ACHARI KHICHI

ACHARI KHICHI

 

I found rice flour in my pantry and so I decided to make some khichi but with a twist. I wanted to give it an interesting dimension by adding ingredients that would add interesting flavors and texture.

 

1 cup rice flour

2 cups water

1 1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon papadi kharo

1/2 teaspoon asafetida

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon sesame seeds

1/4 teaspoon carom seeds

2 teaspoons chili paste

 

 

 

 

 

In a large pot put water, add all the above ingredients except chilies and boil the water. Turn the heat on low flame,add chilies and rice flour mix well and turn the heat off. Grease the sieve ( chain) put the khichi in the chaini and steam the khichi for about 45 minutes.Once cooked, Mix khichi until nice and smooth. ( can also mix in the kitchen aid mixture) Make small pieces and place in a bowl, set aside.

 

 

1 tablespoon achari masala

1 teaspoon  garlic chutney

1 tablespoon  green chutney

1 tablespoon cilantro finely chopped

handfull sev

1 roasted urad papadam crushed

handfull roasted peanuts ( optional )

1 tablespoon oil

 

in a bowl place khichi pieces, drizzle oil and mix well. Add all the above ingredients and mix well. Transfer in a serving bowl and enjoy .

 

Note : You can customize it however you wish that’s what makes it so fun.

GAYATRI HAVAN

 

This weekend I had a call from Sarlaben Thakrar from Gayatri Parivar Dar-es_salaam, Tanzania inviting me to perform a small Yagna at home.  The instructions actually came to the Gayatri Parivar from Shantikunj in Haridvar India to recite the powerful Gayatri Mantra and pray for the good health and safety of all living beings during these challenging times.

Sarlaben sent us instructions via watsapp and we carried out a small Yagna at our home in Charleston on Sunday morning. If you want to join in and perform the havan next Sunday please do so.  The more positive energy we create the better for all living beings.

To perform the Yagna, you will need the following:

Havan Samagri, Ghee, cotton wool wicks, bamboo sticks or incense sticks cut into small pieces and matches

A foil container placed on a steel plate and a wooden board (to stop the heat from the container burning any surface)

Since I did not have the havan samagri, I made this at home using the following ingredients

Sesame seeds 1tbsp, 5 cloves, 1 stick cinnamon, 5 whole cardamom pods, 1 piece of kapoor (camphor)

You will need to grind this all into a coarse mixture.

Method:

in a small foil container, place the cotton wool wickes dipped into melted ghee

Place the cut up bamboo sticks as shown in the picture below

Light the cotton wool wickes.

Once you see the small flames; start to recite the Gayatri Mantra as below

Om Bhur Bhuva swaha tat savitur varenyam, bhargo devasya dhimahi dhiyo yo na prachodayat

Please do join the Gayatri parivar in this to wish every living being well and bring positive energy to this ailing world.

Jai Gurudev

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TURYA SHAK / RIDGE GOURD

TURYA SHAK

 

2 medium size Turya ( ridge gourd ) Washed and cut in to cubes.

2 tomatoes grated

1 teaspoon chilipowder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic paste

1 teaspoon dhana jeeru

for tempering

3 tablespoons oil

1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

1/2 teaspoon asafetida

Heat the oil in a sauce pan, once heated add mustard seeds and asafetida . As soon as it starts to crackle add the Turiya and all the above masala. ( spices) and stir well. Cover the lid and cook on medium heat, stirring in between for 2 to 3 minutes. Add grated tomatoes and mix well.and let cook until done . Garnish with cilantro and transfer in a serving bowl. Enjoy turya shak with khichdi and rotla. What a delicious treat and so easy too !

 

TANDOORI PANEER CHEESY SANDWICH

TANDOORI PANEER CHEEESY SANDWICH

 

Nothing is more comforting than a hot tandoori grilled sandwich.

1 cup paneer cubes

1 small onion cut in to cubes

1/4 bell pepper’s cut in to cubes

1/2 cup grated cheese

1 tablespoon schezwan sauce

1/2 teaspoon tandoori masala

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

1 teaspoon oil

 

Skew the marinated paneer, bell peppers and onions, brush oil all over and grill. Remove from the skewer and cut in to tiny pieces, set aside

 

 

2 tablespoons green chutney

2 tablespoons red chutney

2 slices of bread

butter

Spread chutney on one side of the bread, flip and spread butter side down  of bread, place the stuffing top with grated cheese and grill. Remove the sandwich and place onto a cutting board and gently cut into half and serve hot with  a bowl of your favorite soup.