Recipe: Munching Matar Paneer (Peas and Cottage Cheese)

As my quest to cook continues, I continue presenting some Recipes for Dummies in hope that they might help your low cooking esteem like they do for mine from time to time.

The delightful recipe being shared today is Matar Paneer. As always: Simple, Quick and Easy!

Ingredients:
2 cups fresh Green Peas(matar)
1 cup Paneer (cottage cheese) cubes
1 Large Onion (grated)
1 tbsp. Ginger garlic paste
2 tbsp tomato puree/tomato sauce.
2 Bay leaves
2 tsp. Cumin seeds
1 tsp.turmeric power
1 tsp Red chili powder
1 tsp. Coriander powder
1 tsp. Garam masala powder
Salt (as per taste)

Method:
1. Cut the Cottage Cheese into small cubes and lightly fry in a non stick pan with some Cumin Seeds till it turns golden brown.
2. Boil the peas in water and a pinch of Salt till they're a blink away from being fully edible
3. Take a teaspoon of Oil in the non stick pan and add Cumin Seeds and Bay leaves and fry for a few minutes following which add the Chopped Onion and fry till golden brown.
4. Now add Powdered Red Chillies, Garlic Ginger Paste, Corriander Powder and fry for a bit before adding the Tomato Paste, a little bit of Water and Salt to taste.
5. When the oil separates from Water, add the peas and let the dish Simmer for 6 odd minutes...
6. Finally Add the mildly fried cottage Cheese and another little bit of water and cook for 5 more minutes while stirring the newly added ingredients in the mix.

Viola! Matar Paneer tayaar!

    

Feeling Blue - The Kashi Pottery of Multan

My trip to Multan last year yielded extremely disappointing results as Ali and I searched for sources for Kashi or Blue Pottery. While every Pakistani has heard or seen of this art form, I true to my nature had decided to make my life a little difficult and order 'customized' designs for my dining table. While I got busy with some work I had actually gone to Multan for, Ali decided to take the responsibility of trying to locate an Authentic Kashi Artisan who would be able to deliver the designs and shapes we were interested in.

The origin of this art form dates back centuries all the way to the medieval period, however, anyone looking at a Kashi piece can clearly see the strong influence it takes from Persian and Turkish pottery forms. Some people also credit the Chinese for influencing this art form indirectly and trace the influence back to Kashgher, China. Over the years, Kashi has truly adopted a local identity and is an identity for Multan the world over. 

While local and international agencies have shown interest in the preservation of this art form, our hunt remained futile primarily owing to the fact that the master artisans in this field continue to diminish given the lack of a infrastructure and therefore lack of opportunity to make a stable livelihood. Some of the older artisans who we came in contact told us how the younger generation was opting to go into other fields for this very reason and while they themselves continued on, the once meticulous art form was slowly giving way to more commercial 'quick and dirty' touristy version.

On the flip side, owing to this limited patronizing by the agencies as well as of the artists own initiatives, newer methods of pottery making have been introduced to Kashi and Gas Furnaces and better glazing techniques have been employed to create a sturdier, longer lasting pottery piece.

If you're interested in actually looking at the production of Blue Pottery first hand, you have to do what Ali did... Visit the 'Institute of Blue Pottery Development' on Mumtazabad Road in Multan where you can the step by step production of these beautiful art pieces as they are passed on from the hands of one Master Artisan to another.

Another great initiative which I experienced first hand recently was Ahan a government organization aimed at promoting local artists which happens to have Kashi Artists on its panel and takes orders on their behalf while assuring a quality output.

When my customized Kashi Dinner Set actually becomes a reality, I would love to share pictures... In the meantime, here is a blue pottery collage (of the dishes I actually have managed to acquire) to keep you busy!

Some Mine, Some Mine to be!

Blog Tips: Creating your own Blog Buttons.

So Ladies and Gentlemen,

As I take baby steps into savvier blogging, I'd like to flaunt/ share my new found knowledge on creating your very own blog buttons!! Blog Buttons?!? You know those cute little stamps that bloggers create as a badge or ID for their blogs/ websites... which you can add onto yours and well help them 'spread the love'. Well, following is what I created for this little blog and trust me if I can do it... so can you!!

SIMPLY COPY PASTE THIS CODE TO ADD THIS BUTTON TO YOUR SITE:

<a href="http://www.siddysays.com"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HTMy1FWm9iM/ThokE7I3J_I/AAAAAAAAHXM/quq_MC0kyik/s1600/Siddy+Says.jpg" /></a>

SIMPLY COPY PASTE THIS CODE TO ADD THIS BUTTON TO YOUR SITE:
<a href="http://alifelesssiddy.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MRtRkBVu90/Tgxbe9CDcrI/AAAAAAAAHS0/roI-xnbkWCQ/s1600/small+button.jpg" /></a>

I used Adobe Photoshop to create this very basic 120 pixels x 120 pixels design and then searched far and wide for this code here:

<a href="Web Page URL"><img src="Image URL"></a> 

Replace web page URL to the eventual landing site, in my case http://www.siddysays.com and replace image URL with where ever you've uploaded the image (photobucket, picassa whereever) in my case, it would be this very post. The result is what you will hopefully see functioning in my side bar :))

Sadaf Z's POSTCARD: Magical Cairo

I may not be able to give the most touristy account of my experience at Cairo as it was anything but touristy. But the magical days that I spent in Cairo promoting Shoaib Mansoor's Khuda key Liye at the Cairo Film Festival deserve a postcard for the world to read.


