Mains

Keri Ki Launji

Who else can’t live without their favorite condiments?  Whether you’re a mustard fanatic or a hot sauce aficionado, they can take your meals to the next level! I love making my own, and this tangy, zingy, and delightful Mango Launji is the perfect accompaniment to my meals!

Servings 4 persons
Course Main
Preparation Time 10 – 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients for Keri Ki Launji

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
4 – 5 Nos. Small raw mango (kaccha keri) cut into cubes
3 tbsp Oil
2 tsp Methi dana
2 tsp Cumin seeds (jeera)
2 tsp Rai (mustard seeds)
1 pinch Of hing (asafoetida)
2 tbsp Kalonji
2 – 3 Bay leaves
2 – 3 Red chilies, whole
2 tbsp Saunf seeds
A few Curry leaves
½ tsp Haldi powder
1 tbsp Red chili powder
1 tbsp Coriander powder
1 tsp Jeera powder
Salt to taste
3 – 4 tbsp Sugar
2 tbsp Jaggery powder
½ – 1 cup Of water

Instructions for Keri Ki Launji 
1. Heat oil.  Splutter the bay leaves, red chilies, cumin, mustard, neem leaves, methi dana, hing, kalonji and saunf seeds.  Let it cook for 1 – 2 minutes
2. Add in the raw mango cubes and salt and haldi powder.  Add in about ½ cup of water.
3. Cover a bit and cook.  Once it softens, add in sugar, jaggery powder, red chili powder, coriander powder and jeera powder.  Cover and cook for a few minutes.  If its too dry add some water.
4. Once cooked, taste and check seasoning.  Season accordingly.  Serve hot.
Note:  The sugar and jaggery quantity also depends on how sour the raw mango is.  This dish should be sweet and sour in taste.
May 3, 2023 By
Mains

Fariyali Peanut Curry

Fasting during Navratri doesn’t have to be boring or tasteless.  In fact, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore new flavours!

Join me in the kitchen as I make Fariyali Peanut Curry with some roasted peanuts, coconut, and top it off with some fresh coriander.

So, put on your apron and whip up some deliciousness this Navratri.

Servings 2 persons
Course Main
Preparation Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients for Fariyali Peanut Curry

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
3 tbsp Coriander leaves
3 tbsp Grated fresh coconut
3 tbsp Roasted peanuts (skin removed)
2 – 3 Green chilies
1 no. Lemon juice
1 tbsp Sugar
Salt to taste
2 cups Water
1 – 2 tbsp Oil / ghee
½ cup Curd (beaten)
1 tbsp Cumin seed
2 – 3 tbsp Fresh cucumber, chopped
1 tbsp Coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions for Fariyali Peanut Curry 
1. In a mixer grinder blend the coriander leaves, peanuts, coconut, green chilies into a fine paste.  You could add 1/4th cup of water to smoothen it.  Strain the mixture.
2. Mix the green mixture along with curd and water, and keep aside.
3. Heat the oil / ghee.  Splutter the cumin seeds.  Add the green curry mixture.   On a low flame, cook the curry for 10-15 minutes.  Add salt, sugar and lemon as per taste.
4. Once the curry is thickened, add the cucumber as well as garnish with 1 tbsp coriander leaves and serve hot.
5. Goes well with samak rice.

May 3, 2023 By
Mains

Samak Ka Chawal, Mordhan Chawal or Barnyard Millet Rice

Ditch the mundane rice and spice things up with my Samak Ka Chawal recipe.  This dish is delicious and healthy, making it perfect for fasting or even if you’re just looking to switch up your usual meals.

Servings 4 persons
Course Main
Preparation Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients for Samak Ka Chawal

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
1 cup Samak (mordhan / Barnyard millet)
Water for soaking
2 – 3 Boiled potatoes, finely chopped
3 – 4 Green chilies, finely chopped
2 – 3 nos. Lemon juice
1 tbsp Sugar
Rock salt to taste
1 tbsp Cumin seeds
½ cup Roasted peanuts, crushed
½ cup Coriander leaves, finely chopped
3 – 4 tbsp Ghee (clarified butter)

Instructions for Samak Ka Chawal 
1. Wash the samak a couple of times and soak in water for 20-30 minutes.
2. Drain the water, rinse well. But the samak to boil with fresh water. Once its cooked; discard the excess water and leave aside to dry on a tea towel.
3. Heat ghee in a pan.  Sauté the cumin seeds. Add in green chilies and sauté. Add in potatoes and cook for 1 – 2 minutes.
4. Add in the boiled samak, peanuts, salt, lemon juice, sugar and mix well.  Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Serve hot garnished with chopped coriander leaves.
May 3, 2023 By
Appetizers

Sabudana Vada

Add some crunch to your Navratri diet with my Sabudana Vada recipe.  If you try out the recipe don’t forget to tell me how they turned out.

