With recession still looming about, it is an excellent idea to cook something that is not too expensive but still is good to eat. What a better dish than a simple vegetable or lamb curry? All of the ingredients are available in any supermarket. The base for the curry is the paste. Once this paste is made, you can add any thing into it. Other ideas are Prawn for Prawn Curry, Potatoes for Potato Curry and so on.
Ingredients:
2 medium onions
5-6 garlic cloves
Small piece of ginger (crushed)
2-3 medium tomatoes
Few Coriander leaves
Sunflower oil
(Optional)
Mixed Frozen Vegetables or 1 lb boneless lamb cut into small pieces
Spices:
Salt
Chilli powder
Haldi Powder
Cumin powder
Garam Masala
1)Take two medium onions and slice them thinly.
2)Take a frying pan and add two table spoon of Sunflower Oil and heat it.
3)Add the onion to hot oil. Fry the onion until golden brown.
4)Add salt (to taste), red chilli powder (half a teaspoon), cumin powder (half a teaspoon), haldi powder (quarter teaspoon), garam masala (half a teaspoon).
5)Add 5-6 cloves of garlic. Let it simmer until garlic is tender.
6)Then add crushed ginger and tomatoes and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. Keep stirring meanwhile.
7)Put everything in a blender and blend in into smooth paste.
8)Add frozen vegetable (or anything else you would like) to this paste and let it cook for 10-15 minutes until vegetables are cooked.
9)Add coriander leaves on top.
This vegetable curry can be eaten with either Nan bread, or with boiled rice.
Takeaway food contains far too much salt which is not good for your health. High salt contents cause hypertension (high blood pressure) which can lead to many heart diseases such as stroke, or heart attack.
For private tuition in Science contact Dr Chand Zahid www.manchesterscience.co.uk
Showing posts with label Cooking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cooking. Show all posts
Monday, October 5, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Cooking Pot Roast in Slow Cooker - Recipe and Instructions
One of the most satisfying and delicious home cooked meals you will ever make is a pot roast cooked in a slow cooker, also known as a crock pot. It is especially wonderful during cold winter months. This easy to make, tender and savory pot roast recipe is sure to be a huge hit with your friends and family. There are many variations to this dish and if you ask 5 different people how they prepare a pot roast, you will more than likely receive 5 different answers. While the ingredients for making pot roast may vary from cook to cook, the method is generally the same: Season then brown a piece of meat on all sides and then slowly cook the meat along with a mix of vegetables in some type of broth mixture until the meat is fork tender.
CHOOSE YOUR CUT OF MEAT
The very first step to cooking a pot roast is to choose a cut of meat. There are several cuts of meat that will work for pot roast, but some are better than others. I recommend that you visit your local butcher and ask him or her to recommend a good piece of meat for your pot roast. If however, there is no butcher shop close by, visit your local supermarket. Most supermarkets will put helpful labels on the meat telling you what that cut of meat is generally used for. Common cuts of meat used for pot roast are Chuck, Brisket, Top Round and Bottom Round. Most people prefer chuck as the meat of choice, but I find it a bit too fatty and prefer to use Bottom Round. Experiment with different cuts to find the one you like best. For the purpose of this recipe, choose a cut of meat that is 3 - 5 Pounds.
THE VEGETABLES
I like to use a variety of different vegetables when I make this dish. It makes it more interesting than the usual carrots, celery and onions that many recipes call for. The best vegetables to accompany pot roast in my opinion are carrots, celery, onions, garlic, potatoes, turnips and rutabaga. You are free to use all of these or just a few. The choice is yours and nothing is written in stone. I just love the different textures and flavors that these different vegetables provide. Here are the measurement estimates for the veggies I like to use. Use more or less depending on how big your crock pot or slow cooker is. You don't want to overcrowd the crock pot.
1/2 Cup of Chopped Turnip
1/2 Cup of Chopped Rutabaga
1/2 Cup of Chopped Onion
1/2 Cup of Chopped Carrot
1/2 Cup of Chopped Celery (Look for celery with celery leaves still attached. The leaves impart an excellent flavor to the broth)
3 Garlic Cloves Minced
THE COOKING LIQUID
People use a variety of liquids to braise a pot roast and add their own unique flavors to this dish. People use a combination of water, beef stock, red wine (choose a wine that you would drink, not a cooking wine) and even beer. I like to use simple water mixed with beef stock. I usually use one part water to one part beef stock and use enough to where the roast is only submerged half way.
