No Croutons Required - The Winner for July

The challenge for July was to come up with a bread that would pair well with a soup or salad. We received some wonderful entries but the winner this time around is Sunita who baked these lovely and colorful Cheesy Potato and Rosemary Scones. Congratulations to Sunita who has such a lovely blog indeed.

Jacqueline will be hosting the next edition of No Croutons Required. The challenge this month is to come up with a soup or salad featuring carrots.

Warm Baby Potato and Asparagus Salad

Large beautiful displays of fresh juicy green local asparagus are a sight to which I've become happily accustomed, but my latest trip to the local market left me with a heavy heart as I realized that this wonderful season must soon be coming to an end. Racing off with two bunches — not quite the last I hope? — I set off to make at least one more asparagus creation while I have time.

Always pairing best with simple flavours, I steamed a bunch of asparagus with fresh baby potatoes and tossed the vegetables with a simple but lively balsamic and Dijon mustard dressing. Served right away to enjoy the warmth and tenderness of the potatoes and asparagus, this was an elegant salad that I think you will find inviting at any time of year, even if the produce isn't local. Enjoy!

Warm Baby Potato and Asparagus Salad

Salad:

1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes
1 bunch fresh asparagus
1 shallot, diced
small handful fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing:

2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sea salt
fresh ground black pepper

Steam the potatoes for 20 minutes, or until just tender. Snap the woody ends off the asparagus and cut the spears into 1" to 1 1/2" pieces. Add to the potatoes and steam for five more minutes.

Remove the warm potatoes and asparagus from the steamer and place in a large mixing bowl with the shallot and parsley. Whisk together the dressing ingredients, drizzle over the salad, and toss gently to combine.

Serve warm. Serves 4.

Other potato salads you may enjoy:
Potato Radish Salad
Mexican-Style Potato Salad with Avocado and Jalapeño
Potato Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

On the top of the reading stack: Small Memories by Jose Saramago

Audio Accompaniment: doozer construction and sandblasting

Staple Corner: How to Make Your Own Sambar Powder

As I have noted many times in this space, I always do prefer to make my own spice blends, time permitting. Although there are plenty of good ready-made blends to be had from Indian grocery stores, there is just no comparison between the homemade versions. Sambar powder — or sambhar masala — is the base for a wide range of spicy south Indian vegetable or dal curries known as sambars or sambhars, and I prepared this mixture in preparation for a black-eyed pea sambar dish that I made for a dear friend of mine. The addition of chana dal was a welcome addition to the mixture and it thickened it out to suit my preferences. Chana dal as well as the other ingredients in this recipe are easily found in Indian and most Asian grocers.

I am going a bit crazy at the moment, as the city is digging up the street to repair water mains and such right out front of the house. Crash, bang, boom, beep, beep, beep, and they start making racket around 7 in the morning and continue throughout the day. The street is now a mud pit and cars are getting stuck. I don't like noise — my preference being ambient music — but what can I do? Take refuge in the kitchen I guess, despite the heat.

Homemade Sambar Powder

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Indian Published on July 24, 2010 A hot and fragrant spice blend used as the base for south Indian sambar dishes Print this recipe Ingredients: 1/2 cup dried curry leaves 1/2 cup whole dried red chilies 1/4 cup chana dal 1/4 cup coriander seeds 2 tablespoons cumin seeds 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds 1 tablespoon black mustard seeds 1 tablespoon poppy seeds 2 1-inch sticks cinnamon, broken into bits 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon black peppercorns 1 tablespoon sesame oil Instructions: Combine the ingredients in a medium bowl and toss with the sesame oil. Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the spice mixture and roast, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes or until the spices and chilies darken a few shades. Let the spices cool and then grind in batches into a fine powder using a coffee grinder. Transfer the mixture to tightly-sealed jar and store in a cool place. The sambar powder should keep for a few months. Makes about 2 cups — reduce the quantities to make a smaller amount

Other spice blends from Lisa's Kitchen:
Homemade Massaman Paste
Homemade Harissa
Homemade Chana Masala Powder
Homemade Garam Masala

ENNAI KATHIRIKAI KUZHAMBU RECIPE

I am a big fan of brinjal recipes.My mom usually makes brinjal gravy for idli and stuffed poriyal.After my marriage,i learnt some more varieties of brinjal recipes from my MIL.One among them is Ennai kathirikkai kulambu. I love this gravy a lot.Sendhil who hates brinjal loves this gravy a lot as it has pepper.I think most of u have ur own version.Here comes our way of making it.

