PAV BHAJI

     PAV BHAJI - a Mumbai/Maharashtrian Specialty street food which originated during the thriving textile industry business in the Manchester of India.  Though believed to have a strong Portuguese influence, Pav Bhaji has a long trailing history related to the textile industry and workers of Mumbai.  This dish was served as a quick meal to the textile workers during that period.  A minimal meal with required nutrition for the thriving crowd, a brilliant combination of Bread(pav) and nutritious Vegetables to keep up their metabolism for the day.
     Eventually, this tasty combination of Bread and Bhaji took its own place in every nook and corner of Bombay streets.  The popularity of the dish slowly seeped into the other States of India making it one of the most sought Indian Street Food ever.  Though Pav Bhaji was initially served as a main course for Lunch, it masqueraded itself into a popular evening snack.
     Pav Bhaji is a combination of Bread/Bun colloquially called the PAV served with BHAJI(mashed vegetables).  Pav Bhaji is a spicy blend of classic vegetables like Carrot, Beans, Potatoes, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Green Peas etc., The basic taste and flavour of Pav Bhaji come from fresh and flavour-filled PAV BHAJI MASALA.  Home-made or store-bought, make it sure that it is fresh and never compromise with the quality of Spices or the Masala Mix.
     According to me, Pav Bhaji is not a mere snack.  I usually prepare this as a quick meal, as my kids love Pav Bhaji and all the more it is easy to cook.  The total idea of preparing Pav Bhaji got into my mind only when my friend 'Suchi', brought home freshly made Pav Bhaji for dinner. She is a wonderful cook, a great host and a very sweet person. I asked her for the recipe and since then Pav Bhaji is one main dish I frequent for dinner.
     I usually stock up few batches of Everest Pav Bhaji Masala from India, but recently I have started to make my own Pav Bhaji Masala at home. Freshly made Pav Bhaji Masala gives an extremely wonderful flavour to Pav Bhaji. I usually cook Pav Bhaji in a Pressure Cooker which is less time consuming and the texture of the mashed vegetables turn out to be quite perfect sealing the flavours of the Pav Bhaji Masala.

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Cuisine - Indian
Recipe Type - Chaat (Snacks)
Spice Level - Low - Medium
Difficulty - Easy
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 20-30 Minutes
Cooking Time - 20-30 Minutes

PAV BHAJI

INGREDIENTS :

For the Pav

Pav - 10 -12 Buns
Butter - 5-6 Tbspns

For the BHAJI :

Vegetables :

Carrot - 1 Cup
Potatoes - 11/2 Cup
Cauliflower - 1/2 Cup
Cabbage - 1/2 Cup
Beans - 1/2 Cup
Green Peas - 1/2 Cup 

To Grind :

Dry Red Chillies - 3 Nos.
Ginger - 1" Piece
Garlic - 6-8 Cloves

Spice Powders :

Turmeric Powder - 1/4 Tspn
Red Chilli Powder - 1 Tspn
Pav Bhaji Masala - 11/2 Tbspn

To Saute :

Onion - 2 Nos.
Tomato - 2 Nos.
Butter/Oil - 2-3 Tbspn
Salt - To Taste
Sugar - a Pinch

To Garnish Pav Bhaji :

Onion - 1 No.(finely Chopped)
Coriander Leaves - Few (finely Chopped)
Lemon Juice - 3-4 Tspns

METHOD :

For the Bhaji :

• Finely chop/grate the Carrots, shred the Cabbage and Cauliflower, finely chop Potatoes and Beans.
• Grind the ingredients mentioned under 'To Grind' into a fine paste and keep it aside.
• Heat Butter/Oil in a pan, sauté the Ginger-Garlic and Red Chilli Paste until fragrant on a low flame.
• Add finely chopped Onions and sauté until onions turn translucent.
• Add Turmeric Powder, Red Chilli Powder and Pav Bhaji Masala to the sautéed ingredients and fry for a while on a low flame until aromatic.
• Add finely chopped Tomatoes and mix well.
• Leave this on a low flame until Tomatoes turn soft and oil separates from the mix.
• Add finely chopped Vegetables to the Pav Bhaji Masala along with a dash of Salt, a pinch of Sugar and mix well.
• Pour 1/2 Cup of Water to the Vegetable mix and give a quick stir.
• Pressure Cook the Vegetables along with Pav Bhaji Masala.
• Cover the lid of the Pressure Cooker and cook on a high flame for a Whistle, lower the flame and cook for other two whistles.
• Switch off the flame.
• Once the pressure is completely released, open the lid of the pressure cooker.
• Drizzle few drops of Lemon Juice over the Pav Bhaji Masala and mix well.
• Mash the cooked Vegetables with a Masher until all the ingredients and vegetables are well incorporated.
• Adjust the consistency of the Pav Bhaji Masala.
• Garnish Pav Bhaji Masala with finely chopped Coriander Leaves.

