Basic Chicken Stock

It happens to me all the time ...Taking a break from blogging is easy, getting back into the blogging mode really takes time. Before every vacation I feel excited about all the possible things I would like to blog about after coming back, till date it has never happened :) 

Nevertheless, while I am still struggling to get out of this, I thought may be I could share a simple recipe of how I make my basic chicken stock, may be some soup made using that would do the trick, may be I could post about the soup as a follow up. Well, though the later two still seem distant, let me tell you how I make the stock...

Where I live (in the suburbs)  we don't find halal chicken stocks at the stores (I mean the desi grocery where we buy our halal meat), so I usually make my own. I think a good stock can add loads of flavour to any thing you make out of it  and it sure is a very good thing to have in your pantry / fridge.  

Tender stalks of cilantro



I take 1 cup uncooked bones of chicken, its OK if they have some meat on it, you could shred it and use it in your sandwiches or soups. Add 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp. whole black peppercorns,  one small onion chopped, 2-3 green cardamoms, 1/2 " stick of cinnamon, 1/2 tsp cloves, 3 and half cups of water and cook on high uncovered for a few mins. Chop off the tender stalks of a small bunch of cilantro/coriander and add it to the stock. Season it with salt and let it cook until it reduces to half or a little over half. Your Chicken stock is ready to use. 

To store, let it cool and then store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 15 days. You can also freeze it in ice trays and store it for up to a month. I don't keep it that long and use it within a week in all possible ways, soups, rice, dal, to knead parathas,  curries, etc... etc. 

The recipe is pretty simple, I don't add the veggies or spices or even oil, which makes it very versatile and pretty basic, hence the name. 

By the way, Ramadan was the best part of the year as always and I thank you all for your Eid wishes. 

See you soon !

Update:

I am trying to catch up with all the new visitors to my blog, for those who did care to comment I add you to my Fellow Bloggers List. If you don't see your name in the list, plz, plz, plz let me know. 

Thanks!

Ritz Chaat

Ramadan Kareem to all.

Its the first day of the holy month of Ramadan , time to officially announce a break from blogging. Before I go, as promised I have a super delicious treat to share with you all.

I love chaats, I mean, who doesn't ? There are many toppings that go well with the Ritz crackers/ Monaco biscuits, the chaat toppings are my favourite way to doll up these salty crackers. These make excellent party foods, I served them at one I recently hosted and it was liked by all. 

When it comes to chaat nothing is right or wrong , it all builds according to your tastes or preferences (remember asking the chaat wala to add more imli ? ). There is no specific recipe for this chaat so I 'll simply put how I assembled these.

To assemble this chaat spread some boiled n mashed potato on each ritz cracker , top it with pudina / mint chutney, Tamarind/ Imli ki chutney, ketchup, sprinkle some chaat masala, top with finely chopped red onions then some nylon sev (thin sev) , garnish with chopped coriander/ cilantro n mint leaves.

Tip:

You can use home made or store bought chutneys. If you plan to make a big batch of these, fill the mashed potatoes in a piping bag n pipe some on each cracker instead of spreading on each individual one, this way its faster. Use a squeeze bottle for the chutneys.

Visit my Ramadan page for more recipe ideas and inspirations !

This is my entry to the following events:

Party Treats event series of Monthly mingle hosted by Saraswathi and started by Meeta

Joy from Fasting to Feasting  hosted by Lubna

Visual Treats hosted by Sanyukta

Lets Munch  Tea Time Snack  hosted by Sharmilee

Saunfwali Malai Roti and Award

This is a very simple and easy preparation. Don't let the picture deceive you , it does not look as good as I would have liked it to be, but I still wanted to share this recipe with you. The roti in the picture is the last one I saved just for the sake of few clicks :)

This post is being sent to the CWS - Fennel event hosted by Priya

and to Ayeesha's event Iftaar Moments

Ingredients :

2 C Whole wheat flour,

1 C all- purpose flour/ maida,

1 C heavy cream,

1 T fennel seeds/saunf,

ghee, solidified, as needed

1/4 t salt

a small bunch(or a big handful) of mint leaves, chopped

oil , for cooking .

lukewarm water, as needed.

Method:

Roast the fennel seeds in a skillet on med. heat, without using any oil, until they slightly change their color and you can smell the aroma. Remove of heat , let it cool then crush it with a rolling pin or a pestle.

Mix both the flours, add the crushed fennel, salt, cream, mint and knead it into a soft dough using as little water as possible. Cover with a damp paper towel and let it rest for at least half an hour.

Divide the dough into lime size balls n roll these balls into flour.Now roll out each ball into 3" circle, apply solidified ghee / oil , fold it into a square as shown below . 

(1)

Dip into flour and roll out on the sides into a square.Cook on a hot griddle (medium heat) till brown specks appear on both sides. You can also roll them as regular rotis/ chapatis. Serve with any spicy meat or veggie qorma.

