Ingredient Ideology | Tasty Ways With Baked Beans By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani – Celebrity Master Chef.

Baked beans originate in Native American cuisine, and are made from beans indigenous to the Americas. The dish was adopted and adapted by English colonists in New England in the 17th century and, through cookbooks published in the 19th century, spread to other regions of the United States and into Canada. Baked beans is a dish traditionally containing white beans that are parboiled and then, in the US, baked in sauce at low temperature for a lengthy period. In the United Kingdom, the dish is sometimes baked, but usually stewed in sauce. Canned baked beans are not baked, but are cooked through a steam process.

They were originally called BAKED beans because the can is first filled with blanched beans, then the sauce, then the can is sealed with a lid, and it is then that the cooking begins. The beans are cooked inside the sealed can. The original recipe for Heinz Beans was based on Boston beans, so they used to contain pork. Baked beans provide fiber and plant-based protein. They're also a good source of thiamine, zinc, and selenium, which support energy production, immune function, and thyroid health, respectively.

“Getting Baked Beans into our kitchen for a change is indeed a pleasure – good feel to work with- great to experiment with & brings back loads of compliments innovating with this delicacy using a desi tadka of spices with that perfect twist of taste!” – Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

Let us look at a few culinary applications of Baked Beans:

Baked beans are a good source of fiber, thiamine, copper, phosphorus and lycopene which overall rates it quite well in terms of beneficial offerings. 

Some of the ways in which baked beans have been used are well known to us the idea is how to make it more creative and interesting to apply a creative mind to the concept and make it more acceptable.

1. Baked Bean Cheelas with sour cream dip and tossed green salad is a good way to enjoy a brunch with added flavors of curry leaves, cumin seeds, coriander, green chilies.

2. Baked Bean Ragda Pattice has been one of my early time favorites and the fusion of giving it a rustic tadka with garlic, onions, chilies and a dash of rock salt, placed on the chaat plate topped with schezuan tamarind chutney is just awesome.

3. Baked Bean Pan Rolls, this one calls for a mix-n-match approach in which we temper the beans with herbs, chili flakes, ginger, olives and parsley and then roll them in between ragi pancakes/dosas and top it with a pepper salsa, cheese and bake.

4. Baked Bean Stuffed Mexican Kofta Curry, this one is a must try as well. A sweet potato outer covering flavoured with fennel and cumin, the inside softy filling with puree of baked beans cooked with mava and desi masalas, shaped into koftas, deep fried, steeped in a peri-peri mexi makhani sauce.

5. Baked Bean Ravioli Al Fresco, a square shaped fresh home-made pasta with a cheesy baked bean stuffing, boiled/ fried and served with assortment of dipping sauces flavoured with white wine, gherkins, olive oil, fresh basil and parmesan shavings.

6. Baked Bean & Olive Pao Bhaji, one that will call for a second helping or even more on your plate. A typical desi pao bhaji concept involving the beans, cauliflower, peas, potatoes, capsicums, cooked in butter and oil, tempered with the pao bhaji spices, tomato puree, coriander leaves and served with splash of lime, pickled onions and olives, and a nice jalapeno cheese masala pao.

Let us check out a few Easy & Tempting Recipes with Baked Beans:

Recipe-1] Baked Bean Wraps

Ingredients:

For the Wraps:

Maida-1 cup

Oil-2 tsp

Salt-1 pinch

Water-as needed to make a firm dough

Rest for 20 mins, divide into 5-6 portions, prepare thin chapattis and cook them on both sides.

For the spread options on the wraps:
mayonnaise-1/4 cup

Schezuan chutney- 2-3 tsp

Green chutney mayo-2-3 tsp

Hung curd spread with mint and cucumber

For the filing of the wraps:

Baked beans in tomato sauce -1 cup

Oil-2 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Green chilies-1 tsp chopped

Onion-1 small chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Boiled chicken- cubes/shreds-1/2 cup

Grated cheese-1/4 cup

Mixed herbs-1/4 tsp

Chili flakes-1/4 tsp

Kasuri methi-1 tsp

Garam masala powder-1/4 tsp

Tomato ketchup-2-3 tsp

Coriander-1 tsp chopped

Lettuce leaves-1 cup

Sliced olives/ gherkins/ cherry tomatoes as needed

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients, assemble them as required for the recipe.

2. Prepare the wraps, cook them on a tava and keep aside.

3. Heat oil and butter in a pan saute the garlic, onions, chilies, add in the canned beans, seasonings, herbs, chili flakes etc and cook for 2-3 mins, add in the ketchup, spices, and coriander leaves and mix well, switch off the flame, cool aside.

4. Re-heat the prepared wraps on a tava, apply little oil/butter, and remove, place the lettuce leaves, prepared filling, add in the assorted veggies/olives, gherkins, cheese etc and give it a nice roll up.

5. Place in a tray and bake it if desired for a few mins with a topping of white sauce and cheese, serve hot. 

Recipe-2] DESI BAKED BEAN CASSEROLE

Ingredients

Oil-2 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Cumin seeds- ½ tsp

Hing-1/4 tsp

Dried red chilies- 1-2 slit

Ginger-garlic paste-1 tsp

Onion-1 small chopped

Tomatoes-1-2 small chopped

Salt to taste

Baked beans in tomato sauce- 1 cup 

Chicken sausages-2-3 sliced

Baby potatoes- 4-6 no cut 1 x2 boiled

Red chili powder-1/4 tsp

Coriander powder- 1 tsp

Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp

Tomato puree-1/2 cup

Cashew paste-1-2 tsp

Peanut butter-1-2 tsp

Water-1/2 cup

Coriander -2 -3 tbsp. chopped

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the baked bean recipe.

2. Heat oil and butter in a pan saute the spices for tempering, add in the ginger-garlic paste, onions, tomatoes saute for a minute.

3. Add in the boiled baby potatoes, sausages, salt and all masalas and mix well. Add in cashew paste, peanut butter and a little water, cover and simmer it, Cook for 2-3 mins, garnish with coriander leaves.

4. Serve this delicacy with toasts, pitta bread, lavash, focaccia bread etc.

Recipe-3] TADKEWALA BAKED BEAN PULAO

Ingredients:

Oil-2 tsp

Butter-2 tsp

Curry leaves- 8-10 no

Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp

Slit green chilies- 2-3 no

Slit red chilies-2-3 no

Sliced onions- 1 small

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Ginger-1 tsp chopped

Tomatoes-1/2 cup chopped

Red chili sauce- 2 tsp

Soya sauce-1 tsp

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Cheese-1/2 cup grated

White sauce/cream-1/2 cup

Sliced black/ green olives- 4-5 no

Baked beans in tomato sauce- 1 cup

Cooked white /brown rice- 1 and a half cup

Additional veggies/non-veg ingredients may be added as well.

Assorted fresh herbs/micro-greens for garnish

Method:

1. Assemble all the ingredients for the tadka rice and bean combo.

2. Heat oil and butter in a pan, saute the curry leaves, cumin, ginger, garlic, chilies, onions for a minute. Add in the tomatoes, salt, pepper, herbs, chili flakes, sauces, I also prefer to add colorful capsicum dices here at this stage for a crunch in the rice.

3. Add in the baked beans, rice and toss it up well, cook for 3-4 mins.

4. Now add in the white sauce/ cream and cheese, olives and mix well, cook for another 2-3 mins and serve hot.

Recipe- 4] TEMPERED BAKED BEANS ON TOAST

Ingredients:

Oil-1 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Onions-1 small chopped

Green chilies-1 tsp chopped

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Celery-1 stalk chopped

Red/green/yellow capsicums-1/2 cup chopped

Baked beans in tomato sauce- 1 cup

Red chili sauce-1-2 tsp

Mixed herbs-1/4 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Chaat masala-1/4 tsp

Garam masala powder-1/4 tsp

Tomato ketchup-1-2 tsp

To spread on the bread:

Cream cheese/ peanut butter/ pesto mayo

Choice of breads/ base:

White bread/ brown bread/ french bread slices- 6- 8 no

Method:

1. Pre-prep all the ingredients for the beans on toast recipe.

2. Toast the cut out pieces of breads/sliced french bread etc for a few mins and keep aside.

3. To prepare the baked bean topping heat oil and butter in a pan, saute the onions, chilies, garlic, celery in a pan for a minute. 

4. Add in the capsicums, salt, pepper, herbs, chili flakes, spices, a little water and sauces and mix well. Cook for 2 mins.

5. Add in the beans, and simmer them for 2-3 mins, adjust the seasonings and taste, should be moist but not watery.

6. Just before serving the toasts, apply the spread on the base toasts and spoon over the baked bean mixture, add more grated cheese on top if desired or serve a cheese sauce/ dip at the side. Gratinate/ bake the toasts in the oven/salamander for 2-4 mins and remove. Serve hot as a snack/ appetizer.

Ingredient Ideology | Culinary Applications Of Dill Leaves By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

Dill leaves a popular sharp and pungent green from the herb family is well known to us. It is one of those interesting ingredients available all year round and can be easily incorporated into our meal plans and variety of dishes though we are a little picky and choosy about using it very often.

It is one of those fresh herb which has well placed itself in variety of courses and category of dishes in various international cuisines. My experience with dill has been wonderful and it’s great to add it into lentils, a dough for a paratha or even a pasta for that matter, I also tried gnocchi with potato and semolina once with a touch of dill in it and it was just wonderful to go along a nice saffron cream sauce and wild mushrooms!

Dill leaves also called as sua bhaji or shepu in our local markets are best to use fresh, some of us also dry and store it for a later use depending on recipes. It’s always good to refresh it under running water and place it in chilled water for a few mins and then use it. This multi-tasking flavor bunch as I usually address it as has a lot to offer us nutritionally as well.

Health Benefits of Dill Leaves:

• Dill leaves are a good source of manganese, iron and magnesium.

• They are also regarded good source of calcium & are good for bone health.

• It is good for the kidneys and spleen, prevents infectious diarrahea.

• Dill is known to be helping activate bile and digestive secretions.

• It is also considered to be a good immunity boosting ingredient.

• It has calming properties and also helps in insomnia.

• Dill leaves help manage diabetes and also prevents excessive gas.

• It is helpful in free radical protection, to stop hiccups, 

And is also an anti-bacterial rich ingredient.

Here are a Few Culinary Uses of Dill Leaves:

• Dill has been in our Indian kitchens in numerous ways and in all seasons, I remember mix dal vadas with dill during monsoon with a curry leaf chutney and a piping hot cuppa filter coffee.

• Dill goes well with dals and lentils in daily cooking as well, yellow moong dal tadka with a handful of dill is just too good.

• I also enjoy dill with cucumber, mint, garlic and greek yogurt in the form of a summer salad, a chilled dip format to go with crackers works well too!

• Dill in parathas either in the dough or in the stuffing with boiled mashed sweet potatoes, green chili and a dash of roasted crushed jeera is great with a bowl of curd.

• Seafood has been well associated with dill leaves and a lot of continental, far-east and even American and English recipes use dill with Salmon, Bassa and other varieties including butter garlic prawns with dill is yum!

• Dill aur soy ka dum pulao, try this one with brown rice with a tempering of Bayleaf, peppercorns and green chilies this pulao is a sure hit with boondi ka raita!

• Salad dressings with mayonnaise also prefer dill with seafood elements attached for instance the tuna dill potato salad is very popular with mayo and splash of lime into it.

• Getting dill into baking some of my all-time favorites remain the roasted garlic and dill bread rolls, sun-dried tomato and dill baguettes, dill and olive croissants with cream cheese, dill and peri - peri spice tomato bread.

Here are some easy to make and tasty recipes with Dill:

Recipe-1] DILL WALE AATISHI ALOO 

[Dill and spiced potatoes]

Ingredients:

Sweet potatoes- 400 gms. Peeled and cubed

Oil/ghee- 2 tbsp.

Hing- ¼ tsp

Slit green chilies- 2-3 no.

Ginger- 1 tsp chop

Curry leaves-8-10 no

Salt to taste

Red chili powder- ½ tsp

Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp

Dhaniya powder- 1 tsp

Water-2-3 tbsp.

Fresh dill leaves- 2 tbsp. chop

Aamchur powder-1/2 tsp

Lime juice-1 tsp.

Method:

1. Prepare the sweet potatoes and all other ingredients.

2. Heat oil/ghee in a pan and add the ingredients to temper one by one and then add in the sweet potatoes and mix well.

3. Add little water and salt and cover, cook them in steam for 12-15 mins.

4. Now add in the powdered spices, mix well and add dill leaves- roughly cut and saute for 1-2 mins.

5. Finally add aamchur, lime and toss – serve hot.

Recipe-2] DILL AUR SOY WADI KI SUBZI

[dill with soy chunks in a mild spice mix]

Ingredients

Dill leaves- ½ cup roughly cut

Soy chunks -1 cup soaked in warm water -10 mins.

Oil/ghee- 2 tbsp.

Ginger garlic paste- 1 tsp

Chop green chilies- 1 tsp

Dry red chili-1 -2 no

Onions-1/2 cup chop

Tomato- 1 small chop

Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp

Dhaniya jeera powder- 1 tsp

Red chili powder-1/4 tsp

Salt to taste

Curd- 2 tbsp.

Aamchur powder-1/2 tsp

Water-1/4 cup as needed.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the subzi.

2. Heat oil/ghee in a pan add in onions and saute till pink, add in the ginger-garlic chilies and saute.

3. Add in tomatoes and all powdered spices little water and soy chunks and bhunao.

4. Cover and simmer for 8-10 mins then add in thick beaten curd and mix well, simmer add dill leaves and cook for another-4-5 mins. Serve hot with phulkas, chapati.

Recipe-3] DILL & PRAWN PASSION SUMMER SALAD

Ingredients

For the body of the salad:

Boiled eggs-1 no cubed.

Prawns- 500 gms, shelled, deveined, poached/boiled/grilled.

Cucumber-1/2 cup cubed.

Shallots-3-4 no sliced.

For the base of the salad: 

iceberg or assorted lettuce-1 cup.

for the dressing of the salad:

dill leaves- 2 tbsp. chop

mayonnaise – 1 cup

mustard paste-1/2 tsp

lime juice- 1 tsp

salt and pepper to taste

white wine-2 tsp.

for the garnish of the salad:

micro-greens/cherry tomatoes/bell peppers/ seeds/nuts.

method:

1. Assemble all the parts of the salad as per the above list.

2. In a mixing bowl combine together the ingredients for the dressing and mix well.

3. Add in the body of the salad to the dressing and toss well.

4. Arrange the base on a salad plate and top with the body and dressing, garnish appropriately and serve chilled.

Recipe-4] SPICED DILL PILAF RICE

Ingredients:

Basmati rice- 1 and half cup

Oil/butter-2 tbsp.

Garlic- 1 tsp sliced

Onions- ½ cup chopped.

Bayleaf-2 no

Peppercorns- 4-5 no

Salt and pepper to taste

Veg stock/ water- 3 cups approx.

Assorted toasted nuts/seeds- for garnish.

Method:

1. Pick, wash and soak the rice for 12-15 mins.

2. Heat oil/butter in a pan add in the whole spices followed by onion and garlic and saute well.

3. Add in the drained rice, salt and pepper mix well and add double the amount of water or stock and bring to a boil, simmer cover and cook the rice, once water is absorbed add in the dill leaves and cook another 2 mins.

4. Once done serve hot garnished with nuts/seeds and serve with dals, kormas, curries, non-veg gravies etc.

Ingredient Ideology | The Curd Connect Healthy & Holistic By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

While the story of curd being known to us goes back in history, according to a popular legend, while travelling across a desert, some Turks kept milk in a goatskin bag and slung it across the back of a camel. The desert sun and the bacteria in the bag had enabled preparation of curd, also known as yoghurt. Curd and yogurt: the two terms have often been considered to be synonymous. Curd or dahi is a dairy product which is made by curdling milk with edible acidic substance like lemon juice, vinegar and even curd itself. Curd is a great probiotic that contains good beneficial bacteria known to promote gut activity, soothe the inflamed digestive system and heals an upset stomach.

Curd has somehow been a chosen ingredient by a number of international cuisines and its adaptability and versatile nature has helped it gain a lot of popularity when it comes to indian marination, gravies, lassi or chaas, shrikhand or even layered desserts where can use hung curd as well.

Milk is converted into curd or yogurt by the process of fermentation. Milk consists of globular proteins called casein. Here curd forms because of the chemical reaction between the lactic acid bacteria and casein. During fermentation, the bacteria use enzymes to produce energy (ATP) from lactose. Curd is made by bacterial fermentation of milk. In this process lactose in milk is converted into lactic acid by several probiotic microorganisms. The species involved in the fermentation depends on the temperature and humidity of the environment, and may include Lacto coccus lactis and a few more.

A favorite of many of us in a number of ways from having a bowl full of it or into a raita form, cooking it up in a kadhi concept preparing sweet dishes etc.

Here are a few popular Health Benefits of Curd:

• Curd is rich in proteins and also essential minerals like calcium that helps keep our bones strong.

• Curd possesses good bacteria called pro-biotics which are great to consume since it helps in digestion.

• Curd is a great immunity booster and also good to consume on a weight loss program.

• Curd is heart healthy, good for our hair and skin too.

• Curd also helps in preventing allergies and infections.

• Curd is beneficial in lowering levels of plaque

• Curd helps to lower hypertension and also prevents cardio vascular diseases.

Do try out these simple and tasty recipes using CURD:

Recipe-1] RAINBOW SALAD WITH INDIANA DRESSING:

Ingredients:

Base of the salad:

Iceberg/ assorted lettuce leaves- 1 cup

For the body of the salad:

White cabbage-1/4 cup shredded

Purple cabbage-1/4 cup shredded

Tomatoes-1 no cut into cubes

Onion 1 small sliced

Broccoli- 1 cup florets, blanched

Carrots-1 small cut into cubes and boil.

Sprouts- ½ cup

For the dressing:

Curd- 1 cup beaten

Crushed cumin power

Lime juice-2 tsp

Salt and pepper to taste

Honey-1 tsp

Flax seeds- 2 tsp

Dates-2-3 chopped

Almonds/cashews-2 tsp sliced

Chaat masala-1/4 tsp

Mint leaves- 8-10

For the garnish of the salad:

Paprika powder/ chaat masala/ mint/ parsley/ micro-greens, olives.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the salad recipe.

2. In a serving plate arrange the cleaned lettuce leaves as a base.

3. As a part of dressing combine all ingredients with the beaten curd and keep it ready.

4. Arrange all the ingredients of the body of the salad ready to use.

5.Just before serving combine the body and dressing together and give them a nice toss, adjust as needed, drizzle a little dressing on it for proper mxing.

6. Portion out the salad on to the bowl of lettuce leaves, garnish and serve immediately.

Chefs variation: in case of non-veg we can use boiled chicken cubes, sliced chicken sausages or even grilled chicken/ lamb/ mutton pieces can be used. Seafood like prawns can also be added. Also for veg we can try adding fruits like plums, peaches as well to this salad.

Recipe-2] CHICKPEA- CUCUMBER & CURD DELIGHT

Ingredients

For the curd mixture:

Curd-1 and a half cup beaten

Roasted crushed cumin- ½ tsp

Rock salt/ sea salt- ¼ tsp

Fresh basil leaves- 4-5 no

For the relish mix:

Cucumber-1 no cut into small cubes

Chickpeas- boiled chana-1/2 cup

Amla/ indian gooseberry- 2 no, boiled and cut into cubes

Dates-2-3 chopped

Mint leaves- 4-5 no

Crushed black pepper-1/2 tsp

Melon seeds/ chia seeds- 1 tsp

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the relish mixture.

2. In a mixing bowl combine together the relish mix ingredients and keep aside for 10-12 mins.

3. Separately combine together beaten curd and all the other mix in ingredients and stir well.

4. Combine the relish and curd mixture and check for taste and adjust, allow to chill for 20 mins and then serve alongside a main course/ meal with parathas etc or can be served with nachos or crackers as well as a dip.

Recipe-3] ADRAKI DAHI WALA MURGH 

[CHICKEN IN GINGER – CURD BASED GRAVY]

Ingredients:

Chicken- 750 gms curry cuts with bones.

For veg- use paneer/ extra firm tofu.

For the marination:

Oil-2 tsp

Ginger paste-1 tsp

Green chilies-1 tsp chopped

Salt to taste

Crushed black pepper-1/2 tsp

Lime juice- 2 tsp

Curd- 1 cup beaten thick.

For the gravy:

Oil-1 tsp

Ghee-2 tsp

Boiled onion paste- 1 cup

Ginger-garlic paste-1 tsp mix

Black cardamom- 2 no

Bay leaf- 2 no

Water/ chicken stock-1 cup

Salt to taste

Kasuri methi-1 tsp

Garam masala powder-1/2 tsp

Cashew/ almond paste-2 tsp

Fresh cream-2 tbsp.

Rose water-2 tsp

Ginger juliennes and blanched almonds for garnish.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the adraki dahi wala murgh.

2. Marinate the chicken pieces and keep aside for 30-45 mins in the fridge.

3. Prepare the gravy heat oil and ghee in a pan add in the whole spices and onion paste and cook until light brown, add little water as needed, add in the chilies and ginger-garlic paste and saute well.

4. Add in the salt, kasuri methi, garam masala powder and add in the chicken pieces and bhunao for 2-3 mins on a medium flame, add in the cashew and curd mixture and little water, simmer, cover and cook in dum for 20-25 mins.

5. Finally check for texture and taste, adjust accordingly as desired, add in the rose water and mix, serve hot garnished with ginger juliennes and blanched almonds.

Recipe-4] TEMPERED TRIVIA CURD RICE

Ingredients:

Basmati/kolam white rice/brown rice - 1 cup boiled, cooled.

Curd- 2 cups beaten thick

Salt to taste

Oil-1 tsp

Ghee-1 tsp

Hing-1 pinch

Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp

Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp

Dried red chilies-1 no slit

Green chili-1 no slit

Chana dal-1 tsp

Milk-1/4 cup

Roasted crushed peanuts- 2 tbsp.

Assorted seeds-2 tsp- flax, sunflower, pumpkin, melon seeds.

Mint and coriander leaves- 2 tbsp. mix

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the tempered curd rice recipe.

2. In a mixing bowl combine together the cooked white/brown rice and add the beaten curd and milk and mix it all well and keep refrigerated for 20 mins.

3. To prepare the tempering heat oil and ghee in a tadka pan and add in the ingredients one by one and allow them splutter and crackle and after about 15 seconds add this tempering to the bowl of curd and rice mixture and give it a nice mix. I prefer to add a few nuts and seeds as well to the curd rice to add more value into it from roasted crushed peanuts to toasted nuts and seeds like flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds etc.

Recipe- 5] DAHI PAKODE WALI KADHI

[FRITTERS STEEPED IN TEMPERED CURD BASED CURRY]

Ingredients:

For the pakode/ fritter mix:

Besan-1 cup

Salt to taste and soda bi carb one pinch

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Jeera powder-1/4 tsp

Ajwain-1/2 tsp

Sliced onions-1 med sized

Coriander-1 tbsp. chopped

Green chilies-1 tsp chopped

Little water to make the mixture

Oil-1 tsp

Oil to deep fry the fritters

For the kadhi mix/ curry:

Curd- 1 and a half cup beaten.

Besan-1 and a half tbsp.

