Soups & Salads

Indian Gooseberry & Raw Mango Salad

Seasonal change can be trying for all of us and we need to look out more for our health and immunity.

Amlas are filled with nutrients; they improve heart health, have anti-ageing benefits and improve your immunity.

Use the beloved Indian gooseberry or amla to make this scrumptious Amla and Raw Mango salad.

The sweetness of amla is beautifully interspersed by the acidity of the winter mangoes and the texture provided by the caramelised walnuts.

Servings 4 persons
Course Salads
Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients for the Winter Seasonal Salad

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
2 cups Arugula and rocket leaves mixed
4 – 5 Nos. Indian gooseberry (Amla)
½ cup Water
¼ cup Sugar
8 – 10 Walnuts
1 tbsp Butter
1 tbsp Sugar
½ cup Goat cheese, crumbled
½ cup  Raw mango cubed ( totapuri mango )

Ingredients for the Dressing

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
¼th cup Olive Oil
1 – 2 tbsp Sugar syrup (made from amla stew)
1 tbsp Ginger grated or juice of fresh ginger
1 – 2 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt
Pepper

Instructions for Salad
1 Take ½ cup water along with ¼ cup sugar in a pan.  Deseed the amla and cut into 2 halves.  Boil the above mixture until amla softens a bit.  Remove and keep in refrigerator to cool for 1 day. Let the amla stew well.
2 Take 1 tbsp butter in a pan.  Toss the walnuts and roast it on low heat.  Add sugar, melt it and coat the walnuts.  Cool the toasted walnuts on a silpat and crush coarsely.  Keep aside.
3 Wash and dry the salad leaves.  Add in the amla (without the sugar syrup) pieces, raw mango, goat cheese and toasted walnuts.  Refrigerate for 1 hour at least.
4 In a bowl, mix the ingredients for the salad dressing.
5 Add the dressing over salad and mix well.  Serve at once.
Notes:
  • You can keep the amla in fridge up to a week.
  • You can also prepare the caramelized walnuts and keep outside in an airtight jar for upto a week.
  • This salad has a good balance of sweetness from the stewed amla (gooseberries); the acidity from raw mango and the crunch from the caramelized walnuts.

 

December 15, 2022 By
Mains

Kasundi Paneer Roti Tacos

Desi Tacos for the win

Level up your boring meals with my Kasundi Paneer Phulka Tacos- they’re yummy and super versatile. Desi meals hit home, especially some paneer ki sabzi and roti.

However, the way you eat your food can significantly elevate the experience. My Mexican spin on a dish does just that- the flavours are desi, innovative and exciting all at once.

These spicy and indulgent tacos are perfect for upcoming winter bonfire nights with your friends and family. While I have used paneer, you can use a filling of your liking. The phulkas make this dish light and just right- you’re never overstuffed.

I highly urge you to try this recipe soon as it’s truly something else and mere words fail to express the pleasure a single bite delivers.

 

Servings Two (makes 4 tacos)
Course Main
Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15-20 minutes

Ingredients for Kasundi Paste

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
1 tbsp Yellow Mustard
½ tbsp. Black mustard
½ tsp Grated ginger
1 Green chili
½ tsp Turmeric powder
½ tsp Coriander powder
½ tsp Red chili powder
1/4th cup Water
Salt to taste

Ingredients for Paneer
2-3 tbsp Anantya Mustard oil.
100 gms Paneer cubed
1 tsp Jeera (cumin seeds)
2-3 tbsp Hung curd
Salt to taste

Ingredients for Roti Tacos
4 Nos. Small wheat rotis
½ cup Cabbage thinly sliced
1/4th cup Green capsicum thinly sliced
½ cup Pickled red onions (onions marinated overnight in vinegar & beetroot)
1 No. Lemon juice
¼ th cup Coriander-mint-yogurt chutney
Coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions for Kasundi Paste
1 Blend all ingredients for the Kasundi paste.  The paste should be smooth.

