Palak Rice Recipe

There are a number of ways in which you can prepare this Palak rice or Palak Pulav. I had bought a bunch of spinach last week and when I started searching for a rice recipe with palak, I found so many versions but no two recipes were alike. So, decided to make it my own way and came up with this following recipe. Believe you me, it tasted yummy!

Ingredients:

For the puree

Palak (spinach) - 2 cups chopped

Ginger, Garlic

Green Chillies - 3,4

For the seasoning:

Onions - 2

Tomato - 2

Mustard, Cumin seeds - 1/2 tbsp

Curry leaves, bay leaves

Coriander powder - 1/2 tbsp

Cumin powder - 1/2 tbsp

Garam Masala - 1/4 tbsp

Salt - as per taste

Procedure:

1. Boil the chopped spinach for 2-3 min, when it cools down a bit, add it to the blender. Puree it along with  green chillies, garlic, ginger, salt and little water. Wash the rice and keep aside.

2. Heat oil in a pressure cooker, add mustard, cumin seeds, curry leaves. Once they start spluttering add bay leaves, cloves. Then add chopped onions and let them cook for 3-4 mins. Add chopped tomatoes. 

3. Now is the time to add spinach puree, cook it till the oil starts separating. Add coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala,

4. Add the rice, mix well, add water and cook the rice in the way you prepare any other rice.(3 whistles)

5. Serve it with raita

Party Games for Couples - Part II

Continuing in the series of Couple games for parties, here are some more interesting and exciting games for your kitty party or any gathering. Do check out Party Games for Couples - Part I .

1. Balance the Ball 

Let the couples stand at the starting line. Give each couple a football or a baseball or any other object you can think off. They should balance the ball at their backs (without the help of hands) and walk to reach the finishing line. The couple reaching first with the ball intact, wins.

(the pic is just for reference only)

2. Compatibility Check 

Make the couple sit back to back on the chairs similar to the one in the picture. Hand over a wine glass to each of them to hold in one hand and a scarf (or anything of your choice) in the other hand. 

If the answers to the questions asked is Wife, both should raise the scarf and if the answer is Husband they should raise the wine glass. Remember they shouldn't turn back to check their answers with the spouse. The fun starts when you start asking  questions like these....

Who is more laziest of you?

Who is more diet freak amongst you?
Who is a good cook among you?
Who is more romantic among you?

The more humorous and naughtier you go, the more interesting answers you get!

3. Stepping forward

The couples are standing at the starting line. Give each couple a set of placards or a set of wooden ply (2-3 should be enough). The size of these should be just enough to place one foot over it. To start with, wife (or husband) will place one ply at some distance and other will stamp over it, and wait for the next step to stamp on. In the meanwhile the other spouse will place the further ply. 

The one placing the ply has to be quick enough, and at the same time should gauge the distance which can be comfortably covered without falling off the ply. The one who reaches the finishing line fast and not placing the foot on ground at any point will win the race. So it is left for the couple to decide, who will place the ply and who will step. 

4. Balloon Dance 

This is a very simple and funny dance game. Give each a couple a inflated balloon which they have to balance and dance. (Make sure they are dancing properly and not just trying to hold the balloon safely in position). They start dancing as soon as the music starts. The couple who fail to manage the balloon between them gets out and the couple who remains upto the last without the balloon falling off and at the same time dancing well, wins the race.




5. Transfer the Band

This a fun game and requires a bunch of rubber bands and pencils. The couples are made to stand in two lines approximately 3 meters apart. (Husbands on side A and wives on side B). Both will hold a pencil in their mouths. The husbands should pick up the rubber bands(placed in a small bowl) as many they can onto the pencil without the help of hands and move towards the partner standing on line B and transfer the bands to the partner's pencil carefully. Then he will run back to fetch more bands. At the end of 2 mins, the one with maximum number of bands at the receiving end wins! 



