Category Archives: Category

Chana Dal and Spinach Curry

September 26, 2021 – 7:40 pm

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb frozen chopped spinach or fresh, washed and chopped spinach
  • 3/4 cup chana dal (split chickpea lentils)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 500 ml water
  • 1 tsp peanut / vegetable oil
  • Additional 3 tbsp peanut / vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 whole dry red chili
  • 2 tbsp garlic paste
  • 1 green chili, chopped
  • 1 tbsp coriander-cumin powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp kasuri methi, crushed
  • 2 medium size onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1 tsp Kitchen King masala

For tempering

  • 2 tbsp ghee
  • 2 tbsp chopped garlic
  • 1 whole dry red chili
  • 1 tsp red chili powder

For garnishing

  • 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

Method:

  1. Wash 3/4 cup of chana dal 3-4 times and then soak for 1-2 hours
  2. Add the chana dal and 500 ml water to a pressure cooker. To that add 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp oil and mix well
  3. Cook the chana dal in pressure cooker for 3-4 whistles. If using Instant Pot, cook under pressure for 25 minutes
  4. When cook, put the cooked chana dal aside
  5. Put a pan of water on high heat
  6. When the water starts boiling, add the spinach and cook for a couple of minutes
  7. Drain out the water put the cooked / blanched spinach aside
  8. Put a pan on medium head
  9. When oil is hot, add 1 tsp cumin seeds
  10. When the seeds start to crackle, add 2 tbsp garlic, 1 chopped green chili and sauté for 10 seconds
  11. Add 1 tbsp coriander-cumin powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tbsp crushed kasuri methi and sauté the spices for 10 seconds
  12. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes till the onions soften and become translucent
  13. Add the chopped tomatoes, 1 tsp salt and sauté for 3-4 minutes till tomatoes become very mushy
  14. Add the cooked chana dal with its water and cook for 2-3 minutes
  15. Add blanched drained spinach, mix well, add 1 tsp Kitchen King masala, cover and cook for 2-3 minutes

Tempering

  1. For tempering (tadka), add 2 tbsp ghee in a small pan and put it on medium-high heat
  2. When ghee is hot, add 2 tbsp chopped garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes till the garlic become very light pink in color
  3. Add 1 whole dry red chili, 1 tsp red chili powder, mix well and add the tadka to the chana dal spinach curry
  4. Mix well, garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with any Indian bread or Basmati rice / pulao

Serves: 4-5

 

Inspiration source:

 

By Dilip Shah | Also posted in Curry | Comments (0)

Peanut Chutney – South Indian Style (Simpler!)

September 2, 2021 – 7:55 pm

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup peanut
  • 1/2 cup putani (roasted gram / chhana dal)
  • 1 dry red chili
  • Small ball sized tamarind
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup water

For tempering

  • 3 tsp oil
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp urad dal
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 dried red chili
  • ½ tsp asafoetida powder
  • 8-10 curry leaves

Method:

  1. Put the tamarind in hot water and once cooled strain to get tamarind pulp
  2. In a pan dry roast 1 cup peanuts on low flame for 4-5 minutes… tossing regularly so that they don’t burn
  3. Add 1/2 cup putani (roasted chana dal) and roast for a couple of minutes
  4. Cool completely, and transfer to a blender
  5. Add 1 chili, tamarind pulp and 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  6. Add 1/2 cup water and blend to smooth paste
  7. Add more water in batches and blend to a smooth paste with somewhat runny consistency
  8. Transfer the chutney to a large bowl

Tempering

  1. Prepare the tempering by heating 3 tsp oil
  2. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and when they start to sputter add 1 tsp urad dal, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 dried red chili and roast for a minute
  3. Turn off the heat and add ½ tsp asafoetida powder and a few curry leaves
  4. Pour the tempering over the chutney and mix well
  5. Peanut chutney is ready to enjoy with idli, dosa and vada

Serves: 6

Inspiration source:

 

https://hebbarskitchen.com/chutney-recipes-without-coconut-for-idli/

 

Remarks:

 

By Dilip Shah | Also posted in Chutney / Dip | Comments (0)

Sorghum Thalipeeth

July 15, 2021 – 8:37 pm

(Gluten-free spicy Indian flatbread)

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sorghum flour
  • 2 tbsp gram flour (besan)
  • 1/2 cup chopped coriander leaves
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger paste
  • 1 tbsp garlic paste
  • 1 tsp green chili paste or 1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp asafoetida powder
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1/4 tsp carom seeds (ajwain seeds) – roughly crush between your palms
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 3-4 tsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds

Method:

  1. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients adding the flours at the end
  2. Bind into soft dough. Add water only if you need to
  3. Add 1 tsp oil to dough and knead for a minute
  4. Divide the dough into 5 parts, rolling each into a ball
  5. Heat a nonstick pan on slow heat
  6. Add 1/2 tsp oil and sprinkle some sesame seeds on the pan
  7. Place the ball of dough on the sesame seeds and gently press out with your fingers into a 6″ round
  8. Make 4 holes in the middle of the flatbread / thalipeeth
  9. Add a few drops of oil in each hole. Cover the thalipeeth and cook for 3 minutes on slow heat
  10. Remove the cover (be careful the water on the underside of the covering lid does not fall on the thalipeeth)
  11. Add 1/2 tsp oil on the thalipeeth, sprinkle some sesame seeds on it and then flip to cook the other side
  12. Once again cover the thalipeeth and cook for 3 minutes on slow heat
  13. Check to see both sides are well cooked and crisp. If not, cook each side (uncovered) for 1 or 2 more minutes
  14. Repeat with the remaining dough

Enjoy hot with raita, chutney or Indian pickles!

Serves: 2

 

Inspiration source:

 

By Dilip Shah | Also posted in Bread, Side dish | Comments (0)

Chole Masala

June 27, 2021 – 9:37 pm

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup garbanzo beans (soaked overnight)
  • 2 tea bags
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 tbsp any vegetable oil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 black / large cardamom
  • 2 pod cardamom
  • 1 inch cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp kasuri methi
  • 1 medium size onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp amchur
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups tomato puree
  • 2 tbsp coriander leaves, finely chopped

For tempering

  • 1 tbsp ghee
  • 2 chilies (slit)
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp garam masala

Method:

  1. Soak 1 cup garbanzo beans overnight
  2. Put the garbanzo beans in a pressure cooker / Instant Pot. Add 2 tea bags, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt and 3 cup water. If you do not have tea bags, prepare tea decoction and add to the cooker
  3. Pressure cook for 5 whistles. If using Instant Pot, cook under pressure for 30-35 minutes
  4. After the pressure releases, open the cooker, discard the tea bags and keep aside the cooked beans / chole
  5. Put a cooking pan on medium heat. Add 2 tbsp oil and when the oil is hot add 1 bay leaf, 1 black cardamom, 2 pod cardamom, 1 inch cinnamon, 1 tsp cumin. When cumin seeds start crackling add 1 tsp kasuri methi and sauté on low heat for 3-4 seconds
  6. Add 1 finely chopped onion, 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste and sauté until onions turn golden brown (5-6 minutes)
  7. Add 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/2 tsp cumin powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp amchur powder and 1/4 tsp salt and sauté on low flame until the spices turn aromatic (5-10 seconds)
  8. Add 1 1/2 cups tomato puree and sauté until the oil separates (5-6 minutes). To prepare tomato puree, blend 3 ripe tomatoes in a blender without adding water
  9. Add chole / cooked garbanzo beans and mix well. Adjust consistency by adding water if required
  10. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the beans absorbs all the flavors

Tempering

  1. Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a small pan
  2. Add 2 chilies, 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1/4 tsp chili powder and 1/4 tsp garam masala
  3. Sauté on low flame without burning the spices, for 3-4 seconds
  4. Pour the tempering over the chole masala, add 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves and mix well
  5. Enjoy with any Indian bread and sliced onions on the side!

Serves: 4-5

 

Inspiration source:

Hebbars Kitchen

(1) hotel style balloon shaped chole bhature recipe – with tips & tricks | punjabi chana bhatura recipe – YouTube

 

chole bhature recipe | chhole bhature | chana bhatura | chola batura (hebbarskitchen.com)

 

By Dilip Shah | Also posted in Curry | Comments (0)

Pav Bhaji

May 30, 2021 – 4:29 pm

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2 large or 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into medium pieces
  • 1 cup green peas
  • 1 large or 2 medium size tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and cut into medium pieces
  • 1 small beet, peeled and cut into medium pieces
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp salt

    Additional ingredients

  • Butter, cut into pieces… equivalent to 2-3 tbsp
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 capsicum, finely chopped
  • 1 large or 2 medium size tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 6-7 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
  • 2 tsp pav bhaji masala
  • 2 tsp kasuri methi
  • 1 tsp salt

    Some more ingredients!

