Home Cooking - Aloo Gobhi matar

Dahi Bhalla @ Shahi Dahi Bhalla

Khurchan

Khurchan. It requires lot of patience and skill to make this. Milk is warmed on a slow heat so that the milk is not burned and water is evaported leaving behind mill solids and fat. In the process milk from the center is picked up using a spatula and is spilled slowly on the inner side of the vessel. Milk flows down to the center leaving traces on the inner walls and this goes on and on. In this process, after long, a thin layer of fat and milk solids is formed on the sides of the vessel, and this is birth of khurchan. Slowly all the milk is converted to this. One can imagine the time and patience. As this is scraped from the sides of vessel it gets is name from there. Then it is blended with dry fruits and other condiments and flavours as per one's choice. I personally like it raw and fresh, little warm, straight from the sides of the vessel. This one I had was garnished with almonds, pista and had kevda essence and was frozen into a mud bowl. Everything was good except, I did not like the essence. It was taking away the raw beauty of it. . . . . Follow @limitundefined for more interesting stuff . . . #limitundefined #undefinedisthelimit #khanatalks #foodlife #food #foodstory #foodporn #foodgasm #foodphotography #foodblog #snack #instagram #foodgram #instapicoftheday #foodlove #happyeating #zomatoin #mymagicpindelhi #kanhabhog #noida #sweettooth #indiandesserts #dessert #sweet #indiansweet

A post shared by Nipun Bajaj (@limitundefined) on May 28, 2018 at 11:15am PDT

South Indian Thali

Chutney

Chutneys. Integral part of any meal, in western world we call it sauces. The sauces or chutneys are not just the taste enhancers instead they also act as appetizers. Cuisine from each state in India has their own chutney USP. Dry garlic chutney served with vada pav in maharashtra, coconut chutney with dosa from South India or imly(tamarind)and pudina(mint) chutney with samosa in North and the list is endless as we delve more into the country. India is no doubt a Chatori country. Think about food and look around you will rarely found chutney missing from the meal. . . . Follow @limitundefined for more interesting stuff . . . #limitundefined #undefinedisthelimit #khanatalks #foodlife #food #foodstory #foodporn #foodgasm #foodphotography #foodblog #snack #instagram #foodgram #instapicoftheday #foodlove #happyeating #zomatoin #mymagicpindelhi #shreerathnam #southindia #india #cuisine #chutney #appetizers #sauce

A post shared by Nipun Bajaj (@limitundefined) on Apr 15, 2018 at 10:05am PDT

Wine Quotes

Three worlds in a frame

Three worlds in a frame. . . . #follow @limitundefined for more interesting stuff . .. . #limitundefined #undefinedisthelimit #_soi #travels #travel #travelgram #philosphy #instapicoftheday #instagram #instagood #candidphotography #world #mankind #india #colors #coloursofindia #streetsofdelhi #inspiroindia #natgeotravel #discoveryindia #explore

A post shared by Nipun Bajaj (@limitundefined) on Apr 3, 2018 at 8:34pm PDT

Bara Darhi - Old Delhi lives at Westin Gurgaon

Recreation is not copying and I saw the practical example of this recently at Bara Darhi, Westin Gurgaon. The chefs here are from Old Delhi, with the family legacy of serving the tastiest food from generations in by lanes of old Delhi. They have these traditional food recipes in their genes. 

The beauty of old Delhi food shops is, that they do not have the huge list of items on their menu; in fact most of them do not even have a menu. Reason is simple, they make one or two delicacies and they make it the best on this earth. It is the same case here. One chef specializes in kebabs and only makes them, another one the master of curries is doing his best.

    (Starters - Chicken tangdi, Mutton Seekh kebab with Rumali roti)

When you copy, you try to imitate the original and when you recreate, you build the original. It is not an exaggeration to say that Bara Darhi is recreation of Old Delhi @ Westin Gurgaon. It is a roof top restaurant and gives the experience of eating in open in similar way as in lanes of Delhi. Live music on one side, open kitchen on other and the round bar in the central area is what one needs for a perfect evening. This set up provides fine dine comfort of enjoying the legacy food with drink of your choice. Close eyes and enjoy the aroma, you will feel like you are in lanes of Old Delhi, open eyes and next moment you realize you are on rooftop of Westin Gurgaon.

