Chilly mushroom- the amazing recipe

Mushroom is a amazing vegetarian source of protein. The use of button mushroom has been famous in the 17th century in Europe and later spread to USA, Canada , S.E. Asia and India. Mushrooms can be easily cultivated and produced in large scales to meet the food demand of developed and developing countries. Chilly mushroom is a wonderful combination of mushroom with tasty ingredients to attain a tantalizing taste and flavor that will enthrall any food lover. Quite easy a preparation, and filled with essential nutrients , it's ideal for the nourishment of growing children. Let's see the method of preparation.

Ingredients: ( for 4 people)

Button Mushroom (400 gms.),

Onions ( 2 medium sized grated),

Tomatoes ( 2 medium sized grated),

Garlic ( 4 cloves chopped into pieces),

Green chilies ( 3-4 pcs. immersed in vinegar for 30 mins.),

Capsicum ( 2 medium sized 

White vinegar ( 2 teaspoons),

Dark soya sauce ( 4 teaspoons),

Corn flour (1/2 teaspoon)

1 teaspoon of black pepper powder.

Mixture of tomato and green chilly sauce( 2 teaspoons)

Spring onions (2 pcs. , chopped from the white part only)

Salt as per taste.

Procedure:  Wash the button mushrooms with water and boil in water for 5 minutes and remove the water. This will neutralize the effect of germs and harmful bacteria in it. Cut the button mushrooms into equal slices. Heat oil in a container and dash the vegetables - onions, tomatoes, capsicum , garlic pieces into it. Cook till the vegetables becomes soft. Add the chopped button mushrooms into it. Mix well with the help of a spatula . When the mushrooms mixes well with other ingredients and the essence  of garlic dominates , it's time to add soya sauce to it. The addition of soya sauce contributes a nice color to the dish. The mixture of sauces  (tomato and chilly)can be added next. 1/2 cup of water could be added so that the mushroom becomes soft and a gravy is prepared. Corn flour in required amount should be mixed with 2 tablespoons of water and added with the dish. This will give the dish a thick, glossy appearance and the gravy will be prepared. Garnish with chopped spring onions (cut in a rounded fashion) and black pepper . Remove in a serving bowl and it's ready to romance with your tongue. 

Chilly mushroom can be enjoyed with Thai rice sticks, chowmein , vegetable rice. In a time span of 30 minutes this amazing , mouth watering dish will be prepared and it's high time to enjoy with your family and friends. Enjoy this excellent magic item and cherish each and every moment of  life.

Kisumu- a beautiful Kenyan destination

Kisumu  is a port town situated in Western Kenya. Having a population of around 300K , it's the third largest city of Kenya and the biggest city of Western Kenya. It took me about 3 1/2 hrs. to reach Kisumu from Nakuru by road. From Nairobi it could be about  5 hrs. by road. This city was founded in the year 1901 , as the main inland terminal of the Uganda railway. The word Kisumu is derived from a word 'sumo' which means a place of barter trade.  The way to Kisumu from Nakuru was really ideal for car transport , with lots of greenery around, local restaurants and stops where local vendors were selling farm fresh vegetables. The journey was a comfortable one.
                                                                                                                

Kisumu town

The most commonly available modes of transport in Kisumu town is the  boda boda or a motorized vehicle. This is the most economic means of travel.  The places of interest in Kisumu includes- the Kibuyu market,  Kisumu Museum , Impala sanctuary , bird sanctuary , Hippo point , Kit Mikaye rock and Ndere Island National Park. This town was identified by the British explorers in the early 1898 as an alternative railway terminus and port for the Uganda  railway.

Kit Mikaye  rock

The famous Kit Makayi Rock is situated on the Kisumu Bondo road towards Bondo. The word mit Mikayi means 'stones of the first wife' in Luo langauge. Local stories say that it is the depiction of weeping of the first wife 'Miyaki' , whose husband took a second one. This rock site is popularly called the 'weeping rock' and is a very famous place of pilgrimage for the adherents of Legio Mara sect.





The importance of Kisumu lies in the fact that it's a port town and a trade route between Southampton and Cape town. The famous lake Victoria is the fishing ground and the bread earning basket of fishermen. The most easily available fish is the Tilapia.   Kisumu has got amazing accomodations ,  4 star hotels with all sort of  amenities are present here. Starting from 5,000 -15, 000 KSH per  person /night , Kisumu has got good accomodations and arrangements for visitors.

Shore line of Kisumu

Sunset in Kisumu

After the East African break up in the 1980's  and the late 1990's Kisumu port was practically dormant with little or no merchandising passing through it.

