Category Archives: Curry

Red Lentil and Quinoa Khichdi

December 27, 2022 – 5:28 pm

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup red lentil
  • 1/2 cup quinoa

 

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 inch ginger, finely chopped
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt or to to taste
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 4-5 medium size tomatoes, roughly chopped
  • 5 cups water

Vegetables

  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup chopped green beans
  • 1 cup chopped broccoli

Garnish

  • 1/2 cup coriander leaves, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Drizzle of olive oil

Method:

  1. Thoroughly wash the red lentil and quinoa until the water runs clear and then soak it in separate bowls for 30 minutes
  2. To a heated pan add the oil, onion, 1/4 teaspoon salt and fry on medium to medium-high heat until the onion starts to caramelized.
  3. Add the ginger and garlic and fry for another one minutes or until fragrant.
  4. Add the tomato paste and dry spices (turmeric, cumin, coriander and cayenne pepper) and mix it well and add the fresh chopped tomatoes.
  5. Mix it again and add the drained soaked lentils, salt and water. Give it a good stir and cover with a lid and bring it to a boil.
  6. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 25 minutes or until the lentil is cooked. Uncover and lightly mash the lentils using a potato masher, this will help breakdown the lentils a bit more.
  7. Add the soaked quinoa, sweet potatoes and green beans. Increase the heat to medium and bring it into a simmer. Then cover and cook the quinoa for about 7 minutes (don’t over cook the quinoa since it will continue to cook in the hot pot).
  8. Uncover and turn the heat to medium high and bring it to a vigorous boil. Now whisk it with the spatula for a minute, this will break down the lentils and make the dish creamy. Once the khichdi reaches to your desired consistency, add the broccoli and turn off the heat right away. Make sure not to over cook the broccoli as it will continue to cook even after the stove is turned off. If the khichdi gets too thick, you can thin it out with boiling water. DO NOT add cold water to it!

Serves: 4-5

 

Inspiration source:

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

Kadhi Vada – Kadhi

June 25, 2022 – 5:50 pm

Ingredients:

Vada

We used ready vada from frozen section of Indian grocery store

Yogurt for the kadhi

  • 2 cups yogurt, whisked
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste

For paste

  • 3 tbsp freshly grated / desiccated coconut
  • 1 tbsp toor dal
  • 1 tbsp chana / gram dal
  • 1 green chilli
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds

For tempering

  • 3 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 8-10 curry leaves
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder

Method:

Vada

As per the instructions on the box, soak the vada in very hot water for 10-15 minutes and then gently squeeze out the water

For the kadhi

  1. Add salt to the whisked yogurt and put aside
  2. Wash the dals
  3. Soak all the paste ingredients for an hour
  4. Grind the paste ingredients to fine paste
  5. Heat the coconut oil in a pan
  6. When the oil is hot, add mustard seeds
  7. When mustard seeds start sputtering, add cumin seeds
  8. When cumin seeds start crackling, add curry leaves and the paste
  9. Roast the paste on low to medium heat to remove the raw ingredient smell and excess moisture… about 3-4 minutes
  10. Add turmeric powder and roast for another couple of minutes
  11. Slowly add the salted yogurt to the pan. Gently and constantly stir to make sure the paste is thoroughly mixed into the yogurt
  12. Bring the kadhi to boil
  13. Add the vada to kadhi and boil for a couple of minutes

Enjoy kadhi vada hot!

Serves: 4-5

 

Inspiration source:

 

By Dilip Shah | Comments (0)

Tindora bateta nu masala shaak

December 19, 2021 – 8:33 pm

(Ivy Gourd potato curry in spice-mixture)

Ingredients:

  • 750g tindora (Ivy Gourd)
  • 1 large or 2 medium size potatoes
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1/4 tsp asafetida
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

For masalo (spice-mix)

  • 1/4 tsp asafetida
  • 3/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • 3 tbsp coriander powder
  • 3 tbsp shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup gathia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganthiya) crushed into powder
  • 3 tbsp coriander leaves chopped
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar

Method:

1. Mix all the masalo ingredients in a bowl and put aside

2. Wash tindora, trim the ends and cut each into 3-4 pieces

3. Wash and skin the potato(es) and cut into roughly the same size as tindora pieces

4. Put a large pan on medium heat and add 2 tbsp oil

5. When the oil is medium-hot, add asafetida and swirl the oil for a couple of seconds

6. Add tindora, 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp baking soda and mix well

7. Add 1/4 cup water, cover and partially cook tindora for about 4-5 minutes till they become a bit soft

8. Scatter half of the masalo on top of the tindora

9. Add the cut potatoes above the masalo layer

10. Scatter the remaining half of the masalo on top of the potato layer

11. If necessary, add 2-3 tbsp water, cover and cook on medium heat for 4-5 minutes
12. Gently fold the masalo into the vegetables and check to make sure the tindora and potatoes are cooked to desired softness
13. Turn off the heat, cover and let it sit for 5-10 minutes


14. Serve hot with chapati / phulka roti

Serves: 5-6

Inspiration source:

Family recipe!

By Dilip Shah | Comments (0)

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 2-3 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. 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 and put the cooked / blanched spinach aside
  8. Put a pan on medium heat
  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 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 | 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 | 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 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 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 | 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 Rice | Comments (0)

Vagharelo Rotlo (Indian Millet Bread in Yogurt Curry)

February 5, 2021 – 10:07 am

Ingredients:

For chili-ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 green chili
  • 1 inch ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic
Other ingredients
  • 1 tbsp peanut oil or any other vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp black mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp asafetida
  • 8-10 Indian curry leaves
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large / 2-3 small tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon / lime juice
  • 1 cup churned yogurt or thick buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro leaves
Optional ingredients
  • 1/2 cup cooked black chickpeas
  • 1/2 cup chopped capsicum
  • 2 tbsp chopped spring onions

Method:

  1. Make chili-ginger-garlic paste using a blender or mortar and pestle and put aside
  2. Break the millet rotla into small pieces and put aside
  3. Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat
  4. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter
  5. Add cumin seeds and let them also splutter
  6. Add asafetida and curry leaves and sauté for 3-5 seconds
  7. Add chili-ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 30 seconds
  8. Add chopped onions and capsicum (optional ingredient) and sauté for 2-3 minutes. If you want softer capsicum, cover and cook for 2-3 minutes on medium heat
  9. Add chili powder, turmeric powder and sauté for a minute
  10. Add cooked black chickpeas (optional ingredient) and sauté for 2-3 minutes
  11. Add tomatoes, salt, sugar and garam masala and cook till the tomatoes become somewhat mushy, 4-5 minutes
  12. Stir in the rotla pieces, mix well and cook for a couple of minutes
  13. Add spring onions and mix well (optional ingredient)
  14. Add yogurt, mix well, bring to boil and then turn off the heat
  15. Add lime / lemon juice, garnish with cilantro leaves and serve hot

Serves: 4

 

Inspiration source:

By Dilip Shah | Comments (0)