(2)

I also use these rotis to make Kabab rolls using shami kebabs, onions, tomatoes,cilantro, tamarind chutney, sprinkle some chilli pdr, chaat masala and squirt a wedge of lime. Roll it up n enjoy :P

(3)

Also to share is an award , which I am so glad to accept from two dear friends and very versatile bloggers Deepa and Guna. They both thought of me as a Versatile Blogger for which I wanna say a big "Thank You !"

To accept this award I have to thank the person who awarded it, share seven things about myself and pass it to fifteen blogger friends.

Well, this is the toughest, 7 things about me ....OK here we go,

- I am working on one more blog , in my mind that is :) will "soon" let you know

- Ramadan is my favourite time of the year, like many I am way too excited about it,

- Playing with my 2 yr old and making him laugh is my favourite thing to do

- I enjoy watching good documentaries

- I like to maintain "To Do" lists for almost every task :) 

- I am very bad at writing about myself

- I *heart* Chaats...yum..yum :)

Now to pass it on  I choose,  

Priya, of Priya's Easy and Tasty recipes

Asha,  of Foodies Hope

Vasavi, of Vasavi's Recipes

Shaheen, of Malabar Spices

Sanyukta of Creative Sanyukta

Satya of Super Yummy Recipes

Fathima of Thattukada

Yasmeen of Health Nut

Malar of Kitchen Tantra

Cham of Spice Club

Gulmohar of Collaborative Curry

Anjum of Anjus Kitchen Treasures

Saraswathi of Saras Corner

Ayeesha of Taste Of Pearl City

PJ of Ginger and Garlic

Though my list did comprise of about some 40- 50 people whom I think of as very versatile and creative bloggers,I had to settle down to 15. Its gonna be very exciting to read more about them and the ones they tag. 

Before I take a month off during the holy month of Ramadan I have a very interesting recipe to share, hopefully very soon, till then Happy Blogging everyone !

Dahi ke Jamun

Hey, did I just reveal the secret ingredient in the title itself ? I guess I did :)

I never knew the guessing games are soooo much fun, its almost addictive :) Thank you all who played along and made it this exciting for me. Most of you thought  the jamuns were made using bread or potato/sweet potato , some even suggested paneer , rice, etc ....but after all those guesses no one could come up with the right ingredient... so its finally on me to announce that the key ingredient is Yogurt ...yes... Dahi (as its know in India).

Hung yogurt kneaded with flour n semolina n soaked in rose syrup... This is a very versatile recipe ...you can also try flavouring your jamuns with Vanilla but I like the traditional taste.If the Jamuns dont cook through till the centre you can make flat patties , like the one you would make for ras malai or cutlets and fry n then soak in syrup. Choice is yours. But overall this is a delightful recipe. 

Ingredients:

For Jamuns:

1 C all-purpose flour,

1 C semolina,

1 C yogurt,

1 tbsp. ghee,

a pinch of baking powder,

1/2 tsp. cardamom pdr,

1/2 tsp. nutmeg powder,
oil/ ghee for frying.

For the syrup:

1 C sugar

1/4 C water

1 tbsp. rose water

Method:

Cover a colander with muslin or paper towel and let the yogurt drain overnight.

Sift together the flour, semolina, baking pdr, cardamom pdr and nutmeg pdr. Rub in the ghee. Add the hung yogurt and knead well. to a smooth dough. Cover and set aside for atleast 3-4 hrs.

Meanwhile make the syrup. Heat the sugar and water together till you get a single thread consistency. Let it cool slightly and add the rose water.

Heat oil, shape the jamuns and deep fry on medium heat until they turn golden brown. While the jamuns are still hot either soak them in the syrup or just drop in the syrup and take them out immediately.

This sweet treat is being sent to the following events:

Sweets and Savouries for Diwali hosted by Sri

Party treats event series of Monthly mingle  hosted by  Saraswathi and started by Meeta

Only Kids delight hosted by Pari  

and Iftaar Moments hosted by Ayeesha.

Guess the ingredient, anyone ?

I know , its not obvious from the picture, but can you take a wild guess of what could be the key ingredient used in this jamun recipe ?

Its very common in eastern India to make jamuns using different ingredients. Have you tried any unusual Jamun recipe, what ingredient did you use? I would love to know.

Recipe coming soon ...

Khajur

After much deliberation, Lazzat is finally on Facebook ! Ya , it took me this long :) As naive as this may sound , I would  love any suggestions or tips or even tutorials  relating to Facebook .

Ramadan is just a month away, and as usual I will officially be on a blogging break. Meanwhile I would like to share some interesting recipes and also get some drafted .

Khajur is a big part of my childhood memories. This is one simple recipe, can be stored for almost a month , though they wont last that long. Its a perfect snack for kids of all ages. We always take a big bag of khajurs when we plan a road trip.

