Marias Menu » Salad Recipes

Salmon Avocado & Asparagus Salad

Maria — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:59:08 +0000

Finally got it! The chance to blog on MariasMenu. You’ve probably heard about me (Jose)… well, I used my persuasion skills on Maria to share with you a simple (and healthy) bachelor’s recipe! But before I divulge it, let me tell you some more stuff about MariasMenu.com and announce the results of the competition (Can’t wait…? Scroll below to find the winner!)

Last week, Maria gave you the motivation for the site. Today, I’ll take you behind the project.

Once I had Maria convinced that she needed a blog to share her recipes (the real reason was to keep her busy so I could have some free time!) – we searched for a name, something simple, something relevant to cooking. We weren’t quite creative – so we came up with MariasMenu.com.

We needed a simple blogging solution, so we turned to WordPress. We then purchased the domain, the hosting space, installed WordPress, a free downloaded theme and Mint tracking software. The deal was to blog for 1 year no matter what. If things didn’t work out, we’d only lose some time, effort and a bit of cash. No worries.

Things were slow, but Maria was learning… we changed the site design (after a lot of fighting), my carefulness managed to wipe out the entire database at one point in time, losing all recipes and pictures (I really took the heat for that!), then she figured out how to use my camera (darn!) and so we progressed slowly…

3 years on, and 150+ recipes later… things have changed (besides adding a few inches to my waist) – most of the change took place in the last year. We introduced an easier-to-use design, Twitter, Amazon books, FeedBurner mailing list, customized Google search, threaded comments, random recipes (Chef Cappy), food gallery, cooking converter and of course advertisements to support the site. Phew… that’s a lot of work!

Let me just conclude by saying this… Blogging is not easy, but it certainly is a rewarding experience! Thank you for being a part of it… So that’s it! I got my chance… it was a bit long, I know I won’t get another chance (ok… maybe next year).

Now here’s the good stuff:

The answer to last week’s birthday competition is…. “4″ ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 )

And the lucky winner is….

“Zaara”

Congratulations! You receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card. We’ll be sending you the coupon by email (So check your inbox). You can use that to purchase a book or something you like on Amazon… or you can pass it on to anyone you like.

Oh, did I forget the recipe?

Smoked Salmon – 100g
Asparagus – 4 – 5 sticks
Ripe Avocado – 1
Dried Dates – 2 small ones, cut into strips
Fresh Lettuce – 2 – 3 leaves, cut into strips
Red or Green Apple – 1/2 skinned and chopped
Small pickled cucumbers – 3 – 4
Any Salad Dressing (Thousand Island)
Parmesan herb seasoning
Basil & garlic seasoning

The first thing I like to do, is keep things ready: Chop the smoked salmon into small chunks (not too small). Slice the dates – you only need a few strips, depending on how sweet you want it. Slice the skinned apple, same here – only a few pieces to make it crunchy (you can eat the rest after your lunch!).

Cutting an avocado requires some skill! Cut a line around the avocado, from top to bottom and back up on the other side to the top again. Then twist both sides in opposite direction. This way, you’ll be left with two halves – with the seed in one. Yank out the big seed and use a spoon to scoop the flesh from both halves.

Make sure you break the fresh asparagus sprigs properly (they’ll break at the hard part). Boil the asparagus in salt water for 3 – 4 minutes (don’t keep for long). Strain immediately and then transfer it to some cold water for 1 minute. Strain again. Slice the sticks into smaller pieces.

Here’s the easy part… drop the ingredients 1 – 7 into a big bowl, add the salad dressing… mix. Use your hands to mix well for 1 minute, then serve for two. Top with seasoning – you can use your favourite ones. Voila – a healthy salad!

Why not leave a comment? Quick, head on over to MariasMenu.com for more tasty, delicious and simple recipes! Remember to check out the Recipe Index to find some easy-to-cook dishes. Don’t forget to tell your friends and family about MariasMenu!

Pasta Salad

Maria — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:59:30 +0000

When I tell my friends/relatives that I like to eat brown bread/bun, museli, tuna etc; they tend to give me a weird look and ask how do you manage to eat them. There is generally a misconception that healthy stuff and taste doesn’t go hand in hand. I should say it doesn’t apply to all healthy stuff though I know some people who eat it, irrespective of its taste. I believe am not included in that category, I prefer healthy stuff, provided it gives some treat to my taste buds as well.

Pasta is liked by many, mainly because of the creamy sauce and cheese in it and hence its usually considered as a junk food. For a change, you can make something healthy with the pasta, without compromising on the taste. I was introduced to this salad by my mother in law. This is very refreshing especially for summer time since the dressing is made of yogurt.

Pasta – 1 cup
Vegetables – 2 cups*
Yogurt – 14 – 1/2 cup
Olive oil -2 tsp
Mustard powder/paste – 1-2 tsp
Sugar – 1 tsp
Pepper powder – 1/2 tsp
Salt

Cook the pasta in 2 cups of water with 1 tsp olive oil & salt. Drain the water completely & let it cool.

Beat the yogurt well and add 1 tsp olive oil, mustard powder/paste, sugar, pepper powder & salt. Combine well. Add the cooled pasta and veggies. Mix well so that the pasta and veggies are coated with the yogurt dressing. Refrigerate for 2 hours, serve chilled.

For the healthier version, use brown/organic pasta and no/low fat yogurt.

* You can use any veggies that you like, though I strongly recommend capsicum and celery since it gives a special flavor. I have used carrot, cucumber, capsicum, spring onion, celery & lettuce.

You can see other low fat/healthy recipes here

Update on 16/08/09: Below is the picture sent by Annu, one of my readers, who has tried out this recipe. Thought of sharing it with you :) Thanks a lot Annu for trying this recipe and also for the picture :)

Meat/Beef Cutlet

Maria — Fri, 11 May 2007 12:31:38 +0000

Beef – 1/2 kg ( cut into medium sized cubes)
Ginger – 1 tablespoon (chopped)
Meat masala/Garam masala – 1 teaspoon
Pepper powder – 1/2 teaspoon
Salt
Curry leaves
Onion – 1 big ( chopped)
Ginger – 1/2 tablespoon ( chopped)
Green chilli – 2-3 (chopped)
Meat Masala/Garam Masala – 2 teaspoon
Curry leaves
Potato – 1 medium (boiled & mashed)
Bread Crumbs – 1 cup
Egg white – 1 egg
Oil

Cook the cleaned beef with number 2 ingredients. Once it is cooled mince the meat using a food processor/chopper etc. Saute onion till it becomes soft.Add chopped ginger, green chillies and curry leaves.Add minced meat. Mix well. Add meat/garam masala. Saute the minced meat till it becomes dry. Allow the mixture to cool. Once it is cooled add mashed potatoes & mix well. Make small balls with the mixture & roll into desired shapes. Beat the egg white. Dip each cutlet in egg white & roll with bread crumbs. Deep fry in oil. Serve hot with tomato sauce and salad.

The keema can be stored in freezer for almost a month.

Mango Salad

Maria — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 16:40:31 +0000

Ripe Mango – 1
Small onion – 5 chopped
Dry chilli â€“2
Green chilli â€“ 2 chopped
Curry leaves -1tablespoon chopped
Coriander leaves – 2 tablespoon chopped
Pudina leaves - 2 tablespoon chopped
Coconut oil or salad oil - 1 tablespoon
Chaat masala -one teaspoon
Salt
Cut the mango into small cubes.Mix all ingredients except chaat masala & mango. Add mango pieces to this & mix well. Keep in the fridge for half an hour. Sprinkle chaat masala over the salad before serving.