Though not authentically Christmas platter, I thought of wishing MERRY CHRISTMAS with this humble plate of Chicken Fried Rice with Fish Fritters. The lettuce and tomato is to remind that salads should be an essential part of our meals. A lighted candle had to be there to say may there be light in all of your lives forever. I feel that just like Durga Pooja, Christmas and Eid have universal approach. It is just not confined to a mere religious festival. It is a festival celebrated worldwide. I have a nice childhood memory of Christmas. My childhood was spent in a small township, about 100 km away from Kolkata at my maternal grandparents' home. My mom being married at a young age was still studying at college. I had a happy childhood among aunts and uncles. I was a pampered child being the eldest, other siblings were yet to arrive.
That town had a big church with its own school, hospital and home for the distressed. From 25th December till 1st January there used to be a big celebration there which I attended even after shifting to Kolkata with our parents. I remember about a big fair held on the occasion. A couple of my aunt's friends being Christian, I attended Sunday special prayers too. I really do love the calm and peaceful environment inside.
I am secular who firmly believes humanity stands supreme, respecting other's religious beliefs does not necessarily mean downgrading mine. Partnering with an atheist taught me not to bring religion into everything. He says religion is to keep within the self, asks me to practise tolerance. The main attraction of attending the Sunday prayer was after it was over. Once done, my aunt's friend would take us to their homes and treat with fresh, warm home baked cakes, not fancy but tasty.
I wished for a change and greet all with an easy platter of chicken fried rice & fish fritters. Rice and Fish is our staple, I was absolutely relaxed while doing it. I had some boneless chicken and bell peppers in hand, went ahead preparing fried rice, fish fritters with the fish fillets. To end with, we had a dessert made of chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream[not in picture].
Chicken[boneless breast pieces] : 200 gm
Red n Yellow Bell Pepper : 1/4 of each
Green Chilli : 2
Soy Sauce : 2 tbsp
Sesame Oil : 1tbsp
Garlic[minced] : 1 tsp
Ginger[minced] : 1/2tsp
Onion : 2 medium
Black Pepper Powder : 1/4 spoon
Salt : As required
Chopped Spring Onion to garnish.
Oil : 2tbsp
Rice : 1 big cup.
INGREDIENTS [for the fish balls] :
Fish fillet : 350-400 gm
Salt : As required
Green Chilli : 2
Garlic[minced] : 1/2 tsp
Vinegar : 2 tbsp
Soy Sauce : 1 tsp
Corn Flour : 2tbsp
Oil : 50 ml [for deep frying]
METHOD :
Let us cook the fried rice first. Prepare rice until it's half done or may be a little more. Drain water, keep uncovered.
Cut the onion and bell peppers into cubes or strips. Chop green chillies, dip in soy sauce. Mince the garlic and ginger. Boil chicken until tender, shred.
Heat oil in pan. Add the minced garlic and ginger. Add the onions, fry until translucent. Add bell peppers. Stir for 3-4 minutes, add salt as required, mix well. Add chicken strips, black pepper powder. Mix well.
Add cooked rice, stir for a minute. Add soy sauce, chopped green chillies. Stir for 2 minutes. The whole process is to be done in high heat with quick stirs.
Let us do the fish fritters. Wash & marinate the fish in vinegar for an hour. Wash again, pat dry.
Mash the fish lightly with your palms. Add the chopped green chillies, minced garlic, soy sauce, cornflour. Mix and shape into small round balls. Refrigerate an hour.
Heat oil in wok. Take out fish balls, deep fry them in oil. Drain excess oil keeping them on tissue papers before serving.
Love this platter ..
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