Sun Dried Tomatoes (Home-made) ...

Homemade Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Homemade)
The Old grand-ma fashioned way.

Tomatoes - 12 approx
Salt (sea) - 2 tbsp
Olive Oil - 1 ½ cups
Garlic Pods - 6 skinned
Dried Herbs of your choice - 1 ½ tsp (Optional)

Method: Simply slice tomatoes in half, and place them on a clean plate place, sprinkle Salt and Herbs and place in the hot Sun (of Kenya). Ensure that you cover it with a raised (net) cheese cloth screen. Depending on the weather and country this could take from a week to two.

Easy to make, store, and use at home, this is an item you may wish to consider a staple in your pantry.

Chefs Tip: You'll want to cover them with cheesecloth, raised so it does not touch the tomatoes, to keep out any critters and provide proper ventilation. You will also need to bring them in during the night, lest the evening dew undo your drying process.

Chefs Tip: The end product must be perfectly dry but not crispy, with no inner moisture in order to avoid bacteria growth. Ensure your hands dry when handling, no moisture at all.
In a sterilised clear glass bottle,
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes with fresh herbs or garlic added must be refrigerated.

If the old-fashioned method sounds too time-consuming, you'll be happy to know you can achieve the same lusty results with an oven-method or a dehydrator in a fraction of the time. You'll find more detailed recipe instructions in the sun-dried tomatoes recipe collection. (You could also Smoke them)

This will remain in your pantry for months on end. However, a relatively small amount of sun-dried tomatoes gives a gourmet touch and a burst of flavour to a variety of recipes.

Uses: Bake a Bread with Sun Dried Tomatoes. Add in you Salad finely sliced, etc.
On the Odd day I love them in my Sandwich too or Rice Tomato Biryani.

You East Africans will love them and ofcourse you have the weather to support you too.

With the type of variations of tomatoes available, you can have a different look and taste too. Worth the adventure for the taste buds.

Chefs: Did You Know ...

Asparagus
The alkalinity and diuretic effect of asparagus juice helps relieve many ailments.

Asparagus is a member of the lily family which includes leeks, garlic and onions. It has a spear top with bud-like, compact and pointed head.

Perhaps it may surprise you that there are a few hundred varieties of asparagus but only a small number is edible.

Although it's available all year round, asparagus usually is most found and best in spring and is harvested when it is about 6 to 8 inches tall.

The variety we eat is usually green or greenish purple in colour. There is also a white variety which is grown underground to preserve its delicate flavour. But these sunlight-deprived stalks also lack the goodness of chlorophyll.

Asparagus is expensive compared to other more common vegetables simply because it is harvested by hand.

Nutritional Benefits
Asparagus is an alkaline food which is rich in protein but low in calories and carbohydrates. It is an excellent source of potassium, folic acid, vitamins A, C and K, and traces of vitamin B complex.
A good source of dietary fibre, asparagus is also rich in niacin, phosphorus and very low sodium. And certainly most impressive is that it is one of those few vegetables that actually has the calcium and magnesium in the ideal ratio of 2:1.

Health Benefits
Asparagus has an abundance of an amino acid called asparagine, which helps to cleanse the body of waste material. As a result, some people pass out smelly urine after eating asparagus. Don't worry if this happens to you. Just be glad that your kidney is functioning as it should.

Asparagus is one of the few vegetables that are highly dense in healthful nutrients that help many ailments.

Acidity, Blood: The high alkalinity of this wonder juice is effective in reducing the acidity of the blood and helps cleanses the tissues and muscles of waste.

Arthritis and Rheumatism: A unique phytochemical in asparagus that produces anti-inflammatory effect helps relieve arthritis and rheumatism.

Bowel movement: Consume asparagus regularly for its mild laxative effect and dietary fibre that provides for regular bowel movement.

Cancer: Asparagus is a prime source of anti-oxidant and glutathione that can help prevent the dreaded cancer.

Cataracts: The anti-oxidant and glutathione in asparagus prevents the progression of cataracts and other eye problems.

Diabetes/Hypoglycaemia: The healthful minerals in asparagus juice make it an important diet for people who are controlling their blood sugar levels. However, it is not to be taken by people with advanced kidney diseases.

Diuretic: Asparagus is a wonderfully diuretic vegetable and its efficacy is more pronounced when it is taken in juice form.

Heart disease: Drink a small amount of asparagus juice mixed with raw honey three times a day daily to strengthen a weak or enlarged heart.