Instructions for Paneer
1 Heat the mustard oil in a pan.  Sauté the cumin seeds.  Add in the Kasundi paste and sauté 1-2 minutes.  Add in the hung curd and mix.
2 Add in cottage cheese (paneer) and salt to taste.
3 Cook until the edges of the paneer turn brown (can do this part on a pan too).  Keep aside for further use.

Instructions for Assembly
1 Make coleslaw with cabbage capsicum and lemon juice.  Chill for 10-12 minutes.
2 Take a roti.  Add the coleslaw.
3 Add paneer.  Top with pickled red onions.
4 Add 1-2 tsp of mint-coriander yogurt chutney on top. Garnish with coriander and serve  immediately.
December 15, 2022 By
Mains

Sesame Peanut Butter Noodles

Delight your tastebuds with these nutty and savoury noodles that are truly comforting.

Winters are calling, and with that, the cravings for all things hot hit the roof. Nothing does it better than my soul-warming Sesame Peanut Butter Noodles.

Delicious with a kick of umami flavours, these noodles are apt for any occasion- weeknight dinners, lazy Sunday lunches, or evening snacks for your kids. The ingredients are straightforward and easily available in your pantry.

Peanut butter and sesame oil add richness to the sauce while ensuring the glaze sits well on the noodles. I’ve only added red capsicum to my recipe but you can add more veggies to the mix suited to your taste. These delicious noodles have my kids’ hearts and mine too.

Servings 2 persons
Course Main Course
Preparation Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients for the Sesame Peanut Butter Noodles

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
¼ cup Peanut Butter
4 – 5 tbsp Light soy sauce (Kikkoman)
2 – 3 tbsp (Anantya) Cold pressed sesame oil
1 tbsp Brown sugar
1 – 2 tbsp Chili paste (sambal oelek or sriracha)
1 – 2 tbsp Garlic minced
1 tbsp Ginger grated
½ cup Green onions finely chopped
¼th Red capsicum thinly sliced
Salt to taste
Vinegar to taste
2 – 3 tbsp Toasted sesame seeds
1½ cups Boiled noodles (flat Thai rice noodles)
½ cup water

Instructions for the Sesame Peanut Butter Noodles
1. Heat sesame oil in a pan. Sauté ginger and garlic on high heat.
2. Sauté the red capsicum for 2 minutes. Let the crunch remain.
3. Add in peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, chili paste and water.   Cook for 1 – 2 minutes.
4. Add in the boiled noodles.  Season and add salt (usually the soya and peanut butter contains salt).  Add in the vinegar and scallions.  Mix well. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Notes:
  1. You can increase or decrease the spice (sriracha or sambal oelek) as per your taste.
  2. You can substitute sugar with honey.
December 15, 2022 By
Appetizers

Cream Cheese Boards

Boards are here to add an unmatched finesse to your hosting game.  While butter boards were doomed to fail, Tik Tokers saw the true potential of cream cheese boards.  I couldn’t help but jump on the bandwagon to create my version for you.

This recipe is extremely simple- all you need to do is spread some cream cheese over your board and top it off with seasonings, onion seeds (kallonji), sun dried pesto and roasted garlic.  I took a more classic route for mine and dressed my board up with garlic oil, edible flowers, and basil.  Here’s why- basil and garlic oil work wonderfully well with the rich flavor of cream cheese.  The edible flowers take the board’s aesthetic to another level.

The recipe is apt for effortless prep before your gatherings- it’s quick, gorgeous, and innovative.  Additionally, cream cheese is high in protein, making it a healthier alternative than other dips.  You can serve it with crackers, lavash, breadsticks, or even kebabs- the possibilities are endless.

Hope you enjoy my take on this viral recipe!

Ingredients for the Cream cheese board

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
2 cups Cream cheese ( I used Philadelphia )
1-2 tsp Sundried pesto
1-3 tbsp Chili garlic infused olive oi
 1 no Zest of lemon
A handful of basil leaves
1 tbsp Kalonji seeds
8-10 cloves Roasted garlic
Edible flowers for garnish
Sea salt as per taste
Crackers toasted baguette to serve

Instructions for Cream cheese board:
1. Get the cheese to room temperature.
2. Spread on a board . Dot with roasted garlic, sundried tomato pesto , basil leaves , chili oil.
3. Garnish with lemon zest , kalonji seeds , sea salt flakes and edible flowers.
4. Chill for an hour and serve with crackers and baguette slices.

