Pani puri ( Ghup Chup )

January 5, 2022January 26, 2022 Leave a comment

Pani puri ( Ghup Chup)

Pani puri does not need any introduction since it tops the chart among the Indian street food. The crunchy Puri’s along with flavourful stuffing and sweet chutney filled with spicy Pani is to die for. Believe me the burst of flavor in your mouth is so heavenly that you want to eat unstoppably and eyes become bigger than the stomach. A perfect balance of sweet, tangy and spicy, trust me pani puri can never go wrong. Although it is found in almost every nook and corner of Indian streets but due to unhygienic ways it eventually puts you at health risk. So here is a mouth watering recipe that can be easily prepared at your home so that it could be enjoyed within your comfort zone. The puri is easily available throughout the length and width of the country.

For the pani

Mint leaves : 1 cup

Coriander leaves : ½ cup

Green chilli : 4

Garlic : 4 pods

Cumin seed : 1 tsp

Tamarind pulp : 2 tsp

Chat masala : 2 tsp

Black salt : 2 tsp

Chutney

Tamarind : 100 gms soaked and deseeded

Jaggery : 100 gms

Chili powder : 1 tsp

Salt : ½ tsp

Stuffing

yellow peas : 250 gms soaked overnight

Potato : 2 large

Turmeric powder : 1 tsp

Red chili powder : 2 tsp

Coriander powder : 2 tsp

Cumin powder : 1 tsp

Ginger garlic paste : 2 tsp

Salt as per taste

Step 1

Pressure cook the soaked peas along with turmeric powder, salt and water for about 5 whistles. Separately boil the potatoes.

Step 2

Heat oil in a kadai and add the ginger garlic paste and saute until the raw smell disappears. Next add the coriander powder, cumin powder, chili powder and chat masala and salt and cook them all together.
Add the boiled peas and stir till it comes to the boil, put the boiled and mashed potatoes and cook them together for a couple of minutes. Ragra is ready for the stuffing.

Step 3

Make the tamarind chutney by cooking together tamarind with jaggery, chili powder salt and chat masala. Cook them all together until the chutney reaches the desired consistency. Once done, keep it aside and let it cool.

Step 4

For the pani, grind together mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chili, garlic, cumin seed, tamarind paste, salt and chat masala.

Step 5

Transfer it in a large bowl and add about 3 to 4 cups of water whisk it together with the help of a spoon. The pani is ready. Put it in the fridge for some time before serving it.

Step 6

Stuff The puri with ragda , chutney and pani and enjoy the blast of flavor.

Tip

Boiled and mashed potatoes thickens the consistency of the ragda.

Paneer Pasanda

August 26, 2021 Leave a comment

Gauri, a close pal of mine, is the Only vegetarian friend in the close circle of my friends. For an ardent meat lover it becomes a herculean task to to lay out an equally exotic and impressive vegetarian spread for a loved one. So this time when we decided to meet over dinner, I tried my hand on the delectable paneer pasanda for the very first time and to my surprise it turned out to be good enough to eat. Paneer slices sandwiched with dry fruits and served in tomato gravy, paneer pasanda is a must try dish. Serve it with lachcha paratha since they compliment each other really well. This dish involves extensive preparation and could be made for special occasions.

Ingredients

Paneer : 250 gms

Onion : 1

Tomato : 3

Cashew nut : 8 to 10 pieces

Ginger garlic paste : 2 tsp

Kasuri methi : 1 tsp

Red chilli powder : 2 tsp

Turmeric powder : ¼ tsp

Salt as required

Oil for frying

Cornflour : 4 tsp

Butter : 2 tsp

For stuffing

Green chilli coriander chutney : 1 tsp

Cashew nut : 2

Cheese : grated 2 tsp

Apricot : diced 2 tsp

Step 1

Cut a thick slice of paneer into two pieces with the thickness of half inch.

Step 2

Mix together the grated cheese, apricot, green chilli coriander chutney and diced cashews .

Step 3

Place a spoon full of stuffing on a paneer slice and top with the other slice. Repeat the same with the rest of the paneer .

Step 4

Dip in a cornflour slurry.

