Hello 2022!

Welcoming the New Year on a royal note with a Nawabi style dal / lentil stew which is rich and so delicious.

Sultani dal is a specialty of Awadhi cuisine, which belongs to the Northern part of India, Uttar Pradesh. The first time I tried Sultani dal was a few years back at a restaurant in Hyderabad, and then later at a friend’s party after which I got totally hooked into it. This is not your ordinary lentil curry if you are wondering, it is a royal dish which was served to Nawabs in palaces, ages ago.

A bowl of piping hot dal along with basmati rice is totally a food heaven. The recipe is fairly simple being mild on spices but using ingredients like ghee, milk, yogurt, and cream, making it rich and creamy. The consistency of the dal is smooth velvety and the ghee tadka with cumin, ginger and garlic totally elevates the taste all together. Plus, lentils are healthy and a great way to add vegetarian protein to your diet.

If this is the first time you are preparing this dish, then cooking dal with milk might feel a bit skeptical, but trust me, it is beyond delicious. We love Sultani dal so much that it has become a part of our weekly menu and my son enjoys every spoonful of it.

Sultani Dal

Serve it alongside with basmati rice, jeera rice, paratha, naan or roti. Enjoy!

Interested in other dal recipes? Check these out:

• Sambar
• Kale and Zucchini dal

Happy Cooking…!

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Sultani Dal

Sultani Dal / Lentil stew - A Rich n Creamy Royal Dish from the Nawabi Cuisine! 

Servings 4

Author Akhila

Ingredients

• 1 cup toor dal / yellow pigeon peas
• Pinch of turmeric
• Salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup yogurt
• ½ cup cream

Tempering/Tadka

• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 tsp cumin seeds / jeera
• 2 dry red chilies
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ inch sized ginger (minced)
• 2 green chilies (slit)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• Cilantro leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

• Pressure cook dal along with water, milk, turmeric powder and salt, for 2 whistles. Switch off the flame and allow it to cool until all the pressure has been released.
• Remove the lid from the cooker and turn on the heat to a medium flame.
• Add yogurt and milk cream, mix well and allow it cook until it forms a thick dal consistency.
• Prepare the tadka by heating ghee in another pan, add cumin seeds, dry red chilies and sauté for 1 min. Add ginger, garlic, green chilies, and sauté until the raw smell subsides. Add onion, sauté for 3 minutes until onions turn translucent.
• Pour the prepared tadka over the dal, mix everything together and check for the seasoning.
• Top with cilantro leaves and switch off the flame. Serve hot along with rice, paratha, naan or roti.

The post Sultani Dal / Lentil Stew appeared first on Pepper Delight.

Soya ularthiyathu / soya kheema roast / shredded soya roast – call it whatever you like, but one thing I can assure you – it tastes damn delicious!!! The dish looks appetizing too – like a minced meat / kheema roast, or shredded beef burnt ends; but in a Kerala style with curry leaves and coconut bites! In fact, this has been one of the most requested recipes by my Instagram followers after seeing it on my lunch platter pics.

The tale of soya in my home has been quite interesting; from non-existent to a permanent spot in my pantry. We never used to buy it until a few years ago when my sister-in-law introduced me to her Soya Chunk Roast recipe, which I really enjoyed as it tasted like a non-veg dish. But my husband played the villain here as he never showed interest to soya in any form, not even the roasted version. Although, he would rave about the soya biriyani prepared in the mess during his college days, and how he couldn’t believe that in the dish it was soya and not beef. Going by his words even though I have never seen or tasted it, I tried replicating the soya biriyani of his dreams, but failed miserably. So being back to square one, I made up my mind to figure out a way to tempt my husband to like soya dishes, thereby making my dinner nights easy with some quick cooking.

Soya is the perfect meat alternative for vegetarians and vegans alike, who are seeking a protein filled diet. High in protein and fiber content, soya is also a good source of nutrients including folate, riboflavin and vitamin K. And that’s why it’s known a veg protein or meal maker dish.

The thought of soya as a meat alternative and its roasted texture resembling beef was the idea behind this recipe. To change its external appearance and texture, I shredded it mimicking that of kheema / minced meat. And finally taking a few tips from one of the most popular recipes on my blog “Beef Ulartiyathu / Beef Dry Roast”, I added coconut bites to give that extra crunchiness. Rest is the same from my sissy’s recipe, and Voila! A success and my husband loved it!!!

