My Inner Shakti

finding strength in everyday things

How to Crisp Up a Tortilla

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Hey hey hey!  Who had a super busy day today?  Me, me, me!!!  I almost started researching local restaurants towards the end of the day, so that I could pick up dinner on my way home.  I stopped myself when I thought of all the [random] ingredients I had at home, and I decided to put a little faith in my creative cooking skills (ha!).  Well, I’m happy to report that my home cooked dinner was delicious.  I don’t really know what to call this meal, so for now I’ll just refer to it as the crispy tortilla bowl.  All I did was break a crispy tortilla into pieces and top it with red kidney beans, salsa, reduced fat Mexican blend cheese, veggie bacon, and chili powder. 

Now you may be wondering what the heck a crispy tortilla is, so first, let me show you…

I absolutely love homemade tostadas and Mexican pizzas, but I hate the oiliness of deep fried or even pan fried tortillas.  If you’re like me, I have a special trick for you!  All you need to crisp up your favorite tortillas are two sheets of paper towels (per tortilla) and a microwave.  Just place the tortilla between the two paper towels, ensure that it’s completely flat, and microwave for 30 seconds.  Then flip it over and zap it for another 30 seconds.  I usually have to flip and zap about three or four times before my tortillas get crispy, but it really depends on your microwave.  Keep an eye on it and remember, the tortilla will continue to crisp up as it cools.  Pretty neat huh?!  No extra oil needed!  I love this trick!  And the tortilla crisp tastes great – very cracker like. 

Dinner really was as simple to make as I described it.  The only things I needed to prepare beforehand were the tortilla and the bacon, which I just cooked up on the stovetop.  Before I topped my bowl with the bacon and chili powder, I microwaved it for about 1.5 minutes to melt the cheese.  Here are a few pictures of tonight’s dinner…YUM!

All layered up!

All mixed up!

What’s your favorite type of cuisine?  If I had to pick, Indian and Mexican would definitely be the top two!

PAST, present, FUTURE

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Happy Monday (or as happy as Mondays can be)!  By the time I got home from work, I wasn’t as hungry as I usually am – surprise, surprise.  This afforded me the time to make a meal that involved some prep work.  I scoped out the ingredients in my tiny kitchen and decided on pasta.  Tonight’s feature included spinach, zucchini, yellow squash, chickpeas, spicy marinara sauce, and goat cheese – random but hearty and delicious!  Not only did this meal fill me up, but it was super easy to make.

With the pasta boiling off to one side, I sautéed the zucchini and squash in some olive oil.  After a few minutes, I added the spinach and let it wilt.  I then seasoned the veggies with some salt, pepper, and garlic powder (all to taste).  Next, I added the chickpeas and let everything cook through before adding the sauce.  Once the sauce was in, I taste tested and added paprika for some extra heat.  Once the pasta was al dente, it was incorporated with the veggies and sauce.  I topped off my serving with some goat cheese and devoured (just kidding) ate everything one bite at a time…verrrry slooowly!  [Side note: Slow Down Challenge is going well, and I will post more tomorrow.]

Simmering away...

All mixed up

PAST, present, FUTURE

I was reading a few blogs today, and I realized that not everything I post needs to be super positive.  Life’s not perfect, and while I don’t ever want to be Ms. Negative Nancy Blogger, I do want to be real.  With that being said, one of the things that I have always struggled with is living in the past and the future but never in the present.  I can’t imagine I’m the only one out there that’s like this, but oftentimes I find myself constantly wanting to go back in time or jump ahead to some future time when “everything will be perfect.”  When I find myself heading in either of those directions, I try to remind myself that I can’t control the past or the future, but I have full control over my thoughts in the here and now.  Like a lot of things in life, this is easier said than done.  Change and uncertainty have never been my forte, but I like to think that I’m getting better at dealing with both.  But there are always those times when a feeling of sadness washes over me because I am stuck in my own memories or in my thoughts about some unknown future. 

