How long it takes: under 30 minutes Equipment you’ll need: mixing bowls, large pot for cooking pasta, colander Servings: 10 Unfortunately, some pasta salads are a little one-note, and that note is usually mayo. Others have a light vinaigrette, which gives the salads a zippy flavor but you might miss the creaminess. Ranch pasta salad is smack dab in the middle of the Venn diagram of flavor and creaminess. In other words, ranch pasta salad is the best pasta salad....
Save the Seeds! If you plan on carving a Jack O’Lantern sometime between now and Halloween (or even after), don’t throw out your seeds! Ugh, I cringe thinking about the pounds of pumpkin seeds I’ve thrown away over the years when I could have been making roasted pumpkin seeds. This is a simple, salty snack that can be easily customized with your favorite spices. I have a few key tips that will make these the best roasted pumpkin seeds you’ve ever had....
How long it takes: 45 minutes Equipment you’ll need: sharp knife, sheet pan, oven Servings: 4 Very little hands-on prep. You don’t have to tell your family that the fajitas only took you about 15 minutes to prepare, and that for 30 minutes while dinner was in the oven, you were catching up on emails. Colorful and flavorful. Why are sheet pan shrimp fajitas special? Just look at the photos and I bet you’ll start drooling....
After posting 14 meal planners back to back, I took a break last week. It was the Thanksgiving long weekend here, and we were also traveling. I know how hard it is to get back to the routine after a vacation. But we don’t have an option other than bouncing back and getting into the usual routine. Here is my simple meal planner with semi-homemade meal options that will make the week a bit breezy....
The BEST Sourdough Pizza Crust Grab your sourdough starter because today we’re making sourdough pizza crust! My recipe ferments overnight (or longer) for the most nutritional benefits and BEST flavor. While today’s recipe isn’t particularly complicated, there are quite a few steps and it does require some patience (it’s quite different from my quick & easy homemade pizza dough that way). However, the time it takes is largely hands-off and most of the time spent making it is just waiting (patiently or impatiently–you decide 😉)....
You will need a popover pan to make the traditional version. But they can most certainly made in a muffin pan. Do try this recipe, I am sure you will enjoy these light, custardy popovers with some butter and jam. What are popovers? If you are wondering what popovers are, then they are very similar to English Yorkshire puddings. They are very popular in New Hampshire and the North East and are frequently seen on many restaurant menus....
Spiced Turkey-Vegetable Hand Pies: quick and delicious hand pies stuffed with turkey, veggies, and spices. Perfect holiday appetizer or great to use for leftover turkey recipe or leftover turkey hand pies. With Holidays just around the corner and as you finalize your holiday menu, you gotta add my ‘Spiced Turkey-Vegetable Hand Pies’ as they are a popular ‘in-demand appetizer’ in our parties. They are also great to make using leftover Thanksgiving turkey too....
How long it takes: 10 minutes, plus an hour to let them dry Equipment you’ll need: small saucepan, wire rack Servings: 12 They go by different names: sugared cranberries, candied cranberries, or frosted cranberries. You can call ’em what you like but you’ll definitely want to try this easy little recipe. Wanna know the best part? They’re super easy to make so they’re a great last minute addition to your holiday plans....
Loving Chinese take out? Did you know that it’s easy to make your own sweet and sour chicken? In just 30 minutes, you can have your own Chinese restaurant style sweet and sour chicken on the table. I bet you can hardly get take out that fast unless the restaurant is just around the corner. How long it takes: 30 minutes Equipment you’ll need: sharp knife, stir fry pan (large skillet or wok) Servings: 6 Homemade sweet and sour chicken is so much better for you, too!...
Day 4: Middle East – Tabbouleh, Hummus & Pita Platter
‘Tandoori Vegetable’ is nothing but vegetables roasted in a spicy-flavorful Tandoori spices. “Tandoori” is a traditional form of cooking in which the food(meat, veggies or bread) is slowly cooked/roasted in a cylindrical clay oven using a special blend of spices. Resulting in very delicately cooked, juicy and aromatic food. It is a very popular cuisine in a North-western part of India along with our northern neighboring countries. Here’s the recipe for “Roasted Vegetables in Tandoori Spices / Tandoori Vegetables” using tandoori spices that can be made in our home kitchen....
This Texas Caviar with Grilled Pineapple Salsa is one of my favorite summer party or bbq recipes. It’s more of a ‘mix-in’ kind of a recipe that’s perfect to feed a large crowd and absolutely easy to make (not much chopping or assembling needed). The only thing you have to do is grill the pineapple to adds a sweet twist to this classic American appetizer. It was during my first trip to Texas (almost 12 yrs back) that I tasted the famous Texas Caviar which is also called Cowboy Caviar at my office BBQ party in Dallas....
It’s raining tomatoes in our backyard. I have three different varieties – cherry tomatoes, big beef tomatoes, early girl tomatoes, and I making something or the other with our tomatoes every day. Also, I am blanching them and freezing the puree. I will share those details soon. Indian cuisine is known for its pickles and chutneys and relishes. Earlier this summer, I shared an onion-tomato relish made in Instant Pot....
My family loves snacks, especially ones that are crispy and crunchy. Like these namkeen, pappu chekkalu (thattai) or these dried fruit crackers. Growing up, my mom made sure that we always had containers of homemade snacks. I don’t remember ever buying chips or other store bought snacks. She has a big repository of traditional recipes and I hope to learn a few more from her. These urad dal flour murukku came about few years back....
Vegan Coconut Chia Pudding If thinking about breakfast makes your head spin, then I’m here to rescue you and if breakfasts are your favorite, then you’re in for a treat. This nutrient-packed dish is perfect for your busy mornings (and lazy ones), meal prepping, or a guilt-free snack. It’s rich in fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein, making it not only delicious but versatile too. You can top it with your favorite fresh/frozen fruits, nuts, or seeds to create a wholesome – energizing meal....
Eggnog is a traditional beverage that is served during the Christmas season. This time of the year everything from cookies to ice cream are flavored with eggnog. You can use store bought vegan eggnog to save time. Lot of brands are selling plant based ones. Use your favorite in this recipe or make your own at home using my vegan eggnog recipe. This is a very easy to make recipe and needs just a handful of ingredients....
Chilly weather calls for hearty and comforting meals. Soups are my go-to for those days. But this chunky vegetarian chili with sweet potato and quinoa is a family favorite. Sweet potatoes are very nutritious and versatile. My family loves sweet potato spelt parathas, empanadas and this delicious roasted salad. Today’s dish is a spicy and delicious chili using sweet potato, quinoa, beans and veggies. This is a one pot meal that is great can easily made on a weeknight....
Summertime and lemonade. Hand in hand, right? Icy cold, tart, and refreshing — just the beverage you need on a hot summer day. How long it takes: 5 minutes Equipment you’ll need: sharp knife, pitcher, ice Servings: 4 About this Vodka Lemonade Refreshing: If you like lemonade, you’ll love this cocktail. If you like lemon drop martinis or a French 75, you’ll love this cocktail. Stir up a pitcher or make individual cocktails....
You’ll find traditional Indian dessert recipes to fusion Indian like Besan Ladoo, Kheer, Gujiya Thandai, Shakarpare, Rabdi, Phirni to Indian Panacotta, Gulab Jamun Parfait, etc. Holi or ‘Festival of Colors’ as it’s known Internationally, is one of the biggest festivals of India and it’s celebrated with lot of love, enthusiasm, and tons of food. Hence, what would be better than sharing a colorful display of 27 Delicious Indian Dessert Recipes to Celebrate Holi....