Step 5

Carefully fry the sandwiched paneer from both the sides.

Once done take it out in an absorbent paper.

Step 6

In a pan heat 2 tsp of butter and saute onion for a couple of minutes. Add cashew nut, sliced tomatoes and kasuri methi and fry them together for another three to four minutes. Next add half a cup of water and allow to cook for about ten minutes on medium heat.

Step 7

Let it cool down and grind into a smooth paste. Heat two tsp oil in a pan and add ginger garlic paste. Saute it and then add the ground paste along with red chilli powder, turmeric powder and salt. Cook them all together until the oil leaves the side of the pan. Add a cup of water and let it come to a boil.

Step 8

Gently place the paneer pasanda on the gravy and let it come to one boil.

Step 9

Top it with cream and serve the pasanda with paratha or naan.

Tip

Apricot gives a sweet kick to the stuffing. You can even substitute it with raisins.

Arbi Tacos ( taroo root tacos)

July 18, 2021 Leave a comment

Being grown up in a big joint family, we were not fussy eaters and relished everything that was served to us. But it is not so with today’s generation since most of them live in a nuclear family with options of eating as per their taste and choice. Nevertheless as a mother, I keep planning an interesting menu with the lesser known vegetables so that my boys could be familiar with their unusual taste as well. Arbi is one such vegetable that grows Underground and has a complex taste. Children dislike its taste because of its starchy texture. As such I tried a new recipe with arbi and to my utter surprise the dish turned out to be so exotic that my boys could not relate to its original flavour and enjoyed it . Try the recipe as it is a perfect one for all the fussy eaters out there.

Ingredients

Arbi : 250 gms

Coriander powder : 1 tsp

Amchur powder : ¼ tsp

Red chilli powder : 1 tsp

Garam masala powder : ½ tsp

Rice flour : 1 tsp

Oil for frying

Salt as per taste

For the filling

Cabbage : shredded 4 tsp

Onion : 2 thinly sliced

Cheese : 2 cubes

Lemon juice : 2 tsp

Mayo mix : mayonnaise, Tomato sauce and chilli sauce.

Leftover chapati

Step 1

Pressure cook arbi for three whistles or until soft.

Step 2

Once cool, peel and flatten it by pressing with the palm.

Step 3

In a bowl mix together rice flour, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, amchur and Salt.

Step 4

Roll the flattened arbi into the masala mix and shallow fry them until golden brown.

Step 5

Roll out the half cooked lachha paratha or the leftover roti.

Step 6

Evenly spread the mayo mix on the roti and place the fried arbi over it. Finally place the shredded cabbage, sliced onion and cheese over it along with lemon juice and a dash of salt.

Step 7

Fold the roti into half like a taco.

Step 8

Gently place it on a frying pan and add a tsp of oil. Press with the spatula and cook on a low heat until it is crispy. Flip over gently and repeat the process on the other side.

Step 9

Serve hot.

Tip

Rice flour adds crunch to the fritter.

Aaru vadi

June 17, 2021 Leave a comment

The taste and aroma of aaru vadi instantly reminds me of my great friend Radhika who introduced me to this scrumptious dish. Vadi evokes my memories of the dripping rainy evenings we had spent together enjoying vadis cooked by her along with casual conversation and friendly chat. And since then it has become ritualistic to make aaru vadi in monsoon when the market is flooded with aaru patta. These colocasia leaves are loaded with health benefits and this crispy and delicious fritter is indeed a perfect way to include it in our diet. A must try recipe as the weather gets wet.

Ingredients

Aaru patta : 10 to 12

Masoor dal : 100 gms ( washed and soaked)

Rice : 2 tsp (washed and soaked)

Green chilli : 4

Garlic : 8 to 10

Ginger : 1 inch

Cummin : ¼ tsp

Asafoetida : a pinch

Peppercorn : ¼ tsp

Tamarind paste : 2 tsp

Coriander seed : 1 tsp

Salt as required

Oil for frying

Step 1

Grind the soaked rice and dal along with ginger, garlic, green chilli, cummin peppercorn, coriander seed, tamarind paste and salt.

