Recipes


- Vegetarian
- Non-Vegetarian
- Fish


VEGETARIAN

Aloo Dum (Spiced Potatoes #1)

500 gms very small potatoes
2 tbsps oil
1 tbsp Vegetable Curry Spice
2" piece fresh chopped ginger
Salt to taste
4 small chopped tomatoes
Coriander leaves for garnish

Boil potatoes till just done. Do not overboil. Peel and keep whole. Heat oil and add the Vegetable Curry Spice , ginger and salt and fry for a minute. Add the tomatoes and potatoes and mix well. Cover and cook for a couple of minutes. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with nan.

Spiced Potatoes #2

500 gms potatoes, boiled until fork tender, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsps oil
A pinch mustard seeds
Salt and pepper to taste
2 large onions thinly sliced
1 green chilli chopped
a pinch turmeric powder
1 tsp Garam Masala
coriander leaves for garnish
Lime juice

Heat oil and put in mustard seeds. When they stop spluttering, saute the onions and chillies until they turn a golden brown. Do not allow to burn. Add turmeric powder, put in potatoes and stir well. Add salt and pepper. Remove from heat, squeeze lime, 1 tsp Garam Masala , mix well and garnish with coriander leaves.

Vegetable Curry

2½ lbs mixed vegetables (green peas, lima beans, spinach, eggplant and potatoes)
4 tbsp oil
1 tsp Vegetable Spice
2 tomatoes, cubed
2 tbsp water
1½ tsp tomato paste
½ tsp each crushed ginger and garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp Coriander leaves chopped
1 tsp Garam Masala

Prepare vegetables. Heat oil , add the Vegetable Spice and sauté for ½ minute. Add the vegetables and the rest of the ingredients except coriander leaves. Contineu cooking until vegetables are done adding more water if necessary. Garnish with coriander leaves and Garam Masala and serve with naan or pita bread.

Chickpea Curry (Cholle)

1 can chickpeas
2 tbsps olive or vegetable oil
2 sliced onions (save a couple of rings for garnish)
1 Tbsp Vegetable Spice
1 Tsp Garam Masala
1" piece chopped ginger
1 tomato chopped
½ cup water
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon slices and Coriander leaves for garnish

Rinse the chickpeas in cold water. Heat the oil and sauté the onions until golden. Add 1 tbsp of the Vegetable Spice and the ginger and garlic and fry for 2 minutes. Add the tomato and the chickpeas. Add the water and let cook for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with 1 tsp of Garam Masala and garnish with onion rings, coriander leaves and a sliced lemon.

Eggplant Curry

1 large eggplant (cut into 1" cubes)
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
2 small onions sliced
1 Tbsp Vegetable Spice
1 cup milk
1" piece fresh ginger chopped
1 Tsp Garam Masala
Coriander leaves for garnish

Sprinkle the eggplant with the salt and turmeric and set aside.

Heat the oil and sauté the onions until golden. Add 1 tbsp of Vegetable Spice and stir for a minute. Put in the rest of the ingredients and stir until well mixed. Add the eggplant only (without the juices that have collected), cover and bring to a boil. Cook until eggplant is done and the gravy is thick. Season to taste. Sprinkle with Garam Masala spice and garnish with coriander leaves.

Paneer Tandoori (Fresh Indian Cheese)

2 cloves garlic
1" piece ginger
1 green chilli
1 cup yogurt
½ tsp salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp Tandoori Spice
1 tsp Garam Masala
14 oz diced paneer
juice of 1 lime

Mince garlic, ginger and chilli, add yogurt, Tandoori Spice , Garam Masala and salt and mix well. Add paneer and toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, for 1 hour. Thread paneer onto skewers and grill directly over medium heat for 5 minutes until slightly charred and tender. Transfer to platter and sprinkle with lime juice.

