Diwali 2007 Faral :)

It seems so nice to be here after so long to blog something.. A Very Happy Diwali to all my blogger friends(though its the last day today). I firstly thank all my friends who left some comments to my previous posts and apologize for not replying! Also for my friends who continue cooking and sharing awesome recipes and whom I cant visit though I sometimes just peek at your blogs and quickly drool our the snaps.. Life is busy with college and assignmnets and exams but not there had to be one post in Diwali, else my diwali would not have been complete! So here's my spread for this Diwali.. Time required: 2days

For non- Maharashtrians, "Faral" is the wide array of snacks that Maharashtrians prpeare for Diwali and have it everyday for breakfast and serve it to friends and visitors during Diwali. Since I started making this stuff only after coming here, I realise why my mom used to start preparation for this a week or two in advance. Recipes not inclded.. Will come in as soon as I get time .. I PROMISE!!! :)

My faral consists of:


1) Chivda: The yellow one in the center

I made one with Mamra/murmura/flaked rice as I did not get Thin Poha(flattened rice) :(


and now move up to


2) Besan Laadu: The yellow balls

This time I made it in microwave just like I did rawa ladus.. Find the non microwave recipe for besan laadu's here


and follow clockwise to


3) Shev: The brownish spirals

I didnt prepare this and chakli last year as I didnt have the chakli press.. But had to make it this time.. Very simple and oh so crispy.. recipe will follow later


4) Tikhat Shankarpale:

Not actually tikhat but salted.. Also called as namkeen i guess.. recipe will follow later


5) Chakli:

My favourite.. Made it using rice flour and not the real maharashtrian way using bhajani (this is a special mix which is used for chaklis).. Find the recipe here...


6) Karanji:

This is the naivedya that we have for the most important day of Diwali... Laxmi Pujan.. Or do I say "Euro Pujan" ;) Recipe follows *soon* as they turned out really well and I just dont wanna miss the recipe thats still on my mind by not posting it :D


7) Gode Shankarpale:

The sweet ones..This was my first trial at this using sugar syrup.. Mom usually makes it using Jaggery.. my recipe will follow later.. And mom's version too will be up sometime


Thats for today.. My Karanji recipe will be posted next.. Hope you guys are having a great Diwali with just lights and no crackers!

Celebrating RakshaBandhan with Gajar ka Halwa!

Happy RakshaBandhan to all my blogger friends! Ask my brother whats RakshaBandhan and he would say "money making business for girls!!" :D For those who dont know, I have a real bro elder to me whom I call "Da" (Dada is marathi word for elder bro but its tooo long for me, hence......) And I used to agree with him on this till last year when we used to be together on RakshaBandhan day! But now both of us have better definitions for this festival.. Before my marriage all we did was quarrelling (and we plan to continue fighting when I am back in India), but now we really miss each other.. Sometime back he just called to wish me and I happily asked him to courier me some gift.. Oh yes, I didnt forget to courier a Rakhi so he better not forget about the gift! ;)

Its just impossible to find Rakhi material here in Belgium.. I tried nearly all the shops, even childrens hobby classes but nothing could suit my taste.. Finally I got some wool and made a batch of simple Rakhis for Da, a cricket team of cousins and Sid n Vish, two most important people in my life- whom duniya will call rakhee brothers, but for me they are just as close to me as is my real brother.. They have been by my side through all my tough times and at times helping me take the toughest decisions in my life.. The best gift that I have for Rakshabandhan is the assurance that whenever I need them they are just a call away! Love u guys n miss u very much! Happy RakshaBandhan.. A glimpse of the rakhis I made and sent alongwith handwritten letters which my brothers just loved!

Festivals are always associated with sweets and I decided to make something sweet today.. Now I cant make all the variety of sweets which my choosy bros love (with one becoming highly health conscious these days and posting all health funde on his blog :P) so decided to make my favourite.. Gajar Ka Halwa.. The most famous Indian dessert, thanks to Bollywood ;) 9 out of 10 mothers in Hindi films welcome their sons coming back from Pardes with a bowl of his favourite sweet.. No points for guessing.. its my dear favourite Gajar ka Halwa! :) Here's a bowl for u guys!!

