Tag: Food Blogger

Winter Menu at Chaayos!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Chaayos is almost a synonym for a tea cafe, there is no one better when it comes to serving hand crafted and blended teas and that too keeping in mind the Indian taste buds. For most Indians tea is their fuel to keep going, and you just can’t afford to go wrong with it, and Chaayos has really carved its name across the minds of tea lovers.

Not just tea, but Chaayos has always came across as a notch above the rest even when it comes to tea accompaniments. The sweets and savouries are just perfect always. What I personally love about their menu is the seasonal changes that they bring. Be it summers, monsoons or winters, Chaayos always brings in something special in their menu, which makes the visit to their outlet worth while.

With the winters setting in, Chaayos recently added 9 amazing menu items keeping the season in mind. With 2 varieties of tea, 2 desserts and 5 savoury items, the menu is a perfectly balanced one.

Gur Wali Chai and Tulsi Green Tea are the perfect companions for a breezy winter morning, afternoon or evening and you just can’t afford to miss it. Personally I found the Tulsi Green Tea extremely refreshing and comforting to the throat. Relish these teas with Paneer Bhurji Bun, which was an amazing preparation. Paneer bhurji loaded on soft buns makes for a delicious dish, I loved it. The Chicken Cutlet and Mutton Cutlet also need your attention as they both tasted really good, though again going by a personal choice I would any day prefer the Chicken Cutlet over Mutton. The Chicken Cutlets were nice, crispy on the outside, and soft and spicy on the inside.

Butter Chicken Kulhad with Masala Kulcha was another great preparation. Soft and succulent chicken chunks in rich tomato gravy served with masala kulchas made for an interesting combination and must be tried.

The best was the Open Keema Parantha, trust me you cannot have enough of this scrumptious dish. An open lachha parantha loaded with well cooked keema and some cheese is just what you need to comfort your taste buds. Simply done and simply delicious. Though eating it becomes a little messy, because its made and cut like a pizza, but because the parantha is soft, it keeps folding and you end up dropping the keema, but if you actually fold it right at the start and enjoy it as a small roll, you cannot go wrong, and also who minds getting a little messy when the food is so delicious.

The desserts too were simply done and yet very very tasty. A warm chocolate lava cake and banana-walnut cake, both of them were really good. Whereas the chocolate cake oozed out warm chocolate from inside, the banana-walnut cake was extremely soft and comforting.

To try this new menu, we went to the newly opened CP outlet and trust me this is one outlet of Chaayos that you shouldn’t miss visiting. Its by the far the most spacious and creatively done outlet. The vibrancy and energy of the place takes on you completely, and whether you wanna catch up with friends on a cup of tea and snacks, or a quick business meeting, or if you are alone and make tea and laptop your companion, this is the place for you. So for the place that it is and for the teas and food that they serve, Chaayos is a must visit place, so what are you waiting for..??

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Winter Recipes by Chef Anil Dahiya, Bristol Gurgaon

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Healthy Easy to Make Winter Recipes

Pineapple Coconut Cashew Rice

Ingredients Quantity

Long grained rice 1 1/2 cups

Crushed pineapple chunks 1 (20 oz. Can)

(In the form of pineapple juice)

Unsweetened coconut milk 1 (13.5 oz. Can)

Sweetened coconut flakes 3tsp.

Thai red curry paste 1 tsp.

Garlic powder 1 tsp.

Onion powder 1/2 tsp.

Ground ginger 1/2 tsp.

Salt 1/2 tsp.

Pepper 1/8 tsp.

For Garnish

Ingredients Quantity

Lime juice 3tsp.

(According to taste)

Salted roasted cashews 1/2 cup

Chopped cilantro 1/2 cup

Freshly cracked salt and pepper

Method

  • Pour pineapple juice (collected from crushed pineapple) in a measuring cup. Add coconut milk in 3 equal cups – add water if necessary.
  • Transfer the liquid into a large pan and bring to a gentle simmer
  • Stir rice, coconut milk, sweetened coconut flakes, thai red curry paste and onion powder.
  • Bring it to a boil then cover and reduce heat to low (dial should be a little above lowest setting).
  • Simmer for approximately 20 minutes or until rice is tender, stir for 15 minutes and add water if necessary.
  • When rice is tender, remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  • When ready to serve (not before), stir in lime juice, cilantro and cashews.
  • Taste and season with freshly cracked salt and pepper and additional lime juice to taste if desired.

