Kalakand: 2 easy recipes

Being a Bengali I can easily tell how our weakness for food, especially sweets can takeover our lives over anything. There is no credit for assuming why Bengalis are very often identified with food, spices and of course sweets. But Don't get confused with the type of sweets we love, it's mostly Roshogolla, Sandesh, Kalakand, Chom-chom, Pantua (not Gulab-jamun), Rasomalai, and the list goes on forever :D

Recipe for Roshogolla is attached in the link below:

https://spicesoflives.blogspot.com/2015/02/roshogolla-or-rasgulla.html


The primary ingredient for making Kalakand is khoya/paneer/cottage cheese/chhana. You can use store bought cottage cheese or khoya but I consider the homemade chhana is preferable as I have tried both. As per my explanation, the texture and taste of Kalakand made from homemade chhana cannot be compared with the readymade cottage cheese.

Although you are always welcome to try out if running late with guests coming over, and it will turn out pretty good. But you must try making Kalakand with chhana and that's when you will discover and magic and the heavenly taste.

Today I am going to provide my viewers both the recipes. For beginners, as in who have just started entering the kitchen and find everything super difficult :), cottage cheese or store bought paneer will be better. But for pro and who love doing experiments and keep the excitement on, homemade chhana will definitely work best.

Recipe 1: 

Ingredients:
1. Ricotta cheese or any kind of cottage cheese or khoya (from Indian Grocery Store): 500 gms
2. Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 can/14 oz
3. Cardamom powder
4. Almond-pistachios or few strands of saffron for decoration

Preparation:
1. Take a mixing bowl and put together first three ingredients. Mix very well with a spoon evenly.
2. Take heavy bottom steel or non-stick pan. Heat it on medium flame and pour the sweet mixture. Now keep stirring frequently on medium to low flame, so that it won't stick at the bottom.
3. Keep stirring for 8-10 minutes or till the mixture comes together in a lump and comes out of the sides.
4. Grease a tray with ghee or butter and pour the mixture. Spread it evenly along the sides and the top part of course. Sprinkle chopped nuts or saffron strands or simply some cardamom powder (basically any flavor of your choice) and keep it in the room temperature for about an hour.

5. Cut into square pieces and enjoy the sweet creamy Kalakand. You can refrigerate and use for next 4-5 days.

Recipe 2:

Ingredients:
1. Whole Milk: 2 liters
2. 1 lemon or Vinegar half cup (for curdling the milk and making chhana)
3. Sugar (powdered): 3/4th cup (you can add less or more as per your sweet preference)
4. Cardamom powder
5. Almond-pistachios or few strands of saffron for decoration
6. Rose water (optional)

Preparation:
1. Boil the milk in medium heat. For curdling the milk you can either use juice of a whole lemon or half cup vinegar. Add slowly once the milk start bubbling and stir continuously.
2. Within few minutes the milk will separate from water and switch off the flame at this point. Wait for another couple of minutes and you can see the chhana will separate and whey comes in.
3. Strain the chhana in a cheese-cloth and squeeze out water as much as possible. Hang the cheesecloth for 45 minutes to strain any excess water.
4. Now take the chhana and put it in a heavy bottom pan. Cook the mixture for 7-8 minutes and add sugar, cardamom powder or rosewater if you want.
5. Cook for another 2 minutes till it comes together in a lump. Grease a tray with ghee or butter and pour the mixture in it. Sprinkle chopped nuts or saffron strands or simply some cardamom powder (basically any flavor of your choice) and keep it in the room temperature for about an hour.
6. Cut into square pieces and enjoy the sweet creamy Kalakand. You can refrigerate and use for next 4-5 days.

Chicken Chaap

If you are in love with Mughlai cuisine, Chicken Chaap will definitely be on the list of your top favorites. This is one of the rich traditional Mughlai delicacies, you will hardly keep yourself off from tasting. Mughlai cuisine includes the usage of aromatic variety spices, milk, cream, dried fruits and nuts which results in the rich and savory taste. Chicken Chaap go hand in hand with Biriyani, Naan or Paratha. 