The best part is you can freeze them n fry as and when needed (see tip below) , which comes handy especially during Ramadan. 

Ingredients:

1/2 kg maida,

1/4 kg sugar,

1 tbsp khas khas/ poppy seeds, lightly roasted

1 tbsp ghee,

a generous pinch of saffron, dissolved in 2 tbsp. warm milk,

3 tbsp milkmaid / khoya,

1 t rose water,

15 dried dates, pitts removed and chopped,

1/4 - 1/2 C almonds, slivered or chopped

1/4 - 1/2 C golden raisins,

milk , as needed, (approx. 2-3 tsp.)

3 eggs

Method:

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and knead it into a stiff dough without using any water. If needed you can use some milk but use very little at a time. Cover with a damp paper towel and let it rest for about half an hour.Then take a portion, roll it out , approximate a centimeter thick and cut into diamonds. At this stage you can freeze them or store in Ziploc bags or heat oil and fry on medium heat on both sides till golden . Let cool and store in airtight container.

To freeze :

Once cut , place the khajurs on a plate n put it in the freezer. After 10-15 mins. they just pop out of the plate , stack them in Ziploc bags and put it back in the freezer without letting them thaw.

P.S: If you are hosting an event or are aware of any, which you think this post might be eligible please let me know, I would love to send in my entry and show my support to the host and the event :) You can drop me a comment or just email me (bloglazzat@gmail.com)

Thank You !

Thanks to Fathima this post is now being sent to Ayeesha for her event Iftaar Moments

Pinto Beans Masala

Mostly used in Mexican cuisine like burritos or chillies, pinto beans are buttery and delicious. I tried it for the first time with an Indian twist and was amazed at how perfect they taste even with "Indian" masalas.

This recipe  is my entry to the MLLA # 24 event by Susan being hosted this month by Diana.

Ingredients :

1 can (15.5 oz.) Pinto Beans, drained and rinsed

1 small onion, peeled and chopped

2-3 tbsp. olive oil,

2 elaichis/cardamom

1" stick of dalchini/cinnamon

1 tsp. ginger paste

1 tsp garlic paste

1/4 tsp. Garam masala powder

salt, to taste

1/2 - 1 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp haldi/ turmeric

Cilantro leaves, chopped , for garnish.

Grind together:

1 medium tomato

1/4 C coriander leaves/ cilantro


Method :

Heat oil in a pan and cook elaichi and dalchini for few seconds. Add onions and saute till they are translucent. Add the beans and cook for a minute , add ginger garlic pastes, chili powder, salt and haldi. Add the tomato paste, garam masala powder and fry for a min. Add about 3/4 cup water , sprinkle some chopped cilantro , cover and cook the beans till done, about 5 to 10 mins. on low heat.

Enjoy it with roti or as a topping on a toasted slice of bread.

One more thing I want to mention is that I am not able to do much blog hopping these days, and am not as prompt to answer to your comments or feedback as I would like to be, I do appreciate every one who drops by  and takes the time and effort to do so. Its just that days are getting busier. I am trying my best to keep myself updated, but if you are hosting an event or know an ongoing event and think any of my posts is apt , please let me know . I would love to send in my entry and show my support to the host and the event :) You can drop me a comment or just email me.

Hopefully I should see you soon, untill then have a wonderful day !

Gajar Ka Halwa

This post, along with few others has been drafted quite some time ago hoping that I would be able to publish it while I was away for a vacation. Some how the vacation got so busy that I hardly had time to check my mails :)  

This is my recipe for the ultimate Gajar ka halwa. Its very rich , luxurious, delicious and gorgeous. Using a non stick kadai (or pan ) is a good idea so it cuts down the amount of ghee required.

Ingredients:

3 C grated Carrots ,
1/2 C evaporated milk
1/4 C heavy cream
1/2 C whole milk

2 T condensed milk / milkmaid

3T ghee (solidified)
1 C sugar

1/2 t elaichi pdr

3 whole elaichis / cardamom (lightly crushed)
1/2" dalchini /cinnamon

1 T ghee

1/4 C cashews halves.

Method :

In a kadai (or pan) heat 3 tbsp. of ghee, add whole elaichis , cinnamon and grated carrots. Fry till the carrots start to change color or appear translucent. Add milk,cream and evaporated milk. Cook till the carrots are done i.e they are soft and well cooked. Now add sugar and condensed milk, mix well and cook for few mins, add the elaichi powder and cook covered  for few more minutes. 

Meanwhile , heat a tbsp of ghee and fry 1/4 C cashews till they slightly change their color or are slightly browned. You don't want golden or browned cashews for this one. You can also use raisins and almonds along with the cashews.  Now pour the halwa in this hot ghee, mix well and cook for a min.

Treat yourself to the ultimate gajar ka halwa n enjoy !