Dine With Gitanjali - Page 22 of 25 - Recipes straight from the heart

Appetizers

Stuffed Mushrooms

Lip-smacking, uncomplicated & quick to make, this snack unfailingly makes me delightfully nostalgic…so what better than “Mother’s Day” to share this wonderful recipe with you all…

“Mushrooms” for today’s gourmands and foodies is a whole new world compared to what resonates with me. I was introduced to this gorgeous fungi via the most common kitchen staple i.e “Button Mushrooms” or “Agaricus bisporus” to the more proficient. My mother had adapted an age-old recipe of Stuffed Mushrooms of Tarla Dalal to suit our palates…. needless to say, it was an instant hit back then and ironically remains one even in today’s complex world of mushrooms. While we compliment the “Porcini” mushrooms from the West stretching to the “Shiitake” in the East, these stuffed Button Mushrooms, truly bestowed with beautiful flavours and texture always have and will continue to exude the fragrance of my mother’s cooking and childhood memories.

May 12, 2019 By Gitanjali

Mains

Methi Ki Daal or Sweet n Sour Lentils with Fenugreek

Methi Ki Dal holds a special place in my heart and unfailingly makes me reminisce of the tasty food my Grand-mother .. “MAA” as we call her, cooked for us. When I reflect I’m always in awe of her uncanny culinary skills particularly at a time when knowledge was quite inaccessible and definitely a fry cry from the present internet age. She created this flavorsome Dal using Fenugreek or Methi as commonly known…with a beautiful twist. The sweet and sour flavors veil the bitterness of the Methi in truly an understated style transforming this Dal into every child’s delight.

In addition, the subtle sweetness of Tuvar Dal (Pigeon Pea Lentils) also aids in balancing the bitterness of Methi… and indeed a great way to add greens to your everyday diet.

The word “Fenugreek” is seemingly derived from the Latin language and literally means “Greek hay” and comes bundled with an abundance of health, skin and hair benefits. Known to treat diabetes, constipation, kidney ailments and most importantly lower LDL and triglycerides while pulling up HDL or good cholesterol as many understand. Arising from the fact that this recipe has worked it’s magic upon me and even my children. I’m sure your experience will be similar or still better!!!

May 11, 2019 By Gitanjali

Appetizers

Smashed Avocado and Pesto Sourdough Toast

Experimenting with my newly acquired skills, sourdough is surely the flavour of my kitchen this month. Add to it dollops of smashed Avocado, a garnish of micro greens…..layered on a slim bed of Pesto and voila you have a mouthwatering breakfast with an abundance of health packed into it!!!

Avocado, also known as a superfood is loaded with healthy fats for a healthy heart, high fibre… which keeps you full for longer aiding weight loss & enhanced metabolic health…apart from its various other nutrients. A creamy, rich fatty texture makes it easy to blend with other ingredients rolling out dozens of recipe options for you. An amazing fact: Known to have originated in Southern Mexico it is interesting to note that its global consumption has gone up manifold in the last couple of decades.

An array of gourmet recipes using this wonder fruit occurred to me during my visit to Kitchen Garden by Suzette in Mumbai. Similarly, even though the Italian Pesto has been catering to a select palate of connoisseurs, it worked like magic in this simple to assemble..no fumes recipe. Ironically Pesto has long been one my favorites sauces because of its
the characteristic flavour and ability to transcend any dish to a higher realm altogether….. Egg lovers can add poached or scrambled on the top …a sure shot delight!
Please don’t get disheartened in case Sourdough isn’t available near you…as this recipe works perfectly with any regular crusted bread as well!!!
Looking for options ….Please feel free to contact me for a lil mix and match of ingredients and relish the diversity as it amazes you!!!

May 5, 2019 By Gitanjali

Drinks

Masala Chaas or Spiced Buttermilk

Buttermilk or “Chaas” is indeed a dependable warrior to beat the extreme summers in India. Simply mix a few spices in yogurt diluted with water…Spin the concoction in a blender and your summer cooler is ready!

The Indian Masala Chaas is a highly effective home remedy to fight against acidity. Being a fermented drink, it is an excellent probiotic, boosts gut health which translates into a stronger immune system. A glass of Chaas on an empty stomach is known to relieve one from hypoacidity and indigestion.

To simply absorb the nutrients to the fullest…. Its best consumed a couple of hours after your meal. Widely endorsed by Ayurveda which advocates that those habituated to having curd at night must also preferably switch to Chaas instead. Sip this recipe from earthenware to enjoy its rustic flavors infused with the Chaas!!!

April 30, 2019 By Gitanjali

Appetizers

Baked Potato Wedges with Sriracha Mayo Dip

The entire nation is glued to their TV screens watching the gentleman’s game Cricket! Every year during the IPL (Indian Premier League) we tend to host a couple of game nights at our home. Usually, a typical game night consists of a couple of our close friends who come over and watch the IPL match together.

Being a cricket enthusiast, I never want to miss the action of the game whilst I’m in the kitchen! So this is where I let my culinary chops take over. I tend to cook up some delicious
finger food that is easy to make.

My famous Baked Potato wedges are one such dish! Your guests will be left asking for more and you can just kick back and prep everything in advance so you don’t miss a single second of the game! Serve this with a couple of dips on the side and you are good to go!

So friends, do try this recipe. Continue Reading…

April 26, 2019 By Gitanjali

Appetizers

Layered Pizza Dip

Delicious, Lip-smacking, sumptuous and surely a slimmer version of our regular Pizza sans the bread… Its literally a melting pot of loads of flavoursome Pizza ingredients come together to create this delectable Italian twist!

