Tzatziki | How to make Greek Tzatziki dip?

Cooling, refreshing Greek Tzatziki dip
09/29/2016 10:58:53 PM vindhyadesai

Tzatziki, (pronounced ta:t:si:ki) is a yogurt based dip from Greek cuisine. It is very similar to cucumber raitha differing only in the addition of certain ingredients like, olive oil and vinegar. Aromatic herbs like mint, dill (sabsige) are added to make the dip even more delicious. Mint leaves can be cut into chiffonades (mint leaves stacked up, rolled and then cut into thin long strips) or the dill leaves can be finely chopped and added to the dip. This emerald light green coloured grated cucumber dip is very refreshing and cooling. Make this for your Mediterranean platter, recipe up next on FOI. From top left, roasted red pepper hummus, plain hummus and tzatziki. As promised, I am posting the part of the photo of the mega Mediterranean platter. Perfect for the upcoming weekend. ... “Tzatziki | How to make Greek Tzatziki dip?”

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus | How to make red pepper hummus dip?

Hummus dip with notes of sweet roasted red pepper and creamy feta cheese
09/28/2016 9:48:05 PM vindhyadesai

In continuation to my previous post, plain hummus dip, this recipe is a simple extension of it. I wanted this recipe to searchable so I am posting it as a separate one. This is one of the most delicious variations of a hummus dip. It has roasted sweet red bell pepper and creamy Greek Feta Cheese. Feta cheese is available in superstores easily these days. If you cannot procure Feta cheese you can skip it or add some fresh paneer/cottage cheese in place of it, squeeze in some lime/lemon juice before using it. The texture will not turn out to be very creamy but paneer is a good substitute. In keeping with the Mediterranean cuisine, I will reveal the Mediterranean platter in tomorrow’s post. I prepared the platter with these hummus dips featuring in it. Wait and watch this space! ... “Roasted Red Pepper Hummus | How to make red pepper hummus dip?”

Hummus | Houmous | How to make hummus dip?

Textured, creamy, protein filled hummus
09/27/2016 8:05:41 PM vindhyadesai

Hummus is the most common vegetable or chip dip, a staple condiment. It is from the Middle Eastern Region and is a staple in the Mediterranean cuisine. Made from chick peas, it is rich in proteins and good fats. Sesame seed paste (tahini) and olive oil add a distinctive taste to the dip. It can be made smooth but a bit of texture always adds to the layered flavours. Many restaurants make this very dry because it is pre-made and left out to dry. Serve with roasted vegetables, pita or tortilla chips or use it as a spread for a quick sandwich. This is such a versatile dip, it practically goes with anything. Try making this easy dip at home and enjoy the goodness of chickpeas! Other variations of this classic recipe like roasted red pepper hummus to try. ... “Hummus | Houmous | How to make hummus dip?”

Hara Bhara Kababs | Hara Bhara Tikki | How to make hara bhara kababs?

Loaded with greens, delicious hara bhara kabab with refreshing mint chutney
09/25/2016 5:43:33 PM vindhyadesai

Starters and appetizers always set the tone of a meal. Delicious starters served in the right portions define the quality of the rest of the courses. Kebabs/Kababs are one of the most preferred kind of starters. Kababs are originally from Middle East. These need not be non-vegetarian as is the common notion. Perfectly delicious vegetarian kebabs/kababs can be made and they make great starters to a meal. Boiled potatoes generally form the base of vegetarian kebabs/kababs. Hara bhara kabab is one of the most common type of starters, loaded with goodness of green spinach and peas mixed into a base of boiled and mashed potatoes. Grated paneer adds great texture and structure to these kababs, light masalas like amchur powder add the perfect taste to wake up those taste buds. Serve these with a simple refreshing mint/pudina chutney or with plain old ketchup. ... “Hara Bhara Kababs | Hara Bhara Tikki | How to make hara bhara kababs?”

Methi Thepla | How to make methi thepla?

Soft, filling, light methi theplas, a Gujarathi staple
09/23/2016 9:32:14 PM vindhyadesai

Theplas are Gujarathi masala/spicy rotis made with light spices, vegetables or greens like methi/fenugreek leaves. Theplas have simple spices like fennel/saunf and the dough is kneaded with a little yogurt which makes them soft. Adding methi leaves makes them extra tasty and flavourful. These are one of the most portable dishes, they are easy on the stomach, have very less oil yet soft and filling. They are kid-friendly and this will definitely make them like and eat their greens. Make this for picnics, travel, lunch box or even for a light dinner. More homemade parathas/bread/rotis on FOI. Theplas are best served with pickle and yogurt or a raitha. ... “Methi Thepla | How to make methi thepla?”