While following the instructions of this recipe, make sure to squeeze out maximum water from soya or else the roasting time may increase due to the water content. The slow roasting of the soya is the main highlight of this dish, resulting in a dry texture and a meaty taste.  This is a great side to go along with roti or rice, some yogurt, fresh cucumber and carrots. And if you’re looking to wow folks who do not enjoy soya (like my husband, and most kids), think no further and try out this recipe, I’m pretty sure you gonna impress them.

Bonus tip – Soya rolls: An alternate way to savor this dish is by rolling the shredded soya in a roti/tortilla along with some fresh veggies and a yogurt drizzle, easy peasy and yummy.

Enjoy, Happy Cooking…!

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Shredded Soya Roast / Soya Ularthiyathu

Healthy & Nutritious, Shredded Soya chunks roasted ina spicy aromatic masala ... A perfect choice to woo your non-soya fans and meatlovers alike!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Indian, Kerala

Keyword soya, soya roast, vegetarian

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour

Servings 4

Author Akhila

Ingredients

• 2½ cups of soya chunks
• 2 medium sized onions (finely chopped)
• ½ inch sized ginger (crushed)
• 3 garlic cloves (crushed)
• 2 green chilies (slit)
• 1 tbsp red chilly powder (or more if you like heat)
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp black pepper powder
• 1 tsp + 1 tsp meat masala / chicken masala / garam masala
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 2 strands of curry leaves
• ¼ cup coconut bites
• Oil (as required)
• Salt (as required)
• Water (as required)

Instructions

• Prepare soya chunks: Heat water in a pot, once it starts to boil turn off the flame and soak soya chunks in it for about 20 minutes, this helps the chunks to soften and plump. Drain the pot, squeeze out the remaining water from the chunks and place on a paper towel, keep aside.
• Shred the soya: In a blender, using the pulse mode; pulse soya in batches until it forms a finely shredded form. Do not make it a paste. Alternatively, you can cut it into fine chopped pieces either.
• Prepare the masala: In a wide pan (preferably nonstick), heat some oil in a medium flame and splutter mustard seeds. Add 1 sprig of curry leaves and sauté.
• Followed by adding sliced onions, salt and sauté until golden. Add crushed ginger and garlic, sauté until the raw smell subsides.
• Reduce the flame to low and add chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, 1 tsp meat masala and mix well, sauté for another 2 mins.
• Roast: Add the shredded soya, coconut bites and salt to the masala and roast it for 15 – 20 minutes until all the moisture dries out.
• Add the remaining 1tsp of meat masala, pepper powder and curry leaves during the roasting process to infuse with the soya. Taste and add salt as needed.
• Roast until it forms a brown texture. Switch off the flame and allow it to sit for 15 minutes before serving.
• Serve: Goes well with steamed rice or roti/naan, and some fresh veggies (as shown in the picture).

Notes

1. Make sure to squeeze out maximum water from the soya chunks, otherwise the roasting time may increase due to the water content.
2. You can adjust the heat of the dish according to your spice levels, by varying the quantity of chilli powder and green chilies used.
3. Coconut oil is recommended for all Kerala recipes, you may also use any other oil except for olive oil.

The post Shredded Soya Roast / Soya Ularthiyathu appeared first on Pepper Delight.

A veggie loaded wrap spiced up with chaat masala, tangy tomato ketchup, green herb sauce, and pickled chilies; all rolled together to make a delicious wrap of your dreams – Yes, the Frankie!!!

The food culture of India has its roots from a variety of cuisines of its subcontinent, ranging from Royal Hindu & Mughal dishes all the way to traditional & native street foods. Street food popularity has gained ground over the years, and with the onset of social media, internet, and easy accessibility of information about the best places to dine, more are more customers are exploring the tastes of the street. In the earlier days, it was only the locals or working class who knew about their favorite nearby stalls, but now with the help of food blogs, millions of YouTube videos, and lately the upcoming trend of food series on Netflix n Amazon, people are ready to travel all around the world to savor these mouth-watering dishes which they have to offer. Also, the wide range of customers from both the corporate and non-corporate worlds are demanding quality food, hygiene conditions, cheaper price and obviously a quick-n-fast food like service, which none other than these road side eateries can offer, beating their expectations.

