Appetizers/ Others

Fariyali Dudhi Na Muthiya – Navratri special Muthiyas

Fariyali Dudhi Na Muthiya

Hi friends! Here’s to all those who are observing the traditional “Navratri” fasts. Don’t go on a feasting binge eating programme, by resorting to fried puris and halwas. Instead, look out for healthy, clean eating options to give your digestive system the much required rest.

Fikar not ! (Do not worry).  Today I am sharing this healthy Fariyali Dudhi Na Muthiya recipe which is simple and easy to make.

Team this delicious muthiya with buttermilk to make a complete nutritious satiating meal

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Breakfast

Upma with Mint Yogurt Sauce

Upma

A traditional South Indian breakfast offering, the now quintessential Upma proudly boasts of a flavoursome, wholesome and healthy welcome not only in South Indian households n eateries but across many Indian homes!

Made in an array of styles with simply everyday ingredients, its dry or porridge-like texture is replete with taste, emitting an irresistible aroma as it makes its way to your table! A lil extra effort in its presentation and thoughtfully paired condiments like my mint yogurt chutney and voila, you will be licking your fingers all the way!

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Soups & Salads/ Appetizers

Mexican Taco Salad in a Jar

Mexican Taco

Guys this Mexican “Salad in a jar” literally feels like the “Gini in Aladdin’s lamp”!

A delectable and gorgeous manifestation of colours, palates, textures, nutrition and all!

A complete meal in itself, this Mexican all-rounder sans the calorie ridden sour cream, cheese, rice and tortilla infallibly brings out the authentic flavours of corn, refried beans, avocado amongst others.

Finally the layer of spicy salsa makes it ultimately and truly Mexican, something akin to the real kicker…

Those of you wanting a lil added crunch, top this salad with Doritos or anything similar and viola you are ready with own potable meal, an epitome of clean eating in a riot of colours!

Those with a fetish for measured servings, go ahead to create your very own miniature versions and watch the magic adorn your table settings!

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Mains

Tahini flavoured Chargrilled Cauliflower

Tahini flavoured Chargrilled Cauliflower

Tahini flavoured Chargrilled Cauliflower…a new favourite in my kitchen which has become something like a religion with my fitness driven darling daughter.

Often regarded as the paler cousin of broccoli, this vegetable can throw some real surprises when it comes to its huge nutritional value and delectable recipes and flavours being concocted. The mesmerising aroma of roasted cauliflower wafting under your noses when paired with tahini is literally like a match made in heaven.

There is nothing better that pairing a nicely chargrilled cauliflower with a fresh, herby green tahini sauce. The flavors of the roasted cauliflower and the nuttiness of the tahini blend together perfectly. Not only is this dish simply divine (which should be enough reason for you all to try it out), but is also packed with abundant nutrients and works well with almost any diet.

Firstly, tahini is a condiment made from toasted ground hulled sesame seeds. It’s extremely rich in antioxidants and contains vitamin B and vitamin E along with other important minerals such as iron and calcium. Moreover, the hero of this dish – the cauliflower itself is a great source of oxidants and is high in fibre.

This recipe is inspired by my favourite chef Yotam Ottolenghi

 

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Mains

Veg Dhansak

Veg Dhansak

Till day “Dhansak” remains the crowning glory of Parsi cuisine for me as also for abundant Mumbaikars. A spin on the authentic mutton dhansak, this Vegetarian adaptation is for scores of people like me including those now turned veg. Typically a melange of dals and vegetables, this recipe literally oozes with flavours and texture alike. Pair it with brown rice & onion salad and you get the feeling that this is truly a match made in heaven !!! Simply talking about Dhansak makes me nostalgic about those yesteryears in school & college when we would dig into lunch boxes of our Parsi friends or drop in at the CCI club to relish this unique preparation…

Wishing all my Parsi friends “Happy Pateti”

 

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Desserts

Rasmalai

Rasmalai

Celebrate Janmashtami with these succulent, mouth-watering and gorgeous looking “Rasmalai”. Lord Krishna is my favourite avtaar of the divine whose b’days are unfailingly celebrated with childlike enthusiasm. Similar to my love for Lord Krishna, his love for Makhan-Malai is well known all over.  So in keeping with his food choices this Rasmalai recipe created by my grand-mother turns out to be just the perfect offering for my Lord and one that has been adored by Indian households over times immemorial! I use store-bought rasgulla’s and hence it is real easy and quick to make. Serve chilled and relish the sweet saffron flavour being released in your mouth as you experience the silky- soft texture of this regal rasmalai!

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Mains

Corn Rajputana

Corn Rajputana

Corn Rajputana…an ancient recipe resplendent in colour and flavour. The distinct sense of royalty can be whiffed as you boil the corn in milk and allow it to slow-cook in curd, playing with a myriad of masalas to lend it that mildly spicy palate. A hint of sweetness adds a rich surprise element for first-timers…however leaving behind a relentless desire to devour more of this sumptuous corn recipe wrapped in tradition.

Pair with Lachha Parathas and watch the magic explode in your mouth!!!

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Appetizers

Asian Style Sweet Corn

Sweet Corn

Come monsoons and our locales get peppered with street vendors freshly roasting corn aka bhutta! The crackling sound n tiny specs of fire, the familiar aroma of corn coming from the ancient coal fired Sigdi is an absolute multi-sensory treat!

Corn is truly multifaceted n can be cooked in a myriad of ways…Like my “Thai version” of “Buttery Corn”. These ones generously flavoured with lemon grass, red chilies, basil, coriander and unhesitatingly dunked in butter…

An indeed beautiful looking and equally delicious ‘Corn-on-the cob’, this one is great to serve as a side to any Asian meal or to be simply enjoyed solo as you lose yourself in the backdrop of those nostalgic rains !!!

Caution: serve with lots of paper napkins!

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Mains

Kolhapuri Misal Pav

Misal Pav

“Misal”, A Kolhapuri enigma, best enjoyed in tandem with the ubiquitous Ladi Pav. A splendid rainbow of colours greets your eyes as you delve into this deliciously healthy preparation centred around steamed sprouts. The myriad of flavours released from the spicy coconut based curry, teekha (hot) sev mixture and the local thechas (condiments) truly send your senses for a delectable whirl. A common breakfast serving, this recipe was inspired by a very dear school friend Dipali…’Hey Dipali this ones for you ?’

For the novice, this Maharashtrian street food is different from Usal, which is typically a water based sprouted curry. While the popularity of Misal has ensured availability of ready to use misal masala across shelves, for the culinary sticklers, you can find the heirloom recipe on my blog!

So guys go ahead and spice up your barish ka season with a healthy sprouted Misal curry!

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Mains

Mumbai Street Style Masala Pav

Masala Pav

The aroma emitted from steaming pans at any street side pav bhaji vendor in Mumbai, even today, sends my senses and heart in a frenzy…The Masala Pav is a spin on the ubiquitous Pav Bhaji, deliciously comparable and yet with its own distinct personality!

Even though my first tryst with this road side luxury was @Shiv Sagar several years ago, the images and sounds of butter being smothered on sizzling Tava’s as the Pav and Masala ingredients plunge into it, makes me nostalgic at the mere thought itself….

Since travel restrictions will be keeping me away from Mumbai for the foreseeable future, the city which has given me the best years of my life growing up, I decided to reproduce street style Masala Pav at home. Food is truly an amazing way to stay connected with your memories and seems like the perfect mantra for me.

Time to sit by your window and celebrate deliciousness as you watch the baarish pitter patter….and a word of advice, please do not let the dollops of butter intimidate you…after all such beautiful crimes aren’t committed every day….

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