(Mutton nihari - it was overwhelming to have it in the evening)

They have everything in the menu, nihari mutton, chicken tikka, rumali roti, sheermal, khamiri roti nand lot more. However, it is mughlai cuisine, with dominance of non-vegetarian food but the vegetarian preparations like paneer seekh kebab and paneer tikka are show stealers. Even though I love mutton seekh kebab. However, never had the paneer seekh kebab like here, anywhere before, so all my love goes to it.

    (my main course dish - Paneer Changezi, Chicken and Mutton nihari with Khamiri roti and sheermal)

Who should go?

If you are claustrophobic and prefer your meals only in the comfort of fine-dine and have appreciation of legacy food of old Delhi? You want all that under one roof and do not want to hop for every other dish to some another shop. This is the place for you.

    (with some live music in the background)

Who should not go?

If you actually want to enjoy the same food standing in open and hopping through each different shops to treat your taste buds.

    (Tangdi kebab with mint chutney)

My recommendations

• -          Paneer Seekh kebab
• -          Bara Darhi Special Chicken tikka
• -          Mutton nihari
• -          Khamiri Roti
• -          with Drink of your choice

    (kheer for desserts)

What I liked the most about this place?

One need not visit old Delhi in time slot of 7am -10am to savor Nihari, it is available here in the evening as well. Real tastes can now be enjoyed in the comfortable fine-dine set up.

    (and some pan before I leave)

  

Happy Eating... :)

Thank you Pizza Hut

My first memory of pizza is pizza hut. Now, more than a decade, our love story started in Mumbai along with my corporate career with US based IT firm. Late stays and night-outs at office to cover up for the time gap with the US, was always appreciated by Client and mostly prized by pizza lunches. However, pizza was just a consolation for the night’s peaceful sleep, but it was a date with my upcoming love. On this International thanks day, I want to thank pizza hut for everything. From timely delivers to make me free of any fear of missing meals, as like a savior it was always there. Consistent service, new tastes and crusts and upcoming FCD stores can’t be summed up in one word THANKS… J 

Pizza hut has been consistent with its new creations, be it a crust or a topping, has always attached me to the menu. The menu till the date has never seemed monotonous. I always don’t like what they create but I always like that I have something new to try. This time as well, this choco volcano cake is my first time. I wish them all the luck for the prosperous years ahead and many thanks for always being on my side… J

Parle-G is my biscuit

Parle-G is my favourite biscuit. I am not sharing it with anybody, I will have it all at one go. Now stop staring and clicking me. . . . . #limitundefined #undefinedisthelimit #travel #natgeoindia #natgeotravel #lonelyplanet #lonelyplanetindia #whateverittakes #wanderlust #wander #wanderer #discovery #discoveryindia #wildlife #monkey #animallove #wildlifephotography #_soi #delhi_igers #wildlife #wildlifephoto #candidphotography #delhinaturesociety #travel #travelgram #biscuits

A post shared by Nipun Bajaj (@limitundefined) on Nov 21, 2017 at 7:37pm PST

India: God's own country

India is actually God's own country. You may just meet god, walking down a street. Can haggle with him, get some change or exchange currency. This is the beauty of the country. The streets of India are a new chapter in itself, which you explore everyday when you travel through it. Travel through India, explore life, learn about life. This man or Hanuman is actually doing business, he roams around the streets dressed as God, showering blessings who so ever crosses him and in return expect some money. Good barter isn't it? Non materialistic stuff for materialistic one. . . . . #limitundefined #undefinedisthelimit #travels #travelblogger #travel #tripadvisor #natgeoindia #natgeotravel #_soi #discoveryindia #lonelyplanetindia #lonelyplanet #god #hanuman #business #streetsofindia #rishikesh #uttrakhand #uttrakhandtourism #life #travelindia #india #culture #inspiroindia #travelgram #wanderlust #wanderer #wander

A post shared by Nipun Bajaj (@limitundefined) on Nov 21, 2017 at 4:51am PST

La piazza, Hyatt Regency Delhi | Restaurant Review

Italian cuisine is simple, usually not more than 4 to 5 ingredients. The focus is not on complexity of preparation, but the quality of ingredients. How do I know? Recently, got a chance to experience it at La Piazza, Hyatt Regency Delhi. The pasta I ate here, I felt was uncooked, but it was only by Indian standards and it is not how the authentic italian pasta is. Chef Luca, hosting the dinner, explained that it should have a bite, and that is how it is in Italian. 