The most significant part of this recipe includes the marination. The marinade sauce takes most of the ingredients needed for the recipe and longer the marination, better and richer the taste comes out of it. The marinated chicken should be slow cooked for at least 30 minutes till the rich oily gravy comes out of it. Once the marination is done, it takes no time and labor to prepare Chaap. The very simple procedure makes it accessible to your kitchen if you have all the ingredients available with you, which I guess most of you all have. 

So why wait to find a good restaurant, when you can make it by yourself in no time. Follow the recipe below and experience the rich aromatic taste of the very traditional Mughlai delicacy. 

For Biriyani, follow this link :
https://spicesoflives.blogspot.com/2015/02/mutton-biriyani.html


Ingredients for Chicken Chaap:

Chicken drumsticks : 9-10
Greek yogurt or hung curd : 3/4th cup
Besan (roasted) : 2-3 tbsp 
Roasted Cashew paste : 2-3 tbsp
Poppy seeds paste : 2 tbsp
Onion paste : Half onion if it's big or a small whole
Ginger-garlic paste : 2 tbsp
Garam masala powder : 1 tsp
Nutmeg powder 1/2 tsp
Salt : As preferred
Red chili powder : 1 tbsp or less (as preferred)
Black pepper powder : 1 tsp
Saffron or Kesar : Just a pinch, soaked in warm milk
Kewra water : 1 tsp or less if you want
Ghee and oil: 1 tbsp each of them


Procedure:

1. Clean the chicken pieces thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. Then slit the pieces with a knife and keep them aside.

2. Take a large bowl and beat the yogurt nicely as no lump should be there. Mix rest of the ingredients except oil/ghee nicely to form a smooth and rich paste.

3. Now add the drumsticks in the marinade and coat the pieces nicely and cover and rest for atleast 4-5 hours.

4. You may use a heavy bottom steel pan or a non-stick one. Add and heat ghee and oil together in a medium flame. Now add all the chicken pieces including the marinade sauce on the top. Keep the flame as low as possible, cover and let it cook slowly. Check them time to time so they don't stick at the bottom. Turn over the pieces carefully after 10-12 minutes and again cook them covered for another 10 minutes.

5. Check with a fork if the drumsticks are cooked nicely and oil starts coming from the gravy. The gravy should be rich and thick after all the water dissolves. If you feel they haven't cooked nicely and the gravy is dried up, sprinkle some warm water. After it's done nicely and aroma is coming as well, keep it covered for another 5 minutes to give it standing time. You can sprinkle some more nutmeg powder over it if you want, but that's absolutely optional.

6. Serve with Pulao, Paratha, Naan or even simple chapati. 

Mishti Doi: Only 3 ingredients

Mishti Doi or sweetened yogurt is the quintessential dessert for which Bengal is widely known. As we all know Bengal is the home for some finest traditional sweets and its sweet heritage is continuing till date. Mishti Doi is considered a must and prepared extensively in all kinds of festive and auspicious occasions

Today I will give you a very easy and quick recipe for Mishti Doi that you can prepare any time at home.

Ingredients for Mishti Doi:

1. Full fat plain yogurt : 14 oz
2. Condensed Milk : 14 oz
3. Evaporated Milk : 14 oz

Serves : 6-8

Procedure:

1. Take a large mixing bowl and pour all the 3 ingredients. Whisk thoroughly with a hand blender or with a whisker.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 F or 180 C.
3. Now take a baking dish and pour the mixture. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
4. Do not remove the baking dish after switching the oven off. Keep it inside for 7-8 hours or overnight.
5. Take the dish outside and check whether it is set nicely. Now cover it with a lid or aluminium foil and keep in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours before serving.
6. Decorate with nuts, raisins, pistachios or anything according to your choice and serve chilled.

Galouti Kebabs: The Awadhi Indulgence

Known as one of the most popular and significant dishes of Awadhi cuisine, Galouti Kebab is synonymous to Lucknow and its royal culinary culture. The city is known for its rich royal heritage be it through its architecture, literature, music, history, or food. Warm welcome and hospitality are the two significance features of the city that can be always bragged about.

Lucknow is home of Nawabs and Awadhi cuisine and a paradise for food lovers. You can have an endless list of the rich and royal delicacies while in the city, like, Galouti Kebab, Boti Kebab, Tunday Kebab, Lucknowi Biriyani, Rogan Josh, Nihari, and an exquisite variety of desserts and sweets.

