Paint the World Red with La Tomatina Festival

The great cultural extravaganza Spanish food fight festival, La Tomatina is here. Hope you enjoyed my last year’s tomato and meat recipe, Meatballs with Fire Roasted Tomato Sauce. The fest gets popular from year to year with the streets of Bunol running blood red with juicy tomato. The festival is welcomed by singing, dancing, parades, fireworks etc.

The festival is complete fun but let's adhere to the rules as well. Just have a look:-

-Bring your goggles to avoid acidic tomato pulp going into the eyes

-Squish tomatoes before throwing on one another such that it does not hurt anyone

-Avoid bottles and other sharp objects

-Girls must wear bikini underneath clothes

-Wear tight and strong shoes.

Let's add some more spice to La Tomatina with Spicy Fire Roasted Tomatoes and Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:-

1 Clove Garlic,

Salt as required,

6 oz. fresh Tortellini,

1 quart Chicken Broth,

8 leaves chopped Basil,

1 chopped Green Chilly,

10 oz. chopped Spinach,

Black Pepper as required,

2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter,

Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano,

14 oz. canned diced fire Roasted Tomatoes with liquid.

Preparation Method:-

1. Melt butter in a saucepan. Put over medium-high heat. Add garlic, chillies and saute until fragrant. This takes two minutes. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
2. Now add tortellini and cook halfway for two minutes. Add canned tomatoes and their liquid. Reduce heat to simmer. Cook until the tortellini is soft.
3. Stir fry spinach and basil in butter for five minutes on simmer. Add this and cheese in soup and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Serve hot! I love pairing the soup with cheese and garlic bread. What do you pair it with?

Enjoy La Tomatina!

Stuffed Apple and Cranberry Pork for Mother’s Day

You filled my days with rainbow lights,

Fairy tales and sweet dream nights,

A kiss to wipe away my tears,

Gingerbread to ease my fears.

You gave the gift of life to me

And then in love, you set me free.

I thank you for your tender care,

For deep warm hugs and being there.

I hope that when you think of me

A part of you, you'll always see. 

 

Hey pals, how was your Mother’s day? Mine was really a special one. Hope you enjoyed the Strawberry Layered Crunchy Cake on Sunday. I and my sister gifted mom tiny but an elegant pair of diamond earrings and a red color silk scarf on this auspicious occasion. What did you gift your mother? Both gifts were adored by her. To make the day even more special, I prepared her favorite recipe, Stuffed Apple and Cranberry Pork. The dinner table really looked sumptuous with tangy Pork, mushy Cake, seasoned Garlic bread and blood Red Wine. Here it goes..

Stuffed Apple and Cranberry Pork

For the Pork Loin

Salt to taste,

4 lbs Pork Loin,

Pepper to taste,

1 tablespoon Olive Oil,

2 minced Garlic Cloves,

Sliced bacon as required,

1 tablespoon chopped Thyme,

1 tablespoon chopped Rosemary.

For the Sauce:-

1 cup Vinegar,

1/4 teaspoon salt,

3 diced red onions,

olive oil as required,

1/2 bottle Lager Beer,

1 1/2 cup Brown sugar,

1 teaspoon Cinnamon,

1/2 cup chopped ginger,

2/3 cup dried cranberries,

1 teaspoon Mustard Seed,

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves,

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper,

3 lbs peeled and chopped Granny Smith Apples.

Preparation Method

1. Cut a pocket through one end of the tenderloin. Place the centrist downwards. Don’t slice through the other end. Season in and out properly with salt and pepper.
2. Mix rosemary, thyme, garlic and oil in a bowl. Spread the mixture over pork. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
3. For the sauce, heat olive oil in saucepan, add onion and cook until brown. Add ginger and apples. Cook for 2 minutes. Combine remaining ingredients and lower heat.
4. Allow to cook. Reduce until thickened. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Stuff sauce into tenderloin. Wrap with bacon.
5. Using a roasting rack and baking sheet, put pork into 350 D. F oven. Remove from oven. Don’t remove foil till 10 minutes. Slice and serve with red wine.
   
   
   

Happy Mother’s Day!

