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  • Jaljeera in the Summertime!

    I have been wanted to work on my recipe for Jaljeera for a very long time now. Jaljeera is a very easy and flavorful drink to make up. I have many great memories of drinking Jaljeera in the summer. Jaljeera is similar to flavored lemonade. So I finally decided to work on the recipe and start formulating the ingredients and measurements for it. I decided my old Jaljeera recipe needed a revamp. So I decided to get inspiration from Google! While researching, I came across a blog for Jaljeera, where Naini Setalvad explains the benefits of all the spices used to make Jaljeera. Check out this interesting article at  http://www.dnaindia.com/health/column_jaljeera-magic_1263764  I thought it was interesting and wanted to share. This article reminded me of my grandmother’s thoughts on why Jaljeera is a great drink to enjoy on hot summer days.

    With that said, I am working on finalizing my recipe for Jaljeera! The recipe will be coming soon!

  • Our Journey Ends….

    We are back from our trip to India! When we got back to San Diego, we got a great welcome from our grandchildren. They wanted to make sure we will never leave them again!

    This trip was definitely a trip one to remember! I don’t think I have ever taken such a long vacation. We visited relatives that we had not seen for many years. We also did a lot of sight-seeing, something we don’t usually do when we are in India. Various family members were able to sight-see with us so it was even more enjoyable!

    We visited Varanasi (also known Banaras), an old Hindu historical religious town situated on river banks of Ganges. This is a town with many old temples and many old religious myths. Temples are all along on the banks of the holy river Ganga. After sun set the side of river banks are lid with oil lamps and you can hear melodies prayers sang by devotees. It is a beautiful site not to be missed. We also enjoyed the food from street vendors, Tomato chaat a new dish I never had before. One of my viewers has suggested to try “Malaiyo” this brought lot of my good childhood memories as we called this Daulat Ki Chaat.

    Our next stop was Jaipur also known as Pink City. Citi has lot of royal charm. Jaipur has many old historical forts and still keeping up with old traditions. This town offers many things to do and see. The highlights were Hawa Mahal, Citi Palace, Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort and list goes on. Of course we ate on local restaurants and did shopping. We stop to Agra and saw Taj Mahal among other things.

    We also visited Mumbai great town very different. In Mumbai I enjoyed the most visiting my family. Walking on the beach with my uncle and tried much local food. My niece made sure to take me to the different restaurants, she knew I will enjoy and these dishes were not as traditional but very interesting.

    Most time we had spent in Delhi and around. My other niece wanted to show me other side of upcoming India. With her we visited different places and tried variation of food and did different kind of shopping, I will admit I had a blast with her.

    Now that our vacation is over, I think it is time to get back to work and experiment with some new recipes, flavors and cooking techniques I learned during my travels to the various parts of India. Recipe and video to be posted soon!

     

  • Aloo Jeera (Potatoes with Cumin Seeds)

    Aloo Jeera (Potatoes with Cumin Seeds)

    Aloo Jeera

    Aloo Jeera

    Aloo Jeera is a quick & easy yet a delicious side dish. This can compliment any meal. A whole cumin seeds have a slightly nutty flavor. In this recipe cumin seeds are one of the main spices. It makes up for a nice vegetable dry dish as a lunchbox option.
    No ratings yet
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    plus boiling potatoes 25 minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 4 people

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 cups about 5 medium size potato boiled peeled and cut into bite size pieces
    • 2 tbsp oil
    • 1-1/2 tsp cumin seeds jeera
    • 1/8 tsp asafetida hing
    • 1 tbsp ginger thinly sliced adrak
    • 2 green chili seeded and sliced length wise hari mirch
    • 1-1/2 tsp crushed coriander dhania
    • 1/4 tsp turmeric haldi
    • 1/4 tsp red chili powder
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1 tsp mango powder amchoor
    • 2 tbsp cilantro finely chopped hara dhania

    Instructions
     

    • Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium-high heat. Oil is the right temperature when cumin seeds crack immediately after being put in the pan. Add cumin seeds and asafetida after seeds crack add ginger and green chilies and stir for few seconds.
    • Reduce the heat to medium. Add all the remaining spices, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, mango powder, and salt. Stir for few seconds.
    • Add potatoes and mix well with Masala. Stir fry for 4-5 minutes. All the potatoes should be coated with spices.
    • Turn off the heat and add cilantro. Mix it well and serve it hot.