Step 2

Wash the aaru leaves and pat them dry. Place the leaf on a large plate and evenly spread the dal mix.

Step 3

Place the other leaf over it and coat the mixture. Repeat the process with the remaining leaves.

Step 4

Carefully seal the edges and roll the leaves. Place it in a steamer and steam for about 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 5

Once done, let it cool.

Step 6

Slice them into roundles and shallow fry till crispy and golden brown.

Step 7

Serve it hot with chutney of your choice.

Tip

Let the roll cool down completely and then Slice it for a perfect roundle.

Do not use water while grinding dal since this will make it very runny.

Kothambir vadi ( cilantro fritters)

March 29, 2021November 8, 2025 Leave a comment

Coriander is a very commonly consumed herb that is often used in traditional Indian food. It is exclusively used as a garnish to make the food presentable and palatable. During my growing up days we often relished the coriander chutney as an accomplishment along with the staple rice and dal during the winter season. It was only during my stay in Mumbai that I came across a new term Kothimbir or kothmir, the word used for coriander leaves in Maharashtra and the vada or the fritters made from it is a highly popular and simple Maharashtrian snack recipe . Little did I imagine that the humble dhaniya patta could be transformed into such a mind blowing delicacy. Basanti, my house help makes amazing kothimbir vadi and I am sharing her recipe with my readers. It is made using coriander leaves, gram flour and few other regularly used Indian spices. Soft from inside while crunchy and crisp outside makes it a perfect tea time snack.

Ingredients

Kothimbir : 2 bunches

Besan : 1 cup

Rice flour : ½ cup

Green chillies : 6 to 8

Garlic pod : 8

Turmeric powder : 1 tsp

Asafoetida : a pinch

Ajwain : ¼ tsp

Salt as per taste

Oil for frying

Step 1

Wash the coriander leaves and squeeze the excess water. Next finely chop and put it in a bowl. In the meantime grind the green chillies and garlic into a smooth paste.

Step 2

Add the besan, rice flour, green chilli and garlic paste, turmeric powder, ajwain, hing, salt and a tsp of oil.

Step 3

Add water and knead a tight dough.

Step 4

In a steamer add 2 glasses of water and steam the rolled dough for 15 to 20 minutes on a medium flame. Insert a knife and if it comes out clean, the dough is done and if not then steam it further for another 7 to 10 minutes.

Step 5

Remove it from the steamer and let it cool down. Once it comes to the room temperature cut it into small pieces.

Step 6

Shallow fry the vada in a medium hot oil until they are golden brown.

Step 7

Serve the kothimbir vadi with chutney of your choice.

Tip

Rice flour adds the extra crunch to the vadi.

Veg Moti Pulao

November 16, 2020 Leave a comment

A very happy bhai dooj to all my readers and to make the festivities even more grander here I am with the scrumptious one pot veg moti pulao recipe. Moti pulao is an awadhi delicacy that is extremely mild flavored with distinctive aroma of the spices. Although there are many versions of veg moti pulao but this one is a distinct one since the moti or the kofta is made from the masoor and moong dal . It may be a little tricky recipe but believe me the final outcome is worth all the hard work.

Ingredients

For the pulao

Basmati rice : 750 grams

Kewra essence : ½ tsp

Saffron : 12 string soaked in 4 tsp lukewarm milk

Rose water : 1 tsp

Onion : 2 thinly sliced and 1 roughly chopped

Sheh jeera : 2 tsp

Bay leaf : 4 to 5

Cinnamon stick : 2

Salt : as per taste

Ghee : 2 tsp

For the lentil ball

Masoor dal : 200 gms ( Wash & soak for 3-4 hours)

Moong dal : 100 gms ( Wash & soak for 3-4 hours)

Onion : 2

Black cardamom : 2

Green cardamom : 2

Bay leaf : 2 to 3

Ghee : 4 tsp

Silver vark : as required

Salt : as per taste

For grinding

Garlic pod : 10

Green chillies : 6 to 8

Ginger : 2 inch

Green cardamom : 2

Black cardamom : 1

Cinnamon stick : 2

Coriander seed : 1 tsp

Step 1

Deep fry sliced onion and take it out in an absorbent paper.