Shenga Chutney Pudi | Groundnut Chutney Powder | How to make groundnut chutney powder?

Spicy groundnut chutney powder, pre-made side dish
09/22/2016 9:52:21 PM vindhyadesai

Having a side dish always on hand in the form of a dry powder and which does not spoil is very useful. Chutney Powders/Chutney Pudis are a great side dish for chapathis, rotis, dosas, idlis or even hot rice with ghee. Shenga chutney pudi (groundnut chutney powder) is a very famous side dish from North Karnataka. All households make large quantities of this tasty spicy powder and store it. Try this with thalipeeth or with dosas. Dosas like rava dosa, open masala dosa taste really good with this chutney powder. The best combination has to be Bhakkri or Jowar Roti (plain sorghum flour oiless thin rotis) with this tasty shenga chutney powder mixed with yogurt/curd. A slightly different form called ‘shenga hinDi’ a coarser and rougher chutney powder with only oily shengas, is also a super delicacy from the beautiful land of North Karnataka (like Bijapur and other places). Other shenga/groundnut recipes to try. ... “Shenga Chutney Pudi | Groundnut Chutney Powder | How to make groundnut chutney powder?”

Seemebadanekayi Saagu | Chayote Squash Curry

Tasty side dish for chapathis/rotis, seemebadanekayi curry
9/20/2016 8:22:14 PM vindhyadesai

Seemebadanekayi or chayote squash is a succulent vegetable and it works well in a gravy or curry. They are a great alternative to potatoes as they absorb a lot of flavour. They also cook fairly quickly making this dish fast, easy and simple. Saagu like curries taste great with chapathis/rotis. This also makes an excellent dish for lunch box or for festivals. I have also lined up mixed veg saagu which is coming up soon on FOI. Do try other gravy/curry recipes or chapathi/roti side dishes. ... “Seemebadanekayi Saagu | Chayote Squash Curry”

Pista Doodh | Pistachio Milk | How to make pista elaichi doodh?

Creamy, thick, nutty, light green, pistachio doodh/milk
9/18/2016 7:44:49 PM vindhyadesai

A thick milk based drink is a real energy booster especially after fasting. If it has dry nuts added to it the energy, fibre, taste quotient increases that much more. Light emerald coloured pistachios are not only pretty looking nuts their health benefits are also innumerable. They are one of the foods that helps in weight reduction as they are rich in dietary fibre and are known to reduce heart related ailments. They are also known to regulate sugar content and keeps diabetes at bay.
Like I mentioned, the health benefits of this wonder nut are next to endless probably. Their rich nutty flavour imparts a beautiful coarse texture, fragrance and colour when added to milk and also helps thicken milk. More flavour is added by elaichi or kesar (saffron) or both. Enjoy the creamy, nutty flavour of this rich flavoured milk! This is also a great drink for festivals like Holi, Naga Chauthi/Panchmi, Ram Navami. Other milk based drinks to try. ... “Pista Doodh | Pistachio Milk | How to make pista elaichi doodh?”

Brinjal Coins

Crispy but soft, pan fried brinjal/aubergine coins for tea-time
9/16/2016 10:42:06 PM vindhyadesai

Something to munch on during tea-time especially on a rainy lazy Sunday evening surely sounds like fun. Snacks with tea/coffee need not always be deep fried or dunked in a lot of oil and then fried. Snacks can be subtly made and they taste really good without the guilt of a lot of calories. Eggplant or big brinjal/aubergine is not an appreciated vegetable but if it is converted to a tasty, crispy, savoury snack it can be very delightful. I call these Brinjal Coins because they look like big gold coins with the beautiful golden yellow colour rendered by the addition of turmeric/haldi. This is one of the many simple snacks I have learnt from my mother. Enjoy these with your hot beverage or serve as a starter! Try other snacks/starters. ... “Brinjal Coins”

Gooseberry Jam | How to make gooseberry jam?

Sweet gooseberry jam with tangy notes
9/14/2016 10:40:28 PM vindhyadesai

Gooseberries are very rich in Vitamin C and dietary  fibre. They are tart and tangy and also pulpy making a good berry for making jam/marmalade. Moreover they are available throughout the year in most places especially in tropical places. There are so many variety available, big lemon sized ones, small ones, soft ones and even red ones etc. I have used green soft gooseberries almost seedless, which are not very sour to make jam as given in recipe below. Try other jam/marmalade recipes. Another version made in India is the Amla Murabba or Nellikayi Gulambu (as called in Kannada) will also be posted on FOI. ... “Gooseberry Jam | How to make gooseberry jam?”