Dal (Lentil Curry)

2 cups masoor dal
1½ tsp turmeric powder
1½ teaspoon Garam Masala
1 tsp salt
1/3 cup oil
2 onions, chopped
1 head garlic, minced
1" piece ginger root, minced
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 bunch coriander, chopped
Water

Rinse masoor dal thoroughly, until water is clear. In pot bring 1 quart water to boil. Add masoor dal. Cook about 10 to 15 minutes, add ½ teaspoon Garam Masala , 1 tsp Vegetable Spice and salt. As dal cooks, uncovered, the water will evaporate and mixture will thicken. Continue cooking until dal reaches the texture of thick cream. Turn off heat.

Heat oil in wok. When oil is very hot, add onions and cook until tender and translucent but not browned. Add garlic, ginger and chilies. Continue to fry until onions are deep brown. Add remaining 1 teaspoon each Garam Masala and turmeric.

Do not allow spices to burn. Keep stirring until mixture starts to stick. Add tomatoes and cilantro. Cook until tomato softens. Pour over masoor dal and simmer to blend flavors. Goes well with White Rice and a curry and vegetable side dish.

Cucumber Raita

1 cup plain yogurt
finely chopped cucumber
2 tsps sugar
Sprinkle of Garam Masala
coriander leaves for garnish

Beat yogurt, cucumber and sugar together. Sprinkle Garam Masala and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Fluffy White Rice

1 cup basmati rice, washed and rinsed several times
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp oil
1 cup boiling water

Soak the washed rice in warm water for 10 minutes. Heat the oil and stirfry the rice. Pour in the boiling water and stir the rice/water mixture. When water reaches boiling point again, turn off the heat and leave to cook in its own heat. When ready to eat, fluff the rice with a fork and serve with a curry and a Mango Chutney or Brinjal (Eggplant) Pickle .

Yellow Rice (Pilaf)

1 cup basmati rice, washed and rinsed several times
1 onion sliced
2 tbsp oil
1 cup boiling water or chicken stock
½ tsp Pilaf Spice
½ cup green peas
Salt and pepper to taste

Soak the washed rice in warm water for 10 minutes. Heat the oil and sauté the onion until golden brown. Stir in the Pilaf Spice until fragrant. Add the rice and stirfry until completely coated with the oil. Pour in the boiling water/stock and salt and pepper. When water reaches boiling point again, turn off the heat and leave to cook in its own heat. When ready to eat, fluff the rice with a fork and serve with a curry and a Mango Chutney or Brinjal (Eggplant) Pickle .


NON-VEGETARIAN (return to top)

Biryani – Chicken, Beef or Lamb

3 lb chicken quarters
2 tbsp Biryani spice
1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup chopped tomato
1 cup chopped onion
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp tomato paste
½ cup oil or margarine
6 small potatoes fried
3 large onions sliced and fried
½ tsp Garam Masala
2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
2 cups basmati rice
4 cups water
1½ tsp salt
2 tbsp oil
2 tbsp margarine

Marinate chicken in all ingredients from Biryani Spice to ½ cup oil or margarine. Leave in refrigerator overnight. Cook the mixture until the chicken is cooked and firm. The gravy should be thick (if not, boil gravy separately until reduced).

Fry the potatoes and onions and set aside. Wash the rice and soak for 10 minutes in hot water. Bring 4 cups water to a boil, drain rice, add to water along with salt and oil and cook on medium heat until all the water has been absorbed.

Once the rice is cooked, leave to dry a bit. In a rectangular baking dish, spread a layer of rice followed by meat mixture, fried potatoes and onion, coriander leaves, Garam Masala and another layer of rice. Sprinkle the 2 tbsp melted margarine or oil and bake in 300 0 F oven for about 15 minutes. Enjoy with a nice soothing Cucumber Raita and either a Prawn Balchao Pickle or Eggplant (Brinjal) Pickle.