Back in the day while I was at Mobilink, Orascom and Naguib Sawairis generously decided to sponsor a presentation by Pakistan at the CFF which included a Pakistan themed evening featuring some of the top designers and musicians from Pakistan in addition to the movie premier.

While I am no authority on Cairo, its pointless to go there if you don't do the following two.


- A Visit to the Pyramids:
This is one of the most extensive archaeological sites comprising many important monuments such as the Step Pyramid of Djoser, Pyramid of Unas, Pyramid of Sekhemket, Mastaba of Ti and the deep underground Persian Tombs. Once you've seen the Pyramids in daylight, If you want a different perspective, the Sound and Light Show gives you a chance to see them illuminated in the darkness of evening.


- Khan el Khalili Market:
The souk dates back to 1382, when Djaharks el-Khalili built a large Caravan Serai in Cairo. In addition to shops, there are several coffee houses, restaurants, and street food vendors distributed throughout the market. The Al Hussain Mosque is also in Khan el-Khalili; Al Azhar University and its mosque are not far away.


Needless to say there are a gzbillion other things on can do in Cairo, but if you have only a day to spare like I did, these should suffice :))


     

Note to Self - Drop of Wisdom: Episode 2

Recipe: Khatte Baingan Cooked in Dahi - Looking Good, Tasting Even Better

I was JUST NOT born with the knack to cook. I doubt I will ever develop it... However, I do keep trying. The food is sometimes ugly looking but delicious and sometimes gorgeous but well... worth a photograph only. Being fully aware of this lack of skill, I am often on the look out for the most basic recipes known to mankind. I found one today and couldn't believe my darned luck.

Here goes nothing....

In my excitement to eat, I forgot to picture the final output :(( I will replace this image with an actual one the next time I cook, PROMISE!!

Ingredients:
1/2 Kg Baingan (Brinjal)                         
1 Cup Dahi (Youghurt)                         
1/2 Cup Soaked Imli (Tamarind)                          
1/2 Tsp Dhania Powder (Corriander)      
1/2 Tsp Lal Mirch Powder (Red Chillies) 
Namak (Salt) to Taste


Method:
1. Slice the Baingans vertically and lightly fry till they turn golden brown.
2. Heat oil in a pan and add the Masalas (Dhaniya, Lal Mirch and Namak)
3. While I was supposed to add Imli Water here, I improvised last minute and added some Achar (pickle) instead.
4. Add Dahi to the mix and stir into a smooth pasty liquid.
5. Add the previously mildly fried Baingan and let them simmer in the mix for 5 odd minutes.

Serve with steamed rice :))
It doesn't get simpler!

      

Chitral Diaries: The Itinerary

Our 6 days in Chitral were jam packed planned courtesy the Hindukush Heights team ensuring we saw the best of Chitral and the surrounding valleys. Following is a run through of all we did and a personal take on each day.

Day-1

Arrival by PK660 at 8am. You will be picked up at the airport by the Hotel Car.

Familiarization tour of Chitral town in the afternoon.

Experience: While one reaches Chitral with great enthusiasm and a 'Familiarization Tour of the Chitral Town' should not be missed, it is not necessarily the ground breaking awe inspiring way to start your trip. Personally, I'd recommend just unpacking, taking it easy enjoying the hotel, catching up on some reading and going for a long trek around the hotel in the evening. 

Day-2

A trip to the Kalash valley of Bomboret. This is a two and a half hrs drive in a picturesque valley.

You will:

   - Meet with Kalash families informally in their homes.

   - Have hot lunch in the PTDC motel in the Kalash valley.

If you feel upto it you should consider a mountain walk for 4 hrs to village Ayun where your jeep can meet you. Otherwise just spend the day looking at the Museum that Greek volunteers  have set up for the Kalash and visit their unique burial ground.

Experience: The Kalash Valley Trip would perhaps be the highlight of your trip so cherish this and enjoy and do spend as much time with the Kalash Families as possible, learning about their culture, lifestyle and how they are slowly transitioning to the modern world. I personally didn't go for the walk because 1. it was a hell hot day and 2. my health didn't allow me to get so adventurous. So I can't recommend this but for those not particularly looking for a trek, there is ample walk during this day anyway. Enjoy the great weather, the apple and peach blossoms (if you're there in May that is) and the glistening cold water of the river that flows through the valley. 

