Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Happy Cooking: LAY OUT A SMALL KITCHEN....Indian Masala

I have, through the years, concluded that a good work day is possible if only you have the opportunity to enjoy a good layout on the table.However, this is not possible every time and perhaps not without being a burden on the pocket. But, does that mean that we compromise at cost of ones own health? No, definitely not, not if you can help it.I think, and this is especially for those who perforce are single and have to survive by eating a meal or two daily,in a wayside eatary or a kiosk. Many of such folks are kitchen shy and not having the necessary skills to cook for themselves. This is heavy on the pocket and more often than not most unsatisfying. This is non-productive to good health. Suggest that such individuals should cook for themselves. This effort would be both economical
and satisfying. You will be more radiant and healthier than before.

All you require is a small kitchenette,having the following to prepare simple but wholesome meals at very low cost.

1. A place designated as your kitchen which should be airy, dry and easily cleanable.
2. Have a table to locate on that a small stove and some extra space.
3. A wooden rolling board that doubles as cutting board as well,along with a rolling pin.
4. Stored/running water for cooking.
5. A good sharp knife, 02 stirring spoons, 02 table spoons, 02 teaspoons,01 perforated ladle, 02 glasses,02 cups, 01 jug for water, 02 service plates,02 bowls, 02 side plates
02 forks, 01 butter holder, 01 set salt&pepper shaker.
6. A 'kadai' or a deep frying pan.A 'patella' or saucepan to hold at least 01 ltr of liquid.
7. A small food processor(optional. 01 'tava' or griddle.
8. Small transparent plastic box with lid each for salt,red chilly powder,black pepper powder,'jeera' or cummin powder,'garam masala' or curry powder, a airtight box for holding tea leaves, a similar box for sugar.
9. Two big boxes to hold 'atta' or wheat floor and for rice. A layered plastic stand with holding baskets for onions, potatoes and a vegetable etc.

You may add as you progress other items of need.


After having done the above I am sure you would be eager to start cooking a meal to avoid eating from kiosks or stalls. Go ahead and enjoy good food, I am confident that you will only improve as you go along.........my recipes for you would be both simple to cook and tasty to eat, I promise you that.


A POTATO DISH FOR YOUR NEXT MEAL

Masala Potatoes:

for one person and one serving-

You need......
i) A large potato or 02 medium ones.
ii) 01 small onion (optional). 01 small tomato
iii) 1/2 tps jeera(cummin pwdr)
iv) 1/2 tps red chilly pwdr, 1/2 tsp turmeric
v) 1/4 tsp curry powder
vi) 01 large green chilly & little fresh coriander(dhania)
vii) 04 garlic pods(optional) & 1/2'' ginger
viii) 02 tablespoons cooking oil.
ix) 01 cup water

METHOD..................
1. Peel the potato and dice it to 01'' cubes and keep them drowned in water in a vessel.

2. Dice the onions (optional) cut the garlic(optional) along with the ginger into small bits.
Dice the tomato fine.

3. Deseed the green chilly and cut it into thin slices lengthwise.

4. In a frying pan pour the said oil and after it heats, put in the green chillies and remove after frying for 45sec.Keep aside.

5. Drain the potatoes and fry them till just light brown.

6. Put in the garlic and the onions if using and stir fry the potatoes on a medium flame till golden brown.

7. Add salt to taste and turmeric powder. stir and add jeera/cummin powder. Stir on low flame for a minute and remove from flame to add the chilly powder.

8. Add the diced tomato and stir. Pour in half of the water & put in the fried green chillies. Put the vessel back on the flame and cover to cook for a minute and half. Your masala potatoes are ready. Garnish with fresh coriander.

If you need to carry the dish in your lunch box, then remove the cover and heat the preparation without stirring much to help evaporate the curry.



The above dish can be varied by adding two table spoon full of green peas or buy adding 50gms of cottage cheese at the time of adding tomato at the preparation stage.

The dry dish is best with bread or chapati. Have with rice in the curry form.





ENJOY A GOOD MEAL AND MAINTAIN YOUR HEALTH.

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