Miss Masala by Mallika Basu ~ A Cookbook Review

"Miss Masala"

Isn't that a catchy name?

It is and so is this cookbook with its style- the presentation of recipes, the colors this books is laden with and the way this cook book is written. Actually, it is more than just a cookbook.

I have been writing book reviews and sharing recipes of food I make/experiment with on this space for quite sometimes, so I thought, it would be good idea to do reviews of the cook books I often buy/pick up from the library. And here I am with my first cookbook review on this blog and let me tell you, I am finding it a more daunting task than my usual book reviews.

I believe, one can't review a cook book just by reading it, one has to actually try a couple of recipes to actually see how they work. Miss Masala by Mallika Basu has a very balanced content of both vegetarian and non vegetarian recipes. Since, I am a vegetarian my views are based on the vegetarian content only. Unlike, many other Indian cookbooks which are published in the west, Miss Masala has a wide range of Vegetarian recipes which is a delight for me. From the comfort food like Aloo Gobhi, Tadka Dal, Rajma, Channa Masala, Matar Paneer to the exotic Navratan Korma, Paneer Butter Masala, it has an array of recipes to please your palette. Even street food like Pav Bhaaji, Pakora, Chaats etc finds a place in the menu, not to mention the variety of Indian breads, side dishes, chutneys and sweets.

Just as is mentioned on the cover of the book - 'Real Indian Cooking for Busy Living', the author shares tips on quick Indian cooking, from what pastes and sauces can be made and freezed for later use, to which dishes can be prepared in bulk and deep freezed to be eaten later. This book has everything a new and inquisitive beginner in Indian cooking needs: glossary of spices, gadgets and utensils needed etc.

The book is very colourful and is presented in the style of a notebook. The author has also shared anecdotes about her cooking experience. Her writing style and the way this cookbook has been formatted seems to be reflective of her personality- smart, charming and witty. Only thing I would have liked to change would be the author's persistent banter about her fear of getting drunk even before entertaining her guests!

I have tried two dishes from this book, Kulfi and Bhapa Doi  (recipes to follow in later posts) and I am satisfied with the results. I am very much looking forward to trying her Cheese Bonda and Naan recipe.

As the author is Bengali, I was expecting to see a quick recipe for the famous Bengali sweet- Sandesh. But, there I was disappointed. Also, had there been more pictures in the cookbook, I would have liked it more.

For anyone interested in learning Quick Indian Cooking, this book is a good choice.

#28 Teaser Tuesdays- The Playgroup by Janey Fraser

"Gemma shivered. Kitty was the only one who knew her secret. The only one aware how important this December was to her."

Page: 85

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! Share the title & author, too, so that others can add the book to their TBR Lists!

Cliff Walking @ Howth ~ A Picture Post for Saturday Snapshot!

Saturday Snapshot is hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books. It’s easy to participate – just post a picture that was taken by you, a friend, or a family member and add your link on Alyce’s site.

Howth is an area in Fingal County near Dublin city in Ireland.  It has one of the most picturesque and panoramic views of the sea.We went there for cliff walking last week. Here are some pictures:

 Howth Head standing tall and majestically

Different Shades of Blue

 Can you spot the people?

 Howth Head again (taken in Sepia mode)

Lucky Library Picks#8 ~ The Indian Clerk by David Leavitt

This week for Lucky Library Picks, I have picked only one book. My book shelf is overflowing with books from the library. Some of the books I had bought during my India visit are still waiting to be read. I thought it would be better to clear the backlog of books before picking more from the library.

You can see other posts of this series here.

I have picked up 'The Indian Clerk' by David Leavitt this week. Of late, I am really inclined to pick books which has an Indian element in it, hence this pick.

 

I am quoting a little from the blurb to give an insight about what the book is:

"On a January morning in 1913, G. H. Hardy--eccentric, charismatic and, at thirty-seven, already considered the greatest British mathematician of his age--receives in the mail a mysterious envelope covered with Indian stamps. Inside he finds a rambling letter from a self-professed mathematical genius who claims to be on the brink of solving the most important unsolved mathematical problem of all time. Hardy determines to learn more about the mysterious Ramanujan and, if possible, persuade him to come to Cambridge. It is a decision that will profoundly affect not only his own life, and that of his friends, but the entire history of mathematics." 

Isn't that intriguing? I have read a few reviews of this book and many suggests that it needs a patient reading, but in the end it is worth it. I am really looking forward to reading it. 

Thank you for stopping by! Cheers! 

Apple and Dried Cranberry Chutney

 I had seen this chutney recipe in one of Nigella's show and tried out instantly. It was long time back and since then I have been making it regularly. I love it. Try it to check yourself ; pretty easy and delicious.. Although it can be made with any type of apples, I prefer to use Granny Smith Apples only; as stated in the original recipe as they are tart and that adds to the tangy taste of the chutney. Lets move on to the recipe:


Apple and Dried Cranberry Chutney
Click here for printable version

Ingredients:

2 granny smith apples, peeled cored and diced.

¼ cup dried sweetened cranberries.
2 tbsp oil.
½ tsp nigella seeds.
1 green chilli (optional).
salt to taste.
1 tbsp sugar (optional).
¼ tsp dried ginger powder
¼ tsp turmeric powder.
½ tsp red chili powder.
½ tsp coriander powder.
½ tsp cumin powder.
2 tbsp lemon juice (or vinegar).

Process:

1. Heat oil in a pan and add the nigella seeds and green chilli.

2. Now add the chopped apples, cranberries and all the spices, sugar and salt. Let it cook in a slow flame. The apples will cook and give out it juices as it get cooked. It will take about 15 minutes.

3. Mash them and add lemon juice in the end.

4. Let it cool completely before storing in a sterilized jar. Keep well for up to 7days.

Have it with parathas or rotis. Also goes well as dip for chips or spread for toast.

Variation:
1. Cranberries can be replaced by raisins, sultanas or dried cherries.
2. This recipe can also be tried in a microwave.

 

 Thank you for stopping by! Cheers!