ANGLO-INDIAN RECIPES

ANGLO-INDIAN BONE PEPPER WATER

2012-01-06T04:46:00.000-08:00

BREAST BONE PEPPER WATER is the Anglo-Indian Version of "MULLIGATAWNY"

Serves 6 preparation Time 45 minutes

½ kg soup bones and pieces of meat preferably from the breast portion

1 teaspoon cumin powder

2 teaspoons chilly powder

1 teaspoon pepper powder

2 teaspoons coriander powder

½ teaspoon turmeric powder

2 large onions chopped

2 large tomatoes chopped

Salt to taste

1 teaspoon crushed garlic

½ cup tamarind juice

½ cup coconut paste or coconut milk (optional)

Cook all the above ingredients with about 4 cups of water in a pressure cooker first on high heat then on low for ½ an hour till the meat and bones are soft and the pepper water is quite thick. Season with mustard, curry leaves and chopped onion. Garnish with coriander leaves. Serve hot with plain rice and any chutney.

KALKALS / KULKULS

2011-12-03T22:53:00.001-08:00

KALKALS or KULKULS are prepared all over India at Christmas time. A variant of ‘Filhoses Enroladas’ a Portuguese Christmas Sweet, Kalkals, (always referred to in the plural) are crunchy inch-long curled or shell shaped sweetened fried dough Sweets. Sugar and flour are combined with eggs, milk and butter to a soft dough and then small marble sized balls of this dough are rolled on the tines of a fork or a comb to form a shell or a scroll, then deep fried in hot oil. The dough is sometimes rolled out and cut into different shapes such as hearts, spades, diamonds etc with cutters or a knife and then deep fried in hot oil. The Kalkals / Kulkuls are later frosted or coated in hot melted sugar syrup.

Making Kalkals is a time consuming process and thus requires many hands in its preparation. Hence a few days before Christmas, a separate day is designated as ‘Kalkal Day’ when every member of the family spends a few hours rolling out his/her portion of the kalkal dough. While one doesn’t know how the name ‘Kalkals / Kulkuls’ got its nomenclature it is probably because of the “curls” of this particular Christmas Sweet.

KALKALS (Fried sweetened balls of dough)

Serves 6 Preparation time 1 hour

Ingredients

I kg refined flour

6 eggs beaten well

2 cups thick coconut milk

½ teaspoon salt

300 grams sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

Oil for deep frying

Mix the flour, salt, sugar and baking powder together. Add the coconut milk and eggs and knead to a soft dough. Keep aside for an hour. Form kalkals by taking small lumps of the dough and roll on the back of a fork or a wooden kalkal mould, to form a scroll. Alternately, roll out the dough and cut into fancy shapes with kalkal or cookie cutters. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry as many kalkals as possible at a time. Keep aside.

To frost the kalkals, melt 1 cup of sugar with ½ cup of water and when the sugar syrup crystallizes pour over the kalkals and mix well. Store in airtight boxes when cold.

ROAST TURKEY WITH STUFFING

2011-11-24T05:05:00.001-08:00

Serves 6

Preparation Time 1 hour

1 Whole small dressed Turkey

¼ cup vinegar

3 teaspoons pepper powder

2 cups bread crumbs

2 teaspoons dried mint powder

2 eggs beaten

1 cup of boiled peas and carrot

½ teaspoon grated lemon rind

½ cup oil Salt to taste

Wash the turkey and rinse the insides well and keep aside. Wash the liver, heart, gizzards and other edible internal parts of the turkey well. Cook all these parts with a little water, salt and pepper powder till soft. Remove and chop into very tiny bits. This is known as the Turkey Giblets mince. Mix the cooked giblet mince with the eggs, bread crumbs, vinegar, mint powder lemon rind, salt and the boiled carrots and peas.

Now slit the turkey near the neck just above the chest and fill it well with the giblet mince mixture packing it firmly and tightly. When the turkey is stuffed well, close the opening Rub oil well all over the turkey. Place the stuffed turkey in a large vessel or pressure cooker and add sufficient water. Cook till the turkey is tender. Keep simmering till all the water dries up and the turkey turns a lovely golden brown all over. (The stuffed turkey can also be roasted in an oven if desired). Serve hot or cold with boiled vegetables and mash potatoes and Bread.

Feature on me in MINT -CAKE RUSH

2011-11-13T04:38:00.001-08:00

Feature on me in Mint today http://www.livemint.com/2011/11/10203233/Christmas-baking--Cake-rush.html

PRESERVING ANGLO-INDIAN CUISINE https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2571530697921&set=a.2571524377763.177223.1543866568&type=1#!/angloindiancuisine

STICK CURRY / KEBAB CURRY / HUSSAINY CURRY

2011-10-21T06:11:00.000-07:00

Serves 6

Preparation Time 1 hour

Ingredients

1 kg beef or mutton cut into small cubes

1 cup curds / yogurt

1 teaspoon garlic paste

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon ginger paste

2 teaspoons chillie powder

2 onions sliced

10 or 12 thick broom sticks / bamboo sticks or thin skewers 4” in length

3 tablespoons oil

Salt to taste

Marinate the meat with a little turmeric powder, salt and a little curds for one hour.

Heat oil in a suitable vessel and sauté the onions for a few minutes. Add the ginger and garlic paste and fry for a few minutes. Add the chillie powder, turmeric powder, remaining curds and salt and stir fry for a few minutes. Add 1 cup of water and bring to boil. Meanwhile pass the broom sticks / bamboo sticks / skewers through the marinated meat. About 5 pieces should fit on each stick. Place the sticks of meat in the curry that is boiling. Close the vessel and simmer on low heat till the meat is cooked. Serve without removing the sticks.

HOT & SPICY TRIPE (BOTY CURRY)

2011-10-09T04:24:00.000-07:00

Spicy Tripe or Boty Curry was a very popular dish with the community. In olden days It used to be prepared with freshly roasted and pounded ingredients. The Boty or the tripe would be washed well and cut into long thin strips then cooked in sufficient water for hours till tender over a firewood oven. Now with a pressure cooker, the same dish can be prepared in just 45 minutes. It was served with bread or rice and sometimes as an accompaniment with drinks. Tripe tastes delicious with coconut rice too!!!

Serves 6

Preparation Time 40 minutes

Ingrredients

1 kg Tripe either beef or mutton sliced thinly

2 large onions chopped

1teaspoon chilly powder

½ teaspoon pepper powder

½ teaspoon turmeric powder

2 tablespoons oil

1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger

2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic

Salt to taste

2 green chillies slit lengthwise

1 teaspoon cumin powder

½ teaspoon coriander powder

½ cup cudla dhal ( Bengal gram dhal)

Wash the tripe well. Cook it in sufficient water with the cudla dhal and a little salt in a pressure cooker till soft. Drain and keep the soup aside. Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the onions lightly. Add the sliced tripe, ginger, garlic, salt, turmeric powder, chilly powder, cumin powder, coriander powder and pepper powder and mix well. Add the soup. Cover and simmer on low heat till the gravy thickens. Serve hot with rice or bread.

SCRAMBLED FISH ROE (FISH EGGS)

2011-09-10T05:38:00.000-07:00

Serves 6

Preparation Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

½ kg Fish Roe

2 onions chopped finely

2 green chillies chopped

1- teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons pepper powder

3 tablespoons oil or butter

Wash and cut the Fish Roe into thick slices about an inch inthickness. Coat it with the salt and pepper. Heat oil or butter in a pan tillsmoky and fry the onions and green chillies till golden brown. Mix in the fishRoe slices and fry till golden brown. Break up the Roe as it fries. It willtaste like scrambled egg. Serve with buttered Toast

Spicy Mince Croquettes (Cigar shaped Cutlets)

2011-08-31T21:27:00.000-07:00

Serves 6

Preparation Time 1 hour

Ingredients

½ kg minced meat (Beef or mutton)

I onion chopped finely

6 cloves garlic chopped

3 green chilies chopped finely

2 slices bread soaked in water and squeezed dry

3 tablespoons bread crumbs

2 eggs beaten separately

Salt to taste

3 tablespoons oil or ghee

½ teaspoon pepper powder

1 teaspoon chopped coriander and mint leaves

Wash the mince well and then cook it along with the chopped onion, green chilies, garlic and salt with a little water till nice and dry. Mix in the soaked bread slices, salt, pepper, coriander leaves, 2 teaspoons breadcrumbs and 1 beaten egg and mix well. Form into long cigar shaped cutlets. Dip each Croquette in the remaining beaten egg and roll in breadcrumbs. Heat oil in a flat pan and shallow fry about 6 Croquettes at a time. Serve hot with wedges of lemon and onion rings. This is a very nice accompaniment with pepper water and white rice.

Anglo-Indian Food Festival - Cooking Demo

2011-08-27T00:24:00.000-07:00

A few pictures of my cooking Demo at the Anglo-Indian Food festival on 20th and 21st Aug 2011

A selection of food at the Fest:

Fish Fingers and Mixed Veg Croquettes

CHICKEN PEPPER FRY

Coconut Rice, Mince Ball Curry and Mixed Veg Vindaloo

Grandma's Country Captain Chicken

Caramel Custard

ANGLO-INDIAN FOOD FESTIVAL - BANGALORE

2011-08-11T06:43:00.000-07:00

AN EXCLUSIVE ANGLO-INDIAN FOOD FESTIVAL IS BEING HELD ON THE 20TH AND 21ST AUGUST AT THE IVY UNWIND ISLAND RESORT (OPP PRESTIGE TECH PARK AND J P MORGAN), MARATHAHALLI RING ROAD, BANGALORE

LOTS OF TASTY ANGLO-INDIAN ON THE LUNCH BUFFET. BRING YOUR FAMILY AND UNWIND AT THE IVY UNWIND ISLAND RESORT

ANGLO-INDIAN FOOD FESTIVAL LUNCH BUFFET ON 2OTH AND 21^ST AUGUST

WELCOME DRINK

1. FRUIT PUNCH

SOUPS

MULLIGATAWNY SOUP
CLEAR CHICKEN SOUP

SALADS

WALDORF SALAD
PICKLED CABBAGE SALAD WITH CHOPPED GINGER AND GARLIC
SLIVERS OF ASSORTED VEGETABLES SUCH AS CUCUMBER, RADDISH, TOMATO, CAPSICUM, ONION, ETC with 4 different dressings
FRIED CHICKEN SAUSAGES MIXED WITH CHOPPED ONIONS, CAPSICUM AND TOMATO

STARTERS :

1. VEGETABLE CROQUETTES

2. FISH FINGERS

Both served with Tartar Sauce

MAIN COURSES:

1. YELLOW COCONUT FLAVOURED RICE WITH MUTTON MINCE BALL CURRY

SERVED WITH RED SPICY DEVIL CHUTNEY

2. HOPPERS WITH ANGLO INDIAN BROWN STEW

3. GRANDMA’S COUNTRY CHAPTAIN CHICKEN CURRY / (Saturday)

CHICKEN VINDALOO (Sunday)

4. A CAULIFLOWER, MACARONI AND CHEESE BAKED DISH (Sat)

SHEPHERD'S PIE (Sunday)

5. HASH BROWNS / MASHED POTATO

6. ANGLO-INDIAN MIXED VEGETABLE VINDALOO (Sat)

MIXED VEGETABLE JALFRAZIE (Sunday)

7. ANGLO-INDIAN PEPPER WATER AND WHITE STEAMED RICE

DESSERTS

BREAD PUDDING SERVED WITH CUSTARD SAUCE TOPPING
DELICIOUS CARAMEL CUSTARD
FRESH FRUIT / ICE CREAM

LIVE COUNTER :

1. INDIAN BREADS

2. CHAAT COUNTER

PUMPKIN AND TOMATO CURRY

2011-08-08T06:14:00.000-07:00

Pumpkins are very versatile in their uses for cooking. Most parts of the pumpkin are edible, including the fleshy shell, the seeds, the leaves, and even the flowers. When ripe, the pumpkin can be boiled, baked, steamed, or roasted. In India, the pumpkin is cooked in a variety of ways such as curries, side dishes, savoury snacks and sweets. Pumpkin puree is made into soups and desserts such as pies and pastries and the seeds are often roasted and eaten as a snack. .

Serves 6

Preparation Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

½ kg pumpkin,

2 onions chopped finely

A few curry leaves

1 teaspoon ginger and garlic paste

2 teaspoons chillie powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

2 medium size tomatoes chopped

2 tablespoons oil

salt to taste

Remove the skin of the pumpkin and cut into 2 inch pieces. Wash and soak in a little water. Heat oil in a pan and add the curry leaves and onions and fry till golden brown. Add the tomatoes, chilly powder, salt, turmeric powder, coriander powder and ginger paste, garlic paste and sauté for a few minutes. Now add the pumpkin pieces and mix well. Add 1 cup of water and cook on low till the pumpkin is cooked. Care should be taken not to over cook or they will get smashed.

