vegan richa's indian kitchen : traditional and creative recipes for the home cook
TRANSCRIPT
Whatthey’resayingaboutVeganRicha’sIndianKitchenRichaHingle’sfirstcookbookisnothingshortofphenomenal.Thesoftwaredeveloper-turned-bloggersensationbringsIndiancookingtothe
modernkitchenbysimplifyingtraditionalrecipes,demystifyingspicesandpantrystaples,andcreatinghealthyversionsofclassicdishes.WhetheryouhavealoveaffairwithIndianfoodorarenewtotheflavorsofoneoftheworld’sgreatcuisines,youwillbe
dazzledbyRicha’srecipesandaccessiblestyle.HerMangoCurryTofu,StreetStyleTempehWraps,andSweetandSourPumpkinhaveallbecomeinstanthitsinmyhome—andIcan’twaittokeepcookingfromoneofthebestcookbooksonIndianfood(veganornot)I’veeverseen.—ColleenHolland,co-founderof
VegNewsMagazine
Richa’srecipesforthevegandietarylifestylearerichandcomforting.Lovetherefreshingtakeonsomeoftheclassicsthatoftenrelyheavilyondairy.Ican’twaittosamplethem!—RaghavanIyer,authorof660Curries
Inthisextraordinarycookbook,RichaHinglemasterfullycombinesthetraditionalflavorsandtechniquesofIndiancuisinewithstreamlinedcookingmethodsandhealthieringredients,resultinginthebestcollectionofveganIndianrecipesanywhere.Fromsensuouscurriesanddals,todecadentdairy-freedesserts,thebeautifullyphotographedrecipesareafeastforallthesenses.—RobinRobertson,authorofVeganWithoutBorders,VeganPlanet,andothersRichamakesIndiancookingeasyanddelicious.SheteachesyouallthebasicsofIndianvegancookingfrombreakfastthroughdessert.Therearefourhomemadenaanrecipes,plusyoucanwowyourguestswithhomemadechutneys.Thisbookisfullofvegetablecurries,likeOkrainSesameCoconutSauce,andmorethan
adozendeliciousdals.TherearesomanyrecipesthatIhaveonmylisttomake—thisbookwillspiceupyourmealseveryday!—KathyHester,authorofTheGreatVeganBeanBookandOATrageousOatmeals
Withsuperblyspicedrecipes,eye-catchingphotographsandmouthwateringdescriptions,thisbookwillfindapermanentplaceinyourkitchen.Richa’srecipeforQuinoaCauliflowerbiryanialoneisworththepriceofthebook.—MonicaBhide,authorModernSpiceandALifeofSpice
Ifyou’rehungryforaculinaryadventure,letRichaHingleguideyoueffortlesslythroughawholenewworldofflavor.PresentingtraditionalIndiandisheswithherownuniqueflair,thesebeautifullyillustratedrecipesareinformedbyhermother’ssoulfulhomecookingandfinelyhonedbyyearsofkitchenexperimentation.Althoughthedishesmaybefamiliarforthosewithanappetiteforspice,eachbold,piquantbiteisunparalleled.—HannahKaminsky,authorofMySweetVegan,VeganDesserts,andothers
GobiMutterMasala(here)
Dedication
TomyhusbandVivek,becauseyoutakeeverythingthatlifeandIthrowatyouandmakeitbeautiful.
RichawithherhusbandVivek
Contents
PrefaceIntroduction
One:MyVeganIndianKitchenWheretoBeginTheSpicesofIndianCookingDals:Lentils,Peas,BeansGrainsandFloursFreshIngredientsGroceryListToolsoftheTradeCookingIndianFoodTemperingSpicesinOilSoakingandCookingTimesforDalsandBeansRecipeCookingTimeNotationsRecipeSymbolsforDietaryNeeds
Two:Breakfast
SavoryPan-FriedFrenchToastBREADPAKORASpicySouthIndianTofuScrambleMom’sChickpeaFlourPancakesCHILLA/PUDLASavoryOatsHashKANDAPOHAIndianSpicedMilkTeaMASALACHAI
Three:SmallPlatesandSnacksSpicyBakedCauliflowerFloretsGOBI65BakedPotatoSamosasStreet-StyleTempehWrapsTIRKAKATHIROLLSMashedPotatoFrittersALOOBONDAPotatoQuinoaPattiesALOOTIRRISavorySplitPeaandRiceZucchiniCakesGUJARATIHANDVOSweetandSpicyBakedCauliflowerGOBIMANCHURIAN
SavoryLentilPastriesBAREDDALKACHORISpicedRoastedTofuandVegetablesTANDOORITIRKAOnionChileFrittersPAKORAMom’sVeggiePotatoCutletsVEGETABLETIRRIMashedSpicedVegetableswithDinnerRollsPAVBHAJIBlackGramFrittersMEDUVADA
Biscuits
Four:SidesandDryVegetableCurries
Dad’sFavoriteCauliflowerPotatoesGOBIALOOEggplantwithCuminandNigellaSeedsBAIGANPATIALARoastedCauliflowerandRadishMom’sOkraandOnionStir-FryPYAAZWAALIBHINDI
PotatoesandGreensStir-FryALOOSAAGCauliflowerandPotatoeswithPickleSpicesACHARIGOBIALOOSweetandSourPumpkinKHATTAMEETHARADDU
CauliflowerandCarrotswithMustardSeedsGOBIGAJARPORIYALSpicedCabbagePotatoesPATTA-GOBIALOOSUBZICauliflowerandPeasinSpicyCurryGOBIMUTTERMASALA
OkrainSesameCoconutSauceBHINDIMASALA
Cauliflower,Carrots,andPeasinCoconutPoppySeedCurryGOBIGAJARMUTTERKURMA
BellPeppersandPeaswithChickpeaFlourSHIMLAMIRCHMUTTERZUNRA
MashedSpicedEggplantMYWEERDAYBAIGANBHARTA
AssameseGreensandPotatoesXAARBHAJICauliflowerandYellowLentilsinMintCilantroSauceHYDERABADIGOBIMUNG
Maasi’sNepaliPotatoesNEPALIALOOMushroomsandGreensKADHAIKUMBHPALAK
CauliflowerandPeasinCilantroOnionSauceGOBIMUTTERREEMA
MildPeppersinPeanutCoconutSauceMIRCHRASALAN
MasalaPotatoesforDosasMASALAALOO
EasyCurriedGreenBeansCabbagewithMustardSeedsandCoconutCABBAGETHORANPotatoTomatoCurryALOOTAMATARSUBZI
Cumin-ScentedRicewithPeasandOnionsMOM’SPEAPULAO
RicewithVegetables,Tomato,andSpicesTAVAPULAO
Five:Dals–LentilsandBeans
RedLentilSoupRESTAURANT-STYLEMASOORDALTADKA
YellowLentilswithSpinachSOOKHIMUNGPALAK
SplitPeaSoupwithSpicesandCoconutBENGALICHOLARDALBrownChickpeaCurryKALACHANAMASALA
MasalaLentilsSABUTMASOOR
AnyBeanCurrySplitPeaSoupwithPotatoesODIABUTADALIALUTARKARISweetandSourSplitPeaSoupGUJARATISURATIDALChickpeaCurryCHANAMASALA
BlackGramLentilsinTomatoSauceDALBUKHARAWinterSplitPeaSoupwithGingerKASHMIRIDAL
SplitPeaandBeanSoupMIXEDDALFRY
BengaliRedLentilSoupMASOORSEDDHO
CurriedMungBeansSABUTMUNG
YellowLentilswithCuminSINDHIMUNGDAL
SplitPeaswithCoconut,Sesame,andTamarindMAHARASHTRIANAMTI
PeasinCoconutCurrySproutedMungBeanCurrywithDinnerRollsMISALPAV
SouthIndianSplitPeaStewwithVeggiesSAMBHAR
CreamyBlackGramandKidneyBeanCurryDALMAKHANI
ButternutCoconutRedLentilCurryMASOORAURKADDUKIDAL
SouthIndianChickpeaEggplantStewLentilsandGreenBeansBARBATTIWAALISABUTMASOOR
KidneyBeanCurryRAJMA
Six:One-PotMealsandCasserolesChickpeaSpinachStewwithLentilsandQuinoaLightlySpicedYellowLentilsandRiceMUNGDALKHICHDI(KITCHARl)
MakhaniVegetablePotPieSpinachRiceandBlack-EyedPeasLOBHIAPALAKPULAORedLentilTomatoPulaoSpicyRedLentilCauliflowerPotatoCasseroleYellowLentilRiceandChardMUNGDALCHAWALBIRYANI
QuinoaCauliflowerBiryani
Seven:MainDishes
TofuinVelvettyPepitaPoppySeedSauceTOFUPASANDARoyalTofuandCashewsSHAHI“PANEER”MangoCurryTofuGoanTempehCurryPotatoVeggieBallsinGarlicFenugreekSauceLASOONIMETHIKOFTE
ButterSeitanCurrySEITANMAKHANI
RainbowChardandPeasinCreamySauceCHARDMALAIMUTTER
TofuinSpinachCurryPALAKTOFUVegetablesinLuxuriousRoyalSauceRESTAURANT-STYLENAVRATANKORMA
VegetablesandNutsinLuxuriousWhiteSauceNAVRATANKORMA
TempehTikkaMasalaWholeRoastedCauliflowerwithMakhaniGravyGOBIMUSALLAM
ChickpeaTofuinSpicyMadrasSauceTOFUMADRASCHILEMASALA
VegetablesinSmokyTomatoSauceVEGETABLEJALFREZIKoftaBallsinNut-FreeCreamSauceMALAIKOFTA
Chicken-FreeBaltiTempehandCauliflowerinSpicyPaprikaYogurtSauceKASHMIRIROGANJOSH
VeganPaneerandSpinachinTomatoSauceKADHAIVEGANPANEERPALAKMushroomsandPeasinSpicyCoconutSauceMUSHROOMMUTTERCHETTINAD
Andhra-StyleTempehCurryBroccoliOnionFrittersinSpicedYogurtBROCCOLIPAKORAKADHIVegetablesinVindalooSauceChickpeasinSpicySorghumSauceSAVJICHICKPEASTempehinOnionSauceTEMPEHDOPYAAZA
CabbageKoftainCreamyTomatoSaucePATTA-GOBIKEKOFTEVeggieBallsinManchurianSauceVEGETABLEMANCHURIAN
Eight:FlatbreadsPuffyRestaurant-StyleNaanAvocadoNaanBakedChickpeaFlourNaanGluten-FreeOatNaanWheatFlatbreadsROTI,CHAPATI,ANDPHULKAGluten-FreeChiaFlatbreadsPHULKAS,ROTIS
Vegetable-StuffedParathasSpicyChickpeaFlourFlatbreadMISSIROTI
30-MinuteRiceDosasSouthIndianLentilandRiceDosas
Nine:Desserts
SweetChickpeaFlourBallsBESANLADOOCashewFudgeKAJUKATLIPistachioCardamomCookiesNANKHATAISaffronCreamPopsiclesKESARKULFIPistachioAlmondIceCreamPISTAKULFIDoughnutsSoakedinSugarSyrupGULABJAMUN
Gluten-FreeGulabJamunFudgyCoconutBallsNARIYALLADOOSouthIndianChickpeaFlourFudgeMYSOREPAK
Grain-FlourSpoonFudgeATTEKAHALWA
FudgyCardamomSquaresVEGANKALAKANDCarrotHalwaGAJARKAHALWA
Saffron-InfusedCreamyPuddingKESARPHIRNISteamedYogurtDessertBHAPADOIPistachioSpoonFudgePISTACHIOHALWA
SaffronCreamFudgeMALAIPEDA
BengaliSaffronCheeseDessertSANDESHSpongyBallsinSaffronCreamRASMALAI
Ten:Chutneys,SpiceBlends,andBasicsSouthIndianCoconutChutneyChileGarlicCoconutChutneyMintCilantroChileChutneyQuickTamarindDateChutneyGaramMasalaTandooriMasalaSambharPowderChaatMasalaBengaliFive-SpiceBlendPANCHPHORONIndianChaiSpiceCHAIMASALA
PavBhajiMasalaChickpeaTofuNon-DairyYogurtRaitaSteamedTempehCashewCreamVeganPaneer3GPaste
Resources
CuisinesofIndiaRecipesbyRegionWheretoBuyIngredientsAcknowledgementsAuthorBio
Index
Preface
IamRichaHingle,therecipedeveloperandfoodbloggeratVeganRicha.com,andtheauthorandphotographerofthisbook.Namaste!
Igrewupeatingseasonal,local,andfreshlymadefoodthatemphasizedlentils,beans,vegetables,andfreshfruits.Momwasamazingatalwayshavingsomethingforeveryoneatmealandsnacktimes.Myfamilywasmostlyvegetarianandtherewasminimaluseofstoreboughtorprocessedsnacks.WewerenotveryadventurousoutsidetheusualIndianfoodwhilegrowingup.Dadlikedthesamesetofdishes,whilewekidswereallpickyeaters.IdidnotreallycookmuchexcepttohelpMominthekitchensometimes,butwhenIdidcook,itwouldalwaysbesomethingtoocreativeformostofthefamilytohandle.Mom,mybrother,andIwouldhavetofinisheatingit.ThiswasprobablythefirsthintthatIwouldeventuallybeusingmycreativeabilitiesinthekitchensomeday.
Momhadherhandsfullwiththreechildrenandahusbandwhoworkedlonghours,butshealwayshadfreshlymademealsavailableforeveryone.DadlikedafullspreadoftraditionalIndiandishesateverymealandmybrother,sister,andIallhadourpreferences.Momeventuallycameupwithaparticularsetofdishestoserveinrotation.
Iwasalwaysacompassionateperson.MyhusbandremembersmefromcollegetalkingaboutnotusingleatherandwhyIhadbecomevegetarian.Youwouldthinkthatwouldbeindicationenoughforhimaboutthingstocome.Butafewyearslater,weweredating.
IlefthomeforgraduatestudiesandcametotheUnitedStates.Thelackofvegetarianoptionsinrestaurants,andlivingwithoutMom,gotmeintothekitchen.Iremembergettinghomeatthreea.m.afterworkinginthelabandwhippingupabigIndianmeal.Thearomafromthespicesandsaucesandsometimesthesneeze-inducingspicytemperingwouldfillupthehouse.Iworkedasasoftwaredeveloper,gotmarried,andmovedtoSeattle.Afewyearslater,everythingchangedformebecauseofaseverehealthproblem.Itwasameningioma,andafterthesubsequentsurgery,Iwasnotabletogobacktomysoftwarecareer.Afteryearsofrecoveryandacceptingcertainlimitedabilities,Istartedcookingandexperimentinginthekitchen.Ibeganmyfoodblogandbeganbakingyeastbreads.
Aroundthesametime,weadoptedourPomeraniannamedChewieandstartedfosteringotherdogs.FoodbloggingandrescueworkcametogetherwhenIstartedreadingveganblogs.Imadetheconnectionofloveforallanimals.Icouldn’teatoneanimalwhileIwascaringforanotherasamemberofmyfamily.Ialsofoundoutaboutthecrueltiesinthedairyindustry.Theincessant
memberofmyfamily.Ialsofoundoutaboutthecrueltiesinthedairyindustry.Theincessantexploitationofthebondofmotherhoodbetweencowsandcalvesmademyheartache.Iwentvegangradually,andmyhusbandfollowed.
Thetransitionwasnotdifficult,becauseeverydayIndianfoodisalreadyvegetable-richvegetarian,andnottoocheese-ormeat-dependent.Aftertheinitialtransition,Istartedworkingonveganversionsofrestaurant-styleIndianfood,andcheese-anddairy-dependentdesserts,toreplacethememoriesandtastesIlovedwithplant-basedversions.Mygoalwasandistonotgiveupanyfoodswelike,butrathertoreplacethemwithnon-animal-basedversions.
Idonothaveanyculinarytraining.MostofwhatIcookcomesfromlearningfromMom,cookingafterImovedoutofmyparents’home,creativetasteandtexturecombinations,andinspirationfromothercookbookauthorsandbloggers.Iamalsostillapickyeater,whichIguesshelpsmecomeupwiththerighttastesandtextures.Thankfully,myblogreaderslovethem,too.
Andsobeganmyjourneyintoregularblogging,learning,andexperimenting.ThefactthatIlearnedmostofmycookingoutsideofthetraditionalmethodshelpedmeapplymytechniquesacrossvariouscuisinesandtypesoffood.This,andthefactthatmostdaysImyselfcannotspendmorethanfifteenminutesstandinginthekitchen,makemyrecipessimplerandmoreapproachablethantraditional,formalIndiancooking.
Therelativesimplicityofmydishessometimescomesattheexpenseofauthenticity.Someoftherecipesmightnottasteexactlyliketheauthenticrecipeshould,butthisishowmytasteshaveevolved.Momapproves,thoughshebelievesintraditions,butshealsobelievesinexperimentingandchangethatisgoodforthebodyandforeveryone.
Indianfoodmadewithloveandagoodbalanceofthespicesandflavorsismyfavorite.Chefsaroundtheworldappreciatetheplant-basedfocusofthecuisine.EveryonelovesvegetablesandbeansmadetheIndianway.
Thisbookisalaborofloveineveryway.Itisalsoanextensionofmyveganlifestyle,whichcombinesmyloveofIndianfood,simplicity,andcompassion.WelcometomyIndiankitchen!
Richa’sparents,TriptiandTribhuvanHingle
Introduction
YoumayalreadyloveIndianfood.Nowimaginebeingabletocookyourfavoriterecipesinyourownkitchen.Fromdeliciousdalstorestaurant-stylesauces,flatbreads,savorybreakfasts,snacks,andmuchmore.HowaboutsomeuniqueIndiandesserts?Whowouldhavethoughtyoucouldonedayenjoydairy-freerasmalai,sandesh,orgulabjamun?Nowyoucan.Thisbookisacollectionof150recipesinspiredbyIndianregionalcuisines,culture,localfoods,andprovencookingmethods.WhetheryouwanttoaddabitofIndianflavortoyourcooking,trysomenewspices,oraddmoreproteinusinglegumesandlentilstoeverydaymeals,thisbookhasgotitcovered.LetmetakeyouonajourneywhereyoucanexplorebothfamiliarandnewIndianflavorsthatareeasytomakeinyourownkitchen.Discoverhealthymealswherenutrition-richlegumes,pulses,andvegetablesarethestars.LetmehelpyoufallinlovewithIndianfoodalloveragain.