Ennai Kathirikai Kuzhambu Recipe

Ennai Kathirikai Kuzhambu Recipe - My mil's version, easy and flavourful gravy for rice

Cuisine: Indian

Category: Gravies

Serves: Serves 3

Prep time: 5 Minutes

Cook time: 20 Minutes

Total time: 25 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

Brinjal - medium sized (6 nos) Tamarind - Medium gooseberry size(little (more than small gooseberry size) Salt & water - as needed To roast and grind Oil - 1 tbsp Chana dal - 1 tbsp Urad dal - 1.5 tsp Red chillies - 2-3 nos Grated coconut - 2 tbsp Pepper corns - 2 tsp

METHOD

Wash and slit brinjal halfway into 4 pieces.Immerse in water till use to prevent color change. In a kadai,heat oil and roast pepper corns. When it starts to splutter ,add the remaining ingredients except coconut.Roast till golden brown.Lastly add grated coconut,roast for few seconds and switch off the flame.Let them cool. Grind everything into a powder. In the same kadai ,add one more tbsp of oil and add the slitted brinjal.Roast till it gets cooked.The skin of brinjal gets browned.It takes nearly 10 minutes.  Take the tamarind extract and add the roasted brinjal to it. Allow it to boil with the required salt & water.After the brinjal is completely cooked,add the roasted powder and boil for some more time.Switch off the stove and serve hot.Enjoy this gravy by mixing in hot rice topped with ghee..

Note

Add more pepper corns and chillies based on ur spice level.The quantity i have given,gives medium spicy taste. Use Tamilnadu purple or voilet brinjal for more taste and flavour. Adding ghee is a must while eating.It helps to balance the heat of brinjal and peppercorns.

Serve with hot rice adding ghee !

Mix with hot rice topped with ghee.Tastes yummy

Do check out my other brinjal recipes

• Ennai kathirikai Poriyal
• Brinjal podi curry
• Kathirikai poriyal
• Kathirikai kosumalli 
• Brinjal gotsu
• Sutta kathirikai chutney
• Brinjal sambar for idli

Technorati Tags: Ennai kathirikai kulambu recipe,Ennai kathirikkai kuzhambu recipe,Gravies for lunch,Kathirikai kuzhambu recipe,Kathirikkai kuzhambu,brinjal recipes,Ennai kathirikai gravy recipe

Very good recipes Tags: Brinjal recipes, Indian gravies, Gravies for rice

No Croutons Required - Breads

The challenge for July was to come up with breads that go well with soups and salads. I was excited to see what fellow bloggers would come up with, and I certainly was not disappointed. Thanks to everyone who submitted an entry this month. As usual, I ask that you please vote for your favorite submission in the comment section or via email. Note that neither my entry, nor Jacqueline's is eligible for voting.

Our first entry comes from Akheela of Torviewtoronto. She served up this mouthwatering Coconut Roti consisting of coconut, flour, chili flakes, onion and curry leaves alongside this unique Sweet Semolina Sago Porridge. Akheela suggests that when making the coconut roti to go with this dish that you omit the spices. So many serving possibilities for the roti and I am sure it is especially delicious with any number of curry dishes. (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

Our next submission comes from my co-host and good friend Jacqueline of Tinned Tomatoes. These beautiful Yogurt Scones with a Trio of Three Cheeses are made up of Greek yogurt, flour, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, butter, cheddar cheese, feta cheese, Parmesan cheese and one egg. Indeed these would be perfect for dunking into soup, such as this tempting Carrot, Cumin & Yoghurt Soup. (Scotland, UK)