Serve as a main curry or a side dish with rice.

BREAST BONE PEPPER WATER

2011-07-25T06:21:00.000-07:00

Breast Bone Pepper Water is an old Anglo-Indian favourite. Its actually morphed from Mulligatawny Soup of the early days. Breast Bone Pepper Water is ideal for a rainy day.

Serves 6 preparation Time 45 minutes
½ kg soup bones and pieces of meat preferably from the breast portion
1 teaspoon cumin powder
2 teaspoons chilly powder
1 teaspoon pepper powder

2 teaspoons coriander powder

½ teaspoon turmeric powder
2 large onions chopped
2 large tomatoes chopped
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon crushed garlic
½ cup tamarind juice
½ cup coconut paste or coconut milk
Cook all the above ingredients with about 4 cups of water in a pressure cooker first on high heat then on low for ½ an hour till the meat and bones are soft and the pepper water is quite thick. Season with mustard, curry leaves and chopped onion. Garnish with coriander leaves. Serve hot with plain rice and any chutney.

ANGLO-INDIAN ROAST BEEF

2011-07-16T06:05:00.000-07:00

Serves: 6
Preparation and cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients

A 2 kg chunk of tender beef preferably from the Round or Rump Portion
2 teaspoons Pepper Powder
1 teaspoon Chillie Powder
3 red dry chillies broken into bits
1 small cinamon stick
3 cloves
Salt to taste
3 tablespoons butter or oil
3 large potatoes peeled and cut into halves

Wash the meat and rub the salt, pepper and chillie powder well into it all over. Heat a large pan or pressure cooker and add the butter/ oil. Drop in the red chillies, cinamon and cloves. Now place the meat in the pan and brown all over, turning it from side to side. Add sufficient water and cook till the meat is tender. Add the sliced the potatoes to the meat. Simmer on low heat till all the water evaporates, turning the meat from side to side, till the Roast is nicely brown all over and the potatoes and too are well roasted.
Serve hot or cold with steamed vegetables and bread.

ANGLO-INDIAN SALT FISH PICKLE

2011-07-12T23:04:00.000-07:00

A Trypical Anglo-Indian Pickle. Very easy to prepare and takes awesome!!!!

½ kg good salt fish cut into small bits (without the bone)
3 tablespoons chilly powder
½ teaspoon tumeric powder
1 teaspoon mustard seeds powdered
1 teaspoon cumin powder
¼ teaspoon nutmeg powder
1 tablespoon sliced ginger pieces
1 tablespoon sliced garlic pieces
2 tablespoons salt
1 cup Sesame oil (Til oil)
1 cup vinegar
1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds powdered

Wash the salt fish well and leave to dry for some time. Smear the tumeric powder on the salt fish. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan and fry the salt fish till golden brown. Keep aside. In another pan heat the remaining oil till smoky, then turn off the heat. Add all the other ingredients and the fried salt fish and mix well. Store in bottles when cold.

This recipe is featured in my book FLAVOURS OF THE PAST

Spicy Pork Spare Ribs

2011-07-11T06:58:00.000-07:00

1 kg Pork Spare Ribs

2 teaspoons Coriander Powder
1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
2 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
2 tablespoons oil
Salt to taste
2 teaspoons chillie Powder
2 tablespoons vinegar
3 onions finely chopped
Marinate the Pork Spare Ribs with the coriander powder, cumin powder, chillie powder, vinegar and salt for one hour. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onions and chopped garlic till golden brown. Add the marinated Pork Spare Ribs and mix well. Add sufficient water and cook till tender. Serve with rice or Bread.

A Passage to Colonial India - The Hindu Life & Style » Metroplus 3rd June 2011

2011-06-03T02:39:00.000-07:00

Bridget White-Kumar takes Mini Anthikad-Chhibber through the delicately spiced pages of history into a world of memsahibs, cucumber sandwiches, kedgeree and khansama

Stepping into Bridget White-Kumar's house just off the busy Koramangala Ring Road is to step into another world altogether. There are the flowering trees, plants, shrubs, lovebirds all flourishing in a riotous symmetry. The old world charm of the house with its glass showcases, the colourful aquarium with its plump, brilliantly-hued fish is an echo of Bridget's life-long project of preserving the Anglo-Indian legacy through its cuisine.

Having written seven recipe books including the latest, “Vegetarian Delicacies” and a book on Kolar Gold Fields, where she was born — “Kolar Gold Fields – Down Memory Lane – Paeans to lost Glory,” Bridget is doing her bit to see that a way of life does not pass off into the dusty pages of history.

“It all started when my daughter, Kusum, was going to England to study,” says Bridget with a smile. “I wrote her a small recipe book. The original little black book! There were recipes for regular cooking like rice, curries and snacks. When Kusum returned, she said all her friends had enjoyed the food. That Easter, while we were eating the traditional Easter lunch, my daughter said these recipes would die out unless they were recorded. That got me thinking and I set about collecting recipes.”
Collating recipes handed down from her mother and grandmother, Bridget soon had a wealth of information about Anglo-Indian recipes. “I sent the manuscript around and Roli Books showed interest. But it was all taking too much time. I decided to pick out the most famous Anglo-Indian dishes and publish it myself.”
And that is how “The Best of Anglo-Indian Cuisine – A Legacy” was born. “I tempted readers with the picture of classic Anglo Indian dishes — coconut rice, devil chutney and ball curry, on the cover,” Bridget says with a laugh. The book was a super success. The other books followed including “Flavours of the Past” with colonial favourites such as Railway mutton curry.
After her graduation in Kolar, Bridget came to Bangalore to do her B.Ed, which is where she met her husband. “He was my first cooking instructor! He taught me to strain rice. I asked my mother and mother-in-law for recipes. “Since my husband is from Guntur in Andhra Pradesh, known for its fiery cooking, and I am Anglo-Indian, my cooking was a fusion of the two. I started off with simple dishes and then graduated to more complicated recipes. My first big success was the biryani, which was not too bland nor was it too spicy or too rich. I realised ethnic cooking is dying out and needs to be preserved.”
About the legacy of Anglo-Indian food, Bridget says: “Roasts, stews, bakes, sandwiches and white bread, fish and chips, cutlets, croquettes, sausages, bacon, ham, egg variants, puddings, custards, became part of the Anglo-Indian culinary repertoire. The Sunday English breakfast of eggs, bacon and kippers, toast, cheese, butter, jams, and English roast dinners complete with steamed vegetables, roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and gravy, English sausages, colloquially known as bangers with mash, became very common in Anglo-Indian homes.” Anglo-Indian cuisine has a strong Scottish influence too. “The bread pudding, treacle pudding, mince and tatties, steak and kidney pie and of course kedgeree (kichdi) are a result of the cross pollination between cultures.”
Anglo-Indian food should not be looked at as a homogenous entity, Bridget says. “The recipes are an amalgamation of the tastes and spices of the region. So the Anglo-Indian cuisine from Bengal will have more sea food and mustard oil while the cuisine from landlocked Kolar would feature more meat.”
Bridget took VRS from Canara Bank after working for 23 years. She says she is busier than before. She started a blog on KGF “four to five years ago. Every time I visited, I saw the deterioration. I felt the nostalgia and the need to preserve the story of KGF for coming generations”. That is how “Kolar Gold Fields – Down Memory Lane – Paeans to lost Glory” was born. An easy read, the book effortlessly brings to life the world of dances, food and hard work.
As I look through Bridget's collection of recipes, written by her mum and grandmother on little pieces of paper and also flip through this rare, old book, “Original Madras Cookery” published in 1874 written by an anonymous British Resident's wife I am transported to a world of khansamas, mulligatawny soup, bone china tea services and delicately-sliced cucumber and chutney sandwiches. At my back I can hear the insistent hum of Koramangala traffic as it speeds down our very own information highway. It is however nice to sometimes take a break and indulge in some heavy duty Raj nostalgia.
Mini Anthikad-Chhibber
http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article2071072.ece?sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4de87550968c3fe0%2C0

HONEY YOGURT FRUIT COMPOTE

2011-06-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

1 cup plain curds / yogurt

3 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 oranges, peeled, sliced, and halved
1 cup pineapple chunks
1 apple, cored and chopped
1 ripe pear, cored and sliced into wedges
1 kiwifruit, peeled and sliced (optional)
2 bananas peeled and sliced
In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, honey and cinnamon. Stir well to blend. Chop the fruits to desired size and mix together in a separate bowl. Arrange alternate layers of yogurt mixture and fruit in individual tall glasses or bowls. Chill for ½ an hour before serving

MANGO PICKLE

2011-05-24T05:18:00.000-07:00

The mango season is in full swing and the weather is just right for making some old fashioned Anglo-Indian Mango Pickle. Anglo-Indian Pickles are usually hot and sweet!!!

MANGO PICKLE

10 medium sized mangoes
4 tablespoons chilly powder
1- tablespoon fenugreek seeds (Methi) ground coarsely
½ teaspoon tumeric powder
4 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon mustard powder
½ litre sesame oil or refined oil
½ of cup vinegar
½ cup sugar
Wash and dry the mangoes well. Cut them into medium size pieces. Throw away the seeds. Mix the mango pieces with the chilly powder, salt, fenugreek powder, mustard powder, sugar and vinegar in a stone jar and leave in the sun for a week. Shake the jar everyday so that all the mango pieces soak well. After a week heat the oil in a pan till smoky. Cool and pour over the pickle in the jar. Mix well. The pickle is now ready for use.

GREEN BANANA CUTLETS

2011-05-23T05:06:00.000-07:00

Serves 6 Preparation time 1 hours

4 green raw bananas
2 medium size potatoes boiled and mashed
2 onions chopped fine
1 teaspoon grated ginger
¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon chillie powder
½ teaspoon coriander powder
2 green chillies chopped finely
2 teaspoons chopped coriander leaves
3 tablespoons bread crumbs
1 tablespoon flour
Salt to taste
Oil for frying the cutlets

Peel green bananas. Cut crosswise into 1 1/2 inch to 2 inch slices. Rub bananas with a pinch of turmeric and some salt. Place in a pan with water to cover. Boil until bananas are cooked and quite soft. Drain off water and mash.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan and add onion, ginger and fry till the onions are light brown. Add the turmeric powder, chillie powder, coriander powder, green chillies and salt and fry for 2 or 3 minutes. Mix in the chopped coriander leaves, and mashed banana and potatoes. Mix thoroughly. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for some time. Divide mixture into 12 portions and shape into cutlets quarter inch thick. Mix the flour with a little water to make a paste. Dip each cutlet in the flour paste, roll in breadcrumbs then shallow fry in hot oil a few at a time till golden brown on both sides.

BUTTER BEANS / LIMA BEANS AND POTATO KORMA

2011-05-08T21:52:00.000-07:00

BUTTER BEANS OR LIMA BEANS: Lima Beans are also known as Butter Beans, because of their starchy yet buttery texture. Butter Beans or Lima beans have a delicate flavor that complements a wide variety of dishes. They are a very good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber and prevent blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly after a meal, making these beans an especially good choice for individuals with diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia. These beans are also rich in vitamins and proteins.

BUTTER BEANS / LIMA BEANS AND POTATO KORMA

Serves 6 Preparation time 45 minutes
Ingredients:

250 grams butter beans / lima beans, 2 onions chopped, 2 tomatoes chopped, 2 potatoes peeled and cut into quarters, 2 cloves, 3 cardamoms, 1 stick cinnamon, 1 teaspoon garlic paste, 1 teaspoon ginger paste, 2 tablespoon coconut paste, 1 teaspoon chillie powder, ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon coriander powder, ½ teaspoon spice powder / garam masala powder, Salt to taste
3 tablespoons coriander leaves chopped

Boil the butter beans and potatoes till tender in sufficient water with a little salt. Drain and keep aside. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onions, cloves, cardamom and cinnamon for a little while. Add the tomatoes, garlic paste, ginger paste, chillie powder, turmeric, garam masala / spice powder, coriander powder, coconut paste, a little of the chopped coriander leaves and salt and stir fry till the oil separates from the mixture. Add the boiled butter beans / lima beans and potatoes and 1 cup water and simmer on low heat till the gravy thickens. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Serve with rice or chapattis

VEGETARIAN DELICACIES - Bridget White - NEW RECIPE BOOK

2011-04-28T05:49:00.000-07:00

VEGETARIAN DELICACIES is a collection of simple and easy recipes of delectable Vegetarian Dishes. The repertoire is rich and vast, ranging from simple Soups and Salads, to mouth watering Curries, Rice dishes, Baked Dishes and popular Accompaniments. The easy-to-follow directions make cooking these dishes simple, enjoyable and problem-free.

