New Delhi--City Of love,food and living

New Delhi –The capital Of India…History…Location…

Delhi Basics

Location is the benchmark for development of any city around the world. New Delhi is located northern part of India on 300 Kilometers away from foot hills of Himalayas, which brings good weather of winters, good fresh fruits like apple and rivers. So ideally location is the best except we do not have sea beaches and snow fall, but we have really good seasons except hot summers.

Summers are good for some people coming from hilly or snowy part of world, but for typical Delhi person it is bit hard, in commuting during day time, thanks to Delhi metro train which gives pleasant air conditioned deride better than any car.

On mother earth we are located on Latitude: 28.38 N, longitude: 77.12 E. Far East side of Asia. Delhi is 293 m above sea level.

We will talk about in different article on influence of longitude and above sea level climate of the city in details. As these matters influence a lot on the city’s people, attitude, dressing .fashion and above all food.

Climate influences everything on city life, and in Delhi, the fashion capital of Asia now, we have all four season. Means we can have food for all four season.

Climate—We have all four season, although summers are getting longer and during MAY-June-July are the hottest months with max temperature going to 45C,although morning and evening are cooler.

We have monsoon from July-August. September and November are pleasant with max temp at 37C and low sometimes 20C.Winters from November-December-January-February. We get rich fog days in month of December and January also; we get 2-5 min temperature during winters. But best is February and March when we get the spring, lot of flowers coming and going. You love to walk down gardens city have.

Time: GMT +5.5. Electricity: 240 volts, 50Hz. A variety of power outlets are used in India, but most plugs have two or three round pins. The currency is the Rupee (INR), which is divided into 100 paisa.

Delhi has a long history, remains shows it has human existence 5000 years back on the banks of river Yamuna, present day old Delhi.. A history which says Delhi had old name Indraprastha made by the Pandavas.

History is long and we need to back for almost 2500 years back to learn about city but not this time as I am talking about    New Delhi…mainly built by English men and their influences remains in all form of architects, governance, attitude and food also.

You know, I really trying to find remains of British attitudes, habits, food and art in this very vivid city. But I find very less chances, may be I am not meeting very original people, but I love to take some interviews later and post it here for you.

English as language has it is mark in the city, we original Delhi, rather New Delhi born and brought person speaks good British English not American English.

INFLUENCE OF BRITISH EMPIRE ON NEW DELHI

 

It is major topic to write about, so here I will write in synopsis. Colonial India was not so good, at least I see that way, but lot of people say British people made this city modern and beautiful, yes they did on city’s cost and could have been better because it is influences are bitter at least in late 18^th century and early years of 1900, when whole world is going into modern life, yes we had locomotives, cars and fabrics made out of Manchester city of United Kingdom, but we had as Delhi person lost our own identity to manage.

Anyhow time has gone, but we live in past and influences reacts till date in our talk, walk and food.

Delhi speaks in English, New Delhi eats bread daily, and New Delhi wears English fashion fast. 

The 2011 World Wealth Report ranks economic activity in New Delhi at 39, but overall the capital is ranked at 37, above cities like Jakarta and Johannesburg.

But in 20 th century this city have everything from France fragrance, Italian pasta, gay community of USA. Chinese noodles, Thailand’s sea food restaurant, Middle East petrol and its own Hindu marriage events.

The Etymology and idioms of "Delhi" is uncertain, but many possibilities exist. The very common view is that its eponym is Dhillu or Dilu, a king of the Mauryan dynasty, who built the city in 50 BC and named it after himself. References has been takes from WIKIPEDIA..

We have remains of old Hindu Kings dates back 325 BC. We have history.

.With a total area of 42.7 km², New Delhi had 42.7 square km area located in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. New Delhi and surrounding areas were part of the Aravalli Range, but all that is left now is the Delhi ridge, the river Yamuna floodplains; New Delhi lies west of the Yamuna River, although for the most part, New Delhi is a landlocked city. East of the river is the urban area of Shahdara. New Delhi falls under the seismic zone-IV, vulnerable to earthquakes^.

The foundation stone of New Delhi was laid by King George V and Queen Mary at the site of Delhi Durbar of 1911 at Kingsway Camp on December 15, 1911, during their imperial visit.

