04 November 2012

Mexican 5 Layer Dip





Ingredients:

2 tsps. olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium size cloves of garlic, minced
1 (15.5-ounce) can low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp. chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
4 tbsps. fresh lime juice
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1 tbsp. water
1/2 tsp. salt
1 (10 oz.) box frozen corn kernels.
1/4 C chopped coriander leaves/cilantro

2 ripe hass avocados

4 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced (about 2 cups)
1/4 C scallion, thinly sliced
salt and pepper

3/4 C extra-sharp Cheddar, shredded (I used Cabot brand, its labelled halal)

Method:

Preparing the layers

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until they soften, about 3 mins. Stir in the garlic and cook for 2 mins. more.

Put half of the onion mixture into a food processor with the black beans, chipotle pepper, 2 tbsps. of the lime juice, cumin, water and salt. Puree until smooth. Set aside.

Add the corn to the skillet with the remaining onion mixture and cook for about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro leaves.Let cool

In a small bowl mash the avocado with the remaining lime juice.

In a medium bowl toss together the tomatoes and scallions. Season tomato mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble:

Take a 8 x 8 glass baking or serving dish or any dish you like, a transparent glass bowl only makes for better presentation as you can see all the layers through it. Spread the black bean dip into the bottom, top with the corn mixture, spreading it out to form a single layer over the beans, then spread the avocados, then the tomatoes. Top with shredded cheese. Serve with your favorite chips.

Enjoy!

01 October 2012

Moroccan Hospitality Restaurant, Malden, MA


















Moroccan Hospitality Restaurant is run by sisters Nouzha and Amina. Its clean, not too big and the hosts are friendly. After reading many good reviews, we took the 45 min. drive to Malden , and we were pleased. The fact that the restaurant is mentioned in Bostons top new restaurants was also another reason we decided to try it out.The menu is inexpensive, simple and not to elaborate , but everything in there sounds delicious I wish I could try them all.



We ordered Lahrira soup which was served with soft and delicious Moroccan bread, I just wish the bread was warm too.


















For starters we ordered the ground beef cigar, which we loved they came hot and crunchy dusted with powdered sugar and a refreshingly delicious orange salad and also the Maakouda , potato patties served with Lahrissa sauce. The M'hammer ( roast Chicken with preserved lemons) was delicious, the chicken was so juicy and tender, we ordered it with a side of  couscous which was also delicious, fluffy and moist, for dessert we tried their fekka, and other cookies , They disappeared even before I got a chance to take a picture. We ended our meal with the most delicous moroccan mint tea, perfectly made with fresh mint.


















All food is fairly priced and the portions are generous.

Who: Moroccon Hospitality Restaurant

Where: 188 Salem St, Malden, MA.
            781-605-0520
              
When:  Monday - Saturday
            11:30 am - 9 pm

What: Ground beef Cigars
          Maakouda
          Harira Soup
          M'hammer (roast Chicken Tagine)
          Assorted Cookies
          Mint Tea
           
Website: They have a facebook page, check it out here


















To view their menu, click on the image below to enlarge.



If you are looking for homemade Moroccan food, authentic flavors, this place is definitely worth a visit. Friday nights are Couscous Nights !!!

18 September 2012

My First (and second) MeMe

Few weeks ago I was tagged by Az and Rashida to do MeMes on their respective blogs, I just kept postponing them thinking I have to have it perfect, like take a nice pic or something, but tonite I just gave up and said lets do it ! I am glad I did ...coz this is really fun and a good break from all the hectic scheduling 

Az sent me the Sunshine Blogger award and the following MeMe

1.What was the inspiration behind your blog?  
Wanted to be able to create a space where people can find info abt eating halal, be it featuring products or restaurants or some halal finds :)

2.Which aspect of blogging do u find more interesting?
creativity

3.How many hours doyou spend on blogging in a week ?
The fact that I was supposed to do these MeMes weeks ago, it should explain it all, actually it really depends on how crazy the week gets

4.What is the craziest thing you've ever done?
 hmmm....brings back childhood memories...

5. What quality do you most like in yourself and why?
 I dont get attatched to anyone or anything easily

6. If you were given a chance to undo one thing from your life what would it be and why?? 
Alhumdulillah, I would not change a thing , coz I believe everything that happens has a reason and all is for the best

7.Whats ur memorable moment/fav memory since you became a blogger?
 Its always the feedback or support , like the personal emails I get saying someone tried a particular recipe and how they loved it (I get more of these for my other blog Lazzat...)

