Anshu's Food Odyssey

Tortilla Chips with Salsa is something which we all must have enjoyed several times. How about giving this famous Mexican recipe an Indian twist, especially for foodies who are fasting during the Navratra days? Sounds interesting? Well! I bring for you the most delectable chips made using the samak (barnyard millet) flour accompanied with a mouth-watering fruit salsa dip. The best part is, these chips are flavored with fresh strawberries and make for a delectable treat. Here's the recipe ....hope you enjoy ! Ingredients (For Fruit Salsa) 5-6 fresh strawberries finely chopped 2-3 tsp fresh pomegranate seeds 1/2 orange cut into cubes 2 green chillies finely chopped 1/2 bunch of mint leaves finely chopped 2 tsp lemon juice 1 tsp of powdered sugar 1 tsp roasted cumin powder 1 tsp black salt White salt as per taste Ingredients (For Samak Chips) 2-3 fresh strawberries finely chopped 1 green chilli finely chopped 1/2 tsp lemon juice 1 tsp salt 2 cups cooke...

Chutneys are an inseparable part of the Indian cuisine. Prepared with a variety of ingredients including fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables, they make for delectable accompaniments and add to your meal, that extra punch of zing, aroma and flavor. Here, I bring for you a special chutney which is made from roasted guava and mint and that is sure to carve its very own place in your already existing list of chutneys. Do try making it once and I guarantee, you would not be able to resist yourselves from making it again, again and again. Roasted Guava & Mint Chutney Ingredients Guavas (medium sized ripe guavas, but not overriped ones) - 2 Green chilies - 2 Ginger - 1 inch Lemon juice - 1/2 tbsp Chopped coriander - 1/2 cup Fresh mint leaves - 1/4 cup Red chili powder - 1 tsp Sugar - 1/2 tbsp Black salt - 1 tsp Roasted cumin powder - 1 tsp Salt (sendha namak if fasting) to taste P.S - You may adjust the spice levels as per your taste Roasted Guava ...

As rightly said, Navratris are more of a feasting celebrations rather than fasting. Many traditional snacks and puddings are made and savored during this time of the year; amongst most classic of the delicacies is the kuttu pakoras that are made using thin slices of potatoes, coated in buckwheat flour batter and fried till crisp. Here, is the step by step recipe for this traditional delicacy; hope you like it !     Kuttu ke Pakode Ingredients Kuttu ke Pakode 1 cup buckwheat flour 1 1/2 cup water or as needed 2 potatoes (cut into thin slices) 1 tsp lemon juice 1 green chilli finely chopped 1 inch ginger finely grated 2 tsp fresh finely chopped coriander Salt to taste 1 tsp black pepper powder Oil for frying Method Kuttu ke Pakode Kuttu ke Pakode 1. Make a thick batter of kuttu flour and add in the rest of the ingredients. Make sure potato slices coat well in the batter. 2. Fry the flour coated potato slices in medium hot oil u...

Also known as Sama, Samai, Varai and Samo, Samak Rice belong to the millet family and makes for a healthy replacement for rice during fasts, especially Navratris. You would be surprised to know that these rice are not a cereal but a fruit which comes from the grass that commonly grows amidst the paddy fields. Loaded with fiber, vitamin B-complex, zinc, manganese and anti-oxidants, Samak surely makes for a good choice for diabetics and heart patients too. Consumption of these rice also helps accelerate weight loss, so, anyone looking forward to shed some weight must include Samak in his/her daily diet routine. Eating Samak simply plain and boiled can surely be a tough and boring job, so, here I bring for you an interesting version of these rice which not only adds beautiful color to them but also makes them delectable and tasty. Do try making them in your kitchens and let me know how they turned out. Samak Rice Pulav Ingredients 1/2 cup samak rice (ba...

These delicious potato boats make for one of the perfect appetizers when you are organizing a party or a family get together. The best part is, they are very easy to prepare and can be made using any assorted vegetables available in your homes. Here is the complete recipe... Ingredients 2 large potatoes 1 tbsp hung curd 1 tsp mayonnaise 2-3 cloves garlic (finely grated) 1 tsp corn kernels 1 tsp red bell pepper (finely chopped) 1 tsp green bell pepper (finely chopped) 2-3 green chillies (finely chopped) 1 tsp lemon juice Salt to taste 2 tsp black pepper powder 1 tsp dried oregano Some fresh coriander (finely chopped) Mozzarella cheese Method 1. Thoroughly wash the potatoes and prick them all over with a fork. 2. Sear them well with oil, salt, garlic powder and oregano. 3. Bake them at 180 degrees Celsius for about 45 minutes. 4. Once they are baked, take the potatoes out from the oven and let them cool for 15 minutes. 5. Cut them into halves vertically ...

