Delicious Diary

On August 15th, to celebrate Independence Day, I decided to cook a special dish—TriColor Pulao. This vibrant rice dish, perfectly captures the colors of the Indian flag. It was not just about making a meal but honoring our nation's rich heritage and freedom. The aroma of the spices, the freshness of the ingredients, and the beautiful presentation made it a festive and meaningful choice for the occasion. Cooking this TriColor Pulao was my way of celebrating and reflecting on India's journey to independence. I have used food colors for green and orange, if you do not like food colors, try spinach and saffron for color.  Ingredients 1 cup basmati rice 3 tbsp ghee 1 tsp Ginger, Garlic paste 3-4 Green Chillies 1 tps Garam masala 1 dried bay leaf 1 Capsicum 2 small carrots, sliced ½ cup frozen green peas, thawed ½ cup frozen corn, boiled 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 cups water 7-8 cashew nuts, fried in ghee, to garnish (optional) Food color green & orange Lemon Salt to taste I...

Stir-frying is a quick and versatile cooking technique originating from Chinese cuisine. It involves cooking ingredients rapidly in a hot pan or wok with a small amount of oil, resulting in dishes that are vibrant, flavorful, and retain the natural crunch of the vegetables. Stir-fries typically include a combination of protein (such as chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu) and vegetables, flavored with a savory sauce made from ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Here are some delicious stir-fry recipes to explore: 1. Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry: Thinly sliced chicken breast Mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots) Garlic, minced Ginger, minced Soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil Serve over rice or noodles. 2. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Sliced beef sirloin or flank steak Broccoli florets Garlic, minced Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil Serve over rice. 3. Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry: Shrimp, peeled and deveined Snow peas Red bell pepper, sliced...

Inspired by the need to adapt to seasonal challenges, this dal recipe offers a delicious twist by replacing tomatoes with zesty lemon. As tomatoes become scarce and costly due to unpredictable weather patterns, this alternative not only preserves the rich flavors of traditional dal but also introduces a refreshing citrusy note. Perfectly balanced with aromatic spices, this comforting dish proves that ingenuity in the kitchen can elevate even the simplest ingredients. Let’s dive into this hearty and satisfying dal enriched with the brightness of lemon, promising a delightful meal despite the absence of tomatoes. Lemon Daal - without Tomato Recipe Ingredients: Toor Dal Lemon Turmeric Salt Oil Garlic Coriander Tadka: Onion Cumin Mustard Curry Leaves Instructions: Prepare the Lentils: Rinse the yellow split peas (toor dal) thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pressure cooker, combine the rinsed dal with 4 cups of water, 1 tsp oil, add green or red chillies 2-3, Add ...

Indian breakfasts are a vibrant reflection of the country's diverse culinary heritage, offering a wide array of flavors, textures, and regional specialties. From the north to the south, east to west, each region of India boasts its own unique breakfast dishes that are both delicious and nourishing. Whether it's steamed rice cakes served with lentil stew in the south, or spicy potato-stuffed flatbreads in the north, Indian breakfasts cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. These breakfasts often feature a harmonious blend of spices, grains, vegetables, and dairy products, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry and culinary creativity of the Indian subcontinent. Whether enjoyed at home or at street-side stalls, Indian breakfasts are not just a meal but an experience that delights the senses and satisfies the appetite. 7 Days Indian Breakfast Menu Idli and Sambar : Steamed rice cakes served with a flavorful lentil-based vegetable stew. Dosa : A thin, crispy pancake ma...

Bhindi masala, also known as okra stir-fry, is a beloved vegetarian dish in Indian cuisine. Its tender yet crunchy texture combined with aromatic spices makes it a delightful addition to any meal. This recipe brings out the natural flavors of okra while infusing it with a blend of spices that create a savory and satisfying dish. Whether served as a side or a main course with warm rotis or steamed rice, bhindi masala is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Bhindi Masala Recipe  Ingredients: 500g bhindi (okra), washed, dried, and cut into 1-inch pieces 2 tablespoons oil (any cooking oil) 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 tomatoes, finely chopped 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder 4-6 Green Chillies (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon garam masala 2 tsp Dry Coconut Salt to taste 1 pinch Kasuri methi Fresh coriander leaves for garnish Bhindi Masala Recipe  Instructions: Note: Do not add water in Bhindi Recipe Pre...

Exploring the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine has become increasingly popular in the United States, where enthusiasts seek out its rich spices, diverse regional specialties, and aromatic dishes. Whether you're new to Indian food or a seasoned fan, these dishes offer a tantalizing journey through the culinary traditions of India. List of Indian Dishes: Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) - Tender chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce with butter and spices. Chicken Tikka Masala - Grilled chicken pieces in a spiced tomato and cream sauce, often served with rice or naan. Palak Paneer - Cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a creamy spinach sauce with spices. Dal Makhani - Black lentils simmered with butter, cream, and spices, creating a rich and hearty dish. Biryani - Fragrant rice dish cooked with meat (often chicken, lamb, or goat), spices, and sometimes vegetables, layered and cooked together. Chole (Chana Masala) - Spiced chickpeas cooked with onions, tomato...

A clean kitchen is not only aesthetically pleasing but also crucial for maintaining a healthy and hygienic living environment. Whether you're a cooking enthusiast or someone who simply enjoys the occasional meal prep, keeping your kitchen tidy and organized can significantly enhance your culinary experience. From wiping down countertops to deep cleaning appliances, there are various strategies you can employ to ensure that your kitchen remains a welcoming and functional space. In this guide, we'll explore some effective kitchen cleaning tips that you can implement at home to maintain cleanliness, minimize clutter, and create a pleasant environment for cooking and dining. Whether you're a seasoned homemaker or new to kitchen maintenance, these tips will help you streamline your cleaning routine and achieve a sparkling kitchen effortlessly. Clean as you go: Don't let dishes and spills pile up. Clean countertops, stovetops, and spills immediately to prevent them from dryi...

Discover the humble spud's extraordinary potential with our tantalizing array of potato recipes. From comforting classics to innovative twists, we'll guide you through a culinary journey where the versatile potato takes center stage. Whether you're craving crispy fries, creamy mashed potatoes, or savory potato soups, our collection has something for every palate and occasion. Let's unlock the delicious possibilities hidden within this beloved tuber and elevate your kitchen adventures to new heights with our flavorful potato creations. Popular Indian Potato Dishes Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower Curry): Ingredients: Potatoes, cauliflower, onion, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, green chilies, turmeric, cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala, cilantro. Instructions: Sauté cumin seeds in oil, then add chopped onion, ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Add diced potatoes and cauliflower florets, along with turmeric, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until vegetables are ten...

Delicious Vegan Dinner Recipes Eating vegan doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or satisfaction. With a little creativity, you can whip up hearty and delicious meals that are kind to both the taste buds and the planet. Here are a few tasty vegan dinner recipes to get you started: 1. Chickpea and Spinach Curry Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 onion, diced 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated 1 can diced tomatoes 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 cup spinach, chopped 1 can coconut milk 2 tablespoons curry powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon paprika Salt and pepper to taste Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Instructions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute. Stir in curry powder, cumin, and paprika. Add diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Mix in chickpeas and coconut milk. Simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in spinach and cook until...

Try exploring one cuisine you love. Mastering the basics of one style of cooking can increase confidence and a foundation for improvement later. Cook with a friend or family member. Cooking together can make the process more enjoyable and help to learn from each other. Don't feel bad about mistakes. Every chef, no matter how experienced, has had some culinary mistakes. Learn from them and continue experimenting. Begin with recipes that have fewer ingredients. It simplifies the process and helps you focus on mastering basic techniques. Watch cooking tutorials or shows for inspiration and guidance. Many chefs share valuable tips and techniques online that can help you improve your skills. Use fresh, seasonal ingredients whenever possible. They often have better flavor and are more affordable. Invest in a good set of kitchen tools. Quality knives, pots, and pans can make a significant difference in your cooking experience. Practice proper knife skills to improve safety and efficiency ...