A travelogue for the body,mind & soul!

To forgive is Divine!

2010-09-19T00:37:00.000-07:00

Hey!

Hmmm...after almost ages I know. But some thoughts cannot be put for public viewing unless it is a general subject that will require public pondering.May be finally I have one today.

The ability to Forgive!

Its rather easy to rehearse the adage: "Forgive and Forget." Is it that easy? Do people really follow? Nah..let me ignore what the public opines, but this is what I feel. May be yes and may be no, depending upon WHAT the mistake is and WHO has done it.

Let me make an honest confession here. I cant forgive anyone that easily. Yeah, I am not a saint. I commit mistakes too.I am not divine either,but I cause lesser harm to most other people than to myself.When I know I have hurt some one it hurts me more than it has ever hurt them. If some one has hurt me and taken me on a forced guilt trip, accusing me of things that I have mostly never said or at times never meant and assumption has embarked their perception ; ridiculed me and made my existence miserable, I will never ever forgive them. Not even forgive myself, for having let them do that to me because of societal reasons of conforming to basic courtesies and for being the younger one.

I heard this from somewhere,"Hurt hurts the person who hurts than the person to whom the hurt is caused."
It is very true. The root cause for all this is that in most personal relationships we expect someone to either do something for us or at the least return the same amount of love that we show to them. Not as a matter of gratitude, but as a matter of humanity. Human need is mostly love when all the other basic needs are fulfilled.

My thoughts seem to abscond when the grey matter is demanded to bombard fair treatment despite the unfair treatment given to me. If not for me who else will stand by me to protect myself from a downtrodden treatment.Here, I don't mean treatment of the physical order or physical self. I mean the words that cause more mental agony and trauma than actions would. Surprisingly, it is hard for people to understand that letting people live their lives and giving personal space and freedom is more important than may be buying a zillion dollar worth diamonds.

Yes, it becomes important under such circumstances that one has to stand up for oneself. May be I have learnt it the hardest way possible that the unlearning of the learning has become increasingly herculean. I have learnt to protect myself. by any means available to my grey matter during climax. I have learnt that if you dont fight for your right, it will never be given to you. Many radicals, I am sure at least the revolutionaries will agree with me.

Sometimes, rather most of the times, unconnected matters intrude onto the scenes of a rather huge discussion-argument-fight, making the matter go from bad to worse. Thats the time of the intervention of the timely silence. Silence for the outer world when there is a Nagasaki explosion from within.The volcano will erupt some day and once it does the damage is unimaginable and the destruction is inevitable.

Who has to be blamed for the volcanic eruption??

I will leave you with that till I can accumulate more matter to brood.

Take care

Ciao,

Suj!

Taming the Turmoil

2010-01-12T10:17:00.000-08:00

Taming the turmoil

Akin to the feeling I had in the past time
Rebuilding the shackles of the scattered prime
Inducing a manifested priority that binds the fragments
Into a redundant and fragile union that demands prudence.

The repercussions are unknown and thus the action uncertain.
Agreeing to disagree is impossibility as like-mindedness is diffused.
Deplorable events charge at lightning speed
Destiny of the liaison unknown.

Do I want this? I wonder.
Mingling answers assail my mind.
Over the various genres that feelings bind, I ponder,
What we sow, will we reap the same?

Against the leaping tides I pierce my arm-actions,
And juggle with the ravaging waters to attain my feat.
“To be or not to be”, I feel like Hamlet,
Success is a mystery that continues to remain obscure!

I caused hurt...

2009-09-02T05:08:00.000-07:00

Hey!
Amidst all the joy, knowledge and smiles I spread all day, i hurt my student today and although it was an unintentional mistake, it has upset me quite a lot. I had never made anyone cry and he did. I know it was not totally my fault, but it has hurt me a lot. I cant imagine i hurt him.
The true culprit never showed up and i gave a big round of blasting session. When the true culprit actually turned himself out, i got quite upset and apologised to him. I apologised and just walked out of the class. I dont know whether its going to change anything in that class, it definitely will to me.
What happened was wrong, and things were just getting out of hand, me being in the position that demanded me to take some action, i gave them some harsh words. No doubt they had to get it. They left me with no choice as despite many warnings they hadn't changed.

When i realised that i had targetted the wrong guy and the actual culprit or the reason for this was happy and laughing, while the innocent one cried, it hurt me to no end. I only could apologise to him and did that more than once and just walked out. Upset with myself and feeling extremely sorry for that boy.

Dear God, if you are there somewhere, please forgive me for what I did. Although unintentional, a mistake is a mistake. I feel deeply sorry for this. Hope i can make up for this. Will tell you if i do.

Love

Suj!

Happy Birthday to me!

2009-08-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

Yippeee my birthday it is :)

A year lost from our life span, a year closer to death, so why celebrate?? If thats what you think it is...then you are mistaken my dear.

A birthday is a day to celebrate your successful completion of yet another year on this earth! A day to celebrate with your loved ones, for having been around for the past one year and a hope that they will continue to be there for the next years to come! A simple way of showing your gratitude is by giving them all a treat to what ever extent possible!

It is a day you thank God and pamper yourself!! Give yourself a nice treat and make yourself feel reallly good about your own self! Buying new clothes only means novelty should settle in life for another year and bring prosperity and happiness!

Love to the world that has made me what I am today!

Cheers to life!

Love

Jo

He and I !

2009-07-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

I refused to start,
I refrained from stepping in;
He held my hand and led me in!
My first ever fall while riding
I quivered in pain and shivered to rise;
He gave me the courage and the power to arise.

I had a tiff with a friend,
It ached my heart, I cried;
He was aware, yet maturely only supported!
Despite his negations,
I walked onto unsuccessful directions;
He unsaid,assured in me his convictions!

I spoke to him about all the gossips
Sinfully hid some of my own feelings
He all-knowing, stood by and patted in his consents.
Today, I hate to see you helpless Daddy.
My united pillar and the strength of my spine,
I want to say I love you for "Being there"!
I vow to you, I will be there for you!

Love you Pappa...my dearest darling Dad!!
Yours
Gauri/ Jyothi!

Thank You God!

2009-07-03T10:19:00.000-07:00

It felt like the world collapsed,
My heart pounced out and cried.
I fed him glucose, spoonsfull.
He snored out every gram.
Not a drop did he gulp.
From his sweaty forehead
emerged shiny droplets
His swollen shiny legs grew heavier.
I was out of my wits,
Unknowing what to do,
I was all alone.

I picked him and threw him on the bed.
I hoped that the force would wake him.
None shook him.
The him slept, snored.
His pulse ran low,he was unconscious.
He was slipping out,dying I knew.
I called the doctors and the ambulance.
By my shoulder stood my aunt then,
Slowly he opened his eyes.
He was alive and I was too.
Thank You God;my Dad returned!

Love for Bangalore!

2009-05-18T05:25:00.000-07:00

Hmmm...having left Singaporean daily expeditions a little behind, I want to share with you the things that make me myself!
Not long ago, I hated to come back to my Bangalore. Although it is the city i was born and brought up.It was a feeling that i dreaded so much..."Getting back home". Sounds weird, i know, but i just hated to get back.
Like i had the ability to change fate, we were back. After having lead a sedantry life{when it comes to work}, getting into a fully chaotic lifestyle was a task in itself.
I longed to be busy and to be doing something more constructive and productive. I wanted to be like myself, like i have always been in this city.
But situations and circumstances, well thats what is called "Kismat"!

Anyways, after nearly 8 whole months of frantically looking for a job, fighting against all odds, I finally did find one apt to my requirements and also fitting my family's n number of criteria.
And my brother-in-law said that teaching ran in my blood.
Yes, he was right:) My mom is a teacher, all my aunts have been teachers sometime or the other and hence, the instinct sort of ran in me too!!

I am glad i had it in me!! It is indeed the noblest profession of all and the most satifying career option!

This job has given me the Leader in me a strong platform where I rule, when students love you for what you are and your strengths are...its speechlessly satiating!!
This is probably the only profession where your performance review depends on someone else's performance where in even during the process of evaluation you are not involved!
I mean, the board exam papers also dont come to you for evaluation and a total stranger does it.
It is so different from the corporate set up where life is fake and more like a living hell.

I will never forget my previous job which taught me a harsh side of the Churlish Corporate world.
There were practically no human relations. Everything was to be done through Messenger.
A small doubt was supposed to im'ed even though the person whom you have to talk to is right in front of your cubicle. I felt it so impersonal. I realised i cant connect to some place like that. I needed an employee friendly environment. Money and facilities were great...but what would i do with all of those things when my primary requirement of job satisfaction wasn't there???

A lot of you may say, com'on, that's how the world works....but I wanted something hatke!!

And lo... I found one!! I remember talking to Dada - Shaumik da, once about my dream job!! Here, I am working in the place i have always felt it no different from home, yet being work place!

A special thanks to my family, my Principal and my Director, without whom, I wouldn't have been where I am today!!!

Its is probably one of the best things to happen to me after coming back to Bangalore!!
Finally, with my hands full of work all the time, i dont have time for a lot of people and time! So again I am a CITY GIRL now. I am a true Bangalorean now, some one who doesn't have time to do anything, some one who is free only on one and a half days in the whole week!!

Bangalore life is such that there is something or the other happening always. If not for anyone else, it will be something at our own homes!

My friends never ever had time for me during the week living so far away from mom's place.
I am now a true Bangalorean!! I also dont have time for a lot of things!!!

Bangalore, I love you! More on this in the next post!!

Love

Jo

College Challenges!

2009-05-17T10:32:00.000-07:00

Hey all!

I have decided to pen my thoughts and experiences about my college and this time its standing on the other side of the class, as a lecturer! Everyday is a new challenge and my testing hours.
Every hour of class is my testing time! How much I yearn to write everyday,but just can't find enough time to jot!
This is one series I hope to gather time to dedicate myself to!

Will try and keep up this word!!

Love

JO

Parnika's birthday!

2009-05-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

Parnika!!

My little princess, the apple of our eye!! She turned 3 this month!! She talks and talks...besides all her other bubbly, jolly good activities!!

Love you doll!

Your's

Chitti!!

He and I!

2009-03-01T23:22:00.000-08:00

I refused to start,
I refrained from stepping in;
He held my hand and led me in!

My first ever fall while riding
I quivered in pain and shivered to rise;
He gave me the courage and the power to arise.

I had a tiff with a friend,
It ached my heart, I cried;
He was aware, yet maturedly only supported!

Despite his negations,
I walked onto unsuccessful directions;
He unsaid,assured in me his convictions!

I spoke to Him about all gossips
Sinfully hid some of my own feelings;
He still stood by and patted in His consents.