Tomato Halwa

Ingredients Quantity

Tomatoes 10-12

Sugar 2 cups

Ghee 1/2 cup

Cashewnuts 20

Raisins 2 tablespoons

Green cardamoms 6

Cloves 4

Tulsi leaves 1/4 cup

Rose petals 1/4 cup

Edible camphor (optional) 1 a pinch

 

Method

· Wash the tomatoes, remove the eye and make an incision on the lower side.

· Boil water and blanch the tomatoes for 2-3 minutes. Drain, peel, deseed and chop.

· Reserve the pulp with the juices. Grind the cardamom with 1 tablespoon sugar to a fine powder, sieve and keep aside.

· Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee and fry the Cashewnuts and Raisins to golden brown.

· Wash and shred the Rose petals and Tulsi leaves and reserve.

· Boil the sugar with ½-cup water and make a single-thread syrup and keep aside.

· Heat the ghee in a wide kadai (utensil), roast the cloves in it, till they start to crackle.

· Add the tomato pulp and cook till the liquid dries up. Cook on low heat.

· Increase heat and add the hot syrup slowly.

· Reduce to low heat, keep stirring to avoid burning and cook till it starts to leave the sides.

· Sprinkle the Cardamom powder, Rose petals, Tulsi leaves and the Camphor.

· Mix well

· Garnish the halwa with fried Cashewnuts and Raisins and serve warm.

Bhutte ka Kees

Ingredients Quantity

Medium sized corns 4

Ginger 2-3 (1/2 inch)

Turmeric 1 tsp.

Chilli powder 1-2 tsp.

Mustard seeds 1 tsp.

Oil 2 tsp.

Milk 1/2 cup

Water 1/2 cup

Lemon juice 2 tsp.

Sugar 1/2 tsp.

Salt to taste

A pinch of Asafoetida (Heeng)

Chopped coriander and grated coconut for garnishing

Method

  • Grate the corn with a hand grater to make a coarse paste. (You can also use a food processor or mixer grinder but it will affect the taste. It tastes better if you use the hand grater)
  • Chop the ginger and green chilli finely.
  • Add oil in a pan. Add asafetida (heeng) and mustard seeds till it splutter.
  • Add green chillies and chopped ginger.
  • Add corn paste, turmeric, chilli powder and salt. Stir it occasionally to make sure that no lumps are formed.
  • Cook it for approx.10-15 mins until the liquid in the corn paste gets dried off and the colour of the mixture changes to golden yellow.
  • Add milk and water. Continue stirring till its consistency becomes like halwa or upma.
  • Add sugar and lemon juice.
  • Garnish it with chopped coriander, grated coconut and serve hot.

Step into the world of Nouvelle Indian Cuisine and cook in style with the help of Asha Khatau!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

From Asha Khatau’s kitchen to yours! With the thought of “expressing herself” in mind, the gourmet queen Asha penned her book, Nouvelle Indian Cuisine, which officially released on 30th November 2017.

“The book was a great way to express, what I believe is my unique style of cooking. I was not worried about what people would think. I played around with flavors, had fun, experimented, and at the end of it, tried to bring the world together on a plate” said Asha Khatau

Ms. Anuradha Paudwal said “Asha ji is family, she is like a little sister to me. She has done a great job in this book. I would also like to thank Amruta ji for removing some time from her hectic schedule & marking her gracious presence on our request. I wanted the best lady for the launch of this book. This book is not special just for its content but also the fact that she has entered her 60th year makes it even more special. As far as Amruta ji is concerned, all I can I say is that we have the very best lady as or the first lady, we are proud of you”

Chef Vicky Ratnani said “Definitely this book must go international because there are many people around the world who aspire to cook Indian food. I think the kind of dishes this book has are very trendy easy to make at home. This book is fabulous and one day I will surely cook these recipes”

Nouvelle Indian Cuisine by Asha Khatau, the latest book in The Best of Epicure series, Nouvelle Indian Cuisine by Asha Khatau, is a modern and experimental approach to traditional Indian cuisine.

