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Category Archives: For the Vegetarians
Ajvar Pasta
Click here to like! Ajvar is a popular Balkan dip/condiment. It is made with eggplants and bell peppers. When I spent a month in the Balkan, I fell in love with this simple yet delicious condiment! I tried to experiment with it besides eating it as is with bread. I hit the local farmers marketContinue reading “Ajvar Pasta”
Salad with Satay Sauce
Click here to like! This deliciously healthy salad with vermicelli, colorful veggies, and earthy peanut sauce will make you forget that you are eating a salad! As I always say, healthy eating does not have to be boring! Try this salad and you can thank me later! What you will need: Prep Time: 25Continue reading “Salad with Satay Sauce”
Eggplant Pasta
Click here to like! Wait… don’t run away reading the title of this recipe! It is one of the tastiest pastas you will ever eat! On our trip to Albania, we ate a popular East European dish called imam bayildi. It deep fried and stuffed eggplant cooked in a tomato based gravy. I fell inContinue reading “Eggplant Pasta”
Mirsaanga Ros-Goan Chili Curry
Click here to like! When outsiders think of Goan cuisine, they mostly think of fish curry, and rice. However, our cuisine has some hidden treasures which, unfortunately, even some Goans have forgotten about. This chili curry or mirsaanga ros is one such gem! Vegetarian food was cooked on almost half the days of the weekContinue reading “Mirsaanga Ros-Goan Chili Curry”
Goan Varan
Click here to like! Varan and xit are comfort food on veg days for Goans! It is a must for every religious function. Varan is popular in Maharashtra as well. However, what sets the Goan varan apart is the coconut milk. This was one recipe that my friends absolutely loved! I remember one time IContinue reading “Goan Varan”
Sarson Ka Saag/Makki Di Roti
Click here to like! Sarson ka saag and makki di roti are signature dishes from the region of Punjab! Mustard greens are slow-cooked in an earthen pot for hours together with lots of ghee! Once ready, they are served with a simple corn flour flatbread cooked over an open flame. The last time I hadContinue reading “Sarson Ka Saag/Makki Di Roti”
Saffron Rice
Click here to like! Saffron rice is a flavorful yet simple, no-hassle side dish. I love making saffron rice to go as a side for my Middle Eastern, African, or Indian curries. It is a one-pot side dish and the flavors will leave everyone wondering how much effort you put into making it. The floralContinue reading “Saffron Rice”
Mix Bhaaji Pao
Click here to like! If you have been to Goa and have not tried the quintessential Goan breakfast, bhaaji pao, you are missing out! Bhaaji pao is a mix of two bhaajis (vegetable curry). One made with potatoes called paatal bataat bhaaji and the other made with white peas called chonyachi bhaaji. Both the curriesContinue reading “Mix Bhaaji Pao”
Vodiyachi Kismur
Click here to like! Vodyo are made in Goa during ash gourd season so that this seasonal vegetable can be enjoyed year-round. Ash gourd is grated and mixed with lentils and spices and then dried in the sun. Their spicy and earthy taste adds flavor to any fishless meal, which is a big deal forContinue reading “Vodiyachi Kismur”
Kharmate
Click here to like! Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the local produce. A dish that is made during pancham or on the day of Ganapathi visarjan is kharmate. This dish is supposed to be one of Ganapathi’s favorites and is offered as nevedya to Him on this day. It has all the local vegetables available during thisContinue reading “Kharmate”
Moogagaathi
Click here to like! No matter what the occasion, most Hindu Goan festivities are incomplete without moogagaathi. It is a staple on the menu for Ganesh Chaturthi, poojas, weddings, or anything else vegetarian. The prep for this dish begins three days in advance. Usually served with pooris, this simply spiced, sprouted moong bean dish isContinue reading “Moogagaathi”
Fried Pumpkin Blossoms
Click here to like! Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival that celebrates the local seasonal produce. During this time vegetables and fruits are in plenty in Goa. One of my favorites is pumpkin flower buds called “dudiya fulam” in Konkani. These were prepared at my place by coating them in rava and frying, or by deep-friedContinue reading “Fried Pumpkin Blossoms”