With lot of diversities in demographies , Kenya seems to be a combination of business, natural beauty , wild life , tourism centre. The strong British dominance is still felt over here and the development done by the British dwellers over here in the pre-independence era , and the attempt to improvise Kenya from all angles really deserve mention.

Pav bhaji [Spicy vegetable mix n bread] -simply ' wow' !

Spicy Pav n Bhaji- the 'dream snacks'.

Pav Bhaji is the specialty item of Maharashtra. Somewhere Mumbai, the dream city of India has an inherent connection with Pav bhaji and the famous Vada pav. Pav bhaji is a popular item which is available not only in Maharashtra but also other metro cities as well. Pav bhaji can be proudly called one of the specialty items of India, and one of the most popular street food items. The common Indian loves Pav bhaji and likes to treat his friends with this simple wonder. Simple combination, tantalizing taste, wholesome nutrition are the few characteristics that differentiates Pav bhaji and hence it's the 'dream snacks ' of  Indians. I believe that every one yard distance in Mumbai possesses one Pav bhaji stall atleast. It's the easiest business meant for a simple Indian who wants to survive. Let's see the method of preparation of this magic wonder.

Ingredients: Preparation for 4 people

Potato ( medium sized 4 nos.),

Carrot ( medium sized 2 nos.),

Green peas( 50 gms.),

Tomatoes( medium sized 3 nos., grated),

Onions ( medium sized 3 nos, grated),

Capsicum ( 1 medium sized grated ),

Cauliflower ( 1 medium sized grated),

Ginger-garlic paste,

Pav bhaji masala [a special blend of chilly, coriander, black pepper, dry mango, cloves, taj, black salt, salt, cardamom, fennel seeds, cumin, curry leaves ] available in standard brands in the market.

Butter ( 50 gms.)

Coriander leaves for garnishing,

Lime juice for garnishing,

Green chillies for garnishing,

Salt as per taste.

Procedure: The procedure is very simple and quite easy if followed meticulously.

Boil vegetables

Step1: All the vegetables potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, green peas should be boiled . Tomatoes, onions, capsicum should be grated into smaller pieces as shown in the picture. Keep the vegetables aside.

Mash the boiled potatoes

Step 2: The potatoes should be boiled and mashed as shown in the picture.

Cook all the vegetables 

Step3: Heat oil in a container. Dash the onions, tomatoes, capsicum , ginger-garlic paste in it and cook till the vegetables becomes soft. Add the mashed potatoes and also the other vegetables- cauliflower, green peas, carrots in it. Mix well with the help of a spatula and mix 4 teaspoons of the Pav bhaji masala in it. Cook till the entire content becomes an even mixture and the color of the pav bhaji masala should dominate. You will enjoy a mind boggling flavor which will emit from the mixture prepared. The combined essence of all the vegetables will really enhance your appetite. Add 1/2 cup of water in the content and cook well so that the mixture should have a nice gravy appearance. Texture of Pav bhaji should be of thick gravy type. The boiled potatoes will  dominate the texture of the gravy.

After the bhaji is cooked, you may remove it to a serving bowl. Chop coriander leaves, onions and extract lime juice for the final garnishing and nice presentation. It's always advisable to add a dollop of butter on the  bhaji before serving it with hot bread ( pav bread which is commonly available in all food stores). Enjoy this dish with your family and friends and experience  the taste which makes India crazy. Pav bhaji , the simple Indian snacks - simply irresistible!

Dahi vada [fried lentil dumplings in yoghurt]- a yummy treat for summer

Dahi Vada is a dish which has it's origin from the southern part of India. A wonderful combination of lentils n yoghurt -this dish is a wholesome item and quite popular dish available in all the nooks and corners of southern, western and eastern parts of India . Vendors selling dahi vada near the office buildings are a common sight in all the metropolitan cities of India. A common Indian loves to have dahi vada for lunch and the housewives find it easy to prepare , compared to any other dishes. Dahi vada finds a special place an all food festivals organised in India, which means to promote Indian food. Let see the method of preparation of this simple yet mouth-watering dish.

