I'm Sapna, a foodie, blogger, wife, mom of two beautiful girls, and lover of spices. I have a background in Nutrition and Dietetics, which I use to incorporate healthy options into all of my recipes. I love traveling to new places, trying new food, and in turn, creating them in my kitchen to relive the magic. When I'm not in the kitchen, I love curling up with a good book, playing with my munchkins, running, hanging out with friends, and gardening.
A luscious, warm, rich, and creamy dish filled with fruity flavors and warm spices. The classic combination of mango and cardamom shine bright in each bite of this delectable Mango Berry Bread Pudding. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or any special occasion! Continue reading “Mango Berry Bread Pudding”→
Roast Garlic in the oven following these simple steps for a caramelized, earthy, sweet, and buttery bite. Use this irresistible garlic confit to spread on bread or to cook amazing dishes. Continue reading “Oven Roasted Garlic Confit”→
Creamy polenta topped with seasoned veggies, black beans, pico de gallo, and all the toppings that the whole family will love. Continue reading “Tex Mex Polenta Bowl”→
Make the best coffee smoothie with instant coffee! This delicious smoothie is a simple recipe with just four ingredients that makes the perfect morning boost or post workout snack. Continue reading “Almond Butter Coffee Smoothie”→
Thandai Bundt Cake is a beautiful and fun fusion cake that highlights the traditional flavors of thandai in a moist and light cake. Thandai is a popular beverage to have during Shivratri and Holi. This cake is egg-free, easy to make, and absolutely delicious, making it perfect to have during the festival times! Continue reading “Thandai Bundt Cake”→
Soft, chewy, and crispy edges with just a hint of cinnamon, these Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies are absolutely divine. Even better, you can’t taste the vegetable hidden in them! Continue reading “Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies”→
Individual Seven Layer Taco Bites that are the perfect appetizer bites for parties, BBQ’s, potlucks, games, and get togethers. Each bite is layered to create a flawless balance of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and just a little spice for the ultimate bite. Continue reading “Seven Layer Taco Bites”→
This French Toast Casserole is the perfect breakfast or brunch recipe that will be a hit with any crowd. A beautiful, crisp top, with a custardy middle and a sweet layer at the bottom that acts as the syrup topping. Continue reading “French Toast Casserole”→
This Balsamic Vinaigrette is a simple and perfect recipe that can be used as a marinade, a dressing, or even a glaze for meats and fish. It’s rich, tangy, and sweet. And it takes 5 minutes to make! Continue reading “Balsamic Vinaigrette”→
A classic Zucchini Bread recipe with warm notes of cinnamon spice, pure vanilla extract, brown sugar, and fresh zucchini. Moist and light, this is a quick recipe that can also be turned into muffins and savored any time of day. Continue reading “Zucchini Bread”→
These Cauliflower Steaks with Hummus Dressing are simply seasoned with a balsamic marinade and making them absolutely delicious. Tender and packed with flavor, the pomegranates add a but of crunch, the hummus adds a bit of tang. It makes the perfect vegetarian meal or side dish. Continue reading “Cauliflower Steak with Hummus Dressing”→
A delicious and nutritious Roasted Vegetable Barley Bowl filled with barley, arugula, hummus, a variety of veggies including asparagus and blistered tomatoes, all topped with a sprinkle of chili flakes for just a little heat. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Continue reading “Roasted Vegetables Barley Bowl”→
A simple classic, this slow Roasted Tomato Soup is rich, creamy, and comforting. Made with roasted fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and fresh basil, this tomato soup is full of flavor. Get your grilled cheese ready because this recipe will have you praying for a rainy day and savoring every element of the season. Continue reading “Roasted Tomato Soup”→
The year 2022 has been very eventful for us. We’ve had lots of travel, covid, a kitchen renovation, and so much more. Crafting and creating has been challenging but fun nonetheless in all of these environs. So here are my top 15 recipes that were the most popular this past year. I’m so happy you enjoyed them as much as me!
I wish all of you a healthy and Happy New Year as you read the top 15 from this year based on reader reviews and responses. I hope to continue growing and sharing my love of cooking with you in 2023. Here are the top 15 recipes of 2022.
Sprouted Moong Beans Sabzi Gujarati Style
Growing up, my Mom would make Moong Bean Sprouts Sabzi often. My brother and I weren’t the biggest fans (though a big part was that we wanted American food like the rest of our friends, not DBRS (Dar Bhaat Rotli Shaak) everyday.
Now as an adult, I see that Mom was making one of the healthiest plant proteins out there to make sure her kids got their nutrition. And now I’m doing the same. Maybe not as a child, but definitely as an adult I love this sabzi. Super simple to make, in less than 10 minutes, a depth of flavor from various spices, and packed with a powerhouse of nutrients, it’s a win win!