Chicken Bafat

1 chicken quartered
1 cup coconut milk
3 tbsp oil or margarine
400 gms potatoes and carrots cubed
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp Bafat Spice
3 onions sliced
4 green chillies sliced
1" piece fresh ginger
6 cloves garlic chopped
2 tbsp vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp Garam Masala
1 tbsp Coriander leaves chopped

Marinate the chicken in the Bafat Spice . Heat the oil nad sauté the onions, chillies, ginger and garlic until softened. Stir in the chicken with marinade, add the vegetables, coconut milk, vinegar, salt and pepper. Cook until done. Garnish with Garam Masala and coriander leaves.

Xacuti Chicken

1 ½ kg chicken
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup coconut milk
2 tbsp Xacuti Masala
1/3 cup oil
2 large onions, chopped
6 green chillies, chopped
2 tbsp tamarind pulp
3 cups water

Wash, skin, apply salt to chicken and set aside. On a dry griddle, on medium heat, brown the 2 tbsps of Xacuti Masala and chopped onions for approximately 3 minutes. Heat oil and sauté the masala along with the chillies. Add the chicken, coconut milk, salt, pepper and tamarind. Simmer on low, uncovered until chicken is done. Enjoy with either a White Rice or a Pilaf with Mango Chutney or Brinjal Pickle on the side.

Chicken Tandoori with Sundried Tomatoes

3 cloves garlic, chopped
1" piece ginger, chopped
10 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained
2 cups yogurt
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp Tandoori Spice
1 tsp Garam Masala
2 tbsp lime juiced + juice of 1 lime
2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped
2 lb boneless chicken breast cut in 1" cubes
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Mince garlic, ginger, tomatoes, yogurt, Tandoori Spice , Garam Masala and salt and mix well. Add paneer and toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, for 1 hour. Thread paneer onto skewers and grill directly over medium heat for 5 minutes until slightly charred and tender. Transfer to platter and sprinkle with lime juice.

Tandoori Chicken on Skewers

A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens the flavour of this spicy chicken. Mango chutney is a fitting accompaniment.

3 lb (1 ½ kg) boneless skinless chicken
½ cup minced onion
½ cup plain yogurt
¼ cup Tandoori Spice
1 tsp Garam Masala
2 cloves garlic, chopped
Lime wedges

Cut chicken into 1 ½ inch (4 cm) cubes and place in large bowl.

In separate bowl, blend together onion, yogurt, Garam Masala, Tandoori Spice and garlic; scrape over chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Thread cubes onto each metal or soaked wooden skewer. Place on greased grill over medium-high heat; close lid and grill, turning once, until chicken is no longer pink inside, about 8 minutes. Serve with lime.

Boti Kabab

½ kg boneless meat cut into 1" pieces (beef, chicken, turkey or pork)
2 cups boiling water
1 small onion
1 tbsp Garam Masala spice
1" piece fresh ginger
Salt to taste
1 tbsp Yogurt
2 tbsp oil

Soak meat in boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain and keep aside. Grind all ingredients from onion to salt to a fine paste. This paste should be thick enough to stick to the meat. Mix the paste with the yogurt and marinate for an hour. Pack the meat tightly on metal skewers, baste with oil and grill/roast until done. Serve with either Mint or Coriander Chutney.

Shahi Korma Curry

1½ lbs lamb or any other meat
2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 tbsp ginger/garlic paste
4 tbsp oil
2 tbsp Korma Spice
¾ cup plain yogurt
salt and pepper to taste
¾ cup thick cream
1 tbsp raisins, soaked
water, as required
3 tbsp blanched almonds

Trim meat and cut into 2" cubes. Heat 3 tbsp oil and stirfry the onion until soft. Add Ginger/Garlic Paste and meat. Stirfry until well browned. Add Korma Spice and stirfry for 3 minutes. Add the yogurt, mix thoroughly. Cover and simmer until meat is tender and the liquid is completely absorbed. Splash in a little water and add salt and pepper. Add the cream, raisins and continue simmering until meat is very tender and sauce is thick. Add a little more water, if desired. Fry almonds in 1 tbsp oil until golden. Stir into meat mixture. Enjoy with either Rice, Pickle or naan.