6. Identify your Partner

This is a blindfold game. Among your guests randomly call a lady or a gentleman. If you have called a lady, blindfold her and call her partner and few other gents and make them stand in a line. (vice-versa, if you call a gentleman) Let her shake hands with each gentleman one by one. She has to identify and stop as soon as she identifies her partner's handshake!

Also check out 

Couple Games - Part I  |  Theme Parties  |  Party Games for Kids  |  Tambola  |   1 Minute Games |  General Party Games  | Song Translation Game

How to Wear a Saree the Traditional Way?

Hope you have seen the Different ways of Draping sarees post. So as promised I will be giving the detailed and step by step demonstration of each method in individual posts. Here comes the first method Classical Indian Drape-the Traditional way.

1. Classic Indian Drape (Traditional Way)      
2. Gujarati style
3. Maharashtrian style
4. Tamilian version
5. Bengali style
6. Mundu Neriyathum / Kerala style       
7. Coorgi Style
8. Mumtaz style             Check out theTraditional Sarees of India

Wearing a Sari in Traditional Way
The two mandatory requirements for wearing any kind of  saree are a Petticoat which is a waist to toe garment tied tightly by a drawstring (it should match the base color of the saree as closely as possible) and a tight fit Blouse (preferable of matching color to the saree) 

Step 1: Starting at the navel, tuck the plain end of the saree into the petticoat keeping the entire saree on the left and continue tucking till you take a complete turn. Adjust the lower end of the saree to the height required. Ideally footwear is worn prior to draping the saree so that you drape the saree to the right length.

Step 2 : Making pleats. From the point where the one complete rotation has ended, start making pleats with the saree. Make about 7 to 10 pleats(depending on the lenght of the saree and length of each pleat) and hold them up together so that they fall straight and even. 

Step 3 : Tuck the pleats into the waist petticoat slightly to the left of the navel, taking care to see that the pleats are turned towards the left.

Step 4 : The pallu. The remaining portion of the saree must be turned once around the body and then draped over the left shoulder. Arrange the pleats on this part of the saree (you can keep it as single layer or make multiple layers) and then pin them up on the left shoulder to prevent the pallu from falling off.

This is the most common method to wear a saree. You can wear matching bindi and jewellery to go with the saree to give the complete traditional look

Here is a video demonstrating the same, differing a little from the above said procedure. There are couple of variations also which you can adopt. 

English Vinglish

Woman oriented films are the trend in bollywood these days. The latest to add to the list is English Vinglish. What a comeback Sridevi has made through this film directed and written by Gauri Shinde. (it seems Sridevi's character is inspired be Gauri's mother)

The movie is not just about the English classes, it is a reflection of the society. It is about the family, the attitude of the children towards the parents and how the family and society treat the person who lacks the knowledge of English language. 

The protagonist Shashi (Sridevi) instantly wins your heart with her natural acting. The emotional trauma she undergoes in her own family, the situations she faces in a foreign land, the self determination to prove herself are very well depicted through her fantastic performance. 

The co students in the class and the humor makes you feel light. Sridevi looks  perfect and beautiful in sarees in the backdrop of large billboards and the skyline of New York. You will experience a feel good factor once the movie finishes. Worth a watch, don't miss it!

My First Warli Painting!

I do not have a knack for drawing or painting. I Always used to wonder about my brothers, sisters and friends who could draw, shade, sketch and paint so well. When I came across Warli painting, my inner self told me, "I think I can paint, this seems bit easy". 

Googled and got plenty of information about this folk art from Maharashtra. Its earthiness and simplicity has its own charm. These paintings are nothing but the depiction of everyday life, culture and celebration by the people of warli tribe..

So here is my first attempt towards painting - My First Warli painting on a coffee mug!

 First trial...


Bit more colorful...

Lessons Learnt :

1. Learn some painting skills from the educated
2. Buy a thinner brush
3. Stop worrying too much about the outcome of the painting 
4. Paint some more

Ae Malik Tere bandhe Ham....