For the Pav :

• Slit the Pav Buns in the centre with a bread knife.
• Apply Butter on both the sides(inner part) of the Pav Buns and toast them on a griddle over a medium flame.
• Toast the Pav Buns until they turn slightly golden brown.

SERVING SUGGESTION :

PAV BHAJI

• Scoop a lavish amount of Bhaji and stuff it up at the centre of the toasted Pav Buns, fill it up with a handful of finely chopped Onions and Coriander Leaves.
• Alternatively, Serve Toasted Pav Buns and Pav Bhaji Masala separately along with the garnishes.
• Add a dollop of Butter to the Pav Bhaji Masala.
• Drizzle few drops of Lemon Juice and sprinkle some Pav Bhaji Masala/Chaat Masala over it.

  NOTES:

• Can use any variety of Vegetable to suit your preference.
• Can cook the Vegetables separately and the mix it along with the sautéed ingredients and Masala.
• Can cook Potatoes separately, mash them and then add it along with cooked vegetables.
• I usually prepared Bhaji in a Pressure cooker in the above method given in the recipe.
• Butter gives an authentic taste and flavour to Pav Bhaji.
• Some recipes call for red food colouring, as the street vendors sell fiery red coloured Bhajis.
• I usually do not use food colouring in the recipe.
• Adjust the amount of spices to suit your spice level.
• Mash the Vegetables with a 'Masher' until you get a silky texture.
• Serve hot Bhaji with a blob of butter along with toasted Pav Buns.

THAI RED CURRY RECIPE

     Thai Red Curry Recipe is a popular Thai style Curry prepared with Red Curry Paste and Coconut Milk. Curry Pastes serves as a basic component of Thai cuisine and they are used as the base for many Thai Soups, Curries, and Stir-fries. This Thai Red curry with Shrimps/Prawns is an authentic recipe prepared with freshly pound Thai Red Curry Paste.
      The secret behind the most authentic and flavour filled fragrant Thai Curry Paste is that they are traditionally pounded in a Mortar and Pestle. Though a cumbersome and slightly time-consuming process, the results are quite rewarding that we would never opt for grinding the ingredients in a Mixer-grinder/Food processor. The reason behind is that the slow method of pounding the ingredients in a Mortar and Pestle releases the natural oils from the ingredients giving out an overwhelming taste and flavour.
      Thai Red Curry recipe is usually prepared along with Chicken/Pork/Shrimps in the Curry. This recipe is a version with Prawns prepared with Thai Red Curry Paste, fresh and creamy Coconut Milk. Vegetarian versions of the same Thai Red Curry Recipes are also prevalent around.  Thai Pumpkin Curry, a similar Thai Red Curry Recipe prepared with Yellow Pumpkin/Squash is a vegetarian version of the same curry, where the sweetness of the Pumpkins and Coconut Milk gives a unique taste to Thai Red Curry.
     This Curry is very mild with notes of flavours from the herbs and aromatics. I always love Thai Curries for their aromatic nature and thick creamy texture from Coconut Milk. Thai Red Curry with Prawns is a wonderful Curry which pairs well with steamed Fragrant Rice.

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Cuisine - Thai
Course - Main
Spice Level  - Low - Medium
Difficulty - Medium
Serves - 4
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 30 - 45 Minutes
Cooking Time - 15 -20 Minutes

INGREDIENTS :

Prawns - 1 Cup
Birds-eye Chillies - 1 No.
Fish Sauce - 1 Tbspn
Kaffir Lime Leaves - 5-6 Leaves
Thai Basil - Few
Coconut Milk - 11/2 Cups

For Red Curry Paste :

Dry Red Chillies - 6-8 Nos.
White Peppercorns - 3 Tspn
Cumin Powder - 1/2 Tspn
Coriander Powder - 1/2 Tspn
Shallots - 4-5 Nos.
Garlic - 8-10 Cloves
Belacan(Shrimp Paste) - 1/2 Tspn
Fresh Coriander Root - 1 Tbspn
Lemon Grass - 1 Stalk
Galangal - 1" Piece
Kaffir Lime Peel - of 1/2 Lime
Salt - To Taste
Gula Melaka(Palm Sugar) - 1 Small Piece

