Anshu's Food Odyssey

Though chicken is something which is cooked quite often in my home, still I never had an opportunity to prepare this specific peppery delicacy; pending on my to-do list for quite a while, it was now high time to actually give it a try.... and last Saturday (when I also had few guests over my place for dinner) got to be the D-Day for this Murgh Kali Mirch to grace my dining table. Served with homemade tandoori tawa naan on the side, it tasted just awesome and I must tell you that there was no guest who left our home without noting down the recipe. If you too are curious to know how I made it, simply scroll below. Murgh Kali Mirch Ingredients Chicken (on bone) - 1 kg Medium sized onion (finely chopped) - 2 Whisked curd (at room temperature) - 2 cups Whisked curd (for marination) - 1/2 cup Crushed black pepper - 4 to 5 tsp Lemon juice - 1 tbsp Cumin seeds - 1 tsp Bay leaf - 1 Black pepper corns - 6 to 7 Black cardamom - 1 Ginger-garlic paste - 3 tsp Green ...

A mere thought of pancake brings in front of our eyes, the picture of soft, fluffy and sweet versions loaded with fruits, jams, honey or chocolate. But, today, I am here with a completely different recipe of savory pancakes which are not only delectable in taste but are healthy & nutritious too, packed with the goodness of corns and beetroots. A splash of Italian herbs, green chili peppers and garlic powder, further makes them simply irresistible; in case you are looking for a breakfast delicacy that is a bit unique from the usual choices such as poha , parathas , pooris, idlis or dosas, this recipe is just for you and definitely makes for a must try. Needless to say, their gorgeously beautiful color would even make the kids fall in love with them (even the ones who otherwise despise eating healthy stuff); pack these delicious pancakes in their lunch boxes and they would be happy to finish them till the last bite. Potato Corn & Beetroot Pancakes Ingredients (makes 8 t...

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...

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...

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 ...

My husband is quite fond of desserts and chocolates; and he essentially needs something after dinner to satiate his sweet cravings. So, yesterday when I was making the plum compote , I already had in my mind to use it in preparing these delicious ice lollies which are loaded with goodness of yogurt, power-packed nutrients from the plums and a mild & refreshing taste from coconut. If you have the compote/preserve handy, they can be simply made in a jiffy and without requiring too much of an effort. Also, I have used coconut flavored Greek yogurt, you can make it with plain yogurt too. Here's the complete recipe for the same. Ingredients (makes 4) 2-3 tbsp Plum Compote (store bought plum jam or preserve would work as fine) 1-2 tbsp coconut flavored Greek yogurt (or you can also flavor the plain yogurt with some coconut cream and sugar; it would work too) Method 1. Pour the compote in popsicle moulds such that they are filled 1/3rd. 2. Let these moulds sit in t...

Summers are here and markets are full of juicy and colorful fruits; while mangoes are probably the topmost favorite of all of us, there's one more fruit which entices me to a great extent. You guessed it right! I am talking about the healthy and nutritious power fruits: plums; before they bid a goodbye for the season, I do make it a point to use them in a variety of things, be it mocktails, desserts or even day to day savory vegetable preparations. And yes! the last batch of these stone fruits surely goes in my preserve (you can also call it a compote or a coulis) which I store in my refrigerator for weeks and later enjoy as spread on the plain bread or as a topping on simple vanilla ice cream or yogurt. A dollop of this compote on a warm chocolate brownie is a bliss too and which is sure to transport you to another world for a few seconds. Want to know the recipe? here you go with the same. Ingredients Plums - 500 grams Brown sugar - 1 + 1/2 cups (Adjust based on sournes...

This delicious stuffed braided pizza had been pending on my baking list for quite a while now; so, yesterday, when my husband proposed to go out for an Italian lunch, I had the much awaited opportunity knocking on my door to surprise him with this home-baked beauty. Oozing with aromas of an array of Italian herbs, palatableness of mozzarella and tongue-tickling flavors of corns, olives, tomatoes and onions drenched in dollops of pizza sauce, it came out really awesome and simply added to the list of my baking adventures. And yes! my husband too was flabbergasted by its amazing flavors which were no less than what we get in the restaurants. If you are also keen on trying this yummylicious bread, here you go with the recipe. Ingredients (for bread) All purpose flour - 3 cups Dry active yeast - 7 gms (1 sachet) Milk - 1/2 cup Water - 1/2 cup Sugar - 1 tsp Salt - 1 tsp Olive oil - 3 tbsp Garlic powder - 1 tsp Chili flakes - 1 tsp Black pepper powder - 1 tsp Dried oregan...