I love eggplant in any form. It is one of the most versatile vegetables and there are literally hundreds of dishes using eggplant. There are also a number of varieties of eggplants, each one better than the next. For this dish, I used the small, purple, round ones. They are the perfect size once you…
Tag: #vegan
Gajar Ka Kofta (Carrot Fritters In Gravy)
Koftas are fritters, served immersed in a wet curry. They are absolutely delicious. Normally, koftas are deep-fried, but this oil-free recipe is as delicious as the fried ones. The most common kofta is made with lauki (bottle gourd). Once, several years ago, Hari said that he would make a kofta with carrots – and he…
Vadu Mangai (Tender Mango Pickle)
I cannot imagine a South Indian household that does not stock this tender mango pickle. It is made using a specific variety of tiny, green mangoes. This variety of mango is called vadu mangai or maavadu. It is only available in South India, mainly Thamizhnadu. Since I live a couple of thousand kilometers away in…
Sambaram (Thin Buttermilk)
Today is Ram Navami, a major festival in India. It celebrates the birth of Lord Ram (supposed to be the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Ram is often described as the ideal man. The huge and impressive volume written by Valmiki on the life of Ram is a very holy book for Hindus and one…
Beetroot Raita (Dip)
Indian summers are harsh, with temperatures soaring above 40o C across most parts of the country. One does not crave heavy foods in such weather. A raita (yogurt based dip), also called pachadi in the Southern parts of the country, is an ideal accompaniment to a meal. These are Indian salads, so to speak. Raitas…
Baked Cauliflower
In the mid and late 80’s, my weekends were always spent with two good friends and their families. We would rotate the venue amongst our homes – and whoever was the host had to prepare lunch and dinner for the group. It was always such great fun. On one such occasion. my friend’s wife (she…
Mixed Vegetable Pulusu (Curry)
Pulusu is the Andra Pradesh equivalent of the sambar of Thamizhnadu and Kerala. This dish is spicy, tangy and slightly sweet. I love pulusu of any kind. I first got a taste of this dish at my friend’s home in the late 80’s. His wife, also a dear friend, used to make this for us…
Drumstick Soup
Let me, at the outset, clarify that by drumstick I mean the vegetable. It’s the pod from the moringa tree. Called Sajjan Ki Phali in Hindi and Murungakkai in Thamizh. While eating this excellent vegetable, the pod is cooked with the skin on. It is only when served that the pod is chewed upon and…
Makai Shorba (Corn Soup)
This is another wonderful soup by the prolific Tarla Dalal, may her soul rest in peace. Corn is plentifully available in Northern India from late monsoon right through winter. Of course, it is available throughout the year – but not through natural farming methods. So I tend to avoid buying corn in summers, trying to…
Chayote Squash Soup
Chayote squash is widely available across India, commonly called chow chow. It is also widely used in the cuisines of East and South India. But I have never seen it used in North Indian cuisine. I buy this gourd quite often, but must admit that I am not a great fan. I eat it rather…
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