Bhopla Bhaji - In Jersey City

"What should I make for dinner?" always a question. And when you are living anywhere but India, things get slightly trickier to get the correct ingredients.
This is not just the recipe but everything around it too!
Bhopla (Pumpkin) purchased at corner store, generally wrapped in cling film is good enough
Salt , turmeric , jaggery , kadipatta (if you dont have it its ok to be omitted), mustard seeds, jeera (either / and), Asafoetida (hing - if not available - omit!!)
chillies -red or green whichever are easier to find
methi seeds or alternate - kasuri methi packet from MDH or any of the Indian masala companies

The preperation -
Cut Bhopla in small cubes
Cut chillies either small or just one long cut.

Heat oil in a pan
Give the usual tadka with mustard seeds, Asafoetida, kadipatta and chillies
After walking around in the kitchen once, put in the bhopla / pumpkin
Stir this for about 2 mins and then cover the bhaji
You can take the time to clear up around yourself and then it will be time for you to add the jaggery. I make some place in the vessel, put the jaggery - it melts and then stir the bhaji
Add the methi seeds or Kasuri methi
Cover up and let cook
You know when the bhaji becomes soft that its getting done.
You can garnish with some corriander and coconut (any type -fresh / frozen / desicated)
But this is not necessary.

Your bhaji is ready! Eat with Chapati's

I have been to London to visit the Queen

I have lived in London - Wimbledon to be precise for over 3 years. It was my home away from home. I kind of grew up and at the same time lost a few years while I was there. Life was completely new. I got used to walking down my road to work - yes I lived very close to where I worked. The walk was beautiful and each day as I went by I realised that I was special. I dont know why I thought that, but I did!

People asked me whether I missed home, missed Mumbai - I sure did. But I knew that where I was, was where I wanted to be. The weather was almost always crap - England is famous for this. But it didnt matter. If it rained, I loved the rain, if it was hot I loved the heat.

I cant exactly give a list of things that had me so in love with London - thats the first thing about love anyway, you never know why, what, when or where! But I know now that I am not there, some things I sorely miss .....

The small, pretty cottages that lined the sides of the streets, The convenient yet sometimes frustrating tube, The sun shine, The corner shop that usually had an Indian attendant, The highstreet with the usual fare, The Thames, which doesnt measure up in size to any river, but definitely measures up to being one of the coolest spots to hangout, The Friday nights of beer and drinks, Saturday's that marked freedom, Sunday's that ended at 5:00 pm, Monday's that never brought any cheer! Hop, skip n jump into Europe when you felt like it (obviously with a slightly happy looking bank balance) Yorkshire Puddings, Bacon - Never had better bacon anywhere - eggs n the English breakfast, The small little pubs and restaurants at Covent Garden, The fan fare at Leicester Square, Each and every stop on the tube - So you see my list could just drag on for a few miles and reach the queen!

But just to make this blog a bit useful for anyone who is planning to visit london -

If you are a tourist, you have come to the most historic place other than India, with a "bloody" past. Take a tour around the place in those hop in n out buses and choose what you want to see in detail - careful you might just fall in love like I did!

If you are going to live here - get ready for some good and bad and dont forget to have fun. Coz once you start the fun - theres no stopping it! But hold on, this place can be a bit heavy on the pockets...so make sure you prioritize.

My First Blog

Have been hearing this word for a few years now, but never gave it a serious thought. But if Amitabh and Aamir do it, then its reason enough for me to try!!
Honestly I love writing, whether you will like what I write is to be seen!