europe times european news trendy cookery cooking recipe food dishes Mouth Watering aromatic Indian Masala Chai recipe
Food Lifestyle Trending

‘Drink’ some Indian Spice

By 883 0

Indian spices are aromatic and flavorsome. While looking through the authentic Indian cuisine, Masalas (spices) are always included in the recipes. Here is an aromatic Indian Masala Chai recipe!

Ingredients

  • 6 cloves
  • 2 star anise
  • 7.5 cm cinnamon stick
  • 5 cardamom pods
  • 1 tbsp black Assam Tea
  • 400 ml whole milk
  • 3 tbsp sugar or honey for taste

Preparation

Put the spices listed above (excluding sliced ginger) in a mixer grinder. Crush and grind them with a pestle until they break into small pieces and produce a striking aromatic scent. Place the crushed spices, sliced ginger, and tea leaves in a saucepan and warm on a medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir frequently to ensure the mixture does not burn.

Add 650 ml water to the pan and bring to boil on a high heat. Reduce the heat and let the tea simmer, all the while stirring with the spoon. Add the milk and sugar and continue stirring. Simmer for further 2 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to blend. Remove the pan from the heat and strain the tea into a teapot. Pour into mugs or cups from a little height to create foam on the surface. Apart from these ingredients, you can add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder or chocolate at the end of simmering, right before the tea is strained.

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europe times european news trendy cookery cooking recipe food dishes Mouth Watering Swedish Pancakes
Food

Swedish Pancakes

By 759 0

The thin rounded flat ‘Pancakes’ are always a tempting food. Traditional Swedish variations are exotic. Lets look at the Swedish pancake recipe!

Ingredients:

  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 3/4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup and fresh fruit, for garnish

Preparation

Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a 10-inch nonstick skillet. Combine the flour, milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla and salt in a blender; process until smooth.

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Warm the same skillet over medium heat until a drop of water bounces and sizzles. Add 1 teaspoon butter; turn to coat the pan with the melted butter.

Pour in a scant 1/3 cup batter and quickly swirl the pan to evenly coat the bottom. Cook until the pancake sets, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, carefully lift the pancake by the edges and flip; cook until lightly golden on the other side, 15 to 30 seconds.

Transfer to a plate; keep warm in the oven while making the others. Repeat with the remaining butter and batter to make about 12 pancakes. If the pancakes seem too thick, thin the batter slightly with warm water. Fold or roll and serve with confectioners’ sugar, syrup and fresh fruit.

Photo Courtesy: Google/ images are subject to copyright

Crime Food Lifestyle News

A Slovenian Sandwich Theft: Social experiment gone wrong; lawmaker lost his post

By 684 0

A Slovenian lawmaker has made history by becoming the first lawmaker who has been dismissed from his job for stealing a sandwich.

Darij Krajcic has claimed that he committed the harmless crime (in his words, the social experiment) to test the efficiency of the staffs working in the shop from where he stole the sandwich.

Slovenian lawmaker Darij Krajcic -the alleged sandwich thief

When he first explained his experiment to his colleagues in the parliament, they laughed at his story. Then, no one considered the act as a serious crime.

Later, to his surprise, his party itself came out strongly against his act, forcing him to consider the option of resignation.

In his resignation statement, he has asserted that the resignation has been made in line with the high ethical standard maintained by his party.

Meanwhile, many have come openly to support the lawmaker. The supporters have opined that the social experiment should be viewed through that prism.

Mr Krajcic has not yet responded publically about the comments made by his supporters to justify his, so called, social experiment.

The developments indicate that the popularity of the lawmaker has not suffered any serious injuries due to the sandwich theft row.

Most of his supports are of the view that he has been targeted purposefully by his political opponents to reduce his acceptability in the Slovenian electorate.

Vignesh. S. G
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europe times european news trendy cookery cooking recipe food dishes Mouth Watering Chicken Divan
Food

Chicken Divan

By 1065 0

Chicken Divan is a chicken casserole usually served with broccoli, almonds, and Mornay sauce. The dish is now commonly prepared with regular Parmesan cheese and remains one of the most classic American casserole dishes today. Lets see how to prepare this delicious recipe!

Ingredients

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, or to taste
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried parsley
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 3 cups cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Preparation

Place chicken breasts into a large pot and cover with water; bring to a boil. Cook until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 10 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a breast should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove chicken from the water. Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add broccoli, cover, and steam until tender, 3 to 6 minutes. Chop broccoli.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Melt butter in a deep saucepan over low heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion is clear and tender, 8 to 12 minutes. Add garlic salt, parsley, salt, and pepper. Pulse cauliflower in a blender or food processor until it resembles rice. Add cauliflower and chicken broth to the onion mixture; cook and stir until broth is nicely absorbed, about 10 minutes. Add heavy cream and lemon juice. Let simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until well combined, about 10 minutes. Stir in mayonnaise and remove from heat. Let sauce cool until thickened.

