat requests to make some more the next time!! 

It is soooooo simple....you will surprise yourselves....I even wonder if I need to tell the recipe out!!  I shall as I have promised some of my friends that I would share this heavenly yet simple trifle pudding..... 
You will need some....
Fudge brownie... out of a pack, baked, cut into pieces, about 4 cups
Good quality vanilla ice cream  ... about 4-5 cups
Whipped topping .... about 2 cups
Strawberry preserves .. about 2 cups
Chocolate fudge topping .... about 1 cup
Cherries and mint leave for garnish
Now.....
Line a trifle or a glass bowl with a layer of fudge brownies.....

 Add 1 cup of ice cream and spread it to cover the entire surface of the brownie....

Add 1/4 cup of warmed strawberry preserves and spread it on top of the ice cream layer....

Add a squirt of (1/4 cup) of fudge topping and spread on top of the strawberry layer....

Now repeat this yummilicious layering three more times....
oopsies...forgot to take pictures at this stage!!!!  LOL!!!
Cover the top with the semi thawed cool whip, and decorate it with cherries and mint leaves, like so.....

Ahaaaaaa!!!  That looks christmassy to me!!!  Feel free to decorate as you like....with a dusting of cocoa, chocolate shavings, colored sugar crustals, holiday candies....list is endless!!  
I left it white and simple.....just like the fresh fluffy white stuff that we get in plenty here.......

My little Chipmunk tried making individual ones too....absolutely yummilicious!!!  

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES...........

An Ode To A Lazy Cook!!!

I have been extremely lazy.....have not visited my blog in ages.....though have been nudged by many, cajoled by many, but, have been putting it off just out of sheer laziness!!!  

                                  Now, this laziness is also an amazing thing....it makes your brain work harder in a way....to come up with lazy dishes, recipes which involves few ingredients, not much work and moreover a happy tummy!!  

          I am not going to post any recipes....remember........I am in the lazy mode!!  This post is all about giving you some ideas if you are sailing in the same boat as I and want to reach the destination faster.....

               But will guarantee a happy, yummy edible session....

This was a bit of a fusion.... Falafal Sandwich!  

Here goes.... 

Toast pita bread with a little drizzle of EVOO, cut it in half, slit the halves for pockets.  Stuff it with mixed salad greens, baked falafels (out of a pack....I happen to love the ones from Trader Joe's), a drizzle of Mint and Cilantro chutney....again store bought and a generous drizzle of my famous cilantro lemon yogurt sauce!!!!   

      I whipped together 1/2 cup of yogurt, 1 tbsp each cilantro, scallion chopped, 1 Serrano pepper, chopped and 1 tsp lemon juice!!!  Took me 5 exact minutes!!!  

I emerged out of the kitchen with a sandwich which looked like the one out of a Greek fast food place!!!   

This was my Greek Inspired fast lunch!!!  

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My Thai Table!!  

A platter of Tofu Satays, Indonesian Peanut Saute, Stir fried broccoli with soy-ginger sauce!!  Now, you can do this in a flash, can't you??!!  

Would love to hear from you...... Hope you are inspired to whip up these or something as lazy and yummy as these!!  

Adieu from a Lazy Cook!!  

Summer Boot Camp in Minneapolis!!!!!

Every summer...I have heard parents fret as to what to do with their children while they are busy working!  I have a few mouthwatering, skill building, exciting options...

your kids can cruise around the globe, without pricey tickets, passports!!

No packing required, just come with a curious, inquisitive mind, and a robust appetite to the following cooking camps.....

Experience the Exotic Far East....

Chinese cuisine has gained international acclaim for its bold and vibrant flavors!!   Now, you can bring home, as a little chef, the flavors of China to the delight of your family and friends!!!   In this class, Chef Anu, from Exotic Palates will guide you through and exciting menu from your famous Chinese restaurant which you will make and enjoy!  You will learn to work with traditional ingredients to make a range of richly flavored Chinese classics.  There will be an informative session at the end of the class which will pertain to Cuisine and Culture of China!!!

•         Iced Honey Ginger Jasmine Tea,
• ·         Crispy Egg Rolls,
• ·         “Ants climbing a tree Noodles”  noodles with ground chicken in a classic Szechuan sauce and
• ·         stir fried green beans in a mild, sweet chili sauce. 
• ·         The participants will enjoy dining their creations with a sweet dessert…. Ginger Mint Ice Cream.