New Delhi was built by British colonial government in 1913.Two London based architects namely Sir Edwin Lutyens and Baker, designed the city, mainly present day president house, Government offices call South and North block, Indian Gate. and the famous shopping arcade in round shape called Con naught Place.

The new Capital was christened "New Delhi" in 1927, and subsequently inaugurated on February 13, 1931, by British India's Governor-General Lord Irwin.

So during this period of 1920 to 1947 New Delhi has seen changes and major influences of the world, everything changed during this period, emergence of Indian freedom movement, British losing hold in the country, world witnessing two world wars. New Delhi took shape as major city in the world, form where the great democracy works, people get jobs, industry starts working and culture develops and takes formation of living in society.

Talking about culture and living in the city called New Delhi. Again I would say it is long talk to write.

You know Delhi is the only city in the world where people live life king size and in huts also, every one can get food to eat anytime on the day. Oh man I love this city, where history and modern art can be seen at same time.

IT IS SAYING THAT NEW DELHI BELONGS TO NO ONE BUT TO ALL.

It means we live in lot of Indian and other countries cultures, religion together.

  

New Delhi has almost 40 countries embassies and their people living, they also make mark and influences in the city. We have the best rail metro in the world. Above all ,this city has a acceptance power of accommodating everyone, Fortunes has been made here from rags to riches, India runs from here and people say from other part of the county that Delhi is still to far to catch or reach. Means this city loves every one but to be real Delhi it is not easy for everyone, what I believe that this city is too liberal for every person that is why we can say some time it is hard to live in this city. May be it is bit too expensive, but it is up to you, one can have meal for one dollar and accommodation for 10 dollars a day. Whereas city have hotels of colonial time and modern times where you need to pay 1000 dollars per night.

Sometimes city gets struck on traffic because it has the maximum number of cars in the whole nation and 20% of its traffic is passing by from other states. Its has maximum number of flyovers bridges and over crowded metro trains, which really influence the city attitude and life, we need everything here and we are contented with what we have, as yearn for more and we feel passionate for what we have. Some of the best schools, sports stadium and universities also attract lot of people from every part of world to this city. Computer software and information technology has made this city so attractive and rise in middle class earnings.

Today we have apartments and houses more expensive than Manhattan and London; we have the best luxury cars like Porsche running around the roads.

It is getting too long, so let’s talk about food in the city….

FOOD AND EATING HABITS IN THE NEW DELHI………

It is foodies delight to live and eat in Delhi, because we have all four seasons and roads and air transport is so good to have sea food even from 1300 miles away in day time. Europe is 7 hours by air, so you can have fresh cheese on asking. City have lot of foreign delegates living so we have for them all type continental restaurants in fine dine segments but small vendors all provide pizza and noodles at low prices.

Above all city have habits and in its culture you can have free food also in form of thanks giving or religion purposes.

New Delhi also has major influences of other parts of country because of its working and job power. We have almost every regional cuisine available, like south India vegetarian coconut based meal and non vegetarian food of northern part of cities like Kashmir and Punjab.

Person like me thinks 10 times to choose the meal for the day because we have lot of variety to cook and eat in the offering.

There is one more interesting thing about this city as far as food is concerned. We have very big fat weddings where we can eat at for 3-4 days with all family and friends all type of best Indian food. Normally during marriage season at grooms or brides home offers meals to every guest for whole day and during this period we get the best of Indian cuisines. 

These days in pretext of showing off one wealth and prosperity weddings happens in big hotels and banquet halls where one can have continental pastry in desserts’ and best French wine to drink.

 

Overall this city is full of events; eat outs and making life richer in all means.

ART AND MUSIC

You know this my kind of city, where we can have good music in all forms. Western, pop, classical or even historical we have all events happening same day same evening.

Today we have Delhi International Festival is going on, where we have artist from Europe and Middle East also. Art shows are running fast as we have almost 40-60 galleries around. We have permanent regional culture events places like Delhi Haat.

All foreign embassies have their active culture departments and auditorium in central part of Delhi to have world class artists around the year.