After seeing all the devastation in Japan and hearing all the heartbreaking stories on the news, I’ve been thinking about how precious our time on Earth really is.  I can’t even begin to imagine the thoughts running through the minds of those that were and continue to be affected by the earthquake and tsunami.  All I know is that I now want to work harder at getting out of my own thoughts and focus more on living in the present because in the end, it’s all we can really do, and it’s all we really have.

Do you ever find yourself stuck in the past or zooming ahead to the future?  How do get your mind to focus on the present?

Corn Curry

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Guess what?!  I have another simple recipe to share with you. 🙂  My aunt’s mother in-law created this one, and it’s finger licking good!  It’s a corn curry with onions, tomatoes, coconut, peanuts, spices, and of course corn!  This curry can be enjoyed with naan, rice, or quinoa.  Personally, I prefer quinoa because I like how it absorbs all the liquid from the curry.

See the Indian Spices post for more information on the spices used in this recipe.

Corn Curry (makes approximately 6-8 large servings)

1 large onion
3 15 ounce cans of corn
8 frozen corn on the cob halves (my aunt uses Green Giant)
1 12 ounce can fat-free evaporated milk
8 ounces of canned tomatoes
2 Roma tomatoes
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 garlic cloves
1/2 inch piece of ginger
3 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp. turmeric
1 tsp. ground red pepper
1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
pinch of asafoetida
1/2 cup ground peanuts
1/4 cup shredded coconut

Prep Work:
-Finely chop the onion
-Grate the garlic and ginger
-Cut the tomatoes
-Boil the corn on the cob and cut each piece in half

1. Heat the oil on medium heat in a large pot.
2. Add the cumin seeds and asafoetida and allow to cook for a few minutes. Make sure the seeds don’t burn.
3. Add the onion and cook until soft and partially transparent.
4. Add the tomatoes (canned and fresh) and cook for a few more minutes until incorporated.
5. Add the salt, turmeric, ground red pepper, ginger, and garlic and cook for a few more minutes.
6. Add the corn (both canned and cobs).
7. Microwave the milk for 2 minutes and then add to the veggie mixture.
8. If you feel the curry is too thick and want to thin it out a bit, add 1/4 cup of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
9. Add the coconut and peanuts and allow to simmer.
10. Enjoy!

Girls Night Out

My aunt and I decided to treat ourselves to a movie tonight, so we went to go watch “The Fighter.”  If you haven’t had the chance to see this movie, please do so when you can.  It was sooo good!!!  I absolutely LOVED it.  And I have a new-found love for Mark Wahlberg. 🙂  But seriously, I didn’t see what the hoopla was all about from the previews, but it really was an awesome movie.  So now, as far as 2011 Oscar nominated movies are concerned, I’ve seen “Black Swan,” “The Fighter,” “Inception,” “The Social Network,” and “Toy Story 3.” 

I realized that I haven’t really been sharing many pictures of myself on here, so here is one of me before our girls night out…

CHEESE!

When I started this blog, I made an executive decision to keep it as positive as I could.  BUT I do have to let something out tonight.  Upon paying for our tickets and heading to the theatre, my aunt and I overheard a man ask the attendant what movies were playing around 7:15.  The attendant gave the man some options, and the man then proceeded to ask if “The Fighter” had any sexual scenes or offensive language.  Now, I don’t know why he didn’t just ask what it was rated but whatever.  Anways, my aunt and I walked into the theatre and took our seats.  Then about 5 minutes into the previews, in walks the man and his family, including 5 children under the age of 10 and a baby.  I was soooo annoyed and appalled.  Why would you bring your babies to “The Fighter?!?!?”  Have some common sense!  My aunt and I were talking about it all the way home because we were both so shocked.  Parents act so innocent when their kids go crazy later on in life, but they never take a look at what influences they allowed into their lives at a younger age.  Now, I know most parents would never allow their kids to watch this movie at such a young age, so I am not trying to  generalize.  I know that this man and his family were probably (or at least I hope) an exception.  But still, it got me so worked up!  I just don’t get it…  If you’re wondering what ended up happening to the man and his kids, here’s the backend of the story.  The 5 kids ended up leaving (probably to go watch a more age appropriate movie), the baby started crying, a young man got up to go complain to the manager, the man did not take his crying baby outside until about 5 minutes later, and then we finally got to watch the movie in peace. 🙂

I am done with my venting…thanks for listening (reading)! 