LET'S GET COOKING
Ok, we are ready to start cooking this beautiful dish.
Step 1
Season the meat with salt and pepper to taste. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meat on all sides, in a tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Step 2
Place your chopped vegetables in the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the meat on top of the vegetables and then pour your liquid over the top.
Step 3
Cover the slow cooker and cook at the lowest setting possible for roughly 8-10 hours. Meat should easily fall apart when pierced with a fork and vegetables should be soft. Remove meat and vegetables and place on a serving platter.
Step 4
Now to make the gravy. Whisk together, in a sauce pan, 1/4 cup of cold water and 2 tablespoons of flour until smooth. Slowly incorporate 1 cup of the hot broth from the pot roast and bring to a simmer stirring constantly until thickened.
Enjoy!
Ralph Serpe is a passionate home cook and founder of http://www.chefability.com. Visit us today for more free cooking recipes like this.
CHOOSE YOUR CUT OF MEAT
The very first step to cooking a pot roast is to choose a cut of meat. There are several cuts of meat that will work for pot roast, but some are better than others. I recommend that you visit your local butcher and ask him or her to recommend a good piece of meat for your pot roast. If however, there is no butcher shop close by, visit your local supermarket. Most supermarkets will put helpful labels on the meat telling you what that cut of meat is generally used for. Common cuts of meat used for pot roast are Chuck, Brisket, Top Round and Bottom Round. Most people prefer chuck as the meat of choice, but I find it a bit too fatty and prefer to use Bottom Round. Experiment with different cuts to find the one you like best. For the purpose of this recipe, choose a cut of meat that is 3 - 5 Pounds.
THE VEGETABLES
I like to use a variety of different vegetables when I make this dish. It makes it more interesting than the usual carrots, celery and onions that many recipes call for. The best vegetables to accompany pot roast in my opinion are carrots, celery, onions, garlic, potatoes, turnips and rutabaga. You are free to use all of these or just a few. The choice is yours and nothing is written in stone. I just love the different textures and flavors that these different vegetables provide. Here are the measurement estimates for the veggies I like to use. Use more or less depending on how big your crock pot or slow cooker is. You don't want to overcrowd the crock pot.
1/2 Cup of Chopped Turnip
1/2 Cup of Chopped Rutabaga
1/2 Cup of Chopped Onion
1/2 Cup of Chopped Carrot
1/2 Cup of Chopped Celery (Look for celery with celery leaves still attached. The leaves impart an excellent flavor to the broth)
3 Garlic Cloves Minced
THE COOKING LIQUID
People use a variety of liquids to braise a pot roast and add their own unique flavors to this dish. People use a combination of water, beef stock, red wine (choose a wine that you would drink, not a cooking wine) and even beer. I like to use simple water mixed with beef stock. I usually use one part water to one part beef stock and use enough to where the roast is only submerged half way.
LET'S GET COOKING
Ok, we are ready to start cooking this beautiful dish.
Step 1
Season the meat with salt and pepper to taste. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meat on all sides, in a tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Step 2
Place your chopped vegetables in the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the meat on top of the vegetables and then pour your liquid over the top.
Step 3
Cover the slow cooker and cook at the lowest setting possible for roughly 8-10 hours. Meat should easily fall apart when pierced with a fork and vegetables should be soft. Remove meat and vegetables and place on a serving platter.
Step 4
Now to make the gravy. Whisk together, in a sauce pan, 1/4 cup of cold water and 2 tablespoons of flour until smooth. Slowly incorporate 1 cup of the hot broth from the pot roast and bring to a simmer stirring constantly until thickened.
Enjoy!
Ralph Serpe is a passionate home cook and founder of http://www.chefability.com. Visit us today for more free cooking recipes like this.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Cooking tips for preparing party recipes
Sometimes you are in a hurry and you dont have time to make party recipes. And maybe you anyways don't feel like eating something hot in the heart of summer. Some quick no-cooking food would be great then. But don't forget to make certain that your party recipe is still healthy!
Salads are a great option for party recipes, and many of them are also very quick to prepare. If many of your ingredients are ready for use - for example canned vegetables or leftover meat - it's easy to prepare a delicious and healthy salad within half an hour. If your salad doesn't include pasta, rice or potatoes, make sure to serve it with bread, preferably whole grain, to include all major food groups into your meal.
