Spices are a way of life in India as far as food is considered! A variety of spices are skillfully blended in Indian cuisine not only for the flavor they impart to any dish but also for their health benefits. This spicy cake is rich in energy, protein and calcium. The spices add that special Indian touch to it.Ginger, Nutmeg as well as Cinnamon all help ease digestion. Walnuts, which are a rich source of omega-3-fatty acids ( help in lowering cholesterol) add extra nutrition and crunch apart from its distinctive flavour. I found this recipe in ‘Baby and Toddler…
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Varan Phala- (Wheat flour dumplings cooked in yellow lentil curry)
Varan Phala (Chakolya is another Marathi name) the mere mention of this name is enough to sensitize my taste buds. A one pot wholesome meal, this recipe is commonly made in many households. Wheat flour dumplings are cooked in dal which in turn is flavoured with masalas making it sweet,sour and spicy! So here’s Varan Phala ,from Maharashtra-The land of the great Maratha Warriors, for Indira’s wonderful Food Parade on Independence Day Varan Phala tastes best when eaten hot.You can add a tsp of ghee to enhance the flavour.With a spoon or hand take a square along with some curry…
Shepuchi Bhaji (Dill leaves curry)
Shepu leaves (also called as Sowa or Dill) are easily available in most parts of India all through the year. The soft, feathery leaves are a rich source of iron and are added to flavour many recipes. A very popular vegetable in Maharshtra, Shepu is cooked in different styles in different parts of Maharashtra.When served with Jowar Bhakri ( bread made from Jowar/sorghum flour- will post the recipe soon) it tastes blissful.This is my mom’s recipe for Shepuchi Bhaji:
Sweet Sweet Pongal
The month of Shravan (5th month of the Hindu calendar) is one of the most auspicious months here in India. It also brings along number of festivals, Rakhi Purnima being one of them. The festival of Rakshabandhan (as it is called in the Northern parts of India) or Rakhi purnima (as it is called in Maharshtra) celebrates the special bond of love between brothers and sisters.A rakhi (beautiful silk thread) is tied by the sister on her brothers wrist. Like all other festivals of India, this festival is incomplete without festivities and festive food.Though not the traditional Rakhi recipe,this Rakhi…
Pulli Upma – Poha (beaten rice) cooked in tamarind sauce
I have always relished South Indian food. Whenever my Mom cooked Idli-Sambar, Dosa,Uttapam, Rasam -whatever,I would have it for breakfast-lunch-dinner.Now that I am married to a South Indian I have learnt to cook some of them myself. Puli Upma- Poha (beaten rice) cooked with tamarind sauce (my Mother-in-laws recipe makes for quick but delicious breakfast.