Chapli Kabab

Chapli Kabab is my favourite Kabab after Bihari Kabab. I had Chapli Kabab recently at my friends place - Sohail Bhai's. I was dropping him something at his door and he being his usual hospitable and gracious - offered me something he had made - I went after dinner but it was Sohail bhai's creation - couldn't say no to it (and I am bit of a glutton anyways lol). He shared the recipe with me. This past weekend when my parents were vistitng me I got excited and decided to excite them by attempting to make Chapli Kabab.

Link: (18) The Ultimate Chapli Kabab Recipe By Food Fusion - YouTube

Recipe Process:

- 1/2 kg of minced beef (25% fat)

- 2 tblsp of oil and whisk 2 eggs - fry both sides

- 3 medium sized red onions - finely chopped and remove excess water

- 10-12 desi green chillis - finely chopped

- Mix the green chillis and onions in the minced beef (qeema)

- + 1 tblspn of ginger + garlic paste

- + 2 cup of freshly chopped coriander

- + 1.5 tblsp of crushed coriander seeds

- + 1 tblspn red chilli flakes

- + 1 tsp cumin powder

- + 1 tsp garam masala

- + 1.5 tsp Ajwain crushed (carom seeds)

- + 1.5 tblsp anardana crushed

- + 0.5 tsp black pepper powder

- Mix everything

- + 1 cup of maize flour - mix it

- +1 raw egg - mix it

- + 2 chopped de-seeded tomatoes

- Refrigerate it for at least 30 mins.

- Heat the oil and fry each side 7-8 mins.

My parents and family really enjoyed it and I surprised myself (again) . It was lot of work but it paid off. Alhamdulilah!

Data Science : Chapter 2

Wanted the title to be "Data Science: Reloaded" or "Data Science 2.0' but "Chapter 2" gives it a growth-mind-set connotation instead of a dramatic (read cheesy lol) title 

I was introduced to this 6-month Data Science certificate program by my ex-colleague Noman Bhai. It was an instant 'yes' as back of my mind I always wanted to reinforce my past learning about Data Science. I completed my Masters in Management Analytics from Queen's Univ and it has been 5 years since then.

This program uses Python which was another driver in plunging into this certification. I am halfway done (almost end of Module 3) and must say it has been a great journey. Learning a lot from Zoom class sessions, met some dynamic members from cohort from different backgrounds. It has given me lot of exposure to the statistical modeling and make me appreciate it even more with the introduction of Python. 

Young and enthusiast faculty. The passion and desire in explaining Data Science and stats concept is evident. Most of them are pursuing Masters or PhDs; delivering gems in professional and respectful manner.  

Presentations complimented with lab sessions to reinforce the concepts. TA always accessible for any questions. Each module has sporadic quizzes. Every module has written (virtual) and practical (take-away) exam - honestly not my strong forte studying for exams (anymore lol).

Nevertheless, I have something to look forward to on weekends. It is painful to get up early on weekends as weekends are the only 'no alarm' sleeps - but not anymore. Hey - I ain't complaining. I did mention I am enjoying them - learning is fun (sometimes) :)

The biggest 'surprise' (as so may call it) was my introduction to Konain Qurban. In hindsight, embarking on this certification seems like an excuse as destiny wanted me to meet him. Younger than me but an enormous wealth of experience, information and wisdom (had to say that part lol).  He is a trail blazer - he is the founder of this institute - Frontier Institute of Technology. A visionary. If a title exists, he is clearly the front runner for "30 under 30" in Pakistan !

On a lighter side, he also introduced me and family to the best Hyderabadi restaurant in Canada! Will go again when you are back in December !

Almost forgot, we also must do a Capstone Project. I have been assigned a group - looking forward to this sub-journey.

On a serious note, I should start my Assignment for my Module 3. One thing to add,  from work front - it is so damn busy as Covid has shamelessly erased the work-home boundaries, end up working much more and feeling burnt-down as well. I can write more but will hold that thought for later post (plus need to stop procrastinating and get on with the assignment! ) 

 

*Edits. Captured my social media 'fame' lol :

 

Strong-Link vs Weak-Link + High-Treshold vs Low-Treshold

Interesting concepts I came across in a podcast called Revisionist by Malcom Gladwell  that I wanted to pen down through this post and give examples to explain the terms.

Strong-Link and Weak-Link

In soccer, your best player is not good if the weakest player is also good enough to make a strong-link. 

In basketball, your best player does not necessarily needs to have all good players. You can have a weak-link and yet your star player can shine and lead the team to victory.


Low-Threshold and High-Threshold

Low Threshold - some people don't 'absorb' when communicating with their partners and  'steam off' when they have something to complain about

High-Threshold - some people just build up all the 'not rights' in the relationships and keep a mental note - and when they 'erupt' on an incident - they bring out the complaints dating back from wedding/honeymoon days. Meaning they have high-threshold in the relationship.

Stuff it, leave no Room in that 'MushRoom' !

Kids love it.My wife loves it. Our friends love it. Its an instant hit ! It falls in appetizer category but special enough for my family to sit together and savor the taste and enjoy the company and the whole experience. Hey as they say - family that eats together , stays together (IA)

I have made this recipe couple of times and now I think I can moralize the experience by this blog - also serves as the reference for the recipe. Shoutout to Emad for the inspiration as I viewed the recipe for the first time watching his video

Process:

1) De-throne the mushroom from its stalk or should I say uproot the stalk from its head and place the heads on the baking pan. (Chop the stalks and put it aside for later)

2) Chop 1 onion

3) Chop 1/2 bell pepper (which ever color is available honestly, but I usually pick the yellow one. Hello, why not?

