Desserts

Baklava Sticks

Desserts

Kaju Katli Truffles

Desserts

Coffee Rasgulla Tiramisu

Desserts

Baklava Sticks

Get ready to sweeten your Diwali celebrations!

Presenting the delicious ๐๐š๐ค๐ฅ๐š๐ฏ๐š ๐’๐ญ๐ข๐œ๐ค๐ฌ in today’s ๐ƒ๐ข๐ฐ๐š๐ฅ๐ข ๐’๐จ๐ข๐ซรฉ๐ž seriesโ€” the final treat! This beloved dessert, with roots in Turkish cuisine, symbolizes the richness of tradition and togetherness. Layered with flaky phyllo pastry and a blend of nuts, each bite is infused with fragrant rosewater syrupโ€”a perfect harmony of flavours that mirrors the joy of festive gatherings.

As families come together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, these baklava sticks add a touch of elegance to the festive table. Garnished with dried rose petals and a hint of edible gold, they are not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes.

I had so much fun creating this Diwali Soirรฉe series, and I hope these exquisite treats inspire you to gather your loved ones and embody the spirit of Diwaliโ€”warmth, love, and the celebration of shared moments. Wishing everyone a very happy Diwali ๐Ÿช”

Course Dessert
Servings 4 persons (6 โ€œ sticks)
Preparation Time 20 minutes
Cook time 40 โ€“ 50 minutes

Ingredients for the Baklava Sticks
(1 cup = 200 ml; 1 tbsp = 15 ml)
6 sheets Phyllo dough
ยฝ cup Butter melted
1/2 cup Almonds (unsalted)
ยฝ cup Walnuts or pecan nuts
ยฝ cup Shelled pistachios (unsalted)
ยฝ cup Powdered sugar
1 tsp Cinnamon powder

Ingredients for the Syrup
(1 cup = 200 ml; 1 tbsp = 15 ml)
1 cup Sugar
1 cup Water
2 tbsp Rose water
2 โ€“ 3 Cinnamon sticks
1 No Lemon juice
Dried rose petals to garnish
Edible gold varak for garnish

Instructions for the Baklava Sticks
1

Crush all the 3 nuts into fine pieces using a nut crusher, or blitz them in a food processor for 1 minute. Add in the cinnamon powder and sugar, and mix well. Keep aside.
2

Melt the butter. Now take one phyllo sheet. Brush with melted butter. Sprinkle the nut mixture all over. Now using your fingers, you have to push and slide the dough scrunching it up looking like a Chinese fan shape. Cut them in the middle into two. Finish remaining baklava sticks in the same way. Keep them covered with a muslin cloth as it dries up fast. Brush all over the sticks and on the sides with remaining melted butter.
3

Preheat your oven to 175โ„ƒ. Bake the sticks in a pre-heated oven for 40 minutes. Take it out and let the sticks cool completely.
4 Now prepare the syrup using water, sugar, rose water cinnamon sticks and lemon juice. Let it boil for about 12 minutes. It should not be too tick nor too thin.
5

Now pour the hot syrup over the cooled baklava sticks. This part is very crucial for a crunchy baklava. It is important the sticks are cooled completely. Garnish with dried rose petals and gold varak and serve. This can be kept covered for upto a week.
October 31, 2024 By
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Desserts

Kaju Katli Truffles

With Diwali just around the corner, the joy of celebration fills the air! This festival of lights brings families together to create cherished memories, illuminate homes with diyas, and indulge in delicious flavours that evoke warmth and happiness.

In this episode of the ๐ƒ๐ข๐ฐ๐š๐ฅ๐ข ๐’๐จ๐ข๐ซรฉ๐ž, classic Kaju Katli gets a delicious twist with ๐Š๐š๐ฃ๐ฎ ๐Š๐š๐ญ๐ฅ๐ข ๐“๐ซ๐ฎ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐ฅ๐ž๐ฌ! Imagine the rich, nutty heart of kaju katli, enveloped in a creamy blend of luscious cream cheese and fragrant elaichi, all cloaked in a velvety layer of dark chocolate. This delightful fusion elevates traditional Indian sweets to a whole new level of indulgence, making it the perfect treat to share with loved ones and enhance your Diwali celebrations.

