quick breakfast – Arun Shanbhag

My favorite way to start the day is with two slices of whole wheat sourdough bread from Iggy’s with a liberal spread of Nutella. The bread is hearty and powers me through a crazy morning at the office, or a sadistically long run; the creamy hazelnut chocolate spread, I savor every smear of. This had so completely worked into my running routine, that when I travelled out of town for marathons, I carried my Nutella jar. Continue reading “Nutella Sandwich: Nutella spread on Iggy’s bread” →

(During processing these pics, I remembered I had previously written on Making Tambdo Phovu; so, edited the text and added in newer pics.)

Phovu (beaten or flattened rice) freshly mixed with few spices is a staple breakfast of Konkanis. We grew up eating tambdo phovu nearly every day (tambdo for red comes from the crushed red chillis in this recipe). When visitors arrive unannounced, aunts or grandma would quickly mix this snack, usually takes less than 5 minutes to prepare. Since this is simply mixed, it is also called kāláyilo (mixed) phovu. Many households use phova piTTo (powdered spice mix for phovu), but we made this from scratch. Continue reading “Tambdo Phovu – Red Flattened Rice, v2” →

“Fast Food, Coz Enlightenment is Too Damn Slow!”

In Chennai, after our migraine-inducing Saree Shopping binge, our driver recommended we try Mugugan Idli. A very interesting place! There was a long line and we had to wait about 30 minutes to get a table. But once inside, the service was very fast. Despite it being a Idli place, we all ended up ordering different types of dosas! In lieu of plates, servers bring banana leaves, which we wipe clean. Another serves several different types of chutneys on each leaf (plate). The dosas are brought on a tray and a server (with gloved hands) carefully places each dosa on our leaf.

M got this psychedelic Onion Uttappam. I was like: I want that! Mumbai-side, the onions are usually minced; here these sliced onions give it an artistic touch!

(click for larger image)
Continue reading “Fast Food: Murugan Idli” →

Pics how to make Tambdo Phovu poha, red flattened rice by Arun Shanbhag

Phovu (beaten or flattened rice) freshly mixed with few spices is a staple of Konkanis. Growing up, we’d eat tambdo phovu (tambdo – red) nearly every day for breakfast. If not for the main dish, at least as a side. I prefer it sprinkled with a little sev, or served on the side (see pic below). When visitors arrive unannounced, the women would quickly mix this as a snack. Since this is simply ‘mixed’ it is also called Kalayile (mixed) phovu. Continue reading “Tambdo Phovu – Red Flattened Rice” →

pic of empty Nutella jar by Arun Shanbhag
After a two week hiatus, I opened the Nutella jar to spread on Iggy’s bread to make my Nutella sandwich. It was EMPTY!
How could that be? I never put an empty jar back in the pantry.

I asked M if she had the last of the Nutella. Nope she said! Its been ages since she touched Nutella. After much moaning and pacing I asked M again. Nope she insisted! “Besides, its too sweet for me.” She is not much into sweets and my stacks of Indian mithai are safe.

But M does have an exquisite craving for chocolate and hazelnut, and our stores of Swiss chocolates steadily recede. I got those just for her. After additional pacing, I asked again with my practiced, 'lie and you rot in hell' look. BTW, we guys don't have the genes for this. Not even bothering to look up from her newspaper, she responds, “maybe there is a mouse in the house.”

A mouse?
Ghar mein ek chuva hai
ya daal mein kuch kaala hai!

See how I prepare for such crises.

Tag: quick breakfast

Nutella Sandwich: Nutella spread on Iggy’s bread

Tambdo Phovu – Red Flattened Rice, v2

Fast Food: Murugan Idli

“Fast Food, Coz Enlightenment is Too Damn Slow!”

Tambdo Phovu – Red Flattened Rice

Nutella ki baat hai

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“Fast Food, Coz Enlightenment is Too Damn Slow!”

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