Nouvelle Indian cuisine, which was inspired by French nouvelle cuisine, began over a decade ago and is now on its way to becoming mainstream. The hallmarks of this cuisine are dishes plated aesthetically in a modern style that are also lighter on the palate.

The recipes featured in this book use the best of traditional Indian flavours while combining them with modern culinary trends. In other words, Indian food prepared with western sensibilities and a modern style of plating and serving making it distinctively unique.

With over hundred delicious recipes to choose from, this book is sure to please the gourmets, foodies, and the young generation. These recipes are easy to master and equally impressive.

About Asha Khatau- Asha Khatau is a well-known figure in the field of gourmet vegetarian cooking. After twenty years of experience in providing memorable meals for her family and friends, Asha was persuaded to start her own cooking classes about eighteen years ago, which run under the name of ‘Epicure’. The classes feature regional cuisines from all over the world. She has also conducted cooking demonstration all over India as well as different parts of the world. During her extensive travels in India and abroad, she makes it a point to visit local bazaars and restaurants to taste authentic flavours and ingredients.

The success of her cooking classes inspired her to write her first book The Best of Epicure’s Vegetarian Cuisines of the World, which was awarded the ‘Best Vegetarian Book in the World’, at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2002, considered to be the Oscars of the cookery world, in the cookbook category.

She has delivered ten more books so far and each one of them is super-successes. Her book, Delectable Desserts of the World, has received an honorable mention at the World Media Awards 2006 in the Best Foreign Cookbook in the World category. Exciting Vegetarian Cuisines of the World placed her among the ‘Top Ten Chefs in the World’ for her research on vegetarian cuisines, at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards at Paris Book Fair 2011.

At a show celebrating 20 years of Gourmand World Cookbook Awards it was announced that Asha’s first book Vegetarian Cuisines of the World was chosen as one of the ‘Top 20 Books in the World’ and is amongst the ‘Best of the Best in the World’.

Her latest activity includes consulting to eminent caterers and restaurants in Mumbai, for menu planning as well as training people in international cuisines, designed to client needs. Her cookery videos are now available on YouTube. She also volunteers at SPJ Sadhana School and Om Creations.

 

Finally Indians can freely enjoy every sip of Sugarcane Juice with OMG! -Oh My Ganna

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Healthy snacking is fastly catching pace in the country and has become an important part of our Lifestyle. This trend is pushing F&B companies to create innovative and better healthy options. Juices are the best way to ensure a healthy snacking habit. Considered as the King of juices, Sugarcane Juice is blessed with extremely high nutritional properties. Indians love their traditional beverage and are crazy for freshly extracted sugarcane juice served in glasses by vendors across the country. But with these available platforms hygiene is the biggest concern along with round the year availability. Taking up the challenge, Nutricane Beverages Pvt. Ltd., a young company committed to creating natural beverages in India announces the launch of its first bottled Sugarcane Juice OMG! (Oh My Ganna) with a non-refrigerated shelf life, same great taste and nutritional values as fresh sugarcane juice without adding any chemical preservatives.

With OMG! one should be able to sip a beverage without the guilt of consuming something unhealthy or synthetic, especially when we are blessed with such goodness in nature. OMG! is crafted to deliver our nostalgic memories of sugarcane juice in an innovative form while keeping the essence intact.

OMG! comes in a 250 ml recyclable glass bottle at an attractive price of INR 40/-.The super fluid has hit the market in two avatars –OMG! Cumin Crush – Sugarcane juice with cumin flavor and OMG! Ginger Groove –Sugarcane juice with ginger flavor.

The company is proud to introduce the King of juices to the Indian market. The wait for a revolutionary beverage which can become a part of our healthy lifestyle is now over. Thanks to the indigenously developed technology which has taken its inspiration from Make in India, Nutricane is able to offer India’s own real flavor in the most hygienic and refreshing form.

Sugarcane Juice is blessed with extremely high nutritional properties. It can treat Jaundice, beat dehydration, work as a deterrent to fight diseases like cancer, enhances immunity level and is good for glowing skin. If consumed in moderation, Sugarcane Juice is also helpful for diabetic patients. Due to its highly perishable nature, it cannot be preserved beyond a few hours, which has restricted the availability of canned sugarcane juice in India. OMG! will now allow Indian Consumers to enjoy every sip of this superfluid with a promise of hygiene, intact nutritional values and extended shelf life.

