Tomato Chutney – one more way to enjoy antioxidant rich tomatoes

I am quite amazed at how time flies.

This tomato chutney was photographed on January end. And we are into the end of February already.

Yes, I’ve been happily busy with recipes and photographs and, more recipes and photographs as seen here.

Green Mango Pickle — Manga Achar

After the luxurious quietness, moments of repose, stressing and soul-searching, I couldn’t wait to be back to say hello. Albeit virtually.

I always look forward to this time in the season with much anticipated pleasure.

Back home, it is the time preceding the monsoon rain when the mango trees are abundant with new life and beauty—enchanting, golden flesh fruits basking in the rays of the scintillating sun. Mangoes, ah.

Green Mango Chutney — Uppumanaga Chalichathu — homemade condiment for the side

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I miss the sunlight sneaking in through the curtained bedroom window to wake me up. Instead when I open my drowsy lids to the sound of alarm from the cell phone, it feels like the sun hasn’t risen—it’s still dark and cold outside. The kind of cold that makes me long to go back to few more hours of fitful slumber. The house is silent when I stumble downstairs, sleepyhead and disoriented, into the kitchen and switch on the kettle to brew some tea—my pep pill. Once I’m done with a mug of hot tea, I’m almost ready to take on the challenges of the day. One by one. Patiently.

Winter. A season of holidays, joy and traditions. The beginning to an end. The rain has swept us right into the company of winter. Hot humid days of summer are now a thing of the past, with no regrets. I love winter. Especially the mild winter months in Doha. When I take time to reflect on winter, I admit, I don’t have the best memories attached to it. At least not in the past three years. Three Christmases back I was injured in an accident that left me partially disabled for a couple of weeks. Yes, it was Christmas day. And I spent the evening in the ambulance, in and out of consciousness, and a painful night at the hospital bed in the emergency. A year later, I resigned from my job. Again, in December. My New Years came and went quietly, both times, lacking fanfare. And my days drifted into months just as delicately. Those are my most vivid recollections of winter. How can I forget such life changing events? I embrace each New Year with hopes of forgetting the past and finding a future. Hope.

Fragrant Ghee Rice with Raita and Relish — Neychoru with Kachumber and Ulli Surka

A mug of tea is steaming at my elbow and I’m staring at the screen for a good opening. I've been scratching my head for a catchy jingle in vain. Admittedly, it is moments like this that I wish I were more articulate. I wish I had completed my masters in English language and literature. I wish I had pursued my interest in creative writing. I wish —— this is crazy, I’m no good at this. I know. So let me go straight to the recipe and save the chitchat for a better time. Be warned, I got carried away and snapped way too many pictures. Again.

Ginger in Sweet Tamarind Sauce — Inji Puli

It’s almost impossible to imagine Asian cuisine without the fiery and aromatic flavor of ginger. It enhances the taste of sweet as well as savory dishes, not to mention, the added benefits we get from its anti-bacterial, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. I have been sipping cups of ginger tea for the past two days to relive my inflamed throat and severe headaches—a bad case of the flu. Such are the medicinal and healing properties of ginger. When used in cooking, ginger gives a distinctive flavor to dishes and inji puli is a great example.

Kerala Style Dried Shrimp Chutney — Unakka Chemmeen Chammanthi

Life seems to get busier each day. It’s the weekend. Already. I hope you have great fun this weekend with lots of wonderful food and good company. On our end, we have plans to go wach the thrilling Asian Cup finals between Japan and Australia. Can't wait to see who wins. Any guess?!!

Green Mango Chutney — Manga Chammanthi

I have plenty to share. Too many documents in various stages of draft. And even more pictures. I guess this is what happens when I am inspired. But hey it’s the weekend. Again. And we are off to watch the Asian Cup tournament and cheer for the desi team in the match between Bahrain and India this weekend. How about you all? I’m sure you too have exciting plans. Anyways, have a wonderful weekend all of you. And, once again, many thanks for your visits, kind words and support. I am touched.

Dry Red Chili Chutney — Mulaku Chammanthi

A new day. A New Year. A new chapter. With Lots of great hopes and endless possibilities to make our wishes come true. Cheers to 2011.

I am sharing with you this quote by Oprah Winfrey, which I find truly inspirational:

"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right"

A toast to all of you for the best year ever, filled with happiness, success and good fortune. I am grateful to share this happy moment and new year with all of you. I truly am!