Day-3

A trip into the Garam Chashma valley. This valley is quite different to the Kalash valley. It is a valley surrounded by cliffs of marble and granite. Suggest you visit a village in the valley called Mogh where you will see men and women weaving the famous Chitrali woolen cloth on ancient hand looms. We will arrange for you to have lunch at the old fort at Shoghore with Waqar and Naseema who own the fort.

On the return drive to Chitral you should stop at Tushi to see the famous Markhor deers ( markhor has been declared the National Animal of Pakistan) come down the mountain slopes to drink from the river.

Experience: The Garam Chashma was perhaps the most disappointing of all our excursions and it was a pity that the valley was so badly maintained. Personally, had I known, I would have skipped this leg altogether so that's what I recommend you do. Our streak of 'unlucky' didn't quite end at Garam Chashma, after sitting for two hours at the spot where a 100 Markhors had descended just yesterday we spotted only two faaaaar up on the hill. Right at the end of a highly disappointing day, a Grand Old Markhor with beautiful curving horns made our day by granting us a generous sight of its magnificent self. The guard told us that game hunters paid as much as $100,000 to acquire a license to hunt this beauty in the season and often returned disappointed. 

Day-4

Drive to Mastuj along the Mastuj river (4 hr drive in awesome scenery).

Evening walk in Mastuj village

Stay in the wooden chalets of Hindukush Heights in the Apricot and Apple orchard of Mastuj Fort. 

Experience: The drive no doubt was beautiful as one mountain unfolded after another... Red, Black, Green... each mountain had its distinct colour, quality and features... we were in awe for most of the drive and peeped out of the windows with our eyes WIDE open!! The Mastuj Chalets were comfortable and relaxing, the electricity voltage barely allowed for one to read even so we relied entirely on tiring ourselves dead walking around the orchids till we practically fell asleep. There isn't much to do around Mastuj town, so after a nice, long and beautiful walk, we packed in the jeep headed back to the Chitral.

Day-5

Witness the unique annual festival of traditional sports taking place at Qaqlasht.

Drive to Chitral

Shopping in Chitral bazaar

Experience: Qaqlasht festival was truly an experience and while most people might not be lucky enough to have their trips tied in with similar activities we spent a good half a day roaming about the plains enjoying the mountains sports, food, warm chai and breath taking sights. Nearing out hotel, we popped in the Chitral Bazaar to buy gifts for folks back home... (Chitral Patti Fabric Waist Coats and Hats being the most popular) and got back to the hotel for a relaxing night at the hotel. 

Day-6

Return flight to Islamabad at 1035 hrs.

Experience: With the forecast of a 3 day cloud cover on the weather forecast, we made arrangements for a 12 hours road trip back to Islamabad. 

Design Sensibility - Modern vs. Boheme

The one great (or for some people not so great) thing about having time is introspection and self discovery. Having been on the Corporate Roller-coaster for the last ten years, I made many a hasty design choices in my life. Some that make sense, and some which make me think 'what the hell was I thinking'. For example, when Ali and I were getting married, and I had the absolute freedom to design two rooms absolutely to my desire I ended up ordering the most boring beige straight lined sofas and equally boring straight lined side boards, bed and the works. What the hell was I thinking??, Right? Honestly, in my defense it doesn't look all that bad... but personally, it says nothing about me. RESULT: I'm Sick and Tired of it in less than 2 years and as we know furniture isn't easy to just replace... especially when you don't have a job :)

My Inspiration - BEFORE.

So now, here is that turning point in my life, where I have the luxury of setting up another big huge living room in our house and converting the old tiny living room into a smaller bedroom. With time on my side, I have decided that this one will NOT be another exercise in futility. Might I add, I almost did go down that road... roaming about at various sofa upholstering stores and the works... not being satisfied with anything and ALMOST giving in to beige AGAIN!

For the last two days I have been thinking about some of the very few purchases I had made for the house in the last two years that have truly made me happy!! (the following pictures are actually not of the items that I bought but of 'something like them' I am currently in Islamabad and unfortunately not at the liberty to take actual pictures of the stuff back home)

Multan Blue Pottery for our Dining Table

Turkish Lights to light our Hallway and Entrance

Some very basic Drinking Glasses

3 Miniature Mughal Paintings

Turkish Pottery for the walls from my numerous Istanbul visits

My Magic Garden

I was amazed at the contrast between what I thought I was ok with before (straight lines, modern and ready made) vs what I was aching for now (earthy, organic and real) This has recently set me off on a frenzy of internet and in market search. 

The one great thing about Islamabad is, it provides ample inspiration if you want to go traditional. While I will write about the small markets I am visiting in blogs to follow, I have compiled a mood board of sorts of what exactly is it that I want to do. Suggestions as always are most welcome.

My Inspiration - NOW.

Note to Self - Drop of Wisdom: Episode 1