What's in a name

Nargasi Kofte, Kakori Kabab, Galawti kabab...amazing dishes with amusing names. Ever wondered where did these names come from? Read on, for their origins are as tasteful as the dishes themselves...

Kakori Kabab: It was admist the rustic settings of colonised India, when Nawab Syed Mohammad Haidar Kazmi of Kakori (a small hamlet on the outskirts of Lucknow) hosted a British officer to dinner. A remark by the officer, about the coarse texture of the kababs served, left a bad taste in the Nawab's mouth...well literally!

The rakabdars (gourmet cooks) were given ten days . And voila! The world was gifted with the Kakori Kabab that carried a texture as fine as Silk! Named after the city itself, Kakori Kabab is ideally prepared from the tendon of mutton leg, khoya, white pepper & powdered spices.

 

Shahjahani Korma: The superbly tasty Shahajani Korma carries a rich blend of varied spices. Legend has it that when Emperor Shah Jahan was put in the prison by Aurangzeb, he was given very meagre access to food & water. The emperor's spirit did not die...nor his love for fine cuisine! It is then that he was prescribed what came to be known as the Shahajani Korma; a flavourful dish of mutton with condiments such as Apricots & Nutmeg that not only help keep the thirst down, but also keep the body hydrated. Dried apricots were a key ingredient in the original recipe as Apricots are a storehouse of essential nutrients. No prison can defeat the king!

Galawti Kabab:We can bet, there are people who would vote for the boon that this kabab is for lovers of Awadhi meat! Old age could deprive Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Lucknow, of all his teeth but not the royal palate. Thus, the royal cooks were entrusted with the task of creating the softest kabab in the world, that would help the old Nawab relish his meat even till the sun decided to set. It took days of trials, use of tenderising qualities of raw papaya and over a 100 spices, to create what is known as the Galawti Kabab (literally meaning, kabab that melts in your mouth).

A dish that started as a soother to an ageing nawab a century ago, is today regarded as one of the most coveted starters at many fine dining restaurants across the globe. Typically served with small Awadhi parathas, achieving the perfect Galawti is still a matter of great pride for chefs...seems like the Nawab is watching over even today!

 

 

Food names can be amusing; while some names hold interesting legends behind their origins, there are some that simply make us wonder why? How else does one explain Nargisi Kofta being named after Narcissus, a Greek Hero who was known for his beauty, and specially his eyes. Or the simple fact that the very popular Bombay Duck is actually a fish and not a duck? But then food is food...no one ever frets over the name as long as the tongue is satisfied. No wonder the good old Samosa continues to be the king of Indian snacks, never bothering to clarify that it's actually “Sambosa” and the fact that it originated in middle east and not in India!

After all, what's in a name...

Tags: Best food recipes | Indian healthy recipes

Referral Link: http://www.cooktube.co.in/blog/whats-in-a-name

Goodness in a jar

Feeling heavy in the tummy?...pop in a pill. Got a cough?...drink that syrup. A cut from the knife?...smear that antiseptic endlessly. STOP!!

Reach out to that jar in your kitchen, connect with the bounties of nature and see it nurture you back to health, with no side effects! We tell you how.

Common cuts: Aloe vera has more benefits than we know of. Got a knick or a cut or a bruise? Simply wash the area with water and soap and head out to the garden. Smear some fresh Aloe Vera pulp and your wound is taken care of! The bleeding refuses to stop? Aloe Vera takes a minute to fix this. Known to work wonders on the skin, Aloe Vera is great for taking care of excess dryness, pigmentation and even breakouts. Access it super easy. Buy a potted plant and keep it in your balcony or garden. It's pretty much like a must have!

Cough & Colds: This is more like a hand down potion recipe of sorts, to be used as a quick remedy if you have cough & phlegm. All you need is Turmeric, Honey & Milk. Three simple steps:

1) Take a saucepan and heat turmeric powder (1/2 teaspoon) in it till it turns dark brown (it should be on the verge of burning).

2) Just then add half cup milk and bring to boil.

3) Take off heat after a single boil & add 1 teaspoon Honey.

Have this “burnt turmeric shot” or “Golden Milk” once before bedtime or twice a day if the cough is severe. You can have this till the phlegm and coughing disappear.

Raising metabolism: Started off on a new diet? Or are you unable to follow one right now? Let cinnamon and ginger do the hard work on your behalf; both are known to be big metabolism boosters.

Make a simple habit of boiling cinnamon sticks in water. Let it cool down and sip on this the whole day. There is no taste as such so it's not a bother. Plus you do not have to set aside a separate schedule to have this water. Make this a part of the daily intake of water that you have. It will keep your metabolism kicked throughout the day.

Note: Pursue this only for a week and come back to your normal consumption of water.

Ginger also is a huge metabolism booster. Include it in your salads – dipped in vinegar or simply plain. Boil some grated ginger in a glass of water. Add a teaspoon of honey and drink when lukewarm. This will give you a good booster dose right at the start of your day.

Here is to a happy figure!

Digestion: So it's Saturday night and you went overboard with the curries and the meats. The tummy feels like a wrecking ball now! Pluck some mint leaves, boil in a cup of water, drink this wonder potion and feel lighter in 15 mins flat!

No mint? No worries! It's that jar in the kitchen...the one with the fennel seeds. A spoonful in your mouth and you are good to go!

Reflux acting up again? Gulp in 2 spoons of Aloe Vera juice or eat 2 spoonfuls of fresh Aloe Vera pulp and see it die out in 60 seconds.

Long before medicines were invented, mother nature revealed to us, the wonders of its various herbs and their healing properties. Stop the artificial overload today.

Note: Please check with your doctor if you have any medical conditions. Never make a therapy permanent. Do it for a week or two and give it a break. Natural products are potent; do not go overboard.  

Referral link: http://www.cooktube.co.in/blog/goodness-in-a-jar 

 Tags: Best food recipes | Indian healthy recipes

Taste This!

Clothes: check, tickets: check, currency:  check, menu card: ???

Traveling out to explore a new land? Let's give you a hand at getting a taste of the place. What to eat, where & why?

What: Indian specialities

Where: London, yes!:  While in London, try the Jacket potatoes & travel to Brighton for the beach, the pier, the carousels & fish & chips. But then this is regular stuff...while in London, try out the best of Indian cuisine! From keema & bread to balti chicken to chicken tikka masala to vegetarian options like matter paneer & dal & dosa...

Go to: Dishoom outlets at Carnaby street, Covent Garden, Kings Cross & Shoreditch.

Why: The best of dishes from Mumbai served in authentic style.

Go to: Masala Zone at Covent Garden, Soho, Earl's Court, Parkway & Islington.

Why: Vibrant Indian settings, great food & excellent on pocket!

What: Spaetzle.

Where: Munich: A trip to the Bavarian region of Germany is incomplete without drinking beer and eating Spaetzle; Known as home made noodles in Bavaria. A unique pasta preparation served with meat in thick (but light) cheese curry with herbs and salad. The dish is soul warming and the taste, addictive.

Go to: While all restaurants have mastered this local dish, but if you can, then travel to a small village called Waal – an hour from Munich. Head to Gausthauz Zer Post (you can stay here also, they have lovely rooms)

Why: Their Spaetzle is as authentic as it can get. Their beer garden is amazing. Waal is beautiful beyond words!

What: Meatballs.

Where: Denmark, Sweden. While you will be asked to make a gun for the famed open sandwiches, don't miss out on the meat ball experience. Why experience? Well because at most cafes lined along the cobbled streets, when you opt to dine out during winters, your tables are lit with lovely candles & restaurants provide you with a pair of blankets (to keep you all wrapped & warm).

The meatballs are great, served with pasta, mashed potatoes & salad and the whole dining experience is a cozy affair.

Go to: No names here! Go to the city hall square in Copenhagen or go to Old Town in Malmo (Sweden) and walk into any cafe.

Why: Because no Scandinavian experience is complete without having the meatballs.

 

What: Cheese Foundue

Where: St.Moritz of course! I mean you cannot not have cheese fondue when in  St.Moritz. Call in for your pot of melting cheese, dip in the mildly flavoured pieces of bread, crunch on some salad and enjoy bonding with loved ones like never before as everyone digs into the same pot. After all, a family that eats together, stays together!

Go to: Steffani at Sonneplatz.

Why: Because they are the best for Fondue!

Go to: Piz Moritz for the best Pizzas (St.Moritz is right at the Italian border remember?)

Why: The hotel is exceedingly beautiful & unbelieveably  priced!

What: Pancakes

Where: Sydney. The place not only boasts of the opera house & the pier. Right there at the pier, overlooking the blue waters, lie numerous pancake joints that are on every foodie's list.  Again, walk in to any of the joints and go right ahead for a 'never before' pancake experience. I still cant't decipher what is it that they do different but the taste is unmatched.

Go to: I recommend Pancakes on the Rocks.

Why: Simply, because they are the best!

 

Bon voyage & bon appetit! 

Tags:  food recipes with pictures | Indian street food

Referral Link: http://www.cooktube.co.in/blog/taste-this