Month: June 2018

Chai Latte – Indian Masala Tea

Masala Chai
Street Vendor Frothing Tea

Flavour –  Blend – 5 cardamoms – 5 Cloves – 5 sticks of Cinnamon – 1 inch pc Crushed Ginger – Coarse Spice Blend.

Heat – 3 cups Water – 2 Cups Milk – Bring to Boil

Brew – 1 1/2 tbsp. Black Tea Leaf/ powder – Spice Blend – Add to above – Continue boiling for 3- 4 mnts – low flame – Turn of Stove.

Sweeten – Add 3 tbsp. Sugar to above – Stir gently.

Froth – Pour Hot tea from one cup to another at some height to form forth. Traditional Indian Street Vendor Style.

Note :  Change quantity of Milk / Tea Powder to taste.    Use Just Cardomoms or Ginger to flavour Tea.   Adjust Sugar to taste.

Tea is said to have a Cooling effect on the Body during summer months.

Enjoy Delicious Indian Masala Chai with Spicy Savoury Snacks.  Mmmm…..

 

 

 

 

 

Persuit of Happiness

15 Simple Tips for Happiness

Smile –  Smiling not only brings joy to you, but to others as well.

Cheerfulness  – Deliberately act cheery, and you will feel much happier.

Kindness – Notice Something Nice About Yourself.  Be kind to yourself.

Compliments – Notice Something Nice about others and give compliments.

Music -Happy songs affect both our emotions and physical condition. Listen to music.

Gratitude – Every morning take a few minutes to think about a few thing you are  grateful for in your life.

Believe –  You Deserve Happiness.

Calmness – Proceed calmly by practicing Meditation.

Leisure – Give some time for leisure Every day

Acceptance – Live and let live without judgement.

Friendship – Happy people tend to have deep relationships with others.

Volunteer –   Be giving of yourself to others.

Exercise – Exercise releases endorphins and makes you happy

Hobby – Engage deeply with life. Be Creative. Use your talents and have a Hobby.

Nature – Enjoy the beauty of nature. Spend time in Nature.

BE HAPPY

Sambar – Luscious Veg Lentil Soup

SOUTH INDIAN SAMBAR RECIPE

sambar

Soak – Squeeze – Strain- Lemon-sized ball  tamarind – 2 cups Hot Water – 15 mints  – Extract Tamrind Juice.

Boil – 100g Toor Dal (Lentil)  – 1/2 tsp. Turmeric – 2-3 cups Water – Till Soft –  Cooked Dal

Chop –  Aubergine – Pumpkin –  Zucchini – Tomatoes – Carrots  – 3 cups Total – Bitesize Pieces – Mixed Veg

Cook – Mixed Veg – in Tamrind Juice – 2 -3 tsp. Sambar Powder -1/2 tsp.  Salt +/- 2 tsp – 20-25 mnts – Till done – Add Cooked Dal  –  Simmer  5 minutes.  – Done – Turn Off Stove.

Seasoning – Heat 2 tsp. Oil –  Add 1/2 tsp. Mustard – 1/2 tsp Fenugreek Seeds (optional) – 2 Dried Red Chillies – 1 mnt  – Add to Above.

Garnish  – With Corriender Leaves.

Serve – Sambar with Rice or  Dosa (Indian Pancake)

Delicious Sambar Ready.  Mmmm…. 

Note :  Add salt to taste.   Veg of Choice. Sambar Powder can be found in Indian Stores.

Everytime I visit India, my Friend Lakshmi  says I do not spend enough time with her.  So, this visit  I decided to meet her at the Airport and share the long ride home with her and go out to dinner before going home to family.

However, arriving at her home  to freshen up, Lakshmi’s Husband Murali insisted that I stay for dinner and he was going to make a Special Sambar  with Dosa for me.  This is the Sambar he made for Dinner that evening.   So Delicious and Different from how we make at home.  

Everytime I visit Lakshmi, she reminds her Son Arjun that I was with her at the Hospital when he was Born. She reminds Arjun about me every year for his Birthday too.  

Lakshmi, Murali and Arjun thank you for your Friendship and hospitality.   I enjoyed dinner once again at your place.

Sambar Spelt Saambaar, Sambhar or Sambaar,is a Lentil based vegetable Stew  from Tamil Nadu  and Karnataka in South India. A healthy tasty dish to include in all diets.