Here's one more easy recipe. And its healthy, packed with proteins - the major ingredient for this is MoongDal (the halved and yellow variety) or Mung Beans (dried, skin-removed and halved). You can make this dish any way you want, with any type of lentil. What I have here is probably the most simple form of it, ideal for students who don't really want to spend much time cooking!
SERVING SIZE: For 5 people
PREPARATION TIME: 20-30 mins. (Depends on pressure cooker cooking time)
INGREDIENTS:
Moong Dal or Mung Beans - 1 cup (The yellow variety)
Onions - 1 nos.
Tomato - 2-3 nos. (small sized)
Green Chillies - 1-2 nos. (Depends on desired spiciness)
Oil - 7 -8 tbsp.
Jeera (Cumin Seeds) - 1-2 tsp.
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp.
Coriander Leaves (Cilantro) - To garnish
Salt - to taste
Lemon Concentrate - 2 tsp.
Water - as needed
APPLIANCES NEEDED: Pressure Cooker
METHOD:
Cook the dal in the pressure cooker for about 2 whistles, keeping 1:2 ratio of dal to water and 1/4 tsp. of turmeric powder.
Meanwhile chop the onions and keep aside.
Chop the tomatoes and keep aside.
Pour the oil into the kadai.
Add the jeera into the kadai and fry for sometime until the jeera is slightly darkened.
Slit the green chillies and put them into the kadai.
Now put the chopped onions and fry until the onions turn translucent.
Add the chopped tomatoes and fry for until the tomato pieces are soft.
Now, once the dal is cooked, mash it well so that no individual lentil is seen.
Add the mashed dal to the kadai.
Mix well, adding water in small quantities to get the dal to proper consistency - it shouldn't be too thick nor too watery.
Add salt and the lemon concentrate and stir well.
Chop the coriander leaves and add that as well, and stir lightly.
Dal curry is ready!
PURPLE TIPS:
You can use even Masoordal for this.
If you want to give it more flavoring, you can add some GaramMasala as well.
Lemon concentrate gives it a slightly tangy taste. I like it that way, but it would turn out well even if you didn't add it.
You can add some cooked, chopped spinach and that would be Dal Palak!
Okay, I haven't been able to post all those entries I promised last time. But I shall do them now. I have about 20 entries in drafts, waiting to be completely written and published, so don't think that I've forgotten about my blog! :)
Remember Popeye, the Sailor Man? He used to have spinach to get strength. Well, some people I know aren't quite fond of spinach. I'm not sure this recipe would be interesting for them, but maybe it could attract them because it has Paneer in it, which is a favorite for most people! Well, not exactly Paneer, its Tofu, which is much healthier than Paneer, but you wont know the difference!
But before I go ahead, let me tell you this. There are several ways of making this, actually. Right now, I'm just writing how I made it, with the form of the ingredients I got here, but I shall write the variations below in the Purple Tips Section. :)
SERVING SIZE: For 5 people
PREPARATION TIME: 20-30 mins.
INGREDIENTS:
Main:
Spinach - 400-500 gms, Chopped (Or one box of frozen chopped spinach)
Cardamom (Elaichi) - A small pinch (Powder) or 2 nos.
Bay Leaf - 1
Cloves - 2 nos. (small)
Cinnamon powder - A small pinch
Coriander Seeds (Dhania Seeds) - 1 tsp.
Cumin Seeds (Jeera) - 1 tsp.
Fennel Seeds (Saunf) - 1/2 tsp.
Fenugreek Seeds - 1 tsp.
Cashew Nuts - 5-8 nos.
APPLIANCES NEEDED: Blender, if required.
METHOD:
Chop the green chillies.
Fry all the masala ingredients in a small amount of oil, until the smell of the masala comes out.
Blend the masala ingredients with the green chillies and keep aside.
Cut the paneer/tofu into small pieces - either cubes or small triangular pieces, like shown below.
Fry the tofu pieces in little oil, enough to take away the excess water in them.
Keep the tofu pieces aside.
Dice the onions and cook the onions in the microwave oven for 5 mins. This will allow the onion to get fried and cooked quickly after blending.
Blend the onions to a thick paste.
If using frozen chopped spinach, thaw the spinach for sometime and then cook it in the microwave oven for about 7-8 minutes until the ice is gone.
Blend the spinach to a paste.
In the kadai, pour oil, and fry the jeera.
Add the blended onion paste.
