April 30' 2011 is a very special day for me. Today I had the honor of being part of the virtual feast of 24 unique meals place taking around the globe in 24 hours organized by Foodbuzz 24x24. I felt great satisfaction by recreating my own version of the conventional dishes with a complete make over. It's an amazing feeling and seems like that the success effort here is driving me towards Level 5 of Maslow's 'Self Actualization'. The event is not just about cooking Food. It is about capturing the essence of nutrition and health quotient of the Food World. The intermingling of cultures led to a beautiful phenomenon of 'Appreciation of Transcultural Cuisines'. Foodbuzz has provided a big platform for all of us to learn about the 'Wonder Foods' of different countries.
Through this post I would like to share a Five course Vegetarian meals from the land of Incredible India.
My mission started with making healthy and nutritious meals with farm fresh veggies. So I straight away headed to my fvt farmers market at Union Square, NYC. The special aroma in the baskets of fresh veggies and herbs ignites the cycle of hunger-thirst-cooking.
This time I went an extra mile and bought loads of stuff to cook and share my meals. There is something special about the entire process of finding the ingredients in the market to bringing them back to the kitchen island with a quest of making a special feast.
Basmati rice was made with tempering of bay leaves, peas and cashews.
Palak Paneer is another famous and nutritious curry of India. It is made by blending fresh spinach leaves with onion and tomatoes. Later fresh chunks of paneer are added to enhance the texture and taste of the curry. It is served with corn bread made of corn meal and finely chopped spinach, fenugreek and spices. A soft dough is made by adding some warm milk and small roti/paranthas are made on gas stove.
Dessert: Fruit Parfait with cranberries & hazelnut
Through this post I would like to share a Five course Vegetarian meals from the land of Incredible India.
My mission started with making healthy and nutritious meals with farm fresh veggies. So I straight away headed to my fvt farmers market at Union Square, NYC. The special aroma in the baskets of fresh veggies and herbs ignites the cycle of hunger-thirst-cooking.
Fresh Produce from Hundson valley farms at Union Square Farmers Market |
Organically Grown Beans have great Flavor |
This time I went an extra mile and bought loads of stuff to cook and share my meals. There is something special about the entire process of finding the ingredients in the market to bringing them back to the kitchen island with a quest of making a special feast.
Our Feast on Display, the Table is All Set !!! |
Here is a recap of the Menu of the Feast -
For Drinks: Mango Lassi Shots
Indian meals are generally relished with sweet or spicy lassi. It is made by blending yogurt with water or fresh fruits. We enjoyed healthy and vibrant lassi made with puree of fresh mangoes. The drinks were free of preservatives and had perfect sweetness. It is made by giving mango pulp a quick churn with nonfat yogurt, and a dash of cardamom powder.
With summer around the corner, Can't beat these Lassi Shots... |
Starters for the day were Paneer Tikka and Cocktail Idlis.
Paneer Tikka is my favorite wonder snack to nibble. It is easy to make by marinating the fresh chunks of Paneer in home made Tandoori sauce. After letting the sauces blend, the chunks are put on a skewer and grilled on a gast stove to make a spicy snack.
A cute bunch of cocktail idlis were the perfect oil free appetizers for the party table. I made rava idlis (made from semolina, which is made of drum wheat). This is made by mixing semolina and yogurt, garnished with mustard seeds. The mix is steamed in microwavable idli maker and enjoyed with chutney.
A cute bunch of cocktail idlis were the perfect oil free appetizers for the party table. I made rava idlis (made from semolina, which is made of drum wheat). This is made by mixing semolina and yogurt, garnished with mustard seeds. The mix is steamed in microwavable idli maker and enjoyed with chutney.
For Main course we had: Dal Bukhara with Missi Roti and Rice; Palak Paneer with Cornbread
An Indian meal starts with a bowl of any fresh lentils. I made the signature Mughlai dish of Indian cuisine, Dal Bukhara or Dal Makhani for this occasion. This rich and creamy dal is made up of Urad dal or whole black lentils. The seasoning with fresh home made Garam Masala and tomato puree makes the dal exotic. This dal goes well with missi roti. This roti is made of chickpea flour and whole wheat flour with a seasoning of coriander, fenugreek, chillies and spices.
Cute stack of Corn bread is fun to make and great to relish with butter |
Basmati rice was made with tempering of bay leaves, peas and cashews.
Nothing beats fragrant Peas Pulao made from Long Grain Basmati Rice |
Palak Paneer is another famous and nutritious curry of India. It is made by blending fresh spinach leaves with onion and tomatoes. Later fresh chunks of paneer are added to enhance the texture and taste of the curry. It is served with corn bread made of corn meal and finely chopped spinach, fenugreek and spices. A soft dough is made by adding some warm milk and small roti/paranthas are made on gas stove.
Sides: Fruit and Veg Salad; Home made Pickle and Papadums; Fresh Fruit Yogurt
A bowl of fresh salad was made with apples and cucumber. The traditional Indian seasoning for the salad was made by squeezing fresh lime juice with a dash of salt and pepper. An indian meal is incomplete with out homemade chilli and mango pickle. So I made this pickle few days back to enjoy on the weekend. The crunch of the roasted papadums were a delight to break the silence in the room. I made a bowl of sweet yogurt by adding fresh cubes of fruits to counter the effect of spices in the indian curries.
