Authentic Indian lentil recipes
What is coconut chutney? Coconut chutney is a famous yet simple South Indian condiment made with grated coconut and a mix of fresh spices and herbs. Coconut, fried gram, ginger/garlic, and chilies are ground together, and then some oil tempered with red chili, mustard seeds, and curry leaves is drizzled on top to get this…
When you are trying to keep overwhelming emotions at bay and trying not to crumble under the pressure of a burdened heart, the only thing that really seems to help is lots and lots of comfort food. That is if the bottles of wine and tub of chocolate ice cream are not doing their usual…
I have joined the “reducetarian” movement which “aims to improve human health, protect the environment, and spare farm animals from cruelty by reducing societal consumption of animal products.” I am committing to eliminating food and water waste and reducing the use of meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and dairy in my kitchen by at least 50…
Tadka is the most iconic dhaba dish of Kolkata with a history as elusive as its recipe. Kolkata dhaba style tadka, or “Torka” is basically the Punjabi ma ki dal or kaali dal recipe that has been heavily modified to cater to the famously discerning Bengali palate. Before the torka was invented in 1970s (most likely)…
What is gahana Bori or goyna bori? Gahana bori or naksha bori are ornamented sun-dried dumplings made with soaked moth beans, a particular kind of lentils used for its viscosity. Originating in the villages of Tamluk of east Midnapur (West Bengal), gahana bori, designed in the form of paisleys, ornaments, or flowers, constituted a staple of this…
Dhokar dalna is one recipe that I have been planning to post for as long as I have been writing this blog. Not only because this is one of my most favorite Bengali dishes, but also because it is vegetarian, vegan, and reducetarian. This recipe also has an interesting backstory. So, the story is that…
I was first introduced to hummus some five years ago by my friend Laura. Laura makes this simple yet rich and flavorful hummus with paprika and garlic that is just out of the world! I have since been completely in love with the concept of hummus, and have tried all kinds of hummus everywhere. But…
There is something infallible about butter toasts. No matter how sad and gloomy things get, buttered toasts always have the potential to give life an instant uplift. Once you bite into the crusty surface and taste the warm, salty, and buttery interior, you momentarily forget everything. Toasts work like magic. What’s even more magical is that it is impossible…
Lentils are an elemental part of all Indian meals. They are usually served as a side dish, often accompanied by another side of vegetables, but they can also be the star of any meal. They are the most versatile of all produce and are also inexpensive, healthy, quick and easy to cook. Â Once you know…