METHOD :

For Thai Red Curry Paste :

• Pestle and Mortar work well for the process.
• First pound the dry ingredients, starting with White Peppercorns until they are finely ground.
• Follow it with Cumin Powder and Coriander Powder.
• Pound all the ingredients together until they are finely ground.  
• Once done, empty it from the Mortar into a bowl and keep it aside.
• Soak Dry Red Chillies in hot water for about 10-15 Minutes.
• Cut the soaked Dry Red Chillies into small pieces and pound them adding a teaspoon of Salt with a Mortar and Pestle.
• Pound the Dry Chillies for about 5-8 minutes or until they are finely ground and the natural Oils from the Chillies are fully released.
• Once the Dry Chillies are pound well, add finely chopped Shallots, Garlic, Lemon Grass, Galangal, Fresh Coriander Roots and Kaffir Lime Peel into the Mortar.
• Pound all the ingredients until they are ground into a fine paste.
• The Paste should be finely ground without any lumps.
• Finally add the Shrimp Paste, Palm Sugar and mix well.
• Adjust the amount of Salt if necessary.
• Remove the Thai Red Curry Paste from the Mortar and keep it aside.

For Thai Red Curry Recipe with Prawns :

• Peel, de-vein and wash the Prawns.  Keep them aside.
• Pour half of the Coconut Milk into a deep Pan.
• Add the Red Curry Paste to the Coconut Milk and mix well.
• Boil this on a low flame for few minutes stirring occasionally until Oil separates from the mix and the raw flavour goes.
• Add Prawns along with the rest of the Coconut Milk and water.
• Drizzle Fish Sauce and mix well.
• Cook this over a low flame until Prawns turn soft, for few minutes.
• Add thinly sliced Birds-eye Chilli, Kaffir Lime Leaves, Thai Basil to the Thai Red Curry with Prawns.
• Give a quick stir and immediately switch-off the flame.
• Serve this thick & creamy Thai Red Curry with Prawns hot.
• Goes well with steamed Fragrant Rice or any other Rice/Noodle Recipes.

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NOTES :

• Can prepare the same Thai Red Curry Recipe with Chicken, Pork, any vegetable of your choice.  Pumpkin/Squash suits best for this Thai Pumpkin Curry.
• White Peppercorns gives a nice flavour keeping the spiciness mild without changing the colour of Thai Red Curry Paste.
• Can Substitute it with White Pepper Powder.
• Adjust the amount of Fish Sauce to suit your preference.
• Adjust the number of Dry Chillies to suit your spice level.
• Thai Red Curry with Prawns should be Creamy and thick with a mild sweetness.
• So add Coconut Milk as you prefer and adding Palm Sugar is truly optional.
• Can use fresh Coconut milk or store bought.
• For HOW TO MAKE FRESH COCONUT MILK, Click here...

     Malai Kofta is a classic Vegetarian dish prepared with Paneer, Potatoes/vegetables and few seasonings.  A decadent Mughal invention traditionally served during special occasions.  Kofta is nothing but a dumpling prepared with Meat/Vegetables with a soft inner portion and crispy outer skin.  Koftas are simply deep/shallow fried Meat/Vegetable balls something like croquettes. Malai Kofta is a version prepared with Paneer and some Vegetables. But what makes Malai Kofta special is the curry/gravy base. Shallow/Deep-fried Koftas are traditionally served in Rich and Creamy Onion and Tomato based gravy makes this dish unique and utterly-butterly delicious.
     This recipe is a version of Malai Koftas in Shahi White Korma.  This White Korma is a perfectly slow-cooked dish with unique Spices along with Yoghurt/Curd and a thick paste prepared with Nuts like Cashewnuts/Almonds and Poppy seeds, simmered in fresh Cream/Milk and finally garnished with few strands of Saffron.  Evey single ingredient added into White Shahi Korma gives special appeal and richness to the dish.
     This White Shahi Korma is a delicacy at home that everyone loves this Curry.  So I tried adding Malai Koftas in Shahi Korma.  This recipe of Malai Koftas in Shahi Korma is a tasty and an absolutely rich dish in terms of ingredients, taste and flavour.
     I usually make Maida(All-purpose Flour) Chapati or Naan to go along with this Shahi Korma. Mali Koftas in Shahi Korma goes well with Parotta/Rotis, Chapatis, Naan, Kulcha and Parottas.  It also tastes great with Biriyanis, Pulaos & Ghee Rice too.