Gajar Halwa

Makes:

3-4 servings

Preparation Time:

40-45 mins

What you need:

4-5 Carrots (2-2.5 cups grated carrots)
3 cups Whole Milk
2 tbsp Ghee
1-11/2 cups Sugar [may vary depending on sweetness of carrots]
1/2 tsp Elaichi Powder
4-5 strands of Saffron
Nuts (Golden Raisins, chopped cashews, almonds and pistachios)

How to proceed:

1) Boil milk
2) Heat 1 tbsp Ghee in a non-stick pan and fry cashews and raisins till they turn golden brown
3) Keep them aside and add grated carrots in the remaining ghee
4) Saute carrots for a 2-3 minutes
5) Now add cardamom, saffron and boiled milk and cook on medium low heat till all the milk is absorbed. Keep stiring at intervals. This might take 15-20 mins
6) When milk is nearly absorbed, add sugar, fried cashews and other nuts
7) Add remaining 1 tbsp Ghee
8) Cook till ghee separates from the sides of the pan (If you prefer mushy version as I do, cook for just 2-3 minutes)
9) Serve hot or cold.. I prefer the refridgerated one! :)


* Next Gajar Halwa is gonna be a trial in microwave.. Am looking for time saving recipes these days.. Hope it turns out equally good!

Happy Birthday to Me and a MeMe :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME... Its my birthday today! :) Now dont ask me my age :P Since I dont have an oven, there's no home made cake for me.. Also no cookig today.. So not another one of those regular posts ;)

My blogger friends Bhags of Crazy Curry and Ramya of Mane Adige tagged me for a meme for 7 random things about me.. I thought today would be the best day to do that! :)

Khabardaar, Hoshiyaar, Aarti ke life ke kuch paane aapke liye haazir hai!! :)

1) Since its my birthday today, let me start with something related to that.. I am very good at remembering birthdays and anniversaries.. Its rarely that I miss wishing my close friends and relatives- thats only when I have no internet or phone service/phone numbes. And I really hate it if these friends forget my birthdays or need to set reminders to wish me! Samajhdaro ko ishara kaafi hai.. hope my cell stays busy now ;)

2) Now this is real unique n random- My husband and I were married on the first day we met :D Shocked???? I can understand.. But thats another sweet long story behind this which I cant discuss here :D

3) There was not a single day that I stayed away from my house/parents before marriage.. No hostel life n no long night outs at friends (Just 2-3 times but no more that 1 night stay at friends.) I would tell my friends that I would marry someone who lives near my place so that I dont go too far from my parents.. And now here I am in Belgium right after marriage, saat samandaar paar :)) Thats destiny.. And I am happy about it.. Its now that I realise and completely understand the roles and importance of my dear ones in my life.

4) I am a very talkitive person. I can chat with my friends for days n nights and most of my friends call me a chatterbox. Within my team, people used to bet if I can stay quiet for 5 mins :D
If I am quiet for sometime, they think something's wrong with me.. But I am not the same when it comes to talking on stage. I can informally discuss the topic but cant present it formally to an audience. I have a stage fear and just go blank with just the thought of so many people ogling at me. I once was forcibly selected for an extempore speech competition in school and I couldnt say a word and started crying infront of everyone.. This was my most embaraasing situation in my life which I'll never forget!

5) I am a very religious person and believe in God... I fast and do lotsa pooja-paath.. I love to visit temples (which I used to do every single day when in India), but havent visited any church in my city as yet.. My hubby is total opposite.. He hasn't fasted even one day in his life! :) Opposites attract-Very true! I also believe in fate, destiny and luck but I know when and where to draw the line.. Sometimes I avoid doing things which my grandmom or mom used to disallow me to do.. Something like "Do not cut ur nails/hair in eveinng" n stuff like this...And I think that these small things dont make me a superstitious person!