Heat until the paste turns slightly brown.
Then add the blended masala, and fry for sometime.
Then add the tofu pieces to this gravy and let the tofu absorb the masala for sometime.
Then add the spinach paste and let it boil.
Add salt to taste.
Pour some cream or curd over it and stir well.
Palak Paneer or Palak Tofu is ready!
PURPLE TIPS:
Adding green chillies is more healthier and tastier than adding red chillies. That's the reason I added green chillies.
I usually like the spinach blended. But you can also use the spinach in the chopped form as well. It would be have more pulp.
If you don't have the masala ingredients, or don't want to make the masala yourself, you can use garam masala instead. But I prefer making the masala on my own! :)
You can fry the tofu to the extent you like, maybe even deep fry it. Its up to you.
Okay then, try out the recipe and let me know how it turned out.
On Wednesday, May 13, 2009, President Barack Obama addressed the graduating students at our school, Arizona State University. And my, his speech was, to say the least, inspiring and motivating. You can view the entire transcript of his speech here. But in this post, I wish to talk about my experience on that day, and what parts of his speech touched me the most.
A few of my friends are graduating this year, so I got a few tickets to the commencement which was held at the Sun Devil Stadium at ASU. My roommate S and I were getting ready to go to the stadium to listen to Obama's speech and encourage our friends who were graduating, including my other roommate S. (Hey, we're three S's in our house! Well, not anymore; the S that graduated left to Colorado on Saturday. Miss you, S!)
So, S and I left to the Metro Rail stop outside our apartment complex, and we saw a huge line right there. We went and joined the line, assuming that the line was for boarding, and after about 15 mins in the scorching heat of the bright Arizona sun, we found out that the line was for purchasing the ticket from the vending machine, and not for boarding the train! We felt really dumb because we were waiting unnecessarily in the line; we had our Student Passes for the train and didn't need to purchase tickets. Then after about 10 mins, a train came along - it felt like I was in India! The train was literally bursting with people! The doors opened, and it looked like people would fall out from within the train! Unfortunately, we were not able to get into that train and let it pass. Then came another train in 5 mins and thank God it wasn't full. In fact, it was quite free; we were able to get a couple of seats. The train ran only till the University Drive and Rural Road Stop, as that was the stop nearest to the stadium - so that meant it was one stop from our place. From there, we went on a bus shuttle to the parking lot near the stadium, and we walked toward the stadium only to join a HUGE crowd at the end! We kept going and going, and finally stopped and joined a queue. The sun was literally burning us up. My feet already showed signs of tanning! Finally we got past the security checkups and metal detectors and went in. That was the first time I was going to the stadium. It was amazing! It is so huge! Our seats were in Sector 245, which was in the second level. After climbing up and making our way through a pushing and pulling crowd, we finally reached our sector and went inside and climbed up to our row and found our seats. And that meant some more sun - our sector was directly facing the sun (sometimes, I felt that the sun was deliberately right in front of me!) and our row must have been like the 10th or 15th row from the ultimate top of the stadium! People down looked like red dots (students had their maroon graduation gowns)! S and I were speechless - not in a good way, though! After sometime, the stadium became packed with people. The Sun Devil Stadium is supposed to seat around 75000 people, and looking around, I just couldn't believe that I was looking at about 70000 people at the same time! This is the first time this was happening in my life! Wow! I guess the entire population of the city must have been there!
The program started around 6:30, with a band singing some stuff (pardon me, but I wasn't really concentrating neither was I too attracted to the "songs"!) and then, we saw some cheering and dancing from the cheerleaders (they looked like tiny yellow and white figurines from where we sat) and then finally, at about 6:55 or something, we saw the police cars and sirens and the black cars, and we knew that President had come. After a while, people gathered on the stage and they sang the United States' national anthem (nope, I haven't learnt it yet!).
The president of ASU, Michael Crow gave his speech, and they introduced the students who had made tremendous achievement (there was a 17 yr old girl who was graduating, and another girl who was graduating with 4 degrees! Way to go girls! Girl Power! ) and finally, the most awaited event - President Obama's address to the crowd. Once he got to the podium, there were so many camera flashes among the audience, it felt like that night the stars from the sky fell over the audience and glittered from amongst us. I have taken a video of that - seriously, twinkling stars from the audience; simply beautiful! See for yourself!