Doney
Click here to like! Prasad is an offering that is returned to the devotees after a puja. Food offerings are made to God and then distributed among those present. It is believed that the offering is accepted by God and by distributing it, you are transferring the blessings to the devotees. Another reason for givingContinue reading “Doney”
Patriotic Pulao
Click here to like! It is Indian Independence Day today (August 15th). I try to cook something every year with the colors of the flag. This year it is going to be this simple yet delicious tricolor pulao made quickly in the instant pot. Happy Independence Day to all our Indian followers! What you willContinue reading “Patriotic Pulao”
Khoshari
Click here to like! Khoshari is the national dish of Egypt. The first time I had this dish was in Bahrain. I remember having gone to an exhibition. There were many food stalls outside and it being lunchtime, we decided to get some food. I had never tried Egyptian food so I decided to giveContinue reading “Khoshari”
Vangi Bhaat
Click here to like! Vaangi bhaat translates to brinjal or eggplant rice. I was first introduced to this while I studied in Belgaum. It is a pretty famous way of utilizing eggplants in Karnataka and Maharashtra. I do not eat brinjals since I am allergic, however, Mayur had never tasted this rice so I decidedContinue reading “Vangi Bhaat”
Maharashtrian Style Stuffed Brinjal
Click here to like! Brinjal or egg plant used to be one of my favorite vegetables growing up. There was something unique about the gooey texture that I absolutely loved! Unfortunately, I cannot have them any more since I am allergic. (Even though I cheat and have the curry sometimes!) However, I do make themContinue reading “Maharashtrian Style Stuffed Brinjal”
Bhindi Masala
Click here to like! I absolutely love bhindi or okra in any form, shape or manner. I don’t know what it is about this vegetable that I like so much but I am the happiest when there is bhindi made at home! Here is a simple bhindi masala recipe made with an onion, tomato, peanutContinue reading “Bhindi Masala”
Sasav
Click here to like! Sasav is a tangy, sweet, salty side dish made in Goa with pineapple, mango, or ghotam. Ghotam are sucking mangoes and ghotam sasav is popular during the monsoons. Raw mango sasav also is made often during this time. Pineapple sasav is made during the remainder of the year when mangoes areContinue reading “Sasav”
Beetroot and Carrot Soup
Click here to like! I absolutely love beetroots and carrots. Besides being high in nutrition, they are delectable! While I was growing up, soup was a regular part of our diet with Mummy or Daddy making soup at least twice a week. Beetroot and carrot soup was one of my grandfather’s favorites. This soup isContinue reading “Beetroot and Carrot Soup”
Kandyachi Bhakri
Click here to like! Were you a kid that despised getting up in the mornings for school but would be up at 5:30 am on weekends? Well, I was! It is not that I hated school, but it just seemed like a chore to get up so early for it! There have been many timesContinue reading “Kandyachi Bhakri”
Ghee/Tup
Click here to like! Ghee has been declared a superfood in the western world. However, for us Indians it was an everyday ordeal! Remember the times you would get upset with your mom for putting that extra dollop of ghee on your chapati or parathas for the fear of putting on those extra pounds! SheContinue reading “Ghee/Tup”
Sheer Khurma Nests
Click here to like! It is Eid and the two main things on the menu are always sheer khurma and biryani. I was lucky to have grown up with some amazing friends whose moms would prepare delicious biryani and sheer khurma to share with our family. I looked forward to Eid for this same reason.Continue reading “Sheer Khurma Nests”
Rose Flavored Yogurt Bowl
Click here to like! Yogurt bowls are not just trendy but beautiful to look at too! They can be a healthy dessert or breakfast! You can decorate and flavor them according to your favorite fruits. It is the Memorial Day weekend, hence, I decided to dedicate this dessert to the heroes who did not hesitateContinue reading “Rose Flavored Yogurt Bowl”