Pistachio Pudding Bundt Cake
A simple bundt cake that is moist, light, fluffy, and a little crunchy. Fresh ground pistachios in the cake with some more drizzled over the top of a beautiful sugar glaze, this Pistachio Pudding Bundt Cake is beautiful to look at and divine to eat.
Roasted Rainbow Veggies
Roasting vegetables is one of my favorite ways to eat any vegetable. Having several different colors and cooking them together is the best in my book! You get plenty of vitamins and minerals and the different colors are just so pretty to look at! These Roasted Rainbow Veggies are the perfect way to serve your veggies for adults and kids, making them fun, easy, and healthy.
Mango Lassi Loaf Cake
Light, moist, and elegant loaf that tastes like Mango Lassi and is made without butter and eggs.
Lemon Chickpea Orzo Skillet
An effortless one skillet vegan recipe filled with sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, chickpeas, spinach, grilled lemon slices, and of course orzo! Simple, healthy ingredients that come together quickly for a perfect weeknight meal, this Lemon Chickpea Orzo Skillet is a dish that everyone can enjoy!
Teriyaki Tofu Noodle Bowl
Crispy, sweet, and salty bites of tofu paired with sauteed bright broccoli on a bed of rice noodles. It can’t get any better than this. Filled with protein, this Teriyaki Tofu Noodle Bowl is perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch prep.
Blackened Fish Tacos with a Garlic Sriracha Aioli
BBQ season is for grilling and though I love making the traditional burgers and hot dogs, I wanted to get away from the usual and do something different. These Blackened Fish Tacos are perfect with a Garlic Sriracha Aioli. A flavorful rub, crunchy carrot and cabbage slaw, the aioli to cool things down a bit and the jalapeños to add just a kick at the end of each bite is the perfect summer combination for me.
Couscous Arancini
Arancini is quite possibly one of the best things anyone could have created! Creamy, cheesy, fried balls dipped in warm marinara….yep, definitely calling my name. For a little twist, I used leftover pearl couscous instead of the traditional arborio rice risotto to make these.
Middle Eastern Vegan Protein Bowl
Simple to make and ready in just 30 minutes, this Middle Eastern Vegan Protein Bowl has everything to make your belly happy! Hint of tangy, spicy, herby, crunchy, and creamy, I love every bite I take! Filled with almost 20gm protein, 50% of your daily recommended fiber, and 40% of daily recommended iron, it is one of the most nutrient dense meals out there! Side benefit, you get 4 different colors of veggies in 1 meal!
Rainbow Farro Salad
I love eating in color and this gorgeous Rainbow Farro Salad has an abundance of it. Vivacious and crunchy purple cabbage, bright red bell pepper, pretty yellow cauliflower, tangy feta, earthy dill, and so much more. All of this drizzled with just enough olive oil and lemon juice to bring it all together so beautifully that each bite has you saying Mmmmmmmm.
Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies
Grain-free, gluten-free, and vegan, these chickpea chocolate chip cookies are out of this world. Pillowy soft, fluffy, sweet, melt in your mouth, chunky chocolate chip cookies.
Rose Pistachio Ice Cream
Creamy, luscious, velvety, and decadent, this delicious Rose Pistachio Ice Cream is sure to make you smile in satisfaction. Bonus, it requires no cooking and no churning! It has become my new obsession and I’m sure it will become yours too!
Rosemary Olive Artisan Bread
Rosemary Olive Artisan Bread has a beautiful crust with a chewy inside filled with olives and fresh rosemary. It is easy to make because there is no kneading required. The scent and taste of warm bread and the ease of this recipe will want you making this bread over and over again.
Creamy White Bean Soup with Spinach
What is more comforting than a hot bowl of bean soup on chilly winter days? This quick recipe will have you feeling warm in no time. It’s also great for preparing large quantities so everyone can enjoy it! Nutrient dense and full of fiber, each bowl is also filled with 15gm protein!
Almond Butter Muffins
These healthy almond butter muffins are the perfect tasty treat. They are ideal to add in the lunchbox for a snack or dessert, or even to eat for breakfast. Each muffin is so soft, fluffy, and creamy all at the same time that I have to try not to gobble them down myself!
Thank you so much for making 2022 so special for me. I have enjoyed and embraced cooking for you. Which recipes have you tried? Feel free to leave comments below, or tag me with your pictures on Facebook or Instagram.
