04 November 2012

Mexican 5 Layer Dip





Ingredients:

2 tsps. olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium size cloves of garlic, minced
1 (15.5-ounce) can low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp. chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
4 tbsps. fresh lime juice
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1 tbsp. water
1/2 tsp. salt
1 (10 oz.) box frozen corn kernels.
1/4 C chopped coriander leaves/cilantro

2 ripe hass avocados

4 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced (about 2 cups)
1/4 C scallion, thinly sliced
salt and pepper

3/4 C extra-sharp Cheddar, shredded (I used Cabot brand, its labelled halal)

Method:

Preparing the layers

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until they soften, about 3 mins. Stir in the garlic and cook for 2 mins. more.

Put half of the onion mixture into a food processor with the black beans, chipotle pepper, 2 tbsps. of the lime juice, cumin, water and salt. Puree until smooth. Set aside.

Add the corn to the skillet with the remaining onion mixture and cook for about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro leaves.Let cool

In a small bowl mash the avocado with the remaining lime juice.

In a medium bowl toss together the tomatoes and scallions. Season tomato mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble:

Take a 8 x 8 glass baking or serving dish or any dish you like, a transparent glass bowl only makes for better presentation as you can see all the layers through it. Spread the black bean dip into the bottom, top with the corn mixture, spreading it out to form a single layer over the beans, then spread the avocados, then the tomatoes. Top with shredded cheese. Serve with your favorite chips.

Enjoy!

01 October 2012

Moroccan Hospitality Restaurant, Malden, MA


















Moroccan Hospitality Restaurant is run by sisters Nouzha and Amina. Its clean, not too big and the hosts are friendly. After reading many good reviews, we took the 45 min. drive to Malden , and we were pleased. The fact that the restaurant is mentioned in Bostons top new restaurants was also another reason we decided to try it out.The menu is inexpensive, simple and not to elaborate , but everything in there sounds delicious I wish I could try them all.



We ordered Lahrira soup which was served with soft and delicious Moroccan bread, I just wish the bread was warm too.


















For starters we ordered the ground beef cigar, which we loved they came hot and crunchy dusted with powdered sugar and a refreshingly delicious orange salad and also the Maakouda , potato patties served with Lahrissa sauce. The M'hammer ( roast Chicken with preserved lemons) was delicious, the chicken was so juicy and tender, we ordered it with a side of  couscous which was also delicious, fluffy and moist, for dessert we tried their fekka, and other cookies , They disappeared even before I got a chance to take a picture. We ended our meal with the most delicous moroccan mint tea, perfectly made with fresh mint.


















All food is fairly priced and the portions are generous.

Who: Moroccon Hospitality Restaurant

Where: 188 Salem St, Malden, MA.
            781-605-0520
              
When:  Monday - Saturday
            11:30 am - 9 pm

What: Ground beef Cigars
          Maakouda
          Harira Soup
          M'hammer (roast Chicken Tagine)
          Assorted Cookies
          Mint Tea
           
Website: They have a facebook page, check it out here


















To view their menu, click on the image below to enlarge.



If you are looking for homemade Moroccan food, authentic flavors, this place is definitely worth a visit. Friday nights are Couscous Nights !!!

18 September 2012

My First (and second) MeMe

Few weeks ago I was tagged by Az and Rashida to do MeMes on their respective blogs, I just kept postponing them thinking I have to have it perfect, like take a nice pic or something, but tonite I just gave up and said lets do it ! I am glad I did ...coz this is really fun and a good break from all the hectic scheduling 

Az sent me the Sunshine Blogger award and the following MeMe

1.What was the inspiration behind your blog?  
Wanted to be able to create a space where people can find info abt eating halal, be it featuring products or restaurants or some halal finds :)

2.Which aspect of blogging do u find more interesting?
creativity

3.How many hours doyou spend on blogging in a week ?
The fact that I was supposed to do these MeMes weeks ago, it should explain it all, actually it really depends on how crazy the week gets

4.What is the craziest thing you've ever done?
 hmmm....brings back childhood memories...

5. What quality do you most like in yourself and why?
 I dont get attatched to anyone or anything easily

6. If you were given a chance to undo one thing from your life what would it be and why?? 
Alhumdulillah, I would not change a thing , coz I believe everything that happens has a reason and all is for the best

7.Whats ur memorable moment/fav memory since you became a blogger?
 Its always the feedback or support , like the personal emails I get saying someone tried a particular recipe and how they loved it (I get more of these for my other blog Lazzat...). 

8.What is your idea of a perfect breakfast? 
Nicely made Upma , or Kanda Pohe or Dosa with palya and chutney or a huge glass of milk (no sugar) . Anything that fills the kitchen with warm and lovely aromas, thts a nice start to the day

9.What is your favourite pastime?
 Playing with my Son, just being with him

10.Who is your favorite blogger?
 This is tough ....I dont think I can pick any single one :(

11.If you had to describe yourself in 3 words.. what would they be??  
Simple, Sincere and homely.

Over to Rashidas Meme for the Liebster Award.

What is your blog name and the reason for keeping such name?
the halal foodie, while being in the blogosphere for all these years I came across many blogs named this foodie and that foodie, so when I was thinking abt a name for a blog featuring halal foods and restaurants thats the first thing that came to my mind.

What was the inspiration behind your blog?
Wanted to be able to create a space where people can find info abt eating halal, be it featuring products or restaurants or some halal finds :)

How do you access internet?
I dont get it, does WiFi count ?

How many hours you spend in front of computer? 
MANY

Have you created facebook page for your blog?
Yes

Are you tech-savvy person? If no who help you out all the time?
Yes

I click all my pictures using not any one particular camera, I use a Canon DSLR or the iphone came at time :P

Who is your favourite blogger?
This is tough ....I dont think I can pick any single one :(

What is your favourite fast food?
I love all n any fast food chaats, bhels, pav bhaaji, burgers, pizzas, etc etc etc 

what is your favourite hobby?
like to read

Name your favourite movies?
Chupke Chupke, Jaane bhi do yaaron, Andaz Apna Apna, All Bourne Movies and many others.

Thank You Az and Rashida for linking me to these MeMes, I really enjoyed them and thank you for your patience...I appreciate it