Kumaoni Cuisine

 Baanth (Yogurt Curry with Radish)

Ingredients

Butter Milk or Yogurt (preferably sour)              1 Kg
Gram Flour                                                        100 grams

Cumin Seeds                                                    1/2 tea spoon
Turmeric Powder                                            1/2 tea spoon
Radish                                                               100 grams
Green Chillies                                               3 (finely chopped)
Coriander Leaves                                           1/4 bunch
Oil                                                                  2 table spoon
Salt                                                                   To taste

Seasoning

Red Chilli Powder                                           1/2 tea spoon    
Whole Red Chillies                                          4 in number
Garlic (finely chopped)                                  2 cloves
Ghee (clarified butter)                                  1 table spoon

Method

-- Mix sour buttermilk, 100g of gram flour, turmeric powder and salt in a bowl.
-- Heat oil in a pan.
-- Add cumin seeds and wait for it to crackle.
-- Add chopped green chillies and cook for one minute.
-- Add the butter milk mixture.
-- Bring it to boil and reduce the heat and cook on low flame for 10 minutes
-- Wash radish and peel the skin.
-- Cut radish into small pieces in any shape of your choice or grate it.
-- Add radish to the curry.
-- Cook until the curry has a thick consistency and radish is cooked.

For Seasoning

-- Add ghee in a pan.
-- Add whole red chillies, chilli powder and chopped garlic.
-- Once the garlic turns brown, season the Baanth with this mixture.

Finally garnish it with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Groundhog Day

Life is a great bundle of little things. And it is these very little things which (often to our own surprise!) leave a deep impact on our mind and shape our thinking and outlook towards life. Like this movie that I just watched (for the third time) called Groundhog Day. It revolves around the life of an extremely egoistic person called Phil Connors, who seems to be fighting everyday from the realities of his life. He is unhappy with his job as well as the people around him. In an attempt to appease his ego he enjoys picking up on his colleagues and views his job as that of a loser. He performs his job in a half-hearted manner and is an incorrigible pessimist. Rather than cherishing his today, he seems more engrossed in making plans for his future. Now as is well-known - ‘you reap what you sow’; even those working with him are nearly fed up with his sick attitude towards them and his life. They treat him as a sub-standard guy and don’t feel shy in making fun of his weaknesses and eccentricities right before him. This is also largely because Phil never actually interacts with anyone with any intent of actual thought-sharing. He acts as if he is too elite to be a part of such dimwit and average company of persons. Even his future plans are motivated by a desire to prove to all his colleagues what his real worth is. He is not guided by any genuine desire to make a progress in life and enjoys making witty remarks to cease a moment or two of self-satisfying pleasure. In short, he is leading a miserable life and is too lost in his own world to actually realise the same. All this continues to happen until he meets Rita.

Rita and Phil have absolutely opposite personalities. She is an extremely gentle, kind and honest person (as also described by Phil himself during the latter half of the movie). She knows what she wants in life (as in her own words 'she wants what every person wants in life – career, love, marriage and children') and even though she does not ends up doing or achieving what she had actually expected while in college (she studied French poetry), she still remains of a cheerful disposition and carries on with her life in a dignified manner. She enjoys her work immensely and tries to make it equally enjoyable and interesting for her colleagues. Though she appears a bit timid, she is not afraid to express her opinion on any demanding matter. When she observes Phil’s daft and inconsiderate ways towards his work and life, she does not hesitate in telling Phil that someday his own ways would perish his very existence. But even while expressing her opinion she remains ever so gentle and never really offends the receiver. This is largely because her opinions are based on and backed by reason and most of her observations are accurate (not prejudiced like those of Phil’s).

