BEGUB BHAJA | BENGALI EGGPLANT FRY

BEGUB BHAJA | BENGALI EGGPLANT FRY

BEGUB BHAJA | BENGALI EGGPLANT FRY
View Instructions

Servings

2

Ready In:

15 mins

bhajaupclose

 

 

About this Recipe

By: Paromita

 

Begun Bhaja: A Delightful Bengali Eggplant Dish

Begun Bhaja, also known as Baingan Bhaja or Fried Eggplant, is a classic Bengali dish that celebrates the humble eggplant in all its glory. This delectable vegetarian preparation is a testament to the art of simple yet incredibly flavorful cooking that is deeply rooted in the Bengali culinary tradition.

The name “Begun Bhaja” can be broken down to “Begun,” which means eggplant, and “Bhaja,” which translates to fry or shallow fry in Bengali. This dish revolves around the idea of transforming eggplant slices into crispy, golden-brown delights that are both savory and addictive.

The process of making Begun Bhaja is relatively straightforward but requires precision to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s how it’s typically prepared:

  1. Selecting the Eggplants: Begin by choosing firm and fresh eggplants (usually the smaller varieties) that are free from blemishes. Slice them into thin rounds, about a quarter-inch thick. You can keep the skin on for added texture and flavor. The lesser the seeds the better.

  2. Seasoning: The eggplant slices are seasoned generously with a mixture of turmeric powder, salt, and ssugar. This spice blend adds depth and warmth to the dish.

  3. Shallow Frying: Heat a pan with a generous amount of oil, preferably mustard oil, which imparts a distinctive and authentic flavor to Begun Bhaja. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned eggplant slices in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they turn crisp and golden on both sides. The key is to achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a creamy, melt-in-the-mouth interior.

  4. Draining Excess Oil: After frying, transfer the eggplant slices to a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess oil. This step ensures that the Begun Bhaja remains light and not overly greasy.

INGREDIENTS

  • Eggplant or Begun
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Mustard oil for frying

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

Wash and cut eggplant into thcvk slices

Step 2

Mix all the spices and rub on both sides of eggplant.

Step 3

Rest for 10 mins

Step 4

Shallow fry on both sides for about 5 mins, or until soft.

Serve with white rice and ghee or rotis.

HOLI SPECIAL – THANDAI

HOLI SPECIAL – THANDAI

HOLI SPECIAL – THANDAI
View Instructions

Servings

6

Ready In:

15 mins

dalerbora

 

 

About this Recipe

By: Paromita

 

Thandai is a refreshing Indian beverage that is usually consumed during the festival of Holi, a Hindu festival that celebrates the arrival of spring. This drink is made with a combination of nuts, spices, and milk, and is typically served chilled. Thandai is a traditional drink that has been enjoyed by generations of Indians and is an essential part of Holi celebrations.

Thandai is a concoction of various ingredients that provide a unique flavor to the drink. The key ingredients of Thandai include almonds, cashews, pistachios, melon seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, cardamom, saffron, and rose petals. All these ingredients are ground into a fine powder, which is then mixed with milk, sugar, and ice to make the refreshing beverage.

One of the main reasons why Thandai is so popular is because of its cooling properties. The combination of spices and nuts in the drink helps to cool the body down and refresh the mind. This makes it a perfect drink for the hot summer months in India. The cooling properties of Thandai also make it an ideal drink for people who suffer from heat strokes or heat exhaustion.

Apart from its cooling properties, Thandai also has many health benefits. The nuts and spices used in the drink are rich in vitamins and minerals, which are essential for maintaining good health. Almonds, cashews, and pistachios are a rich source of healthy fats, while fennel seeds and black peppercorns aid digestion. Saffron is known for its antioxidant properties, and rose petals are believed to have a calming effect on the mind.

Thandai is not only a delicious drink but also has cultural significance. The drink is an integral part of Holi celebrations and is served to guests during the festival. The drink is believed to have originated in Northern India, and over the years, it has become a popular drink all over the country. In some parts of India, Thandai is also served during weddings and other celebrations.