Iremembereatingfreshandwholesomefoodsasawayoflife.Bulk-buyingwholegrainsandhavingthemmilledatourlocalmillhadahugeinfluenceonthefoodIcooktoday.MyrecipesreflectmyknowledgeofIndianspicesandtraditions,aswellasworldlyinfluences.Istrivehardtomakemyfoodaccessibletoeveryone,veganornot,andIstronglybelievethatveganfoodcantastesogoodthateveryonecanenjoyit.
Typically,authenticIndiantechniquesneedmultiplesteps,pans,andcookingmethods,butIhavedesignedmyrecipestobesimplerandeasierwithworkflowsthatreducecookingtimeandstepsthatusemodernappliancesandtechniquesfromothercuisines.Usually,IndianrecipescallforspicesthatmaynotbereadilyavailableinAmericansupermarkets;however,Ihavereplacedthosewithavailableingredientswhereverpossible.Ialsoprovidevariationsthatwillallowyoutobecreativewiththespicescalledfor.Iloveitwhenmyreaderscreatetheirownversionsofmyrecipes.
ThisbookhasbeenwrittenforawiderangeofpeoplewhoeitheralreadyloveIndiancookingordon’tknowityet.It’sfornewvegansandnon-veganswhowanttoeatflavorfulwholefoodsandgainaperspectivebeyondsoy-basedfoodsorsalads.It’salsoforseasonedveganswhowanttoincludenewIndianflavorsineverydaymeals,learnaboutsomenewspices,oruseupfamiliarspicesininterestingways.Myrecipetestersandblogreadersoftenmentionhowthenon-vegansintheirfamiliesenjoyedthesedishes,andhowoftentheyasked,“Areyousurethisisvegan?”Thisbookisalsoforanyoneseekingrecipesconducivetodietaryrestrictions,suchasallergiestodairy,eggs,soy,gluten,orgrains.Thereareevengluten-freeflatbreadrecipesinthebookthatwillworkwithanycuisine.
ForloversofIndianrestaurantfood,theMainDishchapterwillhelpyouappreciatecomplexflavorsandalsoshowyouhowtomakehealthier,easier,crowd-pleasingoptions.Youwillbeabletomakerichrestaurant-stylesaucesrightinyourkitchen.Thecreamysaucesmakegreatweekendorentertainmentoptions.Additionally,manyoftherecipescanbeeitherbakedorfried.
Ipromiseyouthattheserecipesaresodelicious,you’llwanttomakethemoftenforyourself,foryourfamily,andforyourguests.So,goahead,cookupanIndianfeastforyouandyours.IhopeyouwillenjoyusingmyIndiankitchencookbookasmuchasIhaveenjoyedwritingitforyou.
One
MyVeganIndianKitchen
Mykitchenhasbecomeacombinationofawell-stockedIndiankitchenandanelaboratevegankitchenovertheyearssincewewentvegan.Therearesomeingredientsthatvegansusemorethanomnivores.Thefirstfewyears,Iwouldaddanewingredienttothekitchenifweneededitasasubstituteforthenon-veganingredient.Afterwe’dsettledintothevegandietandlifestyle,Ibeganexperimentingwithotheringredients.Allthishashelpedmeunderstandcomplexflavorsandtexturesandhashelpedcreateawonderfulvarietyofdishesinthebook.
WHERETOBEGINWhetheryouarenewtoIndiancookingoralreadyfamiliar,youwillfindlotsofdishestomakefromthisbook.LookthroughtheGroceryListheretoensurethatyouhavethebasicspicesandpantryitemsonhand,andtogetanunderstandingoftheingredientsused.AlsocheckoutthesectioncalledToolsoftheTrade(here)whereIdiscussequipment.
Ifyouareabeginner,startwiththepredictabletastesandtexturesthatyoualreadyknow.TrytheGobiMutterMasala,MasoorDalTadka,PalakTofu,ChanaMasala,Restaurant-StylePuffyNaan,Samosa,andCoconutandBesanLadoos.
ThenimpresswithMasalaLentils,ChickpeaflourPudla,CurriedGreenbeans,NavratanKorma,OnionBhajji,andGajarHalwa,andGulabJamuns.
IfyouareanintermediatecookoraregenerallyfamiliarwithIndianfood—whichyouwillbeaftertryingafewoftheabove—youcangetmoreadventurouswithDalMakhani,KathiRolls,GobiMusallam,MadrasChileMasala,CholarDal,Sandesh,andRasmalai.
QuiteafewIndianrecipesgenerallystartwithalonglistofspices,sothatseemslikeagoodplacetobegin.Thecombinationofspices,herbs,andingredientsusedinIndiancookingiswhatmakeseachdishunique.Theextensivesetofingredientsalsomakestherecipesflexibleforsubstitutionsandomissions.
Ethnicfoodsaregettingmorereadilyavailableinmainstreamgrocerystores.Somuchso,thatfor
mostofthebook,youmightnotneedtomakeatriptoanIndianstore.Theavailabilityofdalsandbeanshasalsobeenincreasing.ThespicesorpantryitemsthatarenoteasilyavailablecanbeorderedonlineorbroughtfromanIndianstore.Ihavetriedtoprovidesubstituteswhereverpossible.Ifarecipeneedsaspecialspiceorlegume,youcaneitheruseasubstituteorleaveitout.Somerecipes,however,needthespicesorpantryitemstogivethedishitsidentity;inthatcase,Irecommendthatyoudotrythespicesmentionedintherecipe.AlotofthelistedspicesarealsousedinothercuisinessuchasEthiopianandMediterranean,sotheyareagoodinvestment.
THESPICESOFINDIANCOOKINGIndianspicesandspiceblendsmightseemintimidatingatfirst.Afterall,wedouseamultitudeofspices,andeachspiceisusedinmorethanoneform.Forexample,weusewholecuminseeds,groundcuminseeds,dry-roastedgroundcuminseeds,grounddry-roastedcuminseeds,oil-roastedcuminseeds,andsoon.Eachwayaddsadifferentflavortothedish.
aspicetiffin
InIndiancooking,spicesdon’talwaysmeanaddedheat.Spicesmostlyaddflavor,whetherusedaloneorincombinationwithotherspices.Tostartoff,youneedsomebasicspicessuchascuminseeds,mustardseeds,turmeric,cayenne,coriander,andagarammasalaspiceblend.(AlistofResourceswhereyoucanbuyingredientscanbefoundhere.)
Wholespicesstayfreshforyears,whilegroundspicesgostaleandrancidafterafewmonths.Agoodoptionforsettingupyourpantryistoinvestinwholespices.Wholespiceslastmuchlongerthangroundspices,soyoudonothavetohurrytousethemuporworryabouthavingtodiscardthembeforetheygetstale.However,therecipesmightincludewholeorgroundspicesorevenblendsofgroundspices.Fromthewholespices,youcangrindsmallquantitiestouseforthemonthorjustfortherecipe.Alwaysstoreyourspicesinacool,dryareainairtightcontainers.Iuseglassorsteelcontainerstostoremyever-growingspicepantry.Aspicetiffinormasaladabba(pictured)isoftenusedinIndianhouseholdstoreducepreptime.Youdon’tparticularlyneedoneoftheseifyourspicesaregenerallystoredwithinreach.
InthefollowingdescriptionofthemostcommonlyusedspicesinIndiancuisine,IprovidetheWesternnamefollowedbytheIndiannameinparentheses.
Asafetida(hing)Asafetidaisthepowderedresinofalarge,fennel-likeplant.Asthenamesuggests,ithasafetidfragrance,butincookeddishesitdeliversaflavorreminiscentofleeksandgarlic.Alwaysstoreasafetidainanairtightcontainer.Iuseitinsmallamountsinstewsandvegetables.Asafetidaisgreattoaddtotempering(seebelow)forbeansanddalstohelpwithdigestion.Asafetidaitselfisgluten-free,butitisusuallygroundalongwithastarch.Groundasafetidacancontainwheatorotherstarches.Alwayscheckthelabel.Getthewholeasafetidacrystalstoavoidglutencontamination.Thereisnogoodsubstituteforasafetida.Mostrecipesdonotdependonitforflavor,soitcanbeomitted.
Bayleaves(tejpatta)IndianbayleafisdifferentfromthebaylaurelleafavailableintheUnitedStates.Baylaurelleavesareshorterandlighttomediumgreenincolor,withonelargeveindownthelengthoftheleaf;whiletejpattaleavesareabouttwiceaslongandwider,usuallyolivegreenincolor,andwiththreeveinsdownthelengthoftheleaf.Truetejpatleavesimpartastrongcassia-orcinnamon-likearomatodishes,whilethebaylaurelleaf’saromaismorereminiscentofpineandlemon.YoucanfindIndianbayleavesinIndianstoresoronline.Oryoucanjustsubstitutethebaylaurelleaves.
Blackmustardseeds(raee)Mustardseedshaveabitterflavorprofile.Theyaremostlyaddedasatempering.Theylendaninterestingbite,flavor,andanappetizingaromatoadish.Mustardseedsarefromthemustardplant,whichisacruciferousvegetablerelatedtobroccoli,Brusselssprouts,andcabbage.Theseedsarealsoplantedtogrowsaag(greens)whicharestir-friedandeatenlikeanyothergreens.
White/yellowmustardseedsaremild;brownaresomewhatpungent;andthesmallblackmustardseedshaveastrongflavor.SmallblackmustardseedshavethebestflavorprofileforIndianrecipes.
Blackpepper(kalimirch)Blackpepperisthemostcommonlytradedspiceintheworld.Blackpeppercornscanbeusedwholeorinpowderedform.Wholeblackpeppercornstemperedinoilbringabeautifulflavortobiryanis,pulaos,dals,andcurries.Wholepeppercorns,roastedandgroundwithspices,addadepthtospiceblendsandsauces.
Blacksalt,Indian(kalanamak)KalanamakisusedextensivelyintheSouthAsiancuisinesofBangladesh,India,andPakistan.It’susedasacondimentoraddedtochaats,chutneys,salads,fruits,raitas,andmanyothersavoryIndiansnacks.Chaatmasala,anIndianspiceblend,isdependentuponblacksaltforitscharacteristicsulfurousaroma.Thosewhoarenotaccustomedtoblacksaltoftendescribethesmellassimilartorotteneggs.Kalanamakisaddedtodishestomakethemtastelikeeggs.Itisused,forexample,toseasontofutomimicaneggsalad.Inthisbook,kalanamakisusedinsaucesforitssourprofile.
Cardamompods,green(harielaichi)Cardamomisoneofthemostcommonlyfoundspicesaroundtheworld.Ithasastronguniquetastewithanintensefragrance,soalittlebitdoeswonders.Itisusedasaflavoringagentinsweetdishesandasaspiceinsavorysaucesorricedishes.Wholecardamompodsretainfreshnessforalongtime.Thepodscanbeusedwhole,ortheseedsfromthepodscanberemovedandusedwholeorground.
Cardamompods,black(kalielaichi)Theseseedpodshaveastrongcamphor-likeflavor,withasmokycharacterderivedfromthemethodofdrying.Blackcardamompodsaremuchlargerthangreencardamompodsandarethereforeoftencalled“badi”(big)elaichi.Blackcardamomenhancestheflavorprofilesofheavilyspicedsaucesandcurries.
Caromseeds(ajwain,ajwan)Caromseeds,ajwain,bishop’sweed,thymolseeds,ajma,orajmodikabelongtothecuminandparsleyfamily.Caromseedshaveasharpandpenetratingflavor.Theyhavebeenusedsinceancienttimesfortheirculinary,aromatic,andmedicinalproperties.Caromseedsaremostlyusedinwhole
timesfortheirculinary,aromatic,andmedicinalproperties.Caromseedsaremostlyusedinwholeformandonlyveryrarelyasapowder.Theseedsareoftenpartofatadkaorbagharmixtureofspicesfriedinoil,whichisusedtoflavorlentildishes.Theycanbeusedinbreadsandcrackers.ItispopularinIndiatochewontheseedswithhotwatertofixanupsetstomach.Caromseedsorasafetidaaregenerallyaddedtochickpeaflour/besanorbeanstomakethemmoredigestible.
Cayenne(redchilepowder),wholechiles,andredpepperflakes(lalmirch)Cayenne,orredchilepowderismerelygroundcayennechilesandnootheringredients.Indianredchilepowderiseithergroundcayenneorachileclosesttocayenneintermsofheat.WholedriedredchilesarealsousedfrequentlyintemperingIndiandishes.UsedriedCaliforniaredforlessheatandThai,cayenne,orarbolforaspicyresult.Wholeredchilesinadishslowlyaddflavor.Ifwholechilesaretheonlysourceofheat,breakthemintwobeforeusing.Substitutewithredpepperflakestotaste.Redpepperflakesarecrushed(notground)driedredchiles.Usuallymorethanonechileisusedandtheflakescanincludecayenne,ancho,bell,andotherdriedchiles.
Cinnamon,sticksandground(daalchini)Cinnamonistheinnerbarkofatropicalevergreentree.Itisharvestedasstripsofbarkrolledoneinsideanother,andthebestvarietiesarepaleandparchment-likeinappearance.Thedriedbarkishighlyaromaticwithawarm,sweetfragrance.Thepleasantsmellofcinnamonstimulatesthesensesandcalmsthenerves,sinceithasanumbingandantisepticeffect.Itcanbeusedinbrokenpiecestoflavorrice,sauces,andlentils.Itcanbegroundroastedorunroastedtomakeupspiceblendsorflavorsaucesandcurries.
Cloves,wholeandground(laung)Clovesaretheimmatureunopenedflowerbudsofatropicaltree.ClovesformanimportantpartofseveraldrymasalablendsusedinIndiancooking,suchasgarammasala.Theyareusedwholeincurriesandalsofriedwithotherwholespicessuchaspeppercorns,cardamom,andcinnamonandaddedtodishessuchaspulaosandbiryanis.
Corianderseeds(sukhadhania)Theseseedshaveaflavorsimilartoorangepeelandhoney.Itisoneofthemoreoftenusedspicesinmykitchenalongwithmustardseedsandcuminpowder.Wholecorianderaddsaburstofflavortopotatoes.Groundcorianderisfrequentlyusedinsaucesandtadkafordals.Corianderleaves—alsocalledcilantroleaves—andthestemofthecoriander/cilantroplantarewidelyusedasgarnishintheIndiansubcontinent.
Cuminseeds(jeera)Cuminseedsbelongtotheparsleyanddillfamily.Theyhaveadistinctivearomaandanutty,
Cuminseedsbelongtotheparsleyanddillfamily.Theyhaveadistinctivearomaandanutty,warmlybitterflavor.Theycanbeusedrawbutaregenerallyroastedorfriedtoenhancetheirflavor.Cuminismostcommonlyusedintemperingfordals,beans,andrice.Mostgroundcuminisuntoasted.Groundtoastedcuminhasastronger,earthierflavorandisusedtogarnishyogurtdishes,curries,andchaat.
Curryleaves,freshordried(kadipatta)Kadipatta,alsocalledkadipatta,karivepallai,orsweetneemleaves,comefromasubtropicaltreenativetoIndia.Thegreenmidsizedleavesarejoinedtoamainstemandhaveafaintaromathatcanbeexperiencedwhilecooking.Theleavesarehighlyvaluedasaseasoninginsouthernandwest-coastIndianandSriLankancooking,andareusuallyfriedalongwiththechoppedonioninthefirststageofthepreparation.Intheirfreshform,theyhaveashortshelflifeanddonotkeepwellintherefrigerator.Youcanfreezethefreshleavesverylooselypackedinanairtightcontainerforafewmonths.Theyarealsoavailabledried,thoughthearomaislargelyinferior.Youcanaddthemtofoodwholeorchopped.Thecurryleavescanbeeatenalongwiththefoodorremovedduringeating.Thereisnogoodsubstituteforcurryleaves.
Driedmangopowder(amchur)Driedmangopowderismadebygrindingdriedmangoes.Thepowderpreservestheacidic,tart,andspicyflavorofunripemangoes.Amchuriscommonlyusedforflavoringcurries,chutneys,soups,andmarinades.Itisasouringagentliketamarindandhastenderizingqualitieslikelimejuice.Amchurcanbeusedinsteadoftamarindtopreparesweet-sourdalorsambhar.
Fennelseeds(saunf)Fennelseedhasasweet,licoricetaste.Itcanbeusedtoflavoroiloritcanbegroundandusedinspiceblendsorsauces.Fennelseedisalsoroastedwithfenugreekandusedinstuffedvegetables.InmanypartsofIndiaandPakistan,roastedfennelseedsareconsumedasanafter-mealdigestiveandbreathfreshener.
Fenugreekseeds(methidana)Theyellow-ambercoloredseedsareaddedinthepreparationofpickles,vegetables,andspiceblendssuchassambharpowder.Fenugreekseedsareavailablebothinwholeandgroundform.Theseedsareroastedtoreducethebitternessandenhancethearomaticflavor.Theseedscanbesproutedandaddedtosaladsorsandwiches.
Indianspices
Fenugreekleaves,dried(kasoorimethi)FreshgreenfenugreekleavesareavailablewheninseasoninIndia.Theyareusedasgreensindisheswithpotatoesandinsalads.Driedfenugreekleavescombinewellwithstarchyorrootvegetableslikecarrots,yams,andpotatoes.Theycanalsobeaddedtoflatbreads,rotis,andparathas.Groundfenugreekseedscanbesubstitutedforthedriedleaves.Use1/4teaspoongroundfenugreekseedsforevery1teaspoondriedleaves.
Nigellaseeds(kalonji)Thesesmallblackseedsarepickedfromkalonjibushes,whicharegrownthroughoutIndia.Theseedsareaboutthesamesizeassesameseeds,thoughtheyhaveamoretriangularinsteadofovalshape.Thecolorandflavoroftheseedsmakethemapopularspicetoflavorbreads(suchasnaan),savorybiscuitsorpastries,andsalads.Nigellaisalsocalledblackcumin,butitisnotthesameaskalajeera(whichalsotranslatestoblackcumin).LookfornigellaseedsorkalonjiinIndianstores,worldspicestores,oronline.Thereisnogoodsubstitutefornigellaseedsexceptwhenusedasaflatbreadgarnish,whenyoumaysubstituteacombinationofblacksesameseedsanddriedonionflakes.