Ingredients:
Black lentils ( 100gms. soaked in water overnight)
Cumin seeds ( 3 teaspoons roasted and powdered)
Tamarind paste (prepared with tamarind extract and water)
Coriander leaves for garnishing
Red chilly powder
Curd (100gms beaten)
Sugar ( 2 teaspoons)

Procedure: Grind the soaked black lentils in a mixer grinder till it becomes an even paste. Remove and keep aside. Heat oil in a container. Take little amount of the battered paste and release in the oil. Deep fry the battered lentils. When the battered doughs are fried and takes the color of golden brownish tinge, then it's time to remove them from the oil and keep aside. Now , it's time to soak the fried rounded doughs in water , so that may increase in volume. Take the battered curd and add sugar in it. Toss the cumin seeds in frying pan and grind it to a powder. Make a blend with cumin powder, red chilly powder and keep the mixture aside. Make a paste with tamarind ( by mixing tamarind with water , and then extracting the liquid content). Now take  a serving bowl and place the  fried doughs or the vadas in it. Add the battered curd to it ,  the blended  cumin powder, chilly powder and tamarind extract to it. Chop coriander leaves and spread over the dish for the ultimate look and tantalizing flavor.

Dahi vada is a very popular evening snacks in India. Enjoy dahi vada with your family and friends.Enjoy this delicacy of Southern India to your heart's content. Discover the joys of experiencing the tantalizing taste, mind boggling flavor of this typical dish.

Paneer Schezwan - simply delicious 'chinese wonder'

Paneer schezwan is a dish of chinese origin. India is a country , which is open to all sorts of chinese preparation. The culinary art of China has been spread widely all over the world due to it's easy yet amazing cooking techniques. Paneer schezwan is commonly available in almost all Chinese restaurants. The popularity of chinese food has been so wide that almost seventy percent of the urban population in India prefer to have chinese dinner once a week. Lets see the amazing preparation of this magic chinese recipe.

Ingredients: 

Paneer [cottage cheese] ( 350 gms. cubed into smaller chunks),

Spring onions (3-4 pieces grated),

1 cup schezwan sauce,

3 table spoon dark soya sauce,

Corn flour (3 teaspoons , battered in water),

salt as per taste.

For schezwan sauce preparation:

1 cup oil,

1/2 cup chopped ginger,

1/2 cup chopped garlic,

1/2 cup celery (ajmoda),

1/2 cup chopped peppercorns,

1/2 cup chopped spring onions green,

1/2 cup chopped spring onions white,

1 tablespoon vinegar,

1 tablespoon chilli powder,

1 cup chilli sauce.

For the chilly sauce:

7-8 dried whole kashmiri red chillies,

1/4 cup roughly chopped garlic,

1/2 teaspoon powdered cumin seeds,

1/4 cup vinegar,

1 1/2 cup of sugar,

1 1/2 cup of salt,

1/4 cup tomato sauce.

Procedure: The procedure is a step wise procedure which needs to be followed methodically.

For the chilly sauce:

Take all the ingredients- red chillies, garlic, cumin powder, vinegar, sugar , salt in a mix well with the help of a blender. Keep aside. Mix tomato sauce in it.

For the schezwan sauce:

Heat oil in a container. Add all the ingredients-ginger, garlic , pepper corns, celery , spring onions (white and green) , aji no moto , monosodium glutamate, vinegar, chilly powder , chilly sauce ( as per the recipe). Cook in  slow fire for 5-7 minutes. It will emit a typical flavor very similar to a chinese cuisine. Keep aside the prepared schezwan sauce.

PREPARING PANEER SCHEZWAN:

Heat oil in a container and add the paneer(cottage cheese) chunks in it. Stir fry slightly and keep aside. Add schezwan sauce , dark soya sauce in it and cook well. Add the already cooked paneer chunks in it . Make a batter of corn flour (with water) and add it with the mixture. The mixture takes nice, glossy texture. Add salt according to taste. Garnish with chopped spring onions.

Remove the prepared dish in a serving bowl and it's ready to romance with your tongue. Schezwan paneer is best served with vegetable fried rice. The schezwan sauce hence prepared can be kept in refrigerated condition for 3 days. It can be reused again. So, say goodbye to expensive restaurants and enjoy this chinese delicacy along with your family/friends. It's good to try out challenges and claim yourself to be an 'all square' and enjoy every moment of your life.

A trip around Menangai Crater- the mystery of Africa

View of Menangai crater

Menangai crater is a magnificent sight , located 6 miles North East of Nakuru in Kenya. The massive crater , which is 12 kms. in width and 500mts. in depth is one of the largest calderas of the world. It took me 1 hr. by road from Nakuru while from Nairobi it will take almost 3 hrs. in a car. Menangai crater is said to be an extinct volcano , and said to be still emitting flames(acc. to the locals). Nobody could give a definite information on when this volcano last erupted

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Way to Menanagi

The scenario on both sides of the way to Menangai is really picturesque and the lush of greenery did attract my attention. Presence of table top mountains are really enthusiastic as on proceeds the way towards the crater.  I stopped on the way and took some pictures and was overwhelmed by the presence of beautiful attractive flowers that will catch anybody's attention.