Our next entry comes from Priya. She made this lovely Whole Wheat Multi-Seeds Bread that includes whole wheat flour, a homemade seed mixture of pumpkin seeds, flax seeds and sesame seeds, olive oil, yeast and a wee bit of sugar. I can imagine how wonderful Priya's kitchen smelt as this healthy bread was baking in the oven. Serve with this Velouté De Poireaux (Leeks N Potato Creamy Soup) for an especially comforting meal. (Paris, France)

Janet of Taste Space is up next with this gorgeous Dill and Cheddar Beer Bread that she made without any yeast. Included amongst the ingredients are of course flour, dill, sharp cheddar cheese, beer and you can glaze the top with egg if desired. This rather dense bread is easy to make and best served with a simple soup Janet tells us because of the complexity of the flavours. I am thinking this would be a perfect use of the fresh dill I have growing outside and know I would especially enjoy it with this Roasted Red Pepper and Squash Soup. (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

Sunita enters this month with these stunning but easy to make Cheesy Potato and Rosemary Scones. Whole wheat flour (atta), mashed potato, fresh rosemary, english mustard, olive oil, Red Leicester cheese (or cheddar), a bit of milk and an egg are combined here to perfection. Certainly these colourful scones would be an ideal accompaniment to this Mixed Beans and Lentils Broth. (UK)

Ashley of Eat me Delicious contributes these oh so tempting Sun Dried Tomato, Feta and Oregano Muffins. Who could resist this combination of flour, freshly ground black pepper, oregano, butter, eggs, milk, feta cheese and a whole cup of sun-dried tomatoes. These scrumptious savory muffins would go very well with this Mediterranean Pepper Salad. (Vancouver, BC, Canada)

Next up is Radhika of Food for 7 Stages of Life with this moist and healthy Carrot Mango Pecan Bread. Delightful mangos, that invoke fond memories of her grandfather, add a nice touch to this bread made with whole wheat flour, carrots, pecans, some sugar, eggs and cinnamon. I am sure this soft bread wouldn't last long, especially if served with Dixie Stampede Homestyle Cream of Vegetable Soup. (New Jersey, United States)

Eleanor from BrownievilleGirl is on a scone mission and she submits this easy, but incredibly tasty, slightly crumbly Honey and Sunflower Ginger Scones recipe. I have a ginger fan in the house who would be sure to enjoy this combination of spelt flour, ground ginger, finely grated carrot, butter, fresh ginger, honey and sunflower seeds. Imagine how delightful these scones would be served with Butternut Squash Coleslaw and a hunk of Dubliner cheese? (Ireland)

Johanna of Green Gourmet Giraffe digs into her archives and serves up this plump yeast based Zucchini Loaf made up of zucchini, yeast, a bit of honey, bread flour and glazed with some olive oil. This most delightful bread would be wonderful with this Tomato and Lentil Soup. Your dinner guests will be asking for seconds. (Melbourne, Australia).

My submission this month are these Apple Cheddar Scones that I made for friends. Spelt flour, cornmeal, cinnamon, butter, an egg, buttermilk, apple juice, red wine cheddar cheese, dried apple and freshly grated apple make for a most delightful combination. My friends gave them rave reviews. I would suggest serving them with Fresh Fruit and Berry Soup. (London, Ontario, Canada)

Mango Cheeks of Allotment 2 Kitchen offers up these most appetizing Vegan Parsley Shortcakes that she describes as slightly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Flour, fresh parsley, olive oil, white wine vinegar and soya milk are combined to serve alongside homemade chutney. These would also be a most satisfying side to dip into this Chickpea and Sun-Dried Tomato Soup. (West of Scotland, UK)

