Appetizers

Tawa Paneer Pizza Bites

Appetizers

Asian Sticky Baby Potatoes

Appetizers

Guacamole Papdi

Appetizers

Tawa Paneer Pizza Bites

As we light up the festive season, letโ€™s celebrate with a delicious twist! Diwali is all about creating cherished moments with family and indulging in flavours that connect us.

Introducing the delightful ๐“๐š๐ฐ๐š ๐๐š๐ง๐ž๐ž๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ณ๐ณ๐š ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ž๐ฌ in Episode 6 of our Diwali Soirรฉe series! These crispy paneer slices are smothered in rich homemade pizza sauce and topped with gooey cheese, bringing together the best of Indian and Italian flavours.

So, gather your loved ones and indulge in these scrumptious bites that are sure to spark the festive spirit! Stay tuned for more delectable recipes to make your Diwali celebrations even more special!

Course Appetizer
Servings 4 persons
Preparation Time 5 minutes
Cook time 10 minutes

Ingredients for theย  Tawa Paneer Pizza Bites
(1 cup = 200 ml; 1 tbsp = 15 ml)
1/2 cup Cottage cheese (Paneer)
Oil for cooking
Salt to taste
Grated cheese
2 โ€“ 3 tbsp Basil for garnish

Ingredients for the Pizza Sauce
(1 cup =200 ml; 1 tbsp = 15 ml)
2 tbsp Olive oil
3 โ€“ 4 cloves Garlic, minced
6 โ€“ 8 Tomatoes (use red ones)
2 โ€“ 3 tbsp Tomato paste
1 tsp Sugar
1 tsp Dried oregano
3 โ€“ 4 Basil leaves
Chili flakes to taste
Salt to taste
Tabasco as per taste

Instruction for the Tawa Paneer Pizza Bites
1 Cut the paneer into rectangular slices as shown in the recipe.
2

Saute on a tawa on three sides with a little oil. Season with salt and keep aside.
3

Now add the pizza sauce (1 tbsp) on each cooked paneer slice. Top with grated cheese and chili flakes. Cover and cook once again on the tawa until the cheese melts.
4

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve at once.

Instruction for the Pizza Sauce
1

Boil the tomatoes in water until the skin peels off. Drain the liquid, remove the skin and chop the tomatoes.
2

Now, heat the olive oil . Sautรฉ the garlic. Add in chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt and herbs. Cook until the water dries up and the sauce thickness to your desired consistency.
3

Add in the chili flakes, tabasco and adjust the other seasonings as per your taste.
4

Let the sauce cool completely before using it on the pizza. You can store the left over sauce in fridge for upto a week.
October 28, 2024 By
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Appetizers

Asian Sticky Baby Potatoes

As we get closer to Diwali, letโ€™s sprinkle some extra magic into the festivities! In this episode of ‘Diwali Soirรฉe,’ I’m whipping up a dish thatโ€™s bound to steal the spotlight ๐€๐ฌ๐ข๐š๐ง ๐’๐ญ๐ข๐œ๐ค๐ฒ ๐๐š๐›๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ญ๐š๐ญ๐จ๐ž๐ฌ!

These tender, flavour-packed bites bring a dash of Indo-Chinese to your festive table. Theyโ€™re not just delicious; theyโ€™re also super easy to prepare, making them a hassle-free option for your celebrations.

Whether youโ€™re looking to impress your guests or simply want a treat thatโ€™s a little different, these potatoes are ready to be the star of your spread.

Celebrate with unique flavours and stay tuned for more in this delicious series! ๐Ÿฅณ

Course Appetizer
Servings 4 persons
Preparation Time 20 minutes
Cook time 30 minutes

Ingredients for the Asian sticky baby potatoes
(1 cup = 200 ml; 1 tbsp = 15 ml)
2 cups Fried baby potatoes
2- 3 tbsp Butter
8-10 cloves Garlic minced
2 tbsp Green chilies minced
2 tbsp Red chili flake
2 tbsp Light soya sauce
1 tbsp Oyster sauce
1-2 tbsp Vinegar
Salt (taste and add)
1 tsp Sugar (optional)
3 tbsp Coriander leaves chopped
2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped

Instructions for the Asian sticky baby potatoes
1

In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, green chilies, and red chili flakes, and sautรฉ until fragrant.
2

Add the fried baby potatoes to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce and vinegar , tossing until each potato is well-coated.
3

Sprinkle the chopped coriander and parsley over the potatoes, giving them a final toss to combine.
4 Serve warm and enjoy.
October 27, 2024 By
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Appetizers

Guacamole Papdi

As we dive into Episode 4ย  of the Diwali Soirรฉe series, the festive spirit is absolutely alive! Diwali is more than just a celebration, itโ€™s a time for creating beautiful memories with loved ones and indulging in flavours that bring us together.