4) Heat the pan with Olive/Avocado oil with fresh ginger (1/4) and garlic (2 cloves)

5) Now throw in the chopped onions, pepper and mushrooms (yes in that order with 5-6 mins interval)

6) I used Kirkland spice mix - 2 tablespoon. Or you can add salt, pepper, crushed red powder, chili flakes

7) * Optional : Add a pinch of turmeric powder for satisfaction purposes (health is wealth - duh ! )

Once the above spices are fried (make sure you don't burn them or overcook them). Follow these steps:

8) In a mixing bowl, put the mix and add 2 tablespoon of cream cheese (Kiri brand preferably)

9) 'wing' the creamy spice mix into the holes of the mushroom heads. Over-fill it - 'concave' it !

10) Place the baking tray in the oven for 20-25 mins on 400F.

Easy recipe and loads of goodness (and brownie points ;) )

Versa - Viva La Vida !

12 years, yes - I owned Nissan Versa for 12 years. That is way above average (8 years) that Canadians hold on to their car for.

It was my first ever car. I bought it on May 2008 - few months before my son was born that year. I had bought it from an auction for $12k. It was a 2007 make and had 28,000km mileage. By the time it left my garage forever it was clicked around 276,000 km!

I can vouch for the car as the most economical car and required bare-minimum maintenance. Just like the car, I grew old with it. Ironically, I appreciated in value and Versa depreciated (pun intended).

I have lots of found memories with (and in) the car. During my career, it drove me to all my workplace in different cities - Markham, Mississauga, Thornhill, Cambridge, Waterloo and lastly- Vaughan. I have driven to Chicago twice in that car (both times to witness nuptial unions).

It was a bittersweet feeling - on one hand I was getting my first luxury car and on the other I was letting go my first car. Had I not been idly browsing for cars and getting snitched by the car dealer I would not had let go of you Versa. Yes Versa, I want you to know that I will always remember you and letting you go was not easy. I traded you with mere $500 - I know no one can put dollar value to you - you are priceless.

Doing a transaction in the holy and blessful month of Ramadan, I hope my new car brings joy and happiness for me and my family IA - Ameen.

P.S - I did not test drive Versa(2008) nor its replacement(2020) ~ somethings never change

MummyMaa ka Khana Khazana

Last summer, my wife's grandmother (known ubiquitously as 'MummyMaa') was staying at our place.
MummyMaa has a strong influence on the family and Hyderabadi Cusine (no pun intended). She has written various recipes in Urdu which was challenge decipher it.

With hands-on live approach - I got to learn from the source herself.

Below are the dishes I made and jotted down the recipes after - hence written in concise

Dum Ka Qeema (In Hyderabadi they pronounce it as 'Kheema')

- 3 lb of lean ground beef..
- Blend ginger garlic paste, green chillies, fried onions, coriander leaves, Kabab Cheeni (never heard or saw it before), half cup yogurt, salt and pepper
- Pour the blend in the meat add oil, cinnamon stick , ground pepper, cinnamon powder, hara masala, coriander powder, cumin powder
- Place it in baking tray and bake for 30 mins @ 450F

Shahi Qourma

- Made green masala (coriander leaves , salt and green chillies), 1 cup yogurt and put whole chicken pieces
- Add Cinnamon stick, cardamom (Elaichi), round black pepper
- Heat one cup of oil and add the marinated chicken
- Put it on high heat
- Blender : half cup coconut milk, mint leaves and 2 tblspn of fried onions
- Add the above and after it comes to boil...lower the heat and close the lid

Green Masala Baked Fish

- Green masala (coriander, green chillies, ginger garlic paste, salt, coconut milk half, fried onions )
- Marinate fish and put 1/4 cup oil
- Bake it for 450 for 15 mins
- Once done sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and vinegar (or lemon) on top

 

6 years ago [18 Oct 2019]...

Last Friday it was my daughter Sheza\"s 6th birthday ! It may be sound cliché but it feels yesterday she was born ! How time flies - a statement that I repeated on my son\"s 6th birthday six years ago !




Before she was born, read/heard lot of sayings about daughter-father bond - e.g. "Daddy\"s Princess" , "Daddy\"s girl" -  my parents having no daughter, I never understood the relation between daughter and father. My daughter has completely changed my life for the better. She is epitome of my existence. The way she captures my attention and melts my heart with her anecdote is beyond describable. I hope she grows up to become an educated, kind-hearted, caring and responsible individual - who carries her head high with self-respect, self-esteem, humility and confidence - Inshallah!




Some of the key characteristics that will give us some insights how her personality is shaping:




- Can hardly speak Urdu. Will be joining French immersion school from next year in same school as my son IA.

- Pickiest eater - prefers veggies - cauliflower, broccoli, carrot instead of chicken, meat or fish.

- Shy and reticent - takes her time to open up.

- Style sense - she is a mini fashionista - has her own makeup table with varieties of hair clips and other accessories. Very clear in how she wants her hair style to be.

- Her first travel destination was Saudi Arabia/Paris.

- Sheza was 5 years old when we went to Disney (Orlando) - a year older than her brother when we went there last time. Sheza didn\"t like Disney ! She was clinging on to me on each ride. We tease her saying that our next vacation will be Disney lol