Badam Ragi Malt(almond-fingermillet porridge)

Ragi malt makes a perfect breakfast item. It can keep you full until lunch time. I added some MTR's badam mix to give a twist to this drink.

Serves 1

Ingredients:
Ragi flour(fingermillet flour)-3-4 tsp
MTR's badam mix(or powdered almond)-1 tsp
Sugar-2 tsp
Milk- 1 glass
Cardamom-1/4 tsp

Method:
Heat milk in a pan.
Mix ragi with 1/2 cup of water and whisk well with a fork so that there are no lumps.
When milk starts to boil, add the ragi paste, badam mix, sugar and cardamom. Simmer for 2 minutes and serve hot.

And this goes to my event: 15minute Cooking - May 20th

Spinach Thoran

I hosted some friends for lunch on Easter. Being a dessert lover, I prepared the menu in reverse order, beginning with egg-shaped mini chocolate cakes soaked with framboise eau-de-vie and drizzled with ganache.



For the main course, I made basmathi rice, spinach thoran (sauted spinach), and fish mappas (mild fish curry). I was a little worried about serving the thoran after one of my guests said that she tries to avoid spicy food! Turns out, I had no reason to fret. It was the star of the meal.

If you're looking for a flavorful way to make spinach (a superfood with lots of potassim), try my mom's recipe included below. A few tips:

• Twelve cups of spinach may sound like a lot, but it shrinks considerably when cooked.
• Dry out the spinach leaves before cooking them or you'll end up with a soggy dish.
• Increase the heat to medium high when you add the spinach or, again, you'll end up with soggy spinach.
  
• You'll develop the best flavor profile using fresh spinach. However, to save time, you can substitute the fresh spinach with three cups of frozen spinach (that has been thawed). Start with step 2 if you use frozen spinach. Substitute step 5 with: "Add the thawed spinach and cook until it begins to loosen. Stir to blend the spinach and onion mixture."

SPINACH THORAN

2009 Cardamom Kitchen LLC All Rights Reserved

Serves 5 t0 6

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons canola oil

1/4 teaspoon black mustard seeds

1 tablespoon urad dhal

1 cup finely sliced onion

2 dried red chilies

12 packed cups fresh spinach

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground cumin seeds

Dash of turmeric powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Wash and drain the spinach. Set it aside to dry or pat the leaves with a paper towel to absorb excess water. Chop.

2) Heat the oil in a large saute pan on low heat. Add the mustard seeds and cover.

3) When the mustard seeds begin to pop, add the urad dhal. Cook until the dhal turns light brown.

4) Add the onion and red peppers. Increase heat to medium and cook until the onions are translucent.

5) Add the spinach. Increase the heat to medium high. Cover and cook until the leaves begin to wilt. Stir to blend the spinach and onion mixture.

6) Add the garlic powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, salt, and stir. Continue to cook until the spinach is completely wilted.

Free Hot Water Anyone?

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Why Solar? Is It Right For Me?
The cost of living is constantly on the rise. We have very little control over the cost of our utilities (gas, electric), however, with solar thermal systems You Own Your Own Utility Company! You don't have to worry about the rising cost of gas or electric simply because you are getting your energy from the Sun for Free! Can you answer yes to any of these questions?

• Do you want to eliminate 60-80% of your water heating bills?
• Would you like to utilize an unlimited supply of usable energy?
• Are you looking to increase equity in your home?
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If you said yes to the above questions then Solar Is Right For You.

Can You Afford It?
Yes! You have probably already paid for it and didn't even realize it. It never fails, every month the utility company sends out a bill and every month you pay it (reluctantly no doubt). So, over time, you've most likely bought at least one or more solar system and have nothing to show for it. The Federal Stimulus Package is offering a Tax Credit of 30% total costs, now is the time!

Check out this article for more information on this topic:

http://Renewable-Energy/2007-02-01/Go-Solar-for-Free-Hot-Water.aspx