Category: Indian

Paneer Tikka

Craving restaurant-style Paneer Tikka at home? This easy, kid-approved recipe delivers big flavor with simple ingredients—plus tips for wraps, lunchboxes, and more.
Continue reading “Paneer Tikka” →

March 13, 2025

Thandai Chia Pudding

Enjoy the cooling, nutrient-rich flavors of Thandai in a wholesome, make-ahead Thandai Chia Pudding! Packed with almonds, pistachios, melon seeds, saffron, and rose, this fusion treat blends tradition with modern nutrition. Perfect for Holi or a refreshing summer snack!
Continue reading “Thandai Chia Pudding” →

July 16, 2024

Tindora Bataka nu Shaak

Delight in the comforting and flavorful Tindora Bataka nu Shaak, a timeless dish featuring tender tindora (ivy gourd) and potatoes cooked with aromatic spices. This nutritious delicacy brings the genuine taste of traditional Indian cuisine to your table, ideal for savoring with rotis, rice, or on its own.
Continue reading “Tindora Bataka nu Shaak” →

February 26, 2024

July 23, 2023July 23, 2023

Palak Dal

Hearty and wholesome Dal Palak (Spinach Dal), lightly spiced, makes a great comforting meal and is a seasonal favorite. It’s also a classic source of plant-based proteins, especially in the diets of vegetarians and vegans.

Discover the irresistible comfort and nutritional richness of Palak Dal, a beloved staple in Indian cuisine. Packed with protein-rich split urad dal and nutrient-dense spinach, this dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also evokes cherished childhood memories and brings families together.

Let’s dive into the delicious world of Palak Dal. This is a dish that’s not just about flavor; it’s about the warmth of home and the nostalgia of childhood. If you grew up in an Indian household, chances are Palak Dal made an appearance on your dining table. Each bite serving up a hearty dose of comfort and tradition with every spoonful.

Palak Dal isn’t just a dish; it’s a connection to your roots, a taste of home no matter where you are. It’s the dish your mom made when you were feeling under the weather, the dish that always brought the family together around the dinner table. Picture this: creamy split urad dal mingling with vibrant green spinach, all cooked up with a blend of spices that make your taste buds dance. This dish has been warming bellies and bringing smiles for generations, and it’s not hard to see why.

Now, let’s break it down. First up, we’ve got split urad dal. This stuff is like nature’s protein powerhouse, perfect for all you vegetarians and vegans out there. It’s got the goods to help your muscles repair and grow, and it’s great for keeping your energy levels steady throughout the day.

But wait, there’s more! Urad dal is also packing some serious fiber, which means it’s doing wonders for your digestion and keeping you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, it’s got a low glycemic index, so it’s not messing with your blood sugar levels like some other foods might.

Spinach, or Palak is the other main ingredient. It’s a nutrient-packed superhero in its own right. Loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, and iron, spinach is full of antioxidants and phytonutrients to strengthen your body.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro in the kitchen or a newbie looking to expand your culinary horizons, Palak Dal is a dish that’s sure to win you over. So the next time you’re feeling hungry, why not give it a try? Your taste buds and your body will thank you for it!

July 3, 2023June 30, 2023

Punjabi Kadhi

Delight in the velvety texture of Punjabi Kadhi, a beloved yogurt-based curry, intricately infused with an aromatic blend of spices, cherished and passed down through generations, making it a soul-soothing delight for families worldwide.
Continue reading “Punjabi Kadhi” →

Aloo Methi ki Sabzi

Aloo Methi is a delightful culinary creation that brings together the humble potato and the aromatic fenugreek leaves. Its simplicity, versatility, and incredible taste make it a must-try for anyone seeking a true taste of authentic Indian cuisine and a journey into the flavors of tradition and nostalgia. Continue reading “Aloo Methi ki Sabzi” →

June 29, 2023

Cabbage Peas Shaak (Kobi Vatana nu Shaak)

Indian cuisine is renowned for its vibrant and diverse flavors, and one dish that beautifully embodies this culinary richness is Cabbage Peas nu Shaak. This delectable Gujarati recipe combines the humble cabbage and peas with a harmonious blend of spices, creating a dish that is both comforting and flavorful.
Continue reading “Cabbage Peas Shaak (Kobi Vatana nu Shaak)” →

March 3, 2023

Thandai Bundt Cake

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” →

January 13, 2023

March 25, 2022March 23, 2022

Aloo Shimla Mirch Sabzi (Bell Pepper Potato Sabzi)

