Tips for cooking

Cooking Tips!

Hello All, I know that many of us must have observed the best way or hassle free way of cooking/preparations while on our experience of cooking, so why don't you share those experiences that serve as tips for the beginners?

Peeling Garlic
Soak garlic in luke warm water for 3-5 minutes before you start to peel, all the layers of garlic skin will stick together, when you peel the skin, it will peel off like magic!

Cutting apples
Always use a stainless steel knife to cut apples, to avoid it from turning brown. Also tossing in some lemon/orange juice will prevent the apples turning brown to certain extent.

Pepper
Always use freshly ground pepper. Use a pepper crusher instead of storing powdered pepper.

Storing green chillies
To keep the green chillies fresh, put them in a paper bag and then into a polythene bag, before you store them in the fridge. You can store them for about 10 days that way.

Handling Pickles
1. Never leave a steel spoon inside a pickle jar. 2. Never use a wet spoon to scoop out pickle.

Green Chilli paste
If you are a working lady, having green chilli paste ready will make things faster and easier. You can make fresh green chilli paste and store it in the fridge. Wash chillies, dry them thoroughly, remove the sepal, grind it along with a little salt (absolutely no water). Store it in an air tight container, it will stay for about 10 days if refrigerated.

Cardamum powder
If you have trouble in grinding the cardamum to a fine powder try this:keep it in to oven for 10 seconds, or keep it on the stove for half an hour when in use, shell it, powder it along with a little sugar(if intended for a sweet) or salt. The cardamum powder is relatively finer.

Frying/Roasting nuts
Always fry nuts in low flame, this way it is more aromatic, crispy and tastier.Use the convection mode in your micro wave or use a very low temperature while roasting nuts in the oven.

Avoid dosa sticking to the pan
Heat the pan, oil it and rub the pan with some raw onion, then spread the dosa batter, the dosa will not stick to the pan.

Soft phulkas
To make very soft phulkas add a little oil, salt, milk to the flour while mixing the phulka dough. Prepare the dough about half an hour before you start making phulkas. Your phulkas will be softer and will puff up better.

Boiling pasta
While making any pasta add salt to the boiling water, pasta will absorb some salt into it, you can also add some butter/oil while boiling to avoid the pasta sticking to each other.

Mixing cake batter.
While mixing cake batter, always fold in the cake mixture in one direction, gently and slowly, if carelessly done, the cake may not rise.

Chopping onions
1. Chill onion is refrigerator before chopping to avoid tears. 2. Soak peeled half cut onion is water and then chop it.

Deseeding Pomegranates
Cut it into half and hold it in ur hand with the skin facing upwards. Hit the skin with a rolling pin or a wooden spoon thus letting the seeds fall into a bowl.. easy stuff..


while Cooking pasta
B4 cooking pasta ...take a sauce pan full of water and then add salt ...let the water be boiled ...then add pasta....cook till tender and soak enough water ......drain it....refresh in cold water and apply a little oil with hands...

Equipments...
Always buy good quality cooking equipments.....and should be economical, long lasting etc.... poor quality equipments results in poor cooking....and will make you cry too....^^

Strawberry Cake
Whenever ur making strawberry cake using fresh strawberries and cream, dont make it too much in advance as the strawberries will macerate the sugar and make the cream runny.

Peeling Tomato
just boil water in a sauce pan......make a cross cut on the tomato from where you can peel...dip the tomatoes into the BOILING WATER for 5-8 seconds...take out the tomato with spoon ...start peeling it with hands where you have cross cut....and in within 2 seconds you will be smiling....as it will peel off very easilynjoy

MIXED VEGETABLE PULAO

MIXED VEGETABLE PULAO

Ingredients: 2 cup - mixed vegetables, cubed (carrot, beans, cauliflower, peas etc)
2 cup - basmathi rice
4 cup - water
1 cup - onion, thinly sliced
4 tbsp - ghee or oilï¿
½ tsp - sha jeera
4 - cloves
5 cm - cinnamon
4 - cardamom
1 - bay leaf
2 blades - mace
2 - star anise
1 tsp - ginger, minced
1 tsp - garlic, minced
3 tbsp - mint leaves, chopped
3 tbsp - coriander leaves, choppedsalt to taste

METHOD

Wash the rice and drain completely. Heat the ghee or oil in a thick bottomed pan, preferably non stick. Add all the spices from sha jeera to star anise. Fry for few seconds. Add onion, ginger and garlic. Fry till onion is light brown. Add vegetables, mint and coriander. Add the rice + salt to taste.+WaterWhen the liquid begins to boil, cover the pan with a lid and lower the heat. Leave undisturbed till the liquid is evaporated and the rice is cooked. (You will notice there is no more steam escaping from the lid. To test further, gently push a little rice away from the side of the bowl with a flat ladle or a spatula. There should be no liquid at the bottom of the pan) Switch off the heat. After 10 minutes gently stir the rice without breaking the grains. Serve hot with a kurma ,curry, and/or raitha

Hanumaan Chalisa(Sanskrit to English) Translation

Lord Hanumaan

Hanumaan Chalisa (Sanskrit to English)

Hanumaan Chalisa (Sanskrit to English)

Shree Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Man Mukar Sudhari, Barnau Raghuvar Bimal Jasu, Jo dayaku Phal Chari With the dust of Guru's Lotus feet,

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I clean the mirror of my mind and then narrate the sacred glory of Sri Ram Chandra, The Supereme among the Raghu dynasty. The giver of the four attainments of life.

