Microwave Chivda for Bloghop

When Radhika sent a mail with this month's Blog Hop pairs, I was really pressed for time. I wasn't even sure if I could make something in time from Nayna’s blog. Though I loved most of her recipes, due to time constraints, I chose her Microwave Chivda. It looked very easy to prepare. And I wasn't wrong in my judgement.

I usually use the microwave to boil the potatoes, beetroot and heat up stuff. This was the first ever complete "dish" I prepared in the microwave. Due to this, I couldn't judge my microwave properly and my peanuts were still a bit "kacha" (raw). But I know my mistake now and will adjust the time / method next time. I will update this post then.

I omitted the chillies as I didn't want V to bite into a chilli seed. I added only peanuts as I didn't have the roasted almonds and cashews in my pantry. The end result of the whole dish was very tasty. Its also a healthy, nutritious and low fat snack thats perfect with alcoholic / non-alcoholic drinks and also with your evening cuppa.

Ingredients
250 gms Thin Poha (Beaten Rice)
1 tbsp Roasted Chana Dal
3 tbsp Peanuts
1 tsp Mustard Seeds
1 tsp Chilli Powder
10 Curry Leaves
1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
1 tbsp + 1 tsp Oil
Salt to taste

Method

1. Place the Poha in a shallow microwave dish and microwave for 3 minutes, stirring thrice in between. By the end, the poha should be crisp to bite into.
2. Transfer this into a large bowl.
3. In the same dish, mix the Peanuts with 1 tsp Oil and microwave for 5 minutes, stirring 3 - 4 times in between. The peanuts should be crunchy to bite.
4. Now add the Roasted Chana Dal, mix and microwave for another 3 minutes, stirring 3 - 4 times.
5. Transfer this to the bowl with Poha and mix well.
6. In another microwave dish, add the 1 tbsp Oil and Mustard Seeds and microwave for 2 minutes stirring once in between.
7. Now add the Curry Leaves to this, mix and microwave for another minute.
8. Add the tempering, Turmeric Powder and Chilli Powder to the bowl with Poha and mix well.
9. Store in an air tight container and enjoy with a hot cuppa.

Note: I used my microwave at 800W to prepare this.

This goes to Blog Hop Wednesdays - Week 17

Spiced Hot Chocolate

Winter's definitely here. Today was a cold & frosty wintery day. It was bright at the same time and V was like "Look Mummy... Sun is out". Little does he understand that Sun doesn't necessarily mean warm. And there's no point in explaining it to him.

Given a choice, we would've stayed at home the whole day. But it was a very close friend's b'day so we went to visit her. Its been sometime since we went to her place so we were just sitting and chatting. V was busy with their cat. :).

He tried to get the cat to move but it wouldn't budge. Finally when it did get up, V ran away and climbed the sofa. That's the proof he's my son - I am petrified of pets as well. I don't hate animals - definitely no. Just scared.

Back at home, I wanted to drink something hot and spicy after the cold outing. I made this Spiced Hot Chocolate and P and me absolutely loved it. I am sure this is going be a regular in our house during these winter months.

Serves: 1

Ingredients
200 ml Milk
3 tsp Drinking Chocolate Powder
1/4 tsp Cinnamon Powder
1/4 tsp Red Chilli Powder
Sugar to Taste

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients in a microwave safe mug / cup.
2. Microwave high for 1 and 1/2 minutes.
3. Mix well and enjoy.

Note 1: My MW is 1000W and this time is just right for me. Adjust the time according to your microwave.
Note 2: The Cinnamon Powder didn't dissolve completely. If I try a variation, I'll post it here.

This goes to the following events:

Kalyani's Magic Mingle #1 - Chillies and Cinnamon
 

Srivalli's Chocolate Mela

Srav's Cooking Concepts #6 - Chocolate Fest