chaat @ shanti fast food..............By Kirti Pataskar

The other day I was watching some lifestyle english channel wherein i came across a Uk citizen selling "jhalmuri" (a Bengali version of Bhel) on the streets of London.Undoubtedly,that made me proud to see that our Indian Chaat has reached the corners of the world.there can be no such person on this earth who doesnt like chaat.Sweet-Sour chutney (Khajur imli ki chutney),chilli chutney,some fried lentils,puris,coriander,finely chopped onion,tomatoes,coriander are all that go into it and makes a wonder.As one cant resist chaat,one cant resist Shanti fast food chaat too.Its run by a man who migrated to mumbai some decade ago from jaipur.There also he would do the same business.After coming to the city of dreams,for few months he worked at wankhede stadium's food outlet.then he shifted to kandivali,thakur complex,hired a place and started his own chaat corner in the name of shanti fast food.

Shanti Fast food @ kandivali  east

The most popular chaat dishes of shanti are Amul Dabeli,Papdi Chaat,Sev puri,Ragada Pattice,Bhelpuri and the list continues.The eatery is flooded after 5 pm.Its working hours are from 3.00pm to 10pm.The best part of this food stall is this man makes his chutnyes everyday and no stale items are kept in his stall.So one can relax without fear of stomach problems and hog onto his dishes.To be very frank when I went to him for my blog,my stomach was royally upset.Even then I had to eat though in small portions.the man himself is very smilling and greets people with smiles and pampers them with sukha masala puri as a complimentary goodies after they finish their eating.He learnt his culinary skills in Jaipur itself from his boss where he was working.This man realized his passion for chaat and chaat making and thereafter decided to turn his passion into business.This is how Shanti fast food came into being.

both busy serving the flooding orders

its an mazing view to see this man making a dish...!

Sunptuous Dabeli 

This is schezwan chtuney

I tasted Amul dabeli.It was very crispy,perfectly spiced with dabeli vegeables,fried peanuts,sev and pomogrnate kernels.Second was Papdi chaat.this dish turned abit more spicy for me.But it was good.Then we ordered my all time favorite with him -Sevpuri.you take pani puri or sevpuri,Puris are always fresh and crispy.Overall all the dishes were value for money and quite tasty.If you are a chaat lover then Shaanti fast food is must-visit for you.

(photo courtsey:Ganesh Dabholkar)Thank You GD .Your pictures speak more than my article.

chicken sukha.........By Kirti Pataskar

Chicken sukha: Chicken sukha is a dry chicken dish and goes well with rice bhakri or chapati.It is one of the most staple dish in Konkan's homes and restaurants.Though cooking method differs we are here giving you the simple,easy to make and tasty version of the same.Hope you love it.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 Kg Chicken
• 10 Red Chillies
• 2 tbsp Coriander
• 10-12 Pepper Corn
• 1/2 tsp Jeera
• 1/2 tsp Methi
• 2 inches Cinnamon
• 6 Cloves
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 5-6 cloves of garlic
• 2 Onions
• 2-3 Tomatoes
• 5-6 Curry leaves
• 1 cup Grated coconut
• 1 Lime(small)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp ghee + 1 tbsp Coconut oil

Cooking Method:

Masala Powder: Dry roast red chillies, coriander, methi, jeera, cinnamon and cloves and powder them.

Masala Paste: Grind 1 onion and garlic into a paste. Add grated coconut and grind for a while.
Cut chicken into small pieces. Wash, drain and marinate with turmeric, salt, and lime juice and keep aside.

Heat ghee and oil and fry the chopped onion till golden brown, add chopped tomatoes and saute till oil separates.
Add curry leaves and fry for a while.

Now add marinated chicken. Mix well and allow to cook for a while.

Now add ground masala paste and masala powder, mix well and allow to dry.

Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.