So gather around, savor the sweetness, and let the festivities shine bright! โœจ

Course Dessert
Servings 6 persons
Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour

Ingredients for the ๐Š๐š๐ฃ๐ฎ ๐Š๐š๐ญ๐ฅ๐ข ๐“๐ซ๐ฎ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐ฅ๐ž๐ฌ
(1 cup = 200 ml; 1 tbsp = 15 ml)
250 gms Fresh kaju katli
25 gms Cream cheese (at room temperature)
ยฝ tsp Elaichi powder
100 gms Dark chocolate

Instructions for the ๐Š๐š๐ฃ๐ฎ ๐Š๐š๐ญ๐ฅ๐ข ๐“๐ซ๐ฎ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐ฅ๐ž๐ฌ
1 Mash the kaju katlis using a fork or blitz them in a food processor for 1 minute.
2

Mix the kaju katli crumbs along with the cream cheese and elaichi powder. Shape into small round balls (15 โ€“ 20 grms each) and chill in fridge for 20 โ€“ 30 minutes.
3

Now melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler. Dip the kaju katli balls in the dark chocolate and shake off the excess.
4 Refrigerate again for 15-20 minutes.
5

Kaju katli truffles are now ready to eat. They can be stored in refrigerator for 2 โ€“ 3 days.
October 30, 2024 By
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Desserts

Coffee Rasgulla Tiramisu

A perfect Diwali dessert does exist!

In todayโ€™s ๐ƒ๐ข๐ฐ๐š๐ฅ๐ข ๐’๐จ๐ข๐ซรฉ๐ž, weโ€™re featuring ๐‚๐จ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐ž๐ž ๐‘๐š๐ฌ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐š ๐“๐ข๐ซ๐š๐ฆ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฎ, a delightful twist on your favourites.
This fusion brings together the richness of tiramisu and the charm of coffee-soaked rasgullas. All you need is a few simple ingredients and a dash of finesse to make it happen!

Treat your guests to a dessert thatโ€™s as unique as it is deliciousโ€”a perfect way to end the night on a sweet note.
Stay tuned for more one-of-a-kind, delightful recipes to make your Diwali extra special!

Servings 4 persons
Course Dessert
Preparation Time 10 – 15 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour

Ingredients for the Coffee Rasgulla Tiramisu
(1 cup = 200 ml; 1 tbsp = 15 ml)
12 nos. Rasgullas, store bought
1 cup Mascarpone cheese
1 cup Whipped cream
To taste Powdered sugar
1 – 2 tbsp Kahlua
2 tsp Vanilla essence
2 tbsp Instant coffee powder
1 cup Warm water
Cocoa powder to dust

Instructions for the Coffee Rasgulla Tiramisu
(1 cup = 200 ml; 1 tbsp = 15 ml)
1. Squeeze out the syrup of the rasgullas.ย  Keep aside.
2. Make a strong coffee concoction with instant coffee powder and hot water.ย  Dip the squeezed rasgullas in this mixture and keep aside.
3. Meanwhile, mix the mascarpone cheese, whipped cream, kahlua and vanilla essence.ย  Taste and add powdered sugar (adjust the sweetness as per your liking).
4. Now pipe the mixture a little in a glass or bowl. Put the coffee dipped Rasgulla 3 pcs on it (squeeze off excess coffee liquid). Top with some mascarpone mixture.
5. Dust cocoa powder on top.ย  Repeat with remaining 3 glasses (in all makes 4 martini glasses).
6. Chill in the fridge for 1 โ€“ 2 hours and serve.
October 29, 2024 By
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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
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
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
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