Today, I hate to see you helpless Daddy.
My united pillar and the strength of my spine,
I want to say, I love you for "being there!"

I vow to you, I will be there for you!!
Your support is irreturnable,
Trying is all I can do!

Love your lil one always,

Gowri!

EMI- Plastic money!!

2008-11-10T03:15:00.000-08:00

A resonance of today it seemed like when i saw the trailors and read the title!!Hmm..now thats getting too linguistically inclined to describe a movie like EMI- Liya hai tho chukaana padega!

Despite reading bad reviews of this movie and seeing that more than half theatre was empty...we decided to go for it...and i think it was worth the time we sat through it!!

Star cast----

Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Malaika Arora, Aashish Chaudhary, Neha Uberoi, Natasha Suri, Manoj Joshi, Pushkar Jog, Daya Shankar Pandey, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Urmila Matondkar.

Cast performance has been good and they of them have all done justice to their roles..so no talking about that:))!!

Getting to the story...Its about EMI like the title speaks of. The focus of the movie is on lives [many here] of common middle -class families and their desire to live a high-class lifestyle which neither suits their pockets nor their greeds. Desire is justified when it can be satiated within ones own means and the power to pay back!!

The whole story revolves around the head of a recovery agency- Goodluck Recovery Agency- Sanjay Dutt[ Sattar]. He has a few assistants and they together provide comic as well as the serious elements to the movie!!

Ab scene yeh hai ki loan liya hai, but EMI nahi diya hai...so after 6 months of all sorts of recovery measures, the lender bank finally goes to this agency. So, Sattar and his agents are trying to recover the loans! Here starts the real story...Sattar wants to be a politician and for that he has to be good in the public eye..unlike his current image of "a vasooli gunda".

This motive of his, acts as Sanjay's --Munnabhai of MBBS and Gandhigiri to show his real good self replica.

All his acts are not only to recover money, but also to understand the problems of people who are unable to repay and help them understand their duties and responsibilities for happy and fulfilling lives....besides repaying their loans!!!

Urmila is also stuck in the same mess of loans for a purpose..shhh..thats suspense!Sanju baba falls in love with her and there..the story takes a nicer bend and mellows the gunda and makes him slightly sophisticated!!!

The rest of the story is for you to watch and enjoy..I am not going to reveal any more.

A message is what i think the movie conveys and has to be heeded by all.

Please do consider understanding the depths of the intention behind making this sort of a movie. These days whether we can repay or not...just because we want to live a fancy life that doesnt not fit their pockets we go out of our way to live upto something that we even remotely are not.

Taking a home loan or a personal loan isn't wrong...but the repayment capacity is what counts the most. Not everything in life is rosy but a thorn born with the rose is better a thorn that is bought with our own money to prick us. We pay heavy interests and still arent intelligent enough to understand that we pay nearly double of what we take at the end of the said tenure!

One fact that I would like to mention here-- an eg to warn people from taking loans erratically unless its inevitable- when its life or death situation.

If you take a loan of say..Rs. 39,000/- at the rate of 23% per annum, and you are paying only [this is according to the marketing agents] Rs. 1580/- per month for 48 months[ which is by the way 4 years]....Do you realise how much you would have paid the bank for that period at the end of 48 months???

48 X 1580 = 75,840/-!! Shocking isnt it???

In this case you are repaying the bank---39,000/- + 36,840/-[extra--as in interest] !!

Hmm..think...think..think!!

The interests levied on credit cards are nearly sometimes 49%. This is according to an article in the Economic Times -- http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-3473126,flstry-1.cms.

This movie is all about awakening the common public about "PLASTIC MONEY" that is becoming an essential part of our system and which is adopted from the western world.

It is ease of money and transaction you may say. So, use debit cards that are operated through your bank account and hence you will not be spending what you dont earn or have.Use a debit card incase carrying cash is too hard or its too hard to keep track of the expenditure incurred.

EMI movie --Dekho..and please Samjho!!

Music----

Music director of the movie is Chirantan Bhatt and the lyrics are written by Hamza Farokhi, Sarim Momin.I loved the title song..the lyrics are damn neat..do give your keen ear to it!!

All youngsters please watch this movie for the good of your ownself. Youngistan..its time you woke up to these hard hitting facts.

Have fun watching and learning!!

Love,

Suj aka Jo!!

Golmaal Returns- Sochna Mana hai!!

2008-11-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

Hey all!!

After so many reviews and star cast details and hype, I think its a totally futile discussing the names and roles of the cast and crew.I am direclty going to express my "totally my" opinion!
Firstly the cast-
Kareena...Size zero is absolutely not what you fit urself into. So please put on some weight. You are an actor and so focus on acting rather than getting anoxeric and looking more like a skeleton.
Ajay- Good good! He is as versatile as he has always been. So comments on him!

Arshad Warsi- Bas too good yaar...Chakde phatte!!! Tusi great ho!! Amazing comic timing...but may be he needed some more touch up from the script writer. I had just watched Lage Raho Munna Bhai yesterday, i dont even remember the no of times i have seen it!! So, i think Arshad needed some more better dialogues and screen appearance.

Amrita Arora- Much better with her performance now.But there is some nahi lot of scope for improvement. Babe..sister influence can get you into the industry and so can beauty, but to stick here as an actress you need some acting skills as well. So head to the National School of Drama.[ i know m being harsh..but needs it..trust me].

Tusshar Kapoor- Fabulous is all i can say!! His mute acting is far better than when he speaks!!But the ahha--ahh..yeh..aamu aa-aa...simply lovely!! Shak what the....!!hehheh..hillarious!!!

Celina Jaitley- Hmm..ab main kya bolu...she really needs some acting help...and seems quite desparate for it in this movie. Not good for a comedy movie.

In all, a good performance. Considering the amount of hype and reviews being read and pondered, i have less to talk about the story per se...cos there isn't a solid one in the first place.

Ekta Kapoor and her soaps have been the primary target and the whole movie is based on the psyche of "21st century women and the soaps"!

The harsh parts- Sawariya is being ridiculed and in one of Rohit Shetty's interviews on "Face the review" on a TV channel, he claims that it was fun intended and didn't mean any offence to Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Well..how much of this is true, is left for Sanjay to decide.

When Rohit was pinned upon the bad music score and only the Golmaal [part-1] song still rings in the head, he said, " I think its quite good. We liked it all".Hmm... a whopping 5 crore has been spent on that action filled song that doesnt even strike the memory chord after watching the movie.
But still Rohit says that whether the reviews star his movie good or bad, he still has movie goers...coming in and watching it in full-swing!! So, essentially the collection is good and is giving every person involved good money. So good for everyone!

Pet bharne ka kaam....but whats happening to the entertainment with brain scenario boss??? Just wondering where our bollywood is heading to!!

Nevertheless a one time watchable movie..but please dont waste tooo much money on multiplexes on weekends...either wait for a DVD or watch it in a small time thetre without spending much.

Watch, laugh a long and forget that you ever had a brain-- leave at the entrance of the theatre and pick it up while you are driving back.Light hearted, no tension movie hai..enjoy karo...cos idhar...Sochna Mana hai!!

Have fun!!
Cheers

Sujyothi aka Suj

Maddur Vade!!

2008-11-04T03:31:00.000-08:00

Hello my dear friends,

Maddur vade is the most famous and must savoured dish enroute to Mysore from Bangalore and all of the travellers will definitely take a bite at the most famous "Maddur Tiffany's" on the highway.
Its very very simple although it looks very complex!!Here is a try from Amma's chest of treasured delicacies!!

All you need is---

For the dough-

1. Maida-Refined wheat flour- 1 cup
2. Chiroti rava - fine semolina- 1 cup
3. Rice flour- 1 cup
4. Chilli powder - 1 tbl spoon
5. Refined oil- 5 tbl spoons

The Masala-

1. Onions-3 {finely chopped}
2. Green Chillies- 4 chopped
3. Salt- to taste
4. Curry leaves to taste-finely chopped.

Oil for frying.

Serves -4

How to make it????

Mix the masala and keep aside. The salt reacts with the onions and the onions leave water.

Slightly fry the Maida and Rava without oil only to warm it up.

Mix the dough ingredients. By now the masala is ready. Mix all the masala and dough while adding hot oil to it [ 5 tbl spoons of oil that is mentioned in the dough ingredients].

Do not add extra water. Knead the dough like Chapathi dough.
Now flatten them into small round cakes and deep fry them!!

Here is what it will look like!! Best eaten with Chutney and during coffee time with hot Madras
filter coffee!!

Hope you have had fun making and eating it!! This is also my first entry into an event. Hosted by Mansi from Fun and Food Cafe! An entry into the Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations!!!

Do let me know how it was!!
Awaiting your response!!!

Love

Sujyothi

Badam Puri!

2008-10-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

Dear readers,

This is my first entry in this category...something that i rarely make and like:)))

This was made by Amma[ my dear Mom-in-law] , i just gave her a hand in it!! It was fun and yummy!!

This is a traditional sort of a dish usually made in sweet shops or during weddings! I didnt even imagine this could be so simple that it can be easily made at home too...and that too within half an hour!! Ain't that fantastic???

Take a look at it before you read on...

Ingredients-

For the dough-

1. Maida- Refined wheat flour- 1/2 cup
2. Chiroti rava- fine semolina- 1/2 cup

3. Ghee- according to the required quantity while making the dough.
4. Water- little

For the sugar syrup

1. Water - 1 cup
2. Sugar- 1 cup
3. Kesari/ saffron- little

4. Cardamom -3 to 4

For Milk

1. Milk - 1/2 litre
2. Badam powder
{mix them both and heat them so it becomes badam milk}
You can also use MTR Badam feast to make the Badam milk.

Making the sugar syrup-

On low flame add water and sugar & let it slowly cook while the water begins to evapourate making it a thicker solution. Keep it on low flame and add saffron to it. The solution should be slightly thicker than that of Gulab Jamun's.

Making the dough-

While the sugar syrup is getting made, you can make the dough...saves time :)
Mix the ingredients and add ghee while mixing. mix it to the extent that you should be able to hold it all together in your fist. Add a little water and knead the dough like Chapathi dough and it should look like this.

Now flatten the dough like making chapathi.

Fold it in a triangular manner.

Deep fry it in oil---preferably ghee, but considering diet concerns

Once it is fried add it to the sugar syrup. Remove it after a few minutes and serve it soaked in the Badam milk if desired.

Else this can be eaten after soaked in sugar syrup!!

Hmm..its time you tried it right?? Quick and easy!!

Do let me know!!

Love

Sujyothi

Singapore by foot!

2008-10-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

Hey all!!