It is interesting to watch how these two totally opposite characters end up loving each other. However this story differs from other romantic tales because it does not follow the stereotype pattern of the main characters eventually accepting each other (and falling in love) despite certain flaws in their character. This movie shows how a good in one person can transform a negative person’s perception of life and how by remaining optimistic in life one can end up achieving much better things than what he actually considers himself worthy of. The movie portrays how little effort it takes to lead a better and fulfilled life. If we learn to find happiness in any given circumstance and respect ours as well as other people’s existence, then we can make this world a better place for us as well as for others. Moreover the plot of the movie, which is based on reliving a single day repeatedly, makes it all the more unique and enjoyable. In short, it’s a beautiful movie with a beautiful message, which is why I never get tired of watching it again and again!    

       

Given my immense interest in movies I've decided to add yet another section to my blog which shall be solely devoted to my views on some of my favorite movies. Like all other posts, these observations are also purely personal and based on my perception of a given work!

Understanding Introverts

I came across these two wonderful articles on certain myths regarding people who are labelled as 'introverts'. I feel it would be better if more people try to understand their introvert friends and colleagues. Most people who come across any introvert assume that they are either arrogant or are suffering from any mental or emotional trouble. While reading these articles I felt the writers have advanced quite reasonable points in favor of these misunderstood lot of people. They have analyzed certain assumptions on part of the extrovert population and given valid arguments for each of them. It felt nice to read such point of views -- being a part of the introvert fraternity myself !

Go through these short articles in order to learn more....

http://briankim.net/blog/2007/10/top-5-things-every-extrovert-should-know-about-introverts/

http://www.carlkingcreative.com/10-myths-about-introverts

To be or not to be..

TO BE OR NOT TO BE..

A phase comes in every teenager's life when they are made to take a break from all the fun and folly. People start asking about the future plans, even though they are aware that more than half of the teen population is clueless about where and what it is heading for. Well I am not exactly a teenager - but some where between the teenage and adulthood (but since these days teenage is the only period when all the fun starts and ends, I still prefer to call myself one !). The point is I had been enjoying my teenage life so much that I had totally forgotten that soon next step would have to be taken. And guess what I've just entered that next phase. Being a third year student (of the five-years integrated course of law) I'm posed almost every day with questions about what I hope to do - whether I had any plans or was I still framing them. If the former then what they are; and if the latter then again "what is your progress?" "Can we be of any help?" It's at that moment that I feel like telling them to find someone else to boast about their career counselling tips. But on the contrary I'm left humiliated (because of my zero planning) and have to be courteous enough to receive all the good advice and be grateful for that (along with a promise that I would try my best to incorporate them in my life).

Now the question arises that why do they have to bother me with such queries and that too pertaining my own life. Well maybe they are genuinely concerned about me and want to make sure that I don't end up being a total daffy. But on the contrary I feel most of them just think that all I've been doing is day dreaming and it's high time that I should be pulled down back to earth to face the ground reality. Thereby they snatch away the dreams which I may have actually been developing. For instance I had been planning to give a serious thought to sideline my legal career as secondary and venture into the field of journalism as my primary field of work. Now most of my acquaintances would never approve of such plans. After all they would never expect me to drop the lucrative packages I might be offered at the end of my law school and instead start from the scratch only to pursue my interests.

The truth is I have honestly felt that a person undergoes certain changes almost everyday and the instances which occur in his/her life gradually change that person as well as his/her interests. In the beginning of my legal studies I was really excited about the prospect of getting a chance to study at a good law school and wanted to make the most out of it. To be honest I had never chosen law because of some dream of being a top notch lawyer some day. It was the thought of studying at the law school, meeting people of varied nature and interests and to participate in challenging debates and moots, which drew my interest towards this field. And I have very much participated in these activities and enjoyed my law school life immensely. It was while carrying out these very activities that I developed a slightly passionate interest on being a freelance journalist (to further continue with these challenges and come across more interesting people). I never wanted my life to end up being some corporate hotshot, spending my whole day inside those four walls with nothing but few problems of mergers and acquisitions and finance to ponder over. So when today I am asked by everyone about which stream I would like to work on or which law firm I am aiming for, I am left nothing but clueless and above all deeply frustrated. Why can't these people understand that with the passage of time a person's personality evolves and then life does not remain the same as it was? But I am now left stuck in this maelstrom of expectations which my family and friends have from me i.e. to make it big and emerge as a winner in the legal fraternity. I am hoping that some miracle would save me so that I may be able to spare some time for my interest as well. As for now it is inevitable but to start concentrating on strengthening my CV to be capable of beating the crowd of my peers in securing a top job. Yet again I have come to realize this harsh truth that life is not fair in all aspects. But I am still thankful to my law school for letting me at least enjoy the time which I have spent here.