Salt to taste

Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

Red chili powder-1/4 tsp

Water as required

Kasuri methi-1 tsp

Ginger- 1 tsp chopped

Oil/ ghee- 2 tsp for the tempering

Hing-1 pinch

Curry leaves- 8-10 no

Slit red and green chilies-1-2 

Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp

Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp

Coriander leaves to garnish- 2 tbsp. chopped

Method:

1. Prepare the ingredients for both the segments of the kadhi pakoda recipe.

2. In a mixing bowl combine together the ingredients for the pakoda and mix well to a dropping texture and drop small portions into medium hot oil in a kadai and deep fry them to a nice golden color and keep aside.

3. In a bowl combine together the curd, besan, two cups of water, salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder and beat it all together, rest for 20 mins.

4. Heat oil/ghee and give the tempering with the ingredients and allow to splutter and crackle for a few seconds, add in the curd and besan mixture, kasuri methi and stir it well, simmer and cook for 12-15 mins.

5. Check for taste and adjust salt and texture as desired, add the fried pakode just before serving and garnish with coriander leaves and serve with steamed rice or jeera rice.

Recipe-6] BOWL OF ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS 

Ingredients

Sweet corn-1/2 cup boiled

Green peas-1/2 cup boiled

Tomato- 1 cut into wedges

Apple-1 no cut into cubes, sprinkle 2 tsp lime juice.

Onion-1 no sliced

Cucumber-1 no cubed

Potato -1 boiled cubed

Red/green/yellow capsicum-1/2 no cubed

For the dressing mix:

Curd-1 cup beaten

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooked Amla pulp-2 tsp

Crushed jeera-1/2 tsp

Mint leaves- 4-5 no

Cream cheese- 1 tsp

Cashew powder-2 tsp

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the healthy bowl of goodness.

2. In a mixing bowl combine all the colorful ingredients and arrange them for the salad, chill for 20 mins.

3. In another bowl combine together the mixture for the curd based dressing and chill for 15 mins.

4. Just before serving drizzle the dressing over the serving salad bowls and garnish with nuts, seeds, micro-greens and fresh herbs etc as desired.

For non-veg options: use boiled cubed eggs, boiled or grilled chicken cubes, chicken sausages, ham, salami etc can also be used as an option.

Ingredient Ideology | Fantasy For Feta : A Cheesy Fare By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

Feta is a Greek brined curd white cheese made from sheep's milk or from a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It is soft, with small or no holes, a compact touch, few cuts, and no skin. It is formed into large blocks, and aged in brine. Its flavor is tangy and salty, ranging from mild to sharp. It is a crumbly aged cheese, with small or no holes, a compact touch, few cuts, and no skin. Feta is commonly produced in blocks, and has a slightly grainy texture in comparison to other cheeses. Its flavor is tangy and salty, ranging from mild to sharp. The color is snow white on the inside and on the surface.

Feta is a brined, white cheese with a soft and creamy texture. Compared to other cheeses, it's low in calories and fat. It also contains a high amount of B vitamins, phosphorus and calcium, which can benefit bone health. Additionally, feta contains beneficial bacteria and fatty acids. While feta cheese provides you with an excellent source of nutrients like calcium and protein, it also contains high amounts of sodium and saturated fat. Feta is lower in fat than many other cheeses, however, and is considered a reasonable option to eat in moderation.

The Greek word feta comes from the Italian fetta 'slice', which in turn is derived from the Latin 'morsel, piece'. The word feta became widespread as a name for the cheese only in the 19th century, probably referring to the cheese being cut to pack it in barrels. Traditional Greek feta cheese is made from sheep or goat milk. Feta cheese has few calories than any other cheese, so it a good choice for weight loss. 28 grams of feta cheese contains 75 calories. However, feta cheese is high in sodium, so it is advised to drink plenty of water if you have it. It was originally produced using sheep's milk, although now most commercial makers of feta use cow's milk. Feta is stored and cultured in a whey brine, thus giving the cheese its distinctive salty taste.

 If you find the salty brine taste of feta cheese too strong, it is possible to lessen or remove this taste. With 7 grams of fat and only 3 grams of carbs, feta can be eaten by those following the keto diet. Feta's crumbly texture makes it easy to sprinkle on top of salads or soups. True feta fanatics often top it with olive oil and eat it as a standalone item or side dish. Crumbled feta cheese tends to last up to the expiry date stated on the label if it is left unopened. However, as soon as you open your crumbled feta cheese, it will last only about five days if kept in the fridge. If you buy your feta cheese in a wrapped block form, it will last about a month if left unopened.

 5 Health Benefits of Feta Cheese:

• Helps treat Anaemia- associated with low levels of iron, folic acid, Vitamin B-12, anaemia can be naturally treated by consuming feta In a wise and appropriate manner.

• Good for eyes and prevents eye diseases- various studies as we know have suggested that people having healthy diets with good quantity of Vitamin B-2 including feta cheese once in a while have lesser chances of having eye issue.

• Prevents Headache and Migraine issues- since feta has a good balance of nutrients with a sound quantity of vitamin B-2 it has been considered good to consume to prevent issues related to headaches etc.

• Immunity Boosting Cheese- feta cheese is considered good in a number of ways due to its beneficial properties and offerings towards us which help us to maintain our health in a better way and boosts immunity as well.

• Good for Bones and Gut health – Feta cheese is regarded as a positive source of supporting health of our bones and gut. It also offers probiotics or bacteria which line our gut as well.

 A Few Culinary Uses of Feta Cheese:

• Salads and Appetizers: Feta is a good choice to work with when it comes to tossing up salads be it veg or non-veg, be it a greek salad or a quick toss chicken salad. The texture and taste of feta blends well with veggies like cucumber, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, olives, roast of grilled chicken/ meats, cold cuts/charcuterie products as well like ham, sausages, salami, bacon etc. be it a la carte, plated service, buffets or set meals feta has somehow found its place in a number of ways to impress the audience and food connoisseurs.

• Fillings and Stuffing’s: making a choice for a rolled up cigar concept or a stuffing with spinach and mushrooms with a little feta gives a good mouthfeel and richness attached into a chicken breast or even a fillet of meat. What matters of course is the correct temperature and timing of cooking when it comes to involving feta cheese. Over heating or too much heat as well is not really recommended since it dis-integrates the elements of the cheese and visibility goes down as well when it comes to eye appeal in the finished product.

• Ideal to add into Dips: Feta cheese is not only good to add into various other category of dishes on the menu but also when it comes to dipping delicacies to along with crunchy cuts of veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber sticks, white or red radish, olives, lavash, cheese straws, soup sticks, flaky pastry preparations etc. a good dip not only offers a creamy texture but also a punch and bite when it comes to looking for an ideal one and feta adds it just right in the correct proportion.

Here are a few of my all-time favourite recipes using Feta Cheese:

Recipe- 1] CRUNCHY VEG & FETA DELIGHT SALAD

Ingredients:

For the base of the salad:

Iceberg/ Lollorosso/ romaine/ cos lettuce- 1 small bunch

For the body of the salad:

Feta cheese- ¼ cup cubed.

Cucumber-1 med sized, cut into cubes

Tomato- 1 med sized, cut into cubes

Green capsicum-1/2 no, cut into cubes

Red capsicum-1/2 no, cut into cubes

Yellow capsicum-1/2 no, cut into cubes

Black olives- 3-4 no

Green olives-3-4 no

Capers/jalapenos -2-3 no

For non-veg options:

Roast/ grilled chicken/ meat- 1 cup sliced.

Boiled eggs- 2 no cubed.

Anchovy fish/ tuna fish- ½ cup tinned

Luncheon meat/ canned processed meat- ¼ cup cubes

Poached fish/ shrimps etc- 1 cup 

For the dressing of the salad:

Olive oil- ¼ cup

Mustard paste- 1 tsp

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Lime juice/ white vinegar/ balsamic vinegar- 2-3 tsp

Sugar-1/4 tsp

Flax seeds/ sunflower seeds/ chia seeds- 1-2 tsp

Parsley- 2 tsp chopped

Raisins- 2-3 tsp chopped

Almond flakes- 2 tsp

For the garnish of the salad:

Micro- greens- ½ cup

Fresh assorted herbs like basil/ thyme/ rosemary- a few sprigs

Cherry tomatoes- 3-4 no cut 1 x 2

Crushed black pepper- ¼ tsp

Feta cheese- 100 gms, crumbled.

Method:

1. Pre-prep all the ingredients for the crunchy veg and feta salad.

2. Place the lettuce leaves in chilled water to retain their freshness and texture.

3. Mix up all the ingredients for the dressing in a jar or small bottle and shake it well/ mix well if using a mixing bowl. I usually prepare these kind of dressings ahead of time and keep them refrigerated for a week or so.

4. Just before serving the salad, we need to have the salad plate ready and a mixing bowl to toss up the body of the salad with the dressing.

5. Drain up the lettuce leaves and pat dry them, place them on the salad plate, top it up with the prepared salad, garnish appropriately and serve immediately.

Recipe- 2] HERBED SPINACH WITH FUNGI AND FETA CHEESE ROLLS

Ingredients:

For the dough/ wrapper of the rolls:

Maida- 1 cup

Salt-1/4 tsp

Oil-2 tsp

Pepper powder-1 pinch

Egg yolk-1 no, optional

Warm water as needed.

We can ideally also use readymade wrappers/ spring roll covers which are readily available as well.

For the Feta and Fungi filling:

Fresh button mushrooms- 100 gms, thinly sliced

Spinach leaves- 1 bunch, cleaned- blanched, fine chopped

Pine nuts/ roasted crushed peanuts- 2-3 tbsp.

Feta cheese- 100 gms, crumbled

Olive oil- 2 tsp

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Onion-1/2 chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Maida-1 tsp

Maida- water paste for sealing the rolls

Oil- to deep fry the rolls.

Method: 

1. Decide between using ready to use wrappers or prepare the dough using maida and keep it aside to rest for 20 mins, divide into 12-14 equal portions and roll them out very thin using little dry maida.

2. Prepare the ingredients for the filling, heat olive oil and saute onions, garlic, add in the mushrooms, spinach, nuts, seasonings, herbs, chili flakes and cook on a medium flame for 3-4 mins, add in the maida and mix well.

3. Once the mixture starts cooking and excess moisture is absorbed and or evaporated, turn off the flame and then add in the feta cheese, mix lightly and keep aside to cool.

4. Place the feta filling on each rolled out portion and apply little sealing liquid on the sides, roll it up like spring rolls and deep fry in medium hot oil and fry until lightly golden browned. Drain off excess oil and serve hot with dipping sauces.

Recipe- 3] INDO FUSION MINCED MEAT WITH FETA

Ingredients:

Oil-2 tsp

Butter-2 tsp

Bayleaf- 1 no

Peppercorns- 3-4 no

Garlic- 1 tsp

Onion-1 small chopped

Tomato-1 small chopped

Mincemeat/ mutton keema- 250 gms

Green peas-1 cup par boiled.

Salt and pepper to taste

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Chili flakes- ½ tsp

Garam masala powder-1/4 tsp

Tomato puree-1/2 cup

Chili sauce- 2 tsp

Water-1/2 cup

Tomato ketchup- 2-3 tbsp.

Boiled macaroni pasta- 1 cup

Boiled mashed potatoes- 3-4 med sized.

White sauce- 1 and a half cup

Fresh cream- 2-3 tbsp.

Grated cheese- ½ cup

Black olives- 6- 8 no

Green olives- 5-6 no

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the baked dish recipe.

2. Heat oil and butter in a pan and add in the whole spices and onions, saute them for a couple of minutes, add in garlic, and mincemeat.

3. Saute the keema on a medium high flame for few mins, add in the masala and herbs, chili flakes, salt and pepper to taste.

4. Add in tomatoes, puree and bhunao the keema for 4-5 mins to get over with the raw ness in the mincemeat.

5. Add in little water and allow the mincemeat to cook on a low flame for 20-25 mins, add in the green peas and mix, cook for 10 mins, finally add in the chili sauce, tomato ketchup and mix well.

6. Now grease a baking dish and pre-heat oven to 180 deg celsius and start layering the dish starting with keema mix, white sauce, macaroni pasta, cheese and then mashed potatoes, followed by keema again, top it up with cheese on the top and drizzle little cream as well. Place the dish for baking for around 15- 18 mins, and remove. Finally garnish it with the olives and fresh herbs and serve it hot with garlic bread, assorted bread rolls etc.

Recipe-4] MARINATED TOMATO – OLIVE & FETA BITES

Ingredients:

For the base of the canapes:

Sliced french bread/ baguette- 10-12 pieces

Brown bread/ white bread- 4-5 slices, cut into shapes

Olive oil- 2-3 tbsp. to drizzle and toast the base

For the topping:

Feta cheese- ½ cup crumbled

Shallots- 10-12 no sliced

Olive oil- 2-3 tbsp.

Garlic- 2 tsp chopped

Tomato- ½ cup chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Red capsicums-1/2 no fine chopped

Mixed herbs- ½ tsp 

Balsamic vinegar- 2 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Tomato ketchup- 2-3 tsp

Walnuts- 2-3 tsp chopped

Fresh basil leaves- 8-10 no

White wine- 2-3 tbsp.

Olives- 3-4 no sliced, black or green

Method:

1. Pre-prep all the ingredients for the quick fix snack bites.

2. Apply or brush a little olive oil on the base or choice of bread being used, pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees celsius and toast it for 3-4 mins, remove and keep aside.

3. Heat oil in a pan, saute the garlic, shallots for a couple of mins, add in the capsicums and seasonings, herbs, chili flakes, tomatoes, wine and cook for 4-6 mins.

4. Turn off the flame add in the balsamic vinegar, and all other ingredients including feta and nuts. Mix lightly and keep aside.

5. Just before serving we need to assemble the canape bites on the toasted bread pieces by spooning over the mixture and garnish it appropriately with fresh herbs, micro- greens, olives etc 

Recipe- 5] AIOLI AND FETA STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST

Ingredients:

For the chicken breast marination:

Boneless chicken breasts- 400 gms, without bones and skin.

Oil- 2-3 tbsp.

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh herbs- ½ tsp

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Soya sauce- 2 tsp

Red chili sauce- 2 tsp

White wine/ vinegar- 2-3 tsp

Roasted crushed fennel seeds- 1-2 tsp

For the stuffing of the chicken breasts:

Feta cheese- ½ cup crumbled

Assorted nuts- 2-3 tbsp. chopped

Sliced mushrooms-1 cup

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Onion- 1 small chopped

Parsley-2 tbsp. chopped

Breadcrumbs- ½ cup

Melted butter-1/2 cup

Grated processed cheese-2-3 tbsp.

Salt and pepper to taste

To serve the chicken breasts:

Sliced tomatoes-1/2 cup

Onion rings- ½ cup

Assorted lettuce leaves- 1 cup

Sliced lime- 5-6 no

Olives/jalapenos/pickled veggies- as desired.

Method:

1. Prepare all the components and ingredients for the chicken recipe.

2. Clean, wash and pat dry the chicken breasts, apply the marination and mix well and keep aside for 12- 15 mins.

3. To prepare the stuffing for the chicken breasts, warm up the butter in a pan add in the garlic, onions, saute for a few mins, add in the mushrooms, salt, pepper, herbs, chili flakes, breadcrumbs and mix well.

4. Cook the mixture for a couple of mins and turn off the flame, cool for 10 mins and then add in the parsley, feta and processed cheese, mix.

5. Stuff the chicken breasts, close the edges beating it a little with the back of a knife and place them on a roasting tray, cook it in the oven for 15- 18 mins at 180 degrees celsius, cover with aluminium foil and cook if the heat gets too high. Using a knife cut and check once chicken is cooked. Remove and serve hot. Garnish the plate with fresh crispy cuts of veggies and enjoy the chicken with a splash of fresh lime juice.

Recipe- 6] VEGGIE PAN PASTA WITH FETA 

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

Spaghetti pasta/your choice- 150 gms, boiled

Olive oil- 2-3 tbsp.

Garlic- 2 tsp chopped

Onion-1 small chopped

Red capsicum- ½ cut into strips

Yellow capsicums-1/2 cut into strips

Green capsicums- ½ cut into strips

Salt to taste

Crushed black pepper to taste

Garam masala powder-1/4 tsp

Fresh basil- 6-8 leaves

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Tomato sauce- 1 cup

Water/stock-1/2 cup

Red chili sauce/tabasco-1-2 tsp

Peanut butter-2 tsp

Tomato ketchup- 2-3 tbsp.

Fresh cream – ½ cup

Feta cheese- 150 gms, crumbled

Breadcrumbs-1/2 cup

For the assorted choice of veggies:

Roasted/ fried cubes of eggplant

Blanched cubes of zucchini- green/yellow

Blanched broccoli florets

Blanched asparagus spears

Blanched baby carrots

Artichoke/ bamboo shoots/ water chestnuts

To serve with:

Assorted bread rolls

Herbed bread

Focaccia bread

Whole wheat and flax seed rolls

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the yummy pasta recipe.

2. Boil water add in a little oil and salt and boil the pasta of your choice until just firm to the bite/ al dente stage, drain the water, refresh the pasta and keep aside.

3. To prepare the pasta in the pan, heat oil and add in the garlic, onions and saute for a few seconds. Add in the choice of veggies as desired from the list and add seasonings, herbs, chili flakes and little water/stock and allow the veggies to get cooked.

4. Add in the sauces, add in the cooked pasta and peppers, give it all a nice mix, simmer the pan and cook for 3-4 mins. Add in a little fresh cream, herbs, peanut butter and mix well, cook for another 2 mins, turn off the flame.

5. Finally portion the feta crumbles on the top just before serving and add a touch of finesse with olives, micro-greens, herbs of your choice etc. serve hot.

Ingredient Ideology | Catching Up With Cashews: The Wondernut By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

Cashew Nuts come from fruit producing trees, the fruit also known as cashew apple which resembles a bell pepper is what is called a false fruit, a fascinating sight of nature and a master of deception the real fruit dangles from the bottom of the cashew apple guarding within it a single seed known to us a cashewnuts which is commonly considered a snack nut eaten on its own and used in recipes or processed into cashew cheese or cashew butter as well for vegan cooking. 

In its raw form the cashew kernel is soft, white and meaty, when roasted it enhances its taste and color. Among various varieties like almonds and hazelnuts, cashewnuts enjoys a topmost position and it is hard to resist as a snack at all important social functions especially in the west. It is also believed that around four centuries ago the adventurous Portuguese came sailing down the indian coast and brought along the priceless tree and nut called cashew also known as the wonder nut of the world.

Let us check out a few health benefits of the wonder cashewnuts:

• Cashew is known as an energising food and is also high in dietary fiber.

• Cashew is also a good source of minerals and proteins.

• Cashew is zero cholesterol nut and is healthy for us.

• Cashew is high in levels of anti-oxidants.

• Cashew helps maintain healthy gums and teeth.

• Cashewnuts has a high copper content and is vital in energy production.

• Cashews are heart friendly food though must be consumed in moderation.

Uses of Cashewnuts in Cooking & Baking:

• Cashews have been popularly served plain, with the skin on, roasted, salted and even fried and spiced as a snack.

• Cashews are a great thickening agent in our indian curries and gravy recipes.

• Cashewnuts go well into our sweets, mithai like Kaju katri and Kaju burfi, also puddings, pies, tarts and muffins too.

• Cashews are good to use as a garnish for our indian sweets like phirni, kheer, basundi etc.

• Cashews in biscuits, cookies, chocolates and milkshakes, smoothies and health power drinks also work well.

• Cashewnuts have also been a part of stuffing and fillings for cutlets, samosas, Kachories and many savoury dishes including being added into biryanis and pulao’s.

Here are a few Interesting and Yummy Recipes with Cashewnuts!

Recipe-1] PEPPERY CASHEW STIR FRY

Ingredients

Oil- 2 tsp

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Ginger-1 tsp chopped

Green chilies-2 slit

Red chilies- 2 slit

Red capsicums-1/2 no cubes

Green capsicum-1/2 no cubes

Spring onions- 3-4 sliced

Lemon grass- 4-5 pieces’ cut

Fresh basil leaves- 5-6 no

Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

Water/veg stock-1 cup

Cottage cheese/ tofu- 150 gms cubes

Cashews-1/2 cup fried

Soy sauce- 1 tsp

Red chili sauce- 2 tsp

Tomato ketchup- 2 tsp

Corn flour and water solution- 2 tbsp. to thicken up.

Spring onion greens- 2 tbsp. for garnish.

Toasted white sesame seeds- 2 tsp for garnish.

Method:

1. Heat oil in a pan, saute the garlic, ginger, chilies and lemon grass for a few seconds, add in the sliced spring onions and cook for 1 min.

2. Add in the sauces, seasonings and capsicums and allow to cook for 3-4 mins, now add the corn flour and water solution and thicken up the gravy to medium or semi-dry if serving as a starter.

3.Finally add in the cubes of cottage cheese/tofu and fried cashews and mix well, simmer for 3-4 mins and serve hot garnished with spring onion greens and toasted white sesame seeds.

Recipe-2] HEALTHY WHOLESOME CASHEW BROTH

Ingredients

Oil- 2 tsp

Cumin seeds- ½ tsp

Cloves-3-4 no

Curry leaves-5-6 no

Garlic-1 tsp sliced

Ginger- 2 tsp shredded

Green chilies-2 no slit

Red chilies- 2 no sliced

Onion-1/2 chopped

Cashew paste-2 tbsp.

Cashews- ¼ cup

Carrots-1/2 no cubes

French beans- 3-4 no cut into pieces

Cauliflower- 4-5 florets

Mushrooms- 4-5 cut 1x2 

Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

Coriander powder- 1 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Water/veg stock-2 -3 cups

Corn flour and water solution- 2- 3 tbsp.

Coconut milk- 1 and a half cup

Chopped coriander- 2 tbsp.

Roasted crushed peanuts-2 tbsp.

Lime juice- 2 tsp

Method:

1. Heat oil in a pan, add in the cloves, cumin seeds, garlic, ginger and chilies, onions and give it a light saute. 

2. Add in the assorted vegetables of your choice or as listed above and add in the powdered spices, salt and pepper and add water or vegetable stock and allow to boil and then simmer for 10-12 mins.

3. Now add in the cashew paste and coconut milk and some chopped coriander leaves and allow to simmer further for 4-5 mins or until all vegetables are cooked just to the crunch.

4. Slightly thicken the soup if desired with a little cornflour water solution or else enjoy it as a nice light broth with bits and pieces of veggies and richness of cashew and mild coconut flavor.

5. Lastly, garnish the soup with fresh herbs, fried or toasted cashews, chili flakes, fried onions, fried garlic cloves, add in a splash of fresh lime juice just before serving the cuppa soup.

Recipe- 3] CASHEW CORN FRIED RICE

Ingredients

Boiled white/brown rice- 2 cups

Oil-2 tsp

Garlic-2 tsp chopped

Green chilies- 2 no slit

Spring Onions- 4-5 no chopped

Boiled sweet corn- 1 cup

White sesame seeds- 2 tsp

Capsicums-1/2 no chopped

French beans- 4-5 cut into 1 inch pieces.

Carrot-1/2 cut into small dices

Salt and crushed black pepper

Soy sauce- 1 tsp

Red chili sauce- 2 tsp

Green chili sauce- 2 tsp

White vinegar-1 tsp

Spring onion greens- 2 tbsp. chopped

Fried/toasted cashews- ¼ cup for the final garnish.

Method:

1. To prepare the cashew corn fried rice, heat oil in a pan add in the chilies, garlic, onions and saute them for 1 min, add in the boiled corn and all other veggies and saute them for 4-5 mins.

2. Also add in the seasonings, sauces and little water just to keep the veggies a little moist in the pan and add in the cooked rice of your choice and toasted sesame seeds and give it all a nice stir fry.

3. Cook the fried rice on a medium flame for 3-4 mins and check for taste and adjust accordingly, add in the white vinegar and spring onions, cashews towards the end and serve it hot!

Recipe-4] CASHEW COCONUT CHICKEN TRIO

Ingredients

Oil-2 tsp.

Boneless chicken cubes- 250 gms no skin.

Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

To marinate the chicken:

Soy sauce- 2 tsp

Red chili sauce- 2 tsp

Honey- 1 tsp

Salt and pepper to taste

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Additional ingredients for the recipe:

Cashews- ¼ cup fried/toasted

Red capsicum-1/2 no cut into large cubes

Yellow capsicum-1/2 no cut into large cubes

White sesame seeds- 2 tsp toasted

Desiccated coconut-2 tbsp.

Garlic-2 tsp chopped

Ginger juliennes- 2 tsp

Slit red chilies- 2 no.

Lemon grass- 3-4 pieces’ cut

Fresh basil leaves- 8-10 no

Water/chicken stock-2 cups

Schezuan sauce/chutney- 2 tsp.

Tomato sauce- 2 tbsp.

Corn flour and water solution- 2 tbsp. to thicken up

Steamed white rice/ jasmine rice to serve with.

Spring onion greens/ herbs for garnish

Method:

1. Marinate the chicken cubes and keep aside for 10-15 mins.

2. Heat oil in a pan or a wok and saute the ginger, garlic, red chilies and onions, lemongrass for a minute.

3. Add in the capsicums and chicken cubes and saute them, add in the seasonings, schezuan sauce, desiccated coconut and little water or stock allow chicken to cook for 8-10 mins on a medium flame.

4. Now add in the liquid as desired to get a texture to the gravy and add corn flour water solution and thicken up the gravy to the desired consistency, add in the cashews and mix them in well.

5. Add in the herbs, greens and sesame seeds and serve the delicious cashew coconut chicken trio with a nice portion of steamed rice!

Recipe-5] KAJU INDIANA MASALA

Ingredients

Oil-2 tsp

Butter-2 tsp

Cashews-1/2 cup + ¾ cup cashews 

Red chilies- 2-3 

Onions-2 med sized

Tomatoes- 3-4 no med sized

Garlic-ginger paste- 2 tsp mix

Garam masala powder-1/2 tsp

Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp

Coriander powder-1 tsp

Red chili powder- ½ tsp

Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp

Salt to taste

Kasuri methi- 2 tsp

Fresh cream/malai-2 tbsp.

Coriander leaves- 2 tbsp. chopped

Milk-1/2 cup to grind

Method:

1. In a pan take 1 tsp oil and 1 tsp butter and add in the red chilies, tomatoes, onions, ½ cup cashews, ginger-garlic paste and saute it well for a few minutes until soft and tender, cool it a bit and then add ½ cup milk and grind it all to a smooth paste and keep aside.

2. Heat up 1 tsp oil and butter and add in the cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds, add in the prepared paste mixture and the remaining cashews.

3. Add in the powdered spices and salt to taste along with kasuri methi, cream and mix it all up well and simmer for 5-6 mins on a low flame add ½ cup water as needed to adjust the texture of the gravy and finally serve hot garnished with fresh coriander leaves/ fried red chili/ fresh cream/nuts and seeds, serve with hot parathas, phulkas and salad/raita.

Recipe-6] CASHEW AND FOX NUT PUDDING

Ingredients

Milk- 750 ml

Ghee-1 tsp

Green cardamom/ cinnamon powder- ¼ tsp

Fox nuts/ makhanas- 1 cup

Cashew paste- 2 tbsp.

Mava- 2 tbsp. grated

Coconut milk-1/2 cup

Fried/toasted cashews- 8-10 roughly cut to add later.

Saffron- 1 pinch

Rose water- 2 tsp

Sugar/jaggery/organic coconut sugar- as desired as per taste.

Raisins-2 tsp chopped

Assorted fresh fruits- mango, pears, grapes, pomegranate seeds etc as desired for layering the sweet dish, chopped dates may also be used.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the cashew and fox nut pudding.

2. Heat up the milk in a saucepan, add in the saffron, cardamom/cinnamon powder and mava, sweetener of your choice and stir well and cook it all for 3-4 mins.

3. Now add in the makhanas and allow them to simmer in the milk for 10-12 mins, add in the cashew paste and coconut milk as well and cook on low flame for another 4-6 mins.

4. Allow to cool and reach room temperature and add a few drops of rose water, mix and then assemble the sweet into dessert cups/bowls/pudding dishes alternating It with a later of cut fresh fruits/dates and cashews in between as well, allow to chill for 1-2 hours and serve the pudding.

Ingredient Ideology | Passion For Potatoes By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

Presenting a fusion melting pot of ideas using our favourite potatoes!

Potatoes a favourite of almost all of us, one ingredient which we can rarely do without in our kitchens. Near and dear one, also turns out to being a saviour amidst us while cooking many recipes, be it adding up volume into the recipe or absorbing up a little over normal salt added in a dish during the cooking process, it has the ability and capacity to please us in a number of ways.

Potatoes are a good source of fiber, which can help you lose weight by keeping you full longer. Fiber can help prevent heart disease by keeping cholesterol and blood sugar levels in check. Potatoes are also full of antioxidants that work to prevent diseases and vitamins that help your body function properly.

Besides indian cooking, potatoes are a world famous commodity and has been with global culinary world since thousands of years now. New or old category of potatoes as we usually classify them are both equally nutritious and beneficial to us in a number of ways, infact some of them are also rated on size from small baby potatoes to the medium and the large. 

Here are a few Health Benefits of Potatoes:

• Potatoes are a rich source of magnesium, iron and ascorbic acid, beneficial for our body in a number of ways.

• Potatoes minimise sugar absorption & help in digestion.

• Potatoes are rich in Vitamin – C, Vitamin –B6 & copper too.

• Potatoes are regarded as best energy producing vegetable.

• Potatoes are low in sodium & reduce inflammation.

• Potatoes offer liver cleansing & control blood pressure.

• Potatoes are high in Vitamin-A & also prevent kidney stones.

Let us now try out a few of my recipes using our favorite POTATOES:

Recipe-1] CRISPY INDO-FRENCH POTATO CROQUETTES

Ingredients:

For the potato mixture:

Boiled mashed potatoes- 2 cups/ approx. 5-6 med sized potatoes

Salt to taste

White/black pepper powder-1/4 tsp

Butter-2 tsp at room temperature

Egg yolk-1 no- optional.

Grated cheese- 2-3 tsp- optional.

Nutmeg powder/ jaiphal- 1 pinch

Chaat masala-1/4 tsp

Roasted crushed jeera- ¼ tsp

Parsley & mint leaves- 2 tsp each chopped

Bread crumbs-1 cup for binding and coating as well

Maida / corn flour- ¼ cup for binding and for the dipping mixture with water

Oil- to deep fry

To serve with:

Chili Mili Mayo Dip:

Mayonnaise-1/2 cup

Chopped green chilies-1 tsp

Coriander-1 tsp chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Mango pickle masala-1/2 tsp

Mix and chill.

Method:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine together all the ingredients for the potato croquette recipe, mix up the ingredients for the dip and chill until used.

2. Add seasonings, herbs and flavorings as desired to taste and add breadcrumbs along with little maida/cornflour and butter and bind it well together.

3.Divide the potato mixture into 12-14 even portions lemon sized and apply little oil on the hands/fingers and shape every portion into a cylindrical shape and dip it in a coating batter of maida and water and then coat with breadcrumbs and place on a plate.

4. Prepare all the portions the same way, as a variation we can also stuff them with combination of grated cheese with nuts, cooked mincemeat with cheese or nuts etc as well, capsicum, cheese, cooked mushrooms etc can be used as well.

5. Chill the prepared portions in the fridge for 30 mins, heat oil for frying to a medium hot flame and slide in the croquettes one by one and fry them well on all sides to nice golden color, remove on a kitchen paper, drain off excess oil and serve with the prepared chilled dip.

Recipe-2] HASSLE FREE HERBED POTATOES

Ingredients:

Potatoes- 10-12 no medium sized.

For the marination:

Oil/ olive oil- 2-3 tbsp.

Salt to taste

Black pepper powder-1/2 tsp

Mixed herbs- 1 tsp preferably use fresh herbs.

Chili flakes- 1 tsp

Honey-2-3 tsp

Soy sauce- 2 tsp

Red chili sauce- 2 tsp

White vinegar-2 tsp

Butter- 2-3 tbsp. melted

Parsley- 2-3 tsp

Parmesan cheese/ cheese- 2-3 tsp grated for garnish.

Dip to serve alongside with the Potatoes:

Hung curd- 1 cup, beaten and thick

Cream cheese- 2 tsp

Salt and pepper to taste

Mustard paste-1/2 tsp

Chaat masala-1/2 tsp

Mint and coriander leaves- 2 tsp chopped

Dates-2-3 chopped.

Mix well and chill until used.

Method:

1. Clean and rinse the potatoes few times under running water.

2. Scrub the potatoes with a little regular salt to remove any dirt etc and rinse again.

3. Do not peel them for this recipe, using a sharp knife make slit slices as shown in the pic in every potato and keep in salted water for 10 mins.

4. In a mixing bowl combine together the oil based marination for the potatoes and using a kitchen brush apply the marination in and on every potato and arrange them on a baking tray and put them to bake/ roast in a pre-heated oven at 160 degrees for 25-30 mins.

5.Remove the potatoes from the oven and arrange on a serving platter and place the prepared dip alongside and serve as a snack.

Recipe-3] INDO- AMERICAN POTATO CUPS

Ingredients

Potatoes- 4-5 no slightly oval or elongated shaped, cut half horizontally and par boil them, scoop out the center part and use in stuffing.

For the marination:

Oil- 2-3 tsp

Mustard paste- 1 tsp

Salt and pepper to taste

Mixed herbs- 1 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Chaat masala-1/2 tsp

Red chili sauce- 2 tsp

For the stuffing:

Baked beans-1/2 cup tinned

Scooped out potatoes- chopped

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Onion-1 small chopped

Green chilies-1 tsp

Oil-1 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Chicken sausages-2-3 chopped/sliced

Tomato ketchup-2 tsp

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped coriander-2 tsp

Garam masala powder-1/4 tsp

Capsicum-1/2 chopped

Red chili sauce-1 tsp

Grated cheese-2-3 tbsp. topping.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the stuffed potato recipe.

2. Heat oil and butter and saute the garlic, onions, chilies and add in the capsicums, sausages or any veggies of your choice and baked beans from a tin and add along salt and all spices, herbs, flavorings and sauces to taste.

3. Cook the mixture on a low flame for 4-5 mins and turn off the flame, stuff the parboiled potato cups with this mixture and top with cheese and place it on a baking tray and bake them at 160 degrees Celsius for 20-25 mins.

4. Serve them as a snack with dips and sauces of your choice or as a side dish to main course or mini meal.

Recipe-4] INDO- MEXICAN POTATO WEDGES

Ingredients:

Potatoes-4-5 no cut into wedges

For the marination:

Oil- 2-3 tbsp.

Chopped garlic-1 tbsp.

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Chaat masala-1/2 tsp

Black salt-1/4 tsp

Black pepper powder-1/4 tsp

Coriander powder- 2 tsp

Cumin powder-1 tsp

Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp

Garam masala powder-1/4 tsp

Salt to taste

Melted butter-1/4 cup

Chopped coriander/ parsley-2 tbsp.

Dip to serve alongside with the wedges:

Tomato ketchup-2 tsp

Tomato puree-1/2 cup

Garlic-2 tsp chopped

Olive oil-2 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Red chili sauce-2 tsp

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Chopped coriander-2 tsp

Cook all the above in a pan for 2-3 mins and keep warm.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the potato wedges recipe.

2. In a mixing bowl combine together the marinate and apply it on the potato wedges, pre-heat oven to 160 degrees Celsius and place the potato on a baking tray to cook in the oven for 25- 30 mins.

3. Remove and arrange them on a serving platter, and serve with the prepared warm tomato dip and also suggested to serve with the mexican avocado dip called guacamole.

Recipe-5] INDO- WESTERN MASHED POTATOES

Ingredients:

Potatoes- 5-6 large ones, boiled, peeled and mashed.

To add into the mashed potatoes:

Olive oil- 2 tsp

Melted butter-1/4 cup

Salt and crushed black pepper-to taste

Red chili powder-1/4 tsp

Chaat masala-1/4 tsp

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Spring onions-2-3 chopped

Parsley-2- 3 tsp chopped

Lime juice-2 tsp

Toasted/ fried peanuts- 2-3 tbsp.

Sunflower seeds/ flax seeds- 2 tsp toasted-crushed.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the indo-western mashed potatoes.

2. Once the potatoes are boiled, peeled, mashed add the ingredients into it while they are still warm, saute the garlic and onion in the oil and butter and then add into the potatoes.

3. Cream the mixture well in order to mix in the flavors and getting them well blended into the potatoes.

4. Serve them immediately with toasted bread/ lavash or cheese straws/ fancy bread rolls etc.

Recipe-6] LETS BAKE ON WITH LAYERED POTATOES

Ingredients

Potatoes- 3-4 medium sized, peeled and sliced, par boiled.

To prepare the filling for the layered potato recipe:

Oil-2 tsp

Butter-2 tsp

Garlic-2 tsp chopped

Onion-1 chopped

Chicken mince/ soya granules-1 cup

Green peas- ½ cup

Assorted capsicums-1/2 cup chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Mixed herbs and chili flakes to taste

Water/stock-1/2 cup

Garam masala powder-1/4 tsp

Tomato puree-1/2 cup

Tomato ketchup-2 tbsp.

Red chili sauce- 2 tsp

Sliced onions-1 cup saute in little oil and butter until light pink

Grated cheese/ cream cheese- 2 tbsp.

Coriander/ parsley-2 tsp chopped.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the layered baked potato combi recipe.

2. Pre-heat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius and grease a deep baking dish with olive oil/butter.

3. Heat oil and butter in a pan saute the garlic, onions until light pink in color add in the green capsicums, peas, and the chicken keema or the soya granules which can be soaked in warm water earlier for around 15 mins, drained and added here.

4. Add in the tomato puree, ketchup, salt and other seasonings, herbs, and mix well. Simmer and cook for 15-18 mins.

5. Layer this mixture with the sliced potatoes, little cheese and the saute sliced onions and allow to bake for 20-25 mins, serve hot with garlic bread, french bread or masala herbed focaccia.

Ingredient Ideology | Calling On Shakshuka – A Middle- Eastern Delicacy! By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

Shakshuka is a Maghrebi dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, olive oil, peppers, onion and garlic, commonly spiced with cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper. It is also said that Shakshuka is a delicious combination of eggs, tomatoes, and spices popular across the Middle East and North Africa. Shakshuka comes in many shapes and sizes. The dish is likely of Tunisian or Yemini origin, and the name is thought to originate from either Arabic or Amazigh (Berber) for "mixture." The exact provenance of the word is often contested, but, like the names of many Maghrebi dishes and terms, is believed to come from the language of the Amazigh (or Berber) people indigenous to the region. 

The best part about it is that Shakshuka is an easy, healthy breakfast (or any time of day) recipe in Israel and other parts of the Middle East and North Africa. It's a simple combination of simmering tomatoes, onions, garlic, spices and gently poached eggs. It's nourishing, filling and one recipes guarantee you'll make time and again and enjoy them. While we also know that Shakshuka is a simple dish made of gently poached eggs in a delicious chunky tomato and bell pepper sauce. Said to have originated in Tunisia, this breakfast recipe is popular in many parts of North Africa and the Middle East. It is so satisfying, you can serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Talking about the health benefits of it, Shakshuka is a delicious combination of eggs, tomatoes, and spices popular across the Middle East and North Africa. Shakshuka comes in many shapes and sizes. In fact, this shakshuka recipe has many health benefits, and it's a great food to incorporate into your diet. Traditional shakshuka is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium, the eggs add lots of protein and the feta has lots of calcium. This dish is nourishing and deliciously health friendly. What to serve with this easy shakshuka recipe? It is traditionally served for breakfast with warm pita bread, challah, or naan. Also pairs well with hummus, grits, roasted potatoes, herb salad, cucumber salad, or Greek salad, according to some food historians, shakshuka originated in Yemen, while others claim it came from the Ottoman Empire. It is only known that to Israel, the dish came from northeast African cultures, and more specifically, from the Libyan-Tunisian region. The best baked eggs in the world – Shakshuka! A Middle Eastern and North African dish traditionally served up for breakfast or lunch, this can be made entirely on the stove or finished in the oven.

Here are a few of my ideas with Shakshuka which can be easily made and relished!

Recipe-1] BEAN AND VEG SHAKSHUKA

Ingredients:

Oil- 2-3 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Star anise-1-2 for flavour

Cinnamon stick- 1-inch piece

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Green chilies- 1-2 tsp chopped

Onion-1 small chopped/ sliced

Tomatoes- 2-3 small, fresh puree/ blanched, peeled and chopped

Tomato puree-2-3 tsp ready to use

Red chili sauce- 1-2 tsp

Salt to taste

Black / white pepper powder to taste

Cumin powder-1/2 tsp

Coriander powder-1 tsp

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp

Tomato ketchup- 2-3 tbsp.

Grated cheese-2-3 tsp

Fresh cream- 2-3 tsp

Fresh coriander leaves- 2-3 tbsp. chopped

Or fresh parsley- 2-3 tsp chopped

Green/red/ yellow capsicums- ½ cup shredded

Baked beans- ½ cup from the tin

Any other assorted veggies- sliced mushrooms/ blanched sliced Babycorn or boiled American corn/ diced zucchini can also be used.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the shakshuka recipe and assemble them.

2. Choose a thick bottomed pan to do this recipe ideally will be nice to have a tight fitting lid too since it can help in the cooking process.

3. To start the recipe, heat oil in the pan, add in the whole spices from star anise to cinnamon/ green cardamom etc and flavour the pan.

4. Add in the garlic, onions, chilies as per taste and saute for a few seconds. Now add in the tomatoes saute them, add in a few basic spices a little water to prevent burning, cook the mixture for 1-2 mins, add in salt to taste as well.

5. Add in the cream, tomato ketchup, chili sauce etc and mix, add in capsicums or any choice of veggies, also add in the baked beans, break open the eggs and place them in the pan carefully not to break the yolks.

6.Cover and cook the shakshuka on a low to medium flame for around 6- 8 mins, allowing the eggs to settle down and get cooked too.

7.Finally add in the grated cheese and fresh coriander or parsley and serve it hot with assorted breads.

Recipe-2] BELL PEPPER & CHICKEN SHAKSHUKA

Ingredients:

Oil- 2-3 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Bayleaf- 1 no

Black peppercorns- 3-4 no

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Ginger-1 tsp chopped

Green chilies- 1-2 tsp chopped

Onion-1 small chopped/ sliced

Tomatoes- 2-3 small, fresh puree/ blanched, peeled and chopped

Tomato puree-2-3 tsp ready to use

Red chili sauce- 1-2 tsp

Salt to taste

Black / white pepper powder to taste

Cumin powder-1/2 tsp

Coriander powder-1 tsp

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp

Tomato ketchup- 2-3 tbsp.

Grated cheese-2-3 tsp

Fresh cream- 2-3 tsp

Fresh coriander leaves- 2-3 tbsp. chopped

Or fresh parsley- 2-3 tsp chopped

Green/red/ yellow capsicums- ½ cup shredded

Boiled cubed chicken -1 cup/ sliced chicken sausages-1/2 cup

Any other assorted veggies- sliced mushrooms/ blanched sliced Babycorn or boiled American corn/ diced zucchini can also be used.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the shakshuka recipe and assemble them.

2. Choose a thick bottomed pan to do this recipe ideally will be nice to have a tight fitting lid too since it can help in the cooking process.

3. To start the recipe, heat oil in the pan, add in the whole spices from bay leaf, peppercorns to green cardamom etc and flavour the pan.

4. Add in the garlic, onions, chilies as per taste and saute for a few seconds. Now add in the tomatoes saute them, add in a few basic spices a little water to prevent burning, cook the mixture for 1-2 mins, add in salt to taste as well.

5. Add in the cream, tomato ketchup, chili sauce etc and mix, add in the bell peppers or capsicums or any choice of veggies, also add in the boiled chicken cubes or sliced sausages, break open the eggs and place them in the pan carefully not to break the yolks.

6.Cover and cook the shakshuka on a low to medium flame for around 6- 8 mins, allowing the eggs to settle down and get cooked too.

7.Finally add in the grated cheese and fresh coriander or parsley and serve it hot with assorted breads.

Recipe-3] HERBED CHICKPEA SHAKSHUKA

Ingredients:

Oil- 2-3 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Bayleaf- 1 no

Black peppercorns- 3-4 no

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Ginger-1 tsp chopped

Green chilies- 1-2 tsp chopped

Onion-1 small chopped/ sliced

Tomatoes- 2-3 small, fresh puree/ blanched, peeled and chopped

Tomato puree-2-3 tsp ready to use

Red chili sauce- 1-2 tsp

Salt to taste

Black / white pepper powder to taste

Cumin powder-1/2 tsp

Coriander powder-1 tsp

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp

Tomato ketchup- 2-3 tbsp.

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Grated cheese-2-3 tsp

Fresh cream- 2-3 tsp

Fresh coriander leaves- 2-3 tbsp. chopped

Or fresh parsley- 2-3 tsp chopped

Boiled chickpeas/ kabuli chana-1 cup

Boiled sweet potato-1/2 cup cubed

Any other assorted veggies- sliced mushrooms/ blanched sliced Babycorn or boiled American corn/ diced zucchini can also be used.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the shakshuka recipe and assemble them.

2. Choose a thick bottomed pan to do this recipe ideally will be nice to have a tight fitting lid too since it can help in the cooking process.

3. To start the recipe, heat oil in the pan, add in the whole spices from Bayleaf to peppercorns to green cardamom etc and flavour the pan.

4. Add in the garlic, onions, chilies as per taste and saute for a few seconds. Now add in the tomatoes saute them, add in a few basic spices a little water to prevent burning, cook the mixture for 1-2 mins, add in salt to taste as well.

5. Add in the cream, tomato ketchup, chili sauce etc and mix, add in the bell peppers or capsicums or any choice of veggies, also add in the boiled cubed sweet potatoes, boiled chickpeas, break open the eggs and place them in the pan carefully not to break the yolks.

6.Cover and cook the shakshuka on a low to medium flame for around 6- 8 mins, allowing the eggs to settle down and get cooked too.

7.Finally add in the grated cheese and fresh coriander or parsley and serve it hot with assorted breads.

Recipe-4] SAUSAGE AND CHEESE SHAKSHUKA

Ingredients:

Oil- 2-3 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Bayleaf- 1 no

Black peppercorns- 3-4 no

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Ginger-1 tsp chopped

Green chilies- 1-2 tsp chopped

Onion-1 small chopped/ sliced

Tomatoes- 2-3 small, fresh puree/ blanched, peeled and chopped

Tomato puree-2-3 tsp ready to use

Red chili sauce- 1-2 tsp

Salt to taste

Black / white pepper powder to taste

Cumin powder-1/2 tsp

Coriander powder-1 tsp

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Garam masala powder-1/4 tsp

Golden fried sliced onions- ¼ cup

Tomato ketchup- 2-3 tbsp.