Galouti Kebab is a special delicacy which was said to be made exclusively for an old Nawab in Lucknow. Galouti means "the thing the melts in your mouth" and that exactly this does. The mouth-melting, mouth-watering soft meatballs should be placed first in your wish list, once you visit the city.

But as we all are not that lucky to taste this gem of an delicacy sitting right amidst city of Lucknow, can try a homemade variety as well. Although it can never bring you the original royal taste, but definitely satisfy your taste buds with least doubt.

Ingrdients for Galouti Kebab:

1. Minced meat (lamb, goat, or beef): 1 lb
2. Paste of green raw papaya: 1 tbsp
3. Fried onion: 2 tbsp
4. Ginger and Garlic paste: 1 tsp
5. Garam Masala powder: 2 tsp
6. Red chili powder: half tsp or as spicy as preferred
7. Salt: half tsp or as preferred
8. Roasted gram flour/besan: 1 tsp
9. Saffron strands: 1 pinch, soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk
10. Rose water: half tsp
11. Ghee/clarified butter : 2-3 tbsp

Procedure:

1. Take a large mixing bowl and put all the ingredients along with the minced meat except the ghee.
2. Mix together very finely, almost like kneading a dough.
3. Make small ball size patties, and flatten a bit with your palms.
4. Keep them in the refrigerator for an hour.
5. Take a heavy bottom flat pan and heat the ghee for frying.
6. Shallow fry the kebabs over medium heat till golden brown, turning the sides carefully as they are very soft.
7. Serve hot kebabs with paranthas or as per your preference.

Yellowstone National Park: The first national park in the world

 Yellowstone National Park is the paradise for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Hiking, biking, camping, fishing, kayaking...you name it and get everything here at the first national park in the U.S and as well as in the world. With so much unspoiled natural beauty, from picturesque high mountains and crystal-clear lakes to breathtaking waterfalls, canyons and infamous geysers, Yellowstone attracts millions of visitors from across the world.There is a substantial concentration of wildlife inside Yellowstone, which includes Bears, Wolves, Moose, Elk, Bison, Badgers, Otters, Fox and many more.

The Geothermal areas of Yellowstone are known to be among the various exclusive features of the region. This area comprises of several geyser basins, hot springs and mud pots. Yellowstone Caldera, also known as "supervolcanoes" are formed by immensely large explosive eruptions. Travelers and backpackers from different parts of the world come to see the virgin yet dangerous beauty of this place. Consider yourself lucky enough if you can spot even a small eruption in any of these spots. 

We have been visited this place twice, and yet want to go back again and again to experience the extraordinary wonder of nature. Yellowstone National Park is so big and diverse that you can easily spend 5-6 days or even an entire week there. There is never a dearth of attractions to amaze you every moment. 

The first time we visited Yellowstone, it was a 2 days trip and the second time it lasted for 3 days. But I must say if you want to explore the place extensively, 5 days will be a fair option, if not less. 

So based on own own experiences, here are some important tips and suggestions to explore the place in an impressive manner. 

Summer time is the best to visit the place, although it is hugely crowded. The traffic is also another consideration to take care of. So it will be a good decision to take short hikes and walks after parking your car in designated areas. 

June and July are the busiest months to visit, although most of the visitors want to see and move around the most popular attractions.  

Another important information to share is that there will be no network inside the park. So be prepared and don't forget to carry your map all the time. If you want to keep up with the place and your plan, you need to move slow. Never make a mistake to be in a hurry to explore everything at a time. Make a proper and effective plan and try to go accordingly. 

In Winter most of the roads inside the park are closed and hard to access because of snow and other things. 

So here are the highlights and some of the prime attractions of Yellowstone National Park that you can cover within 3 days according to an expensive plan. 

Day 1: Here are some of the highlights or the prime attractions we were able to cover on the 1st day.

Tower Falls 

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Norris Geyser Basin

Mammoth Hot Spring

Day 2: 

Canyon Village

Hayden  valley

Yellowstone Lake

Fishing Bridge

Ribbon Lake

Dragon's Mouth Spring

West Thumb Geyser basin

Day 3:

Old Faithful Geyser

Grand Prismatic

Upper geyser basin

Midway Geyser basin 

These are some of the prime highlights and most popular attractions in Yellowstone National Park. But these are really not enough to cherish the charm and beauty of this park. It is almost impossible to say how many big and small geysers, hot springs and mud spots are there inside. You will get to see them on the way while going between different points of attraction. No pictures or descriptions or travel blogs can justify the inner beauty and extravagance of Yellowstone. So it is best to see and explore it by yourself and overwhelmed by the wonderful things the nature displays. 