Here are three quick and easy salad recipes which all can be done in 30 minutes. All make four servings. Entree salads may have either fried or grilled chicken fingers as well as seafood like fried or grilled shrimp placed on top of it. Fish steak, commonly tuna, salmon or mahi-mahi, can also be placed on top of the salad. Steaks like Sirloin can be sliced, grilled and placed over the entrée salad.
Salad dressings differ across cultures. Traditional salad dressings in Southern Europe are vinaigrettes; while in Russia and Eastern Europe, it is mayonnaise. In Denmark, salad dressings are based on the traditional recipes. Most of the light edible oil is typically used as salad dressing. These dinner recipes would include lots of oil. By Madhavi Porori
Salads are a great option for party recipes, and many of them are also very quick to prepare. If many of your ingredients are ready for use - for example canned vegetables or leftover meat - it's easy to prepare a delicious and healthy salad within half an hour. If your salad doesn't include pasta, rice or potatoes, make sure to serve it with bread, preferably whole grain, to include all major food groups into your meal.
Here are three quick and easy salad recipes which all can be done in 30 minutes. All make four servings. Entree salads may have either fried or grilled chicken fingers as well as seafood like fried or grilled shrimp placed on top of it. Fish steak, commonly tuna, salmon or mahi-mahi, can also be placed on top of the salad. Steaks like Sirloin can be sliced, grilled and placed over the entrée salad.
Salad dressings differ across cultures. Traditional salad dressings in Southern Europe are vinaigrettes; while in Russia and Eastern Europe, it is mayonnaise. In Denmark, salad dressings are based on the traditional recipes. Most of the light edible oil is typically used as salad dressing. These dinner recipes would include lots of oil. By Madhavi Porori
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
How Does Crock Pot Cooking Really Help Beat the Heat?
When the weather outside warms up, the kitchen can be a terrible place to be. There are many things you can do however, when it comes to cooking a nice home made meal that doesn't require traditional stove top or oven cooking. Learn to utilize some of the lesser heat producing equipment in your kitchen, such as the crock pot, in order to truly beat the summer heat and keep your cool while preparing a nice hot meal for friends and family.
So, Simply put, the crock pot in and of itself puts off far less heat when cooking than an oven or stove top. This is the first and possibly the best reason to utilize the crock pot in your summer meal planning. You should also consider the fact that by not heating the house by using your stove top or oven you are also preventing your air conditioning (or other cooling methods) from working overtime in order to compensate for the additional heat that other cooking methods introduce.
This makes crock pot cooking a win-win situation as the costs involved in operating a crock pot are far less than the costs involved in operating a stove or oven in general. Whether electric or gas, for more details visit to www.apples-recipes.com your stove and oven are often serious energy hogs. Add to that the fact that you are not raising the temperature in your home by traditional means of cooking and you are using even less electricity.
How Can Cooking to Red Meat dish?
In the culinary department, red meat refers to red-colored meat when raw. In nutritional terminology, red meat refers to any meat that comes from mammals, particularly beef, pork, and lamb. While lean red meat is not only a good source of protein and energy, it also has benefits in avoiding heart disease. However, consumption of animal fat should be reduced overall.
Most often, red meat has been the subject of negative studies such as the bacteria that usually cause people to get sick come from, well, red meat. Moreover, “Nature” published a new study suggesting that a regular diet of red meat can make people more susceptible to E.coli.
Certain types of E.coli may infect people when they get in contact with infected feces of humans or animals. Infection may occur in different ways, including eating infected meat which is a common way in the United States.
The study suggests that when people eat red meat and dairy, for more details visit to www.bread-machine-cookbook.com they absorb a sugar molecule called N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc). The human body does not produce Neu5Gc.
E.coli produces a toxin that causes serious illness in the body. The study shows that a bacterial toxin called subtilase cytotoxin targets Neu5Gc. In lab tests, the potent bacterial toxin attached itself to cells that had been exposed to Neu5Gc, such as cells of the intestinal lining and in the kidneys. By manindersingh
So, Simply put, the crock pot in and of itself puts off far less heat when cooking than an oven or stove top. This is the first and possibly the best reason to utilize the crock pot in your summer meal planning. You should also consider the fact that by not heating the house by using your stove top or oven you are also preventing your air conditioning (or other cooling methods) from working overtime in order to compensate for the additional heat that other cooking methods introduce.
