Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Stress correlation

So past few weeks have been really busy and stressful. One after another there was something that came up. I think most of it is over now and I can finally get back to the regular schedule....hopefully. Ah ... how I miss having a schedule, just a plain old schedule. Stress is correlated to so many consequential effects that I cant even start to talk about it. But one thing though that stands out the most is that my bad eating habits are directly proportional to stress. The most stress I have, the more I falter and eat. Usually, I eat a lot of Chinese food (fast food kind) when I am stressed. Its gotten to a point that I correlate Chinese food with stress. When I'm in a good mood, Chinese food is like ehh.. more like nooo... I guess that can be a good thing...i think.

I do think eating should be an activity where savoring and enjoying are the necessary requirements for it. But also for that requirement to fullfilled, the stress factor should be eliminated from the face of the earth.. haha...just kidding. It think it is possible even with stress. I think ;)

Over the weeks, I did some cooking and photography so there are plenty of recipes to share. The recipe today is for a simple tuna fried rice with and Indian flavor. The star ingredient used is a 'curry leaf' (more info here --> curry). There are small green leaves that are widely used in South India for seasoning various curries and stews. What basil is to Italian cuisine, curry leaf is to south Indian cuisine.

Oh ..... and just for those wondering, the 'curry powder' used in traditional American and British markets do not have any curry leaf.

TUNA FRIED RICE WITH OLIVES

Ingredients:

1. Tuna (canned, I used the one with oil)
2. Brown/White rice (1 cup)
3. Onion (1/2 medium, cut into small cubes)
4. Mustard seeds (1 tsp)
5. Curry Leaves (3, cut into half)
6. Green Olives (according to taste, separated from the liquid)
7. Salt & Pepper
8. Oil (1.5 tsp)

Method:
Get the ingredients ready
In a pan, pour oil. Heat. Add the mustard seeds to the oil. Heat until the seeds sputter.
Add Curry leaves and saute for a minute in medium heat. Make sure it does not burn or turn brown.
Add the onions. Saute until it turns transparent
Open the tuna can and drain the excess liquid. Throw in the tuna in the pan
Add some diced olives to the pan and saute.
After a minute add some black pepper and salt to taste. Stir
After two minutes add the cooked rice. Stir for about 3-5 minutes and serve
There is also an option to add ketchup or hot-sauce while cooking, but i prefer it on the side.