Episode 42: Kali Daal (Black Lentil) victorious return with Fresh Roti (Bread)

Wednesday December 19th, 2012:
What can I say.  Chef Aliya made Fresh Roti with Kali Daal.  Daal (Lentil) was DELICIOUS.  I think even better than previous couple of times. The whole house is a fan of Chef Aliya's Daal.  Looking forward to another Black Daal Dinner.

1 - Just Perfect!!

Episode 41: Torai, also known as Luffa by chef Aliya

Monday December 17, 2012:
Writing this blog is rewarding to me at many levels.  One of them is learning new things.  For this episode, my lesson was discovering exactly what Torai, a vegetable I have been eating all my childhood, is. According to wikipedia, it is called Luffa.  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luffa)

Torai was very good.  Sweet, spicy and a very good leftover meal.  

2 - Close to Perfection

Episode 40: Richer Curry

Saturday December 15th, 2012:
Chef Aliya made curry today, 2nd of 3rd time in her life I think and got same amazing results as her first success. I am going to quote myself from Episode 25, 
"The Taste was rich, full of flavor, slightly spicy and the fried dumplings were loaded with onion strings".

I think the trick to a good Pakistani Curry is a great dumpling first and then a good curry sauce.  My chef is a master in both.  

1 - Just Perfect!!!

Episode 39: The Return of Kofta (Meatballs)

Friday December 7th, 2012:
Kofta dinner returns after 3 weeks.  Chef Aliya's first Kofta debuted Nov 14th (Episode 26).  

Positives: There was more onion/green chili in each meatball.  The color was the salan (Stew) was much more redder than before and nice amount of floating oil layer on top (which I love)

Negatives: The return was equally delicious although meat was less "melt in your mouth" and I definitely missed eating fresh dhaniya (coriander) with it.

All I remember, I ate 7 of them in one sitting... and more than 15 in all.  This fact might be a little inflated so don't quote me but I picture a bucket full of them, me sitting with a fork in hand eating and watching Lord of the Rings reruns back to back ;)

2 - Close to Perfection

Episode 38: Kali Daal loaded with Garlic Bhagaar (A wish comes true)

Wednesday December 5th, 2012
After a day of Apple lunch and Protein shake Chef Aliya prepared Kali Daal (Black Gram Sabut Urad Dal) on my request.  She is not a huge fan of it but this little super lentil has been a staple meal for me since childhood.  Especially now that I am slightly more health conscious, knowing that lentil provides good plant based protein I love Kali Daal even more.  Kali (Black) Daal (Lentil) by Chef Aliya was nothing I have tasted before... it was packed full of flavor mostly because she cooks it for a long time and loads it with a ton of sauteed garlic, ginger and onion.

I can fill a glass or jug and just simply drink this stuff.  YUM!!!

1 - Just Perfect!!!

Episode 37: Organized Slightly Salted Apples for Lunch

Wednesday December 5th, 2012
No cooking involved here but wanted to share/document how Chef Aliya prepares my office lunch.  In this case its apples, lightly rubbed with salt and arranged.

1 - Just Perfect!!! (on prep and presentation)

Episode 36: Okra Wow Okra (Bhindi)

Monday December 3rd, 2012:
October 17th 2012 was the last time we had Okra and it received best Okra award from Blog Editor (that's me).  Aliya's second attempt at making Okra held strong and compared exactly with October Okra (Check out Episode 16 Wow Okra Wow).  In all, it was delicious.  PS: Yes, I love writing/saying "Okra".

1 - Just Perfect!!!

Episode 35: Chinese Rice and Chicken to Start Last Month of 2012

Saturday, December 1st, 2012:

So its 1st day of last month of this wonderful 2012.  Chef Aliya prepared one of my favorite Chinese rice and chicken.  I will let the beautiful pic explain how yummy this meal was.  One note to add, Aliya did went a little easy on spices this time but I am sure to make up for this, next Chinese Rice and Chicken dish will be "knock your socks off" spicy ;)

Best Chinese chicken title holder is still Episode 22 (From Nov 4th 2012).

2 - Close to Perfection

Chef Aliya Goes Global

chefaliyaali.blogspot.com goes Global.  
Surprising to see Russia and Germany in the mix.  Yes our viewership is tiny but this is a tiny blog and to see its tiny reach is nice.  

More yummy episodes to come soon.

Episode 34: Malai Koftay Sandwiches

Saturday, December 1st, 2012
Aliya took Malai Koftay (Vegetarian Meatballs), mash them, add them to toasted bread slices and fresh parsley. YUM  I Love Malai Koftay Sandwiches.  A good example to take leftovers and recreate them into perfect meals.

1 - Just Perfect!!

Episode 33: Malai Koftay inspired by Agra Restaurant

Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
Back in early November my brother and his wife invited Aliya and I to an Agra Indian Restaurant (Link) to celebrate Aliya's birthday.  We had an excellent meal of Malai Koftay (vegetarian version of meatballs), samosa, pakora, sauces and chutneys.
Aliya had been wanting to make this dish.  As a first timer, she did a great job.  I think she was disappointed about the texture (using cottage cheese made it difficult to hold their meatball shape) but texture and taste was excellent.  I don't believe I would be able to distinguish Chef Aliya's version from Agra's.  Only thing missing at dinner were fresh naan :P  Family loved it too so we do have a winner here.  

2 - Close to Perfection (check out Episode 34 to see why Malai Koftay only receive a 2)

Episode 32: I have a Beef with Chicken Haleem

Tuesday, November 27th, 2012
Chef Aliya made Haleem (with Beef) in Episode 28 and scored a perfect 1.  She came back with her favorite Haleem (with Chicken).  
This was my first time eating Chicken Haleem so i definitely miss the beef flavor BUT Haleem itself was excellent.  Aliya prepared the add-on goodies perfectly (fried onion, parsley, green chilli peppers, ginger and lime.
This is a tough one because taste and texture of Haleem was excellent but because Beef Haleem is my favorite I would give it a 2.  Wish I could give it a 1.5 ;)  All in all, chef Aliya is a proper Haleem Expert in my dictionary.

2 - Close to Perfection

Episode 31: Malai Chicken Party in the Kicthen

Saturday, November 24, 2012
On a lovely Saturday afternoon chef Aliya prepared Malai Chicken.  Normally I don't get to witness the great chef in action but on this day I stuck around kitchen and helped setup the electric grill.  The boneless chicken pieces went into marination 3 days ago so I knew I was in for a treat.

My favorite part... We ate right off the grill.  As pieces were cooked, one by one they started to disappear.  Chicken had a melt in your mouth texture and marinating it for 3 days meant flavors went all the way through.  We took out some frozen Naan and Parathas (breads) and it was a 2 hour delicious party in the kitchen.

1 - Just Perfect!!

Episode 30: Sesame Potatowich

Thursday November 22nd:
Its Thanksgiving day here and off for 4 days.  After 2 days of yummy meals (Haleem and Chicken Dhaniya Masala), I woke up craving food.  Before we could do much, we discovered that our Corolla needed a boost (Dead Battery  - Trunk left open for a few days did it in).  After the Road Side assistance guys came and left Chef Aliya prepared me a unique half sandwich snack.  A toasted slice of bread with mashed spicy potato on one side lightly cooked in a pan with a coating of sesame seeds.  
By the end of these 2 eventful hours, both the car and I were quite full.

2 - Close to Perfection

Episode 29: Chef's Special - Chicken Dhaniya Masala

Wednesday November 21st:
Came home to yet another surprise this week.  Chef Aliya combined couple of recipes to come up with Chicken Coriander (Dhaniiya) Masala.  Simply put, it was a plate of lovely chicken squares covered with coriander, green chillies, and loaded with spices. 
I had some leftover next morning as a sandwich (toasted wheat bread with Chicken Masala and couple of slices of cucumber).... my vote goes with the sandwich.  I would pay big $ for this yummy treat.  Hint: chicken didn't last long.... it was all gone so very quickly :(