The Table is all set. We are waiting for the photo shoot to complete and attack the food... ! |
Dessert: Fruit Parfait with cranberries & hazelnut
The golden rule for a successful party is a golden dessert on the table. I made parfait by layering whipped yogurt with fresh fruits and topping it with cranberries and hazelnuts, a great combo... !
Caramel, Milk & Citrus - Three very different Flavors & a Unique Combo... |
This food is just perfect to relax and enjoy the sunny days, to rejuvenate both mind and soul.
I enjoyed a lovely lazy weekend with family and friends.
Hope this feast of Indian meals adds flavors to your platter for all seasons and reasons in life...Cheers !!!!
Njoyed reading the post ..I must say the meal is really a treat to eyes:-)
ReplyDeleteLovely 5 course meal!!
I 'n'my family was thoroughly enthralled by your 'Hatkai' nutritive , delicious, and sumptuous five course meal from the mine land of incredible India.It was really a great treat to the eyes and also rejuvenating both to the heart and mind.Very nice post and great photography. ........CHEERS.
ReplyDeleteThough your part is dropping a comment, it values a lot
ReplyDeleteand thanks for standing behind my success here in the blog world
Regds
Vijay
http://vinothcraig.blogspot.com
Cool Blogs
delicious looking meal and pictures
ReplyDeletethe combination is superb :)
congrats on the foodbuzz 24 x 24
cheers
Incredible spread! The Basmati rice and the mango lassi look especially good. Awesome job on the 24x24! Well done :)
ReplyDeleteSonia, I must say this is a real feast not only to the mouth but eyes as well.... What a spread-out of delicious goodies.
ReplyDeleteWell done !
wow wow wow......feast here n im feeling hungry now...yummy clicks....awesome bhojan :)
ReplyDeleteFantastic spread..love everything!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd awesome photos!!!!
u did it !! U DID IT :))) super awsm result babe .. making m hungry!!
ReplyDeletefrom starter to dessert looks marvellous clicks are fantastic menu itself is so inviting ki attenend ur party just now
ReplyDeleteI don't even know where to begin, everything just looks so delicious! I think I would like the mango lassi most, but also the peas pulao sounds fantastic considering I have been on a Peas kick and I have never had it before. Congrats on an amazing meal! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a delicious and colorful selection of meals! Gorgeous job, Sonia.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the foodbuzz 24 x 24!
Aldy.
Wow wat a wonderful feast to eyes, U did it..simply amazing and congrats Sonia..
ReplyDeleteOh wow Sonia..that's one delicious looking platter which I will be so happy to polish off...Congrats on foodbuzz 24x24.
ReplyDeletecongrats Sonia....Thali is a real visual treat....
ReplyDeleteCongrats Sonia!!! This is an awesome, super delicious platter!!!
ReplyDeletePrathima Rao
Prats Corner
Thanks a ton to all of you for liking the feast...cheers, Sonia.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delicious spread..love everything on the table..looks incredible!!
ReplyDeletecongrats to you- that is such a honor and you did them proud because these dishes are wonderful and are beautiful. I only wish I could have been your taste tester that day!
ReplyDeleteSonia, this is a wonderful meal. Your selections are beautiful and they sound delicious. This is my first visit to your site and I'm so glad I found you. I love the food and recipes you feature here. You've created a lovely spot for your readers and I've really enjoyed my visit here. I'll definitely be back. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeleteOh Sonia ,What a bonanza feast!!!Thali full of assorted delicious dishes is so tempting.Amazing preparation,wonderful presentation & superb clicks.Heartiest Congrats to be on Food Buzz 24x24.
ReplyDeleteWonderful spread and so very tempting.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a yummie meal...they all look so tasty, beautifully presented. Have a wonderful week ahead Sonia :-)
ReplyDeleteFantastic job! I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to get Mango lassi shot recipe please... The food reminds me of my neighbor friend's party. I always enjoy these delicious food!
ReplyDeletewhat a fantastic banquet, everything looks so delicious!cheers from london
ReplyDeleteSonia, it looks incredible! I would love to be at such table! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is so much delicious food! My favorite is palak paneer.
ReplyDeleteGreat dinner!
Thanks a ton @ All you lovely ladies for loving the meals...regards, Sonia !
ReplyDeletewonderful meal, I love all the flavors and COLORS!! from the mango lassi to the corn bread and the rice with bya, peas and cashews!! a perfect feast!
ReplyDeletesweetlife
Looks like a fabulous spread! I especially love the choice of paneer tikka and cocktail idlis (so cute!) as your appetizers. Whoever got to enjoy this meal along with you was very lucky!
ReplyDeleteFantastic meal and photos. Its drool worthy, all of it :)
ReplyDeletewow sonia.. big congrats..! lovely feast.
ReplyDeleteWOW this looks amazing, i wish i could spend a day doing wonderful dinners like that with so many elements, i take my hat off to you and imagine how much your family and friends must love all the extra attention you give to food!!!
ReplyDelete...Dreaming of one day doing something exactly like this.....
These photos are amazing. I love the creativity of your "mango lassi shots." Sometimes a shot is all you need!
ReplyDelete