The song Ae Malik Tere bandhe Ham....from the movie 'Do aankhen Barah Haath' is one of my favorite  Hindi classics. I can listen to this song n number of times a day. It is peaceful, meaningful, touching and immensely soothing.

It was one of my mother's favorite song and movie too. Watch this movie if you get a chance. The lyrics of this song are so meaningful. I have given the lyrics below, sing along and you will fall for it! 

The lyrics for the song Ae Malik Tere bandhe Ham

ae maalik tere bande ham aaa aise hon hamaare karam aaa neki par chalen aur badi se talen taaki hanste huye nikle dam aaa ae maalik tere bande ham badaa kamzor hai aadmi aaa abhi laakhon hain ismein kami aaa par tu jo khadaa hai dayaaloo badaa teri kirpaa se dharti thami diyaa toone hamen jab janam aaa tu hi jhelegaa ham sabke gham aaa neki par chalen aur badi se talen taki hanste huye nikle dam aaa ae maalik tere bande ham aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa aaa jab zulmon kaa ho saamnaa aaa aaa aaa jab zulmon kaa ho saamnaa aaa tab tu hi hamen thaamnaa aaa wo buraayi karen ham bhalaayi bharen nahin badle ki ho kaamnaa badh uthe pyaar kaa har kadam aaa aur mite bair kaa ye bharam aaa neki par chalen aur badi se talen taaki hanste huye nikle dam aaa ae maalik tere bande ham

ऐ मालिक तेरे बन्दे हम, ऐसे हो हमारे करम नेकी पर चले, और बदी से टले, ता की हँसते हुए निकले दम बड़ा कमजोर हैं आदमी, अभी लाखों हैं इस में कमी पर तू जो खडा, हैं दयालू बड़ा, तेरी किरपा से धरती थमी दिया तूने हमे जब जनम तू ही झेलेगा हम सब के गम ये अन्धेरा घना छा रहा, तेरा इंसान घबरा रहा हो रहा बेखबर, कुछ ना आता नजर, सुख का सूरज छूपा जा रहा है तेरी रोशनी में जो दम तो अमावस को कर दे पूनम जब जुल्मों का हो सामना, तब तू ही हमे थामना वो बुराई करे, हम भलाई भरे, नहीं बदले की हो कामना बढ़ उठे प्यार का हर कदम और मिटे बैर का ये भरम Movie -Do aankhen barah haath (1957) दो आँखें बारह हाथ  Singer -Lata Mangeshkar Lyricist -Bharat Vyas Music Director -Vasant Desai cast -V.Shantaram, Sandhya Awards Won :- 1958: National Film Award for Best Film  1958: Berlin International Film Festival: OCIC Award  1958: Berlin International Film Festival: Silver Bear,  Special Prize  1959: Golden Globe Awards: Samuel Goldwyn  Award Nominated  1958: Berlin International Film Festival: Golden Bear

Different ways of Draping a saree

There are numerous ways and styles of draping a saree. Each region of India exhibits its unique way of draping this 6 yard wonder. The modern woman has experimented and discovered various innovative and creative styles, whereas the Indian designers have taken this eternal ethnic beauty global. 

We have already learnt about the Traditional Sarees of India from different regions. Here we will be learning the different traditional draping styles prevailing in India and the art of wearing these beautiful and sensuous attire.

Classic Indian Drape (Traditional Way) : This is the most common and most popular method of draping a saree also called as Nivi style. In this style of sari draping, one end of the sari is neatly tucked into the band of the petticoat on the waist. After wrapping the sari cloth around the waist once more, the sari is neatly folded into pleats, which are then tucked into the waistband of the petticoat just below the navel. Then after wrapping it around the body one more time, the other decorative end(or pallu) comes diagonally in front of the torso and draped over the left shoulder. In kaccha nivi style of draping, the pleats are passed through the legs and tucked into the waist at the back. This allows free movement while covering the legs.