Chicken Malai Curry

30 gms butter
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1½ kg chicken pieces
2 tbsp Curry Spice
2½ cups (625ml) thin coconut milk
2 tblsp fresh lemon juice

Melt butter in a frying pan. Saute onion and garlic until onion is tender. Add 2 tbsp Curry Spice . Add coconut milk and lemon juice. Simmer, uncovered, for about 45 minutes or until the sauce begins to thicken and the chicken is tender.

Vindaloo (Beef, Chicken, Lamb or Pork)

1 kg pork (or other meat)
1 cup vinegar or as required + extra diluted vinegar
2 tbsp Vindaloo Spice
16 flakes garlic
salt to taste
2 tbsp oil
1" piece chopped ginger
8 flakes garlic chopped
3 medium green chilies

Clean and wash the meat with the diluted vinegar. Cut into bite sized chunks. Grind the Vindaloo Spice with the 16 garlic flakes with ¼ cup vinegar. The paste should be smooth and thick. Mix the ground masala with the remaining vinegar and salt and rub on the pork. Marinate for at 3 to up to 12 hours. Heat oil and sauté the chopped garlic, ginger and green chilies. Add the meat along with the marinade. Mix thoroughly and cook on a slow fire until the meat is tender. Serve with Fluffy White Rice or with a Pilaf and a Pickle.


FISH (return to top)

Mackerel Masala

12 Mackerels
1 tbsp Bafat Spice
2 onions sliced
4 green chillies, minced
1" piece fresh ginger minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsps vinegar
2 tbsps oil
1 tsp Garam Masala
coriander leaves for garnish

Clean and wash the mackerels and leave intact. Mix the Bafat Spice with vinegar and salt and set aside. Heat oil and sauté the onions, chillies, garlic and ginger. When completely softened, add the spice paste and fish. Cook in its own gravy for about 15 minutes or until the fish is done. Taste for sale, add the Garam Masala and garnish with coriander leaves. Serve with hot white rice and Mango Chutney or Eggplant Pickle .

Salmon Tikka

3 lb (1 ½ kg) salmon fillet
1 cup minced onion
½ cup plain yogurt
¼ cup tandoori spice
2 cloves garlic chopped
Lime wedges and coriander leaves

 

Cut fish 1 ½ inch (4 cm) cubes and place in large bowl. In separate bowl, blend together onion, yogurt, Tandoori Spice and garlic; scrape over salmon and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Thread cubes onto each metal or soaked wooden skewer. Place on greased grill over medium-high heat; close lid and grill, turning once, until salmon is done, about 8 minutes. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens the flavour of this spicy dish. Garnish with coriander leaves. Mango chutney is a fitting accompaniment.

Fish Bafat

1 kg firm fish
1 cup coconut milk
3 tbsp oil or margarine
salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp Bafat Spice
3 onions sliced
4 green chilies sliced
1 tbsp ginger/garlic paste
2 tbsp vinegar
1 tsp Garam Masala
1 tbsp Coriander leaves chopped

Marinate the fish in the Bafat Spice . Heat the oil and sauté the onions, chilies, ginger and garlic paste until softened. Stir in the fish with marinade, coconut milk, vinegar, salt and pepper. Cook until done. Garnish with Garam Masala and coriander leaves.

Tandoori Salmon on Skewers

A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens the flavour of this spicy salmon. Mango chutney is a fitting accompaniment.

3 lb (1 ½ kg) salmon fillet
½ cup minced onion
½ cup plain yogurt
¼ cup Tandoori Spice
2 cloves garlic, chopped
Lime wedges

Cut chicken into 1 ½ inch (4 cm) cubes and place in large bowl. In separate bowl, blend together onion, yogurt, Tandoori Spice and garlic; scrape over salmon and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Thread cubes onto each metal or soaked wooden skewer. Place on greased grill over medium-high heat; close lid and grill, turning once, until salmon is done, about 8 minutes. Serve with lime.