Author Archives: The Weekend Baker

About The Weekend Baker

Weekend baker, Yoga enthusiast, curious cook, collector of cookbooks and traditional recipes. Stop by and say Hello!

Jardaloo chicken

Apricot chicken makes for a change from the usual chicken curries. It is an unusual combination and the sweetness of the apricots balances the spices beautifully. It’s one of the little one’s favourite chicken curries and served with steamed rice … Continue reading

Posted in A-Z 2018, Chicken, curries, Gravy dishes, Meat and Poultry, Quick Weeknight Recipes | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hummus and carrot sandwiches

Hummus and grated carrots might sound like a strange sandwich filling. I discovered this combination while exploring a newly opened cafe near work. They had peri peri hummus and carrots in some delicious brown bread. This is the inspiration for … Continue reading

Posted in A-Z 2018, Quick Weeknight Recipes, Savoury snacks, Teatime snacks or Brunch ideas, Vegan | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Green Pepper boats with mince

Green Pepper Boats are a carb-light version of a Shepherd’s pie.  This does need some planning and prior preparation if you are planning to make it for a weeknight supper and from scratch. It’s quick to assemble once you have … Continue reading

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Fish Patiya

You may well be familiar with a dish called Fish Patiya but there are numerous versions of this tangy and tomato-ey fish curry and this is the one I’ve grown up eating. Every Saturday my dad and my ajoba would … Continue reading

Posted in A-Z 2018, Fish, Gravy dishes, Quick Weeknight Recipes, Seafood | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Eggs over tomatoes

Eggs over tomatoes is a versatile dish that can be turned into brunch or dinner. This, again, is my ‘one pan’ adaptation of the much fancier version that mum used to serve us. Think of it as an Indian version … Continue reading

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Dhaansaak

Dhansaak is one of the flag bearers of Parsi cuisine. Traditionally, it is a one pot dish of lentils, meat and vegetables served with brown rice (caramelised rice).  This, however, is my quick and vegetarian adaptation of the popular Parsi … Continue reading

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Cauliflower bhaat

Cauliflower bhaat or cauliflower khichadi was what mum would make when we returned home after a tiring day out. You and I would probably order a takeaway meal but mum used to roll up her sleeves and prepare this cauliflower … Continue reading

Posted in A-Z 2018, One Pot Meals, Quick Weeknight Recipes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Baffad

Baffad (pronounced buff-aad) is a versatile coconut curry that can feature either chicken or prawns. It is made by grinding chillies and a variety of spices with a splash of vinegar. The pungent aroma while grinding the spices takes some … Continue reading

Posted in A-Z 2018, Chicken, curries, Fish and Meat, Gravy dishes, Meat and Poultry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Aunty Shelma’s soup

Aunty Shelma was a family friend and this story dates back to a rainy Mumbai evening when we went to bid her adieu before she emigrated to Canada. The evening was a long, chatty one as the adults couldn’t get … Continue reading

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Soups, curries and one-pot meals: Easy school night dinners

For the month of April 2018, Varan-Bhaat wakes up from its slumber and takes a bit of a detour from traditional Pathare Prabhu recipes for the A-Z Blogging Challenge. Our munchkin started Big School (that’s Year 1 for the uninitiated) and … Continue reading

Posted in A-Z 2018, curries, Curries (Kaalvan, varan, sambhare etc.), Gravy dishes, Miscellaneous recipes (non PP), One Pot Meals, Seasonal food, Seasonal Veggies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

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

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

Posted in A-Z 2016, Savoury snacks, Teatime snacks or Brunch ideas | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

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

Posted in A-Z 2016, Desserts, Festive food | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted in A-Z 2016, Desserts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

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