Nutmeg(jaiphal)Nutmegandmacehavesimilarsensoryqualities,withnutmeghavingaslightlysweeterandmaceamoredelicateflavor.Maceisoftenpreferredinlightdishesforthebrightorange,saffron-likehueitimparts.Nutmegisusedforflavoringmanydishes,usuallyingroundorgratedform,andisbestgratedfreshinanutmeggrater.Nutmegisusedinmanysweet,aswellassavory,dishes(predominantlyinMughlaicuisine).
Poppyseeds,blackorwhite(khuskhus)Indianpoppyseedsarewhite.Poppyseedsareaddedforthicknessandtexture,andalsotogiveaddedflavortotherecipe.Poppyseeds,whiteorblack,arebothhardseedsandnoteasilygroundwithamortarandpestle.Toastthemtomakethemeasiertogrindanduseaspicegrinder.Theycanalsobesoakedinhotwaterandblendedtomakeapaste.Poppyseedscanbereplacedwithsesameseeds.
Saffron(kesar)Saffronisrareandhardtofind.Itisamongtheworld’smostcostlyspicesbyweightbecauseittakesthousandsofhand-pickedflowerstomakeasingleounce.Justafewstrandsareenoughtoaffecttheentiredishsoasmallboxwilllastforalongtime.Itisusedinsweetandsavorypreparation.Saffronisusuallysoakedinwarmdairyornondairymilktohelpreleaseitscolorandaroma.
isusuallysoakedinwarmdairyornondairymilktohelpreleaseitscolorandaroma.
Turmericpowder(haldi)Turmericisusedinmostsaucesandcurriestolendthemthecharacteristicyellowhue.Turmericismostlyusedinsavorydishes.Toomuchturmericinadishcanmakeittastebitter.Turmerichasaslightlypepperyandwarmflavor.Ithasavibrantcolorandpreservativeandanti-inflammatoryproperties.
GaramMasalaGarammasala is a blendmadewith ground spices that is used to season Indian food. It is like anallpurposeseasoning.Garammeans“hot,”masalameans“spices,”sothespiceblendissupposedtoheatupthebody.Inthisbook,garammasalaisusedextensively.SomeregionsinIndiahavetheirownspecial seasoning blends that may be similar or very different from garam masala. Garam masalarecipescanalsodifferslightlywithregionsandfamilyrecipes.
Garammasala can be bought in ground or whole form from Indian stores, world spice stores, oronline.Buywholespicegarammasalaasthewholespicesstayfreshlonger.Thereisalsoarecipeforithere.
Note:CurrypowderisnotgarammasalaandisneverusedinIndia.Currypowderislessflavorfulandhas turmeric and other additions that are usually not present in garammasala. Curry powder is aBritishorWesternspiceblendapproximatingthemasalaspiceblendsfromnorthandsouthIndia.
DALS:LENTILS,PEAS,ANDBEANSTheterm“dal”referstodriedlegumes(lentils,peas,andbeans)andalsotothedishesmadewiththem,usuallysimmered,pureed,andspiced.Thereareseveralvarietiesoflegumesusedtomakesoupsandstews.Manyarelocalandseasonalandmightnotbeeasilyfoundinallcountries.Lentilsandpeasareoftenavailableinfourdifferentforms:wholewithandwithouttheskin,andsplitwithandwithouttheskin.Thesplitformwithouttheskinscooksthefastest.(Seephotosofthedrieddalsandbeanshere.)
Beansareavailablefreshorprecookedincans.Generally,inIndiancooking,lentilsandbeansarecookedfreshwiththedish.Cannedbeansorprecookedandstoredbeansarenotused.However,usingfreshbeansincreasesthecookingandpreptime,asmostbeansneedafewhoursofsoakingandcooking.Mostoftherecipesinthisbookprovideinstructionsforbothmethods.Ihavetriedtousecommonlyavailablelentilsandbeanswhereverpossibleandprovidesubstitutionoptionsaswell.Exceptforurad,toor,andchanadal,IusuallybuymyentirestashatWholeFoods.
PeoplewhoarenewtoIndiancookingareoftenastonishedbythevarietyoflentils,peas,andbeansthatarecommonlyused.ThefollowinglistprovidesEnglishnamesalongwithapplicableIndiannames.
Black-eyedpeas(raungi,chawli,lobhia):Theblack-eyedpeaisasubspeciesofcowpeaandisavailableinmostgrocerystores,Indianstores,andonline.
Chickpeas,brown,whole(Bengalgram,kalachana):Brownchickpeasaresmaller,nuttier,earthier
andsturdierthanwhitechickpeas.Theytakelongertocookbutholdtheirshapewell.BrownchickpeasareavailableinIndianstores,WholeFoodsstores,otherspecialtystores,andonline.Theycanbesubstitutedwithwhitechickpeas.
Chickpeas,brown,splitandskinned(Bengalgram,chanadal):Brownchickpeasaresplitandskinnedtomakechanadal.ChanadalisavailableinIndianstoresandonline.Itcanbesubstitutedwithsplityellowpeas.
Chickpeas,white(kabulichana,garbanzobeans,chole):Whitechickpeasorgarbanzobeanarethemorepopularchickpeas.Theyareeasilyavailableinmostgrocerystores,Indianstoresandonline.
Kidneybeans,red(rajma):Redkidneybeansaredark-redcoloredwholebeanscommonlyusedinchilisandstews.RajmaarealsousedtomakeanorthIndiandishofthesamename.Theyareavailableinmostgrocerystores,Indianstoresandonline.
Lentils,black,splitandskinned(gram,uraddal):Wholeuradbeanissplittomakeuraddal.Uraddalisavailableskinned(whiteuraddal)orunskinned(blackandwhiteuraddal).UraddalisavailableinIndianstoresandonline.
Lentils,black,whole(gram,sabuturad):Wholeuradisblackandlookslikegreenmungbeans.UradisavailableinIndianstoresandonline.Itcanbesubstitutedinsoupswithwholegreenmungbeans.Theyarenotthesameasbelugalentils.
Lentils,brown,whole(Indianbrown,sabutmasoor):Brownlentilsareeasilyavailableinmostgrocerystores,Indianstores,andonline.Thelentilsmightvaryslightlyinsizeandcookingtimes,dependingonthetypeoflentils:Spanishbrown,Germanbrown,orIndianbrown.
Lentils,petiteyellow,splitandskinned(greengram,mungdal):Splitandskinnedwholegreenmungbeanareusedtomakeyelloworpaleyellowmungdal.Petiteyellowlentils,ormungdal,areavailableatWholeFoodsstores,Asianstores,Indianstores,andonline.
Lentils,red,split(masoordal):WhenwholeIndianbrownlentilsaresplitandskinned,theyarecalledredlentilsorsometimespinkororangelentils.Redlentilsareavailableinmostgrocerystores,Indianstores,andonline.
Mungbeans,whole(greengram,haremoong):Wholemungbeansarealsoknownasmoongbeansorgreengram,andareavailableinWholeFoodsstores,Asianstores,Indianstores,andonline.WholemungbeansproutsareusuallyavailableinAsianstores.
Pigeonpeas,split(arhar,tuvar,toor):Pigeonpeasarealsoknownaskardis,gandulebeans,tropicalgreenpeas,no-eyepeas,toordal,andarhardal.Wholepigeonpeasaresplittomaketoordal.ToordalisavailableinIndianstoresandonline.Itcanbesubstitutedwithsplityellowpeas.
Splitpeas,yellow:Splitpeasarethedried,peeled,andsplitseedsofthePisumsativumplant.Thesplittingprocessremovesthedull-coloredouterskinofthepea.Splitpeasareavailableinmostgrocerystoresoronline.Cookingtimeforsplitpeas(yellowpea,pigeonpea)ishighlydependentonhowoldtheyare.Iprefertopressure-cookthesplitpeasbecausesaucepancookingtimecanbeanywherefrom25minutesto2hours.
GRAINSANDFLOURSWholegrainsandfloursusedinthebookaregenerallyavailableinmainstreamgrocerystores.AtypicalIndianpantrymightnotincludeoatorcoconutflour,buttheyplayanimportantroleincertainrecipesinthisbookthathavebeenveganizedtoeliminateanimalproducts.IgetallmygrainsandfloursfromBob’sRedMill.
Basmatirice,whiteorbrown:Long-grainbasmatiriceworksgreatasasidewithIndianfood.Itiseasilyavailableatmostgrocerystores,Indianstores,oronline.
Chickpeaflour:Chickpeaflourisgroundupgarbanzobeans,usuallywhitegarbanzobeansintheUnitedStates.Besan(gramflour)isflourofskinnedbrownchickpeas.Besanisalsomorefinelygroundthanchickpeaflour.Inmostrecipes,chickpeaflourandbesancanbeusedinterchangeably,astheflavorsaresimilar,however,chickpeaflourworksbetterthanbesaninbaking.Therecipesspecifywhichtypeofflourworksbest.Chickpeaflourismorereadilyavailablethanbesaningrocerystoresandonline.Chickpeaflourneedsmorewaterthanbesantogivethebatterasimilarconsistency.Tosubstitutebesanwithchickpeaflourinarecipe,usemorewaterthanmentioned.Tosubstitutechickpeaflourwithbesaninarecipe,uselesswater(ormorebesan)forthesameconsistencyandresult.
Coconutflour:Coconutflourisnotmadeofregularshreddedcoconut,butgroundfromdried,defattedcoconutmeat.Itisusedinthebookinsomeplacestoabsorbanexcessofmoisture.Coconutflourproducesamilk-powderfeelwhenusedinIndiansweets.Itcanbefoundonlineorinspecialtygrocerystores.
Coconut,dried,shredded:Driedshreddedcoconutisavailableinmostgrocerystoresandonline.Bothlargeandmediumflakesareusedinthebook,buttheyareinterchangeableinrecipes.Lookforunsweetenedshreddedcoconut.
Cornstarch:Cornstarchisusedasathickenerorbinderinsomeoftherecipes.Itcanbesubstitutedforarrowrootstarch.
Besan(gramflour):Besanisflourmadefromskinnedbrownchickpeasorchanadal.BesanhasanuttierflavorthanwhitechickpeaflourandisavailableinIndianstoresandonline.Ifyouarehighlysensitivetogluten,besuretogetbesanthatismarkedgluten-free.
Oats(wholeandflour):Iuseoatsinrolledandgroundforminthebook.Theyareeasilyavailableingrocerystores.
Unbleachedwhiteflour(maida):Thisandotherallpurposewhiteflourscanbeusedinterchangeably.
Whole-wheatflour(gehunoratta):Fortherecipesinthisbook,youwillneedthestandardwhole-wheatflourthatisavailableinmostgrocerystores.It’softenusedformakingflatbreads,soreadmoreaboutwhole-wheatflourinthesidebarhere.
AreCoconutsNuts?Coconutisnotbotanicallyanut,eventhouththeFDAlistscoconutasatreenut.Whilemostpeoplewith treenut allergies can safely eat coconut, if youhavea treenut allergy, talk to yourdoctororallergistbeforeeatingcoconut.Forthisbook,recipescontainingcoconut(flakes,flour,ormilk)havebeencategorizedasnut-free.Useseedsandseedmilkifyouneedtoeliminatecoconut.
FRESHINGREDIENTSManyofthesavoryrecipesinthisbookcallforgarlic,ginger,onions,tomatoes,andgreenchiles.Ifyouhaveavegetablegarden,plantsomeoftheseingredientstogetthemostofoutofthesedeliciousrecipes.Otherfreshingredientsusedinthebookincludefreshherbssuchascilantroandmintandgreenssuchasspinach,kale,rainbowchard,Swisschard,mustardgreens,andamaranthgreens.Someoftheothervegetablesarepotatoes,sweetpotatoes,cauliflower,cabbage,broccoli,eggplant,zucchini,greenandredbellpeppers,greenbeans,buttonmushrooms,carrots,cucumbers,pumpkin,andbutternutsquash.Manyoftherecipesgettheirtangfromtamarind,vinegars,lemonjuice,orlimejuice.Herearesomespecificfactsaboutthesefreshingredients:
Cilantro:Cilantro,ofcourse,istheplantanditsleaves,andcorianderistheseedsfromthatplant.Iusecilantromostlyasagarnishinthisbook.Sometimesitisanessentialgarnish,asthefreshtasteburstbalancesoutthespicesandheatandaddscolorandtexturetothefinaldish.Usefreshcilantro
leavesandtenderstems.
Coconut,fresh,shredded:FreshcoconutisextensivelyusedinSouthIndiancuisinetomakechutneys,sauces,andcurries.ShreddedfreshcoconutcanbefoundinthefrozensectionatanIndianstore.MaturewholecoconutscanbefoundatIndianstoresaswell.Ifyouwanttousefreshcoconut,crackitopen,scrapeoutthemeat,andgrateit.Youcanpackagethegratedcoconutkeepitfrozenformonths.Iusuallyusedriedshreddedcoconutinsteadoffreshcoconut.
Garliccloves:GarlicisusedinmanywaysinIndianfood.Useageneralmedium-sizeclove.Iftheclovesaresmall,use2foreachsingleclovelistedintherecipe.Iftoobig,thenreducethequantityaccordingly.Garlicisgenerallycookedtogoldenwithonions.Minceitfinelyenoughtohaveevensizepieces,butnotsofinethatitreleasesitsjuice.Thereleasedjuicewillcausethegarlictostick.
Ginger:Thesizeofgingerrootvariesdrastically.Somerootscanbelargeandfatandsomethinandskinny.Whenarecipecallsfora1-inchknobofginger,usea1inchcubeingeneral.Ifitisaskinnyknob,addsomemoreginger.Iftoofat,thenusea1/2-inchknob.A1-inchknobwillgiveyouabout1tablespoonofchoppedginger.Gingerrootcanrangefromyoung,juicy,andfreshtofibrousandmatureortoosharp.Iliketofindthejuiciestandleastfibrousroots,astheyblendupwellinthesauces,whetherchoppedorminced.Youcanpeeltherootfirstoruseitunpeeled.
Greenchiles:Ahotgreenchileissometimestheonlyheatinarecipe,thoughgreenchilesmayvaryinheat.Usebird’seyeorSerranoforIndianfood.Addcayennetothedishlaterifthechilesturnouttobelessspicy.Becauseoftheirheat,Iusebird’seyechilessparingly.
Mintleaves:Freshmintisusedtomakechutneys,whicharegreatcondimentstoservewithsnacksormeals.Mintisavailableinmostgrocerystores.
Nondairymilks:Almondmilkandcannedfull-fatcoconutmilkaremynondairymilksofchoice.However,othernondairymilks,suchassoymilk,hempmilk,andcashewmilk,canalsobeused.
Nondairyyogurt:Soy,coconut,oralmondmilkyogurtarewidelyavailableinsupermarkets.IuseSoDeliciousbrandcoconutandalmondmilkyogurt.Youcanmakeyourownusingtherecipehere.
Nutritionalyeast:Nutritionalyeastisahighlynutritiousinactiveyeastthatisusedinvegancookingtoaddacheese-likeflavor.Itcomesinflakeorpowderform,whichareinterchangeableintheserecipes.
Onions:RedonionsworkbestinIndianfood.Youcanalsousewhiteoryellowonions,butavoidthesweetervarietylikeVidalia.Onionsusedrawinarecipearegenerallyfirstsoakedinwaterfor
15minutestoreducetheirsharpflavor.Dependingonthewatercontentoftheonion,thetimerequiredtocookuntiltranslucentintherecipesmayvary.
Sugar:Refinedwhitesugarmayormaynotbevegandependingontherefinementmethodused.Thefinalpurificationprocesscanincludebonechar.Iuseunrefinedrawgranulatedsugarinthebook.Useothergranulatedsugar(evaporatedcanejuice)orcertifiedvegansugarwhereverrequired.Ialsogrindthegranulatedsugarintopowderform.Usecertifiedveganpowderedsugarorconfectioner’ssugar.
Tamarind(freshpodsorconcentrate):Tamarindtreesproducesoft,darkbrownseedpods,whichareusedincooking.ThestickypodsgiveasourandsweetprofiletoadishandareusedinmakingexcellentchutneysandSouthIndianstews.Tamarindpods,aswellaspasteorconcentrate,canbefoundonlineandinsupermarkets,Asianstores,andIndianstores.Workingwithtamarindpodscanaddafewhoursofpreptimetorecipesbecausethepodsneedtobesoakedandandthepulpsqueezedout.Forconvenience,Igenerallyuseready-madetamarindpaste.Tamarindcanbeusedinplaceofdrymangopowderinrecipescallingforit.
Tempeh:Tempehisacakemadeoffermentedsoybeansthatmakesagreatproteinsubstituteinmeat-orientedcurries.Tempehisfoundintherefrigeratedsectionofmostsupermarkets
Tofu:FirmtofumakesagreatsubstituteforpaneercheeseinIndiandishes,andisreadilyavailableinsupermarkets.Goodsubstitutesfortofuaretempeh,andmyChickpeaTofu(here)andVeganPaneer(here).
Tomatoes:Iusuallyusefresh,just-ripeRomatomatoes.Theyarefirm,nottoosweet,andjusttartenough.Irarelyusecannedorcrushedtomatoesastheyaresweeterandaddsomuchtomatoflavortothesaucethattheymaskthecomplexmagicofthespicesandherbs.
GroceryListYoudonotneedtopurchasetheentiregrocerylisttousethisbook.Fortheserecipes,ItriedtolimitmyIndianstore
trips,sothatIwouldmakerecipesthataregrocery-storefriendly.Ingeneralthough,thespices,pantry,lentils,beansaremuchcheaperinanIndianstore.Domakeagrocerylistofyourown
andmakeatriptothenearestone.
Thefollowingitemsareingredientsthatareusedfrequentlytomaketherecipesinthisbook.Manycanbefoundinwell-stockedsupermarkets,dependingonwhereyoulive.Thespicesmarkedwith*canbefoundinIndianorAsianmarketsoronline.(Onlinesourcesarelistedhere).
