I have been trying to write this post for the better part of three days. Some time freed up unexpectedly and I wanted to seize the opportunity to write an informed and insightful post. Who am I kidding? Let’s just say I wasted that day lying on my bed, staring at the ceiling wondering where my ability to construct a sentence had gone or how the desire to fan the flames of a flickering spark of an idea had been extinguished, or basically, why the heck couldn’t I think of anything to write?!
It’s not that my mind is vacant, though lately the expression on my face might disclose otherwise, it just feels bogged down and foggy. There’s a flurry of activity at home and work and maybe that’s it, but I’ve handled more trying occasions and at the very least, talking and writing are never a problem I can’t rectify!
I don’t know, maybe it’ll fix itself. I hope so, because this brain fog; this inability to concentrate or to think and rant, I don’t like it.
Lately, I feel like I’m in a time lapse video, there’s me standing still, pretty much unchanging for the most part, but all around me are blurred lines of life whizzing by in technicolour streams of light.The sun rises and sets, moon rises and sets, day blends into night, night blends into day, seconds turn to minutes and minutes turn to hours. Hours merge into days, the days into weeks and weeks into months. It is now June. Wait, what? It’s June??
June, the great reminder of the fact that the year is half way done, the great reminder of all that hasn’t been accomplished, and the fact that there’s only 6 months till December to hurry up and do it! June, the month that reminds me I am a year older. This year more than any feels like we’re behind. Am I the only one feeling like this? I know for a fact I’ve done a lot already this year but still, it seems like I’m catching up since January.
Playing catch up; it’s not really productive because you never catch up. It’s exhausting to try. So, I’m just coming to terms with the fact that this year is moving along at supersonic speed and I just have to keep up.
I was so busy last week and my mind was preoccupied with menus, and groceries and event dates, I forgot all about my birthday till the day before. I guess my husband and kids didn’t forget and they made it a wonderful day even though the closer I get to the half century mark, the less I want to celebrate.
My day started with coffee at my favourite coffee shop, a latte and an almond croissant. Then a trip up to the Rocky Mountain National Park, with all the kids for a change, and a nice hike to see the rushing waters. Around this time, when the snow melts and the thunderstorms are never ending, the streams, rivers and lakes are brimming over. The water rushes down with such force and energy, and even though it is loud, and forceful and dangerous, it is also beautiful, mesmerising and makes you feel alive. The water is cold and crisp in between your fingers and the spray from the water invigorates your face. The fledgling aspens flutter away merrily, while the new pines and firs are more stoic in their behaviour. It is an incredibly uplifting and invigorating experience to be part of nature.
My day ended with an underwhelming dinner at a local Italian, it’s always so disappointing when a special day is ruined by someone else’s ineptitude. Time to take a break from that restaurant too. Sadly, my list of “take a break from” restaurants is getting bigger by the minute. Why is it so hard to find a decent place to eat? Oh well, I had a lovely day and being with my family all day is what mattered the most, and the presents helped too 🙂
Anyway, for someone not being able to compose a sentence, I’ve managed quite a few. I told you, talking is not a problem for me 🙂 Moving onto this recipe, this is another one from my vegetarian week. A vegetarian curry based on the sauce from the tikka masala curries but with potato and tofu patties. It is quite delicious and we enjoyed it, even the 4 people in my family who “hate” tofu. They couldn’t even tell there was tofu in the patties. The patties are nicely spiced and the tofu just blends in with the potatoes and soaks up the spices. A light, shallow frying and they become crispy and golden brown on the outside. They are also great by themselves as a snack.
Rating
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8 servings
- TOFU POTATO PATTIES
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and in medium chunks
- 8oz/225g tofu, extra firm
- 3 tablespoons red onion, chopped fine
- ½ green chilli, jalapeño or Serrano
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon turmeric, ground
- 1 teaspoon cumin, ground
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon red chilli powder
- 2 or 3 tablespoons gram flour/ all purpose flour
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped fine
- Oil for frying
- TIKKA MASALA
- cup onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup/60ml oil
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cardamom pods
- 3 large tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 green chilli, jalapeño or Serrano
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin, ground
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon red chilli powder
- ¼ cup/60ml heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
- Cilantro, chopped
- To make the potato tofu patties, boil the potatoes until soft and mash.
- Try and make them as lump free as possible.
- Break up the tofu into fine pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes and tofu together.
- Add the onion, green chilli, garlic, ginger, the spices and the cilantro.
- The gram flour will help the patties stick together when frying.
- Using the gram flour will make the patties gluten free.
- You can use regular flour too, just enough to bind the mixture.
- Take a golf ball size portion of the potato and tofu mixture.
- Roll around into a ball and then flatten slightly.
- Make all the patties the same way and keep to the side.
- You should be able to get 18-20 golf size patties.
- Heat a large non stick or cast iron pan on medium high heat.
