Anshu's Food Odyssey

Well, summers are at their peak, which gives me an apt reason to enjoy my favorite summer fruit, "MANGO" in a super refreshing and hydrating summer drink. To this "Mango Agua Fresca", I have also mixed in some orange juice to boost the immunity factor. Also, the fresh homemade pomegranate syrup adds a touch of oomph to this so very vibrant and delightful homemade mocktail. Another special thing about this drink is that it's my first ever entry to a photography contest being run by the popular and exclusive store for photography backdrops from Bangalore, the Varai Prop Store! So, wish me luck guys and enjoy this beautiful drink to cool yourselves down in this sweltering heat. Mango and Orange Agua Fresca with Pomegranate Syrup INGREDIENTS For Pomegranate Syrup Fresh pomegranate juice - 2 cups (I blended the pomegranate arils from about 5 pomegranates in a blender and then strained the mixture with a cup of water to get the fresh ju...

Kadhi is a popular delicacy from the Indian cuisine that is made using gram flour and yogurt as a base. Having said that, the recipe of this luscious and beautiful curry differs from region to region and from every household to household. Coming from the Punjabi family, for us, Kadhi Pakoda has always meant a sour and spicy kadhi, which essentially has the soft onion or palak/spinach fritters dunked into the luscious gramflour-yogurt gravy. And I guess, most of the Punjabi households make the kadhi in a similar manner...  However, if you have ever had kadhi at a dhaba or a street-side restaurant, you would have noticed that the pakodas added in the kadhi doesn't make use of onions, spinach or any other vegetable.  The pakodas are more like phulkis (plain and soft gramflour dumplings), which are spiced with just a handful of spices and some ginger for the rustic flavor. Despite of that the kadhi is simply delectable and the spicy tadka with whole lots of crushed dhaniya see...

Bhatura is a leavened, puffed deep fried bread made from Maida or All Purpose Flour. A popular recipe from the Punjabi cuisine, it is mainly served with spiced chickpea curry such as Pindi Chholey and Amritsari Chholey . Traditionally, bhatura is made using fermented dough, which is rested for minimum of 6 hours and has a peculiar tang to it. However, when you are short of time and crave for this delicious Chole Bhatura combo, these instant bhaturas come to your rescue. Quick and easy to prepare, they use Eno Fruit Salt as the leavening agent and trust me, that lends the bhaturas with that perfect crispness on outside and perfect fluffiness on the inside. If you can't lay your hands on eno, alternatively, you also have the option to use baking powder and baking soda. Without wasting any time further, let's start with the recipe. Perfect Instant Bhatura Recipe | How to Make Bhatura INGREDIENTS Maida/All Purpose Flour - 2 cups Sooji/Semolina - 2 tbsp ...

Kulfi is one of the most popular Indian desserts loved by people of all age groups. Its rich, creamy and decadent texture comes from the use of full fat milk, milk solids and cream - that is the reason, kulfi is also often called the Indian version of Ice Creams. An ultimate treat for the sweet lovers, it is available in lots of flavors; while Mango Kulfi , Rose & Almond Kulfi and Kesar Pista Khoya Malai Kulfi have been an all time favorite with my family and I make them for sure every summers, however, this time I thought of deviating from the traditional route and give the kulfi a more cosmopolitan touch by flavoring it with chocolate. Trust me, it came out so decadent and tasty that it got finished in no time. And the texture of the kulfi oozing with all that creaminess was to die for! Sitting in the lockdown, if you too are looking forward to elevate your morale and get out of that gloominess, this chocolate kulfi is surely going to be a breather. Very simple to mak...

Paneer Makhani or Paneer Makhanwala is a famous Mughlai inspired preparation wherein soft cottage cheese cubes are dunked in a creamy, luscious and delicious tomato based gravy that is subtly spiced with red chili powder and garam masala. Many a times, paneer makhani is equated with shahi paneer and paneer butter masala , however, there are few considerable differences between these three preparations. As far as Paneer Makhani is concerned, the gravy of this soulful recipe is made using just tomatoes and few whole spices. Shahi Paneer, as the name suggests, is more of a royal preparation and involves use of cashews and almonds along with tomatoes while making its gravy. Lastly, Paneer Butter Masala also uses onions along with nuts and tomato in the gravy. So, I am sure, now you have a high level idea of difference between all these paneer family cousins. I have made this Paneer Makhani with my utterly favorite and delicious Makhani Gravy Base that I normally keep stored in my...

A healthy and wholesome recipe, Instant Oats and Rava Idli is a quick, easy and delicious breakfast option to start your day. Having a considerable proportion of oats, it is loaded with all that daily dose of nutrition and complex carbs, which not only regulate blood sugar levels and lower the cholesterol but, also aid in weight loss as well as relieve stomach ailments such as constipation and indigestion. In this recipe, I have used the normal Quaker Rolled Oats however, you can use any type of oats, steelcut or instant based on their availability. Eventually, they would be grounded and then used in the idli , thereby, not making any difference to its texture. Let's start with the detailed recipe. Check out more such recipes... South Indian Farali Dahi Vada South Indian Traditional Rice Idli Instant Crispy Sprouted Moong Dal Dosa Coconut & Chana Dal Chutney Farali Coconut & Peanut Chutney Homemade South Indian Sambar Instant Rava and Oa...

Mango and Cucumber Salsa is a refreshing summer dip that goes so well with nachos, chips or any savory crackers. Loaded with a beautiful medley of flavors, it makes for an apt treat to be served during barbeque dinners, kitty parties or movie nights with your friends and family over some light snacks and beer. Plus, its such a simple and easy recipe to prepare that it comes together just under 15 minutes. Do give it a try and I promise you would be left delighted. Serve it with chips, as a salad or as a topping for your tacos - it's just so versatile. Fresh Summer Salsa | Mango & Cucumber Salsa INGREDIENTS Mangoes, ripe yet firm, finely chopped - 1 cup Cucumbers, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Red onions, finely chopped - 1/4 cup Red bellpepper, finely chopped - 1/4 cup Tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped - 1/4 cup Garlic, finely chopped - 1 tsp Jalapenos or green chilies, finely chopped - 1 to 2 tsp Finely chopped fresh coriander - a handful Sa...

Air Fried Atte aur Gud ki Mathri is the healthy and baked version of the otherwise deep fried whole wheat flour and jaggery mathris. A guilt-free tea-time snack , they are flavored with sesame seeds and also, some crushed fennel which makes them even more delicious, flavorful and aromatic. I made these beautiful mathris in air fryer, however, they can also be made in usual ovens or OTGs at 180 degrees Celsius.  With the lockdown going on, I am on a spree trying out different delicacies every other day, especially sweets and desserts such as Bengali Sponge Rasgulla , Eggless Chocolate Cake , Chawal ki Kheer etc. All this, because my husband is a major sweet-a-holic and he needs something sugary to snack on after his meals. Having said that, having too many sweets full of refined sugar is quite unhealthy. Therefore, considering the health factor, today I baked these healthy yet very crunchy and delicious atta & gud mathris that he can munch on anytime, guilt-free!. I even r...