Aloo Shimla Mirch Sabzi is an Indian stir fry made with potatoes and bell peppers. Generally a dry dish with a variety of spices, you can serve it for lunch or dinner with roti or dal.
Continue reading “Aloo Shimla Mirch Sabzi (Bell Pepper Potato Sabzi)” →

March 22, 2022March 21, 2022

Rasam

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” →

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Instant Pot Kali Dal

**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.

Here are the tools I used for this recipe:

March 11, 2022March 10, 2022

February 7, 2022February 7, 2022

Thandai Gujiya Pinwheels

A fun twist on the traditional gujiya with the same flavors in each decadent bite. These Thandai Gujiya Pinwheels are made with the classic thandai powder used during Holi, the quintessential gujiya filling all rolled into puff pastry dough before they are baked.
Continue reading “Thandai Gujiya Pinwheels” →

Tandoori Cauliflower Tacos

These tandoori cauliflower tacos are marinated in a vibrant tandoori yogurt sauce and burst with flavor in each bite. Perfect for lunch or dinner, these meatless tacos are easy to make and filling. Continue reading “Tandoori Cauliflower Tacos” →

January 12, 2022

October 27, 2021October 27, 2021

Haldi Doodh (Golden Milk)

Growing up in an Indian household meant turning to natural and food remedies for minor ailments. If you had a tummy ache, Mom made us eat carom seeds or even cumin seeds. If we had a cold sore in the mouth, she would make us keep a clove on the sore for a few hours. There are so many more remedies that my mom and grandmother used but the one I remember and is most popular these days is turmeric.

As soon the cold weather set in or the first cough or sneeze of the season was heard, my mother would add turmeric to everything we ate. She would also make us drink Haldi Doodh or turmeric milk before bed each night. As a child, I hated this. As an adult and a mom, it is now my go to. Over the years, I’ve changed it from the basic turmeric and milk to adding a few new ingredients. Take a look!

Turmeric – the most important ingredient as it has natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The powder form is most commonly used though sometimes, I do use the actual root.
Black Pepper – has anti-inflammatory properties and improves brain function. It is most important in this recipe because it activates the curcumin properties in turmeric therefore making the turmeric much more effective.
Honey – is full of antioxidants, antibacterial, and antifungul properties. It’s also an age old remedy used to help sore throats.
Cardamom pods – have antioxidant and diuretic properties, and is rich in compounds that help fight against inflammation.
Ginger – also has anti-inflammatory properties, helps lower blood sugars, and improve heart disease risk factors. Ginger also helps fight against bacteria and viruses which can help reduce the risk for infections.
Cinnamon – is also loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it helps lower blood sugar levels, and helps fight bacterial and fungal infections.

Basically, every spice added to this recipe has anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties or both. I normally use cow’s milk when I make this for the kids but I have made it with almond milk and it has turned out just as good. I do recommend not to use sweetened milk if you are using a plant based milk as it changes the taste of the final product.

Here’s to wishing a healthy winter and a Happy New Year with my first recipe this year!

Here are the tools I used for this recipe:

October 20, 2021October 20, 2021

Nankhatai Bars

Crispy exterior with a soft interior made with ghee, thandai masala, sugar, and a little bit of milk. Nankhatai is a traditional Indian cookie similar in texture to shortbread. There are many variations of flavors and flours used based on where in India you are eating this delicious cookie.
Continue reading “Nankhatai Bars” →

Sarson da Saag, Makki di Roti

**Note: Original post created Jul 2017. Updated October 2021**

The first time I was introduced to this traditional Punjabi meal was during my wedding planning. My husband and in-laws requested that this be on the menu somewhere. I didn’t understand what it was or the goodness of it until quite a bit later (much later than my wedding). Of course, during my wedding, I didn’t remember eating or tasting anything with so much going on. After I got married, I remember my mother-in-law making it a few times for my husband and seeing the pure joy on his face as he ate the Saag and Roti. I felt, wow, such a simple meal (for Indian food) and yet it brings him so much happiness. Of course I decided to try it out on my own.

I am always told, even to this day, how this is supposed to be a really hard recipe to master. I’m definitely not making it the way my mother-in-law does, but my shortcut recipe has managed to impress her, my husband and my daughter! As they say, a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. I’m already in my hubby’s heart, but this is one recipe that guarantees a spot for any of you out there looking to impress your significant other.

