The Tale of Curdled Milk and a Magic Wand; 6 Ingredient Curry

Don’t you hate it when the milk curdles when you’re boiling it? Personally, I love it when that happens. In fact, at times I add in a few drops of lemon juice while warming milk to make homemade paneer. I love using homemade paneer in my curry in place of regular paneer. When I was training as a chef, they would make rasgulla-like balls of homemade paneer and use that in their paneer preparations. Bind the homemade paneer together to make some delectable, melt in the mouth koftas. This is by far the simplest Curry one can make.

Tip: Be sure just to add in a few drops of lemon juice while boiling milk. Too much acid will lead to dry and rubbery homemade paneer.

Simple White Gravy with Cheese Koftas

This is a rich, creamy curry sauce with cottage cheese balls, it is by far the simplest Indian curry I know.

Serves 4

Ingredients

For the Curry:

Cashews ¼ cup

Black Peppercorns 4-5

Green Chillies 2, slit

Garlic 3-4 cloves, peeled and crushed

Cream 2 tablespoons

Vegetable Stock or Leftover Liquor from the Paneer ½ cup + 1 cup

Butter 1 tablespoon

Salt to taste

Cheese Kofta:

Homemade Paneer 1 cup

Processed Cheese, grated ½ cup

Paprika ½ teaspoon

Salt to taste

Refined Flour ½ cup

Vegetable Oil for frying

Method:

For the Curry:

Grind the cashews, peppercorn, green chillies, garlic and ½ cup stock together. In a blender add in the remaining water with the ground mixture and blend the ingredients together.

Melt butter in a pan, add in the blended mixture and allow it cook until the curry thickens. Add in more stock if necessary. Add in salt and mix. To finish, turn off the heat and then add in the cream and mix it in. Garnish the dish with Green Chillies.

For the Koftas:

Crumble paneer with the help of your fingers and add in grated cheese, salt and paprika. Mash the mixture well. Knead the mixture like dough until it is smooth and blended together.  Roll it into a cylindrical shape. Divide it into equal portions with the help of a knife.

Round them up one by one into balls. Be sure there are no cracks on the surface. Add in more cheese  to bind if required. Flatten the cheese balls between your palms.

Roll the koftas in seasoned flour and place them in a refrigerator.

Heat oil for frying in a deep pan. Once the oil is hot, pop in the koftas one by one and fry them till they are golden brown. Place them on an absorbent paper towel once they are done to absorb the excess oil.

Pop these kofats into the curry. Serve with steamed rice or  hot rotis.

PS: In place of paneer, non-vegetarians can add in boneless chunks of chicken. 

Stinky Glasses; To Eat Or Not To Eat At Theobroma Bandra

Name: Theobroma

Location: Bandra West

Date of Visit: 19^th March, 2012 (Lunch Hour)

 Do you know that disgusting smell you get when a glass has not been washed properly? That raw eggy smell? You know what I am talking about but let’s just forget about that for a minute. We Indians have a strong digestive system and honestly neither do we mind drinking cutting chai in a glass at the chaiwala that has been ‘cleaned’ by being dipped in a bucket of water nor do we mind eating a sandwich wrapped in newspaper at the Sandwichwala stand. Even so, I will complain to that chaiwala if my glass was stinking of raw egg and Theobroma is no exception to that rule.  If Theobroma is going to charge me over a hundred bucks for a beverage as on date, they cannot get away with serving anything in a glass that stinks of raw egg.

What To Eat

1)    Brownies, Macaroons and desserts at Theobroma have always been exceptional and earned them loyal foodies all around Mumbai . This time was no exception; my simple walnut brownie was moist, gooey, stick and just mmmmmmmm. I saved my brownie until after dinner, cause after a long day at work, this brownie can really make your day! The best part was that even after being in my bag for 5 hours and without being warmed up, that brownie tasted just the same, moist, gooey and amazing!

2)Smoked Chicken Sandwich, a very popular, theobroma signature sandwich that we love. Even this time around, it was just perfect. Crispy, grilled brown crust on the outside and the smoked chicken in a rich, saucy filling. The Pesto Rosso sandwich, recommended by the server, with the spinach and rocket leaves filling is a great choice for vegetarians.

3)   Value for Money in Sweets and Desserts. Brownies for less than a hundred bucks as on date and desserts in Theobroma are reasonably priced.

4)    The Quantity and Size of the sandwich along with French fries makes a satiating and filling meal during lunch and dinner hour or whenever you are hungry.