About Nutricane Beverages Pvt. Ltd:

Nutricane Beverages Pvt. Ltd http://www.nutricane.in/ was founded with the idea of offering Natural beverages that can truly provide the sip of goodness, taste of freshness, a healthy mix & a natural fix to the beverage consumers especially the rising millennial of India and other markets. Taking start-up innovation to next level, the company worked hard to craft the real flavor of the country by developing world class patented technology as a big beverage revolution.

 

The company dares to create niche categories in the beverage domain by picking real flavors of the country which will be crafted naturally in their purest form for consumers. OMG is the next big innovation in the F&B space, crafted naturally in India for the world. OMG is a refreshing, tasty, healthy, nutritional and natural product portfolio which is soon hitting the Indian Market.

Yerba Mate Tea Comes to India…!!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

The Instituto Nacional de la Yerba Mate (INYM) has come to India with the agenda of opening its route to the Indian tea market by means of popularizing the benefits and scientific significance of the Argentine tea. The Residence of the Embassy of Argentina, Delhi recently hosted a high tea event in the honorary presence of Instituto Nacional de la Yerba Mate (INYM) along with the esteemed participation of tea sommeliers, Tea Trails, Food Halls and distributors.

INYM recognizes the fact that like the people in Argentina, households in India have immense love for Tea and endorsesthe therapeutic effects of the tea, also dubbed as the drink of the Guarani Indians. Describing the beneficial qualities of Yerba Mate, ‘Jerónimo Lagier, Director, INYM said, “With a higher count of antioxidants, it is a greener version of the healthy Green Tea, which increases one’s immunity and also satisfies the taste buds – with the Indian blends such as Ginger, Cardamom, Tulsi, Ginger, Honey and Green Tea. Our purpose in India is to cement our relationship through this drink as we know that India also consists of a large demographic of tea drinkers.”

The event marked the launch of Argentina’s National drink ‘Yerba Mate Tea’ in India. It was organized in a bid to commemorate Indian herbs and Yerba Mate Tea for its health-giving effects. Yerba Mate Tea is not only a delicious drink but also has ingredients that boost the body’s defences. The main event was followed by an elaborate tango performance and interaction session between the launch team and guests. Distributors and manufacturers of various other tea brands graced the event with their presence in obligation to partner with the Argentinian tea manufacturers.

The guest list for the evening tea included renowned food bloggers from Delhi , who imparted their expert advice on global tea culture and variety of teas as well as shared their valuable feedback on Yerba Mate Tea. Ace tea sommelier, Anamika Singh, enriched the occasion with her special blends followed by a session on the world of brewing. The event had a bright attendance of tea enthusiasts who collectively praised the tea for its taste and nourishing effects.

Often considered as a ‘Greener Green Tea’, Yerba Mateis traced back to the late 14th century and is known as ‘The Gift of the Gods.’Yerba mate contains life sustaining vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll that is directly assimilated by the human body which, when combined provides with essential elements for good nutrition and shields againstailments such as Cancer, Diabetes and High Blood Pressures. Launch concluded on a high note with the traditional ‘Gourds’ which involves drinking Yerba Mate through a Bombilla Straw as customarily used by Argentine people.

I tried a variety of blends, Paradise and Beauty were the ones I liked the most. Yerba Mate is surely gonna be one of my preferred beverages now as I loved the aroma and taste.

Avoid a Storm in Your Teacup: Knowing Your Oolong from Your Matcha

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

While tea is most commonly associated with the British, its popularity across our own nation is on the rise. So it’s time to start getting to know your different types of tea, how and when to serve them and the different benefits that they can have on your health. For now, let’s stick to three of the most commonly consumed varieties of tea: black teas, green teas and tisanes.