Naan Basket
Click here to like! Naan maybe the second food that put Indian cuisine on a global stage after chicken tikka masala! Hailing from the north of India, naan is a soft fluffy bread, cooked traditionally in a tandoor (clay oven). It is a perfect edible utensil to scoop up delicious curry with. Traditional naan isContinue reading “Naan Basket”
Goan Coconut Chutney
Click here to like! Coconut chutney is unique to the the coastal regions of India. There are many ways to make it, however, all those ways are usually savory. We Goans like our chutney to be a combination of sweet, spicy, salty and sour! Well, that is umami! We like it with our bread, dosa,Continue reading “Goan Coconut Chutney”
Eggless Banana Cashew Cake
Click here to like! I hate nothing more than overripe bananas! Am I the only one who no matter how many bananas I get always has at least 1 that decides to get over ripe? This happens more often than I would like, and I am not the kind of person who throws away food.Continue reading “Eggless Banana Cashew Cake”
Mango Kulfi
Click here to like! Kulfi is every Indian’s favorite ice cream. It is creamy, delicious and perfect to beat the Indian sun! Growing up, my dad would take us to Colva bean and on the way home, we would stop by an ice cream shop and enjoy kulfi which listening to the sounds of theContinue reading “Mango Kulfi”
Quick Palak Paneer
Click here to like! Palak paneer is an age old favorite in every Indian household. It is quite popular in the western countries as well and is mostly served in the restaurants as saag paneer. It is a delicious curry made with paneer/Indian cottage cheese cooked in a spinach gravy. It goes perfectly with aContinue reading “Quick Palak Paneer”
Cheese Bread Rolls
Click here to like! Cheese bread rolls are a quick and easy recipe. It is a perfect tea-time snack. Bread is stuffed with spicy paneer and cheese stuffing, and shallow fried until crispy. It will definitely be a hit with your kids! What you will need: Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Serving:Continue reading “Cheese Bread Rolls”
Kann
Click here to like! Kann is a Goan dessert made especially for Mahashivaratri. It is eaten while fasting during most Hindu festivals. Traditionally, the whole moong was roasted and then crushed on a daatem (stone) to separate the shells. I remember my grandmother making this the traditional way. I would love to help her turnContinue reading “Kann”
Methi Chana Sabji
Click here to like! With the current COVID 19 situation, it has been hard to get fresh produce. I am paranoid about getting fresh green vegetables from the market and usually resort to using frozen veggies. However, after a certain point you do start missing fresh vegetables. So, I decided to grow the one vegetableContinue reading “Methi Chana Sabji”
Paneer
Click here to like! Paneer is Indian cottage cheese. Growing up having paneer was a luxury. Nowadays it is readily available. It is basically a tasteless cheese and takes the taste of any gravy you cook it in. Paneer is also used to make desserts in India. It is a great source of protein. ItContinue reading “Paneer”
Rajma
Click here to like! If you are from the north of India, rajma-chawal is soul food! I had this dish in Bangalore for the first time and fell in love with it! It is a mildly spiced curry in which the red kidney beans are cooked and simmered. Hot rajma over chawal is pure bliss!Continue reading “Rajma”
Pao
Click here to like! Pao is not an Indian bread. It was introduced to us by the Portuguese. We have adopted this bread so well that we have many Indian dishes that are incomplete without pav. Be it the spicy wada pao of Bombay, the chatpati dabeli of Gujarat, the sweet double ka meetha ofContinue reading “Pao”
Manaqish
Click here to like! My husband grew up in the middle east and that is why I have a special place in my heart for middle eastern food. It is healthy, colorful, and delicious! I try my best to make sure I cook this cuisine for him so that he feels connected to the placeContinue reading “Manaqish”
Spinach Roti
