A Mexican inspired dinner is not complete without a heaping side of Mexican Rice. Although sometimes referred to as “Spanish Rice”, don’t expect to find this preparation of sauteed golden brown rice simmered in broth in Spain. The term simply stems from the fact that the Spanish language is spoken in Mexico. Oh by the way…in Mexico, this delicious rice recipe is called just rice or “arroz”. (more…)

Other Interesting Indian Fusion

Ghee is a very integral part of a South Asian household. It is used for cooking and religious functions. The flavor, the aroma is so distinct and there is not a substitute for it. Clarified Butter in Hindi is called Ghee (घी) and in some of the other languages: Nepali: घ्यू ghyū, Urdu: گھی ghī, Bangla: ঘী ghī, Marathi: Toop (तूप), Kannada: ತುಪ್ಪ tuppa, Tamil: நெய் ney, Telugu: నెయ్యి neyyi, Somali: subaag, Arabic: السمنة‎. Little known fact is that Ghee / Ghi (or similar) is also used in a lot of other parts of the world like Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia to name a few. Make some home made Ghee (Clarified Butter), put a blob on your food the next time and enjoy!

Ghee is a very integral part of a South Asian household. It is used for cooking and religious functions. The flavor, the aroma is so distinct and there is not a substitute for it. Clarified Butter in Hindi is called Ghee (घी) and in some of the other languages: Nepali: घ्यू ghyū, Urdu: گھی ghī, Bangla: ঘী ghī, Marathi: Toop (तूप), Kannada: ತುಪ್ಪ tuppa, Tamil: நெய் ney, Telugu: నెయ్యి neyyi, Somali: subaag, Arabic: السمنة‎. Little known fact is that Ghee / Ghi (or similar) is also used in a lot of other parts of the world like Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia to name a few. Make some home made Ghee (Clarified Butter), put a blob on your food the next time and enjoy!

Ingredient:

Unsalted Butter

Method:

1. Take Unsalted Butter and put it in a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat.
2. Allow it to melt and come to a boil.
3. Once it starts boiling, reduce the flame to a low and allow it to froth/foam.
4. Keep stirring to make sure it does not burn at the bottom.
5. Once there is a golden brown layer at the bottom, turn off the flame.
6. Tip: take a tablespoon of water and pour it into the pan on the ghee. It will bubble and all the foam will dissapear.
7. Allow it to cool down.
8. Sieve it into a clean, dry jar or container.
9. Allow it to come down to room-temperature and store.

Tips:

1. Make Ghee in bulk and pour into small containers. Keep one in use out and rest in the refrigerator for longer shelf-life.

Other Interesting Indian Odds & Ends

Many different recipes call for Roasted Sooji (Suji, Semonlina, Cream of Wheat, Farina) but it’s a time consuming effort. Watch this week’s Tip Tuesday video for some time saving ideas about roasting sooji. (more…)

Useful Tips

By popular demand from students and bachelors, here is a quick and easy recipe for Instant Tomato Rasam. In just a few minutes, you’ll be on your way to enjoying a steaming hot bowl of rasam. Have it as a soup or with some plain white rice…comforting! (more…)

By popular demand from students and bachelors, here is a quick and easy recipe for Instant Tomato Rasam. In just a few minutes, you’ll be on your way to enjoying a steaming hot bowl of rasam. Have it as a soup or with some plain white rice…comforting! (more…)

Other Interesting Indian Soups

We love the fact that this particular Mexican favorite does not need any major cooking or prepping. A few ingredients that we always have on hand and we are ready for a fabulous meal. Tacos are always such a treat at our home and put a huge smile on everyone’s faces. They can be stuffed with anything…use your imagination. We have shown you the basic but it can be customized as required. Kid and Adult friendly dish!

Ingredients:

Tortillas
Refried Beans – Recipe
Salsa – Recipe
Shredded Lettuce
Diced Tomatoes
Sliced Spring Onions
Sliced Black Olives
Chopped Bell Pepper
Chopped Onions
Shredded Cheese

Additional Add-on:
Slices of Grilled Chicken / Fish / Shrimp
Cooked Minced or Ground Meats
Sliced Pickled Jalapenos
Sour Cream

Method:

1. Lightly warm the Tortillas on a skillet.
2. Spread on half the Tortilla warmed-up Refried Beans.
3. Spread some Salsa over it.
4. Add optional Chicken or Meats at this point.
5. Then start layering the rest: Lettuce, Tomatoes, Spring Onions, Black Olives, Bell Pepper, Onions & Cheese.
6. Roll or fold and enjoy!

Other Interesting Indian Fusion

We love the fact that this particular Mexican favorite does not need any major cooking or prepping. A few ingredients that we always have on hand and we are ready for a fabulous meal. Tacos are always such a treat at our home and put a huge smile on everyone’s faces. They can be stuffed with anything…use your imagination. We have shown you the basic but it can be customized as required.

Cold and rainy days…perfect climate for pakodas or bhajjis (fritters). Try this recipe for our version of mirchi bhajjis (stuffed green chili fritters). It’s the perfect tea time snack – super delicious and guaranteed to hit the spot! (more…)

Cold and rainy days…perfect climate for pakodas or bhajjis (fritters). Try this recipe for our version of mirchi bhajjis (stuffed green chili fritters). It’s the perfect tea time snack – super delicious and guaranteed to hit the spot! (more…)

Other Interesting Indian Appetizers