6) About my likes: I love dogs and hate cats.. Kittens are ok but no cats! I love reading comics and had a huge collection of Tinkle n Archies comics :) I studied Japanese for 2 years(4-5 yrs back.. now have forgotten everything!) and am learning Dutch language now! I love travelling and prefer the countryside beauty to visiting big cities.. When it comes to shopping, I visit every single shop nearly 3 times a week and buy things only when I have done complete analysis.. If there's something which I love at the first site, its bought! :) I rarely watched English movies when in India, but now have watched most of the top Hollywood movies in the last 8-9 months.. In Bollywood movies, I love any type of comedy or Family dramas.. But (fortunately)I cant stand the sas-bahu Ekta Kappor serials!

7) Last but not the least.. Food and cooking.. I wasn't so much into cooking before marriage.. The first thing I learnt was Potato sabji.. And learnt some basic vegetables and chapatis and bhakris in the 10th std vacation.. But then didnt cook at all till I came to Belgium after marriage.. All cooking that I learnt was what mom used to prepare at home.. My father doesnt ever enter the kitchen.. I can confidently say that he cannot even boil water or prepare tea :) I took interest in bloogging and ultimately good cooking ;) when I bumped into Nupur's blog and through that the other flod blogs.. I am good when it comes to cooking for a small group.. But I mess up with some ingredients when I have a bunch of people coming in or the guests (ladies) forcing themselves to help in my kitchen... I am a "chikeneterian".. I am allergic to eggs and cant stand the smell of fish n sea food.. I have never prepared chicken.. I eat it only when my husband makes it or in restaurants.. I am a coward when it comes to trying other cuisines.. I hate wasting food but have done it twice when trying some restaurants here.. Ultimately the only options left for restaurants here is Thai or Mexican.. and Pizza Hut! I love chocolates and chaats.. can live my whole life on just these two things (provided I am given unlimited access) :D

Thats ALL about be.. It seems to be my biggest post till date :D Phew.. Chalo now, if you are done with "discovering" me, bake some birthday cakes for me ;)

Since most of you are already done with this meme, whosever is left can play along! :)

Mahinabhar Maharashtrian Swaipak!

(Literal Translation: Maharashtrian cooking for a month!)

Regional Cuisines of India (RCI) is an event started by Lakshmik to feature cuisines from various states of India. Every month an Indian state is selected and bloggers are invited to try and post recipes for delicacies related to that state. This month is aapla “Maharashtra” :) and the RCI-Maharashtra is hosted by the versatile Nupur. Could there be a better opportunity for me to post most of the traditional Maharashtrian dishes that I know??? Conclusion: For a month from now, all my posts will be dedicated to Maharashtrian food! I’ll try to make these dishes in total Maharashtrian style, meaning everything original, no extra additions or modifications! Also expect Maharashtrian food as my entries for any other blog events in June :)

I am a proper Maharashtrian.. I am born in Nashik, brought up in Pune, aajol (grandmom’s place) is Dhule and my sasar (sasural/in laws) is near Solapur. Now don’t expect that I am an expert at cooking various dishes from each region. :D In Maharashtra, some ingredients and food qualities are typical to some region, but the well known dishes are prepared in same style in each region! The coastal regions of Maharashtra, called the Konkan area is famous for the sea food (esp fish), rice and coconut preparations. The Bombay side for junk food- chaats and snacks at chaupati.. Pune is famous for sweets from Chitale Bandhu and Lakshminarayan Chiwda.. and “Khawaiye Puneri” for their regular restaurant visits ;) Kolhapur is famous for their spicy Kolhapuri non veg dishes.. Nagpur for Varhadi non veg dishes and ofcourse the Haldiram products! :) These products helped me survive initially when I came here.:D And last, but not the least, Alphanso Mangoes from Ratnagiri and Konkan.. Yet to come here :(