“MustHave”IngredientsSpicesAsafetida(hing)*Bayleaves(tejpatta)Blackmustardseeds(raee)Blackpepper(kalimirch)Blacksalt,Indiansulphurblacksalt(kalanamak)*
Cardamompods,green(harielaichi)Caromseeds(ajwain,ajwan)*Cayenne;redchilepowder;redpepperflakes;wholechiles(lalmirch)Cinnamon,sticksandground(daalchini)Cloves,wholeandground(laung)Corianderseeds(sukhadhania)Cuminseeds(jeera)
Curryleaves,freshordried(kadipatta)*Fennelseeds(saunf)Fenugreekseeds(methidana)*Fenugreekleaves,dried(kasoorimethi)*Mangopowder(amchur)*Nigellaseeds(kalonji)*Poppyseeds,blackorwhite(khuskhus)Saffron(kesar)Turmericpowder(haldi)SpiceBlends
Garammasala*
“GoodtoHave”IngredientsDals-LegumesBlack-eyedpeas(raungi,chawli,lobhia)Chickpeas,garbanzobeans(kabulichana,chole)Lentils,brown;wholeredlentils;Indianbrownlentils(sabutmasoor)Lentils,petiteyellow,split,skinned(greengram,mungdal)Lentils,red/pink/orange,split(masoordal)Mungbean,whole(greengram,haremoong)Pigeonpeas,split(arhar,tuvar,toor)Redkidneybeans(rajma)Splitpeas,yellow
GrainsandFloursBasmatirice,whiteorbrownChickpeaflour
CoconutflourCoconut,dried,shreddedCornstarchOats,wholeandflourUnbleached(white)all-purposeflour(maida)Whole-wheatflour(gehun,atta)Nuts,Seeds,andEtc.Almonds,raw(badaam)Cashews,raw(kaju)Pistachios,raw(pista)Pumpkinseeds,raw,shelled(kaddukebeej)Sesameseeds,white(til)Tamarindconcentrate(imli)NondairyMilks
Almondmilk
Coconutmilk
Oils
Coconutoil
Saffloweroil
“NicetoHave”IngredientsThefollowingingredientsappearinsomeoftherecipesinthisbook.Substitutionsarementionedwhereverpossible.Thespiceblendscanbepurchasedready-
made,oryoucanmakethemyourselfusingtherecipesprovided.
SpicesCardamompods,black–kalielaichiNutmeg–jaiphal
SpiceBlends
Chanamasala
Kashmirigarammasala
Pavbhajimasala
Sambharpowder
Madrascurrypowder
Dals-LegumesBengalgram,split,skinned(chanadal)Blackgram,whole(sabuturad)Blackgram,split,skinned(uraddal)Chickpeas(brown),Bengalgram,whole(kalachana)Mothbeans(matki)
GrainsandfloursArrowrootstarchGramflour(besan)Millet,flourandwhole(bajra)Riceflakes(poha)Semolina;creamofwheat(sooji,wheatrava)Sorghum,flourandwhole(jowar)Nuts,Seeds,andEtc.
ChiaseedsCoconut,freshshredded(nariyal)Flaxseed(alsi)
Goldenraisins
NutritionalyeastPeanuts,raw(mungfalli)Sunflowerseeds,raw,shelledWatermelonseeds,raw,shelled(magaztarboozyakharzoojekebeej)Mintleaves(pudina)
Tempeh
Tofu
NondairyMilks
Cashewcream
Soymilk
OilsCanolaoilorotherneutraloilwithhighsmokepointSesameoil
Mustardoil
TOOLSOFTHETRADEIusethefollowingequipmentinmykitchentopreparemanyoftherecipesinthisbook.
Blender:Blendersarefrequentlyusedinthebook.IusemyMagicBullet(asmallblenderwithblendandgrindblades)forallthedryorwetspicegrindingandsauceblending.Ialsouseahigh-poweredblenderforlargerquantitysaucesandtobreakdownnutsandgrainsforsaucesandbatters.Animmersionblendercanbehelpfulinreducingtransferandclean-uptimewhenthesaucesorsoupsneedpureeing.BetweenmyMagicBulletandmyBlendtecblender,however,Igenerallydon’tneedanimmersionblender.
Foodprocessor(miniorregularsize):Foodprocessorsarelikeblendersbutwithmorebladesandoptionsforgrating,shredding,andchoppingtodesiredsizes.IusemyKitchenAidorCuisinartminifoodprocessormorethanmyregular-sizedfoodprocessor.Afoodprocessorisaconvenience,butnotessentialformakingtherecipesinthisbook.Vegetablescanbeshreddedwithalargegraterorbychoppingintothinslices.
Skilletsandsaucepans:Unlessotherwisenotedintherecipes,mediumtolargeskillets(10-to12-inch)withlidsandmedium-sizesaucepansareusedthroughoutthisbook.Usethick-bottomoptionswhereverpossibletoavoidburningthespicesandsauces.Thetypeofcookwareandthestoveyouusecanaffectcookingtimes.Itcantakeanywherefrom30seconds(steelcookware)to3minutes(ceramiccookware)foroiltogetveryhotfora“tempering”(seehere).Adjusttheheatandcookingtimesaccordingly.IusePFOA-andPFOE-freenonstickorceramiccookware.
Askillet
Atava
Tavaorskillet:Aseparatenonstickorcastironskilletforcrepesorflatbreadisneededtomakecrepes,flatbreads,andpancakes.Ihavetwodedicatedskillets:oneforpancakes,omelets,andcrepes;andoneforrotis,naan,andotherflatbreads.Usingtheskilletsforothercookingthatinvolvesstirringorjuicesinthefoodcancausetheskilletsurfacetochange.Crepessuchasdosaandchickpeaflourchillawillthenbegintosticktotheskillet.
Spicegrinder:Therecipesgenerallycallforwholespicesthatneedgrinding.Amini-blendersuchasaMagicBulletoraspicegrinderissufficientformostoftherecipes.IpreferusingtheMagicBulletforthis,asthespicesareoftengroundorblendedwithwetingredients,whichisnotpossiblewithaspicegrinder.Youcanmixthewetandgroundspicesinaseparatebowlbyhandifyoudonothaveasmallblender.
Pressurecooker:Pressurecookersaregreatforcookingwholegrainsandbeansthatwouldotherwisetakehourstobecometender.LikemostIndiancooks,Ihavefourpressurecookers,eachofadifferentcapacity.Iuseabasicstovetoppressurecooker,HawkinsClassic,2,3,and5litre.PressurecookersarebecomingpopularintheUnitedStates,buttheyarenotyetusedinallhomes.Forthisreason,severalrecipeshavecookinginstructionsforbothsaucepanandpressurecooker.
Severaltypesofpressurecookersareavailable,fromthebasicstovetoppressurecooker(whichisjustasaucepanwithalockinglidandpressurereleasevalve),toaprogrammableelectriccookerwithtimedingredientselectionsthatallowyoutoplanahead.
Pressurecookersalsocanhavearangeofpressurecapacities,socookingtimeswillvary.Forexample,apressurecookerthatreachesamaximumpressureof8PSIwilltakelongertocookthesamebeansasonethatcanreach15PSI.Pleasedoreadthemanualtoadjustthecookingtimesaccordingly.
Dependingonthecapacityandtype,acookercantakeanywherefrom7to15minutestoreachmaximumpressure.Thecookingtimesmentionedinthebookarecalculatedafterthepressurehasbeenreached.Thebasicstovetoppressurecookerswilloccasionallyreleasesomeairthroughthereleasevalvetomaintainasafepressureinsidethecooker.Theairreleasesoundslikeawhistle.IhavealwayscookedbycountingwhistlesasthatiswhatIlearnedfromMom.Whistlesandcookingtimesarestatedforeachrecipeusingapressurecooker.Ifyouuseadifferenttypeofpressurecooker,you’llneedtofollowtheinstructionsforthatmodel.
Knives:Asharp,high-qualitychef’sknifemakesallthechoppingtypicalofIndianfoodmuch
easier.Findonethatworksforyou.IhavetwoSantokukniveswithdifferenttypesofhandles.The5-inchismyfavoriteandmyhusbandprefersthe7-inch.
Strainersandbowls:Largestrainersareneededforwashinglentils,beans,andvegetables,andalsotoactasbowlstoholdvegetablesafterchopping.
Inadditiontotheequipmentlistedabove,othermiscellaneoustoolsthatcanbehelpfulincludespatulasforstirringandflipping,tongstopickupflatbreads,peelers,apotatomasher,awhisk,arollingpin,acuttingboard,andapizzacutter.Bakingsheetsandparchmentpaperareusedformostbakedrecipes.
COOKINGINDIANFOODIfyouarenewtoIndiancooking,pleasereadtheentirerecipeafewtimesbeforestarting.Getthespices,blends,andingredientsinplaceandfollowtherecipeascloselyaspossible.Keepallthefrequentlyusedspicestogetherandwithinreach.
Asyougetmoreaccustomedtotherecipes,orifyoualreadycookIndian,youwillbeabletoreducetheprepandcooktimesbypreppingasyougoduringbriefdowntimes.Forexample,onionsoftenneedtocookfor6minutesorso.Duringthattimeyoucanchopthetomatoesandvegetablesandgatherthespices.
Therecipesarequiteflexibleinthesensethattheyshouldturnoutwellevenwithsubstitutesforafewspicesorgeneralingredientsubstitutions.Justbesuretotasteandadjusttheseasoningsasyoucook.
TemperingSpicesinOilIndianfoods,especiallydals,dependona“tempering”ofthespicesinhotoil.Thistemperingiscalledatadka,tarka,chaunkorbaghar,oranumberofotheruniqueregionalnames.Tomakeatempering,theoilisheatedtoalmostthesmokepoint,thenspicesareaddedtoit.Thespicessizzleorpoptoinfuseflavorintotheoil,whichisthenaddedtothedalorsauces.Useanyneutraloilsthathaveahighsmokepointsuchassafflower,organicnonGMOcanola,grapeseed,andsoon.Oilsprayisalsousedinthebookforbaking.
Someoftherecipescallfortheoiltobeheateduntilitishot,sothatwhenthespicesareadded,theystarttosizzleandeventuallypop.Dependingonthepans,stove,andoilused,itcantakeanywherefrom1to4minutesfortheoiltobehotenoughtotemperthespices.Ifthespicesdonotsizzlewhenadded,itmeanstheoilisnothotenough.Letthespicesstarttosizzlebeforegoingtothenextstep.
(Seephotohere.)
AdjustingSeasoningstoYourTasteTheseasoningsusedintherecipesarewrittentobeflexibletoyourtaste,especiallyregardingsaltandheatpreferences.I’dalsoliketomentionthatninetypercentoftherecipeshavebeenlovedaswrittenwithoutchangesbytherecipetesters.Tasteasyougoandadjusttoyourpreference.Uselowersaltandheattobeginwith.Thereareusuallyenoughspicesandflavorsgoingonthatmissingaspicewillstillworkoutwell.
SoakingandCookingTimesforDalsandBeansIusuallysoakmydalsandbeans.Unsoakeddalsmighttake5to10minuteslongertocook.Unsoakedbeanswillneedapressurecookertocookthroughorsignificantlylongertimeinasaucepan.Belowarethegeneralsoakingandcookingtimesforthecommonlyuseddalsandbeansusedinthebook.Cookingtimesdependonthestoves,thepans,andthebeans.Olderbeanstakelongertocook.Pressurecookersalsohavevariablecookingtimesdependingonthesizeandtypeofthepressurecooker.Pressure-cookingtimesinthechartareatfullpressure.Pleaseuseyourpressurecookermanualtoconfirmthetimes.
SOAKINGANDCOOKINGTIMESFORDALSANDBEANS
Legume SoakingTime CookingTimeSAUCEPAN
CookingTimePRESSURECOOKER
Black-eyedpeasRAUNGI
4hours 35to40min 10min
Chickpeas,brownsplitandskinnedCHANADAL
1hourorovernight 35to40min 15min
Chickpeas,brownwholeKALACHANA
overnight 60to90min 25to30min
Chickpeas,whiteSAFEDCHANA
4hoursorovernight 50to60min 15to20min
Gram,black,wholeSABUTURAD
overnight 45to55min 20min
GreenmungbeanSABUTMUNG
1hour 30to35min 10to15min
LentilsSABUTMASOOR
notsoaked 25to30min 10to15min
Lentils,petiteyellow notsoaked 20to25min 5min
Lentils,petiteyellowMUNGDAL
notsoaked 20to25min 5min
Lentils,split(red/pink/orange)MASOORDAL
notsoaked 15min 2min
Pigeonpeas,splitTOORDAL
1hour 25to30min 10min
RedkidneybeansRAJMA
overnight 50to60min 20to25min
Splitpeas,yellow 1hourorovernight 25to30min 10min
RECIPECOOKINGTIMENOTATIONSEachrecipeindicatesthetimeittakestomakefromstarttofinish.Hereisanexplanationoftheindicatedtimenotationsandhowtheycanhelpyoumanageyourtime.
PrepTime:Thisisthetimeneededtochop,slice,dice,ormincetheingredients;andgetthespicesready.Italsoincludesthesoakingtimeandotherstepsneededbeforestartingtoactivelycook.Theaveragepreptimecanbeanywherefrom10to25minutes.Onceyougetcomfortablecookingtheserecipes,youwillbeabletoreducethepreptimeconsiderablybyusingtheinactivetimebetweenstepsintherecipe.Prepcanbedoneimmediatelybeforecooking,anhourorsoinadvance,orduringthecooking.Igenerallyneed5to10minutestoprepthefirstfewstepsastherestcanbedoneduringtheinactivecookingtime.
ActiveTime:Theactivetimeisthetimeyouspenddoingthehands-oncooking.Thiscookingtimeisinadditiontothepreptime.Activetimebeginsoncethecookingstartsandincludesanystirring,tossing,addingspicesorvegetables,andsoon.
Inactivetime:Inactivetimeisthetimethefoodiscookingwithouttheneedforyourattentionorpresence.Itisthetimethatelapseswhilethesauceorbeanscook,orthebakingtimewhilefoodisintheoven.
ThetotaltimeforthefinishedisPrep+Active+Inactivetimeifnoneofthestepsaredoneinparallel.Forexample,tomakeroastedcauliflower,youwillneed15minutesofPrepTimetocutthecauliflowerandgetthespicesout+10minutesofActiveTimetomakethespiceblend,addittothecauliflower,andtosstocoat+20to25minutesofInactiveTimetobakeit.
atempering
RECIPENOTATIONSTherecipescanbeeasilyadjustedfordietarypreferences.Asyoureadthechapterintroductionsandrecipeheadnotes,you’llfindsuggestionsforsubstitutions.Atthetopofeachrecipe,youwillalsonoticeoneormoreofthefollowingsymbols,asappropriate.Hereiswhattheymean:
SF Soy-freeorpotentiallysoy-free:Thisindicatesrecipesthataresoy-freeorcanbemadesoy-free.MyhusbandandIdon’tgenerallyeatmuchsoy,asoureverydaymealsareusuallymadeupofdals,vegetablesides,andflatbreads.Forus,therecipesintheMainCurrieschapterareweekendorentertainingfare.Tofuandtempehareusedinthatchapter,however,astheyworkwellwiththesaucesandassubstitutesforpaneercheeseormeatintypicallynon-veganrecipes.Alloftherecipesinthatchaptercanbemadesoy-freebyusingchickpea(Burmese)tofu,veganpaneer,cookedchickpeas,beans,orvegetables.Intheentirebook,thereareonlytworecipes,RasmalaiandSandesh,thatcannotbemadesoy-free.
GF Gluten-freeorpotentiallygluten-free:Thissymbolindicatesrecipesthataregluten-freeaswellasthosethatcaneasilybemadegluten-free.Prettymuchalltherecipeshavegluten-freeoptions,oryoucanfindanothersimilarrecipeinthebookthatisgluten-free.
NF Nutfreeorpotentiallynutfree:Thissymbolisusedforrecipesthatarenutfreeorcanbemadenutfree.Mostoftherecipesdowellwithsubstitutingseeds(sunflower,pumpkin,hemp)forthenuts,orusingcauliflower,yogurt,coconutmilk,blendedtofu,orbeansforthesauces.Nutscanbeomittedtomakeanoncreamysauce.
E Easy:Recipesthathavebeenmarkedaseasyarethosewhichdonotneedcomplexpreprationorlonglistsofspicesoringredients.Easyrecipeswillhavefewerstepsanduseeasilyavailableingredients,lessequipment,andsimpletechniques.
HowIsIndianFoodServed?Indianfood isnormallyservedona thali (photoopposite),a largeplatterholdingtwoormorevegetable sides, one ormore saucy side (such as dals or curries), plain yogurt or raita, Indianpickles or papadums (lentil crackers), flatbreads, and rice. The flatbread is torn into pieces byhand,foldedlikeaspoon,anddippedintoeachofthesides.Youcanalsoservethefoodanywaythatyoumayprefer.Herearesomeideas:
• Serve in a bowl. Layer cooked grains, vegetable side, and a dal in a bowl. Garnish it withcilantroandchutney,ifyoulike,andserve.•Makeapizza.Bakenaans toppedwith thick creamycurriesordryvegetables.Garnishwith
vegancheeseorchutneys.•Stuffbellpeppersorbreadbowlswithcreamycurries.•Enjoydalsassoupsservedwithcrackers.•Makewraps,burritos,orsandwicheswiththedryvegetablesidesinchapter4.
AtypicalIndianthali:(clockwisefromonions):TofuMakhani(here),XaakBhaji(here),Mom’sSimpleMungDal(notinbook),OkraandOnionStir-Fry(here),plainbasmatirice,Whole-WheatRoti(here),
and(center)Raita(here)
BreadPakoras(here)
TwoBreakfastMomalwaysmadesuretherewastimetoeatbreakfastinthemorning,andVivekandIcontinuehertradition.Breakfastis,afterall,themostimportantmealoftheday.Abalanced,unhurriedmealmeansagreatstarttotheday.
Indianbreakfastsareasavoryaffair,usuallyaccompaniedbysomekindofdrink,dependingontheseason.Breakfastsrangefromstuffedparathaflatbreads,grainandpotatohash(upmaorpoha),chillaorpudlas,andfluffyidlis,todosacrepeswithcoconutchutneyorspicedsprouts.
Somebreakfastoptions,suchasparathasanddosas,canbefoundintheFlatbreadschapter,whilesweetbreakfastoptions,suchasphirni,ricepudding,halwa,andmore,canbefoundintheDessertschapter.Inthis,theBreakfastchapter,youwillfindrecipesforasimplechickpeaflourpancakecalledachillaorpudla,easysavoryFrenchtoastfritters,andoatspreparedinawholenewway.
