Let's cook. And eat.

I love how Persian or Iranian rice tastes. And after a lot of searching I have found the recipe. It works and the rice comes out all fluffy and good.  https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/240606/persian-rice/ The potatoes are a byproduct and so yummy too. 

Easy one pot meal. Made it Rajasthani style because sugar in daal would not fly with Mr. S.  Here is the recipe I followed: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/exquisite-rajasthani-dal-dhokli-recipe/ Except I made mine in instapot- pressure cooked for 7 minutes after adding the dhokli and natural release. 

My mom made this a lot right when Master S was born. It was a shortcut recipe but always worked and came together nicely.  Take 2 tbsps ghee and about 1 cup or 1.5 cups of makhana. Roast them till they are crisp. Once cool, blend them coarsely.  Take 3 cups of half and half. Add sugar to taste - maybe 4-5 tablespoons. Add the roasted, crushed makhana. Add 2 tbsps of blanched sliced almonds. Maybe add a few pinches of cardamom powder if you prefer. Put everything in a microwave safe bowl. And put it in the microwave on half power for 15-20 minutes. The kheer thickens on cooling further.  Top off with a few strands of saffron and some crushed pistachios.  This kheer is best served chilled. 

The inspiration came from a friend who made a chicken pot pie. And when I saw the pictures of her  prebaked dish it reminded me of my mom’s own baked vegetables in white sauce.  The process itself was straightforward, especially since Mr. S helped with the prep work.  Sautéed chopped onion and garlic in a little butter. Kept adding chopped veggies to it - carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, peas etc. Once they are a little done, sprinkle with 2-3 tablespoons of flour. Mix. Add milk - 1.5 cups. Flavor with salt, pepper, paprika. Let the sauce thicken. Top with chopped green onions and thyme.  Put in baking dish, cover with a puff pastry lattice and brush with egg wash. Bake for 30 minutes at 400F. Big hit with Master S too. He called dibs on leftovers for next day lunch. 😃

Finally got around to making home made pasta. So good. And fairly easy. Not going back to storemade pasta anytime soon.  Recipe followed:  https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/homemade-pasta/ Used 2 cups all purpose flour and 1/2 cup semolina. 

When your friend shares some bhaji, you make some pav from scratch.  Followed this recipe and they turned out great. Gone in a jiffy!  I did use some sourdough starter to replace some of the flour-water. Used a cup of starter and reduced flour and water by half cup each.  https://www.ruchiskitchen.com/homemade-ladi-pav-and-buns/ And I also asked my friend for her pav bhaji recipe - she did such a good job with what she shared with us. Here is what she messaged back with -  “ https://thebellyrulesthemind.net/pav-bhaji-recipe/ I make it in the instant pot, I also add a little bit of beetroot for color.  I’ve used badshah pav bhaaji masala and I don’t add tomato paste, just fresh tomatoes.  Top with chopped onions, butter, lemon juice and cilantro.  “ Life is good. 

Homemade brioche buns just came out of the oven. Master S has braces now and loves to eat them because they are soft.  Recipe followed as is:  https://www.theclevercarrot.com/2013/05/light-brioche-hamburger-buns/ Super easy and I love how my house smells when I have just baked fresh bread.