8.What is your idea of a perfect breakfast? 
Nicely made Upma , or Kanda Pohe or Dosa with palya and chutney or a huge glass of milk (no sugar) . Anything that fills the kitchen with warm and lovely aromas, thts a nice start to the day

9.What is your favourite pastime?
 Playing with my Son, just being with him

10.Who is your favorite blogger?
 This is tough ....I dont think I can pick any single one :(

11.If you had to describe yourself in 3 words.. what would they be??  
Simple, Sincere and homely.

Over to Rashidas Meme for the Liebster Award.

What is your blog name and the reason for keeping such name?
the halal foodie, while being in the blogosphere for all these years I came across many blogs named this foodie and that foodie, so when I was thinking abt a name for a blog featuring halal foods and restaurants thats the first thing that came to my mind.

What was the inspiration behind your blog?
Wanted to be able to create a space where people can find info abt eating halal, be it featuring products or restaurants or some halal finds :)

How do you access internet?
I dont get it, does WiFi count ?

How many hours you spend in front of computer? 
MANY

Have you created facebook page for your blog?
Yes

Are you tech-savvy person? If no who help you out all the time?
Yes

I click all my pictures using not any one particular camera, I use a Canon DSLR or the iphone came at time :P

Who is your favourite blogger?
This is tough ....I dont think I can pick any single one :(

What is your favourite fast food?
I love all n any fast food chaats, bhels, pav bhaaji, burgers, pizzas, etc etc etc 

what is your favourite hobby?
like to read

Name your favourite movies?
Chupke Chupke, Jaane bhi do yaaron, Andaz Apna Apna, All Bourne Movies and many others.

Thank You Az and Rashida for linking me to these MeMes, I really enjoyed them and thank you for your patience...I appreciate it 

31 August 2012

Pistachio Peda


















Ingredients:

15 oz. Ricotta cheese
1 C Sugar
1/2 C Milk powder
3/4 C finely ground Pistachios,
2-3 tbsp Condensed milk
2-3 tbsp  Ghee (clarified butter)
1 tsp. Cardamom powder
1 tsp. Rose / Kewra / orange blossom water
Pistachios, powdered or sliced , for garnish
Chironji, for garnish.



















Method:

Heat ghee in a pan, add ricotta. Cook on low flame for few minutes, now add sugar and cook till it dissolves completely. Add condensed milk, let it cook for 1 minute or two and then add milk powder , cardamom powder and pistachio pdr. Keep cooking till it starts to thicken and starts leaving the sides of the pan. Remove from heat. Add rose/kewra/orange blossom water and mix well. Let it cool. Grease your palm with some ghee and make small balls, the size of a strawberry, flaten it slightly and dip it in pdrd pistachios, garnish with chironji, I like to serve them at room temperature.


 


Sending these too the following events, Sharan's Celeberating Independence Day and Onam Grand Feast , Eid Potluck Party.


















Enjoy !

23 August 2012

THANK YOU !

Hello Everyone !!!

When I announced the Ramadan Friendly Recipes event, I was skeptical about the kind of response I would get , this being a new blog , but THANKS to you all, the event was a big success.

To see all the beautiful and yummylicious entries, click here.

I could not resist passing on this badge, please accept it as a THANK YOU from me.





















Once again A BIG THANK YOU AND A BIG HUG to all who sent in their entry, used the logo, liked the recipes and helped spread the word, love to all :)

I also want to thank Az and Rashida for passing on the Sunshine Blogger award and the Liebster award to me , I will publish the meme's soon iA.

Do send in your eid recipes/eid stories to MY EID FEAST.

20 August 2012

My Eid Feast


















Happy Eid to all my readers around the world, hope you had lots of fun with family ,friends and neighbours :)

As always, Ramadan was the most beautiful time of the year and Alhumdulillah, so was Eid, filled with love and laughter.

The fact that I am writing about Eid a day later explains it all , it was a busy, busy ,very busy weekend The celeberations started , a day before Eid, the chaand raat (its called the chaand raat , as the eid moon is sighted that night). Two of my friends hosted the Chaand Raat Party, which were a blast. So the Eid prep at my home started at around 12 midnight after a cup of some nice coffee. I was up all night prepping and cooking and trust me it was fun !

In the morning we went to the mosque for eid prayers, met friends, the whole place was filled with the sounds of Eid Mubarak and whiffs of delicous food. Then we went to a friends place who had invited us for Eid lunch. As much as I was tempted for a small nap post lunch, I hardly got any time for that.

In the evening , I was hosting my friends for a eid dinner. I had catered Biryani and Chicken Seekh Kababs. Haleem, Sheer Kurma, raita, Salad, Rose Sherbet, Chole Masala, Naan, Motichoor Laddoos, Strawberries, Hummus with lentil crackers were also part of the menu. My neighbor and good friend bought caprese Salad on a stick which too was a big hit with all.

