Aamras: Flavored Mango Pulp

20 Jun

Aamras literally means "mango nectar" and that’s exactly what it is – flavored pulp of ripe mangoes. A summer regular on any Gujarati thali, this dish is unusual in that it isn’t an end-of-meal dessert – it is part of the main course, eaten with pooris and parathas.

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Aloo Tamatar Sabzi with Nigella Seeds

16 Jun

Aloo Tamatar Sabzi with Nigella Seeds

How do no-onion-no-garlic dishes make up for the missing flavors of onion and garlic, the essence of most Indian curries?

This is a thumb rule that "pure" vegetarians (no-onion-no-garlic eaters) will tell you –

  1. Substitute garlic with asafoetida.
  2. Substitute onions with nigella seeds.

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Majjige Huli: Bottle Gourd Yogurt Curry

14 Jun

Majjige Huli: Bottle Gourd Yogurt Curry

Kadhi Karnataka-style – that’s how I would describe majjige huli to folks back home. Like kadhi, majjige huli is made of yogurt and spices, with a thickening agent – besan it is in kadhi, rice generally in majjige huli. Majjige huli is sourer and lighter than kadhi – no fried pakoras but boiled vegetables, the dish is a slimmer’s delight.

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Mango Oats

12 Jun

When mangoes are in season, I like to incorporate the fruit in my meals in miscellaneous ways. Here’s my way to spruce up the staid and simple quick oats with fresh mango pulp. This is a breakfast-on-the-run recipe made special with the addition of this glorious fruit. Here’s how you could make mango oats.

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Roasted Tomato Chili Chutney

10 Jun

Roasted Tomato Dry Red Chili Chutney

The tang of tomatoes and the heat of chilies make roasted tomato chili chutney a delightfully fiery partner for stuffed parathas and cutlets.

If you’re like me, you would want a range of color on your plate. The speckled beige of chapatis, the white of yogurt, the yellow of turmeric-tanned Indian curries, simply ASK for some green and red.

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Eggless Coffee Pudding – Instant Mix Method

5 Jun

Eggless Coffee Pudding

Custard mix, coffee and cocoa, sugar and milk, plus a few minutes on the fire – and you have your eggless coffee pudding ready to set and savor for your next meal.

I am not much of a dessert person (as you can see from my recipes – this is the first dessert recipe on the blog in months); I make this when guests are coming over, a more elaborate meal is cooking and I am pressed for time.

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