GREEN PEA FRIED RICE

Since morning, there's noise at home, I cannot multitask, neither can deliver amidst noise. Home is settled, clean, I may start writing blogpost. I need to concentrate but this is eve of long weekend; in between I am marinating this and that to freeze. This home gives immense importance to starters, appetisers. Whose doorstep you are at? Of a food blogger! From appetisers to main course to dessert, I must carefully curate! Whilst man of this House takes good care of what is to be served with appetisers. He doesn't even know whats cooked until its served on plate along with guests! I like it no one interferes in my kitchen, what groceries I do, how I plan menu! Our father never did! 

I am taking it easy today, going slow unintentionally, some days, even if I try to wrap up quick, I am unable to! I don't force myself, act as per my capability, wish! Had a pretty late brunch, then the bliss below almost at 4pm!

South-Asian food habit isn't healthy, we eat carbs & fat! I had been a good teacher to Cristine, how beautifully she made porota, thin, low-oil! If we have interest in subject, learning is fun! Learning to enjoy life is another lesson! Not everyday would be same, there would be challenges, low feelings, let them come, let yourself be! We have to take a vow not to harm others!

Where is room for sorrow if we get to see all these? I must check with Selleys store if we get a "loga" to get those mangoes, guava, drumstick flowers! But how lame it would be to carry it on my walks, then I have fear of been caught by police!

I wish to blog about family recipes, "desi khana" but something stops me, I take upon myself certain kind of responsibility of getting vegan, gluten-free food, also bother what this island would prefer, if the west can have it! Does this world bothers about me as I do? I don't think it does! 

I have stopped thinking too much about myself, less we expect, more happy we are! As long we have a space we may call home, food on table, we need be thankful to the Universe! 

To eat for free isn't good practice I know but I have spent together barely 18 years of life with son, I cherished each moment, live with memories of those days, son wouldn't leave me for a while, "mamma chai"! Ask a mariner's wife about their responsibilities of bringing up kids. Nanny is good, mothers better! He loves mamma made food, I wished him to live with us until he starts to live with his lady love. That has become a distant dream, I find peace in creating recipes, going here, there. Life wouldn't run as per our instructions, we have to make it workable, I love my life, that love reflects on my recipes! 

I don't have much of contribution in cooking this rice, we call it Bengal Caterer's Peas Fried Rice! India, may be entire South Asia cooks same way. It seems bland to me! Our families would add sugar in pulao & fried rices, I went my family way more or less, lets name it GREEN PEA FRIED RICE! It is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, light vegetarian fried-rice recipe you may pair with choice of sides or have with batter-fries! I think the west, this island would prefer it without sugar! My Family made peas fried rice rarely as compared to other varieties!

INGREDIENTS : 

LONG GRAINED OR FRAGRANT BASMATI RICE : 1 COFFEE MUG

CASHEW  NUT : 8-10 [HALVED]

GREEN PEAS : 1 SMALL TEA CUP

CHOPPED GREEN CHILLI : 1 TSP 

CLOVE : 4-5

GREEN CARDAMOM : 4-5

CINNAMON STICK : 3-4 ONE INCH SIZED

MACE : 2-3 [FAMILY DOESN'T USE]

BAY LEAF : 2-3

SUGAR : 1 & 1/2 TBSP [YOU MAY SKIP]

SALT : AS REQUIRED

OIL : 2 TBSP [FAMILY USES CLARIFIED BUTTER / GHEE]

I used a bit of red chillies from chilli-vinegar

PROCEDURE :

Wash, cook rice in enough water, drain once done 80%!

I boil green peas to retain colour.

Heat oil in wok, add boiled peas, halved cashew nuts when its warm, not hot!

Take out when cashew nuts turn golden brown. Add bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, mace, green cardamoms, cloves, washed, chopped green chillies. Stir for 1/2 a minute.

Add rice, fold in well carefully, rice grains need not break!

Season with salt, sugar, chillies from vinegar [optional], Add green peas, cashew nuts! Stir gently, cautiously!

Serve hot, fresh with choice of side or fritters! Enjoy!