Pudina Chutney: Mint and Yogurt Dip

1 Dec

Mint chutney is the perfect partner for Indian snacks like nimkis and kebabs. The digestion-friendly properties of the ingredients in mint and yogurt dip balance out the high spice and oil content of fried Indian snacks.

(more…)

Moong Dal Cheela: Savory Lentil Pancakes

26 Nov

We normally make cheela – a savory pancake popular as breakfast food in India – with besan (gram flour), but my taste buds prefer the more delicate flavors of moong dal cheela. Moong dal has the added edge of being less taxing to the tummy than gram flour.

On to the cheela recipe, with step-by-step pictures…

(more…)

Okra with Ginger, Coriander, Sesame Seeds and Olive Oil

23 Nov

Okra with Ginger, Coriander, Sesame Seeds and Olive Oil

I was planning to make Sailu’s bhindi sambhariya for dinner when to my dismay, I found that my okra wasn’t the right fit for it – too large, not tender enough. So instead I cut the okra into vertical strips and cooked it with a sort of Indo-western spice mix. The result was an unexpected delight – nutty and fresh, delicate and sharp.

(more…)

Bitter Gourd, Potato and Onion Sabzi

20 Nov

This is a simple, no-spice dry vegetable dish that I like to carry as packed lunch to work or on a journey. No spill, no stain. Easy on the intestines. Nutritious. And tastes great – if you are a bitter gourd hater, this is the best bet to bring you over to the other camp.

(more…)

Tomato Ginger Chutney with Roasted Peanuts

16 Nov

A chunky, nutty tomato ginger chutney with a sprinkling of roasted peanuts. Like the sound of it?

(more…)

Boiled Moong Bean Salad with Green Chutney Dressing

13 Nov

Green moong dal, when boiled, retains its shape unlike dals like masoor (red lentil) and toor (yellow lentil). One can put boiled moong dal to good use in a moong bean salad.

(more…)