 Date:  June 18th, Monday 

Time:  9:00 AM -- 12:00 PM

Location: Wayzata Central Middle School at Central Campus: A306 FCS https://wayzata.thatscommunityed.com/course/wishes-summer-2012/cooking-boot-camp-chinese#map

Other Details:  Min Grade: 3rd  ; Max Grade: 7th   ; Price:  $65.00 per person

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Fast Food Favorites!!

You enjoy a classic takeout food, enjoy the indulgent food and wonder how it can be replicated at home???  Well, here is your answer to it all!!   Classic Fast food cuisine that gets a gourmet and a healthy spin!  There will be an informative session at the end of the class which will pertain to Cuisine and Culture of Fast Food Chains in America!!

 

• ·         The ultimate Chocolate Milkshake – with melted fudge sauce that you will make!!
• ·         French Fries – you will cut and make your own fries from scratch, fried and baked variety, seasoned with a variety of seasonings from all over America!
• ·         Classic Onion Rings served with a creamy Sauce!
• ·         Chicken Burger –  make a classic Chicken burger with ground meat and spices, and cook it to a mean, juicy, moist burger. 
• ·         yogurt-and-granola parfait with the yummiest of toppings --- Each child gets to create his or her own kind of parfaits with the array of options offered!!

 Date:  June 19th, Tuesday

Time:  9:00 AM -- 12:00 PM

Location: Wayzata Central Middle School at Central Campus: A306 FCS https://wayzata.thatscommunityed.com/course/wishes-summer-2012/cooking-boot-camp-chinese#map

Other Details:  Min Grade: 3rd  ; Max Grade: 7th   ; Price:  $65.00 per person

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Tantalizing Tapas

Tapas are tiny dishes, appetizers with big flavors, served on small plates, are designed to be shared and are great for entertaining!   In this class, Chef Anu will show your kids how easy it to prepare an assortment of little bites with big Mediterranean flavors.  This menu full of delicious dishes will be perfect for family meals, birthdays, graduation parties and anytime a group of food-loving friends gather.  

 

• ·         Baba Ganoush – a classic eggplant dip from the Mediterranean island of Greece!
• ·         Bandilleras – Traditional  Chicken, cheese and olive skewers served with Picada sauce
• ·         Savory stuffed mushrooms – with a savory filling, and baked in an oven!
• ·         Pan fried Pita bread with Hummus and Roasted red pepper
• ·         Patatas Bravas -- Spicy Potato Bites
• ·         Wash this all down with a virtual trip to Spain sipping a long glass of Mosto – Grape Spritzer! 

 Date:  June 20th, Wednesday

Time:  9:00 AM -- 12:00 PM

Location: Wayzata Central Middle School at Central Campus: A306 FCS https://wayzata.thatscommunityed.com/course/wishes-summer-2012/cooking-boot-camp-chinese#map

Other Details:  Min Grade: 3rd  ; Max Grade: 7th   ; Price:  $65.00 per person

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Cuisine from kid Friendly Restaurants of America

Which kid has not unwrapped a sandwich while driving down the highway or pulled a hard U-turn into a fast-food joint on the way home from a late meeting or soccer game? We practically live in our cars, so we need quick food, and please, parents like it to be healthy.  Well guess what...look no further…..you can create your own restaurant classics at home, and feed everyone in your family without stepping out!!

• ·         Garden Vegetable soup from Panera Café
• ·         Mac n Cheese from Noodles and Company
• ·         Burrito Bowl from Chipotle
• ·         Orange Chicken with Rice from Lean Chin
• ·         Ice Cream Brownie Sundae with toppings from Dairy Queen!

 Date:  June 21st, Thursday

Time:  9:00 AM -- 12:00 PM

Location: Wayzata Central Middle School at Central Campus: A306 FCS https://wayzata.thatscommunityed.com/course/wishes-summer-2012/cooking-boot-camp-chinese#map

Other Details:  Min Grade: 3rd  ; Max Grade: 7th   ; Price:  $65.00 per person

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Global Cuisine!!Travel the globe and discover the global chef in you….. In this exciting class, Chef Anu will show your child to prepare traditional dishes served around the world!  This menu full of classics will expand your child’s culinary horizons and open up an infinite number of options to his/her home cooking.  Enjoy the class with an informational session on Global cuisine!! 

