Dine With Gitanjali - Page 27 of 29 - Recipes straight from the heart

Mains

French Beans and Pine Nut Stir-fry or Chilgoza Falli ki Sabji

Greens … A mother’s delight and the millennial child’s nightmare.

Well, here’s a super green vegetable, surely to be relished across generations…

The Chilgoza Falli ki Sabji or French Beans and Pine Nut Stir-fry, is almost like the confluence of the sacred Indian rivers of Ganga and Yamuna… an enigmatic blend of ingredients, colours, flavours and nutrition. Pine nuts is a super energy booster and a great source of magnesium….it pairs beautifully with these green beans which are so full of vitamins and minerals…, and the cherry tomatoes for its diverse flavour and desired drama. Also, an interesting vegetable to add to any weight loss diet.

My first knowledge of this simple yet memorable dish is from Masala Kraft @ The Taj Mahal Hotel Mumbai… created by none other than the celebrity chef Hemant Oberoi!! ..Never could have imagined, it will be such a rage and favourite in my house today Tired making the regular Aloo-Falli (Potato Beans ki sabji), I’m sure this really easy-to-make dish is going to leave all licking their fingers…. combines very well with homemade Chapatis as well as Tandori Rotis, Nans, etc …

All mothers out there …do give this recipe a definite try and please share your feedback..

February 6, 2019 By Gitanjali

Mains/ Soups & Salads

Zucchini Zoodles

These Zucchini noodles often referred to as Zoodles are a great way to escape the evils of Carbs and gluten and yet delve into the pleasures of a delicious pasta.

My tryst with this awesome preparation was @ a really uber restaurant “Table” in Mumbai… after which I simply knew I had to master the fine art to make this delicate dish..

A pre-requisite to making these Zoodles with the right precision is a good spiralizer.I love the one I use (Gefu) which I sourced from Amazon.

The technique is also critical to ensure that these Zoodles don’t become soggy. For starters, one must remember to dry them with a kitchen towel after spiralizing. Another essential is to cook over a medium flame in an uncovered pan …and that too, just when you are ready to serve it. Going by my experience following these tips should land you with Zoodles of just right crispness and texture… which is quite a must to enjoy them in style.

So do try this absolutely carb free, super low in calories and simply yet yummy alternative to the regular pasta.

February 1, 2019 By Gitanjali

Mains

Eggs En Cocotte 4 ways

An EGGcelent way to start your day…

This one’s truly for all those Egg-O-Holics out there…Baked eggs ‘En Cocotte’ is a classic and delicious breakfast option that is too often forgotten. En Cocotte is French for ‘Ramekin’ and also the reason, this delicate dish is commonly referred to as ‘Oeufs en Cocotte’ in France.

This wholesome and nutritious meal allows you to savour the egg white and yolk to your liking with the added goodness of cream. It brings a different level convenience to the working parents, students, bachelors, etc., because you can simply refrigerate this dish in ramekins and cook in a bain-marie just a few minutes before serving…. ‘Totally hassle free cooking’ is truly an understatement for this easy to make recipe.

An opportunity to train on egg recipes at a school in London made me aware of the numerous twists and variants there are to this classic ‘Oeufs en Cocotte’. Even though originally made with just eggs and cream I have listed a few options….my favourite being the one with spinach, mushrooms and gruyere cheese… A super recipe to woo any egg aficionado…. it surely does its magic on my husband. Hope it has a similar effect on you all too!!

January 27, 2019 By Gitanjali

Drinks

Banana Almond Paleo Smoothie

Growing up I distinctly remember how a glass of milk was no less than the poster boy for health!!

