Pindi Channa

Pindi channa, named after the place from where it is originated "Rawalpindi", is a dry chickpea curry that is unbelievably simple and very flavorful. This recipe uses just ginger and green chillies from the vegetable family and the flavor-part comes mostly from the fresh spice powder made with whole spices like dried pomegranate seeds, black cardamom, cloves, cinnamon etc. Apparently, this recipe gained its popularity during the Indo-Pakistan war times when there was limited access to vegetables. 

Vermicelli "Dum" Biryani

With this vermicelli recipe, take a "tasty & spicy" biryani break from the usual upma routine. Vermicelli cooks fast & easy and combines well with biryani flavors. You can make this delicious biryani in an hour's time right from start to finish. With a mild raita on the side, vermicelli biryani is perfect for lunch boxes too!

Inji Thogayal / Ginger Chutney

Apparently, I seem to do a lot of blog-hopping these days.. I am nothing but inspired by all the great blogs from across the globe with wonderful recipes and big beautiful pictures. The pictures in this post is nothing but a mere evidence of my inspiration.. otherwise, who would even think of putting a spicy ginger relish and the shot glass together? But, I had total fun playing with the light, props and my DSLR on a dark & gloomy day.. the best part, all of the pictures came out so well, I think... what do you think?

Keerai Poricha Kootu

Of-late I seem to post a lot of lentil-based recipes in the form of soups and sides. This recipe again is a lentil-based south-Indian recipe called "Keerai Poricha Kootu", a simple, creamy, luscious & comforting side served alongside rice. Though the star ingredients of the recipe is spinach & pigeon-peas, freshly ground paste of coconut, cumin seeds, red chillies/pepper corns adds a great flavor and a spicy kick to the recipe. Hot keerai kootu mixed into rice with potato fry on the side is a killer combo!

Tomatillo Dal

Today was a very tiring day. In addition to my daily cooking chores, I had too many things to take care of. During such days, I turn to this this simple "no-fail" comforting dal. Preparing dal is a simple & straightforward process - pressure cook dal/lentils along with the vegetables and finish it off with a garnish/tempering. The wonderful aroma of tempering/tadka itself is so appetizing that it will make you want to eat.

Mixed-Berry Detox Smoothie

How about waking up to a tall glass of this thick, creamy, tasty and most importantly, healthy smoothie? I would love to.... every single day for the rest of my life!! If I tell you what's in this "3-ingredient" "super-hydrating" "detox" smoothie, I'm sure you would want one too.. 

Perfect for your breakfast table, this smoothie is loaded with fiber, anti-oxidants and immune boosting nutrients - exactly what you need to start your day.