Anshu's Food Odyssey

Hyderabadi Mirchi ka Salan is a dish which is known globally...I also wanted to try this popular delicacy but, short of the must-ingredients peanuts and sesame seeds, I instead decided to give it a Punjabi twist that too in a tongue-tickling " achaari " style. To my pleasure, it came out really well and simply tasted divine with steamed rice, salad and some papad on the side. If you too have some sweet green peppers lying in your refrigerator, do give this recipe a try and I assure, you will not be disappointed. Ingredients (for stuffing) Sweet Green Chili Peppers (Bhavnagari Mirchi) - 6 to 8 Medium sized potatoes (boiled and mashed) - 2 Finely chopped green chili - 2 Finely chopped onion - 1 Finely chopped ginger - 1 inch Cumin seeds - 1 tsp Fennel seeds - 1 tsp Coriander seeds (crushed) - 1 tsp Red chili powder - 1 tsp Dried pomegranate powder - 1 tsp Chaat masala - 1/2 tsp Lemon juice - 1 tbsp Raisins (optional) - 10 to 12 Salt - as per taste Oil - 1

Any party or gathering is absolutely incomplete without snacks and appetizers. So, this time when I had few guests at my place over dinner, I made a lot of variety including Chicken Shami Kebabs, Chicken Malai Tikka and Cheesy Potato Boats ; out of the entire lot, I must admit the much appreciated were the Jackfruit Cutlets  loaded with the filling of mozzarella cheese and dried cranberries. Not only they were quite new for the guests as far as innovation is concerned, they even tasted divine with a perfect amalgamation of spicy, sour and sweet flavors. If you too are amongst the ones looking for some innovative appetizers that are bit different from the usual potato or cheese snacks, then these jackfruit cutlets are just for you and are surely going to leave your guests asking for more. Do read the recipe below. Jackfruit Cutlets Ingredients (yields 12 to 15 cutlets) Raw jackfruit (peeled and cubed) - 500 gms Boiled & grated potato - 1 Finely chopped onions - 1/4 cup

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

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

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