    Notes

    Notes:  Jeera Aloo also can be served as snack or chat drizzling with whipped yogurt and tamarind chutney. Make sandwiches, use left over Roti or Paratha and roo Aloo Jeera to make a Wrap and these wrap make a good lunch box meal.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
  • Jaljeera Drink (Indian Flavored Lemonade)

    Jaljeera Drink (Indian Flavored Lemonade)

    Jaljeera Drink

    Jaljeera Drink (Indian Flavored Lemonade)

    Jaljeera is very refreshing drink. Best way to describe Jaljeera, Indian flavored lemonade. Jaljeera is a popular summer drink in India.
    5 from 2 votes
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 4 people

    Ingredients
      

    • 1/4 cup packed chopped mint leaves podhina
    • 1/4 cup packed chopped cilantro hara dhania
    • 1 tbsp chopped ginger adrak
    • 1 tbsp cumin seeds dry roasted and powder bhuna jeera
    • pinch asafetida hing
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1 tsp black salt
    • 3 tbsp lemon juice
    • 1 tbsp tamarind seedless imli
    • 2 tbsp sugar
    • 4 cups water
    • 1 cup crushed ice

    Instructions
     

    •  Blend all the spices into the paste using enough water needed to blend. Strain the spice mix and squeeze all the spicy water out. Discard the roughage. Add the water, mix it and serve over the ice.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
  • Mango Slush

    Mango Slush

    Mango Slush

    Mango Slush

    Mango Slush is just perfect for hot summer days, very refreshing and cooling. This can be served as a sherbet, a low calorie and low fat dessert or drink. Mango Slush has a great taste and is super easy to make.
    No ratings yet
    Course Beverages
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 2 people

    Ingredients
      

    Ingredients:

    • 1 large ripe mango peeled and cubed this will make approx. 1-1/2 cups of cubed mango
    • 2  teaspoons ginger juice (to make ginger juice shred the ginger using the fine shredder and squeeze)
    • 2 tablespoons lime juice
    • 3  tablespoons sugar adjust to taste as it depends on sweetness of mangoes
    • 3 cups of ice
    • Zest from one lime for garnishing

    Instructions
     

    Method

    • Keep all the ingredients ready.
    • Just before serving place all the ingredients in a blender and process at high speed until it is crushed and smooth. Do not melt all the ice as Mango Slush is more enjoyable with lots of crushed ice
    • Serve Mango Slush immediately and garnish with lime zest.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
  • Contest 2012 August

    For August, I wanted to do a contest based around rice as the main ingredient. Here are the specific rules to follow:

    • You can make any type of recipe (main dish, appetizer, dessert) using rice
    • You must use at least two of the following ingredients – cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger
    View some of my Rice Recipes for examples.

    In general I will only consider recipes that I feel are complete in regards to ingredients, measurement, and instruction. From there I am looking for creativity and a recipe that my viewers would enjoy to prepare on their own. I will be judging on overall recipe and presentation also.

    Below is my checklist:

    • Be Creative!
    • Ingredients should be listed with measurements.
    • Method must be explained clearly, so it’s easy to follow.
    • Please include your name along with the recipe (as you would like it to appear).
    • Search the web for ideas. There are many resources available.
    • Please send me a detailed recipe to contest@manjulaskitchen.com
    • You must also send original picture(s) of the recipe – do not simply grab a photo from the web. Otherwise your recipe will not be considered for entry.
    • The deadline is August 26th.
    • The winner will be featured on the homepage with the new recipe and a link to their website (if available).

    1st Prize: $100 gift certificate from Amazon.com
    2nd Prize: $25 gift certificate from Amazon.com

    **Anyone can join this contest**

  • Back To Reality And Back To Working On Some Fresh New Recipes!