- Add enough oil to cover the base of the pan by ½ inch or so.
- We will be shallow frying the patties.
- Add as many patties as will fit in the pan without crowding.
- Lower the heat to medium.
- Fry the patties till golden brown on one side, about 4 minutes, and then flip to brown the other side.
- Drain on a paper towel as you fry the patties.
- Keep to the side as you make the gravy or masala.
- In a large sauté pan, heat the oil on medium high heat.
- Add the onions and sauté till soft and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cardamom pods amd cinnamon stick, cook a couple of minutes.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and lower the heat to medium.
- Cook the tomatoes so their juices are released and they get soft.
- Add the green chilli cut in half or quarters.
- Add the spices.
- Add a ¼ cup of water to loosen up the sauce.
- Check for salt and pepper.
- Add the cream.
- If the sauce is too thick, add another ¼ cup water to thin it.
- Drop the patties into the sauce gently.
- Heat through and then add the cilantro to finish.
- Tastes great with a side of steamed white rice, or some pullao.
Hopefully, by next week my fog will be lifted and I can manage a more interesting post. It’s been a while since a rant post 😉
Hope you all have a great weekend!!
A scrumptious looking tikka masala! This vegetarian version is fantastic.
Cheers,
Rosa
Thank you Rosa!
These things happen, when you feel you have nothing to say or just unable to organize your thoughts :), anyways I hope this foggy brain of yours will get clear. Ramadan Kareem my dear, I hope you and your family will have a blessed Ramadan. You’ve had a great birthday, nothing is better than being involved in nature. Very nice recipe and nice photos as well.
Amira recently posted..From Palestine : Djaj Mahloos
Thanks Amira, my brain is getting better. The medicine I think had a lot to do with feeling blah but I’m getting back to normal now.
So nice to discover a veggie tikka masala alternative! It looks absolutely delicious!!
Thank you so much Mary Frances!!
Your photographs could have done all of the writing for you! They’re absolutely fabulous!!! And your vegetarian tikka masala is stunning! I can practically smell if from my computer! You have a beautiful family.
mimi recently posted..Almond Herb Pesto
Awwww, you’re too sweet Mimi, thank you so much! I have to say though, it was kinda tasty!
That was one great photo of you and hubby, Nazneen! Love the walking path, too! Best of all, that Tikka Masala version is well thought of and prepared with care. Thank you so much for sharing everything!!
Julie & Alesah
Gourmet Getaways xx
Gourmet Getaways recently posted..Take a Peek at my NEW Kitchen!
Thank you, guys! The RMNP is beautiful! Lots of wonderful trails.
A very Happy Belated Birthday to you Nazneen:-) Looks like you had a perfect birthday. What a lovely photo of the two of you! I was on the look out for something different on the vegetarian side because we have a big get-together coming up with friends. I had the malai kofta in mind but I find this one even better with tofu. A very timely find! The rice looks amazing as well. I am pretty sure that the restaurants around you can’t match up to your fantastic cooking, that’s the reason you don’t enjoy them as much:-)
Sugar et al. recently posted..Purple Carrot Cake
Thank you, Sonali! I too was looking for a veg dish and had decided on the malai kofta, but then came up with this at minimal fuss 🙂
I am a fan of Indian cuisine and love tikka masala. Although I eat chicken tikka masala more often, I’d love to try your vegetarian version made with potatoes and tofu. I know it tastes as good as it looks. Wishing you all a great summer and vacation. Congrats to your daughter on her graduation!
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You recently posted..Brazilian Potato Salad
Thanks Denise! CTM is a favourite in our house too and I make it often. One of my girls is a vegetarian so every now and then I make alternatives so she can enjoy them too.
WOW! You had the greatest time! Photos are so awesome!
marcela recently posted..Tomato Tart
Thank you Marcela!
You are SO beautiful 🙂 How I love that picture of your beaming self. Happiest of birthdays to you!! XO
Krista recently posted..A Bit Higgledy-Piggledy
***blush*** gosh, you’re too sweet. I did have a fab time 🙂
Glad to hear you had a great birthday! Love the picture of you and your husband 🙂 Very cute!
This Tikka Masala looks delicious! I think I would eat all the patties up before they even got a chance to go in the masala!
Asiya @ Chocolate & Chillies recently posted..Spinach, Egg and Feta Breakfast Wrap
Thank you Asiya! Yes, it’s hard to hold off on the patties!!
Happy belated birthday, dear friend, hope you had a fantastic time!
Another amazing idea grom your creative kitchen.
Daniela recently posted..Celebrating Spring With Music at Ernstbrunn Castle and Elderberry Delights
Haha! Thank you Daniela, and I had a fabulous time!
I can’t wait to try those tofu potato patties! Happy belated Birthday, Nazneen.
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Blueberry Spelt Crumble Cake
Thank you, Angie!!