Did you watch any of the movies that were nominated for an Oscar this year? What was your favorite?

Ragda Patties

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Ragda patties = India pea soup with potato patties AKA one of Parita’s favorite Indian dishes!!!

Finished Product

Let me back up a bit first.  My family is from the Indian state of Gujarat (reference point: north of Mumbai).  Each state specializes in different cuisines.  For example, a lot of people are familiar with chicken tikka masala, saag paneer, etc.  These dishes originate from the state of Punjab (reference point: north of Gujarat).  Gujarat is known for rotli (flatbread), daar (lentil soup), shak (veggies in spices), and laddus (a sweet made with wheat flour and lots of butter)! 🙂  Ragda patties is actually a speciality dish that people make on special occasions because it is usually pretty time-consuming to cook.  BUT, we are in luck because my aunt shared her simple recipe with me as she cooked tonight. 🙂  It’s “semi-homemade” in my opinion because the patties she uses are store-bought.  Trader Joe’s (thank the heavens for this store) sells Masala Burgers that make for great substitutes for the homemade patties (the time-consuming part of the recipe.)

Masala Burgers courtesy of Trader Joe’s

Please refer to my Indian Spices post for details about the spices used in this recipe.  And the thing to remember is that the amount of each spice used can be adjusted to your taste – don’t be afraid to experiment.  I always start with a little bit and add as needed. 

So, without further ado, I give you the recipe for Ragda Patties (this recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings):

3 cups dried peas
1 large sweet onion
8 oz. canned tomatoes
2-3 Tbsp. olive oil
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1/2 inch piece of grated ginger
5 cups of water
1 tsp. cumin seeds
small pinch of clove powder
1.5 tsp ground cumin and coriander powder
1 tsp. garam masala
3.5 tsp salt
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp. ground red pepper
1 Tbsp. brown sugar

1. The first thing you want to do is completely soak the dried peas in water for about 2 hours.
2. Then drain the peas and transfer over to another bowl that is safe to use on the stove top. Fill the bowl with water but leave about one inch of space from the top.
3. Boil the peas and water combo on medium high heat for about 45 minutes until the peas are cooked through (keep an eye to ensure that the water doesn’t boil over and create a mess).
4. In the meantime, puree the tomatoes in a blender. Remove the mixture and set aside.
5. Chop the onions in the blender, but make sure not to puree – should still have a chunky texture.
6. Heat about 2-3 Tbsp. olive oil in a large pot.
7. Add cumin seeds and pinch of clove powder.
8. After about a minute or so, add the onion and cook on medium heat until soft.
9. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for a couple of more minutes.
10. Add salt, cumin and coriander powder, turmeric powder, ground red pepper, and garam masala and saute for two more minute.
11. Add the pureed tomatoes and water and allow the mixture to simmer.
12. Taste at this time and adjust the seasonings to your taste.
13. Add the cooked peas with the cooking water and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
14. Enjoy the “pea soup” with TJs Masala Burgers by spooning the soup into a bowl and topping with a cooked burger.

This dish is usually eaten with a few different toppings – sev (string like fried crispy snack made with gram flour), sweet chutney (made with either dates or apple butter), spicy green chutney (made with cilantro), and raw diced onions. The sev and chutney can easily be found in Indian grocery stores – don’t be shy…just ask!!

Package of sev

Up close and personal!

If you have any questions about ths recipe, the ingredients used, or anything else at all, please shoot me an email or leave a comment.  I’d be more than willing to explain further.

Do you like Indian food?  What’s your favorite dish? 

Before I sign out for the night,  I want to leave you with a gorgeous sunset…ain’t it grand?!