We exchanged hugs and gifts, munched on delicious food in the company of good friends , what more could you ask for ?

It was such a busy time that taking a pic of the eid feast did not even cross my mind , though the camera was right in front of me all the time :)

As much fun as it was, the hope and anticipation for the next Ramadan is with all of us and the wait begins...

I am linking this article to My Eid Feast Event .












Cant wait to see how your Eid was, do send in your Eid stories.

Enjoy !!!


19 July 2012

Ramadan Kareem

Ramadan w

Salaam. May peace be with you.

Ramadan Kareem to you all !

May the Almighty accept our fasting, accept our tears, forgive our sins, and extend our years. May this blessed month be a source of mercy, guidance, unity, and peace that permeates throughout the world. Ameen.



09 July 2012

Ramadan Friendly Recipes

Ramadan is right around the corner, so I am excited to announce my very own Ramadan Nook which will feature all things Ramadan.

To begin with I have an event to announce, Halal Foodie's very first food event, called
Ramadan Friendly Recipes.

So what makes a recipe Ramadan Friendly ?

Anything yummy, healthy, easy to cook, fresh ....it could be a snack, salad, dessert or entree or even a refreshing drink, You could also send in some festive recipes ideal for eid celeberations and of course it should be HALAL, which means no pork, alcohol or its by products.

This is how it works


This event is open to ALL

Post a Ramadan Friendly Recipe on your blog between July 9 to August 10 and
link it below using the linky tool.

Update: 

On public demand the deadline has been extended, so you can now submit your recipes until August 20.

During the last week of Ramadan I will publish a seperate post featuring selected recipes(depends on the number of entries I recieve) 


I would
appreciate using the logo as this blog is fairly new and the logo will just help me spread the word

Non-bloggers may send in their entries with or without a picture to halalfoodie@gmail.com and I will include it in the roundup.

Old/archived posts can also be sent provided they are reprinted using the logo / link to the announcement.

Featured recipes will recive a badge of honor :)

Thank You ! I look forward to your delicious entries :)




