Mains

Raw Mango Curd Rice

Raw or ripe, you can’t go wrong with mango. Raw Mango Curd Rice is a summer essential as it is light, flavourful, and tangy.

Curd rice is known by many names throughout the country, and in every household it is a comfort food. For days when you are sick or want to keep it light, curd rice is your go-to meal.

This simple yet delicious dish compliments the weather beautifully. Swipe to see the recipe. Share your raw mango recipes in the comments below.

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

Ingredients for the Raw Mango Curd Rice

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
2 cups Cooked rice
2 cups Beaten yogurt
½ cup Raw mango grated
½ cup Cucumber grated (squeeze the excess water)
2 – 3 Green chilies, finely chopped
¼th cup Milk (chilled)
A handful of Coriander leaves finely chopped

Ingredients for tempering

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
1 – 2 tbsp Oil
2 tsp Mustard seeds
½ tsp Urad dal (white one)
½ tsp Chana dal
A pinch Of heeng (asafoetida)
2 – 3 Whole red chilies
A few Curry leaves

Instructions for the Rice
1. Take the boiled and cooled rice in a dish.  Mix all ingredients for the rice except salt and keep aside in the refrigerator to cool for 1 hour at least.
2. Heat the oil.  Temper the mustard seeds, dals, heeng, curry leaves, chilies.
3. Add tempering to the rice. Mix salt. Check for seasonings and add as per taste.  Serve at once.
4. Best served chilled.

Note:  We add salt just before serving as the cucumber should not release the liquid

September 20, 2023 By
Breakfast

Classic French Toast

With Rakhi coming up, I’m sure you’ve all started to think about what to make for your siblings to treat them on this special day. Cooking them a meal is always a heartfelt gesture, and I’m positive they’ll absolutely love this Classic French Toast!

It’s so easy to make, and a fun recipe to make with your loved ones. The best part about French Toast is that you can pile it high with your favourite toppings. My favourite thing to do when I’m hosting a brunch is to make lots of French Toast, and have a toppings buffet! That way, people can try different combinations, and it makes it even more fun.

Servings 2 persons
Course Breakfast
Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients for the Classic French Toast

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
4 Nos. Brioche bread slices (preferably a day or 2 old)
2 Nos. Eggs
½ cup Milk
2 – 3 tbsp Salted butter
A pinch Of cinnamon powder
½ tsp Vanilla essence
Honey / maple syrup to drizzle
Whipped cream to serve
Nutella to serve
Icing sugar to dust

Instructions for the Classic French Toast
1. Mix the eggs, milk, cinnamon powder in a bowl and whisk well.  Add in the vanilla essence.
2. Heat a pan and melt butter.  Dip the brioche slice in the egg-milk mixture and coat well.
3. Fry the coated bread slice on the pan with butter turning and flipping it on both sides. Repeat with the remaining 3 slices.
4. Before serving, dust with icing sugar.  Drizzle maple syrup or honey. Serve with whipped cream and Nutella spread.

 

August 29, 2023 By
Desserts

Toffee Walnuts

Rakhi is nearly here and I’m sharing my favourite sweet treats that you can enjoy with your siblings and family.

I have such fond memories of going to ice cream parlours throughout my childhood with my family – it would always bring a smile to everyone’s faces. I’m still a huge ice cream fan, and that’s why I’m excited to share my recipe for Caramelized Walnuts. It’s got so much depth of flavour, and I love piling my ice cream high with these.

What ice cream flavour will you be topping with these?  I love it on vanilla and chocolate, but I want to hear what you think!

Servings Makes 2 cups
Course Dessert
Preparation Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients for the for Toffee Walnuts

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
1½ cups walnuts
¼th  cup Brown sugar
¼th  cup Caster sugar
2 tbsp Golden syrup
2 tbsp Salted butter
½ tsp Vanilla extract
1 tbsp Water
2 – 3 tbsp Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions for the Toffee Walnuts
1. Preheat oven to 150℃. Toast the walnuts for 10 minutes
2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or silpat.  Set aside.
3. Heat a saucepan, add in the sugars, golden syrup and water.  Stir using an infolding motion.   Add in the butter and walnuts. Cook over medium heat. If you have a candy thermometer check until the mixture reaches 295 degrees.  Be careful not to burn the mixture as it will become bitter.  Do not let the sugar crystallize.
4. Remove from heat, add in vanilla extract. Spread the nuts on a lined baking sheet or silpat.  Use 2 forks to separate nuts.  Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds.  Allow it to cool until hardened.   Store in an airtight container and use.

