Southwestern Potatoes

Wishing all a very Happy New Year. Hope 2014 is treating you all good.

Its been a while I posted here. 2013 was roller-coaster year. We have a new addition to our family, yeas we are blessed with baby boy. We named him Abhiram(Ab-He-Ram). This is primary reason I couldn't post any on my blog. But I promise my readers I shall not disappoint them this year. 

This morning I got a message from Pranathi, my friends sister on Facebook page. Her message inspired me to start blog again. So I dedicate my first recipe of this year to Pranathi. 

Ingredients

3-4 pounds red potatoes

1/4 cup olive oil

3 tablespoon ground cumin

2 tablespoon chili powder

2 tablespoon fresh minced garlic

cooking spray

salt to taste

Cilantro chopped

Method

Preheat the oven to 350F

1. Cut potatoes into bite-size chunks and cook in the microwave for about 10 minutes, or until tender

2. Place the potatoes in a large bowl,

3. Add oil , all spices and potatoes together and mix well

4. Place the potatoes in flat baking tray. Bake for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently until most of potatoes are browned

5. Once you feel done, change the oven setting to broil and cook for other 10 minutes. This will make your potatoes crispy

6. Sprinkle chopped cilantroand serve hot 

Girly Handbag Cake

My second attempt towards fondant. Sreelu, special thanks to you. I got inspired seeing your cake picture on the Facebook. Baked this for my dearest friend SWATI on her b'day. This is a simple 8 inch vanilla cake. Please follow  the video in creating the shape
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaBhI-S_BLM.

Lamb Chops

I’ve been facing blogger issues since some days. I get this error while updating my page

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I did follow some Google tips but failed to solve it. Anyone else facing / faced this, please let me know. I tried contacting blogger guys but no luck. Your help would really be appreciated.

 Lamb Chops

Quick and easy lamb chops recipe seasoned the Indian style.

 

 

Ingredients

8 lamb chops

1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

1 teaspoon coriander powder

½ teaspoon cumin powder

¼ teaspoon turmeric

Salt to taste

Paprika to taste

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon yogurt

1 teaspoon finely chopped cilantro

Method

Preheat the oven to 400F

Add all the ingredients except lamb chops to a bowl and mix well.

Season lamb chops with the mix and bake 20-25mins each side

Garnish with Cilantro and serve immediately.

Crash Hot Potatoes

Potatoes, who doesn't like them? This recipe is little twist to a traditional baked potato. It's crispy at the bottom, creamy at the center, God! my mouth doesn't stop watering now. I bet after trying this recipe one would not eat the fried fries rather bake these flavorful potatoes at home and stay healthy.

Ingredients

12 whole New Potatoes (or Other Small Round Potatoes)

Oil spray

Kosher Salt To Taste

1 tablespoon paprika or to taste
1 tablespoon Coriander powder
1 teaspoon finely chopped cilantro

Method
1. In a small bowl, mix in the dry ingredients i.e. salt,paprika and coriander powder.
2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add in as many potatoes as you wish to make and cook them until they are fork-tender.
3. On a baking pan with foil on, generously spray oil. Place tender potatoes on the cookie sheet leaving plenty of room between each potato.
4, With a potato masher, gently press down each potato until it slightly mashes, rotate the potato masher 90 degrees and mash again. Spray the tops of each crushed potato generously with oil.
5. Sprinkle potatoes with the dry ingredients.
6. Bake in a 450 degree oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on the baked potatoes and serve them hot...

Low-carb pasta (Recipe: Broccoli, Green Peas, Peppers and Pasta salad)

Today's recipe is a quick and easy vegan pasta recipe. The assertive flavors of broccoli rabe and Italian seasoning are paired with sturdy green peas in this satisfying pasta dish.