Enthralling greenery

The crater is a place which is 8 kms. from main road and is accessible either by car or by foot. Every year there comes thousands of trekkers who love to have the magnificent experience of climbing this historic crater. It's a popular saying that the Menangai crater has many 'spine chilling stories' of agitated spirits and warriors hanging on the area and is called 'Kirima kia ngoma' or the place of spirits. Not to discourage the visitors , but it's been heard that there  are stories  of people disappearing without trace or loosing way all for a sudden.

Post on the highest point

There is a presence of a post at the highest point of the crater which symbolically shows the directions of various cities of the world. Menangai crater offers beautiful hiking spots, geysers, waterfalls , mud holes and the magnificent rays of the sun that glimpses at the center of the crater with the rays glittering away , in one word a 'heavenly beauty'.

While returning from the crater I observed some souvenir shops , some travel agents busy with deal of the day and some beautiful flowers which I will remember ever.  For people who are interested for trekking , hiking and experience the mysteric adventure, Menangai crater is the best spot. For visitors, it's advisable to have a night stay at Naivasha , then tour Menangai crater and back on the same day. Kenya is full of adventures, mysteries, extinct volcanoes and age old 'spine chilling stories'. In one word it's a land of wide diversities.

Cottage Cheese dumpling curry (Chanar Dalna) -the awesome veg. treat

Cottage cheese is the source of energy, protein and a favorite food item for many. Various combinations of cottage cheese can be worked out to get delicious dishes. Chanar dalna (cottage cheese dumplings curry) is a typical dish of Bengali origin. Purely vegetarian preparation by nature, Chanar dalna is a very popular dish and an inherent culture in the age old Bengali cuisine. During any festival /puja , chanar dalna is a must item. Lets see the method of preparation.

Ingredients: 

Full cream milk ( 2lts.),

Lime juice /Vinegar( 3-4 teaspoons),

Bay Leaf ( 2 nos. ),

Ghee ( 3 teaspoons)[ an extract out of milk used in Indian cooking],

Garam masala powder [ a blend of black pepper, cinnamon, cardamon, cloves] ( 1 teaspoon),

Cumin seeds ( a pinch),

Tomatoes ( 2 medium sized grated),

Potatoes ( 2 medium sized grated),

Turmeric powder ( 1 teaspoon),

Ginger paste ( 2 teaspoons),

Coriander powder ( 2 teaspoons),

Chilly powder ( 1 teaspoon),

Green chillies ( 3 pieces),

Salt as per taste.

Procedure: The procedure is a slightly lengthy one and is directed in a synchronous way. Kindly follow the steps given in a pictorial representation.

Extract the cheese from milk

Boil 2 lts. milk in a container and during the process of boiling add lime juice so that the cheese separates from the milk . You may separate the cheese with the help of a strainer. Follow the figure to understand how to separate the cheese. Allow the strainer to stand for a while so that the cheese solidifies.

Make a dough out of the cheese

Add salt in the solidified cottage cheese and make a dough with the help of your hands. Care should be taken that the dough becomes manageable and soft. The water content should be less in order to make the dough an effective one.

Make rounded doughs from the cheese

Use your hand to make rounded dumplings. The texture of the dumplings should be firm.

Fry the cheese in oil

Heat oil in a container and release the dumplings in it. Fry till the dumplings turn golden brownish in color.

cottage cheese dumplings prepared

Fry the rest of the dumplings in the same process. Care should be taken while frying the dumplings , so that it doesn't break in between.







Now its time to heat ghee  in a container and dash the already chopped tomatoes, potatoes in it. Dash bay leaves, garm masala, cumin seeds , coriander powder, chilly powder in the container. Cook till the vegetables cook well and it becomes soft enough . It will emit a mind boggling essence , which is a typical characteristic of Bengali cuisine. Add turmeric powder and add 2 cups of water to make a soup. Add turmeric powder to it. Add salt as per taste. Cook for 5 minutes and the release the fried cottage cheese dumplings in it. The dumplings are very delicate and should not be boiled for a longer time in order to avoid breakage. Garnish with green chillies and remove the content in a serving bowl. It's time to enjoy this traditional delicacy of Bengal.

Chanar dalna is mainly served during religious occasions . It makes a very good combination with steaming rice or pulao.  If you are a Bengali , don't forget to prepare in the next religious occasion. For all my food lover friend other than a Bengalee , please give it a try and understand why the Bengalis   love this dish madly. I must say that before paneer was popularized in Bengal ,this was very popular and a 'tongue licking affair' with many. Try something different , try chanar dalna on an auspicious moment.