Kumaoni Recipes

Among the biggest gems in the large and mysterious treasure of the Kumaon hills is its food. Here are some of the most popular recipes from the region that taste great yet, are easy-to-cook. You'll not only enjoy the cooking, I bet, you'll relish the food even more !

RUS

Rus is among the greatest delicacies of Kumaon region. Consisting of a mixture of various pulses (great source of protein); the dish is really nutritious and good for health. The dish has a good amount of iron too as, ideally, it is cooked in an iron dish. The taste is enhanced to magical proportions once a little amount of ghee is poured right before savoring the delight. Rus tastes best when had with plain white rice. Although it can be had at any time of the year, the chill of the winter adds that little bit of extra taste.

Ingredients

• Gahat- 1/2 cup
• Rajma-1/4 cup
• Lobia- 1/4 cup
• Kala Chana- 1/4 cup
• Kabuli Chana- 1/4 cup
• Whole Urad- 1/4 cup
• Bhatt (black beans) - 1/2 cup
• Coriander powder-1tsp
• Cumin powder-1tsp
• Red chiili powder-1/2 tsp
• Garam masala -!/2 tsp
• Ghee (clarified butter)-2tb.sp
• Whole red chillies
• Salt to taste

Method

1. Soak all the dals (pulses) overnight and next day boil them in plenty of water till soft.

2. Mash the dals well and strain the Rus ie. the stock. Mash and strain the remaining pulp again till the water runs clear.

3. Put the stock on heat and keep boiling till it starts to thicken.

4. While boiling add turmeric, corriander powder, cumin powder, red chilli powder garam masala and salt to the ras.

5. When Rus is gravy like consistency, take off from heat

6. For tadka(tempering), heat ghee, put whole red chillies, pinch of aesafoetida (heeng),jeera, gandherni and jamboo. Allow to crackle and pour over Rus. Serve with lots of ghee and bhaat (rice).

BHAANG KI CHUTNEY

No meal is complete in the region without a chutney to accompany the meal, especially lunch. One of the tastiest forms of Chutney, Bhange ki chutney goes best with khichri. The flavor is worth savoring for a long time even after the meal.

Ingredients

• Bhaang (Hemp) seeds- 1-2tbsp
• Corriander leaves(optional)- 1/2 cup
• Green chillies- 2-3 nos.
• Yoghurt- 1/2 cup
• or juice of lemon- 2-3 tb sp.

Method

1. Roast bhaang seeds in a dry pan till they crackle.

2. Grind together with dhaniya , green chillies, salt and yoghurt.

3. In place of yoghurt, lemon juice can be used. Strain the chutney to remove the coarse covering of bhaang seeds.

SEEYAL

A must-have at all special occasions and celebrations like weddings, birthdays or festivals, the sweet dish is prepared, primarily, from sooji (semolina) and banana pulp. High on fat content, but who’d mind as long as the dish tastes as good as it actually does!

Ingredients

• Curd - 1 cups ( well churned)
• Semolina (Sooji) - 2 cups
• Ghee (clarified butter) – 250 grams
• Sugar – 50 grams ( grounded to a fine power)
• Banana – one ( made into pulp)

Method

1. Mix thoroughly the Semolina with 50 grams Ghee and add the banana pulp. Mix again to a uniform consistency. Put aside.

2. Take the curd add the sugar power and mix well. Soak semolina mix in curd mix. Keep aside for about 10 -20 minutes, depending upon the ambient temperature.