Vanessa of Sweet Artichoke experiments for the first time with these cute and appetizing Mini Focaccia. Flour, yeast, a pinch of sugar, some olive oil, fine semolina and olive oil make up these delights that can be garnished with a variety of ingredients, including cherry tomatoes, herbs, Parmesan cheese and olives. These would go well with any Mediterranean dish, such as this Tunisian Salad with Grilled Veggies. (Switzerland)

Sweatha of Tasty Curry Leaf makes her first attempt at a rustic Pane Toscano -Saltless Tuscan Bread and it turned out beautifully. The first step is to make a sponge with flour, water and yeast and then a dough made with more flour, water and yeast. An interesting step in the process is that you spray the baking bread with water to ensure you get a nice hard crust. This bread would certainly go well with Roasted Tomato Soup. (Bangalore, India)

Reshmi of A Feast to the Eyes and Stomach participates in our event for the first time and submits this lovely Potato Bread that she describes as the softest she's ever had. A mixture of flour, mashed potatoes, yeast, chives and dry milk powder are divided into balls and then given an egg wash and garnished with sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Serve this with Red Gram (Red Lentil Soup) and you will have one satisfying and filling dinner. (Germany)

Last, but certainly not least, we have these absolutely gorgeous Cloverleaf Rolls with Honey Lavender Shallot Butter Glaze from Susan of The Well Seasoned Cook. A dough of flour, some sugar, yeast, milk, butter and an egg is left to rise in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then cut into balls, left to rise in a warm place for another 30 minutes and then glazed with butter, poached shallot, lavender flowers and honey. A special benefit for cooks in humid climates is they only take 15 minutes in the oven to bake. How elegant, especially when served with Lima Bean and Artichoke Soup. (New York, USA)

Jacqueline will be hosting the next edition of No Croutons Required. Check back at the beginning of August for the theme.

Apple Cheddar Scones

I'm just barely making the deadline for No Croutons Required this month, even though it is my turn to host. The theme this month is breads that go well with soups and salads. I can't think of a nicer bread right now than this simple but wonderfully soft and delicious batch of scones with both fresh and dried apples and a light sprinkling of fresh grated Cheddar cheese to go with it — an easy and much less sweet biscuit version of the famous apple pie with Cheddar cheese. Many thanks for the idea of these scones to Ashley of the now sadly defunct Eat Me, Delicious blog.

Apple Cheddar Scones

Recipe by Lisa Turner Adapted from Eat Me, Delicious Published on July 19, 2010 Simple, soft and delicious breakfast, tea or dessert scones with fresh and dried apple and fresh grated Cheddar cheese Print this recipe Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups unbleached white or spelt flour 1/3 cup yellow cornmeal 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 1 large egg 1/2 cup cold buttermilk 1/4 cup cold apple cider or unsweetened apple juice 3/4 cup grated Cheddar cheese 1/2 cup dried apples, finely chopped 1/2 small fresh apple, shredded Instructions: Preheat an oven to 400° and butter or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the ingredients. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter until the butter resembles small peas. In a small bowl, beat the egg, buttermilk and apple cider or juice together until frothy. Add the liquid ingredients to the flour mixture, stir until just combined, and then fold in the cheese, dried apples and shredded apple. With floured hands, shape the dough into rounds and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Take care not to over-bake. Makes 12 scones

Other quick breads you are sure to enjoy from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Jalapeno Cheddar Scones
Cheddar Parmesan Scones with Dill
Graham Crackers

On the top of the reading stack: Healthy South Indian Cooking

Audio Accompaniment: the terrible racket of the street being torn up in front of the house

Mexican-Style Black Bean and Millet Salad

One of the oldest grains known to be cultivated by humans, millet is a staple food in many parts of Eurasia as well as in Africa where it is thought to have originated thousands of years ago. Although in North America it's primarily grown as livestock fodder, millet is a highly nutritious grain for humans, containing nearly 15% protein, high amounts of fiber, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium minerals, B-complex vitamins including niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin, and the essential amino acid methionine. Non-glutenous and non-acid-forming, millet is also one of the most easily digestible and least allergenic of grains.