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Cuisine : Indian (North India)
Course : Side Dish
Spice Level : Low
Difficulty : Medium
Serves : 4
Author : SM

Preparation Time : 20-30 Minutes
Cooking Time : 30 - 45 Minutes

HOW TO MAKE MALAI KOFTA

INGREDIENTS :

For Malai Kofta :

Paneer - 1/2 Cup
Boiled Potatoes - 1/2 Cup
Grated Carrots - 1 Tbspn
Green Chillies - 1 No.
Ginger - a Small Piece
Garlic - 1 Clove
Coriander Leaves - Few
Garam Masala Powder - 1/4 Tspn
Milk Powder - 1 Tbspn
Salt - To Taste

For Dry Fruit & Nut Filling : 

Cashewnuts - Few
Almonds - Few
Raisins - Few

To Fry the Malai Koftas :

Oil - To Deep Fry

METHOD :

To Make Malai Kofta with Dry Fruit & Nut Fillings:

• Crumble the Paneer in a Blender/Food Processor until there are no lumps.
• Boil the Potatoes and keep them aside.
• Clean, Peel and Grate or finely chop the Carrots.
• Finely chop, Green Chillies, Garlic, Ginger and Coriander Leaves.
• Blanch and peel the Almonds.
• Finely chop, the Cashewnuts, Almonds and Raisins.
• Mix crumbled Paneer, Boiled Potatoes. grated Carrots and finely chopped ingredients and mix well.
• Add Garam Masala, Milk Powder, Salt to the above mix and knead it into a thick dough.
• Make Medium Sized balls out of the dough, stuff the Dry Fruit & Nut mixture in it and roll it out into a smooth Ball.
• Follow the suit for the rest of the Paneer dough.

To Fry the Malai Koftas :

• Heat Oil in a deep pan. When the oil becomes hot, reduce the flame to medium-high.
• Fry the Malai Kofta Balls in hot oil until they turn into light golden brown colour.
• Remove the Malai Koftas from Oil and drain them on a Paper Towel.

NOTES :

• If the Koftas break in Oil dust the balls with All-Purpose Flour.
• Can substitute Milk Powder with Khoya/Mawa for a rich version of Malai Kofta or simply add All-Purpose Flour/Corn Flour instead.
• The Paneer dough should not be too hard or too soft.
• Can add some boiled Green Peas along with the other ingredients.
• I have not added Turmeric Powder and Red Chilli Powder in this Recipe of Malai Kofta, as I was adding it into White Shahi Korma.
• Adding the Dry Fruit & Nut fillings to the Malai Kofta is Optional.

HOW TO MAKE WHITE SHAHI KORMA

For Malai Kofta in Shahi Korma :

Malai Kofta - 12 -15Nos.
Onion - 1 No.
Green Chillies - 3-4 Nos.
Ginger - 1" Piece
Garlic - 5-6 Cloves
Coriander Powder - 3 Tspn
Garam Masala - 11/2 Tspn
Yoghurt/Curd - 1/2 Cup
Fresh Cream - 1/2 Cup
Condensed Milk - 1/4 Cup
Black Salt - 1/2 Tspn
Oil - 2 Tbspn
Butter - 2 Tbspn
Salt - To Taste
Sugar - 2 Tbspn

Spices :

Cardamom - 5 Pods
Cinnamon 1" Stick - 2 Nos.
Bay Leaf - 1 Leaf
Cloves - 5-6 Nos.

To Dry Roast and Powder :

Mace - Few Petals
Nutmeg - 1/2 Tspn.

To Soak and Grind : 

Poppy Seeds - 11/2 Tspn
Almonds - 7 Nos.
Cashew nuts -  7 Nos.

