Apple - Plum Ice tea

This experiment is an extension of the apple - plum reduction

1Tbsp Apple Plum reduction
2Tsp Ice tea Mix / powder - i had the plain version , but you can try mint / peach / lemon or other flavors

For the reduction refer Apple Plum Reduction
In an old fashioned glass, add the reduction and the ice tea mix , and cold water
Mix well and serve immediately

Garnish with mint springs / lemon peel

Apple Plum Reduction

1  apple diced - i had a green apple that was in the fridge for quiet a while
1 plum - diced
1" Cinnamon
2 bay leaves
3/4 cup sugar ( add more if you like to)
2Tbsp water


In a pan all the ingredients along with 2Tbsp sugar and cook it over low - medium flame
Once the apple becomes soft add the remaining sugar and cook until all the ingredients have blended well and the fruits are very soft - turned into a semi solid form

Once done cool and blend it into a paste ( if you dont want a strong flavor , remove the spices, I went on to keep it and blended it all together)
Strain the paste and store it in an air - tight container

This can be used for a variety of stuffs........Like ice tea - over ice creams - mix fruits ............rest experiment yourself!!!

Tawa Aloo Chat

Here is one of my favorite recipe, and I can just have this 24*7 - 3 times a day......


3 boiled potatoes - cubed
4 Tbsp oil / ghee - for shallow fry
Salt - To taste
1Tbsp Tamarind pulp
1 Tsp Lemon juice
1 tsp red chilly powder
1tsp roasted cumin seed powder
1/4 tsp black salt
1/2 tsp Jaljeera / Chat masala

And loads of excitement + mouth watering moments


In a pan heat oil and add the potatoes , shallow fry until brown and crispy - If you wish you can also deep fry it once until light brown and then fry it on a tawa with ghee until crisp
Once done remove the potatoes in a bowl and add the rest of the ingredients
Mix well and serve

Tips:-

You can serve these on plastic plates - like the one I got from BJ's or in paper plates
Garnish it with coriander / cilantro / pomegranate pearls - I could not wait long to garnish it over
If you want to make it a lil bit healthy - you can add in finely chopped cucumber - tomatoes and onions...it tastes really good and gives a very colorful look to the dish
I did not add tamarind pulp ( I never miss it though), and that s why the aloo chat has turned a lil bit as a dry version, the tamarind helps in coating the masala evenly

So what are you waiting for.................Happy Chat-ing

Kathiyawadi Khichdi / Masala Rice

This recipe is from the famous chain , serving Rajasthani and Gujarati thali s - RAJDHANI

Serves : 4



Rice: 1 cup
Green onion : 3 medium sized - finely chopped
Garlic : 2 - finely chopped
Beans : 1/2 cup, chopped
Green peas : 1/2 cup
Brinjal : 1 medium sized - diced
Curry leaves : 8 - 10
Green Chilli : 3 chopped
Red chilli : 2 table spoon
Asafoetida (Hing) : a pinch
Salt : to taste
Garam masala : 1/2 teaspoon
Turmeric powder : 1/2 teaspoon
Mustard seeds : 1 teaspoon
Jeera : 1 teaspoon
Oil : 3 tablespoon
Ghee : 2 tablespoon



Wash and soak the rice for half an hour , drain and set aside
In a pan heat some oil and ghee , add cumin and mustard
Once the seeds cracke / splutter add onions and cook until light brown
Now add garlic and green chillies , fry for a minute
Add the dry masala powders( red chilli powder, turmeric powder and garam masala powder)
Fry for a while and add the drained rice
Add beans, green peas and brinjal to it
Pour in warm water till it is about two inches above the level of the rice. If the water dries up, more warm water may be added
Add salt and hing. When the water starts bubbling, lower the heat and simmer till rice is cooked.
Garnish with coriander leaves
Serve hot with dahi / curd


Note: The original recipe called in for 1/2 cup tomatoes, which I have omitted , if you wish to, add it along with the other vegetables