The orange and pink of pumpkin and red lentil, steeped in the gold of turmeric: happy-hued pumpkin masoor dal is just what you need for warmth and cheer this season.
Spices & Herbs
Recipes that use herbs and spices as a key ingredient.
Papeeta ka Chokha: Green Papaya Mash
A green papaya side dish that’s light, tangy and full of nutrition. Papeeta ka chokha asks of you only five ingredients and is a breeze to make (discounting the will it takes to peel the toughish skin).
Aloo Methi: Potato Fenugreek Stir-Fry
One of the joys of winter is getting to cook with in-season fresh fenugreek leaves. Lush green and fragrant, fenugreek leaves lend their distinct character to any dish they are part of (case in point: methi chhole). In aloo methi (potato fenugreek stir-fry), fenugreek leaves find a happy companion: the creamy earthiness of aloo makes a welcoming base for bitter green methi.
Gobhi Sarson: Indian-Style Mustard Cauliflower
Step aside, kale. Cauliflower is the new veg-lebrity. How pleasing it is to discover that one’s tastes are in keeping with the times. I am a huge fan of gobhi sarson, this Indian-style mustard cauliflower dish.
Apple Chutney – Easy, Chunky, No-Peel!
This easy apple chutney recipe involves no peeling, no oil and comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients. Cook on the stovetop and have delicious apple chutney ready almost effortlessly.
Garlic Chili Chutney
This garlic chili chutney uses just a few ingredients to make a flavorful lunch and snack accompaniment. It’s easy to make and very versatile in its pairings.
Sahjan Ajwaini: Drumstick Curry with Carom Seeds
Do you use ajwain in your cooking? My long-standing ritual has been to include ajwain in parathas – I put in a few seeds while kneading the dough and let it work its magic in the finished flatbread. Nowadays I’m feeling an extra fondness for this thyme-like spice and am exploring more ways of incorporating it in my food. I’m happy to report on a few super-successful experiments – sahjan ajwaini is one of them.