To Garnish :

Coriander Leaves - Few
Saffron - Few Strands

METHOD :

• Dry Roast Mace and Nutmeg until fragrant on a very flame for few minutes.
• Grind this into a fine powder and keep it aside.
• Dry Roast Poppy Seeds separately until the seeds pop. Soak the Poppy seeds in few tablespoons of hot water for about 20-30 Minutes.
• Blanch Almonds and soak it in hot water along with Cashew nuts for at least 10-20 Minutes
• Grind Onions, Ginger & Garlic to a fine paste and keep it aside.
• Heat Oil and Butter in a wide pan, splutter the ingredients mentioned under 'Spices', until fragrant.
• Pour in the ground Onion, Ginger Garlic Paste and saute it until fragrant.
• Add Coriander Powder, Garam Masala to the above and fry for a while until oil separates from the mix.
• Pour in the Yoghurt/Curd and mix well.
• Add finely chopped Green Chillies and give a quick stir.
• Meanwhile, beat the fresh cream and keep it aside.
• Grind soaked Almonds, Cashewnuts and Poppy Seeds to a fine paste.
• Pour in the Almond-Cashew Paste and cook on a very low flame for few minutes.
• Add Condensed milk and give a quick stir.
• Adjust the consistency and cook on a low flame for a while.
• Sprinkle the dry roasted Mace and Nutmeg powder.
• Follow it up with Black Salt & Sugar to the Shahi Korma.
• Pour the beaten Cream and mix well.
• Finally, add the fried Malai Koftas to the Shahi Korma.
• Gently stir it up so that Malai Koftas are coated with the Shahi Korma.
• Care should be taken not to break the Koftas while stirring.
• Cook on a very low flame for few minutes.
• Switch off the flame.
• Serve Malai Kofta in Shahi Korma hot garnished with finely chopped Coriander Leaves and Saffron strands.

NOTES:

• Dry Roasting and Soaking Poppy seeds in hot water help you to grind it into a fine paste and also gives a perfect thick consistency to Chicken Shahi Korma.
• This is a White Shahi Korma, so I have not added Turmeric Powder and Red Chilli Powder.
• Can substitute Green Chillies and add the above spices to Shahi Korma.
• This is a mildly spiced and sweet Korma.
• Adjust the number of Green Chillies to suit your spice level.
• Adjust the amount of Condensed milk and Sugar to your taste.
• If you do not like the curry to be sweet avoid adding sugar and add Milk/Milk Powder instead of Condensed Milk.
• This is a thick gravy, adjust the consistency to suit your preference.
• Can prepare the same gravy with Lamb too. Cook lamb accordingly.
• Goes well with Biriyanis, Pulaos,  Ghee Rice/Nei Choru or just simply serve it with steamed white rice or Basmati Rice.
• Malai Kofta in Shahi Korma pairs well with Naan, Kulcha, Parotta/Roti and Chapatis, especially Maida(All-purpose Flour) Chapatis.

EGG TOFU WITH VEGETABLES

     Tofu, also called "bean curd," is a fresh, cheese-like product made by curdling fresh soy milk. It is found in different variations in the market. Silken Tofu, Firm Tofu, Egg Tofu, Deep Fried Tofu. Though of Chinese origin, the idea of healthy eating easily bought Tofu into Western countries.
     Tofu has long been the most widely used soy food in the world. In China, South East & East Asian Countries, Soy Food along with Tofu are considered as a major protein intake as that of dairy products in another part of the world. Tofu is a versatile food from both nutritional and health perspective. Tofu is a good source of protein and contains essential amino acids. It is also an excellent source of Iron, Calcium, Manganese, Selenium, Phosphorous Magnesium, Copper, Zinc and vitamin B.
      Tofu has a neutral taste and a range of consistency which makes it compatible with most of the flavours and food. Egg tofu is a type of  Tofu flavoured with egg. It is usually available packaged in the tube form. Egg tofu has a pale yellow colour due to the addition of eggs in it. Egg Tofu has a silky soft texture and a fuller, less beany flavour than silken tofu. Egg Tofu is a creamy & softer compared to Firm Tofus and has a great taste too. They are commonly used in Chinese and Asian cooking - steamed or fried, or used in soups.
    Egg Tofu can be converted into a variety of dishes. They taste great as such, dust them with some Corn Flour, Deep fry and simply serve it with Thai Sauce or prepare a hot plate of Sizzling Tofu in an Egg Base, or simply Stir Fry and add them with any Vegetable or Spinach of your choice for a wonderful combination of  Egg Tofu Recipes.

