Friday 18 December 2015

Thakurdeo Rampersaud - Traditional Indian Cuisine - Aloo Poha

Aloo poha is a West-Central Indian dish that originates from the Malwa Region. Aloo refers to potatoes and poha is a type of flattened, easy-to-cook rice that is common in South Asian cooking. This dish of rice and potatoes can be served at any meal, but it makes a particularly satisfying and quick breakfast. Dishes as quick and easy to make as aloo poha are ideal for busy professionals who love cooking, much like CPA (Certified Professional Accountant) Thakurdeo Rampersaud.

Thakurdeo Rampersaud
Thakurdeo Rampersaud



Aloo Poha Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups of poha (flattened rice)
1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon of asafoetida powder
2 teaspoons of sugar
1 teaspoon of grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 cup of chopped yellow onion
1 cup of chopped green chilies
3 to 4 cups of cooked and cubed potatoes (or 3 to 4 cups of leftover potato curry)
1/4 cup of water

Aloo Poha Preparation:

Rinse the poha in a strainer under cold water for one minute and then transfer it to a large bowl. Blend the turmeric, asafoetida, sugar, ginger, mustard seeds and cumin seeds with the rinsed rice in a bowl and set it aside. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and green chilies with the vegetable oil over medium heat until the onions have browned. Stir the potatoes into the mixture in the skillet for two minutes and then add the rice blend. Add the water, turn the heat to low and cover the skillet. After the aloo poha has simmered for five minutes, remove it from the heat and serve it immediately. Aloo poha is often served with garnishes of lemon, peanuts, coriander and pomegranate.

Dishes that busy home chefs can prepare with leftovers, spices and simple ingredients are often the favorites of business professionals like CPA (Certified Professional Accountant) Thakurdeo Rampersaud. These meals give the chef a taste of the world without them having to travel or dine out at a restaurant.

Monday 14 December 2015

Thakurdeo Rampersaud - Traditional Indian Cuisine - Pork Vindaloo

Pork vindaloo is a traditional West-Indian recipe from Goa. The dish is moderately spicy, but by customizing the number of chilies, home chefs can adjust this pork vindaloo's heat level to suit any palate. When people who enjoy cooking, like Thakurdeo Rampersaud, prepare pork vindaloo, they'll get to relax for a few hours after the initial preparation time. Simmering the dish for a few hours gives the pork time to tenderize and it fills the house with an irresistible aroma as the spices permeate the meat.

Thakurdeo Rampersaud
Thakurdeo Rampersaud
Pork Vindaloo Ingredients:
  • 1 to 6 dried red chilies, crushed
  • 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon of ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of brown sugar
  • 5 tablespoons of white wine vinegar
  • 1 cup of vegetable oil
  • 2 yellow onions, diced
  • 2 pounds of cubed pork
  • 1/3 cup of minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon of ground coriander
  • 1 cup of water
  • Cooked Basmati rice
Pork Vindaloo Preparation:

Combine the crushed chilies, cumin, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, salt, brown sugar and white wine vinegar in a large bowl. Stir the spices thoroughly and set them aside. Next, use a large pot to sauté the diced onions in the vegetable oil over medium heat until they brown slightly. Remove the onions with a slotted spoon and place them in the bowl with the spices before browning the pork in the oil. Once the pork has browned, add the garlic, turmeric and coriander, allowing them to brown for a few minutes. Finally, mix the water and contents of the spice bowl with the browned pork and allow the vindaloo to simmer over low heat for at least two hours, stirring occasionally. When the pork is tender, serve the dish over cooked Basmati rice immediately.

Dishes like pork vindaloo can sound intimidating because of the long list of spices, but they require minimal prep time. Thakurdeo Rampersaud enjoys cooking simple dishes like pork vindaloo and trying other recipes from cultures around the world in his spare time. Cooking helps him relax from his work as an accountant.