Daring Bakers May 2012: Vegan Whole Wheat Challah Bread | Eggless Baking

The Daring Bakers group has been one of my favourite foodie groups in the blogosphere. They have given me some wonderful ideas for bakes, amazing recipes, and great opportunities to bake with friends and foodies delicious eats that one might never attempt alone!! The May Daring Bakers Challenge was just one such challenge. Having never baked a challah loaf before, I was truly excited about May at the Daring Bakers. All the recipes offered by Ruth were so beautiful that I could not decide which one to go for. Finally I made a whole wheat vegan version of Ruth's "Go To" Whole Wheat Challah!

Matar Aloo Tamatar ki Sabzi | Potato Peas and Tomato Stir Fry

Matar Aloo is a classic in the North Indian Kitchen. There are so many ways in which it is prepared in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and UP. The recipe I have today is a classic Matar Aloo from UP. The vegetable is a staple of the diet there. It is made with tomatoes for a delicious tanginess, and the ginger, garlic, and green chilies, all add to the flavour. This Sabji | Sabzi is best enjoyed with hot rotis or parathas, freshly chopped salad, and some plain yogurt on the side.

Three Pepper and Sweet Corn Salad

Its unseasonably hot in my part of the world with temperatures touching the 90s!! Its the first time I have experienced such a warm May here. The average temperatures are in the 70s at this time of the year, warm but a cool breeze and some rain. On Sunday it was so hot that we actually went out for ice cream. Boy did it taste good!!

Tofu Tikka Masala | Yogurt Marinated Tofu in Tomato Gravy

 
Tofu is a wonderful substitute for paneer (Indian Style Cottage Cheese). I use regularly in my kitchen and so was surprised to find that I have posted just a handful of recipes on the blog. I would love to share some of the delightful dishes that I have whipped up successfully in my kitchen with my readers and so here goes. Last week I made my tried and tested recipe for Tofu Tikka Masala | Yogurt Marinated Tofu in a Tomato Sauce.

Gajar Koshimbir Ver 2.0 | Carrot Yogurt Salad

Today I want to share another go to recipe of mine. Carrots are great for salads and and I always keep a fresh pack handy at home. I buy organic carrots for salads. They are really tender and sweet and juicy and bursting with flavour!! Last week when I made my Hara Masala Makai Pulao | Spicy Green Corn Rice, I made this delicious yogurt based salad to accompany it. Did I mention its the simplest thing in the world to put together, you'll never be left wondering what to add to the table should someone unexpectedly drop by!!

Daring Bakers April 2012: Armenian Nutmeg Cake (Eggless)

This month's Challenge from the Daring Bakers was one of the best yet. Jason who writes at the Daily Candor was our host and he chose two traditional recipes from Armenia. We could do both or just one. Though I chose to do only one for the Challenge: the Armenian Nutmeg Cake, I know I would like to make the Nazook too some day!!

Hara Masala Makai Pulao | Spicy Green Corn Rice

Last night I made this simple Corn Pulao with Gajar Koshambir (Carrot Salad) for dinner. We were just back from a long weekend and craving some good home cooked food. I already had some Arhar | Toor Dal | Pigeon Pea ready in the freezer. So while it defrosted, I decided to rustle up something special as well as quick.This Corn Pulao is a little different, as I decided to add cilantro to the cooking process. This gave it a really fresh and tangy taste which was balanced beautifully by the sweetness of the corn.