This makes crock pot cooking a win-win situation as the costs involved in operating a crock pot are far less than the costs involved in operating a stove or oven in general. Whether electric or gas, for more details visit to www.apples-recipes.com your stove and oven are often serious energy hogs. Add to that the fact that you are not raising the temperature in your home by traditional means of cooking and you are using even less electricity.
How Can Cooking to Red Meat dish?
In the culinary department, red meat refers to red-colored meat when raw. In nutritional terminology, red meat refers to any meat that comes from mammals, particularly beef, pork, and lamb. While lean red meat is not only a good source of protein and energy, it also has benefits in avoiding heart disease. However, consumption of animal fat should be reduced overall.
Most often, red meat has been the subject of negative studies such as the bacteria that usually cause people to get sick come from, well, red meat. Moreover, “Nature” published a new study suggesting that a regular diet of red meat can make people more susceptible to E.coli.
Certain types of E.coli may infect people when they get in contact with infected feces of humans or animals. Infection may occur in different ways, including eating infected meat which is a common way in the United States.
The study suggests that when people eat red meat and dairy, for more details visit to www.bread-machine-cookbook.com they absorb a sugar molecule called N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc). The human body does not produce Neu5Gc.
E.coli produces a toxin that causes serious illness in the body. The study shows that a bacterial toxin called subtilase cytotoxin targets Neu5Gc. In lab tests, the potent bacterial toxin attached itself to cells that had been exposed to Neu5Gc, such as cells of the intestinal lining and in the kidneys. By manindersingh
Friday, May 1, 2009
Some Minor Changes Can Improve Your Cooking Room
Many families have understood the value of spending time together and a bonding between the members. All the members of the family meet each other on the dinning table. The members spend a lot of valued time together in the kitchen. Therefore, people felt the need to maintain this corner of the house in a creative way; then a simple kitchen improvement project can accomplish your needs. For more help visit to: www.delicious-candy-recipes.com.Some minor changes in the outlook of the kitchen can bring an innovative design in the space. One can consider changing the color of the cabinets. Painting the cabinets can bring an instant make over to the kitchen. Change the bright colors to the bark or vice-versa. Changing the color of cabinets prove to be a most simple, easiest and cost effective way to bring the whole new look to the kitchen. This change is the most recommended option available to the user as by spending a minute amount you can give it a look of complete new renovation. However, you can also consider brightening up your kitchen with some decorative designer lighting. A change in the lighting can bring a drastic change in to the small space. These are also cheap in rates. Without breaking your annual budget one can easily access the instant makeover of the kitchen.
Kitchen improvement project could prove to be an expensive and challenging task; if the proper planning and selection of the things is not made. There are many things in the kitchen that could be changed. The color of the walls, furniture and countertops help in improving the look of the kitchen. Use the combination of two or three colors in designing the kitchen walls and furniture. For more detail go to: www.camping-outdoors-recipes.com.An interesting color combination can make your kitchen look much warmer and welcoming. Even if your budget do not allow you to do much investment in the renovation work, then one can make some variations in the placement settings of the kitchen appliances.
A change in the placement and sitting arrangement also brings a feel of modification in the environment. It is also recommended to give an extensive cleaning to the appliances, cabinets and countertop of the kitchen. In a low budget renovation, these minor alterations may prove to be very effective in bringing a modified look to the kitchen. Apart from al these verifications, the placement of some decorative items and designer accessories is another effective alternate for kitchen improvement. In some of the cases the kitchen improvement project becomes a headache and tension for the user. this happens in the case of no planning and improper execution of the project. At times, the wrong selection of accessories and products can spoil the whole idea of renovation. By SMITH BLINT
Kitchen improvement project could prove to be an expensive and challenging task; if the proper planning and selection of the things is not made. There are many things in the kitchen that could be changed. The color of the walls, furniture and countertops help in improving the look of the kitchen. Use the combination of two or three colors in designing the kitchen walls and furniture. For more detail go to: www.camping-outdoors-recipes.com.An interesting color combination can make your kitchen look much warmer and welcoming. Even if your budget do not allow you to do much investment in the renovation work, then one can make some variations in the placement settings of the kitchen appliances.