Singapore the Merlion,Airport, Man made beauty and hi-fi living,shopping on Orchard street, multi-cultural heritage,Nature,birds, fancy-tasy island, little India[Mustafa Market], food, sea coast, back water entertainment...If this is all you thought Singapore was...then please do give it another thought!

Seeing Singapore by foot...we lived into the depths of their living and walked the inches of the lovely Island country!

To know what we did, you have to know what we went through too! It was a very fascinating experience i must say!!

Hari Raya[Ramzan] vacations were on in Malaysia and so all theneighbouring countries had filled hotels, packed flights and buses and ofcourse highly priced-EVERYTHING. This is what usually happens during any holiday season in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore..whether it is school or public holidays,its the same story.

We were heading to Singapore and we decided to take the over night bus from Penang. We had booked our hotel and considering the budget issue,we had made it a budgeted trip. So we chose a hotel in Geylang unaware of anything.

During a casual conversation with a friend in Singapore we happen to tell him that we are staying put in Geylang and he enquired if we didnt find anything in any other locality. We hadnt actually. Then, he told us that Geylang was a legal Red Light area of Singapore!! Absolutely unaware of anything and due to non-availability of accomodation, we decided to head to it despite where it was.

Yeah...so we reached the much spoken of Geylang in the early hours of the day and we were welcomed by what Geylang is reknowned for! I had my first cultural...nah moral shock.

Then we checked in...pretty normal and decent hotel.

Watch out for our daily activities ahead of this!

Happy Diwali!!!

2008-10-28T01:38:00.000-07:00

Hey all!!

A very very Happy Diwali to all my dear readers! Its festival time and time for new recipes this season!
I am going to give them all to you!!
Lights and lamps...diyas and candles...all for this Koumudotsava...or Diwali!!
A festival of sound and lights to waken up Goddess Lakshmi!

Ogling over these delicacies??? Is time to make them!
Hold onto your temptations and head to the kitchen while i jot them all for you!!

Have a lovely festival!!

Love

Sujyothi aka Jo

Pearl of the Orient- Penang!!

2008-10-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

Life and its uncertainities take us to places that we sometimes would have never heard of. One such places in my life was Penang! The place I fell in love with ever since I first saw it from above while landing at the airport. As the wheels touched base, my heart leapt and anxiety filled my eyes! I was travelling alone and hence felt weird to be smiling to myself...but I actually was...cos every passer-by smiled back :)))) !!!

The reason behind the glee...I was going to join my husband precisely a month after wedding. A new home awaited me as I awaited a blissful new life!

Inhibitions, jitters, smiles, inexplicable joy, heebie-jeebies about what was about to happen...All alone with a man I have barely known miles away from home. A place where except for him, I practically knew no one else.

So, I finally landed and picked up my baggage and walked towards the exit! There stood my handsome 6 footer husband with tears of joy,pink with blush and the anxiety that was probably missing even during wedding!!

We were finally together! A feeling of eternal joy...trust me!

On road to home...I completely fell in love with the place!!! Ah how do I comprehend the feeling I wonder!!

We entered our apartment and I took the first real look at our home and looked out of the window and felt like a dream come true!!

We dream a lot of dreams, but not many of us are fortunate enough to have them come true! The blessed that I am...I had my dream come true!

Cheers,

Jo

Ascertaining future!

2008-07-08T05:16:00.000-07:00

Across the oceans
An unknown land
An Island it is.

Amidst mystic beliefs
And harsh realities
I come to ascertain my future

A known stranger-my partner
Faith and commitment
His persona depicts.

Amidst vast differences;
Similarly vast similarities,
Destined to complete togetherness.

As we tour from the shallows
To the abyss of life’s oceans
We hand one another in onerous.

Enormous tides and weeds
Abundant is also the tranquility
Swimming across them we hold on…
To one another, Every breath till death parts us.

Dedicated to my dear husband, Arjun!

Love

Suj

Of Wine and Spaghetti!

2008-07-05T19:16:00.000-07:00

Discovery Travel and Living is one amazing channel that we get here. Travel; food; lifestyle...aka everything that is Man Made in nature!!

Talking about travel, it reminds me of our all time favorite show 'Globe Trekker'- Discovery Travel and Living ! Travelling all across the world, its like looking at the world and places that as common people, we cant afford to visit, through their eyes:))

Anyways, with lotsa cookery shows up there, all the authentic European dishes were made with some sort of wine! Hmm...so i wanted to try something too!!

Got spaghetti from the store, luckily for me my dear friend Anu, gifted us a bottle of red wine- Santa Ana-Argentina, while they were over for here for dinner! Thanks to you my dear, Fantastic wine it was!!

Now that we are leaving and the mood of partying and having fun till we leave has set in, farewells are in full swing!

So, it was one of our casual dinners with Dada[Shaumik] and us!

I was looking for recipes of Spaghetti, i found one online, but that was Non-veg and lots of other ingredients.

Hmm....now i didnt have the time to run to the grocery store..so had to manage with something at home! And Italian veggies...hard to find that stock at an Indian home!Running through my fridge i found Eggplant/Brinjal!That struck the 'good-to-go' chord!

My imagination did its rounds and I got into action!

A few parts from Jo Mama’s recipezaar and others from the same site!

Made my own palatal concoctions and here is my secret recipe for you!!

Ingredients-
Spaghetti- use only 300 gms for the below mentioned quantities. Cook according to the instructions on the packet.

Serves 4 people if this is the only dish that you are serving besides the wine!!

In veggies-

Capsicum/ Bell pepper - 1

Tomatoes- half a kilo- 500 gms

Onions- 2 [medium sized] sliced length wise

Egg plant/brinjal- 1 long one[ sliced in the pattern shown below]

4.Garlic cloves-2

[Optional are a lot of other veggies like Zucchini, Mushrooms, broccoli,shallots...and other suitably-Italian veggies]

For seasoning-

1. Parsley flakes- I used the dried parsley which I generally stock at home to use instead of coriander leaves as sometimes there is scarcity of it here.

2. Some herbs- Its a general Italian herb packet which I had at home.Ingredients were not mentioned on the packet so i am unable to provide with the details.

3. Chilli tomato sauce

4. Half an ounce of Good Red Wine!!

5. Some cheese-best is Parmesan,but if thats not available. I used cheddar cheese!

5. Olive oil for frying[I used Sunflower oil, which i don't think altered the taste, but if u have olive oil, then nothing like it:)]

Method-

Take 2 deep bottom pans.

In one cook the spaghetti and use the other one for preparing the sauce.

It is the best to make it this way else one will become cold and the efforts will go in vain:)

Grind the tomatoes with little water and salt,without water is a great choice!

Heat oil in the other pan and add garlic, onions, capscicum. Once that is slightly cooked, add the egg plants.

Cook the egg plant half and add the tomato sauce and the ground tomato.

Let it cook for 5 mins, now add the seasoning. Remember the Wine!!

Let the veggies cook and get the flavors!

Now add salt and bring it to a semi-gravy level.

Switch off the stove.

By now the spaghetti is also done!

Now dish out the spaghetti on the plate and add the curry/gravy/sauce above it as shown below.

Best when served hot!

Its time to Wine and Dine!!!

This is also my entry in to an event called "Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes Carnival" by Mansi of Fun and Food Cafe!

Love

Suj

The Penang Morning!!

2008-07-04T02:57:00.000-07:00

Yellow, to vibrant orange to Vermilion,
Hues of the sky evolve at dawn.
The sun rises and so does a day…
As glittery sea water relaxes at bay.

Fresh breeze enter the scalps of my hair,
Witnessing all, as I stand opening the window ajar.
A soothing beauty enriches me…
The sight of the sky, sea and green.

A serene life adorns a new morning.
Sparrows & cuckoos chirp the day in.
Melodious is their voice purifying all senses.
Rhythmic to it are the rising sun and motion of trees.

Vast alluring green amidst addictive beauty,
Abandoning all this is an unwelcome reality.

Penang I love you!!

Dedicated to the place i instantly fell in love with!

Thank you God!!

Love,

Suj

Pro and con...

2008-07-04T02:51:00.000-07:00

A pinch in the heart it gives
Yet a soulful pleasure.
Bizarre are the emoticons
Similar are the strong emotions

This silent, little dwelling
Has filled in me a joyous tinkling
Catering to needs of My, Mine own.
Happy, secluded sense of living.

At times the idle devil works,
Craving to be more occupied
The dependant self wished
To be the ever-independent one.

Then arrives a craving to turn to home.
Sensible it is for kith and kin
But here I am, witnessing
Repercussions and constraints.

What God wills shall occur,
Immaterial of what I prefer.
Unstable thoughts disregarded
In chaos, cosmos shall be attained!

Thank you for visiting!!

Cheers,

Suj

Anxious palpitations...

2008-07-04T02:18:00.000-07:00

For a moment my heart stopped as the clock struck two
The sky dimmed and shed waters one and two
I wondered what it had to say,
Was it God’s message or a simple rain any way?

Felt like a wave of shock crossed me
Something untoward had happened
Shine and Fierce rain and Shine again
Is it some sort of a game?

Don’t know where the sun went away…
Don’t know where all the thick clouds came from…
Again the sun shines bright
after it rained with all might

Sitting I am with an untitled unrest
A mysterious fear engulfs my chest
Praying with every crossable crossed,
Hope is my final resort!!!

This is a long past story now,which was written in utterly inexplicable anxiety!

Now its all solved and mind is at peace!!

Love

Suj

1947- top notch!!

2008-07-04T00:55:00.000-07:00

Sri. Jawaharlal Nehru welcomes you at the ground floor as you enter to take the lift to this excellent restaurant “1947”!! There is a rustic door on the right when you disembark the lift. A welcoming sign to this place is a cannon surrounded by pebbles, that is placed on your right as you enter in!
The fragrance of the food attacks your nose as you are still enjoying this ‘old times’ feeling of the venue!
Very intricately done interiors, gives a sense of being to one of the aristocratic houses of yesteryears!
Every detail is carefully taken care of to present to you the feeling of the REAL India during 1947!
The switches on the switch boards reminded me of the place I grew up, my Grand mom’s place! The chairs are coir ones that I still have in my house as a reverence to our grand-parents!

The food too, is as welcoming as the ambience. A wholly vegetarian, non-alcoholic restaurant is a treat to the family and a good outing with friends, new and old alike !!

The arrays of dishes are also fantastic. You might want to omit Missi Roti as I didn’t find it great. The rest of the things on the menu are great to go with! Biryani is something that we [my cousin and myself ] relished, hot and fragrant and lip-smacking !!!

“Always at your service”, seems to be the motto of the staff there as they respect their patrons enormously well!!

If you are looking at prices…then one might be a little disappointed when compared to the prices of that of the Sagar food chains across Bangalore.
But for the ambience and the quality of food and the service I think it’s nominal.

