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…
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Dum Aloo
Potatoes are an integral part of every cuisine. One of our family friends used to say that in their family irrespective of how many dishes are made for a family get together, the culinary skills of the hostess will be assessed based on how well the potatoes are prepared. In all the states of India potatoes are cooked in various forms, dry and curry. Each family has it’s favorite potato preparation. There are various preparations of Dum Aloo- Kashmiri, Banarsi, Punjabi etc. My mother used to make this recipe of dum aloo whenever we had a vegetarian guest. It is…
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
Kanjako wale kaale chane
 Recipe for Kale chane / black gram made for Kanya Poojan during Navratri.
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.
Chane ki Lauki wali Daal ( Bengal Gram with Bottle Gourd)
As I mentioned in my earlier post of Moong Daal Palak, would eat a different daal every day , and also prefer a variation of commonly made daals. During summers we make the Bengal gram with bottle gourd. It makes the daal lighter and also gives a nice flavor. Also, if you have kids in the family who do not eat bottle gourd as a vegetable, it is easier to sneak in it in the daal. This daal goes well with Chapati, sliced onions and mint chutney or mango pickle. I prefer a low salt diet so avoid pickles.
Badaam ka Sharbat ( Almond Syrup )
Another childhood memory. I was born and brought up in Uttar Pradesh ( UP) . Summers in UP get really hot and mercury hits 50 degrees Celsius. Food during summers had to be such that the body cools down is able to survive the heat. My mother used to prepare badaam ka sharbat at home, as the summer started in the month of April and till about August, we always had it with milk. It is very nutritious , is considered good for eye sight and also a home remedy for nose bleeding due to heat. It can also be…