In the springtime around here the farmer’s markets bring out some uniquely springtime produce such as tender garlic. These garlic actually look like small pale pink onions. The first time I saw these I had no idea they were garlic. The farm stand vendor explained that sometimes they pull garlic bulbs out in the spring to sell, that if they left them in the ground they eventually become our regular garlic bulbs that we usually use. The flavor of spring garlic is like a cross between garlic and green onions. I know, interesting right! Here’s the other interesting tidbit, tender spring garlic are only available in the spring and that too for a month at the most. Continue reading Spring Garlic and Asparagus Risotto
Tag Archives: legumes & grains
Yellow Daal. Daal Tadka
Yellow daal or what is also known as daal tadka- meaning lentils cooked and tempered with spiced oil is a very popular dish at Indian restaurants and a favorite daal in our home. My daughter Rani especially loves this daal. Anytime she sees me making lentils, she’ll ask, “Is that yellow daal your making?” With aromatic spices, ginger garlic and onions all shallow fried in ghee, and served over white rice, this daal is comfort food for sure. Continue reading Yellow Daal. Daal Tadka
Simple Savory Oatmeal with Ghee, Mustard Seeds and Caraway Seeds
My Mom-in-law used to make this savory oatmeal in the mornings when she visited me here in California a while back and I remember looking at it with such curiosity. It was a very simple dish really – creamy oatmeal with a touch of spices and a pinch of salt. Mom-in-law did add a piece of green chili for some heat but it added just a hint. Her oatmeal was oatmeal in color with minimal spices such as mustard seeds and caraway seeds. It was meant to be a simple and quick savory oatmeal. Continue reading Simple Savory Oatmeal with Ghee, Mustard Seeds and Caraway Seeds
Stuffed Chile Relleno with Kale, Sweet Potato and Squash
Packed with nutrients, delicious and decadent, a baked chili relleno from our favorite Mexican restaurant Zona Rosa is what I tried to replicate in this recipe. Just look at the photo of their vegetarian chile relleno!! Doesn’t it look amazing!! In an effort to make something similar to Zona Rosa’s I stuffed my poblano peppers with a similar variety of veggies that included kale, sweet potatoes and squash. I then added quinoa and cheese, and baked the peppers on a bed of black beans. Continue reading Stuffed Chile Relleno with Kale, Sweet Potato and Squash
Kootu. White Pumpkin and Daikon Lentil Stew
This South Indian style stew called kootu is commonly made with squash, soft lentils, spices and fresh coconut, and is served over white rice. With a few mild spices such as asafetida, mustard seeds, cumin seeds and turmeric and with lots of veggies and lentils, kootu is delicious and wholesome. Continue reading Kootu. White Pumpkin and Daikon Lentil Stew
Homemade Bircher Muesli
Oh how I love Bircher muesli. I used to make it all the time years ago, and Hitesh and I would have it every morning. It was a quick breakfast that didn’t require much work, all the prep was done and all we had to do is have a scoop in the morning with a little milk and berries. It was sweet and delicious and had everything in a bowl – whole grain oats, honey, apple, dried fruits, and yogurt. Not only did it satisfy us for hours, it tasted amazing. Continue reading Homemade Bircher Muesli
Sweet Potato White Bean Minestrone Soup
Lots of veggies, herbs and tomato sauce add wonderful flavor and vitamins in this veggie soup but what really amps up the flavor is the addition of sweet potatoes and white beans. Sweet potatoes add a nice sweet creamy texture and the white beans give the soup some heft and added lentil protein. With 1/4 cup of fresh basil, lots of thyme and oregano this soup is deliciously good and comforting. Call it a veggie soup or minestrone soup either works, but best of all is how easy this vegetarian soup is to make. Continue reading Sweet Potato White Bean Minestrone Soup
Masala Vadas – Yellow Split Pea Lentil Fritters
Vadas are very popular lentil fritters that are made all over India. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, vadas are delicious appetizers and snack time treats. There are as many vada recipes out there as the various types of lentils. The basic recipe for vada involves soaking lentils in water for a few hours to soften, and then they are ground into a thick coarse batter to which vegetables and spices are added. The thick batter is then deep-fried. Vadas are usually served with a side of chutney like coconut chutney. For those of you living in the South think of these as hush puppies except these are made with lentils. Continue reading Masala Vadas – Yellow Split Pea Lentil Fritters
Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Tofu
I was making stuffed peppers with paneer for the family one night when one of my twins requested that I make a couple without cheese. She is staying away from dairy for a while as she’s noticed she feels better eating dairy-free. So for her peppers I substituted the paneer with tofu, and since I was making these tofu peppers just for her I asked her how she wanted them flavored – she requested with herbs. Continue reading Stuffed Peppers with Herbed Tofu
Bharazi. Kenyan Black Eyed Peas in Coconut Milk and Spices
Happy New Year 2020!
Wishing you all a healthy and happy year ahead!
Looking for a totally different black-eyed pea recipe to make for good luck in the New Year? A recipe from East Africa? Try this black-eyed pea stew called bharazi created by Indians living in Kenya. Bharazi is an Indianized Kenyan dish made with black-eyed peas, coconut milk, and spices. Continue reading Bharazi. Kenyan Black Eyed Peas in Coconut Milk and Spices