Street food is no more just a means of living; it’s an art, passion, tradition, and an identity. It’s also a great source of income, people are ready to pay and where there is good food, there is good money. Street food is all about authenticity, variety and taste.

Every state has its own popular street dish and Frankies are the pride of Mumbai streets, from the hearts of Maharashtra. Although it is quite common across India, Frankie is a north Indian delicacy. It is like an Indian style taco or a Veggie burrito with the exclusion of rice from its ingredients. The highlight of a veg Frankie is its potato stuffing, and its flavor binding element is the Chaat masala.

Chaat masala is a tangy, spicy, salty masala powder which elevates the flavor of your dish with an authentic taste. It is made from a range of spices including mango powder, coriander seeds, black pepper, asafoetida, Himalayan black salt, cumin seeds, dried mint and ground ginger.

Boiled and mashed potatoes spiced with chaat masala along with fresh vegetables, herbs, cilantro mint chutney, tangy ketchup, pickled chilies and cheese, completes this wrap. You can use your choice of roti or bread and also all your favorite add-on veggies like julienned carrots and bell peppers. The meatier variations of Frankie with paneer or non-veg ingredients are equally popular and favored on the streets.

Enjoy, Happy Cooking…!

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Veg Frankie

A veggie loaded wrap spiced up with chaat masala, tangy tomato ketchup, green herb sauce, and pickled chilies; all rolled together to make a delicious wrap of your dreams, Presenting to you the Famous Street Food from the Hearts of Mumbai – Frankie…!!!  

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Keyword frankie, indian, wrap

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 3

Author Akhila

Ingredients

For the potato masala

• 2 large potatoes (boiled and mashed)
• 2 garlic cloves (crushed)
• 1-2 green chilies (chopped)
• ½ inch sized ginger (crushed)
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp chaat masala
• Oil (as required)
• Salt (as required)
• Handful of cilantro leaves (finely chopped)

For the green chilly vinegar

• 2 green chilies (chopped)
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ cup white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp salt

For the green chutney

• 1 big handful of cilantro leaves
• 1 small handful of mint leaves (optional)
• 1 shallot
• 1 garlic
• 1-2 tbsp yogurt
• 1-2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt (as required)

For assembling the frankie

• Roti / tortilla
• Ghee / butter (as required)
• tomato ketchup (as required)
• Veggies: onions (chopped), cabbage (sliced)
• Mozzarella cheese (grated)
• Chaat masala
• Oil (as required)

Instructions

• To prepare the potato masala: Heat oil in a pan on medium flame; add garlic, ginger and green chilies. Sauté for 2 minutes until aromatic.
• Add mashed potatoes, followed by turmeric powder, chili powder, chaat masala and salt. Mix the spices and potatoes, check for seasoning and cook for another 5 minutes. Top with cilantro leaves and keep aside. Allow it to cool completely.
• To prepare the green chilly vinegar: Mix all the ingredients for green chilly vinegar in a small bowl. Keep aside and allow it to rest for at least 2 hrs before using. The leftovers can be refrigerated and used for up to 2 days.
• To prepare the green chutney: Grind all the ingredients for green chutney, into a smooth fine paste. Check for the seasoning.
• To make the frankies: Smear a little oil on your palm and prepare cylindrical shaped potato masala patties (as shown in the picture) by rolling it in your palms. Keep aside.
• Prep the roti / tortilla by applying a little ghee / butter on both sides. If you are using a previously prepped roti / tortilla, heat it on a pan once.
• On a flat surface, lay the rotis and apply tomato ketchup on the top and spread it evenly to form a thin layer. Add the chopped onions and cabbage evenly. Place the prepared potato patty on the center of the roti and drizzle chilly vinegar and a spoonful of green chutney over the patty evenly. Sprinkle a pinch of chaat masala over it and finally, top it with grated cheese.
• Now carefully fold the roti from one edge to the other, rolling it to form the frankie and secure it with toothpicks. Slice it into equal halves.
• Serve the frankies with leftover green chutney or tomato ketchup. Enjoy!

Notes

• Chaat masala can be bought from any local Indian or Asian grocery stores. 
• Allow the green chilly vinegar to rest and infuse for at least 2 hrs after preparation, so that the flavors set in.

The post Veg Frankie appeared first on Pepper Delight.

