26 October 2017

Mexican Mint-Peanuts Pesto Pasta

           Mexican mint or Cuban oregano or Indian Borage or Karpooravalli ilai or Omam Ilai, many names for such an enchanting plant. Till now we have mostly used these leaves in our must-have morning concoction called Sukku Kaapi, or in a raita or rasam. But today I was driven to try it in something more interesting. Pesto seemed like a good one to try.
So here it is..
MEXICAN MINT PEANUTS PESTO PASTA
Ingredients:
For the Pesto:
Mexican mint leaves - 4-5 large or 7-8 medium
Roasted peanuts - ¼ cup
Garlic cloves - 3-4
Salt, pepper to taste
Cheese slices - 2 (One can use the traditional processed/Parmesan cheese instead)
Olive oil - ¼ cup
Other:
Pasta of choice, cooked al dente
Olive oil - 2 tbsps
Broccoli - 5-6 florets, blanched
Spinach - 1 bunch, blanched and coarsely blended
Salt, pepper to taste
Method:
1. Add the pesto ingredients to a blender jar minus the olive oil and give it a quick pulse.
2. Add half the olive oil and blend once. Add the remaining oil and blend again.
3. Heat olive oil in a large wok and add the broccoli. Saute for a bit.
4. Add the blended spinach and let simmer on low. Add salt and pepper.
5. Once the mix becomes a little thick, add the pesto and give a quick stir. Turn off flame.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the spinach-pesto sauce and mix well but gently.
Serve hot.

25 October 2017

Brewklyn - brewing happiness!

           Where do I even begin about this place!? Brewklyn isn't the first micro-brewery I've visited (and surely not the last), but this is definitely a landmark in Kalyan Nagar. It's nested on the 4th floor and has a cool vibe from the moment you enter. The brain child of Prashanth Patil and Neeraj Chandrasekar, the passion and thought that has gone into this place shows. 
Right from the beers to starters to main course to desserts, there is plenty to feel spoilt for choice. 
Amongst the beer varieties, I particularly liked the British Pale Ale and Biggie, the German style lager. I prefer Shandy though (sorry purists) which was light and refreshing, just as I was hoping it would be. 
Starters - Loved all that I tasted. An advantage of visiting an eatery in a group is that you get to sample a bit of everything! 
Jalapeno Cheese bites were simply melt in the mouth. Tawa Paneer was okay. Pita and Spinach corn bites was another stunner. Vegetable kurkure - okay, a good dish to munch on while enjoying your beer. 
Main course - Veg pizzas, Farmhouse and Italiano were decent. Turophiles will especially like them coz they were oozing with cheese! 
Veg Cannelloni was amazing. 
Desserts - Moving on to desserts, the Apple pie was a show stopper for me. The tartlet base was super crunchy, apple crumble delectable and the portion just right. Cheesecake, warning, you might not want to share! 
And speaking of ambience, try not to sit around after ordering your food. There's a pool table, foosball table, a rooftop (I believe open to parties) else, simply walk around and enjoy the view.
Verdict : Will definitely visit again....
And now, enjoy the pictures!
Brewklyn is at - No.30, B.R Plaza, CMR Road, HRBR Layout, Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560043
Directions - Google Maps
Location - 4/5
Ambience - 4.5/5
Food - 4.5/5
Service - 4.5/5