Notes:

1. This is best eaten over any ice cream.
2. You can use toffee walnuts in salads too.
3. Can be served along with cheese platters too.

 

August 29, 2023 By
Mains/ Others

Asian Style Tofu

Tofu often gets a bad reputation for being bland. To those who believe that, you have to try a bite of my Asian Style Tofu, and I’ll see what you have to say then.

I love cooking with tofu because it’s such a healthy protein source. It’s low in saturated fat, cholesterol- free, full of nutrients like calcium, iron, and magnesium. It’s also the perfect canvas to absorb bright & exciting flavours. This recipe is so simple, and it’s a great introduction to tofu for people who aren’t as familiar with it just yet (while still being wonderful for those who are)! I love serving this with some rice and steamed greens, for a well-balanced and nourishing meal.

Are you a tofu fan? Comment below with your favourite tofu recipes, I want to try them all!

Servings 2 – 4 persons
Course Main
Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients for the Asian Style Tofu

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
6 large Silken tofu (extra firm)
3 tbsp Blended sesame oil
1 tbsp Finely chopped ginger
1 tbsp Finely chopped garlic
1 – 2 Dry red chilies, whole
3 tbsp Veg mushroom oyster sauce
1 tbsp Chili oil
1 tbsp Light kikoman soya sauce
½ cup Veg stock
1 tbsp Sugar
1 tbsp Corn flour dissolved in 3 tbsp water
Salt optional
½ tsp White pepper powder (optional)
2 tbsp Rice wine vinegar
10 – 12 Fried basil leaves as garnish
1 tbsp Toasted sesame seeds to garnish

Instructions for the Asian Style Tofu
1. Remove the excess water from the tofu packet and wipe dry.  Micro for 10 – 15 seconds and keep aside.
2. On a high flame in a wok, heat sesame oil. Sauté the chilies, ginger and garlic.  Add in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar and veg stock.  Let it caramelize.  Add in the chili oil and the corn flour shirry. Let it slightly thicken.  Adjust the consistency by stirring continuously.  Add in vinegar, salt and pepper (Note: the sauces are high on sodium, so salt can be avoided).
3. Pour the piping hot sauce over the steamed tofu.  Garnish with fried basil, spring onion greens, sesame seeds and serve immediately.

August 28, 2023 By
Appetizers

Baked Jalapeno Poppers

The first time I had stuffed jalapenos at a restaurant, couldn’t get over them. The spicy, creamy, tangy combination was like nothing I’d ever tried before, and I couldn’t stop craving them.

Jalapeno Poppers is a Tex-Mex & American dish, which draws inspiration from Mexican cuisine, and gained global popularity in the 1980s – with good reason! One bite of my Baked Jalapeno Poppers, and you’ll know why too.

Servings 4 – 6 persons
Course Appetizer
Preparation Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 – 20 minutes

Ingredients for the Baked Jalapeno Poppers

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
6 large Fresh jalapeno peppers
2 – 3 tbsp Goat cheese, softened
3 tbsp Cream cheese softened
Salt to taste
½ tsp Minced garlic or garlic powder.
1 tsp Elote seasoning or paprika (optional)
¼th  cup Grated cheddar cheese (Kraft)
A little Sriracha sauce or any hot sauce to drizzle.
1 tbsp Walnut crumble (optional)

Instructions for the Baked Jalapeno Poppers
1. Combine the cream cheese, goat cheese, garlic or garlic powder, salt and elote seasoning.  Mix well and fill the mixture in a piping bag.
Cut the jalapeno peppers into 2 and de-seed them. Arrange them flat on a baking tray.
3. Pipe the peppers with cheese mixture.  Sprinkle grated cheddar on top.
4. Bake in a preheated oven @ 200℃ for 10 – 13 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
5. Serve hot piped with hot sauce and walnut crumble.

August 12, 2023 By
Soups & Salads

Marinated Mushroom Salad

In the mood for something healthy and delicious?  I have got the right recipe for you- Marinated Mushroom Salad.