Gujarati style: Apart from Gujarat, this version of draping, is also found in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar. This is similar to Nivi style but the "pallu" is draped over the right shoulder rather than left shoulder. After tucking the pleates the loose end is taken from the back, draped across the right shoulder. It is then spread across the chest, and the left edge is tucked in the petticoat at the back. Sarees with eye-catching magnificent pallus are best worn in this style

Maharashtrian style: Instead of the usual five-and-a-half meters, the sari in this version measures 8-10 yards called Nauvari saree. One portion of the sari is drawn up between the legs and tucked in behind at the waist, while another portion is draped as a pallu over the bosom. Thus it forms a kind of divided sari, allowing greater freedom of movement. They are primarily worn by Brahmin women in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradhesh. 

Tamilian version: Like the Maharashtra version, the saree in this version, too, measures eight meters. After wrapping around the waist, the pleats are positioned along the left leg. The rest of the sari is taken over the left shoulder, wrapped once again round the waist and tucked on the left side. This is also called as Madisaara style of draping

Bengali style: The saree is worn pleatless; it is wrapped around the waist, brought back to the right side and the pallu is thrown over the left shoulder. The pallu is then brought up under the right arm and once again cast over the left shoulder. The pallu has a bunch of keys that falls over the shoulder.

Mundu Neriyathum is the signature style of Kerala. This style compromises of a Mundu or the lower skirt piece and a Neriyathum or the drape of the saree along with a blouse. Mundu is worn like wearing a Dhothi and is securely wrapped at the hip. Now the Neriyathum is draped over the blouse and tucked at the waist of the Mundu. This mundu also called 'Settu Mundu' is the traditional attire.

Coorgi Style This sari draping style is typical to ladies from the Kodagu district of Karnataka. This sari draping differs from other styles because in this the folded pleats of the sari are formed at the back instead of the usual front side. The pallu or decorative end of the sari is carefully draped from the back to front over the right shoulder. This is secured by a pin to the sari to keep it in place.

Mumtaz style This is not a traditional style but has become iconic with the yesteryear's Bollywood heroine Mumtaz. This is a very innovative drape. It is a sari with no pleats and draped and tightened around knees and thighs. Here saree is rounded twice around to give a slim effect. It is hard to walk freely in this drap. This drape is good for saree with heavy or embroidered borders.Wearing this style makes on look slimmer too. This is sometimes even referred as Bollywood golden Era style. 

Check back soon for the step-by-step demonstration of each styles of draping sarees. In the meanwhile, have a glance at the Traditional Sarees of India

Stuffed Bread Pakoda

A lovely and filling snack for you. It is more of a breakfast than snack. If you have left over aloo sabji then it can be made in a jiffy. Here is the recipe for the yummy, crisp bites!

Ingredients :

For the stuffing

Potato - 2 (boiled and mashed)

Onion - 1 Chopped finely

Ginger - 1/2 sp grated

Green Chilleis - 1, 2

Frozen Peas - 1/4 cup(optional)

Mustard seeds

Cumin seeds

Turmeric - a pinch

Coriander powder, garam masala - 1tbsp(optional)

Salt

For the Covering :

Bread - 6 slices

Besan(chikpea flour) - 1 cup

Rice flour - 1/2 cup

Turmeric - a pinch

Chilli powder - 1/2 tbsp

Water

Salt

Procedure :

1. Prepare the stuffing. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard, cumin seeds, ginger, green chillies and onions one by one. Add mashed potato and mix well.Adjust the seasoning.

2. In the meanwhile, prepare the batter for the covering. Take flours in a bowl. Add chilli powder, turmeric and salt. add water and mix them to a medium consistency.

3. Cut the crusts off the breads. Take one bread and spread the potato mixture tightly. Place another slice over this. Press it.

4. Cut this diagonally into two slices

5. Dip one piece into the batter, turn both sides so that it is coated nicely on both sides

6. Deep fry until it turns brown one by one in medium high hot oil. 

7. Serve them with your favorite chutney!