Price per book including postage: India : Rs150.00, Australia: A$15.00, UAE: Rs 350.00

Canada C$15.00, UK: GBP 8.00, USA: $15.00

MARZIPAN EASTER EGGS

2011-04-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

Makes 10 small eggs
Ingredients
250 grams almonds
150 grams sugar
300 grams icing sugar
2 egg whites
A little rose water for grinding
¼ teaspoon almond essence
Grind the almonds with the egg whites and rose water to a smooth paste. Transfer the paste into a heavy bottomed pan and add the sugar. Cook on low heat stirring all the time till the mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat and add the icing sugar and a few drops of colour of your choice. Knead till it forms a dry ball. Divide the mixture into 10 even sized balls and mould into egg shapes. Decorate with royal icing.

Simple Roasted Chicken

2011-04-21T06:03:00.000-07:00

1 medium sized chicken jointed into 4 big pieces

2 teaspoons lime juice or vinegar
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
4 tablespoons Butter
Salt to taste
2 teaspoons whole pepper corns
2 onions chopped into big chunks
2 red dry chillies broken into bits

Heat the butter in a suitable pan and add the chicken pieces and all the other ingredients. Mix well and stir fry on high heat for a few minutes till the chicken changes colour. Add a little water and simmer on low heat till the chicken is tender and the water dries up. Keep frying on low heat for a few more minutes till the chicken pieces are nicely browned. Served with Mashed Potatoes and Bread.

STEAMROLLER CHICKEN

2011-04-10T06:32:00.000-07:00

The Steamroller Chicken is also another Colonial Dish, which got its name only because the pieces of chicken used in its preparation would be cut lengthwise and then flattened with a cleaver or Rolling Pin. The Chicken eventually looked as if it was flattened with by a heavy object such as a “Steam Roller or Road Roller”.

INGREDIENTS
2 chickens each jointed into 4 pieces so as to get a total of 8 pieces

4 teaspoons pepper powder
Salt to taste
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons oil
5 tablespoons lime juice or vinegar
3 tablespoons corn flour

Wash the chicken well. Beat each piece with a large knife or cleaver and then flatten with a rolling pin. Marinate the flattened chicken with the pepper powder, salt and lime juice / vinegar and keep aside for one hour.
Mix in the corn flour and one tablespoon butter. Heat a little oil in a nonstick pan and fry each chicken piece separately on medium heat till tender. When all the pieces are fried put them all back in the pan, add 2 tablespoons butter and sauté the chicken for about 5 minutes on low heat. Serve with rice or bread.

(Alternately the chicken can be baked in an oven using the same recipe)

MEAT PEPPER FRY

2011-03-28T22:54:00.000-07:00

Serves 6 Preparation Time 45 minutes

½ kg Meat (Beef / Mutton / lamb)

3 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper

1 teaspoon chopped ginger

¼ teaspoon turmeric powder

2 big onions sliced finely

2 tablespoons oil

3 large potatoes

Salt to taste

Wash the meat and keep aside. Wash the Potatoes, peal and cut into quarters.

Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onions and chopped ginger for a few minutes. Add the meat, salt, turmeric and pepper powder and mix well. Fry for 5 minutes on low heat turning the meat well till the pieces get firm. Add sufficient water and the potatoes and cook till done. Continue simmering on low heat till all the water is absorbed and the meat and potatoes are brown. Serve hot with bread or rice.

MULLIGATAWNY SOUP - CHICKEN MULLIGATAWNY

2011-03-26T00:17:00.000-07:00

The original Mulligatawny Soup can be traced back to the early days of the East India Company in Madras to around the 18th century. It was originally a soup made with chicken or mutton/lamb stock. Mulligatawny Soup had no history in India before the British Raj. Supposedly, it was simply an invention to satisfy the Britishers, who demanded a soup course for dinner from a cuisine that had never produced one till then. The Tamil servants in those days concocted a stew like dish, that contained pepper and water on the lines of their local “Rasam” or “Melligu –Thanir. It was an interesting mix of East meets West, and was the nearest thing to soup in the cuisine of Colonial India. Mulligatawny Soup was actually the anglicized version of the Tamil “Melligu -Thani”. (“Melligu” meaning pepper and “Thanir” meaning water). As the name suggests it was originally just pepper in a watery soup.

In course of time a lot of other ingredients such meat, chicken, coconut, turmeric and other spices were added to give it a completely different flavour. A variety of “Mulligatawnies”, then came into existence which quickly became popular throughout the Common Wealth. Recipes for mulligatawny were quickly brought back to England by the British and its popularity spread through out the country. It has made a lasting impression on British cuisine right down to the present day, though it has undergone many changes. It is still an excellent “Comfort” dish on a cold rainy day and will surely lift the spirits when one is down in the dumps.
Mulligatawny Soup is now firmly entrenched not just in cookbooks but history books as well as a thick, spicy meat soup which is a wholesome meal in itself served with bread or rice. It has remained popular in the United Kingdom and is now available even in cans in some stores. The Mulligatawny Soup of today bears little resemblance to the original “MELLIGU -THANI”. And despite the name, pepper itself is not an important ingredient in the dish.
Though purported to be a classic Anglo-Indian dish since it came into existence during the Colonial Era, and was very popular then, Mulligatawny is not a typical Anglo-Indian dish. The real dish we Anglo-Indians call "Pepper water" is actually closer to the Tamil Rasam than Mulligatawny. Mulligatawny ultimately culminated into our very own Breast Bone pepperwater and various other variations such Shrimp Pepperwater, Dal Pepperwater, Horsegram pepperwater, etc.

Here’s a recipe for Chicken Mulligatwany Soup. Enjoy!!!!!!!
CHICKEN MULLIGATAWNY SOUP
Serves 6 Preparation time 45 minutes
½ kg chicken chopped into medium size pieces
1-teaspoon chilly powder 2-teaspoons pepper powder
1-teaspoon cumin powder 1-teaspoon coriander powder
1-teaspoon crushed garlic 2 big onions sliced
1 cup coconut paste or coconut milk Salt to taste
2 cloves 2 small pieces cinnamon
2 cardamoms 1 tablespoon oil or butter
Cook the chicken and all the ingredients with 6 to 8 cups of water in a large vessel on high heat till it reaches boiling point. Lower the heat and simmer for at least one hour till the soup is nice and thick. Garnish with mint leaves. Serve with bread or rice.
(Mutton or Lamb could be substituted for chicken)

SIMPLE PANCAKES FOR SHROVE TUESDAY

2011-03-10T05:24:00.000-08:00

Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day

Shrove Tuesday is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday, i.e. the day before the commencement of the season of Lent leading up to Easter Sunday. Shrove Tuesday always falls 47 days before Easter Sunday, so the date varies from year to year. The name Shrove comes from the old English word "shrive" which means “to confess”. In the Middle Ages, people used to go to confession and confess their sins on Shrove Tuesday, so that they were forgiven before the season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday.
Lent is a time of fast and abstinence and of making sacrifices and giving things up. The Church liturgy laid much emphasis on eating very plain food and refraining from food that would give pleasure during the period of lent. In many cultures, this meant no meat, dairy, or eggs. So in earlier times, Shrove Tuesday became the last chance for people to indulge themselves in good food on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and to make use of the items of foods that were not allowed during Lent.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, Shrove Tuesday is more commonly known as Pancake Tuesday or Pancake Day, as it is customary to eat PANCAKES on this day. Pancakes thus became associated with the day preceding Lent, because it was a way to use up all the rich foodstuffs in the house such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent began.
SIMPLE PAN CAKES
Serves 2 Preparation time 30 minutes
1cup flour (maida)
2 eggs beaten well
2 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla essence
1 tablespoon butter or ghee
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking powder
1cup milk
Mix all the ingredients together to get a thin smooth batter without lumps. Heat a non- stick frying pan. When hot wipe all over with a piece of cloth dipped in a little oil. Pour a ladle of batter in the pan with a swirling motion and then shake the pan so that the entire pan is covered. Cook on both sides and remove. Serve hot with Jam or honey.
For Pan Rolls make the pancakes as above. Place a spoon of cooked mince, sweetened grated coconut or any vegetable side dish in the middle then roll them up. Serve hot.
For Fruit Pan cakes, add finely chopped fruit such as pineapple, banana, apple, etc., to the batter and make the pancakes as above.

Household Tips – The Kitchen

2011-03-05T05:14:00.000-08:00

The Kitchen is the most important room of your household as it is the most used room and remains busy all the time with the mess of cooking, eating, storing and serving food etc. The cleanliness of this very busy place is that more important as it is directly linked to the health of people in your house.

When the kitchen is not cleaned for a long time or bacteria and germs take centre stage in it. These germs enter human being through cooking and eating in the dirty kitchen. It is always better to clean the cooking range, the slabs, utensils and wash basin after cooking every meal. If you cannot clean your entire kitchen every day for some reason, try to clean it atleast every alternate day. If the cooking range or gas stove and slabs are wiped clean with a wet cloth after cooking everyday, the less chances of bacteria and germs in your kitchen. Wash your kitchen floor regularly with soap and water to which a little disinfectant is added. This way you will have a neat and clean kitchen every time you come in to cook some food.

Apart from the cooking range, gas stove and sink that need to be kept clean, the other appliances in your kitchen such as the refrigerator, microwave oven, the mixie etc also need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Kitchen cupboards, cabinets and shelves need to be cleaned and dusted on a monthly basis. Containers containing the various ingredients also need to cleaned regularly and old powders and condiments that have passed their expiry should be disposed off. Wash the cutting Board and Knife as soon as the cutting is done.

The dust bin / garbage pail should be kept under the kitchen sink and closed with the lid to discourage flies. All vessels containing food should be kept closed to avoid dust, flies, insects or even lizards falling into it. Spray the kitchen regularly especially near the sink and other outlets to discourage cockroaches. All exposed leftovers and stale foods should be disposed off.

Keeping your kitchen safe is also just as important as keeping it clean. Ensure that the gas cylinder value closed after cooking is done. Matchsticks used for lighting the gas should be completely put out before throwing them in the dustbin. A small metal ashtray or a tin could be kept in the kitchen for this purpose. Avoid shelves containing kitchen ingredients and condiments above the gas range so as to prevent any untoward accident while stretching over the gas flame to reach them. Most of all avoid keeping the gas oven on the floor especially when there are children in the house.

SAUSAGES… Appetizer or a Quick-and-easy Meal? - BANGALORE PEPPER SAUSAGES

2011-02-25T23:18:00.000-08:00

The meaning of the word “Sausage” in the dictionary means “Chopped or ground meat that has been blended with spices and other seasonings and usually stuffed in natural or manufactured casings”.

The origin of meat processing is lost in antiquity but probably began when mankind learned that salt is an effective preservative. Sausage making evolved as an effort to economize and preserve meat that could not be consumed fresh at slaughter. Sausage makers use almost all parts of the animal carcass that cannot be used in other ways. The less tender cuts and organ meats are ground, spiced and made into delicious sausages.
There are lots of innovative ways that you could use sausages besides having them with your Toast and Eggs at Breakfast. You could slice / dice fried sausages and serve them on crackers with cheese as an appetizer. Dice them and add in salads, soups, curries, etc. Grill the sausages and eat with a creamy garlic dip. Use them in Casseroles and Bakes with other vegetables and meats or you could just make a very delicious curry dish with them as under.

RECIPE FOR BANGALORE PEPPER SAUSAGES
Ingredients
1 kg Ground pork (add a sufficient amount of small finely cut pieces of Fat to the mince)
2 pieces cinnamon about 1 inch each
4 cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg powder
Salt to taste
2 teaspoons pepper corns
1 teaspoon garlic paste
2 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves (optional)
Sufficient quantity of casing for stuffing the sausages

Roughly powder the cinnamon, cloves and pepper. Mix all the ingredients together well and stuff into the casing. Grill or Fry when required. These sausages should be kept in the refrigerator and used up within 2 weeks as no preservatives have been used.

BRINJAL AND TOMATO SIDE DISH

2011-02-20T04:41:00.000-08:00

Serves 6 Preparation Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
¼ kg long brinjals (either green or purple) cut into big pieces (soak in water),
2 onions chopped,
2 tomatoes chopped,
2 green chillies chopped,
1 teaspoon garlic and ginger paste,
2 teaspoons chillie powder,
½ teaspoon turmeric powder,
1 teaspoon coriander powder,
1 teaspoon garam masala powder / all spice powder,
2 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves,
2 tablespoons oil, salt to taste

Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onions and green chillies for a little while. Add the tomatoes, garlic paste and ginger paste, chillie powder, turmeric, garam masala / spice powder, coriander powder, a little of the chopped coriander leaves and salt and stir fry till the oil separates from the mixture. Add the cut brinjals and 1 cup water and simmer on low heat till the gravy thickens. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Serve with rice or chapattis

BEANS FOOGATH

2011-01-30T03:46:00.000-08:00

Green Beans or String Beans are low in fat and are an excellent source of fibre, protein, folic acid, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and carbohydrates. The rich fibre content found in beans help in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar. They are highly recommended for diabetic patients. Green beans are also a very good source of vitamin K, which plays an important role in bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis.