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Grated cheese-2-3 tbsp. or use 2-3 tsp cream cheese.

Fresh cream- 2-3 tsp

Fresh coriander leaves- 2-3 tbsp. chopped

Or fresh parsley- 2-3 tsp chopped

Sliced chicken sausages- 1 cup, saute in 2 tsp butter.

Boiled sweet potato-1/2 cup cubed

Any other assorted veggies- sliced mushrooms/ blanched sliced Babycorn or boiled American corn/ diced zucchini can also be used.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the shakshuka recipe and assemble them.

2. Choose a thick bottomed pan to do this recipe ideally will be nice to have a tight fitting lid too since it can help in the cooking process.

3. To start the recipe, heat oil in the pan, add in the whole spices from Bayleaf to peppercorns to green cardamom etc and flavour the pan.

4. Add in the garlic, onions, chilies as per taste and saute for a few seconds. Now add in the tomatoes saute them, add in a few basic spices a little water to prevent burning, cook the mixture for 1-2 mins, add in salt to taste as well.

5. Add in the cream, tomato ketchup, chili sauce etc and mix, add in the bell peppers or capsicums or any choice of veggies, also add in the sautéed sliced sausages, garam masala powder, break open the eggs and place them in the pan carefully not to break the yolks.

6.Cover and cook the shakshuka on a low to medium flame for around 6- 8 mins, allowing the eggs to settle down and get cooked too.

7.Finally add in the golden fried sliced onions, grated cheese and fresh coriander or parsley and serve it hot with assorted breads.

Recipe- 5] SPINACH AND HERB SHAKSHUKA

Ingredients:

Oil- 2-3 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Bayleaf- 1 no

Black peppercorns- 3-4 no

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Ginger-1 tsp chopped

Green chilies- 1-2 tsp chopped

Onion-1 small chopped/ sliced

Tomatoes- 2-3 small, fresh puree/ blanched, peeled and chopped

Tomato puree-2-3 tsp ready to use

Spinach-2 cups, blanched and roughly cut

Red chili sauce- 1-2 tsp

Salt to taste

Black / white pepper powder to taste

Cumin powder-1/2 tsp

Coriander powder-1 tsp

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Garam masala powder-1/4 tsp

Golden fried sliced onions- ¼ cup

Tomato ketchup- 2-3 tbsp.

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Grated cheese-2-3 tbsp. or use 2-3 tsp cream cheese.

Fresh cream- 2-3 tsp

Fresh coriander leaves- 2-3 tbsp. chopped

Or fresh parsley- 2-3 tsp chopped

Sliced chicken sausages- 1 cup, saute in 2 tsp butter.

Boiled sweet potato-1/2 cup cubed

Any other assorted veggies- sliced mushrooms/ blanched sliced Babycorn or boiled American corn/ diced zucchini can also be used.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the shakshuka recipe and assemble them.

2. Choose a thick bottomed pan to do this recipe ideally will be nice to have a tight fitting lid too since it can help in the cooking process.

3. To start the recipe, heat oil in the pan, add in the whole spices from Bayleaf to peppercorns to green cardamom etc and flavour the pan.

4. Add in the garlic, onions, chilies as per taste and saute for a few seconds. Now add in the tomatoes saute them, add in a few basic spices a little water to prevent burning, cook the mixture for 1-2 mins, add in salt to taste as well.

5. Add in the cream, tomato ketchup, chili sauce etc and mix, add in the bell peppers or capsicums or any choice of veggies, also add in the blanched and roughly cut spinach leaves, herbs and garam masala powder, break open the eggs and place them in the pan carefully not to break the yolks.

6.Cover and cook the shakshuka on a low to medium flame for around 6- 8 mins, allowing the eggs to settle down and get cooked too.

7.Finally add in the golden fried sliced onions, grated cheese and fresh coriander or parsley and serve it hot with assorted breads.

Recipe-6] ZUCCHINI AND TOMATO SHAKSHUKA

Ingredients:

Oil- 2-3 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Bayleaf- 1 no

Black peppercorns- 3-4 no

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Ginger-1 tsp chopped

Green chilies- 1-2 tsp chopped

Onion-1 small chopped/ sliced

Tomatoes- 2-3 small, fresh puree/ blanched, peeled and chopped

Tomato puree-2-3 tsp ready to use

Yellow zucchini cubes- 1 cup, blanched

Red chili sauce- 1-2 tsp

Salt to taste

Black / white pepper powder to taste

Cumin powder-1/2 tsp

Coriander powder-1 tsp

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Garam masala powder-1/4 tsp

Golden fried sliced onions- ¼ cup

Tomato ketchup- 2-3 tbsp.

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Grated cheese-2-3 tbsp. or use 2-3 tsp cream cheese.

Fresh cream- 2-3 tsp

Fresh coriander leaves- 2-3 tbsp. chopped

Or fresh parsley- 2-3 tsp chopped

Sliced chicken sausages- 1 cup, saute in 2 tsp butter.

Boiled sweet potato-1/2 cup cubed

Any other assorted veggies- sliced mushrooms/ blanched sliced Babycorn or boiled American corn/ diced eggplant can also be used.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the shakshuka recipe and assemble them.

2. Choose a thick bottomed pan to do this recipe ideally will be nice to have a tight fitting lid too since it can help in the cooking process.

3. To start the recipe, heat oil in the pan, add in the whole spices from Bayleaf to peppercorns to green cardamom etc and flavour the pan.

4. Add in the garlic, onions, chilies as per taste and saute for a few seconds. Now add in the tomatoes saute them, add in a few basic spices a little water to prevent burning, cook the mixture for 1-2 mins, add in salt to taste as well.

5. Add in the cream, tomato ketchup, chili sauce etc and mix, add in the bell peppers or capsicums or any choice of veggies, also add in the blanched yellow zucchini cubes, herbs and garam masala powder, break open the eggs and place them in the pan carefully not to break the yolks.

6.Cover and cook the shakshuka on a low to medium flame for around 6- 8 mins, allowing the eggs to settle down and get cooked too.

7.Finally add in the golden fried sliced onions, grated cheese and fresh coriander or parsley and serve it hot with assorted breads.

Ingredient Ideology | It’s Festivity Time- Ganapati Bappa Morya By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

A Melange Of Desi Flavors To Offer This Festive Season

We are finally at that part of the year when the festivity has just begun! With the onset of the auspicious occasion of Lord Ganesh Festival, we are now looking up to a series of occasions to celebrate, have an array of spreads and sweet treats to entice our palate and offer the blessed delicacies to our loved ones, friends & families. Food has always been an integral part of any festival and it somehow connects us together and spreading the joy of happiness and bites of delicious preparations adds it up all the more, making it memorable.

Sweets & mithai are always a temptation but moderation being the key to balance must be always kept in mind. Planning is of vital importance when it comes to festive cooking and especially with the sweets, it is always a good idea to make a list of ingredients needed, approximate quantities required, any special unusual product/ equipment etc needed or so must be on the reminder list before we start getting into the kitchen to get things rolling. Also another important element to perfection here is to follow the recipe and do not always go with just guessing and approximation since some of the sweet recipes need formula balancing as we technically call it.

Here are a few of my favorite sweets, easy to make in your kitchens and offer it to the almighty and loved ones!

Recipe-1] MODAK KA PRASHAD

Ingredients:

For the covering of the modak:

Water-2 cups

Salt-1/2 tsp

Rice flour-2 cups

1-2 tsp ghee

For the stuffing of the modak:

Ghee-1-2 tsp

Coconut- grated-2 cups

Jaggery-1 cup, grated

Green cardamom powder-1/2 tsp

Method:

1. In a thick bottomed pan or kadai firstly prepare the stuffing for the modak prashad.

2. Add ghee to the pan and place in the grated coconut and on a medium to low flame keep sautéing the coconut until it gets nice and aromatic.

3. Now add in the grated jaggery and give It a nice mix, stir it well until the jaggery melts down well into the coconut and flavors it well, finally add the cardamom powder, mix and keep aside.

4. Now let us prepare the covering for the modak, heat up water, salt, ghee in a pan, add in the rice flour and give it a nice mix for a minute or so, cook until the water is all well absorbed, cover and turn off the flame, rest for 3-5 mins.

5. Now knead the mixture by placing it in a large steel bowl and convert it into a dough and use a little wet hand if it feels dry.

6. To shape up the modak, divide the prepared dough mix into small portions, flatten slightly place the coconut filling in the center and start sealing either with hands or using a modak mould.

7. To steam the modak, prepare a steamer with water simmering in it. Place the prepared modak on the racks and continue to steam for 10-12 mins, or until they all look brighter and shiny in texture, carefully take them out of the steamer, arrange on a serving platter and offer to the lord first.

Recipe-2] KESARI BADAMI SHRIKHAND

Ingredients:

Curd- 1 cup

Powder sugar- 4-5 tbsp.

Warm water-1-2 tsp

Saffron strands- 4-6 no

Almonds-2 tsp chopped

Cashews-2 tsp chopped

Cardamom powder-1/4 tsp

Charoli/ assorted nuts as needed for garnish.

Method:

1. Firstly, place a sieve in a large bowl. Place a muslin cloth on it. Transfer the curd on the cloth and tie it. Keep it in the refrigerator for 2-3 hrs or overnight. So that all the water is removed from the curd. Add saffron strands to 1 tsp of warm water and keep aside.

2. Now transfer the hung curd to the sieve and add powder sugar to it. Sieve the curd and sugar. Now add saffron water to the curd and mix everything well. Add cardamom powder and chopped almonds to it and mix well.

3. Lastly, transfer the shrikhand to a serving bowl and garnish with some more chopped almonds and a pinch of cardamom powder. 

Note -
1. Make sure to use fresh thick curd, to have rich quality shrikhand.
2. The amount of sugar depends on the sourness of the curd. Do not use too sour curd for shrikhand.

Recipe- 3] MAAVEDAAR HALWA

Ingredients:

Carrots- 500 gms, peeled, grated

Ghee-1/4 cup

Green cardamom powder-1/4 tsp

Sugar-1 cup or as per taste

Mava/ khoya-1/2 cup

Cashews-2 tsp chopped

Almonds-2 tsp chopped

Raisins-2 tsp 

Milk- 600 ml

Method

1.Firstly, peel the skin of carrot and grate finely. keep aside. Traditionally the winter carrots are used to prepare halwa during winter seasons.

2. In a large kadai heat ¼ cup ghee and fry the assorted nuts like cashews, raisins, almonds etc. Fry until it turns golden brown. keep aside.

3. In the same ghee add grated carrot and saute well. Saute for 5 minutes or until it changes colour slightly.

4.Now pour 3 cup milk and give a good stir, boil for 10 minutes stirring occasionally, continue to boil until the carrots are cooked well and milk reduces.

5. Once the milk starts to thicken a little, add ¾ cup sugar. Mix well and cook until the sugar dissolves and thickens. Cook until the halwa thickens and ghee releases from sides.

6.Finally turn off the flame and ½ cup mava/ grated khoya, ¼ tsp cardamom powder and fried nuts.mix well making sure everything is well combined. Finally, enjoy gajar ka halwa or carrot halwa chilled or warm

Ingredient Ideology | Ways With Yam In Cooking By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef

Introduction To Yam Or Suran:

Suran, Also Known As Yam Or Elephant Foot Yam, Is A Tropical Tuber Widely Cultivated For Its Starchy Edible Root. Belonging To The Dioscoreaceae Family, Suran Is A Staple In Many Asian And African Cuisines. Its Unique Appearance, Characterized By A Rough, Scaly Exterior Resembling An Elephant's Foot, Contributes To Its Distinctive Identity. This Versatile Tuber Is Not Only A Source Of Nutrition But Also Holds Cultural Significance In Various Regions Where It Is Consumed.

Origin Of Yam Or Suran

The Exact Origin Of Suran Can Be Traced To Southeast Asia And Is Believed To Have Been Cultivated For Centuries. It Is Thought To Have Originated In Regions Encompassing India, Malaysia, And Indonesia. Over Time, Suran Spread To Other Tropical And Subtropical Areas, Becoming A Significant Part Of The Culinary Landscape In Many Countries. As A Hardy And Adaptable Crop, Suran Thrives In Warm Climates With Well-Drained Soil, Making It Well-Suited For Cultivation In Diverse Regions Across Asia, Africa, And Parts Of The Americas.

Health Benefits Of Yam/Suran:
Yam, Including Suran, Offers Various Health Benefit:

Rich In Nutrients: Yam Is A Good Source Of Essential Nutrients Such As Carbohydrates, Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Potassium, And Manganese.

Digestive Health: The Fiber Content In Yam Supports Digestive Health By Promoting Regular Bowel Movements And Preventing Constipation.

Antioxidant Properties: The Presence Of Antioxidants, Especially Vitamin C, Helps Neutralize Free Radicals In The Body, Potentially Reducing The Risk Of Chronic Diseases.

Blood Sugar Regulation: The Fiber And Complex Carbohydrates In Yam Contribute To Stable Blood Sugar Levels, Making It A Suitable Option For Those Managing Diabetes.

Heart Health: Potassium In Yam Supports Heart Health By Helping Regulate Blood Pressure, Reducing The Risk Of Cardiovascular Diseases.

Immune System Support: Vitamin C And Other Antioxidants In Yam Play A Role In Supporting The Immune System, Helping The Body Defend Against Infections And Illnesses.

Bone Health: Yam Contains Minerals Like Manganese And Potassium, Which Are Important For Maintaining Healthy Bones.

Weight Management: The Fiber Content In Yam Can Contribute To A Feeling Of Fullness, Potentially Aiding In Weight Management By Reducing Overall Calorie Intake.

Using Yam/Suran In Kitchen

Suran, Or Elephant Foot Yam, Is A Versatile Ingredient That Can Be Used In Various Culinary Applications. Here Are Some Common Ways To Use Suran In The Kitchen:

Curries And Stews: Suran Is Often Used In Traditional Curries And Stews. Its Starchy Texture Absorbs Flavors Well, Making It A Great Addition To Spicy And Aromatic Dishes.

Frying And Roasting: Suran Can Be Cut Into Slices Or Cubes And Fried Or Roasted. This Method Enhances Its Natural Sweetness And Creates A Crispy Exterior.

Grilled Or Barbecued: Suran Can Be Marinated And Grilled Or Barbecued For A Smoky Flavor. It Works Well With Various Spices And Marinades.

Soups And Broths: Adding Suran To Soups And Broths Can Provide A Hearty And Substantial Element. Its Texture Complements Liquid-Based Dishes.

Stir-Fries: Suran Can Be Included In Stir-Fries With A Mix Of Vegetables And Sauces. Its Firmness Holds Up Well In High-Heat Cooking.

Chips Or Fries: Thin Slices Of Suran Can Be Deep-Fried Or Baked To Create Chips Or Fries. This Offers A Crunchy And Flavorful Snack.

Grated In Batters: Grated Suran Can Be Added To Batters For Pancakes, Fritters, Or Pakoras, Enhancing The Texture And Nutritional Content.

Pickling: Suran Can Be Pickled In Various Ways, Adding A Tangy And Spicy Element To Your Meals.

Recipes Using Yam/Suran

1. Suran Stir-Fry:

Ingredients:

• 1 Medium-Sized Suran (Elephant Foot Yam), Peeled And Diced

• 1 Onion, Finely Chopped

• 1 Tomato, Chopped

• 1 Green Chili, Finely Chopped

• 1 Teaspoon Ginger-Garlic Paste

• 1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric Powder

• 1 Teaspoon Cumin Seeds

• 1 Teaspoon Coriander Powder

• Salt To Taste

• Fresh Coriander Leaves For Garnish

• Cooking Oil

Instructions:

1. Heat Oil In A Pan, Add Cumin Seeds, And Let Them Splutter.

2. Add Chopped Onion And Green Chili, Sauté Until Onions Are Golden Brown.

3. Stir In Ginger-Garlic Paste And Sauté For A Minute.

4. Add Diced Suran, Turmeric Powder, Coriander Powder, And Salt. Mix Well.

5. Cover And Cook On Medium Heat, Stirring Occasionally Until Suran Is Tender.

6. Add Chopped Tomatoes And Cook Until They Are Soft And The Suran Is Cooked Through.

7. Garnish With Fresh Coriander Leaves And Serve Hot.

2. Suran Chips:

Ingredients:

• 1 Large Suran (Elephant Foot Yam), Peeled And Thinly Sliced

• 1 Tablespoon Rice Flour

• 1 Teaspoon Red Chili Powder

• Salt To Taste

• Oil For Frying

Instructions:

1. In A Bowl, Mix Rice Flour, Red Chili Powder, And Salt.

2. Toss The Thinly Sliced Suran In The Spice Mixture, Ensuring Even Coating.

3. Heat Oil In A Pan For Deep Frying.

4. Fry The Suran Slices In Batches Until They Are Golden Brown And Crisp.

5. Remove From The Oil And Place On Absorbent Paper To Drain Excess Oil.

6. Serve The Suran Chips As A Crunchy Snack Or As A Side Dish.

3.Suran Curry:

Ingredients:

• 1 Medium-Sized Suran (Elephant Foot Yam), Peeled And Diced

• 1 Onion, Finely Chopped

• 2 Tomatoes, Pureed

• 1 Tablespoon Ginger-Garlic Paste

• 1 Teaspoon Turmeric Powder

• 1 Teaspoon Red Chili Powder

• 1 Teaspoon Garam Masala

• Salt To Taste

• Fresh Cilantro For Garnish

• Cooking Oil

Instructions:

1. Heat Oil In A Pan, Sauté Onions Until Golden Brown.

2. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste, Diced Suran, And Cook Until Suran Is Slightly Tender.

3. Mix In Tomato Puree, Turmeric Powder, Red Chili Powder, Garam Masala, And Salt.

4. Cook Until Suran Is Fully Cooked, And The Curry Reaches Desired Consistency.

5. Garnish With Fresh Cilantro And Serve With Rice Or Flatbread.

4. Suran Masala Roast:

Ingredients:

• 1 Large Suran (Elephant Foot Yam), Peeled And Cut Into Cubes

• 2 Tablespoons Oil

• 1 Teaspoon Mustard Seeds

• Curry Leaves

• 1 Tablespoon Sambar Powder

• Salt To Taste

Instructions:

1. Heat Oil In A Pan, Add Mustard Seeds And Curry Leaves.

2. Add Suran Cubes, Sambar Powder, And Salt. Roast Until Suran Is Golden Brown.

3. Stir Occasionally, Ensuring Even Coating Of Masala.

4. Once Suran Is Tender And Roasted, Remove From Heat.

5. Serve Hot As A Side Dish Or Snack.

5. Suran Kebabs:

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Boiled And Mashed Suran

• 1/2 Cup Boiled And Mashed Potatoes

• 1/2 Cup Breadcrumbs

• 1 Teaspoon Garam Masala

• 1 Teaspoon Chaat Masala

• Salt To Taste

• Oil For Frying

Instructions:

1. Mix Mashed Suran, Potatoes, Breadcrumbs, Garam Masala, Chaat Masala, And Salt.

2. Shape The Mixture Into Small Kebabs.

3. Heat Oil In A Pan, Shallow Fry The Kebabs Until Golden Brown.

4. Serve With Mint Chutney Or Your Favorite Sauce.

6. Yam Pineapple Salad:

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Yam, Peeled And Diced

• 1 Cup Pineapple Chunks, Fresh Or Canned

• 1/2 Cup Red Bell Pepper, Diced

• 1/4 Cup Red Onion, Finely Chopped

• 1/4 Cup Fresh Cilantro, Chopped

• 1/4 Cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes (Optional)

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

• 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice

• 1 Teaspoon Honey Or Maple Syrup

• Salt And Pepper To Taste

Instructions:

1. Peel And Dice The Yam Into Bite-Sized Pieces. Boil In Salted Water Until Tender But Still Firm. Drain And Let It Cool.

2. If Using Fresh Pineapple, Peel And Dice It Into Chunks. In A Bowl, Combine The Cooled Yam, Pineapple Chunks, Diced Red Bell Pepper, Chopped Red Onion, And Fresh Cilantro.

3. In A Small Bowl, Whisk Together Olive Oil, Lime Juice, Honey Or Maple Syrup, Salt, And Pepper. Adjust The Sweetness And Acidity According To Your Taste.

4. Pour The Dressing Over The Yam And Pineapple Mixture. Gently Toss To Coat All The Ingredients Evenly.

5. If Using Coconut Flakes, Add Them To The Salad And Toss Again.

6. Refrigerate The Salad For At Least 30 Minutes To Allow The Flavors To Blend And The Salad To Cool.

7. Serve The Yam Pineapple Salad Chilled As A Side Dish Or A Refreshing Appetizer.

8. Garnish With Additional Cilantro Before Serving, If Desired.

Instructions:

1. Choose A Suran That Feels Firm And Heavy For Its Size.

2. Look For A Smooth, Unblemished Skin Without Soft Spots Or Signs Of Decay.

3. Use A Sharp Knife To Remove The Rough, Scaly Skin Of The Suran.

4. Suran Contains Oxalate Crystals That Can Cause Skin Irritation. To Minimize This, Rub Your Hands With Oil Before Handling Or Wear Gloves.

5. Suran Is Versatile And Can Be Boiled, Fried, Roasted, Or Incorporated Into Various Dishes.

6. Suran Has A Neutral Taste And Can Absorb Flavors Well. Pair It With Spices, Herbs, And Seasonings To Enhance Its Taste In Various Dishes.

7. If Not Using Immediately, Immerse Cut Suran In Water With A Little Lemon Juice Or Vinegar To Prevent Browning.

8. Store Suran In A Cool, Dry Place. Once Cut, Store It In The Refrigerator For A Few Days.

Conclusion:

Suran, Or Elephant Foot Yam, Is A Versatile And Nutritious Tuber With A Rich Culinary History. From Its Origins In Southeast Asia To Its Widespread Cultivation In Various Tropical Regions, Suran Has Become A Staple In Many Cuisines. Its Unique Appearance, Characterized By A Scaly Exterior Resembling An Elephant's Foot, Adds To Its Distinct Identity.Suran Offers A Range Of Health Benefits, Including Being A Good Source Of Nutrients, Supporting Digestive Health, And Contributing To Heart Health And Immune System Support. Its Adaptability To Different Cooking Methods Makes It A Versatile Ingredient In The Kitchen.Whether You're A Seasoned Chef Or A Home Cook, Incorporating Suran Into Your Culinary Repertoire Can Bring A Unique And Nutritious Element To Your Dining Experience.

Ingredient Ideology | Tender Coconut Trivia By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef

Introduction of Tender Coconut :

Tender coconut, the young stage of the coconut palm fruit, is prized for its green husk, refreshing coconut water, and soft, gelatinous meat. Packed with electrolytes, it serves as a hydrating beverage and nutritious snack. Widely enjoyed for its health benefits, it is a versatile ingredient in culinary applications. Harvested at 5-7 months, tender coconuts are culturally significant and cherished for their unique taste worldwide.