“Navratan” – nav meaning ‘nine’ and ratan for ‘gems’… As the name suggests, the dish is exotic in every aspect and is also referred to as the Nine Gems Curry or Nine Jeweled Curry. The nine main ingredients in this recipe are a combination of vegetables & fruits. “Korma” which has its royal origins from the Mughlai cuisine of the Indian subcontinent, signifies dishes cooked in a mix of spices, dry fruits, nuts and cream. Together, Navratan Korma is a culmination of exotic and royal flavors, a delicacy with a perfect balance of spices!

One of the highlights of this recipe is the flexibility it provides in terms of the ingredients used. Although requiring nine main ingredients, you do not have to stick to a fixed set and instead can cook with what is available in your pantry. Paneer being a good protein source can also be added to this dish, although it is a personal choice and not a mandate, you can make this dish without paneer as well. This recipe is also an excellent source to include a variety of vegetables in your diet. The creamy consistency and its mild n sweet taste makes even kids to enjoy it without much hesitation.

There are many variations of this korma; using different spices, adding fresh fruits, replacing cream with yogurt, and so on. However, this method of preparation is my personal favorite. I love the addition of raisins and honey along with fresh fruits, which give the dish a natural sweetness. For all the vegans out there, you can easily convert this recipe into a vegan version by simply substituting milk cream with coconut milk, butter/ghee with coconut oil, honey with maple syrup / brown sugar, and paneer with tofu.

Navratan korma is a usually served during the festive season but can be enjoyed anytime, it is also a restaurant delicacy. It is a comfort food and its creamy texture makes it a perfect side dish to go with roti, naan or rice.

If you love Korma dishes, check out another recipe from my blog archives; a South Indian style Vegetable Kurma.

Enjoy, Happy Cooking…!

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Navratan Korma

An Exotic Dish from the Hearts of Mughlai cuisine, Navratan Korma! Made with Nine different Vegetables, Fruits and Nuts in a Mild & Semi-Sweet Creamy Gravy!!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Indian

Keyword korma, kurma, navratan korma

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Cooling Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings 5

Author Akhila

Ingredients

For the curry paste

• 4-5 cashews
• 1- inch sized ginger
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 large onion (roughly cubed)
• 2 big tomatoes (roughly cubed)

Veggies

• ¾ cup cauliflower florets
• ½ cup frozen green peas
• ½ of a red bell pepper (cubed)
• ½ of a green bell pepper (cubed)
• 1 carrot (cubed)
• 1 potato (cubed)
• ½ cup beans (sliced an inch length)
• ½ cup paneer (cubed)

For the korma

• 1 tbsp butter/ghee
• ½ tsp cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp coriander powder
• ¼ tsp garam masala
• ¼ cup cashews
• ¼ cup raisins
• 1 tbsp kasuri methi / dried fenugreek leaves (crushed)
• 1-2 tbsp honey
• ¼ cup milk cream (optional)
• 2 cups water (plus more)
• Cilantro leaves (chopped, to garnish)
• ¼ cup pomegranate seeds (to garnish - optional)
• Oil (as required)
• Salt (as required)

Instructions

• Slice ‘em up: Clean and cut veggies as per the above ingredient list. For more veggie options see notes section below.
• Cook hard vegetables: Boil cauliflower, potatoes, beans and carrots by adding turmeric powder, salt and water (just enough to cover the veggies) until they are cooked well. Strain, reserve the stock, and also keep aside the cooked veggies separately.
• Fry ‘em up: In a small pan, toast paneer cubes on both sides until they are golden. Transfer to a bowl and in the same pan, fry cashews and raisins until they are golden. Keep aside.
• Make the curry paste: In a pan, heat little oil on medium heat and add cashews, ginger, garlic, onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, followed by adding tomatoes. Sauté until they are slightly cooked and mushy. Switch off the flame and allow it to cool. Once it is cooled, grind them into a thick paste.
• The Curry: Heat butter/ghee in a large pan, add cumin seeds and bay leaf. Sauté until they are fragrant. Add the grinded curry paste, sauté and cook until the color of the curry slightly changes and becomes thick.
• Add spice powders: Chili, turmeric, coriander powder and garam masala. Sauté for 4-5 minutes on a low flame until the oil starts to separate.
• Add bell peppers and green peas; mix well with the masala.
• Add 1 cup of the reserved stock, season with salt and bring the curry to a boil. Once it starts boiling, add the cooked veggies and 1 tbsp honey; check and add more if needed. Add crushed kasuri methi, stir and mix the curry well.
• Add toasted paneer, fried cashews, raisins and milk cream. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Check for the seasoning.
• Garnish: Switch off the flame and garnish with cilantro leaves. Garnish with pomegranate seeds once the curry is slightly cooled and ready to serve.
• Serve: Goes well with Rice, Roti, Naan or any bread. Enjoy!

