Category Archives: A-Z 2016

Z for Zhinga (prawns) toast

Ok, so Zhinga toast is most certainly not a Pathare Prabhu recipe. This is my mum’s take on the ever popular restaurant favourite. A lighter and fresher version, with an Indian twist. The bread is toasted  instead of the usual deep fried … Continue reading

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Y for Yam (Suran) Vadis

Suran (yam) vadis are one more addition to the repertoire of fasting foods.  Free from grains and everything else that’s to be avoided on days of abstinence. But the one thing they definitely do not lack is flavour. As you bite … Continue reading

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An eXtra special cuppa – Masala milk

In my mind, masalyache doodh or masala milk is permanently associated with the Ganpati festival. This used to be part of the ‘naivedya’* on the tenth and last day of the festival. Everything was extra special on that day. Emotions … Continue reading

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W for Walnut chikki (Walnut brittle)

Traditionally, chikkis or brittles are made to celebrate Sankranti, the harvest festival. The usual way is to make them with jaggery and include peanuts or sesame seeds – warming ingredients for early January when it’s not quite spring. My grandmother (Aji) … Continue reading

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V for Vaangyache Kaap (Fried aubergines)

Vaangyache kaap are thinly sliced aubergines, spiced and shallow fried. These are different from the bhaje/bhajias/bhaja as they are variously known in India. The bhajias are dipped in a chickpea (besan) batter before they are fried but the kaap are … Continue reading

Posted in A-Z 2016, Accompaniments, Teatime snacks or Brunch ideas, Vegan | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

U for Ukadlelya Shenga (Boiled Peanuts)

This is certainly a strange choice of a ‘recipe’ but if you’re looking for a snack that brings the family together and away from their devices, this one is hard to beat. All the cooking it involves is boiling peanuts in … Continue reading

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T for Thaalipeeth (with red pumpkin and peas)

Thaalipeeth is a popular Maharashtrian griddlecake or flatbread – made from a variety of grains, or a combination of a few. Veggies are not a common ingredient, though my mum does add roasted and mashed aubergine, on occasion. This red pumpkin and … Continue reading

Posted in A-Z 2016, Savoury snacks, Teatime snacks or Brunch ideas | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

S for Shankarpale

These sweet and crunchy crackers are an eternal favourite in India. They are called Shankarpale in Marathi and shakkarpara in Hindi. Shankarpale are essential deep fried, crisp and sweet diamonds (or squares) of dough. They form part of the Diwali … Continue reading

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R for Roath (Spiced semolina cake)

Roath rhymes with coat, announced our 4 year old as he munched on a piece over the weekend. If you are not familiar with this semolina cake, now may be a good time to give it a try. It is the … Continue reading

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P for Pangoji (Spicy prawn fritters)

Every PP household worth its salt serves this tea-time delicacy with some regularity. I know I certainly had my share of these in my childhood – vegetarian pangoji on Mondays or Thursdays and pangoji with prawns on any other day. For a … Continue reading

Posted in A-Z 2016, Savoury snacks, Teatime snacks or Brunch ideas | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

O for Orange dessert cups

I have previously written about my mum’s fondness for whipping up desserts. This one bears testimony to one such occasion. This goes back to when we were in school and mum was having the kitchen refurbished. Because the house was a bit … Continue reading

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N for Nankhatais

No Christmas at home would be complete without these little powdery sugar pillows that melt in the mouth. It’s Nana’s recipe that mum modified. I’ve changed it slightly too. After all, every generation has to do its bit to claim ownership! … Continue reading

Posted in A-Z 2016, Desserts, Festive food, Goan cuisine | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

M for Malai Kulfi

Malai kulfi made the good old fashioned way always takes me back to Wednesdays in my childhood. I’ll tell you why. Our school didn’t have the weekend off but we had holidays on Thursday and Sundays. Looking back, it was a … Continue reading

Posted in A-Z 2016, Desserts, Summer Food Fiesta | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

L for Leftovers Lottery – Paavacha bhuja

Every home has their favourite way to jazz up leftovers and this is one of my favourite thing to do with stale bread. Bread upma or phodnichi bread is quite a common brunch option across India. This one is slightly different … Continue reading

Posted in A-Z 2016, Savoury snacks, Teatime snacks or Brunch ideas | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

K for Kheema (mince) on crackers

My family has always been crackers over Cream Crackers and we treat them like toast, slathered with strange and various toppings. The origins of this version go way back to the 1930s when my grand-aunt, Ini, was a young child. Apparently, there was … Continue reading

Posted in A-Z 2016, Fish and Meat, Meat and Poultry, Savoury snacks, Teatime snacks or Brunch ideas | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments