Anshu's Food Odyssey

Winters are here and vegetable markets are teeming with greens such as spinach (palak), fenugreek (methi), mustard (sarso) and lamb's quarter (bathua). One can also find choliya (fresh green chickpeas) and sehjan ke phool (drumstick flowers) in abundance....and come January, my sabzi wala bhaiya would also get me "kachnaar ke phool" for which I eagerly await every year to make "Kachnaar aur Choliye" ki sabzi.... Oh My God, I am so excited even with a thought of this delectable sabzi, the recipe of which has been running in my Mum's family since ages....oh !! are you too excited to learn this secret recipe?? don't worry friends, wait for some time and I'll definitely be here with this secret and exotic recipe, but before that, let me share with you another beautiful recipe which makes use of our eternal winter favorites...paneer and palak. Now, it's not a usual palak-paneer recipe but, a twist to it in the form of koftas or fried dumplings that

" Chholey " or chickpeas, also known as "Safed Chana" and "Kabuli Chana" are one of the most popular foods across Northern India...especially making for a quintessential part of the diet of Punjabis; and you would agree to this statement of mine considering the fact that Chholey Poori , Chholey Bhature , Chholey Kulchey , all originate from the land of Punjab. While you would find a variety of chholey or chickpea curries made and served in Indian homes and restaurants, the ones that remain immensely popular comprise of " Punjabi Chikkad Chholey ", " Amritsari Chholey " and " Pindi Chholey ". The recipe of Chikkad Chholey is already on my blog and what today I am going to list down is the recipe of Pindi Chholey. But, before that let me brief you a little about the difference between the two varieties. Chikkad Chholey are basically thick curried chickpeas that are cooked in spiced onion and tomato based masala and th

Are you too always looking for healthier options for breakfast? If that is the case, I am sure you would love this spinach and chia bread loaf which is loaded with vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Enjoy it as a simple toast slathered with some butter or relish by converting it into a sandwich with your favorite stuffing. The recipe of this bread is quite easy & simple and while I have added few chia seeds to it, you can add any seeds of your choice or let it remain plain with only spinach. Not wasting any time further, let's begin with the recipe. Yum Spinach & Chia Bread Loaf Ingredients Plain flour - 3 cups + extra for dusting Milk powder - 1/2 cup Instant dry yeast - 2 1/2 tsp (7 gms) Olive oil - 3 tbsp Sugar - 1 tsp Salt - 1/2 tsp Spinach puree - 1/2 cup Luke warm water - 2 tbsp Chia seeds - 1 to 2 tbsp Yum Spinach & Chia Bread Loaf Method 1. Sift flour and milk powder in a bowl. Mix in yeast, sugar, salt and chia seeds

I am sure, you all are aware of the famous " Hyderabadi Baghare Baingan " .... well ! this " Punjabi Style Achaari Baingan Masala" is also inspired from the same, sans of peanuts and sesame seeds. I made this dish few days back for one of my friends who is a great lover of aubergines but suffers from peanut allergy. She was coming over for lunch at my place so, being aware of how much she is fond of baingans, I decided to recreate the classic recipe of Baghare Baingan in Punjabi style. The gravy in this recipe is primarily made using tomatoes and yogurt and is flavored with aromatic spices like fennel, onion seeds and fenugreek seeds....off-course the achaari fried bharwan baingans dipped in the gravy complete the whole dish. This spicy and tangy aubergine recipe pairs very well with rice but, needless to say, it can also be savored with naans, parathas and chapatis...... just a simple salad, some raita and papad on the side provides for a complete wholesome meal.

Earlier this week, I posted the recipe of the popular Middle Eastern Dip , Hummus . Now, what's hummus without falafel, the fried chickpea fritters? Believed to have been originated in Egypt, falafel are now popular not only in the Middle East but, across the globe. Many foodies enjoy it as is with Hummus and Tahini on the side, and many prefer it as a stuffing in Pita Sandwiches topped with fresh salads, greens and pickles. Whatever way you wish to have these falafels, you are surely gonna love them. Before I forget, these delicious and crunchy fritters are a great source of protein and make for healthy appetizers, especially for vegans and vegetarians. So, in case you do not take meat and are looking for healthy options to make up for your daily dosage of protein intake, do try them out ! Detailed recipe provided below. Falafel Ingredients Chickpeas (soaked overnight) - 1 cup Onions (finely chopped) - 1/4 cup Fresh coriander (finely chopped) - 1/4 cup Green chilies

Made primarily with chickpeas, also known as gerbanzo beans, hummus is a Middle Eastern classic, gradually getting popular day by day all across the globe. This luscious and creamy dip bursting with flavors of garlic and dried herbs makes for an excellent accompaniment with pita chips, tortilla crackers and even raw veggie fingers. Not to forget, it can also be used as a spread for your sandwiches, burgers and parathas. If you are planning for a party or a get-together the upcoming weekend, and are in a quest of options for some Non-Indian appetizers on your entree menu, then I suggest this hummus recipe is just for you. The best thing about it is, with only a handful of ingredients, it come together in no time. Also, it has that additional touch of juicy red bell-peppers which lends it a super-duper taste and color.... for the best outcome, serve it with some spicy falafels (chickpea croquettes) on the side, and I guarantee, your party is a definite hit !! Red Bellpepper Hummus

Bored of eating the same old style chicken curry every time? If yes! then this spicy chicken in almond-tomato gravy is a perfect recipe for your sorts. Oozing with aromas and flavors of freshly ground spices along with goodness of almonds, it not only adds a spark to your casual dinner menu but, also makes for an ideal recipe to be served at cozy winter night dinner parties and get-togethers. For sure a keeper recipe, do bookmark it and try the next time you are looking forward to a hearty meal with friends and family. Ingredients Chicken (on bone) - 750 grams Onions (thinly sliced) - 2 Tomatoes (pureed) - 3 Ginger (finely chopped) - 1 tsp Garlic (finely chopped) - 2 tsp Ginger/Garlic paste - 1/2 tbsp Thick whisked yogurt - 1 cup Almonds (blanched and peeled) - 1/2 cup Green chilies (finely chopped) - 2 to 3 Lemon juice - 1/2 tbsp Bay leaf - 1 Cinnamon stick - 1 inch Cloves - 2 to 3 Black pepper corns - 3 to 4 Cumin seeds - 1 tsp Salt - 2 tsp (or as