Hmm… after tempting you all to this place…let me tell you where is it…Its on the Devegowda Petrol bunk ring road, BSK 2nd stage, Bangalore.
When you are coming from the petrol bunk side, there is an Ashwa TVS showroom on your left , a little ahead there is a bath ware showroom [I can’t recollect the name of that store though. It’s quite a unique name].
1947, is right above that! Happy eating!! I went there on the 10th day of its opening, so didn’t need reservation. You might want to book your table now, especially on the weekends!
Take care and I hope you enjoy this!!
Love

Suj

A Golden Age

2008-07-04T00:40:00.000-07:00

Bangladesh, East Pakistan in 1971, freedom struggles, young and old alike are scrapped off their lands and homes...Desolated civilians; tons of refugees; brave mother's and their children; wounded soldiers; martyrs; service- oriented, all time working medicos; bloodshed; gruesome warfare effects; guns; bombs; fire..indescribable struggle symbols.

Well, this book is not about just that. Its not only a gruesome reflection of war, its the story of a woman, a widowed young mother of two children, amidst her trivias and her complexities.

"Shona" their small dwelling where this story of emotion swells into a scintillating abode of sensitive humane reality!
Rehana,has lost her husband and is desolated. She then loses her children to her brother-in-law[from Lahore] in the court of law, as she does not have the means to provide for either her children or pay for the lawyer.
Then a suspense filled miracle happens and she brings her children back and builds a house atop hers and rents it out.[ This is the suspense element that aided me in finishing the book asap]. Her children are in the university now and are busy with the their studies and their revolutionary activities. They want freedom...they want to have their own government, instead of being ruled by the Pakistani's.

Her liitle girl, Maya, is a beautiful young lass whose stern-self is as strong as the strength of her beauty and her long lustrous hair!
Sohail, her son is a handsome young man also very much of his dad's calibre!
There are other characters that are equally well-portrayed, Mr&Mrs. Sengupta,their son Mithun[her tenants], Mrs. Choudhary[her neighbours], Mrs. Rahman and Mrs. Akram[the gin rummy ladies]. These are the people Rehana's life revolves around!
There are other characters that you get introduced to during the course of the novel.You have to read it to find out :))))

Tahmima's style is colloquial and she reaches into the depths of every character!
The print of the whole novel is very inviting and is easy to read, atleast that's one more thing personally that was very inviting about this book.

For a first time novelist, she has done an excellent job!Her descriptions about an irregular or a regular event are vivid!
You can feel the emotions of the characters and will totally get involved in the characters, more so with the protagonist, Rehana. As a mother, Rehana's character is sketched out to flawlessly. She pains to keep things calm around her, despite her own discomforts. She struggles to keep her family knit together at all odds.
She at one point measures the amounts of food stock at home to keep her family fed. I loved that part, as it shows how as mothers and as home makers, women measure each and everything and live life brilliantly well whilst giving their best to their families even during hard times!!!

Rehana emerges from her motherly emotions to a mother of children of the nation.She gives herself into the struggles of war and refugee camps. She lets her heart out to a stranger, who she almost falls in love with, despite being aware of the fact that its a futile effort.

Sohail and Maya are teenagers who evolve during the course of the story and emerge into revolutionaries who live for the freedom of their home.
Also, intricately portrayed are the subtleties of friendship, love and life of the characters.
I refrain to reveal more about this book as it will spoil the zeal to read it!!

In all a brilliant book recommended for readers of all ages and groups!
Happy reading!!
Awaiting your enthusiastic reciprocation!
Love
Suj

Over her Dead Body!

2008-07-04T00:21:00.000-07:00

A horror movie I presumed it was, but still went ahead to watch with the spine, my dear husband and friends!
It didnt seem deadening or anything at the beginning. Although my co-watchers, did scare me a bit!Finally, the movie commenced!

Starring-

Eva Longoria Parker- Kate

Paul Rudd- Henry

Lake Bell-Ashley

Jason Biggs-Dan

Lindsay Sloane-Chloe

Stephen Root-Sculptor

Ok...now that you have got an intro[introduction] of the cast, it makes my job easier to tell you what happens in the movie!Kate and Henry are getting married.
The wedding in the evening and they are making the last minute preparations.

Kate reminds me of Monica from Friends. She is so obsessed with order and doing it the right way, i.e 'her' way!

She dies without getting married. How???you would have to watch the movie!

Then she meets an angel, whom Kate doesnt believe as you see, like us, she too has the conception that angels always have wings and well this one doesnt :).

So before listening to what the angel has to say, Kate goes on and on like a whiny woman who has no, absolutley no patience whatsoever.
The Angel disappears without telling her, what her future seems like.So, she is sent back to the Earth.

Henry's sister, Chloe coerces him to a psychic [ Ashley ], to remove him from his depression and guessing that the Psychic can talk to Kate and make Henry believe that he has to move on!

Ashley--- she is a part time Psychic and a part time Chef. Her assistant,best friend,a gay, is Dan. During the course of time,[now, how that happens, you would have to watch the movie for it ;)] Ashley and Henry, begin to see each other.
Thats when the trouble and comic relief Kate pops in!! Its fun to watch the real and unreal women fight over the man.

Hillarious array of scenes follow, which will keep tickling your funny bone!!

There is a twist in the movie, which obviously, I will not reveal as it will spoil the fun of watching it!
There are love, emotional and faith battles that the characters fight during the course of the movie. The method in which all the above emotions are treated is a treat to watch.

Finally what wins is for you to watch.

Performance-

Actors have done a neat job, but may be they should have chosen some one slightly more prettier than Lake Bell for Ashley.

Eva, doesnt look great either. But then, the characters are well played.

Its a movie that has to be watched keeping your head outside the theatre, just carry your light heart and a smile, you will return with laughter that will jingle in your mind:))

Have a lovely time!!
Take care
Love
Suj

What happens in Vegas!!

2008-07-04T00:04:00.000-07:00

Hey all!

Las Vegas like you know is a place where a lot of movies are based...and so is this...hmm... not really...but the main plot is in the 'Sin city' as it is called!

Directed by- Tom Vaughan
Starring -

Cameron Diaz[ the whole reason why i saw the movie:)))] as Joy Mc Nally.

Ashton Kutcher- Jack Fuller.

Rob Corddry- Hater [Jack's friend].

Lake bell- Tipper [ Joy's friend].

Jason Sudeikis- Mason.

The movie begins with the break-up of Joy and Mason and on the other hand Jack being fired from his Dad's firm.And they unknowingly decide to go Vegas for rejuvenation.
Then they meet, in a manner somehow similar to Bollywood i felt!

There is the whole climax...they actually get married following a night of frolic and debauchery and to top it all they win a lottery of $3millon as a jackpot.

Now is where the story actually gets its actually twists and turns. They are running up for a divorce as they dislike each other and yet want the money.I am leaving you all with this suspense for you figure out what happens next!!

Tom Vaughan [ director] and Dana Fox [writer] have both done justice to the movie. The timing of events and dialogues were good and apt.

Performance -

Cameron Diaz- is as usual good and very natural. But there she is old now and has to quit doing such young roles....or may be should put on a bit more make-up. Her age is reflected through out the movie. She looks like an elder sister to Ashton..who is in real 6 yrs younger than her.From the times of 'In Her Shoes' in 2005 to now...she looks like a Mom.

Cameron...head-up to your green room please!

Ashton Kutcher- Looks fantastic and has performed well too!! A full 10/10 to him!!

Rob Corddry- Has performed well...no qualms about him. He should have been a little less jumpy i felt and may be a little more like a man.

Lake Bell- never liked her for her looks...but does her part well.

Everyone else have done a neat job. A good, 'keep your brain out of the cinema hall and come with a heart' kind of movie. Hillarious besides teaching us some essential lessons for life!! Somethings that are usually missing in the western lifestyles.It is about bonding and caring and most of all Love!! Background score is good.

In all a nice enjoyable movie that you want to watch as a break from other monotonous daily dramas!!

Have fun watching and let me know how it was.
Take care
Love
Suj

Kadai Bhindi!

2008-07-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

Bhindi is something that people across the world love!! More so with the Indians!
Far away here, i had till date never got really good Bhindi- Ladies finger-Okra-Bendekayi!
I have eaten Bhindi fries at the restaurants here, but strangely never found it good anywhere.

Finally my search ended at Little India , I found the best bhindi!

Back home, i wanted to make something different from what is usually made at home.
Hmm... so a no-no to sambar, gojju and roasted dry sabzi[palya].
I tried this innovative method and made a delicious concoction :)))) !!

In a kadai it is..So I am going to call it Kadai Bhindi!!
Tip- before chopping the Bhindi, keep it for drying under the fan for a while[say for about a couple of hours], so u can chop it directly and you dont need to wipe every bhindi to remove excess water!

Ingredients-

Bhindi- 500 grams or half a kilo [fine chopped]

Tomato- 2[finely chopped]

Onion- 1 [finely chopped]

For Tempering-

Jeera- 1 tablespoon

Oil- 3 tablespoons

For spice-

Garam Masala- 3 table spoons

Chilli powder- 2 table spoons

Quarter glass of water.
Salt to taste. And not to forget Coriander for garnishing!

Method-

Heat oil and add Jeera. Then add onions and fry till raw smell goes.

Now add the chopped Bhindi. Fry a little and then add salt.

Cover and keep for it to slowly fry in its own water while stirring occassionally to avoid it from burning.
After about 5 mins, add the tomatoes. Mix it well. Cover and keep stirring in between.
Add the water after you see that the tomato is well cooked and is soft.
Cover and let it cook. After 5 mins check and add the spices.
Mix well and let it cook.
After the water evaporates, it will become semi-dry and now...Garnish with coriander leaves!

Its ready to be served!!!

Best eaten with Chapathi/ Phulka!

Happy eating!

Love

Suj

Pep up!

2008-07-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

The day before yesterday, I was in my "feeling low" phase of my stay in Penang.
As loneliness striked more so due to physically being alone, disinterest in everything became apparent.
Worry about the future engulfed my thoughts and left me paranoid. I tried talking to my friends, but didn't do me good, cos may be deep down inside i knew that i was the cause for what was happening to me.
That day i couldn't think of eating as aversion for food had strongly set in. Yet, hunger pangs drew me to coerce myself to push something down the esophagus.
I realised may be I should cook something delicious looking and tasting to pep me up!
And so i did, and i wanted to try some other style of cooking, so i picked up 'engai' recipe from Veds , and started cooking!
It was different from the engai i usually make, so that was a good break!
Cutting the long story short, here's what happened next...
I was satiated with the food and was happy!
Although the 'not feeling good' mood set in the moment i was alone again the next day, i decided to fight it out!
Change...that was what was required to brake the monotony of daily humdrums.
So, inconsiderate of my age, i actually went ahead and watched "The Lion King - II!!"
Trust me it helped to such an extent that i actually learnt my lessons to pep up from the movie!!
It's all in the mind!
What we think is what makes us and our days!! Self- pepping is a great way to remain happy!
And no matter how many maxims we read about happiness, it is what we learn from our experiences that finally comes to our aid!
If you have had a bad day, fight it out, cos its your thought that is telling you its bad, where as there might have been something good cos of that!
So cheer up and have a great and peppy day!!