 

November 5, 2022 By
Desserts

Healthy Coconut Oil Chocolate Barks

Do you find it difficult to resist chocolate?  Not anymore, as my Healthy Coconut Oil Chocolate Barks are here to satiate all your cravings guilt-free.

Chocolate gets a bad rep due to its high sugar content.  However, cocoa, the base ingredient is packed with antioxidants that boost heart and brain health.  Hence, I created this healthier version for you!  I used maple syrup for this recipe instead of sugar as maple syrup has a lower glycaemic index than sugar and offers several health benefits.

These barks are super easy to make and perfect for those short on time.

My barks are similar to any energy bar that your kids can eat before their sports classes.  I’ve topped mine with walnuts, cranberries, and almonds but you can customise yours to your liking.

Servings 4 persons
Course Dessert
Preparation Time 30 minutes
Cook Time –

Ingredients for the Healthy Coconut Oil Chocolate Barks

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
¼th cup Toasted almonds
¼th cup Toasted walnuts
¼th cup Toasted dried coconut flakes
A handful Of cranberries
½ cup Anantya cold pressed coconut oil
½ cup Cocoa powder, sieved
¼th cup Maple syrup
1 tbsp Almond butter
A pinch Sea salt

Instructions for Healthy Coconut Oil Chocolate Barks:
1. Heat the oil. Whisk in the cocoa powder.  Add in maple syrup, almond butter and sea salt.  Mix really well.
2. Coarsely chop the almonds and walnuts.
3. Add in half of almonds and walnuts to the oil-cocoa mixture.
4. Spread the mixture on a parchment paper with a spatula until its about ¼ – ½ inch thick.  Sprinkle the remaining nuts on top.  Garnish it with cranberries and toasted dried coconut flakes.
5. Freeze it for about 15 – 20 minutes until frozen solid.  Once frozen, break into barks. Keep it in freezer only.  I don’t recommend leaving it out on the counter long as it melts fast.

 

November 5, 2022 By
Desserts

Salted Caramel Apple Galette

Host your friends and family in style this Diwali with a dessert that looks this good!

My Salted Caramel Apple Galetter recipe is quite simple, even though it looks quite sophisticated.  I’ve used apples in the spirit of autumn but you can also substitute them for pears and blueberries.

This decadent dessert is irresistible- the crust, salted caramel and tender apples all come together to create an explosion of flavours.  The fact that it looks so good only makes it better especially when you’re hosting a Diwali feast for your friends and family.

Servings Makes 1 galette
Course Dessert
Preparation Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes

Ingredients for the Salted Caramel Apple Galette

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
1½ cups All purpose flour, sieved.
¼ cup Castor sugar
¼ tsp Salt
100 gms Cold unsalted butter (cubed)
3 – 4 tbsp Ice cold water

Ingredients for the Apple Filling

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
2 large Apples, peeled and sliced into ½” slices
¼ cup Brown sugar
1½ tbsp All-purpose flour
½ no. Lemon juice (Indian sized)
1 tsp Cinnamon powder
A pinch of Nut meg powder
4 – 5 nos. Walnuts chopped
3 – 4 tbsp Milk
½ tsp Castor sugar

Ingredients to Serve

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
¼th cup Salted caramel sauce
Vanilla ice cream