Sarson da Saag is basically a vegetable dish made of Mustard Greens. It is very earthy in taste and rich not only in flavor but nutrients also. Mustard Greens provide an abundance of potassium and Vitamins K, A, C, and E. Traditionally, it is cooked in water and hand churned until you get the creamy, buttery consistency. If I had the time, I might try it. But since I don’t, I obviously created a shortcut (my handy dandy blender). Try it out and tell me what you think:

The saag tastes great on its own, but man does it just go a whole other level with Makki di Roti. Makki di Roti is basically corn bread. It’s not your traditional Roti that is usually soft and pliable. This is a bit thicker and can hold all that saag without getting the roti soggy. One more thing – Makki di Roti is typically made by flattening the dough between the palms. I am using a different technique by placing the dough in between a ziploc bag and rolling it out with a rolling pin. This just works better for me.

Looking for more Indian recipes? Check out some of these:
Sprouted Moong Beans Sabzi Gujarati Style
Instant Pot Rajma (Kidney Beans)
Methi Thepla
Instant Pot Kali Dal
Avocado Roti

Here are the tools I used for this recipe:

August 30, 2021

Sweet Potato Sabudana Khichdi with Cashews

Sabudana or tapioca pearls cooked with sweet potatoes and cashews is a popular vegan and gluten-free dish that is consumed in Gujarati households, especially during fasts. Continue reading “Sweet Potato Sabudana Khichdi with Cashews” →

July 15, 2021

Zucchini Moong Dal

As I raise my girls, it has become very important to me that they keep connected to their roots and one of the ways I do this is through food. Lucky for me, they both love the typical comfort food fare of “Dal Chawal” or Lentils and Rice. A twist on the traditional Moong Dal Fry, this recipe adds zucchini and is low in calorie but nutrient dense.

Ready in just 15 minutes, this has become my latest go to recipe when I’m tight on time. Because moong dal cooks very quickly, I don’t soak them for more than 20 minutes.

Nutrition is also very important when I’m serving this dish as a main meal to the girls, and this dish doesn’t disappoint.
1 cup of zucchini moong dal gives you:

156 kcal
8.7 gm protein
7 gm fiber

As to cooking it over the stove versus the instant pot, traditionally, the dal was boiled first then added to the spices. I love just using one pot to make the whole dish so I usually add the uncooked dal into the spices/gravy mix then cook it in the instant pot.

I hope you get a chance to try out this delicious recipe and enjoy it as much as my family does.

Looking for more lentil/dal recipes? I’ve got you covered. Check out some of these amazing dishes:
Sprouted Moong Beans Sabzi Gujarati Style
Spinach Dal
Instant Pot Kali Dal
Adai Waffles / Lentil Waffles

Here are the tools I used for this recipe:

April 20, 2021

March 23, 2021March 23, 2021

Guacamole Chaat Tostadas

Crunchy, creamy, spicy, tangy, with just a hint of sweet, these Guacamole Chaat Tostadas are the perfect marriage between Indian and Mexican cuisine!
Continue reading “Guacamole Chaat Tostadas” →

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Thandai Infused Rainbow Crème Brûlée (Vegan)

A creamy, rich, aromatic custard with a beautiful caramelized crust that is unbelievably easy to make. This Thandai Infused Crème Brûlée is a twist on the classic French dessert by using coconut cream and coconut milk making it vegan and gluten-free.

Holi has always been one of my favorite Indian festivals. The colors, the food, the fun. What makes it even more special is that 8 years ago, my husband bent down on one knee in the middle of a very public festival (the organizers were in on it as were our siblings and friends) and everyone (about at least 100 people) stopped playing to watch him ask me to marry him. I will always treasure that moment.

So for this Holi, I decided to do a fun fusion in honor of my very special husband. His favorite dessert is crème brûlée. What better way than to infuse a Holi special drink of Thandai and combine my two favorite events together? Honestly, it tastes SO YUM that I had to stop myself from “tasting” the custard before it set.

WHAT DO I NEED FOR A VEGAN CREME BRULEE?

Full-fat Coconut Milk and Coconut Cream – this is important to give the custard it’s rich creamy texture.
Arrowroot Powder – this acts as a thickening agent.
Agave – for that hint of sweet
Thandai Masala – this is going to lend that brilliant aromatic and floral flavor to the custard
Saffron – for a beautiful golden color
Vanilla Extract
Almond Milk
Sugar
Rainbow Sprinkles – optional but I love how the colors brighten up the dessert
Salt

THREE IMPORTANT STEPS TO A PERFECT THANDAI INFUSED CREME BRULEE

1. Infusing the thandai masala. This is important to get that flavor in there. The longer you infuse, the better the end result will be.

