Anshu's Food Odyssey

When it comes to devouring the best non-veg appetizers or snacks , nothing can beat the Shaami Kebabs,  also spelled as Shami Kebabs . Soft and succulent patties made with minced meat, some chana dal (Bengal Gram) and just a few basic aromatic spices, these kebabs are absolutely delightful and make for a perfect party snack, especially on winter evenings. These kebabs are also a must-make during the holy month of Ramazan and are often served as starter in the Iftar Parties. Let's see how they are made...  INGREDIENTS Minced chicken/ keema (preferably of chicken thigh) - 500 grams Chana dal/ Bengal gram - 1/2 cup Roughly chopped ginger - 2 inch Garlic cloves - 8 to 10 Green chilies - 1 to 2 Sliced onions - 3 small or 2 medium Chopped coriander leaves - a handful Mint leaves - 10 to 12 Lemon juice - 1/2 tbsp Salt - to taste Cinnamon stick - 1 inch Green cardamoms - 2 to 3 Star anise - 2 to 3 petals...

Kuttu ka Atta (Buckwheat Flour) aur Samak ke Chawal (Barnyard Millet) ki Poori (Fried Puffed Indian Bread) is one of the most popular and delicious delicacies enjoyed during the Navratri festivities, especially in North Indian households. The poori is gluten free and makes for a wholesome meal for those observing fast (vrat/ upwas) during the nine day long festival.  At my home, my husband is a big Mata ke Bhakt and he observes fast for all the 9 days, taking meals only once a day. Therefore, I make sure, the one meal that he is taking is wholesome and delicious at the same time. This poori is kind of quintessential Navratri meal for us and I prepare it at-least one day out of the nine days. It can be paired with any farali sabzi of your choice; I however, usually serve it with either Khatti Meethi Kaddu ki Sabzi, Dry Dahi Masala Aloo or Rassedar Arbi Tamatar ki Sabzi. Offcourse, a bowl of curd is also a must on the thali.  Apart from ...

Makhane aur Badaam ki Kheer is a delicious and creamy Indian style milk pudding made using foxnuts and almonds. Rich in proteins and calcium, this dessert is extremely nutritious and is often made during Indian festivals of Navratri , Ekadashi , Shivratri and other fasting days and vrat. Not to mention, Makhane aur Badaam ki Kheer is extremely simple and easy to make and is treat to both your palette and tastebuds. To make it, all you need to do is simply roast some makhana (foxnut) in ghee until crisp and then simmer it along with almond paste in the milk until it becomes a thick mixture. For a rich creamier texture of this pudding, make sure you use full fat milk. Also, you can use condensed milk as sweetener; it will give you even better results. I have, however, used sugar for the sweetness.  INGREDIENTS Full fat milk - 1 liter Makhana/foxnuts - 2 cups Sugar - 1/4 cup or as taste Soaked and pee...

Remember the other day, I posted a share on making Homemade Spring Roll Sheets/Wrappers ? Well, here are these beautiful and super delicious "Cheesy Spinach and Corn Spring Rolls" that I prepared using the same sheets. So crisp on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside, they came out just so perfect and melt-in-mouth vanishing from the table in no time...let's see how I prepared them.. INGREDIENTS Spring Roll Sheets/Wrappers (I used homemade, however, you can even use store bought ones ) - 6 to 8 Spinach (cleaned, washed and chopped) - 2 cups Frozen or boiled sweet corn (coarsely crushed) - 1/2 cup Finely chopped garlic - 6 to 8 cloves Finely chopped onion - 1, medium size Finely chopped green chilies - 1 to 2 Salt - to taste Black pepper powder - 1 tsp Mixed Italian herbs (optional) - 1/2 tsp Oil - 1/2 tbsp Grated mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup METHOD In a pan, heat 1/2 tbsp of...

This Apple Streusel Cake is a beautiful and decadent fall dessert loaded with a delicious layer of slightly tart Granny Smith Apples and a crumbly buttery walnut topping oozing with all that earthy "cinnamon-y" flavor to tantalize your taste buds. Whether looking for a breakfast dessert, a tea time cake or just a sweet snacking option, this is going to be a perfect treat.    Days have gradually started getting shorter and I can already feel a slight nip in the air during mornings and evening, which means we have entered the fall season that happens to be my favorite time of the year. And why not? It is during this time of the year that all the major festivities like Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali, and Durga Puja are celebrated in India. There is a mood of fun, frolic and ecstasy all around the corner (though this time it may be a little different due to the pandemic situation around the world). The best part about this time is en...