Loadsa love

Suj

Words we use...

2008-04-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

Sometime during my third year of UG, we visited a school for the mentally retarded called Amulya.
Children much older than us by age,simple and innocent.Doing things that we used to do during our childhood and summer camps.
They were making candles that light our lives.
They were making foot mats that help make our houses[lives] anti-slip.
It touched me!Tears swelled my eyes and rendered me speechless.

In Psychological terms these children are called Idiots, Morons and Imbiciles, depending upon their IQ levels.
I realised how casually we use these words as fad lingos to address people who sometimes don't seem to get us right or do things rightly.
It is like demeaning these little children who are as naive as a bud or as fresh as a morning dew.

I thought this was worth sharing with you all!
I won the second prize for sharing this experience with friends on Mouthshut.com!

Take care and talk right!

Love
Suj

Journey’s never arduous!!

2008-04-10T18:11:00.000-07:00

Journey’s never arduous!!

Amidst crowds, amidst bareness
Tall; vibrant; and handsome
Flamboyant; cow-boyish;
You stand extending your hands’ warmth.
Clasping them, journey’s not arduous.

The tinkle in the eye, Oh! Mine.
The blushing and an all-saying smile;
The beauty sprung from no where…
Flower like happiness blooms
Bestowed by You, journey’s not arduous.

An ice-cold temperament;
An ever lovable trick of tongue;
Self-sustainable; ‘right’ head;
Bewitching sensuality; That’s thou!!
Completeness guaranteed, journey’s not arduous.

A straight-walker into me,
No negation, rendered have I all to you.
You are tantalizing with novelty
My morale booster you, confidence champion,
With your presence, journey’s never arduous!

Indebted, I am to you, for life-times…
With a wholesome passion to pen
A travelogue of life-long togetherness
An enriching bond of ‘ Us’
If this is ever reality, then life’s arduousness would be meaningless!!

Bookie cookie!

2008-03-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

Hey!!
I finally decided to take a break from all the net surfing and cooking!! Planning to finally complete the book I have been reading for a long long time now.
I have never liked reading novels, too much fiction is something I have never liked. I also, do not belong to the voracious readers' clan as well.
After reading, 'A Golden Age' by Tahmima Anam, I am addicted to reading. This is the perfect blend of fiction and reality. I would say more of a realistic writing than of fiction.
Trust me, I couldnt get my hands off this book till I finally finished it! Was it addictive???you bet!!
Thanks to Dada's friend Anand, who was reading this book and I by chance happened to read a bit and couldnt let it go :)))). Thank you Anand!
My interest grew and Dada got me a book of a similar topic that I am reading, 'Half of a Yellow Sun', by Chimananda Ngozi Adichie[an African writer].
It got a little too monotonous inbetween...but now,I can't let go the book even for a minute! Its a novel that has given to the world the vagaries of the Dark continent[Ref. Chinua Achebe and Joseph Conrad] and the oppression.
Struggles of 'Biafrans' to become an independent nation. The tribal tales of the local Igbo people, their struggle for survival.
When I began reading, the fascination portrayed by a young tribal house-boy to the numerous home appliances, running water from the tap, books, etc...reminded me of the movie, 'Gods must be crazy'.
She, the author has very beautifully described every intricate detail that will aid the reader in picturising the faces of the characters in the novel to even the surroundings and even feel the heat of every moment that the characters go through.
Splendid, I suppose, is an understatement.
This is the gist of the book while I am still amidst the second half of the novel. I promise to tell you more when I finish reading!
Take care and if you get hold of this book anytime,do read it.
I will tell you more about the both the books once I am back.
For now, wish me happy reading!!
Please do suggest me any books on similar lines[reality based fiction]that I can possibly find here.
Thanks
Sujyothi

Picture Rice!!

2008-03-25T01:06:00.000-07:00

Surprised to see Picture rice??? Chitra means Picture in Sanskrit.
This category is for various simple and instant rice delicacies or Chitra Anna[literally translated as Picture Rice]
For all the new entrants to the kitchen, here are some tips and universal rules that will help you make rice dishes.

For all south Indian Tempering[oggarane/tadka],

1. Mustard seeds- 1 tablespoon
2. Channa dal/Kadale bele - 1 tablespoon
3. Urad dal/Uddina bele - 1 tablespoon
4. Groudnuts[optional,quinessential for all ogre or chitra anna or bath]
5. Curry leaves
6.Green chillies
7. Onion [optional, tastes good for Chitra anna]

8. Lime-- if available. It tastes authentic if it is available!

9. Turmeric ---very very essential for Lime rice or Chitra anna!

[Garlic, tomato, capsicum, grated coconut are all optional]

Each ingrdient adds its own taste. So one can cook according to his or her taste!!

How do i make it???

Make rice and keep it ready.

Take a pan. Add oil and add all the ingredients meant for tempering. While thats getting done...add turmeric and salt.

Mix it with Rice and Squeeze lime to it!!

The Secret is the Right quantities of Chillies, salt and lime.

If you are adding tomatoes,then you might want to omit lime.

Best made with left over rice...as you already have rice ready!!
Will post more in the coming days,
Ciao!
Suj

Saffron/Kesari!

2008-02-14T21:55:00.001-08:00

Saffron/Kesari(Kannada)/Kumkuma poo(Tamil)/Kukumpoovu(Telugu)/Kesar(Hindi)

Saffron is the slender, dried, flattened Stigma of a small crocus of the iris family. Often called 'The Golden Spice', Saffron is a culinary and medicinal spice used since time immemorial.
This bright orange-red strands is an expensive spice appreciated for its delicate, distinctive flavour and striking colour. It has a peculiar, exotic, bitter taste. It is used in special dishes, especially in the preparation of different type of sweets. It is also used in perfumes and dyes.
Expectant mothers drink a solution of saffron and milk in the belief that the beauty and complexion of the baby would markedly improve.
Indian Saffron is cultivated on a large scale in Jammu and Kashmir.
Saffron holds the distinction of being the world's costliest spice. The yield of Saffron stigmas is quite small. It takes 30,000 to 35,000 hand-picked blooms to obtain just one pound of dried Saffron.

Several saffron cultivars are grown worldwide. Spain's varieties, including the tradenames 'Spanish Superior' and 'Creme', are generally mellower in colour, flavour, and aroma

Nutmeg and Mace

2008-02-14T21:53:00.002-08:00

Nutmeg/Jajikayi(Kannada and Telugu)/Jathikai(Tamil)/Jaiphal and Javitri(Hindi)

Nutmeg is a spreading evergreen tree. This unisexual tree is quite unique in that is bears two separate and distinct products; nutmeg which is the kernel of the seed, and Mace which is the dried aril that surrounds the nutmeg within the fruit.
Both nutmeg and mace are used in vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. It is used in pulaous, biryanis especially Mughlai types. They are also used as an ingredient in biscuits, cookies, fruit salad, puddings, pastries and milk drinks.
The oil forms of nutmeg and mace are frequently used in meat seasoning, soft-drinks and pharmaceuticals, especially in cough mixtures.

The essential oil is obtained by the steam distillation of ground nutmeg and is used heavily in the perfumery and pharmaceutical industries. The oil is colourless or light yellow and smells and tastes of nutmeg. It contains numerous components of interest to the oleochemical industry, and is used as a natural food flavouring in baked goods, syrups, beverages, sweets etc. It replaces ground nutmeg as it leaves no particles in the food. The essential oil is also used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries for instance in tooth paste and as major ingredient in some cough syrups. In traditional medicine nutmeg and nutmeg oil were used for illnesses related to the nervous and digestive systems.

Curry Leaves

2008-02-14T21:53:00.001-08:00

Curry leaves/Karibevina soppu(Kannada)/Karivepilai(Tamil)/Karivepaku(Telugu)/Kadi patta(Hindi)

When you find it in food...DO NOT THROW IT!!EAT IT!!
High in Iron content...its is nutritious apart from its aroma!!
Curry leaf is a small deciduous tree. The subtle flavouring of this highly aromatic spice fills Indian cuisines.
Curry leaf grows profusely throughout India. It is commonly found in forests as a gregarious undergrowth along the foot of the Himalayas, Sikkim and Assam, Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, Orissa, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The trees are maintained as homestead gardens in Kerala, or as leaf farms in Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Orissa.
Curry leaves are added to food to enhance flavour. They are generally shallow-fried with mustard seeds and chopped onion, and poured over the dishes. Special chutneys are made with fried or roasted curry leaves to stimulate appetite.
The leaves, bark and the root of the plant are used in indigenous medicine as a tonic, stimulant and carminative. They are also used to cure eruptions and the bites of poisonous animals. Its leaves are highly aromatic and are used as an herb. Their form is small and narrow and they somewhat resemble the leaves of the Neem tree; therefore they are also referred to as Kari Baavu (translated to Black Neem) in the Kannada and Karivepaku in Telugu, again translating to the same meaning. In Tamil and Malayalam it is known as Karuveppilai, ilai meaning leaves and veppilai meaning Neem leaf. Other names include Kari Patta (Hindi), Kadhi Limb (Marathi), Limda(Gujarati) and Karapincha (Sinhalese).

Tamarind

2008-02-14T21:42:00.003-08:00

Tamarind/Huli(Kannada)/Puli(Tamil)/Chintapandu (Telugu)/Imli(Hindi)

The fruit pulp is edible and popular. It is used as a spice in both Asian and Latin American cuisines, and is also an important ingredient in Worcestershire sauce, HP sauce and the Jamaican-produced Pickapeppa sauce. The hard green pulp of a young fruit is very tart and acidic and is most often used as a component of savory dishes. The ripened fruit is sweeter, yet still distinctively sour, and can be used in desserts and sweetened drinks, or as a snack. In Thailand, there is a carefully cultivated sweet variety with little to no tartness grown specifically to be eaten as a fresh fruit.In temples, especially in Asian countries, the pulp is used to clean brass shrine furniture, removing dulling and the greenish patina that forms.
Tamarind trees are very common in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu and AndhraPradesh. They are used as ornamental trees and to provide shade on the country roads and highways. Tamarind is extensively used in the cuisine of both these states.
Tamarind is a staple in the Tamil Nadu diet, where it is used to prepare Rasam, Sambhar, Puliyogar, and various types of chutneys.
The pulp, leaves, and bark also have medical applications. For example, in the Philippines, the leaves have been traditionally used in herbal tea for reducing malaria fever. Due to its medicinal value, tamarind is used as an Ayurvedic Medicine for gastric and/or digestion problems.
In Egypt, there is an acidic chilled drink made from tamarind which is popular in summertime. It is called "tamr hindi".
In Madagascar, the tree is known as the kily tree. Its fruits and leaves are a well-known favorite of ring-tailed lemurs, providing as much as 50% of their food resources during the year if available.