New Delhi have acting school and art school in central part of the city where 4-5 auditoriums presents dance, theater and music shows almost daily.

City is happening you think about any thing you can have it.

So how about this visiting city again and again…..

Love this city so please keep this city clean.

We will talk more please share your experiences here, so that I can also learn more about this city. As sometime I feel I miss so much from this city, because it has so many things around, oh I miss new science museum to show to my kid.

Ah, I just get news from internet that some organization is organizing New Delhi historical and nature tour for the day.

So it is happening…..city love to accept you……

Above I have talked about all good parts of the city….we also have some bad parts but we all know every city have crime and its drawback…

So from my side it is good to be good, do not talk to strangers a lot check internet for information. Late night is not good in the city but 5 star hotels are safe for night out. Please do not drive and drink together as this city have bad roads too….

. So God bless New Delhi.

If we have no corruption than, this city shall be better than London or Venice.

Written By Shailesh Sharma Pokriyal

 

Loving New Delhi for 40 years now..Getting more every day from this city…

Dawrka,New Delhi,INDIA

Vegetable Potato Fried Pastry/ Samosa

Vegetable Potato Fried Pastry/ Samosa

Samosas are cheap and easily available snack in India. Samosas are always appetizing. Served with tea, they form the basis of the perfect snack.

It is so popular snack, which makes so many people happy and makes living so many untrained cooks all over India. From taste to price to making living of small shop and untrained cook, makes this snack THE KING SNACK OF INDIA.

A samosa is a stuffed pastry and a popular snack in the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Central Asia and Southwest Asia, the Arabian Peninsula. It generally consists of a fried or baked triangular, semi lunar or tetrahedral pastry shell with a savory filling, which may include spiced potatoes, onions, peas, coriander, and lentils.

Vegetable Potato Samosa—it is the most popular snack item available all over India. Made with same ingredients all over India and sold like hot cakes from street vendor to any fine dine restaurant.

The word "samosa" can be traced to the Persian سنبوساگ sanbosag.The pastry name in other countries also derives from this root, such as the crescent-shaped sanbusak or sanbusaj in Arab countries, sambosa in Afghanistan, samosa in India

Following quotes, definitions mentioned in Wikipedia.

It is believed that it originated in Central Asia (where they are known as samsa) prior to the 10th century. Abolfazl Beyhaqi (995-1077), an Iranian historian has mentioned it in his history, Tarikh-e Beyhaghi. It was introduced to the Indian subcontinent in the 13th or 14th century by traders from the region.

Amir Khusro (1253–1325), a scholar and the royal poet of the Delhi Sultanate, wrote in around 1300 that the princes and nobles enjoyed the "samosa prepared from meat, ghee, onion and so on".

Ibn Battuta, the 14th century traveller and explorer, describes a meal at the court of Muhammad bin Tughluq where the samushak or sambusak, a small pie stuffed with minced meat, almonds, pistachio, walnuts and spices, was served before the third course, of pulao.

The Ain-i-Akbari, a 16th century Mughal document, mentions the recipe for 'Qutab', which it says, “the people of Hindustan call sanbúsah”.

The samosa was brought to India, where it is so famous, by Muslim traders and soldiers. Small, crisp, mince-filled samosas were easy to make around campfires during night halts, then conveniently packed into saddle bags as snacks for the next day’s journey.

It is interresting facts, i will find today while researching on Samosa.I feel good when know that this is really a classic snack as per western cooking system.

Here in India we don't have good chef and cooking schools where we can make system of classic ,historical, modern or fusion dishes.

MAKING OF VEG.SAMOSA.

Simple preparation time 40 mins.and 5 mins cooking time.

MAKING SAMOSA OVERLAP

1and1/2 cup all flour (Maida)
Water to Knead dough
2tbsp oil
salt to taste
STUFF
2-4 Potatoes (boiled, peeled & mashed)
1/2 cup Green Peas (boiled)
1-2 Green Chilies (finely chopped)
1tbsp coriander finely chopped
1/2tsp Garam masala
Salt to taste
Red chili powder to taste
OVERLAP COVER DOUGH

ADD Flour with salt and mix littler water to knead. Make hard mix so that you can roll on pin. Keep this mix in cotton cloth for 30 minutes.