A change in the placement and sitting arrangement also brings a feel of modification in the environment. It is also recommended to give an extensive cleaning to the appliances, cabinets and countertop of the kitchen. In a low budget renovation, these minor alterations may prove to be very effective in bringing a modified look to the kitchen. Apart from al these verifications, the placement of some decorative items and designer accessories is another effective alternate for kitchen improvement. In some of the cases the kitchen improvement project becomes a headache and tension for the user. this happens in the case of no planning and improper execution of the project. At times, the wrong selection of accessories and products can spoil the whole idea of renovation. By SMITH BLINT
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Cooking and Choose Chef Career
If you find yourself right at home in the kitchen, perhaps a chef career would be right up your alley. For more detail go to:www.camping-outdoors-recipes.com.When the thought of a chef career comes to mind, it may project thoughts of slaving over a hot, smelly grill, flipping burgers and hearing endless orders shouted through a loud speaker. While that may be the scenario for some chefs, there are actually many different options for this occupation.
Cooks for fast food and restaurant chains are always in demand because quick employee turnover is almost guaranteed. Many high school students take on these less-paying jobs solely as a summer gig. Others use the opportunity to bring in income until a more profitable job is found. However, restaurant, fast food and short order cooks are still categorized within the chef career spectrum and having the skill of producing high quality, tasty food is a talent that not everyone has. For more detail go to:www.bread-machine-cookbook.com.Everyone has to begin somewhere, and working for one of these kitchens provides cooking experience, looks good on resumes, and can act as a jumping off point for beginning a chef career.
If baking will be your forte in your chef career, perhaps a job at a cafeteria or nursing home would be a good job selection. While fast-food workers are constantly frying up and scooping out the same food products daily at a lickety-split pace, an institution kitchen is a more relaxed atmosphere where a variety of traditional, slightly more healthy dishes are prepared.
For instance, many cafeteria kitchens designate two or three items in which an employee is responsible for preparing and baking daily, such as a cook who makes bread products, one who creates casseroles, and others who hand-bread and roast chicken. Having a set food prep schedule gives a cook or chef the opportunity to ease into their specialty and, over time, perfect their craft.
After a few years of experience, it may be possible to advance to a head chef position at a prestigious eatery, such as a steak house or hotel restaurant. This chef career is a bit more stressful, as you are not only in charge of a kitchen full of employees; you are also required to insure the food going out to the paying customers is first-rate and superlative. A chef career at this high status will pay a higher income because cooking skills must be paramount and management skills proficient.
Possibly the most sought-after chef career is as a personal or private household chef. To be selected as a personal chef because of your impeccable cooking skills, creative dishes and flawless meal presentations is the height of honor for a chef after years of hard work and practice.
If you are considering a chef career, knowing how to cook is not enough. You must perfect your craft and stand out from all the rest who are your competition. Enrolling in a vocational school which provides cooking instructions or even a specialty college or institution could help mold you into the cooking expert that will send you on your way to the world of chef careers. By SMITH BLINT
Cooks for fast food and restaurant chains are always in demand because quick employee turnover is almost guaranteed. Many high school students take on these less-paying jobs solely as a summer gig. Others use the opportunity to bring in income until a more profitable job is found. However, restaurant, fast food and short order cooks are still categorized within the chef career spectrum and having the skill of producing high quality, tasty food is a talent that not everyone has. For more detail go to:www.bread-machine-cookbook.com.Everyone has to begin somewhere, and working for one of these kitchens provides cooking experience, looks good on resumes, and can act as a jumping off point for beginning a chef career.
If baking will be your forte in your chef career, perhaps a job at a cafeteria or nursing home would be a good job selection. While fast-food workers are constantly frying up and scooping out the same food products daily at a lickety-split pace, an institution kitchen is a more relaxed atmosphere where a variety of traditional, slightly more healthy dishes are prepared.
For instance, many cafeteria kitchens designate two or three items in which an employee is responsible for preparing and baking daily, such as a cook who makes bread products, one who creates casseroles, and others who hand-bread and roast chicken. Having a set food prep schedule gives a cook or chef the opportunity to ease into their specialty and, over time, perfect their craft.
After a few years of experience, it may be possible to advance to a head chef position at a prestigious eatery, such as a steak house or hotel restaurant. This chef career is a bit more stressful, as you are not only in charge of a kitchen full of employees; you are also required to insure the food going out to the paying customers is first-rate and superlative. A chef career at this high status will pay a higher income because cooking skills must be paramount and management skills proficient.
Possibly the most sought-after chef career is as a personal or private household chef. To be selected as a personal chef because of your impeccable cooking skills, creative dishes and flawless meal presentations is the height of honor for a chef after years of hard work and practice.
