Anshu's Food Odyssey

Though I am not very fond of sweets, there is one particular dessert which I absolutely adore and that is none other than our desi rice pudding, be it kheer or phirni. While this lusciously creamy sweet pudding is a must-prepare in our home during festivals, given an opportunity, I love making it on other days as well, especially on occasions like birthdays and anniversaries or even parties and get-togethers. So, recently when we had few friends coming over for dinner, I just could not miss this opportunity of making my favorite dessert once again....having said that, I did make it but gave it a little fruity twist by infusing peach flavors in the same (just can't help with the food experimentation bug within me 😜). To my immense pleasure, it came out really magical leaving all the guests absolutely delighted. Well! peaches are in season, if you too are planning to prepare kheer or phirni, do try giving this magical twist and I promise, you will really be surprised with its exoti

Khubani or Apricots (as known in English) are few of the super-power fruits known for their endless nutritional and health benefits. A regular intake of these gorgeous beauties not only aid in improving digestion, boosting metabolism and regulating the overall cardiovascular health but, also the anti-oxidants present in them prevent premature ageing and cancer, two of the most widely known diseases these days that are getting quite common due to a stressful lifestyle. Being aware of all the benefits of apricots, when I recently found their dried version lying in my dry-fruit box, it took me no time in deciding to put them to use in a special way... well!! not in a sweet dish or a dessert but, in a savory delicacy. I had watched the recipe of this Apricot Chicken Curry on a TV channel only a few days back and therefore, I was already fresh with the idea of how it is made. Also, when I searched more about it on the internet, I came to learn that this recipe has its roots in the Pa

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

Raita is one of the most common accompaniments found in typical Indian meals. The cooling properties of this yogurt based delicacy often makes it a " must have " on the dining tables of every household, especially during summer months. While Boondi Raita, Beetroot Pomegranate Raita , Cucumber Raita and Pineapple Raita are undoubtedly, some of the most popular versions of this versatile dish, it can be made in a variety of other ways too depending on your imagination; go adding in the yogurt savory namkeens, flowers, edible seeds or even lentils - the ideas are just endless. Working on the same lines, I recently tried experimenting with the sweet red chili peppers and came out with this awesomely delectable  Roasted Red Sweet Chili Pepper Raita . If you never imagined making use of red chili peppers this way, do give it a try and I am sure you would love it. Ingredients (serves 4) Whisked yogurt - 2 cups Sweet red chili peppers - 4 to 5 Curry leaves - 5 to 6 Mustar

Mango and mint can probably be called the two precious jewels of summer season. When they both blend together, what we get is a magical concoction that can relieve anyone and everyone of all the pain and thirst caused by the harsh sun.... and if this medley is further infused with a few drops of lemon juice, it is no less than an icing on the cake. Want to know the recipe? here you go with the same. Ingredients (serves 4) Ripe mangoes - 2 Mint leaves - 8 to 10 Powdered sugar - 1/2 cup Lemon juice - 1/4 cup Water - 2 cups Method 1. Chop the mangoes. 2. Blend them together along with mint and lemon juice. Keep aside. 3. Heat water and sugar in a saucepan. Stir it occasionally until sugar is dissolved. Cook for another 5 minutes, switch off the flame and let the syrup come to room temperature. 4. Mix in the syrup with mango mint concoction and refrigerate. 5. Serve chilled garnished with few mint leaves. 

Looking for a high tea munchie or a kid's party snacker, these classic vanilla chocolate chip cookies make for a perfect choice. Crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside with the overloaded goodness of chocolate, they are sure to add that heavenly 'cookielicious ' charm to your menu. Prepare a big batch of the dough and store in the freezer; and whenever you have your guests coming, simply grab a portion of it and pop in the oven...it gets baked in just no time. Want to know the recipe? here you go..... Ingredients All purpose flour - 1 + 1/2 cup Powdered sugar - 1 cup Softened unsalted butter - 1/2 cup Baking powder - 1/8 tsp Cornflour - 1/4 cup Salt - 1/2 tsp Egg - 1 Vanilla essence - 1 tsp Chocolate chips - 1 cup Method 1. First in a bowl, combine butter and sugar. Whisk it well until they both combine well. This process is called creaming. 2. Next add in the egg and vanilla essence. Whisk again. 3. Sift together all purpose flour, baking

Fish has always been my favorite when it comes to non-vegetarian food. Loaded with vital nutrients such as proteins, vitamin D and vitamin B12 plus the omega-3 fatty acids, no wonder it is counted amongst the most healthiest foods on earth. While this delicate specie can be cooked in hundreds of ways, the dhaba style fish curry is something which me and my husband relish the most. Very simple and easy to make with no fancy ingredients required, it gets cooked in a whiff of time and tastes simply awesome with just the plain steamed rice; serve this combo to my husband for the Sunday dinner and he would be the most happiest person on the planet 😛. If like us, you too are a true fan of fish, then this simple, rustic yet exotic recipe is just for you. Ingredients Surmai Fish (spotted seer fish/king mackerel) steaks - 500 gms Medium sized onion (finely grated) - 1 Ginger/Garlic paste - 3 tsp Medium sized tomatoes (pureed) - 3 Green chili (finely chopped) - 1 Lemon juice - 1