SavoryPan-FriedFrenchToast
BreadPakora
Prep:15minutes|Active:20minutes|Inactive:10minutes|Serves4 SF NF E
Breadpakorasareafavoritebreakfastoreveningsnackinourhouse.Mysisteratepakorasafterschooleverydayuntilshegotreallyboredwiththem.Shewouldaskforthemagainafterafewdays.Ipanfrymypakoras,whilemysisterlovesthedeep-friedversion.Forbestresults,usehome-bakedbreadorday-oldorcrustierbread.Store-boughtfreshbreadscangetsoggytooquickly.Servewithketchup,sriracha,cilantrochutney,ormintcilantrochutney.(Seephotohere.)
1recipechillabatter(here)5to6slicessandwichbreadorFrenchbread(useday-oldbreadforbestresults)1to2tablespoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil
1.Makethechillabatter(Steps1and2fromthechillarecipe).Addmorewaterifneededtokeepthebatterthin.
2.Heat1teaspoonoftheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,spreadtheoilbymovingthepan.
3.Cutthebreadslicesintohalvesorquarters.Diptheminthebattertocoatallsidesandplaceintheskillet.Spoonsomeonionsfromthebatterontothebreadslices,ifneeded.
4.Cook4to6minutes,thenflipandcookfor4to6minuteslonger.Add1/2to1teaspoonoiltotheskilletagainbeforethenextbatchandspreadit.Repeatuntilthebatterrunsout.Servehot.
SpicySouthIndianTofuScramble
Prep:20minutes|Active:20minutes|Serves4 NF GF E
Iknow,Iknow.Tofuscramblesareaverycommonbreakfastinaveganhousehold.Butyouneedtomakethisone.Thistofuscramblehasmustardseeds,curryleaves,andcoconut.Theflavorsandtexturesworkbeautifully.Addsomegreensorothervegetablesforvariation.Servewithtoastedbread,rotis,ortortillas.It’saperfectfusionbreakfastorsnackwithasideofroastedpotatoesandcoconutchutney.Usechickpeatofuorcookedchickpeastomakethissoy-free.
2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil
1/4teaspoonblackmustardseeds
10curryleaves,coarselychopped
Pinchofasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)
2clovesgarlic,finelychopped
1/2cupfinelychoppedredonion1/2cupchoppedredbellpepper2tablespoonsshreddedcoconut(driedorfresh)1/4teaspoonsmokedpaprika
1/2teaspoongroundturmeric1/4teaspoonredpepperflakes1/4teaspooncayenne1/2to1teaspoonsalt1/8teaspoonIndianblacksalt14-ouncesfirmtofu,drained
1teaspoonlemonjuice,forgarnish
Adashofblackpepper,forgarnish
2teaspoonsshreddedcoconut,forgarnish
1.Heattheoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Oncetheoilishot,addthemustardseedsandletthemstarttopop.Addthecurryleavesandcookuntiltheleavesaremostlycrisp,1minute.Addthe
asafetidaandgarlicandmixwell.Stirintheonionandbellpepper,andcookuntiltheonionisgolden,6minutes.
2.Addthecoconut,paprika,turmeric,redpepperflakes,cayenne,salt,andIndianblacksaltandmixwell.Reducetheheattomedium-low.Crumbleorchopthetofuandaddtotheskillet.Mixwellandbreakthelargerpieces.Coverandcookfor6to8minutes,stirringoncehalfwaythrough.Tasteandadjustthesaltandspices,ifneeded.Coverandletsitforanother2minutessotheflavorscandevelop.Garnishwithadashofblackpepper,lemonjuice,andshreddedcoconutandserve.
Mom’sChickpeaFlourPancakesChilla(Pudla)Prep:15minutes|Active:25minutes|Inactive:20to25minutes|Makes8to10
SF NF GF E
ThisismyMom’schillarecipe.TheclassicIndianpancakerecipeisprobablytheonefromwhichmostchickpeaflouromeletsarederived.Thesethinpancakes,madewitharunnybatterusingunleavenedchickpeaflourorbesan,areapopularbreakfastinNorthIndia.Thesechillasinthesimplestformareeasyandperfectforbreakfast,asnack,orasideflatbread.Stuffthemwithroastedvegetablesorveganfeta.Servewithketchuporchutneys.Foraveggieomeletversion,addlesswaterforathickerbatterandaddleaveningsuchasbakingpowder.Addfinelychoppedvegetablessuchaszucchini.Momcallsitpuda,butitisalsoknownascheela,chilla,andpudla.
1cupchickpeaflour,garbanzobeanflour,orbesan11/2cupswater3/4teaspoonsalt1/4teaspoonturmeric1/4teaspooncayenne1/4teaspooncaromseedsorcuminseeds1/2cupfinelychoppedredonion1hotgreenchile,finelychopped(removeseedstoreduceheat)1/4cuppackedchoppedcilantro1to2tablespoons+1teaspoonsaffloweroil,divided1.Inabowl,combinethechickpeaflourand3/4cupwater.Whisktogetasmoothconsistency.Whiskinanother1/2to3/4cupwatertomakeathinlump-freebatter.(Ifusingbesan,youwillneedlesswater).
2.Addthesalt,turmeric,cayenne,caromseeds,onion,chile,cilantro,and1teaspoonofoil,andmixwell.Letthebattersitfor5minutes.
3.Heataskilletovermediumheat.Whentheskilletishot,drizzleafewdropsofoilontheskillet.Spreadtheoilusingapapertowel.Pouraladlefull(1/4to1/3cup)ofthebatterontotheskillet.Spreadthebatterbymovingtheskillettomakea6to8-inchpancake.Drizzleafewdropsofoilontheedgesofthepancake.
4.Cookuntiltheedgesstarttoleavethepanandthebottomisgoldenbrown,4to6minutes.Flipandcookfor2to4minutes.Continuetomaketherestofthepancakes.Servehot.
Tip:Foraquicklump-freebatter,useawhisktowhisktheflourandwater.Addonlyhalfthewater
tobeginwithandwhiskintherestofthewaterafewtablespoonsatatime.
SavoryOatsHashKandaPoha
Prep:15minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:10minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Kandapohaisusuallymadewiththickriceflakesthatarereconstitutedwithwatertomakeapasta-likedish.Riceflakesarenoteasilyavailableinregulargrocerystores,sowestartedmakingpohawithoats.Old-fashionedoatsaresoakedandcookedjustenoughsotheyaretenderbutareseparategrains.Therecipeworksas-isusingthickriceflakesaswell.Ifyouhavenevertriedoatsthisway,youmaybesurprisedbyhowgoodtheytaste.Soakthemlongerifyoulikethemcookedsofter.Theresultwillbemoreofascramblethanseparategrains.
11/2cupold-fashionedoats3tablespoonrawpeanutsorothernuts(omittomakenut-free)
1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil
1/2teaspoonmustardseeds
10curryleaves,chopped
1/8teaspoonasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)
1hotgreenchile,finelychopped
1/2cupfinelychoppedredonion1/2teaspoonturmeric1/4teaspooncayenne3/4to1teaspoonsalt1/3cupfreshorfrozengreenpeas,thawediffrozen1/4teaspoonsugar
2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish
1teaspoonlemonjuice,forgarnish(notoptional)1.Washtheoatsandsoakin2cupsofwaterfor7to8minutes.(Steps2through4takeaboutthesametime,sotheoatsdonothavetobesoakedinadvance.)2.Heataskilletovermediumheat.Addthepeanutsanddryroastuntiltheychangecolorslightly,about2minutes.Removefromtheskilletandsetaside.
3.Inthesameskillet,heattheoilovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,addthemustardseedsand
curryleaves.Letthemustardseedsstarttopop,30seconds.Addtheasafetidaandchile,thenstirintheonionsandcookuntiltranslucent,5to6minutes.
4.Addthesalt,turmeric,cayenne,peas,andsugarandmixwell.Cookfor1minute.
5.Draintheoatsandaddtothepan,thenstirintheroastednuts.Cover,reducetheheattomedium-low,andcookfor5minutesoruntiltheoatsaretender,butnotmushylikeoatmeal.Stirtomixandfluff.Tasteandadjustsaltandspice.Coverandsetasidefor2minutes.Servewarm,garnishedwithcilantroandagenerousdrizzleoflemonjuice.
IndianSpicedMilkTea
MasalaChai
Active:15minutes|Serves4SFGFE SF GF E
Masalachai,orspicedmilktea,isafixtureeverymorninginmostIndianhouseholds.Dependingontheregion,itmightbereplacedwithcoffeeorotherhotdrinks.Masalachaiwasthelastofthedairyitemstobereplacedinourhouse.Therighttasteandtextureweredifficulttofindinplant-basedmilks.Thevariousbrandsofmilksbehavedifferentlyunderthesamecircumstances.WehavebeenusingAlmondBreezealmondmilkforthepasttwoyears.Usethisrecipeasabaseandfindyourpreferredplantmilkforthatperfectcupofmasalachai.
11/2cupswater2to3tablespoonsrawsugarorothersweetener,totaste31/2teaspoonchaipatti/loosetea(weuseJivrajBrandloosetealeaves)3/4teaspoonChaiMasala(here)1teaspoongratedfreshginger(somefreshgingercanbestrong,usetotaste)2cupsplainalmondmilkorothercreamynondairymilk
1.Heatasaucepanovermediumheat.Addwater,sugar,tealeaves,chaimasalablend,andginger.Bringtoarollingboil,8to9minutes
2.Slowlypourthealmondmilk.Bringthemixtojustaboutaboil,8to10minutes.
3.Strainintoacupandservehot.
Variation:Foraquickmasalachai,add1/4teaspoongroundcardamom,1/8teaspoongroundcinnamon,1/8teaspoongingerpowder,agenerouspinchofgroundcloves,andblackpeppertothewateratstep1andcontinueasabove.
Note:Someplantmilkstendtoseparatewhenaddedtothehotwater.Add1tablespooncold/roomtemperaturewatertotheboilingwateratStep2tobringthetemperaturedown.Thenpourintheplantmilk.
Aspicetiffin(clockwisefromcloves,farright):caromseeds,nigellaseeds,greencardamompods,fenugreekseeds,fennelseeds.Inthecenter:blackcardamomandcinnamonsticks.
PotatoSamosas(here):fried(left)andbaked
ThreeSmallPlatesandSnacksIndiansnacksaremeanttosatisfytheneedforsomethingcrunchyandsavorybetweenmeals,andarealsoservedtoimpromptuvisitors.IndiansinIndiaorelsewhereareknownforunplannedvisits.Mindyou,noonereallycallsfirstbeforedroppingbyforavisit.Oneminuteyouaresittingandchattingaway,andthenextminutesomeoneisatthedoor.Mosthousesusuallyhaveagoodstashoffriedsnacksinthepantry,sotherearesomequickoptions,andalsosomethatareabitmoreelaboratetoimpresssomeoneyoulove.Thischapterhassomecommonandregionalsnackstomakeforyourselfandyourfamily,eveniftherearenounannouncedvisitors.Allsnacksinthischapteraresoy-free.Theycanbebakedordeepfried,butIliketobakemostofthese.Gluten-freeoptionsareprovided.
Youcanalsoservemostoftheseforbreakfast.Thesameappliestothebreakfastsection:thebreakfastrecipescanbeservedaseveningsnacks.StartwiththeeasyfavoritessuchasGobi65,OnionBhajji,andCauliflowerManchurian.Thesecanmakequicksnackswithafternooncoffee.ThentryyourhandattheSamosa,AlooBonda,andSavoryLentilPastrieswhenyouhavemoretime.TrytheTikkaKathiRolls,VegetableTikki,andmore,forbrunchorlightdinner.Finally,therearemoretraditionalrecipeslikeHandvoandMeduVadaifyouwanttoindulgeinsomeinterestingpreparations.
AChatAboutChaatItisdifficulttodescribeIndianchaat.Chaatisageneraltermusedforsavorysnacks.Somechaatsarelikeasalad,withbeans,potatoes,sweetandsourchutneys,yogurt,crunchycrackers,ornuts.Itisafavoriteeveningsnackinmanypartsofthecountry.Thereareregionalvariationsthatmightnotbecalledchaatbuthavesimilarfoodcombinations.Chaatcanbeservedwarmorcold.ColdchaatworksbestinIndiabecauseof
thetropicalheatandtheneedforcoldandfreshsnacks.
SpicyBakedCauliflowerFloretsGobi65
Prep:20minutes|Active:20minutes|Inactive:30minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Thereareafewfriedcauliflower(gobi)appetizersofferedinIndianrestaurants.ThemostcommononesareGobiManchurian(here),whichisanIndo-Chinesedishwithsweet,sour,andspicysauce;andGobi65,aspicyfriedcauliflowerinacornstarchandflourbatterwithcurryleaves.ThisisabakedversionofGobi65.Youcanalsofrythecauliflowerforarestaurant-styleversion.Servealoneorwithasideofmint-cilantroorcoconutchutney.Tomakethesegluten-free,use1/2cupchickpeaflour+1/4cupriceflourinsteadofunbleachedall-purposeflour.
BATTER:
2tablespoonschoppedredonion
3/4cup+2tablespoonsunbleachedwhiteflour3tablespoonscornstarch
1teaspoonsalt
1teaspoonGaramMasala(here)11/2to2teaspoonscayenne1teaspoonsrirachasauce,chilegarlicsauce,orotherhotsauce1(1-inch)knobofginger4clovesgarlic
12curryleaves2teaspoonssoysauce
1cupwater
2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloilCAULIFLOWER:Saffloweroilspray,asneeded41/2cupssmallcauliflowerfloretsGARNISH:1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil2clovesgarlic,minced1/3cupthinlyslicedredonion1/3cupthinlyslicedgreenorredbellpepper10curryleaves,chopped
1.Preheattheovento425°F.Blendalltheingredientsforthebatterinablenderandblenduntilsmoothandpasty.Transfertoalargebowl.Ifthebatteristoothin,add1tablespoonflour,ormore,andmixwell.
2.Addthecauliflowerfloretstothebatter,tosstocoat,andletmarinateforatleast15minutes.Mixtocoatagain.Placethefloretsonaparchment-linedbakingsheet,andspraywithoil.
3.Bakefor20minutes,thenrotatethebakingsheet.Bakeuntilatoothpickpassesthroughthecauliflowereasily,about15minutes.Thetotalbakingtimeis30to35minutes.
4.Makethegarnish:Heattheoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Addthegarlic,onion,peppers,andcurryleaves,andcookuntiltheonionisgolden,7to9minutes.
5.Garnishthebakedcauliflowerwiththeonionmixture.Servehot.
BakedPotatoSamosas
Prep:20minutes|Active:40minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Makes12to14
SF NF GF E
Samosascomeinvariousshapesandformsandwithvariousfillings.Vegetablesamosaswithpotato-peafillingarethemostpopularofthelot.Thereareseveralwaystomakethepotatostuffing.Thisversionisbasedonthesamosasfromoneparticularrestaurantinmyhometown.Thesamosafillingwasalwaysveryflavorful,withspices,lotsofginger,andcorianderseeds.Youcanmakeitsimplerbyomittingsomeofthespices.Thefillingcanalsobeusedinsandwichesorwraps,oraddedtotacos.Forrestaurant-stylefriedsamosas,useunbleachedwhiteflour(maida)insteadofwhole-wheatflour.Servewithcilantrochutneyandtamarind-datechutneyandsprinklewithchaatmasala,ifdesired.Tomakegluten-free:usetherecipeforSpicyChickpeaFlourFlatbreadRotiforthepastryshell(here).(Seephotoforthisrecipehere.)STUFFING:4mediumpotatoes,peeledanddiced(3cups)1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil1/4teaspooncuminseeds
1teaspooncorianderseeds
1/4teaspoonfennelseeds11/2teaspoonsgratedgingeror1tablespoongingerpaste2clovesgarlic,minced1/2teaspoongroundcumin1/2teaspooncayenne1/2teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/4teaspoongroundturmeric1/4teaspoonChaatMasala(here)or1/8teaspoonIndianblacksalt3/4teaspoonsalt
1/4cupwater1/2cupfreshorfrozengreenpeas,thawediffrozen
2tablespoonscilantroleaves
1/2teaspoonlemonjuicePASTRYSHELL:1/2cup+2tablespoonswhole-wheatflour1/2cupunbleachedwhiteflour
1tablespooncornstarchorarrowroot
2tablespoonsfinesemolinaorsemolinaflour1/2teaspoonsalt
2tablespoonsfinesemolinaorsemolinaflour1/2teaspoonsalt1/4teaspoonbakingsoda1/2teaspooncaromseedsorcuminseeds1/8teaspoonblackpepper1tablespoonoliveoilormeltedveganbutter1/2cup+1teaspoonwater
1.Makethestuffing:Boilthedicedpotatoesinenoughwatertocoverovermediumheatuntilverytender,20to25minutes.Drain,coolslightly,mashwell,andsetaside.Alternatively,pressure-cookwholeunskinnedpotatoesfor10minutesoncethehighpressureindicatorison(2whistles).Letthepressurereleasebyitself.Movethehotpotatoestoacoldwaterbathfor5to10seconds.Removefromthewaterandpullontheloosenedskintopeel.Mashwellandsetaside.
2.Heattheoilinlargeskilletovermediumheat.Oncetheoilishot,addthecumin,coriander,andfennelseeds,andcookfor30seconds.Addthegingerandgarlic,andcookuntilthegarlicisgolden,about1minute.Addthecumin,cayenne,garammasala,turmeric,andchaatmasala,andmixforafewseconds.Addthesaltandwater.Addthemashedpotatoesandpeasandmixwell.Coverandcookfor5minutes.
3.Addthecilantroandlemonjuiceandmixwell.Coolslightlybeforeusingasafilling,orservehotasasidedish.
4.Forthepastryshell:Preheattheovento400°F.Inabowl,combinetheflours,starch,semolina,salt,bakingsoda,seeds,andblackpepper,andwhiskwell.Addtheoilandmixtoformcrumbs.Addthewaterandknead.Addmorewaterifnecessary.Kneadintoasmoothdough(nottoosoftandnottoostiff).Donotkneadformorethan2minutes.Coverthedoughwithatowelandletitrestfor10minutes.