In this episode, weโ€™re adding a fun twist to our celebrations with Guacamole Papdi! Imagine crispy papdi topped with a generous helping of creamy guacamole, combining the crunch of traditional Indian snacks with the fresh taste of Mexican flair. Itโ€™s a delightful fusion that adds a unique twist to Diwali spread and is perfect for sharing with friends and family.

So, gather your loved ones, indulge in this exciting flavour combination, and let the festive celebrations begin!

Course Appetizer
Servings 4 persons
Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cook time 15 minutes

Ingredients for the Papdi
(1 cup = 200 ml; 1 tbsp = 15 ml)
1/2 cup makai ka atta
ยฝ cup refined flour ( maida)
2 tbsp tbsp oil
Salt to taste
Warm water as required
Oil for frying

Ingredients for the Guacamole
(1 cup = 250 ml)
2 Nos. Large Avocadoes
1/2 Tomato finely chopped
5 to 6 nos Spring Onions finely chopped
5 to 6 slices Jalapenos finely chopped
1 No Green chilli seeds removed and finely chopped
ยผ cup Coriander leaves finely chopped
2 Tbsp Mayonnaise (plain) or Greek-style hung curd
1 to 2 cloves Garlic finely chopped
1/2 Lemon squeezed
Salt to taste

Instruction for the Papdi
1 Mix together the dough for papdis with ingredients mentioned above . Rest out the dough for 20 min
2

Roll out the dough with the help of flour into a very thin rectangle. Prick it all over with a fork . Cut into round discs with a help of a cookie cutter.
3

Airfry, bake or fry the same . The discs should be crisp. (I prefer the fried ones)

Instruction for the Guacamole
1 Scoop out the green flesh from the ripe avocados and mash well with a fork.
2

Immediately squeeze the lemon before the avocado turns brown.
3

Add rest of the ingredients and mix well.
4

Chill in refrigerator.

Instruction to assemble
1 Spoon one tsp of guacamole on each papdi garnish with some greens ( spring onion) or coriander leaves and serve at once
October 25, 2024 By
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Appetizers

Sticky Spiced Cashews

Diwali is just around the corner, and as you prepare for the festive cheer, Iโ€™m thrilled to bring you Episode 3 of the Diwali Soirรฉe series!

Say hello to your new party favorite ๐’๐ญ๐ข๐œ๐ค๐ฒ ๐’๐ฉ๐ข๐œ๐ž๐ ๐‚๐š๐ฌ๐ก๐ž๐ฐ๐ฌ . Roasted to perfection, these sweet and savory bites are perfect for hosting your festive gatherings or as a thoughtful, homemade gift.

Deliciously indulgent, yet so simple, theyโ€™re bound to impress and keep the celebrations going. Treat your guests to something unique and flavourful this Diwali, and stay tuned for more festive delights!

Course Appetizer
Servings Makes 1 cup
Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cook time 20-25 minutes

Ingredients for the Sticky Spiced Cashews
(1 cup = 200 ml; 1 tbsp = 15 ml)
1 cup Cashews (plain unsalted)
ยฝ cup Maple syrup
1 tbsp Oil
1 tsp Red chili powder
ยฝ tsp Turmeric powder
1 tsp Coriander seed powder
1 tsp Cumin seed powder
2 โ€“ 3 tbsp White sesame seeds
Chaat masala to taste
A handful Curry leaves
Sea salt to taste

Instruction for the Sticky Spiced Cashews
(1 cup = 200 ml; 1 tbsp = 15 ml)
1 Mix the maple syrup and cashews.
2

Heat oil, sautรฉ the spices and then mix with the sweetened cashews.
3

Add in sesame seeds and mix well.
4 Preheat the oven to 180โ„ƒ.
5 On a silpat spread the cashew mixture. Roast in a preheated oven until its caramelized and cashews are toasted. Remove from over after 15-20 minutes and let it cool completely. It gets crunchier as it cools.
6 Meanwhile, toast the curry leaves in a pan until crisp. Crush them coarsely. Add to the toasted cashews. Add sea salt on top, cool completely. Break into small pieces and serve. (can be stored on an airtight container for up to a week).
October 22, 2024 By
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Appetizers

Healthy Oats Chivda

As Diwali approaches it’s time to add some tasty and guilt-free treats to your celebrations.

