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”
Tag Archives: vegetarian
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Click here to like! I remember the first time I saw an artichoke. I was like what on earth is this? It was at a farmer’s market with my friend Shilpa. She explained to me how to cook with it and told me about this dip that she makes. The next time I went outContinue reading “Spinach Artichoke Dip”
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”
Satay Sauce
Click here to like! My love affair with Thai food is an old one… But the paste and curries of Thai cuisine particularly peek my interest. If you walk down a market in Thailand, among all the chaos, you will find pockets of fragrances. Follow your nose to the aroma of freshly ground spices andContinue reading “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”
Bourbon Biscuit Cupcakes
Click here to like! Cupcakes are just tiny bundles of joy in two bites. It is a perfect dessert for any occasion. But when someone does not eat eggs, it is really hard to make a good cupcake. There was a trend last year was to make cakes out of bourbon biscuits. This was soContinue reading “Bourbon Biscuit Cupcakes”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
Mango Chia Shooters
Click here to like! I can proudly say that I do not have a sweet tooth! Sugary foods make me sick to my stomach. Yet, I love to bake for all the sugar loving friends and family of mine. But once in a while if I do crave something sweet, I like to make somethingContinue reading “Mango Chia Shooters”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
Pad Thai
Click here to like! Pad Thai translates to Thai Stir Fry! It is without a doubt one of the most popular takeout dishes. When we were in Thailand, there were stalls at every nook and corner serving Pad Thai. The aroma of the fragrant sauces filled the air as you walked down the streets ofContinue reading “Pad Thai”
Suran Methi Sabji
Click here to like! One famous vegetable in Goa is elephant yam, known as “suran” in Konkani. I absolutely love this vegetable when it is rava fried. However, I wanted to try something different with it this time. With the month of Shravan coming up, Goan Hindus look for alternate vegetarian recipes without onion and garlic. This isContinue reading “Suran Methi Sabji”
Dalicho Ros
Click here to like! Goan monsoons bring multiple seasonal fruits with them. Jackfruit is one such fruit. Everyone enjoys diving into its gooey sweet goodness. But Goans have figured out ways to use the seeds as well. Most people like to boil them and eat them as a snack with their afternoon tea, while others addContinue reading “Dalicho Ros”
Ukkadilli Tandlam Godh Bhakri
Click here to like! Today is Makarsankranthi. It is supposed to be the coldest night of the year and marks the end of winter. A lot of customs surrounding this festival reflect that. Black is not considered a very auspicious color, however, on this day ladies wear black sarees in some parts of India. BeingContinue reading “Ukkadilli Tandlam Godh Bhakri”
Aalepak Pohe
Click here to like! Aalepak Pohe, The name itself brings back so many memories! I studied in Belgaum, where this happens to be a popular street food. After our rural postings, we would ask the driver to take us to one of the local stalls where this delicacy was served! We had so many greatContinue reading “Aalepak Pohe”
Butternut Squash Soup
Click here to like! If I have not said it enough, I say it again, I love fall! With the nights getting colder and days shorter, there is nothing I long for more than a warm bowl of soup at the end of the day. Fall brings with it different kinds of squashes. One ofContinue reading “Butternut Squash Soup”
Goan Style Appe
Click here to like! Appe are a Maharastrian dish. These are usually made with a batter made from rice and urad dal, mixed with vegetables of your choice and a tempering of cumin and curry leaves. In Goa, the rice bhakari is a popular breakfast item. I once had some left over rice bhakari flourContinue reading “Goan Style Appe”
Sanoriyo
Click here to like! Sanoriyo is a long-lost Goan recipe which I am trying to revive. When you think of parathas you usually think of North India. Parathas are stuffed flat bread and are a popular breakfast item in North India. Turns out Goa had its own take on parathas. Of course, we had toContinue reading “Sanoriyo”
Plantain Cutlets
Click here to like! Plantains belong to the banana family. They are rich in fiber, nutrients and minerals. Unlike bananas, plantains are usually infused with savory flavors. I, personally, do not like potatoes. Hence, I keep looking for substitutes for potatoes in my recipes. Growing up cutlets were one of my favorite tea time snack.Continue reading “Plantain Cutlets”
Seaweed Salad
Click here to like! Coming to America has really expanded my palate. It has given me an opportunity to try foods from all over the world. Korean food is among one of my top 5 favorite cuisines. It amazes me how they manage to pack so much flavor into their dishes with simple ingredients andContinue reading “Seaweed Salad”
Mawa Modak
Click here to like! It is the best time of the year! The time when the entire family gets together to welcome Ganapathi in their home. Growing up, this was my favorite holiday! We all would pack our bags and go to our ancestral house in Mardol, Goa. Drawing “rangolis” (colorful designs), playing “fugdi” (aContinue reading “Mawa Modak”
Aambadyaache Lonche
Click here to like! Hog Plum, known as “aambade” in Goa, is a sour fruit that grows in bunches. These are usually in season during the monsoons and through the beginning of winter. However, we Goans love to enjoy our fruits even when out of season. One way to do this is to make pickles,Continue reading “Aambadyaache Lonche”
Aambadyaache Godh Lonche
Click here to like! Hog Plum, known as “aambade” in Goa, is a sour fruit that grows in bunches. These are usually in season during the monsoons and through the beginning of winter. However, we Goans love to enjoy our fruits even when out of season. One way to do this is to make pickles.Continue reading “Aambadyaache Godh Lonche”
Aambadyaachi Uddamethi
Click here to like! Hog Plum, known as “aambade” in Goa, is a sour fruit that grows in bunches. These are usually in season during the monsoons and through the beginning of winter. Aambadyaachi Uddamethi is a mildly spiced recipe made in a coconut based gravy. Uddamethi is a recipe which uses urad dal andContinue reading “Aambadyaachi Uddamethi”
Aambadyaachi Korom
Click here to like! Hog Plum, known as “aambade” in Goa, is a sour fruit that grows in bunches. These are usually in season during the monsoons and through the beginning of winter. Recipes made using aambade are on the menu during Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali. Aambadyaachi Korom is one such recipe. During Diwali, thisContinue reading “Aambadyaachi Korom”