La Piazza hosts an exquisite wine collection, so not pairing it with wine is a disrespect. 
I won't say I understood, all that the chef explained, the names were difficult to say for a punjabi tongue. However, I would say, I loved all that was served. I cannot make you taste through the review, but will take you for a food photo tour. 

In total, the experience was awesome and won't mind recommending it to anyone
Happy eating...☺️ 

Cheers to Hard day @Work @CyberHub

We all work hard for do waqt ki roti, and if with that roti we also get some daru and boti nothing like that. Cyber hub says #cheerstoharddayatwork, and it is not just a saying they mean it. We usually complete are work by 5 in office and head towards a meal at home. 

If there is some unwinding between these two struggles, it is a blessing. Ten outlets have tried to bring on this blessing, by offering corporate happy hours from 5-7pm until 30 November. So make most of it. Grab a chair after a hard day, and relax over a cool ethyl alcohol drink, as the methyl alcohol perfume power is over by now to keep you fresh. 

Participating outlets are:

-          Olive Bistro

-          Indigo Delicatessen

-          SodabottleOpenerwala

-          Raasta

-          Circus

-          Twist

-          Delifrance

-          Nooba

-          Canvas

-          SOI 7

      

    Happy and responsible drinking… J

Curious

Curious . . . #limitundefined #undefinedlimit #potrait #wildlife #wildlifephotography #cat #cats #billy #expressions #feline #delhi_igers #naturephotography #Instagram #instapicoftheday #animallovers #animallove #animal #natgeotravel #natgeo #discoveryindia #lonelyplanetindia #lonelyplanet #discovery

A post shared by Nipun Bajaj (@limitundefined) on Oct 10, 2017 at 12:41am PDT

Pizza Hut opens Open Kitchen in Delhi

A good seating is an essential ingredient for any food to taste great. Pizza hut puts this into practice with launch of multi-storey conceptualized FCD store in Delhi. FCD stands for Fast Casual Delco. Popular stand-up comedian, Sumit Anand gave a laughter dose to the guests at the launch. The store is located at Shop No.29, Community Centre, PVR Anupam, Saket, New Delhi.

The pizza from pizza hut needs no introduction and neither would this store, a testimonial to "for the love of pizza" mantra. Open kitchen is exciting for any food lover. Chic design, casual ambiance, good seating capacity, innovative offerings, faster service makes it a must.

The place has a contemporary layout and has a distinct freshness with vibrant interiors. The place takes you to a complete comfort tour by offering charging points, free Wi-Fi and some energy music. These offerings though seem minuscule but are great when you just want to be relaxed and enjoy your pizza without thinking about anything else.

I love pizza and enjoying it in such wonderful place makes it my second place after home.

Happy Eating... J

Cook with, and for a Smile

Cook with a Smile and cook for a smile, was the agenda of the Day. Top Notch corporate came under one roof and tried their hands on cooking tables at Crowne Plaza, Gurugram. Michelin Star Chef Vikas Khanna hosted the event. It was a fun to watch executives who have been managing companies to manage kitchen tables. They shared the tables with Kids from Smile Foundation. 

   (These newbie chefs even had Chef Vikas scratch is head... :))

Smile foundation does not need an introduction. They are contributing with the society for the betterment since 2002. Smile foundation work with grassroots initiatives to bring positive changes in the lives of underprivileged children, their families and communities.

The 7^th edition of Cook for Smile event happened in Delhi on 3rd September. The participating leaders were from corporates Mahou India, Dr. Oetkar, KFC, Crowne Plaza, Kohinoor Specialty Foods, Pad Up ventures, Avery Dennison and Sonalika Tractors. Each one of them cooked to create awareness about the goal to make India healthy.

It was overwhelming to interact with Executives and Chef, when they were away from all the corporate formality and were joyous like kids for kids. Interaction with Mr. Fernando revealed that out of his busy schedule he gets a chance to cook only once a month. He was very enthusiastic to do this cooking for a social cause and was encouraged by his family throughout the cooking session. He was not just participating for the sake of doing so instead was very experimental to create something unique. He cooked the food using beer instead of water, and was a winner by every beer loving heart… J Dish he cooked was just a formality then. There were many such funny moments to cherish.