Introducing ๐‡๐ž๐š๐ฅ๐ญ๐ก๐ฒ ๐Ž๐š๐ญ๐ฌ ๐‚๐ก๐ข๐ฏ๐๐š, in today’s ‘Diwali Soirรฉe’ series.

This delicious chivda combines the nutritious goodness of oats, poha, and makhana, all roasted to golden perfection. It is infused with aromatic mustard seeds, crisp curry leaves, and a hint of green chili heat before being mixed with peanuts, chana dal, and delicate coconut slices for an additional bite. A splash of lemon juice, a sprinkling of sugar, and a dash of spices round out this incredibly tasty combination!

Serve it to your guests or eat it as a quick snack between Diwali celebrations. It’s nutritious, flavourful, and sure to add a festive sparkle to your celebrations! Stay tuned for more vibrant, healthy bites to keep the festivities going!โœจ

Course Appetizer / Snacks
Servings 4 persons
Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cook time 10 minutes

Ingredients for the Healthy Oats Chivda
(1 cup = 200 ml; 1 tbsp = 15 ml)
ยฝ cup Rolled oats
1 cup Poha (thin flakes)
ยฝ cup Makhana
1 โ€“ 2 tbsp Ghee
1 tsp Mustard seeds
A pinch of Hing (Asafoetida)
A few Curry leaves
ยผth cup Carrots, julienned
2 tbsp Roasted peanuts, crushed coarsely
ยผth cup Roasted white sesame seeds
3 โ€“ 4 Green chilies, slit into 2 halves
ยผth cup Peanuts
2 tbsp Chana dal
ยผth cup Dry coconut slices
2 tbsp Raisins (kishmish)
Salt to taste
Haldi powder
Lemon juice to taste
Powdered sugar as per taste

Instructions for the Healthy Oats Chivda
1 Dry roast the poha, oats and makhanas separately on a low flame for 5 โ€“ 7 minutes
2

Take ghee in a pan. Sautรฉ the mustard seeds, curry leaves, hing, green chilies, peanuts, chana dal, coconut and the spices mentioned.
3

Add in lemon juice. Now mix this with the dry roasted ingredients.
4 Add sugar and salt, and mix wells. Taste and season.
October 19, 2024 By
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Appetizers

Curry Leaf Peanut

Diwali is just around the corner, and as you gear up for the festivities,
Iโ€™ve put together a special series, ‘Diwali Soirรฉe’, to make your celebrations even more memorable.

First up, a true crowd-pleaser: ๐‚๐ฎ๐ซ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐‹๐ž๐š๐Ÿ ๐๐ž๐š๐ง๐ฎ๐ญ ๐€๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ž๐ญ๐ข๐ณ๐ž๐ซ.
Best enjoyed with spirits and concoctions, this dish is a delightful change from the usual salted store-bought peanuts.

The simple yet most delicious small plate is always the star of gatherings and makes for a perfect ๐˜ค๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ฌ๐˜ฉ๐˜ฏ๐˜ข.
Treat your guests to unique and delightful recipes, and stay tuned for more festive flavours thatโ€™ll elevate your celebrations!

Course Appetizer
Servings Makes 200 gms (1 bowl)
Preparation Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes

Ingredients for the Curry Leaf Peanuts
(1 cup = 200 ml; 1 tbsp = 15 ml)
1 cup Raw peanuts with skin
2 – 3 tbsp Oil
3 – 4 Green chilies
A few (10-12) Curry leaves
ยฝ tbsp Grated coconut (dry one)
Salt to taste
Red chili powder to taste
Chaat masala to taste

Instructions for the Curry Leaf Peanuts
1 Heat the oil, fry peanuts and keep aside.
2

Add the curry leaves in a pan and green chilies and sautรฉ for 1 minute.
3

Add in the grated coconut and sautรฉ for 1 minute.
4 Add in the fried peanuts, add in the salt, red chili powder, chaat masala and mix well. Serve it warm.
October 15, 2024 By
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Soups & Salads

Crunchy Thai Peanut & Quinoa Salad

Craving a salad thatโ€™s as colorful as it is satisfying? This Crunchy Thai Peanut & Quinoa Salad is a feast for the eyes and taste buds, packed with vibrant veggies, nutty quinoa, and a creamy, tangy peanut dressing.

