While lifestyle seeped in laziness and comfort food is characteristic of winter season, what is most looked forward to is some barbeque on the terrace, some bon fire in veranda, some post dinner neighborhood gossip sessions, and some laid back attitude while we measure life to coffee spoons.
And, of course, the warming up to Lohri bon fire is also distinctive about the fresh month of January. Although there is no dearth of fashion advisory available to dress yourself up quintessential traditional outfits that slowly make their way into our wardrobe, there is so much more to this festival and season that is looked forward to in terms of food.
Food has always been the lifeline of Indian festivities. Like all others Lohri has its unique flavors. It is the taste of salted peanuts with sweet gajak, salted popcorn with sweet revdi. As move into the New Year, let us create new tastes in keeping with the salty and sweet tradition but far more mouthwatering. If you are a new bride, then here is a sure shot way to impress the senior gathering.
Chef Tushar from McCain gives below two delicious recipes that will win you a warm and sweet spot in their hearts. Remember, first impression is the last impression. Here is how you carve a good one.
Fiery Salsa Fries
Ingredients
•McCain Fries : 150 gms
•Salsa Mexicana Sauce : 3 tbsp
•Shredded Cheese : 2 tbsp
•Fresh Basil Leaves : ½ tsp
Method
•Fry McCain fries @ 175 °C for 3 minutes or until golden
•In the meantime, heat salsa in a pan and add roughly chop basil leaves and bring to a boil
•Once the fries are done, place half of it on a dish and top with grated cheese
•Pour salsa on top
•Layer with another round of fries, sprinkle grated cheese and top with salsa
•Garnish with a spring of basil and serve hot
Honey Chili Potatoes
Ingredients
•McCain French Fries : 100 gms
•Corn flour : 1 tbsp
•Water : 2 tbsp
•Red Chili Sauce : 2 tbsp
•Honey : 2 tsp
•Red Chili Flakes : 2 pinch
•Olive Oil : 2 tsp
•Garlic (finely chopped) : ¾ tsp
•Spring Onion chopped) : 2 tsp
•Sesame : pinch
Method
•Prepare a thin batter of corn flour and water
•Dip McCain French fries in the batter and deep fry in hot oil @ 175 °C for 3 minutes or until golden
•Sauce: In a bowl mix red chili sauce, honey and red chili flakes. Keep aside
•Heat oil in a pan, add chopped garlic and saute till it starts changing color
•Add sauce and fries to the pan and toss till evenly coated
•Sprinkle sesame on top
•Take the Honey chili fries onto a serving dish, garnish with freshly chopped spring onion greens and serve hot