Pull chicken apart with 2 forks into bite-size pieces. Add 1/2 the pulled chicken to the sauce. Line the bottom of a casserole dish with the rest of the pulled chicken. Lay steamed broccoli on top; pour the cauliflower sauce over the broccoli. Top with Cheddar cheese. Cover with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake until cheese at the edges is slightly browned, about 10 minutes more. Let casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes; slice into 6 even portions.

Photo Courtesy: Google/ images are subject to copyright

Health News

EU’s newly introduced system to detect fake medicine packs proved irrelevant

By 795 0

A giant medicine verification system, European Medicine Verification System, developed by the European Union clubbing together the date bases of at least 150, 000 organisations situated across nearly 28 European Union countries, has been proved irrelevant, as it has been created to address a problem that literally does not exist in the country.

As per a study conducted in the year 2011, only one in 20,000 medicine packs was found to be fake. Neither this figure nor any figures released in connection with that later is that worrisome enough to invest this much time, money and effort to create a verification system of this kind.

The introduction of the system has unnecessary increased the workload of hospitals, pharmacies, medicine distributors and medicine manufactures.

The system imposes additional burden to small distributers, manufactures and also those medical-related organisations in the public sector.

There is an allegation that the system has been introduced to help giant drug manufactures and medicine distributers.

The UK’s proposed exit from the EU means that country many not be able to enjoy the benefit of this data base for long.

It is the EU that needs to answer why this much money has been unnecessarily wasted to address an issue that does not exist.

Vignesh. S. G
Photo Courtesy: Google/ images are subject to copyright

europe times european news trendy The colourful nation - Barcelona main
Lifestyle Travel Trending

Plan a trip to the colourful nation – Barcelona

By 2111 0

Barcelona is the capital and largest city of Catalonia, as well as the second most populous municipality of Spain. Barcelona is the sixth most populous urban area in the European Union after Paris, London, Madrid, the Ruhr area and Milan.

It is a colourful city with fanciful architecture. Barcelona is one of the world’s leading tourist, economic, trade fair and cultural centres. Lets have a look at some of the tourist spots.

La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is a large unfinished Roman Catholic church in Barcelona, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia was the inspiration of a bookseller, Josep Maria Bocabella, founder of Asociacion Espiritual de Devotos de San Jose. This giant Basilica that has been under construction since 1882, and it’s not expected to be completed for some time yet.

Park Guell

The Park Guell is a public park in Barcelona, designed by famous architect Antonio Gaudi. The Park Guell was not originally planned to be a park, but was meant for a modern housing estate but was officially opened as a public park in 1926. This park is now composed of gardens and architectonic elements located on Carmel Hill.

Casa Batllo

Casa Batllo is a building in the center of Barcelona. It was designed by Antoni Gaudi, and is considered one of his masterpieces. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a legend of architecture and design. While looking at its design, it seems that the goal of the designer was to avoid straight lines completely. Much of the facade is decorated with a mosaic made of broken ceramic tiles of mostly golden orange and greenish blue colours.

The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (National Art Museum of Catalonia) is situated on Montjuic hill. It has an outstanding collection of romanesque church paintings, and for Catalan art and design from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including modernisme and noucentisme. The major attractions are: Romanesque art, Gothic art collection, Renaissance and Baroque art collection, The Cambo Bequest, Thyssen Bornemisza collection, Modern art collection, The Carmen Thyssen Bornemisza collection and the Cabinet of drawings and prints.

Sunaya Paison
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europe times european news trendy cookery cooking recipe food dishes Mouth Watering Savory Italian Stew
Food Trending

Savory Italian Stew

By 703 0

Here is an easy one-dish meal recipe that will melt into your tongue!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes, cut up
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1 small zucchini, sliced
  • 1/3 cup chopped green pepper
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Cook sausage and onion in a large saucepan over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and onion is tender. Drain. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, carrot, basil and oregano. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Gently stir in the tortellini, zucchini, green pepper and parsley. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until tortellini is tender. Serve with cheese.

Photo Courtesy: Google/ images are subject to copyright

europe times european news trendy cookery cooking recipe food dishes Mouth Watering shahi paneer creamy authentic Indian dish
Food Lifestyle

Haven’t tasted this creamy authentic Indian dish yet?

By 908 0

Prepare yourself, for an incredible traditional Indian dish that will melt into your mouth with a flavorsome and spicy taste. Get your table ready with the ingredients to make the authentic ‘Shahi Paneer’, a preparation of paneer, originating from the Indian subcontinent, in a thick gravy made up of cream, tomatoes and Indian spices.