The reason it works like magic across all ages… very simple…bcoz its totally customizable including the accompaniments depending on the flavours or calories you desire.

It’s been around for a pretty long time in my house and believe me…the experience of those who managed to dig at it….has always been nothing of short of WOW!!! There have actually been some embarrassing times for underestimated consumption.

Whether you serve it as an appetizer, cocktail snack, mains or even your contribution to pot luck…be rest assured it will assume all roles with utmost élan!

Totally fuss free to make as well…as the name suggests simply layer all the ingredients in an oven worthy bowl or a flat tray…the more adventurous ones can also bake it in a bread bowl!! Just in case you are running short of time… don’t worry, its absolutely not a problem…simply use store-bought pizza sauce and voila you are ready to start assembling. Non-veg lovers can create one of the international bestsellers by adding pepperoni slices for that added flavour!

In case you need any tips to customize please free to connect……

Your feedback…Always Invaluable!!!

April 20, 2019 By Gitanjali

Mains

Smoked Moong Dal

Simple and uncomplicated…Dal-Chawal or Khichdi is truly my comfort food and especially after I return from long travels or endless evenings of eating out.

Pulses such as Dals are a vital source of proteins for vegetarians. Ironically even though they are stapled in most Indian homes for their nutrition, some of them can lead to flatulence such as Toovar (Arhar) while the most popular of them all i.e. Dal Makhani (Whole Black Lentil & Red Kidney Beans) is usually high in calories.

In order to satiate my craving for indulgence and yet avoid the perils posed by many in this family of pulses. I most often use Yellow Moong Dal (Yellow Split Lentils)….the only downside. How to overcome the monotony of flavour and make it interesting for my family and friends who are typically lovers of Dal Makhani!!

These unusual circumstances led to the birth of the Smoked Moong Dal, which was not only a runaway success but also became a preferred option in my house, whether over simple family meal times or treating my gourmet friends. It’s distinct and authentic flavour truly sets the stage for royalty and will surely leave one and all asking for more…

Hope you enjoy this simple soul food recipe of mine…A classic comforting lentil dish, full of proteins.

April 12, 2019 By Gitanjali

Desserts

Masala Chai Cupcakes

The refreshing morning cup of piping hot Masala Chai is a lifestyle habit I have inherited like most of the Indian progeny…. and so was utterly delighted when I received these bottles of masala from Cafe Junyali! It struck me in a flash that I had to take these ethereal flavours beyond the usual cuppa of chai which really got me thinking…

India and its ubiquitous Masala Chai have been around for almost eternity. A potion which surely rejuvenates you after a long days work, travel or tiredness… But I was keen to churn out something sweet with this magic melange of Indian spices.

After some serious brain racking, I thought of trying these gooey sponge cakes with buttercream frosting infused with traditional chai flavour. A little hesitant when it first came out of the oven but glad the feeling of trepidation didn’t last too long. They turned out simply delicious thanks to the gorgeous masala flavours from Cafe Junyali!

Do give this one a try, friends!

April 9, 2019 By Gitanjali

Appetizers

Hara Matar ka Patti Samosa (Green Peas stuffed Samosas)

In spite of the huge cultural diversity across the vastness of India …the Samosa remains its quintessential savoury snack made in myriads of ways as one travels from North to South or East to West.

Incidentally, Masala Chai (Tea) and Samosa are almost synonymous with each other when you traverse through the rural or urban parts of India … may it be a road trip, trains or flights for the jet setters, this delicious combo can seldom evade you.

It was one of those mornings when I visited the local Mandi which never fails to surprise me… and this one was also no different… I had hardly set foot in there when I saw these gorgeous tender sweet peas also known as “Petite Pois”, which was quite a delight especially because winter is practically over. My heart instantly knew that I had to make Samosas filled with these tiny jewels… a real treat for my son who simply adores them.

Is it cumbersome to make these Samosas? Not at all… especially if you use ready dough sheets for making them… something I most often rely upon and so always have them handy in my kitchen….not only does it save time but also turns out a whole lot crispier…I always fry my Samosas… however for a healthier option you can also bake or air-fry them.

Please do try and make these simply irresistible Samosas before it becomes rare to get a fresh supply of the tender sweet peas or tiny jewels as I call them… Continue Reading…

April 1, 2019 By Gitanjali

Drinks

Thandai Milk Recipe

Holi hai !!! (It’s Holi)…the entire country reverberates with this chant, there's palpable energy all around and the air fills with jubilation proclaiming the arrival of our favorite festival of colours!

Thandai is largely symbolic with Indian festivals and most popularly associated with Holi…which also marks the onset of Indian summers. This traditional drink is an enigmatic concoction of dry fruits such as almonds, seeds, exotic spices dominated by the ethereal saffron and finally the main ingredient i.e. milk…imparting great flavour and intrinsic cooling qualities giving much solace against the rising temperatures.

Those looking for doses of intoxication during this time usually veer away from the usual spirits and go ahead boldly spiking their Thandai with “Bhaang”(Cannabis). However, my recipe, which is free from such mental transformers, is the one I always make at home.

A sweet nostalgia stirs up in my heart at the thought of this drink which transports me to my childhood days… those when my grandma flavoured our daily dose of milk with Thandai in place of the usual Bournvita, Horlicks or Complan.

Friends hope this Thandai recipe adds more delight to your splendor of colours and maybe tickles that nostalgia also. Enjoy the Thandai masala for its diversity by refrigerating it and using it to flavour sandesh, cheesecakes and panacottas too.

Wishing you all a colourful and joyous Holi!

March 20, 2019 By Gitanjali

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