Lately, I have been very slow in updating the blog. Between running behind a very active toddler, a job and cooking, I hardly find any free time. By the time he sleeps, I am totally exhausted and loose any interest in blogging. But I will make a sincere effort to blog once in a while.
Last month when we visited India, my pachi (mom’s sister) came to visit us. Like always, I bugged her for recipes. She is the one who had introduced me to kala masala years ago. She got me a big pack of authentic kala masala from Belgaum. She gave me this recipe which is a staple at her home. After coming back to US, I made this and it came out great. I am making this again tomorrow for V’s office potluck.
I have heard some people say goda masala and kala masala are same and some say they are different. You can use any of them. Here is my recipe for it.
Ingredients: 1 lb(0.45kgs) chicken 1/2 cup onion 1/2 cup tomato 1/2 cup thick coconut milk
Masala-1 : 1 tea spn ginger paste 1 tea spn garlic paste 3 green chillies 3-4 sprigs coriander leaves 2 cloves 1″ cinnamon
Make a paste of masala-1 ingredients.
Masala-2 : 1 tea spn coriander seeds 1/2 cup onion 1/4 cup coconut 1 tea spn goda masala/kala masala 1/2 tea spn chilli powder
Heat a little oi and add coriander seeds, onion. When they start turning brownish, add coconut, goda/kala masala, chilli powder. Grind to a paste.
Method to make gravy : Add the masala-1 paste to chicken and keep aside for 20-30mins. Heat a little oil. Fry onion. Add chicken and fry till chicken is cooked. Now add tomato, masala-2, salt. Cook for few minutes. Add coconut milk and bring to boil. Serve hot.
Serves : 3-4 Preparation time : 40mins
Pictorial:
I had never tasted artichokes before coming to US. But it was love at first bite. I am yet to try the fresh one. I use either frozen or canned ones. I like to add it as a topping for pizza or put it in some pasta dish. This one is so far our favorite pasta dish.
Ingredients: 1/2 packet angel hair pasta 1/2 tbl spn butter/olive oil 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes cut into half 1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts 1/2 cup parmesan cheese 1 tea spn chopped garlic Chopped basil leaves Pepper Salt
Method: Bring water to boi with salt and a drop of olive oil. Heat butter (or olive oil) and add onion, garlic. Fry till they are trnslucent (do not brown them). Add tomatoes, artichokes, a little sat. Add pasta, parmesan cheese, pepper, basil leaves. Toss all the pasta. Serve sprinkled with little cheese and basil.
Serves : 2-3 Preparation time : 30mins
Pictorial:
