Heaving a sigh of relief as my son's exams see the last! Whew! No assignments or tests for the next couple of months and I am so pleased about that. The kids have to go to school for a few days post exams as they will have a project show on the last day of school. Isn't that an even better thought? - them going to school (half a day though) and me not having to worry about any homework ;-). They are so excited that they get to showcase to parents all that they have learnt during the year. My four-year-old daughter's big aim is now to go to the next class, Lower Kindergarten. I shamelessly blackmail her sometimes as the last resort at times - going to LKG undoubtedly the carrot I dangle in front of her cute little nose. It works most of times and I quickly have to find a new thing to blackmail her with once she is gets to her current dream destination. Yes, yes am a wicked Mom! Son's an easier nut to crack, thankfully, a game of bey-blading and cycling with his peers takes care of most his woes in the 9th year of his life. Innocent childhood...it touches me so much at times...
I remember watching the movie Masoom all those years ago when the kids were still not in the scene. I dare not watch that movie now, as I am very sure, Jugal Hansraj will leave me more than a tad misty eyed ... being a parent makes you relate to the innocence of childhood and that over-whelming parental love. If you are already a parent and you have watched Taare Zameen Par- you have heard the joke- you will not yell at your kids for one full day after watching the movie:-) When the kids are ready to do anything to make you smile at the sight of your crest fallen face, it makes you cry. When you are ready to throw anything at them just for a moment of much wanted peace, that makes you cry too, albeit in a different sort of way:-).
Well, when life throws lemons at you, you make lemon pie, when all you have is a bag of baby potatoes at snack time, you dish up some hearty, filling and easy Garlic And Herb Potatoes...
Super versatility is the other name of taters and this time around, tender baby potatoes boiled, lightly grilled and tossed in garlic and herbs. A nice and easy side-dish any day to liven up a simple meal.
Recipe adapted from various sources. One of those recipes which can be altered to a great extent to suit your taste. So feel free to tweak.
Ingredients :
Baby potatoes: 600 grams
Garlic pods : 5-6, finely chopped.
Olive Oil - 1 1/2 teaspoons
Low fat mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon
Fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon
Fresh dill leaves, chopped - 1 tablespoon
Red Bell Peppers, chopped - 1 tablespoon
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
Procedure: Boil the baby potatoes till tender, do not overcook. I cooked for 2 whistles in my pressure cooker. Cool. Peel the skins(or leave them on). Heat the oil in a non-stick pan. When the oil is warm (not hot), add the chopped garlic.Saute till the raw smell disappears. Do not allow the garlic to change its color. Remove the lightly toasted garlic from the oil and reserve. (You could leave it in, but it may get over done by the time you are finished with the potatoes).
Add the potatoes, toss lightly and cook on medium heat. Keep tossing in between so that the potatoes are light golden. I tried to toss them the way chefs do, err.. but it was not all that a graceful toss.. hope to learn to do this well.. in a few years time for sure!
When the potatoes are golden add the herbs, salt and pepper. Saute for about half a minute. Add the red bell peppers. Take off the heat. Add the reserved toasted garlic. Mix in the mayonnaise to coat the potatoes well. Serve immediately.
Variations: You could use any herb or herbs of your choice, reduce oil further or add more mayonnaise. You could grill the potatoes as above, but add the mayonnaise only after the potatoes are cooled or just before serving. The potatoes will be more creamy this way and you could serve this as a cold side-dish.