Kidney: The diuretic and alkaline properties of asparagus help prevent or dissolve kidney stones. It helps break up oxalic acid crystals formed in the kidney.

PMS symptoms: The diuretic effect of asparagus juice helps relieve premenstrual swelling and bloating. The magnesium in this wonder juice also helps relieve irritability, fatigue, depression, etc.

Pregnant women: The high content of folic acid, calcium and other minerals in asparagus are important in reducing the risk of birth defects and low birth weight. The diuretic effect of the juice is also a big help in reducing water retention in pregnant women.

Eating Asparagus, Garlic and Artichokes help shed pounds of you. These Vegetables prompt the body to produce hormone, which suppresses appetite.
They are known to improve the way the body reacts to Insulin, a hormone which helps control blood sugar levels. Helps you control Type 2 Diabetes the form linked to obesity.

Chefs Comment: Whatever the case maybe ... consuming these vegetables causes no harm.

Mango in Spicey Tangy Sauce ...

Red Onions – 2 Cups finely diced
Tomatoes – 2 Cups finely diced
Mangoes (Ripe) – 2 cups finely diced
Red Vinegar – ½ Cup
Honey – ½ cup (or Brown Sugar ¾ kg)
Green Chilli – 1 Pod finely diced (Add more to taste)
Salt & Coarse Black pepper to taste
Olive Oil (Extra virgin) – ½ cup
Turmeric – ¼ tsp
Curry Powder – ¼ tsp
Coriander – ½ cup finely chopped
Ginger – 1 tbsp puree
Garlic – 1 tsp puree
Butter – 1 tbsp
Lemon Juice – 1 tbsp

Method: In a large saucepan, add the Olive Oil, Onions, Ginger, Garlic, Vinegar and sauté for 30mins. Add Butter, Tomatoes, Chillies, Lemon Juice, Turmeric and Curry powder and cook for further 20mins. At this stage you can blend this to a fine puree.
Remove from heat. Add mangoes and Coriander mix well and serve.

Chef's tip: goes well with Grilled Prawns, Fish Fillets or Cauliflower cutlets.
My Son often uses this as his Burger sauce. Enjoy.

Ladies Sangeet ...

I am often asked, If I know of any singers for Ladies Sangeet.
Here at last! I have one of the finest …

Use Chef Attalia as a reference ...

Sodi Singh of Nairobi, Kenya ...

On my recent trip to Kenya, we attended a Reception party @ Simba (Sikh) Union in Nairobi. A Splendid evening it proved to be.

A gentleman preformed Live … by the name of “Sodi Singh” … Wow! Absolute brilliant.
Could even sing some Kenyan native songs … I was very impressed.
He was supported by his Roadshow …

Sodi Singh is definitely there … Big Hit in Nairobi, Kenya …
I wonder how many of you have had the pleasure to hear this talent.
Attaching a copy of his CD, which I managed to get a signed copy of (Ha!)
Someone needs to quickly sign up this talent ... Words pronounced clearly and backed with a Clear Voice ...
Keep it Up … Sodi Singh.








So ... If you're going to Nairobi, Kenya for a Wedding ... I highly recommend "Sodi Singh"
Use Chef Attalia as a reference ...
To get my signed copy ... I was invited to his house for breakfast and he kindly handed me a FREE copy of his Pride.
thank you ... Sodi

Dagaa ...

Sun Dried Fried Fish with Tomatoes

Fish - Sun dried 2 inch Chunks - 900gms
Tomatoes - cut into small wedges - 450gms
Onions - Coarsely chopped
Chill - finely diced - 2 pods
Garlic Cloves – finely chopped - 4pcs
Water – 600ml
Coconut Milk – 600ml
Butter – 100gms
Salt – to taste
Coriander - handful

Method: Dry-fry the stockfish in a non-stick pan until slightly browned.
In a large Non-stick Pan, add the tomatoes, onions, chilli, garlic, water and coconut milk to a large pan. Bring to a boil then add the fried stockfish.

Reduce to a simmer and cook until most of the water has been absorbed (make sure you only stir gently to avoid breaking-up the fish). At this stage, add butter and garnish with coriander and serve with Ugali, Matoke, Rice or Chappati’s.

Chef’s Tip: For those who have no idea of sun-dried fish. Opt for Cod, salt it well and place it in a oven on low Gas mark and dry the fish. Please ensure it is properly dried and is not moist at all. Cool and dice it. Can store for a month.

This is popular Swahili dish.