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Budhi heen Tanu Janike, Sumirow, Pavan Kumar, Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Bikaar

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Knowing myself to be ignorent, I urge you, O Hanuman, The son of Pavan! O Lord! kindly Bestow on me strength, wisdom and knowledge, removing all my miseries and blemishes.

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Jai Hanuman Gyan Guna Sagar Jai Kipis Tihun Lok Ujgaar

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Victory of Thee, O Hanuman, Ocean of wisdom and virtue, victory to the Lord of monkeys who is well known in all the three worlds

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Ramdoot Atulit Bal Dhamaa, Anjani Putra Pavansut naamaa.

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You, the Divine messager of Ram and repository of immeasurable strength, are also known as Anjaniputra and known as the son of the wind - Pavanputra.

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Mahebeer Bikram Bajrangi, Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangi.

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Oh Hanumanji! You are valiant and brave, with a body like lightening. You are the dispeller of darkness of evil thoughts and companion of good sense and wisdom.

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Kanchan Baran Biraaj Subesaa, Kanan kundal kunchit kesa.

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Shri Hanumanji's physique is golden coloured. His dress is pretty, wearing 'Kundals' ear-rings and his hairs are long and curly.

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Hath Bajra Aur Dhvaja Birjai, Kandhe Moonj Janeu saage.

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Shri Hanumanji is holding in one hand a lighting bolt and in the other a banner with sacred thread across his shoulder.

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Shankar Suvna Kesari Nandan, Tej Pratap Maha Jag Vandan.

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Oh Hanumanji! You are the emanation of 'SHIVA' and you delight Shri Keshri. Being ever effulgent, you and hold vast sway over the universe. The entire world proptiates. You are adorable of all.

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Vidyavaan Guni Ati Chatur, Ram Kaj Karibe Ko Atur Oh!

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Shri Hanumanji! You are the repository learning, virtuous, very wise and highly keen to do the work of Shri Ram,

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Prabhu Charittra Sunibe Ko Rasiya, Ram Lakhan Sita man basyia.

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You are intensely greedy for listening to the naration of Lord Ram's lifestory and revel on its enjoyment. You ever dwell in the hearts of Shri Ram-Sita and Shri Lakshman.

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Sukshma roop Dhari Siyahi Dikhwana, Bikat roop Dhari Lank Jarawa

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You appeared beofre Sita in a diminutive form and spoke to her, while you assumed an awesome form and struck terror by setting Lanka on fire.

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Bhim roop Dhari Asur Sanhare, Ramchandra Ke kaaj Savare.

He, with his terrible form, killed demons in Lank a and performed all acts of Shri Ram.

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Laye Sajivan Lakhan Jiyaye, Shri Raghubir harashi ur laye.

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When Hanumanji made Lakshman alive after bringing 'Sanjivni herb' Shri Ram took him in his deep embrace, his heart full of joy.

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Raghupati Kinhi Bahut Badaai, Tum Mama Priya Bharat Sam Bahi.

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Shri Ram lustily extolled Hanumanji's excellence and remarked, "you are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat"

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Sahastra Badan Tumharo Jas Gaave, Asa kahi Shripati Kanth Laagave

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.Shri Ram embraced Hanumanji saying: "Let the thousand - tongued sheshnaag sing your glories"

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Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa, Narad Sarad Sahit Aheesa

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Sanak and the sages, saints. Lord Brahma, the great hermits Narad and Goddess Saraswati along with Sheshnag the cosmic serpent, fail to sing the glories of Hanumanji exactly

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Jam Kuber Digpal Jahan Te, Kabi Kabid Kahin Sake Kahan Te

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What to talk of denizens of the earth like poets and scholars ones etc even Gods like Yamraj, Kuber, and Digpal fail to narrate Hanman's greatness in toto.

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Tum Upkar Sugrivahi Keenha, Ram Miali Rajpad Deenha Hanumanji!

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You rendered a great service for Sugriva, It were you who united him with SHRI RAM and installed him on the Royal Throne.

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Tumharo Mantro Bibhishan Maana, Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaana.

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By heeding your advice. Vibhushan became Lord of Lanka, which is known all over the universe.

