Mango Whey Shake

Click here to like! My resolution for my blog this year is to try and incorporate some healthy recipes. I love a cup of whey during my workout. However, sometimes it gets boring having the same of non-flavored whey. Well, then why not try the flavored ones, you ask? Because I do not like theContinue reading “Mango Whey Shake”

Brinjal Pickle

Click here to like! Brinjals or eggplants used to be one of my favorite vegetables until I found out I was allergic to them 🙁 For the same reason, I do no usually bring eggplants home. However, when I feel bad that my husband is missing out on this yummy vegetable, I try to makeContinue reading “Brinjal Pickle”

Sambhaar Powder

Click here to like! I don’t remember being a picky eater as such. But I remember despising the taste of idlis growing up (even now actually). But I did love my Daddy’s sambhaar. I would drown one idli in the rich, delicious, goodness of sambhaar to save myself from my mother’s wrath for not eatingContinue reading “Sambhaar Powder”

Simple Til Ladoos

Click here to like! I have a confession to make. I have tried and failed miserably at making til ladoos. So every sankranthi I serve til brittle instead of ladoos. This year was no different. However, I was determined to make ladoos. So after a failed batch, I called my friend, Swati to ask herContinue reading “Simple Til Ladoos”

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”

Basic Buttercream Frosting

Click here to like! I have been intimidated by buttercream frosting since I started baking. I stick to good old fresh cream cakes for the same reason. However, a downfall of fresh cream is that it does not hold shape very well and melts easily. Hence, it is harder to make cakes with designs onContinue reading “Basic Buttercream Frosting”

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”

Rose Flavored Sponge Cake

Click here to like! I am obsessed with making Indian flavored cakes. I invented this rose flavored base to go with most of my Indian dessert-inspired cakes. It also makes for a great tea time snack. Made with the simplest of ingredients, this aromatic cake is buttery, floral, and definitely will satisfy your sweet cravings. Continue reading “Rose Flavored Sponge Cake”

Fruit Tart

Click here to like! Fruit tarts are great make-ahead desserts. They are light desserts that are satisfying, besides being beautiful to look at. Here is a simple fruit tart recipe made with lemon curd and fresh berries.  What you will need: Total Time: 45 minutes Serving: 8 How to make it: Follow the recipe for tartContinue reading “Fruit Tart”

Instant Pot Machboos

Click here to like! Machboos is famous chicken rice made in the Middle Eastern. The first time I had it was in Bahrain. The rice is flavorful and the meat tender, fall off the bone good. My co sister, Amrita, had got me some baharat (Bahraini spice mix) on her last visit here which isContinue reading “Instant Pot Machboos”

Apple Pie Filling

Click here to like! No dessert is more American than the good ole apple pie. Believe it or not, I do not have a sweet tooth. However, apple pie is one of my favorite desserts. Apple pie filling is easy to make. It can be used as a filling for tarts, crescent rolls, or cakes.Continue reading “Apple Pie Filling”

Lemon Curd

Click here to like! Lemon curd is a simple recipe that can be whipped up in a jiffy. Though very simple to make, it has a very sophisticated taste profile. It is versatile and can be used as a filling for cakes, to make tarts, on scones or if you are like me, eat itContinue reading “Lemon Curd”

Tart Crust

Click here to like! Tarts are crunchy, crispy, flaky pastries with fillings of your choice. Everyone needs to have a good tart crust recipe. It is one of the must-haves especially for anyone who enjoys baking. Your possibilities are endless once you have a good crust. Tarts make for a great make-ahead dessert. Here isContinue reading “Tart Crust”

Pad See Ew

Click here to like! Pad See Ew is a popular Thai stir fry made with a focus on soy sauce. Traditionally made with Chinese broccoli, my version has mixed veggies instead. It makes for a light and delicious meal, with noodles and veggies coated in salty, sweet soy sauce dressing. This is by no meansContinue reading “Pad See Ew”

