Recipe 5: Lentil Soup

On cold winter nights, every human is in dire need of some food that would warm up the body. The best solution would probably be this hot and spicy Indian soup that i tried last night. This would not only refill your energy level but you also get to experience the taste of India. It’s not half as spicy as Korean food though, so worry not spicy haters. It goes perfectly with  tandoori bread (naan) , rice or enjoy it as it is 🙂

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup green gram split (moong dal)
• 1 large onion
• 1 large tomato
• 2/3 green chilies
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 dried bay leaf (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seed
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seed
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chilly powder ( optional)
• 3-4 garlic cloves
• Coriander leaves
• 2 tablespoon of ghee (optional)
• Oil
• Salt to taste

METHOD

1. Boil the split grams in water for 30 minutes with the lid on.
2. In the meantime, prepare the remaining ingredients. In a pan, add 2 tablespoons of oil. Then when the oil is slightly hot, add in the cumin seeds, mustard seeds, cinnamon and dried bay leaf. next, add the sliced onions.
3. When the onions are slightly brown add the tomatoes. Immediately add salt,red chilly powder and turmeric powder.
4. Cook the tomatoes till it’s soft then add the boiled split grams.
5. Boil the soup for around 3 minutes. Remember to add water before boil in case it is heavy. Add coriander leaves at the end.
6. For the topping, fry the garlic cloves in ghee and its ready to serve.

New York Fashion Week 2016 : Best Picks 1

With the NYFW Fall/Winter 2016 coming to an end, many new trends are in for the season.

My best picks from Marchesa, Oscar De La Renta, Naeem Khan, Tommy Hilfiger and Bibhu Mohapatra :

First, are my favourites from Marchesa’s  collection. It was all about details. Beautiful red and blue roses and intricate embroideries were the highlight. Those heels are surely on my shopping list right now.

Next, Oscar De La Renta’s collection – elegant collection. Skirts and dresses with different drape styles were the highlight of the collection.

Naeem Khan showcased his state of the art gowns. His dresses can capture any women’s heart.

Tommy Hilfiger models walked on a cruise ship. His collection included different cuts with the sailor, ships theme.

Last but not the Least, are my best picks from the American-Indian Designer Bibhu Mohapatra. I love that vibrant red shade.

 

Recipe 4: Simple Pancakes

Weekends are the best time to try out new easy peasy recipes.This weekend I was craving for something really sweet for breakfast and something that would go perfectly with honey. Then I decided to make these super easy pancakes. Not only is it easy to make but it also takes really less time which makes it to serve any guests who might suddenly turn up. It really doesn’t require much of a skill.

INGREDIENTS

• Egg – 1
• Plain flour – 1 & 1/2 cup
• Sugar – 2 tablespoon
• Vanilla essence – 1 pint
• Baking powder – 3 1/2 teaspoon
• Milk – 1 1/4 cup
• Butter/Ghee – 3 tablespoon

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Beat the egg, sugar and butter/ghee in a bowl .
2. Add milk to the mixture then slowly add the plain flour and baking powder.
3. Stir it well until the batter is formed then leave it aside for 10 minutes.
4. Then pour 1 teaspoon of oil in a frying pan.
5. when the oil is heated enough then pour 2 tablespoon of the batter. If the batter is prepared well then it should immediately form a round shape.
6. Turn the sides when one is done. Around 6 pancakes can be made.

Top it with fruits of your choice and pour some honey, chocolate on it. These yummy pancakes are ready to served.

Today’s Look : Élan Bridal Look

 The fifth PFDC L’Oreal Paris Week 2015 held in Lahore which ended just yesterday showcased exquisite designer dresses combining traditionalism with modernism. My favourite from the bridal fashion show was the “Jasmine Court” presented by Élan, the leading luxury brand. Their theme was vintage with nude colours, velvet and sheer fabrics. I loved the heavy embellishment on all of the dresses. They have the perfect look for brides to look like a princess on their big day. Totally in love with this bridal couture.

Link to their bridal studio – http://www.elan.pk/row/bridal-studio/

 

Today’s look: Simple Emma style

Emma Watson, the young feminist recently graced the cover of the British Vogue magazine’s September issue. She looked stunning with the simple makeup and hair style. She wore a Stella McCartney Paisley jacquard Annie top with a mini-skirt. Her ear cuff is from Vickisarge and earring from Tom Binns’ collection. She did a simple side parted half hair up-do. It’s perfect for any formal events.

Recipe 3 : Steamed Lettuce Wraps

Steamed lettuce wraps is just the perfect healthy option for appetizers. Steam the leaves and wrap it up with your favourite ingredients cooked together. They not only look appetizing enough but they also succeed in adding colours to the table. I tried cooking the filling in the Asian way and it was truly delicious.