Servings 4 persons
Course Appetizer
Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 – 30 minutes

Ingredients for Sabudana Vada

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
1 cup Sabudana (sago)
Water or buttermilk for soaking
4 – 5 Nos. Green chilies
1 tbsp Cumin seeds
2 – 3 nos Boiled potatoes
½ cup Roasted peanut, crushed
1 – 2 Nos. Lemon juice
Rock salt to taste
Sugar to taste
½ cup Coriander leaves, chopped finely
Oil for frying

Instructions for the the Sabudana Vada 
1. Wash and soak the sabudana pearls in water or thin buttermilk overnight.  Drain the next day and dry it out on a tea towel.
2. In a bowl, take the sabudana, add in chopped boiled potatoes.  Add in all the ingredients except oil.  Taste and season accordingly.
3. Shape the mixture into small roundels.  Flatten them.
4. Heat the oil.  The oil should be moderately warm. Deep fry the vadas one or two at a time on moderate heat (frying on high heat will not cook vadas from inside).
Serve hot with green chutney

March 29, 2023 By
Soups & Salads

Macaroni Salad

As someone who demands more from my greens, I can’t just have any salad.  Say goodbye to dull and hello to delicious with this macaroni salad!  Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s the perfect blend of nutrition and fun.

Servings 4 persons
Course Soups & Salads
Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients for the Macaroni Salad

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
1 cup Macaroni
1 cup Finely chopped spring onion (green and white part, both)
½ cup Green cucumber diced
2 stalks Of celery, finely chopped
2 – 3 nos Green chilies, finely chopped
1 tsp Mustard paste
1 – 2 tbsp Vinegar
1 cup Hung curd
3 tbsp White sauce (without cheese and cream)
Salt to taste

Instructions for the Macaroni Salad 
1. Boil the macaroni in boiling water until al-dente. Rinse and keep aside to cool.
2. Prepare the dressing as follows:

Take hung curd in a bowl, add the white sauce.  Add in mustard paste, vinegar, and salt.  If you find it too thick, add 2-3 tbsp of water to thin it down.
3. Mix all the ingredients for the salad-macaroni, cucumber, green chilies, celery, and spring onion.
4. Add the dressing to the above ingredients and mix well.  Chill for 1-2 hrs.  before serving.
5. Garnish with spring onion greens before serving.

March 20, 2023 By
Soups & Salads

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Eating healthy can be quite a challenge, especially when it comes to meal prep and grocery shopping for a long list of ingredients.  But don’t worry, I have got a delicious salad recipe that swears by – the Quinoa Greek Salad!

This recipe is super easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients.  Plus, it’s packed with protein and is a refreshing option for those hot summer days.  Trust me, this salad is a game-changer.

Servings 4 persons
Course Salads
Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients for the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
1 cup Boiled Quinoa
½ cup Diced green cucumbers
½ cup Red Onions chopped
½ cup Grated carrots
½ cup Green capsicum, diced
½ cup Tomatoes, chopped
½ cup Parsley or coriander, chopped finely
½ cup Feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
1 cup Boiled and cooled chickpeas
2 nos. Lemon juice
4 – 5 tbsp Olive oil
Salt to taste

Instructions for the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
1. Mix all ingredients for the salad and set aside to cool for 2 hours.
2. Serve the salad chilled.  Taste and adjust the lime, salt and olive oil quantities.

March 20, 2023 By
Soups & Salads

Minestrone Soup

As the temperature drops down, our bodies instantly crave for warm, filling things to savor.  Soups come in very handy during this season as they are not only easy to make but also quite nourishing for our bodies.

One of the most famous Italian soups, the Minestrone is a thick soup made with lots of vegetables that can easily replace a meal in your diet.  I hope this soup recipe makes you feel all the warmth I am sending your way for the New Year.

Servings 4 persons
Course Soups & Salads
Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients for the Minestrone Soup

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
1 – 2 Nos. Bay leaves
3 tbsp Olive oil
½ cup Onion chopped
2 – 3 tbsp Garlic minced
½ cup Celery chopped
¼th  cup Carrots, chopped
½ cup Zucchini chopped
¼th  cup Potatoes chopped
3 cups Tomatoes, chopped
1 cup Macaroni
1 cup Boiled rajma (kidney beans)
A few Basil leaves
1 tsp Dried oregano
1 – 1½ liters Veg stock
2 tbsp Maggi hot n sweet sauce (optional)
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Tabasco to taste
½ cup Fresh parmesan cheese grated for garnish

Instructions for the Minestrone Soup
1. Heat Olive Oil in a crockpot or thick bottom pan.  Add bay leaf. Sauté the onions, garlic, and celery.   Add in the zucchini. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
2. Add in the zucchini, carrots, and potatoes.  Sauté for a few minutes.
3. Add in the tomatoes.  Sauté for 2 minutes.
4. Add in the stock and oregano, and bring to a boil.  Simmer on a low flame for 5 – 7 minutes.
5. Add in the boiled beans and uncooked macaroni. Boil until the soup gets a little body and the pasta is cooked.
6. Add in the basil leaves in the end.  Season soup with salt, pepper, tabasco and the Maggi hot & sweet sauce.
7. Garnish with grated parmesan cheese and serve.