5.Dividethedoughinto12to14smallballs.Rolltheballsoutinto5to6-inchovals.Cuteachovalinhalf.(Seephotosbelow.)Takeonehalf-circleandfoldittomakeacone.Applyalittlewaterontheedge,andpresslightlytoseal.Filltheconewith2to3tablespoonsofthefilling.Applywatertothetopedgeoftheconeandfoldtheextradoughoverthefilling.Pinchlightlytoseal.Placethepastrywiththebottomoftheconesidedown,onaparchment-linedbakingsheet.Coverwithatoweluntilallthesamosasarereadytobake.Brushorsprayoilonthesamosas.Bakefor20to25minutes.
1.Rolldoughballsintoovalsandcutinhalf.
2.Foldintoaconeandfillwithstuffing.
3.Foldextradoughoverfillingandpinchtoseal.
4.Twofinishedsamosasreadyforbaking.
TomakeSamosaChaat:Placeasamosainabowl.Ladlehotchanamasalaonthesamosa.Garnishwithchoppedredonion,cilantroandtamarinddatechutneyandserve.
Street-StyleTempehWrapsTikkaKathiRolls
Prep:25minutes|Active:25minutes|Inactive:15minutes|Makes6to8
NF GF E
Kathirollsaresimilartosandwichwraps.Theyoriginatedasstreetfoodwithmostlymeatfillings,butnowtherearemanyvariations.Theserollscontaintempehtikkatostandinforpaneertikka,veggies,andaspicychutney,allrolledupinalargewarmrotiorflatbread.Theyareusuallyservedwithonesideopen,butfeelfreetoclosebothsidestomakethemeasytocarry.Therollsarebesteatenfreshasthechutneycanmakethemsoggy.Thesewrapsareveryaddictive,somakeadoublebatchifyou’replanningtoservethemasameal.Thisrecipecanbemadegluten-freewithagluten-freetortillaorflatbread,andnutfreewithanutfreenondairyyogurtsuchassoyorcoconut.
TEMPEHTIKKA:2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil3/4cupthinlyslicedredonion1/2cupthinlyslicedgreenbellpepper8ouncestempeh,cutinto1/4-inchdiceor1/4-inchthickslices2teaspoonsgingerpasteor1(1-inch)knobofginger,crushed2teaspoonsgarlicpasteor3clovesgarlic,crushed1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne
1/2teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/2teaspoondriedfenugreekleaves1/3teaspoonsalt
1cupwater
1/4cupplainunsweetenedorlightlysweetenednondairyyogurt,orthincashewcream11/2tablespoonschickpeaflour
1teaspoonlemonjuice
1/2teaspoonChaatMasala(here)or1/4teaspoonIndianblacksalt1/4teaspoonsugar(ifusingunsweetenedyogurt)KATHIROLLS:
1/2cupthinlyslicedredonion1/2cupthinlyslicedtomato1recipeMintCilantroChileChutney(here)
6to8rotisortortillas
Greensorlettuce(optional)
1teaspoonChaatMasala(here),ortotasteVeganbutteroroil,asneeded
1.Forthetempehtikka:Heattheoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonionandbellpepper,andcookuntiltranslucent,about6minutes.
2.Addthetempeh,ginger,garlic,cayenne,garammasala,fenugreekleaves,andsalt.Mixwellandcookfor2minutes.Addthewater,mixwell,andcookuncovereduntilthewateriscompletelyabsorbed,about18minutes.
3.Addtheyogurt,chickpeaflour,lemonjuice,andchaatmasala.Mixwellandcookuntilthemixturebecomesalmostdry,about3to4minutes.Useasafillingfortherollsorserveasaside.
4.Forthekathirolls:Inabowl,combinetheslicedonion,tomato,and2tablespoonsofmintchutney.Mixwellandsetaside.
5.Warmtherotisortortillasinaskillet.Brushthemwithoilorveganbutter.Layerthegreensorlettuceontotherotis,thenaddalayeroftheonion-chutneymixture.Addalayeroftempehtikka.Sprinkleonegenerouspinchofchaatmasala.Drizzlewithasmallamountofthechutney.Rolltherotiintoacone,withoneendopen,orfolduplikeaburrito,withbothendsclosed.Servehot.
MashedPotatoFrittersAlooBonda
Prep:35minutes(includesboilingpotatoes)|Active:30minutes|Inactive:15minutes|Serves4
NF GF
Thesearetheperfectalternativetosamosasifyouwantagluten-freesnack.Thoughtraditionallydeepfried,thesespicedmashedpotatoesarecoatedinthickchickpeaflourbatterandbaked.Thepotatoesaredeliciousbythemselves,sotrynottoeatthembeforemakingthebondas.Ifyouplantobakethem,chickpeaflourforthebatterrecipedoesbetterthanbesan.Seeheretoreadaboutchickpeaflourandbesan.ServewithMintCilantroChutney(here),ketchup,ortheChileGarlicCoconutChutney(here).
FILLING:
3mediumpotatoes
1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil1/2teaspoonblackmustardseeds1(1-inch)knobofginger,minced1hotgreenchilesuchasserrano,finelychopped(removeseedstoreduceheat)1/4cupfinelychoppedredonion(optional)1/2teaspoonturmeric
3/4teaspoonsaltCHICKPEACOATING:
1cupchickpeaflour
11/2tablespoonsbrownorwhitericeflour1/8teaspoonasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)1/4teaspoonbakingsoda
1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne1/4teaspooncaromseedsorcuminseeds3/4teaspoonsalt3/4cup+2tablespoonsormorewater1.Boilorbakethepotatoesuntiltender,thenpeelandcuttheminto1/2-inchdice.Setaside.
2.Heattheoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Whenhot,addthemustardseedsandcookuntiltheystarttopop,about30seconds.Addtheginger,chile,andonion,andcookfor3minutes.Stirintheturmericandsalt.Addthepotatoes,tosstocoat,andcookfor3minutes.Mashthelargerpiecesandmixagain.Taste,andadjustthesaltandspice,ifneeded.Removefromheatandletcool.
3.Usingwethandsoranicecreamscoop,formtightballswith2to3tablespoonsofthepotato
mixture.Ifthemixtureistoosoft,chillthepotatoesfor10to15minutesbeforemakingtheballs.(Youshouldget12to14balls.)Preheattheovento425°F.
4.Whisktogetherthechickpeaflour,riceflour,asafetida,bakingsoda,cayenne,caromseeds,andsalt.Add3/4cupwaterandmixwell.Addmorewaterifneededtomakeathicksmoothbatter.Gentlytosseachballinthebattertocoatandplaceonaparchment-linedbakingsheet.Alternatively,placetheshapedpotatoballsonparchmentanddropthebatteronthemusingaspoontocoat.Sprayoilontop.Bakefor16minutes,thenbroilfor30secondstocrisp.Removefromtheovenandservehot.
Variation:Ifyouprefertofrytheballs,coatthepotatoballsinthechickpeaflourbatteranddeep-fryovermediumheatuntilgoldenonallsides,about3to5minutes.
Tip:Donotovercookthepotatoes.Overcookedsoftpotatomashwillnotholditsshapewell.
PotatoQuinoaPattiesAlooTikki
Prep:45minutes|Active:20minutes|Inactive:10to20minutes|Makes10to12SFNFE
SF NF E
Tikkisarecutletsorpattiesusuallymadewithpotatoes,veggies,onions,chile,spicesandsuch.Dadprefersflavorsthatheknows.Someyearsback,itwasnexttoimpossibletogethimtotrysomethingoutsideIndiancuisine.Hehassincebecomeabitmoreadventursome.SowhenMomwantedtomakesomealootikkifordinneroneday,Isuggestedweaddquinoa.Momsaid,“Yes,butaddjustalittlesohewon’tknow.”Thepreptimeincludesthetimeittakestocookthepotatoandquinoa,butifyouhavecookedpotatoandquinoaonhand,thepattiescanbereadyinminutes.Thepattiescaneasilybemadegluten-freebyomittingthebreadsliceorsubstitutingcoarselygroundgluten-freeoatsorbreadcrumbs.Youcanalterthespicesorjustusegarammasala.Youcanservethepattiesalonewithketchup,sriracha,BBQsauce,orchutney.However,thesepattiesarebestservedwithChickpeaCurry(here),andagarnishofchoppedonion,cilantro,lemonjuice,andchutneys.Thesepattiesarebestwhenpan-fried.
3mediumpotatoesboiled,peeledandmashed11/2cupscookedquinoa(1/2cupuncooked)3/4cupfinelychoppedredorwhiteonion1to2hotgreenchiles,finelychopped(removeseedstoreduceheat)1/4cuppackedchoppedcilantro
1tablespoonmincedorgratedginger
1/2to3/4teaspooncaromseedsorcuminseeds1/2teaspooncayenne
1teaspoongroundcoriander
1/4teaspoonIndianblacksalt3/4teaspoonsaltortotaste1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil1/4cupormorebreadcrumbsSaffloweroil,asneeded
1.Inalargebowl,combinethecookedpotatoesandquinoa.Mashwelltomix.
2.Addtheonion,chile,cilantro,ginger,caromseeds,cayenne,coriander,Indianblacksalt,salt,andoil.Mixwell,taste,andadjustsaltandspice.Addbreadcrumbsifthemixtureistoostickyormoisttohelpshapeintopatties.Make3-inchpattiesbyhand,orusingacookiecutter.
3.Topanfry:Heat1teaspoonofoilinalargeskilletovermedium-highheat.Spreadtheoilbytiltingtheskillet.Placeseveralpattiesintheskillet,makingsuretheydon’ttouch,andcook6to8minuteseachside,oruntilgoldenbrown.Removethepattiesfromtheskilletandplaceonaplate.Repeatwiththeremainingpatties.
Tobake:Preheattheovento425°F.Placethepattiesonaparchment-linedbakingsheet.Lightlybrushoilonthepatties.Bakefor15minutes.Broilfor2minutes,andflipthepatties.Lightlybrushorspraywithoilandbroilfor2minutes.Note:Ifyoudonothavequinoa,add1additionalboiledmediumpotato.
SavorySplitPeaandRiceZucchiniCakesGujaratiHandvo
Prep:15minutes+overnightsoak|Active:20minutes|Inactive:40minutes|Serves6
SF NF GF E
Gujaratihandvoaresavorycakesmadewithpeas,lentils,andricethatarefilledwithshreddedvegetables.Bakedorpan-fried,theyareliberallycoatedinsesameseedsandseasonedwithmustardseedsandcurryleaves.Thesesavorysnacksarefullofproteinandfillingenoughtoalmostbeameal.WarmtheslicesinthemicrowaveorinapanbeforeservingwithchutneyssuchasMintCilantroChileChutney(here)orChileGarlicCoconutChutney(here).Thisrecipeisenoughtofill6(31/2-inch)ramekinsor1(61/2-inch)roundstonewarepan,ortomake5to7pancakes.
BATTER:1/3cupyelloworgreensplitpeasorsplitpigeonpeasorsplitchickpeas1/3cupredlentils1/3cuppetiteyellowlentils2tablespoonsblackgram(optional)
1cuprice
1/4cupnondairyyogurt3/4cuppackedshreddedzucchiniorothervegetablesuchascabbageorcarrot1/4cupfinelychoppedonion1greenchile,finelychoppedor1/2teaspooncayenne2teaspoonsmincedginger
1tablespoonsesameseeds2teaspoonslemonjuice1teaspoonsugar
1teaspoonturmeric
11/4teaspoonsalt1/2teaspoonbakingpowder1/2teaspoonbakingsodaTHETEMPERING:1tablespoonsafflowerorcoconutoil
2teaspoonsmustardseeds
1/4teaspoonasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)12curryleaves,chopped2to3tablespoonssesameseeds,forgarnish1.Forthebatter:Soakthepeas,lentils,andricefor3to4hours.Drainwellandtransfertoablender.Blendtoasmoothpasteusing1/4to1/2cupwater.Transfertoabowl.Addtheyogurtandmixwell.Coverthebowlandletthebatterfermentfor4hoursorovernight.Youcanusethemiximmediatelyaswell.Thefermentedmixturetastesmoreauthentic,though,havingdeeperflavorsandasoftertexture.
2.Gratethezucchiniintoabowlandpresswithapapertoweltoremoveextramoisture.Addthezucchini,onion,chile,ginger,sesameseeds,lemonjuice,sugar,turmeric,salt,bakingpowder,andbakingsoda,andfoldtocombinewell.Preheattheovento400°F.
3.Makethetempering:Heattheoilinasmallskilletovermediumheat.Whenhot,addthemustardseedscarefully.Letthempopforafewseconds.Addtheasafetidaandcurryleavesandremovefromtheheat.Addhalfofthetemperingtothebatterandmixin.
4.Greasetheramekinsorbakingdish(youcanalsolinethelargerbakingdishwithparchmenttomakeiteasiertoremovethehandvo).Sprinklesomesesameseedsonthebottom.Ladlethebatterintotheramekinsuntilabout2/3full.Sprinklesesameseedsonthebattergenerously.Bakefor40to45minutesoruntilthetopisgoldenandatoothpickinsertedcomesoutalmostclean.
5.Coolfor10to15minutes.Removethehandvofromtheramekinsorbakingdish,andcutinto1/2-inchthickslices.Drizzleafewdropsoftheremainingtemperingoneachslice.
Note:Itisbettertoover-bakethanunder-bakethehandvo.Thebeanandveggiebatterwillbemoistevenafterthetoothpickcomesoutclean.Onceit’scompletelycool,sliceitandletitsitforafewminutes.Thehandvowillcontinuetodryoutabitasitsits.
Tomakeonthestovetop:AtStep2,skippreheatingtheoven.AfterStep3,heatalargeskilletovermediumheat.Whenit’shot,drizzleafewdropsofoilandspreaditusingapapernapkin.Ladle1/4to1/3cupbatterontheskillet.Tapthepantoevenitout.Sprinkle1/2teaspoonsesameseedsonthepancake.Coverthepanandcookfor3minutes.Uncoverandcookuntilthebottomisgolden,about3minutes.Flipandcookfor3to4minutesoruntilgoldenbrownonbothsides.Repeattomakethenextpancake.Drizzlesomeofthetemperingonthepancakebeforeserving.
SweetandSpicyBakedCauliflowerGobiManchurian
Prep:25minutes|Active:30minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
ThisisthefirstoftwoManchurianrecipes.OneisawetvegetableManchurianwithaslightlydifferentsaucetobeservedasamainorside.Thisoneisforabakedsnackwithaslightlydifferentsaucethatisthickenoughtojustcoatthefloretssotheycanbeservedasbites.Youcanalsodeep-frythecauliflower,asManchurianistypicallyservedinrestaurants.Itcanbemadewithtofuorchickpeasinsteadofcauliflower.Bakethebatter-coatedtofuorchickpeas,tosstheminthesauce,andserve.Usecoconutaminostosubstituteforsoysauce.Tomakegluten-free,use1/2cupchickpeaflourand2tablespoonsriceflourtoreplace2/3cupflour.
CAULIFLOWER:2/3cupunbleachedwhite,wheat,orotherflour1/3cupcornstarchorotherstarch3/4cupormorewater
1teaspoonsoysauce
1/2teaspoongarlicpowderorpaste(optional)1/2teaspoonsalt1/4teaspoonwhitepepper1/4teaspoonpaprika(optional)1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil4to41/2cupssmallcauliflowerfloretsMANCHURIANSAUCE:
1tablespoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil8clovesgarlic,finelychopped1(2-inch)knobofginger,peeledandfinelychopped1greenorredchile,finelychopped(removeseedstoreduceheat)1tablespoonfinelychoppedcelery(optional)1/4cupfinelychoppedredorwhiteonion1/3cupfinelychoppedgreenbellpepper2tablespoonsAsianchilesauceorchilegarlicsauce(sambaloelek),ortotaste1to11/2tablespoonssoysauce
1tablespoonketchuportomatopuree
1teaspoonricevinegar
1/4teaspoongroundwhiteorblackpepper11/2to2teaspoonssugar2tablespoonswater,ormore2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish2tablespoonschoppedscallion,forgarnish1.Forthe
cauliflower:Preheattheovento425°F.Inabowl,mixalltheingredientsexceptthecauliflower,tomakeathickbatter.Addatablespoonormorewaterifthebatteristoothick.Dipthecauliflowerfloretsinthebattertocoat,thenplacethemonaparchment-linedbakingsheet.Lightlysprayorbrushtheoilontop.Bakefor30minutesoruntilatoothpickgoesthroughthecauliflowereasily.
2.FortheManchuriansauce:Heattheoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Whenhot,addthegarlic,ginger,andchile,andmixwell.Cookuntilthegarlicisgoldenonsomeedges,about2minutes.Addthecelery,onion,andgreenbellpepper,andcookuntilgolden,about4to5minutes.Addthechilesauce,soysauce,ketchup,vinegar,whitepepper,sugar,andwater.Mixwellandcookuntilthesaucecomestoaboil,about2minutes.Taste,andaddsaltifneeded.Thesaucewillbeveryflavorful.Ifitlookstoothicktopour,addanothertablespoonormoreofwaterandmixwell.
3.Placethebakedcauliflowerinasinglelayerinabowloronaplate;pourthesauceoverthefloretsevenly.Garnishwithcilantroandscallion,andservehot.
SpicedRoastedTofuandVegetablesTandooriTikka
Prep:20minutes|Active:20minutes|Inactive:25minutes+1hourtomarinate|Serves4
GF
“Tikka”isatermusedformarinatedfoodthatisroastedorgrilled.Tikkaisusuallymadewithaspecialtandooriortikkaspiceblend.ThistikkatastesbestwiththeMintCilantroChileChutney.Forvariation,add1/4cupvegansourcreamand2teaspoonsdriedfenugreekleavestothemarinade.Theroastedvegetablesandtofutikkascanalsobeaddedtoanyofthecurrysauces.
MARINADE:11/2cupsnondairyyogurt1/4cupnondairymilk11/2to2tablespoonsTandooriMasala(here)2teaspoonsgarlicpasteormincedgarlic2teaspoonsgingerpasteormincedginger2teaspoonsonionpasteor1/2teaspoononiongranules
1teaspoonlemonjuice
1/4teaspoonIndianblacksaltor1/2teaspoonChaatMasala(here)1/2teaspoonormoresalt1/2teaspoonGaramMasala(here)
1tablespoonchickpeaflour
1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloilCayenneorblackpepper,ifneededTOFUANDVEGETABLES:14ouncesfirmtofu(oradditionalvegetables)1cupormorecauliflowerflorets,11/2-inchflorets1cupgreenorredbellpeppers,choppedinto1to11/2-inchpieces1/2cupchoppedvegetablessuchasbroccoliflorets,zucchini,carrots,orthinlyslicedredonionringsChaatMasala(here)andMintCilantroChileChutney(here),forgarnish1.Marinade:Inabowlwhisktheyogurtandmilkuntilsmooth.Addtherestoftheingredientsforthemarinadeandmixwell.Taste,andadjustspicesandsalt.Themixtureshouldhaveastrongflavor.