Click here to like! Rotis are healthy flatbread made frequently in every Indian household. They do not have any additional fat and are considered healthier than chapatis which are laden in ghee. Spinach roti is a creation of mine and are sure to get any picky eater to eat their veggies. Kids especially love coloredContinue reading “Spinach Roti”
Dosa Batter
Click here to like! Dosa is an Indian crepe to simply describe it. It is a popular breakfast meal in the south of India. There are various kinds of dosa that you can make by changing the filling. From the humble masala dosa with the traditional spicy potato filling to the new generation Chinese dosa,Continue reading “Dosa Batter”
Dry Peanut Chutney
Click here to like! The south of India is known for its mastery over a wide variety of dry chutneys. They are usually served with every meal or as an accompaniment to dosa. I was introduced to dry chutneys when I was studying in Belgaum, Karnataka. I have come to love these complex mixtures. Recently,Continue reading “Dry Peanut Chutney”
Spiced and Steamed Rice Balls
Click here to like! I am one of those people who is easily fed up of having the same dish repeatedly. That is why I like to experiment in my kitchen and come up with something new every time. My husband complaints often that I do no repeat dishes that he likes. Well, so IContinue reading “Spiced and Steamed Rice Balls”
Pizza Base Without Yeast
Click here to like! Who does not like pizza? A poor man’s food turned into a global favorite! Pizza is a perfect meal if you have friends over and do not want to spend a bunch of time in the kitchen. It is a hit among all kids! Besides, you can make it home andContinue reading “Pizza Base Without Yeast”
Pithi
Click here to like! Pithi is a simple dish made with horsegram during monsoons in Goa. It is supposed to have many health benefits. However, this dish is getting extinct with time. I have to be honest! I was never a big fan of pithi. Having it seemed like a punishment in my childhood! However,Continue reading “Pithi”
Vainghyaache Bharth
Click here to like! Baigan ka bharta is famous all over India. It is basically egg plant roasted over an open flame. The egg plant is then peeled, mushed and spiced to create a perfect accompaniment to roti. A little known variety of bharta is the Goan way of making it. We keep it simpleContinue reading “Vainghyaache Bharth”
Almyaache Tondak
Click here to like! Monsoon in Goa brings with it seasonal wild berries, mangoes, cashews, seasonal vegetables, etc. However, the one produce that the locals wait eagerly for (after mangoes, of course!) are the local mushrooms. These mushrooms have a unique texture and grow in the wild. They are a rare find and tend toContinue reading “Almyaache Tondak”
Tambdi Bhaji
Click here to like! The Goan soil bears some unique fruits and vegetables. One such popular Goan vegetable is the “Tambdi Bhaji” or the Red Amaranth. Like most other vegetables in Goa, it is cooked with simple ingredients and spices and without any oil. It is served as a part of a Goan fish curryContinue reading “Tambdi Bhaji”
Kadi
Click here to like! Every time I take a sip of this amazing kokum drink, I am transported back to my maternal grandma’s dining table. My mom is the oldest of 9 siblings. So you can imagine my grandma’s house filled with 15 grandkids during the summer holidays. As we sat for a meal inContinue reading “Kadi”
Hummus
Click here to like! I was introduced to Middle Eastern food by my husband who grew up in Kuwait. I absolutely love how they use fresh ingredients to make food packed with flavor! Middle Eastern food has simple seasonings, lots of herbs, grilled meats and of course, a lot of olive oil. Besides being deliciousContinue reading “Hummus”
Plantain Kadi
Click here to like! When the cold weather hits, you crave nothing more than soul food, food that gives you the feeling of warmth and familiarity. One of my favorite food is kadi chawal. Even though I am not a Punjabi or a Gujarathi there is something about this simple meal that makes you feelContinue reading “Plantain Kadi”
Cranberry Pickle
Click here to like! I am a big proponent of eating seasonal fruits and vegetables. There is a reason why they grow in a particular season and I truly believe that our body needs those ingredients at that particular time of the year. When in India, one of my favorite juices to drink used toContinue reading “Cranberry Pickle”