Step 2

Wash rice and soak in water for at least half an hour. Drain the excess water and spread the rice over a napkin.

Step 3

Wash the dal thoroughly and strain out the excess water. Grind it into a paste and do not add water while grinding.

Step 4

In a mixing jar put the green chilli, Ginger, garlic, corriander seed,1 black cardamom and 1 cinnamon stick along with 2 tsp water and make a smooth paste and mix them with the dal batter.

Step 5

Apply oil in your palm and make small pearl shaped balls.

Step 6

In a thick bottom vessel add 2 cup water along with onion slices, 2 bay leaf, cinnamon stick, 1 green cardamom , 1 black cardamom, salt and ghee. Let the water come to a boil and once hot gradually place the koftas one by one into it. At this stage do not try to stir and let it poach and cook until the water dries up completely.

Step 7

Once the kofta is firm add a tsp of ghee and stir it until they get a nice colour. Take them out and let them come to the room temperature. Next coat them with the silver vark. Keep them aside.

Step 8

Add 2 tsp ghee in a cooking vessel and put the bay leaf, shah jeera , cinnamon stick and cardomom. Once they splutter add the sliced onions and fry them till the onion becomes translucent.

Step 9

Add the rice and saute them all together for a couple of minutes . Next add water accordingly and cover and cook on a low flame. When ¾ done open the lid and add the safron milk, kewra and Rosewater . Place the koftas on the top and sprinkle the fried onions.

Step 10

Cover the lid and place the pan on the top of the tawa and let it cook for another 7 to 10 minutes so that the rice infuses all the aroma and flavours.

Step 11

Serve the moti pulao with raita.

Tip

Do not stir the koftas when they are soft as they would disintegrate.

Try not to overcook the rice.

Beat the dal batter with hand until they are light and fluffy.

Sattu protein drink

September 20, 2020September 20, 2020 Leave a comment

Sattu — a staple food from Bihar has now been globally recognized as a magical ingredient and super food. The regional traditional drink also known as “ sattu sharbat” is indeed an energy booster and coolent that protects against the sun stroke and harsh summer. Rich in fiber, low in calories and high in protein, it is a perfect detox drink to cleanse the system. The tangy flavor of sattu sharbat gives an amazing kick to this summer refreshment and it keeps one full for a longer period of time.

Ingredients

Sattu : 4 tsp

Lemon juice : 1 tsp

Green chilli : 1 chopped

Black salt : 1\2 tsp

cumin powder : 1 tsp

Salt : as required

Water : 2 glass

Step 1
Take 4 tsp of sattu powder in a bowl.

Step 2
In a separate plate place the rest of the ingredients.

Step 3
Add those ingredients in the sattu powder.

Step 4
Gradually add the chilled water and with the help of a whisker blend them all together. Stir it until the sattu combines with the rest of the ingredients and is uniform without any lump.

Step 5
Pour it in a glass and enjoy it chill.

Tip

For the sweeter version, add milk and jaggery to the sattu and mix it well.

Chilka and chutney (Rice and lentil crepe)

June 24, 2020 Leave a comment

The thin and crispy moong dal and rice chilka is a protein rich, high fibre power packed breakfast recipe. My younger sister Jaya makes some amazing chilka and I have borrowed this recipe from her. It is indeed the Indian version of crape where the rice and dal is soaked overnight and then blended into a smooth batter to make light and thin crispy Chilkas. Chilka literally translates peel and since these crepes are as thin as a peel it is probably called so. Combine it with spicy green chilli and garlic chutney to experience the tantalizing taste to kick start a perfect day.

Ingredients

Rice : 2 cups

Moong dal : 1 cup

Garlic : 4 pod

Ginger : 1 inch

Green chilli : 4

Whole cumin : 1 tsp

Salt

Oil

For the chutney

Green chilli : 8 to 10

Garlic : 15 pod

Salt : 1 tsp

Lemon juice : 1 tsp

Sugar : a pinch

Step 1

Wash and soak rice and dal overnight.

Step 2

For the chutney coarsely grind that green chilli, garlic, salt, sugar and oil into paste.

