Channa Masala

A simple home style channa masala. A super easy curry to make on a weekday, this is a quick version, there are about a hundred ways to make, it is versatile and forgiving recipe.

Ingredients

A can of garbanzo beans(channa)

A medium size onion

Two tomatoes

A medium red potato

Half a can of coconut milk

Red chili powder

Coriander powder 

Cumin powder
Garlic powder

Star anise

Black cumin seeds

Cloves 

Procedure 

Heat a pan with few spoons of oil.

Sauté the cloves, star anise and cumin seeds.

Sauté the chopped onion.

Sauté the chopped tomatoes and chopped red potato. 

When it is simmering, add the can of garbanzo beans, and the spice powders to suit your taste( I add a spoon of red chili powder,1/2 spoon of garlic powder, 1/4 spoon cumin powder and 1/4 spoon coriander powder).

Let it simmer for 10-15 mins, stir in the coconut milk and add salt to taste.

Allow to simmer for 5 mins and we've with hot rice. 

Simple focaccia

Ingredients 

1/2 cup of warm water

2 cups of all purpose flour

1 packet of quick rise yeast 

1 spoon of sugar 

1 small spoon of salt

Topping of your choice, I used this combination 

1/4 red onion slices

A few kalamata olives sliced 

2 spoons of Parmesan 

2 spoons of asiago

Oil to drizzle over the focaccia 

Mix the yeast in 1/2 cup of warm water and 1 table spoon of sugar, let this mixture rise for 10 minutes. 

In a bowl mix the yeast with 2 cups of all purpose flour and salt to taste, let this mixture rise for about 30mins. 

The flour mixture will double, oil a tray, gently knead the flour mixture on the tray.

Add toppings of your choice: I used asiago, Parmesan, kalamata olives and red onion. Some of the popular toppings include plain fennel seed or tomato and basil topping or classic rosemary topping. 

Preheat the oven (450F), bake the focaccia in the oven for 10 to 15minutes, it will be golden brown when it's done. 

Serve hot! :) 

Other toppings: capers, serano peppers, yellow onion  and parsley. 

Classic basil and tomato toppings taste amazing as well! 

Hello again!

I have been on a long hiatus, but now that I am officially done with school, I am planning to break the hiatus and begin food blogging again! I have lots of recipes, photographs and adventures to share. Living in DC is like a beautiful dream, it's a quaint, idyllic and, scenic (if you travel away from the city traffic that is) I am thankful that I have the opportunity to live, study and work in DC... but I have to admit here that it leaves a massive dent on your savings account. Rent alone costs an arm and leg, and if you can pay rent and still afford food you have everything my friend.

One of the best ways to mitigate the expense of living in DC is to cook your meals and cut down the cost of eating out  regularly. Now, I know it will be tough to balance school, work/internships and  come home and cook dinner, the trick is to go the simple route and stick to minimalistic recipes. I personally like recipes that don't need a new list of ingredients but that can be prepared with the things you can find in your pantry. Don't waste your life's savings on groceries, stock up on seasonal produce, spices, and other basics. Even if the only grocery stores found near your are Whole foods and Trader Joes, you can shop smart without going broke. Look for locally sourced seasonal produce to help you cut down your grocery bill. I never miss an opportunity to visit farmer's markets whenever I can, I personally like the one at foggy bottom, it's the closest one to me. I will create a separate post about  farmers market and share pictures as well :) I will also share some new tips and tricks I learned over the past 2 years and much requested India vegan and vegetarian recipes. For now,  Adios Amigos! :) I will see you soon with new post, meanwhile feel free to comment and share what new or classic recipes you would like to see in the blog! Happy weekend!