Quinoa & Peas Pulao

Confession time.... "I was never a fan of quinoa!". Infact, I hated quinoa for its 'weird' nutty taste and smell. I could never understand why people loved it so much. I have "occasionally" used quinoa in chili, burger patties, chowder, salad etc, but never had the courage to use it in my everyday cooking.

Upma Kozhukattai / Steamed Savory Rice Cakes

Upma kozhukattai / Pidi kozhukattai is one of the oldest and popular breakfast in any south-Indian household. Naturally rich in calories, these steamed rice cakes perfectly fits the bill as breakfast and will satisfy kids and adults alike. Best of all, these savory cakes tastes great just by themselves and doesn't need a side. But if you have the taste and time, a simple chutney is all you need.

"Seven Cup" Burfi

"Seven cup" cake/burfi is a sugar based Indian fudge made with chickpea flour, coconut flakes, milk and ghee (clarified butter). Though it looks similar to Mysore Pak, "Seven cup" burfi is a soft, 'coco'-nutty flavored fudge where coconut & condensed milk (from all the boiling of milk) are the dominating flavors. The name "Seven cup" burfi comes from the fact that seven cups of different ingredients are used to make this sweet.

"Three layer" PB & Chocolate Fudge

"Peanut butter & Chocolate fudge" is a simple, minimal-ingredients, "no-bake" three layered fudge, that screams peanut butter & chocolate in every bite & every layer. Inspired by hundreds of peanut butter fudge recipes across the internet (Thanks to each & everyone of them), this recipe however is original, very new & intact. (PB fans would know!!)

Carrot Thogayal

When my neighbor handed me a cup of "Carrot" thogayal a.k.a rice-mix to taste, it didn't hit the right note for me. I mean, I have never tasted.. let alone tasting, I would've never even imagined such a recipe using carrots. "Carrots", "Fenugreek leaves", "Thogayal", all sounded like a strange combination, BUT..... only till I tasted it.

"Curried" Capsicum & Quinoa

To all health-freaks and quinoa-lovers out there, say "hello" to this healthy & whole-some fusion of "Curried" capsicum with Quinoa. This recipe sure will be a welcome break to your monotonous quinoa routines but with an interesting "desi" spin. The recipe bursting with vitamin "C" and protein, is mildly spiced and full of flavors from freshly pound spices & curry powder.

Raw Banana Subzi

Not all recipes that I see in a book/blog/TV show inspires me. But, this one surely caught my interest. I saw this recipe in a popular south-Indian TV cook show and fell instantly in love with this north-Indian recipe. 

Ofcourse, there are other reasons too. To my knowledge, raw bananas is a not-so-frequent vegetable in north Indian kitchen and so, I thought that this recipe was unique. I adore chef Mr. Venkatesh Bhat (who happens to be the host of that cook show) for his passion and interest in culinary field and that reason was more than convincing for me to try the recipe. Last but not the least, the recipe seemed to be simple, quick with minimal ingredients.

And, the good news is my instincts did not fail me...