INGREDIENTS

• Lettuce
• Ground beef – 1/2 kg
• Carrot – 1
• Scallions
• Onion – 3
• Peas
• Cardamom – 2
• Dried bay leaf – 1
• Cinnamon stick – 1
• Cloves – 3/4
• Garlic- ginger paste – 1 teaspoon
• Chillies – 2/3
• Pepper powder – 1/2 teaspoon
• Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
• Cumin powder – 1 teaspoon
• Red chilli powder – 1 teaspoon (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. First chop all the vegetables. Then put some oil on a wok
2. Put in the grounded beef and the cinnamon stick, cardamom,dried bay leaf and cloves.
3. Stir fry them for about 5 minutes.Then add the ginger garlic paste and cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Now, add all the vegetables to the wok. Add salt, cumin powder, coriander powder and red chilli powder.
5. Cook for another 15 minutes till the beef is done.(you can add lemon for the beef to get done faster)
6. After steaming the lettuce leaves add the filling and wrap it up. Then the cut the sides of the wraps to make them look even.

and it’s ready to serve !!!!

Today’s Look: Theia Couture Look

Want to look chic and gorgeous with something simple?? Try this simple look donned recently by the gorgeous Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut.. She has time and again succeeded in keeping the fashion police to her toes with her unique fashion sense. This time she wore two outfits from the Theia collection for the Vivo mobile launch events. The first was a beautiful satin black and teal contrast gown with a black studded belt from the Theia Couture. She looks stunningly beautiful with that simple makeup and hairstyle which go perfectly with the gown. I love the simplicity of the gown and how perfect it looks.

The second outfit of the day was the white Ellen pantsuit from the Theia Couture.She paired it up with a necklace from Forever 21 and earrings from Isharya and a cocktail ring. She looked really pretty with the puffed up hairstyle and makeup.

Recipe 2 : Creamy Chicken Pasta

Creamy yummicious pasta is perfect for any meal. I love the flavours along with the creaminess of the pasta.Though it is really easy to make , It does take a bit of prep time. You can surely entertain your friends with this easy peasy recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• Penne Pasta
• Heavy cream – 1 and 1/2 cup
• Onion
• Capsicum
• Chicken
• Vinegar
• Olives
• Butter
• Oil
• Pepper powder
• Ginger garlic paste – 1/2 teaspoon
• Red chilli powder (optional) – 1 pinch
• Salt to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut the chicken breast into small cubes. Then marinate it with salt and vinegar.
2. Boil the penne pasta for half an hour until soft enough. Drain the water and keep it aside.
3. Pour some oil and butter in a pan. Then fry the marinated chicken. Add the ginger garlic paste.
4. Add the chopped onions to the chicken within few minutes.
5. When the chicken cubes are almost done add in the chopped capsicums, olives, chillies (optional totally).
6. Then add salt, red chilli powder and pepper to mixture. Stir it for few minutes
7. Now pour the heavy cream over the vegetables in the pan and immediately add the boiled pasta.
8. Stir it for another 5 to 10 minutes, until it boils and your creamy chicken pasta is done.

Enjoy the creamy pasta 🙂

Recipe 1 : Chinese Fried Rice

Chinese fried rice was one of the first recipes I tried from the Chinese cuisine. It is one of the most easiest things to try for beginners. It takes really less time and can be made with simple ingredients. A perfect dish for a lazy evening or when your too hungry. Tastes really yum.

INGREDIENTS

• Leftover Rice -3 cups (preferred Jasmine Rice)
• Spring onions
• Bell peppers
• Carrots
• Eggs – 2
• Ginger garlic paste – Half teaspoon
• Raisins (optional)
• Peas
• Chillies (optional)
• Ghee /butter (optional)
• Soya sauce – 3 teaspoon
• Vinegar – 1 teaspoon
• Pepper powder
• Oil
• Salt to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

First , dice all the spring onions, bell peppers, carrots, chillies as thin as possible. Next, add some oil and butter in a wok and fry all the vegetables till tender enough. Then add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another 2 minutes. Add the leftover rice to the vegetables. Add soya sauce and vinegar to the rice and mix them well. Then add some oil in another wok and scramble two eggs. Add salt and pepper to the egg. Keep stirring till the egg is done, then mix it with the rice. Done.

Hope you enjoy the dish 🙂

Today’s Look: The Princess style

The Cannes Film Festival is always one of the best international events to look out for fashion statements. This year the actress who succeeded in grabbing eye balls was the top Chinese actress, Fan Bingbing. Both of her dresses really stunned the red carpet. The dress she wore to the opening ceremony was a flowing pink gown from Raplh & Russo couture. It’s a Chinese inspired off-the-shoulder couture gown perfect for the red carpet. It perfectly matches with her skin tone. She complimented the look with a minaudière from Louis Vuitton & jewellery from Chopard. She looks royal and elegant with that beautiful peacock styled gown. .

DAY 2

She wore grey-blue shaded tulle Marchesa gown from Spring 2015 collection. I love the light shaded feathered flowers on the bodice and the skirt. The floral crown matched with the dress totally gives the pretty princess look. She paired it up with pair of diamond earrings from Chopard. I think she looks really stunning and managed to pull off both the looks really well.