Crisp cabbage, crunchy capsicum, and julienned carrots blend with roasted peanuts and sesame seeds to offer a delightful crunch in every bite. The peanut butter dressing brings a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle acidity, making this salad a refreshing, flavour-packed option for any meal.

Course Salad
Servings 4 persons
Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cook time 20 minutes

Ingredients for the Crunchy Thai Peanut & Quinoa Salad
(1 cup = 200 ml; 1 tbsp = 15 ml)
ยฝ cup Red cabbage, shredded
ยฝ cup Green cabbage, shredded
ยฝ cup Quiona
ยฝ cup Yellow capsicum, julienned
ยฝ cup English cucumber, julienned
A few Arugula leaves
ยฝ cup Red capsicum, julienned
ยฝ cup Carrots, julienned
ยผth cup Roasted peanuts, crushed coarsely
3-4 tbsp Roasted white sesame seeds
Spring Onion chopped
Coriander leaves, chopped

Ingredients for the Salad Dressing
(1 cup = 200 ml; 1 tbsp = 15 ml)
ยฝ cup Peanut butter
2 tbsp Kikkoman light soya sauce
1 tbsp Maple syrup or honey
1 tbsp Vinegar
1 tbsp Toasted sesame oil
ยฝ tbsp Grated fresh ginger
1 full (Indian one) Lime Juice
1 โ€“ 2 tbsp Sriracha thai chili sauce (hot)
Salt to season as per taste
A little warm water

Instructions for the Crunchy Thai Peanut & Quinoa Salad
1 Wash, boil the quinoa in 2 cups of water. Drain and keep aside to chill.
2

Add the cooled quinoa, cabbage leaves (red and green), capsicums (yellow and red), cucumber, carrots, spring onions in a salad bowl. Keep aside to chill in the refrigerator at least for 1 hour.
3

For the salad dressing mix the peanut butter with a little warm water to thin it down. Add all the remaining dressing ingredients and chill for 1 hour. (Adjust the dressing quantities as per your taste).
4 Once chilled, add the dressing to the salad. Mix well, garnish with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds and coriander greens. Serve at once.
September 27, 2024 By
Snacks/ Breakfast

Pav Bhaji Spot Idli

Start your day with a delightful fusion that will awaken your taste buds โ€“ Pav Bhaji Spot Idli!

Picture the bold, buttery flavours of pav bhaji blending seamlessly into soft, crisp idlis. A quick sautรฉ of onions, capsicum, and tomatoes, seasoned with pav bhaji masala, takes this classic South Indian dish on a flavourful journey through Mumbai’s street food scene. Topped with fresh coriander and served with coconut chutney, itโ€™s a harmonious blend of comfort and spice.

Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this fusion creation brings the best of both culinary worlds straight to your plate!

Course Snacks / breakfast
Servings 2 persons
Preparation Time 5 minutes
Cook time 10 minutes

Ingredients for the Pav Bhaji Spot Idli
(1 cup = 200 ml; 1 tbsp = 15 ml)
2 tbsp Butter
1 tbsp Onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp Green capsicum, finely chopped
1 tbsp Tomatoes, finely chopped
2 ladleful Idli batter
Pav bhaji masala (to taste)
Salt to taste
Red chili powder to taste
Coriander leaves, to garnish
Coconut chutney to serve

Instructions for the Pav Bhaji Spot Idli
1 Heat the tawa. Add in 1 tbsp butter and sautรฉ the onion, tomato, capsicum mixture. (Divide into 2 equal halves on the tawa).
2

Add some butter on top and some pav bhaji masala. Mix well and let the vegetables soften a bit. Once done, add a scoop (one ladleful) of idli batter on each half. Sprinkle salt and red chili powder on it. Cover and cook on a low flame.
3