Origin of Tender Coconut:

Tender coconuts originate from the coconut palm tree (Cocos nucifera), believed to have originated in the Indo-Pacific region. The tropical plant is well-suited to warm climates and has been cultivated for generations in Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Pacific Islands. The popularity of tender coconuts has grown globally, appreciated for their refreshing water and soft meat, with cultural significance in various societies.

Health Benefits of Tender Coconut:

Tender coconut offers several health benefits, making it a popular and nutritious choice. Here are some key advantages:

1. Hydration: Tender coconut water is a natural electrolyte-rich beverage, providing essential minerals such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium. It is an excellent choice for rehydration, especially after physical activity or in hot climates.

2. Low in Calories: Coconut water from tender coconuts is low in calories and fat-free, making it a healthy alternative to sugary beverages. It can be part of a balanced diet for those looking to manage their calorie intake.

3. Electrolyte Balance: The electrolyte content in tender coconut water helps maintain proper electrolyte balance in the body. This is crucial for nerve function, muscle contraction, and overall cellular function.

4. Nutrient-Rich: In addition to electrolytes, tender coconut water contains vitamins like vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. These nutrients contribute to overall health and well-being.

5. Digestive Health: Tender coconut water may have mild laxative effects, promoting digestive health. It can help alleviate constipation and contribute to a healthy digestive system.

6. Antioxidant Properties: Coconut water from tender coconuts contains antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals in the body. Antioxidants play a role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

7. Boosts Energy: The natural sugars in tender coconut water provide a quick source of energy, making it a suitable option for a natural and refreshing energy boost.

8. Supports Kidney Function: Some studies suggest that coconut water may have a positive impact on kidney function by reducing the formation of kidney stones and promoting urinary health.

9. Aids in Weight Management: Due to its low-calorie content and ability to provide a feeling of fullness, tender coconut water can be a beneficial addition to weight management plans.

10. Skin Health: The hydration and nutrient content in tender coconut water may contribute to healthy skin, promoting a radiant complexion and potentially helping with skin conditions.

It's important to note that while tender coconut offers numerous health benefits, individual responses may vary. As with any dietary changes or additions, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially for individuals with specific health concerns or conditions.

Uses of Tender Coconut in the Kitchen:

Tender coconut is a versatile ingredient in the kitchen and can be used in various culinary applications. Here are some popular uses:

1. Refreshing Beverage: The clear and sweet coconut water from tender coconuts is a popular natural beverage. It can be enjoyed as a refreshing drink on its own or used as a base for smoothies and fruit juices.

2. Snacking: The soft and gelatinous meat of tender coconuts can be scooped out and enjoyed as a healthy snack. It pairs well with other fruits or can be sprinkled with a dash of salt or lime juice for added flavor.

3. Smoothies: Tender coconut meat and water can be blended together with other fruits, yogurt, or ice to create delicious and nutritious smoothies. It adds a unique tropical flavor and creaminess to the drink.

4. Desserts: Tender coconut meat can be incorporated into various desserts, such as puddings, ice creams, and sorbets. Its natural sweetness and texture make it a delightful addition to sweet treats.

5. Salads: Tender coconut meat can be chopped or shredded and added to salads for a refreshing and crunchy element. It pairs well with tropical fruits, greens, and dressings.

6. Curries and Gravies: In some cuisines, tender coconut meat is used in savory dishes, including curries and gravies. It adds a unique texture and flavor to the dish, enhancing its overall taste.

7. Rice Dishes: Tender coconut water can be used as a liquid component in cooking rice, adding a subtle coconut flavor to the grains. This works well in both savory and sweet rice dishes.

8. Cocktails and Mocktails: Coconut water from tender coconuts can be used as a base for cocktails and mocktails, adding a tropical twist to beverages. It pairs well with various spirits, fruits, and herbs.

9. Sauces and Dressings: Coconut water and meat can be used to prepare sauces and dressings, especially in dishes with a tropical or Asian influence. The natural sweetness and aroma can enhance the overall flavor profile.

10. Sorbets and Ice Creams: Tender coconut water and meat can be used to make homemade sorbets and ice creams. These frozen treats capture the natural sweetness of the coconut and are a healthier alternative to commercial options.

These culinary uses highlight the versatility of tender coconut in the kitchen, offering a range of options for both sweet and savory dishes. Experimenting with tender coconut can lead to the creation of unique and flavorful recipes.

Recipes using Tender Coconut:

1. Tender Coconut Smoothie:

Ingredients:

• 1 tender coconut (water and flesh)

• 1 cup chilled coconut water

• 1/2 cup tender coconut flesh

• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)

• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Scoop out the tender coconut flesh and add it to a blender.

2. Pour in the chilled coconut water.

3. Blend until smooth.

4. Add honey or sugar if desired and blend again.

5. Serve in a glass with ice cubes if you like.

2. Tender Coconut Pudding:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups tender coconut water

• 1 cup tender coconut flesh

• 1 cup coconut milk

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup agar-agar flakes

• A pinch of cardamom powder

Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat coconut water and add agar-agar flakes. Simmer until agar-agar dissolves.

2. Add sugar, coconut milk, and cardamom powder. Stir well.

3. Bring to a boil, then add tender coconut flesh.

4. Pour the mixture into molds and refrigerate until set.

3. Tender Coconut Rice:

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup basmati rice

2. 1 1/2 cups tender coconut water

3. 1/2 cup tender coconut flesh

4. Salt to taste

5. 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Wash rice and cook it with tender coconut water instead of regular water.

2. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork.

3. In a pan, heat coconut oil, add tender coconut flesh, and sauté for a few minutes.

4. Mix the coconut flesh with the cooked rice.

5. Add salt to taste and serve.

4. Tender Coconut Salad:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup tender coconut flesh (sliced)

• 1 cucumber (diced)

• 1 carrot (grated)

• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts

• Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine tender coconut, cucumber, carrot, and roasted peanuts.

2. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad and toss well.

4. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

5. Tender Coconut Curry:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup tender coconut flesh (sliced)

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes)

• 1 onion (chopped)

• 1 tomato (chopped)

• 1/2 cup coconut milk

• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 teaspoon curry powder

• Salt to taste

• 2 tablespoons oil

Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat oil and sauté onions until golden brown.

2. Add ginger-garlic paste and tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes are soft.

3. Add mixed vegetables, curry powder, and salt. Cook until vegetables are tender.

4. Pour in coconut milk and add tender coconut flesh. Simmer for a few minutes.

5. Serve hot with rice or roti.

6. Tender Coconut Ice Cream:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups tender coconut flesh

• 1 cup coconut cream

• 1 cup condensed milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Blend tender coconut flesh, coconut cream, condensed milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Once churned, transfer to a container and freeze until firm.

4. Scoop and enjoy!

These recipes showcase the versatility of tender coconut in various dishes, from refreshing drinks to savory curries and sweet treats. Adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, tender coconut adds a unique and delightful twist to a variety of Indian recipes, ranging from refreshing beverages to savory dishes and indulgent desserts. Its subtle sweetness and distinct texture make it a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into both traditional and innovative culinary creations. Whether you're looking for a cool and hydrating smoothie, a flavorful rice dish, a nutritious salad, a creamy pudding, a hearty curry, or a luscious ice cream, tender coconut can be a star ingredient that elevates the overall taste and experience of the dish. Experiment with these recipes, adjusting the quantities to suit your preferences, and savor the delicious flavors that tender coconut brings to the table.

Ingredient Ideology | Passion For Poha By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani – Celebrity Master Chef.

A humble ingredient to pick on and prepare varieties!

Poha is also known as flattened rice and is a wholesome meal as well it is not only a good source of carbohydrates but also packed with iron, rich in fiber and a good source of anti-oxidants as well. However, it doesn’t contain any protein as such but we recommend to add a few peanuts while making Poha to balance the nutrient levels. Poha is also a gluten free ingredient which makes it versatile in being used in kitchen and bakery as well.

There are various thoughts by people when it comes to consuming Poha in our diets while some say that it does add in calories along with being rich in carbs and average in fiber, oats seem to be scoring slightly more on the protein score as compared to Poha, it is also recommended that those of us who are on a weight loss program may limit the consumption of Poha or take it once in a while for a change.

Poha is also said to be a good probiotic food as well since these rice products are made after parboiling the paddy and in the sun drying it for few hours before being beaten up or flattened to convert them into our Poha. If we speak about indian breakfast menus we do have it all the time and it is widely consumed all over the country in a variety of recipes and modified version as well.

Let us check out a few simple- easy and slightly different recipes with POHA:

Recipe-1] CHEESY ITALIAN POHA

Ingredients

Poha/ flattened rice- 1 and a half cup.

Oil-1 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Onion- 1 small finely chopped

Green chili- 1 no chopped

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Green capsicum- ½ no cut into cubes

Fresh button mushrooms- 4-5 cut 1 x 2

Carrot-1/2 no cubes/grated

Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

Mixed herbs- ½ tsp

Chili flakes- ½ tsp

Fresh cream-2 tbsp.

Cheese- 2 tbsp. grated

Parsley/ coriander- 2 tbsp. chopped

Method:

1. Clean the Poha and place it in a colander and wash it a couple of times under running water, drain the water well and allow the Poha to rest for 10-12 mins.

2. Heat oil and butter in a pan, add in the garlic, chili and onions and saute them well for a minute, add in the choice of vegetables or we can also use sliced chicken sausages, boiled eggs, sliced chicken salami or even bacon for that matter/ we also use boiled chicken cubes at times to make it as a variation.

3. Add in the salt, pepper, herbs and chili flakes to taste and ¼ cup water just to ensure the mixture is not too dry in the pan.

4. Add in the washed Poha and mix it well into the veggies and cover and simmer it for 3-4 mins allow to cook in steam.

5. Now add in the cream and grated cheese and mix it in lightly and it will be a slightly moist texture at this stage in the pan, cover and simmer for another 4-5 mins and serve hot garnished with fresh herbs, olives, cheese, chili flakes etc.

Recipe-2] TEX-MEX POHE

Ingredients

Poha/flattened rice- 1 and a half cups

Oil-1 tsp

Butter- 1 tsp

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Onion- 1 small chopped

Green chilies- 2 tsp chopped

Tomatoes- 1 medium sized chopped

Boiled rajma/ kidney beans-1/2 cup

Boiled sweet corn-1/2 cup

Green capsicum-1/2 no cut into small cubes.

Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp or use mexican spice mix- 1 tsp

Red chili sauce- 1 tsp

Tomato ketchup-2 tsp

Coriander-2 tbsp. chopped

Roasted crushed peanuts-2 tbsp.

Lime juice-2 tsp add and serve hot.

Method:

1. Clean the Poha and place it in a colander and wash it a couple of times under running water, drain the water well and allow the Poha to rest for 10-12 mins.

2. Heat oil and butter in a pan, add in the garlic, chili and onions and saute them well for a minute and add in the corn, capsicums, boiled rajma- we can also use non-veg ingredients here as per choice like leftover chicken tikka slices, or seekh kababs, shredded double fried eggs, at times I also use baked beans in tomato sauce for this recipe, also add in seasonings, herbs, chili flakes and saute for 1 min.

3. Add in the sauces and ¼ cup water to maintain a little moisture in the pan, add in the washed and drained Poha and give it a nice mix into the ingredients, cover and simmer for 4-5 mins allow to cook in steam.

4.Add in the sauces and stir it well, cover and cook for another 2-3 mins and then serve hot, garnish with roasted crushed peanuts and coriander leaves, jalapeno peppers, cheese.

Recipe-3] MAKKAI MASALA POHA

Ingredients

Poha/ flattened rice- 1 and a half cup

Oil- 2 tsp

Curry leaves- 8-10 no

Green chilies-2 chopped

Cumin seeds- ½ tsp

Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp

Slit red chilies- 2 no

Onion-1 med size chopped

Tomato- 1 med sized chopped

Ginger-2 tsp chopped

Salt and pepper powder to taste

Turmeric powder- ½ tsp

Red chili powder-1/2tsp

Coriander powder-1 tsp

Garam masala powder-1/4 tsp

Water-1/2 cup

 Sweet corn-1 cup boiled

 Coconut-1/4 cup fresh or 2 tbsp. desiccated.

Green capsicum-1/2 no cut into small cubes

Sprouts-1 cup 

Coriander leaves-2 tbsp. chopped

Lime juice- 2 tsp add and serve hot.

Method:

1. Clean the Poha and place it in a colander and wash it a couple of times under running water, drain the water well and allow the Poha to rest for 10-12 mins.

2. Heat oil in a pan add in the ingredients for the tadka starting with curry leaves, red chilies, green chilies, cumin, mustard, ginger and saute them for a few seconds, add in the onion and cook until light pink, add in the tomatoes and powdered spices and little water and allow the masala to cook for 2-3 mins.

3. Now add in the boiled corn, capsicums along with any other choice of vegetables/non-veg as desired into the masala along with coconut and allow to cover and cook on low flame for 2-3 mins.

4. Add in the drained Poha, coriander leaves and give it all a nice mix, cover and simmer for another 4-5 mins and serve hot adding a splash of fresh lime juice.

Recipe-4] CHATPATA POHA TIKKIS

Ingredients

Poha/flattened rice- 1 cup

Boiled and grated sweet potato- 1 cup

Oil-2 tsp

Cumin seeds- 1 tsp

Ginger-garlic- green chili paste- 1 tbsp. mix

Onion-1 small chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Coriander powder-1 tsp

Chaat masala-1/2 tsp

Roasted and crushed peanuts-2 tbsp.

Coriander leaves- 2 tbsp. chopped

Breadcrumbs/maida -1/4 cup for binding/coating as needed.

Oil to shallow/deep fry as needed

Method:

1. Clean the Poha and place it in a colander and wash it a couple of times under running water, drain the water well and allow the Poha to rest for 10-12 mins.

2. Heat oil in a pan add in the cumin, ginger-garlic-chili paste, onions and saute for 1 min, add in the sweet potato, Poha and all powdered masalas, salt and pepper to taste and mix well.

3. Cover and cook the mixture on a low flame for 4-5 mins turn off the flame add in the crushed peanuts, chopped coriander leaves, add a little breadcrumb to help in binding if needed and mix, remove onto a flat open plate or thali and cool for a few mins.

4. Apply oil on the fingers and hands and while the mixture is still warm divide the mixture into 8-10 portions and shape them each into ½ inch thick round flat tikkis and either shallow fry or deep fry with a light coating of maida/ breadcrumbs and serve it hot with chutney/tomato ketchup.

Recipe-5] BADAMI POHA PHIRNI

Ingredients

Poha/ flattened rice- 1/2 cup powdered along with 2 tbsp. almonds.

Ghee- 2 tsp

Green cardamom -2-3 no

Brown sugar/grain sugar/organic coconut sugar- as per taste

Soy milk/ regular milk- 2 and a half cups

Mava- 2 tbsp. grated- optional

Dates- 2- 3 no finely chopped.

Method:

1. Prepare the Poha and almond powder and keep aside.

2. Heat up the milk in a thick bottomed pan and add in the green cardamom, add in the ghee and sugar of your choice and to taste and mix well, add in the Poha almond powder mix and stir constantly and allow to cook on low flame for 10-12 mins.

3. Add in the chopped dates and simmer for another 6-8 mins and turn off the flame once the mixture gets a proper coating texture on the back of a tablespoon, allow to cool for few mins.

4. Dish out the badami Poha phirni into small dessert bowls add more nuts if desired, I also like to layer this dessert with fresh fruit like mango/kiwi/ berries or even by adding in some custard apple pulp to it, chill for a couple of hours and garnish with a few sliced nuts and serve.

Ingredient Ideology | The Jackfruit Treat By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

Easy to make recipes with Kathal!

Jackfruit has been one of my favorite fruit and veg combo ingredient since many years and we would wait for its season to come and pre-list a whole lot of dishes to make with it and relish its taste and flavor, it is also known as Jack Tree and is said to be a species of tree in the fig, mulberry family, it is one of the most significant evergreen trees in tropical areas and widely grown in various parts of Asia including India. It is a large, prickly fruit which grows on a tropical tree reaching a height of approx. 80 feet, 20 meters and its pulp is starchy & fibrous in texture very much a native to South India.

Jackfruit is commonly used in south east Asian cuisines in a number of ways, it often finds its place in curries and stews, gravies, chips and sides in a number of menus and the kitchens of Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam have created some great recipes too with jackfruit. it is also the national fruit of Bangladesh and Sri-lanka and the state fruit of Indian states like Kerala and Tamilnadu.

The greenish unripe fruit is cooked as a vegetable and the brown ripen fruit is often eaten fresh or added to desserts like ice-cream. Jackfruit is not the easiest fruit to prepare when cut open we find large pale yellow pods containing seeds and are connected to the fruits core. The flesh of jackfruit has been closely linked to texture of chicken which makes it an excellent “vegetarian meat” for curries, salads, noodles etc.

“Jackfruit is one of those interesting and fascinating ingredient to include in our diets in a number of ways when available seasonally to enjoy a varied and delicious break from routine recipes and methods of cooking!” Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

Health Benefits of Jackfruit:

• The fruit has an open odor between a banana and a pineapple and is a good energy boosting ingredient.

• Jackfruit has been known to strengthen our immune system.

• It is considered good for eyes and skin texture as well.

• Jackfruit is well balanced in nutrition and offers a good source of healthy calories.

• It is also regarded as good for bone health in our body.

• Jackfruit is also a rich source of B-complex group vitamins and minerals.

• Is a good source of Vitamin- C, potassium and essential dietary essential for our body.

• Jackfruit in our diet and helps lower blood pressure.

        Tips on How to Prepare Jackfruit for Cooking:

• Jackfruit contains natural latex, so one is adviced to wear gloves in case of a latex allergy or so, stronger the smell ripe the fruit is what is considered.

• It is recommended to apply coconut oil on our hands and the knife when we start cutting and preparing jackfruit, it tends to dis-color as well so keep a bowl of cold water as well to immerse the pieces.

• It is best to lay down some kitchen paper over a wide working surface and then slice it open.

• Jackfruit has a more neutral flavor like potato and will absorb the flavor of the other foods as well it is stored or cooked with.

• The seeds are similar to chestnuts after boiling or roasting.

Uses of Jackfruit in Culinary:

• Jackfruit flesh consumed fresh or as canned slices, fruit juice and dried chips as well.

• In some parts of the world we also have puree of jackfruit which is further processed into baby foods, juices, jams and jellies, candies and ice-cream too!

• The unripe stage of jackfruit is also used to prepare pickles when it is still a little tender.

• The jackfruit seeds as mentioned above can also be consumed after boiling or roasting or blended into flour for baking purpose as well.

• Thai Jackfruit and water chestnut red curry, Kathal ki Subzi, Jackfruit Cutlets, Kathal ka Achaar, Jackfruit Appams, Sweet Jackfruit Wraps, Jackfruit Burfi.

Here are a few interesting recipes with Jackfruit for our readers to try in their kitchens and enjoy!

Recipe-1] Jackfruit Cutlets

Ingredients

Jackfruit- 400gms cubes, boiled

Potatoes-150gms, boiled mashed.

Oil- to shallow fry/deep fry.

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Cumin powder-1/2 tsp

Turmeric powder- ¼ tsp

Ginger- 1 tsp chop.

Salt to taste

Garam masala powder-1/4 tsp

Chopped mint -1 tbsp.

Chaat masala-1/4 tsp

Chopped coriander-1 tbsp.

Chopped green chilies- 1 tsp

Rice flour- 2-3 tbsp. or besan- 2 tbsp.

For binding- bread crumbs/maida/corn flour- as needed.

For stuffing: grated cheese- 2 tbsp. + chopped nuts.

Method:

1. Prepare the jackfruit and sprinkle little salt on it and with a little water and oil pressure cook it until soft, mash or grate and keep aside.

2. In a mixing bowl combine together all the ingredients for the cutlet mixture and add bindings as desired and shape it into a nice dough like texture.

3. Apply oil on the hands, and divide the cutlet mixture into lemon sized balls, shape them into tikkis, I like stuffing them with grated cheese and chopped green chilies and nuts too.

4. Coat them on top with maida, corn flour/ batter and bread crumbs and shallow fry/deep fry until nice and crispy on the outside.

5. Serve with choice of dips, sauces, chutneys etc.

Recipe- 2] Jackfruit Coconut Burfi

Ingredients

Jackfruit paste- 1 cup, edible parts to be removed and processed.

Fresh or dried coconut- 1 cup

Sugar-2 cups as per taste

Ghee- 2-3 tbsp.

Green elaichi- 5 -6 no.

Assorted nuts- 2 tbsp. chop

Method:

1. Prepare the Jackfruit paste and keep aside.

2. Dry roast the coconut until dry, roughly grind without adding water to convert it into fine pieces.

3. In a pan add jackfruit paste, sugar to taste and cook it well on a medium flame for a few mins, add in the ghee, coconut and also the elaichi to flavor.

4. Continue stirring it for 4-5 mins, until the mixture starts to leave the sides of the pan.

5. Remove the mixture onto a greased tray and evenly spread it, sprinkle chopped nuts over and allow to set in the fridge or in a cool place for couple of hours, cut into burfi shapes and serve the sweet.

Recipe- 3] Asian Jackfruit & Veg Curry

Ingredients

Oil/ghee/coconut oil - 2 tbsp.

Hing-1/4 tsp

Dry red chilies- 2 nos.

Curry leaves- 8-10

Onion- 1 medium size chop or 8-10 shallots peeled

Capsicums- ½ cup diced

Ginger -1 tbsp. chopped

Garlic- 1 tbsp. chopped

Curry powder/curry paste- 2 tbsp.

Ground jeera powder- 1 tsp

Kasuri methi-1/2 tsp

Cashew paste-1 tbsp.

Fresh cream- 2 tbsp.

Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

Salt to taste

Tomato puree- ½ cup

Coconut milk- 500 ml

Assorted veggies to add to the curry- carrots, potatoes, peas.

Jackfruit- 500 gms, cubes par boiled.

Coriander leaves for garnish- 1 tbsp.

Roasted peanuts- 2 tbsp.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the curry.

2. Heat oil/ghee add in the hing, curry leaves, chilies, ginger, garlic and allow to crackle and splutter.

3. Add in onions or shallots and saute until pink add in the tomato puree, salt and all powdered spices/curry powder and mix well. 

4. Simmer the gravy for 4-5 mins, add a little cashew paste and fresh cream as well for more flavor, add in kasoori methi, and allow to cook.

5.Now put in the jackfruit pieces, and other additional veggies or non-veg of your choice and mix and cover and cook for 15-20 mins or until soft and tender.

6. Add coconut milk thick version and simmer it for another 5 mins, garnish with coconut cream, fresh coriander, fried chili on the top and serve the curry with a bowl of steamed white rice/ Malabar parathas, laccha parathas, bowl of salad and raita.

Ingredient Ideology | Assamese Culinary Delights By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

The name Assam is derived from the word asama, meaning “peerless” in the now extinct Ahom language. The neighbouring states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Meghalaya were once part of Assam. The capital, formerly Shillong (now the capital of Meghalaya), was shifted to Dispur, a suburb of Guwahati, in 1972. Assamese cuisine is the regional food of Assam. It is a style of cooking that is a confluence of cooking habits of the hills that favour fermentation and drying as forms of preservation and those from the plains that provide fresh vegetables and an abundance of fish and meat. 

Both are centred on the main ingredient being rice. Rice is the staple diet and the common people of Assam eat it every day. Along with rice, fish curry is very common. Other dishes include those made of lentils, vegetables, meat and some sweet dishes. The people of Assam prefer to eat non - spicy foods.

