Saturday, August 14, 2010

Simple Aloo Gobhi

Ever since I came back from my trip to India, things have been crazy. I had planned on coming back and taking it easy for some time, giving myself a break, so to speak, and spend more time with little S, since he was so used to the constant  company of  grandparents, aunts and the humongous amount of attention and pampering. But..... within 24 hours of landing I was out apartment hunting, before 48 hours had elapsed, I had selected one and we signed the lease. Now came the hard part, M had gone back to IL and I had to start packing ( for moving to the new apartment) and packing- part II, for making a temporary move to IL with  bag, baggage and baccha.
I struggled with  jetlag and home sickness. What am I doing here? was a question I asked myself  many a times. 
However, I managed and landed safely in IL with  BB&B  and  am now in a hotel suite with a tiny kitchenette and a not-so-full pantry. And in the hope of going home, I keep my stock to a minimum.
I was in no fit state to cook for a couple of weeks now.  My Grandmother passed away a little over a fortnight ago and  I  was broken. I feel her loss so keenly that it hurts, physically. I hated  that I was not there. I was grieved that I was no comfort to my Mother. I was angry with God for taking her away. The tears fell thick and fast and everything was a blur. The only thing that helped me move on was finding comfort in the fact that I had the chance of meeting her during my recent India visit and also that she met and blessed my baby and also in realizing that my Son needed me and would  be confused  at the sudden change in me. It is amazing how a toddler can make an adult realize and accept the reality. Life goes on. Just that, accept it. 
Aaji will be missed, a LOT, there are just so many things she did for me and the rest of the family that are etched in my memory. Her warmth, her wisdom, her love, her voice, her humor, her caring ways, her inner strength that radiated from her and her will power, so inspiring. She lives in my heart and always will. 

For all those who comforted me with kind words/ comments, during this rather difficult time, Thank You, with all my heart.

When I finally got back to my routine, I realized I had  precious little in the fridge and a yearning to eat simple and comforting food. 
To make this simple yet tasty curry, you need:

1 medium sized Cauliflower
1 medium Potato
2 medium Tomatoes ( chop, remove seeds and puree) 
3 Tbs. Oil
1/2 tsp. Mustard seeds
1/2 tsp. Cumin seeds
1/2 tsp. Asafetida
2 tsp. Dhana-Jira powder ( ground Cumin- Coriander)
1/2 tsp. Turmeric pwd.
3 large or 4 medium cloves Garlic , crushed or finely chopped
Salt to taste
Cilantro to Garnish

Heat oil on a wide kadhai / wok
Add mustard and cumin seeds. After the mustard seeds pop, add asafetida 
Add the chopped Garlic and sauté until it turns golden brown
Add the Cauliflower and Potatoes and mix well so that the vegetables are coated with the tempering.
Reduce the heat and add the dhana-jira powder,  turmeric, chili powder
Stir well to combine and coat the vegetables
Add about 5-6 Tbs. of water to the kadhai/ wok ,cover and cook for about 17-20 mins. until the potatoes are almost cooked ( they should retain some crunch)
Add the tomato puree ( I use a sieve for the puree so as to remove any tomato seeds left behind), add salt, stir gently and cook for another 4-5 mins until vegetables are tender.
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

*Notes: To make this vegetable even better:
- Add 1/2 Cup of peas 
- Add 1/2 tsp.  Kasuri Methi to enhance the flavor ( after adding tomato puree)
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18 comments:

Finla said...

I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother. Atleast you wer elucky that you could spend some time with her recently.
Hugs and indee dyour son needs you.

Nupur said...

Manasi- I am so sorry for your loss. And all of these crazy pack-up-and-moves must have been so stressful. Hang in there.

Hari Chandana P said...

Woww.. looks yummy and delicious.. gr8 clicks !!

megha said...

wow nice recipes u hv specially this aloo gobhi.waisay bhi aloo gobhi is my favourite.do visit n comment on my food blog too.my blog is meghasyummyfooddelight.blogspot.com

Akila said...

Aloo gobi looks wonderful.....

aipi said...

While I was reading your heart-felt writeup, you got me all philosophical where you say that you question 'what am I doing here'. I identify with this situation completely but manage to convince myself that I have left my 'janmbhoomi' behind and this here is what they call my 'karmbhoomi'... I too miss home a lot sometimes.
Sorry to hear about your grandma... grandmas are so special aren't they... you remember them as always just being around when growing up... I miss my grandma too.
Good to hear you are getting settled in and geared for action.
You are right about aloo gobhi... it is the best comforting dish when you want to eat something homey and simple..nice picture.

ashsdelicacies.blogspot.ca said...

Mouthwatering recipe...nice clicks...

musical said...

Sorry to hear about your Aaji..hope you are coping well. Stay strong! Sending you lots of hugs and love.

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

A delicious dish! That dish is great!

Cheers,

Rosa

Jessica said...

I know that words cannot express the pain you must be feeling. Once you get settled in and feel "at home" again, it will get a bit easier. I am amazed at your resilience in posting on your blog. I know that writing can be cathartic, so if you wish, know that we are here for you.

jessyburke88@gmail.com

Vegetarian Zest said...

I landed on your blog by chance. I guess a lot is going on in your life at this moment. I admire the way you are not thinking about yourself but about your son. I hope things get better in your life. BTW, lovely comfort food.

Kavs said...

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Sharmi said...

Kids really get loney in US. That was one big reason for me to come back to India. I saw lot of change in them after coming to India.
Hope you get to a apt soon.
Subzi looks comforting.

Tanvi said...

Hi Manasi,
First time on your page!You have a nice blog!
Your post just reminded me of the fact that many a times we are running aimlessely away from our roots and in turn losing all the valuable time which could be spent with the family and loved ones!
Your gobi aaloo recipe is classic and looks homely!
Do visit me sometime.

Sowmya said...

Saw your comment in jugalbandi but I'm commenting because I can't stop wondering how you manage with a toddler in a hotel suite?!? I have a 2 yr old as well :)

Siri said...

Hi Manasi,

Its been a long time that I visited your blog. First of all, I am so sorry about your loss. May her soul rest in peace. I know how packing and moving can be distressing. Hope you would move out of the hotel into your new apartment soon. :). The aloo gobhi looks so yummy and comforting.

Best,
Siti

Archana said...

Hi, my first visit here...Sorry to hear about your aaji...you take care of yourself and your little one and things will bounce back soon...nice blog, will visit more often...

Cynthia said...

My dear friend, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your grandmother. Please accept my deepest sympathies and know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

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