2.Tofuandvegetables:Pressthetofuinpapertowelstoremoveexcessmoisture.Cubeorsliceto
preferredsize.Placethetofupiecesinthemarinadetocoatallsides.Removethetofufromthebowl,onepieceatatime,lettinganyexcessmarinadedripoff,andplacetheminanotherbowl.Addallthevegetablestothemarinadebowlandtosswelltocoat.Letbothbowlssitintherefrigeratorforanhour.
3.Tobake:Preheattheovento425°F.Placethevegetablesandtofuonaparchment-linedbakingsheet.Youcanalsothreadthemonaskewerandplaceonaparchment-linedsheet.Sprayorbrushwithoil.Bakeuntilthecaulifloweriscookedthrough,25to30minutes.Brushtheremainingmarinadeonthetofuandveggiesatthe25-minutemark(optional).Sprinklewithchaatmasala.Servehotwithmint-cilantrochutney.
Togrill:Grillthetofufor3to5minutesperside.Togrillcauliflower,cutthecauliflowerinto1/2-inchthickslicesinsteadofflorets.Youcanalsogrillskeweredtofuandvegetables,turningtheskewers,3to5minutesperside.
OnionChileFrittersPakora
Prep15minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:18minutes|Makes10to12
SF NF GF E
Ialmostdidn’tincludethisrecipeinthebook,figuringIhadtoomanychickpeaflourrecipesalready.Buthey,thisonemightchangeyoureveningplans!Youcanbakethesefrittersorpanfryordeep-frythem.Ifusingbesan,use1/4cupwaterandaddsomemashedpotatoessothefrittersholdtheirshape.Thepotatoesalsoaddagreattaste.Servewithketchupormintchutney.Thisrecipecanbemadegluten-freewithriceflourandsoy-freewithsoy-freeyogurt.Tomakewithoutyogurt,use3tablespoonsfirmorsilkentofu.Blendittoasmoothpasteusingatablespoonormorewater,anduseinsteadofyogurt.
1cupchickpeaflourorbesan
2tablespoonsriceflour(brownorwhite)forgluten-free,orsemolinaflour1/2teaspoonsalt1/4teaspoonturmeric1/2teaspooncayenne(optional)1teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/2teaspoonbakingpowder1/4teaspooncuminseeds1/4teaspoonfennelseeds1clovegarlic,mincedor1/2teaspoongarlicpaste1(1/2-inch)knobofgingermincedor1/2teaspoongingerpaste3tablespoonsnondairyyogurt
1teaspoonlemonjuice
2teaspoonssafflowerorvirgincoconutoil1/3to1/2cupwater11/2to2cupsthinlyslicedredonion1ormorehotgreenchilesfinelychopped,orusemildgreenpepper1/4cuppackedchoppedcilantro1to2teaspoonChaatMasala(here),forgarnish1.Preheattheovento425°F.Ifusingasmalleroven,bakeat400°F.Lineabakingsheetwithparchmentpaper.
2.Inalargebowl,combinethechickpeaflour,riceflour,salt,turmeric,cayenne,garammasala,bakingpowder,cuminseedsandfennelseeds.Whiskwelltomix.Addthegarlic,ginger,yogurt,lemonjuice,oiland1/3cupwatertothebowl,andmixtomakeathick,pastybatter.Addanothertablespoonofwaterifneeded.
3.Addtheonions,chile,andcilantrotothebatter,andmixtocoat.Therewillbemoreonionthan
batter.Donotletthemixturesitatthispoint.Place2tablespoonsofthebatterperfritteronaparchment-linedbakingsheet.Sprayorbrushoilontop.Bakefor18to19minutes,oruntilgoldenbrownontheedges.Broilforaminuteforadarkercolor.Removethebakingsheetfromtheovenandcoolforaminute.Sprinklechaatmasalaonthefritters.Bakingtimedependsonthesizeofthefritters:largerandfatterfritterswilltakeaminuteortwolonger.
Tofrythefritters:Heatoilabout11/2inchdeepovermediumheat.Whenhot,drop2tablespoonsofbatterperfritter.Fryovermediumheatfor2to3minutes,thenflipandcookforanother2to3minutes,oruntilgoldenbrown.
Mom’sVeggiePotatoCutletsVegetableTikki
Prep:25minutes|Active:35minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Makes10to12
SF NF GF E
Thesesimplevegetablecutletsareanespeciallyeasyandquicksnacktoputtogetherifyouhaveboiledormashedpotatoeshandy.Addothervegetablesandspicesandbakeorpanfry.Servewithcilantro,ketchup,orchutneysofchoice.Servetheseasasnack,breakfast,orside.Usegluten-freebreadcrumbsorcoarselygroundgluten-freeoatstomakethemgluten-free.Thesepattiestastebestpan-fried.
2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil,plusmoreforfrying1/2cupfinelychoppedredorwhiteonion5clovesgarlic,minced
1(1-inch)knobofginger,minced4mediumpotatoes,chopped(3cups)1/4cupwater1/2cupchoppedcarrots3/4cupchoppedgreenbeans,cauliflower,cabbageorothervegetable1/2cupfreshorfrozengreenpeas,thawediffrozen3/4to1teaspoonsalt
11/2teaspoonsGaramMasala(here)11/2teaspoonsChaatMasala(here)ordrymangopowder2teaspoonsgroundcoriander
1teaspoongroundcumin
1/2teaspooncayenne1cupbreadcrumbs,divided
1.Heatthe2teaspoonsofoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonionandcookuntiltranslucent,about5minutes.Addthegarlicandgingerandcookfor2minutes.Stirfrequentlysothegarlicdoesn’tstick.
2.Addthepotatoesandwater,andmixwell.Coverandcookfor12minutes.Stirwell.Addthecarrots,othervegetables,peas,andsalt.Mixwell.Addanothertablespoonofwaterifthepotatoesbegintostick.Coverandcookatmediumheatforanother12to14minutes,oruntilthepotatoesandthevegetablesaretender.
3.Transferthecookedvegetablestoabowl.Letthemcoolslightly.Mashwellwithapotatomasher.Addthegarammasala,chaatmasala,coriander,andcayenneandmixwell.Taste,andaddmoresaltifneeded.Add1/2cupbreadcrumbsandmixinsothemixturecanbeeasilyshaped.Addmore
breadcrumbsifneeded.Shapethemixtureinto2to3-inchroundpatties.Lightlycoatthepattiesinbreadcrumbs.
4.Heat1to2teaspoonsofoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Movetheskilletaroundtocoatwithoil.Placepattiesinthepanandcookfor6to8minutesoneachside.Repeatwiththeremainingbatter.
Variations:Add1/2teaspoonfennelseedsorcuminseeds,or1teaspooncorianderseedstothevegetablemixtureatStep4.Addraisinsandchoppednutstothepatties.
Tobake:Preheattheovento425°F.Bakefor12minutes.Broilfor1to2minutestobrowntheedges.
Tomakewithmashedorcubedboiledpotatoes:SkipStep2andaddthepotatoesattheendofStep2.Mixin,coverandcookfor2minutestoheatthrough.ContinuewithStep3.
MashedSpicedVegetableswithDinnerRollsPavBhaji
Prep:20minutes|Active:20minutes|Inactive:45minutes|Serves4 SF NF E
Pavbhajiisanotherpopularstreetsnack.Pavbhajimadeathomeisusuallyslow-cookedorevenovercookedandloadedwithbutter.Thestreetversionisquicker.Spicesandtomatopureearecookedinbutter,thenprecookedvegetablesareadded,mashed,andcookeduntilthedishresemblesasomewhatchunkybuthomogenousmash.Thevegetablebhajiisgarnishedwithchoppedonion,cilantro,andlemonjuice,andservedwithdinnerrollsslatheredwithmorebutter.Thishasalwaysbeenafavoriteofallthekidsinourfamilyandprobablyalsoallthemoms,becauseitiseasytosneakallsortsofvegetablesintoit.Thevegetablesgetmashed,sonooneknowswhattheyare.Note:ThisdishrequiresaspecificspiceblendcalledPavBhajiMasalawhichcanbefoundhere.Ittakesjustfiveminutestomaketheblend.
1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloilorveganbutter3/4cupchoppedredorwhiteonion(1/2mediumonion)11/2to2tablespoonsPavBhajiMasala(here)1/2teaspoonGaramMasala(here)3mediumtomatoes,chopped(21/4cups)
6clovesgarlic
1(1-inch)knobofginger21/2cupschoppedpotatoes11/2cupscauliflowerflorets1/2cupchoppedbellpepper1/2cupchoppedgreenbeans,peas,orothervegetable1to11/4teaspoonsalt1/4teaspoonIndianblacksalt(optional)1/4teaspoonturmeric11/2cupswater1teaspoonveganbutterororganiccanolaoil1/2cupfreshorfrozengreenpeas,thawediffrozenCilantro,lemonjuice,choppedonion,forgarnishDinnerrollsandveganbutter,toserve
1.Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonionandcookuntiltranslucent,about5minutes.AddthePavBhajiMasalaandGaramMasalaandmixwell.Cookfor30seconds.
2.Blendthetomatoeswiththegarlicandgingerintoasmoothpuree.Addthepureetotheskillet.Cookuntilthepureethickensabit,6to7minutes.
3.Addthepotatoes,cauliflower,peppers,greenbeans,salt,Indianblacksalt,turmeric,andwater.Mixwell,cover,andcookfor25minutes.
4.Mashthevegetablesandmixwiththesauceusingapotatomasher.Reduceheattolow.Taste,andadjustsaltandspice.Addtheveganbutterandpeasandmixin.Partiallycover,andcookforanother15to20minutesoruntilthevegetablesareverytender.Servehot,garnishedwithonion,cilantro,andlemonjuice,withtoastedandbuttereddinnerrolls.
BlackGramFrittersMeduVada
Prep:4hoursorovernight+15minutes|Active:30to45minutes|Serves4
SF NF GF
Meduvadaaresavorydoughnut-shapedfrittersthataresoftontheinside.Medumeans“soft”andvadais“fritters.”Thevadascontainuraddalandafewflavors,andnothingelse.Uraddalisknownforitsabilitytofermentandaeratequickly,sothebatterdoesnotneedanyleavening.Thereisnosubstituteforthetextureandtasteofuraddalinthisrecipe.ThesevadascanbeservedwithSouthIndiansplitpeastew(sambhar)orwithyogurt,likeachaatsnack.Youcanfrythevadasorbakethem.Withsambhar,thefriedvadaaretheauthenticwaytogo.
1cupsplitblackgram(uraddal),soakedin3cupsofwaterfor4hoursorovernight,rinsedanddrained1/2teaspooncuminseeds
1greenchile,chopped,(seedsremovedtoreduceheat)1(1/2-inch)knobofgingerGenerouspinchofasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)1/4teaspoonfreshlycrushedblackpepper(omitpepperforDahiVada,opposite)
3to5tablespoonswater
1teaspoonsalt,plusmoreifneeded1teaspoonbakingpowder(useonlyifbaking)1/4teaspoonbakingsoda(useonlyifbaking)
1.Transferthesoakedblackgramtoawetgrinderorfoodprocessor.Processfor1minute.Addthecumin,chile,ginger,asafetida,blackpepperifusing,and1teaspoonsalt.Processorgrindinburstsof30seconds,addingwateralittleatatime,untilyouhaveathick,fluffymixture,3to4minutes.Useaspatulatomovethelentilsbetweenbursts.Donotusetoomuchwater.Themixtureshouldbefluffy,thickandslightlygritty.
2.Checktoseeifthebatterisaeratedwellbydroppingateaspoonofthebatterintoacupofwater.Itshouldfloat.Ifthebatterisnotaeratedandfluffy,thentransferittoabowlandstiritbrisklywithaspoonforaminutetoaerate.Thisisimportant.
3.Tofrythevadas:Pourabout2inchesofoilintoaskilletovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,dipanicecreamscooporyourhandinwater,pickupsomebatterinthescoop,andcarefullyplacethebatterintheoil.Repeattomakeseveralmorevadas.Fryovermediumheat,for2to4minutes
eachside,oruntilgoldenonbothsides.Placethefrittersonapapertowel-linedplatetodrain.ServewarmwithsambharandcoconutchutneyormakeDahiVada(seenextpage).
Tobakethevadas:Preheattheovento400°F.Dropthebatterintoawell-greaseddoughnutpanandbakefor16to18minutes.
Tips:Iuseaminifoodprocessorandthebattercomesoutwellaerated.Processinburstsof30to45seconds.
Note:Youcanuseawell-oiledaebleskiverpantobakethevada.Thevadascanalsobepan-friedintheaebleskiverpanovermedium-highheat.Placeafewdropsofoilintoeachcavity,andaddbatterwhenthepanishot.Lightlycoverwithalidfor3to4minutes.Flipusingaforkandcooktheothersideuntilgoldenbrown.
Variation:Add1/4cupchoppedredonion,2tablespoonsshreddedcoconut,and10choppedcurryleavestothebatter.
HowtoMakeDahiVadaTomakeDahiVada:Soakthevadasinaquartofwaterforhalfanhour.Squeezethewateroutbyflatteningthemlightlybetweenyourhands.Placeinaservingbowl.Whisk1cupnondairyyogurtwith1/4cupwateruntilsmoothandpouroverthevadas.Drizzletamarinddatechutneyliberally.Sprinklegenerouslywithsalt,groundcumin,cayenne,andchaatmasala.Serve.Seeaphotoofthisvariationonthenextpage.
DahiVada,avariationonMeduVada.Seepreviousrecipe.
Biscuits
Prep:15minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:12minutes|Makes12biscuits
SF E
TheseIndian-spicedbiscuitsmakeagreatsidewithcreamycurries.Theyworkbeautifullyforsavorypastriesandpot-piecrust.Caromseedsaddadistinctflavorthatcanmakethemseemsalty,souselesssaltorfewerseeds,toyourpreference.Ifusingfennelseedsorcuminseeds,youcanuseupto3/4teaspoonsaltintherecipe.Youcanfindagluten-freebiscuitrecipeveganricha.com.Servewithveganbutterandcurry.
DRYINGREDIENTS:1/2cupwhole-wheatflourorpastryflourorunbleachedwhiteflour,plusmorefordusting1/2cupunbleachedwhiteflourorall-purposeflour1/4cupfinesemolinaflour(seenote)1/4cupoatflour
1/2teaspoonsalt1/2to3/4teaspooncaromseeds,toastedcuminseeds,orfennelseeds1/4teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper21/2teaspoonsbakingpowder
1/2teaspoonbakingsodaWETINGREDIENTS:1/2scantcupchillednondairymilk2tablespoonsmeltedveganbutterorsaffloweroil1tablespoonnondairyyogurt
1teaspoonlemonjuice
1teaspoonapplecidervinegarorothermildvinegar1.Preheattheovento425°F.Lineabakingsheetwithparchmentpaper.
2.Inabowl,addallthedryingredients.Whiskwelltocombine.Inanotherbowl,mixallthewetingredients.Themilkwillcurdle.
3.Addthewetingredientsintothedryingredients,usingaspoontomixuntiladoughstartstoform.Usinggreasedorflouredhands,bringthedoughtogetherwithafewstrokes.Thedoughmightbeslightlysticky,dependingontheflourused.Add1tablespoonormoreofflourifthedoughistoostickytohandle.Donotoverworkthedough.
4.Placethedoughonparchmentpaper.Patitdownintoa1/2-to3/4-inchthicksquare.Dustlightlywithflourifnecessary.Usea11/2-to2-inchcookiecuttertocutcircles.Placethebiscuitsona
parchment-linedbakingsheet.Sprayorbrushlightlywithwater,thensprayorbrushwithoilormeltedveganbutter.Bakefor13to14minutesoruntilgoldenontop.Donotoverbake.Coolforaminutebeforeserving.
Note:Semolinaisacoarsegroundofwheatberries.ThefinergroundSemolinaiscalledSemolinaflourorfinesemolina(fineSooji),whichisusedinthebook.CoarsegroundsemolinaisclosertoamealandiscalledcoarseSemolina(coarseSooji),oftenusedtomakesavorycerealbreakfast(Upma).Semolinacanalsobemadeofothergrainssuchasricesemolina.
GobiAloo(here)
Four
SidesandDryVegetableCurriesIngeneral,everydayIndianmealsaremadeupoflentilorbeansoupscalleddalsorbeancurries,adryvegetablestir-frycalledsubzi,asimplesalad,flatbreadsandrice,andsometimesyogurtorpappadam.WhenMomvisits,sheusuallymakesabigspread.TrygivingmyDadjustonesubziwithriceorrotiandyouwillgetalooklike,“That’sit?Whereistherestofthefood?”Unfortunatelyforhimandfortunatelyforme,IpickedupmostofmycookingafterIlefthome.Iwaseitherstudyingorworking,andwasgenerallyshortontime.Cookingupfourthingsat2a.m.wasnotanoption.Whenshortontime,wepreparejustonevegetablesubziordal,andmakeitintoabowl,awrap,orsandwich.Addcookedriceorquinoatothedal,stuffthedrysubziintoawrapwithchutney,sauces,veganmayo,orotherdressingsandwearedone.
Thesedays,wheneverIcookIndian,Idomakeatleastonedalorcurryandonesubziorsidedish.Whenhostingorwhenanyoftheparentsvisit,itisusuallyaspreadoftwocurries/dalsandtwosides,someappetizers,flatbreads,rice,andraita.Withalittleplanningandpracticeitgetseasier.Mostdishescanbemadeaheadandreheated.Indianfoodgenerallyageswell,withthespicesbecomingmoreinfusedinthefoodasitsits.Allsubzislistedinthischapteraresoyfreeandgluten-free.
