Chef Tales- Dal Amti

It had been a while since I had ventured out into the kitchen to experiment. The past Thursday, with office going at a slow pace and almost the weekend, I finally got the the opportunity. 

Had read a recipe of Dal Amti. It seemed simple enough, hence I went all out and made it.

This is a typical gem of the diverse Maharashtrian cuisine. Its simple to make, light on the tummy, and delicious.

Here is the recipe:

Required:

1. 1 cup toor dal
2. 1 tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
3. A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
4. 1 tsp mustard seeds
5. 1 sprig curry leaves (kadipatta)
6. 2 whole red chillies
7. 1 tbsp tamarind pulp
8. 1 green chilli, finely chopped
9. 1 tbsp jaggery
10. 2 tbsp oil
11. Grated coconut
12. Coriander leaves, finely chopped
13. Salt to taste
14. Water as required

Method:

1. Wash the dal, add hing and turmeric powder and pressure cook with about 2.5 cups of water. Generally, 6 whistles is enough for the dal to get nicely cooked.
2. In a kadai, heat oil and add mustard seeds. When they begin to splutter, add the curry leaves and the whole red chillies. Fry for a while, till the curry leaves are no longer crackling.
3. Add the cooked dal, chopped green chillies and 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
4. Lower the flame, add the jaggery, tamarind pulp and mix well. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring well such that the tamarind and jaggery have combined well. Add salt as per liking.
5. Cover and cook for a further 2 minutes.
6. Lastly, add the grated coconut and chopped coriander leaves as garnish.

This dal is best served along with jowar bhakri, however you can serve it with rice or chappatis.

Happy Eating :)

 

Chef Tales-Mashed Potatoes

Blessed are those who eat well. And further blessed are those who love food and want to make others eat well. 


A family that loves cooking , I guess my love for this hobby runs in my genes. Or blood.


The myriad of cuisines available to experiment with, a little twist here,a dash here, some color around...Cooking is wonderfully rewarding..for the heart, senses, for the taste and for the joy.


I recently was trying to perfect the "Perfect Mashed Potatoes"..  during this, I have come up with a basic recipe. Should be enough for a breakfast side, but may not be as perfect for the connoisseur.


Here we go..

Required:

1. 6.5 inch baking dish / glass dish with a lid.
2.  3 medium sized firm potatoes.
3. Good quality olive oil
4. Garlic powder
5. Chilli Flakes
6. Thyme
7. Crushed Black Pepper
8. Bits of Smoked Cheddar Cheese

You could use prepackaged spices, I chose the brand McCormick . 


Method:

1.  Cut the potatoes into quarters. First lengthwise, then across the width.
2. Place the quarters in the baking dish, fill half the dish with water.
3. Cover and cook the potatoes on high heat in a microwave oven for about 5-6 minutes.
4. Allow them to cool for about 2-3 minutes.
5. Once cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes.
6. Do not drain the liquid in which the potatoes were cooked. Instead, after peeling the potatoes, run the liquid through them, swirl the potatoes for a while and then drain the liquid.
7. In a separate bowl, add a bit of olive oil. Dip your fingers in the olive oil and start mashing the potatoes in your palm. I understand that it is messy, I understand that you may have a hundred equipment to mash potatoes, but the love and affection is translated to taste through the hand.
8. Grease the baking dish with olive oil. Transfer the mashed potatoes. Further mash until the texture resembles a pie. The potatoes should have formed a white color by now.
9. Add the spices with a tiny bit of olive oil, mix well and add.
10. Add small bits of the cheese, and pop it back into the microwave for about 3-4 minutes.
11. You will know you are done when you get a lovely aroma. :)

Have it single, or as a side to a good omelet or scrambled eggs. 


Some methods add milk, about half a cup while mashing the eggs. That is a delicious variation too.


Enjoy :)