Notes

1. Veggies: Red Green Yellow bell pepper, cauliflower, beans, carrots, green peas, potato, broccoli, snow peas, squash, corn

2. Fruits: Pomegranate seeds, grapes, pineapple

3. To make it Vegan: Substitute milk cream with coconut milk, paneer with tofu, ghee / butter with coconut oil, and honey with maple syrup / brown sugar.

4. The strained water / stock in which the veggies were cooked in step 2 can be reserved for step 8 while preparing the curry.

5. If you are adding pineapple or grapes, you can add them at step 9.

The post Navratan Korma appeared first on Pepper Delight.

Do you love mushrooms? Well, I am seriously a Huuuge fan of it! Every week when we go for grocery shopping I manage to get a pack of them, luckily for my husband mushrooms are “high in Vitamin D” and he loves them, so no complaints and you will always find a pack in my refrigerator. Though once in a while I prepare an Indian style coconut milk curry with mushrooms which go well with chapatis, I prefer to cook my favourite pasta with mushrooms and broccoli or sometimes stuffed mushrooms… Do check out my blog for many more yummy mushroom recipes.

Although I only buy the small or regular sized ones, these giant mushrooms sitting in the grocery aisle have always made me curious. And it was during a dinner eve with my friends that I got to see one of these in a dish. A friend of ours who is a vegetarian couldn’t find many options in the menu and he ended up ordering this giant Portobello mushroom burger, and when it was served I was surprised to see the grilled mushroom cap as the patty of his burger, brilliant…!  So another excuse for me to get these giant ones and try out my love for them…

As I started working on this recipe, my next big question looking at these Portobello mushrooms was, how am I going to fit them in these regular sized hamburger buns, these are huge! Lol…But then as I started cooking them, I realized that they shrink to the right size. While prepping the mushrooms before you start cooking, always wipe and clean them with a damp paper towel and slice off the stems before marinating. The marinade used in my recipe is very simple with balsamic vinaigrette, garlic and olive oil. Allow the mushrooms to sit in the marinade for 15-20 minutes and don’t forget the most important step – basting.

If you are a vegetarian or looking forward for meatless recipes, these Portobello mushrooms are your perfect choice. They are low in calories, healthy, rich in flavour and pretty easy. You can try different toppings & sides of your choice along with your burger, although they do taste great with home-style baked potato wedges.

Enjoy, Happy Cooking!!!

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Portobello Mushroom Burger

Healthy Balsamic Portobello Mushroom Burger with Veggies and Swiss Cheese…! Pair it with some home style baked potato wedges, Deli…cious!!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword burger, mushroom burger, portobello burger

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Author Akhila

Ingredients

• 2 large mushroom caps
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
• 2 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (+more)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt (as required)
• 2 Hamburger buns (split)
• Swiss cheese (sliced)
• 1 large ripe tomato (sliced)
• 1 onion (sliced)
• Romaine lettuce

Instructions

• In a medium sized bowl, prepare the marinade by whisking balsamic vinaigrette, finely chopped garlic cloves, olive oil, salt and pepper. Place the mushroom caps smooth side down in the marinade and allow it to sit for 10-15 mins. Flip the other side and baste at regular intervals.
• Heat some oil in a pan on a medium flame.
• Once the pan is hot, place the marinated mushroom caps and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until they are tender. Baste the marinade while cooking.
• Place the cheese slice(s) on the mushroom at the last minute of its cooking.
• On a serving plate, prepare the burger by arranging the bun with lettuce and transfer the cooked mushrooms with melted cheese on to it, keep side.
• In the same pan, add the sliced onions n tomatoes, and cook for a minute on both sides. Transfer to the burger and top with the other half of the bun.
• Serve with hot crispy baked potato wedges, Enjoy.

The post Portobello Mushroom Burger appeared first on Pepper Delight.