If you are considering a chef career, knowing how to cook is not enough. You must perfect your craft and stand out from all the rest who are your competition. Enrolling in a vocational school which provides cooking instructions or even a specialty college or institution could help mold you into the cooking expert that will send you on your way to the world of chef careers. By SMITH BLINT
Monday, March 16, 2009
Vegetables Stir-fried
Ingredients
* 4 oz. fresh green beans
* 2 carrots
* 1 sweet red or yellow bell pepper, seeded
* 1/2 small cauliflower, in small florets
* 1 large broccoli stalk in small florets
* 2 Tbsp. canola oil
* 1 red onion, thinly sliced
* 3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
* 1 small Japanese eggplant, thinly sliced
* 2 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger
* 4 oz. sugar peas, topped and tailed
* 1/2 Tbsp. soy sauce
* 1/2 Tbsp. Mirin (see Note)
* 1/4 tsp. sugar
freshly ground pepper
Slice beans and carrots on the diagonal. Cut pepper into 1-inch squares.
In a large pot of boiling water, separately blanch beans, carrots, cauliflower and broccoli, just until tender-crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer vegetables from water to a colander and immediately rinse under cold running water to prevent further cooking. Drain thoroughly.
Heat about 2 tsp. oil in heavy skillet or wok over medium heat. Add onion and 1 clove garlic, and stir-fry 3 to 4 minutes. Add eggplant, some ginger, more garlic and stir-fry briefly. Add peas and stir-fry 3 minutes longer, adding more oil if necessary.
Add as many of the blanched vegetables, along with some of the garlic and ginger, as you can stir-fry at one time. If pan is full, transfer vegetables to baking dish and keep warm in an oven preheated to 250 degrees.Combine all vegetables in large serving bowl. In small bowl, mix together soy sauce, Mirin and sugar. Mix soy mixture into vegetables. Season to taste with pepper and serve.
Mirin, found in the Asian or specialty foods sections of many supermarkets, is a sweetened, mild Japanese rice cooking wine with a negligible amount of alcohol that evaporates in cooking. Chicken or vegetable broth, along with a pinch of sugar, can be substituted. By jaffar
* 4 oz. fresh green beans
* 2 carrots
* 1 sweet red or yellow bell pepper, seeded
* 1/2 small cauliflower, in small florets
* 1 large broccoli stalk in small florets
* 2 Tbsp. canola oil
* 1 red onion, thinly sliced
* 3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
* 1 small Japanese eggplant, thinly sliced
* 2 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger
* 4 oz. sugar peas, topped and tailed
* 1/2 Tbsp. soy sauce
* 1/2 Tbsp. Mirin (see Note)
* 1/4 tsp. sugar
freshly ground pepper
Slice beans and carrots on the diagonal. Cut pepper into 1-inch squares.
In a large pot of boiling water, separately blanch beans, carrots, cauliflower and broccoli, just until tender-crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer vegetables from water to a colander and immediately rinse under cold running water to prevent further cooking. Drain thoroughly.
Heat about 2 tsp. oil in heavy skillet or wok over medium heat. Add onion and 1 clove garlic, and stir-fry 3 to 4 minutes. Add eggplant, some ginger, more garlic and stir-fry briefly. Add peas and stir-fry 3 minutes longer, adding more oil if necessary.
Add as many of the blanched vegetables, along with some of the garlic and ginger, as you can stir-fry at one time. If pan is full, transfer vegetables to baking dish and keep warm in an oven preheated to 250 degrees.Combine all vegetables in large serving bowl. In small bowl, mix together soy sauce, Mirin and sugar. Mix soy mixture into vegetables. Season to taste with pepper and serve.
Mirin, found in the Asian or specialty foods sections of many supermarkets, is a sweetened, mild Japanese rice cooking wine with a negligible amount of alcohol that evaporates in cooking. Chicken or vegetable broth, along with a pinch of sugar, can be substituted. By jaffar
Friday, March 6, 2009
Tips of Cooking Meat in the Microwave
Summer is here and if you are anything like me, you don't want to turn on your oven or stove unless absolutely necessary. I do most of my cooking in the microwave during the summer months. It helps keep my home cooler and cuts down on my cooling bill.
I have found that many people don't like to cook meat in the microwave. I was once one of those people. Chicken would come out like rubber and I always worried that ground beef didn't cook thoroughly. I have since found that the trick is to use the right cooking utensils.