Montreal: The Canadian city with a French charm

One of the most populous and popular cities of Canada, Montreal features some stunning metropolis combining old-world architecture with flashing blends of modern flings. It is Canada's second largest city and has a huge population of French speakers outside Paris. So if you are planning to explore Montreal, make sure to learn some basics of French and expect a good amount of French essence in peoples' behavioral manner. This beautiful Canadian city has a French soul and a big heart, at the same time very welcoming to other nationalities. Montreal portrays a perfect montage of ethnicity and culture.

Montreal has a good old European charm and an unpretentious love for the travelers as well as the good food investibles.  Take your time to roam around the city, especially the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, amazing street performances, centuries back European architectures, historic buildings and beautiful churches.

Although there is something for everyone in Montreal, the true spirit of exploring the city requires walking, walking and only walking.

Vieux Montréal or Old Montreal is the most popular area to walk around, including the Notre-Dame Basilica, cobblestone streets and nice museums.

Notre-Dame Basilica is a gem of Victorian Gothic and attracts a large number of visitors every year across the world. There are horse-drawn carriages available near the basilica to give you a memorable ride through the most beautiful attractions of the city.

After having a refreshing day trip of the wonderful city, unwind yourself exploring  the famous food street of old Montreal. Sit and relax outside any of the local restaurants and order some French wine and poutine. Poutine is a local delicacy, originating from Quebec province, consisting French fries and cheese curd topped with delicious meat gravy.

Montreal Old Port is a perfect place to spend the evening. You can have a spectacular view of the city from the Montreal Observation Wheel. This will be an unforgettable experience to have a breathtaking view of the river St. Lawrence, old Montreal, downtown and the mountains as well.

There are numerous local stores, coffee shops, bars and road side restaurants in the Old Port area offering refreshments for everyone's taste.

Start your next day exploring the mountains. Mont Royal or Mount Royal is one of the prime highlights of Montreal, as they say the city had taken it name after the name of this mountain. Mount Royal Park is within a very short distance from the downtown and once you reach there, park your car in the designated area and follow the hiking trails towards the summit.

From the base to summit its a short hike and it's even stroller accessible. Chalet du Mont-Royal offers a spectacular view of the city's skyline, River St. Lawrence and of course the surrounding mountains.

Parc Olumpique or The Olympic Park can be your next destination in Montreal.

According to me, this should be included in your must-see list of the city. It was built in 1976 to host the Summer Olympic Games of that very year and since then it has become one of the prime tourist destinations in Montreal.

You can have a guided tour inside providing good old history about the stadium and some lesser known interesting stories about the magnificent architecture, sports, culture and many more.

Another popular destination of the city is the Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy area. This place is extremely crowded during weekends and finding a good and proper public parking could be a pain. This is kind of an outdoor farmers market offering a wide variety of fresh local produces and widely popular among locals and visitors.

Montreal is a food-lover's paradise and known for a wide range of gastronomic delights. French, Italian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Afghan, you name it and there are so many options available in various parts of the city. But if you are in Montreal, you should not miss the scope to try some local delicacies, like poutine, local bagels, and smoked meat. Apart from these you will never run out of various local bakeries, creperies, coffee shops and bistros.

Getting around in Montreal is not very tricky. The public parking's are available throughout the city but can be a little expensive sometimes. Public transportation like metros and buses are easily available for roaming around the city. But walking is the easiest and convenient way to explore Montreal, although you have to drive or take other transportation to hop between different destinations.

So, here is a brief summary of our memorable trip to Montreal. The vibrant city is full of some unique magnificent architectures, along with a picturesque downtown area. Don't miss an opportunity to walk around the beautiful cobblestone streets surrounded with some old European statues and buildings, the Old Port, and plenty of restaurants beside the streets offering local and international delicacies.

So take your time out to experience the unique French charm of this Canadian city and see yourself why Montreal is known to be one of the greatest tourist destinations of the world.