This Pomegranate Curd and White Chocolate Tart is a showstopper that is perfect to take to your next holiday or special occasion party. The crust is made from a combination of graham crackers and macadamia nut, with a pomegranate curd layer topped with a sweet, white chocolate layer. Decorated with sugared rosemary and pomegranate arils, it’s almost too pretty to eat. Almost. Continue reading “Pomegranate Curd and White Chocolate Tart”→
These Pistachio Cookies are soft, chewy, and absolutely luscious. Perfect with breakfast, afternoon coffee or tea, or even a snack, they get a beautiful green color from the ground pistachios in the batter. These cookies will be the center of attention at any party and a perfect crowd feeder. Continue reading “Pistachio Cookies”→
This Turkey Bolognese Sauce is a thick, delicious, and hearty sauce made with simple ingredients. It’s a healthier take on an authentic recipe, each bite is so rich and flavorful. Continue reading “Turkey Bolognese Sauce”→
Simple, easy, earthy, and sustainable, this delicious Carrot Top Pesto is a versatile dish that can be used as a sauce, dip, or a topping. Continue reading “Carrot Top Pesto”→
Breakfast, on the go snack, or even a treat for the holidays, these Cranberry Orange Muffins are the perfect addition to your day. Each bite is filled with fresh cranberries, moist, tangy, and bursting with flavor. Continue reading “Cranberry Orange Muffins with a Cinnamon Streusel”→
Fruity Strawberry and Peach Muffins are loaded with fresh seasonal peaches and juicy strawberries. They are perfect for breakfast, snack, or teatime. Continue reading “Strawberry Peach Muffins”→
An effortless one skillet vegan recipe filled with sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, chickpeas, spinach, grilled lemon slices, and of course orzo! Simple, healthy ingredients that come together quickly for a perfect weeknight meal, this Lemon Chickpea Orzo Skillet is a dish that everyone can enjoy! Continue reading “Lemon Chickpea Orzo Skillet”→
A classic crowd favorite that is made from a combination of melted chocolate and almond butter then tossed in powdered sugar and mixed with M&M’s for the epic sweet snack. Continue reading “Classic Muddy Buddies”→
A favorite South Indian staple, Rasam is a tangy, spicy tomato soup. It can be eaten on its own or with rice and is known to be very beneficial in helping reduce the effects of colds and coughs. The best part about this recipe is that it takes less than 30 minutes to make! Continue reading “Rasam”→
**Original blog posted March 2020. Updated March 2022** Kali dal is a very popular Punjabi dish and one of those comfort food meals that my husband has grown up with. It has also become one of Sanaya’s favorite comfort foods too so of course I had to find a way to perfect this recipe for both of them. I would say this recipe rotates in our house at least every 2 weeks.
I love it for its nutritional content, loaded with protein, fiber and low in carbs and calories. With all the rainy days we’ve had recently, this is one recipe I can’t pass up. An easy, one-pot meal, this goes great with naan or rice.
Yep, I put a ton of jalapeños as a garnish. Traditionally, it’s cilantro. But, it actually tasted good with the extra jalapeños on top!
A while back, we had a potluck and playdate with my friend Janani and her family. I don’t remember what I made, but I do remember that both my husband and I fought for the last bite of her dal. It was A-MA-ZING! It had a burst of flavor to it that we were both impressed and he actually said it was one of the best dals he has had in his life…. that’s huge coming from a Punjabi!
Most recipes of this specific dal have a basic of three spices, and I’ve found pretty simple in flavor. Works great for many but Janani’s recipe just had this burst of flavor, you didn’t want to stop eating it.
I begged her for her recipe, tried making it and failed. I tried a few more times to the point my hubby was actually sick of seeing dal…….oops. So I went to Janani’s house, had her tell me exactly what to do while I made it with her watching over me. I’ve been using her recipe ever since, however, I did make a few changes to it. I know, I know, why? I changed a little of the technique on which ingredients she cooks in what order, and changed the ratio on some of the basic spices but they are all there. The changed version is what I have listed below but if you’re interested in her original version, message me and I will send it to you.
When I talked to Janani about her recipe, that’s when I figured out it’s the spices and the amount of tomatoes that she uses which give the dal its integrity in flavor. You really need to try out this recipe. It’s so delicious!
If you don’t have an instant pot, follow the same instructions for a slow cooker and set slow cooker time for 8 hours.
Mix the lentils and kidney beans together, wash them 2-3 times then leave water in to soak while you prepare the gravy.
Set instant pot to sauté mode.
Add oil and let heat up. Add hing and let it bloom for 30 seconds.
Add in the onions and sauté 5-7 minutes until translucent.
Add in 1 Tbsp each of ginger and garlic. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add in the tomatoes, coriander powder, dry mango powder, cayenne pepper and ½ tsp of salt. Mix well and cook for 8-10 minutes until the tomatoes have mostly melted and the spices have cooked through.
Drain the water from the lentils/beans. Add them to the gravy along with remaining ½ Tbsp of ginger and garlic, and ½ tsp of salt. Mix well, and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
Add 3 cups water and cover the instant pot lid with vent in sealing position. Turn off the instant pot and change setting to pressure cook or manual setting.
Set time for 45 minutes. When the time is done, release the pressure, open the lid and mix the dal.
On med heat, in a small pan, heat ghee. When it’s melted and heated, add in cumin seeds and garam masala. Let them splutter and bloom for 30 seconds then add to the dal.
Mix everything and change setting on instant pot to sauté for 2-3 minutes.