Monica Bhide

Its an online cooking class with pictures and QA -- what is there not to understand?

I wish I had an unlimited expense account.. these places sound so wonderful.

Warm bread salad 2 slices white bread 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon black mustard seeds 1 teaspoon chopped ginger root 1 small red onion, peeled and minced Table salt to taste 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 dried red chili, roughly pounded 1 cup corn kernels, cooked 1 cup diced peppers, cooked Few tablespoons desicated coconut 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons cilantro, minced 1. Cut the bread into small equal size pieces. Set aside. 2. In a medium skillet, heat the oil. Add the mustard seeds and ginger. When the mustard seeds crackle, add the onions, salt, turmeric powder and red chili. Sauté until the onions are transparent 3. Add the bread, peppers and the corn kernels to the skillet. Mix well and cook for 2 –3 minutes. 4. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with the coconut and cilantro. Sprinkle the lemon juice 5. Serve warm

Would you be interested in an Indian inspired bread salad?

Thanks for the tips and recipes. I finally did make it and it was pretty good.. look for the details in an upcoming TDG article!! Thanks alll

I have 4 beautiful fresh perfect pomfrets... would love your suggestion on recipes

They make this amazing lamb shank with eggplant puree.. can anyway hazard a guess at the recipe?

Yes, I know -- that was my point!

Okay here is my quarters worth of an opinion. In addition to all the stuff that Suvir has indicated.. here are my thoughts. It has as much to do with colors and presentation and the sounds of the dishes as much as it does with the dishes themselves... For example: A basmati rice that is yellow in color and has "warm spices" added to it like cinnamon or bay leaves or cloves and lots of vegetables looks like it would be too "hot" for a summer day. Its not -- it just LOOKS like it... the alternate would be to serve basmati rice _white -- no haldi and add cumin and some "cool" vegetables -- carrots and peas. Better yet, serve the rice, again white, with a tadka of mustard seeds and red chilies For drinks, in addition to the lassi, I would do a lighter buttermilk and LOTS of fruit juices like watermelon juice I think what we are trying to address is the impression that the food is hot for hot weather For the kadhi type dishes, I would focus on a south Indian dahi ki kadi, which is a lot thinner in consistency than the "heavier" ounjabi kadhi I would add LOTS of kebabs and breads I would add LOTs of chaats and light appetizers... staying away from a lot of deep friend stuff Lots of flavored ice teas to serve in pitchers with tons of ice --- again its about the visuals -- Of course, the science of Ayurveda, is about the effects of the food -- heating and cooling -- and should be considered.. but it does not focus on the visual appeal of food That sir, is my opinion

Okay, so far I have 6 people. i would like to go upto 15 or 16.. so come on folks!!

I have 2 people who want to go.. lets get more people and then I can suggest a date. i am sure the Chef would be gracious enough to do a nice tasting menu for us so we can try many things.. let me know or post here... I am so excited -- this will be fun

We ate at Indique on Friday and it was quite an experience. I would go back there in an instant. The food was fantastic. Even better than our first visit. Trust me I have eaten at a lot of Indian restaurants in the US and in India, and this place is a unique combination of the best -- best dishes from South India combined with the beautiful presentation and plating techniques of the west. The talented Executive Chef was there, Vinod, and I gently persuaded him to teach a short course on eGCI. I am just so delighted BTW -- if you want the best kulfi in town or anywhere -- this is the place to go Incidentally, I meant to say this before Bill -- Heritage (where the food is equally superb -- Bethesda location ) offers food from the Northern parts of India and Indique focuses on the southern parts If folks are interested in an eGullet dinner at either or both places... PM me and lets get something organized

Looks very interesting. I would like to try this... i will show my ignorance.. what is Matzo meal.. sounds familiar

Well..... --- Right now there are a few people I want to throw them at -- so maybe target practice -- or doing a simple panch phoran based dish.. maybe stuffed breads... hmmmmmmmmmmmmm..... I was looking for something unique really

I have a very soft spot for him too. He was the first "celebrity" to review my book and gave it rave reviews.

I love the stuff. I guess they tell you not to eat certain brands of Paan Masala (different from Paan -which is what you described) -- since it uses some sort of lime that is not good for you. There are lime free versions that I love -- It really tastes awesome Paan or betel leaf chewing is another favorite thing of mine (minus the tobacco) yummy! It is all an acquired taste though!

All the recipes in the book have been tested and are now in the process of being copy edited! I was just wondering what other folks would do with potatoes..

What would you do with 5 pounds of potatoes Any innovative potato recipes out there? I posted this in the Indian forum because I would like to hear of innovative regional Indian recipes with potatoes.... Of course if you cannot resist a non Indian one.. do post!

Ate there this weekend again -- my new line is "My paycheck and I go to Zaytinya" Food and service were both superb as usual!!! Someday I hope to run into Steve Klc there.. someday

I will comment on consistency next week -- we are headed there again this week with a group of foodies.. so I will let you all know how it turns out! Nice post Bill! Did you try any of the drinks? I love the way they plate their food... appetizing and spetacular to look at!

Please dont take anything here personally - online boards tend to be a hard medium sometimes because they do not accurately reflect emotions. Do stay and more importantly do post. It is because of folks like you that this forum is successful. So when is that dinner rescheduled for? Perhpas you would like to try out some new recipes I am working on?

Granola bars and instant Indian Chai --- quite good actually

I am a meat eater thru and thru... but I do enjoy some vegetables! Rick -- I know you did not want any North Indian dishes -- but try some of the paneer dishes.. they are wonderful

Kormas do use a nut base..do a search on this forum.. I believe we have had multiple discussions on kormas

For cookbooks, try Julie Sahni's Vegetable and Grains book.. not sure of the exact name .. but you will learn the art of cooking some pretty exotic vegetables. For south Indian treats try Dakshin... I love this book Good luck!