Ingredients:

  • 500 gm cubed paneer
  • 1 inch finely chopped ginger
  • 1/2 cup beaten yoghurt (curd)
  • 6 finely chopped tomato
  • 1 cup milk
  • 5 tablespoon ghee
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 finely chopped green chilli
  • 2 chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon powdered Red chilli powder
  • 3 crushed black cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon powdered garam masala powder
  • 1/2 cup chick peas
  • 4 tablespoon tomato ketchup
  • Chopped coriander leaves for garnishing

Preparation

Heat 3 tbsp of ghee in a pan. Saute onions, ginger, green chillies and cardamoms for 4 to 5 minutes. Add tomatoes in the pan and cover with a lid. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Add the beaten curd and cook for another 5 minutes. Pour 1/2 to 1 cup of water and cook for a minute.

Remove and transfer to a mixer jar to prepare a puree. Blend till smooth and keep aside. Heat the remaining ghee in another pan. Add the ground gravy along with red chilli powder, garam masala powder, tomato sauce and salt.

Bring to a boil or till the gravy turns thick. Add paneer cubes, chickpea and milk in the gravy. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes. Once done, turn off the heat and transfer Shahi paneer dish in a serving bowl. Garnish with coriander leaves and grated paneer. Serve hot with rumali roti or chappati.

Photo Courtesy: Google/ images are subject to copyright

europe times european news trendy cookery cooking recipe food dishes Mouth Watering Crema Catalana- The Authentic Spanish
Food Trending

Crema Catalana- The Authentic Spanish custard

By 975 0

The custard is flavored with lemon or orange zest, and cinnamon. The similar European recipes appears in the 17th century Spanish cookery books, usually under the name of Cream of Saint Joseph (“Crema de san José”), since it was a traditional dessert served during Saint Joseph’s Day, although nowadays it is consumed at all times of the year.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Preparation

In a large saucepan, beat together the egg yolks and 3/4 cup sugar until the ingredients are thoroughly blended and the mixture turns frothy. Add the cinnamon stick and lemon zest and stir. Add milk and cornstarch and slowly heat the mixture, and stir constantly, just until it begins to thicken.

Remove the pot from the heat immediately. (As soon as the mixture thickens and you feel resistance while stirring, remove the pot from the heat or the mixture may curdle or separate. If this happens, the texture of the finished crema Catalana will be grainy instead of smooth and creamy as it should be.) To cool, remove the cinnamon stick and ladle the milk mixture into 4 to 6 ramekins (depending on size). Allow them to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 to 3 hours.

Before serving, heat the broiler. Take the ramekins with the crema Catalana out of the refrigerator and sprinkle the rest of the sugar over each ramekin. When the broiler is hot, place the ramekins under the broiler on the top shelf and allow the sugar to caramelize and bubble, turning golden brown. This may take 5 to 10 minutes or so, depending on your broiler. Keep a close eye on your crema Catalana so that it doesn’t burn. Remove and serve immediately. Crema Catalana can be served chilled, but it gets more flavor when served warm from the broiler.

Photo Courtesy: Google/ images are subject to copyright

europe times european news trendy cookery cooking recipe food dishes Mouth Watering Hedgehog Cookies
Art Food Trending

Hedgehog Cookies

By 785 0

Cookies, the baked food are always children’s favorite. The children would love to have some specially made and decorated cookies. Excite your child with some Hedgehog Cookies!

Ingredients

  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/4 cups white sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup butter-flavored shortening
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup corn syrup
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 cup pecans

Preparation

In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk sugar, shortening, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract in another bowl. Stir the sugar mixture into flour mixture till it got mixed. Refrigerate dough until chilled, 30 minutes to 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Scoop the cookie dough using a cookie scoop or 1 tablespoon so all the cookies are uniform; shape dough into teardrop-shaped cookies. Flatten the pointed side of each cookie to form the ‘face’. Place cookies on baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven until golden, for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.

Pulse pecans in a food processor until they are finely chopped; transfer to a bowl. Melt chocolate chips in the top of a double boiler over simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching.

Dip the top of each cookie in the melted chocolate, spreading to fully coat the ‘body’ of each hedgehog. Press cookies, chocolate-side down, into the ground pecans forming the ‘fur’. Arrange cookies on a sheet of waxed paper to set, about 30 minutes. Transfer the remaining melted chocolate to a piping bag or plastic bag with a corner snipped. Pipe chocolate onto the pointed end of each cookie for eyes and a nose.

Photo Courtesy: Google/ images are subject to copyright