1. Murgh Malai Bites

2. Badam Kheer (Almond Pudding)

3. Watermelon and Assorted Salad

4. Rose and Chocolate cake

5. Kheema Samosa

6. Chicken Cutlet

7. Strawberry Dates Milkshake

8. Gulab Jamuns with Milk POwder

9. Peppered Moongdal Chappathi

10. Pineapple Gojju

11. Chocolate Dipped Potato Chips

12. Green Tomato & Moongdal Curry

13. Kidney Beans Quesadillas

14. Eggless Wheat, Banana Pancakes

15. Oats & Moongdal Khichdi

16. Patishapta-Bengali Crepe

17. Chicken Lollipop

18. French Toast

19. Crispy Fried Chicken

20. Baked Dahi Vada

21. Baked Dahi Vada in Microwave

22. Bottle gourd/ Lauki Halwa

23. Pakoras from Dosa Batter

24. Neypathal

25. Roasted Pumpkin Salad

26. Kiwi Banana Smoothie

27. Tuna Cutlets

28. pazham nirachathu

29. Fruit custard

30. Stuffed pav

31. Aash

32. Hyderabadi Aloo Dum Biryani

33. Panineer Petti

34. Kharvas/ Milk pudding/ Junnu

35. erachi petti / meat box

36. Dahi Vada

37. Chicken Shami Kabab

38. Aloo Tikki

39. Chana Dal Chicken

40. Onion Pakora

41. Batata Vada

42. Mirchi Bhajiya

43. Dosa Cakes

44. Haleem

45. Bread Pakora

46. Chicken Pakora

47. Corn Chaat

48. Katori Chaat

49. Nargis Kababs

50. Pani Puri

51. Shami Kabab

52. Chikoo Milkshake

53. Mango Milkshake

54. Nimbu Pani (Lemonade)

55. Raspberry Lemonade

56. Watermelon Juice

57. Rose Milk

58. spinach and cheese pinwheels

59. Egg Biryani

60. Fruit Kosambari

61. Thari Kaachiyathu/ Thari Kanji

62. Dates Chutney

63. Walnut mint dates chutney

64. Fried Chicken

65. Chemmeen Undaputtu

66. Canape

67. Beef with garlic and olives

68. Spring Roll

69. Stir Fried Spicy Vermicelli

70. Chicken Samosa

71. Dates Fritters

72. Shahi Tukda with Almond Milk

73. onion bhaji

74. Fruit Custard

75. Chocolate Date Coconut Balls

76. Masala/ Turri/ Dry fruits Powd

77. Besan and Anda Halwa

78. Chilli Beef - Indian Style

79. Stuffed Egg Bhaji/ Mutta Bhaji

80. Aatu Kudal Kulambu / Lamb Inte

81. Kheema samosa

82. Cherry Milkshake

83. Beef 65 / Crispy Beef Fry

84. Birds nest

85. Gozleme - Turkish Pizza

86. Kaayipola

87. Chicken Pastry Cups

88. Aloo Qeema Cutlets

89. Chana Pulao/ Chickpea Pilaf

90. Kozhi Kadumbu

91. chicken-samosa

92. Chicken biryani

93. Mango kulfi

94. Baked spring rolls

95. Vermicelli Kheer

96. Paal Vaazhakka

97. Sauteed Shredded Zucchini

98. East-meet-West Kofte curry

99. Kozhi Ada

100. Rava Kesari / Sooji Kesari

101. Pathiri/ Pathal/ Rice Roti

102. Idiappam Biriyani

103. Mint Chutney

104. Gajar ki Burfi

105. Steak in peppercorn sauce

106. Malai Laddoos

107. Vattu Pathiri

108. Goli Baje

109. Minced LAMB KABABS

110. Roasted Chicken Drumsticks

111. {BENGALI} PatiShapta (Crepes)

112. (RAJASTHANI) GULAB JAMUN Sabzi

113. Sabudana Vada (Tapioca Fritter

114. Mutton Kasha (Bengali Recipe)

115. Gol-Gappe or Pani-Puri

116. Tricolor Fried Rava Idli

117. Eral puttu

118. Fruit Vegetable Macaroni Salad

119. Chicken Biryani

120. Mutton Kheema Kabab

121. Palak Pakoda

122. Urad Dhal Vadai

123. Chicken Bajji

124. Oats Popcorn Tandoori Chicken

125. Apple Fritters

126. Atta Sweet Corn Kuzipaniyaram

127. Bread Bajji

128. Birds Nest

129. Adukku Pathiri

130. Kaiveeshal Appam

131. iftar Special Variety Porridge

132. Iftar Special Variety Puddings

133. Juices and Smoothies

134. Chicken Cutlese

135. Mini Bread Pakora with Twist

136. Meethi Mangochian

137. Chicken Meat Roll

138. Chicken Pouch/ Chicken Bag

139. Green Peas Paratha

140. Peach Milkshake

141. Egg Gravy - Muttai Kuzhambu

142. Berry Banana Smoothie

143. Butter Chicken

144. Mango Payasam

145. Rajma Pulao

146. Strawberry banana yogurt frapp

147. Crispy oven-baked zucchini

148. Aloo paratha

149. Dates Paratha

150. White Chocolate Fruit Tart

151. Ifthar Special Menu - 1

152. Colourful Agar Agar

153. Stuffed Bread Bhajji

154. Sogo Roo Apsha Jigarthanda

155. Eid Special Mutton Biriyani

156. Biriyani noobu kanji

157. Ramadan Noobu Kanji

158. Sheer Kurma

159. Stuffed Mutton kheema Murthaba

160. Red Cocktail Cooler

161. Raspberry pudding

162. Double Layer Fruit Custard

163. chicken gold coin

164. layer fruit falooda

165. soya veg lallipop

166. coconut agar agar

167. caramel pudding

168. Beetroot Corn Tikkis / Cutlet

169. Strawberry Cooler

170. Chicken Rose Rolls

171. burghul pilaf

172. spinach soya kurma

173. moong cheela

174. Chocolate Tart

175. Umm Ali

176. Microwave Chicken Biriyani

177. Hyderabad chicken haleem

178. Chicken Balls Curry

179. Aatu Thala Curry

180. dhokla stuffed capsicum

181. Ramadan biriyani Kanji

182. Green Chicken Pakoda

183. Soft Coconut Burfis

184. Soft Coconut Burfis

185. Sweet Stuffed Pancakes

186. A Mughali Dessert Shahi Tukra

187. Egg Fritters/Mutta Porichathu

188. Mangalorian Chicken Sukka

189. Falooda

190. Black Bean and Corn Salad

191. coconut ladoos

192. Frik Chorba (Algerian Soup)

193. Butter Biscuit

194. Onion Pakoras/ Ulli Bhaji

195. Gujarati Kanji

196. Nonbu kanji

197. Eid Special Adai

198. Fish Biryani

199. Tapioca Cake

200. Special Beef Fry

201. aash: rice and lentil soup


This linky list is now closed.