EVENT: A- Z RECIPE CHALLENGE THEME : AN INGREDIENT BEGINNING WITH THE LETTER Y RECIPE: DAHI BHINDI/OKRA YOGURT CURRY Dahi Bhindi/Okra Yogurt Curry is creamy, slightly spicy and tangy curry that goes well with any Indian Flatbread like roti, paratha, naan or rice. An easy curry to prepare, it is a different way to enjoy okra or bhindi from the usual dry preparation. What is Okra? Okra also goes by the name lady’s fingers or gumbo. It is a flowering plant and okra is the edible seed pod of the plant. Did you know that it belongs to the same family as hibiscus and cotton? Popularly known as bhindi or bhinda in India, it is a favorite of many, young and old. Raw okra can…
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Continue ReadingRECIPE: BEETROOT VADA Beetroot Vada is a delicious, crunchy, spicy take on the traditional Sabudana Vada. Vada is fritters and in this case roasted or boiled beetroot is added to the traditional mashed potatoes, spices and soaked tapioca pearls mixture. Ideal snack option, for starters or as a part of a meal not only for fasting days but whenever you want to. While I’ve deep fried beetroot vada, you can by all means use an appe pan (aebliskiver pan) to make healthier versions or in an air fryer. The whole idea of adding beetroot to the traditional recipe came about when I had extra roasted beetroot in the fridge. I usually make sabudana vada on Ekadashi Fasting but wanted something different for a change. Serve…
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Continue ReadingWhat is Idli Podi/ Milagai Podi? Idli Podi/ Milagai is a flavorful condiment made from roasted lentils, spices and seeds. Also known as Gun Powder, Chutney Podi, Idli Karam Podi, its so easy to prepare at home. Actually, the word podi basically means powder. And, Milagai refers to chilis.. that is what I learnt today from my blogger friend Sandhya. Basically lentils, spices and seeds are used. Other ingredients added make it slightly different in taste. I’m told that each South Indian household has its own version of Podi. A difference of measurements of the basic ingredients or some special ingredients added to it to make it unique. Check below for all the different kinds of podi that are common to find in any South…
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Continue ReadingEVENT: SUNDAY FUNDAY THEME: COOKING WITH CHILES RECIPE: MIRCHI KA SALAN What is Mirchi Ka Salan? Mirchi Ka Salan, is a slightly spicy, creamy and tangy curry that is usually served with biryani or any other rice dish. It also can be served with any Indian Flatbread like roti, paratha, naan. Mirchi Ka Salan is one of the popular traditional Hyderabadi dishes. Mirchi is the Hindi name for Chiles or Chillis and Salan refers to a curry. Some prepare a thin curry while others like a thick creamy one. Generally, for this dish we do not use any of the thin or round, more hot variety of chiles/chillis. If possible it is best to use the Bhavnagri Chillis. However, if you don’t get Bhavnagri…
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Continue ReadingEVENT: SHHH COOKING SECRETLY THEME: CHUTNEYS RECIPE: GARLIC AND TOMATO CHUTNEY Garlic and Tomato Chutney, is a simple, spicy, packed with flavors, versatile homemade chutney. It can be enjoyed with any Indian Snack or Farsan as we call it in Gujarati. Or have it with your stuffed parathas, with millet flour flatbread, or as a base for sandwiches. This Garlic and Tomato Chutney brings back fond memories of my mum. Wondering why I didn’t have this chutney on my blog till now. I guess there is a specific time for everything. My mum loved dhokla and it had to be enjoyed with some garlic and tomato chutney. She learnt how to make this garlicky chutney from her friend Dolly Aunty. How Long Does The…
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Continue ReadingEVENT: FOODIES_ REDOING OLD POSTS #42 RECIPE: YOGURT POTATO CURRY Yogurt Potato Curry or Yogurt Cashew Nut Potato Curry First posted on 05/05/2015 Yogurt Potato Curry or Yogurt Cashew Nut Potato Curry is a creamy, delicious, slightly spicy curry. Enjoy it with any Indian Flatbread or rice. Easy to make, this curry generally features on my table when I have guests over. It is relished both by adults and kids. Memories about Yogurt Potato Curry Yogurt Potato Curry or Dahi waru bateta nu shaak was a regular on our dining table. With more than 15 of us in the household, my mum always knew that a potato sabji, shaak or side dish would take care of everyone. Usually, one sabji or shaak was made…
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Continue ReadingChocolate Sesame Fudge Delectable, chocolatey and soft, Chocolate Sesame Fudge is a vegan take on the famous chocolate barfi or fudge. I replaced the ghee with olive oil. Also I have used homemade sesame seed paste. Not too sweet, Chocolate Sesame Fudge is different kind of sweet to enjoy during the Makar Sankranti festival. Don’t worry, the ‘must have’ sesame seeds and jaggery are included in the fudge. Happy Uttarayan/ Makar Sankranti/ Pongal Come fly a kite And watch it sail Across the sky, Waving its tail. By Jean Warren What is Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti Once again it Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti. Uttarayan is the Gujarati name for the festival celebrated all over…
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Continue ReadingEVENT: SUNDAY FUNDAY THEME: CELEBRATE DAIRY RECIPE: FRESH TURMERIC CHAAS What is Fresh Turmeric Chaas? Fresh Turmeric Chaas is a refreshing yogurt drink with grated fresh turmeric added to it. Healthy, immunity boosting and delicious, hubby and I try and have this drink at least five times a week if not more. Difference Between Lassi and Chaas Though often both are interchanged, they basically are not the same. The similarity ends at yogurt. Chaas is usually made with added water and has no sugar. Lassi on the other hand is thick like a smoothie, may have a little added milk and may have sugar, honey or any other sweetener added to it. Sometimes lassi can be of the savory kind too, with salt added but…
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Continue ReadingEVENT: FOODIEMONDAY/BLOGHOP THEME: #278 SPICE MIX SECRETS RECIPE: BIRYANI MASALA What is Biryani Masala? Biryani Masala is a blend of aromatic spices in varying proportion that are roasted and powdered. Biryani Masala is the spice powder or blend that is commonly used to add to biryani or rice dishes. Masala is the term used in the Indian SubContinent for spice blends or spice powders. To give any biryani dish that spicy, aromatic, exquisite, distinct taste adding Biryani Masala is a must. Here are some of the Biryanis that I add Homemade Biryani Masala to: Kabuli Chana Biryani/ Chickpea Biryani I add some whenever I prepare Heni’s Paneer Dum Biryani Egg Biryani Spice Blends, Spice Powders, Masalas, Podi Whatever the name used for…
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Continue ReadingEVENT: FOODIEMONDAY/BLOGHOP THEME: #277 ONE POT WONDER RECIPE: VANGI BATH/EGGPLANT RICE What is Vangi Bath/Eggplant Rice? Vangi Bath/Eggplant Rice is a tasty, filling and easy to make rice dish which is very popular in both the cuisines of Karnataka and Maharashtra. The difference comes from the spice mixture added to the rice dish. Vangi is the Kannada and Maharashtrian word for Eggplant (aubergine or brinjal) and bath is rice. There are many variations of recipes, some add cooked rice to the stir fried eggplant, while some cook is together. I prefer to make it as a one pot meal, adding raw rice to the stir fried eggplants and allowing both to cook together. Vangi Bath/Eggplant Rice – Maharashtrian Style Making Vangi Rice has…