2. Blending all of the ingredients. This is extremely important because the arrowroot powder can clump and that would ruin the whole dessert. When you blend it into a smooth liquid, you end up with a rich, silky dessert.

3. Once it’s blended, whisk the mixture on the stove constantly to prevent it clumping and/or burning until you get your custard consistency.

THE ~~CHERRY~~ SUGAR ON TOP
How can I possibly leave this part out? This is my favorite part. I used cane sugar to layer on top of the custard but for my Holi special, I used colored sugar and dusted the caramelized sugar to symbolize the fun of Holi. Take a blowtorch and carefully caramelize the sugar. If you don’t have a blowtorch – don’t worry! I’ve included directions in the recipe card to caramelize the sugar using a broiler. Reminder – the top won’t be as crunchy using the broiler setting but it will do the trick to caramelize your sugar.

This recipe is perfect for Holi, Diwali, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, or pretty much any occasion you want to celebrate. I might even make this again for our next date night. Feel free to add berries. I chose not to this time because I wanted the colors to shine.

I hope you enjoy this as much as we did! Feel free to follow and share comments on my Instagram and Facebook pages! I would love to hear your thoughts!

From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy this decadent THANDAI INFUSED RAINBOW CREME BRULEE!

Here are the tools that I used for this recipe:

**Note: The ramekins I used are passed on to me from a family member but the ones I’ve featured in the tools list are the closest in size and shape to the ones that I used.

March 11, 2021

Sapna5 Comments

Thandai Masala

When I was about 13, I had gone to India to visit family and it happened to be around the time of MahaShivratri. Thandai is a popular beverage to have during Shivratri and Holi and I remember having many glasses of this delectable drink during my visit. Not only does Thandai taste delicious, it also has many health benefits. One of the main ones being it’s a cooling agent for your body and therefore, mostly drunk during the summer months.

WHAT IS THANDAI MASALA MADE OF?
The masala or powder itself is made of cashews, almonds, pistachios, cardamom, black peppercorn, melon seeds, fennel seeds, poppy seeds, saffron, and dried rose petals. To save time, I grind all of the ingredients into a powder and save it in an airtight container to use when I’m in the mood to drink some Thandai.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS?
Yep. There are so many health benefits to drinking this wonderful Thandai. Did you know that it is more often made and drunk during the summer months because the ingredients help cool the body temp down? There’s more! Take a look:

Poppy seeds which are rich in protein, fiber, calcium, and mineral that help boost the immune system, also help GI irritation, and prevent constipation.
Melon or Pumpkin seeds which are added help keep the body temp cool, and these seeds are natural energizers.
Peppercorns help boost immunity
Cardamom helps fight off infection, detoxifies the body, and is a great source to fight against nausea and vomiting

Now that you have your powder made, it’s just as easy to make the Thandai drink. Take a glass of milk, add 1 Tbsp of the masala to it and some sweetener if you choose. Heat it in a pan and make sure everything is combined. Strain into a mug and drink it warm or cold. Both ways taste delicious.

From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy this delicious Thandai Masala.

Here are the tools I used for this recipe:

March 1, 2021

Sapna4 Comments

Sprouted Moong Beans Sabzi Gujarati Style

Growing up, my Mom would make these sprouted moong beans for dinner often. I remember my brother and I were not big fans and would hate eating them. Now that I’m an adult, maybe a switch has flipped? I don’t know but I definitely love this recipe and could easily eat this dish 2-3 times a week. Thanks Mom!

WHAT ARE SPROUTED MOONG BEANS?
Sprouted moong beans are basically moong beans that have been soaked in water then left in a warm place to germinate. They are very popular in Indian and Pakistani cooking though many people across the globe are starting to embrace this food more and more.
Some of the more popular ways to eat sprouted moong beans is to add them in to salads and sandwiches, however, some of the more traditional ways to make them is to make a curry, a sabzi, and even dosas out of these delicious babies.

WHY SHOULD I EAT SPROUTED MOONG BEANS?
Because they are a powerhouse of nutrients. These legumes are one of the best sources of plant based protein providing ~14gm in 1 cup cooked. Take a look at some of these other benefits:

Fiber: 15.4 grams
Folate (B9): 80% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
Manganese: 30% of the RDI
Magnesium: 24% of the RDI
Vitamin B1: 22% of the RDI
Phosphorus: 20% of the RDI
Iron: 16% of the RDI
Copper: 16% of the RDI
Potassium: 15% of the RDI
Zinc: 11% of the RDI

WHERE CAN I GET SPROUTED MOONG BEANS?
Moong Beans are easy to sprout at home (I love this method provided by Piping Pot Curry) or you can find them at your local Indian or Asian grocery store.