1 - Just Perfect

Episode 28: Hearty Yummy Haleem

Monday November 19th:
It was one of those days where I was really wanting a filling, hearty,comfort food....and Aliya kept dinner a surprise.  She told me she made Shaljum (Turnip) which she did but on the side she made me Haleem.  
Very very good consistency,  spicy, very smooth and with the right amount of sliced ginger, peppers, fried blackened onions (yum) and coriander.  I ate a bowl, a serving bowl size meal and could barely move after that.  (PS: The Chef packed some Haleem for me next morning which i enjoyed at work, and then when I came home on Tuesday, I chose to eat Haleem again).  One of my favorite so far :)

1 - Just Perfect!!! 

Episode 27: A night of Biryani and Wii Fit

Wednesday, November 14th:
Aliya made Biryani today.  Well she made it for my co-workers for a project called SLAW (Sharing Lunch at Work).  Biryani was very good... good flavor, less spicy than before.  After eating 2 plates of it, both chef Aliya and I are feeling super chubby.  

Well I shouldn't blame Biryani but overall we have been on a eating frenzy ever since we got back from our Bermuda cruise.  From eating out, to eating junk food to eating hearty yummy chef Aliya's creations.  It is time to stop a bit and focus more on health and workout.  So as I write this, the Chef is busy working out on her Wii Fit board and I am preparing for a midnight workout session myself.



2 - Close to Perfection

Episode 26: The Best Dinner yet by Chef Aliya - Kofta (Meatballs)

Tuesday, November 13:
The most amazing dinner to date (even though it is hard to call any one meal the BEST EVER).  There was a good amount of onion, the right amount of spices and perfect color.  The texture of the meatballs were also just right, not hard, not soft.  

I ate 5 Koftay and wanted to eat another 5.  

1 - Just Perfect 

Episode 25: Rich Curry

Wednesday, November 7th:
Chef Aliya made her first ever curry and it was very very good.  My mom first made curry few months back and Aliya liked it a lot.  Since then we have not enjoyed curry and finally the Chef decided to make it on her own.  The taste was rich, full of flavor, slightly spicy and the fried dumplings was loaded with onion strings.

Made a very good leftover meal too when we had this couple of day later.  For a 1st time Curry, Aliya definitely scored solid 1.  4 nights in a row with amazing dinners.  4 "Just Perfect" scores....

1 - Just Perfect!!!

Episode 24: Election Night with Perfect Potato Kababs

Tuesday, November 6th:
What can I Say.  Between watching non-stop coverage of Election Night and eating yet another amazing dinner was a treat.  chef Aliya hit a Hat-Trick (cricket), a Turkey (bowling term) with Potato Kababs.

Delicious dinner, watching election coverage, and most importantly Chef Aliya by my side... I couldn't ask for a more perfect evening.

Congratulation Miss Aliya.  I love you.

1 - Just Perfect!!!

Episode 23: Qeema Pyaz (minced beef cooked in spices, tons of onion and cooked with care)

Monday November 5th:
Chef Aliya hits another hit with Qeema Pyaz (Minced beef with onions, spices).  I actually had this Entree at Aliya's sisters house for a Eid (Chaand Raat Party).  After many requests, Aliya got the super secret recipe to make this and I LOVE IT.  Even after my 1.5 roti (bread) was gone, I got crackers and continue eating it.  YUM. YUM. YUM.

2nd night in a row of getting a 1 - Just Perfect!!!.  Congrats Aliya.

1 - Just Perfect!!!

Episode 22: Chinese Chicken between Hurricane Sandy, Nor'easter Snow Storm and US Election

Sunday November 4th:
I took a break from blogging.  Between getting ready for Eid celebrations, then a Category 1 Hurricane, followed by Nor'easter snow storm and then a Gas (petrol) shortage in and around NYC, US election and most importantly Chef Aliya's birthday, I would say that I have been a little preoccupied.

In between all this excitement, Chef Aliya made my favorite Spicy Chinese Chicken and white Basmati rice. This was Aliya's best Chinese Chicken YET!!!

Super finger lickin delicious goodness all served with white rice and a smile.  I love my blogger/hubby/food critique role.

1 - Just Perfect!!!

Episode 21: The Pleasure of Enjoying Leftover Samosa and Patties

Saturday October 21st:
I LOVE leftovers especially when it is leftover Samosas, Beef Patties or Pizza especially from Dominoes.  

My leftover breakfast included 9 Patties and 4 Samosas and a glass of Mean Green (hoping drinking fresh veg juice will take over the oils in my body).

Episode 20: Celebrating Eid with Beef Patties (turnovers), samosas and more

Friday October 26th

Its Eid day and The Chef made her hubby happy by making tons of patties with delicious beef/onion filling and two types of crispy samosas (Lentil and Potato).

Beef Patties gets a 
1 - Just Perfect!!

Samosa gets a
2 - Close to Perfection

Episode 19: Office Omelet and Cucumber (Kakri) Sticks

Thursday October 25th:
On special request from me, Aliya prepared my favorite office lunch.  Chef Aliya's special Omelet, Flavor packed with Onion, special spices and cooked well done.  I liked the omelet so much that I took this same lunch to work Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  To compliment the meal (in a strange way maybe for some), Omelet was accompanied by long cut sticks of cucumber (kakri http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenian_cucumber )

I can't wait for more office lunches...

1 - Just Perfect!!

Episode 18: Aloo Baigan (Potato/Eggplant) with a milder taste

Sunday October 21st: 
Eggplant and Potatoes (Experiment 2) came with a lighter taste, not too strong of a flavor and with eggplant skin.  I vote for Aloo Baigan # 1 (Episode 8 Chef Aliya's Episode 8 (Oct 1 2012)

Still nothing like eating home cooked delicious food. YUM!

3 - Love It

Episode 17: Broccoli Soup Inspired by Coco's in Dubai and a Trip to Bermuda

Friday October 19th

Aliya made a Broccoli soup inspired by a trip to Bermuda on Norwegian Cruise line.  We both agreed that adding fresh shredded Mozzarella Cheese and black pepper added to the taste.  It went well with a glass of "Mean Green"... (Fresh juice of Ginger, Celery, Green Apple, Cucumber, Lime and Kale)

Now based on all what I have tested so far, I would give this a 4. 

4 - Yummy

Episode 16: WOW Okra WOW

Wednesday October 17th
Yes, I named this posting WOW Okra WOW because Aliya knocked me out with her version on Okra (Bhindi) cooked with boats load of Onions.  

Not more to write about this except I am in Love with Chef Aliya and her Okra.

1 - Just Perfect!!!

Episode 15: Spinach Potato (Palak Aloo) for US Presidential Debate Night

Tuesday October 16th
The country was excited and eager for debate night.  I got home really late from work and Aliya prepared Spinach Potato.  One thing to comment on would be the texture of spinach.  I could easily bet that she put a lot of butter but she didn't.  The way she cooked made the whole thing melt in your mouth.  (I love things that melt in your mouth, remember the burgers that melted way back in Episode 3 Azhar's Sloppy Joe's).  With this, we had freshly made Carrot, Apple, Ginger, Lime juice.  Debate was fiesty and exciting, dinner was delicious and I Vote for Chef Aliya!

Palak Aloo (spinach Potato) gets a 
2 = Close to Perfection

Episode 14: Office Lunch FlashBack - Omelet

Friday October 5th Flash Back
Nothing like thinking back to a yummy lunch packed by Chef Aliya.  All Vitamins and Proteins (and some fats ;) of course)

Lunch included Onion Loaded Omelet with Hot Green peppers and Strawberries.  I like eating cold omelet; I have been doing it since 1st grade which is why onions and peppers are so important to give the omelet the right amount of spice and taste.  Can't wait for the next time Chef Aliya prepares a Omelet/Fruit lunch for me.

1 - Just Perfect!!!

Episode 13: Yellow Daal (previously known as Lentil Soup) to die for!

Monday Oct 18:
A little catch-up to do since we were away on vacation. Returning from 1st day at work, I was greeted with Aliya's Yellow Daal (Lentil), which BTW is delicious.  I personally love the sauteed onion/ginger/garlic that gets added to the dish right before serving. 

1 = Just Perfect

Episode 12: My Favorite Edible Plant- Methi Aloo (Fenugreek & Potato)

Monday October 1st:
One of my favorite vegetable plant is Fenugreek (methi), which goes perfectly with golden potatoes and chopped green chilies   Aliya prepared a  simpler version of Methi Aloo (Fenugreek Potato).  What can I say more, I love it and I love it. And I love it.

2 - Close to Perfection

So here is a lesson about Fenugreek.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fenugreek and a picture of the plant itself.

Episode 11: Chef Aliya's Recipe Share - Strawberry Cheese Cake

One of the best desserts yet is the cheese cake.  So what better way to celebrate it again but to post its recipe.

Episode 10: Correcting our Diet with a "Zapped" Sweet Potato

Sunday September 30th:
Nothing like trying to make up for all bed weekend eating out with a simple dinner of Sweet Potato, perfectly nuked (or microwaved) and sprinkled with Cayenne Pepper and crushed sea salt.

4 - Yummy

Episode 9: Eating Leftovers... Always Exciting!!!

Sunday Sept 30th:
We all went out to dinner, Gourmet in Jackson heights NYC, and the best part was (aside from enjoying a nice meal with great company) waking up next day and thinking about all the yummy leftovers in your fridge.  Just to name a few things we had 
1.  Reshmi (Silky) Chicken Kababs
2.  Seekh Chicken Kababs
3.  Haleem
4.  Channa (Chick Peas)
5.  Karhai Gosht (Goat)
6.  Regular Naan Bread
7.  Kulcha Naan Bread (Fancier version with sesame seeds and melting butter on it)
8.  Keema Naan Bread (Minced chicken similar to Seekh Kabab's embedded in the naan).
9.  Falooda (Dessert)
10. Ras malai (Dessert)

So next morning, it was a treat to eat Naan and Sheekh Kababs.  Aliya reheated Naan bread with a little water and oil and I liked it better than when i had it fresh a night before.  Adding a little sprinkle of water and oil gave the naan a crispy texture outside while super soft inside.  Writing all this is making me hungry!!!  So technique of reheating Naan bread gets a solid 
1 - Just Perfect!!! 

Episode 8: Aloo Baigan (Potato/Eggplant) with alot of Onion Love

Friday September 28th, a little chilly evening in NYC deserves a nice dinner.  Aliya made Aloo Baigan (Potato/Eggplant).  Now I am not a huge fan of Eggplant (Like it, not love it), but Aliya made it with alot of "Onion Love".  The taste was light, sweet and you can barely distinguish eggplant cause it was all mixed in with yummy sweet onions.

The dish had the perfect amount of oil, the "liquid reddish gold" which made it super yummy and very balanced seasoning.  

Editor's rating:
2 - Close to Perfection

Episode 7: Chef Aliya introduces Baked Chicken Tikka Wrap

After many yummy yet not so super healthy chicken dinners,  Aliya made some delicious and (drum roll every-one) healthy chicken  wraps.  Wraps were whole wheat, chicken was oven cooked with rub of Tikka Masala, onions, little melted cheese and tomato salsa.  I recommended that this or something similar (health and taste wise) should be part of our weekly diet replacing some of our fav oily friends ;)

I had three wraps and even after three I wasn't stuffed...neither had any "food coma" feeling which normally occurs after eating fried stuff.  

For this Chef Aliya gets healthy food award...  We are already talking about different versions of this wrap in future... 

Baked Chicken Tikka Wrap = 4 - Yummy 

Flashback: Strawberry "No-Bake" Cheese Cake

As we say good bye to summer, I think back to my birthday and backyard party.  In both occasions Aliya made cheese cake, the one where you don't have to bake.  I actually never realized one existed and would taste as good or even better as baked one.

