The ‘Mmm’ in my Belly

2 weeks of independence, or should I say, loneliness

* Sigh *

2 weeks of reliving key skills and talent acquired over the period of 2 years I lived in Bangalore plus the genetically blessed culinary wand that makes my stomach sing the “Satiated” song after every self-cooked meal.

I have realized that I still have it in me to cook well…

Discover unique recipes…

Invent tangy ‘n’ tasty recipes that satisfies the stomach’s growling hunger.

Let’s see …. I made this extremely easy Rasam, Palkova for my parent’s wedding anniversary, juices and different curries during these two weeks… And I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it.

The best part about these two weeks is that I got to do it all by myself without mom’s “Acho Paavume… Naa idha narikki tharen…..” charity-for-blood favors that sometimes do not give you the full freedom to make the dish your way.

Although I must thank Amma for her expert help over a phone call on how to make soft Kanchipuram-like idlis. They came out well…

I have also been making time for a long-lost hobby — reading books…. So yes, I’m finally joining the Twilight group… Reading the first part… Will reserve comments for later….

The whole independent thing is awesome but I miss my family

P&G’s latest sports marketing effort

18 brands combined with the corporate brand P&G make the biggest corporate-marketing event ever sponsoring the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The marketing campaign includes digital, print, in-store and consumer promotion programs that are rolled out.

An emotional and sensible marketing campaign. The concept is pretty old. The intention is phenomenal where they try to touch and improve the lives of moms and families. Mr. Pritchard, Brand Manager, quotes 76% of American households watch Olympics and it is the no.1 spot among women making it the perfect place for P&G to be.

Budget – Surprises and Shocks

A recap of the budget …

- Yays all over the Indian banking scene…. Banking licenses to NBFCs

- Tax payers can now breathe …. Slabs look much better with no tax upto  a lakh and 60k rupees for men and a lakh and 90k rupees for women.

10% for 5 lakh

20% for 8 lakh and 30% for the high income group.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said the proposal  of a reduced tax slab will benefit nearly 60% of tax payers.

46% of a sizeable part of the budget has been allocated towards urban and rural development, education and healthcare.

The only matter of concern is the increase in fuel prices. So a lot of thumbs down in that segment.

On the whole, this year’s budget gets a good, green and generous thumbsup! Yay!!!

Simple Rasam

Cooking Time: 10-15 mins

Ingredients

• Five Tomatoes
• 2 cups – Toor dal or any dal of your choice
• Finely chopped Coriander leaves
• Sambar powder – 1 tsp
• Tamarind juice- One Small Ball
• Pepper powder- ¼ tsp
• Jeera powder- ¼ tsp
• Garlic- 4 cloves (Optional)
• Turmeric powder- a pinch
• Salt to taste

For seasoning

Mustard seeds- few
Jeera- ¼ tsp
Red chilli- 1
Asafoetida- a pinch
Curry leaves- a few
Oil – 2tsp

Method:

• Put four tomatoes and all spices in a blender until all ingredients are blended well.
• Keep aside
• Wash dal and keep in pressure cooker upto the count of 3
• In a pan, pour 1 tsp oil or ghee and pour the blended tomato-spice mixure
• After 2 minutes, pour one cup of water to the pan.
• Take a small ball of tamarind and place it in a mug of water that can be microwaved upto 30 seconds.
• Take the tamarind from the mug and squeeze all the juice into the water and mix well
• Add the 5th chopped tomato into the pan and add the remaining tamarind juice
• After 2 mins, mash the cooked dal and add to pan.
• Take another pan, pour one spoon of oil and add the mustard seeds and the rest of the seasoning after the seeds break
• Pour this mixture into the rasam pan
• Your Rasam is ready.

Rasam can be had with rice or as a soup. It also makes an interesting dish to have with hot vadais.

Burrpilicious @ Mumbai Food Junction, Nandambakkam

Mumbai food Junction gives you “Authentic Street-Fav Mumbai Food in a contemporary, glam yet bollywoodish setup”. It is the “Burrrrr”pect hangout if one is starved for good, easy-on-the-pocket eatouts in and around the Nandambakkam area. Diagonally opposite the Chennai Trade Centre, MFJ gives you the perfect blend of Aamchi Mumbai, Singara Chennai, Chunky Chinese and hot from the aromas of Italy – a range of super delicious coffees and tea. What’s missing? MFJ has everything a hot and happening eatout should have except for the surrounding location which is still not used to the concept of hangouts and eatouts.

With a parched land of absolutely no hangouts except for a Dominos Pizza, MFJ is definitely a blessing to the residents in and around this boring industrial-IT-residential location. It’s hard to miss. With helpful signage boards and easy access to its food court, MFJ is just perfect for the fast eatout or for spending a lazy afternoon hanging out with friends.

I love Mumbai Food Junction.

The Vada Pav is a must-have. Takes you back to the roadside stalls of Mumbai.

 I recommend and rate it 4/5.