All posts filed under: Recipes

Char Grilled Red Peppers with Balsamic Dressing

Summer times call for grilling. While most people can’t think of anything other than meat to toss onto a grill, I say give some veggies a chance – especially red peppers. Don’t worry if you don’t have an outdoor grill, I make mine on an indoor one (with the window open!) and it tastes just as fine. Its funny how the heat makes peppers change their nature – they go from pungent to sweet! Just peppers for dinner might not sound satisfying right now, but I assure you – serve it with some mashed potato, feta and green salad and you have the most refreshing summer meal! Char Grilled Red Peppers with Balsamic Dressing Prep time: 20 minsMarinating time: 1 hrServes: 4 What you need: 6 Red Peppers11/2 Tbsp Olive Oil3 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar200 gms FetaGreen Salad What to do:Cut each pepper into quarters; remove seeds and stems. Place skin side up under a preheated grill. Cook until skin blisters and turns black (about 15 mins). Cover peppers with a clean damp tea-towel and allow to …

Penne with Broccoli

I honestly don’t know why so many people have an aversion to Broccoli. Is it because it looks too green (almost alien green) and healthy? Or is it because no one has ever thought of serving it deep fried? I really can’t fathom the reason, as the only time my palate was exposed to broccoli, was when I had already crossed the fussy food period in my life. In some ways I’m glad, because I do adore the vegetable. Whenever I include broccoli in my food I feel my health quotient going up a couple of notches! Did you know it’s a minus calorie food? – It takes more calories for our body to digest broccoli than the calories it provides. It also has a really high antioxidant and folic acid level. Come on! The little bugger is just rooting for a slimmer and more beautiful you! Need I give you any more reasons to include Broccoli in your meal plans?? Penne with Broccoli Prep time: 30 mins Serves: 4 What you need: 1 head …

Strawberry Fool

What’s red and sweet and juicy with a little green mop top? Strawberries! They are finally in season and I’m thrilled! I love strawberries – the colour, the taste, the cutesy look! Absolutely beautiful, these fruit are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C. If you have a cold, get yourself a big glass of strawberry juice and you can kiss the cold goodbye. Really! (Ok, It works for me all the time, maybe I subconsciously want to add one more reason to love the lil buggers!) So, if you want to get on my good side, give me a bowl of strawberries and cream! Yes, I’m a fool for strawberries …sigh! Strawberry Fool Prep time: 30 mins Serves: 6 What you need: 350 gms Strawberries 1 tsp lemon juice 300 ml Double Cream 175 gms/ 1 cup Castor Sugar What to do: Put the strawberries into a small pan with 3 Tbsp of water and cook over a low heat until soft. Remove from heat, add the sugar according to taste and stir until dissolved. …

Kumbh Badami Mirch/ Mushrooms in a Chilli Cashew Gravy

Featured in GoodFood India Magazine – April 2012. (Top 3 recipe, selected under the Himalya Mushroom recipe contest for April) Mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses and a great source of antioxidants. For vegetarians, mushrooms are a wonderful alternative to meat. They are extremely versatile and I love the earthy flavor they so liberally exude. Healthy and tasty…now how many veggies can lay claim to that title? It’s no surprise that mushrooms rank among my top veggies. I mostly toss them into omelets or into a bowl of pasta, but the Indian mushroom gravies are another thing altogether! This one uses green chillies and cashews and is a rich accompaniment to Naan or rotis. Try this out if you can stomach the heat and I promise you won’t regret it! Kumbh Badami Mirch Prep and Cooking time: 30 mins Serves: 4 What you need: 200 gms Button Mushrooms (quartered) 15 Cashew nuts 4 Green Chilies 1 Onion (finely chopped) ¾ tsp Garlic paste ¼ tsp Turmeric A pinch of Garam Masala A handful of Cilantro/ Coriander leaves 5 …

Honey Chilli Chicken

This is the first Asian style dish that I have posted online. Shall we say in honor of the Year of the Metal Tiger, which starts in the month of February. The year of the Tiger is supposed to bring in dramatic changes but a lot can be accomplished if we are resilient. But enough of the astrology advice…this recipe actually doesn’t require much resilience. It’s very accommodating …gives you enough time to watch an episode on the telly while it cooks away contentedly. I use chicken thighs which have a darker meat which is much more flavorful and suited for this recipe. Also I leave the skin on, which results in a crispy outside but moist inside meat. The co-resident’s not much of a fan of honey in savory dishes, but I love the caramelly glaze and the sweet, pungent and tangy combination.. Drool drool! Honey Chilli Chicken Cooking time: 30 mins Serves: 4 What you need: 8 Chicken thighs / 20 Chicken wings 2 tsps minced Ginger 1 tsp minced Garlic 2 tsps …