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Cuisine : Chinese, South East Asian
Course : Side Dish
Difficulty : Low
Spice Level : Low
Serves : 3-4
Author : SM

Preparation Time : 10-15 Minutes
Cooking Time : 10 - 15 Minutes

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HOW TO MAKE STIR FRIED EGG TOFU WITH  VEGETABLES

 

INGREDIENTS:

To Deep Fry:

Egg Tofu - 2 Tubes
Corn Flour - 3 Tablespoons
Oil - For Deep Frying

For Stir Frying:

Garlic - 3-2 Cloves
Carrot - 1/2
Broccoli - Few Florets
Mushrooms - a Few
Sweet Peas - 7 Nos.
Oil - 2 Tbspn
Salt - To Taste
Sugar - a Pinch

Sauce Mix:

Light Soy Sauce - 1 Teaspoon
Oyster Sauce/ABC(Kicap Manis) Sauce -1/2 Tablespoon
Water - 4-5 Tablespoons

For Glazing: 

Corn Flour - 1 Tablespoon
Cold Water - 2-3 Tablespoons

 EGG TOFU WITH VEGETABLES - STIR FRY

EGG TOFU WITH VEGETABLES

METHOD:

To Deep Fry Egg Tofu:

• Cut the Egg Tofu tube at the centre and carefully squeeze out the Tofu from the package.
• Gently slice the Egg Tofu.
• Dust the sliced tofu with Corn Flour.
• Heat oil in a Wok and deep-fry the Egg Tofu until they turn into a light golden brown colour. 
• Remove the Egg Tofu from oil and drain it on a paper towel.

Preparation:

• Clean, Wash and Slice the Carrots, Cut Broccoli into florets and snap the Sweet Peas into two. 
• Clean the Mushrooms and keep it aside(If using dry Shitake Mushrooms, soak them).
• Add all the ingredients mentioned under 'For Sauce Mix' in a bowl and mix well.
• Mix Corn Flour with Cold Water and mix well until there are no lumps and keep it aside.

For Egg Tofu and Vegetable Stir Fry:

• Heat oil in a pan, sauté finely chopped Garlic Cloves until fragrant.
• Add all the Vegetables along with a dash of Salt and Sugar.
• Stir-fry on a high flame for a few minutes until the vegetables are half cooked.
• Add the fried Egg Tofu and give a quick stir.
• Pour in the Sauce Mix and cook until all the Vegetables and Egg Tofu slices are well coated with the sauce mix.
• Finally, pour in the Cornflour mix to glaze the Vegetables and Egg Tofu.
• Allow it to boil on a high flame for a few minutes.

NOTES:

• Can add any Vegetable of your choice in this recipe along with Egg Tofu.
• Can prepare the same recipe with Vegetables alone.
• Adjust the amount of Salt accordingly(Sauces can make your dish salty)
• Adding a pinch of Sugar while cooking will help retain the colour of the vegetables. 
• Do not overcook the Vegetables.
• Dusting the Egg Tofu with Corn flour yields crispy Tofu Slices.
• Carefully toss the ingredients during the whole process, so that the ingredients are well coated with the sauce mix and glazed well.

STORAGE:

• Store unopened tofu in a refrigerator. 
• Once opened, store it in an airtight container in a refrigerator.
• Once opened, do not store it for long(use within two days or sooner).

SAMBAL TUMIS

     Sambal Tumis is a versatile condiment ubiquitous to South East Asian Cuisine.  A simple dish with fewer ingredients doesn't mean that we can underestimate this humble condiment.  'Sambal Tumis' in the literal sense means 'Stir-Fried Spicy Sauce'.  Sambal is a wonderful condiment I got acquainted with, in Malaysia and I have started to frequent this dish at home.  A simple Sambal Tumis can be added to your choice of Vegetables/Seafood to create new variations of dishes from local Cuisine.
     Sambal comes in many variations to suit the local palate and it takes twists and turns along with every South East Asian Country least to mention the regions within. We can find a note of Sambal in almost all dishes in South East Asian Cuisine.  Freshly ground Chillies - Dry, Fresh and/or Bird's Eye(Chili Padi) is the basic ingredient of any Sambal.  Chillies spice up the very nature of this condiment adding a texture, taste and flavour alongside. Addition of flavours like sour and umami come from ingredients like Tamarind/Lime/Fish Sauce, Shrimp Paste gives a wonderful aroma to the Sambal and sweetness comes from Palm Sugar/Sugar.
     We can see a dash of Sambal served with most of the dishes in hawker centres and food courts in and around South East Asian Countries. It instantaneously brightens up the flavours and enhances the taste of any dish it is combined with.  Sambal Tumis is a perfect companion to cook local dishes or simply serve some Sambal with steamed rice. The versatility of this Sambal Tumis makes this condiment an essential addition to your Culinary repertoire.

