Pasta Salad ... and Chicken Salad, and "Aradhana"

I have never been a big fan of sandwiches.  Salads, on the other hand, I love ... loaded with dressing, of course! Still, they usually leave me feeling hungry an hour after eating them.  And so, one day, I decided to add cooked pasta to make it more filling ... and the recipe for my pasta salad was born. When my younger daughter was in kindergarten I let her taste a mouthful; she liked it so much that to this day it remains one of her favorite lunch items.  The recipe serves one:

Ingredients

Mixed salad greens

1/3 cup cooked pasta (I prefer wheat)

2 tbsp italian dressing (I prefer Kraft Seven Seas)

2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

1 tbsp bacos

1 tbsp chow mein noodles

Dash of tabasco sauce

Method

1. Toss the greens and the pasta with the salad dressing.
2. Add the tobasco.
3. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese.
4. Add toppings (bacos and chow mein noodles)

My older daughter loves food of all kinds. One can even call her a "foodie." As a result, from time to time, she goes through phases of what she calls "healthy" eating in order to compensate.  This is one of her favorite lunches.  The best part about it is that it can be eaten as is or enjoyed as a wrap by simply wrapping the salad contents with a wheat tortilla.  The recipe below serves one:

Ingredients

1/2 cup chicken, diced

2 tbsp Lawry's 30-minute marinade, Tequilla Lime with Lime Juice 

Pam Olive oil cooking spray

Mixed greens

Baby spinach

1/3 cup grape tomatoes, chopped

1/3 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/2 ounce cheddar cheese, grated

1 tbsp salad dressing (recommend Kraft Zesty Italian)

Method

1. Marinate diced chicken in Lawry's marinade for at least 30 minutes.
2. Spray saute pan with cooking spray and heat on high heat.
3. When pan is hot, add chicken.  Reduce heat to medium high.
4. Cook chicken.  When done, remove from heat and set aside.
5. In bowl, combine mixed greens with baby spinach.
6. Add chopped tomatoes, bell pepper, and salad dressing.  Toss.
7. Top with cooked chicken and grated cheese.

Note: Wrap contents in a wheat tortilla for a fun alternative!

Director Shakti Samanta gave us his biggest hit in 1969, the movie "Aradhana." The story had enough melodrama to tug at everyone's heartstrings. Shot in the beautiful locales of Darjeeling, the story is of a sweet and young girl named Vandana (played by Sharmila Tagore) who falls for Arun, an Air force officer (played by Rajesh Khanna). When Arun tragically loses his life in an accident, she spends the rest of her life devoted to raising her son. Sharmila had an author-backed role and complete justice to it. Rajesh Khanna played the dual role of both father and son with an easy charm. The film turned him into a superstar overnight. And Sachin Dev Burman's youthful melodies swooned the nation. This film is a must-see.

Chicken Masala & "Vivah"

Back when I first came to the U.S., I didn't have much cooking experience. I managed the day-to-day fare, but when it came to feeding guests, I had to rely on one of the two recipe books that I had brought from home. Therefore, whenever we were invited to a dinner-party, I bugged the hostess to give me the recipe for whatever dish I took a liking to.  At one such get-together, I thought the chicken curry was delicious and begged the hostess (a Mrs. Guha) to give me the recipe. She seemed rather reluctant but gave it to me anyway. I wondered if she might have left out a secret ingredient or two. Nevertheless, I tried making it and it turned out great. The recipe below serves 4.

This week's movie is "Vivah."  This movie is from the makers of hits like "Maine Pyar Kiya" and "Hum Aapke Hai Kaun."  Their movies specialize in stories that can be narrated in four lines but are still presented in a way to appeal to the audience.  The film was touted as a journey from engagement to marriage.  Not only do Shahid and Amrita fit perfectly into their roles, Seema Biswas excels as the jealous chachi displeased with the fact that her niece is better looking than her daughter and that her husband is going all out in spending for her impending vivah.  The songs are pleasing and it is overall a thoroughly entertaining film.

Ingredients

1 lb cut up chicken

1 tablespoon oil + 1 teaspoon oil

1 medium onion

1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste

1 cup beaten yogurt

1/4 teaspoon turmeric

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1 tablespoon khus khus (poppy seeds)

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 bay leaf

Salt to taste

Cilantro for garnish

Method

1. Slice the onion.  Heat the teaspoon of oil and add the sliced onions.  Keep stirring over medium heat, until the onions are light brown in color.
2. Add the khus khus and saute for 1-2 minutes.
3. Cool and grind to a paste.
4. Mix the paste with ginger-garlic, yogurt, salt, coriander powder, turmeric and chili powders, and garam masala.
5. Add the cut chicken to this.  Keep aside for 30 minutes.
6. Heat the remaining oil on high heat.  When hot, add the cumin seeds and bay leaf.
7. Add the chicken and stir on high heat for 1-2 minutes.
8. Reduce the heat and cook covered until done.
9. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with rice.