Soya Chunk Masala Curry using Coconut milk

I never liked soya chunks as a kid and even my initial experiments with them were a disaster. As time went I kind of understood that it is my not so good way of cooking that ruined its taste. Then I started frying it with spices...ummm that was immediately accepted by my family. Then I started to experiment with them so much that we enjoy them in all forms these days.Here is how they can be prepared to a delicious curry using coconut milk.

Soya chunks-1 cup
Onion-1 small(chopped to small pieces)
Green chili-2 nos
Tomato-1 medium(chopped to small pieces)
Turmeric-1/2 tsp
Chili powder- 1/2 tsp
Coriander powder-1 tbsp approx.
Salt to taste
Meat Masala-1/2 tsp
Oil-2 tsp
Garlic-2 cloves(crushed)
Coconut milk-1/4 cup
Coriander leaves for garnish.(finely chopped)

Method of preparation:
1. Boil some water in a pan and add the soya chunks into it. Once they swell completely, turn off the heat and drain the water.
2. Squeeze maximum amount of water from the soya chunks by pressing it. Set aside.
3. Heat oil in  a pan and add the crushed garlic. Fry for a second and add the onion into it.
4. Fry till onions turn translucent and light golden. Add green chili and mix well.
5. Add the tomatoes into it and mix well. Wait till tomatoes turn slightly mushy and then add the chili,coriander,meat masala,turmeric powders into it and mix.
6. After few seconds, add the soya chunks and mix.
7. Then add about 2 cups of water,salt  and cook on medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes, increase heat to medium and cook for 3 minutes..
8. Then add the coconut milk and cook on low till it simmers  and starts to boil. You can boil it for a minute and then turn off the heat.
9.Add coriander leaves and serve with rice.

Notes:
1. Maximum water should be removed from the soya chunks before putting it to gravy.Else it wont absorb much spices and flavor and will be bland.
2. Cook for good time in the flavorful spice gravy, so that its absorbed by soya chuks.
3. Add more chili powder if needed. This is on low spice level with above mentioned amount.

Spaghetti Stir Fry

Being a mom is very special, but is there any mom out there who doesn't think - hope I was all alone doing it or who doesn't want to spend a day all free not thinking of anything, not thinking that my kid is pulling this or is putting himself here or there or is too quite..I know all moms do that..and everyone would eagerly be looking for some time to be free..Hmm I do and finally I got 2 days a week free from the past month..Initial few days went in my thoughts whether he will adjust there and how is he going to manage without me..I was all sad then..then few days he din't go because of cold and now we both are doing fine..No more tears to mama and baby.:) And all this has happened in 8 days..Yes he is a playschool going kid now and mama planning to maximum utilize that time..;)
Now my hubby comes home for lunch and God I have always felt to tell him that he can have food from office for those 2 days of week...Don't you think its a good idea as I don't want to spend time preparing food..Hmm need to  put that idea on plate sometime soon..

Off to the recipe..This is one I made on one such days...Its easy to put together...

Whole wheat thin Spaghetti -11/2 cups cooked
Carrots-1 big/6 baby cut(I used purple and orange ones, cut lengthwise to thin sticks)
Green beans-10 nos(cut lengthwise)
Cabbage-1/4 cup(Used purple ones, finely cut lengthwise)
Capsicum-1/2 of big one(cut lengthwise)
Onion-1/2 of small one(thinly sliced)
Garlic-1 tsp(minced)
Ginger-1 tsp(minced)
Soya Sauce-1 tsp
Red Chilly Sauce-1 tsp
Tomato Ketchup-1/2 tsp
Vinegar-1/4 tsp
Olive oil-2 tsp
Spring Onion-2 tsp(chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste

Method of preparation:
1. Cook the noodles as in the package. Drain, Wash with cold water and set aside.
2.  Heat oil in a wok.Add the minced ginger and garlic and fry for a second.Then add onions and saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Then add veggies,pepper and saute it well. Add the sauces and salt on medium high flame and mix well.
4. Then add the coked noodles and mix well. Do not overdo it or you will end up breaking the noodles.
5. Add the vinegar to this along with spring onion. Mix well on high heat and serve warm.