BEANS FOOGATH

Serves 6 Preparation time 35 minutes
Ingredients:
300 grams chopped string beans, 1 onion chopped finely, 1teaspoon mustard seeds, 3 green chillies chopped finely, 1 teaspoon chopped ginger, ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, 2 tablespoon cooking oil, 2 table-spoons grated coconut, 4 or 5 curry leaves, Salt to taste

Heat oil in a suitable pan and add the mustard seeds. When they begin to splutter add the curry leaves, chopped onions, chopped green chillies and ginger. Fry lightly for a few minutes. Add the chopped beans and salt and mix well. Add ½ cup of water and cook covered on low heat till the beans are tender but firm and the water evaporates. Mix in the grated coconut. Serve as a side dish.

ALMORTH (MIXED MEAT AND VEGETABLE STEW)

2011-01-14T04:49:00.000-08:00

This dish is a kind of stew made with a combination of meat, chicken, pork and vegetables. It’s a very old Anglo-Indian recipe. However, any combination of meat could be used as per personal preference. The same recipe could be used with chicken only.

This Stew was a must have for Christmas Breakfast in almost all Anglo-Indian Homes in the olden days and was eaten with bread or rolls.
Ingredients
¼ kg Beef
¼ kg mutton / lamb
½ kg chicken
¼ kg pork
A few carrots and beans chopped into medium size pieces (or any other English vegetables)
3 potatoes peeled and cut into quarters
2 teaspoons chillie powder
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
2 teaspoons pepper powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
4 dry red chillies broken into pieces
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
2 pieces cinnamon
5 cloves
3 onions sliced
2 tomatoes chopped
2 tablespoons chopped mint
3 tablespoons oil
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons coconut paste
2 tablespoons vinegar
Cut the meat, chicken and pork into small pieces. Heat oil in a pressure cooker or a suitable vessel and add the onions, cinnamon, cloves and chopped garlic. Fry till the onions turn golden brown. Add the mutton, beef, chicken and pork also the chillie powder, turmeric powder, pepper powder, salt and tomatoes and mix well. Fry till the tomatoes turn to pulp. Add the broken dry red chillies, mint and the coconut paste and mix well. Add sufficient water and pressure cook for 10 minutes ( 6 to 8 whistles). Turn off the heat. Open the cooker when the pressure dies down and add the chopped vegetables and vinegar and simmer on low heat till the vegetables are cooked and the gravy is thick.

COCONUT SWEETS (BARFI)

2010-12-21T05:09:00.000-08:00

2 cups scraped coconut
2 ½ cups sugar
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon butter or ghee
½ teaspoon vanilla essence
½ teaspoon food colouring (pink or green)
Take a thick -bottomed vessel and heat the sugar and ¼ cup water on high heat. When the sugar melts, add the cocoanut, vanilla essence, ghee or butter and the milk. Cook on medium or low heat till the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the vessel. Drop a teaspoon of the mixture in a cup of water and if it forms a ball when rolled between the fingers, the right consistency is reached. Grease a flat plate well and pour the mixture on to it. Cool and cut into shapes.

HOME MADE TOMATO JAM

2010-12-19T21:30:00.000-08:00

1 kg firm just ripe tomatoes

1 kg sugar

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 teaspoon lemon or orange peel

3 sticks cinnamon

4 cloves

Blanch the tomatoes in hot water and remove the skins. Cut into quarters and simmer together with the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, lime juice and lemon / orange peel till the mixture thickens. Cool and store

RICH PLUM CAKE

2010-12-14T04:21:00.000-08:00

300 grams Plain Flour / Maida
300 grams brown Sugar
100 grams powdered white sugar
3 Eggs beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla essence
300 grams butter
1 teaspoon nutmeg powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

3 tablespoons date syrup
300 grams dried fruit
50 grams orange /lemon peel
250 ml Rum or Brandy
Soak the dried fruit and orange / lemon peel in Rum or Brandy for about 1month.
Just before using, strain and mix in 3 tablespoons of flour to it. Keep aside.Cream the butter, sugar and brown sugar well. Add the beaten eggs, date syrup and vanilla essence and mix well. Add the orange / lemon peel and dried fruits, nutmeg powder and cinnamon powder and mix well Slowly add the flour and fold in well. If the mixture is too thick add a little milk. Pour into a greased and papered baking tin or dish and bake in a slow oven for about 40 to 45 minutes. Remove from the oven when done and set aside to cool. (Ice this cake only when completely cold)

COCONUT SWEETS

2010-12-01T00:55:00.000-08:00

COCONUT SWEETS
2 cups scraped coconut
2 ½ cups sugar
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon butter or ghee
½ teaspoon vanilla essence
½ teaspoon food colouring (pink or green)

Take a thick -bottomed vessel and heat the sugar and ¼ cup water on high heat. When the sugar melts, add the cocoanut, vanilla essence, ghee or butter and the milk. Cook on medium or low heat till the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the vessel. Drop a teaspoon of the mixture in a cup of water and if it forms a ball when rolled between the fingers, the right consistency is reached. Grease a flat plate well and pour the mixture on to it. Cool and cut into shapes.

CHRISTMAS GOODIES

2010-11-21T04:01:00.000-08:00

SPECIAL STEAMED CHRISTMAS PLUM PUDDING
Serves 6 Preparation time 1 hour
Ingredients

200 grams fresh bread crumbs
200 grams butter
2 teaspoons instant coffee (Nescafe or Bru)
2 teaspoons golden or date syrup
½ teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs beaten well
¼ cup rum
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
100 grams raisins
100 grams chopped sultanas
100 grams mixed peel
½ teaspoon salt
100 grams sugar

Cream the butter and sugar together then add the eggs and mix well. Gradually add all the other ingredients and mix well. Grease a Pudding Mould or any suitable bowl with butter. Pour the pudding mixture into it then steam the pudding for about 1 hour on low heat till it is firm to touch Note: This pudding can be made in advance and refrigerated till required. Steam for 10 minute or microwave for 3 minutes before serving. For a more exotic taste, when still warm make a few small holes all over the pudding and pour about 6 tablespoons of rum over it.

CHRISTMAS FRUIT MINCE PIES
Serves 6 Preparation time 1 hour
Ingredients

200 grams flour / maida
2 eggs beaten
150 grams powdered sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
250 grams chopped dry fruits soaked in a little rum before hand
150 grams butter
½ teaspoon baking powder

Sieve the flour with the baking powder. Cream butter and sugar till creamy and fluffy. Add the eggs then mix with the flour. Knead to a smooth batter. Roll out the dough and cut out circles. Line a few pie shells with this. Fill each one with the marinated dry fruit and seal with another layer of the dough. Prick on top with a toothpick. Bake the pies in a moderate oven for about 20 minutes.

BAKED FISH FILLETS WITH CHEESE (Fish Mornay)

2010-11-04T05:01:00.000-07:00

6 medium sized pieces of any boneless fish

2 teaspoons ground black pepper

3 teaspoons butter

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon chopped mint

4 spring onions chopped finely

2 tablespoons grated cheese

3 tablespoons flour

1 cup milk

Wash the fish and marinate it with the salt and pepper and mint for about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile make the sauce. Warm the milk with a little water in a pan. Mix in the flour and stir to get a smooth paste. Add the butter, ½ teaspoon ground pepper / pepper powder and salt and mix well. Cook for 3 or 4 more minutes on low heat till the mixture thickens, then turn off the heat.

Lay the marinated fish flat in a shallow greased baking dish. Pour the sauce over the fish and shake the dish so that the sauce covers the fish well. Sprinkle the chopped spring onions and the grated cheese over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a moderate oven (355⁰) for about 25 to 30 minutes.

Serve hot with bread or dinner rolls.

ANGLO-INDIAN PORK VINDALOO

2010-11-01T04:52:00.000-07:00

1 kg pork with lard cut into medium pieces

3 big onions slices finely

3 big tomatoes pureed

1 tablespoon cumin powder

½ teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon mustard powder

3 teaspoons chillie powder

1 teaspoon pepper powder

2 tablespoons garlic paste

1 cup vinegar

2 tablespoons oil

Salt to taste

Marinate the pork with the salt, vinegar, chillie powder, cumin powder pepper powder, mustard powder, turmeric powder and garlic paste for about one hour.

Heat oil in a pressure cooker and fry the onions till golden brown. Add the marinated pork and fry for a little while. No add the tomato puree and keep frying for some more time. Now add sufficient water and pressure cook for 15 minutes till the meat is well cooked. Serve hot with rice or bread. Enjoy this lovely delicious Anglo-Indian Dish with chappattis, Hoppers, Dosa, or Idli too

HONEY DOUGH BALLS

2010-10-23T00:10:00.000-07:00

1 cup plain flour
1 cup warm water
1/4 teaspoon dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
10 tablespoons honey
4 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
Oil for deep frying

Dissolve the yeast in the cup of warm water. Mix the salt and flour in another bowl and add the dissolved yeast. Mix well to form a thick batter. Cover and let it rest for an hour.
Heat the oil in a suitable deep pan. Take scoops of the batter and drop them into the hot oil and fry till they puff up and turn brown. Drain on paper towels.
When slightly cold pour the honey over the fried balls and sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over them.

Passing on the legacy of Anglo-Indian cuisine

2010-10-15T05:04:00.000-07:00

Passing on the legacy of Anglo-Indian cuisine

By Theresa Varghese

23 Dec 2009, Citizen Matters

, Bangalore

People like Koramangala-based Bridget White-Kumar prove that you do not have to be an academician or historian to bring the past alive. Instead of simply retiring, she has become a food ambassador.
The recently released Julie and Julia enthralled cinema lovers and foodies equally. The film, in part, shows the determination of an otherwise laidback Julia Child’s (played by Meryl Streep) endeavours to become a Cordon Bleu cook, her resolve to teach American women the art of French cuisine and the difficulties in getting her first recipe book published.
Author of six cookbooks and a blog on Anglo Indian cuisine, Bridget White-Kumar is Karnataka’s very own food ambassador. For Bridget White-Kumar this story could be termed familiar territory. Author of six cookbooks and a blog on Anglo Indian cuisine, she is Karnataka’s very own food ambassador. And, like Julia, the road to getting published was a rocky one for Bridget.

A former bank employee, Bridget’s professional life took a 180 degree turn when, after opting for voluntary retirement, she began to document Anglo Indian cuisine. Always interested in food, it was only when her daughter left for higher education to a foreign country that Bridget realised the value of the knowledge she held.
“I wrote out some recipes for my daughter,” recalls Bridget. “This became so popular with her friends that we dubbed it the black book. As she kept calling me to clear doubts, I realised that many of these recipes would probably die out if they were not recorded.” It provided the impetus for Bridget’s first book – The Best of Anglo Indian Cuisine – a Legacy, which came out in 2004.

With publisher after publisher rejecting her manuscript, by the time a publishing house finally agreed to the book, Bridget was weary of the entire procedure. So she decided to bring it out herself. Despite the high expense that self publishing entails, Bridget has not regretted the decision.

“The Internet has been a huge blessing,” she says with a smile. Thanks to technology and the blog, Bridget has been able to market her books so well that she has recovered all costs incurred. Considering that she did not know how to even work a computer before she embarked on her cookbooks, this is no mean feat. There have been no book launches or media blitzes either, but word of mouth did the rounds and the resultant press write-ups propelled Bridget into the limelight. Publishers also took note. Bridget’s seventh book, currently with a major publishing house, will soon be out. And her eighth – a nostalgic look at life in Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), has been published by Author House UK.

The Best of Anglo Indian Cuisine - Bridget White-Kumar.

Bridget, who grew up in the close knit mining community of KGF where a large percentage of the population were Anglo Indians, believes that Anglo Indian cuisine is the first instance of fusion food in India. “It is a confluence of various cultures, not just Indian and British,” she says. “Even within Anglo Indian communities in different parts of India, the ingredients for the same dish can vary. In Cochin the use of coconut will be more, while in Calcutta the oil used would be mustard. But whichever the region, the use of spices remains constant. The judicious use of spices is the defining trait of our food. Not spicy and not bland,” she adds.

Bridget’s favourite meal is yellow coconut rice, mince ball curry and pepper chicken. It is a reminder of her childhood. And of a past that she remembers with clarity. With four generations of Whites in the mining sector and a family home in Robertsonpet in KGF, Christmases especially were a great time for merriment and feasting.

