Brinjals play an important role in a typical Andhra vegetarian meal. Its the revered vegetable of Andhra cuisine and a family favorite. I tried Dahi Baingan, a North Indian style preparation to go with rotis and it didn’t disappoint. There are a couple of versions of Dahi Baingan one of which is this particular recipe that I noted in my recipe files. A creamy style sabji that makes for a lovely side with rotis. Goes well with plain rice too. Next on my to-try list is another yogurt based curry, Kashmiri Dahi Baingan.

Panchratan translates to ‘five jewels’. Panchratan dal is an exotic amalgam of five lentils that are simmered, in a delicately spiced onion-tomato base, to a creamy consistency. A cold weather, crowd pleasing favorite, works great as a thick soup too other than serving as a rich accompaniment to roti or rice.

Cooking with fresh produce from the farmer’s market and feeding family with nature’s vegetarian goodness gives such joy to the heart. Simple everyday Indian khana, be it age old classics or contemporary/fusion – our delicate dals, spiced sabjis and vibrant curries bring color to the thali, flavor to the palate and nutrition to the body.

Away from the monotony, I cooked Awadhi style of Moong dal to go with rotis. I used yellow moong which is lightly dry roasted before cooking till soft. I found the original recipe to be bland to my palate and to spice it up, added spices other than called for in the original recipe.

A jhatpat sabzi with nutritious ingredients, capsicum and paneer. Appealing to the eye and the palate, this super quick, utterly simple stir fry is lightly spiced and makes a good side with phulkas or a filling for a wrap/roll.

Less is more. This tindora/ivy gourd recipe walks away a winner with the minimal of ingredients and a flavor to die for. I love the simplicity of this recipe and how comforting it is to the palate. Amchur or raw mango powder is what gives the tindora, a boost of flavor.

Light, aromatic and immensely flavorful rice dish that uses very few ingredients. The mint flavor is subtly infused in the rice without being overpowering. Tinted with a light green shade, smelling of warmth and sunshine, pudina pulao makes for an endearing meal to serve family and friends.

Matar Paneer When in season, I made optimum use of fresh green peas and froze a kilo for the summer months. Combined a small cup of peas with paneer and prepared a tomato based curry to go with rotis for our mid day meal. Matar Paneer, a culinary gem of North Indian origin, is a [...]

Indians love their favorite chaat wala and spend many a evening eating their favorite masala puri or pani puri, relishing its magical, addictive flavors like there’s no tomorrow. And why not? Its comforting food that warms the palate, delicious and economical on the wallet.

Mumbai’s popular fast food snack prepared with curried dried peas aka ragda that is spooned over Aloo Patties/Cutlets along with an assortment of chutneys and garnished with sev and fresh coriander leaves. Also known as Aloo Tikki Chaat in North India, where its prepared without ragda.