A fusion of chickpea flour, curd, aromatic spices and deep fried pakodas (fritters), Punjabi Kadhi makes for a perfect Sunday lunch and goes well with plain boiled or steamed rice. Tangy flavor and smooth & silky texture of this delicious delicacy is simply to die for. Here is its step by step recipe. Hope you like it ! Punjabi Kadhi Ingredients (For Kadhi) Sour curd/yogurt -  3 cups Gram flour/ chickpea flour (besan) - 5 to 6 tbsp Mustard seeds (rai) - 1 tsp Fenugreek seeds (methi daana) - 1/2 tsp Cumin (jeera) - 1 tsp Slit green chilies - 2 to 3 Salt - to taste Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp Oil - 1/2 tbsp Water - 1 to 2 cups or as needed Punjabi Kadhi Ingredients (For Pakodas) Finely chopped onions - 1 cup Chickpea flour (besan) - 3 to 4 tbsp Finely chopped green chilies - 2 Dried pomegranate powder - 1 tsp Finely chopped coriander - a handful Coriander powder (dhaniya powder) - 1 tsp Red chili powder - 1 tsp Crushed fenugre...

A hearty and delicious pumpkin soup is loaded with high nutritional value and lots of health. Here, I am sharing with you the most easiest way to prepare this appetizing recipe...hope you like it. Just for your knowledge, I have used milk in it, in case you are a vegan, you can go with the coconut milk and trust me, it will turn out as delicious. Ingredients 1 medium sized ripe pumpkin/butternut squash 1 medium sized red onion 3-4 cloves garlic 1 cup milk Salt as per taste 2 tsp black pepper powder 1 tsp chopped and fried garlic 1 tsp oregano 2 tsp cream (for garnishing) Method 1. Preheat the oven at 180 degrees for 10 minutes. 2. Slice the pumpkin into two halves and grease the sunny sides with olive oil. 3. Roughly chop onion and garlic and grease them too with some olive oil. 4. Bake pumpkin, onions and garlic in the oven for an hour or until all ingredients get little charred. 5. Scoop out the pumpkin flesh and blend it in a mixi grinder along with onion...

Loaded with nutrition of a variety of vegetables and delicious sweet corns, the piping hot " Sweet Corn Soup " makes for the most comforting food, especially on a chilly winter evening. Try it in your home kitchens this coming weekend and serve it hot with some crunchy appetizers or some noodles... Ingredients 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots 1/2 cup finely chopped french beans 1/2 cup sweet corn kernels 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage 2 tsp finely chopped ginger 3 cups vegetable broth 1 tbsp cornflour 1 tsp sugar Salt to taste 2 tsp black pepper powder Some spring onion greens to garnish Method 1. Boil all the vegetables except cabbage in vegetable broth for about 15 minutes. 2. Add in the cabbage and let the soup boil further for 5 more minutes. 3. Add in salt, sugar and black pepper powder - mix well. 4. Make the cornflour slurry and add in the soup to thicken. 5. Let it boil for 5 more minutes and remove it in a serving bowl. Serve piping hot...

Oozing with deliciousness of chocolate and cream, this dessert makes for a perfect close to a hearty dinner. And if you are thinking to give a surprise to your kids, they would simply fall in love with you all over again after eating this heavenly delight. The recipe is very simple and without eggs which makes it perfect for vegetarians too... do give it a try and post in your feedback after making the same. Ingredients 1 cup chocolate 1/2 cup fresh whipping cream 2 tsp sugar Method 1. Whip the cream until it forms peaks and keep it aside in refrigerator. 2. Melt the chocolate on double boiler and add in the sugar. Let it cool for around 10 minutes so that it cools down. 3. Mix the chocolate gently with cream and pour in serving glasses. Again place in the refrigerator for around an hour and serve chilled.

Made from ingredients like raw banana, sweet potato and arbi, these falahari kebabs make for perfect treat for Navratri fasts. Do try making them at your homes and let me know how they turned out. Ingredients (Makes 12 - 15 Kebabs) 1 peeled and steamed sweet potato 1 peeled and steamed raw banana 4-5 boiled, peeled and fried arbi 1/2 cup grated radish 1/2 cup grated carrot 2 green chillies 1 small bunch fresh coriander Juice of 1 lime Sendha Namak (as per your taste) 2 tsp crushed peanuts 1 tbsp kuttu atta (buckwheat flour) 1 tsp dry mango powder 1 tsp roasted cumin powder 2 tsp pomegranate seeds Method 1. Grind the above ingredients and make a smooth dough out of them. 2. Skewer them on satay sticks and shape like kebabs using greasy hands. 3. Shallow fry in medium hot oil until they turn golden brown. Serve hot with mint and anaardana chutney. 

Bursting with zingy and tangy flavors of ginger and orange, this delicious chicken recipe has its roots in the Chinese cuisine and makes for a delectable delight whether served with plain boiled rice or as a sole appetizer. Those interested in giving a try to this mouth-watering dishin their own home kitchens, are welcome to follow the recipe below. Ingredients 500 gms boneless chicken (cut into bite-size cubes) Juice of 1 fresh orange 2 inch grated ginger 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped) 2 tsp soya sauce 2 tsp vinegar 2 tsp sugar 2 tsp all purpose flour 2 tsp cornflour Salt to taste 2 tsp crushed black pepper Oil for frying Method 1. Marinate the chicken with 1/2 cup orange juice, half of the grated ginger & garlic, 1 tsp soya sauce, all purpose flour,1 tsp cornflour, salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Let it rest for 1 hour. 2. Now fry these chicken pieces in medium hot oil until they turn crisp; take them out in a bowl. 3. Prepare the sauce to coat th...