You’ve achieved the impossible, Nazneen. Made tofu look edible! Your sauce looks delicious too.
David Crichton recently posted..Homemade Naan Bread
Haha, David 🙂 My husband thought the same thing 🙂
My vegetarian Mum arrives in two weeks time and I know she would just love to find these in the fridge to nibble on with a pile of spinach on the side and it’s something I can make ahead for her.
Apart from your birthday meal it looks like you had a wonderful day out in nature with your family – disappointing restaurant meals are just a frustrating waste of calories!
Nancy | Plus Ate Six recently posted..Baked fish with olives & an easy tomato sauce
I didn’t know your mum was vegetarian, I’m sure you mentioned it but I’m a year older now! I did have a lovely time, and the food was ok, but just way overpriced. I hate that even more.
I share your pain in disappointing dining experiences. The photos of the hike by the stream are stunning. I love the look of your meal – so many wonderful Indian flavours and the rice looks amazing xx
Hotly Spiced recently posted..One-Dish Chicken
You and I both have the same poor luck with dining, don’t we? That area by the water is so beautiful. We live hiking the trail up there and enjoying the cool spray of the water.
Too bad about that restaurant — but otherwise, it sounds like you had a lovely birthday. I’m always catching up, too –frustrating, isn’t it? Anyway, love this dish! Such nice flavor. Gorgeous photos, too. Good stuff — thanks.
John@Kitchen Riffs recently posted..Summer Pea Soup with Mint
Thank you, John! I had a wonderful day. One of these days we may catch up!! I doubt it though.
Happy belated birthday! I can very much relate to the “writers block.” The most annoying thing, in my case, is I’ll suddenly have a flow of thoughts and eloquent words at the totally wrong time (eg. feeding baby, driving, etc!) Stunning photos and great recipe xxx
Thank you Habiba! Yes!! Always at the wrong time . I even carry a small notebook to jot ideas down… fat lot of good that does!!
I hear you quite clear. I think with kids, the last couple of months have been a haze for me too. You’ve had so many things, it happens. Hope you had a great bday. I really did enjoy reading and relating.
To this curry, I felt like grabbing a patty right from the screen. It looks more than perfect.. I enjoy a good vegetarian curry and this is definitely looking very good to me.
Ash-foodfashionparty recently posted..Spiced Watermelon-Orange Mint Drink
Thank you, Asha!! I think with kids and life, it’s always a bit hazy! I had s lovely birthday, thank you my dear!
Happiest of Birthdays, Nazneen! I am so glad your husband and kids helped you celebrate such a very special day.
There used to be a little, whole in the wall restaurant in Abu Dhabi that used to make the best vegetarian tikka masala – and the flavors and colors of yours, brought that tikka masala to mind – though they didn’t use tofu, using tofu in these is just plain brilliant!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan recently posted..Bacon And Egg Potato Skins
Thanks Shashi! I had a lovely birthday and the kids did all right 🙂
i think its very natural to have writers block 🙂 this curry looks so good..wish i lived closer 😛
dixya | food, pleasure, and health recently posted..Wednesday Reads
I know everyone gets foggy sometimes but it’s frustrating when that’s the only time you have and u can’t think 🙂 I wish you lived closer too!!
There’s nothing I want more on my birthday than to spend it with my family. Your days looks absolutely perfect to me, with the exception of your Italian supper. Oh well,thank goodness there is vegetarian tikka masala in the world. This is suitable for anyone’s birthday supper.
Karen Harris recently posted..A Small Birthday Celebration: Israeli Couscous with Toasted Pine Nuts and Golden Raisins
Thank you Karen!! It was a lovely day. This would definitely make a vegetarian’s birthday 🙂
Looks like a great birthday day! (Even with the forgettable restaurant meal!) And the veggie tikka masala looks amazing. I might just use the sauce recipe to go with some leftover pieces of uncooked chicken tonight! I am always amazing that a fairly complex recipe comes across my screen – and I already have all the ingredients!
David recently posted..That’s the Way the Chicken Crumbles
Hi David, the masala is the best way to use up leftover chicken! It’s one of my favourite leftover transformations! I don’t doubt in the slightest that you have everything you need to make this!
Belated Happy Birthday, it loos as though you had a wonderful day with everyone. These potato and tofu patties are really inventive. I love the spicing, perfect for pick up picnic food and the sauce sounds wonderful. GG
Glamorous Glutton recently posted..Afternoon Tea Bus Tour With Rennie
Thanks GG. I had a great time, it was nice to get out of town even for a couple of hours. These are great picnic food fare!
It;s no wonder your mind seems ‘vacant’ – you’ve been one busy lady. I also seem to be totally blank when I actually get a moment to rest and my blog’s been the most neglected in this haze of 6 months.
*this masala <3
You’ve been a travelling my friend!! I would easily put aside my blog to go exciting places!! I envy your some what single life!! You and Nathan have the greatest time!