Brad Pitt and His Love for Indian Food

Brad Pitt loves Angelina Jolie from the bottom of his heart. But it is often said, there is no sincerer love other than the love for food. Let’s see what the heartthrob of millions, Brad Pitt actually loves to eat.  "He really misses their Indian takeaway nights from where they lived in Surrey, 2006. Angelina arranged a surprise for a load of it to be cooked and flash-freeze packed for her to fly home" says a source. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie visited India in the year 2006. They also enjoyed an auto ride in Mumbai. During his visit to India, he was really fascinated by Indian food.

Let’s have a look at what among the Indian cuisine, he still misses. Indian cuisine or South Asian cuisine is unique coz Indian food is different in different part of India itself. From Rajma-chawal in the North to Masala Dosa in the South, India is diverse as far as food is concerned. Yes, Brad Pitt is in love with North Indian curries. He loves lamb bhuna, chicken korma and chicken tikka plus beer. Curry and beer, perfect combination. Isn’t it? So what is so special about the Indian curries?

Lamb Bhuna (Roasted Lamb Curry) - Lamb Bhuna takes time to be cooked but the result is really worth it. It is a relishing curry, flavoured with home-roasted and ground spices that blend very well with succulent cubes of lamb. It is serve with steamed rice. 

Chicken Korma (Creamy Chicken Curry) - Chicken korma consists of of boneless pieces of chicken. Chicken is cooked with almond sauce and Indian spices. The aroma of garlic, ginger and the homemade cream completely satisfy the taste buds. It is served with steamed rice, tandoori roti or naan. Tandoori roti (Indian bread) is made with up of wheat flour. It is traditionally cooked in clay oven. Naan is flat-bread.

Chicken Tikka (Skewers and Curry) - Chicken tikka is of two types, in form of skewers and in form of curry. I have written on Reshmi Kebabs, do check it out. It’s somewhat similar

• Chicken Tikka (Skewers) - Quick and easy recipe, that is made up of marinated chunk of boneless chicken. It is grilled/roasted or barbecued and is ultimate Indian spicy comfort food. It serves as a great appetizer, and is very common in Indian weddings and parties. It goes very well with hard drinks, especially beer and variant mocktails. Punjabi’s love it. It is served with naan and mint chutney.
• Chicken Tikka (Curry) - The creamy, red color chicken curry is so very appealing to the eyes. It is loaded with lemony garlicky zest plus thick cream from the healthy buffaloes of Punjab, he he! The grounded spices and creamy chicken is something our taste buds will always desire for. Ready-made curry-mix is also available in the shops, we just have to cook according to the package’s direction.

This is the reason why Brad Pitt fell in love with Indian food. I must compliment, really strong bond!!

Best of Luck for World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest

For all the food experts out here, this is a must read!! In the early 70's, the commerce department of Memphis Area (Non-profit organization) created list of plans for the festival as a promotional umbrella for number of events. It included Cotton Carnival, the Danny Thomas Golf Classic etc. The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest was introduced in the year 1978 at Tom Lee Park. This included 20 teams and prize money of $1,000. The event has earned the title of “Super Bowl of Swine”.

The 38 years old organization which had a modest budget of $52,000 has become popular all over the world with the budget of 7.0 million dollars. This is one of the most North America’s leading festivals. This year, the event starts from May 15  to May 17, 2014. So friends are you ready for the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, Panama??

Get some classic barbeque recipes out here. Just have a look!!

Top 5 Non-vegetarian Barbecue Recipes

1. Barbeque Jack Chicken Recipe

The best way to use chicken breast and enjoy it to the fullest is to baste it with pepper Jack cheese. Pepper Jack cheese has spicy, delicate and buttery flavor that blends very well with the meat. Serve with baked beans. Relish these simple grilled chicken breasts!!

2. Salmon Grilled in Foil Recipe

The incredibly tender salmon fish is super delicious when grilled or barbequed in it’s own juices. We can use the onion and tomato curry mix over it to balance the flavor of fresh salmon and relish it with French fries.

3. Filipino BBQ Pork Kabobs

Did you know that by the thickness of the meat, you can judge for how long you have to marinade the pork?? Sweet and fruity marinade works great with pork. We’ve got number of marinated sauces as well in the coming blog. You can have a look at our sweet and sour pork with pineapple.

4. Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Going for a picnic or hosting a summer dinner party?? Save your grilling time. This recipe has long list of ingredients but rates among the top finger foods and is quick and easy to prepare. Try the heavenly tacos with ultra spicy grilled shrimps. Your kids are gonna love it!!

5. Barbecue Boneless Beef Short Ribs

While barbecuing beef, make it a point to use short ribs. Again a sweet and spicy rub would be great combo. Smoky chipotle barbecue sauce will add on to to the party mood. If the meat starts to fall almost from the bones, this means our grill is ready to be served. Serve with corn salad and herbs. Enjoy!!
 

Sweet and Sour Pork with pineapple

Pork is the staple food of various countries. It is rich source of vitamin B1, which is vital for growth and repair of muscles. It has riboflavin that helps to maintain skin and health problems. Vitamin B6, present in pork meat helps in increasing metabolism. Iron, on the other hand, gives you energy. Despite of being sweet and delicious, pineapple is blessed with number of health benefits like boosting up the immunity system. Hence, pineapple is considered more than a delicious tropical-fruit treat. Fresh and crisp bell pepper is a tasty vegetable that can be included in regular part of healthy eating plan. It is low in calories and contains no fat and is a good supply of vitamins and minerals. Soy sauce has strong umami flavor and is used in number of Asian cuisine. So lets try our hands at mouthwatering sweet and sour pork with pineapple.

Ingredients:-

20 ounces pineapple chunks,

1/4 cup vinegar,

2 tablespoons light soy sauce,

1 1/2 teaspoons salt,

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger,

1/2 cup water,

2 pounds boneless pork loin,

1 large diced onion,

1 medium diced green bell pepper,

1 medium diced red bell pepper,

3 tablespoons cornstarch.

Preparation Method:-

1. Drain juice from pineapple and pour juice in a Dutch oven. Add vinegar, soy sauce, salt, ginger, and 1/2 cup water. Stir until smooth.

2. Add pork and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until meat is tender. Add onion, green pepper, red pepper and pineapple chunks.

3. Simmer 10 minutes longer, or until onion and peppers are just tender. Put cornstarch in a cup and stir in 3 tablespoons water.

4. Stir into pork and juices. Then heat to boiling. Reduce the heat and simmer the sweet and sour pork for 1 minute. Serve sweet and sour pork with rice.

We have lot more yummy yummzzz!!!

Dish of the Day - Tomato Bredie

Africa is so very tantalizing that a mere mention of the continent fills your mind with adventurous safaris, rugged trekking expeditions, relaxing on the golden beach, mummies of ancient Egypt, crude cultures, all in all a paradise for travelers. During the medieval period, grand cities of Fez, Marrakech and Timbuktu were of utmost importance and can be adored even today. Nevertheless the journey would be incomplete if you do not explore the great African cuisine. And here we’re gonna talk about one of the most savored African dish, named Tomato Bredie.

Bredie originally comes from Malaysian origin but its varied flavors are widely loved in Africa. It is basically traditional stew with a perfect blend of meat and vegetables. Bredie has ample of variations such as green bean bredie, cabbage bredie and tomato bredie. Tomato Bredie is unique in itself. It contains meat and vegetables that serve as the best platter for nutritions plus spices that make the royal dish even more delectable. Tomato Bredie is the most famous version of this specialty.

Ingredients:-

1 tablespoon vegetable oil,

3 1/2 pounds chopped lamb,

2 tablespoons cake flour,

1 large chopped onion,

2 1/4 pounds fresh chopped tomatoes,

1 teaspoon salt,

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper,

6 whole white peppercorns,

2 bay leaves,

1 teaspoon brown sugar,

1 tablespoon white vinegar,

1 dash Worcestershire sauce,

1 cube beef bouillon cube,

2 quartered medium potatoes

Preparation Method:-

1. Take a heavy saucepan. Add some oil and keep it over medium high. Coat meat in flour. Cook until brown.

2. Add onion till they turn brown. Now add tomatoes and mix well. Stir in bay leaves, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, black pepper, white peppercorns, Worcestershire sauce and beef bouillon cube.

3. Cover it and simmer for 1 1/4 hours. Keep stirring. The stew must not stick to the bottom of the saucepan. Now add potatoes and cook over low heat for 45 minutes. 

 

4. Our dish is ready to be served. It complements well with steam rice.

Enjoy the luscious treat!!