Navratras are round the corner and most of us would be keeping fast during the 9 auspicious days. In case you have got bored of trying the normal fast delicacies, here I bring for you a teekhi-chatpati arbi recipe which will surely give a kick to your fasting taste buds. Do try it and don't forget posting your feedback on how it turned out. Ingredients 500 grams Arbi (Colocasia) Sendha Namak (as per your taste) 1 tsp black Salt 1 tsp dry mango powder (amchur) 1 tsp roasted cumin powder 2 tbsp thick curd(slightly sweetened) 1 tbsp sweet tamarind chutney 1 tbsp green coriander mint chutney 1 tbsp chopped cucumber 1 tsp finely chopped green chillis For Garnishing Finely chopped coriander Few pomegranate seeds 1 tsp roasted/fried peanuts Method 1. Boil arbi for about 1 whistle in pressure cooker. 2. Peel off the skin. Press each arbi a little in your palms and fry until crispy. 3. In a serving platter, place the crispy arbi and top it up with all...

Lip-smacking savoury titbits, Noodle Cutlets make for perfect party appetizers. Bursting with mild flavours and oozing with deliciousness of cheese and noodles, they are loved by kids too. In case, you have an upcoming party this weekend and you are looking for an easy snacks recipe, do try them. I am sure you will be showered with compliments from your guests. So, here goes the recipe.... Ingredients 1 boiled potato 1 cup boiled noodles 1/2 cup grated cottage cheese 2 tsp corn kernels 2 cloves garlic 1 inch ginger Some fresh coriander 1 green chilli 1 cup breadcrumbs Salt to taste 2 tsp black pepper powder 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning Oil for frying Method 1. Grate potato and cheese. 2. In a blender, make a smooth mixture of noodles, grated potato & cheese, corn kernels, garlic, ginger, coriander and green chilli. 3. In the mixture, add all the spices, bread crumbs and mix well to form a dough like consistency. 4. Grease your palms w...

' Falafel' is a well-known Middle Eastern specialty which is made of chickpeas and loads of fresh herbs like coriander and mint. The flavorful snack is served with an equally lip-smacking dip popularly called as ' Hummus'. A combo of these two work as a great appetizer and makes for a perfect entree when you are organizing a party or a family get together. Scroll through this page and learn the step by step method of making this appetizing delicacy. Ingredients (For Falafel) 1 cup overnight soaked chickpeas A small bunch of fresh coriander A small bunch of fresh mint Salt to taste 1 tsp roasted cumin powder Juice of 1 fresh lemon/lime 2-3 green chillies 3-4 cloves garlic 1 medium sized finely chopped onions Pinch of baking soda Oil for frying Method (For Falafel) 1. Blend all the ingredients together in a mixi or a grinder. 2. Shape the mixture into small lemon sized balls. 3. Fry them in medium hot oil until golden brown in color. 4. Serve ...

The succulent, juicy and creamy " Chicken Malai Tikka" is one Indian appetizer which brings a big smile on the face of every passionate foodie. The gastronomic favorite is a perfect blend of mild spices and silky texture with deliciousness of cream and cheese oozing out of its every bite. For those who are die hard fans of this royal delicacy and specially go out to restaurants to savour its exotic flavours, here I bring for them an easy recipe to prepare and enjoy this creamy tikka in the comfort of their own homes.  Ingredients 500 gms boneless chicken breast cut into bite size cubes 2 tsp lemon juice 2 tsp ginger/garlic/green chilli/coriander paste Salt to taste 1 tsp black pepper powder 1/2 tsp cardamom powder 2 tsp oil 1/2 cup fresh cream 1/2 cup hung curd 2 tsp corn flour 1/4 cup grated processed cheese Method 1. Marinate chicken with lemon juice, salt, black pepper powder, cardamom powder and green chilli paste. Keep it in the refrigera...

Khandvi is a famous savoury Gujarati snack made from gram flour and curd or buttermilk. For foodies who are looking for a healthy appetizer which is free of high calories, this delectable snack makes for a perfect option and satiates their hunger pangs in just a few minutes. The detailed recipe of Khandvi is given below; just in case, you like it, don't forget to leave your comments. Any suggestions for improvement in the recipe are welcome too!! Yum Khandvi INGREDIENTS For Khandvi (makes 15-20 pieces) 1 Cup Gram Flour (Besan) 1 Cup Beaten Curd/Yogurt 2 Cups Plain Water 1 tsp Coriander/Ginger/Green Chilli Paste 2 tsp Sugar 2 tsp Lemon Juice 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder Salt (as per taste) Grated Fresh Coconut Finely grated carrots (optional) Finely Chopped Coriander For Tempering 1/2 tbsp Vegetable Oil 3-4 Slit Green Chillis 1 tsp Mustard Seeds Few Curry Leaves For Garnishing 1-2 tsp Pomegranate Seeds (optional) Freshly Grated Coconut ...