Photo Credit

Black Tea

Black tea is the most widely tried type of tea in the West. It is made of young tea leaves that are picked at a young age, withered, rolled, fully oxidised, and fired. Who knew such an extensive process went into making the leaves that fill tea bags in our local supermarkets and grocery stores? Different blends are available. This is a trend that has been carried out by the British for many years. Certain strengths and qualities are chosen for different tastes. For example, you may get a strong breakfast tea or a light afternoon tea. If you have more sensitive taste buds, it’s good to bear in mind that teas from different regions have different characters and signature flavours. Some of the most popular signature teas hail from Darjeeling, Assam, and Nilgiri. Others are processed in specific ways that affect the flavour. An example of this is Lapsang Souchong. The leaves for this tea are smoked over a pinewood fire to give the final result a deep, smoky flavour. When it comes to brewing your tea, it all comes down to personal taste. Some prefer to add sugar, others honey, some lemon. Most will add milk to black tea.

Picture Source

Tisanes

Tisanes are floral or herbal teas. Technically, a “tea” has to originate from the Camellia sinensis plant, the label has been increasingly attached to blends created from other species of plant. These teas are more of a novelty, offering beautiful colours, aromas and flavours. There are seemingly endless varieties of tisanes available, from Chamomile options to laso Tea which claims to aid weight loss. So make sure to read up on whichever type you opt for in order to understand its ingredients, qualities and how its consumption may affect you.

Image Source

Green Tea

Green teas are easy to identify: the fact that they are not oxidised in the process of manufacturing them, they retain their natural colour. They are heat processed to eliminate the enzyme responsible for the oxidisation process that gives black tea its distinctive colour. Chinese varieties tend to have been roasted or pan fired, while Japanese varieties are more frequently steamed. Popular varieties of green tea to try out include matcha, Sencha, dragon’s well, and gyokuro. Make sure to do your research when it comes to storing your chosen type best. Some will taste much better when stored in cool temperatures or dark atmospheres.

Finding the best blend of tea for your personal tastes, whether black, green or tisane requires experimentation and plenty of trial and error. So it’s time to start exploring the world of tea!

Halloween Recipes from The Bristol, Gurgaon

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Halloween Recipes

These recipes are especially curated for us by Executive Chef Anil Dahiya, Bristol, Gurgaon

Born to a royal Jaat family where men were not commonly allowed into the kitchen, Executive Chef Anil Dahiya broke the rule and entered the culinary world with great enthusiasm. He started his hospitality journey in 1996, when he got his Diploma in Hotel Management from the Institute of Hotel Management , New Delhi. He began his career under their kitchen management scheme from the Oberoi hotels. He spent several years with the Oberoi hotels, followed by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), ITC and Lemon Tree Hotels. He is currently the Executive Chef of The Bristol Hotel, Gurugram.

Chef Dahiya has amassed a great deal of knowledge and developed numerous culinary skills, having worked with many renowned chefs such as Chef Vincent Joseph, Chef Michael Beechey, Chef Marshal and Chef Sadhu Rohilla.

He takes pride in creating and experimenting with new techniques and ingredients. Chef Dahiya loves to cook food in numerous ways, utilizing different unique techniques. He has appeared on various cooking shows on television such as “KUCH KITCHEN SE” on Sahara Samay on Sahara NCR.

Spider Cake

Ingredients for Cake Quantity

Unsalted Butter 110 gm

Cocoa Powder 3tbls

Chocolate Stout 140 ml

Light Brown Soft Sugar 170gm

Vanilla Extract 1tsp

Large Eggs 3

Melted and Cooled Dark Chocolate 100gm

Plain Flour 280gm

Bicarbonate of Soda 2tsp

Ingredients for White Chocolate Buttercream Quantity

Large Egg White 3

Caster Sugar 40gm

Unsalted Butter 360gm

White Chocolate 200 gm

To purists, this is not chocolate because it is made only from the fat or butter of the cacao… melted and cooled