• ·         Chicken dumpling served with hoisin sauce  from China
• ·         Chicken Curry served over Elaichi Pulao from India
• ·         Lasagna served with garlic bread from Italy
• ·         Classic Apple Pie served with Vanilla Ice Cream from America
• ·         All this while sipping a traditional virgin Mojito from Mexico!!!
   Date:  June 22nd, Friday
  Time:  9:00 AM -- 12:00 PM
  Location: Wayzata Central Middle School at Central Campus: A306 FCS https://wayzata.thatscommunityed.com/course/wishes-summer-2012/cooking-boot-camp-chinese#map
  Other Details:  Min Grade: 3rd  ; Max Grade: 7th   ; Price:  $65.00 per person

Lazy Day Cooking!!!

I know...I know....I have gone disappearing from the blogosphere....not that I was not eating or cooking anything interesting, but let us say...I was simply pursuing my other passion, close to my heart!!  I was singing away, was blessed with the opportunity to perform in some great venues and sometimes, simply rehearsing in the comforts of my own studio....my cozy little shower stall!  On the whole, enjoying the experience!!  A slight lull at the moment, so thought should devote some attention to my long forgotten blog...(Lol!  been only a short 6-8 weeks since my last post)!!! 

                                  Memorial day weekend, gateway to the summer season filled with sunny days, endless jugs of lemonade,  trips to the beaches, water park, grilling and BBQs and more....but sadly does not look that way!  Rainy, windy, wet and grey is more like the picture in my neighborhood.  How does it look at your neck of the woods?!  Seriously.... hoping for the day to brighten up and get cheerful!  this kinda weather does put us all in a lazy mood, don't you think??         

                                         All I want to do is cuddle up by the window, listen to some quaint Indian music from my grandmother's era, sip ginger laced tea, maybe a book, with absolutely none to bother but the pitter patter of the rain beating against my window sill!!  Ohhhh! I so want to do that!!!  But, who let's me?????!!!!! I can hear hubby asking my tots, "what do you think mom is making for lunch"?!  " maybe you guys should go and ask her"!  Aaaahhhh!!!  I love them, but, too lazy to get up and make something!!  Oh!  why did I insist on pampering them by cooking and feeding them everyday?!  Should have listened to wise minds when they asked me to have them be more self sufficient!!!  Oh why did I not?!  Too late now!!  

                                                    Orrrrr....maybe as soon as I get this done and have it out of my way, I can go be my lazy self again!!  Come cook with me and be out of the kitchen in exactly 15 minutes!!!!  Can't believe it?!  Will try and whip a yummy lunch, and be back in exactly 15 minutes to tell you all how and what I did!! 
I am backkkkkkkk.......

Was sooo yum and the scene is absolutely quiet as they are slurping and munching, and I was able to sneak away to tell you all about it!  Hopefully some of you girls...sorry guys too....who want to whip up something speedy get inspired to do this or come up with something of your own on the same lines....but be sure to share it with us!   

Ok....read on then.......

Went to my neighborhood Panera to enjoy a cup of coffee with hubby last morning, and picked up a loaf of Asiago Focaccia!  Yummmmm!   Not much of sandwich ingredients either...but thought these might do great....

A tub of Cream Cheese

Some Mixed shredded Cheese

A jar of Fire Roasted Red Pepper

A small jar of Marinated Artichoke hearts

Some generous drizzles of good quality olive oil!

Heat a grill pan! Brush it slightly with olive oil.  Cut the bread in half.  Grill one half of the bread, cut side down, until nice and toasted flip and toast the other half also until you see grill marks.  

 

Spread the other half of the bread with the cream cheese (I used about a couple tablespoons).  Layer with artichokes, roasted red bell pepper strips and shredded cheese (I used 3/4 cup of Mexican cheese for the tang in it!!); Top it with the grilled half of the focaccia loaf. 

Gently lift the sandwich, transfer it to the grill pan!  I advice you to work alongside your grill pan!  Life lesson tip to avoid messes and clean up!!!!  hahaha!  

Ok...watch carefully if you don't know this already....create your own Panini grill at home without a panini maker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Place a clean saute pan on top of the sandwich and place 2 canned items on top of the saute pan!  The weight of the can will press your sandwich and create this magical panini sandwich without shredding your wallet!!  this way....one less gadget in your kitchen!!!!  yayyyyyyy!!! 

How to Slice a Panino and Present it!   Like so........Use a serrated knife, use your palm to gently press the face of the panino, and slice it in half and quarter it!  All this was being assembled while a store bought soup, was gently simmering away in a pot on the next stove! 

Lovely Meal.....A panini with hot, steaming cup of soup, dotted with pepper, a book, a blanket and a cozy nook!!  

back to being a lazy meeeee until the next meal time comes calling.....

Ensoyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chillar Wich!!!!! HAHHHHHAHHHHA!!!!

Picture this:  Saturday morning....my son's class just got rescheduled, my daughter is still recouping, so she did not have to go to class so did not have to get ready!!  Feels luxurious to have sooooo much free time on hand!  Or...you will typically see me getting everyone ready, their bags ready,whipping up waffles or pancakes or eggs with per-programmed recipes and on auto mode.  

                                                  Scurry hurry scurry!!!  You get it!!!!  I am suspecting, it is the same scenario at your home too!!   

                                                  But....today, I don't have to hurry anywhere, scurry anywhere, so I decide to sleep in and enjoy those freebie minutes!!!  My hubby thinks otherwise!!!  Nooo.....don't get naughty yet!!  He wants to smell the coffee!!!  Everyday I get to drink his....and for once he wants to be "served"!!!  

                See...I am blessed with a great hubby who also plays the role of a perfect kapee maker to the "T"!!!!!  Kapee aka coffee aka cafe latte is my primal need first thing in the morning and I look forward to everyday morning when I get it delivered to my hands or  woken up some-days with...."Good Morning...your coffee mam"!  some days....."kapee kapee"...resonating the hustle bustle voices form the Indian railways!!!  Or some days, it is his turn to demand and he will, in his tam bram lingo....will demand "chuda chuda pongal, idlee, vadai, and coffee!!!"   Meaning piping hot south Indian breakfast and coffee like back home in India (I am guessing from an era which is now long forgotten ...hahahha!!).  

                                  Do you think I comply, as much as I love to cook???!!!   Hahahahhaha!!  Nooooo!!!  And today was no different, was woken to the perfect cuppa....but with his yearning look of wanting to eat something with it!!!  Now....I drag myself out and comply a bit....after all it is only decent enough to  return his favor, when he tirelessly makes me his yummy coffee every morning!!!!

                                                                  He wants my "egg-cup"!  That is another breakfast that is a big favorite around my house.  It is a soft eggy souffle that is whipped in a matter of couple minutes!!  Shall save that for another blog!   Now, I do not have any eggs, but my brain is working in super fast mode and as recipes come cramming inside, one stands out!!!  I do not need eggs, this is for you my vegetarian friends.....it is an egg less omelet....at least that is how I treat this!  OK!!  I am not going to keep you in the blind,  I am making CHILLA, a crepe made from chick pea flour/besan from the north east region of Southern India....Andhra Pradesh!  Here is my twist...of course (!) I had to make it my own....Chilla crepes in a sandwich leading to the most delicious Chillarwich!!!!!!!!!!!  Howzzat for a great breakfast???!!!   !  What a lovely ingenious idea!!!  Sometimes, I do surprise myself!! 

              So, with a huge smile on my face I march down and open my pantry and refrigerator and take out these......

1 cup Chickpea flour, 3 Tbsp scallions, chopped, 1 Serrano pepper, chopped, 2 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped

 You embellish this above fragrant Chilla base a little more with the following......

Add 3/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper powder, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 2 tbsp coconut powder, and 1/2-3/4 cup room temp water.

Mix all of the above and whisk the batter to a smooth, light consistency like so.......

the batter should resemble a thin pancake batter! 

 Now....onto the pan!  

Heat the pan to medium -medium high heat.

Brush it evenly with 1/2 tsp canola oil.  

Add 3 tbsp of the batter, swivel the pan around to coat the batter evenly.

As soon as the bubbles appear on the crepe and the sides start curling inwards, flip the crepe.

Let it cook on the other side till it gets a few brown beauty spots on the back as well.

Take it off the pan and stack it up on a platter. 

Now...how do these yummy, rustic chillas get transformed into chillarwich???!!!!!   Like so......

I used some of the classic sandwich fillers used in my household.... some mint and coriander chutney, some cheese, some tomato ketchup and of course good old butter!

This is how a chillarwich is constructed!

Toast the bread, butter both the toasts, Apply green chutney on one and Tomato ketchup on the other.  Place half a chilla folded, on the green toast, top it with your choice of cheese, close it with the tomato toast.  Press down and slice it on a diagonal.  Love the layers inside!!!  Spicy and Yummmmm!

Your Chillarwich is ready!!!!!  You can enjoy it with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice for breakfast; with a bloody mary (spiked or un-spiked) for brunch; or with a bowl of tomato soup for lunch!  Either way...it is going to be a happy camper in your tummy!!

Enjoyyyyyyyy!!!!!