In conclusion, Thandai is a refreshing drink that has become an essential part of Indian culture. The drink’s cooling properties, health benefits, and cultural significance have made it popular not only in India but also in other parts of the world. Thandai is a must-try drink for anyone who wants to experience the unique flavors of Indian cuisine.

topviewdalerbora

INGREDIENTS

  • ½ cup of almonds
  • ¼ cup of cashews
  • ¼ cup of pistachios
  • â…› cup of melon seeds
  • 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds
  • 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns
  • 5-6 teaspoon of cardamom pods
  • 1/2 teaspoon of saffron strands
  • Few rose petals (dried or fresh)
  • Few strands of saffron
  • milk
  • sugar
  • Ice cubes
  • Water (as needed)

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

Soak almonds, cashews, pistachios, and melon seeds  and all spices in water for at least 6-8 hours or overnight.

Step 2

Drain the soaked nuts and spices and blend them in a blender until they form a smooth paste. Add water as needed to help blend.

You should get a smooth and thick paste.

Step 3

To make thandai take chilled milk, sugar and paste. Blend. Serve Chilled, add ice cubes as needed.

Step 4

Garnish with extra rose petals, or saffron.

EASY DOSA RECIPE

EASY DOSA RECIPE

dosacloseup

Servings

4

Ready In:

30 mins / 8 hours

Dosa is a popular South Indian dish made from fermented batter of rice and urad dal. It is a thin, crispy and savory pancake that is typically served with a variety of chutneys and sambar. Dosa is a versatile dish that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even as a snack. It is a popular street food in India and has gained popularity in other parts of the world as well. Dosa is not only delicious but also healthy, as it is a good source of carbohydrates, proteins and fiber. Overall, dosa is a must-try dish for anyone who wants to experience the authentic flavors of South India.

dosabatter

TIPS

  1. Soak the rice and urad dal in water separately for at least 4-6 hours before grinding. This will ensure a smooth and fine batter.

  2. Use a good quality non-stick tawa or griddle to make dosa. The tawa should be properly heated before pouring the batter.

  3. The consistency of the batter is crucial for making good dosa. It should not be too thick or too thin. A slightly thick batter is ideal for crispy dosa.

  4. Adding a little fenugreek seeds while soaking the rice and dal will help in fermenting the batter better, giving a slightly sour taste to the dosa.

  5. Make sure to spread the batter evenly on the tawa using a ladle or the back of a spoon. This will help in making the dosa thin and crispy.

  6. Drizzle a little oil or ghee around the edges of the dosa while cooking. This will help in making the dosa crispier and tastier.

  7. Serve the dosa hot with a variety of chutneys and sambar. Enjoy the delicious and nutritious South Indian delicacy!

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups of white rice
  • 1 cup of urad dal (split black lentils)
  • 1 tsp fenugreek seeds 
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed
  • Oil for cooking

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

Soak the rice and urad dal separately in water overnight or for at least 6-8 hours. Add fenugreek seeds to the urad dal while soaking.

Step 2

Drain the water from both the rice and urad dal and rinse them thoroughly.

Step 3

Grind the urad dal first in a wet grinder or blender until it becomes a smooth and fluffy batter. Add water as needed.

Step 4

Remove the urad dal batter from the grinder and transfer it to a large bowl.

Step 5

Grind the rice into a smooth batter. Add water as needed.

Step 6

Mix the rice batter into the urad dal batter and stir well to combine.

Step 7

Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let the batter ferment for at least 8-10 hours or overnight. The batter should rise and become slightly sour. As I stay in a colder climate I used my instant pot Yoghurt mode to help with the fermentation.

Step 8

Once the batter has fermented, give it a good stir.Add salt to taste and mix well.

Step 9

Heat a non-stick tawa or griddle on medium heat. Splash some water to check for heat.

Step 10

Pour a ladleful of the dosa batter onto the tawa and spread it in a circular motion to form a thin pancake. The dosa should be about 6-7 inches in diameter.

Step 11

Drizzle a few drops of oil around the edges of the dosa and let it cook for 1-2 minutes or until the bottom turns golden brown and crisp.

Step 12

Flip the dosa over and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side.

Step 13

Remove the dosa from the tawa and serve hot with your favourite chutney and sambar.

I hope you enjoy this recipe! Let me know if you have any questions.

LEMON BUTTER SALMON

LEMON BUTTER SALMON

Servings

2

Ready In:

15 mins

Salmon is a nutritious and flavourful fish that is packed with health benefits. It is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Salmon is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and may help to reduce the risk of heart disease. These healthy fats can also help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can lead to a variety of health benefits such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases like arthritis and diabetes.