Unlike today at that time the divergent benefits of Gluten Free and Lactose-Free were quite alien to most of us, and so, were magical concoctions like my Banana Almond Paleo Smoothie!
This absolutely guilt-free smoothie was introduced to me by my nutritionist friend Ritesh Bawri… A real energy booster that can be had before or after workouts by kids and young adults alike… Some can also substitute it for a meal, like my husband and me often do!!!
An awesome blend of health with just the right amount of sweetness… The dominant ingredients of this smoothie are the omnipresent banana, almond milk and peanut butter. Don’t break into a sweat if ready-to-use almond milk is not conveniently available… Simply make it at home. All you have to do is, soak almonds in water for 24-48 hours. The longer the wait, the creamier it’s texture. Thereafter drain the liquid and grind the almonds with fresh water. Thereafter, strain it through a cheesecloth. A word of caution though – this homemade recipe stays good only for a few days when refrigerated so make as much as you will consume. Ideally, a cup of almonds with 2 cups of water should do the trick. Honey or dates can be added by those with a sweeter tooth!

All the banana lovers out there.. this one’s really gonna blow your mind and give you that adrenaline rush… for those who want to avoid artificial whey protein this can be your ideal solution… so do give this recipe of mine a try and send in your feedback.

January 20, 2019 By Gitanjali

Appetizers

Hara Chana Kababs with Tomato Kasundi Relish

Winter is always so full of options when it comes to food ingredients. Hara Chana or “Choliya” as many know it is another delight this season offers. The Hara Chana kabab which predominantly consists of this beautiful fresh green gram (not the dried ones) is yet another one of my winter favourites. It’s rooted trace back to the royal cuisine of Sailana where the chefs created this magical recipe to substitute its traditional non-vegetarian avatar…Trust me they are so succulent and delicious that the thought of them can make your mouth water!!!

A twist by pairing it with my Tomato Kasundi relish gives it an awesome zing…It’s a superb main to go with soups or great when simply served as a filling appetiser too! When mildly spiced they can be a treat for foreigners as well, who wish to savour food of the Indian royalties.

The process of boiling them with curd and spices adds a distinct taste and flavour to it making them soft and juicy! For the fitness seekers…it’s great news because these kebabs are really rich in proteins. They aid in building muscle .and of course, help you watch your weight while you relish them.

To my delight, my recipe uses a Kasundi. For those wondering what it means – it’s actually an Asian or Bengali variety of mustard sauce. It’s a pungent paste of fermented mustard seeds. Those having access to it…it’s a must try… for the others please try and source it for its sheer divine flavour.

So let’s get ready to experience Indian Royalty in one of its simplest food forms…

January 15, 2019 By Gitanjali

Soups & Salads

Strawberry Arugula Salad

My obsession with strawberries continues. (Honestly speaking I would simply gorge on them dipped in warm Belgian chocolate). But hey healthy eating right!

Healthy eating week two of 2019! Wow! Can’t believe how I’m sticking to my resolution (God knows how long it lasts). Well, until then for those of you like me who like to eat clean here’s a delightful salad recipe which I’m sure all will adore.

A rich source of iron, vitamins A and C, arugula here is balanced perfectly with the acidity of balsamic vinegar, strawberries and orange juice. Pairs beautifully with the creaminess of crumbled feta and toasted pecan nuts. Those of you who wish to substitute arugula with baby spinach and pecans with walnuts may feel free to do so.

A simple visual treat to the eyes as well as the palate! I promise you would be having this all season long and wish the strawberries last forever just as I do.

So, do give this simple salad a try. A sure show stopper at a party too!

January 11, 2019 By Gitanjali

Soups & Salads

The Healthy Winter Pea Soup – Petit Pois Soup

The chill in the air continues and it’s simply the right weather for a warm comforting soup!
Just got my bag of Petit Pois (Green Peas) from the Sabzi Mandi (Vegetable Market) in Indore! Fortunately, these tiny and
tender green delights are all over the marketplace at this time of the year. It is indeed a visual treat for those who get a chance to visit one.

Being rich in antioxidants, fairly low in calorie and categorised as a high fibre food with an abundance of protein! This cup of soup is truly loaded with health and nutrition.
The leeks give it a beautiful twist by infusing a hint of onion.
A super dinner choice for me. It also doubles up as a perfect winter party appetiser. So whilst the season for peas lasts, a cup full of this flavoursome and aromatic Petit Pois soup is my new favourite…. What an awesome start to my new year resolution of eating healthy as well!

