FOOD AND TRAVEL

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Ginger Garlic and Chilli Paste and Turning 25

IMG_8673

The long absence from the blog needs a post of its own. And that I’ll save for another day. Today though, I wanted to talk about turning twenty five. Truth is, I have never been a date person. That one can see from my lack of really celebrating blog anniversaries which apparently falls in this month too. 

   apples!Carrots Carrots Apples. Which is your favorite variety?
Photos I have taken over this year that didn't make it to the blog before

This year though, I have been thinking. It dawned on me that I was in fact turning twenty five. That I wasn’t exactly in early twenties anymore. An excuse I have often used to get away with a lot of things. An unplanned career being a major one. When I was 22, I was confused. I knew I won’t be lasting long with a corporate job. I knew my passion is food. When I was 23, I was scared. I was sure I wanted to do something in food, photography and things around it but I couldn’t bring myself to take a chance. To some, that wasn’t really a bad idea. I had no experience, no direction, no immediate prospects and I wasn’t probably good enough. But something in me kept telling me that it doesn’t matter. That sometimes being so calculated is not worth it. That I should take a  risk. But I didn't.

  IMG_8560

port3

Couple of months back I quit my job. There were many reasons and it was coming sooner or later. Did I waste the last two years of my life when I knew this is what I wanted? And has the reasons I chose over not quitting then changed two years since? Perhaps not. I still don’t know exactly what I’m going to do, no immediate prospects and I still think I’m not good enough. But I know that some years from now, I won’t have this nagging question any more. Working towards a goal is more important than getting to it - is my new motto.

zaatar

Lychees <3

Since we are talking about starting things over, this ginger garlic and chilli paste makes a lot of sense. Think of how often recipes start off using oil, followed by onions and garlic in most cuisines. The oil you cook in, the length for which the onions are cooked and how the garlic is chopped or cooked, can completely alter your end result. Often, in my own recipes and other Indian recipes you might have come across garlic paste, ginger garlic paste and ginger chilli paste. Since garlic, ginger and chilli form the basis for most Indian recipes, they are often grinded separately or together to a form a paste that can be readily used instead of chopping from scratch every day. Even when they are used freshly, they are not roughly chopped but rather finely chopped to almost a paste. Since the paste becomes a part of the ultimate masala (concoction of onions, spices and tomatoes) which is preferred to be smooth. They are not meant to be highlighted in their individuality but instead should form a part of the  greater masala that becomes gravy to the dish. 

IMG_8614

Ginger garlic and green chilli paste, also called Hara Masala by Bohras is a paste made of ginger, garlic and chilli, mostly in equal amounts. And believe it or not, I think this is a secret ingredient to most Bohra delicacies. The green chilli in the paste gives it a  beautiful pastel green hue. And though equal amounts of chillies sounds like too much, it only adds enough concentration of heat in a teaspoon to tingle on the tongue.  The mingling of all the three flavors after a couple of days creates a unique blend that's different from using each paste separately.

Ginger Garlic and Chilli Paste

The quantity of how much you make depends on how often you would end up using it. Even though I use it on daily basis, I tend to stick to making a fresh batch weekly. It requires adding more salt and oil to preserve it for longer which is something I don’t prefer to do. 

This paste is my favorite marination as well. Makes any meat succulent with ginger acting as a tenderizer. Also a must add in my books for broths and stocks. While using it, keep in mind it already has salt so balance out the salt in recipe accordingly.

Ingredients

Equal amounts of garlic, ginger and Indian green chillies by weight (Or half the chillies if you are concerned about the heat)

Salt to preserve (for about 1 lb of the above ingredients, I use 1 tsp of salt. If storing for longer periods, I recommend doubling the salt and adding 2-3 tbsp of oil.)

Method

Peal the garlic and ginger. Remove the stem of the chillies. Pulse them together in a grinder with salt until a paste is formed. Mix in the oil if using.

Store in clean airtight container in the refrigerator.
SHARE:

79 comments

  1. I really enjoyed all your photos. It was a treat to my eyes. Why don't you publish a post on photography and give us some ideas and tips

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Padhu. If there are any specific questions please mail them to me.

      Delete
  2. What gorgeous pictures! Really breathtaking. And that paste must taste wonderful.

    Happy Birthday!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow..what beautiful clicks! Happy B'day K, have a great year ahead.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am not a date person either, but I do enjoy the fun of celebrating. Wish you all the best on your birthday!! And thank you for inspiring me and so many others. Your images are marvelous.

    ~ Aina ~

    ReplyDelete
  5. yaaay you're back :)
    and happy birthday..ure ONLY 25, you have a long way ahead to make and break decisions..so don worry... :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your photos are a feast -- so stunning! Missed you hugely. Welcome back, and many, many happy returns Kulsum x

    ReplyDelete
  7. Happy birthday!
    Those are lovely photographs. And kudos to you for taking the plunge to do what you love. I wish you loads of success!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Happy Birthday Kulsum :)
    Stunning photos... missed your posts and now looking forward to seeing them more often!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Happy birthday! I'm bang in the middle of early twenties confusion. It's confusing.