To read Bridget-White Kumar’s blog, click here. For copies of her books, contact her on 9845571254 or at bidkumar[at]gmail[dot]com or bridgetkumar[at]yahoo[dot]com
“My father was a mining engineer and we lived in huge rambling quarters in KGF. There were four mines and each mine would have their Christmas function; with a tree, games for children, Santa distributing goodies, a funfair with food stalls where coconut puffs and marshmallows were favourites and the Christmas dance which began at 9 in the night and wound up by 5 in the morning! The dance was a big event; people would come from Chennai and Bangalore to hear the groups playing,” she says.

It is recollections like these that you will find in her yet to be published book. People like Bridget White-Kumar prove that you do not have to be an academician or historian to bring the past alive. She could have led an ordinary retired life but, with her perseverance in documenting the food of a dwindling community and her resolve to pen memories of a world that has disappeared, she has chosen to tread a different path.

Plum cake
Serves 6
Preparation time 1 hour

Ingredients
300 grams flour or maida
250 grams butter
250 grams powdered sugar
3 eggs (whites beaten well separately)
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoon chopped orange or lemon peel
100 grams black currant chopped
2 tablespoon date syrup (for colour)
2 cloves and two small pieces of chinnamon powdered
1 table spoon vanilla essence

Shift the flour, baking powder and salt together. Dust the orange/ lemon peel and chopped black currants with a little flour. Cream the butter and sugar well. Add the egg yolks, date syrup, cinnamon and clove powder and vanilla essence and mix well. Add the orange/ lemon peel and black currants. Slowly add the egg whites and flour and fold it well. If the mixture is too thick add a little milk. Pour into a greased and papered baking tin or dish and bake in a sow oven for about 40 to 45 minutes. Remove from the oven when done and set aside to cool.

(Taken from The Anglo-Indian Festive Hamper, one of the books Bridget White authored.)
⊕
Theresa Varghese
23 Dec 2009
Independent writer and ardent baker who loves all things to do with food

SALT FISH PICKLE

2010-10-04T04:50:00.000-07:00

SALT FISH PICKLE

Chicken Curry in a Hurry

2010-10-01T00:35:00.000-07:00

Serves 6 Preparation Time 30 minutes
Ingredients

1 kg chicken jointed and cut into medium size pieces
A small bunch of coriander leaves washed and chopped
2 large onions chopped
2 tomatoes chopped
½ teaspoon tumeric powder
2 or 3 teaspoons chilly powder
2 cloves, 2 pieces of cinnamon, 2 cardamoms, 1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon ginger paste
1 teaspoon garlic paste
3 tablespoons oil
Salt to taste
1teaspoon cumin powder

Heat oil in a pan and add the onions, Fry till golden brown. Add the cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, bay leaf, tomato, ginger paste and garlic paste and sauté for a few minutes. Now add the chicken, salt, chilly powder, tumeric powder and cumin powder and fry for some time till the oil separates from the masala. Add sufficient water and cook till the chicken is done and the gravy is thick

World Anglo-Indian Day Celebrations at Raj Bhavan, Bangalore on 2/8/10

2010-08-03T05:27:00.000-07:00

Presenting a set of my Anglo-Indian Cookery Books to Mrs Hans Raj Bhardwaj,wife of his Excellency the Governnor of Karnataka during the World Anglo-Indian Day celebrations on 2nd August 2010 at the Raj Bhavan in Bangalore

ANGLO-INDIAN MASALA CHOPS (GRILL CHOPS)

2010-07-27T05:49:00.000-07:00

½ kg good chops either mutton, beef or veal
2 teaspoons ginger garlic paste
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 large onions sliced fine
2 or 3 green chilies sliced lengthwise
3 tablespoons oil
2 teaspoons chillie powder
1 teaspoon pepper powder
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder

.Wash the chops and marinate them with the ginger and garlic paste, pepper powder, chillie powder, vinegar, cumin powder, coriander powder and salt for about 30 minutes. Heat oil in a large pan and sauté the onions and green chilies for a few minutes. Add the marinated chops and mix well. Simmer for a few minutes. Add sufficient water and cook till the chops are done and the gravy dries up. Keep frying on low heat till the chops turn a nice brown colour. Garnish with onion rings.

Railway Lamb / Mutton Curry

2010-07-10T04:34:00.000-07:00

Railway Lamb / Mutton Curry is a direct throw back to the days of the British Raj, when traveling by train was considered aristocratic. This very popular and slightly spicy dish was served in Railway Refreshment Rooms and on long distance trains, with Bread or Dinner Rolls. The curry was not too spicy keeping in mind the delicate palates of the British. It was also popular with the Railway staff who had to be on duty for long periods at a stretch. The vinegar or Tamarind juice used in its preparation would ensure that the curry would last for quite a few days and was an ideal accompaniment with rice as well. The recipe for this dish is sure to bring back some happy memories.

RAILWAY LAMB CURRY

Serves 6 Preparation Time 45 minutes

½ kg mutton or lamb cut into medium size pieces
6 peppercorns
2 big onions sliced
2 pieces cinnamon
2 cloves
2 cardamoms
8 to 10 curry leaves
4 red chilies broken into bits
1teaspoon chilly powder
1teaspoon ginger garlic paste
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons vinegar or ½ cup of tamarind juice

Wash the meat and mix it with the ginger garlic paste, salt and the chilly powder. Heat oil in a pan and fry the onions, curry leaves, red chillies and spices till golden brown. Add the meat and mix well. Fry for a few minutes. Add the vinegar / Tamarind juice and sufficient water and cook on medium heat till the meat is done. Keep frying till the gravy is thick and dark brown.

FRIED SAVOURY MINCE PAN ROLLS OR PANTERASS

2010-07-08T06:21:00.000-07:00

SAVOURY MINCE PAN ROLLS / PANTERASS
October 6, 2009 by bridgetkumar
Ingredients for the Pan Rolls

2 cups flour
3 eggs beaten
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter
A pinch salt

Ingredients for the Mince
500 grams topside mince
1 onion chopped finely
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1 teaspoon chopped ginger
2 medium size potatoes peeled and cut into 2cm cubes
Salt to taste
2 teaspoons chillie powder
1 teaspoon garam masala powder or all spice powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 egg lightly beaten
Oil for deep frying
1 cup dry bread crumbs

On low heat, cook the mince along with the chopped onion, garlic, giner, potatoes, chillie powder, garam masala / all spice powder, cumin powder, coriander powder and salt with half cup of water till the potatoes are soft and the mince is cooked. Cool and keep aside.

Mix the flour, 3 eggs, milk, butter and salt with a little water to make a think batter. Make thin pancakes / crepes on a flat pan cooking them on one side only.

Place each pan cake / crepe on a plate, add a tablespoon of mince mix on one end and roll up tucking in the sides as you would a spring roll. Follow the same procedure till all the mince and pancakes / crepes are exhausted.

Heat oil in a pan. Dip each pan roll in beaten egg then roll in bread crumbs. Shallow fry until golden and drain on a kitchen towel.

Anglo-Indian Food in CITYPLUS BANGALORE

2010-06-03T21:55:00.000-07:00

FEATURE ARTICLE IN THE HINDU (NEIGHBOURHOOD) 13TH MAY 2010

2010-05-12T21:19:00.000-07:00

SWEET COCONUT PUFFS

2010-05-08T22:28:00.001-07:00

For the Dough: 250 grams refined flour or maida, 50 grams butter, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ kg oil for frying.

For the Filling: 3 cups grated coconut and 3 tablespoons sugar mixed together

Sift the flour with the salt and baking powder. Mix in the butter and knead to a fairly stiff dough with very little water. Keep aside for 1 hour.

Take the dough on a floured board and roll out into a thin sheet. Cut squares of about 2 to 3 inches per side. Put a tablespoon of the sweetened coconut on half of the square. Fold the other half over in such a way to form a triangle. Seal the edges by dampening with a little water. Heat the oil in a deep pan till smoky. Slowly drop in as many puffs as the pan can hold and fry till brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and drain.

Note: These puffs can last for a fortnight if dry cocoanut or copra is used instead of fresh coconut.

BREAD PUDDING

2010-05-03T05:40:00.000-07:00

8 slices of bread
2 cups milk
50 grams butter
3 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla essence
½ cup chopped cashew nuts or walnuts
2 eggs beaten well.

Remove the crusts from the bread slices and break into small pieces. Take a baking dish and grease it. Spread the pieces of bread in it. Mix the milk, beaten eggs, sugar, vanilla essence and butter together and pour this mixture over the pieces of bread soaking them completely. Sprinkle the nuts on the top. Bake in a hot oven for 20 to 30 minutes.
Note: This pudding can also be steamed for 30 minutes instead of baking if desired

SPICY ANGLO-INDIAN PORK ROAST

2010-04-13T01:12:00.000-07:00

2kg pork (1 whole piece) from the shoulder portion
2 teaspoons pepper powder
4 dried red chillies broken into bits
3 pieces of cinnamon about ½ inch each
1 teaspoon chilly powder
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
2 or 3 onions sliced 1 tablespoon vinegar
1 tablespoon oil
Salt to taste
Wash the pork and rub it well all over with the salt, pepper, chilly powder and turmeric powder. Spread the sliced onions evenly in a fairly large greased baking dish. Lay the chunk of pork on the layer of onions. Sprinkle the broken red chillies and cinnamon over it. Drizzle the oil all over the meat. Shake the dish so that it spreads evenly. Cook in a moderate oven (355 0 ) for about one and a half hours till the meat is soft and brown. (Turn the meat over every half hour so that it browns all over evenly).
Serve with mash potato and Bread or Rice.
The Pork Roast could be prepared using a Pressure cooker instead of baking in an oven.

PORK / LAMB TROTTERS IN GRAVY

2010-03-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

8-Trotters (mutton or pork) preferably the front ones
1teaspoon ginger paste
1 teaspoon garlic paste
2-teaspoons spice powder
2-large tomatoes chopped
3-teaspoons chillie powder
2-large onions chopped
1-teaspoon coriander powder
3-tablespoons oil
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons coriander leaves chopped.

Heat oil in a pressure cooker and lightly sauté the onions. Add the trotters, spice powder, chillie powder, tomato, coriander powder and salt and mix well. Add sufficient water and pressure cook first on high heat then on low heat for half an hour till the trotters are well cooked. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with rice or bread or even dosas or hoppers.

ANGLO-INDIAN OX TONGUE ROAST

2010-03-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

Serves 6
Preparation Time 45 minutes
1Large Ox tongue
1 big onion sliced
4 red chilies broken into bits
1 teaspoon whole pepper corns
2 cloves
2 pieces of cinnamon
2 tablespoons oil
Salt to taste

Wash the tongue well and then pressure cook it with 2 cups of water and a little salt till tender letting some soup remain. Open the pressure cooker and remove the boiled tongue. Let it cool for some time. When it is a little cold remove the white skin from the tongue and put it back into the open cooker and add the oil, onion, red chilies pepper corns, cloves and cinnamon and a little more salt. Mix well. Simmer on low heat till all the soup dries up and the tongue is nicely brown all over .Cut into slices and arrange on a plate along with the residue. Serve hot or cold with mash potatoes and bread. You can make very delicious sandwiches with tongue roast as filling.

JELEBI CARAMEL CUSTARD

2010-03-05T23:40:00.000-08:00

6 Jelebis (available in any Indian Sweet stall)
3 eggs beaten
½ tsp vanilla essence
½ litre milk
6 tablespoons sugar
A pinch of salt
4 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon butter

Take a flat bottomed baking dish and grease it well with butter. Boil the milk and keep aside. Pre heat the oven till slightly warm. When the milk is slightly cold add the eggs, vanilla essence, flour and sugar and beat well till there are no lumps. Pour a thin layer of this mixture into the baking dish and let it set in the warm oven till it forms a base. Take out the dish and arrange the Jelebis in it. Pour the rest of the mixture over the Jelebis and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes till the custard sets and is golden brown on top. The custard should be moist and not dry. Garnish with sliced cashewnuts or pistachios.

