Simplified Indian Cooking
I have made this recipe for many years and it is always a hit! As the name suggests, Tandoori Chicken is cooked in a very hot clay oven but turns out just as well in the home oven. The secret is in the marinade which helps tenderize the meat. I prefer to use chicken drumsticks […]
Garam means hot and Masala means spice. The heat does not refer to the spiciness but the effect these particular spices have on the body when eaten. Most commercial Garam Masala mixes have too much pepper so you have to use a small amount, ending up with a bland dish. My recipe requires dry roasting […]
Sooji or Cream of Wheat Halwa is a popular dish in India. It is a comfort food and can be served for breakfast, lunch, dessert. It is also a popular ‘Prasad’ (food offered to God during pooja, or prayer session, and shared with everyone at the end). Traditionally, cream of wheat is roasted in butter […]
I have made Peanut Brittle for years using this recipe and it works like a charm! You will be amazed at how easy it is! Make a second batch and share with your friends. You can use hulled sesame seeds (white or black), mixed nuts, pumpkin seeds and my favorite, pine nuts. I like to […]
Bharta is a Hindi word for any thing mashed, Aloo Bharta is Indian style mashed potatoes. I grew up on a farm in India where we would light an outdoor fire every evening during the winter and regularly roast potatoes or peanuts. We would bury the potatoes in the hot coals toward the edge of […]
Chhole or Chana Masala is a popular vegetarian curry available at most Indian restaurants. Garbanzo beans were introduced to India fairly recently and were called Kabuli Chana for the longest time. My mother remembered eating Chhole for the first time as a teenager when Punjabi restaurants and ‘Dhabas’ started serving them in her home town […]
Potatoes are a comfort food in most cultures. They make a great side dish whether mashed or fried or sauted. This recipe is simple, low fat, delicious and very satisfying. ingredients: 2 medium potatoes, boiled and cut into 3/4 inch cubes (I prefer the yukon gold variety) 1/2 cup or more frozen or fresh green […]
Carrot Halwa is a popular Indian dessert, specially during the winter season when it is served warm. My mother made it with ‘black carrots’ which are darker, almost like beets in color, giving Gaajar Halwa a deep, ruby-red color. (Black carrots are available at the local farmer’s market sometimes). Traditionally, grated carrot is cooked in […]
Upma is a savory version of Halwa and can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Yogurt Raita and salad are great accompaniments. This is a shortcut, microwave version. You can also cook it on the stove top. ingredients: 3/4 cup cream of wheat or semolina or sooji 1/2 tsp. black mustard seeds 1/2 tsp. […]