Anshu's Food Odyssey

Tamatar ki Chaat is a lipsmacking recipe originated in the holy city of Benaras or Varanasi. Loaded with tongue tickling flavours, this chaat is very unique as compared to other chaat recipes across other parts of India. The recipe is divided into two parts: first, a rich tomato curry which has all the goodness of khoya (dried milk solids), cashews and poppy seeds. The second, makes for the base of this chaat - tomato and potato mixture which is a unique blend of spicy and tangy flavors. One thing you would note about this chaat is that it is topped with nimki or the mini namakpaare instead of sev for garnishing. Also, being a holy city you would not find the use of onions and garlic in most of its preparations, and hence, it is not garnished with chopped onions. Just in case you are enticed with the flavours and want to know the recipe, scroll down below. Banarasi Tamatar ki Chaat Ingredients Tomato Curry Tomatoes (small, grated) - 2 Finely chopped gi...

Mirchi Vada is a popular street food from the colorful state of Rajasthan in India. A bit spicy with tongue tickling flavors, it is made by first stuffing the de-seeded green chilies with a delectable potato filling, coating them with a seasoned gram-flour batter and then deep frying to get one of the most yummilicious snacks on earth. Generally served with green and tamarind chutneys on the side, it is quite an addictive stuff and makes for a perfect recipe to go with a cup of hot tea, especially on chilled winter evenings.  Don't get intimidated by the fact that this snack is made with green chilies because the chilies that generally go in making these fritters are actually one of the most mildest of the varieties (called the Bhavnagari Chilies), plus they are de-seeded to get rid of all the heat. A little tip for the ones living out of India and who cannot lay their hands on Bhavnagarai Chilies, they can make these fritters using the jalapeno peppers; just de-seed the pe...

A spicy and "chatpata" Rajasthani flavor seems to be up on my mind this week; I first started off with the popular curry recipe of " Govind Gatta Curry " and am now here again with yet another super-duper snack/breakfast delight from the Royal State of Maharajas, the crispy, flaky and ever so delicious, " Aloo Pyaaz ki Kachori ". Bursting with tongue tickling flavors, I first had a tryst with these kachoris at a local street food stall during my visit to Jaipur. A subtle sweetness of caramelized onions, a rustic aroma of fennel, coriander and nigella, and the crisp flakiness of the crust instantly took me in its gastronomic awe. Since then, these have become my ultimate favorite when it comes to savoring kachoris. Whether you are looking for a special breakfast option or a high-tea evening snack, needless to say, they make for a perfect lip-smacking treat and are sure to leave you asking for more. Let's get started with the recipe.          Khasta...

" Misal " or the " Sprouts Curry " served with feather-soft buns known as " Pav " in Maharashtra, is one of the most lip-smacking street foods of India that I have ever tasted in my life. The first time I had it, was at my friend's place who belongs to Pune and who herself is a very good cook. I must say, both me and my husband were just bowled over with its tongue-tickling flavors and the fiery spiciness the instance we took the first bite. Then and there itself I took the recipe from her and researched for a little more facts on the internet about this awesomely delicious Marathi delicacy; got to know that the delectable curry is made in a variety of ways and each city has its own version - the one which is most popular and which I also love the most is the " Kolhapuri Misal" that is served along with an ultimate red spicy thin gravy called 'Kat'. The other few popular versions include the " Puneri Misal " and ...

Vegetable Hakka Noodles is one of the most popular Indo-Chinese delicacies that is served at almost every restaurant and fast food joint across India. Adapted so well to the local flavors and spices, it is not only children's favorite rather every grown-ups' preference too. Needless to say, during winter evenings, these noodles straight out of the kadhai of a local "thela wala", emanating a smoky aroma with that extra hotness of green chilies in every bite is just a bliss. However, for those instant cravings, one can't be running to the local street vendor. Therefore, the best way out is to always store a noodles packet in the pantry and make these bowls of deliciousness in your very own home kitchens. That ways you can also control the spiciness and hygiene off-course is an added advantage.   Though the recipe of hakka noodles is quite simple, there are couple of points that need to be taken care off -  1. Do not over-boil the noodles as it would make ...