No Indian meal is complete without pickles and relish. Aam ki launji is a sweet and sour relish from North Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. It is made with a few spices and is quick & easy to make. Having spent my childhood in eastern Uttar Pradesh, I came across many dishes that required panch phoran. As the name suggests it is a mix of five spices. Unlike other mix of spices , panch phoran is a mix of whole spices, all of which are seeds, in equal quantities. I use lesser fenugreek seeds for milder taste and…
sugar
Radish and Raw Mango Salad
Salad is a must for Lunch and dinner for me. While lemon, salt and pepper are a regular dressing for my cucumber tomato salad, I make it a little interesting over the weekends. One salad that goes well with the Indian fare is grated radish salad ( or lachha , as it is called in Hindi). I gave a little twist to the traditional grated radish salad by adding grated raw mango, instead of lemon. Talking of Radish, are you aware about a place called Jaunpur in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. I have lived in Jaunpur for…
Cranberry Cooler
With a four year kid and a husband who loves flavoured drinks I keep trying new drinks. I prefer home made drinks to packaged drinks to manage the sugar intake and preservatives. I had some frozen cranberries in the freezer so thought of making a drink with it. The intense color of this drink has a great visual appeal and the flavors of star anise and cinnamon give it a very nice and subtle flavor The usage of star anise has increased in our kitchen in last 10-15 years, prior to that it was not easily available in the market….
Aam Panna
In North India as the temperature soars high the roads would get deserted. Most people try to avoid commuting or being out doors in the afternoon, and for the few who are on the roads, Aam Panna vendors are a blessing. You will spot people selling Aam Panna from Big earthen pots covered with red cloth with boiled mangoes tied around the top, on a cart. Aam Panna is an excellent cooler. Not only does it quench thirst but good source of Vitamins and iron. It is also considered good for digestion. Mom used to give it to us after…
Red Wine Terrine
I have been wanting to make red wine terrine for some time but did not get an opportunity. Finally got an opportunity to make it for a friend who was shifting house. after a hectic day , Wine terrine is a perfect dessert. It is strictly an adult only dessert as the wine content is substantial. Though the colour and look makes it very attractive for the kids. Thankfully my daughter was not around and I did not have to explain her why she could not eat it. As I am a big fan of single serves, I set a…
Passionfruit Lemon Iced Tea
Recipe for refreshing Passion Fruit lemon Iced Tea
Vegan Coconut Banana Muffins
I got big Coconuts from a friend who came back from her hometown in Kerala. I have never seen such big coconuts and was very excited. The same evening I met a friend who is vegan. Every time I meet my vegan friends I get more inspired to work on vegan recipes. Therefore I thought of doing a Vegan coconut muffins for breakfast. Did a trial batch, modified the ratios and got the ratios right in the second trial. I also consciously kept nutrition in mind while working on this recipe. As a mother of four year old, I want…
Banoffee Pie (Dessert in a Jar / Single Serve Dessert)
 A recipe Banoffee Pie. Serve is as a Pie or single serve dessert. You can also make it as a Dessert in Jar and git it to your family and friends
Kiwi Cucumber Cooler ( Cocktail & Mocktail )
Bangalore has never been this hot, or may be this is what I say every year. My daughter is particularly fond of juices and i try and avoid as much as I can packaged juices. This recipe is for entire family , with little modifications it can be a cocktail, mocktail or a healthy fruit drink. Kiwi, cucumber, lemon & mint all four are very refreshing and. The tangy kiwi, cool cucumber, soothing mint and energizing lemon when combined together we get a drink to pep up in hot summers. I added Chia seeds to the mocktail and it gives…
Sooji Ka Halwa ( Kesri Bhaat )
Sooji Ka halwa or Kesri bhaat is the most commonly made sweet in an indian household. It is offered as prasahad in Kanjake ( as mentioned in my Kala Chana post ). Each family it’s own recipe of Sooji Halwa. I add Besan ( Gram flour ) and it gives it very earthy taste and a lovely colour. Also, there are various types of sooji, coarse or fine. For Halwa we use fine sooji.