Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Gajar Adrak Chatni | Carrot and Ginger Chutney


Sunday breakfasts are always slow and lazy. I always like to make something slightly different and special. I believe that cereals and milk were just not made for the weekends, were they? Working with this theme, I made some Oats Pohe last Sunday. Filling, super tasty, and nutritious, they made for a wonderful weekend breakfast. As an accompaniment, I made some delicious Carrot and Ginger Chutney.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Veganising the Louisiana Po'Boy Sandwich | American Sandwich Recipes


Back in 2012. I saw a program on PBS about Sandwich favorites found across the USA. The program was  called Sandwiches That You Will Like. It was a deliciously well made program with favorites from many American stated being featured. One of the sandwiches that intrigued me both for its history and its saucy taste was the Louisiana Po'Boy!! The original Po'Boy Sandwich is a New Orleans favorite that is made with a spiced meat, chicken, or fried seafood filling of choice. This filling is stuffed into a French Baguette like loaf famous for a soft fluffy interior and crusty exterior. If you like your Po'Boy dressed, it comes with salad vegetables including lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayonnaise. Onions tend to be optional and the Po'Boys made with meat are accompanied with a coarsely ground mustard and/or gravy too.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Masala Sev | Crispy Gramflour Noodles | Indian Namkeen Recipes


One of the things I loved growing up in India was the variety of Namkeens (dry snack mixes) that were available. Apart from the delicious namkeem my Mom made at home, the stores always stacked so many crispy and crunchy snacks!! In Mumbai especially, namkeens catering to all needs and communities are available - south and north Indian style namkeens are available just round the corner. But lip smacking namkeens and snacks enjoyed by the Parsi community, the Gujarati community, the Jain community, the Punjabi community, the Bengali community can be found in areas dominated by such populations.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Savoury Semolina Loaf with Carrot and Sunflower Seeds | Healthy Snacks


Semolina | Sooji | Rava is great for preparing all kinds of snacks in the Indian Kitchen. I use it for Upma, Rava Idlis, Cheelas (North Indian Style Pancakes), and Dosas (South India Style Pancakes). I also add it to savoury muffins, scones, and biscuits, which I make for breakfast on weekends. This semolina loaf is just a leap away from a savoury muffin. Its a great alternative entree at breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack. In fact, its quite like a quick bread only a lot tastier as it incorporates tonnes of flavour with spices and vegetables. Its wonderfully grainy texture which comes from the semolina allows it to take on a lot more flavour than any flour!!

Friday, February 7, 2014

Kesari Peda | Creamy Saffron Milk Fudge


It was Basant Panchami on the 4th of February this year!! Hard to believe with spring nowhere on the horizon this year. It seems that we are in a never ending cold spell. And this was confirmed by the local groundhog who announced bright and early on Sunday morning that we are to expect two more weeks of the chilly winter. Yet despite the frigid temperatures, I heard the sweet sound of a bird on the tree outside the bedroom window on the very same morning!! Yes, the cardinal is back. Every year we are treated to its sweet music around this time of the year. And this year is no different, there she was sitting on the frozen branch of a frozen tree, announcing her arrival. Oh, joy!!