I have always been bored by speeches, and especially those coming from political figures. But this speech, I will never forget in my life. It must have probably been one of the very few speeches that I have been completely attentive to, and the most inspiring speech of all. It was more of a wake up call for me. President Obama talked about the present economic situation and how it has affected us. But he also talked about how we can help others and how we can give back to the community. He never once looked at the paper and most importantly, the words were simple, elegant words; no verbose language. Simple, easy to understand, down to earth language, yet packed with so much power and energy that would have definitely inspired every student and every person in the audience.
Here are some of my favorite lines from the speech - ones that really touched me.
... I come to embrace the notion that I haven't done enough in my life; I heartily concur; I come to affirm that one's title, even a title like President of the United States, says very little about how well one's life has been led -- that no matter how much you've done, or how successful you've been, there's always more to do, always more to learn, and always more to achieve.
... graduates, Class of 2009, that despite having achieved a remarkable milestone in your life, despite the fact that you and your families are so rightfully proud, you too cannot rest on your laurels ... You can't rest. Your own body of work is also yet to come.
...The same principle is true in your personal life. Being a parent is not just a matter of paying the bills, doing the bare minimum -- it's not bringing a child into the world that matters, but the acts of love and sacrifice it takes to raise and educate that child and give them opportunity.
And best of all, his definition of "young":
...when I say "young," I'm not just referring to the date of your birth certificate. I'm talking about an approach to life -- a quality of mind and quality of heart; a willingness to follow your passions, regardless of whether they lead to fortune and fame; a willingness to question conventional wisdom and rethink old dogmas; a lack of regard for all the traditional markers of status and prestige -- and a commitment instead to doing what's meaningful to you, what helps others, what makes a difference in this world.
...Acts of sacrifice and decency without regard to what's in it for you -- that also creates ripple effects -- ones that lift up families and communities; that spread opportunity and boost our economy; that reach folks in the forgotten corners of the world who, in committed young people like you, see the true face of America: our strength, our goodness, our diversity, our enduring power, our ideals.
Well, this doesn't just go to Americans, this speech is for each and every student in each and every part of this world. Honestly, I feel this speech should also be seen by our lazy, selfish politicians in India. Each person in India, as an individual should also take in the words of the speech. We should all strive to do something not for ourselves, but for the others. We should all strive to make a difference in other's lives.
One speech that I will never forget in my life, and that I will always look back at for motivation, when I feel lost or helpless.
Watch the full video below. It includes Michael Crow's introduction as well as the actual address by the President.
Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there! Especially mine! I love you, mom!
Well, you all must be wondering why I didn't post this entry yesterday, when it was Mother's Day, and instead I'm posting it today. I wanted to post the entry after collecting all my thoughts, feelings, and expressions that I experienced through out the day.
A mother is very important in a person's life. From the moment our life was conceived in her, we owe her so much. Not only did she give us life, but she gave us the courage and love to help us lead the wonderful life that we have. Mother, she has been there for you, from the beginning, literally. We started our life within her. And then, she brought us into this harsh world, telling us that she will protect us no matter what, and that she will always be there for us.
The word mother does not just refer to the biological mother, but also to the women who brought up other children as their own. And from the wonderful, culture rich country that we come from, India, the terms Amma, Ma, etc are used to call any girl or woman who shows the compassion that only a mother can, to someone unknown, or known. Hence, any girl or woman, who has expressed the sort of compassion to someone is regarded and respected as a mother, by the person receiving it. Remember the beggars outside the temples back in India? If we show them concern and give them some food or money or anything, they gratefully say, "Amma, you will live happily". Importantly, they call us Amma. Because someone showed them compassion. So, maybe, I would say, Mother, or as we know her in India, Matha, Ma, Amma, etc, is that embodiment of love and compassion without whom we would not have known what love means.
And now, to my dear mom, this is what I have to say to you...
Dear Amma,
When I was a little baby, you held me in your arms, and looked at me with all those dreams you had for me. You dreamt of making me a wonderful girl, and a wonderful woman and be proud of what I would turn out to be. When I first started to walk, you held my hands, and you were there to catch me when I fell, but you were so careful with me, that you didn't let me fall. When I was sleeping, you used to be awake, to make sure that I slept well.
When I started going to the Montessori School, in Dubai, you would pack my tiffin, dress me up, and send me off to school and after I returned, you would listen to all my nonsense. When I started dancing little steps looking at the dancers on TV, you and Appa joined me into a dance class, for which I am always grateful to you both. You used to take me along with you when you went to your Veena class, and I still remember falling asleep listening to the music, on your lap, while you rested the veena on the other lap. You never complained, although I'm sure your lap would have got numb several times.