Assamese are mostly non-vegetarian, and their staple diet is rice. Fish, chicken, duck and pigeon and pork are widely eaten and quite popular. Fish curry is another favourite which is prepared as a sour dish called Machor tenga. Assamese cuisine is known to be very light and rightly deserves the tag 'comfort food' for various reasons. It's also very healthy and not bland in taste. Healthy Veg/Non-veg Assamese Food: Assam is blessed with the mighty Brahmaputra which means the soil is rich with nutrients. Lifestyle. Although in general Brahmins observe all the customary rituals, they appear usually less rigid in some of their traditional lifestyle choices, such as they may eat meat, fish, unlike their counterparts in North India. With the 'Tropical Monsoon Rainforest Climate', Assam is a temperate region and experiences heavy rainfall and humidity.

Like Southern Indian cuisine, Assamese cuisine is mostly rice-based and incorporates fresh vegetables and meat. But the dishes in Assam also include things rarely seen in other parts of the country, including river fish, duck, and pigeon. Pitha is one of the most popular street side dishes found in Assam. It is made of rice flour and can be made in a sweet as well as savoury preparation. It uses a batter of rice and is filled with a filling of either cabbage, radish, jaggery, coconut. Major Fruit crops of the state – Banana, Pine apple, papaya, Assam lemon, Orange, Guava, Litchi, Jack fruit and Mango. 

Some more beneficial information about foods from Assam :

This cuisine is characterized by very little use of spices, little cooking over fire and strong flavours due mainly to the use of endemic exotic fruits and vegetables that are either fresh, dried or fermented. Fish is widely used, and birds like duck, pigeon, squab, etc. are very popular, which are often paired with a main vegetable or ingredient. Preparations are rarely elaborate. (The practice of bhuna, the gentle frying of spices before the addition of the main ingredients so common in Indian cooking, is absent in the cuisine of Assam) The preferred oil for cooking is the pungent mustard 

A traditional meal in Assam begins with a khaar, a class of dishes named after the main ingredient. Another very common dish is tenga, a sour dish. Traditionally, both khar and tenga are not eaten together in the same meal. The food is usually served in bell metal utensils made by an indigenous community called Mariya. The belief is that when food and water is served in such utensils it’s good for health and boost up immunity. Tamul (betel nut, generally raw) and paan generally concludes the meal.

Though still obscure, this cuisine has seen wider notice in recent times. The discovery of this cuisine in the popular media continues, with the presenters yet to settle on the language and the specific distinctiveness to describe it.  Besides rice, the next most important ingredient is fish, harvested from the many rivers, ponds and lakes in the region. The extremely wet climate and the large numbers of water bodies has ensured that large varieties of fresh water fish are available in abundance in the valley. It is a staple item in the Assamese palate. There is no traditional ethnic community in Assam that does not eat fish. Most traditional rural households have their own ponds for pisciculture. The most common way of eating fish in traditional Assamese homes is by preparing a stew with herbs, vegetables, and greens as per preference and availability. Fish is also prepared by roasting or char-grilling. A favourite is a small fish roasted in banana leaves. Hukoti is a special fish dish prepared from dried small fish like (puthi maas) pounded with arum stem and dried and stored in bamboo tubes. Variations of this exist among the ethnic communities of northeast India in general and Assam in particular.

Assamese also consume meat, The Assamese meat and fish dishes are characterized by a low amount of spices and oil, higher quantity of ginger, noroxinghow paat (curry leaves), Khorisa (fermented bamboo shoot) and lemon juice, and differ completely in taste from the dishes of neighbouring Bengal and are quite similar to the cuisines of nearby South-East Asian and East Asian countries. Chicken, Venison, Squab, Mutton, Duck and Pork is very popular among the indigenous ethnic Assamese communities.

The basic cooking methods include cooking, shallow and deep frying. Onla, of the Bodos, is made with ground rice and special herbs and constitutes a complete meal in itself. Other meats include squab, duck, chicken, goat meat, venison, and turtle although venison and turtle meat are legally prohibited. The combination of duck/white gourd and squab/papaya or banana flower is very popular. Meat is generally stewed using limited spices as well as a choice of herbs and vegetables. Most communities of Assam are entomophagous. Various indigenous ethnic groups of certain areas partake of the silkworm, water bugs, grasshoppers, and other insects. Insects are fried or cooked or roasted in leaves and then prepared according to the timing of the meal. The red ant egg is considered a delicacy during the Rongali Bihu festival.

Spices are also a very important part of Assamese cooking, Among spices there are ginger, garlic, onion, cumin seed, black cumin, black pepper, chilli, turmeric, corianderseed, cinnamon, cardamom, clove, fenugreek seed, white mustard seed, aniseed, Malabar leaf etc. An Assamese meal is incomplete without green chilies, many varieties of which are available in the region. Pura refers to various forms of grilled and roasted food. Vegetables, meat and fish are often served in this form. Aalu benzene pura Pitika, pura maas Pitika (mashed grilled fish), pura mankho etc. are a few of the popular dishes. 

Cooking with fish is popular, the Noroxinghow masor jul is another authentic dish from Assam. The fishes are cooked in a light gravy of curry leaves which is a common aromatic herb used in southern and some northern parts of India. The curry leaves are also known as noroxinghow paat in Assamese. The fish preparations in Assam emphasize on retaining the natural flavours of the fish, and hence, few spices are used. The khar is a signature class of preparations made with a key ingredient, also called khar. 

The traditional ingredient is made by filtering water through the ashes of the sun-dried skin of a few varieties of banana, which is then called kola khar (The name derived from the local term for banana, "khol" or "kola.") A traditional meal invariably begins with a khar dish, which can be prepared with raw papaya, mustard leaves, vegetables, pulses, fish or any other main ingredient.

Assam is famous for the bhut jolokia or ghost pepper, which was recognized as the hottest chili in the world. Panch-furan (mixture of 5 spices) is used for adding flavour to Dals, which was not earlier eaten by indigenous people of Assam but now slowly due to external influences Dal is also eaten with their own traditional style of cooking it. Pickles are made of mango, indian gooseberry, hog plum, Indian olive, Tamarind, star fruit, mangos teen, radish, carrot, elephant apple, Indian jujube, chili, lime, garlic, etc. Pani tenga and kharoli are signature Assamese pickles made from ground mustard seeds. 

Cooking with greens- The environs of Assam are rich in vegetation, and green leafy vegetables, called Xaak, are an important part of the cuisine. Some of them are grown while others like the dhakai (fern) grows wild. There is a bewildering variety that is eaten and according to custom, one has to have 101 different Xaak (greens) during Rongali Bihu. Herbs, greens, and vegetables are commonly eaten by simply cooking in water and salt, lightly frying, as a thick soup or by adding to varieties of lentils. They are also prepared in combination with fish, meat and eggs.

Besides various other dishes, Jolpan (snacks) in Assamese is what is breakfast although it is not always served as breakfast in Assamese cuisine. They are eaten as light meals between main meals and widely served during Bihu, weddings, Assamese shraadhs or any other kind of special occasions and gatherings. Some types of jolpan are Bora saul (varieties of sticky rice) eaten in combination with hot milk, curd, jaggery, yogurt or seasonal ripe fruits. These are probably some of the earliest forms of "cereals". Assamese people have been eating them mainly as breakfast for many centuries.

 Pitha (rice cake) is a special class of rice preparation generally made only on occasions like Bihu in Assam. Made usually with soaked and ground rice, they could be fried in oil, roasted over a slow fire or baked and rolled over a hot plate tea of course is an indispensable part of Assamese cuisine. It is served in form of Black tea, Milk tea, Herbal Tea, Spiced tea, Green Tea, Lemon tea (adding lemon juice to black tea), etc. Most of the Assamese people like to drink laal saah (red tea). Liquor is an integral part of linguistically and culturally diverse communities in Assamese society. Rice is a primary ingredient for the many rice beers.

Here are a few easy to make Assamese Recipes for our readers to try:

Recipe-1] BAANHGAJOR LAGOT KUKURA 

[CHICKEN WITH BAMBOO SHOOTS]

Ingredients:

Chicken curry cuts- 750 gms with bones/ skin optional

For the marination:

Oil- 2-3 tbsp./ mustard oil- 2-3 tbsp.

Salt to taste

Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

Ginger paste- 2 tsp

For the curry:

Bamboo shoots- 1 cup, cut into 2 inch pieces

Oil/ mustard oil- 3-4 tbsp.

Green chilies- 4-5 no slit

Cumin powder-1 tsp

Coriander powder-2 tsp

Onion- 2 small, sliced

Garlic paste-1 tsp

Salt to taste

Red chili powder-2 tsp

Water as needed for cooking

Assortment of flavours as an option:

Tomatoes- 2 medium sized, chopped

Or tamarind pulp-1/4 cup with ½ tsp sugar

Coriander leaves- 2-3 tbsp. chopped

Steamed white rice/ boiled rice.

As an option- add potato cubes with chicken.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the chicken and bamboo shoot recipe.

2. Clean, wash and prepare the chicken pieces and apply the marination on the chicken pieces and rub it well all over and keep it covered in a cool place/ refrigerate it for 20-30 mins.

3. Once the chicken is well marinated, heat some mustard oil in a pan to nice smoky point, add in the onions, chilies and ginger-garlic paste and saute it all for a few minutes. Add little water as needed to prevent burning.

4. Once the onions are lightly browned, add in the chicken pieces into the pan and saute well add in all the remaining spices and salt to taste and bhunao for a couple of minutes, add some water and allow to simmer and cook, if using tomatoes then we can add them at this stage and saute, add water, simmer and cook.

5. Add in the tinned/ canned bamboo shoot pieces into the chicken and simmer for 4-5 mins, add in coriander leaves and adjust the salt and texture of the gravy as needed to enjoy it with rice, serve hot.

Recipe-2] MASOOR TENGA- TANGY FISH CURRY

[assamese style fish curry]

Ingredients:

Fish of your choice/Rohu fish/ Cartla fish/ surmai etc- 750 gms, sliced

For the marination:

Mustard oil- 3-4 tbsp.

Salt to taste

Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

Red chili powder-1 tsp

Lime juice-2-3 tbsp.

Ginger-garlic paste-1 tsp

For the curry:

Mustard oil- 2-3 tbsp.

Ginger-1 tsp paste

Garlic-1 tsp paste

Onions- 1 small chopped

Salt to taste

Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Coriander powder-1 tsp

Cumin powder-1/2 tsp

Water as needed

Tomatoes- 1 cup chopped/puree

Coriander leaves- 2 tbsp. chopped

Ridge gourd- 1 cup chopped

Green chilies- 2-3 slit

Tamarind pulp- 2-3 tsp

Lime juice-2-3 tsp

Fenugreek seeds/ methi seeds-1/2 tsp

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the fish curry recipe and keep it ready.

2.Clean, wash and prepare the fish pieces for the marination, apply it well on the fish and keep it refrigerated for 20 mins.

3. To start cooking, heat oil in a pan, add in the marinated fish pieces and shallow fry them for a couple of mins and remove, keep aside.

4. In the same pan, add in the fenugreek seeds, onions, ginger- garlic- chilies, saute well, add in the ridge gourd and saute, add in salt and all other spices and tomatoes, cook the masala well for 8-10 mins, add a little water.

5. Once the gravy is simmering, add in the shallow fried fish pieces, and allow them to steep in the curry for 4-5 mins, check for salt and adjust, add in tamarind pulp/ lime juice, fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice/ white rice.

Recipe- 3] XAAK ARU BHAJI

[ greens with assorted vegetables]

Ingredients:

Greens/ ferns/ Xaak- 300 gms

Mustard oil- 3-4 tbsp.

Onion- 1 med sized sliced

Potato- 2 med sized chopped

Garlic- 6-8 cloves, chopped

Salt to taste

Turmeric powder- ½ tsp

Cumin seeds-1 tsp

Pachphuran mix- 1 and a half tsp

Ginger- 1 tsp chopped

Green chilies- 3-4 slit

Lime juice-2 tsp

Dry red chilies-1-2 no may be used

Options for veg- Bottlegourd/ sweet potato/ yam can be used.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the easy to make greens with local vegetables.

2. Clean, wash and soak the Xaak/ greens/ ferns in water for 10-12 mins, refresh them, roughly cut them into 1-2 inch pieces.

3. Heat up a kadai, add in the mustard oil and smoke it up, turn off the flame, add in the cumin, Pachphuran mix, onions, green chilies and saute for a few seconds.

4. Add in little water, turn on the flame, add in the ginger, garlic and saute it for a few seconds, add in the onions and potatoes and mix.

5. Now add in some salt, powdered spices as per taste and little water and allow veggies to cook for a few mins, add in the greens, mix well and continue cooking on a low flame for 12-15 mins.

6. Check for salt in the Xaak and adjust it accordingly, this is a side dish and should be moist and not very watery, add a little lime juice towards the end and mix, serve it hot with rotis etc.

Recipe-4] OU TENGA [ ELEPHANT APPLY PICKLE/ CHUTNEY]

Ingredients:

 elephant apple- 2-3 no, cut/slice

 jaggery- ¾ cup, grated

 sugar- ½ cup

cumin seeds- 1 tsp

 red chilli powder-1 tsp

 bay leaf- 1-2 no

 dry red chilies- 2-3 small, slit

 cups of water-1 and a half cup

 vegetable oil- 1-2 tbsp.

 broken cashews- 2-3 tsp

 raisins- 2 tsp

 walnuts- 50 gms

salt-1/2 tsp

Method:

1. Remove the petals of elephant apple. Clean the edible soft petals under running water.

2. In a pressure cooker take the elephant apple pieces. Add 2 cups of water. Close the lid. In high heat cook for 3-4 whistles.

3. Remove from heat. Let the cooker open itself.

4.In a pan, heat oil. Add dry chillies, bay leaf and cumin seeds. When crackling, pour everything from the cooker.

5. Add sugar and jaggery. Cook until sugar and jaggery melts. Add red chilli powder, Add raisins, cashew nuts and dates. (optional)

6.Stir consistently until great amount of water gradually evaporates and until the chutney thickens, Remove from heat. Let it cool.

7. Elephant apple chutney is ready to serve. You can store it in glass container in your refrigerator and use it for 3-4 days. It is best enjoyed with meals as it adds a nice tartness to the meal too.

Recipe-5] ALOO PITIKA [MASHED POTATO IN MUSTARD OIL]

Ingredients:

Potatoes- 3-4 medium sized, peeled and cut 1 x 2

Mustard oil- 2-3 tbsp.

Sliced onion- 1 medium sized

Salt to taste

Green chilies- 3-4 chopped

Coriander leaves- 2-3 tbsp. chopped

Method:

1. Set the potatoes to boil. I used a pressure cooker and cooked till 3 whistles so the potatoes became soft and fully cooked. The timings above are based on the same.

2. Meanwhile prepare the other ingredients, slice/chop the chilies, onions small pieces or fine chopped, and also finely chop the coriander leaves.

3.When the cooker is ready to open, peel the potatoes and then mash them as you would for chokha. Check that there are no chunks of un-mashed potato.

4. Add in the salt, chilli, chopped onions and mustard oil. Mix it all well. Either mix in the coriander leaves or use them as garnish. Serve with rice and dhal or with roti, this one goes well with almost anything on the plate.

5. At times, I do the same recipe by giving it a tempering of Pachphuran- mix of five spices or even some cumin and mustard seeds with green chilies go well as a tadka to the mashed aloo.

Recipe-6] ASSAMESE PITHA [ HOME-MADE SWEET]

Ingredients:

Rice flour- 2 cups

Maida- 2-3 tsp

Salt- ¼ tsp

Baking powder-1/2 tsp

Fennel seeds/ saunf- 1 tsp

Jaggery- ¾ cup, melted

Water as needed

Oil to deep fry the Pitha

Assorted chopped nuts to garnish- as needed

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients as listed above for the home-made fried sweet dish.

2. We can modify the recipe a little as per taste for instance if we wish to use a little green cardamom powder/ crushed black pepper in combination with fennel seeds it can also be done.

3.Using water at room temperature, prepare a nice thick batter like mixture, add water little at a time not to make it very watery.

4.Heat up oil/ ghee in a kadai or frying pan and once it is well heated we can start the frying process, drop in portions of the prepared batter like thick mixture into the medium hot oil and fry the Pitha well on all sides, it will take a couple of minutes to get cooked.

5.Once a nice golden brown color has been achieved after frying the Pitha we can remove them from the oil, drain excess oil on a kitchen paper/towel or tissue, dust them with a little powdered sugar, cinnamon powder/ castor sugar and green cardamom powder etc and serve with a cuppa chai!

Ingredient Ideology | Italian Delights By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

The food of Italy is world famous and we all have tried the varieties and popular favourites from this cuisine. The pizzas, pasta, risotto, Italian stews, starters like antipasti, Italian baked dishes, the fresh pesto sauce, not to forget the Italian wines, cheese, breads & desserts! there is so much to pick & choose to relish this delectable cuisine. 

The basic ingredients which we usually come across in an Italian kitchen include the extra virgin and varieties of olive oil for it adds a unique flavor to the food, the fresh herbs ideally grown in kitchen backyards and in house varieties from basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary and the mixed blends are great to add into Italian foods. Garlic, onion, tomatoes, chili flakes, fresh choice of veggies from zucchini, broccoli, asparagus, baby carrots, potatoes, eggplants are a few of the popular ones used.

Non-vegetarian options include the poultry, eggs, fish and seafood, red meats are preferred as well in stews and marinated grilled and served as main meals too with complimenting wines. Italian national favorite soup minestrone is a must have, healthy and nutritious as it is offers a good balance of nutrients and great for the taste buds. Breads like focaccia, panini, sun-dried tomato- olive bread, ciabatta, herbed rolls are amazing to use for sandwich making. Italian desserts like tiramisu, Pannacotta, cassata are some well known ones as well.

Here are a few recipes from Italian cuisine to give a try!

Recipe-1] ROASTED PEPPER & TOMATO SOUP

Ingredients

Red capsicum-1 no

Red, ripe tomatoes- 3-4 no

Garlic- 4-5 cloves

Onion-1 small chopped

Celery- 1 stalk, chopped

Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

Fresh basil- 10-12 no

Veg stock- 3 to 4 cups

Tomato puree-2-3 tbsp.

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Refined flour- 1 tbsp.

Butter-1 tsp

Olive oil-2 tsp

Fresh cream-2 tbsp.

Grated parmesan/cheese-2 tsp

To serve with:

Herbed croutons- ½ cup toasted/fried/baked.

Method:

1. Assemble all the ingredients for the soup.

2. Apply a little olive oil on the red capsicums and tomatoes and place them in an oven to roast for 20-25 mins or on a live flame until charred a little from all sides, remove and process in a mixer jar and keep aside.

3. Heat oil and butter in a pan add in the garlic, onions and saute them well add in celery, the flour and saute for 12-15 seconds, now add in the pepper-tomato puree and little stock as well to adjust the texture for the soup.

4. Add in the salt, pepper, basil leaves, chili flakes and allow to boil, simmer for 12-15 mins and strain if desired and blend in the fresh cream bring back to a boil and serve hot garnished with herbs, cheese and the croutons to go along.

Recipe-2] PESTO TOSSED POTATOES

Ingredients

Baby potatoes-400 gm. Boiled and peeled.

For the pesto sauce:

Fresh basil leaves- 1 cup

Garlic- 3-4 cloves

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil- 2-3 tbsp.

Chilled water- 2 tsp

Lime juice-2 tsp

Grated cheese/parmesan-2 tbsp.

Pinenuts/cashew Tukda/ walnuts- 2 tbsp.

To toss along with the pesto potatoes:

Cherry tomatoes- 4-5 no cut 1 x 2

Black olives- 2-3 sliced

Green olives- 2-3 sliced

Fresh micro-greens- 2 tbsp.

Method:

1. Assemble all the ingredients for the dish.

2. Combine all the ingredients for the pesto sauce into a jar of mixer grinder/food processor and churn it up into a nice green sauce.

3. Remove it into a bowl adjust the seasonings to taste and keep it chilled until used.

4. Just before serving add the boiled potatoes to a mixing bowl add salt and pepper to taste, add in the pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, olives and give it a nice toss.

5. As an option we can also add some more shavings of parmesan cheese and micro-greens and serve it immediately with some nice crusty toasted herbed rolls.

Recipe-3] PASTA IN HERBED TOMATO SAUCE

Ingredients

Boiled penne pasta- 2 cups

Olive oil-2 tsp

Garlic- 4-5 cloves, chopped

Onion-1 small, chopped

Tomatoes- 4-5 medium sized, blanched and puree.

Salt and pepper to taste

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Veg stock- 1 cup

Refined flour-1 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Fresh cream- 2 tbsp.

White sauce-1/2 cup 

Cheese-1/4 cup, parmesan or processed.

Fresh herbs to garnish.

Olives- black/green as needed.

Assorted blanched veggies- ½ cup- broccoli, bell peppers, asparagus etc can also be added to the pasta for more color, texture & taste.

Method:

1. Pre-prep all the ingredients for the pasta recipe and make it on the spot just before serving.

2. To prepare the sauce for the pasta, heat olive oil in a pan add in the garlic and onions, give it a nice saute for 1 minute, add in the refined flour and saute it for 20 seconds, add in the tomato puree, salt, pepper, mixed herbs, chili flakes and mix well, bring to a boil and simmer for 12-14 mins add a little veg stock to adjust texture.

3. Now add in the fresh cream, white sauce and little cheese and blend it all well into the sauce bring it to a boil and add in the boiled penne pasta and olives/ assorted veggies of your choice and adjust seasonings to taste.

4. Cook them altogether for another 2 mins and serve it hot into a pasta plate and garnish with grated parmesan cheese, olives, fresh herbs.

Recipe- 4] BRUSCHETTA AL FRESCO

Ingredients

For the base of the bruschetta:

French bread- 10-12 slices

To spread on the base:

Butter- 2 tbsp./Olive oil- 2 tsp + garlic- 1 tsp chopped + salt and crushed black pepper + mixed herbs- ½ tsp + chili flakes-1/2 tsp all the ingredients to be mixed well and applied on the slices and lightly toast them and keep aside.

For the topping:

Olive oil-2 tsp

Garlic- 2-3 cloves, chopped

Onion-1 small, chopped

Tomatoes-2 no, blanched, peeled and roughly cut.

Sliced mushrooms-1 cup- optional can be added.

Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

Sliced black and green olives- 3-4 each

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp or fresh basil- 8-10 leaves

Chili flakes- ½ tsp

Cheese- 2 tsp cream cheese/ grated cheese- 2 tbsp.

Capsico sauce/ tabasco sauce- 1 tsp

Method:

1. Pre-prep all the ingredients and keep ready for the topping.

2. In a pan heat oil and saute the garlic, onions and add in the cut tomato pieces, sliced mushrooms if being used may be added, salt, pepper, herbs, chili flakes and cook for 2-3 mins.

3. Turn off the flame, add in the Capsico sauce and cheese and mix lightly, just before serving place the topping at room temperature on the slices of bread and garnish with olives/herbs and serve.