Ingredients to decorate Quantity

White Mini Marshmallows 100gm

Black Sugar Paste 25gm

Method

  • Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas
  • Grease three 20cm round cake tins and line the bases with baking parchment.
  • Put the cocoa in a bowl, add 280ml boiling water and whisk until dissolved.
  • Pour in the stout, mix then well and set aside to cool.
  • In a stand mixer or a large bowl using an electric hand whisk, beat together the butter, both sugars and vanilla extract until light and fluffy (about 5 mins).
  • Add the eggs little by little, mixing until fully incorporated before adding more. Once all the egg has been added, spoon in the melted chocolate and mix to combine.
  • In another bowl, mix the flour, bicarb and 1/2 tsp salt. Add this mixture to the butter mixture in three stages, alternating with the stout mixture (which will be very runny).
  • Pour the batter equally between the prepared tins and bake for 25-30 mins until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean.
  • Leave to cool in the tins for 10 mins, and then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  • To make the buttercream, put the egg whites and sugar in a heatproof bowl and set over a pan of gently simmering water.
  • Stir with a whisk until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is warm to the touch. Remove the bowl from the heat and beat with an electric hand whisk on high speed until the mixture has tripled in volume and has cooled down.
  • Slowly add the butter 1 tbsp at a time while continuing to whisk. Once all the butter has been added, the mixture should look glossy and thick
  • To assemble the cake, put one of the cake layers on a cake stand and top with a layer of buttercream. Repeat with the other two layers. Spread the remaining buttercream all over the cake, using a spatula or palette knife to smooth the sides. Chill for 1 hr or until the buttercream is firm.

 

To Decorate

  • Melt the marshmallows in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring from time to time.
  • Remove from the heat and put to one side for a few mins until the mixture is cool enough to handle.
  • Use your fingers to grab a small amount of the marshmallow and stretch it out to form long strands (dipping your fingers in vegetable or sunflower oil will help!)
  • Drape the strands over the cake in a random pattern, so it’s thoroughly covered.
  • Create a spider using the sugar paste (roll two balls, one bigger than the other, for the body, and thin strands for the legs) and place on top of the cake.

Mummy Dogs

Ingredients for Cake Quantity

Breadstick Dough Package refrigerated 11 Ounce

Hot Dogs 8

Mustard

Poppy Seed

Ingredients for Breadstick Dough Quantity

Warm Water 1cup

Brown Sugar 3tbsp

Salt 1tbsp

Oil 1⁄4cup

Bread Flour 3 cups

Yeast 2 1⁄2tbsp

Method

  • Make dough using your favorite method- bread machine, mixer or by hand
  • Preheat oven to 375°F Using 1 dough strip for each, wrap hot dogs to look like mummies, leaving an opening for eyes.
  • Place on ungreased baking sheet.
  • Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown.
  • Place dots of mustard and poppy seeds for eyes and enjoy!

 

 

Halloween Recipes by Chef Om Nayak, Pasta Bowl Company

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

CAPPELLACCI DI ZUCCA : Fresh Stuffed Pasta

Serves 5 portions

Ingredients

  • 5 eggs
  • 350 grams pasta flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil for marination of Butter nut pumpkin
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 600 grams butternut pumpkin
  • 100 grams freshly grated parmigiano reggiano cheese
  • Freshly grated nutmeg
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 100 grams butter
  • Fresh sage leaves

Method

Making the Dough

  1. Mix Eggs, Flour and salt. Knead Well. About 3 mins should be ok. Keep it for 30 mins.

Making the Filling

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a baking sheet. Peel and Cut the Pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and cut into small dices Bake the squash for 45 mins along with garlic or until well cooked
  2. Place it in a bowl, mesh it well, stir in the cheese and grate the nutmeg and some crushed pepper corns and mix well.

Making the Pasta

  1. Roll out the pasta dough very thin so as to literally see the yellowish filling inside
  2. Cut the pasta sheet into 2 ½ inch squares.
  3. Place 1 spoon of filling and stick the parallel ends together to form a triangle and then stick the other ends together for form the Cappellacci.
  4. In boiling water, cook Cappellacci for 3-4 mins approximately or Until firm or as they say “Al Dente”
  5. Melt the butter in a pan and add sage leaves
  6. Transfer Cappellacci to the pan, add few spoons of stock if needed.
  7. Check on the seasoning.
  8. Top up with some Parmesan Cheese. Serve Hot.