Cuisine : South East Asian
Course : Side Dish 
Spice Level : High
Difficulty : Medium
Serves : 4
Author : SM

Preparation Time : 10 -20 Minutes
Soaking Time :20 - 30 Minutes
Cooking Time : 30 - 45 Minutes


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INGREDIENTS :

To Grind :

Dry Red Chillies - 1/2 Cup
Fresh Red Chillies - 1/2 Cup (Big Variety)
Bird's Eye Chillies - 5-6 Nos.
Shallots - 1 Cup
Onion - 1 No.
Garlic - 7-8 Nos.
Ginger 1" Piece - 1 No.
Galangal  1" Piece - 2 Nos.
Belacan(Dried Shrimp Paste) - 1 Tbspn

For Sambal Tumis :

Tamarind Paste -2- 21/2 Tbspn
Gula Melaka(Palm Sugar) - 3 Tbspn
Salt - To Taste
Oil - 1 Cup - 11/2 Cups

METHOD :

• Soak the Dried Red Chillies in hot water for 20-30 minutes until they are soft.
• Drain the Dried Red Chillies and cut them into small pieces with a scissor(Can discard the seeds if you prefer your Sambal Tumis to be less spicy)
• Dry roast the Belacan (Dried Shrimp Paste) until fragrant, break it and powder it with the back of your spatula while roasting the Belacan.
• Chop Onions, Shallots, Ginger, Garlic, Galangal and Chillies.
• Grind soaked Dry Chillies, fresh Red Chillies, Birds Eye Chillies, Onions, Garlic, Shallots, Ginger and Galangal along with Roasted Shrimp Paste into a smooth paste.
• Heat some Oil in a wok and saute the ground paste on a medium-low flame for about 10 - 15 minutes or until all moisture evaporates.
• Add some more oil and saute it on a very low flame for another 15-20 minutes or until oil separate from the mix.
• Add Tamarind Paste and boil it for another 5 minutes on a low flame.
• Add a dash of Salt and Palm Sugar to the Sambal Tumis and mix well.
• At this stage, Sambal Tumis should be fragrant, if not saute it for some more time.
• Leave this on a low flame for few more minutes.
• Can serve this Sambal Tumis hot or at room temperature.
• Cool and store Sambal Tumis in the refrigerator for later use.
• Can use this Sambal Tumis to prepare any dish of your choice.

• I used the long- wrinkled variety which is less spicy. To reduce the spiciness can snip off the soaked dry chillies into two and de-seed them.
• Grind the paste with less water to avoid splattering while sauteing the Sambal Tumis.
• (Belacan)Dried Shrimp Paste will add saltiness to the sambal, so add salt at the final stage if necessary. 
• Can add Sugar instead of Palm sugar.
• More Oil makes the condiment tastier yielding an aromatic and perfectly cooked Sambal Tumis, can opt to add less oil too.
• Serve it at room temperature.

Add an ingredient of your choice along with Sambal Tumis for a wild and versatile combination of Sambal Dishes.

Nasi Lemak
Sambal Ikan Bilis(Dried Anchovies)
Sambal Udang(Prawns)
Sambal Terung(Egg Plant/Brinjal)
Sambal Kentang(Potato)
Sambal Bendi(Okra/Lady's Finger)
Sambal Petai Bendi(Okra and Stinky Beans)
Sambal Sotong(Squid)
Sambal Ikan(Fish)
Sambal Telur(Egg)
Sambal Telur Puyuh(Quail Egg)
Sambal Tempeh(Fermented Soy Bean Cakes)
Sambal Kangkong(Watercress Spinach)
Mee Goreng Mamak(Spicy Fried Noodles)
Hokkien Mee
Nasi Goreng Sambal(Sambal Fried Rice)

QUAIL EGG ROAST

    Quail Eggs are cute little eggs laid by Quails. They are bite-sized and absolutely adorable.  These eggs are smaller in size compared to Chicken and Duck Eggs.  Though a popular egg variety, it is considered as a novelty & utter delicacy in many parts of the world. Smaller in size doesn't mean that they are any way lesser to other egg varieties, they are equally packed with nutrients which makes them a healthy alternative in a daily diet.
     In terms of taste and flavour - the rich & flavorful yolk has increased the demand for Quail eggs in many culinary preparations. These Eggs have a higher yolk-to-white ratio than normal eggs, which can elevate the cholesterol level, but generally, quail eggs are considered very healthy.