But to the modern cook, the main appeals of millet are its warm buttery and slightly nutty taste and a soft porous texture that easily absorbs spicy or astringent flavors. These qualities make it a perfect complement to citrus and fresh tomatoes, and a welcome and healthy addition to zesty summer salads. This simple Mexican-style black bean salad loaded with tomatoes and vegetables and tossed with a spicy lemon-balsamic vinaigrette is a delicious way to incorporate millet into a complete, healthy and colorful summer meal.

Mexican-Style Black Bean and Millet Salad

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Mexican Published on July 17, 2010 Simple, colorful and healthy Mexican-style black bean salad with millet, fresh tomatoes and vegetables tossed with a zesty lemon-balsamic vinaigrette Print this recipe Salad: 2/3 cup dried black beans (2 cups cooked or 1 19 oz can) 1 cup millet 1 shallot, minced 1 clove garlic, minced 1 carrot, shredded 1 orange or red bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips 2 jalapeños, seeded and cut into thin strips 1 pint (2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved handful of fresh parsley, chopped Dressing: juice of 2 lemons (6 tablespoons) 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice Instructions: Rinse the millet under cold running water and place in a medium saucepan. Cover with 2 cups of cold water, and leave to soak overnight. Separately, rinse the beans and soak overnight covered in several inches of cold water with a little yogurt whey or lemon juice added. Drain and rinse the beans and add to a medium saucepan. Cover with fresh water and bring to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are tender but not falling apart. Meanwhile, bring the millet to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the water has been absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and set aside to cool while the beans are cooking. Combine the millet, beans, and vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Whisk the dressing ingredients together and pour over the salad. Toss gently to blend. Serve warm or cold. Makes 4 to 6 servings

Other millet recipes you may enjoy:
Millet-Quinoa Hash with Peppers and Zucchini on Sautéed Greens
Spicy Indian-Style Millet
Northeast African Millet Patties

On the top of the reading stack: Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness by William Styron

Audio Accompaniment: Bach

Kamut Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Recently I posted a recipe for a Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing that I adapted from Once Upon a Tart: Soups, Salads, Muffins, and More by Frank Mentesana and Jerome Audureau. I decided to adapt it further and turn it into a pasta sauce. To make this recipe you will need to make some Marinated Sun-Dried Tomatoes. As I noted before, I plan on having a batch of these on hand as a staple ingredient. They are very easy and quick to prepare and keep in the fridge for a few weeks in a covered container. They are absolutely delicious and so much better than the jarred variety. Do take care to purchase sun-dried tomatoes free of salt, sugar and other additives.

I was fortunate enough to have a few dinner guests to share this dish with. I was even told this sauce was probably the best one of my diners had ever tasted. Give it a try and you'll see how rich, luscious and thick it is.

This is also my submission to Presto Pasta nights, a popular event created by Ruth and hosted this week by Pam.

Kamut Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

454 grams / 16 ounces of kamut pasta

For the sauce:

2/3 cup of marinated sun-dried tomatoes
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/3 cup of balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup of pine nuts
1 - 2 jalapeno peppers or green chilies
1/3 cup of fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
freshly cracked black pepper to taste
1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup of olive oil

crumbled feta for garnishing

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta to the pot and cook until el dente or to your desired consistency - roughly 10 - 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. In a food processor, combine the marinated sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, pine nuts, hot peppers, parsley, sea salt, black pepper and Parmesan cheese until well blended. With the food processor still running, pour in the olive oil.

Drain the pasta, cover with sauce and crumbled feta.

Serves 4 - 6.

Other pasta dishes from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen you will be sure to enjoy:
Pasta and Feta Cheese Casserole
Greek Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and Paneer Cheese
Rye Pasta with a Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce and Goat Cheese

On the top of the reading stack: Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness by William Styron

Audio Accompaniment: Laughing Stock by Talk Talk