I love chicken biryani. But I don’t love how long it takes to make a chicken biryani. All that marinading and browning the chicken in small batches and then steaming it with the rice for a long time, I only have the patience for that a couple times a year. Besides, I try to avoid animal protein.
I turned 30 on Monday. All my life, I had thought of 30 as being the magical number that suddenly makes you old. Of course, nothing is farther from the truth. I am healthier than I’ve ever been, really enjoying life and feeling great. So bring on the aging! I look forward to it! To… Continue reading Garam Masala Hobo Packets for Camping
A savory semolina crepe, better known as a rava dosa is one of my standard quick fix meals. Rava dosa are the instant version of the South Indian classic dosa. The classic dosa is a lot of work and not easy to do for people like me who do don’t plan dinner 3 days in advance.… Continue reading Semolina Crepes with Caramel Sauce (Sweet Rava Dosa)
I can’t remember ever eating eggplant until I was with Puja. She loved it at a restaurant we used to frequent in Arlington called Delhi Club, so I figured out how to make it at home for her. Since cooking with eggplant, I’ve found a few different ways to use it that I really like,… Continue reading Spicy Eggplant and Tomato Mash – Baingan Bharta
Tomato chutney was a special Sunday treat when I was at boarding school. My friend A, whose parents taught at the school, would let our group of four friends know that mom was making some tomato chutney later. We would quietly sneak up to their place (we had to be sneaky because we weren’t allowed… Continue reading Tomato Chutney Bruschetta
How many times have you been to a barbecue and been severely disappointed by the selection of store bought burgers and hot dogs with a bare minimum of condiments? It happens to me all the time. Since it’s 4th of July week, I’ve been thinking about barbecuing all week. Even though I love grilled vegetables,… Continue reading Grilled Vegan “Meatballs” (Kofta)
Many of the ingredients and techniques in this recipe seem a little unusual. I mean, what the heck is a hyacinth bean? And what! You want me to use a pressure cooker? And, yes I’ll admit this does take a little time to make. But I know if you make it, you won’t be sorry! This mixed… Continue reading Mixed Veggie Casserole with Dumplings (Undhiyu)
I often think of eating warm corn on the cob or Bhutta as we call it in Hindi on cloudy, rainy days. I know it seems weird because here in America, we often associate corn on the cob with summer and barbecue. But in India, fresh corn becomes available in the rainy season. When the… Continue reading Indian Flame Grilled Corn (Bhutta)
There is no vegetable quite like Okra (Bhendi in Hindi, Bhinda in Gujarati, also known as Lady’s Finger in English). My very favorite okra dish is a bharela bhinda nu shaak. Most people have strong opinions about the slimy vegetable – they either love it or hate it. If it isn’t obvious by the fact… Continue reading Stuffed Okra (Bharela Bhinda)
Growing up, my mom would often make puda, savory gram flour pancakes, as a quick lunch or snack when we were in a rush. Puda are super quick because all you do is shred up pretty much any vegetable you have on hand like zucchini, carrots, beets, boiled potato, peas…trust me anything goes and mix in some… Continue reading Vegan Omelet (Puda) with Cilantro Mint Chutney