 

 

RISOTTO ALLA ZUCCA Italian Creamy Rice

Serves 5 portions

500 grams Arborio Rice

300 grams Roasted Butter Nut Pumpkin

120 grams Butter

100 grams Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

2 grams rosemary leaves

2 cloves of Garlic

3 table spoon chopped Onion

1.25 ltr Stock

Salt

Pepper

 

Method

  • To the pan add butter, garlic and onions. Sauté till transparent
  • Add roasted Butternut Pumpkin and Arborio Rice
  • While stirring, keep adding stock in the batches of 250 ml each
  • Once half done add rosemary leaves
  • After adding all the stock OR nearing Rice being soft add Parmesan Cheese
  • Check Seasoning and add crushed black pepper
  • Serve Hot

 

Chef Om Nayak

 

Masala House- An outstanding culinary experience!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Masala House serves as a perfect place to tantalise your taste buds with some Modern Indian Cuisine. Each and every item on the menu feels like hand picked and curated with a lot of dedication and detailing, both in terms of taste and presentation. Spread across two floors, the ambience is comfortable, cosy and inviting enough for you to spend some relaxed time gorging on good food in company of your family or friends.

Katafi Wrapped Achari Arbi and Asparagus Paddu were the first ones to appear on our table, one look at them and my confidence in the taste increased multifolds, as both the dishes looked extremely tempting. Even taste wise, both of them were great. I am not a big fan of arbi otherwise, but this one was really nicely done.

Dahi Kebab, Murg Luqmi, Kadi Patta Jheenga and Dill Salmon Tikka were the other starters we tried and again all of them were delicious. I personally enjoyed the Murg Luqmi and Dill Salmon Tikka the most.

Coming to the main course, there was a wide variety to choose from, but our selection included Amritsari Wadi Tarkari, Khatti Tadka Dal, Palak Moti, Pota Kaleji Shitake, Bafat Masala Fish, Moge Wala Kukkad, Dum Biryani and Chur Chur Naan Platters. I loved the chur chur naan platter, the non veg one, which had keema stuffed naans, which I relished with some dal makhani. The pota kaleji shitake was a unique dish with this combination of kaleji and mushrooms and it was really nice. Moge wala kukkad aka our very own butter chicken was good too, I loved the balanced flavours, so as that neither it was too sweet nor too spicy, but just the way it should be. Another dish that I really enjoyed was the palak moti, creamy palak gravy with creamier mascarpone cheese, it was delectable.

Desserts included Gajar Halwa Kunafa and Saffron Pear Malai Chaap, and once again, the presentation bowled me over. Taste wise I enjoyed the Gajar Halwa Kunafa more, though it could have been sweeter, but it was nice.

I really look forward to another foodie experience at Masala House, and I urge you to give it a try, I am sure you won’t be disappointed.
Masala House Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Halloween Cocktail Recipes by Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Halloween is just around the corner, so what special are you drinking..?

Here are some interesting cocktail recipes for you to try and indulge in, so make the most of it and do share your feedback

Cocktails Recipes- Courtesy, Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi

Sangria (Red cocktail)

Ingredients Quantity

Red wine 120 ml

Cognac 15ml

Triple Sec 15 ml

Seasonal fruits as required

Method

  • Cut up the seasonal fruits into thin slices or wedges. Leave the peels on.
  • Transfer the cut fruit to a pitcher.
  • Uncork the Red Wine and pour it over the fruit.
  • Measure the Cognac and pour it into the pitcher as well.
  • Measure and pour triple sec into the pitcher.
  • Stir the Red Wine, Cognac, Triple Sec and fruit together.
  • Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Sangria gets softer, sweeter, and much more delicious overnight in the fridge.
  • When ready to serve, top off the Sangria with sparkling water.
  • Stir gently to combine.
  • Taste and add more if desired. Scoop a few pieces of fruit into each glass when serving.

Witch’s Spell (Blue cocktail)

Ingredients Quantity

Vodka 45 ml

Blue curacao 15 ml

Lemon juice 5 ml

Orange juice 5 ml

Orange Spiral for garnish

Method

  • Measure and pour Vodka into the cocktail shaker.
  • Measure and pour Blue Curacao into the cocktail shaker.
  • Measure and pour Lemon Juice into the cocktail shaker.
  • Measure and pour Orange Juice into the cocktail shaker.
  • Mix the Vodka, Blue Curacao, Lemon Juice and Orange Juice together.
  • Garnish the top off the Witch’s Spell glass with orange Spiral.