Sunday, 19 October 2025

RANGA ALOO STUFFED SNACK


Thinking where to start from, how to start! I am always in look out for making things better for my dear readers! It is festivity, I am extremely busy today, tomorrow but you all know, how I love wishing you with a blogpost, about what else but food, my take on life! Today, I would not be able to talk elaborate, it is 6:15 pm local time! Today too we are supposed to light lamps every corner of our homes to shove off negative energy. I fear fire hazards, hence hardly light them in toilets & kitchens. 

One reason for loving Singapore is the fact locals here believe in "bhoot-pret" / ghosts, just like me! The son since his teens developed a fascination for skulls, not for Biology! I do not know since when I became friends with ghosts, may be since 2002, when I started living alone with son. Both sides of family, my helpers were great help but son missed father, hence wanted mumma to attend him 24/7. And now, he blocks me everywhere, he can do without me. Do any psychiatrist, psychologist, councillor address this issue, how a non-working mother handle this transition?

I have several other mental issues, not related to any amount of abuse, we are good friends but, I did not want a master, husband! I always say I got more freedom in this home than I had in parental home, mother had been strict. Freedom is not earned, it is our birth right but society's notion of it is different; it expects, we deliver even if we don't wish to.

And this friction turned me onto a confused self. I can sit quiet for long hours, at times with a bowl of "komla lebu"! 


Its exhilarating talking to self, I would never take effort to explain myself to anyone, either you accept me or not! It hurts to lose people in this journey called life, someone who catches my fancy, every turn we meet many. I want people to understand my psyche without me taking any effort. This expectation is stupidity, more of stupidity is to behave like what I ain't! Trust me, such impressions never last! Say, sitting in Punggol Riverside, I call you, say I am in Harbourfront. I believe the right kind would come to me just in search of me. Still looking for the one!

I wasn't ever stupendous, I would remain just the way I am, but what I serve on your plate would always have love, warmth in it. Ask my friends, what they say definitely keeps me going! Our lunch today was one such warm, rustic Bengali Bowl.


Kali Pujo, Diwali, Bhai Phota had been big celebrations. Till date Bhai buys fire crackers, lightens entire home. Our littler too was part of this celebration, once in Singapore, his father did not entertain Holi, Diwali! I arrange all prayers alone. You get betel leaves for 50 cents, I do this for fun. Two times I went out for shopping today, partner kept watching TV. But he never imposes anything on me, I love that. Personal Freedom is a right but how many get to enjoy it? We do not get everything in one life, adjustment is a big word.
 

I need to wrap up. My readers know I speak of food less, fill space with tales, real life tales. Am I full of me? But in end, I gift good recipes, right? Ain't that good enough? Why would you order often? Cooking is therapeutic!

Its been few years I am taking interest in vegan, gluten-free food, low in oil. Post surgery, I am using minimal oil, I got scared. I wish to document my doctors', hospitals' names in blog. I did it in social media handles, these days I feel shy, awkward, they might think I am taking advantage, trying to go nearer, I am the last person to do that, would prefer to die instead!

This one is a healthy, low oil, vegan, gluten-free snack I cooked in microwave oven using combination mode. Let us name it RANGA ALOO STUFFED SNACK! The filling need be spicy, what I cook has to be tasty, right balance of salt, sugar, spice be there, "jhal e noon e thik hotey hobey"! Post surgery, I am cooking less! I do not live with food lover, I fear of gaining weight, get exhausted quickly, different thoughts keep me occupied, not everything be made public!


INGREDIENTS : [FOR  FILLING]

SWEET POTATO : 3-4
CUMIN POWDER : 1 TSP
CORIANDER POWDER : 1 TSP
DRY MANGO POWDER : 1 TSP
TURMERIC POWDER : 1/2 TSP
RED CHILLI POWDER : 1/2 TSP
KULAMBU SPICE MIX : 1 TSP [OPTIONAL, I LOVE IT, MAY USE GARAM MASALA INSTEAD]
CUMIN SEED : 1/4 TSP
CHOPPED GREEN CHILLI : 1 TSP
SALT : AS REQUIRED
CORN FLOUR : 1 TBSP
OIL : 1 TBSP 

INGREDIENTS : [FOR SNACK]

THE FILLING
RICE FLOUR : 1 COFFEE MUG
GRAM FLOUR : 4 TBSP
NIGELLA SEEDS / KALOJEERA / KALONJI : 1/4 TSP
SALT : AS REQUIRED
OIL : AS MUCH REQUIRED TO BRUSH SNACKS

PROCEDURE :


Peel, wash, boil sweet potatoes. Drain water. Let cool, mash.

Heat oil in pan, temper with cumin seeds, washed & chopped green chillies. 

Add mashed sweet potatoes, rest of ingredients. Stir cook for 10-12 minutes. 

Add corn flour, stir cook for a minute, transfer to bowl.


For dough, heat some water in wok, add salt as required.

Add all ingredients except oil. Stir cook until roughly incorporated. Transfer to wide mouthed bowl.

Let cool a bit. We have to knead dough while it is still warm.

Keep covered for 10-12 minutes. Tear off portions, fill with sweet potato stuffing, close ends.


Mine is convection mode microwave oven. 

I greased an oven proof plate with oil, placed snacks, brushed generously with oil.

I placed low height wired stand inside, atop it plate!

I cooked in combination mode, grill+microwave, one side 14-15 minutes; turned over, brushed with oil, cooked for another 10-12 minutes. 

Have it fresh & hot, the crispness would go gradually!