A VISIT TO AMRITSAR

Recently I visited Amritsar. Amritsar district in the State of Punjab, India is about 217 km from Chandigarh. It takes about 5.00 hrs from Chandigarh.

Golden temple(Harmandir Sahib) The Golden temple is famous for its full golden dome, it is one of the most sacred pilgrim spots for Sikhs where Granth Sahib is kept. The 'Guru Ka Langar' offers free food to thousands of people everyday.

Jallian Wala Bagh The memorial at this site commemorates the 2000 Indians who were killed or wounded, shot indiscriminately by the British under the command of Gen Michael O"Dyer on April13, 1919 while participating in a peaceful public meeting. It is just opposite the Golden Temple.

Wagah Border Wagah is an Indo-Pak border between Amritsar and Lahore. The daily highlight is the evening "Beating the Retreat" ceremony. The Border ceremony starts at 6.00 to 6.30 p.m.

Durgiana Temple The Durgiana temple is also a very famous Hindu temple located in the city. It is built after the design of the Golden Temple.

Amritsari Kulchas and Papar- Waria are famous. The city is the best place on earth to experience the culinary expertise of Punjabis.

Bhrawan Da Dhaba in Town Hall is best dhaba in Amritsar. They offer thali for Rs.80, two amritsari aloo kulchas/two amritsar paneer kulchas, chana masala, sabut urad dal, aloo gobhi, boondi raita and salad, all made in pure/desi ghee. It’s phirni is very tasty for Rs.10/- per plate served in baked mud bowls. Lassi is a must have in Amritsar.

Green Chana and Potato Bhaji

Ingredients

1. 250 grms fresh Green Chana
2. 1 Onion Chopped fine
3. 4 garlic cloves chopped fine
4. 1/2 inch ginger grated
5. 1 Tomato cut into small pieces
6. 1 Potato peeled and cubed
7. 1 tsp Coriander powder
8. 1 tsp red chili powder
9. 1 tsp turmeric powder
10. Hing and cumin seeds for seasoning
11. salt to taste

Method
1. Heat oil in a Pressure Cooker add the hing and cumin seeds, then add chopped garlic and onions and sauté till onions become pink.
2. Add grated ginger and sauté for a few minutes.
3. Now add in all powders and mix well.
4. Add the tomatoes and sauté till soft.
5. Add the Green Chana and potato. Add salt and about 1/4 cup of water. Close the lid and cook for two whistles. Serve hot with Chapattis.

Note : Instead of potato cubes of cottage cheese can be added.

In India fresh chana is easily available with subziwallas with pods removed.

Sweet Corn Soup

Ingredients:

Large corn cobs (bhutta) - 6
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup cabbage finely chopped
1 carrot finely cut
1 tbsp cornflour
salt to taste

Method:

Pressure cook the corn kernels till tender.
Keep about 1/4 cup cooked corn kernels aside for later use.
Grind rest of the corn kernels.
Heat butter in a pan, add carrot and cabbage.
Fry for a minute, add corn and 6 cups of water and salt.
Cook for ten minutes and add 1 tbsp cornflour mix in 1/2 cup of water.
Add cooked whole corn kernels which were kept aside.
Cook for 5 more minutes and serve hot.

TIP - If fresh corn is not available, canned sweet corn tin can be used. Soya sauce, chilli sauce and vinegar can be added.

Paneer Bhurji

Ingredients:

Paneer - 250 gms (crumbled)
Onions - 2 (chopped finely)
Green Chillies - 2 (slit lengthwise)
Tomato - 1 (chopped finely)
Capsicum - 1 (slit into long thin strips)
Coriander leaves - chopped
Milk - 2 tbsp
Garam Masala - ¼ tsp
Turmeric - ½ tsp
Red Chilli Powder - ½ tsp
Dhania powder - ½ tsp
Salt - to taste
Ghee or butter - 1 tbsp

Method:

Heat ghee or butter in a heavy saucepan.
Add onions and fry till pink.
Fry green chillies.
Fry the capsicum till tender.
Add tomatoes and fry further till mushy.
Add all the masala and milk and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Add paneer. Mix well. Cook for further 3-4 minutes.
Take in a serving dish.
Garnish with coriander leaves.
Serve hot with naans, paranthas, etc.

Tip : It is very tasty and can be prepared in a jiffy.