SIMPLE TOMATO SAMBAL

2010-02-14T03:10:00.000-08:00

4 large tomatoes chopped
2 green chilies chopped
2 large onions sliced finely
Salt to taste
1teaspoon chillie powder
Juice of 1 lime
2 tablespoons oil
Heat the oil in a pan and fry the onions till golden brown. Add the chopped tomatoes, chilies, salt, chillie powder and lime juice. Simmer on low heat till the tomatoes are cooked to a pulp and all the water dries up. Serve with rice, chapattis, Dosa or Idlis

Corned Beef

2010-02-05T05:29:00.000-08:00

2 Kgs tender beef from the “Round” Portion
1 kg Table salt or powdered salt
50 grams Saltpeter or Lime salt powdered
1 tablespoon moist brown sugar
Juice of 8 limes
2 teaspoons vinegar

Wash and dry the meat well. Puncture holes all over it. Mix the salt, saltpeter and brown sugar together. Divide this mixture into 4 parts. Rub the Beef all over with one portion of the salt mixture and juice of 2 limes. Turn the beef around so that the salt solution seeps into it well. Repeat this after every 2 hours rubbing it well several times during the day. Next morning remove from the old dish and place it on another dry dish, and rub into it the second portion of the prepared salt. Let it stand for an hour or so, then pour over it the remainder of the 2nd portion of the salt solution. Repeat the rubbing two or three times during the day, turning the beef continually. On the 3rd and 4th day repeat the procedure of placing in a fresh dish and rubbing the beef well with the 3rd and 4th portions of the prepared salt solutions and lime juice. On the 5th day boil or pressure cook the meat with all the residue of the salt solution for at least 1 hour on low heat. Cool and store. Use for sandwiches etc when required.

Fish in Mustard Gravy

2010-02-02T04:40:00.000-08:00

1 kg good fish such as Hilsa or Trout
3 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons mustard powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
8 to 10 green chillies
Salt to taste

Make a paste of the mustard with about 6 tablespoons of water. Heat oil in a non-stick pan and fry the mustard paste and turmeric powder for about 5 minutes on low heat. Add 3 cups of warm water and mix well. Bring to boil. Add the fish, green chillies and salt and cook on medium heat till the fish is cooked and the gravy thickens a bit.

STUFFED FLAT BREAD / DHAL PURI

2010-01-14T06:37:00.001-08:00

2 cups channa dal (Bengal gram)
½ tsp Turmeric powder
½ teaspoon cumin powder
Salt to taste
4 cups flour
Ghee or Oil for deep frying
Wash dal and boil with turmeric and salt till its soft (but not mushy) in just enough water (2 cups) so that water gets absorbed when its done. Kneed flour with water to a stiff dough and keep aside. Strain and grind dal to a fine paste, add cumin powder. Adjust salt to taste. Divide the dal paste into equal portions for puris. Take a ball of dough, make a depression and add the dal paste. Close and then roll out to a thin puri or flat bread. Heat oil in a deep pan till smoky. Fry the stuffed dhal puris one at a time on a high flame for a few minutes till done. Serve with chutney

OX TONGUE ROAST FOR CHRISTMAS

2009-12-10T05:40:00.000-08:00

1Large Ox tongue
1 big onion sliced
4 red chilies broken into bits
1 teaspoon whole pepper corns
2 cloves
2 pieces of cinnamon
2 tablespoons oil
Salt to taste

Wash the tongue well and then pressure cook it with 2 cups of water and a little salt till tender letting some soup remain. Open the pressure cooker and remove the boiled tongue. Let it cool for some time. When it is a little cold remove the white skin from the tongue and put it back into the open cooker and add the oil, onion, red chilies pepper corns, cloves and cinnamon and a little more salt. Mix well. Simmer on low heat till all the soup dries up and the tongue is nicely brown all over .Cut into slices and arrange on a plate along with the residue. Serve hot or cold with mash potatoes and bread. You can make very delicious sandwiches with tongue roast as filling

WALNUT CAKE

2009-12-04T04:56:00.001-08:00

200 grams flour / maida
200 grams sugar
150 grams walnuts
4 eggs beaten
1 tablespoon baking powder
100 grams honey
250 grams butter
Sieve flour / maida with the baking powder Cream the butter and sugar together till creamy. Add the beaten eggs, walnuts and honey and mix well. Fold in the flour slowly. If the mixture is too thick add a little milk. Pour into a greased and papered baking tin or dish and bake in a moderate oven for about 40 to 45 minutes. Remove from the oven when done and set aside to cool.

ANGLO-INDIAN MUSTARD SAUCE FOR SANDWICHES ETC

2009-11-21T23:10:00.000-08:00

This sauce can be used as a spread for sandwiches by mixing it with shredded meat, vegetables, mayonnaise etc. It can also be eaten as a side relish with any type of Roasted Meat, Chicken Turkey, Duck etc.
This sauce was an integral sauce on every Anglo-Indian table during the Christmas Season

50 grams ordinary black or brown mustard
10 grams white mustard
1 teaspoon chillie powder
2 teaspoons garlic paste
2 tablespoons sugar
Salt to taste
A small piece of Drumstick Bark
1 cup white vinegar
Grind all the above to a smooth paste. Add a little more vinegar to make the paste into a sauce like consistency. Refrigerate and use when required.
Note: In case the drumstick bark is not available substitute with a stick of cinnamon.

Colonel Standhurst’s Beef Curry

2009-11-01T05:07:00.000-08:00

Serves 6
Preparation Time 45 minutes
Ingredients

½ kg good beef cut into medium pieces
2 big tomatoes pureed
3 cloves, 2 pieces of cinnamon, 2 cardamoms
2 Bay leaves
1 teaspoons ginger paste
1 teaspoon garlic paste
2 onions chopped
1 tablespoon chopped mint leaves
2 teaspoons chilly powder
Salt to taste
3 tablespoons oil
2 potatoes pealed and each cut into 8 pieces

Wash the meat and the potatoes. Heat oil in a pan and add the onions, cloves, cinnamon, cardamoms, bay leaves, ginger paste and garlic paste. Fry for a few minutes. Add the meat and the chilly powder and mix well. Keep frying on low heat for some more time. Now add the tomatoes, salt, mint leaves, potatoes, and mix well. Add sufficient water and cook till the meat is done and the gravy is thick. If cooking in a pressure cooker turn off the heat after 6 whistles. Serve hot with rice.

BRINJALS IN A TOMATO GRAVY (Aubergines in gravy)

2009-10-11T02:02:00.000-07:00

Serves 6
Preparation Time 30 minutes
½ kg brinjals cut into quarters
2 teaspoons chilly powder
2 onions sliced finely
1- teaspoon cumin powder
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
½ teaspoon tumeric powder
½ cup coconut paste
½ cup tamarind juice made from a lime size ball of tamarind
2 teaspoons ginger garlic paste
2 big tomatoes chopped
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons oil

Fry half the onions lightly and grind it to a paste together with the poppy seeds , coconut and sesame seeds.
Heat oil in a pan and sauté the remaining onions till golden brown. Add the ginger garlic paste, chilly powder, tumeric powder and cumin powder and fry for some time. Add the chopped tomatoes, the ground coconut masala and salt and continue frying till the oil separates from the masala. Now add the cut brinjals and tamarind juice and simmer on low heat till done. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

COUNTRY CAPTAIN PORK

2009-09-29T01:46:00.001-07:00

1 kg pork cut into medium size pieces
3 large onions sliced finely
2 teaspoons chilly powder
1 teaspoon tumeric powder
2 tablespoons oil
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons garlic paste
2 sticks cinnamon
4 cloves
2 cardamoms

Wash the pork and boil with a little salt and 1 cup water till tender.
Heat oil in a pan and fry the onions lightly. Add the garlic paste. Saute for about 5 minutes on medium heat. Add the chilly powder, tumeric powder, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and salt. Now add the cooked pork along with the soup and simmer for about 10 minutes till the gravy is thick. Serve with bread or rice.

MEAT AND BRINJAL (EGG PLANT) CURRY

2009-09-18T05:15:00.001-07:00

Meat and Brinjal Curry
1 kg Beef or Mutton cut into 3 cubes
3 medium size Brinjals cut into quarters and soaked in water
3 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon garlic paste
1 teaspoon ginger paste
1 teaspoon pepper powder
2 medium size onions chopped
2 tomatoes chopped fine or made into puree
2 green chillies slit lengthwise
1 teaspoon chillie powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons vinegar
Heat oil in a pan and lightly brown the Brinjals over moderate heat for 3 minutes then remove and keep aside. In the same oil add the onions and sauté lightly. Add the ginger garlic paste, pepper powder, chillie powder, green chillies and turmeric powder, vinegar and fry for 2 minutes. Now add the Beef / Mutton and the tomato and stir-fry until the meat changes colour. Add 2 cups water and cook till the meat is tender. Add the Brinjals and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve with rice.

VEGETABLE PUFFS

2009-09-07T06:13:00.000-07:00

3 cups refined flour / maida
3 potatoes, 2 carrots peeled and chopped into small pieces
½ cup peas
2 onions chopped
2 teaspoons pepper powder
50 grams butter
½ teaspoon baking powder
1/2 kg oil for frying
Salt to taste
1teaspoon chillie powder
½ teaspoon spice powder / garam masala powder
2 teaspoons chopped coriander leaves
1 teaspoon chopped ginger
Sift the flour with a teaspoon of salt and baking powder. Mix the butter with the flour and knead into a stiff dough using very little water. Keep aside. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan and sauté the chopped ginger and onions lightly. Add all the vegetables, chillie powder, pepper powder, coriander leaves, garam masala and salt. Add a little water. Stir well and cook on low heat till the vegetables are cooked and all the water dries up. Remove and keep aside to cool. Now take the prepared pastry dough onto a floured board and rollout into a thin sheet. Cut rounds of about 10 cm diameter with a saucer. Put a little of the cooked vegetable on one half of the rounds and fold the other half over. Seal the edges by dampening with a little water. Prepare the puffs in this way till all the dough and mince is used up.
Heat oil for frying in a fairly deep pan till smoky. Slowly drop in the puffs one by one (as many as the pan can hold). Fry till crisp and brown on both sides. Remove from the oil and drain. Serve hot

ANGLO-INDIAN COOKERY BOOKS

2009-08-26T22:13:00.000-07:00

1.THE BEST OF ANGLO-INDIAN CUISINE – A LEGACY is a unique collection of easy- to- follow Recipes of traditional as well as every day Anglo-Indian dishes, ranging from soups, fries, curries, rice dishes, Christmas treats etc., picking up plenty of hybrids along the way, including popular favourites like the different types of Pepper water, Ball Curry, Coconut Rice, Devil chutney etc A few home brewed wines are also included to round off the extensive flavours and tastes.

2.FLAVOURS OF THE PAST features recipes of popular and well-loved dishes of Colonial times, such as Grandma’s Country Captain Chicken, Railway Mutton Curry, Madras Pork Curry. Dak Bungalow Curry, Stuffed Snake Coy Curry, Guava Cheese, Peanut Fudge, etc, which are sure to bring back nostalgic memories.

3.ANGLO-INDIAN DELICACIES is a collection of Recipes of popular vintage and contemporary Cuisine of Colonial India. Old favourites such as Pork Bhooni, Devil Pork Curry, Calcutta Cutlets, Fish Kedegeree, Double Onions Meat Curry, Camp Soup, Bengal Lancers Shrimp Curry, Boiled Mutton chops, etc have been given a new lease of life. The recipes are simple and extremely easy to follow. The very names of the dishes will surely bring back nostalgic memories of by gone days to many. As with the earlier books, it will make a useful addition to a personal Anglo-Indian Recipe Collection

4.THE ANGLO-INDIAN FESTIVE HAMPER is a collection of popular Anglo-Indian festive treats, such as Cakes, Sweets, Christmas goodies, Puddings, Sandwiches, Preserves, Home-made Wines, etc, etc. The repertoire is rich and quite vast and takes you on a sentimental and nostalgic trip of old forgotten delicacies. These mouth watering concoctions are a mix of both ‘European’ and ‘Indian’, thus making it a veritable “Anglo-Indian” Festive Hamper. The easy-to-follow directions make the preparation of these old, popular, mouth watering goodies, simple, enjoyable and problem-free.

5. A COLLECTION OF ANGLO-INDIAN ROASTS, CASSEROLES AND BAKES is a practical and easy guide to delectable cooking. The clear step-by-step instructions describe the preparation of a variety of easy to prepare Anglo-Indian Roasts, Casseroles and Bakes such as Shepherd’s Pie, Washerman’s Pie, Roast Chicken, Macaroni and Mince, etc. A few Vegetarian Bakes and casserole dishes are also featured.

6. THE ANGLO-INDIAN SNACK BOX , is a collection of simple and easy to follow recipes of tasty snacks, short eats, nibbles and finger food. The repertoire covers a variety of vegetarian as well as non- vegetarian snacks which includes savouries, sandwiches, wraps, rolls, pastries, sweets etc and can easily be prepared from ingredients commonly available at home.

