<p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/img_62221.jpg"><img title="IMG_6222-1" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6222-1" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/img_62221_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/img_6113.jpg"><img title="IMG_6113" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6113" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/img_6113_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>One of my major goals for 2010 is to&#160; cook every meal from my favorite and one of the best Indian restaurants in Chicago, <a href="http://www.udupipalace.com/menu.htm#6">Udupi Palace.</a> I've always wanted to be able to cook my favorite meals from Indian cuisine and this was a great way to focus my project.&#160; I put on a fun dress and these adorable &quot;Indian princess&quot; heels my mother picked up in a market stall in India - and got to work!</p>  <p><strong>TOFU TIKKA MASALA with VIBRANT RICE PILAF AND PEAS</strong> </p>  <p></p>  <p><em>Udupi Palace</em> doesn't have a cookbook so I am reconstructing my recipes from my mom, cookbooks and around the interweb.&#160; The restaurant features a paneer tikka masala which is yummy but I decided my first foray into becoming a competent Indian chef would be to make a tofu tikka masala.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6079.jpg"><img title="IMG_6079" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6079" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6079_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>Indian food isn’t ingredient heavy (no more say than a lasagna).&#160; Instead, you really have to get the right combination of spices.&#160; In the top row, I have turmeric, ginger, Indian chili powder, and garam masala.&#160; In the second row, I have cumin seeds, crushed cumin, and crushed coriander.&#160; I decided to use store-made tandoori naan (whole wheat) until I learn how to make it.</p>  <p>You can make your own garam masala but it’s available <em><span style="text-decoration:underline;">everywhere</span></em>.&#160;&#160; I like having the right proportions and flavor so I prefer the pre-mixed variety.&#160;&#160; Shop around until you find a brand you really like – smell and taste it.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6083.jpg"><img title="IMG_6083" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="529" alt="IMG_6083" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6083_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>You’ll definitely need a workout after this meal – but it’s worth it.&#160; Here I have heavy cream, plain yoghurt, two boxes of extra firm tofu, 6-8 tablespoons of butter, a large onion and garlic.&#160; You can use fresh ginger but I like the crushed version myself.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6086.jpg"><img title="IMG_6086" style="border-right:0;border-top:0;display:inline;border-left:0;border-bottom:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6086" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/img_6086.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>Drain the tofu really well.&#160; That’s the secret to using tofu – sometimes I even drain for two hours because it helps the consistency.&#160;&#160; The final ingredients are three cans of diced tomatoes.&#160;&#160;&#160; I wanted to cook a meal for 6-8 people and have it for the week for for drop-in guests.&#160;&#160; Start with the rice if your head is spinning.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6088.jpg"><img title="IMG_6088" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6088" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6088_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>Indian children learn two things after they learn how to walk: to make a perfect cup of tea and to wash rice properly.&#160; I am using white basmati rice but whole wheat basmati rice is available.&#160; Get a rice cooker, because as Roger Ebert says, it will change your life.&#160; The secret formula:&#160; 1 cup of rice plus 1 rice of water.&#160; I make three cups and washed it well.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6089.jpg"><img title="IMG_6089" style="border-right:0;border-top:0;display:inline;border-left:0;border-bottom:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6089" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/img_6089.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>Washing rice is like doing yoga – it will instantly calm you down.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6090.jpg"><img title="IMG_6090" style="border-right:0;border-top:0;display:inline;border-left:0;border-bottom:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6090" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/img_6090.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>Can you tell I really love washing rice?</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6091.jpg"><img title="IMG_6091" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6091" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6091_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>Add 2 tablespoons of butter and one tablespoon of turmeric powder to your rice and water.&#160; Then walk away and concentrate on the rest of the recipe.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6094.jpg"><img title="IMG_6094" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6094" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6094_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>Gather your crushed coriander and cumin, the yoghurt and some salt.&#160; (On a trip to Chicago last year, my adorable mother carted spices and labeled my jars).</p>  <p><a href="http://littleamie.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/img_6092.jpg"><img title="IMG_6092" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6092" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6092_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>Cut the tofu into cubes and add 1 tablespoon of coriander and 1 tablespoon of cumin along with one cup of yoghurt.&#160; Mix it together gently so that the surface is coated.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6093.jpg"><img title="IMG_6093" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6093" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6093_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>You can use a 1/4 cup less yoghurt or more depending on how each surface looks to you.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6097.jpg"><img title="IMG_6097" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6097" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6097_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>Place the tray of tofu on your highest rack and blast that broiler.&#160; With traditional chicken tikka, you are looking for a vibrant orange colour and char marks.&#160; Tofu can char but it needs almost 35-50 minutes.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6119.jpg"><img title="IMG_6119" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6119" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6119_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>Don’t char the whole tray – it will overcook.</p>  <p><a href="http://littleamie.files.wordpre&lt;br &gt;&lt;/a&gt; ss.com/2010/03/img_6099.jpg"><img title="IMG_6099" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6099" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6099_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>Chop up your onion and garlic.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6103.jpg"><img title="IMG_6103" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" heig