You ended up having to go for work while I was still in school, maybe when I was in the 2nd grade, but even then, managed to spend time with me. I used to go to my friend's house after school, and you would call up to their house to make sure I came safely, and then come and pick me up to take me home. You instilled in me, slowly, the confidence and the courage to be independent, and responsible - you gave me my set of house keys so that I can come back home directly, after school. I was never afraid to be alone, when kids my age would've definitely been frightened. I used to call you once I reached home and you would call me every hour to make sure I was alright. And then, when you came home, you used to get me a toy sometimes, or a Barbie Doll. And then, in the evening, you would ask me to practice dance, and then say my prayers, and every night tell me stories before I went to sleep.
And then, when we came to India for good, in 1997, for my seventh grade, I asked you to stay at home, since you went to work earlier. And you agreed. It was a big sacrifice for you, but you never hesitated. I always complained that you left me and went to work, ignorant of the reason. Now I understand that you went to work that time, to make my future, which is present now, possible. You went to work along with Appa, to provide for my future - engineering degree, graduate studies in the US, dance etc. You have made so many sacrifices for me, to make me what I am today.
Every time you used to ask me to practice dance, I kept whining. But then, now I realize, that if you hadn't pushed me to practice, I wouldn't have been able to dance well now. I wouldn't have probably had the urge or interest in dance or the fine arts. During my arangetram practices, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to dance. You kept pushing me to practice, and encouraged me to do better every time. Even now, during every dance program, you are always on your toes, nervous, and constantly praying that I should perform well, and nothing should go wrong. It was all those prayers that have made me the person I am today.
You slowly made me independent and gave me the strength to take care of myself, by taking me to classes by the PTC buses. And encouraged me to travel alone and stand on my own, so that I can take care of myself in future; maybe that is one reason why I am able to take care of myself while living here alone without you here in the US, as a student. You taught me to be self-sufficient and responsible.
You protected me from the world, and at the same time, exposed me to it in such a way that it would only make me a better person, and not hurt me. You gave me the freedom to make my own choices, and at all times, you have always stood by me, and supported me in all times of good and bad. Every time I got injured, it was you who felt the pain more.
More than everything, you have always been there for me and still continue to be there for me, in all walks of my life. What I am today, I owe it all completely to you.
And I will always hold you at the pedestal, and I will never ever let you down or let tears come out of your eyes. I am proud to be your daughter. You mean the world to me. All these years you took care of me. Now, it is time for me to take care of you. I will never let any one hurt you or Appa for that matter. And I shall work hard and become the wonderful dancer you want me to become, of course with the help of Vijay Anna, my dance master. And I shall make you proud by being the wonderful woman you always wanted me to be. But also remember, I am still your little darling daughter. :)
Love you always.
Your darling little daughter.
To all the wonderful women out there, Happy Mother's Day!
Ah! Finally, I am done with most work; well, enough to allow me post entries on my blog. Yay! Guys, don't stop reading my blog! :( I have a lot of posts coming on the way. In the next one week, there is going to be a plethora of posts on my blog!!!
There's going to be more recipes, some general musings, some more revelation of another side of me (its not what you think!), and many more to come...
So hang in there, and stay tuned!!! Here's a rush of blog posts coming right at you!!!
Drowned in the chaos of daily life, voices all around - some sweet and alluring, some steely and rebuking, some gloomy and doleful, some dull and insipid; visions all around - some inspiring, some provocative, some daunting, some haunting, some appalling, some contrite; scents all around - aromas, fragrances, stenches, odors; I emerge with my dreams and aspirations, to bring in poise into my life, with the help of the magic sprinkles - those same voices, visions and scents around me.
It is an invitation only website, where you can get BIG discounts on TOP luxury brands, which last for a short period! Click HERE for my invitation, if you would like to join the group!
Don't worry, its not spam or another social network or an auction site. Its just a shopping site, except for designer items!
Here's one more easy recipe. And its healthy, packed with proteins - the major ingredient for this is Moong Dal (the halved and yellow variety) or Mung Beans (dried, skin-removed and halved). You can make this dish any way you want, with any type of lentil. What I have here is probably the most simple form of it, ideal for students who don't really want to spend much time cooking!
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