    Congratulations on taking the leap! I found a wonderful phrase on pinterest the other day: you can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Emma for the wishes and that lovely quote. I have been following your blog from the early days and read through your posts so strongly relating to them. Slowly and steadily I see you headed on a clearer path and that's all I hope for myself :)

      Delete
  10. happy birthday ! i'm so happy to see a post from you :D good luck...hope you get what you want. that's a killer chutney :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Happy birthday! I get how 25 can feel old - but it's also so young! Congrats on pursuing your passion - you're very talented and I think you'll do great.

    ReplyDelete
  12. welcome back, my dearest friend. we love your photos and missed you! x shayma

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have been a silent reader. This post really made me comment.Such lovely pictures. And thanks for posting such basic necessities! I had no clue about it.
    I'm 26 and I feel so worthless. I have never had a job, though I'm so desperate to get a job or something substantial in my life before having kids. Your post is an inspiration. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Ginger garlic paste looks smooth as silk. Easily blends into any recipe. Great on beef or chicken on a grilled stick. Great in japanese salad dressing and yeah happy birthday:)

    Joey Lauren Adams.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Good to see you after a long time, and am glad by 25 you know what you want to do in your life!
    Happy Birthday and All the best!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Happy Birthday! Glad to see you back! And sending heartiest wishes your way - the best is yet to come. :) xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  17. Kulsum, Welcome back dear and Congratulations on the milestone birthday!
    Twenties are such a wonderful phase, be it the early or the latter half, feels like the world is at our feet!
    Wishing you make the best of it!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Happy bday sweets!!!! and welcome back!!!! glad to see your gorgeous & inspiring posts again!!! Not to worry about that goal & stuffs..Ideas will come to you when you least expect it & when not concentrating on it but actually when you are engrossed in some other task..And you are doing the best in the field of food blog, so how bout a cookbook somewhere down the line..?? :)
    Prathima Rao
    Prats Corner

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Prathima for your encouragement. Just going to go with the flow right now :)

      Delete
  19. Happy Birthday to you!And glad that these pictures found a way into your blog - it would have been a shame to have wasted these in your hard disc. And good wishes for the future. may you now be able to do something that has been long your passion!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Happy birthday and here's to making great decisions and new beginnings :-)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Happy happy 25. You have a wonderful eye and a great talent for images. Stunning shots and nice to see you filling this space again.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Muah Muah Muah... Love you loads and wish you MANY such 25s. And GIRL, you are so young! Enjoy the 20s Kul- Happy Birthday!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Happy Birthday (I cannot believe you are only 25!!!!) and welcome back. Your photos are truly amazing :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wish You many many more happy returns of the day girl..Wish u loads of success in future... Happy 25 again:):) Cheers and nice to see u back....

    Pavithra
    www.dishesfrommykitchen.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Welcome back Kulsum. So good to see you. What a great day to start. Happy birthday gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Welcome back, Kulsum. And happy birthday! 25? Girl, u r so young and talented :) Wishing u loads of success in which ever field u plan to pursue. your unique style of writing n your eye for capturing the food n life beautifully were really missed. I hope to see you blog regularly.
    Best wishes
    Sia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Okay, I'm almost there. Almost teary eyed with all the love and affection you guys are showering me with! Thank you from bottom of my heart.

      Delete
  27. Happy Birthday Kulsum :) Live your life girl and take risks! You are young and talented. You will do good .. very good indeed! (((hugs)))

    ReplyDelete
  28. Kulsum, happy birthday, 25 is such a young age, live it the way you want, take risks, have fun and explore and don't be hard of yourself. trust me when you get to 75 or even 50 you can look back and be thankful for following your heart irrespective of the result LIVE LIFE also don't you need some stories to tell your grandchildren :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. So happy to see a new post from you this morning. I remember 25 being a really challenging time in my life, so if 39 apparently as I just lost my job this past week. Secretly, I was thankful because now I can work on what I have really been wanting to do this past year. It's funny that it doesn't matter what age, we always use age as an excuse for not pursuing our dreams. Good luck to you, I can't wait to see where you go with all of this.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Happy 25th Birthday Kulsum. So happy to see you back. Everytime I see your pictures they are more gorgeous than before. Keep them coming. And enjoy the twenties, they are short and sweet

    ReplyDelete
  31. Welcome back darling Kulsum! Did check your blog couple of times if there is any updates. Wondered where have you gone? Glad you're back :-)

    Anyway, HAPPY 25th BIRTHDAY young lady! You have sharp eyes and creativity for photography and writing! Keep going. Pics are really beautiful! Wishing you all joyous and fruitful years ahead, Kulsum! xoxo...

