Vinothini's Profile

yes, of course.....jaffna style curry...yum.....

fire should be low enough to not burn the ghee.

oops 'the' solids sink down.

try mango powder and tamarind, lemon thyme...

Hi,

If you want EXTRA HEAT, then always buy Thai chilies, they are tine and full of heat. I usually:
soak them in salt water for 30 minutes and deep fry them to add in Chinese or Thai dishes; roast them in low flame and grind them coarse to sprinkle (store it in an air tight jar for up to a week); the other way is to mix this coarsely ground chilies in toasted sesame oil & bit of salt - I use this on my dosas. Just warm the oil a bit if you want. Adding a handful of toasted sesame seeds would be great too. Asian grocery stores are the best for shopping for chilies, paste and sauces. There's a few online Thai grocery stores that sell chili products. But I prefer to make my since all the store products has too much vinegar and sugar (sometimes)!

I am a Hindu and we do not wear shoes in the house at all. I ask my friends to do so as well.

Here's what I made: I learned this from my mother. Kanji is good for breakfast, lunch or dinner. If you're making it for lunch serve it with coconut sambol & papadam (thin rice wafers deep fried or cooked on the flame). If you can't get fresh coconut milk use canned. I always use fresh which makes a difference.

Kanji (Tamil) / Porridge

Red rice - 1 cup

Fresh coconut milk - 3 cups

Chopped Swiss chard & kale - 3 cups

Medium shallots - 3 chopped lengthwise

Thai green chillies - 3 cut lengthwise

Salt

Lime wedges

Water

Method:
Rinse rice and cook it until it's half done or little chewy. Meanwhile cook the greens separately in a little water. Add them, salt and the coconut milk to the rice. Bring to a boil then lower the fire & simmer until you get a creamy/porridge like consistency. Put the shallots & chillies ten minutes before you turn the stove off. Serve in bowls with lime wedges on the side.

Note: Avoid the chillies or have them without the seeds or substitute them with serrano or halapeno.

Hi,

You can display different pieces of art work on the wall on the right side (descending staircase). This will allow you to change or replace with new ones rather than having a huge art work. Create a few themes such as prints of insects, flowers or whatever you like; modern pieces of art, charcoal drawings etc, depending on your taste. You can frame the works of your family members if any of them make art.

Rugs will add color & brighten up the space (entryway & the surrounding areas). You could also hang a nice ethnic tapestry on the right side door.

Your living room needs colors - my suggestion is pale yellow with matching accents. Have a painted wooden letters, art work, and photographs on the wall behind the TV. And rugs.

Have a little stool in the corner where you have the pet rug and display a flowing plant.

Make curtains with sheer fabric - two tones would be dramatic. Or just use plain cotton fabric - off white with gathers.

Change the lighting as well, a nice chandelier may be.

Get pillows/cushions from world market for your couch.

Enjoy the work.

Vinothini
Oakland