Masala Rice

Entering the kitchen in the summer, or worse, humid monsoons is not something I look forward to. I keep looking for one-dish meals that are quick and easy to make. This rice was a desperate effort to finish with my cooking in 10 minutes...and it worked.

I already had some cooked rice...but it takes just 10 minutes to make it in the microwave if it's not ready.

In a hot saucepan:
4 tbsp oil
1 tsp cumin
2-3 crushed garlic
1 large onion

Once the onion starts to brown slightly, add

1 large chopped tomato and let it cook.

Once the liquid from the tomato had been absorbed, add
1tbsp coriander powder
1 tbsp cumin powder
1 tbsp chilli powder

Cook this for 2 minutes, then add
1 cup of chopped mix vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, cauliflower)

Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes then add 2 cups of cooked rice and seasoning.
Cover and leave for 5 minutes.

Top with some chopped fresh coriander.

Crispy Skin Fish with Veggies & Garlic Rice

I usually don't like the skin on fish (or chicken). But grilled fish with a crispy skin looked very appetizing on TV. For a first try, I decided to keep it simple. This came out well.

For the fish:
2 halves of a filleted fish (with skin) - I used Rawas or Indian Salmon
Seasoning (salt/pepper)
Oil for grilling

Take some kitchen towels and dry out the fish - it might take 2 to 3 tries to get it completely dry. Make small slits on the skin.

Heat oil in a grilling pan. Add the seasoning to it. Wait till the oil is sizzling hot, then lay the fish skin-side down. Don't prod or turn it for 3 to 4 minutes. Cook for another 2 minutes on the other side and it is done!

Steamed Vegetables:
Broccoli
Snow peas
Baby corn
2 tbsp Light soy sauce

Steam the vegetables, top it up with the soy sauce.

Baked Potatoes:
Potatoes
Salt/pepper
Chilli flakes
1 tbsp Olive oil

Cut potatoes in wedges. In a bowl, toss it with the seasoning and bake it in an oven at 180 deg Celsius for about 40 minutes.

Garlic Rice:
2 cups cooked rice
2-3 cloves of garlic finely chopped
2 tbsp butter
Salt to taste

Add butter to a hot pan, put in the garlic. Just when it starts to brown, add the rice and salt.