  • Butter pieces equivalent to 2-3 tbsp
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp kasuri methi
  • 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

Method:

  1. In Instant Pot pan or a pressure cooker, add 2 tbsp oil and turn on the heat. If using Instant Pot, put in sauté mode
  2. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds. When they start cracking, add potatoes and sauté for 1 minute
  3. Add 1 tsp chili powder and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder and gently coat the potatoes with the spices and roast for 1 minute
  4. Add green peas, tomatoes and salt and sauté for 2-3 minutes
  5. Add beets and carrots and sauté for 2 minutes
  6. Add 1 cup water. Cook the vegetables under pressure. If using regular pressure cooker, cook for 2-3 whistles. If using Instant Pot, switch to a mode that cooks for 15 minutes under pressure
  7. When done and safe, open the cooker / Instant Pot. Mash the vegetables and set aside

Next steps

  1. Put a large pan on medium heat. Add butter pieces to the pan
  2. Before the butter starts melting (do not let the butter overheat… it affects the flavor), add finely chopped onions and capsicum
  3. Turn the heat to high and sauté for 4-5 minutes till the onions and capsicum are cooked, most of the water has evaporated and the fat starts to separate
  4. Add ginger and garlic and sauté for 2 minutes
  5. Add chili powder, pav bhaji masala, kasuri methi and sauté for 1 minute
  6. Add finely chopped tomatoes, 1 tsp salt and sauté for 4-5 minutes
  7. Add the pressure-cooked mashed vegetables, add 1/2 cup water and simmer on medium heat for 2-3 minutes
  8. Add butter, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp kasuri methi, mix well
  9. Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves and serve hot with pav or any other soft bread

Serves: 6-8

 

Inspiration source: 

EASY PAV BHAJI / BOMBAY STREET STYLE PAV BHAJI

By Dilip Shah | Also posted in Curry, Side dish, Snacks | Comments (1)

Dosa Stuffing II

April 9, 2021 – 8:56 pm

Ingredients:

  • 3 boiled and peeled potatoes, crumbled
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp split Bengal Gram dal (chana dal)
  • 1 tsp split Black Gram lentils (urad dal)
  • 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1/2 tsp grated ginger
  • 1/2 tsp finely chopped green chili
  • 8-10 curry leaves
  • 1 chopped medium size tomato
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/4 red chili powder
  • 1 tsp sambar powder
  • 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

Method:

  1. Heat 1 tbsp of oil to prepare the stuffing
  2. Add 1 tsp of chana dal, 1 tsp of urad dal and roast the dal till very light brown
  3. Add 1/2 tsp of mustard seeds and let the mustard seeds crackle
  4. Add 1/2 tsp of grated ginger, 1/2 tsp finely chopped green chili, 8-10 curry leaves and roast everything for a minute
  5. Add 1 chopped tomato, 1/2 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of coriander powder, 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder, 1/4 tsp of red chili powder, 1 tsp of sambar powder, and mix well
  6. Add 1 tbsp of water and mash the tomatoes
  7. Add 3 boiled peeled and crumbled potatoes, mash them and cook for 2-3 minutes
  8. Add some chopped coriander leaves and the dosa stuffing is ready!

Serves: 4

 

Inspiration source: 

By Dilip Shah | Also posted in Curry, Side dish, Snacks | Comments (0)

Spicy Braised Eggplant

April 9, 2021 – 8:27 pm

Ingredients:

  • 1 large Italian eggplant or 2 Chinese eggplants, sliced into wedges
  • 4 large pieces garlic, finely chopped
  • 6 sticks green onion, chopped
  • 4 tbsp cane sugar
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 6 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Korean pepper powder (gochugaru)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 4 tbsp roasted peanuts

Method:

  1. Prepare the sauce by combining the cane sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce and Korean pepper powder and then keep aside
  2. Crush the peanuts in a pestle and mortar and keep aside
  3. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan on medium high heat
  4. Add the eggplant when the pan just starts to smoke. Sear the eggplant as best you can just to get some color
  5. Add the garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes
  6. Add the green onion (keep aside 2 tbsp for garnishing) and sauté for a minute
  7. Add the sauce and the water, gently mix into the eggplant and cover and cook on medium for 5 minutes
  8. Garnish with the green onion and the crushed peanuts and serve with steamed / boiled rice

Serves: 3

 

Inspiration source:

By Dilip Shah | Also posted in Curry | Comments (0)

Tabbouleh

March 20, 2021 – 5:19 pm

 

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup bulgur
  • 1 cup diced cucumber (1 small-to-medium)
  • 1 cup diced tomato (1 large)
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt, divided
  • 3 medium bunches curly parsley
  • 2 tbsp chopped mint leaves
  • 2 tbsp thinly sliced green onion
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 to 4 tbsp lemon juice, to taste
  • 1 medium clove garlic, minced

Method:

  1. Cook the bulgur until tender, according to package directions. Drain off any excess water, and set aside to cool.
  2. Combine the diced cucumber and tomato in a medium bowl with 1/2 tsp of the salt. Stir, and let the mixture rest for at least 10 minutes, or until you’re ready to mix the salad.
  3. To prepare the parsley, cut off the thick stems. Then, finely chop the parsley and remaining stems. Transferring the chopped parsley to a large serving bowl before proceeding with the next.
  4. Add the cooled bulgur, chopped fresh mint and green onion to the bowl of parsley. Strain off and discard the cucumber and tomato juice that has accumulated in the bottom of the bowl (this ensures that your tabbouleh isn’t too watery). Add the strained cucumber and tomato to the bowl.
  5. In a small measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, 3 tbsp lemon juice, garlic, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt. Pour it into the salad and stir to combine. Taste, and adjust if necessary—add another tbsp of lemon juice for zing, or salt for more overall flavor.
  6. If you have the time, let the salad rest for 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors mingle. Otherwise, you can serve it immediately or chill it for later. Tabbouleh will keep well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.

Serves: 4

 

Inspiration source:

https://cookieandkate.com/best-tabbouleh-recipe/

By Dilip Shah | Also posted in Salad | Comments (0)

Carrot muffins – Eggless

March 18, 2021 – 7:49 pm

Ingredients:

Wet ingredients

  • 2 bananas – 140 gms
  • 4 dates, pitted
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp honey

Dry ingredients

  • 1 cup grated carrot
  • 1 cup old fashioned oats
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2-3 tbsp milk (only if the batter is too thick)
  • 2-3 tbsp raisins
  • 2-3 tbsp chopped walnut

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees in convection mode

  2. Mix wet ingredients in a blender until smooth

  3. Add dry ingredients and blend again. Add 2-3 tbsp milk only if the batter is too thick. Batter should be thick enough to spoon out rather than pour out

  4. Gently mix in the raisins

  5. Line baking cups with parchment paper

  6. Spoon the batter into the cups, level the batter and  top with chopped walnuts

  7. Bake for about 30-35 minutes. Baking time depends on the oven, type of baking cups and such factors

Serves: 5-6 muffins

 

Inspiration sources:

(1) 6 Healthy Oatmeal Muffins For Weight Loss – YouTube

By Dilip Shah | Also posted in Bakery, Breakfast | Comments (0)

Mix Vegetable Masala Khichdi, Restaurant Style – Instant Pot Recipe

February 7, 2021 – 8:12 pm

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup moong dal
  • 1/2 cup rice
  • 2 tbsp ghee
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp kasuri methi
  • 1/4 tsp asafetida
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
  • 1 tomato, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1/2 cup green peas
  • 1/2 cup French beans
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 3/4 tsp salt or to taste
For tempering
  • 1 tbsp ghee
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 dry red chili, broken into 3-4 pieces
  • 1/4 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp garam masala
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
For garnishing
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro

Method:

  1. Mix 1/2 cup moong dal and 1/2 cup rice in a bowl
  2. Thoroughly wash the dal-rice, drain and put aside for 10 minutes
  3. Put Instant Pot on sauté mode
  4. Add 2 tbsp ghee
  5. When the ghee melts, add 1 tsp cumin seeds and let them crackle
  6. Add 1 tsp kasuri methi, 1/4 tsp asafetida and sauté for 4-5 seconds
  7. Add 1 finely chopped onion, 1 tsp ginger garlic paste and sauté well for 2-3 minutes
  8. Add 1 finely chopped tomato and sauté for 3-4 minutes till the tomatoes become soft and mushy
  9. Add 1 chopped carrot, 1/2 cup green peas, 1/2 cup French beans and sauté for 2 minutes
  10. Add 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala, 3/4 tsp salt and sauté for 2 minutes
  11. Add the soaked drained moong dal-rice and sauté for a minute
  12. Add 3.25 cups water, mix well, put the lid on and switch the Instant Pot to mode that would cook for 20 minutes under pressure
  13. When it’s safe, open the Instant Pot and mix the khichdi well
Tempering
  1. Put a tempering vessel on medium heat and add 1 tbsp ghee
  2. When ghee melts, add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds and let them crackle
  3. Add red chili pieces, 1/4 tsp chili powder, 1/4 tsp garam masala, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, mix and add the tempering to the khichdi
  4. Mix the tempering into the khichadi, garnish with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro and serve hot with yogurt

Serves: 4

 

Inspiration source:

khichdi recipe | dal khichdi recipe | how to make moong dal khichidi (hebbarskitchen.com)

2 ways simple & healthy khichdi recipe – moong dal khichdi & mix veg masala khichdi restaurant style – YouTube

By Dilip Shah | Also posted in Curry, Rice | Comments (0)