Holy Guacamole!

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My day started with an early morning 4 mile run outside! 🙂  There is a great road right by my aunt and uncle’s house that is perfect for runners and bikers.  Next time I will bring my camera so I can capture some of the breathtaking views!

My day also involved a visit to the car wash since my car is going to be picked up tomorrow for its big cross-country move, and I want it to be squeaky clean.  I headed to the car wash with just an external wash in mind, but this time around I got a package that included an exterior wash, tire scrub, and internal vacuum – all for less than $15!!  Look at my baby shine!

Dinner today was a hodge podge of different things for everyone.  My little cousin had a quesadilla, my uncle had a cauliflower and peas shak, my aunt’s in-laws had teriyaki chicken and rice, and my aunt and I had channa (Indian chickpeas) in a yogurt sauce.  However, the one thing that everyone had and enjoyed was my world-famous (slight exaggeration) guacamole!  It’s so super easy to make, and it’s so fresh and delicious.  Next time you have a get together or are planning on Mexican food (or not in our case) for the night, try making this.

Holy Guacamole Recipe 

2 large avocados (that give slightly when pressed)
3 roma tomatoes
1/2 of a large sweet onion
2 garlic cloves
handful of cilantro (amount can vary based on taste)
1 small lime
salt to taste
ground red pepper

1. Scoop out the avocados and chop into chunks, add to bowl
2. Chop the tomatoes and onions into small pieces, add to bowl
3. Mince the garlic, add to bowl
4. Finely chop the cilantro, add to bowl
5. Juice the lime over veggies in the bowl
6. Add the salt and a few good dashes of pepper
[Now comes the hard work!]
7. Take a fork and start smashing the avocado and combining all the ingredients, keep working it until the mixture reaches your desired consistency
8. Taste and adjust seasonings
9. Enjoy with your favorite chips! 

Before!

After!

Chips from Trader Joe's to accompany the guac!

After dinner I was really craving something sweet, so I may or may not have had a handful of mini chocolate chips!!!

Mmm mmm good!

 What’s your favorite way to combat a “slight” sweet tooth? 🙂

Family Health History

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This morning at breakfast, we were discussing our family health history, and it got me thinking.  And please remember, I am not a doctor…these are my personal thoughts and opinions.  So, I started thinking about how some diseases may creep into our lives slowly just because they run in our family, and you really can’t do anything about the genes you’ve inherited.  BUT, I think that the decisions we make and the lifestyle we decide to adopt at a younger age will make a great impact on which diseases decide to show up when.  For example, if you were to examine my family health history, you would see four major diseases/conditions at the top of the list – diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.  Multiple people on both sides of my family have one or more of these, and not all of these people are “old.”  Now, I could take the easy way out and say to myself, “I am bound to get one of these at some point, why not just enjoy life and take it easy on the healthy stuff.”  Or I could look at it in a different way.  Why not incorporate exercise and good nutrition into my way of being, so that I don’t have to be another pill popper.  I am in no way saying that you shouldn’t enjoy your life.  In fact, I am saying quite the opposite.  Knowing full well what others in our family go through, we should try to beat the odds and make decisions that will help ensure that we live a long life, so we can do the things we love and be with the people we love.  I am a big believer in two things: doing all things in moderation and taking small steps everyday that lead to an overall healthy lifestyle and mindset.  And I believe that it’s these two principles that can help us not be another statistic when it comes to some of the more prevalent diseases/conditions.

Anywho, let me tell you about the rest of my day as I have some fun “recipes” to share.

I decided to go for a run at the park this afternoon, knowing full well that it was almost 80 degrees (summertime weather).  I started off strong, but then started feeling really tired about 25 minutes in, so my run turned into a run/walk.  It was just too hot!  Note to self (and readers): don’t push yourself in extreme weather…it’s not worth it.  I guess I had just forgotten what a Tucson summer felt like.