Recipe-5] CHICKEN MUSHROOM RISOTTO

Ingredients

Arborio rice/ white rice- 1 cup

Olive oil- 2 tsp

Butter- 2 tsp

Bayleaf-1 no

Peppercorns- 4-5 no

Garlic- 3-4 cloves, chopped

Onion-1 small, chopped

Celery- 2 tsp chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Sliced fresh button mushrooms- 1 cup or 8-10 no

Boneless chicken cubes- 1 cup/ 150 gms.

Veg/chicken stock -3-4 cups

Mixed herbs-1 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Fresh basil- 4-5 no

White sauce- 1 cup

Fresh cream-2 tsp

Grated cheese/ parmesan- 2 tbsp.

Sliced olives- black/green 3-4 no

Cherry tomatoes- 4-5 no.

Method

1. Assemble all the ingredients for the risotto recipe.

2. Clean the rice and keep aside, the white rice can be washed and soaked for 10 mins in water.

3. To start with the risotto, heat oil and butter in a pan add in the Bayleaf, peppercorns, garlic and onions and saute for 1 min.

4 Add in the Arborio rice/ drained white rice, sliced mushrooms and boneless chicken cubes, salt, pepper, herbs, chili flakes and white wine if preferred 2 tsp can be added.

5. Saute all of it well for 2 mins, 1 and half cup of stock and bring to a boil also add in ½ cup white sauce and simmer and allow to cook until rice and chicken are done.

6. Lastly add in the fresh cream and cheese, olives and cherry tomatoes and garnish with fresh herbs, cheese and serve hot.

Recipe- 6] BLUEBERRY PANNACOTTA

Ingredients

Blueberries- fresh or frozen – 1 and half cup

Castor sugar- ¼ cup

Cooking cream/ heavy cream- 2 cups

Gelatin- 2 tsp

Vanilla essence-1 tsp

Crunchy nut praline- 2 tbsp. crushed for the garnish

Tinned cherries- 4-5 no for garnish

Mushy blue berries- 2 tsp for garnish.

Method:

1. To start with the panna cotta recipe in a bowl combine together the blueberries and sugar and mix well, keep aside for 20-25 mins.

2. In a saucepan, place the berry sugar mixture and using a wooden spoon mix it gently in order to blend and mash simultaneously.

3. Reduce the flame and allow to get to a nice syrup kind of texture add in the gelatin at this stage and stir well allowing it to mix.

4. Add in half the quantity of the cooking heavy cream into the saucepan and mix well, simmer and keep stirring in order to mash up the berries completely.

5. Strain the above mixture into a separate bowl and now add in the vanilla essence and the remaining half heavy cream and mix it all up well.

6. Set the panna cotta into individual serving bowls/ dessert cups and chill for 3-4 hours and serve garnished with some more mushy berries or some crunchy nutty praline/ cherries etc

Ingredient Ideology | Boasting On Bitter Gourd Power House of Nutrients beneficial for us By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef

Bitter gourd also called as Karela in India has been said to be found originating in Kerala from where it was later introduced to china around 14th century making it one of the staple vegetable across cuisines around south Asian countries. It is also called as bitter melon; this bright green super bitter vegetable is perhaps the least favourite of all many around the world! Not to forget every coin has two sides while on one side most people put away karela and have a weird expression to simply its name being taken on the other hand it is loaded with goodness which can be helpful for our body in many ways.

We also come across conversations when we speak about karela where the elders in the house grandmothers and mums would speak about its benefits and include it in daily cooking once in a while the mere fact that the word bitter attached to it kept it away from many of us. In reality I would personally recommend each one of us to try this vegetable and adapt to its taste and must include it in our routines since it is not fair being ignored or being kept away.

A Few Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd or Karela:

• It comprises of various vital nutrients including magnesium, iron, potassium.

• It is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, B2, B3 & B9.

• Bitter gourd is a rich source of good dietary fiber.

• It is said to bring down cholesterol levels in our body.

• Bitter gourd is rich in iron content and also a good immunity booster besides being good for the heart as well.

• Karela is also regarded good for our eye health and vision.

• It helps maintain blood sugar and is also a blood purifier.

• Karela is said to be good for the liver and gout health.

• It is also considered good for our skin health & helps keep the glow on.

• Karela is also good for weight management & loss.

• It is also an anti-fungal agent in our body.

         Culinary Uses of Bitter Gourd or Karela:

• Karela has been one of the most commonly used vegetables in our Indian kitchens and from simple karele ki subzi in pyaaz tamatar ka masala to bharwan or stuffed karela, karele ke chips are also popular.

• Bitter gourd or karela has also been popularly used in making juice which is considered good for diabetic patients, besides we also have sukhe masale wala karela, karele ki tikiya, we also have a few recipes in which we use karela in curries as well in a nice mild gravy.

• Karela muthiya, karele ka kofta, besan aur karele ka saalan, karela stuffing goes well into a paratha as well for a change, karele ka achaar, small baby karela can also be cooked in coriander and garlic masala too, karela batata nu shaak and karela with chana dal/ moong dal also comes out well.

• Speaking of it on a global culinary platform it also has been recognized in many cuisines in the form of adding a good eye appeal in plating and decorating meals as well. A bitter gourd salsa with sun dried tomatoes and garlic in olive oil tastes amazing with corn chips.

• Stuffing of bitter gourd is followed internationally as well just that the fillings change into more exotic ingredients like cream cheese and wild mushrooms, chicken mince and olive and pepper stuffing.

• Bitter gourd goes well in a fried rice and stir fried noodle concept as well combining it with a variety of flavors and veggies, sauces and condiments just brings out the taste.

• Exploring and experimenting is the key to adapting to this super beneficial ingredient and try doing it in variety of sauces in the form of baked dishes, stews combine it with chickpeas/beans of your choice too.

• A bitter gourd salad is also popular and dressings including mustard/vinegar/lime/seasonings like sea salt/ pink salt, crushed black pepper, add ons like jalapeno peppers, olives and gherkins also bring out its taste well.

• I have also tried doing a stuffed karela with filling of boiled mashed potato and peas spiced Indian style and cooked it in an onion tomato masala and layered to into a dum biryani concept as well and served it with a birishta- brown onion raita with anar in it.

Here are a few of my favourite recipes with Bitter Gourd / Karela:

Recipe-1] ACHARI MASTI WALE KARELE

Ingredients:

Karela- 250gms, washed, do not peel, slice apply little salt and keep aside for 20 mins, scrub well with hands rinse under running water.

Oil/ghee- 2 tsp

Jeera- ½ tsp

Ginger- garlic paste- 1 tsp

Chop green chilies- 1 tsp

Onion chop- 1 cup

Tomato- ½ cup puree- fresh

Salt to taste

Turmeric powder- ½ tsp

Red chili powder- ½ tsp

Dhaniya powder- 1 tsp

Water as needed

Aam ka achaar- 2 tbsp. chop

Fresh coriander leaves- 2 tbsp.

Lime juice- 1 tsp

Sugar-1/2 tsp or jaggery-1 tsp.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the recipe.

2. Heat oil/ghee and saute the ingredients one by one.

3. Light brown the onions, add tomato puree and salt, all masalas and cook for 2-3 mins, add in the sliced karela, cover and simmer for 10 mins.

4.Add little water as needed to cook it in steam, once cooked after around 20 mins, add in the aam ka aachar and coriander and mix well and simmer for 2-3 mins more, sprinkle lime juice and add sugar or jaggery mix and serve hot with phulkas, rotis, parathas.

Recipe-2] KARELA AUR CHANE KI DAL KA DALCHA

Ingredients:

Karela-250 gms, do not peel, wash and cut into cubes and apply salt for 20 mins, scrub well and rinse under running water and use

Chana dal- ½ cup soaked for 30 mins.

Oil/ghee- 2 tsp

Hing- ¼ tsp

Jeera- ½ tsp

Curry leaves- 5-6 no

Slit red chilies-2 nos.

Ginger garlic – 1 tsp chop

Chop onions- ½ cup.

Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

Garam masala powder-1/2 tsp

Dhaniya powder- 1 tsp

Aamchur powder- ½ tsp

Tamarind pulp-2 tbsp.

Sugar/jaggery-1 tsp.

Coriander leaves- 2 tbsp. chop

Water- as needed.

Fried brown onions- 2 -3 tbsp. for garnish.

Method:

1. Prepare all ingredients for the recipe.

2. Heat oil/ghee add in the tadka ingredients one by one and saute, add onions and lightly brown them add in the dal, karela and salt, powdered spices and bhunao for 1 -2 mins.

3. Add water as needed and using a steam pan/cooker allow the dish to cook for 15-20 mins.

4. Check if the dal and karela are soft in texture, now add in the tamarind and sugar/jaggery and mix well, check for salt.

5. Add in the coriander leaves and fried brown onions as well for garnish and serve hot with chapattis/ rice or missi rotis.

Recipe-3] INDO – FUSION KARELE KI SUBZI

Ingredients:

Karela-250gms sliced and apply salt, keep aside for 20 mins, scrub well and rinse under running water and parboil for 10 mins in water, remove and keep aside.

Oil/ butter/ghee- 1 tbsp.

Mustard seeds- 1 tsp

Slit green chilies -2 no

Garlic cloves-2-3 sliced

Ginger- 1 tsp sliced

Spring onions- 2-3 chop

Potato- 1 small cubed and boiled

Soy sauce- 1 tsp

Red chili sauce- 1 tsp

Water- ¼ cup

Salt and black pepper to taste

Roasted peanuts-2 tbsp.

Green capsicum cubes- ¼ cup

Corn flour water solution- 2 tsp to thicken if needed.

Chili flakes and herbs to flavor as needed

Fresh basil/coriander leaves- 1 tbsp.

Sugar/ honey- ½ tsp as needed

Use schezuan sauce or sweet n sour sauce as well for options.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the recipe.

2. Heat oil/butter add in the garlic, ginger, chili and onions and saute well for 1 min.

3. Add in the karela, potato, capsicums and seasonings, herbs etc and saute well.

4. Cover and simmer for 4-5 mins, add in the sauces and little water and allow further cooking for 2 mins, add corn flour water solution to thicken slightly.

5. Garnish and serve hot with steamed bread/ garlic bread/ cheese kulchas.

Recipe- 4] SOY AUR KARELE KA DUMDAAR KEEMA

Ingredients:

Karela- 250 gms wash and roughly chop do not peel add little salt and keep aside for 20 mins, scrub well with hands and rinse under running water and use.

Oil/ ghee- 1 tbsp.

Ginger-garlic-chili paste- 1 tbsp.

Onion- 1 chop

Tomato- 2 chop

Salt to taste

Red and green chilies as per taste

Soy keema- 100 gms, soaked in warm water for 10 mins.

Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

Red chili powder- ½ tsp

Dhaniya jeera powder- 1 tbsp. mix

Water as needed

Kasuri methi-1 tsp

Aamchur powder- ½ tsp

Roasted crushed peanuts- 2-3 tbsp.

Coriander leaves- 2 tbsp. garnish.

Method:

1. Prepare all ingredients for the recipe.

2. Heat oil/ghee in a kadai add in the ingredients one at a time, lightly brown the onions, add tomato, methi, all masalas and salt.

3. Add soy keema and karela and bhunao for 2 mins, try using soy chunks as well and some veggies like carrots, peas etc as well, add little water and cover and cook in steam or pressure cook for 3 whistles.

4. Now check for salt, add aamchur power, coriander and peanuts and mix well. Serve hot with rotis/ makkai ki roti/ laccha parathas.

Ingredient Ideology | Monsoon Special: Chaat Pe Charcha!!! By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

Chaat is an umbrella term for a wide range of roadside foods that usually feature some kind of fried dough with various ingredients that typically create a spicy, tangy, or salty flavour, though some chaat are sweet. Chaat is also referred to as a family of savoury snacks that originated in India, typically served as an hors d'oeuvre or at roadside tracks from stalls or food carts across South Asia in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. The different kinds of Chaat names from the collection are Aloo and Peas Chaat, Aloo Paneer Chaat, Sprouts Chaat, Raw Mango Chaat, Palak Chaat, Idli Chaat, Boondi Chaat, Cutlet Chaat, Oats Chaat, etc. There are almost more than 500 varieties of Chaat across the country in various states, cities and smaller places as well. In India, “chaat” is a word that describes more than just a set of snacks: It's a way of life, and a category of food that hits practically every element that makes something crave able—sweet, sour, tangy, spicy, and crunchy.

The original chaat is a mixture of potato pieces, crisp fried bread dahi vada or dahi Bhalla, gram or chickpeas and tangy-salty spices, with sour Indian chili and saunth (dried ginger and tamarind sauce), fresh green coriander leaves and yogurt for garnish, but other popular variants included alu tikkis or samosa. There are those who say the word chaat originated from its literal meaning 'to lick'. It was so delicious that people licked their fingers and the bowl made of peepal leaves, called donas, in which it is often served. Others think it originated from the term chatpati (tangy). However, no one truly knows the origin.

Though Chaats are prepared with a mixture of various ingredients yet, they are not so unhealthy to eat. But, there is Chaat like Aloo Tikki chaat and samosa chaat can be unhealthy especially for the people who are trying to lose weight. In short, Samosa Chaat is made when samosa is broken into bite-sized pieces and served with masala, chutney, and spices. Even though it's amazing street food, it can also be made at home. It's the perfect dish to experiment with because there are so many different sauces and spices to try it with.

Here are a few easy to toss- mix- assemble and relish options for a Sunday evening with Chaats:

Recipe-1] CHATPATA MAKKAI WALA CHAAT

Ingredients:

Oil-2 tsp

Ginger-1 tsp chopped

Green chili-1 tsp chopped

Onion-1 small chopped

Tomato- 1 small chopped

Mint leaves- 8-10 no

Coriander leaves- 1 tbsp. chopped

Chaat masala-1/2 tsp

Lime juice-1 tsp

Tomato ketchup-1 tsp

Red chili sauce-1 tsp

Aamchur powder-1/2 tsp

Imli chutney- 2-3 tsp

Flat papdis- 4-5 no

Nylon sev- 2-3 tbsp.

Fresh anardana- 2-3 tbsp.

Method:

1. boil the American sweet corn until tender and keep aside.

2. prepare all the cutting- chopping of the ingredients as listed, keep it all chilled until used.

3. heat oil add ginger, chilies, corn and saute for a few seconds, add salt to taste, lime juice, chaat masala and all other sauces and flavourings.

4. add in the boiled corn, onions, tomatoes, mint, coriander leaves and give it all a nice mix. Add in boiled potato cubes as well for a little more volume in the chaat.

5. toss the chaat well just before serving and assemble it all on a serving plate and garnish with anardana, coriander, imli chutney and serve it chilled.

Recipe-2] KALA CHANA FIRANGI CHAAT.

Ingredients:

Oil- 2 tsp

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Ginger-1 tsp chopped

Green chilies -1 tsp chopped

Kala chana- 2 cups boiled

Boiled potatoes-1 cup peeled and diced

Salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

Chaat masala-1/2 tsp

Schezuan sauce- 2 tsp

Lime juice-2 tsp

Tomato ketchup-1 tsp

Onions-1 small chopped

Tomatoes-1 small chopped

Coriander-2 tbsp. chopped

Mint leaves- 8-10 no

Lightly toasted peanuts- 2-3 tbsp.

Method:

1. prepare all the ingredients for the chaat masti mazaa for Sundays.

2. in a mixing bowl toss up together the ingredients for the chaat one by one, add

In seasonings to taste, sauces, chutneys and mix well.

3. add in the variety of veggies as per taste and give them all a nice mix.

4. add in a little cream cheese as well to balance the spice if needed.

5. garnish the chaat well with elements like sev, puries, coriander, chaat masalas and chutneys and offer them immediately garnish with toasted or roasted peanuts, mint, coriander and serve chilled.

Recipe- 3] MAKHANA MASTI CHAAT

Ingredients;

Makhanas- lotus seeds-1 cup

Oil-2 -3 tsp

Salt to taste

Black pepper- to taste

Lime juice-2 tsp

Peanut butter- 2-3 tbsp.

Boiled corn-1/2 cup

Boiled potatoes-1/2 cup diced

Cucumber-1/2 no peeled and cut

Tomatoes- ½ cup diced

Boiled chicken cubes- ½ cup

Sliced chicken sausages-1/2 cup

Tomato ketchup-2- 3 tsp

For more options on veggies:

Saute sliced zucchini

Sliced saute mushrooms

Sliced black and green olives

Fresh herbs/ parsley/ micro-greens

Method:

1. prepare all the ingredients for the chaat recipe as listed.

2. lightly toast the makhanas in oil on a medium flame and add a little salt and pepper into the makhanas and remove, allow to cool.

3. in a mixing bowl, combine together all the ingredients for the makhana chaat recipe. Start with the basic ones, add the sauces, ingredients to flavour the makhanas. I personally also tried it with peanut butter with tomato ketchup, a dash of imli chutney and mint- coriander.

4. add in the chutneys, seasonings to taste and give it all a nice toss and set the chaat into small bowls, add makhanas towards the end and sprinkle some more chaat elements onto the chaat bowls and serve it immediately.

5. for garnishing Chaats we can also use grapes, kiwi, berries, orange segments, cubed papaya etc can also be an option to be used in Chaats.

Recipe- 4] PAKODE WALI CHAAT

Ingredients:

Assorted pakodas- onion bhajiyas, potato bhajiyas, moong dal pakodas,

Mix veggie pakodas, paneer pakodas, boiled egg pakodas, chicken pakodas etc can be used.

Onions- ½ cup chopped

Tomatoes-1/2 cup chopped

Mint leaves- 8-10 no

Coriander leaves-2 tbsp. chopped

Peanut butter chutney-2-3 tbsp.

Red chili sauce-1-2 tsp

Garlic red chili chutney-2-3 tsp

Imli chutney- 2-3 tsp

Curd- ½ cup beaten.

Chaat masala-1/2 tsp

Roasted crushed jeera-1/2 tsp

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Lime juice- 2-3 tsp

Fresh fruits- pomegranate seeds or sliced dragon fruit.

Method:

1. to prepare the chaat elements, ensure all the ingredients are freshly cut and kept chilled.

2. choose between the pakodas as per choice and taste. Take 2-3 varieties of the pakodas for this chaat recipe.

3. the chaat is to be assembled just before serving, we need to keep all the choice of toppings, chutneys etc ready with us for this session.

4. the pakodas can be fried and assembled as chaat while they are a little warm as well similarly the moong dal pakodas can also be served while a little warm with toppings.

5. ensure the elements of the chaat are handy and ready to use once we start the assembly process. Add the toppings randomly on the pakodas, use squeeze out bottles to remove out the assorted topping sauces, chutneys etc on the chaat.

6. garnish the chaat with assorted garnishes from the classics to the creative ones and make it look nice, attractive and tempting.

Recipe- 5] PEANUT WALI KHASTA MAZAA CHAAT

Ingredients;

Peanuts- 1 and a half cup, boiled, fried/ roasted.

For non-veg- boiled/grilled/tandoori chicken sliced

For veg- paneer tikka- cut sliced/ cubes

For the chaat dressing:

Oil-1 tsp

Imli chutney-2-3 tbsp.

ginger juliennes-2-3 tsp

lime juice-2-3 tsp

mango pickle masala-2 tsp

tomato ketchup-2-3 tsp

raisins- 2-3 tsp

date puree-2-3 tsp

white vinegar-1 tsp

brown sugar-1- 2 tsp

mint and coriander- 2-3 tbsp.

onions- ½ cup chopped

tomatoes- ½ cup chopped

green chilies- 1 tsp chopped

chaat masala-1/2 tsp

salt and crushed pepper to taste

method:

1. prepare all the elements for the chaat and keep it all ready to toss.

2. choose between the veg and non-veg options for the chaat combination.

3. peanuts are a good choice to add into chaat and goes well with potatoes, boiled chana, 

Rajma, chauli etc.

4. assorted fruits like apples, pears, orange segments, ripe papaya cubes, grapes etc.

5. add in the assorted chutneys, sauces, chaat ingredients as needed and give it all a nice toss.

6. we can also use papdis, sev, bhujiya, crushed mathhri and other crunchy stuff as well like soya sticks, namkeen chiwda etc can also add taste and volume into the chaat. Garnish and serve immediately.

Recipe- 6] RAJMA AUR KAIRI WALI CHAAT

Ingredients:

Boiled rajma- 2 cups

Boiled cubed potatoes- 1 cup

Onion-1/2 small chopped

Tomatoes- ½ cup chopped

Green chilies- 1 tsp chopped

Lime juice- 2 tsp

Chaat masala powder- ½ tsp

Kala namak- ½ tsp

Raw mango- ½ cup cut

Imli chutney-1/4 cup

Green chutney- ¼ cup

Tomato ketchup-1 tsp

Roasted crushed jeera-1/2 tsp

Red chili powder-1/4 tsp

Flat papdi-1/2 cup

Nylon serv-1/2 cup

Assorted fruits-1/2 cup cut

For garnish- 

Assorted nuts

Assorted greens

Sliced dates

Method:

1. prepare all the ingredients for the chaat and ensure they are all cut and kept chilled.

2. boil the rajma and keep aside, boil potatoes and peel, cut into cubes and keep aside.

3. prepare all the other ingredients as well for the chaat and keep it handy.

4. fruits, garnishes, toppings, options for veg and non-veg need to be checked.

5. just before serving the guest. We need to add everything from rajma to veggies and kairi into the mixing bowl and add 

Seasonings, chutneys, sauces as per taste and give it all a nice toss, mix.

6. assemble the chaat into small glasses, mini portion bowls etc and place colorful garnishes on the chaat and ensure it is looking fresh. Serve the chaat immediately and relish it.

Ingredient Ideology | Monsoon Special: Soups To Sojourn By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

The concept of soups is truly an age old one and not many are really always in favor of having a bowl full of goodness and rather binge into junk and fast foods as a preferred choice. There is a need for creating a balance in our meals these days especially during pandemic times when we need to keep our immunity levels on a high besides being a little choosy since it is also monsoon time and we need to be careful on what is coming into our kitchen and getting cooked and finally being dished out on our plates.

The idea of a good soup is simply discussed as being wholesome, nutri-rich and full of flavor, colors and should be appealing to the eyes, palate and the senses on the whole. Soups are one of the simplest things to make in a kitchen without much fuss and irritation, it just calls for a little wise decision making, picking the right combinations and cooking it just right and pouring the delicacy piping hot into our soup bowls and relishing goodness especially with the downpour and monsoon season all across.

While we hear of clear soups, cream soups, puree soups, broths, hot and cold soups, ethnic and international favorites from many countries like minestrone soup from Italy, french onion soup from France, mulligatawny popular from south India and sri-lanka, seafood chowder soup from America, the chilled refreshing soup called gazpacho from Spain and Manchow, hot-n-sour, shark fin soup from china to name a few!

“SOUPS to me are an interesting concept of creating formulae of wonders in the pot while cooking and simmering them to perfection to bring out an enticing mélange of flavor mixes into the soup bowls and excite the diners and foodies to surprises & treats”- Chef Kaviraj.

Here are a few simple- easy and healthy soup recipes for our readers:

Recipe-1] ASIAN CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

Ingredients

Oil-2 tsp

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Ginger-1 tsp shredded

Green chilies- 1 tsp chopped

Spring onion- 2-3 sliced

Carrots- ¼ no shredded

Celery-1 stalk, chopped

French beans-3-4 sliced

Capsicums-1/2 no shredded

Boiled noodles- 1 cup

Boiled shredded chicken- 1 cup- optional

Salt and pepper to taste

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Soy sauce- 2 tsp

Schezuan sauce-2 tsp

Water/chicken stock- 2-3 cups

Corn flour-2 tbsp. solution to thicken

Spring onion greens-2 tbsp. for garnish.

