Mains

Baked Masala Khichdi

Baked Masala Khichadi

“Khichdi” a name and dish which resonates with most Indian’s though the preparation style and occasion may span a vast spectrum. Just to give you perspective. You can keep it bland, toss in loads of veggies, spice it up, add dollops of clarified butter (Ghee), use an array of lentils ranging from Arhar to Sabudana and this never-ending list can simply go on!!!

It’s a common dietary suggestion for someone recovering back to good health or one who gets easily disheartened at the sight of old fashioned dal & chawal or most importantly children, yes those vegetarian munchkins who dramatically reject this great source of proteins!!! Believe me, it worked like magic with my fusspot daughter all through her growing up years.

But guys I must make a confession, once home even from the most exotic travels having soaked in splendid food experiences what I truly relish is indulging in freshly cooked homestyle Khidchi!!!

As ubiquitous as this dish maybe, I was brimming with eagerness to share this all-new recipe taught by Chef Vicky Ratnani to a select few recently at Indore! Indeed a delicious way to serve something as traditional by simply baking the combination of Khichdi and Dahi (Greek Style Yogurt), whether to satiate your solo palate or cater to larger groups, this one is always a winner!!!

So friends go ahead and try it out or use your own imagination freely to twist it around & I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!!!

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Soups & Salads

Truffle Cauliflower Soup

Truffle Cauliflower Soup

Soups always give this warm and comforting feeling to my palate, and winters turn out to be just yet another reason to experiment!

This extremely low in calories Cauliflower soup with a hint of my favorite Truffle gently drizzled over its creamy texture is simply so elegant and delicious! I knew I had to try this one from the moment Chef Amit Pamnani introduced us to this heavenly concoction built using the humble Cauliflower.

A thick soup by design, this one is a meal in itself and pairs well with a wide selection of breads for the carb lovers! An alternate way is to serve in smaller portions (say Shot Glasses) as an appetizer which was a huge hit at one of my recent dinners!

While this is an apt season to enjoy this soup, the ubiquitous Cauliflower being available throughout the year makes life easier!

Do share your feedback!!!

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Appetizers

Caramalized Onions & Feta Puffs

Caramalized Onions & Feta Puffs

Feels good being back from my short sabbatical and really nostalgic to share this fusion appetizer recipe…recently made for my daughter who has just returned to New York for her onward studies.

The caramelized onions remind you of a red onion jam with its inherent sweetness and pairs beautifully with the saltiness of Feta… subtly glazed with the acidity of balsamic and artistically layered on the crunchy traditional Plain Puffs aka Khari biscuits…

This one infallibly satisfies palates of our elders and millennials alike… a real treat as you bite into the textures from crunchy to the softness of Feta. Yet another quick and easy recipe from dinewithgitanjali… Please do share your feedback…

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Breakfast

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Slider

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Slider

Paneer slider can be a fulfilling appetizer, breakfast or a snack recipe that can satisfy your hunger as well as your taste buds.

The cottage cheese preparation put into a slider bun is mixed with red and yellow peppers, jalapeños and topped with baby spinach making it an amazing protein and carbohydrate meal for all vegetarians.

It’s really easy to make and won’t even use up too much of your time. So why the wait!! Go ahead and try soon.

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Breakfast

Scrambled Egg Breakfast Sliders

Scrambled Egg Breakfast Sliders

A super delicious and healthy way to start your morning. The nutritional essentials of proteins and carbs rightly bundled together ensure a day packed with energy as also the flavor-some relish which continues to linger in the mind.

Can be churned out literally in a jiffy with preparation time pegged at approx. 5 minutes…

Truly a blessing for those bachelors living away from home or grappling with the rush hours of daily life.

So go ahead and freely indulge in the goodness of bread and eggs and do share your feedback!

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Mains

Paneer Makhani

Paneer Makhani

Indeed the most utterly butterly delicious paneer makhani ever!!! Those familiar with vintage restaurants like “Gaylord” in Mumbai may have vivid experiences of such flavors which also explains the heritage of this recipe. The softness of Paneer dunked in creamy-textured gravy ‘n’ the aromatic flavors with a fleeting hint of sweetness make this one absolutely irresistible…

With a beautiful balance of spices, it’s a favorite with the experienced and children alike!

Hope this one takes you down memory lane while creating new ones for the younger lot! Do share your valuable feedback.

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Mains/ Others

Korai Shutir Tacos

Korai Shutir Tacos

Koraishutir Tacos with Aloo Dum!

Koraishutir Tacos is my modern rendition of the traditional fresh peas fried flatbread.
Shaped like the ubiquitous Mexican Tacos, the black beans are replaced with my home
concocted potato vegetable aka Aloo Dum and garnished with vinegar-soaked onions and
ginger!

Designed to be served as a filling appetizer or even main course, it caters to a multitude of
palates due to its Indo-western avatar. A visual delight, this one is sure to hit the right spot in
terms of both flavor and texture.

Koraishutir or Matarshuti is the Bengali name for fresh peas, and traditional Kachauris made
with them is a winter delicacy in Bengal. Deep-fried in gallons of oil, this ancient recipe has
been passed on for generations and continues to be relished with a variety of
accompaniments.

I hope you create unforgettable winter memories with family, friends and Koraishutir Tacos!
Do share your experiences…..

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Appetizers

Kasundi Malai Broccoli

Kasundi Malai Broccoli

Broccoli or mini trees as my kids call it, is surely a nutrition powerhouse with few calories. A cruciferous vegetable family member which includes the likes of Kale, Brussel sprouts, Bok Choy etc. has calcium almost at par with milk and contains abundant cancer-fighting compounds.

Kasundi is a grainy mustard from Bengal bearing a typical pungency, one comparable to the Japanese Wasabi. It blends beautifully with this recipe giving the bland Malai broccoli a distinct and inimitable flavour!

My Kasundi Malai broccoli is a scrumptious recipe which sets the stage for winter month barbecues… The distinct texture of broccoli and complimenting flavours of the malai (cream) marination and Kasundi unleashes a whole new experience in your mouth!!!

Do share your valuable feedback!

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Desserts

Chocolate Cup Cakes

Chocolate Cup Cakes

That special and sought after time of the year for our precious Lil munchkins is here….14th Nov. aka Children’s day has finally arrived.

Since most children including mine love chocolate….. I figured this super way to surprise my son by baking these scrumptious “Chocolate Cup Cakes”. Extremely easy to make even for a novice in the kitchen and literally a 10-minute recipe, this sinful treat is deliciously gooey and simply melts in your mouth.

Really hope these cupcakes bring a twinkle in those innocent eyes back home like they unfailingly do with my son!!!

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Mains/ Menus, Meals and More

Bedmi Puris Served With Sweet N Sour Pumkin and Potatoes in Tomato Gravy

Bedmi Puris

The epitome of Festivity and Celebrations…yes, that’s what Diwali symbolises for me… it’s the glitter of lights… the joy of adorning myself…mingling with family n friends alike…the sound of crackers,
but above all, it’s the sheer indulgence in our traditional foods!!!

Diwali celebration for me is complete only when savoured with traditional recipes from our family heirlooms!

This year my Kansa Thali brings to you gourmet dishes such as Bedmi Puris served with sweet ‘n’ sour style Pumpkin aka Kaddu or Petha, Aloo Tamatar Ki Subzi accompanied with a Radish salad… all proudly hailing from the heritage state of Uttar Pradesh, particularly when one is visiting Agra or Mathura.

Do let me know what your Diwali thali looks like!

Wish you all a very Happy Diwali and New year!!!

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