Once it begins to set, flip it on the other side. Cook until crispy. (In case its sticking to the tawa, add some more butter).
4 Once its cooked and a bit crisp on sides, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with coconut chutney. Repeat with the remaining slices and filling, and serve immediately.
September 22, 2024 By
Snacks

Paneer & Cheddar Toastie

Indulge in the perfect blend of creamy paneer and melted cheese, sandwiched between crispy, golden bread. This toastie is a flavour explosion you won’t want to miss ! ๐ŸŒŸ

Course Snacks
Servings 4 persons
Preparation Time 15 minutes
Cook time 15 minutes

Ingredients for the Paneer & Cheddar Toastie
(1 cup = 200 ml; 1 tbsp = 15 ml)
1 tbsp Oil
1 tsp Mustard seeds
1 tsp Cumin seeds
2 โ€“ 3 Nos Green chilies, finely chopped
1 no. Red onion, finely chopped
ยพth cup Spring onion greens, finely chopped
40 gms Cheddar cheese, grated
225 gms Paneer, grated
8 slices Of sourdough or regular sandwich bread.
Black pepper to taste
Salt to taste
Butter, for spreading and frying

Instructions for the Paneer & Cheddar Toastie
1 Heat oil in a pan and sautรฉ the mustard and cumin seeds. After 1 minute, sautรฉ the green chilies, onion and cook for 5 โ€“ 7 minutes on a medium flame until the onion caramelizes. Remove from heat once done, and keep the mixture aside to cool.
2

In another bowl add the two cheeses, spring onion greens and the onion mixture. Mix well. Season with salt and crushed black pepper.
3

Butter two slices of bread and spread the filling evenly on one slice. Top with the other slice and press.
4 Cook the toastie in a frying pan. Heat the pan and add 1 tsp butter. Cook the toastie until crisp on both sides, flipping it from time to time.

Repeat with the remaining slices and filling, and serve immediately.

September 19, 2024 By
Appetizers

Charred Sweet Corn & Feta Salsa with Tortilla Chips

Experience a taste of Mexico with this popular street food!

๐‚๐ก๐š๐ซ๐ซ๐ž๐ ๐ฌ๐ฐ๐ž๐ž๐ญ ๐œ๐จ๐ซ๐ง ๐š๐ง๐ ๐Ÿ๐ž๐ญ๐š ๐ฌ๐š๐ฅ๐ฌ๐š ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐œ๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐š ๐œ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ๐ฌ is a beloved part of Mexican cuisine.

I’ve brought you a contemporary twist to the traditional regional salsa, using a simple method. This salsa is a delightful combination of smoky, sweet corn and tangy feta, making it an ideal party snack or side dish.

So, the next time you’re looking for a delicious and easy snack that adds a bit of Mexican flair to your table, give this charred sweet corn and feta salsa a tryโ€”you wonโ€™t be disappointed!

Course Appetizer
Servings 4 persons
Preparation Time 20 minutes
Cook time 25 minutes

Ingredients for the Charred Sweet Corn & Feta Salsa with Tortilla Chips
(1 cup = 200 ml; 1 tbsp = 15 ml)
3 Nos. Corn on the cobs
2 Green Chillies
1 Red pepper (capsicum)
1 tsp Roasted and powdered cumin seeds
ยฝ Red onion, finely chopped
80 gms Feta crumbled
A handful Coriander leaves, finely chopped
3 tbsp Olive oil
1 no. Lemon juice
3 nos. Whole wheat tortillas (store brought)
Oil to brush
Sea salt to sprinkle

Instructions for the Charred Sweet Corn & Feta Salsa with Tortilla Chips
1 Roast the corn until its charred. Remove the charred kernels and keep aside.
2 Rub a little olive oil on the pepper and chillies, and roast them separately. Remove the skin off, deseed and chop.
3 In aย  bowl mix the corn kernels, chillies and pepper . Add in the cumin seed powder, coriander, olive oil, lemon juice. Add in the crumbled feta. Mix well ,(no need for salt as feta is salty). However, if you like to reduce feta quantity, taste and season it with sea salt. Chill the salsa for 2 hours or so.
4 For the tortilla chips, cut the tortilla into triangles. Brush with olive oil. Air fry until crisp. Season with sea salt and serve with chilled salsa
September 16, 2024 By