Refreshing, earthy, and delicious, this nutrient-packed salad bridges the gap between health and taste.  Mushroom are packed with Vitamin D, adding to your daily dose of sunshine.

Servings 2 – 3 persons
Course Salads
Preparation Time 10-15 minutes
Cook Time Nil

Ingredients for the Marinated Mushroom Salad

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
4 cups Fresh mushrooms, cut into quarters
1 cup Scallions,  (green spring onions finely chopped)
1–2 med. Sized Tomatoes, finely chopped
3 -4 cloves Garlic, minced
4-5 tbsp Sundried tomatoes, chopped
A few (8-10) Basil leaves, torn
3-4 tbsp Olive oil
1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
Juice of 2 lemons (Indian sized)
A few drops Of tabasco
1-2 tsp Coarsely ground black pepper
Salt to taste
1 cup Red cabbage shredded

Instructions for the Salad
1. Heat water up to a boil.  Add the mushrooms in it and let it blanch for 2 – 3 minutes.  Drain and  keep aside to cool completely.
2. Add all ingredients for the salad except salt and red cabbage.  Mix well.
3. Klin wrap and chill in fridge for 2 – 3 hours (basically you need the flavours to marinate well with the mushroom.  You can taste at this stage, increase or decrease the lime juice, balsamic and tabasco quotient).
4. Once chilled, add salt and mix well.  Serve chilled on a bed of red cabbage.
Note: You can marinate this for upto 10-12 hours also.  Just add fresh greens again before serving. Should be served chilled.

 

August 5, 2023 By
Appetizers

Vada Pav

Vada Pav – a street food from the bustling streets of Bombay that instantly takes me back to the carefree days of my childhood!

As a kid, I would eagerly wait for the school bell to ring, knowing that the savory aroma of Vada Pav would soon fill the air. The moment I took that first bite, I as transported to a world of flavors – the spicy vada, the soft pav, and the tangy chutney danced together, creating a taste like no other.

The “Bombay Burger” is not just a meal – it’s an escape from busy city life, and gives you a moment to revel in the present. As I grew older, I realized that this iconic dish is not just about its delectable taste, but also about the warmth and love that Bombay exudes.

What’s your favorite street food which takes you back to a similar feeling? Let me know in the comments!

Servings 5 persons (makes 10 vadas)
Course Appetizer / Snack
Preparation Time 15 – 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 – 30 minutes

Ingredients for the Batata Vadas

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
4 Nos. Medium sized potatoes
5 – 6 cloves Of garlic, mashed
1 – 2 tbsp Green chili – ginger paste
Salt to taste
1 – 2 tbsp Lemon juice
Oil for frying

For the Batter

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
½ cup Basan (gram flour)
½ cup Maida
Salt to taste
½ tsp Turmeric powder
1 tsp Red chili powder
A Pinch of baking soda
½ to ¾th Cup water to make batter

Ingredients to Serve
10 Ladi pav
10 Fried green chilies
½ cup Green chutney
½ cup Tamarind chutney
½ cup Dry garlic chutney

July 27, 2023 By
Appetizers/ Mains

Healthy Low Carb Hara Bhara Kababs

When surprise guests grace my doorstep, I embrace the art of impromptu entertaining! A big reason for this is my arsenal of quick, healthy appetizers, which are always crowd-pleasers.

These Low Carb Hara Bhara Kebabs fit the bill. With their aromatic spices and vibrant flavors, they transform unexpected gatherings into unforgettable feasts.

Servings 3 – 4 persons
Course Appetizer / Main
Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients for the Low-Carb Hara Bhara Kababs

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
1 cup Spinach leaves (blanched & pureed)
1½ cups Cottage cheese, crumbled
¼th cup Coriander leaves, finely chopped
2 tsp Ginger garlic paste
1 tsp Green chili paste
1 tsp Red chili powder
1 tsp Coriander powder
1 tsp Roasted jeera powder
½ cup Powdered almonds (with skin)
2 tbsp Ground flax seed powder (optional)
As per taste Lemon juice (optional)
Salt to taste
Oil for frying

Instructions for the Low-Carb Hara Bhara Kababs
1. Mix all the ingredients for the kabab except the oil.
2. Taste and increase or decrease the seasonings.   The flax seed powder is used for kneading and binding the kababs.
3. Shape into round kababs and flatten them.
4. Heat a shallow fry pan and shallow fry the kababs with oil until golden brown.
5. Serve warm with chutney.

