Chef Vinod

The CHEW - ABC 7

'THE CHEW' the much anticipated life style show,kicked off to a flying start today with our own Carla Hall from Washington DC and other celbs like Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Clinton Kelly and Daphne Oz. The show is broadcast live from NY city and promises cooking from home to food trends, home entertaining, restaurants and more...

All of the co-hosts did a cooking demonstration. Carla demonstrated how to make a fried apple pancake ring. Carla's sister, mother and husaband Mathew were among the audience cheering Carla. On behalf of all the Washingtonians and the Chefs/Restaurateurs, we would like to wish Carla and her co-hosts all the very best!

Here are some pictures of the show, along with a recipe for Pizza Margherita demonstrated by chef Mario Batali.

PIZZA MARGHERITA ANYONE?

Here is a recipe for Pizza Margherita as demonstrated by chef Mario Batali on Chew.

 

 Chef Mario Batali demonstrating making of pizza..

 

To read more click on the story written by Tim Carman of the Washington Post - Click here

Diwali Mela - Indique Heights - 2011

Indique Heights Celebrates Diwali Festival with the Community on Sunday, October 16, 2011

 Food, fun and culture to celebrate the Indian Festival of Lights

 Indique Heights Restaurant is bringing the Indian Festival of Lights to Washington, D.C for the sixth year. On October 16th, 2011, neighbors, families and friends are invited to stop by Indique Height’s expansive outdoor terrace for festivities including Indian street snacks, and cultural activities for the entire family.

 Diwali festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Lights and diyas (oil lamps) are lit signifying the driving away of darkness and ignorance.  Though there are many legends and religious attributes attached to the festival, the Diwali celebration is a time for togetherness with family and friends. 

The festival at Indique Heights will transform the expansive terrace into a festive bazaar including a Diwali feast, henna artists, women fashions, jewelry, and paintings by a local artist. Guests can feast on a great menu of Indian street snacks and cuisine, and partake in a host of cultural activities. The Indique Heights Diwali festival is on October 16^th from 12 to 7.00 pm on Indique Heights’ terrace at Two Wisconsin Circle in Chevy Chase.

Admission is $21.20 per person. Children (ages 4-10)  -  $12.72.

(Food and featured drinks are included in the price)

Tickets are available at – www.diwalimela-indiqueheights.eventbrite.com

Here are some picturs from the previous years. 

Kerala style Cornish hen/ Chicken - Kozhi Varatha Curry

We were expecting some guests at home. My wife Nisha and my mom had  made all the dishes for the evening. Most of the dishes were Vegetarian, so I decided to supplement the Menu by making a quick preparation of a Kerala style Cornish hen/chicken curry. 

It was a challenge to cook and handle the camera at the same time !  I will look forward to your comments. Happy cooking! 

Kerala Style Cornish Hen/Chicken  (Serves 10 - 12) 

 Ingredients 

Cornish hen or small chicken – 5lbs

Red Onions (chopped) – 3 cups

Cardamom (small) – 10-12

Cardamom (black) – 2

Cloves – a few

Bay leaves - a few

Cinnamon - 2 pieces

Star anise – a few

Cumin seeds – 1 tsp.

Red chili powder – 3 tablespoons

Coriander powder – 5 tablespoons

Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon

Chopped garlic – 1 tablespoon

Fresh ginger – 1 small piece cut into julienne or ginger powder – 1 tablespoon

Plain yogurt – 4 ounces

Vegetable oil – ½ cup

 

 

  1. Remove the skin, cut into small pieces, rinse, dry with a paper towel and set aside in a mixing bowl.

   

   2. Set aside the whole spices like small cardamom, black cardamom, cumin seeds, cloves, bay leaves, star anise, cinnamon on a small plate.

  3. On another plate set asdie ground spices - red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder.

  4. Chop onions( preferably red onions).

 5. Add the ground spices like red chili powder, turmeric and coriander powder on to a skillet and warm them up for a minute or two with a few drops of oil, making sure not burn the spices.

 6. Add the warmed up spices on to the cornish hen/chicken along with the plain yogurt, and a few sprig of curry leaves. Mix well and set aside in the refrigerator for about an hour. 

 7. In a thick bottom pan, heat oil add the whole spices - cumin, cardamom(small), black cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, bayleaves - add chopped onions. When the onions are kind of translucent, add curry leaves and continue to fry the onions till they get a nice dark color as shown ( do not burn the onions)

8. Now add the marinated cornish hen/chicken and continue to stir for a few minutes. Cover and cook on a slow fire, occasionally stirring till the cornish hen/chicken is done. 

Note : if you like gravy in this dish, you can add some water. My personal preference is to cook without any water.