Step 3

In a mixer jar blend the soaked rice and dal, garlic, ginger, salt and water to make a smooth runny batter. Next add the cumin seeds and mix it all together.

Step 4

Heat a griddle or tawa and with the help of a ladle spread it like a crepe. Drizzle one tsp oil over it and let it cook until it is golden brown. Flip and cook from the other side too.

Step 5

Serve it hot with the chutney of your choice.

Tip

One can also use paneer or vegetables as a stuffing to make it even more healthy and exotic.

Nutrela Kebab (Veg)

May 30, 2020 2 Comments

My son’s love for kebabs has made me explore a new variety of veg and nonveg kebabs to keep his palate satisfied. Soyabean is one of the best sources of high protein and this vegetarian and healthy kebab is an interesting way to include it in your child’s diet. Nutrela soya may sound very regular but believe me its meaty texture elevates the dish to all together in a new dimension. Made with soya granual and chana dal, this veg kebab is not only easy to cook but tastes amazing too and makes a great starter.

Ingredients

Soya granules : 100 gms

Chana dal : 150 gms (soaked for an hour)

Red chilli : 3 to 4

Bay leaf : 2

Black pepper : 8 to 10

Ginger : 1 inch

Garlic pod : 4 to 5

Coriander seeds : 1 tsp

Cumin seed : 1 tsp

Clove : 3 to 4

Cinnamon : 1

Green cardamom : 2

Black cardamom : 1

Onion : 1

Green chilli : 2

Lemon juice : 1 tsp

Coriander leaves

Salt according to taste

Oil for frying

Step 1

Boil the soya granules for about ten minutes. Strain the water and once cool squeeze the excess water and keep it aside.

Step 2

Boil the soaked chana dal in one and a half cup water along with whole garam masala, ginger, garlic, bay leaf, coriander seed, cumin seed and salt for one whistle and lower the flame and let it cook for another ten minutes or until the dal becomes soft.

Step 3

Once done check the dal and if there is excess water boil it further till it evaporates.

Step 4

When cool separately grind the boiled soya chunks and the dal mixture. Take the mix in a bowl and add thinly sliced onion, green chili, salt, lemon juice along with two tsp oil as it will prevent the mixture from Getting dry.

Step 5

Now divide it into equal sized balls and make tikkis out of them. Do not forget to apply oil in your palm to prevent the tikkis from sticking in your hand.

Step 6

Shallow fry them in a medium hot oil until they are golden brown.

Step 7

Enjoy the soya kebab with your family and friends.

Tip

In case the kebab mixture is soft and difficult to handle then add two tsp of bread crumbs into it.

Baked Aloo Dum

March 19, 2020November 8, 2025 Leave a comment

Potato (Aloo) is amazing and one can never go wrong with it as it is both comforting as well as flavoursome. A cheesy twist to the traditional Indian aloo dum recipe can make all the difference and is impressive enough to be in your menu for the next party. Go ahead with the baked aloo dum recipe whenever you plan to cook something fancier and relish it as a side dish.

Ingredients

Baby potatoes : 10 to 15

Peas : 100 gms

Ginger paste : 1 tsp

Garlic paste: 1 tsp

Mozrella cheese : 200 gms

For the masala paste

Onion : 2

Tomato : 2

Corriander seed : 2 tsp

Cumin seed : 1 tsp

Whole black pepper : 10 to 15

Green cardamom : 2

Black cardamom : 2

Cinnamon stick : 1

Step 1

Wash the potatoes and par boil them in a pressure cooker for one to two whistle. Once it gets cool Peel off the skin and prick them with the help of a fork.

Step 2

In a mixie blend all the masalas to make a smooth paste.

Step 3

Add 4 tsp oil in a thick bottom pan. Once hot add 1 tsp sugar and let it caramelize. Once brown add the potatoes and fry them until they change the colour.

Step 4

Take it out in an absorbent paper.

Step 5

Add 2 tsp oil in a karahi and put bay leaf and ginger garlic paste and saute it.

Step 6

Once done add the masala paste along with turmeric, red chilli powder and salt and saute it properly until the oil leaves the side of the pan and the raw smell of masala goes away.