Ingredients

1/2 lb low-carb pasta (rotini or penne)

2 cups broccoli florets

1 cup green pepper cut lengthwise

1 cup frozen green peas

1 tablespoon Italian seasioning 

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 

1 clove garlic, minced 

Large pinch of kosher salt, or more to taste

Small pinch of fresh ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoon kraft raspberry vinaigrette or dressing of your choice

Method

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions; drain, rinse under cool water, drain again, and place in a large mixing bowl.Dont forget to add salt while cooking pasta

2. Heat the saute pan with olive oil. Add minced garlic, brocolli florets, peppers, green peas. Saute for 2 mins not more than that. While Sauting add Italian seasoning and pinch of salt and pepper

3. Mix in veggies to the pasta bowl and toss to coat everything with the dressing, and serve cold.

Now that I'm Back

Hello Hello Hello my lovely readers. I know its been a while I'd posted any. I was away from home for a while because of work. But now that I'm back home I promise I shall not disappoint you all. 

Grilled Chicken with Avocado Relish

Chicken, one thing that makes my mouth water all the time. While I was away from home, I stayed with my cousins at Seattle where they inspired me about healthy eating, workouts and stuff. Being so busy with work we tend to eat every junk we find when hungry and end up gaining up weight which is hard to loose. So readers eating healthy is very IMP. The recipe called out here is rich in protein and very healthy and easy to cook too.

Ingredients

4 boneless,skinless chicken breast halves

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Salt to taste

Paprika to taste ( can substitute with pepper too)

3 large avocados, diced

1 large tomato,diced

1 medium red onion,diced

1 jalapeno, finely chopped

Juice of lime,to taste

1/2 cup fresh cilantro,roughly chopped

Method

1. Preheat a grill/grill pan/ broiler on high

2. Take each chicken breast and cut in half lengthwise to make cutlets. You'll end up with 8 cutlets

3. Coat chicken with 2 tablespoon of the olive oil and season with salt and paprika.

4. Grill chicken till its cooked throughout, about 3.5 mins per side ( total time depends on thickness)

5. While chicken is grilling make the relish: In a medium sized bowl, combine avocado,tomato,onion, jalapeno,lime juice and remaining olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Gently fold in cilantro.

6. Serve chicken alongside a mound of relish.

Satyameva Jayate!

Firstly my sincere apologies, for not updating any new recipes here. I’ve been tied up with few things which are keeping me really busy. I shall be back shortly with a bang.

Today I watched a TV show, Satyameva Jayate. It’s about India, a show done by a very famous Actor Aamir Khan. The first episode “Daughters are Precious” was on air 05/06/2012 IST. I couldn't stop my tears after watching this episode. This episode speaks about killing the unborn baby girls or a female foeticide. India still has many Men who force their wife’s to get aborted as soon as they know the sex of the baby is girl. They showed up real life people who have been victim of this. Their stories touched my heart.

There were many shows and stings about doing good to India or bringing a change to country. Nothing stood up till end. Hope at least thru this show people in India realize and change.

The above song is dedicated to all those girls who did not get a chance to live in this world!

Support the hope : http://www.satyamevjayate.in/

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentine's Day lovely readers...

My first attempt towards fondant cake and guess what I learnt? Working with fondant is not as easy as it seems to be. I baked a simple yellow cake and decorated with fondant. No one is perfect and so am'I. But one day wish to reach that step of success in the cooking / baking world.

Happy New Year -2012

New Year is here, Time for us to cheer with our near & dear.

Wishing happiness & prosperity be  with you throughout the year!

Hope every one had a blast last time. This is my first post of the year and I have a very interesting Paula Deen's " Is It Really Better Than Sex??" cake to welcome 2012. This cake was delicious, juicy cake I ever had. My dear readers try this and enjoy every bite of it.

