Welcome to My Kitchen

I started cooking 20 years ago, and every day has been a new experience. You might not believe it but i was a person who could not fry an egg...but 20 years on..i feel i can take on any challenge.

I'm constantly trying out new recipes and looking for innovative ways to improvise my dishes and make it more easier. The easier the cooking gets and the less time it takes the more time for me to relax with my loved one.
But easy and quick does not mean compromise on taste or the way a dish is presented. I take great pride in decorating my dishes as i am a firm believer of ' The first impression counts'.

I decided to start this blog to help others like me discover that cooking a feast does not require slogging for hours in the kitchen all it requires is the right ingredients, tools and a creative mind and voila! you will have your family and guests begging for second helpings....

My inspiration for cooking has always been my husband...he loves his food..and like the saying goes 'A way to a man's heart is through his stomach'..i can confidently say it's true and it works wonders for a happy relationship...but he is also my best critic and competition.

I've got two little girls both who love to eat, and my eldest always enjoys helping me in the kitchen. I will try to post more kid friendly recipes that can be fun to eat and make together.

Hope you enjoy this blog and find it useful...please do feel free to leave any feedback or comments...remember there's always room for improvement!!!

Tuesday 31 May 2011

Couscous, Homemade Hummus & Kebabs

A perfect healthy meal , fresh and full of flavour.




Kebabs


Ingredients:


250 -300 g mince (beef/lamb)
1 1/2 tbsp ginger/garlic paste
8-10 mint leaves, finely chopped
2 green chillies, finely chopped
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp red chilli powder / paprika powder
8-10 coriander leaves, finely chopped
1 red onion , finely chopped
1 egg
6-8 wooden skewers
Salt and Pepper for seasoning


Method:


1. Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until it binds into a smooth paste.


2. Cover and chill for couple of hours.


3. Soak skewers in water for 10 minutes. Thread the meat onto the skewers, press to distribute the meat evenly.


4. Place kebabs on a preheated grill (180 -200 deg) and cook until done.Turn skewers frequently for even browning.


Tips:


You can use parsley instead of mint and coriander leaves .




Hummus:


Ingredients:


300g tin of chickpeas
1-2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp tahini
2-3 tbsps olive oil


Method:


1. Blend all the ingredients together into a smooth paste. Season as required. 


2. Drizzle with additional olive oil before serving.


Tips:


Add finely chopped onions for  a stronger flavour before serving or for a kick you can add roasted peppers (mashed).




Couscous:




Ingredients:


250g couscous
2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
handful of flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
1 cucumber, chopped
6-8 cherry tomatoes, chopped
250 ml chicken stock (or plain water can be used)
1/2 lemon, squeezed
1 red onion, finely chopped
10-12 olives, chopped


Method:


1. Pour the hot stock into the couscous , cover with cling film and allow it to rest for 3-5 minutes. Remove the cling film and fluff with a fork.


2. Add the chopped parsley, onions, tomatoes, cucumber and olives. Mix well. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper if required.















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