    ReplyDelete
  32. Yay, you're back! Happy birthday, and I can't wait to read about all the fabulous things you do in the year ahead :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Welcome back honey!
    Ohhh so much has happened to you! I made some major changes in my life too, and all are for the better!
    Good luck with everything!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Happy 25th Kulsum! Lovely post and stunning shots!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Happy Birthday Kulsum. It is lovely to hear from you again, it has been a while since your last post. Remember, a change is as good as a holiday so enjoy new beginnings. You have a wonderful talent for writing and photography :D

    ReplyDelete
  36. Happy Birthday, and good luck on your future ventures. Making changes in one's life is never easy but it seems you have the guts to do it!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Happy Birthday to you Kulsum ~ welcome back from your break. This post is gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  38. A belated happy birthday, Kulsum.. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and successful life :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. First of all... welcome back to the blogging world. Know that you were missed (and not forgotten)!

    And a very happy birthday to you. Gosh, I loved 25. What a great year. :-)

    Oh, and what can I say about this post that hasn't already been said. I'm smitten over these pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  40. happy birthday sweet Kulsum, be happy always

    ReplyDelete
  41. I had first across your blog months ago and your photos kept be riveted. Kept coming back more for the visual treats. Happy 25 and let the amazing photographs keep coming!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Welcome back, sweets and a very Happy Belated Birthday!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Good to see you back.. lovely pics

    ReplyDelete
  44. Glad you're back, I've missed your posts! A big happy happy birthday! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  45. happy birthday :) your pictures are so beautiful as always. We all go through phase of confusion and questions about what we want to do in life and you will slowly figure out what will eventually make you because thats what matters.

    Love the idea of make ahead of this paste because I use it everything and this will probably save some time for me while cooking. hope to read more of your posts!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Garlic and ginger are the only two paste. That improve the taste of recipe. Images are very attractive.

    Cheese food

    ReplyDelete
  47. Fantastic images. Would be pleased if your post come more often.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Love the detail of your images, such depth and texture. Happy birthday!

    ReplyDelete
  49. It's wonderful to see you back here with your beautiful images, words and recipes as usual. Wishing you a belated Happy Birthday my dear friend. xo

    ReplyDelete
  50. A silent reader of your post since a year. Would land on ur page practically every 2-3 days. Was delighted to receive you in my reader today. I missed recipes for Ramazan iftar. My MIL always makes ginger - garlic paste at home, but never thought of adding green chillies or oil. I will try it next time around.

    Happy Birthday and lovely snaps. I too was like you in my twenties and continued in early 30s too. Now settled in work from home space and loving every moment of what I do. Pursuing what I do and enjoying life with better half and lil girl. Dabble around, but settle for your passion.

    I tried your recipe for egg bhurji and it was yum. Used a lot of your space. Hope you resume your normal programming.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Batul,

      Thank you for taking the time to write your lovely comment. It made my day! And glad the recipes are working for you xo

      Delete
  51. A lot of people missed you including me... love the photographs... and Happy Birthday!!

    ReplyDelete
  52. happy birthday! Hope you find the career of your dreams

    ReplyDelete
  53. First time here. Wonderful photos. Enjoyed reading your message.

    ReplyDelete
  54. first time here! love it. Super snaps! Happy birthday
    http://great-secret-of-life.blogspot.sg

    ReplyDelete
  55. A huge fan of your blog…really admire the way you handle and write your blog plus the pics you add are just awesome that enhances your blog to much higher level.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Happy birthday Kulsum and welcome back. You are so young and so very talented!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Looks great. Will go best with hot stuffed parathas or dosa or uttpam...

    ReplyDelete
  58. I also didn't know what I wanna do. But now I have goal !! Although achieving goal is difficult, I purse my goal.

    ReplyDelete
  59. your photography keeps getting better and better, its looks so real that i can almost feel and smell the food, and happy belated birthday :**

    ReplyDelete
  60. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Gorgeous pics...!
    And I hope to see you back here soon :)

    ReplyDelete
  62. This was a lovely post with stunning photography. Happy (belated) Birthday! As someone who is nearly 29, I can tell you that it doesn't matter if you've got it all figured out yet. That's the fun in life. What excitement would there be if we knew what we wanted life to look like? If I was still living the life I thought I wanted when I was 25 I'd be a very different person. I'm glad things didn't turn out the way I expected. :)

    ReplyDelete
  63. happy birthday Kulsum! and good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Beautiful clicks! You are still young so don't worry about it. Whatever you do, give all your best!

    ReplyDelete
  65. you are a budding talent at such age u r showing signs of a great photographer along with a beautiful cook.

    ReplyDelete

Blog Design Created by pipdig