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!!!

Wednesday 21 March 2012

Steve's Goan Vaal (Long Bean) Bhaji

 This is a traditional Goan vegetable served with Goan Xit Kodi (Rice & Curry)






Ingredients:


1 bunch of long beans (Vaal), cut into small sticks
1 onion, sliced finely
2-3 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 green chilli, slit
2 kokum seeds
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp coriander powder
2-3 tbsp dessicated coconut (freshly grated coconut can be used too)
Salt for seasoning


Method:


1. In a saucepan, heat some oil, add the mustard seeds. Once it starts to splutter add the garlic and chilli. Cook for 5 seconds and then add the onions.


2. When the onions start to get translucent, add the kokum, turmeric and coriander powder. Mix well.


3. Add the long bean and stir till well coated with the spices. Add the coconut.


4. Add a little water to just cover the long beans, season with salt. Cook until all the water is absorbed and the beans are tender.


5. Serve hot with rice or chapattis.


Tips:


For a South Indian flavour you can add curry leave along with the garlic and chilli.