Maharashtra is famous for its Ganesh Festival.. It is celebrated in Aug – Sept and lasts for 10 days.. The other important festivals celebrated in Maharashtra are Makar Sankranti, Holi and Diwali. Since festivals and foods go hand in hand, different festive foods are typicaaly associated with each festival. :) When it comes to food, (seriously) Maharashtrians are famous for “fasting/upwaas”.. On important fasting days like Mahashivratri, the fasting foods are feasts.. The fasting/upwaas food usually consists of sago, warai tandool(some type of rice), milk products, potatoes, dry fruits, groundnuts and fruits. If these are the pros of fasting, who won’t fast!! :D Normally a Maharashtrian meal consists of bread (poli/bhakri), a dry vegetable, a gravy vegetable, and rice and dal.. Chutneys, papads or pickles for accompaniment and desserts for some special occasions..

Maharashtra earns its economy mostly from the agriculture sector. Most people in Khandesh, Solapur and Vidharbha are farmers cultivating sugarcane, cotton, bajra, jowar, wheat, pulses, groundnuts and fruits like bananas, grapes and oranges. The booming IT industry is the other major economic sector. The state has a rich history of the Peshwas and the great Maratha warrior Shivaji in its name. The various forts and historic buildings in Maharashtra are an example of great architecture. There are about 175 forts in Maharashtra, the major ones being Murud Janjira, Pratapgad, Raigad, Rajgad, Sinhgad, Shivneri, Sindhudurg and Torna.

Coming to the major cities in Maharashtra and their attractions.. Bombay, the capital city, famous for the Bollywood film industry.. Pune, also called as “Oxford of East” for its reputed colleges and universities, is also famous for the booming software industry.. Nagpur, following the footsteps of Pune in IT industry, is known as the second capital of Maharashtra, is famous for its Orange cultivation.. Kolhapur, for its Mahalakshmi Temple and the world famous Kolhapuri chappals.. Heard lately that they were exported to Brussels and are sold at 100 euros a pair!! :O Nashik, the temple town, also has a mention in Ramayana.. Solapur, for its Solapuri chadar and the Siddheshwar temple.. Aurangabad, for the beautiful Ajanta Ellora caves and the mini Taj Mahal-“Biwi ka Makbara” and also the Himru shawls.. Not to forget the hill stations of Matheran and Mahabaleshwar.. And the ghats of Malshej, Lonavala and Khandala in rains.. And the beaches of Ganpatipule, Harihareshwar and Shrivardhan!

LOL, that seems too much to digest.. Seems as if I am writing an essay on “Majha Rashta- Maharashtra” :D Coming back to the topic of Maharashtrian food.. Stay tuned for a month full of Maharashtrian food! :)

Pithla Bhakri

Its “Mothers Day” tomorrow.. And the first time/year that I am away from my mom on Mother’s day.. Miss ya mom.. My mom as well as my mummy (MIL) are not so choosy about food. They prefer simple home cooked food to restaurant food. In eating habits both are very similar. :) If I would have been home, I would have surely cooked a simple meal for them. I cooked Pithla Bhakri today specially to celebrate Mothers day. Happy Mothers Day Mom and Mummy!

I also take this opportunity to wish my fellow bloggers, who are proud Mothers, a very Happy Mothers Day! :)

Pithla Bhakri represents a humble meal in any Maharashtrain household. Pithla is made from besan/chickpea flour and tastes best when eaten with a bread called Bhakri which is typically prepared in Western Maharashtra using Jowar/Bajri flour. It can also be eaten with plain rice or rotis. Although Pithla Bhakri is said to be a “poor man’s meal”, it is enjoyed by one and all due to its simplicity! Loads of people visit the Sinhagad Fort in Pune just to have a feast of the Pithla Bhakri and Khekda Bhaji served there. Good old memories!! :)

This is my second entry for Nupur’s “P of Indian Vegetables” for A-Z of Indian Vegetables. The bhakris didn’t turn out as good as expected (and then I didn’t have much jowar flour left), and hence have not posted the recipe here. I’ll post it the next time when they turn out better with some good snaps. Here goes the recipe for Pithla.