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Juug Sahastra Jojan Par Bhaanu, Leelyo Taahi Madhur Phal Jaanu

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Hanumanji gulped, the SUN at distance of sixteen thousand miles considering it to be a sweet fruit.

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Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukha Maaheen, Jaladhi Langhi Gaye Acharaj Naheen.

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Carrying the Lord's ring in his mouth, he went across the ocean. There is no wonder in that.

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Durgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jeete, Sugam Anugrah Tumhre Te Te.

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Oh Hanumanji! all the difficult tasks in the world are rendered easiest by your grace.

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Ram Duware Tum Rakhavare, Hot Na Aagya Bin Paisare.

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Oh Hanumanji! You are the sentinel at the door of Ram's mercy mansion or His divine abode. No one may enter without your permission.

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Sab Sukh Lahen Tumhari Sarna, Tum Rakshak Kaahu Ko Darna a.

By your grace one can enjoy all happiness and one need not have any fear under your protection.

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Aapan Tej Samharo Aapei, Tinau Lok Hank Te Kanpei

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When you roar all the three worlds tremble and only you can control your might.

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Bhoot Pisaach Nikat Nahi Avei, Mahabir Jab Naam Sunavei.

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Great Brave on. Hanumanji's name keeps all the Ghosts, Demons & evils spirits away from his devotees.

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Nasei Rog Hare Sab Peera, Japat Niranter Hanumant Beera

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On reciting Hanumanji's holy name regularly all the maladies perish the entirepain disappears.

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Sankat Te Hanuman Chhudavei, Man Kram Bachan Dhyan Jo Lavei.

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Those who rembember Hanumanji in thought, word and deed are well guarded against their odds in life.

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Sub Par Ram Tapasvee Raaja, Tinke Kaaj Sakal Tum Saaja

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Oh Hanumanji! You are the caretaker of even Lord Rama, who has been hailed as the Supreme Lord and the Monarch of all those devoted in penances.

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Aur Manorath Jo Koi Lave, Soi Amit Jivan Phal Pave.

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Oh Hanumanji! You fulfill the desires of those who come to you and bestow the eternal nectar the highest fruit of life.

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Charo Juung Partap Tumhara, Hai Parsiddha Jagat Ujiyara.

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Oh Hanumanji! You magnificent glory is acclaimed far and wide all through the four ages and your fame is radianlty noted all over the cosmos.

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Sadho Sant Ke Tum R akhvare, Asur Nikandan Ram Dulare.

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Oh Hanumanji! You are the saviour and the guardian angel of saints and sages and destroy all the Demons, you are the seraphic darling of Shri Ram.

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Ashta Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Data, Asa Bar Din Janki Mata.

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Hanumanji has been blessed with mother Janki to grant to any one any YOGIC power of eight Sidhis and Nava Nidhis as per choice.

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Ram Rasayan Tumhare Pasa, Sadaa Raho Raghupati Ke Dasa.

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Oh Hanumanji! You hold the essence of devotion to RAM, always remaining His Servant.

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Tumhare Bhajan Ramko Pavei. Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisravei.

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Oh Hanumanji! through devotion to you, one comes to RAM and becames free from suffering of several lives.

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Anta Kaal Raghubar Pur Jai, Jahan Janma Hari Bhakta Kahai.

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After death he enters the eternal abode of Sri Ram and remains a devotee of him, whenever, taking new birth on earth.

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Aur Devata Chitt Na Dharai, Hanumant Sei Sarva Sukh Karai

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You need not hold any other demigod in mind. Hanumanji alone will give all happiness.

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Sankat Kate Mitey Sab Peera, Jo Sumirei Hanumant Balbeera

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Oh Powerful Hanumanji! You end the sufferings and remove all the pain from those who remember you.

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Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai

Kripa Karahu Gurudev Ki Naiee

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Hail-Hail-Hail-Lord Hanumanji! I beseech you Honour to bless me in the capacity of my supreme 'GURU' (teacher).

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Jo Sat Baar Paath Kar Koi, Chhutahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoi.

One who recites this Hanuman Chalisa one hundred times daily for one hundred days becames free from the bondage of life and death and enjoys the highest bliss at last.

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Jo Yah Padhe Hanuman Chalisa, Hoy Siddhi Sakhi Gaurisa

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As Lord Shankar witnesses, all those who recite Hanuman Chalisa regularly are sure to be benedicted

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Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera, Keeje Nath Hriday Mah Dera

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Tulsidas always the servant of Lord prays. "Oh my Lord! You enshrine within my heart.!

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Chopai

Pavan Tanay Sankat Haran , Mangal Murti Roop.Ram Lakhan Sita Sahit, Hriday Basahu Sur Bhoop.

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O Shri Hanuman, The Son of Pavan, Saviour The Embodiment of blessings, reside in my heart together with Shri Ram, Laxman and Sita