Gulab Jamun-Kheer Cake

Click here to like! It is Mayur’s birthday and I asked him what kind of cake he would like me to make. He said, “I want kheer and gulab jamun”. I looked at him like he was crazy but since it is his birthday I had to make it happen. This was the result. DoContinue reading “Gulab Jamun-Kheer Cake”

Quick Aambedal

Click here to like! Ambedaal translates to mango lentils. It is a Maharashtrian chutney made with raw mangoes and chana dal. Traditionally, the chana dal is soaked for a couple of hours and then ground coarsely. Grated raw mango is added to it, topped with a tadka of mustard. I love this simple chutney butContinue reading “Quick Aambedal”

Kunda Modak

Click here to like! It is modak season again! The time of the year where Ganapathi Bappa comes home and in the bargain we get to eat a lot of delicious food! I wanted to make a different stuffing this year so I decided to stuff them with kunda. It was really a delicious change.Continue reading “Kunda Modak”

Rose Modak

Click here to like! I wanted to offer colorful modak to Lord Ganesh this year. Rose flavor is one of my absolute favorite flavors to eat and cook with. I decided to get creative and make these beautiful baby pink modak stuffed with gulkand. According to Mayur, it is not modak unless it is stuffed.Continue reading “Rose Modak”

Pista Modak

Click here to like! I wanted to offer colorful modaks to Lord Ganesh this year. My husband loves pistachios, hence, I decided to make pista modak. The beautiful green color of these modaks stands out and makes them look even more appetizing. Make these and offer to Bappa and of course, enjoy with your lovedContinue reading “Pista Modak”

Cashew Modak

Click here to like! Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are incomplete without modak. Cashew modaks were mostly store-bought when I was growing up in Goa. Regardless, they were one of my favorites. The lack of their availability here forces me to make them on my own every year. The recipe is simple and with only 3 ingredients.Continue reading “Cashew Modak”

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”

Biya Pos

Click here to like! I have had this recipe on my mind for a very very long time. For a couple of years to be precise. I remember having a conversation with my mom once on which recipes she thinks are not made anymore in the Goan cuisine. I remember her saying, “biya pos”. PosContinue reading “Biya Pos”

Panchkhaje

Click here to like! Ganesh Chaturthi is coming up soon. That means normally preparation would have already begun for making sweets and snacks. This year due to COVID-19, Chaturthi will not be the same. It may mean fewer family members being able to celebrate together. It will not be that grand a celebration with peopleContinue reading “Panchkhaje”

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”

Kangaachi Nevri

Click here to like! My mom was a working woman. Growing up lunch was mostly made by a maid. However, she always made sure she made something amazing for evening snack time. She usually would make some fusion or fun recipes she saw on cooking shows. However, my favorites were the traditional ones. Kangaachi nevriContinue reading “Kangaachi Nevri”

Patoleo

Click here to like! One thing I love about regional cuisine is how it manages to flawlessly incorporate seasonal food into traditions. Shravan, the month which is considered very auspicious among the Hindus has begun. With Shravan come different traditions and of course what follows are all the delicious foods and recipes linked with thoseContinue reading “Patoleo”

Kangaachi Kheer

Click here to like! Kangaachi Kheer is made popularly during fasts in Goa. It is made with sweet potato cooked in coconut milk. This simple dessert is satisfying. With Shravan around the corner, this might be the perfect dessert to replace your meal.  What you will need: Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutesContinue reading “Kangaachi Kheer”

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”

Belgaum Kunda

Click here to like! Kunda was a favorite at my house even before I moved to Belgaum, Karnataka to study. I remember that on every trip we had to stop by Purohit Sweets in Bogar Ways to parcel some kunda to take back to Goa. I am not quite sure if the other parts ofContinue reading “Belgaum Kunda”

Cauliflower Parantha

Click here to like! Cauliflower is one of Mayur’s favorite vegetables. Hence, it frequently shows up on my menu at home. I have tried making different recipes with cauliflower, like curries, stuffed paranthas, cauliflower rice, roasted cauliflower, to name a few. Recently, one of my friends, Bhishma made cauliflower parathas that were not the traditionalContinue reading “Cauliflower Parantha”

