Spinach Raita with Tadka

This time, I have a special recipe on the Fox news website. One that will remind you of the current focus on green drinks but unlike them is not adultrated with color. Unbelievably full of nutrition with Vitamin A, C, E and K, plus Calcium, Folic acid and of course Iron that would make any Popeye fan proud, this raita is a hit with my children. No longer will you have to coax little ones to eat their greens.

And it is so quick to make that it even surprises me at times. Another value add is that you do not lose any of the nutrition in the whole process. The garnishing is simple and will give any meal spread the appreciative highlight. I make it with samosas, pakoras and even as a chip dip.

While growing up, I remember the different kinds of raita, some with tomatoes, some with onions, and some that were sweet with fruits. This one tastes so good with plain rotis, naan or with white rice that it just might become a staple on your list. Enjoy!

Cheesecake Factory Brunch

 1 Maple Avenue White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 683-5253

 

Some years back when we were in Honolulu, we had been a bit pressed for finding vegetarian food. Not knowing the local area that much and also since we were exploring the natural surroundings more and returning to our hotel always late at night, we only wanted to walk a few blocks to find a good meal. It was then that Cheesecake Factory had come to our rescue.

  

And this past weekend we decided to re-live those moments but at the nearby location in White Plains right next to the Westchester Mall. On Sunday morning, there was not much of a crowd for the brunch time and we were promptly at our table looking at the full menu.

The Sunday brunch menu options are not available on their website, but were with a lot of selections. We had in mind to try some of the 'diner' kind of preparations and not the cheesecakes however tempting they looked in displays. The French toast with strawberries arrived dusted with sugar and fresh cut fruit on top. It tasted nice and I would say a bit like an upscale diner fare.

The blueberry pancakes came three to a plate. With the maple syrup and blueberries, these were well tackled quickly by the kids. Given the restaraunt chain type of feel that Cheesecake Factory has, the pancakes tasted quite fresh. The serving sizes here are on the larger side. The portions are good enough for two people and for a couple out for lunch, it would be convenient to order two dishes and share.

 

The omlette stuffed with bell pepers, onions and mushrooms came with a side of toast and potatoes. The potatoes were partially crisp but without much seasoning except salt and pepper. I have had better at other places.

 

To see a latte being served in a glass mug was a bit different feeling, but it was ok enough to close out the meal. The double esspresso could have been a bit stronger to my taste. In all, for a brunch menu at this place, there are several other options that will beat any higway diner fare in quality, taste and presentation. I also think that given the streamlined business they run you would find the same brunch menu at all locations.

 

Kadai Paneer

Whenever, I go out to eat Indian food, Kadai Paneer is one dish, which I always order. It is paneer cooked with tomatoes and bell peppers and flavored with coriander and red chilli. And for cooking at home, I have a recipe that is my preferred homemade version with flavors of freshly pounded coriander seeds and red chillies. You can read the recipe on the Fox news website.
 

Kadai is a curved deep cooking potlike pan which is used to simmer curries and stews. Kadais are available in almost all Indian kitchens and are used for a variety of tasks like deep frying, sauteing or even roasting dry ingredients. You could almost think of them as being the Indian version of the omnipresent stockpot.

The ones that are made of iron give a dish cooked in it a distinct flavor and is also one reason that the word Kadai is pre-fixed to the dish's name.

The recipe is easy and simple to make and goes well with lentil and rice. You can also have it with paranthas or naan. And if you prefer or if you are unable to find Paneer, you can use extra firm tofu instead.