Delicious Ghiya.....

One of our family favourites while growing up.....

Ghiya Malaiwala

Ghia, Lauki -- Bottle Gourd, cream style

2 cups (500 g) ghiya/ lauki (bottle gourd), peeled and cut into small pieces, 1 1/2cms/ 3/4" thick

2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)

2 tsp jeera (cumin seeds)

2 tsp salt or to taste

1/4 cup (60 g) malai (clotted cream)

2 tbsp chopped hara dhania (coriander leaves) and 1 tbsp finely chopped green chillies for garnish

Heat the ghee in a heavy based pan and add the jeera. When they begin to splutter, add the vegetables and the salt and turn around a few times over high heat, till they look glossy.

Lower the heat, cover and let cook till tender.

Add the cream, mix well and serve hot garnished with the coriander leaves and chillies.

Note: The fresher the ghiya the better the taste of this dish.

Maestro Multi Cooker

Yet another excellent use of the maestro http://www.shopmania.in/shopping~online-other-kitchen-appliances~buy-maestro-multi-cooker-electric-model-mc-2-plus~p-3447009.html !


I was supposed to soften butter but forgot and added it to the metal bowl! Oh oh, can't put it in the micro now, but wait a minute, I switched on the Maestro, lifted the container off and placed my container over the simmering water--voila! No spoiling more dishes and the deed was done! 

Strawberries.......

So versatile---I just wash them and let extra water drain. Tail them and put them in a bowl. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, let stand in the refrigerator for a couple of hours and you are ready to use them in many a different ways.

Add them to yoghurt and you have strawberry flavoured yoghurt.
Add a dollop of cream and they could not taste any better.
You have a plain sponge or a chocolate cake? Spoon some strawberries over to add that extra 'zing'.
Blend them with some cold milk and voila! A yummy milk shake.
Of course if you are enterprising enough, cook them to a jam consistency......