The coming together of all corporates as one to support the national and social cause was overwhelming. Wish them all the support and, pledge to be part of the initiative.

The China kitchen turns 10

Food knows no boundaries, and no matter how much tension exists at the Indo China Border, chowmein will continue to be part of order at every outlet, which serves it. The love for Chinese food among the Indians needs no introduction and neither do The China Kitchen at Hyatt Regency, Delhi. The Place recently completed 10 years and extends to give 50 percent discount on the bill on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday until 30 September.

   (Steamed green vegetable dumplings)

   (Steamed Broccoli crystal dumpling)

   (Pan fried Glutinous lamb dumpling)

It needs no preface, but still I felt like sharing my experience. As it was my first visit to the place, so very excited to share my experience. I almost liked everything at the place, right from the entrance to the place we dined. The place has a dim lighting, and it does not give a feeling that I am strolling in dark. Instead, it is a very soothing. The dining hall is well lit, and yet lighting is not loud. I am so much focused about light is, because it helped my camera to focus and capture good images. If you do not like the snaps is purely my lack of skill and everything else was perfect.

   (Sichuan chicken salad)

 Chinese food is far from masalas, or spices and condiments as compared to Indian. So, expecting that will be foolishness. However, they are not bland. The food is authentic or not, is difficult to say as I have never been to china and tasted it there.  However, I liked it and that is more important than anything is.  One interesting thing about the place is that it has five master chefs and each one has his own expertise. Like, one chef is a duck chef and does only duck. He slices duck with so much perfection and style that it is a pleasure to watch him doing so.

   (Wok fried spicy pork belly celery chili, soy)

I liked everything at the place, and what I loved is Lamb dumplings and Prawn tail dumplings. Woks toss eggplant changed my view towards baingan. The first thing that came to my mind after having a bite is “Kya baigan bhi itna tasty ban sakta hai?”.  Another wonderful creation was Pork belly. China Kitchen dessert tray is awesome and the Cigar is better than the actual one.

Happy Eating... :)

Super Safe Spices from ITC Master Chef

With so much pesticide integrated in our lifestyle, that a pinch of turmeric or chilli actually pinches the health. Spices are an integral part of the Indian society and any adulteration puts us at high risk. ITC steps up socially and brings in a new range of spices which undergo 473+ tests before being delivered to end customer for consumption.

The range includes coriander, turmeric, and red chilli in the basic spices which are common victim of adulteration. Others are blends for Chicken, Mutton, Choley, chicken and not to forget the most popular blend of Garam Masala.

Though spices are used just in small amount, but Indian cooking without a spice is not possible. The Indian household does not limit the use of spice just to kitchen and the usage is widespread across rituals, celebrations and medicinal uses. So we are exposed to a much higher risk than any other community on this planet.

I must say the range is a blessing for the Indian consumer and a step towards the healthy lifestyle.

Quick Review | Jom Jom Malay

Variety: Good variety of Food, you will be struggling with “yeh” yaan “woh”

Taste: Good, obviously not typical Indian. One must be experimental and open to new blend of flavours will enjoy

Serving Size: Good, each serving except the dessert is good for two.

Ambiance: Well lit, ventilated and soothing

Hygiene: Good, couldn’t find any strands of hair… J

Staff: Courteous and sweet.

Service: A bit slow, but acceptable,as this may vary day to day. So don’t believe me 100 percent on this.

Price: Moderate to high side.

What I ordered: Bao, Satay, Roti Jala, Tea

Recommendations: I loved the Tea like anything, however you will not go drink tea only…J…Satay and Bao is all the worth… J

USP: Malaysian Cuisine, its different

Location: Ansal Plaza

For detailed review done by me go through the below link

https://indiafoodclub.wordpress.com/2017/02/25/jom-jom-malay-aao-chalein/

Here are the pics for your eye tasting.. :) Enjoy and Happy eating... :)

Chand Baori | Abhaneri, Rajasthan

Bawri or Baori were constructed in olden times to ensure availability of water round the year. A utility as well as an architectural marvel. These stepwells were not just a utility but had social, cultural and religious importance. Social and religious gatherings used to happen. This infinite mesh of stairs leads to a pond of water, which also served a home to leisure activities. There is lot more about this which can be searched on internet, explore the interesting facts.

Happy travelling☺