Not To Eat

1)    Dirty Stinky Glassware. The glass that I was served water in was stinking like a raw egg. It obviously wasn’t cleaned properly.

2)    Hygiene and Overall Cleanliness. If the glass was dirty and they did not check before serving in it. I can’t help but question the hygiene standards of Theobroma. I wonder what else they don’t clean before cooking or serving. I would love to see what their kitchen looks like.

3)    Bad Service and Slow Service. The man serving us seemed absent minded and disinterested. It was very hard to get his attention. Although it is only a bakery and they are clearly understaffed the one man working there didn’t seem to care that many people were waiting to place an order to clear their bill.

4)    Value For Money I agree that the sandwiches are large and taste good.  Yet the McDonalds close by serves good, hygienic burgers too but they don’t charge 200 bucks for it (As On Date)! Even so, not being a corporate giant, even in a city like Mumbai, these prices for savoury, tit bits and snacks are not reasonable. They cannot even justify that price with great ambience or good service. Although, Theobroma is more of a dessert place, if you serve it, you are going to hear about it.

·      I would like to point out that even so, the brownies and desserts are far more reasonably priced.

So here is a good solution to the problem, since the savory prices are discouraging, grab a bite at the KFC or McDs close by and visit Theobroma for their dessert.

Unfortunately for Theobroma That Thing About This Place is their poor hygiene and cleanliness.

Attention SweetTooths, Foodies and TheoBroma Loyals; Theobroma is opening outlets on Pedder Road and Lokhandwala soon.

Hope that they will use disposable glasses there, you know in case they don’t care to wash them properly.

Ambience: 6/ 10 Average

Value For Money: 6/ 10 Average

Menu: 7/ 10 Good

Food: 8/ 10 Very Good

Service: 5/ 10 Below Average

That Thing About This Place: 2/ 10  Very Poor

Average Ambience + Average Value For Money + Good Menu + Very Good Food + Below Average Service + Very Poor That thing About This Place =  Average

Rating: 6/ 10

A Class Apart; To Eat Or Not To Eat in Harajuku

Name: Harajuko

Location: O Hotel, Koregaon Park, Pune

Date of Visit: 4^th March 2012 (Lunch)

My sister and I have been looking forward to eating at this place ever since it opened a few years ago. We were never able to go for Japanese since the rest of our family was not keen on experimenting especially the vegetarians with Japanese food! After nearly two years of making and breaking plans Stuti and I finally went for this much awaited Bento Meal on quiet afternoon. Although it was Sunday afternoon very few tables were occupied, this made for a peaceful and laid back lunch in my lovely hometown. There was a child, about six year seated at the opposite table, he looked at the food and exclaimed, ‘This is not food!’ with an adorable frown on his face.

 Reasons To Eat

1.     I loved the Ambience of Harajuku! It was a class apart. The gorgeous golden panel on its ceiling defining the bar counter and the dark wood furniture redefines fine-dining in Pune city. Even their chairs have an exceptionally high back and the upholstery is done in beautiful floral prints in light colors. The designer of this place deserves a standing ovation.

2.     There are few places in Pune city that serve Japanese food. It is rare to find a Japanese specialty restaurant. With Sushi and Teppanyaki on their menu, I think it is safe to say that a Japanese menu is a breath of fresh air for diners in Pune city. I love my butter chicken but raw fish surprisingly refreshing change.

3.     Good Food. I remember the first time I tried sushi. I did not like it. It was new and seemed too bland for an Indian palate, but my palate has come a long way since. I have travelled and begun to love sushi. Sushi in Harajuku as not at all bland as you may imagine. Pieces of seafood and sticky rice stuck together with a dot of wasabi, yummy! Beware, that pungent wasabi is sure to burn up your nose!

4.     The Bento Meals make a reasonable fixed meal set that is filling and utterly satiating. The Sushi Bento Meal included five items in the Bento Box along with Miso soup and dessert with a green tea or pint of beer as the beverage alongside. Although the rest of the menu may seem expensive, if you pick one of the Bento Meals, you will be satiated without a burning hole in your pocket. The green tea was subtle and delicious.

5.     There is a little something for the Indian palate. In the Sushi Bento Meal that I picked there were six pieces of sushi, some salad, tempura vegetables along with grilled salmon and two pieces of a deep fried appetizer that was very tasty but did not seem Japanese. It seemed to me as though they have added a little something to suit the Indian palate. Even the grilled salmon was not bland or subtly flavoured, it was grilled and pleasantly seasoned with salt and pepper.

