The humble Potato finds its roots in its Spanish equivalent – Patata. Consumed in kilos every year (statistics say that on an average a person consumes 103 kgs of Potatoes every year), this spud is one ingredient that forms a part of a poor man’s meal as well as a rich man’s menu. No wonder United Nations had named 2008 as theInternational Year of Potato. Here are a few more interesting facts about this gentle spud
Not just that, but potatoes also make people laugh and giggle. Wanna know how? Read on
- Why didn’t the mother potato want her daughter to marry the famous newscaster? Because he was a commen’tator’.
- Why wouldn’t the reporter leave the mashed potatoes alone? He desperately wanted a scoop.
Want more of these jokes, click here.
This versatile crop definitely is a huge hit amongst masses of all ages. French Fries, baked potatoes or potatoes in gravy, you name it and the potato can be cooked in every way possible. While we are at it, here’s a recipe from India that is high on calories but it’s worth all the calories for the excellent taste that it offers. A favorite across all Indian restaurants, this is one dish that you must save on your recipe list to impress your guests when you show off your knowledge of spices.
A dish originally from the beautiful land of Kashmir in Northern India, Dum Aloo is a classic vegetarian option. Small baby potoates cooked in a delicately spiced yoghurt based gravy gives this dish its unique taste and creamy texture. Enjoy it with Pulao or Naan.
Serving Size – Serves Four
Estimated Preparation Time – 15 Minutes
Estimated Cooking Time – 15 minutes
Ingredients:
500gm / 1Lb Baby Potatoes
2 Onion chopped
1 Tsp Ginger paste
1Tsp Garlic Paste
1Tsp Cumin Seeds
1 cup Yoghurt
1Tbsp Coriander powder
1Tbsp Chilli Powder
1/2 Tsp Turmeric Powder
1/2 Tbsp Cardamom powder
1Tsp Garam Masala
1Tbsp Salt (or to taste)
Vegetable Oil – 2Tbsp plus extra for deep frying
Preparation Method:
Peel and wash the baby potatoes and prick them with a fork or toothpick.
Heat oil in a heavy bottom pan. When oil is hot, deep fry the potatoes till they turn crisp and golden brown. Keep aside.
For the gravy, lightly whisk the yoghurt and to it add ginger and garlic paste, coriander powder, chilli powder. turmeric and cardamom powder. Mix all the ingredients nicely.
Heat two Tbsp oil, add cumin seeds,when cumin starts spluttering add chopped onions. Saute till onions turn light brown.
To the sauteed onions add the previously fried potatoes and the yoghurt mixed with the spices.Add salt and Mix well.
Cook for 15 minutes on low heat with the lid on. stir occasionally.
The gravy should thicken up after cooking and the potatoes will become soft. Sprinkle garam masala to finish off. Serve hot along with plain rice or any Indian bread.
Nutritional Value – Calories- 510 Fat 20 g, Carbohydrates- 31 g, Protein- 27 g
Tip: Instead of frying the potatoes they can also be baked in an oven for a healthier option.
In my previous post on Rice Pudding I highlighted a few facts from Asia about rice like an average Asian eats about 150 kilos of rice annually compared to an average European who consumes just 5 kilos. Check the post to read more such interesting facts. No matter what the facts say, it is true that Rice is a versatile ingredient. You will find it in every cuisine of the world and while the name changes from Pulao to Pilaaf to Fried Rice, everyone enjoys eating it.
A lot of people are very conscious when it comes to eating rice, may be due to its carbohydrate content. However, nothing is harmful when consumed in the right quantities. In fact, there are quite a few nutritional benefits of rice as well
For the more calorie conscious, Basmati rice, brown rice and parboiled rice are a good substitute for the regular white rice. One should also wash thoroughly before cooking it. In fact, wash it 2-3 times. And hey wash the rice, don’t do what the blondie did on Wednesday
Blondie Diary – Entry on Wednesday
A great day for rice. The recipe said wash thoroughly before steaming the rice. It seemed sort of silly, but I took a shower. I can’t say it improved the rice any.
Ahem! Jokes apart, most rice recipes can be made in a matter of a few minutes. Khichdi (rice with lentils) is one such dish that can be prepared in just about 15-20 minutes. It can be prepared with a variety of Lentils like Mung Dal(golden gram), Toor Dal (pigeon peas), Masoor Dal (Orange/Red Lentil), etc.
Serving Size – Serves Two
Estimated Preparation Time – 5 minutes
Estimated Cooking Time – 15 minutes
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