So now that you know what I know about these delicious and nutritious legumes, let me tell you how to make them. This particular recipe is my mom’s (I’ve not made a single change to it because it’s so perfect the way it is!) and I love the simplicity of it as it carries a depth of flavor too.

There are two methods of making this dish. One is in the instant pot and the other over the stove. I’ve given both versions in the recipe card below so feel free to try both to see which you prefer!

From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy these Sprouted Moong Beans as much as we do!

Here are the tools I used to make this recipe:

February 7, 2021February 2, 2021

February 1, 2021November 27, 2025

Kashmiri Pink (Noon) Chai

If you know me, you know I love my chai. I love exploring different types of chai flavor combinations. When I had this Kashmiri Pink Chai the first time many years ago at a friend’s house, I became obsessed. I had tried intermittently over the years to recreate this delicious chai but was unsuccessful.

A few months ago, I was talking to my friend, R, and she and I relived memories of us drinking this Kashmiri Chai at her place. She gave me a few tips to make this chai successfully, which I will be passing on to you. Check out the recipe card below, as I’ll include the tips in the notes section.

As I practiced and made this chai, I adapted the chai recipe a little. For starters, I cut down the amount that is traditionally made. Since it takes up to an hour and sometimes more to boil the tea leaves and each ingredient added at a different stage, many people tend to make a large quantity of the Kahwa (the boiled tea before the addition of milk which many people also drink), I cut down the amount. Being the only tea drinker in my house, I didn’t see the need to make so much.
Also, I put my own little touch on this delicious chai by adding rose petals to the chai at the end after serving it into teacups. Usually you will find the chai garnished with nuts, almonds or pistachios.

WHERE DOES THE PINK COLOR COME FROM?
Believe it or not, from the reaction of baking soda added to the green tea leaves. What I found is that the color became deeper when I added the sugar to it. This was absolutely the highlight. So much fun to see the chemical reactions (science lover in me).

The first sip that I took reminded me how decadent it is, that I instantly knew this had to be one of my Valentine’s specials. This is a very creamy chai but a little savory too. As I’ve been taught, a bit of salt is added to the chai towards the end.

From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy this delicious Kashmiri Pink Chai!

Here are the tools that I used to make this recipe:

December 10, 2020December 7, 2020

Poblano Pav Bhaji Burger

**Originally published Jun 2017, edited and updated Feb 2021.

Poblano What?! A burger with Pav Bhaji?! Yep you heard it right. A Pav Bhaji Burger….. with Poblano Peppers. Pav Bhaji is a very popular dish in India and among Indians everywhere in the world. Back in the 1800’s, workers would take leftover veggies and turn it into a curry. These workers usually could not afford much so they became creative. I piggy backed on that creativity and put my own spin to a classic Indian dish. Continue reading “Poblano Pav Bhaji Burger” →

Pomegranate Eggplant
Lamb Meatballs
Aloo Paratha Yum
Kathi Roll
Spinach Dal Paratha

Mint-y Pomegranate Raita

Can I just say Oh.My.God! This Raita is probably the most delicious I’ve ever had and to be honest I don’t think I can go back to the usual raita (with cucumbers).

So I just posted my Tandoori Gobi Zucchini Boat recipe a couple of days ago and I paired this with the boats. I could have gone the traditional route with a cucumber raita but I wanted something different and also, I’m really in the holiday mood right now so most of my food reflects that.

If you know me, you know I like the visuals of color in my food in addition to the taste. Well, this season, I’ve been obsessed with pomegranates. So in my obsession for colors, I played around with how I wanted this Raita to shine. After all, it was the most important finish to the Tandoori Boats.

In addition to the mint and pomegranates (the obvious), I included some serrano peppers to enhance the color and a few spices and garlic to give the flavor profile a boost.

Ok so, you don’t have to pair this raita with just the Tandoori Boats. Here are a few more dishes you can add this delicious Minty-y Raita to:

From my kitchen to yours, I hope you love every drop of this Mint-y Pomegranate Raita!

Here are the tools I used to make this recipe:

December 7, 2020January 24, 2021

Tandoori Gobi (Cauliflower) Zucchini Boats

I’ve made zucchini boats a few times so far. Each time has been to use up leftovers from our Skinny Skillet Enchilada the previous night. They turn out really good and Sanaya loves them but it’s the same flavor profile so as much as I love it, I still crave something a little different.