Each book is priced at : India : Rs 130.00, UK GBP 5.00, USA $10.00, Canada $10.00, Australia $10.00, UAE Rs 300.00
A set of all 6 books inclusive of Postage / Courier charges:
India: Rs 850.00, UK GBP 30.00, USA $60.00, Canada $60.00, Australia $60.00, UAE Rs 2000.00
For Copies contact : Bridget Kumar Phone: (Bangalore) +919845571254 / (0091)8025504137 / Email: bidkumar@gmail.com
John White (Chennai) 00914425595008 /mpjohnwhite@yahoo.co.in

STUFFED MACKERELS

2009-08-20T05:17:00.000-07:00

Serves 6
Preparation Time 45 minutes
6 medium sized mackerels
3 tablespoons oil
3 teaspoons chilly powder
2 teaspoons pepper powder
2 teaspoons ginger garlic paste
1- teaspoon cumin powder
1- teaspoon coriander powder
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
2 teaspoons lime juice
1-teaspoon salt
Clean and remove the scales, fins and insides of the fish. Wash well. Mix all the above ingredients together with a little water to form a paste. Slit each fish lengthwise on either side keeping the center bone intact. Stuff the paste into each fish very evenly on either side of the center bone. Rub some of the paste on the outsides as well. Heat oil in a flat pan and shallow fry the fish on both sides till evenly brown. Serve with onion rings and chips.

My New Cookery Book... THE ANGLO-INDIAN SNACK BOX

2009-08-06T06:05:00.000-07:00

THE ANGLO-INDIAN SNACK BOX
THE ANGLO-INDIAN SNACK BOX is a collection of simple and easy to follow recipes of tasty snacks, short eats, nibbles and finger food. The repertoire covers a variety of vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian snacks which includes savouries, sandwiches,wraps, rolls, pastries, sweets etc and can easily be prepared from ingredients commonly available at home.

Pork Bhoonie

2009-07-17T05:50:00.001-07:00

1 kg Pork with less fat cut into medium pieces
1 teaspoon ginger paste
1 teaspoon garlic paste
½ teaspoon turmeric Powder
2 teaspoon chillie Powder
2 green chillies sliced lengthwise
3 onions sliced finely
1 cup chopped Methi / Fenugreek leaves (Venthium greens)
Salt to taste
3 Potatoes peeled and cut into quarters
3 tablespoons oil

Heat oil in a pan and fry the onions till golden brown. Add the ginger and garlic paste and sauté for a few more minutes. Add the pork, chillie powder, turmeric powder, green chillies, Methi / fenugreek leaves and mix well. Stir fry for a few minutes till the meat become firm and the leaves shrivel up. Add the potatoes and sufficient water and simmer on low heat till the pork and potatoes are tender.

CURRIED TROTTERS

2009-07-06T05:57:00.001-07:00

8 Trotters ( mutton or pork) preferably the front ones each chopped into 3 pieces
2 large tomatoes pureed or chopped
1 teaspoon garlic paste
1 teaspoon ginger paste
3 teaspoons chillie powder
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon spice powder
2 large onions chopped
1 teaspoon coriander powder
3 tablespoons oil
Salt to taste
A small bunch of coriander leaves chopped.

Wash the trotters well and keep aside.
Heat oil in a pressure cooker and lightly sauté the onions. Add the ginger and garlic paste and sauté for a few more minutes. Now add the trotters, spice powder, chillie powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, tomatoes and salt and mix well. Cook first on high heat then on low heat for half an hour till the trotters are well cooked. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with rice or bread or even dosas or hoppers

CRISPY CHICKEN NUGGETS

2009-06-24T01:38:00.000-07:00

½ kg chicken mince
2 tablespoons tomato sauce / ketchup
1 tablespoon lemon / lime juice
2 tablespoon chillie garlic sauce
1 teaspoon pepper powder
salt to taste
4 tablespoons plain flour / maida
3 tablespoons corn flour
oil for frying
½ cup milk
1 Egg Beaten
4 tablespoons bread crumbs
Mix the chicken mince, tomato ketchup / sauce, lemon / lime juice, chillie garlic sauce, pepper powder and a little salt. Make a thick batter with the flour / maida, corn flour, salt and milk. Form the chicken mince into square nuggets. Dip the nuggets one by one in the batter and roll in the bread crumbs. Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry the chicken nuggets till golden brown and crispy on both sides. Serve with either tomato ketchup or chillie sauce.

Pork Mince Curry Puffs

2009-06-07T06:19:00.000-07:00

Serves 6
Preparation time 1 hour
For the Dough:
250 grams refined flour or Maida
50 grams butter,
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 kg oil for frying.
For the Filling:
½ kg Pork Mince or Boneless Pork without fat cut into tiny pieces
2 teaspoons chilly powder
2 medium size onions (chopped)
2 teaspoons chopped coriander leaves
Salt to taste
½ teaspoon ginger paste
½ teaspoon garlic paste
2 green chillies chopped

Sift the flour with a teaspoon of salt and baking powder. Mix the butter with the flour and knead into a stiff dough using very little water. Keep aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan and sauté the onions lightly. Add the Pork Mince / pieces of pork, chillie powder, ginger paste, garlic paste, coriander leaves, green chillies and salt. Stir well. Add a little water and cook on low heat till the pork is cooked and all the water dries up. Remove and keep aside to cool.
Now take the prepared pastry dough onto a floured board and rollout into a thin sheet. Cut rounds of about 10 cm diameter with a saucer. Put a little of the cooked mixture on one half of the rounds and fold the other half over. Seal the edges by dampening with a little water. Prepare the puffs in this way till all the dough and chicken is used up.
Heat oil for frying in a fairly deep pan till smoky. Slowly drop in the puffs one by one (as many as the pan can hold). Fry till crisp and brown on both sides. Remove from the oil and drain. Serve hot

A Quick and Simple Mutton / Lamb Curry

2009-05-28T06:09:00.000-07:00

Serves 6
Preparation time 1 hour
Ingredients
1 kg mutton or lamb cut into cubes
2 tablespoons oil
2 medium size onions chopped finely
1 stick cinnamon broken into two
3 cardamoms
3 cloves
2 tomatoes chopped
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1teaspoon ginger paste
1 teaspoon garlic paste
1 teaspoon garam masala / spice powder
2 teaspoons chillie powder
Salt to taste

Heat oil in a pan and fry the onions till golden brown. Add the spices and fry for a minute. Now add the ginger and garlic paste and stir fry for a few minutes. Add the meat and fry well till it changes colour. Now add the chillie powder, cumin powder, garam masala / spice powder, tomatoes and salt and mix well. Fry for a few more minutes. Add sufficient water and simmer till the meat is tender.

EGG & CAPSICUM RICE

2009-05-07T06:12:00.000-07:00

Serves 6
Preparation time 45 minutes
1 big onion chopped finely
1 capsicum chopped into thin slivers
½ cup chopped celery
3 eggs beaten well
3 tablespoons oil
2 or 3 green chilies chopped finely
1- teaspoon pepper powder
1 tablespoon tomato sauce
2 cups cooked rice
Salt to taste
Heat oil in a pan and fry the onions till brown. Add the green chilies and the capsicum and sauté for a minute. Now add the beaten egg and scramble well. Add salt, pepper, celery, soy sauce and cooked rice and mix well. Cook covered on low heat for 2 minutes then take down. Serve hot with tomato sauce or fried chicken.

CURRIED TROTTERS

2009-04-27T05:40:00.000-07:00

8 Trotters (sheep/ goat or pork) preferably the front ones each chopped into 2 or 3 pieces
2-teaspoons ginger paste
1teaspoon garlic paste
1 teaspoon cumin powder
2 large tomatoes chopped or pureed
2 teaspoons chillie powder
2 large onions chopped
1teaspoon coriander powder
3 tablespoons oil
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves (optional)
Method
Heat oil in a pressure cooker and lightly sauté the onions. Add the trotters, cumin powder, chillie powder, chopped tomato / tomato puree, coriander powder and salt and mix well. Add sufficient water and pressure cook first on high heat then on low heat for half an hour till the trotters are well cooked. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with rice or bread or even dosas or hoppers

SPICY ANGLO-INDIAN VEAL CURRY

2009-04-14T05:54:00.000-07:00

Serves 6
Preparation Time 40 minutes
1 kg very tender veal cut into medium pieces
2 large onions chopped
1teaspoon chilly powder
½ teaspoon pepper powder
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
2 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
Salt to taste
2 green chillies slit lengthwise
1 teaspoon cumin powder
½ teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon spice powder
1 teaspoon ginger paste
1 teaspoon garlic paste
Wash the veal well. Cook it in sufficient water with a little salt in a pressure cooker till soft. Drain and keep the soup aside. Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the onions lightly. Add the veal, ginger, garlic, salt, turmeric powder, chilly powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, spice powder and pepper powder and mix well. Add the soup. Cover and simmer on low heat till the gravy thickens. Serve hot with rice or bread.

Meat Masala Grill

2009-03-20T02:07:00.000-07:00

1 kg beef or mutton cut into fairly big pieces
2 teaspoons pepper powder
2 teaspoons chillie powder
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
2 teaspoons cumin powder
1 teaspoon garlic paste
1 teaspoon ginger paste
3 tablespoons vinegar
4 onions sliced in rounds
3 potatoes peeled and curt into halves
Salt to taste
3 tablespoons oil
Marinate the meat in vinegar, salt, pepper powder, chillie powder, ginger and garlic paste, turmeric powder, cumin powder and leave aside for about one hour. Heat some of the oil in a suitable pan or pressure cooker and add the marinated meat. Fry well till the meat becomes firm. Add the potatoes and just enough water for the meat to cook. Simmer till all the gravy dries up. Remove the meat and potatoes and keep aside. Add a little more oil in the same pressure cooker or vessel and fry the onions till brown. Add the cooked meat and potatoes and mix well. Simmer for about 5 more minutes then take down. Serve with Bread or chapattis.

BRINJAL PICKLE (Aubergine / Egg Plant Pickle)

2009-03-08T05:30:00.000-07:00

½ kg long purple brinjals /egg plants / aubergines
3 tablespoons chilly powder
6 pods garlic
50 grams fresh ginger
1 cup vinegar
1 tablespoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon tumeric powder
1 cup refined oil
1 cup of sugar
2 tablespoons salt
Wash and dry the brinjals well. Cut the brinjals into medium size pieces. Peel the ginger and garlic and chop into tiny bits. Heat the oil in a pan. Add the ginger and garlic and sauté on low heat for a few minutes. Add the chilly powder, mustard powder and tumeric powder and fry for a minute. Now add the brinjals and salt and cook for 5 minutes on low heat. Add the vinegar and sugar and mix well. Cook till the sugar dissolves. Cool and store in bottles

LEMON AND COCONUT PUDDING

2009-02-24T04:41:00.000-08:00

200 grams fine semolina / soogi
100 grams butter
100 grams sugar
A pinch of salt
2 eggs beaten well
4 tablespoons desiccated coconut
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons fresh lemon / lime juice.
1 cup fresh cream whipped with 2 teaspoons sugar
Sift the flour and baking powder together. Beat the butter and sugar together till fluffy. Add the eggs and lemon / lime juice and continue beating for a few minutes. Add the semolina / soogi, salt and desiccated coconut and mix well. Pour the mixture in a greased baking dish or bowl. Steam it for 15 to 20 minutes in a pressure cooker. Remove from the pressure cooker when the pressure dies down. When cold, turn over on a serving dish. Decorate with whipped cream

BROWN STEW / IRISH STEW WITH DUMPLINGS

2009-02-08T04:55:00.000-08:00

½ kg beef or mutton cut into medium pieces
2 cups mixed chopped vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, cauliflower etc
2 green chilies slit lengthwise
2 medium size tomatoes chopped
2 big onions sliced
1 teaspoon ginger paste
1 teaspoon garlic paste
2 cloves,
2 pieces of cinnamon,
6 or7 pepper corns
2 teaspoon chopped mint leaves
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons coconut paste (optional)
2 tablespoons flour
Wash the meat and vegetables and cook them all together with the peppercorns, green chilies, tomatoes ginger garlic paste, salt, cinnamon, cloves, mint, salt, coconut, and sufficient water till the meat is cooked. Make a thin paste of the flour and about ¼-cup of water. In another pan heat the oil and fry the onions till golden brown. Add the flour paste and fry along with the onions for some time. Add the cooked meat and vegetables and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve hot with bread or hoppers.
Make dumplings as follows and add along with the meat and vegetables while cooking.
To make the dumplings, you will need 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon butter and a pinch of salt. Mix all together with a little water to form soft dough. Form into small balls and flatten slightly. Add to the stew while cooking.

Chicken and Potato Stew

2009-01-28T04:27:00.001-08:00

Serves 6
Preparation Time 1 hour
Ingredients

1 kg chicken cut into medium pieces
2 tablespoons oil
3 potatoes peeled and cut into quarters
1 teaspoon pepper corns
1 tomato chopped
½ teaspoon chopped ginger
½ teaspoon chopped garlic
Salt to taste
3 green chillies slit
2 onions sliced
A few mint leaves
2 tablespoons flour

Cook the Chicken along with the potatoes, peppercorns, green chilies, tomatoes ginger, garlic, mint, salt, and sufficient water till tender.