Notes:

  • The vegetables should be cut to the same size so they cook at the same time.
  • Do not overcook any vegetables. It should retain their crunch.

 

January 25, 2023 By
Drinks

Hot Chocolate

It’s the season for hot chocolate! And there is no better excuse, than the holiday season to indulge in a cuppa!

When it comes to hot chocolate, everyone likes it a certain way.  I like mine slightly darker, and with a balanced sweetness.

How do you like yours?  With a hint of cinnamon or with a dash of pepper?  Share your versions with me in the comments.

Servings 2 persons
Course Drink
Preparation Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes

Ingredients for Hot Chocolate

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
2 cups Milk
2 – 3 tbsp Sugar
2 tbsp Unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ tsp Vanilla extract
½ cup Dark chocolate callets (preferably callebaut)
Whipped cream for garnish

Instructions for the Hot Chocolate
1. Heat milk in a saucepan.  Ad in sugar, cocoa powder, whisk well. Let sugar dissolve completely.
2. Once it comes to a boil, add in the chocolate callets and mix well. Let the mixture thicken.
3. Once it’s dissolved completely, add in vanilla essence and serve the mixture in mugs. Garnish with whipped cream.

 

January 25, 2023 By
Snacks

Matra Chaat

My take on an all-time classic Indian street food dish, which is equally good for breakfast or as a tea-time snack, this oil-free and minimally spiced Matra chaat recipe is nourishing and wholesome.  Give it a try and let me know how you like it.

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

Ingredients for the Matra Chaat

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
1 cup Dried watana (white small safed matar)
½ tsp Soda
2 nos. Boiled potatoes, diced
3 – 4 Nos. Green chilies, chopped finely
2 – 3 Tomatoes, chopped
1 cup Spring onions, finely chopped
¼th  cup Ginger, julienned
1 cup Tamarind chutney
1 – 2 Nos. Lemon juice
½ cup Fresh coriander leaves
Salt to taste
Black salt to taste
1 – 2 tbsp Roasted jeera powder
Chaat masala to taste
Gram masala to taste

Instructions for the Matra Chaat
1. Soak the watana overnight with water.
2. Next day, pressure cook the watana along with soda and salt.  Cook until it is easily mashed by hand.
3. Now in the warm watana, add in all the ingredients mentioned above. Mix well.
4. To serve, put in a bowl – garnish with fresh coriander, jeera powder, and ginger juliennes.  Can be served warm or at room temperature.

January 25, 2023 By
Appetizers

Mexican Sweet Potato

In case you didn’t know this about me – I love making canapes. They are quick to rustle up, and are the perfect start to any party.

With sweet potatoes flooding the markets in the winter, let’s learn how to put a fun twist to them with this Mexican Sweet Potatoes Canapes recipe.

You can even prepare the guacamole and tomato salsa in advance, to save yourself some time on the party day, and use it as condiments with other meals. Win-win!

Servings Two (makes 4 tacos)
Course Appetizer
Preparation Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients for the Mexican Sweet Potato Canapes

(1 cup=200 ml, 1 tbsp=15 ml)
2 Nos. Sweet Potatoes
¼th  cup Olive Oil for roasting and grilling
Salt to taste

Ingredients for Guacamole Mash
1 large Avocado
1 tsp Garlic
2 tbsp Cream cheese softened (D’electa or Philadelphia)
½ Onion finely chopped
1 tbsp Olive oil

Ingredients for Fresh Tomato Salsa
2 large Red tomatoes, chopped
1 small Onion, chopped
¼th cup Green capsicum, chopped
2 – 3 tbsp Spring onion greens chopped
2 – 3 Green chilies, finely chopped
3 tbsp (canned) green jalapenos, finely chopped
1 tsp Cumin powder
2 tbsp Maggi hot & sweet sauce
¼th cup Finely chopped coriander leaves
Salt to taste
Black olive for garnish

Instructions for the Sweet Potato
1 Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes.  Apply a little olive oil over the potatoes, cover with foil and roast in an oven @ 160°C for 30-40 minutes, until it softens.
2 Cut into small roundels (about 1” thick)
3 Apply olive oil to a pan and roast the slices until crisp. Season with salt and keep aside.

Instructions for the Guacamole Mash
1 Mash the ripe avocado.  Add in softened cream cheese.  Keep aside.
2 Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until the raw smell disappears.  Season with salt and add it to the guacamole mixture.
3 Fill the mix in a piping bag and keep aside.

Instructions for the Tomato Salsa
1 Mix all ingredients for the salsa.  Refrigerate for at least an hour.

Instructions for Assembly
1 Take a warm crisp sweet potato base.  Pipe the guacamole mixture (this is @ room temperature).
2 Spoon 1 tsp of the chilled salsa on it.
3 Garnish with a black olive slice and serve immediately.
December 15, 2022 By