Garlic

2008-02-14T21:42:00.001-08:00

Garlic/Belluli(Kannada)/Poondu(Tamil)/Ullipayilu(Telugu)/Lasun(Hindi)

Garlic is a hardy bulbous perennial of the lily family, with narrow flat leaves. It has an attractive flavour and acknowledged medicinal value. It is one of the 'trinity' of flavours along with ginger and onion in Indian cuisines.
Garlic acts as a flavouring agent in variety of dishes. In Pickles it acts as a preservative-flavourant. Garlic pickles and freshly ground garlic chutneys are popular side dishes for rice, snacks and chappathis. Garlic oil are used in ready-made spice-mixes, pharmaceuticals and disinfectants.
Garlic help to purify the blood and lower blood pressure. It also aid digestion, lower cholesterol and prevent flatulence. It is considered as a cure for heart ailments. It improves hair growth.

Garlic has been used as both food and medicine in many cultures for thousands of years, dating as far back as the time that the Egyptian pyramids were built. Garlic is claimed to help prevent heart disease including atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cancer.Animal studies, and some early investigational studies in humans, have suggested possible cardiovascular benefits of garlic.

Malabathrum/bay leaves

2008-02-14T21:33:00.002-08:00

Malabathrum/Pulao yele(Kannada)/Tejpata(Hindi)

Malabathrum, also known as Malobathrum or Malabar leaf, is the name used in classical and medieval texts for the leaf of the plant Cinnamomum tamala (sometimes given as Cinnamomum tejpata). In ancient Greece and Rome, the leaves were used to prepare a fragrant oil, called Oleum Malabathri, and were therefore valuable. The leaves are mentioned in the 1st century Greek text Periplus Maris Erytraei as one of the major exports of the Tamil kingdoms of southern India. The name is also used in mediaeval texts to describe the dried leaves of a number of trees of the genus Cinnamomum, which were thought to have medicinal properties.
It has a fragrance that will drive one to food!!Add a whole big leaf to the food and let the aroma therapy work its way to your loved ones' palate!!

Cinnamon

2008-02-14T21:33:00.001-08:00

Cinnamon/Chakke(Kannada)/ Ilavangam, Lavanga pattai (Tamil)/Lavang patta(Telugu)/Dalchini, Nagkesar (buds) (Hindi)

Cinnamon is the dried bark of an evergreen busy tree. There is a particular season for pealing of the bark. It is considered superior compared to cassia though they belong to the same class.
Cinnamon is used in a wide variety of foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, liquors, cosmetics, perfumery and toiletries.
A major ingredient of garam masala, Cinnamon is used whole in Savoury rice dishes. Khadi, a popular yogurt drink in Gujarat and other northern states, has Cinnamon or cassia as one of its ingredients. Cinnamon oil is an international favourite in beverages and perfumery, while Cinnamon oleoresin is a popular flavour for processed foods.
Cinnamon is also added to make sweet dishes such as kheer[payasa].

Its essential to note that though it belongs to the Spice category, when added to food it gives a slight sweet taste besides adding enigmatic aroma and taste to the food,be it sweet or spicy!!

Fennel

2008-02-14T21:32:00.001-08:00

Fennel/Badesopu(Kannada)/Perunjiragam, Sohikirai, Sombu (Tamil)/Saunf, Bari-Saunf (Hindi )

Fennel is the dried ripe fruit of a perennial aromatic herbaceous plant, which grows in mild climate. In India it is grown in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. It is used in a wide range of dishes. Fresh fennel leaves are used in fish and pork dishes, salad dressings and stuffing.
Fennel seeds are used in pickles and variety of meat preparations. Powdered fennel is a flavouring agent in biscuits, cakes and cooked apple dishes.
Well-known as 'Saunf' Indian fennel is used in food, medicines, liquors and perfumery. India exports substantial quantities of fennel to USA, Singapore, the UK, UAE, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Japan in variety of forms including seeds, powder and volatile oils.

Poppy Seeds

2008-02-14T21:31:00.001-08:00

Poppy Seeds/Gasagase(Kannada)/Kasakasa(Tamil)/Gasagasalu (Telugu)/Khuskhus(Hindi).

The seeds of the poppy are widely used as the popular "poppy seed" found in and on many food items such as bagels, bialys, muffins and cakes. The seeds can be pressed to form poppyseed oil, which can be used in cooking, or as a carrier for oil-based paints.
Although the amount of opiates in poppy seeds is not enough to produce a narcotic effect in cooking or consumption,the television show MythBusters demonstrated that one could test positive for narcotics after consuming 4 poppy seed bagels. The show Brainiac: Science Abuse had subjects that tested positive with only 2 poppy seed bagels. This situation was parodied on the show Seinfeld.
Poppy is widely consumed in many parts of Central and Eastern Europe. The sugared, milled mature seeds are eaten with pasta, or they are boiled with milk and used as filling or topping on various kinds of sweet pastry.
Poppy seeds are widely used in Bengali cuisine and in Oriya cuisine.Poppy Seeds are used to flavor breads, cakes, rolls, and cookies in European and Middle Eastern cooking. In Turkey, they are often ground and used in desserts. In India, the seeds are ground and used to thicken sauces. The seeds are also used in noodle, fish, and vegetable dishes in Jewish, German, and Slavic cooking.
In Mexico, Grupo Modelo, the makers of Corona beer, until the 1960s used red poppy flowers in its advertising, where almost any image it used had poppy flowers somewhere in the image.Since antiquity, poppies have symbolized honor. Women in second century Crete cultivated poppy plants for opium and Hippocrates suggested opium in medicine. Islamic and Arabian countries used opium as a medicine and narcotic in the sixth century. By the 17th century, Asians used the poppy plant as an opiate. Europeans began trafficking the drug in the 19th century, culminating in the Opium Wars, in which China lost control of the industry. The Greeks used the seeds as flavoring for breads in the second century, and medieval Europeans used them as a condiment with breads.
Warning:-
Poppy seed tea contains different opiates in various concentrations. Typically morphine and codeine are the main ones. Morphine is recognized as one of the most addictive substances known to man and is, for this reason, also one of the most tightly controlled. Overdoses of morphine can be lethal. The main cause of death for morphine overdose is pulmonary edema, where the lungs fill with fluid passed from the blood stream through the alveoli in the lungs.
http://poppyseedtea.com/ Check the above site for more information.

Asafoetida

2008-02-14T21:28:00.002-08:00

Asafoetida/Ingu(Kannada)/Perangayum(Tamil)/Inguva(Telugu)/Hing(Hindi).

Asafoetida (Ferula assafoetida, family Apiaceae), alternative spelling asafetida (also known as devil's dung, stinking gum, asant, food of the gods, hing, and giant fennel) is a species of Ferula native to Iran.A popular spice in foods and medicines, being unique in blend and made with finest ingredients, Indian Asafoetida enjoys an exalted positions in the International market.
The two types of Asafoetidas used commonly are white and the dark. Though the composition of both varieties is the same, white Asafoetida is water-soluble while the dark one is fried in the oil and powdered for use in cuisines. Asafoetida is claimed to be an aphrodisiac and a preventive medicine for infectious diseases. It helps digestion and prevents flatulence.
Asafetida has certain medicinal uses and most commonly is used as a digestive aid. It is reputed to lessen flatulence and is often added to lentil or eggplant dishes in small quantities. It is also said to be helpful in cases of asthma and bronchitis. A folk tradition remedy for children's colds: it is mixed into a foul-smelling paste and hung in a bag around the afflicted child's neck. In Thailand it is used to aid babies' digestion and is smeared on the child's stomach in an alcohol tincture known as "mahahing." John C Duval reported in 1936 that the odor of asafetida is attractive to the wolf, a matter of common knowledge, he says, along the Texas/Mexican border.

Ginger

2008-02-14T21:28:00.001-08:00

Ginger/Shunti(Kannada)/Inji(Tamil)/Allam(Telugu)/Adrak(Hindi)

Young ginger rhizomes are juicy and fleshy with a very mild taste. They are often pickled in vinegar or sherry as a snack or just cooked as an ingredient in many dishes. They can also be stewed in boiling water to make ginger tea, to which honey is often added as a sweetener; sliced orange or lemon fruit may also be added. Mature ginger roots are fibrous and nearly dry. The juice from old ginger roots is extremely potent and is often used as a spice in Chinese cuisine to flavor dishes such as seafood or mutton. Powdered dry ginger root (ginger powder) is typically used to add spiciness to gingerbread and other recipes. Ground and fresh ginger taste quite different and ground ginger is a poor substitute for fresh ginger. Fresh ginger can be successfully substituted for ground ginger and should be done at a ratio of 6 parts fresh for 1 part ground.

Ginger is used since time immemorial. It is a major crop cultivated in India and marketed as fresh and dried spice. It is a small grassy plant grown in all seasons throughout the year. Indian Ginger is famous for its flavour, texture and taste.
More than a spice ginger is considered as a taste maker, a drug, an appetizer and a flavourant. Superior quality of ginger is produced from Kerala though it is grown throughout the country. The congenial climate and the fertile soil helps to produce quality ginger.
Ginger has been found effective by multiple studies for treating nausea caused by seasickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy,though ginger was not found superior over a placebo for post-operative nausea.
Be Aware!
Allergic reactions to ginger generally result in a rash and though generally recognized as safe, ginger can cause heartburn, bloating, gas, belching and nausea, particularly if taken in powdered form. Unchewed fresh ginger may result in intestinal blockage, and individuals who have had ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease or blocked intestines may react badly to large quantities of fresh ginger.Ginger can also adversely affect individuals with gallstones. There are also suggestions that ginger may affect blood pressure, clotting, and heart rhythms.

