Winter Warmes - Vegetable Chowder

Winter is upon us and Rushina's got some suggestions for you. "There's nothing like a nice hot chowder to keep you warm in the winter, but more so this dish get all the vegetables you need too."

Ingredients1 tbs. butter
2 cups chopped onion
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. salt
½ tsp. thyme
2 tsp. basil
1 medium potato, diced
2 medium stalks celery, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 cups chopped broccoli
2 cups chopped cauliflower
½ lb. mushrooms chopped
2 cups fresh golden corn
Lots of fresh black pepper
1.5 cups water
250 ml milk

MethodMelt the butter in a pan or a wok. Add onion, half the garlic, salt, thyme and basil. Sauté over medium heat 2 minutes. Add potato, celery, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower. Sauté another 5 to 8 minutes.
Add mushrooms and corn, and lots of black pepper. Sauté another 8 to 10 minutes.
Add water, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes until everything is tender. Do make sure that the potatoes are done.
Stir in hot milk and remaining garlic. Remove from heat until about 10 minutes before serving times, then heat gently. Serve topped with freshly minced herbs.

Vegetable or Seafood Tempura

Another tea time snack or a starter for your meal.

Tempura's are a lot like Indian Pakora's or bhajiyas. while the batter might differ in different cusines, the concept itsimilar....
Fried dumplings, tempuras or pakora's the basics are the same..

Ingredients:
   - 1 egg
   - 1 cup ice water
   - 1 cup all purpose flour
   - Vegetable oil to deep fry
   - Assorted vegetables cut into batons and/or seafood like shrimp or
   prawns
Method: Beat an egg in a bowl. Add ice water in the bowl. Be sure to use very cold
water. Add sifted flour in the bowl and mix lightly. Be careful not to over
mix the batter.

Heat oil in a wok. Lightly dip the vegetables/seafood in the batter and deep
fry immediately till crisp. Drain on kitchen towel. Serve hot with salt or a
light dipping sauce.