ht="530" alt="IMG_6103" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6103_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>And combine with two tablespoons of butter.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6106.jpg"><img title="IMG_6106" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6106" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6106_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>Once everything cooks and is slightly brown, decide whether you need more butter.&#160;&#160; Add 1/2 tablespoon of ginger, 4 heaping tablespoons of garam masala, and stir together.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6114.jpg"><img title="IMG_6114" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6114" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6114_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>Add three cans of petite diced tomatoes.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6107.jpg"><img title="IMG_6107" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6107" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6107_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>I like to add extra heat and a greater depth of flavor so I use Thai chilies.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6110.jpg"><img title="IMG_6110" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6110" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6110_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>I like to cut them fairly big – this allows people who might not want the extra spice to pick them out.&#160; They are also great sliced thinly on salads.&#160; Try this combo: cucumbers, Thai Chilies and lemon.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6115.jpg"><img title="IMG_6115" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6115" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6115_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>Then comes the sinful part.&#160; Heavy cream.&#160; I like adding it in quarter cup increments – some tikka masala recipes call for more than a full cup!&#160;&#160; I like about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup – you can decide how naughty your want your night&#160; to be!</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6117.jpg"><img title="IMG_6117" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6117" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6117_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>Add this to your simmering tomato mixture.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6116.jpg"><img title="IMG_6116" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6116" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6116_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>And stir the wonderfulness together by mixing in your tofu.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6124.jpg"><img title="IMG_6124" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6124" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6124_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>Before you continue with the tofu tikka masala take a moment to prep you naan.&#160; Throw it on some foil (butter or any fat optional) and add some dried parsley and chopped garlic to the top.&#160; Throw it in the oven for 5 minutes at 350 degrees.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6125.jpg"><img title="IMG_6125" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6125" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6125_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>When you add the bread to the oven, grab your serving plates and throw them in there too.&#160; It’s the most common rookie mistake:<strong> plating hot food on cold plates.<em> </em></strong></p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_61301.jpg"><img title="IMG_6130-1" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6130-1" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_61301_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>Add some lovely frozen peas to your rice and let the heat cook them a bit.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_61291.jpg"><img title="IMG_6129-1" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6129-1" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_61291_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>I plated the rice in my vintage Corningware – I love this design series.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6081.jpg"><img title="IMG_6081" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="524" alt="IMG_6081" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6081_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>Chop some delicious cilantro.&#160; It adds a nice cooling touch and crunchy bite.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6132.jpg"><img title="IMG_6132" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6132" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6132_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>Add it to the top of your naan.&#160; Look at the dainty designs on these plates!</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6135.jpg"><img title="IMG_6135" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6135" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6135_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>Remove your heated plates carefully.&#160; This seems obvious but there have been times I’ve grabbed them.&#160; Pour your tofu tikka masala on top of your rice and sprinkle more cilantro on top.</p>  <p><a href="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6136.jpg"><img title="IMG_6136" style="display:inline;border-width:0;" height="530" alt="IMG_6136" src="http://ionlyweardresses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/img_6136_thumb.jpg" width="706" border="0" /></a></p>  <p>The Boy pronounced this a success – and I can’t wait to serve it to friends for lunch later in the week.</p>  <p>You can use a lot less butter and cream to make it healthier or substitute lower fat creams and use oil spray.&#160; I like making the dishes authentically and creating version 2.0’s for the everyday dinners.</p>  <p>There are wonderful benefits to a lot of the ingredients in this meal – <em>coriander</em> and <em>cilantro</em> regulates blood sugar, <em>cumin</em> is a powerful anti-carcinogen and digestive aid, <em>ginger</em>, whether fresh or ground, has anti-inflammatory properties, and <em>turmeric</em> is a magic spice, doing everything from inhibiting tumor growth, improving cardiovascular fitness, and preventing some neurodegenerative diseases.</p>  <p>So now it’s your turn.&#160; Tell me, do you like Indian food?&#160; Is there a cuisine you would like to master?</p>