There has also been some hype about how it’s not safe to use plastic to cook meat or anything else in the microwave. This is only half true. Certain types of plastic have chemicals that are activated with the extreme heat of the microwave and these chemicals can get into your food. For more details visit to www.cheese-cake-recipes.com Hence, the key to cooking in your microwave is, once again, to use the correct cooking utensils. Basically, use containers that are specifically designed for cooking in the microwave.
My preference in microwave cooking is Tupperware. Their cookware is specifically designed for the microwave so you don't have to worry about the chemicals. Their Oval Cooker is designed to retain the moisture of your meat so that your meat doesn't come out dry and rubbery. It also has a colander so you can brown your meat and let the grease drip to the bottom. That makes it easy to dispose of the grease drippings or use them for gravy. Tupperware also backs it cooker with a lifetime warranty so if it breaks I can just replace it with a new one, which seems like a good investment to me.
So the instructions I am providing below apply to the Tupperware Oval Cooker. If you feel confident using a different type of microwave cooker, of course, try that, but please make sure you follow the guidelines I stated above.
Cooking Ground Beef
Place the ground beef with your favorite seasoning in the colander of the cooker. Cover and cook for 6 minutes per pound. Let sit a few minutes then remove from the microwave. By using the colander all the grease will drain to the bottom of the cooker.
Cooking a Whole Chicken
If using the Oval Cooker you will need to use the extender piece for your average size chicken. Then place the chicken in the cooker. Pour about half a cup of water on the bottom of the cooker. For more details www.atkins-diets-recipes.com Sprinkle your chicken with your favorites seasonings. Place the cover on the cooker and cook for 6 minutes per pound. I think you will be surprised at how moist your chicken comes out.
Cooking Cut Up Chicken
After cutting up your chicken use the same instructions for cooking a whole chicken. Determine by how high the chicken stacks if you will need to use the extender or not.
Cooking Chicken Pieces
You can use the colander to cook chicken pieces. Cut the chicken into bit size pieces. I usually use chicken breast cutlets for this. Place the cutup chicken pieces in the colander. Season with your favorite seasonings. Place the cover on the cooker and microwave for 6 minutes per pound.
Cooking Pork
I have not yet tried cooking pork in the microwave. Pork is tricky and my family doesn't eat pork so that is one reason I have never tried cooking it in the microwave. However, there are plenty of beef and chicken recipes out there, so I hope the above suggestions will help you keep your kitchen cooler during the hot summer months. By seemameet
I have found that many people don't like to cook meat in the microwave. I was once one of those people. Chicken would come out like rubber and I always worried that ground beef didn't cook thoroughly. I have since found that the trick is to use the right cooking utensils.
There has also been some hype about how it’s not safe to use plastic to cook meat or anything else in the microwave. This is only half true. Certain types of plastic have chemicals that are activated with the extreme heat of the microwave and these chemicals can get into your food. For more details visit to www.cheese-cake-recipes.com Hence, the key to cooking in your microwave is, once again, to use the correct cooking utensils. Basically, use containers that are specifically designed for cooking in the microwave.
My preference in microwave cooking is Tupperware. Their cookware is specifically designed for the microwave so you don't have to worry about the chemicals. Their Oval Cooker is designed to retain the moisture of your meat so that your meat doesn't come out dry and rubbery. It also has a colander so you can brown your meat and let the grease drip to the bottom. That makes it easy to dispose of the grease drippings or use them for gravy. Tupperware also backs it cooker with a lifetime warranty so if it breaks I can just replace it with a new one, which seems like a good investment to me.
So the instructions I am providing below apply to the Tupperware Oval Cooker. If you feel confident using a different type of microwave cooker, of course, try that, but please make sure you follow the guidelines I stated above.
Cooking Ground Beef
Place the ground beef with your favorite seasoning in the colander of the cooker. Cover and cook for 6 minutes per pound. Let sit a few minutes then remove from the microwave. By using the colander all the grease will drain to the bottom of the cooker.
Cooking a Whole Chicken
If using the Oval Cooker you will need to use the extender piece for your average size chicken. Then place the chicken in the cooker. Pour about half a cup of water on the bottom of the cooker. For more details www.atkins-diets-recipes.com Sprinkle your chicken with your favorites seasonings. Place the cover on the cooker and cook for 6 minutes per pound. I think you will be surprised at how moist your chicken comes out.