Method:

1. Heat oil in a pan, add in the garlic, ginger, chilies and onions and saute for a few seconds.

2. Add in the assorted veggies and saute for 30 seconds, add in the water or stock, salt, pepper, chili flakes, sauces bring to a boil, simmer for 3-4 mins.

3. Add in the corn flour solution and mix well slightly thicken the gravy in the pan add in the boiled noodles and chicken pieces if desired or else serve with vegetables. Cook all of it together for 2-3 mins and serve hot garnished with spring onion greens.

Recipe-2] HERBED ONION POTATO SOUP

Ingredients

Oil-1 tsp

Butter-1/2 tsp

Garlic-2-3 cloves- sliced

Onion-1 med sized, sliced

Potatoes-1-2 medium sized, peeled and chopped

salt and pepper to taste

mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

chili flakes-1/2 tsp

water/veg stock- 3-4 cups

almond/ cashew paste-2 tsp

white sesame seeds/ flax seeds/ sunflower seeds- 2 tsp

parsley-2 tsp chopped

cream-2 tsp

method:

1.Prepare all the ingredients for the soup and keep ready.

2. Heat oil and little butter in a saucepan add in the garlic, onions, potatoes and saute them for 1 min.

3. Add in the salt, pepper, herbs, chili flakes and mix well, add water or stock bring to a boil and simmer the soup for 25-30 mins.

4. Cool it down a little and puree the soup, strain it and bring it back to a boil add little water or stock if needed, add in the cashew/almond paste, cream and check for seasonings.

5. Serve the soup hot garnished with fresh herbs/parsley/coriander/ lightly toasted seeds of your choice.

Recipe-3] NUTTY PUMPKIN COCONUT SOUP

Ingredients

Oil- 1 tsp

Butter-1/2 tsp

Bayleaf-1 no

Peppercorns-3-4 no

Ginger-1 tsp chopped

Green chilies- 1 tsp chopped

Curry leaves- 4-5 no

Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp

Onion-1/2 no chopped

Water/veg stock- 3-4 cups.

Yellow pumpkin- 150 gms peeled, chopped

Potatoes-1-2 small, peeled and chopped

Coconut milk-1/2 cup thick

Almonds/cashews/walnuts- 2 tsp chopped.

Sunflower seeds/chia seeds- 1 tsp

Coriander/parsley-2 tsp chopped.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the soup and keep ready.

2. Heat oil and butter in a pan add in the Bayleaf, peppercorns, curry leaves, ginger, chilies, onions and saute for a minute.

3. Add in the pumpkin and potato cubes and saute, add in the salt, turmeric powder, pepper, herbs, chili flakes as per taste and mix.

4. Add water/stock and bring to a boil, simmer for 20 mins.

5. Cool, remove the Bayleaf, puree and strain the soup and bring it back to a boil, add in the nuts, seeds and adjust the texture, add coconut milk, mix and simmer for 3-4 mins.

6. Serve hot garnished with fresh coriander/parsley/coconut cream.

Recipe-4] SEAFOOD – COCONUT VEGGIE SOUP

Ingredients

Oil-1 tsp

Butter-1/2 tsp

Garlic- ½ tsp chopped

Ginger- 1 tsp chopped

Green chilies- 2 slit

Onion-1/2 no chopped

Broccoli-1/2 cup florets

Carrots-1/2 cup sliced

Zucchini-1/4 cup cubes

Boneless fish cubes-1 cup

Cleaned prawns-1/2 cup

Salt and pepper to taste

White wine-2 tsp 

Water/stock- 3-4 cups

Coconut milk-1 cup thick

Thai red curry paste- 2 tsp

Lemon grass-3-4 pieces

Fresh basil-3-4 no.

Corn flour solution-2 tbsp.

Lime juice-1 tsp add and serve

Roasted crushed peanuts-2 tsp.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the yummy soup recipe.

2. Heat oil and butter in a pan add in the ginger, garlic, onions, chilies and saute, add in the lemon grass, basil, Thai curry paste and little water or stock and cook for 1-2 mins.

3. Add in the assorted veggies, salt and pepper to taste and allow to simmer and cook for 8-10 mins until just done. Now add in the wine, prawns and fish and carefully mix them in allow to cook for 3-4 mins on a medium flame.

4. Now add in the coconut milk and little corn flour water solution to thicken the soup slightly, simmer for 2-3 mins and serve hot garnished with fresh basil, roasted crushed peanuts, a splash of lime juice, coriander.

Recipe-5] VEGGIE WONDER SOUP

ingredients

oil-1 tsp

butter-1/2 tsp

Bayleaf- 1 no

Peppercorns-2-3 no

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Ginger-1 tsp chopped

Red chilies-1-2 slit

Onions-1/2 no chopped

Potatoes-1 med sized, peeled and cubed

Green peas-1/4 cup boiled

Babycorn-2-3 sliced

Mushrooms-2-3 sliced

Carrot-1/2 no sliced

Salt and pepper to taste

Water/veg stock-2-3 cups

Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

Coriander powder-1/2 tsp

Cashew/almond paste-2 tsp

Milk-1/2 cup

Cream-1 tbsp.

Coriander/parsley-2 tsp chopped.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the soup and keep ready.

2. Heat oil and butter in a pan add in the Bayleaf, peppercorns, garlic, ginger, red chilies and onions and saute for a few seconds.

3. Add in the assorted veggies of your choice, add seasonings, herbs, and flavor the soup as desired with powdered spices.

4. Add in water/stock bring to a boil, simmer for 15-20 mins and add in the milk, cream, cashew/almond paste and slightly thicken up the soup and simmer for 3-4 mins.

5. Check the soup for texture, salt and balance and adjust it accordingly. Add some parsley/coriander/seeds/nuts/micro-greens etc and serve the soup hot.

Ingredient Ideology| Ladyfinger’s Delight By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef

Tempting ways with bhindi

Ladyfingers also known as Bhindi in our local culinary terms one of the most commonly used vegetable in our daily cooking, easy to make, simple to adapt to and healthy as well. Bhindi as to Indian kitchens is like one vegetable which most of us have once in a week or so and yet its varieties are numerous and the variations are extremely exotic too. I remember having a ladyfinger soup in one of my experiences with international cuisines and believe me it was simple out of the world, we usually have it in an onion tomato masala or just simply with onion and spices at times or just normal tadke wali bhindi as well.

It is also called as Okra and Gumbo as well in the world cuisine and it has found its way into salads, stir fries, soups, side dishes, main course curries, stews, baked dishes, not to forget a few of my favorites like kurkuri bhindi, bhindi do pyaaza, hare masale wali bhindi, bhindi in dahi gravy, bhindi aur aloo ka bhujiya etc.

Here are a few recipes with ladyfingers with a little twist of taste for all of you to try:

Recipe-1] GUMBO FRIED RICE

Ingredients:

Boiled white rice- 2 cups cooked

Ladyfingers/bhindi- 150 gms cut into pieces

Oil- 2 tbsp.

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Ginger – 1 tsp chopped

Green chilies- 2 no slit

Onion-1 small chop.

Schezuan sauce- 1 tbsp.

Salt and pepper to taste

Tomato ketchup- 1 tbsp.

Soy sauce- 1 tsp

Red and green chili sauce- 1 tsp each

Assorted mix veggies- carrots/beans/peas/ potatoes- any of your choice to be cut into small pieces and blanched/boiled.

Coriander leaves- 2 tsp chopped

Roasted/fried peanuts/cashews- 2 tbsp.

Method:

1. prepare the rice and keep aside.

2. Heat oil in a pan/wok saute the ginger, garlic, chilies, onion and saute for 15 seconds.

3. Add in the veggies of your choice and cut ladyfinger pieces and add salt, pepper saute well for a minute.

4. Cover and simmer for 4-6 mins, allowing veggies to cook in steam, add in the sauces, little water, and allow to cook for more 2-3 mins in steam. [ if desired we can fry the ladyfingers as well and then add them to the rice for crispy texture]

5. Finally add in the cooked rice, toss well and check for salt.

6. Garnish with fried nuts, coriander and serve hot.

For Non-Veg: add boiled cubed eggs/ boiled cubes of chicken/ sliced chicken sausages/ also try adding baked beans/ cubes of paneer/tofu.

Recipe- 2] SAUNFIYA BHINDI ALOO

Ingredients

Bhindi- 200gms cut into medium pieces

Potato- 150gms cut into cubes.

Oil/ghee- 2 tbsp.

Hing- 1 pinch

Jeera- 1 tsp

Curry leaves- 6- 8 no

Slit green chilies- 2-3 

Onion- 1 large chop

Roasted crushed saunf- 1 tsp

Chaat masala- ½ tsp/aamchur powder- ½ tsp

Lime juice- 1 tsp

Coriander leaves- 1 tbsp. chop

Method:

1. Prepare the bhindi and aloo cut into pieces.

2. Heat oil or ghee in a pan, add in the hing and all the ingredients one by one, saute onions till light pink.

3. Add in the aloo and bhindi and mix well, cover and simmer for 6-8 mins.

4. Now add in the masalas, saunf and salt to taste, mix well cook for another 4-6 mins until well done.

5. Finally add in the aamchur/lime juice and coriander leaves and serve hot with phulkas, rotis.

Recipe- 3] LADYFINGER RELISH WITH FETA CHEESE

Ingredients:

Ladyfingers- 150 gms cut into pieces

Lettuce leaves- 1 cup

Tomatoes-1/2 cup no seeds

Capsicums-1/4 cup cubes

Shallots/onions- ¼ cup sliced

Cucumber- 1 small cubes

Lime juice- 2 tbsp.

Chaat masala-1/2 cup

Mint leaves- 10-12 no

Schezuan chutney- 1 tbsp.

Coriander leaves- 1 tbsp.

Bread croutons/cubes of fried/toasted bread- ½ cup

Feta cheese/ regular cubes of processed cheese- 100 gms

To saute the Ladyfingers:

Oil- 1 tbsp.

Garlic- 1 tsp chop

Salt and pepper to taste

Herbs and chili flakes to taste

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the relish salad, cook the ladyfingers separately first as given above for 10-12 mins on low flame.

2. In a mixing bowl combine all the ingredients well and toss the salad together with the saute and cooked ladyfinger pieces.

3. Add the bread croutons/cubes and arrange it on a serving dish on a bed of crispy lettuce leaves, garnish with some olives/cherry tomatoes/ feta cheese and serve immediately.

Recipe-4] ASIAN OKRA TOMATO VEG BROTH

Ingredients:

Okra/ladyfingers- 150 gms cut into pieces

Olive oil/ oil- 2 tsp

Garlic- 1 tsp chop

Onion- 1 small chop

Carrot- 2 inch. piece cubes

Potato/sweet potato- 1 small cubes

Capsicum- ½ cubes

Green peas-1/4 cup boiled

Tomato puree- 1 cup fresh/tin

Salt and black pepper to taste

Paneer/tofu- 50 gms cubes

Parsley/basil/coriander leaves- 2 tbsp.

Water/veg stock- 2-3 cups

Method:

1. Prepare the ingredients for the soup.

2. Heat oil saute garlic, onion add in the tough vegetables initially add seasonings, puree, herbs and chili flakes/spices as desired.

3. Add in the veg stock/water and bring to a boil, simmer for 10 mins, add in the capsicums, ladyfingers and continue cooking for 10-12 mins more.

4. Serve hot garnished with fresh coriander/basil leaves.

Ingredient Ideology | Let’s Appease The Green Peas By: Celebrity Master Chef Kaviraj Khialani

Calm, composed, versatile superfood great in its nutritive offering is how it has been defined by many foodies and gourmet lovers. Also called as garden peas, they are small spherical seeds that come from pods. One of most adored and used ingredients in many kitchens from our all-time favorite aloo mattar, pea pulao, mattar aur pyaaz ki Kachories, parathas with green pea filling, mattar paneer korma and more.

Green peas are one such ingredient which is naturally sweet legume rich in a number of our daily dietary requirements. The composition of this small yet wonderful ingredient is the pod and the pea within. The pods are rich in fiber and some of the softer varieties are consumed as well like the snow peas etc.

They are low in calories and good for our system and eases digestion as well to an extent,100 gms of green peas have around 81 calories approx. and its varied preparations from soups, salads, dips, stir fries and curries make them all the more interesting to involve them into our diet plans.

Health benefits of Green Peas:

*Green peas are considered as heart healthy food and their consumption in our diet in a number of healthy ways can add to the value of our system.

* Good for our skin, they contain fair amounts of fiber and anti-oxidants which protect us in many ways.

* Peas are also a good source of all the essential vitamins and minerals we need in our body like folate, iron, phosphorus and more.

* Green peas are considered one of the best sources of plant based proteins for us and they increase the levels of certain proteins in our body which reduce number of calories consumed in a day as well.

*They are relatively low in glycemic index which is a measure known to check how quickly our blood sugar rises after eating food.

Uses of Green Peas in our Kitchen:

• One of my all-time favorite with green peas is a bhuna mattar aur makkai ka shorba, peas and corn roasted and then tempered to a nice light soup, besides the Pudina mattar broth, cream of green peas soup, pea and lentil puree soup.

• Green peas are popular in Indian and both western cuisines as well from the fresh pea mash with fried fish, pea quenelles in sun dried tomato sauce, pasta with pea pesto and basil, green pea soup with bacon and sunflower seeds, pea and potato croquettes, mashed potatoes with smoked peas, pea roesti and hash browns stuffed with minted pea mixture.

• Indian recipes like mattar filling inside the famous Kachories, cooked mashed spiced peas filling inside parathas, in doughs for puries, also try adding dehydrated pea flour/powder into your dough for making parathas etc it is tasty as well and the list gets even bigger looking at the way we add it to our subzis.

• Mattar paneer, mattar aloo, Gobi mattar ki subzi, makhana mattar korma, pea pulao, mattar ka kofta in mildly spiced Indian gravies. while most of us love the winter fresh green peas, cleaning them is fun and storing them in our freezer keeps a bit of stock in hand as well,but we do have frozen options as well with green peas.

• I also tried using green peas in a puree form converting it into gravies as well with addition of little spinach puree and cashew paste and coconut milk, turned out nice with chicken and cheese koftas & also with soy chunks and mushrooms.

• Green peas with rice also has a great connect from the basic ones to the layered ones, try peas with brown rice in a pulao form by flavoring with cinnamon and add a few chopped dates into it and give it a dum for few mins.

• From the stir fry concepts, to adding them to dips and spreads green peas are handy, helpful, tasty and easy to include in almost every dish we wish to add content color and value.

Here are a few Simple & Tasty Recipes using Green Peas:

Recipe-1] PEA PARADISE SOUP

Ingredients

Green peas- 2 cups fresh/frozen.

Olive oil/ oil/ butter- 1 tbsp.

Bayleaf- 1 no

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Onion- 1 small chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Herbs- fresh or dried as per choice

Chili flakes- 1 tsp.

Potato-1 med sized peeled and cubed.

Roasted crushed jeera-1/2 tsp

Garam masala powder-1/4 tsp.

Water/vegetable stock-4- 5 cups

Flax seeds/ melon seeds/ pumpkin seeds- 2 tsp for garnish

Low fat cream/fresh cream/almond cream- 1 tsp garnish

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the soup.

2. Heat oil in a pan, add in the Bayleaf, onions, garlic and saute for a few seconds.

3. Add in the green peas, potato, salt and all spices, flavorings, herbs etc and mix well for 30 seconds.

4. now add in the liquid and bring to a boil, simmer for 10-15 mins and cool, puree and strain the soup well.

5. bring it back to a boil, check for seasonings, adjust the texture and serve hot.

Chefs Variations: 

For Veg: to make it more nutritious try adding ginger, green chili, soy chunks/ tofu as an option.

For added green color we can also add spinach leaves, fresh basil leaves, broccoli etc as well.

For Non-Veg: can use chicken stock as well to make the soup and later add boiled chopped chicken in the soup and bring to a boil.

Recipe- 2] NUTKHUT MATTAR PESTO PASTA

Ingredients:

For the Mattar Pesto:

Green peas- 1 cup boiled

Green chili- 1 tsp chopped

Fresh coriander leaves- ½ cup

Fresh mint leaves- ¼ cup

Fresh basil leaves- 1/2cup

Salt and pepper to taste

Lime juice- 2 tbsp.

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Oil/olive oil- 3-4 tbsp.

Chilled water- 2-3 tbsp.

Cashews/ almonds/ peanuts- 2-3 tbsp.

For the Pasta:

Use any choice of pasta as desired- penne/fusilli/macaroni etc to be boiled until just cooked and refreshed with cold water, a little sprinkle of olive oil and kept aside.

To Assemble the Dish:

Sliced saute mushrooms/ Babycorn/ blanched broccoli/ zucchini cubes/ roasted or grilled brinjal slices/ cooked sliced tandoori chicken/ saute masala prawns/ sliced grilled fish/scrambled eggs/ shredded double fried eggs/sun-dried tomatoes/canned tuna fish etc can all be a choice of additional ingredients which we can add to our pasta dish.

Elements of Garnish: 

Parmesan cheese shavings- ¼ cup or any cheese of your choice can be used. 

Cherry tomatoes- 4-5 cut 1 x2

Black olives/ green olives- 4-5 sliced

Fresh herbs like parsley/basil/coriander/mint etc.

Method:

1. Prepare the mattar pesto dressing and keep chilled in the fridge.

2. Work on the boiled pasta and keep it chilled as well.

3. In a mixing bowl combine together the sauce and pasta and choose from the add on list and incorporate that as well here and toss the salad well.

4. Arrange the dressed pasta on a salad/serving plate and choose from the garnishes and serve immediately.

Recipe-3] EVER GREEN HEALTHY DIP

Ingredients

Green peas- 1 and a half cup boiled.

Blanched spinach leaves- 1 cup

Fresh coriander and mint-1 cup mix

Green chili-2 no cut

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Celery- ¼ cup stem part cut

Olive oil/oil- 3-4 tbsp.

Salt and pepper to taste

Roasted crushed peanuts- 2-3 tbsp.

Chilled water-3-4 tbsp.

Method:

1.Prepare all the ingredients for the dip.

2. Using a grinder jar, we shall combine all these ingredients and blend it into a coarsely smooth texture, chilled water will help us to get the desired texture without discoloring it.

3. Add lime/rock salt/ chaat masala as per taste/add any seeds like sunflower/ roasted sesame seeds/pomegranate seeds etc for a crunch as well.

4. Chill the dip until being served, drizzle a little olive oil/sesame oil etc on top and serve with crackers/sticks of veggies/lavash/ toasted garlic bread/grilled or baked potatoes/chicken on skewers etc. I also tried adding tofu/cream cheese/grated cheese/grated paneer into the same dip as well for variety.

Ingredient Ideology | Sweet Temptations In A Jar By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef

Sweets and desserts are one of those favorite parts of a meal which we all usually love to make space for and to indulge into something which is appealing, healthy and innovative at times is like a cherry on the cake! While most of us have our own choice of sweet dishes which we enjoy all the time, it is a good idea to try something new, creative and different as well to entice and excite our taste buds and fellow friends and family members too once in a while by quickly fixing up some delectable sweet delights!

Here are 3 Ways to try out something new and varied for our dessert menu!

Recipe-1] NUTTY SWEET IN A JAR

Ingredients:

Digestive biscuits- 8-10 no crushed/powdered

Dates- 4-6 no seedless, fine chopped

Honey-2 tsp

Butter-2 tsp

Brown sugar-2-3 tsp

Fresh cream-1 cup

Sweet vanilla custard/ rabdi- 1 cup

Gulab Jamun- 3-4 no cut into small pieces

Meetha paan- 1 no, fine chopped entirely.

Assorted fresh fruits- pineapple/ cherries/ chickoo etc as desired-1 cup.

Assorted dry fruits-2 -3 tsp, almonds, cashews, raisins, walnuts etc.

Small dessert jars- 2-3 no to set the dessert.

Method:

1. Prepare and assemble all the ingredients for the fusion layered dessert in a jar.

2. Combine together the honey, butter, crushed brown sugar and digestive biscuits and mix them well.

3. Place a little at the base of the jar, continue with some whipped cream, some rabdi, chopped dates, the cut pieces of Jamun, sprinkle some of the meetha paan in between the layers add some fresh fruits, nuts and continue to layer the sweet.

4. Allow the dessert to build up in the jar make at least 2 to 3 layers and then close the jar with a tight fitting lid and chill for 2-3 hours, serve cold.

Recipe-2] RED VELVET DELIGHT JAR

Ingredients:

Red velvet cake/pastry- 400 gms approx.

Angoori basundi- 10-12 pieces plus ½ cup basundi

Assorted nuts- 2-3 tbsp. chopped use a combination of roasted almonds, raisins soaked in little rum or brandy, add some Anjeer, apricots etc as well for taste.

Custard -1 cup or

Whipped fresh cream-1 cup or

Rabdi-1 cup 

Jars to set the dessert-2-3 no.

Assorted fruit syrups/ crush like blueberry/ cranberry etc can also be used to add a tartness to the layered dessert.

To add some more flavors/texture/taste in the dessert we can even add some praline/ chikki which can be made using coconut/ peanuts/ mix assorted nuts etc crush them and add in between the layers for added options. Another variation to try is to add slices of malai or kesari kulfi in the layered dessert in the jar with the red velvet cake, it tastes awesome!

Method:

1. Start by assembling all the ingredients for this awesome combination dessert.

2. Place a layer or lightly crumbled red velvet cake soak it with a little brandy or rum if desired, top with layer of basundi/cream/ rabdi etc and also keep adding some fruits/nuts/ crushed chikki/praline in between the layers.

3. Create multiple layers with the dessert all the way to the top and finally place the angoori basundi pieces and little of the liquid as well, garnish and seal up the jars, allow to chill for 3-4 hours and then serve.

Recipe-3] CHOCOLATE WONDER JAR

Ingredients:

Chocolate sponge cake- 400 gms

Red wine/ brandy/ rum- 2-3 tbsp. optional

Chocolate sauce-1/2 cup

Choco- chips- 2-3 tsp

Rabdi-1 cup + 2 tbsp. melted white chocolate

Whipped sweetened cream-1/2 cup

Assorted nuts-2-3 tbsp. chopped

Rossogulla- 3-4 no’s cut 1 x 2

Jars- 2-3 no to layer and assemble the sweet

Assorted ice/cream scoops-2 flavors either vanilla or butterscotch/ coffee or tender coconut etc can also be placed in the jar as a part of the assembling concept.

Also try using assorted indian mithai/ sweets as well in these layers for more variety for example motichoor laddoo, sev burfi, dry fruit pedha or even a crumbled up Mohanthal does wonders when layered up.

Method:

1. Prepare and assemble all the ingredients as desired and as per choice for the quick fix dessert.

2. Start with a layer of the crumbled up cake soaked up with a little alcohol/ sugar syrup or a little syrup from the rossogulla as well can be used.

3. Next start with the placing of the sliced rossogulla, assorted nuts, ice-cream flavors, chocolate sauce, cream/ rabdi/ custard etc as desired.

4. Layer the ingredients all the way to the top and complete the setting of the sweet, add your favourite fruit syrups/crush/ compotes/ marmalades etc as well if desired, chill the dessert for 2-3 hours and serve.