Ingredients

1(18 ounce) box yellow cake mix, plus ingredients to prepare

1(20 ounce) can crushed pineapple

1 1/3 cups sugar

1(4 ounce)boc French Vanilla pudding, plus ingredients to prepare

1.5 cups heavy cream

1 cup flaked sweetened toasted coconut

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350F

2. Prepare yellow cake mix as directed using a greased 13*9 pan and bake for 30 minutes.

3. While cake is baking,combine pineapple and 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly.

4. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly

5. Remove cake from oven and using a fork, pierce holes into cake.

6. Pour pineapple mixture over hot cake and set aside.

7. Prepare pudding according to package directions. 

8. Spread pudding over cake and refrigerate until throughly chilled.

9. Whip heavy cream and remaining sugar until stiff.

10. Cover top of cake with whipped cream and sprinkle toasted coconut on top.

Ready to serve!!

Cake Pops

Holidays are here. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!

Ingredients

1, 8 ounce package cake mix (any flavor you like)
1/2 of a 16 ounce container frosting (any flavor you like)
1 14 - 16 ounce bags of candy melt
lollipop sticks
Styrofoam or lollipop holder [ I made a holder using cake mix box]
sprinkles for decorating (optional)
Method

1. Bake cake according to package directions and let cool completely.
2. Crumble entire cake using a mixer, food processor or your hands.
3. Mix in half of the container of frosting.
4. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.
5. Using a small cookie scoop, scoop and roll mixture into 1 inch balls and place onto wax paper.
6. Depending on how large you make these, you should get about 40 cake pops.
7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
8. Place candy melts in a microwave safe cup or bowl and melt in microwave.
9. Take a lollipop stick and dip the very end into the melted candy.
10. Insert stick about half way into a cake ball.
11. Do this for each one.
12. Place cake pops back onto wax paper and chill for at least one hour.
13. Re-melt your candy melts and dip each cake pop until completely coated.
14. Decorate with sprinkles (optional).
15. Stand each cake pop in styrofoam or lollipop holder.
16. Chill for 10 - 15 minutes to let the coating set.

Lamb Kheema (Keema,Qeema )

With my new job, blogging has become real difficult. But thanks to my hubby who is helping me in posting the recipe. This dish is made by him. Am'I not the fortunate girl???

Ingredients

1 pound minced lamb

2 large red onions, chopped finely

6 green chillies chopped

1 cup green peas

1/4 cup sweet peppers

1 1/2 tsp of ginger garlic paste

4 cloves

4 pods of cardamom

1 inch piece of cinnamon

1 bayleaf

1-2 tbsp garam masala

1-2 tsp of red chilli powder

1/2 tsp of turmeric powder

1 tsp of coriander powder

1 tbsp oil

salt to taste.

Cilantro to garnish

Method

1. In a pan heat oil. Add cinnamon, cardamom, cloves & bay leafs fry for 10 seconds 

3. Add the onions, green chilli and fry untill onions turn golden brown

3. Add the turmeric, ginger-garlic paste to the onions.

4. Add the keema. Mix well. Make sure you dont have any lumps formed. Add some water if needed.

5. Add red chilli powder and salt. Close the lid and let it cook for 15-20 minutes.

5. Add the green peas,sweet peppers, and the garam masala. 

6. Cook without closing the lid till all the keema is done.  

5. Garnish and serve

This dish goes good with roti/rice and also as stuffing for sandwich.

Thyme Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken

Its the holiday season and usually many people drown in honey.This is how my thyme honey glazed chicken ended up on our plates.

Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
2 garlic minced
1 tablespoon dried thyme
2-3 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Method

1. Season chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper together with the thyme and minced garlic.
2. For the glaze mix the balsamic vinegar, honey and soy sauce.
3. Place the glazed breasts on a the grill for 15 minutes or until done. During the cooking time glaze the breast frequently with the marinade.

Serve hot!!
 

Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta

Where Am I?? Well I'm here. Its been a while I posted any recipe here. Its the holiday season and no wonder the blog also had its timeoff after the 50From50In50 Challenge.

Here is the simple pasta recipe. For all the vegan readers substitute chicken with tofu and enjoy the pasta.  