Star Anise

2008-02-14T21:27:00.000-08:00

Star Anise-Szechuan pepper/Anasphal(Hindi)/Anashuppu(Tamil)/Anaspuvu(Telugu)

This is a spice that closely resembles anise in flavor, obtained from the star-shaped pericarp of Illicium verum, a small native evergreen tree of southwest China.The star shaped fruits are harvested just before ripening. It is widely used in Chinese cuisine, in Indian cuisine where it is a major component of garam masala, and in Malay/Indonesian cuisine. It is widely grown for commercial use in China, India, and most other countries in Asia. Star anise is an ingredient of the traditional five-spice powder of Chinese cooking. It is also one of the ingredients used to make the broth for the Vietnamese noodle soup called phở. It is used as a spice in preparation of Biryani in Andhra Pradesh, a south Indian State.

A Word of Caution-

While Chinese Star Anise is not itself toxic its near-identical similarity to Japanese star anise can lead to contamination in storage, resulting in cases of neurological problems in infants.

Turmeric/Haldi

2008-02-14T21:04:00.000-08:00

Turmeric/Arasina(Kannada)/Manjal(Tamil)/Pasupu(Telugu)/Haldi(Hindi)

In recipes, Turmeric is sometimes used as a coloring agent. It has found application in canned beverages, baked products, dairy products, ice cream, yogurt, yellow cakes, biscuits, popcorn-color, sweets, cake icings, cereals, sauces, gelatins, etc. It is a significant ingredient in most commercial curry powders.
Turmeric (coded as E100 when used as a food additive) is used to protect food products from sunlight. The oleoresin is used for oil-containing products. The curcumin/polysorbate solution or curcumin powder dissolved in alcohol is used for water containing products. Over-coloring, such as in pickles, relishes and mustard, is sometimes used to compensate for fading.

Turmeric adds as an instant medicine to cough and phlegm when consumed with mixing it with hot milk! Hot Milk also acts a sedate and a compound of the two will provide instant relief!
Turmeric also is an anti-septic to wounds. It is an easily available at home for small wounds esp while working in the kitchen or for small kids who fall often.
It also prevents ants from entering the vicinity once turmeric is put across the area!
Ayurvedic doctors say it has fluoride which is thought to be essential for teeth. It is also used as an antibacterial agent.
Turmeric is currently used in the formulation of some sunscreens. Turmeric paste is used by some Indian women to keep them free of superfluous hair.

Capsicum/ 'Bell Pepper'

2008-02-14T20:47:00.000-08:00

Capsicum/ Shimla Mirch(Hindi) is also called as 'Bell Pepper' in Mexico!!

The name given to the Capsicum fruits varies between English-speaking countries.
In Australia, New Zealand and India, heatless species are called "capsicums" while hot ones are called "chilli/chillies" (double L). Pepperoncini are also known as "sweet capsicum". The term "bell peppers" is rarely used, and then usually in reference to C. annuum and other varieties which have a bell-shape and are fairly hot, they are more usually called "bell chillies".
It adds lots of colours to the food and it becomes nutritious too!!
The yellow ones have a slight sweet element. The Red ones have a slight sour element.

Chillllly!!!!

2008-02-14T20:36:00.000-08:00

Menasina Kaayi(Kannada)/ Molaga(Tamil)/ Mirchi(Hindi)

Chilli is grown throughout the country and is used in almost all dishes. Chillies are of numerous variety and th eir degree of pungency varies. Dry and fresh Chillies are used in various dishes. Dry chilly gives a red colour and makes the dish attractive.
This spice is grown throughout the year and so there is no scarcity and a good quantity is exported. Kashmir chillies are known for its colour and pungency. The highly pungent chilly is 'Sannam' and slightly pungent chilly is 'Mundu'. Sannam has international popularity.
Chillies are used with or without stalks. To make good quality of chilli powder the stalks should be removed. It is variously called capsicum, paprika, pimento, sweet pepper, red pepper, cayenne pepper and bird pepper, depending on the type of chilli and the manner in which it is prepared and used. Indian chillies are mainly exported to USA, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the middle and the far east.
Dry Chilllies are a variety used for making powders also used as a major ‘hot’ spice adding element in the dishes.

Chillies are important other than just adding spice to the food!!

Red chillies contain some amounts of vitamin C and provitamin A. Yellow and especially green chilis (which are essentially unripe fruit) contain a considerably lower amount of both substances. In addition, peppers are a good source of most B vitamins, and vitamin B6 in particular. They are very high in potassium and high in magnesium and iron. Their high vitamin C content can also substantially increase the uptake of non-heme iron from other ingredients in a meal, such as beans and grains.

Anything in excess is always harmful and so is chilly! Eat all and eat small and be good!!

Fenugreek/Menthya

2008-02-14T20:23:00.000-08:00

Fenugreek / menthya (Kannada)/Venthayam (Tamil)/ Methi (Hindi, Bangla,Marathi)/ menthulu (Telugu)

The dried leaves of the fenugreek is used as a quality flavour for meat, fish and vegetable dishes. It acts as a medicine as well as an embalming agent. Fenugreek seeds are rich in vitamin E and is one of the earliest spices known to man.Fenugreek has a strong, quite peculiar odour reminiscent of maple. It is used in almost all dishes and in pickles.
The major producers of Indian Fenugreek are Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Commercially known as 'Methi', Indian Fenugreek comes in several well-known varieties such as 'Desi' and 'champa'. The spice is exported in its whole and powdered form. The extracted oil of fenugreek is extensively used in perfumery.
The major importers of Indian Fenugreek are Saudi Arabia, Japan, Malaysia, USA,UK, Singapore and Sri Lanka.

Coriander seeds/ Dhania

2008-02-14T20:17:00.000-08:00

Coriander Seeds/ Kothambari beeja-dhania( Kannada)/ Kothamalli verai(Tamil)/ Dhania(Hindi)/ Dhanialu(Telugu)

Coriander seed is a key spice in garam masala and Indian curries, which often employ the ground fruits in generous amounts together with cumin. It also acts as a thickener. Roasted coriander seeds, called dhana dal, are also eaten as a snack. It is also the main ingredient of the two south Indian gravies: sambhar and rasam.Outside of Asia, coriander seed is an important spice for sausages in Germany and South Africa (see boerewors). In Russia and Central Europe coriander seed is an occasional ingredient in rye bread as an alternative to caraway. Apart from the uses just noted, coriander seeds are rarely used in European cuisine today, though they were more important in former centuries.Coriander seeds are also used in brewing certain styles of beer, particularly some Belgian wheat beers. The coriander seeds are typically used in conjunction with orange peel to add a sultry citrus character to these styles of beer.
Medicinal use-Coriander has been used as a folk medicine for the relief of anxiety and insomnia in Iranian folk medicine. Experiments in mice support its use as an anxiolytic. Coriander seeds are also used in traditional Indian medicine as a diuretic by boiling equal amounts of coriander seeds and cumin seeds, then cooling and consuming the resulting liquid. In holistic and some traditional medicine, it is used as a carminative and for general digestive aid.

Clove-Lavanga

2008-02-14T20:11:00.000-08:00

Clove/ Lavanga(Kannada)/ Grambu/lavangam(Tamil)/ Lavang(Hindi)/ Lavangam(Telugu)

Cloves are used in Ayurveda called Lavang in India, Chinese medicine and western herbalism and dentistry where the essential oil is used as an anodyne (fancy word for painkiller) for dental emergencies. Cloves are used as a carminative, to increase hydrochloric acid in the stomach and to improve peristalsis. Cloves are also said to be a natural antihelmintic. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy when stimulation and warming is needed, especially for digestive problems. Topical application over the stomach or abdomen will warm the digestive tract. Also, keeping a clove over a painful tooth provides immediate relief.
Precaution-- Large amounts should be avoided in pregnancy. Cloves can be irritating to the gastrointestinal tract, and should be avoided by people with gastric ulcers, colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome. In overdoses, cloves can cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Severe cases can lead to changes in liver function, dyspnea, loss of consciousness, hallucination, and even death. The internal use of the essential oil should be restricted to 3 drops per day for an adult as excessive use can cause severe kidney damage.

Cumin seeds/Jeera

2008-02-14T20:01:00.000-08:00

Cumin seeds/ Jeerige(Kannada)/ Seerakam(Tamil)/ Jeera(Hindi)/ Jilakara(Telugu)

Cumin seeds are used as a spice for their distinctive aroma, popular in North African, Middle Eastern, Western Chinese, Indian, Cuban and Mexican cuisine.
The flavour of cumin plays a major role in Cuban, Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese,Turkish and Indian cuisines. Cumin is a critical ingredient of chili powder, and is found in achiote blends, adobos, sofrito, garam masala, curry powder, and bahaarat.
Cumin has digestive properties and when boiled in water acts as an excellent refreshener. It is also used in medicines, toiletries and perfumery.
It is also an essential element that acts against producing gas in the stomach due to food likes potato, rajma, cauliflower/gobhi, some grams/dals etc.

Mustard seeds

2008-02-14T19:52:00.000-08:00

Mustard seeds/ Sasve(kannada)/ Kadugu(Tamil)/ Aval(Telugu)/ Rai(Hindi)

Yellow Mustard seeds

This is a must in all our south Indian dishes.Used for seasoning-(Oggarane/ tadka).
In India, mustard is used largely for tempering food. In South India, it is fried in hot oil with curry leaves, chopped onion and then poured over curries. Mustard may very well be the starting point of some dishes. Mustard, ground with coconut, is used for different kinds of pachadis. Special preparations like pork vindaloo contain mustard as one of their major constituents.
Phosphorus 841mg 120% per 100gm, shows that it is a high source of phosphorous.
Phosphorus is a key element in all known forms of life. Inorganic phosphorus in the form of the phosphate PO43- plays a major role in biological molecules such as DNA and RNA where it forms part of the structural framework of these molecules. Living cells also use phosphate to transport cellular energy via adenosine triphosphate(ATP). Nearly every cellular process that uses energy obtains it in the form of ATP. ATP is also important for phosphorylation, a key regulatory event in cells. Phospholipids are the main structural components of all cellular membranes. Calcium phosphate salts assist in stiffening bones.

Cardamom- Black

2008-02-14T19:43:00.000-08:00

Cardamom- Black /Badi Elaichi(Hindi)

In India, black cardamom seeds are often an important component of the Indian spice mixture garam masala. Black cardamom is also commonly used in savory dal and rice dishes.In China, the pods are used for long-braised meat dishes, particularly in the cuisine of the central-western province of Sichuan.The pods are also often used in Vietnam, where they are called thảo quả and used as an ingredient in the broth for the noodle soup .Black cardamom pods can be used in soups, chowders, casseroles, and marinades for smoky flavor, much in the way bacon is used.

Queen of spices- Cardamom

2008-02-14T19:35:00.000-08:00

Cardamom / Yelakki(Kannada)/ Yelakkai(Tamil)/ Elaichi(Hindi)/ Elakayi(Telugu)

Cardamom the Queen of all spices has a history as old as human race. It is one of the high priced spice in the world.