Pithla

What you need:

4-5 tbsp Besan/Chickpea Flour
500 ml Water
2 tbsp Oil
1 tsp Mustard Seeds
1 tsp Cumin Seeds
3-4 Green Chillies
3-4 cloves Garlic
1 inch Ginger
Few strands of Corriander, chopped
Salt to taste

How to proceed:

1) Add besan to water and mix well so as to make it lump free mixture.
2) Grind chillies, ginger and garlic together
3) Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds
4) When mustard seeds start spluttering, ass the chilli ginger garlic paste and fry a min
5) Now add the besan water mixture and stir well
6) Add salt as required and keep stirring at intervals (Continuous stirring will avoid formation of lumps)
7) Cook for 5-10 mins.
8) Garnish with corriander and serve hot with bhakri, roti or rice.

I served pithla with bhakris, rice, buttermilk and spring onion…. A perfect marathi meal, ideal for a weekend, cooked for moms and gobbled by their kids ;)

Sheera

This dish is for my bhai Vish. HAPPY BIRTHDAY VISH! It was his birthday on 5th May and he just loves anything sweet. So what could be a better present from a naive chef?? :P The initial plan was to make Rawa Laddus but they didn’t turn out so well. So the last minute preparation was the most easy Maharashtrian dessert, Sheera! Now don’t get sad bhai.. will make Rawa Laddus soon and post it for u!! :) Filhaal you have to manage with just the snap and recipe until I get back to India :)

Bhai holds a very special place in my life.. In the 2-3 years that I have known him, he never got a chance to visit my place and eat something prepared by me.. But when he met my hubby before my marriage (this was even before I met my hubby.. now that’s a long story :D), he confidently told my hubby, “You are very lucky. Aarti is a very good cook.” I don’t know whether to call it "bharosa" or "fattebaaji" :P Because that was the time when all I knew of cooking was chapatti, bhakri and pithla bhaat. :) My hubby still remembers this and says that he wasn’t so wrong! Thanks Bhai for the confidence you showed in me.. Miss ya so much!

A sincere promise from my side: Next time we meet, you can demand any dish :) I’ll prepare it for you! I owe you this as a birthday present.. Btw, my bday is just 2-3 months away.. I know you dont cook anything.. and you know my address.. so………. ;)

Sheera

What you need:

1 Cup Semolina/Rawa
1 Cup Sugar
3-4 tbsp Ghee
1¾ Cups Water
1 tsp Cardamom powder
8-10 Golden Raisins
4-5 Cashews chopped
2-3 Almonds sliced

How to proceed:

1) Heat the water. Keep aside covered
2) Add ghee to frying pan. Fry cashews and raisins and keep aside
3) Now add Semolina to the ghee and roast well until you get the nice aroma of roasted semolina (Takes approx 5-6 mins).
4) At this stage, add sugar and ground cardamom.
5) Mix well for a minute and then add hot water slowly. Take care while adding water as it might bubble out.
6) Keep stirring continuously to avoid forming lumps.
7) Add the fried raisins and cashews and mix well
8) Cook covered on medium heat for 2-3 mins
9) Serve hot garnished with sliced almonds

Welcome to Aarti's Corner

After spending loads of time reading various food blogs and improving(really???) my cooking skills, its time to have my own corner to share my experiences.. Food bloggers have been a helpful hand in teaching me to cook after marriage :) Thanks to them, these days my current passion is cooking and trying new recipes. I am good at regional maharashtrian cuisines but am trying to learn other cuisines as well. My blog will also include some experiences of travelling in Europe.. My first post will follow in some time with one of my favorite snack!

Welcome to my chotusa kona khopcha on the net :)