January 5, 2019 By Gitanjali

Mains

One Pot Pasta

My One-Pot Pasta… A sure healthy solution to the ubiquitous 2-Minute Maggie Noodles! My children can scare the living daylights out of me when they are hungry and their meal is either gonna take longer or isn’t entirely to their liking…This is when they start negotiating for some form of junk food in the garb of a quick fix.(I am sure Moms with young children are likely to relate to this phenomenon!)… In the past, I would succumb to their innocence with a sense of guilt which of course didn’t last for too long…At such times this one-pot pasta is truly a huge saviour… appealing to both Moms and children alike!

It’s really super easy and more importantly really quick to make… bcoz unlike other methods of cooking this one doesn’t require pre-boiling the pasta. All the yummy and healthy ingredients are simply thrown into a single pot along with the pasta and cooked together.

Idea and recipe credits…. my cousin Vrinda, who taught me this on her annual trip to Indore. She is a complete foodie and we can endlessly discuss our culinary passions, explore and relish new recipes during our stays with each other… This dish is easy to tweak depending on your tastes and available ingredients for e.g., you can substitute the cherry tomatoes with fresh ones…Also feel free to alter the spice level, garlic etc.

An absolute no fuss recipe any novice can also stir up effortlessly. It turns out to be a great option for kids studying away from home, bachelors tired of the usual routine or anyone who doesn’t have the luxury of time and yet wants to eat something tasty and healthy but away from the regular…

You can also serve this with garlic toast and a glass of wine and yet enjoy your meal guilt free!!

Please do share your feedback including your variations!

Getting ready to order out your pasta on Swiggy, Uber Eats, Meals on Wheels etc., do try this recipe before you do so…Next time onwards I am sure you will know which is faster to turn around apart from being tastier and fresher!

Bon Appétit!!!

December 29, 2018 By Gitanjali

Condiments/ Menus, Meals and More

Simple Home Style Chilli garlic paste

This is my go-to, favourite and super easy chilli sauce that I always keep at home. It simply infuses life into any dish no matter how bland tasting it is. Really spikes up the flavour when added to pastas, grilled veggies, pizza sauce, noodles, zoodles and is great marination for paneer also!

As the famous adage goes… “Old Is Gold”….I discovered this treasure when I saw my mother-in-law’s friend stir up a tomato basil pasta…She simply got hold of this fiery looking red sauce from the freezer and poof… before you realised the pasta was deliciously ready to eat !!

In the yesteryears, it was difficult to get fresh red chillies round the year in Indore….So my option was limited to get hold of fresh produce when the season arrived and make enough quantity of this heavenly spicy recipe which can be conveniently stashed away into the freezer for year-round consumption!

Some distinct flavours such as Garlic can be moderated to suit your palate even though I like mine more garlicky! Sauté in hot oil with chopped spring onions and serve with fritters as a sauce too! Those who dare to try this HOT one, please do share your feedback!

December 27, 2018 By Gitanjali

Desserts

Spiced Apple Cinnamon Cake

Winter, and the month of December send a different rush of excitement with everyone eagerly waiting for the arrival of Christmas! Celebrated with equal enthusiasm world over…places come alive with bustling and vivacious energy, young children go looking for their Santa Clause, charities and gifts making their way into all homes, beautifully decorated Christmas trees radiate festivity, love is in the air and everybody is spreading joy!

Even though there are loads of awesome foods, mulled wine, desserts and plenty more…the timeless Christmas cake continues to adorn the crown and remains my Christmas favourite too!

The traditional one which comes with colourful raisins, sultanas, currants etc. soaked in rum or brandy doesn’t work well with many kids and mine for sure! So, this year the mother in me decided to surprise them. While rummaging through my archives I came across a recipe of Spiced Apple Cinnamon Cake by Chef Ottolenghi…. So voila! with a little tweaking it turned out to be an absolute delight, looking great and tasting even better!

A perfect and flavour–some moist sponge cake with the goodness of apples. Kids would only wish and hope that they could have their fruit for the day in such a beautiful disguise!

So here’s the recipe which is easy to make. Wish you all a Merry Christmas!

December 23, 2018 By Gitanjali

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