Mango Pachadi May 13, 2008

Tasty Maudikaya pachadi or mango chutney
Ingredients

2 to 3 unriped (kachcha) sour mangoes
1/8 tsp turmeric (haldi powder)
2 tbsp salt

For seasoning:
2 tbsp oil;
1/2 tsp mustard seeds;
1 tsp Methi seeds;
2 tbsp red chilli powder;
1/4 tsp hing powder;
curry leaf (optional)

Method:

• Peel and shred the mangoes using a carrot shredder and put it in a bowl.
• If mango has a hard core seed just discard it or use it in some other dish for sourness.
• Add salt and haldi powder to the shredded mango and mix very well using a clean & dry spoon.
• Keep it aside for 30 minutes.
• Heat oil in a small pan or seasoning ladle and add mustard seeds in it.
• When its about to splutter add methis seeds.
• When the methi is turning into golden brown add red chilli powder and hing powder and fry for 2 seconds.
• Add curry leaves (optional) and remove from the stove.
• Let it cool very well.
• Then add this seasoning to the shredded mango and mix it thoroughly.
• Taste and add salt if necessary.
• This pachchadi can be mixed with hot steamed rice adding ghee.
• Also tastes good with chapatis & bread.
• Put it in the air tight bottle.
• It will stay fresh for 2 to 3 weeks if refrigerated.

Oranges rules!! January 31, 2008

Fun facts about oranges

~ Clementines: the clementine is a seedless mandarin.
~ Kumquats: the kumquat is like a citrus fruit and has an edible skin. It is the most well known of the sort fortunella which is closely related to Citrus.
~ Mandarins: type of small orange with loose skin. The mandarin got its name because it was exploited by high-ranking government officials in China (mandarins).
~ Minneolas: are a crossing between a tangerine and a grapefruit and can be recognized by 
“the little nose”. Can be peeled manually. Is a type of Tangelo, a minneola is a specifically marketed tangelo.
~ Oranges: There are different types of oranges: navel oranges, Valencia oranges and blood oranges are the most cultivated races.
~ Tangelos: a tangelo is a crossing between a tangerine, a grapefruit and an orange. A specific kind of tangelo is the Ugli which is described further on this page.
~ Satsuma:is a very special seedling from Japan. Its skin is a bit tighter than the clementine and it doesn’t have seeds as well.
~ Tangerines: a tangerine is an orange-red mandarin with a particular citrus taste. Can be peeled manually.
Uglis: a specific kind of tangelo, easier to peel.  A crossing between a tangerine, a grapefruit and an orange. Looks really ugli and sometimes has brown spots. Can be peeled manually.

Other peculiar characteristics

• The calcium in fortified orange juice is better absorbed than the calcium in milk. A glass of milk (8 ounces) has 291 mg of calcium; of which 93 mg is absorbed (31%). Fortified orange juice (8 ounces) has 350 mg of calcium; of which 130 mg. is absorbed (37%). 
• One orange contains about 50 mg. vitamin C; this is about 2/3 of our daily need;
• Oranges are an acid and therefore a detoxifying fruit;
• Bitter oranges can’t be eaten raw and are used to make marmalades;
• Citrus fruit is never colored artificially.
• The orange colors orange under the influence of cold temperatures.