Just like chutneys, Indian pickles are a popular side-dish for many Indian main dishes. Basically based on vegetables and oil, they lack, other than the European variations of pickles, typically the vinegar. Due to their marinade they are still naturally preserved, even if Indian pickles are traditionally left outdoors in the sun for at least a few weeks before they are eaten. This recipe however shows you how to make a quick Indian style pickle without too much fuss and effort! Ingredients 3 tablespoons light brown sugar 6 fl oz. cider vinegar 4fl oz. extra virgin olive oil 2 garlic cloves, peeled and … [Read more...]
Side Dishes
Pineapple Raita – A Sweet Raita Recipe
A raita is a cooling and refreshing side dish for any Indian meal, especially in North India. It comprises chopped fruit or vegetables and spices in whisked yogurt. The yogurt helps in cooling down the fire and spice of the curries and thus, makes a great side dishes for a biryani or pulao. A raita could contain anything from chopped cucumber to diced onions, tomatoes or even boiled, diced potatoes. The usually way to garnish a raita is to top it with chopped fresh coriander leaves and red chili powder. Pineapple raita is a contemporary version of raita. The most distinctive feature of this raita is that is both sweet and … [Read more...]
Potato Raita with Green Chili
Potato raita is quick to make and oh-so delicious. Add chopped fresh cilantro and green chillies for added flavor. Potato Raita is a dish made from yoghurt, boiled potatoes and spices. In fact, raita refers to any side dish that contains chopped vegetables or fruits in a yoghurt base. Potato raita can be served with just about any main dish or even biryani. One technique of making potato raita is to add boiled and diced potatoes to whisked yogurt and then add spices like red chilli powder, roasted cumin and garam masala. Another way of making potato raita is to add the diced potato to the yoghurt and then temper it with … [Read more...]
How to Make Naan – The Popular Indian Flatbread
Naan is the one of the most flavorful and popular Indian breads. Naans work well with just about anything! Ingredients 25 oz. active dry yeast 1 cup warm water 1/4 cup sugar 3 tablespoons milk 1 egg, beaten 2 teaspoons salt 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup butter, melted Directions In a large bowl, place the yeast in warm water and allow it to dissolve. Let the yeast stand for 10 minutes, until frothy. Add in the sugar, milk, egg, salt, and enough flour to make soft dough. Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Place the dough in greased bowl, cover with a damp piece of cloth, … [Read more...]
Roomali Roti Recipe or How to Make a Handkerchief Bread
Roomali roti (sometimes also written as rumali roti) is a large-sized Indian bread that is super-thin – in fact, the thinner the better. It is usually served with tandoori meat dishes. Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2/3 cup water Directions In a large bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Add in the oil and mix in with a fork until the flour resembles breadcrumbs. Mix in the water and knead to form a dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Cover and set aside for 45 minutes. Knead the dough again … [Read more...]
Palak Paneer – Spinach Paneer Cheese with Curry Sauce
Palak paneer is an easy Indian recipe based on spinach, cheese and curry. Paneer is an Indian kind of farmer's cheese, sometimes also called "Chhena" and common all over South-East Asia. It is similar to Turkish or Balkan cheese. However, special about it, is that it does not include rennet and thus, fits also religious Hindus. For Palak paneer the cheese is cut into cubes, which are simmered in a spinach sauce (curry - the Indian word for sauce) flavored with various spices. Serve palak paneer hot with naan on the side. Ingredients 1 lb. spinach 4 onions, finely chopped+1 onion roughly chopped 2-3 cloves … [Read more...]
Chole Masala Recipe (Chana masala)
Chole is the Indian word for chickpeas, and thus, Chole masala, sometimes also Chana masala is basically a dish based on chickpea or garbanzo beans that are simmered in a spicy sauce. This dish comes from Northern Indian and is typically eaten with a bread known as kulcha. Chole or Chana Masala is one of the most popular North Indian dishes. This dish is completely vegetarian since its main ingredient is chickpea. Chole can be made either dry or in a sauce. Most recipes for chole use onion, coriander seeds, amchoor (dried mango powder0, garlic, ginger, garlic, crushed pomegranate seeds and garam masala. Typically, … [Read more...]
How to make a Cucumber Raita
Cucumber raita is one of the most popular raitas simply because it is so easy to make. Just combine all the ingredients with beaten yoghurt and voila, your raita is ready! Ingredients 1 cup yogurt ½ cup finely chopped cucumber 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro 1 teaspoon roasted and ground cumin seeds Salt and pepper to taste Dash of ground red chilli Directions Beat the yoghurt till smooth. Add in the cucumber, salt, pepper and cumin and mix well. Garnish with the red chilli and chopped cilantro before serving. Tips Always serve Cucumber Raita well chilled. … [Read more...]
