My Cooking Escapades - Part 1

I was watching the movie "Julie and Julia" for the nth time today and it was then that reality struck me. I was going to be alone in the United States in a few months from now far away from my family and my mother's delicious idly and dosa and Puliyogare. That is when I decided that, from this sunday onwards, I'd start learning how to cook :D

I started this wild ride with tomato rice. So here goes nothing :)

List of things required(for 4 people):


1. Finely Chopped Onions - 2 numbers (soak the onions in water before cutting to avoid watering of the eyes)
2. Sliced Tomatoes - 3 numbers (preferably after removing the seeds)
3. Green Chilli -as per taste
4. Cumin Seeds
5. Chana Dal
6. Coriander and Pudhina - Minced
7. Mustard
8. Garlic Ginger Paste
9. Steamed rice
10. Gingelley Oil ( as required)
11. Salt, Turmeric Powder and Chilli Powder (as required)
12. Curry Leaves

Preparation:


1. Take some oil in a frying pan and put the cumin seeds, mustard, green chilli and channa dal fry the contents for 2 min.
2. Then add the garlic-ginger paste, curry leaves, Salt, Turmeric Powder and Chilli Powder and mix the contents well.
3. Add the cut onion to the mixture and let it stir-fry for about 15 min till the onion turns golden brown
4. Next add the tomatoes and  some more oil and keep mixing the contents of the frying pan till you get a semi-liquid mixture.
5. Finally add the coriander and pudhina to the mixture, turn down the flame and let it cool down for 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Now add the mixture to the steamed white rice. There u go! Tomato rice ready :D

P.S:  This particular recipe tastes better when served with curd or onion raitha :) And dont blame me if the food doesn't taste good :P  I am just a novice here :)

Cheers,
Karthik Venkatachalapathi