Reasons To Not Eat

1.     Although Harajuko does have vegetarian meal options on their menu. I would not recommend this place to vegetarians, simply because it may not be as enjoyable for the price you pay.

2.     It is an expensive restaurant. Although with the ambience and choice of cuisine it does not seem over-priced, if you don’t go for the Bento Meal, chances are your meal will pinch your pocket.

3.     If you are not an experimental foodie or a fan of Japanese food, I do not recommend it. This can turn out to be an expensive experiment.

The service here was prompt however, I prefer not to comment on service till I see good service during rush hour. Venturing into a Japanese restaurant is a brave step from O hotel, although in a city like Pune full of foodies wanting to try out new stuff, Harajuko is a breath of fresh air!

Ambience: 9/ 10 Excellent

Value for Money: 6/ 10 Average

Menu: 8/ 10 Very Good

Food: 8/ 10 Very Good

Service: 7/ 10 Good

That Thing About This Place: 9/ 10 Excellent

Excellent Ambience + Average Value For Money + Very Good Menu + Very Good Food + Good Service + Excellent That Thing About This Place = Very Good

Rating: 8/ 10

The X Factor ; To Eat Or Not To Eat At Copper Chimney

Name: Copper Chimney

Location: Oberoi Mall, Goregaon

Date of Visit: 14^th March, 2012 (Dinner)

 I remember my first ever visit to Mumbai city as a chubby six year old. Even as a child I was crazy about spicy restaurant food and loud masalas of Indian gravies. I would often end up stuffing myself with more food than I could digest. Nothing much has changed, I am still chubby and still don’t stop eating till my stomach begins to hurt. One thing that has changed is probably the branch of Copper Chimney I had visited. This time around it was the Oberoi Mall outlet. It is easy to see why Copper Chimney has made its place in the hearts of Mumbaikars; 3 key factors: Innovation, Service with a smile and ensuring Guest Satisfaction. Copper Chimney has grown and spread its branches around the city. My experience here wasn’t the best you would have but there was an X factor!

Reasons To Eat

1.     Crispy Rumali Roti. I saw the fascinating munchies from the next table and I loved the sheer uniqueness of this item. There was a large crispy Rumali Roti, shaped like a wok and sprinkled with a special masala in the center.  It was placed at the center of the table and the diners seated all broke a piece as they enjoyed their conversation. Like a large and fancy version of a masala papad, very innovative!

2.    We were served with a smile! Rarely do I come across stewards who seem happy to be serving their guests . Not only did this waiter seem very joyful and perky he even recommended and served us some tasty pickle as an accompaniment with our meal.

3.     The chilli pickle was made in-house. I haven’t come across an Indian restaurant that takes the trouble of making and serving its own chilli pickle. No one likes to bother about items that are not listed on the menu or  are chargeable. An appealing signature touch , it makes you remember this place. Also, because the pickle was not very hot, but slightly sweet and sour with a flavor that was unique and refreshing. You should definitely try it next time you are here!

4.     Although, the items we chose are regularly featured on an Indian menu. I did not fail to notice that Copper Chimney is innovative in little munchies and an accompanying pickle, it shows that this place has its focus on the Guest Satisfaction during a dining experience rather than just making money out of it. It also says a lot about why so many Mumbaikars have been loyal to Copper Chimney for nearly two decades, if I remember my first visit correctly, I was just six years old at the time.

Reasons Not To Eat

1.     Paneer Tikka. The paneer was not soft, but dry and rubbery. The paneer tikka tasted ordinary. The flavours and the marinade had not soaked into to the piece, so when in the center it was bland and tasteless.

2.     I thought that the service was good, but I like to keep my eyes and ears open. At the next table, one gentleman asked three waiters a bunch of times to bring him a plate of steamed rice as they were eating. However, the rice was not brought to him for nearly half an hour. It is very unpleasant to wait for food when your meal is unfinished.

Ambience : 7/ 10 Good

Value For Money : 7/ 10 Good

Menu: 7/10 Good

Food: 7/10 Good

Service: 7/10 Good

That Thing About This Place: 8/ 10 Very Good

Good Ambience + Good Value For Money + Good Menu + Good Food + Good Service + Very Good That Thing About This Place = Good

Rating: 7/ 10