Instructions for the Crust
1. Whisk the flour, sugar, salt in a bowl.  Add in the chilled butter and mix with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse, pea-sized crumbs.  Add in water and mix. Gently knead the dough a few times on a floured surface until it comes together.  Shape the dough into a ball and flatten it into a disk. Clin wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Instructions for the Filling
1. As the dough chills, mix the apples, lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. Cover and keep aside.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12” circle.  Transfer the dough to the parchment sheet.
3. Arrange the apple filling (not the juice it leaves) into the center of the dough, leaving a 2-3 inch border all around.  Gently fold the dough over the apple filling, overlapping the dough as shown.  Press gently to seal the edges.  Sprinkle walnuts over the filling.
4. Prepare a milk wash with milk and sugar.  Brush the crust edges with the milk wash (only crust not filling).
5. Bake in a preheated oven until the crust is golden brown (approx.. 30 min). allow it to cool outside for 10 minutes before slicing.
6. Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the galette.  Leave some aside to drizzle over ice cream.
6. Serve galette warm with ice-cream and sauce.

Notes:

  1. The crust dough can be made and kept in fridge for upto 3 days.
  2. You can give egg wash instead of milk wash.

 

October 10, 2022 By
Appetizers

Cinnamon Candied Nuts

I’ve especially created this vrat-friendly recipe for all the sanckers out there.  These yummy nuts are bound to be a new favourite as they’re sweet and crunchy with soul-warming flavours of cinnamon.

Unlike traditional candied nuts, this version is much healthier as I;ve substituted sugar for maple syrup.  This yummy treat is incredibly energising and ideal for everyone who’s out and about while fasting.

You can toss it in salads, add it to your kheer or pack it as a snack for kids.  Loaded with antioxidants and healthy facts, these nuts should definitely be a part of your diet.

Servings Makes 1 jar
Course Appetizer
Preparation Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes

Ingredients for the Cinnamon Candied Nuts

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
100 gms Almonds
100 gms Cashew nuts
100 gms Walnuts
100 gms Maple syrup or honey
100 gms Unsalted butter
100 gms Caster sugar
2 – 3 tsp Cinnamon powder
1 tsp Sea salt flakes
1 tsp Vanilla extract

Instructions for the Cinnamon Candied Nuts:
1. Roast the nuts in a baking tray in a preheated oven @ 180°C for 5 – 7 minutes.
2. Mix the caster sugar and cinnamon powder, and keep aside.
3. Heat butter in a pan.  Melt it.  Add in the toasted nuts and mix well.
4. Add in maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract and sea salt.  Let the nuts coat well with the syrup. This may take 3 – 5 minutes.
5. Remove them and cool completely on a parchment paper.
6. Once cooled toss the nuts in the sugar and cinnamon mixture – ensure, it coats well.
7. Store in an airtight jar.

Note: Can add these nuts to granola or any other breakfast cereal.

October 10, 2022 By
Appetizers

Fariyali Chaat

Happy first day of Navratri!  I have put together a delicious chaat for those who are fasting (even people who aren’t fasting will be drawn to it so be sure to make extra servings!

Servings 2 – 3 persons
Course Appetizer
Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cook Time Nil

Ingredients for the Fariyali Chaat

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
1 cup Potato fariyali mixture
½ cup Yogurt whisked
3 – 4 tbsp Fried sabudana (nylon sago pearls)
Salt to taste
Red chili powder to taste
Jeera powder to taste
2 tbsp Cucumber chopped
2 tbsp Boiled potato chopped
1 – 2 Green chilies finely chopped
1 – 2 tbsp Green chutney
1 – 2 tbsp Tamarind (imli) chutney
Coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions for the Fariyali Chaat:
1. In a bowl add the fariyali potato chivada
2. Add in cucumber, potatoes, beaten yogurt, green chili, green chutney, tamarind chutney, fried sabudana, salt, chili, jeera powder.
3. Mix well. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve immediately.
October 10, 2022 By
Mains

Savoury Potato Cake (Fariyali)

Navratri Special- Savoury Potato Cake.

Are you already bored of kuttu ki roti and aloo sabzi?  We’ re on day 5 of Navratri, and this recipe is perfect for everyone looking to jazz their meals up.  Savoury Potato Cake is extremely wholesome and can be relished as a family meal together!