Taste was light, texture excellent, and it came out close to perfect.  Here is a link to Martha Stewart's site... similar recipe (http://www.marthastewart.com/858246/no-bake-cheesecake)

Cheese Cake Birthday (Bottom) = 3 - Love it 

Cheese Cake Backyard Party (Top) = 2 - Close to Perfection

Episode 6: Chef Aliya's Recipe Share - Jalapeno Poppers

Tonight was a night of little bit of Spinach Potato, Lentil Soup and Saag (Mustard Greens).  Watched Storage Wars while eating, nothing special.  It was a break from watching Deborah and Raymond argue and then solve their nightly couple fights.

No food pictures tonight so thought to share what our Salt & Pepper shaker looks like.... yup a tiny replica of the Key West's Southernmost Point Buoy, a Marker monument where I have taken many pictures during my last 3 visits there.  I {heart} Key West! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southernmost_point_buoy) 

So here is THE recipe, hand written by the Chef herself for the yummy Jalapeno Poppers.  Hint: Leave the Jalapeno seeds in :)

Enjoy!!!

Episode 5: You can't go wrong with "Lentil Soup"

After a day of carbs, or should I say weekend of carbs, it was nice to look forward to lentil soup and low calorie bread for dinner.  Aliya made delicious yellow lentil (Lens culinaris) and mung lentils (variety with husk/skin removed, served with good ol pickle and green peppers.  The lentils were topped with Aliya's signature oily bhagar (tiny chopped onion, garlic and ginger sauteed in oil).

It is one of my favorite foods, love the taste and its not so bad esp with all that protein in it.  Going with the health theme, we had fresh Apple/Carrot/Kale/Ginger/Lime juice with our meal and not so healthy side of Pakistani pickle swimming is red oily oil :P

Today's dinner entertainment was an episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond".  Nothing like watching a comedy show about a couple going thru daily life and arguing about pretty silly (& serious) things.

Yellow Daal = 2 - Close to Perfection

Episode 4: A night to celebrate with Biryani

Aliya and I celebrated a few things today to it was fitting that we eat like king and queen;  and that we did.  Mom made Biryani which was delicious and spicy, Aliya made fresh mint, chillies, yogurt and mint chutney dressing. 

We watched Shark Tank (http://abc.go.com/shows/shark-tank) over dinner and then I introduced Jerry Seinfeld's Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee webisodes (http://comediansincarsgettingcoffee.com) which led us to watch an episode of Larry's David's Curb your Enthusiasm.

Episode 3: A Night of Jalapeno's

We had a pretty busy weekend with a visit to American Museum of Natural History, walking around on upper west side and eating at Land West.  So it made sense to cook something quick (yet yummy) to end a good, slightly cool NYC weekend.

Aliya made remaining Jalapeno Poppers and I made some impromptu sauce.  We both needed some serious spices so I recommended to blend fresh unseeded Jalapeno peppers with Thousand Island dressing.  Aliya modified the recipe by replacing Thousand Island with Garlic Ranch.  That motivated me to make few sloppy joes (burgers that melt in your mouth).  I heated minced beef with cheese, lightly toasted Italian rolls in oil on a frying pan (secret ingredient to get the melt in your mouth texture), added mint chutney, onion and ketchup. 

Aliya commented that the burgers simply "melted" and she could eat a dozen.  I liked the creamy jalapeno garlic dressing, it provided a hot kick to the poppers and all in all we ended a really nice weekend with an amazing meal. 

Ratings:
Jalapeno Poppers = 2 - Close to Perfection
Azhar's Sloppy Joes = 3 - Love It

Episode 2: Creamy Spinach and Potatoes to start our weekend

Nothing like starting my weekend (and Fall 2012 season) with a good meal.  Today's dinner was Creamy Spinach with potatoes, served with Naan.  

I always ask Aliya "Did you put butter or cream in it"?  and her response, always, is "Nope". I ended up eating some of her Naan (Bread) and want more as I write this.  
  
PS: Today's Fresh dinner juice was Red Apples, Carrots, Kale, Ginger and Lemon.

Creamy Spinach gets a solid 9 out f 10.

09 - Close to Perfection