Make a thin paste of the flour with about ¼ cup of water. In another pan heat the oil and fry the onions till golden brown. Add the flour paste and fry along with the onions for some time. Add the cooked chicken and potatoes and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve hot with bread or Hoppers.

SIMPLE MILK SWEET SQUARES

2009-01-18T05:02:00.000-08:00

Serves 6
Preparation time 1 hour
Ingredients

1tin condensed milk
1 litre milk
2 teaspoons corn flour
2 tablespoons butter or ghee
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 cup sugar

Heat the milk, condensed milk and sugar together till the sugar melts. Make a paste of the corn flour with a little water and add it to the milk mixture. Add the ghee and the vanilla essence and mix well. Continue cooking on low heat stirring all the time till the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the vessel. Pour on to a greased plate and cut into squares when slightly cool.

PEPPER MINCE AND POTATO CUTLETS / RISSOLES

2009-01-05T05:24:00.000-08:00

Serves 6
Preparation Time 1 hour

½ kg finely minced meat
1 medium sized onion chopped finely
2 teaspoons pepper powder
Salt to taste
3 tablespoons oil
1 egg beaten
2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
3 large potatoes

Boil the potatoes, remove the skin and mash well. Keep aside. Wash the mince. In a pan add the mince, onions, pepper powder and salt with a little oil and cook till the mince is dry. Remove from heat and cool for some time. Form the mashed potatoes into even sized balls. Make a depression in the center and fill with the pepper mince. Flatten each ball to form a round cutlet. Dip in the beaten egg then roll in the breadcrumbs. Heat oil in a flat pan and shallow fry the cutlets /rissoles on low heat till golden brown on both sides

KALKALS

2008-12-20T04:36:00.000-08:00

KALKALS
Ingredients

I kg refined flour or maida
6 eggs beaten well
2 cups thick coconut milk
½ teaspoon salt
300 grams sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
Oil for deep frying

Mix the flour, salt, sugar and baking powder together. Add the coconut milk and eggs and knead to a soft dough. Keep aside for an hour. Form kalkals by taking small lumps of the dough and roll on the back of a fork or a wooden kalkal mould, to form a scroll. Alternately, roll out the dough and cut into fancy shapes with kalkal or cookie cutters. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry as many kalkals as possible at a time. Keep aside.

To ice the kalkals, melt 1 cup of sugar with ½ cup of water and when the sugar syrup crystallizes pour over the kalkals and mix well. Store in airtight boxes when cold.

ROSE COOKIES

2008-12-20T04:35:00.000-08:00

ROSE COOKIES

Ingredients

½ kg refined flour or maida

250 grams rice flour (optional)

1 cup coconut milk

200 grams sugar

6 eggs beaten well

½ teaspoon salt

1 litre oil for frying

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

1 teaspoon baking powder

Mix all the ingredients together to form a smooth slightly thick batter.

Heat oil in a deep pan till it reaches boiling point. Now place the rose cookie mould into the oil to get hot. When the mould is hot enough dip it half way only into the batter and put it back immediately into the boiling oil. Shake the mould to separate the cookie from it. Heat the mould again and repeat the process. Fry rose cookies till brown. Continue in this way till the batter is finished.

Note: The batter will stick to the rose cookie mould with a hissing sound only if it is sufficiently hot otherwise it will just slide off the mould

CHOCLATE CAKE

2008-12-09T22:00:00.000-08:00

250 grams flour / maida

250 grams sugar

3 eggs beaten

4 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 cup plain curds / yogurt

½ cup oil

1 teaspoon soda bicarbonate (baking soda)

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

½ cup water

Break the eggs in a bowl and whisk well. Add the curds / yogurt, oil, sugar, vanilla essence and soda bicarbonate and beat well. Add the cocoa powder and mix well. Fold in the flour. Add a little water if batter is too thick. Pour into a greased baking dish or tin and bake for 40 to 45 minutes till the cake is done

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS PLUM PUDDING

2008-12-01T03:53:00.000-08:00

200 grams fresh bread crumbs

200 grams butter
50 grams refined flour
2 teaspoons instant coffee (Nescafe or Bru)
2 teaspoons golden or date syrup
½ teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs beaten well
1/2 cup rum
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
100 grams raisins
100 grams chopped sultanas
100 grams mixed peel
½ teaspoon salt
100 grams sugar
Cream the butter and sugar together then add the eggs and mix well. Gradually add all the other ingredients and mix well. Grease a Pudding Mould or any suitable bowl with butter. Pour the pudding mixture into it then steam the pudding for about 1 hour on low heat till it is firm to touch

Note: This pudding can be made in advance and refrigerated till required. Steam for 10 minute or microwave for 3 minutes before serving. For a more exotic taste, when still warm make a few small holes all over the pudding and pour about 6 tablespoons of rum over it.

CHICKEN PATTIES

2008-11-25T04:55:00.000-08:00

½ kg chicken mince

2 cups breadcrumbs

3 eggs beaten

3 onions chopped finely

1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves

Salt to taste

1 teaspoon pepper powder

½ teaspoon spice powder ( garam masala powder)

6 tablespoons oil

Heat 2 tablespoon oil in a pan and sauté the onions lightly. Add the chicken mince and a little salt and cook till the chicken is cooked. Remove from heat then mix the chicken with the breadcrumbs, chopped coriander leaves, beaten eggs, salt, pepper and spice powder. Mix well then form into small round patties. Heat the remaining oil in a flat pan and fry the patties on medium heat till golden brown on both sides

FRESH FRUIT TRIFLE

2008-11-16T04:28:00.000-08:00

500 grams sponge cake

2 cups of fresh fruit such as bananas, mango, apple etc peeled and chopped into small pieces
2 cups apple juice or mango juice
8 cherries chopped
Some chopped nuts for garnishing
200 grams fresh cream
4 tablespoons jam
Chop the cake into small pieces and lay them as the bottom layer in a flat glass dish. Mix the jam with the apple / mango juice and pour half the quantity all over the layer of cake. Next spread a layer of fruit over this using half the quantity of fruit, then spread a layer of fresh cream. Repeat the three layers again. Smoothen out the top layer of cream using a spatula. Garnish with chopped cherries and nuts. Chill and serve when required

.BANANA NUTLOAF

2008-11-10T04:11:00.000-08:00

200 grams flour

150 grams sugar powdered
50 grams chopped walnuts
3 eggs beaten
½ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons milk
150 grams butter
3 large ripe bananas, mashed well
2 teaspoons baking powder
Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together. Cream the butter and sugar well. Mix in the mashed banana, milk and walnuts. Fold in the flour. If the mixture is too thick add a little more milk. Pour the batter in a greased baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes until the cake is brown on top. Remove from the oven and cool.

CHICKEN BUFFARD

2008-10-29T23:26:00.000-07:00

1 whole chicken about 1 ½ kg in weight jointed and cut into 6 or 8 big pieces

1 large cabbage cut into quarters
1 teaspoon tumeric powder
2 teaspoons salt
4 large onions sliced
6 green chilies slit lengthwise
1 teaspoon crushed garlic
1 teaspoon chopped ginger
½ cup vinegar
3 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon spice powder
2 teaspoons chilly powder
1 teaspoon pepper powder
2 Bay leaves
1 teaspoon cumin powder
Wash the chicken and add all the above ingredients except the cabbage to it. Mix well. Take a large pan and cover the bottom with the cabbage. Add the chicken mixed with all the ingredients. Add 3 cups of water. Cover the pan and cook first on high heat then simmer on low heat for about an hour till the chicken is well cooked and it gives out a nice aroma. Serve hot.
Note: Cabbage could be substituted with knollkol, cauliflower, carrot, radish, turnip, potato or any other vegetable if desired.

EGG CURRY

2008-10-19T03:10:00.000-07:00

EGG CURRY... A very east recipe
6 eggs

2 onions chopped
2 tomatoes chopped
2 teaspoons chillie powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
A few coriander leaves chopped
1 teaspoon ginger paste
1 teaspoon garlic paste
1 teaspoon spice powder / garam masala powder
Salt to taste
2 teaspoons oil

Boil the eggs and shell them. In a pan heat the oil and sauté the onions till brown. Add the ginger and garlic paste and sauté for a few minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes, chillie powder, coriander powder, spice powder / garam masala powder, salt and continue frying till the oil separates from the masala and the tomatoes are reduced to pulp. Add about ½ cup of water and bring to boil. When the gravy is thick add the halved hard-boiled eggs and simmer for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Serve with rice or bread.

FRIED CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

2008-10-12T04:35:00.000-07:00

8 Chicken Drumsticks
2 tablespoons cornflour
1 egg beaten
½ teaspoon baking powder
3 tablespoons refined flour / maida
2 tablespoons soya sauce
salt to taste
2 teaspoons pepper powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
Oil for frying
Marinate the chicken drumsticks with all the above ingredients (except oil) for about 2 hours. Heat oil in a pan and deep fry the chicken drumsticks 2 at a time till golden brown. Serve with chillie sauce.

TROTTERS SOUP

2008-10-05T02:43:00.000-07:00

6 to 8 trotters (mutton or pork) each to be chopped into 2 pieces
2 or 3 green chilies
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon pepper powder
1 tomato chopped
1 large onion chopped
½ teaspoon garlic paste
½ teaspoon ginger paste

Wash the trotters well. Place all the above ingredients together with the trotters in a pressure cooker. Add 6 to 8 glasses of water. Pressure cook for about 20 minutes or till the trotters are tender and the soup is thick. Serve hot. This is a very nourishing soup.

SPICY MEAT MINCE FRY (POSTHOLE MINCE)

2008-10-02T04:59:00.000-07:00

½ kg mince (beef or mutton)
2 big onions chopped
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1teaspoon chopped ginger
3 green chilies chopped finely
1 small bunch coriander leaves
2 tablespoons oil
Salt to taste
½ teaspoon chilly powder

Heat oil in a pan and fry the onions till golden brown. Add the chopped ginger, garlic, green chilies, turmeric powder, chilly powder and sauté for 3 minutes. Add the mince and salt and mix well. Add the chopped coriander leaves and cook on low heat for about ½ an hour till the mince is cooked and all the water evaporates. Simmer on low heat till the mince gives out a nice aroma. Serve hot with bread or chapattis

BENGAL LANCERS SHRIMP CURRY

2008-10-01T04:40:00.000-07:00

1 kg medium size Shrimps / Prawns cleaned and de-veined
3 tomatoes chopped
3 onions sliced finely
2 teaspoons chillie powder
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder (optional)
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon garlic paste
1 teaspoon ginger paste
3 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons vinegar

Marinate the shrimps / prawns with the chillie powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, vinegar and salt and keep aside for 15 minutes.
Heat oil in a pan and fry the onions till golden brown. Add the garlic paste, ginger paste and tomatoes and fry till the tomatoes turn pulpy. Add the marinated prawns / shrimps and mix well. Add 1 cup of water and cook on medium heat for about 20 minutes till the prawns / shrimps are cooked. Serve with rice, Bread or Chapattis

OX TONGUE VINDALOO

2008-09-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

1 whole Ox tongue
3 onions chopped
3 big tomatoes pureed
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon tumeric powder
3 teaspoon chilly powder
1 teaspoon pepper powder
2 teaspoons garlic paste
1 cup vinegar
3 tablespoons oil
Salt to taste
Pressure cook the tongue with sufficient water till soft. Cool and remove the white skin. Cut into slices. Heat oil and fry the onions till golden brown. Add the garlic paste and sauté for some time. Add the chilly powder, cumin powder, tumeric powder, pepper powder and fry well with a little vinegar. Add the tomato puree and continue frying till the oil separates from the masala. Add the remaining vinegar and the cooked Ox Tongue together with the remaining soup and cook till the gravy is thick. Serve hot with rice, chapattis, bread or even hoppers

Grandma’s Pork Buffard

2008-09-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

1 kg pork with the lard cut into medium pieces
3 carrots cut into medium pieces
3 potatoes cut into medium pieces
1 small cabbage cut into big chunks
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
2 teaspoons salt
4 large onions sliced
6 green chilies slit lengthwise
1 teaspoon crushed garlic
1 teaspoon chopped ginger
½ cup vinegar
1 tablespoon oil (optional)
1 teaspoon spice powder or garam masala powder
2 teaspoons chilly powder
1teaspoon pepper powder
2 Bay leaves
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
Wash the pork well and add all the above ingredients to it. Mix well. Place in a pressure cooker along with the chopped vegetables. Add 3 cups of water. Cover and pressure cook first on high heat then simmer on low heat for 30 minutes till the pork is well cooked and it gives out a nice aroma. Serve hot.
Note: Other vegetables of your choice such as cauliflower, radish, turnips, etc, may used