Ingredients

For chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2-3 garlic clove minced

1 tablespoon dried rosemary

2 tablespoon oliveoil
Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

For Pasta

2 cups whole wheat pasta (definitely a rotini or penne, to catch the pesto on the ridges)

3 tablespoon Pesto (I used Kirkland Signature Basil Pesto from Costco)

2 garlic cloves minced

Salt to taste

pepper to taste

Method

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the ingredients under chicken.  Add the chicken, and turn to coat. Cover, and marinate for 20 minutes.

2. Grill the chicken 6-8 minutes per side

3. Cook the pasta according to packet directions.

4. Drain cooked pasta. Toss hot pasta in bowl with pesto and minced garlic, adding the pasta water as needed to thin out the sauce until it covers all the pasta.

5. Let chicken rest for a few minutes after coming off the grill. Slice and add to pasta dishes

6. Adjust the seasoning (Salt and Pepper) to taste and serve

AND THE WINNER IS...

Thanks a lot to everyone for participating in the blogoversary giveaway. It was truly pleasure reading the recipes and getting to know you all. I hate this part of declaring the winner since, every entry I got was very nice. But then contests are meant for winning and loosing. And with this spirit I announce the winner!!!

Congratulations Sangee Vijay!!!

Recipe: Burrito Bowl

Blog: http://sangeethaskitchen.blogspot.com/2011/11/veg-burrito-bowl-chipotle-style.html


Sangee,please mail me your address and e-mail to thesajiblog@gmail.com

2 more days!!! Send in your Entry

Hello Readers,

The first giveaway at Saji ends on Nov'14. What are you waiting for?? Send in your entry and win $25 Amazon Gift Card. Hurry Up. Please see the below link for rules

http://thesaji.blogspot.com/2011/11/blogoversary-giveaway.html

Happy Weekend!!!

A Blogoversary Giveaway

To celebrate the one year of Saji, I thought it would be nice to give away a little something to my readers for sticking around and showing me some love. I thought it will be nice to make the contest about the 50 From 50 In 50 challenge. 

a $25 gift card to Amazon.com

Prerequisite You should be a public follower of Saji or like the facebook page and leave a comment that you do follow...If posting in blog, use of logo is must.

Here's how you enter for a chance to win!
1.You must make any one recipe from 50 from 50 In 50 challenge.

Find the list of recipes here
2.Ingredients should be listed with measurements and the method explained clearly
3.Send me in details to thesajiblog@gmail.com with the subject line Blogoversary Giveaway
   Name:
   Blog name and URL: { If available }
   Recipe name and URL:
   Pic: { Do not grab from internet }
4. The deadline for the contest is Nov'14 2011.
5. The winner will be selected based on their creativity and presentation.


Note: Currently limiting this giveaway to only U.S readers

Recipe 50/50 : Iran : Kebab Morgh (Grilled Skewered Chicken)

                                                  Happy birthday to Saji...

Time does fly when you're having fun, and just like that, an entire year's gone by in the blink of an eye. Its also the 50th recipe from the 50 From 50 In 50 challenge. I'm hoping that you enjoyed reading/making the recipes at home. Please keep a eye on my space tomorrow as I have something for you readers. 

Coming to today's recipe I made Kebab Morgh. Iranians enjoy the grilled meat and poultry.

Just before getting broiled

Ingredients

2 onions, finely grated

6 tablespoons lemon juice

1 1/2 teaspoon corainder powder

2 pounds boneless chicken, cut into bite-size pieces

4 Tablespoons melted butter

Cubes of onions

Cubes on green and red bellpeppers

Small pinch of saffron threads, dissolved in 2 teaspoons warm water (optional, but recommended)

Pepparika to taste

Salt to taste

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients except chicken in a bowl

2. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 4 hours.

3. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers alteranately placing the onions and bellpeppers in between.

4. Stir the melted butter and dissolved saffron into the marinade.

5. Brush the marinade onto the chicken.

6. Preheat broiler or grill. Grill the chicken for 15-20 minutes.

7. Occasionally moisten and turn the chicken as needed and serve hot!


Note: Soak the skewers before night in water to make sure you don't burn them like I did. I just soaked it for 1 hour.