3. Place an iron frying pan (kadhai) on a moderate flame. Pour about 200 grams ghee on it. When the ghee gets moderately hot make thick jalebies with the semolina paste. Cook for about 5 to 10 minutes by turning repeatedly to the opposite side till reddish brown .

4. When both sides are cooked decant and takeout the seeyals. Put off the flame when all seeyals are cooked. Garnish with cardamom powder and serve hot.

BHATT KI CHURDKANI

Some call it the Kumaoni version of the black bean soup with just the right amount of garam masala added to give that desi flavor. The taste is such that it refreshes the mood and the dish is really good for health too. A lethal combination indeed !

Ingredients

• Bhatt (black beans) - 1 cup
• Onion- 1 medium
• Cumin (Jeera) - 1/2 tsp
• Dhaniya (Coriander) powder- 1tsp
• Cumin powder- 1 tsp
• Rice paste or plain flour
• Chilli powder- 1/2 tsp
• Oil-2 tbsp
• Salt to taste
• Water- 4 or 5 cups

Method

1. Soak bhatt overnight.

2. Heat oil in a karahi. Add jeera, chopped onion and soaked bhatt together in the karahi and fry till the onions start getting brown.

3. Now add 1-2 tsp of plain flour and fry again for few minutes. Put haldi dhania, jeera powder and chilli powder. Fry for few more seconds.

4. Add 4 cups of water and cook on high flames. Cover and simmer for 30-40 mins or till bhatt is soft and curry is thick. The color of churkaani should be dark greenish black. It is served with hot steamed rice.

SHAI [USUALLY COOKED ON THE OCCASION OF 'BHITNA']

Ingredients

• Semolina (Sooji) - 2 cups
• Curd - 2 cups ( well churned)
• Ghee (clarified butter) – 150 grams
• Cooking Soda – 1/4 tsp
• Saunf (fennel seed) – 1 tsp
• Sugar – 1 1/2 cups ( grounded to a fine power)
• Dry fruits(assorted) – 25 grams ( cut to thin, slender, long pieces)

Method

1. Mix thoroughly the Semolina with the cooking soda along with one tsp. ghee. Add the curd and mix well into a uniform paste.

2. Place an iron frying pan (kadhai) on a moderate flame. Pour about 100 grams ghee on it. When the ghee gets moderately hot add saunf and the semolina paste to it. Reduce the flame. Cover the frying pan.

3. Cook like a pancake for about 15 to 20 minutes. Occasionally removing the cover and tossing the cake upside down. Continue till both sides of the cake turn reddish brown. If needed add few more teaspoon ghee.

4. When both sides are cooked add the sugar. As the sugar melts and gets absorbed by the pancake, put off the flame. Garnish with dry fruits and serve hot.

Spicy Tandoori Chicken

SPICY TANDOORI CHICKEN !

Ingredients

• 8 : Large Chicken pieces
• 11/4 cup: Yogurt
• 2 tbs: Lime Juice
• ½ quantity: Chopped Onion
• 3-4: Dried Red Chillies
• 2 tsp: Coriander Seeds
• 2 cloves: Crushed Garlic
• 1" piece: Grated Ginger
• 1-2: Clove
• 2 tsp: Garam Masala
• 2 tsp: Chilli powder
• Salt to taste

Method

1. Make slits in the flesh of the chicken pieces and rub lime juice and salt over them. Keep aside for half an hour.
2. Grind dried chillies, coriander seeds, ginger, garlic and clove together. Mix the paste with garam masala and chilli powder.
3. Heat a pan and sauté the masala. Add onions and fry. Pour yogurt and stir well. Remove the pan from fire.
4. Arrange chicken pieces in a dish and pour over the yogurt mixture. Refrigerate the marinade overnight or at least for 4-6 hours.
5. Arrange the chicken on a broiler tray cook it in a pre-heated oven for 20-30 minutes or brush oil over the chicken pieces and cook in a gas stove turning over till both sides are done.
6. Keep pouring oil and masala over the chicken pieces in between.