I knew I wanted to create a different filling and haven’t done much with Indian food lately so I played around with my options. I kept circling back to this one idea of Tandoori Gobi as the stuffing. I’m not sure where I thought of it but it wouldn’t go away so I decided, ok, let’s give it a try.

I have a great Tandoori marinade recipe that I have been using with chicken so I decided, to use the same for the cauliflower. I treated the cauliflower as the chicken substitute and marinated it overnight also.

The cooking part was a little tricky as I didn’t want a soggy Zucchini Boat and the marinade definitely looked like it would promise a lot of liquid. Simple trick, I baked them separately, then stuffed the zucchini with the cauliflower and broiled it on high for 5 minutes to get a good char. Can I just say, Oh so delicious!

Also, please don’t throw out the flesh of the zucchini when you scoop it out to create the cavity for the cauliflower. Let’s be sustainable here and make some Zucchini Bread out of it!

One more thing I love about this recipe is that it is totally a weeknight meal. So the time on the recipe card may be a little daunting, but it’s the ease of it. And most of the time you spend is waiting for the flavors to marinate. It really takes maybe 15 minutes to put the marinade together, then the next day, 5 minutes to shell out the Zucchini and the rest of the time, you are waiting for it to finish baking. Honestly, it can’t get any easier for a weeknight meal.

Serve this delicious boat with a cooling Mint-y Pomegranate Raita to finish it off.

From my kitchen to yours, we hope these Tandoori Gobi Zucchini Boats rock your world!

November 12, 2020

Sapna8 Comments

Rangoli Ladoos

Diwali has always been a special festival growing up in my family… in fact for most Indian families. It’s the Festival of Lights, where we celebrate faith and hope and wish that everyone has a bright future, happiness and prosperity in their lives.

Everywhere you look, Diwali takes over with lights and colors. Rangoli designs are a prominent component of Diwali, with the idea that it brings strength, good luck and genorosity. Keeping in mind that very foundation of colors and brightness, I decided to bring the spirit of rangoli to my mithai (sweets) for Diwali this year.

Coconut ladoos are very popular in Indian and the best part is, they are very easy to make. The basis of each ladoo was kept the same with the main ingredients being coconut, almond flour/ground almonds, and condensed milk. The ratios vary based on the flavor and additions of the ladoo.

Here are the flavors I decided to go with:

Mango (seriously, how could I not include this flavor?!)
Lavender (because it’s a new obsession and the flavor and colors are so amazing!)
Rose (the colors, the fragrance, and the taste are so pretty, it makes me feel like a princess when I’m eating this!)
Mojito (…..yep. No alcohol, but that hint of lime and mint….YUM!)
Coconut Almond (the original cannot be overlooked!)

Some tips to make it easier for you when you make this:

Use a non-stick skillet to make these. It prevents the mixture from sticking and makes the process that much easier.
Make them vegan! Use vegan condensed milk and coconut oil instead of ghee to roll the balls.
You can use frozen grated coconut. Just leave it out for a little bit to thaw and bring to room temperature.
If you don’t want to use or don’t have almond flour available, substitute with the same amount of almonds and grind them up into a flour. It’s an extra step but easy and a perfect swap.
When buying almond flour, make sure you buy the almond flour and NOT the blend. I almost did that. The blend has a mixture of rice and other ingredients that would change the taste of this dessert.

If you end up making any of these delicious ladoos, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram at @bitofspice146. I would love to see your creations!

September 22, 2020

September 18, 2020September 17, 2020

Instant Pot Rajma (Kidney Beans)

I feel like almost every culture has their version of beans and rice. There’s the Latin style with adobo seasoning, the African style flavored with smoked paprika and garlic, Creoles use the “holy trinity” for theirs, Jamaican red beans and rice have coconut milk and scotch bonnet peppers, the Japanese use Adzuki beans with their rice, and the Indians have Rajma Chawal.

Why are red beans and rice so common everywhere?

I don’t know. But what I do know is they make a complete protein when eaten together so it’s really beneficial to vegetarians and vegans who don’t get their complete proteins from animal protein to feel full.

I never thought Rajma was all that special until my friend Sumit made it one day. He makes the most amazing Rajma so I never bothered to learn because I could just call him up! But now he’s moved to a different state and it’s not as readily available so I have tried and tried and tried to perfect my Rajma.

From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy this classic dish of Rajma!