In addition to its protein and omega-3 content, salmon is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium. These nutrients are important for maintaining good health and can help to support a healthy immune system.

The lemon juice and garlic in this recipe add additional flavor and nutrition to the dish. Lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C, which is important for maintaining a healthy immune system and can help to protect the body from free radicals that can cause damage to cells. Garlic is a flavorful and aromatic addition to many dishes, and it has been shown to have a variety of health benefits, including the potential to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Overall, this lemon butter salmon recipe is a delicious and healthy meal that is packed with nutrients that are essential for good health. I hope you enjoy it!

crumbcoated_fish

Despair not, butter is also good for our health when taken in moderation.

Butter is a staple food item in many households, and for good reason. Not only does it add delicious flavor to a variety of dishes, but it also has numerous health benefits, particularly during the winter months.

One of the main health benefits of butter is its high content of saturated fats. These fats are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, which is especially important during the winter when colds and flu are more prevalent. Saturated fats also help to raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels, which can lower the risk of heart disease.

Another benefit of butter is its high content of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is a type of fatty acid. CLA has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce the risk of certain cancers. It is also believed to help with weight loss by increasing the body’s metabolism.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 salmon fillets
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cloves garlic, minced
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 2

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add little oil the butter and let it melt. The oil is to prevent the butter from burning.

Step 3

Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if they have skin. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked half-way on that side.

Step 4

Add minced garlic and the lemon slices.

Step 5

Let these caramelize for a minute or two, flip the salmon fillets.

Step 6

Keep basting the salmon with this infused butter on low medium heat, about 5 minutes.

Step 7

To finish add a blob of butter.

Garnish with chopped cilantro/parsley and serve hot.

I hope you enjoy this recipe! Let me know if you have any questions.

STICK TO YOUR RESOLUTIONS THIS YEAR!

STICK TO YOUR RESOLUTIONS THIS YEAR!

avocado_salad

 

 

About this Post

By: Paromita

 This post talks of the obvious, on the last week of the finishing year we make promises to ourselves and set our “new year resolutions”. And then by the end of the first month on the new year we all are in despair that we achieved nothing and we get back to our old ways. This post is a note to myself and also to share with you all – how can we get out of this cycle of resolutions and reproach.

 

 

 

 

Starting a new year often inspires people to set health-related goals and resolutions. However, it can be tough to stick to these resolutions, especially if they require significant changes to your daily routine.

 Here are some tips to help you stay on track and achieve your health goals in the new year:

  1. Set achievable goals: It’s important to set realistic goals that are achievable within a specific time frame. For example, if you want to lose weight, aim to lose 1-2 pounds per week rather than trying to lose 20 pounds in a month.

  2. Make a plan: Write down your goals and create a plan of action to achieve them. Include specific steps, such as going for a walk every day or preparing healthy meals in advance. You are making this plan, so make it suitable for you, not some random routine you saw on the internet.

  3. Keep track of your progress: Use a journal or app to track your progress and record your daily habits. This will help you see how far you’ve come and stay motivated to continue. Small wins are equally important, pat yourself on the back.

  4. Find a support system: Surround yourself with people who support your health goals and are willing to help you stay on track. This can be friends, family, or a support group.

  5. Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to achieving health goals. Try to make healthy habits a part of your daily routine, rather than just doing them occasionally.

  6. Don’t be too hard on yourself: It’s normal to have setbacks or slip-ups along the way. Don’t beat yourself up if you have a bad day or make a mistake. Instead, focus on getting back on track and continuing to work towards your goals. It is ok to not achieve everything in the first month.

  7. Reward yourself: Celebrate your progress and reward yourself for a job well done. This could be something small, like treating yourself to a new workout outfit or a healthy meal.

  8. Seek help if needed: If you’re struggling to stick to your health resolutions, consider seeking help from a healthcare professional or a licensed therapist. They can provide guidance and support to help you achieve your goals.

topviewdalerbora

Sticking to your new year health resolutions takes time and effort, but it is worth it. By making small changes and focusing on your goals, you can improve your overall well-being and feel your best in the new year.

A few of my following posts will be based on quick and easy healthy recipes, which you can include in your daily cooking or your weekly meal prep. And somedays we indulge.

Let’s be real girls, let’s do this together.