STUFF

Mix boiled potato, peas, red chili and green chili without making it too soft.

To Cook

Heat vegetable oil in deep fry pan. Make rolls of dough in 5 inch diameter and cut into 2 parts. Take one half in hand to fill stuffing in a manner you get triangle shape. Seal it with little water and oil they roll. Deep fry them till it gets brown crispy color.

SERVING with sauce or chutney of your choice. Sometime people serve with chick pea’s curry also.

Tomato Ketchup or Tamarind dips.

I will talk about dips and chutney in another post,it is too big as we live by these chutney all over India.

WHERE TO BUY---Normally every shopping market have them in any sweet shop or snack counter all over New Delhi.

I suggest narrow streets of Old Delhi, Bengali market in Central Delhi. Halidram outlets in south Delhi.

PRICE—INR 5TO 20 in shops. Fine dine normally serves them in coffee shops, price can be 125 INR.

SUGGESTION TO EAT—where you can see deep frying cook in front of you….don’t worry all is hygienic stuff these days…….

OLIVE OIL FOR NEW DELHI FOOD AND COOKING…..

OLIVE OIL FOR NEW DELHI FOOD AND COOKING…..

Origin of olive oil is a mystery, but cultivated olives dates back over 6,000 years. The ancient Greeks and Romans both told tales of olives and their creation by the Roman mythology ascribes the birth of olives to Hercules, who struck the ground and caused an olive tree to sprout.

BENEFITS OF OLIVE OIL---- This is all very good for those concerned about their cholesterol levels, especially the good HDL cholesterol, and the effects on the human circulatory system.

NEW DELHI FOOD AND USE OF OLIVE OIL—with influence and travel of young people all around world, olive oil has come into Indian kitchen. These days’ normal middle class must have some 250 grams of olive oil in their kitchen to make low fat salads and frying vegetables. New Delhi is vastly accepting this oil as cities have fastest growing middle class and foodies around those loves to try different taste.

Olive oil is European cooking oil and has been placed in Indian market and cooking as expensive but continental taste creator ingredients. So we love to talk about this. As I am talking too early for this oil to be used in New Delhi culinary habits and cooking. But I cannot help it the co incidence as I am talking to one Spanish company about olive oil and they say they have a history of making olive oil day back to late 18^th century in Europe. They wanted to sell it to New Delhi, India, so it give me idea to write bit about it also in my blog. I hope to write more as I get more information about oil from this company.

But in Indian five start hotel eat out we can find olive oil cooking  a lot from way back to early 1970’s.

Although today it is common house hold cooking oil among young people those watch European and Australian cooking shows regularly, including me.

Olive oil is best used in India for low fat cooking, specially in frying vegetables and chicken, but as far my New Delhi tasting goes, I prefer using it in salads a lot, it gives so munch smooth  taste  to  slow heat fried salads and dips or chutney we use to toss salads.

OLIVE OIL TOSSED VEGETABLE OR CHICKEN SALAD RECEPE COMMONLLY AVAILABLE IN FINE DINE EAT OUT IN DELHI  OR BEST PLACE IS SALAD CHEF IN VASANT VIHAR C BLOCK MARKET AND MY HOME CALL ME I WILL NOT CHARGE IF YOU BRING BOTTLE OF RED WINE .

OLIVE OIL TOSSED SALAD..NEW DELHI STYLE……………………….

Cut vegetables of you liking means spring onions, carrots, barcarole, and red capsicum and fry them in pan only for 3-5 minutes

Put some grated cheese, herbs like basal leaves, salt to taste and chicken pieces those we can mind pre cooked in any frozen shop. Mix all vegetables along this and toss with extra virgin olive oil at last serve in big bowl with red wine.

I serve garlic and green chutney or dips along with that.

NORMAL PRICE FOR SALAD WHICH IS BEING SERVED MAINILLY IN FINE DINE RESTRURANTS IN NEW DELHI IS 12 USD OR INDIAN450 .Serves 2 person

KEEP ASKING AND TELLING AS I AM NON  PROFESSIONAL COOK…BUT  I  FEEL  I  HAVE GREAT  TASTE  TO  EAT