    I just returned from an amazing vacation and it’s time to get back to work! As you know, we went on an Alaskan cruise with the family. It was a wonderful time. Lately, I have spent a lot of time traveling. I am glad that we are making the most of life and doing so. However, it’s often difficult to come back from a vacation and get back to work as I am sure you all know!

    I am long overdue to share a recipe and video. I am working on some fresh new ideas though. I was inspired by some of the food we enjoyed on the cruise, such as melon soup and melon salad. These dishes were perfect as they were light and tasty. I think melons are a great food for summer as they are refreshing. Plus, summer is the season to find the best melons. But I do think I need to jazz up the melon with some flavor. I am working on some melon recipes and will share with you soon. I look forward to your ideas and input. The first recipe I will do will be with Garam Masala as I know some of you are eagerly awaiting this.

  • Indian Zucchini Pasta

    Indian Zucchini Pasta

    Indian Zucchini Pasta Recipe

    Indian Zucchini Pasta

    Zucchini pasta is a whole wheat egg-less pasta, made with fresh ingredients and tastes great. This is a healthy recipe and easy to make. This is actually an old recipe from my grandmother, but she used Turai instead zucchini (turai is from same family as zucchini) and the dish is known as nanua ka petha in Bihar.
    No ratings yet
    Course fusion
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 2 people

    Ingredients
      

    Ingredients:

    • 3 cup finely chopped zucchini about 2 medium size zucchini
    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • Pinch of asafetida
    • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
    • ¼ teaspoon turmeric (haldi)
    • 3-4 dried whole red chili
    • 1-2 bay leaf
    • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
    • 1/8 teaspoon sugar
    • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
    • 2 tablespoons melted butter or ghee

    For Pasta

    • ¼ cup whole-wheat flour
    • Pinch of salt
    • Approx. 2 tablespoons of water use as needed
    • ½ teaspoon of oil to knead the dough

    Instructions
     

    Method

    • Mix flour, salt and water together to make a firm dough (add water as needed).
    • Knead the dough on a lightly greased surface to make the dough smooth and pliable.
    • Let the dough rest for at least five minutes or more.
    • Divide the dough into 2 equal parts.
    • Make smooth ball and roll into about 5-inch circle like roti or tortilla.
    • Cut them in approx. 1” squares. Set aside.
    • Wash and peel the zucchini and cut them in small pieces.
    • Heat the oil in a saucepan. Test the heat by adding one cumin seed to the oil; if seed cracks right away oil is ready.
    • Add the cumin seeds as they crack add asafetida, whole red chilies, bay leaf, and turmeric stir for few seconds.
    • Add zucchini, salt and about 2 cups of water. After it comes to boil let it cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the pasta lower the heat to low medium cover the pan and let it cook for approx. 20-25 minutes.
    • Turn off the heat and add sugar.
    • Before serving squeeze lemon juice and add the clarified butter.
    • Serve hot and enjoy!

    Notes

    Variations
    To make spicy add ¼ teaspoon of garam masala.
    This is good Vegan recipe if you do not use Butter.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
  • Chilled Melon Soup

    Chilled Melon Soup

    Chilled Melon Soup

    Chilled Melon Soup

    Looking for adding some pizzazz to your summer meal? Try this refreshing Chilled Melon Soup. It is quick & easy to prepare and can be served as a starter or dessert. This is a light and elegant soup, perfect for summer.
    4 from 1 vote
    Course Soup
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 4 people

    Ingredients
      

    Ingredients:

    • 1/2  medium cantaloupe peeled seeded and cubed this will make 4 cups of cubed cantaloupe
    • 1/2  cup plain yogurt
    • 2 tablespoon sugar
    • 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
    • 6-8 mint leaves
    • 1/4  teaspoon salt
    • Pinch of black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

    Instructions
     

    Method

    • In a blender puree ginger, mint leaves with half the melon. Add remaining melon, yogurt, sugar, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Blend until it is smooth.
    • Refrigerate for best taste. Keep in freezer for about half an hour before serving.

    Notes

    Notes
    Try any variety of melon in this recipe.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!