 

July 27, 2023 By
Appetizers/ Snacks

Rasgulla Chaat

Hold your horses, it’s time to reveal the mysterious case of Rasgulla and Chutney Featuring Rasgulla Chaat- I am guessing your initial reaction is “Not my cup of tea!” but I urge you to keep an open mind.

Many unexpected combinations in life yield fantastic results like Malai-Toast, and this chaat is just one of them. I was hesitant when I first tried this recipe. But as soon as I took a bite of this unconventional chaat all my doubts vanished into thin air. The sweet and spicy flavour of this spongy chaat is one of a kind. If you’re a fan of the texture of Dahi-Baras, this chaat is just for you!

Rasgullas are made of ‘Chenna’ (curd cheese) and are porous in texture. The rich and intense flavour of the chutneys penetrates the Rasgulla from within. Every bite packs a punch as it’s chatpata, meetha and teekha at the same time. This chaat is relatively healthy than other oil-laden chaats that are deep-fried.

Surprise your tastebuds with this mind-blowing chaat folks!

Servings 2 – 4 persons
Course Snack / Appetizer
Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cook Time –

Ingredients for the Rasgulla Chaat

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
8 – 10 Nos. Rasgullas
1 cup Beaten yogurt
1/4th cup Imli chutney
1/4th cup Green chutney
1/4th cup Sev
A few Coriander leaves
Salt to taste
Red chili powder to taste
Chaat masala to taste
Roasted cumin powder to taste
A few Pomegranate kernels for garnish

Instructions for the Rasgulla Chaat
1. Squeeze the rasgulla of its juice up to 60%.  Pat dry and keep aside.
2. In case the rasgullas are big you can split into 2 halves.  Else layer the rasgulla as follows.
3. Put a spoon of beaten curd on each. Top with a tsp of imli chutney, followed by green chutney.  Season with salt, chaat masala, jeera and red chili powder.  Top with sev, coriander leaves and pomegranate kernels.  Serve chilled.

 

July 18, 2023 By
Mains

Palak Raita Spinach Raita – (A Sailana Recipe)

There’s nothing like a cooling bowl of raita on a hot summer day.  This Palak Raita is inspired by the regal culinary legacy of Sailana, a town in Madhya Pradesh.

Sailana has rich culinary history that traces back to its royal heritage.  The town was once the seat of the princely state of Sailana, known for its opulent lifestyle and royal kitchens.  The dishes skilfully balance spices, herbs, and ingredients to create a perfect amalgamation of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savoury notes.  This recipe is no different.

Add a touch of majesty to your everyday meals with this layered Palak Raita.

Servings 4 persons
Course Main
Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes

Ingredients for Palak Raita Spinach Raita  – (A Sailana Recipe)

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
2 cups Spinach, washed and cut finely
1 no. Onion, cut finely
3 – 4 tbsp Ghee
½ inch Piece of ginger, grated
2 nos. Cloves powdered
3 – 4 Cloves, whole
½ tsp Powdered Cinnamon
1 tsp Black cardamom powdered
3 – 4 Cloves of garlic minced
1/4th cup Water
4 cups Yogurt, beaten and strained
1 – 2 tbsp Sugar
Salt to taste
Curry leaves for garnish

Instructions for Palak Raita Spinach Raita  – (A Sailana Recipe)
1. Heat about 2 tbsp ghee in a kadhai.  Sauté the onions until brown.  Sauté the spinach and ginger.  Add 1/4th cup water and cook the spinach until it softens and water dries out completely.  Set aside to cool.
2. Take the yogurt in a bowl. Add in the ground cloves and cinnamon powder.  Add in sugar, salt and garlic minced.  Now mix the above-prepared spinach mixture.  Chill for 1 – 2 hours.
3. For the tempering heat the remaining ghee – add whole cloves, grated cardamom and 3-4 curry leaves.  Sauté. Add the tempering to the raita just before serving.  Serve chilled with your meals.

 

June 17, 2023 By