Patriotic Beetroot Cake

Click here to like! It is the 4th of July and I wanted to make something to represent this holiday. I thought I would make some red velvet cake but the thought of using so much artificial red color was repulsive to me. I still wanted the red sponge so decided I would try toContinue reading “Patriotic Beetroot Cake”

Summer Rolls

Click here to like! Summer rolls are a favorite in my house and a regular dinner. They are fresh, flavorful, crispy, a little chewy due to the rice paper… in short, perfect! It is a great way to have a balanced meal as it includes vegetables, fruits, starch and protein in every bite. Originally fromContinue reading “Summer Rolls”

Makhana 4 Ways

Click here to like! Makhana is lotus seeds. We do not eat it in Goa so I was not introduced to it until recently. It is a very common snack from the north of India. It is equivalent to popcorn in the West. It is healthier though 😉 Sure you get it in the stores,Continue reading “Makhana 4 Ways”

Karatya Chutney

Click here to like! I always like to make Goan dishes that have been lost in time. One reason I started a blog was to do just that! Preserve the traditional Goan food that is not so popular. This is one such recipe. I vaguely remember Mummy making it occasionally when I was small. However,Continue reading “Karatya Chutney”

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Click here to like! Pineapple upside-down cake is a simple fruit cake that can be made with fresh or canned pineapple. It is perfect for those summer potlucks. The bottom of this cake is gooey and the top soft. Or wait… is it the other way around? Regardless, it is delicious! Enjoy my version ofContinue reading “Pineapple Upside Down Cake”

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”

Pound Cake with Plums

Click here to like! It is summer and that means lots of seasonal fruits in the market. I love cooking with seasonal fruits, especially since my husband hates fruits and that is the only way I can get him to eat some. I found these beautiful plums at a farmer’s market and decided to makeContinue reading “Pound Cake with Plums”

Home Made Custard

Click here to like! No matter what the occasion, birthday party, wedding, anniversary, we had to have custard on the menu while I was growing up. Fruits and nuts covered in this silky, creamy, sweet, eggy goodness bring back so many memories. I looked forward to parties just for some custard and jelly. Things haveContinue reading “Home Made Custard”

Green Prawns Pulao

Click here to like! I still remember the first time that I made this pulao. I had a lot of left over chutney and I wasn’t sure what to do with it. I just decided to add it to the rice I was making. The outcome was delicious and this recipe has since been aContinue reading “Green Prawns Pulao”

Coconut-Curry Leaf Chicken

Click here to like! I am all about simple cooking. I try to make meals that are healthy, do not need a lot of time or effort to make, but yet taste delicious. This is one of my recipes that came to being when I was short on ingredients, had a busy schedule but stillContinue reading “Coconut-Curry Leaf Chicken”

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”

Onion Paste

Click here to like! I am a busy working woman. Thus, I like anything that will make my life easier, especially when it comes to cooking. My day starts at 5:30 am and I am usually pretty exhausted at the end of the day. I hate spending all my time in the kitchen and ratherContinue reading “Onion Paste”

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”

Toranche Godh Lonche

Click here to like! Godh lonche was made every year by my granny during the summer. I remember all my aunts were assigned a different task by her. One would peel the raw mangoes, while the other sat on the adoli to cut them.  One would be getting the masalas ready and the other crushingContinue reading “Toranche Godh Lonche”

Shabhutandlacho Chiwdo

Click here to like! Chiwda is a popular Indian fried teatime snack. The chiwdas in Goa differ from most of India in that they are sweeter. Sabhutandlacho Chiwdo is one of my mom’s specialty. I love the crispiness of this chiwda and its sweet salty taste. It was made during Diwali in my house. IContinue reading “Shabhutandlacho Chiwdo”

Upit/Sano

Click here to like! Upma is famous in the south of India. In Goa we call it upit or sano. Our way of preparing upma is slightly different because we add sugar to it. It is more of a sweet and salty taste compared to the savory south Indian version. I have to be honest, thisContinue reading “Upit/Sano”