Cooking Cut Up Chicken
After cutting up your chicken use the same instructions for cooking a whole chicken. Determine by how high the chicken stacks if you will need to use the extender or not.
Cooking Chicken Pieces
You can use the colander to cook chicken pieces. Cut the chicken into bit size pieces. I usually use chicken breast cutlets for this. Place the cutup chicken pieces in the colander. Season with your favorite seasonings. Place the cover on the cooker and microwave for 6 minutes per pound.
Cooking Pork
I have not yet tried cooking pork in the microwave. Pork is tricky and my family doesn't eat pork so that is one reason I have never tried cooking it in the microwave. However, there are plenty of beef and chicken recipes out there, so I hope the above suggestions will help you keep your kitchen cooler during the hot summer months. By seemameet
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Different Terms for Cooking
Cooking can be very satisfying, and learning about the different ways to cook and finding new; different recipes to experiment in the kitchen is exciting. This had led to a bunch of television programmers appearing and even more cookbooks arriving to offer chefs tips, advice, and recipes. However, a good starting point for many wanting to get into the kitchen and to begin putting recipes into practice is to know the different terminologies used with cooking.
Learning the different cooking terminologies is important as a dish may be prepared in a number of ways, and each of the preparation methods can result in varying flavors. Here are just a few of the terms cooking recipes may require you to perform:
This is a more common term that many will already know, even if they don't often cook. When a recipe requires you to grill a food item, it will basically mean that you need to cook over an open flame, whether it is by gas or charcoal. Obviously the most ideal place to do food grilling is over a grill.
These are terms that are often confused, but they are actually quite different. Frying can be done using a frying pan and with oil or butter, whereas deep-frying on the other hand means that the food needs to be submerged in boiling oil until it is cooked. This can often be seen in fast food chains where the food is placed in a basket and submerged into the boiling oil, often to produce French fries, tender breaded chicken, and funnel cakes.
An alternative to frying is sautéing, to produce strong flavors from your food. To sauté? Food, cook quickly using a small amount of fat (oil or butter), and use a frying pan to receive best results when using this cooking method. This can often be seen in fast food chains where the food is placed in a basket and submerged into the boiling oil, often to produce French fries, tender breaded chicken, and funnel cakes.
When a recipe calls for the food to be broiled, it means that the food should be cooked by direct exposure to a flame or heat element. You may find the? Broil" setting on many ovens, although it is important to place the food on the top rack when using this setting.
For those that cook and prepare meals regularly or just beginning to become interested in cooking, familiarize you with the many different preparation and cooking terms. At least learn the basic terms so that you can prepare the food in the way that the recipe intended, and also, before you start cooking a new recipe or dish, firstly read through the recipe instructions so that you know the cooking terms and exactly how to execute them. This is especially important if you are cooking to time schedule. By ppsingh
Learning the different cooking terminologies is important as a dish may be prepared in a number of ways, and each of the preparation methods can result in varying flavors. Here are just a few of the terms cooking recipes may require you to perform:
This is a more common term that many will already know, even if they don't often cook. When a recipe requires you to grill a food item, it will basically mean that you need to cook over an open flame, whether it is by gas or charcoal. Obviously the most ideal place to do food grilling is over a grill.
These are terms that are often confused, but they are actually quite different. Frying can be done using a frying pan and with oil or butter, whereas deep-frying on the other hand means that the food needs to be submerged in boiling oil until it is cooked. This can often be seen in fast food chains where the food is placed in a basket and submerged into the boiling oil, often to produce French fries, tender breaded chicken, and funnel cakes.
An alternative to frying is sautéing, to produce strong flavors from your food. To sauté? Food, cook quickly using a small amount of fat (oil or butter), and use a frying pan to receive best results when using this cooking method. This can often be seen in fast food chains where the food is placed in a basket and submerged into the boiling oil, often to produce French fries, tender breaded chicken, and funnel cakes.
When a recipe calls for the food to be broiled, it means that the food should be cooked by direct exposure to a flame or heat element. You may find the? Broil" setting on many ovens, although it is important to place the food on the top rack when using this setting.
For those that cook and prepare meals regularly or just beginning to become interested in cooking, familiarize you with the many different preparation and cooking terms. At least learn the basic terms so that you can prepare the food in the way that the recipe intended, and also, before you start cooking a new recipe or dish, firstly read through the recipe instructions so that you know the cooking terms and exactly how to execute them. This is especially important if you are cooking to time schedule. By ppsingh
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