It has well established culinary values, and it is used in a wide range of sweets and confectionery. It is an important ingredient of garam masala, a combination spice for many vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Cardamom acts as a mouth-freshener after meals. Tea and coffee made with cardamom are pleasantly aromatic and refreshing.
In South Asia green cardamom, is broadly used to treat infections in teeth and gums, to prevent and treat throat troubles, congestion of the lungs and pulmonary tuberculosis, inflammation of eyelids and also digestive disorders. It is also reportedly used as an antidote for both snake and scorpion venom.

King Of Spices-Pepper!!

2008-02-14T19:24:00.000-08:00

Peppercorn/Pepper/Menasu(Kannada)/Molag(Tamil)/Kalimirchi(Hindi) - Head of all Spices!!

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae, cultivated for its fruit, which is usually dried and used as a spice and seasoning. The same fruit is also used to produce white pepper, red/pink pepper, and green pepper. Black pepper is native to South India and is extensively cultivated there and elsewhere in tropical regions. The fruit, known as a peppercorn when dried, is a small drupe five millimeters in diameter, dark red when fully mature, containing a single seed.

Pepper corns are very strong in odour and taste, used in canned foods as a flavouring agent. It is commonly used in all dishes as a very popular spice.

Medicinal value of Pepper is to cure irritation in the throat, cold and cough.It has to be prepared and used in the right proportion for appropriate effect!!

Spicing Life!

2008-02-14T19:17:00.000-08:00

An Introductory information about the spices that we as Indians, use in our foods!
It is quite fascinating to see the array of spices!
For beginners, it is certainly hard to ascertain the differences. I am of course, not going to compile all the spices that exist, but only the essential elements that you might want to know as they are mentioned in most recipes!
All the spices have their own medicinal essence other than just adding flavor and aesthetics to the food!
Every spice has been written as a separate post for convenient access for your reading! Hope it helps!

Its Valentine's!!

2008-02-13T21:40:00.000-08:00

Hello all!!
Today on Valentine's day...where love is what should spread...lets forget about hate and truely love the ones we love!!
Its this time of the year where flower and card prices shoot sky high!!
To save myself from the cliched cards...i decided to hand make the card I wanted to give my husband!! And yes he loved it!!
It is a hand made card on a hand made paper!It is a lay mans job and its even cost effective!!
First make a plan and make a list of all you want.
Remember- glue, water colours and paint brush, scissors, ruler, eraser are a must to start making anything.
For this, I required,
Take a Hand made[vegetable paper] sheet of paper from any novelties store or a gift gallery.
Depending upon the colour of the sheet take a contrasting thinner sheet of paper...it could be hand-made or Japanese paper.
Then according to your plan, either you could use loads of this and that at home or you could buy simple little trinkets. Chose your trinkets depending upon the colour, shape and size of the paper and the card that you are going to make.
For the inside where words are to be written you might want to colour white sheets or buy those love expressing notepads with colourful sheets on them.
Keeping all this ready, you can start making the card.
Firstly, if you want to spray paint, cut the desired design from that sheet of paper which should be visible to you when kept on hand-made paper.keep it an appropriate angle.
Now chose ur colour, dip an old unused toothbrush in it and using index finger gently rub it against the bristles on the paper. Focus should be on the edges of the cut-out design, so the imprint is prominently shown.
That done...using a tissue paper,slowly and carefully remove the cut-out. remember, it will still be wet and if you drop it on the hand-made paper the colours cant be erased.
Keep this aside for drying after finishing all the spray painting you want to do.
While it dries, you can finish writing and decorating your plain paper that is reserved for words!!
Now the Glue activity!! On the inner side of the hand-made paper stick the other Japanese paper[remember-it has to be contrasting,else there is no point in using it].Stick the paper on which you have written!Decorate the rest of the inner side suiting your likes and materials available.The design depends on how you want to keep it.
For the outside, I have painted and stuck shells[ಕಪ್ಪೆ ಚಿಪ್ಪು] and conches[ಶಂಖ] on the end of the card making it looks elegant and capturing!
Then, i have made two hearts, one big and one small inside it! Cut them out and paint them.
Now,take a hard piece of paper, roll it and fold it in such a pattern that it looks like stairs[tip-make one stair so its easier for it to bounce]and also has the spring{bouncing} effect to it.
Now stick the smaller heart in the bigger one using the spring as a connector or a bridge.
Once it gives the boucing effect, your job is done.
Now, stick the bigger heart where ever you find it good on the front!!
And the card is ready to be given!!

PS- When you spray paint the hand-made paper, the imprint falls on the other side of the paper too, be careful.
All the best for all those who are going to try this, trust me the appreciation is worth every drop of sweat shed!! Will post more of this in future!!
Get creative and bring joy to the world!! Hope this did some good,if it did do write back to me!
Cheers,
Sujyothi

PhotobloG!

2008-02-13T19:19:00.000-08:00

hey all!!
Some more feed for the blog space!
Art at its captured form...Photography!!
Below is the link to my photoblog on Aminus3.com!!
http://homosapien.aminus3.com/
Do check it out!!
Sayonara!
Jo

Mr.Ogre and family!

2008-02-13T18:49:00.000-08:00

It is quite usual to notice that the word ogre is used extensively for rice preparations!
Like with my previous post 'Puliyogre'. The word 'Ogre'[pronounced as o-grey] means 'bath' in Bengali and the North Eastern India and generally 'Chawal' in the Northern India.
In Karnataka also it is 'bath' for rice preparations. Besides, its is also called as 'Chitra anna'[ I am sorry not enough data to substantiate its origin!:)))]
'Ogre'-various preparations using rice as it major component!
I have written to you the head of the family- Mr. Ogre[Puliyogre].
I will during the course of time introduce you to the other members of the family!
Take care
Ciao!

Kovil Puliyogre!!

2008-02-13T17:01:00.000-08:00

Well, that's not the original name!! That's the name given by my cousin Ashvini, to what Amma makes!
'Kovil' in Tamil means temple!
Puliyogre is our speciality and my friends go gaga over it!!
This recipe is on demand from my 'puliyogre craving' intimate friend Navya!
Puliyogre is also called Tamarind rice and is made across India.One of my Oriyan friends said, her mom used to make it while they were to travel!! 'Puli' in Tamil meaning tamarind/imli and 'ogre' meaning rice!
Directly, from Amma's kitchen's treasure chest !!
To make the gojju or the concentrate paste...

Ingredients:-

A palm full tamarind,soak for 1day,donot add too much water and extract as much as possible.
Red chillies-3 or 4.
Asafoetida-1 pinch
Mustard seeds- 1tsp
Jaggery/gud/bella- 1 small ball or as desired.
Rasam powder- 5 tsp or as desired.
Salt to taste
Oil- 6 tblsps

Method-

Heat oil in a thick bottom pan, add mustard seeds,asafoetida and red chillies.

Now add the tamarind extract to it.

Stir occassionally until it thickens and boils.
Add salt, Rasam powder,Jaggery and curry leaves.
Allow it to finely boil.Keep tasting it while making.It has to be sour,but should also have the right amount of sweetness and spice in it. Stir occassionally until it becomes like a thick paste['lehya' consistency].
Switch off the stove. You can store this gojju once it cools down,while keeping it refrigerated for over a year!

To make our final product :)

Mustard seeds-2 tsps
Asafoetida- 1 pinch
Bengal gram/kadale bele- 2 tsps
Groundnuts/mumphali- 1 fist full [this is the essence of the taste:)]
Curry leaves- a big bunch
White Til/bili yellu- 3 tblsps
Jaggery/gud/bella- 1 small ball
Rasam powder to taste
Salt to taste
Oil -4 tsps
Oil- 2 tblsps[for mixing later]
Grated coconut and coriander leaves for garnishing!

Make rice, spread it and allow it to cool.
While it cools, you can get the rest ready!!
Fry the til without oil till light brown and the fragrance is gained.
Along with the til add the jaggery and dry grind it and keep aside.
Heat oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds, wait till it splutters.
Then add 2-3 dry red chillies[optional].Add the bengal gram and groundnuts.
Once they are light brown, add curry leaves.
Fry while stirring.
Pour this and the til powder over the cooled rice.
Add salt, rasam powder, oil.
Add the gojju or the tamarind paste.
Mix them all well and garnish with grated coconut and coriander leaves!!

Tips-
Best dish for travelling...you could add grated dry coconut[copra/kobbari/coppara tenga] instead of coconut as it will keep the rice edible for a longer time!
The quantities of ingredients mentioned above vary according to the quantity of rice to be made.Check taste before serving.

This is a fantastic dish that can also be made with the mixes that are readily available in the market, the above mentioned method is the traditional method. The method on the pack of the powder may vary since it is quick-make!

If you have liked this, do let me know!!

Have a great time!!

Love

Suj

A prelude to my blog!

2008-02-12T19:44:00.000-08:00

Hello!!

A hearty welcome to "Amma's Food Paradise"!
{Surprised by the difference in the blog name & this lead?This is the magical potion,providing an outlet to my other creative endeavors.It is Food for the physical palate people!!
Amma[my Mother-in-law], is just the best cook in the whole world!All the cooking that i have done are her contributions!She is the guide for all my traditional cooking!
Getting basics from the palate that Mommy dear has always delightedly quenched...kitchen seemed cinched! My dear Dad, who from Day-1,has been my greatest fan and support!
My Dear husband who is always, mostly the only guinea pig available,has been tremendously supportive in everything!! I should mention Shaumik[my dada-meaning bro in Bong], my guinea pig-2. I eagerly await his,"very nice" comment whilst I try out something on them!
DIL- as in my Dad-in-law...i keep waiting for his hand signal for a Thumbs-up or the superb sign to assure quality!!Trust me its very hard to get his approval...and once its attained,Nigella of Nigella feasts or Sanjeev Kapoor of Khana Khazana ,would drool over it :))!! I mean the best of the best Chefs would love it for its taste!!
Inspired by Veda[my sis-in-law],who is also a blogger, I decided to pen down to the world the wonders of Amma's kitchen and other innumerable sources!This space is however, a lot more than just that {please,do re-read the headline&sub-headline}!
This is about art[all forms],creativity,zeal,fallacies of a newly wed in her kitchen, experiments and so much more!! I will give as much information as possible about all the recipes,as it should serve the interests of people unfamiliar with kitchen besides making reading this space a learning experience for all!
This is a forum for sharing all that is meant to be!! Please feel free to pour in more information if you know about any posts! You are most welcome to post queries too!!
Thanks for visiting!!
Love
Sujyothi