Recipe 49/50 : Kenya : Coupe Mount Kenya

This is the last but one recipe from 50 From 50 In 50 challenge. It feels really good that I could make it for this. All your wonderful comments boosted me towards the challenge. I hope that you all had enjoyed the recipes from various country's. Please keep watching this space as I've something for you beautiful readers.

Coupe Mount Kenya is said to be one of the wonderful desserts of Kenya. Any fruit ice cream will serve for the Coupe Mount Kenya, especially peach ice cream. Fruit sherbet may also be used. 

Ingredients for Mango Ice cream

2 cups Mango pulp

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup sugar

2 tablespoon lemon peel, cut in tiny ribbons

1/2 cup condensed milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

Method

1. Whip the heavy cream with the sugar until stiff.

2. In a 2-quart bowl combine the mango pulp, the lemon peel ribbons, condensed milk and salt. Fold in the whipped cream.

3. Pour into freezer trays and freeze.

Ingredients for Pineapple Rum Sauce (the zing!)

1 cup pineapple juice, canned

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup cooled white rum

3 cups fresh pineapple, cut in 1/2 inch dices

1 tablespoon pistachio nuts

Method

1. In a 1-quart sauce pan simmer the pineapple juice and the sugar, until it dissolves and forms into a syrup.

2. Add the white rum and cool.

3. Place the cut fresh pineapple pieces in a 2-quart bowl and pour the pineapple rum sauce over them. Marinate for several hours.

How to serve

Place 1 scoop Mango Ice Cream in a wine glass. Top with 3 to 4 oz of Pineapple Rum Mixture. 

Garnish with pistachio nuts, coarsely chopped.

Note : I added just the liquid ingredients of pineapple rum mixture, avoided pineapple peices since it absorbed more rum and I did not like the flavor

Recipe 48/50 : Japan : Sushi

Sushi is the most famous Japanese dish outside of Japan, and one of the most popular dishes among the Japanese themselves. In Japan, sushi is usually enjoyed on special occasions, such as a celebration. Of all the recipes made till today, making sushi perfectly was the toughest, specially to get the perfect shape. I tried for an 1 hour to get the perfect shapes.

Ingredients

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1 medium avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces

4 sheets nori

1/2 batch sushi rice

1/3 cup sesame seeds, toasted

1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into matchstick-size pieces

4 crabsticks, torn into pieces

Wasabi, for serving

Soy sauce, for serving

Method

1. Squeeze the lemon juice over the avocado to prevent browning.

2. Cover a bamboo rolling mat with plastic wrap. Cut nori sheets in half crosswise. Lay 1 sheet of nori, shiny side down, on the plastic covered mat. Wet your fingers with water and spread about 1/2 cup of the rice evenly onto the nori. Sprinkle the rice with sesame seeds. Turn the sheet of nori over so that the rice side is down. Place 1/8 of the cucumber, avocado and crab sticks in the center of the sheet. Grab the edge of the mat closest to you, keeping the fillings in place with your fingers, and roll it into a tight cylinder, using the mat to shape the cylinder. Pull away the mat and set aside. Cover with a damp cloth. Repeat until all of the rice has been used. Cut each roll into 6 pieces. Serve with  wasabi and soy sauce

Sushi Rice Recipe

2 cups short grain rice

2 cups water, 

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon kosher salt

Method

1. Place the rice into a mixing bowl and cover with cool water. Swirl the rice in the water, pour off and repeat 2 to 3 times or until the water is clear.

2. Place the rice and 2 cups of water into a medium saucepan and place over high heat. Bring to a boil, uncovered. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover. Cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.

3. Combine the rice vinegar, sugar and salt in a small bowl and heat in the microwave on high for 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer the rice into a large wooden or glass mixing bowl and add the vinegar mixture. Fold thoroughly to combine and coat each grain of rice with the mixture. Allow to cool to room temperature before using to make sushi or sashimi.