Health benefits of quail eggs include :

• The high amount of Vitamin A in Quail Eggs has the ability to improve vision.
• Protein in the Quail eggs boost energy levels and stimulate growth.
• Vitamin B in Quail Eggs repair & improve metabolism.
• Presence of potassium in quail eggs reduces Blood Pressure.
• Quail eggs are high in Ovomucoid Protein(natural anti-allergenic) Soothes Allergies.
• Cleanses the body by eliminating the Toxins.
• Antioxidants and significant levels of vitamin C and vitamin A, prevent Chronic Diseases.
• Good amount of beneficial fatty acids found in quail eggs balances Cholesterol Levels.

      Asian countries have adapted these Quail Eggs into their hawker culture, to adventurously suit the local palate and traditionally bound taste buds in terms of "creative cuisine".  Simply steamed/fried eggs or vegetables served in skewers called LOK LOK could be seen in almost all hawker centres, road side food stalls and in steam boat.  Lok Lok has taken a special place in Asian Street Food. We can commonly see these Tiny hard boiled Quail eggs served in skewers(lok lok) in Malaysian and Singapore food stalls.
     Quail Eggs are great source of Protein, equally delicious and nutritious. These eggs are served in various cuisines, in raw form or as cooked -soft/hard boiled, deep-fried, pickled and smoked. Quail Eggs suits into anything from a basic egg preparation or can be added into your choice of Curries or Gravies for s simple Side dish. Quail Egg Roast is an easy dish prepared with hard-boiled Quail Eggs in a spicy Masala.  Quail Egg Roast recipe goes well with Vellayappam, Idiyappam, Chapatis, Rotis, Parathas etc.,  Suits well with rice dishes or steamed rice too.

Cuisine : Indian
Course : Side Dish
Spice Level : Medium
Difficulty : Easy
Serves : 3 - 4
Author : SM

Preparation Time - 20-30 Minutes
Cooking Time - 25-30 Minutes

INGREDIENTS :

Quail Eggs - 20 Nos.
Onion - 2 Nos.
Tomato - 2 Nos.
Ginger Garlic Paste - 1 Tbspn
Green Chillies - 3-4
Curry Leaves - 2 Sprigs
Turmeric Powder - 1 Tspn
Red Chilli Powder - 1 Tbspn
Garam Masala - 1 Tspn
Oil - 2 Tbspn
Salt - to Taste
Sugar - a Pinch

To Garnish :

Coriander Leaves - Few

METHOD :

• Hard boil the Quail Eggs and keep them aside.  Peel them and cut it into two halves.
• Puree the Tomatoes and keep them aside.
• Heat Oil in a pan, saute finely chopped Onions, Curry Leaves, Green Chillies until Onions turn translucent.
• Add Ginger-Garlic Paste and saute it until aromatic.
• Add Turmeric Powder, Red Chilli Powder and Garam Masala to the above and fry for a while until the raw flavour goes.
• Pour in the pureed Tomatoes and saute until oil separate from the mix.
• Add a dash of Salt, a pinch of Sugar and mix well.
• Sprinkle some water, if necessary and cook on a low flame for about 5 minutes.
• Add boiled Quail Eggs into it and cook them on a low flame for few more minutes.
• Switch off the flame and garnish the Quail Egg Roast with Coriander Leaves.
• Serve Quail Egg Roast hot. 
• Goes well with Vellayappam, Idiyappam, Chapatis, Rotis, Parathas and Rice too.

 NOTES :

• Adjust the number of Spices to your taste preference.
• Cut small slits over the Quail Egg whites, so that the egg absorbs the flavour of the curry.
• Can also finely chop the Tomatoes instead of Pureeing them.
• Adding Sugar is totally optional. 

Tips & Tricks :

HARD BOILED QUAIL EGGS :

     Perfectly boiled quail eggs retain taste and nutrition.  Over cooked eggs tend to lose the nutrition whereas an under cooked eggs can spoil the taste of the dish.  If we consider some simple steps, it is easy to get perfectly boiled quail eggs every time.

Method :

• Pour water into the pot and add quail eggs into it.
• Switch on the flame and allow it to boil.
• Once the water boils, cover the pot, lower the flame and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes.
• Switch off the flame and allow it to cool. 
• Peel the quail egg, when it is warm.
• Allow it to cool down before slicing it with a sharp knife.

Notes :

• It is easy to peel the eggs when it is still warm.
• To ensure perfectly sliced eggs, slice them when they have cooled down.
• Stir the pot occasionally, while boiling the Quail Eggs, this is to ensure that the yolk remains intact at the centre.