As soon as I got home I gulped down sipped on a Very Berry and Banana Smoothie I made as my pre and post run snack.  It was very very easy to make.  All I did was blend together half a cup of Greek yogurt, a handful of frozen strawberries and blueberries, a large banana, and a cup or so of OJ.  Delish and refreshing!

I promise I didn’t add any beer to it, despite the glass. 🙂

Since I am moving in a couple of weeks, there is a lot to do.  So after showering, I did some laundry and cleaned out my closet.  I then thought to myself, “Parita, you are not going to have any other weekends to just relax, so why don’t you look through Netflix and find a fun Sunday movie to watch.”  So that’s what I did!  I watched “My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend” with Alyssa Milano, Beau Bridges, and Christopher Gorham.  I highly recommend it!!!  If you’re looking for a fun romantic comedy, then this is your movie.  It’s full of cheesy lines, witty humor, and all around cuteness.  Perfect for a Sunday afternoon!

After finishing the movie and talking with my mom, I made dinner.  I am trying to use up all of the food items I currently have on hand, so tonight’s dinner was my very own concoction inspired by recipes I’ve seen in the blog world and elsewhere.  I made a veggie stirfry with soy chicken and a sunflower butter sauce.  Sounds weird, I know, but it was really good.  All I did was saute the soy chicken in olive oil and add the veggies (I used frozen).  While that cooked, I made a sauce using a spoonful of SB butter, soy sauce, water, and red chili powder.  The amount of water you use is based on the consistency you desire.  Here is the final product…

Well, I’m off to fold laundry and get ready for tomorrow.  Man I wish weekends were longer!!!  Thanks!

 

Back to the Basics

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My simple dinner, chickpea and tomato pasta, was the inspiration for tonight’s blog post.  After an entire weekend of unhealthy eats, I wanted to eat something that would give my body some of the nutrients I missed over the past few days.  I am happy to report that dinner was delicious and nutritious!  Before I talk about how I revert back to the basics after a  few unhealthy meals , I will share my recipe.

The beauty of this recipe is that you can approximate all of the ingredients based on what you like and what you don’t like.  I didn’t measure anything…just added a little bit of this and little bit of that!

Ingredients:

Multigrain pasta

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can garbanzo beans

Good quality olive oil (don’t underestimate the power of quality olive oil) 🙂

Dried herbs of your choice (I used basil)

Salt and black pepper to taste

A pinch of Indian red chilli powder (I couldn’t find my crushed red pepper)

Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box.  Drain the pasta and add it back to the pot.  Add the can of tomatoes and about 3/4 of the beans.  Allow to heat through and then add about 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.  Season with the herbs and spices to taste.  Allow to heat through and serve warm.

Allowing yourself to have indulgent foods every now and then is a must.  But sometimes, reverting back to healthier foods and a healthier mindset is harder than one would think.  The transition is much more bearable when I gradually add back fruits, vegetables, grains, etc. into my diet.  Here are some of the ways I get back to the basics:

  • I try to start off with a filling breakfast (my favorite cereal with soy milk, a bowl of oatmeal, slices of toast with peanut butter, an egg white omelet, etc.)
  • I make sure that my kitchen is stocked up with fresh fruits and vegetables, and I incorporate them into every meal (I love juicy berries because they are full of antioxidants, and they are great with yogurt, oatmeal, or even on their own)
  • I reap the benefits of spinach by making a spinach salad with my favorite veggies and beans (my favorite salad beans are black beans, garbanzo beans, and dark red kidney beans)
  • I sip on lots of water throughout the day.  I try to drink at least 6 glasses a day to help cleanse my system.
  • I snack during the day – almonds, fruit, string cheese, Larabars, etc.
  • I eat dark chocolate almost daily! 🙂  I allow myself about 100-150 calories worth and eat it VERY slowly to satisfy my sweet tooth.

These are just a few of the ways I slowly get back to the basics after allowing myself to eat pretty much whatever I want. 🙂  I find that by adding fresh foods back into my diet and not eliminating entire food groups, I am back on track in no time!

Do you find it challenging to eat healthier after indulging?  How do you get back to the basics?

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