This dish is a great pick for those who’re working as you can meal prep beforehand with this recipe.  It almost tastes like a blend of chaat flavours with the texture of a pie.  I’ve topped it off with paneer but you can also use breadcrumbs if you’re not fasting.

This dish will keep you full for longer, thanks to the goodness of veggies.  I urge you to try this recipe this weekend, it’s definitely worth it.

Servings 4 persons
Course Main Course
Preparation Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20-30 minutes

Ingredients for Savoury Potato Cake

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
4 – 5 Boiled potatoes (medium sized)
1½ cups Mixed vegetables, carrots, beans and peas (carrots and beans to be cut finely and peas to be boiled).
2 – 3 tbsp Ginger-chili paste
2 nos. Lemon juice
1 tsp Amchoor powder
3 – 4 tbsp Green chutney
3 – 4 tbsp Tamarind chutney
Salt to taste
50 gms Paneer (cottage cheese)
Butter for greasing
Ghee/oil for cooking

Instructions for the Savoury Potato Cake
1. Mash the boiled potatoes with a potato masher.   Add in green chili ginger paste, salt and lemon juice.  (The mash should be tasty).
2. Sauté the vegetables in ghee or oil for 1 – 2 minutes.  They should retain their crunch.  Add in salt and amchoor powder and keep aside.
3. Grease a baking dish with butter.  Divide potato mash in three parts.  Add one layer at the bottom of the dish.  Add in half of the sautéed vegetables.  Top the vegetables with tamarind (imli) chutney.
4. Now, add another layer of potato mash.  Top the layer with vegetables.  Next spread the green chutney over the vegetables.  Cover the layer with the remaining potato mash.  Grate paneer on top of the potato mash. Dot with butter.
5. Bake in a preheated oven @ 180°C for 20 – 25 minutes until the crust turns golden brown.  Serve immediately.
Notes:
  • You can skip the paneer and top the crust with breadcrumbs (when not fasting for Navratri)
  • The green chutney should be sweet spicy and add some grated coconut whilst grinding the same.
  • The tamarind chutney should be sweet and sour with addition of jaggery.

October 10, 2022 By
Soups & Salads

Grilled Pepper and Corn Salad

Get some corn and peppers?  Turn them into a delicious salad with my easy recipe.

My grilled pepper and corn salad is fresh, vibrant and bursting with flavours.  Charred veggies lend an incredible smoky taste, elevating the flavour profile of this salad.  The roasted almonds add an element of crunch while the capers add a lemony tang to the dish.  It’s healthy, delicious and wholesome.

While I love eating this salad for a light lunch, and kids love it too.  It’s a nutritious after-school snack loaded with fibre and vitamins.  You can also add an element of protein to this salad or serve it with your mains, the choice is yours.

Try this recipe if you’re looking to incorporate healthy meals that taste yummy into your diet.

Servings 4 persons
Course Salads
Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10-15 minutes

Ingredients for the Grilled Pepper and Corn Salad 

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
1 No. Red bell pepper
1 No. Yellow bell pepper
1 No. Green bell pepper
2 Nos. Fresh corn
1 – 2 tbsp Capers
½ cup Spring onion greens (avoid the white part)
3-4 tbsp Feta cheese crumbled
2-3 tbsp Roasted almond slivers
A handful of Mint leaves for garnish

Ingredients for the Dressing

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
¼th  cup Olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon (Indian size)
1-2 tbsp Vinegar
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Instructions for the Salad
1. Brush the pepper with olive oil and grill in a preheated oven @180°C until the skin is charred and it softens
2. Grill/roast  the corn on the gas until it has charred.
3. Remove the skin of the pepper and cut it length-wise. Cool and keep aside.
4. Now, add pepper, grilled corn kernels, capers, spring onion, greens, feta cheese and almond slivers in a bowl.
5. Mix the ingredients for the dressing. Add it to the above salad and mix well. Refrigerate for an hour at least.
6. Serve chilled, garnished with mint leaves.
Notes:
  • Taste and adjust the ingredients for dressing.
  • Please note that feta and capers have high salt content hence add salt accordingly.

 

September 19, 2022 By