ahhhh... doesn't this looks heavenly to you? well it surely does to me... warning.. you might experience some saliva dripping.. pls have a bib handy!! hehehe...
what you see on your right is "Masala Rice" a quick vegetarian rice which is loved by many indians and non-indians like me. cooked together with a spices called "garam masala" the basmati rice is covered with a riched aroma smell that will surely calls for the neighbours around. together with an array of mixed vegetable, you can be sure that this rice dish provides you a filling sensation as well as a fulfilling taste.
originally a type of north indian cooking, the masala rice comes in a variety of taste and flavours. but of course.. the main taste of the "garam masala" is not over powered by the rest of the spices that comes with it, because all it does is to compliment the taste. some people like to add yoghurt while some like to add a good amount of tamarind juice for the citrusy taste that goes extremely well with the "garam masala" spice. however i find both of these additions not to my liking as yoghurt will make me go to the loo while tamarind tends to make my end results a bit too acidic. anyway... one person's favourite may be someone else's poison. true?
besides the masala rice, i had my favourite "old cucumber soup" as well. i should say my culinary skills is improving as it taste so much better than the previous time i cooked them.. hahaha... boiled for aproxx. 3.5 hours, in low fire simmering to perfection, my soup is just mouth watering! not only does it looks good, it taste good too... hehehhe... okie shall leave the taste part to my roomie later to judge.my mom once told me, you need pork ribs to get the sweetness out from the cucumber. when looking for the old cucumber, get the ones which is golden brown in colour, firm to touch and no dents or cracks. young cucumbers (those with green streaks) then to give out a sourish taste to the soup once boiled and this may spoil the soup. together with the soup i added some "kei chi" a type of herb to add colour and taste.
during the good old days, my uncle used to put in "dried squid" to add a very rich flavour to the soup. the dried squid is lightly burnt to get the aroma out and then put into the soup and bring to a boil before adding the meat, ribs and cucumber. i used to put the whole old cucumber chunks into the soup without removing the seed.... a VERY wrong move. the seed when bitten gaves out a bitter taste to the soup and can be pretty annoying when the whole soup is filled with them. :p oh well, lesson learnt. always remove it to ensure a clear and sweet soup.
alrite.. before i end.. here is the recipies to the "Masala Rice"
Masala Rice (Masale Bhaat)
Ingredients
(for approx. 6 people)
1 1/2 cup long grain raw rice,
3 cups water,
1/4 cup boiled peas,
1/4 cup gherkins chopped vertically,
1/4 cup brinjal pieces,
7-8 no. fried cashewnuts,
10 no. curry leaves,
2 teaspoon Maharashtrian goda masala or garam masala powder,
2 teaspoon turmeric powder,
1/2 teaspoon asafoetida,
salt,sugar to taste,
2 teaspoon ghee,
chopped coriander leaves and,
fresh grated coconut for garnishing
Whole garam masala (can be skipped)
2 cinnamon sticks,
3-4 cloves,
3-4 bay leaves,
For the masala:
1/4 cup dry shredded coconut,
4 red chilies,
2 teaspoon coriander seeds1 teaspoon cumin seeds,
Lightly roast all the items and grind.
Method
1.Wash rice and drain. Keep aside for 1/2 an hour.
2. Heat a thick bottom vessel. Heat 1/4 cup oil. Add the whole garam masala. When all the masala ingredients sizzle, add turmeric powder and asafoetida.
3. Add curry leaves, and chopped gherkins. Once soft, add peas and brinjal pieces and fry.
4. Mix in the rice and fry for some time on a medium heat. Pour boiling water into it. Stir.
5. Let the rice boil till it shows bubbles on the top.
6. Now turn the heat to low and add the ground masala, goda masala or garam masala, ghee, salt and sugar. Cover and cook.
7. Rice is done when all the water evaporates. Garnish with cashewnuts, coconut and coriander leaves. Top with ghee. Serve hot.
*recipies from http://www.mumbai-masala.com/maharashtrafood/masalarice.html *
alternatively, if the above method seems too tidious, there is always the convenients of ready cooked food! hehehe, before you knew it, everything can be found off the rack. pure laziness or home friendly.. your call!
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