Pepper Chicken Gravy - Dry

   The winter this year's been a little harsh when compared to last year.We usually escape the winter by running away to warm India for a month's vacation .I really miss the sun and its warmth this year and the winter here is '50 shades of Gray'.I was checking the best sellers (fiction)of all time list and was surprised to see 50 Shades of Grey on it for such a long time,not to mention that it's been made into a movie too.That book clearly belongs to the list of 'over-rated' things along with 'why this kolaveri di ?" song.I found Alchemist on the list and I really did feel that the book belongs on the list. I'm yet to meet a person who wasn't moved by the book,you wouldn't believe that such a tiny book would change your perspective of life(at least for  a few days :)).The next book I found was' Gone Girl' by 'Gillian Flynn' .I looked for it in the library and couldn't find it,so ended up borrowing another book by the same author 'Dark Places',the cover claimed that the book was even better than her previous ones. I'm only 20 pages through the book and it's too early to pass a judgement on the book.But the book doesn't really give me a good feeling.Why are books and movies that leave you with a bad or sad feeling critically acclaimed.Don't we read books and watch movies to escape from the harsh reality of life.I do respect and appreciate the effort behind these books and movies,but I rarely find them enjoyable.I recently watched a malayalam movie 'Artist',the movie had some wonderful acting skills and it's share of tragedies,but in the end it left me with a feeling of depression.Some times I feel movies with not so good a plot, but full of comedy like 'Happy New Year' are way better :)
  I hardly post regularly and when I do ,I end up rambling :) Coming to today's recipe,with the winter comes our regular share of cold and cough.And this peppery dish is real comfort food,I prepare this on weekends when it's real cold outside. It pairs up well with anything.So off to the recipe !

You'll Need:
Chicken - 400 - 500 g(with bone,cleaned and cut into small pieces)
Onion - 1 real big(finely chopped)
Tomato - 1 big(finely chopped)
Garlic - 4 - 6 medium sized cloves
Ginger - the equal amount as garlic - one 1 -2 " piece,scraped and chopped
Coriander Powder - 1 tsp
Red Chilli Powder - 3/4 tsp
Curry Leaves Powder - 1 tsp(optional)
Turmeric Powder -1/2 tsp
Curry leaves - leaves from a sprig
Oil - 2 -3 tbsp
Salt - as needed

To Dry Roast and Powder :
Whole Pepper Corns - 1 - 1/2 tsp
Cinnamon - 1 1" piece
Cloves,Cardamom - 1 each
Fennel - 3/4 tsp

Method:
-In a pan of slow heat,dry roast the ingredients to be dry roasted and ground to a semi coarse powder.
-Grind the Ginger and garlic to a fine paste - about 2 tsps.
-In a pan add the oil and when it heats up splutter the curry leaves.Add the onion and a pinch of salt and sauté until they turn sightly brown.
-Add the Ginger Garlic paste and sauté for 3 -4 minutes, until well browned.
-Add the Tomatoes and mix well.Add the Turmeric powder,Red Chilli powder,Curry leaves powder and Coriander powder.And mix well.Cover and simmer on low heat for 3 -4 minute or until the mixture starts to ooze out oil.
-Add the chicken pieces and mix well.Add very little water if needed.Cover and simmer on low heat until it its 3/4 done.Keep removing the lid and stirring it as it tends to burn.Sprinkle water when needed.When it is 3/4 done add the dry roasted powder and mix well .Let it cook until the chicken is fully cooked.
-This is a thick gravy,to make it more thinner add required water before adding the dry roasted powder  and mix well. Done !

Thanks for stopping by ! Have a nice day !

Mango Bhapa Doi - Mango Curd Dessert

  Long long ago I made a few mango desserts out of a big tin of mango pulp.I posted the other ones ,but this one's been lying in my drafts for quite some time.If you asked me why I made this dessert there are two reason,firstly it's extremely easy to make and secondly,I fell for it's name.I have this weakness for dishes with fancy names :) This is a simple Bengali dessert that can be prepared in no time.I love all kinds of Bengali milk sweets and this one's no exception.So off to the recipe !

You'll Need:

Condensed milk - 350 g( I used unsweetened condensed milk)

Quark -Hung Yoghurt - Greek Yoghurt - 250 g

Whole Milk - 100 ml

Mango Pulp - 1 1 /2 cups

Nuts (mixed) - 2 -3 tbsp

Sugar - 1 tbsp or as needed (Depends upon the sweetness of the mango)

Cardamom powder - 1/4 tsp

or 

Quicker Version:

Condensed Milk - 400g (sweetened) - one tin

Quark - 250 g

Milk- 125 ml

Mango Puree- 125 ml

Any chopped nuts - 2 -4 tbsp

Almond powder - 1 tbsp(optional)

Method:

-In a blender,blend the condensed milk,the yoghur,milk,mango pulp,sugar and cardamon powder.

-.Add the nuts and mix well.Check for sugar.

-This can be steamed in pressure cooker(without the whistle) or baked in an oven:

   -In a steamer or pressure cooker:

     Fill the vessel with a little water .Add the contents of the blender to another vessel and cover a lid        or aluminium foil.Place the vessel in the steamer and cover  and steam for 30 - 40 minutes or until      it's set.

 -In an oven:

     -Preheat the oven to 350°F/162.5°C

      -Fill small ramekins with the mixture until they are almost full.Place them in an oven tray half        filled with water.
    -Bake in the oven for 25 to 35 minutes.Check after the 25th minute to see if it is set,a knife inserted comes out almost clean,the mixture would be harder and not wobbly.Done !

Thanks for stopping by !Have a nice day !