Anshu's Food Odyssey

Punjabi's all-time favorite, Dal Makhani , is a delicacy that has carved its niche on the menu cards of restaurants not only in India but world-wide. Luscious, silky, creamy and buttery, its absolutely a treat for any and every food lover. Whenever we are dining out, its a must on our tables apart from one of our other few favorite dishes like Kadhai Paneer , Punjabi Chholey and Kashmiri Dum Aloo . And in case, we are opting for some non-veg, it has to definitely one of  Chicken Curry or Butter Chicken . Coming back to Dal Makhani, I tried various versions of the same a couple of times, but was never able to get the texture and flavors as that of a restaurant. This time when we were holidaying in Phuket, at one of the North Indian restaurants, we happened to savor this flavorful Dal Makhani. Requesting the chef, telling him how awesome the dal tasted, he was kind enough to share his secrets for this delicacy. When I got back home and tried making the dal using his recipe, I w

Also known as Lady Finger or Okra, Bhindi is one vegetable which is loved by almost every Indian, especially the kids. While these green, tender, long and slim fingers can be cooked in a number of different ways, its their crispier version that tends to win the hearts of many. I first had these crispy okras at the 'Te Aroha Resort' during our holiday trip to Nainital and Dhanachuli. So crispy and loaded with a perfect blend of flavors, they got vanished from our dinner table in just no time. I instantly fell so in love with these gram flour coated bhindis that I could not resist myself requesting for the recipe from the chef....and he was too very kind enough to share his secret behind such flavorful lady fingers. So, here I am with one of the most exotic recipes that is sure to provide that wonderful burst of tanginess and spiciness to your taste-buds. Do try it and don't forget to leave your comments stating how it turned out. Kurkuri Besan wali

I was craving for some pulao or biryani today but it had to be quick, chatpata and absolutely lip-smacking. The only recipe which fitted my imagination was this famous dish from the streets of Mumbai, the Tawa Pulao . Loaded with the goodness of assorted vegetables, tartness of tomatoes and spiciness of the pav bhaji masala, this street delicacy can be found being made on every Pav Bhaji stall in Mumbai on big large iron skillets and I guess, it is from there, where it gets it name from. Undoubtedly, this rice specialty finds a special place in the heart of every Mumbaikar and perfectly makes for a delightful one-pot meal option that can be relished anytime of the day. Plus, this pulao always come to the rescue of bachelors and singles who are looking forward to try their hands at something which is not only simple and faster to cook but, tastes delicious too. So, here I am with my version of this awesome recipe...make it and satisfy your cravings as I did....and yes, its not necess

Hyderabadi Mirchi ka Salan is a dish which is known globally...I also wanted to try this popular delicacy but, short of the must-ingredients peanuts and sesame seeds, I instead decided to give it a Punjabi twist that too in a tongue-tickling " achaari " style. To my pleasure, it came out really well and simply tasted divine with steamed rice, salad and some papad on the side. If you too have some sweet green peppers lying in your refrigerator, do give this recipe a try and I assure, you will not be disappointed. Ingredients (for stuffing) Sweet Green Chili Peppers (Bhavnagari Mirchi) - 6 to 8 Medium sized potatoes (boiled and mashed) - 2 Finely chopped green chili - 2 Finely chopped onion - 1 Finely chopped ginger - 1 inch Cumin seeds - 1 tsp Fennel seeds - 1 tsp Coriander seeds (crushed) - 1 tsp Red chili powder - 1 tsp Dried pomegranate powder - 1 tsp Chaat masala - 1/2 tsp Lemon juice - 1 tbsp Raisins (optional) - 10 to 12 Salt - as per taste Oil - 1

One of the most popular North Indian delicacies, Kadhai Paneer or Karahi Paneer needs no special introduction; the succulent cubes of cottage cheese, bell peppers and onions coated with the spicy & tangy tomato gravy, oozing with rustic aromas of freshly ground spice mix, are simply a treat for any gastronome's taste buds. The best thing about this dish is, it takes no more than 15 minutes to cook and makes for a perfect option for all those home chefs seeking recipes that are not only easy and fast to make but, are delicious in taste too. You can have it on your menu for a party or a get together, pack it in your kids' lunch box or even carry for your office potluck meal; the recipe is an all time winner and is sure to be loved by all. For ingredients and instructions as to how to make it, simply browse below. Restaurant Style Kadhai Paneer Ingredients (for spice mix) Dry Kashmiri whole red chilies - 2 Whole coriander seeds - 1 tbsp Bla

Who doesn't love eating pasta....and if it is loaded with the goodness of fruits, it certainly gets even more irresistible. The best thing about this recipe is, it is quite versatile and can be prepared with the ingredients you most of the times happen to have in your refrigerators. A faster cooking turnaround further makes it an ideal meal option, especially in this scorching summer heat when spending long hours in the kitchen seem to be no less than tormenting. So, without wasting your time any further, I'll simply get started with the recipe... Ingredients (serves 4) Pasta (take any of your choice, I have used the bow-tie pasta) - 1 cup Mayonnaise - 3/4 cup Olive oil - 2 tbsp Cucumber (diced into bite-size pieces) - 1/4 cup Bellpeppers (any color, diced into bite-size pieces) - 1/4 cup Apple (diced into bite-size pieces) - 1/4 cup Pears (diced into bite-size pieces) - 1/4 cup Pineapple (fresh or canned cubes) - 1/4 cup Dried cranberries - 1/4 cup Olives (pi

Parathas are counted amongst the staple breakfast foods for all the Punjabis across the world; and me being one of them, have too grown up gorging on a variety of these quintessential flat breads all my life. Be it the world-famous Aloo ka Paratha, the rustic Mooli ka Paratha, the delectable Gobhi Paratha, the healthy Paneer Paratha or the simple Onion Paratha, I have had them all. But.... when it comes to picking my favorite of all, there is only one which tops my list and that is none other than this delicious Chana Dal Stuffed Paratha . Loaded with peppy flavors and a unique texture, needless to say, these gorgeous parathas make for an absolute treat for any food lover; pair them up with plain curd, homemade white butter or a tangy mango pickle on the side and you are all set for a celestial morning bliss right on your breakfast table. Curious to know how it is made? here you go with the recipe... Ingredients Whole wheat flour - 2 cups Ghee/clarified butter - 1/4 tbsp + l

Loaded with the goodness of paneer, freshness of mint and a little hint of spice, these soft, yummylicious and melt-in-mouth parathas make for perfect choice for an indulging breakfast or a lunch box meal. Do prepare this Punjabi specialty over a weekend or a holiday and serve with a dollop of white butter for a heavenly bliss. Ingredients (For Dough) Whole wheat flour - 1 cup Ghee or clarified butter - 1/4 cup Salt - 1 tsp Ajwain or carom seeds - 1 tsp Ingredients (For Filling) Crumbled paneer (cottage cheese) - 1/2 cup Finely chopped onion - 1/8 cup Finely chopped green chili - 2 tsp Finely chopped mint - 1/8 cup Salt - as per taste Red chili powder - 1 tsp Coriander powder - 1/2 tsp Roasted cumin powder - 1 tsp Method 1. Knead a soft dough with all the ingredients by adding water little by little. 2. Next, mix all ingredients for the filling and keep aside. 3. Now, divide the dough into equal lemon sized balls. 4. Roll out each ball into a chapati and