Spicy Roasted Tomato Chutney

Looking for an Indian condiment that’s spicy, tangy, and tasty? Then this spicy tomato chutney might be just what you need. This is my mother-in-law’s recipe, and she used to make it often when she was here with us. She has a remarkable collection of chutneys, dry powders, and thokkus that not only taste great but also enhance the flavor of any meal as a side dish. This recipe involves three steps: making the spice powder, roasting the tomatoes, and then seasoning it. You can make the powder ahead of time and use it when preparing the chutney. I agree,…

Aloo Gobi Ki Sabzi (with Paav Bhaji masala)

People who use Paav Bhaaji masala are very particular about the brand that they use. Most food bloggers swear by Nupur’s approved Everest Paav Bhaji masala brand. In a recent Facebook discussion people had few other recommendations. I am yet to try the Everest brand as I have heard raving reviews about it. I am hoping to try most recommended brands in the near future. I have started with the Baadshah brand and so far, I am loving the taste of this masala.  I have made Paav Bhaaji with it, the Tawa Pulao and also add it to regular sabzis.And…

Sweet Poha/ Goda Pohvu

Flattened rice (also called beaten rice) is called Poha in Hindi, Avalakki in Kannada, Atukulu in Telugu and Aval in Tamil. In India, Poha/ Flattened rice is easily available and is usually associated with simplicity. Poha is considered a favorite of Lord Krishna and so this sweet dish is usually prepared on the occasion of Krishna Janamashathami.  Simple, divine and earthy are the trademarks of this Sweet Poha. Even though there are only four ingredients Poha, jaggery, coconut, cardamom, people prepare this in hundred different ways. Some heat the jaggery and coconut while others do not, some do not wet…

Murmura Upma/Puffed Rice Snack

Hope you had a good and relaxing weekend!  Remember the rant I made last about the relentless summer heat here in Texas, with the temperatures being above 100+ for the past 45 days? Guess what? The rain Gods finally answered our prayers and it rained here for a little bit providing much needed relief.  Come Saturday morning, we woke up to the smell of the earth. And not to mention the grass, yard all soaked in water provided a happy sight. As I stood there it reminded me of the old age adage, that it is the simple things in…

Mango Lemonade

Summer is at its peak here in Texas and with it the relentless heat wave continues to be in full swing. We are in the three digit temperatures (in Fahrenheit, of course) for the past month and half and it seems to be getting worse as days pass by. But then, summer is also known for fresh, juicy mangos, so what better way to beat the heat than with cold refreshing fruity drink? Mangoes are a favorite in our house and I could not let the season of mango go by without preparing anything using of the King of fruits.…

Cluster Beans Curry/ Guvar ki Sabzi

Cluster Beans are called Gorikayi or ChavaLikaayi in Kannada, Guvar in Hindi and Chitmitki/ Chitmitkesanga  in Konkani. They are flat and smaller compared to the regular string beans and have slight bitter taste too. They are rich in proteins, fiber and considered very nutritious. For us they are available in the Indian stores and if I am not mistaken they are present all the year around, so I cook this pretty often. They have a mild bitter taste, so I add little shredded coconut to the curry to compensate for it. If you want you can also add little bit of…

Light Lunch Recipes Roundup

I had announced the Light Lunches Month @ RedChillies in the month of June. The thought behind the Light Lunches event was to come up with healthy ideas that are not only easy on calories but delicious and taste; that way we do not feel deprived. Now here I am almost a month later promptly (not!) doing the post for the roundup. I guess I will not bore you by repeating the fact that I am too lazy to do a prompt roundup. Thanks to all the fellow food bloggers who participated in the event and shared their wonderful ideas.…