Creating a blog was out of the question for a long time for me, as measuring everything in the kitchen was like biting into an eggshell. I enjoy cooking and don’t want to waste even a slightest bit of enjoyment in that small world of mine. But little did I know that everything will change, when my husband came home with the Oscar nominated film ‘Julie and Julia’( a real life story) where Julie Powell (part played by Amy Adams) challenged herself to make all the 524 recipes from Julia Child's cook book ‘Mastering the Art of French Cooking’ and blogging all her experiences (The Julie/Julia Project). It was an inspiring movie. A few days later when we were discussing this casually with a friend of ours over tea…everything changed dramatically…..” How about you making at least half of it in one year? Not French but your own. 262 recipes that will inspire others and present it as a blog?” For a minute my mind traveled faster than light… With an experience as a helper in my mother in laws kitchen for 6 years followed by a three year everyday struggle to satisfy the palate of my foodie husband, if I cannot do it then why should I cook? But on the other side with an experience in English literature extending no more than expanding outline stories in English grammar class when I was 18 and two small kids that come in handy at times, will a commitment for the next one year work? Anyway my ‘cook's ego’ didn’t allow me to say no...

So my friends …here I am opening my recipe book, trying to perfect and present 262 recipes in the coming 365 days….A Challenge that will of course tastes good. Come.. Have a walk with me along my journey.. Cheering and inspiring….Forgiving and tolerating…Testing and tasting….for ‘A Tasty Challenge’

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Saturday, February 26, 2011

Irachi Thoran (Meat Stir Fried with Coconut)

Recipe No: 204
This used to be one of our usual lunch box specials… My Mother made this practically every day, as three of us used to love this for our lunch while we were in schools. After all these years, I still remember those School days...opening the lunch box and smelling Irachi Thoran when I taste this dish.
Ingredients                                           Serves 4
  • Cooked and Shredded Beef….1 Cup
  • Coconut Oil……………………....1 Tablespoon
  • Mustard Seeds…………………..1/2 Teaspoon
  • Dry Red Chilly………………..…1 (split into two)
  • Shallots sliced…………………...2 big
  • Ginger……………………………..1 small piece (chopped)
  • Curry Leaves…………………....1 Sprig
  • Garam Masala Powder………1/2 Teaspoon
  • Black Pepper Powder………...1/4 Teaspoon
To grind
  • Grated unsweetened Coconut….1/4 cup
  • Shallots…………………………………2
  • Green Chilly………………………....1 big
  • Garlic………………………………..…1 big
  • Turmeric Powder………………….1/2 Teaspoon
  • Salt as needed
Method of Preparation
  1. Grind all the ingredients in the ‘to grind’ section slightly and keep aside till ready to be used.
  2. Heat Oil in a pan on medium high heat and splutter the Mustard seeds.
  3. Add Dry Red Chilly, Shallots, Ginger and Curry Leaves and saute till golden brown.
  4. Add the minced Meat and saute for a minute. Push the Meat to the sides and put the Coconut mixture in the middle and cover it with the Meat from the sides.
  5. Cover the pan, lower the heat and cook it for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Open the pan and mix everything; add Garam Masala Powder and Pepper Powder.
  7. Mix everything together really good and saute for a minute or two and switch off the heat.
  8. Serve hot with Rice.
Notes:
  • If you are using Salt while cooking the Meat, use only less while grinding.
  • You can do this without grinding also. Slice Green Chillies and saute it first. Then when its time to use the Coconut just mash it with your hands with Turmeric and Salt.
  • This will stay really good in lunch boxes.











Make it, enjoy the deliciousness and
serve it to your family with love…

3 comments:

Vimitha Durai said...

Really have to give it a try... Looks so inviting...

Anu Yalo said...

Delicious...i'm gonna try this :)

Unknown said...

I tried this recipe and it was super. đź‘Ś

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