Manyofmyfavoritesareinthischapter.TrytheGobiMasalaorsimplePotatoandGreensforasaucystart,orCauliflowerRadishNigellaSeedRoastforaburstofnewflavor.MoveontoPotatoTomatoCurry,EggplantsPatiala,andthentrytheMildPeppersinPeanutCoconutSauce,CurriedGreenBeans,CabbageCoconutThoran,oraporiyal.Eachoftherecipesusesdifferentcombinationofspicesandflavors.Changeupthevegetablesandgreensforendlesspossibilities.
Dad’sFavoriteCauliflowerPotatoesGobiAloo
Prep:20minutes|Active:10minutes|Inactive:25minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Inrecentyears,wehaveusuallymadecauliflowerpotatoes(gobialoo)orcauliflowerpotatoesandpeas(GobiAlooMutter)ondayswhenIjustwantasimpleIndianmealwithdal,ondayswhenmydadisvisiting(helikesitwithlotsofpeasadded),andonthosedayswhenthehubbsdoesthecooking.MyhusbandhasbecomeagoodIndiancookovertheyears.Hemakesameangobialooanddal.Hewilloccasionallyaddatwisttoitbyincludingotherspiceslikefennelseeds,addinglimejuiceintothetempering,burningthegarliclightlybyintention,andsoon.I’deathisgobialoofordinneranyday.Servewithmasalalentilsorarichtempehcurry.(Seephotohere.)2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil1/2+1/4teaspooncuminseeds,divided1(2-inch)knobofginger,minced3clovesgarlic,mincedGenerouspinchasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)1hotgreenchile,finelychopped(seedsremovedtoreduceheatifneeded)
1teaspoongroundcoriander
1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne1/2teaspoongroundturmeric,divided
3tablespoonswater
3mediumwhiteoryellowpotatoes,diced(21/4cups)
3cupssmallcauliflowerflorets
3/4to1teaspoonsalt1/2teaspoondrymangopowderorChaatMasala(here)2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1teaspoonlemonjuice,forgarnish
1.Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Whenhot,addthe1/2teaspoonofcuminseedsandcookuntiltheystarttosizzle,about1minute.Addtheginger,garlic,asafetida,andchile.Stireveryfewsecondsandcookuntilthegarlicturnsgolden,about2minutes.
2.Mixthecoriander,1/4teaspoonofcumin,cayenne,and1/4teaspoongroundturmericin2tablespoonswaterandaddtotheskillet.Cookuntilthespicesbecomefragrant,about2minutes.Addthepotatoesandcauliflowerandmixwelltocoat.Coverandcookfor15minutesovermediumheat.Stironcehalfwaythrough.
3.Sprinklewiththesalt,1/4teaspoonturmericanddrymangopowderandmixwell.Addatablespoonorsowatertodeglazeifneeded.Reducetheheattomedium-lowandcookuntilboththepotatoesandcaulifloweraretendertoyourpreference,about10to15minutes.Garnishwithcilantroandlemonjuiceandserve.Usegarammasalatogarnishforadditionalspice.
Variations:Add1/2to3/4cupfreshorthawedfrozenpeasatStep3.Add1/2teaspoonmustardseedswiththecuminatStep2.
EggplantwithCuminandNigellaSeedsBaiganPatiala
Prep:20minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Ifyoulikeeggplantcookedwithabitofsauce,youwilllovethisside.Eggplantsarecookedwithcuminandnigellaseedsandtomatoesforadelightfulflavorprofile.Nigellaseedshaveasmoky,deeponionflavor,andaregenerallyusedinIndianpickles.Servetheeggplantwithanyyellowdalorodiadal.
1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil
1cupslicedredonion
1/2teaspoonnigellaseeds1/2teaspooncuminseeds1(1-inch)knobofginger,chopped,or2teaspoonsgingerpaste3clovesgarlic,chopped,or2teaspoonsgarlicpaste1hotgreenchile(removeseedstoreduceheat)2mediumtomatoes,chopped(11/2cups)1/4teaspoongroundturmeric
1/4teaspooncayenne(optional)1/4teaspoondrymangopowderor1/8teaspoonIndianblacksalt3/4teaspoonsalt,ortotaste3longJapaneseeggplants,or10smallIndianeggplants,choppedorsliced(4cups)1/4cupwater
2tablespoonscilantro,forgarnish1.Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonion,nigella,andcuminseeds.Mixwell,andcookuntiltheonionistranslucent,about6minutes.
2.Crushtheginger,garlic,andchileinamortarpestle,orblendinablenderwith1tablespoonofwaterintoacoarsepaste.Addthemixturetotheonions,mixandcookforaminute.Stironcehalfwaythrough.
3.Addthetomatoes,turmeric,cayenne,drymangopowder,andsalt.Mixwellandcookfor1minute.
4.Addtheeggplantandwater.Mixwell,coverandcookfor15minutes.Stir,reduceheattolow,andcontinuetocookuntiltheeggplantiscookedtoyourpreference,about10minutes.Garnishwithcilantroandadditionalcayenne,ifneeded,andserve.
RoastedCauliflowerandRadishwithMustard,Nigella,andFennelSeeds
Prep:20minutes|Active:10minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Thisrecipeissuper-easyandaddictive.FennelandnigellaseedsgivethevegetablesanIndianpickleflavorprofile.Roastedcauliflowerisalwaysahit,andhereyoucantryroastedradishaswell.Ifyouareonthefenceaboutradishorcauliflower,thisrecipemightpushyouover.Iliketousebabyredradishesbecausetheymakethedishlooksocolorful.ServethiswithNortheasterndalssuchasodiadalorcholardal,andwithspicycurriesthatusefennelseeds.
4cupscauliflowerflorets
15to18smallredradishes,sliced(2to3cups)1tablespoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil2teaspoonsfennelseeds
1teaspoonmustardseeds
1teaspoonnigellaseeds
1teaspoonredpepperflakes,ortotaste3/4to1teaspoonsalt1/2cupchoppedcilantro,forgarnish1teaspoonlemonjuice,forgarnish
1.Preheattheovento425°F.Placethecauliflowerandslicedradishinalargebowl.Addtheoilandrublightlytocoat.
2.Pulsethefennel,mustard,nigellaseeds,pepperflakesandsalttoacoarsemixtureinaspicegrinderorblender.Addthemtothevegetablesandtosswell.Spreadthevegetablesonaparchment-linedbakingsheet.
3.Bakefor25minutesoruntilthecauliflowerisgoldenandtendertoyourpreference.
4.Garnishliberallywithcilantroandlemonjuicebeforeserving.
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Mom’sOkraandOnionStir-FryPyaazWaaliBhindi
Prep:10minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:45minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Eitheryoulikeokraoryouhateit.Thisrecipemighthelpyoulikeit.Okraiscookedwithonionsuntilcrispandnohintofslimeremains.ThisisanotheroneofMom’ssimplerecipes.Shecookstheokra,spicedwithjustcayenneandturmeric,onlowheatforanhoursoitisperfectlycrisped.Servethiseasyanddeliciousstir-frywithanyofthespicydalsorspicycurries.(Showninthaliphoto,here,attopright.)2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil1to2hotgreenchiles,finelychopped(removeseedstoreduceheat)11/2cupschoppedorthinlyslicedredonion
3cupschoppedfreshokra
1/4teaspoonturmeric3/4teaspoonsalt1/2teaspooncayenne
1.Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addthegreenchileandcookfor2minutes.Addtheonionandcookuntiltranslucent,6to8minutes.Reducetheheattomedium-low.
2.Addtheokraandturmeric,mixwell,andcookuncoveredfor35to45minutes,stirringtwicewhilecooking.
3.Oncetheokraiscookedtoyourpreference,addsaltandcayenne.Mixwellandcookfor1minute.Removefromheat.Servehot.
Variations:
Add1/2teaspooncuminseedsorfennelseedswiththegreenchileatStep1.
Add1/2teaspoondrymangopowderor1/4teaspoonIndianblacksaltattheendandmixwell.
Add1/2teaspoongarammasalaalongwiththesalt.
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PotatoesandGreensStir-FryAlooSaag
Prep:15minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:25minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Thissimplegreensandpotatostir-fryletsthegreensshine,andworkswellwithanydal.Iusuallyusespinachandchardforthisrecipebecausetheycookquickly.Kaledoesnotworkaswellbecauseittakeslongertocookthrough.Ifusingstrong-tastinggreens,addalittlespinachtohelpkeepthetastefamiliar.Carrot,beet,or,radishgreensmakeagreataddition.Forvariation,add1/2teaspoongarammasala.Serveasasidewithflatbreadorrice,oruseasafillingintortillawrapsoratart.
2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil1/2teaspooncuminseeds2hotgreenchiles,chopped(removeseedstoreduceheat)1(1-inch)knobofginger,minced4clovesgarlic,minced
1/3cupchoppedredonion2largepotatoes,diced(2cups)2mediumtomatoes,chopped(11/2cups)3to4cupspackedchoppedfreshspinach,chard,orothergreens(or2cupsfrozen)1/4cupwater
1teaspoonsalt
GaramMasala(here)orpaprika,forgarnish1.Heattheoilinalargepanovermediumheat.Whenhot,addthecuminseedsandletthemsizzlefor15seconds.Addthechile,ginger,andgarlic,andcookuntilgolden,3to4minutesAddtheonionandcookuntiltranslucent,about5minutes.
2.Addthepotatoesandtomatoes,mixwell,andcookfor1minute.Stirinthegreensandwater.Coverandcookfor10minutes.
3.Addthesaltandmixwell.Reduceheattomedium-low.Coverandcookuntilthepotatoesaretender,20to25minutes.Taste,andadjustsaltandspice.Garnishwithasprinkleofpaprikaorgarammasala.Servehot.
Variations:Omitthetomatoesforadrierversion.
Add1/4cupwashedredlentilsand1/2cupwaterwhenyouaddthegreens.
CauliflowerandPotatoeswithPickleSpicesAchariGobiAloo
Prep:20minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Thisgobialoosubzi(drycauliflowerandpotatocurrysidedish)isflavoredwithaspicecombinationthatisaddedtomostpicklesinIndia.Thereareseveraltypesofpicklecondimentsmadewithrawmango,orveggiesorfruits,mixedwithacombinationofallorsomespices,oilssuchasmustardorsesame,andsalt.Thepicklespiceblendgivesacompletelydifferentflavorprofiletothiscauliflowerdish.Everyhomehassomerecipesthattheymakeacertainway.Imakevariationsofthisdishwithdifferentcombinationsofthepicklespices.SometimesIaddatablespoonortwoofmangoorchilepickleinsteadofthespices.Trytheseinterestingflavorswithcauliflowerandpotatoesandyoumightfindthisbecomingyourfavoritegobialoorecipe.Thisrecipecanbesoy-freeandnut-freedependingonthenondairyyogurtused.
1/2teaspoonblackmustardseeds1/2teaspooncuminseeds1/2teaspoonfennelseeds1/2teaspoonnigellaseeds1/2teaspooncorianderseeds
8fenugreekseeds
1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil1/2teaspoonmustardoil(oruseaneutraloil)1/2cupchoppedredonion
3clovesgarlic,minced1(1/2-inch)knobofginger,chopped1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne1/2teaspoongroundturmeric1largepotato,chopped(11/2cups)
2cupscauliflowerflorets
3/4teaspoonsalt1/4cupnondairyyogurtorcoconutmilk1/8teaspoonfennelseeds,forgarnish1/8teaspoonnigellaseeds,forgarnish2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1teaspoonlemonjuice,forgarnish1.Heataskilletovermediumheat.Addthemustard,cumin,fennel,coriander,nigella,andfenugreekseeds,anddryroastuntilthecorianderseedsandfennelseedschangecolor,about1minute.Cool,andgrindhalfofthespicemixture.Setbothaside.
2.Addbothoilstotheskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonionsandcookuntiltranslucent,5minutes.Addthegarlicandgingerandcookforaminute.Addthegroundandwholeroastedspices,cayenne,andturmeric.Mixwellandcookfor1minute.
3.Addthepotato,cauliflower,andsalt,andmixwelltocoat.Cookfor2minutes.Addtheyogurtandmixwell.Coverandcookonmedium-lowheatfor19to20minutes.Stironceatthe15-minutemarktocheckwhetherthevegetablesaredone,ormightbestickingtothepan.Addadashofwaterifthevegetablesarestickingandcontinuetocookuntilthepotatoesandcaulifloweraretender.Foldinthefennelandnigellaseeds.Garnishwithcilantroandlemonjuiceandserve.
SweetandSourPumpkinKhattaMeethaKaddu
Prep:20minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Forsomereason,Ineverlikedpumpkinwhilegrowingup.TherewereothersquashesandgourdsthatweremorereadilyavailableinIndiaandtastedbettertome.Onceinagreatwhile,Momwouldmakesweetandsourpumpkintogowithsimpledals.WhenwemovedtotheUnitedStates,wherethereisanabundanceofseasonalsquash,pumpkinfounditswaybackintoourIndianmeals.ThisishowImakemysquash.Useanywintersquashsuchaspumpkinorbutternutforthisdish.Ifyoucannotfinddrymangopowder,uselemonjuiceforthesourelement.Servethiswithanyofthespicierdals,suchasamti,masalalentils,orchanamasala.
2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil1teaspoonmustardseeds
1teaspooncuminseeds
1/4teaspoonfenugreekseeds5cupsdicedpeeledandseededpumpkinorbutternutsquash
1teaspoongroundcoriander
1teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/2to3/4teaspoonsalt1/4teaspoongroundturmeric1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne
1to2tablespoonssugar
1tablespoondrymangopowderor2teaspoonslemonjuice1/2teaspoonChaatMasala(here),forgarnish1.Heattheoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Whenhot,addthemustardseeds,cuminseeds,andfenugreekseeds,andcookuntilfragrant,1minute.Addthepumpkinandmixwell.Coverandcookfor10minutes.
2.Addthegroundcoriander,garammasala,salt,turmeric,cayenne,sugaranddrymangopowder.Mixwell.Reduceheattomedium-low,coverandcookuntilthepumpkinistender,20to25
minutes.Stironcehalfwaythrough.Addasplashofwaterifthepumpkinstartstostickthepan.Garnishwithchaatmasalaandserve.
Tip:Ifyoufinditdifficulttochopthepumpkinorsquash,roastitat400°Funtiljusttender,about25minutes.Setasideuntilcoolenoughtohandle,thenpeelandchop.AddtheroastedsquashatStep3andcookfor5to10minutesuntiltender.Theflavorsinfusemuchbetterifthesquashiscookedwiththespices.
CauliflowerandCarrotswithMustardSeedsGobiGajarPoriyal
Prep:15minutes|Active:20minutes|Inactive:15minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
PoriyalisaSouthIndian(Tamil)termforafriedorsautéedvegetabledishthatoftenusesmustardseeds,uraddal,andotheringredientsforflavor.Thiscauliflowerandcarrotsporiyalisaninterestingchangefromalltheginger,garlic,andcream-basedNorthIndiansides.Poriyalcanbemadedryorwetwithmoresauce.ServethiswithrichtempehcurriesorSouthIndiandalsandrice.
1teaspoonsafflowerorcoconutoil
1/2teaspoonblackmustardseeds1teaspoonblackgramorpetiteyellowlentils,rinsedanddrained1(2-inch)cinnamonstick
1/2cupfinelychoppedredonion2mediumtomatoes,chopped(11/2cups)1/2teaspoongroundturmeric1/2to3/4teaspooncayenne3/4teaspoonsalt
21/2cupssmallcauliflowerflorets
1cupchoppedcarrots
1/2cupwater1tablespoonshreddedcoconut,dryorfreshGroundblackpepper2tablespoonschoppedfreshcilantro,forgarnish1tablespoonshreddedcoconut,forgarnish1.Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Whenhot,addthemustardseedsandcookuntiltheystarttopop,about30seconds.Addthelentilsandcinnamonstick,andcookuntilthelentilsaregolden,about1minute.
2.Addtheonionandcookfor5minutes.Addthetomato,turmeric,cayenne,andsalt.Mixwellandcookuntilthetomatoissaucy,7to8minutes.Mashthelargertomatopieces.
3.Addthecauliflower,carrots,water,coconutflakes,andagenerousdashofblackpepper.Mixtocoat.Coverandcookovermediumheatuntilthecaulifloweristender,15to20minutes,stirringoncehalfwaythrough.Cookuncoveredforafewminutesifthesauceistoothin.Garnishwithcilantroorcoconutandservehot.Discardthecinnamonstickjustbeforeserving.
SpicedCabbagePotatoesPattaGobiAlooSubziPrep:20minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Cabbageisoneofthosevegetablesthatsitsintherefrigeratoruntilthereisnoothervegetablelefttocookup.CabbagecookedwithIndianspices,however,makesusactuallylookforwardtoeatingsome.Ilikecabbagewithearthywholelentils.Servethisdishasasidewithdalssuchasmasalalentils,dalBukhara,orcurriedmungbeansandrice.Addittowrapsoruseittostuffapepper.
1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil
1teaspooncuminseeds
Generouspinchofasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)1hotgreenchile,finelychopped(removeseedstoreduceheat)3clovesgarlic,minced
1(1/2-inch)knobofginger,minced1/2teaspoongroundturmeric1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne2mediumpotatoes,chopped(2cups)3cupspackedfinelychoppedgreencabbage1teaspoonsalt,ortotaste2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1.Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Whenhot,addthecuminseedsandcookfor30seconds.
2.Addtheasafetida,chile,garlic,andginger,andcookuntilgarlicisgolden,2minutes.Addtheturmericandcayenneandmix.Addthepotatoesandmixwell.Addthecabbage,mixwell,coverandcookfor15minutes.
3.Add1tablespoonofwatertodeglazeifneeded.Addthesaltandmixwell.Reduceheattomedium-low.Coverandcookuntilthepotatoesaretender,about15minutes.Taste,andadjustsaltandspice.Servehot,garnishedwithcilantro.
CauliflowerandPeasinSpicyCurryGobiMutterMasala
Prep:20minutes|Active:20minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Serves4 SF GF E
Hereisanotherfavoritecauliflowerrecipe,asthoughthereareanythatarenot.Withgorgeousfloretsandpeasandadeliciouslightsauce,thismakesforagreatsideormain,orevenanunusualtoppingonanaanpizza.Addothervegetables,suchaspotatoesorsquashandgarnishwithalmondsliversfortexture,veganparmesan,orvegancheeseshreds.Serveasiswithflatbreadorrice,andasideofgreensorcrunchypotatoes.(Seephotohere.)2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil1teaspooncuminseeds
1bayleaf
1/2cupfinelychoppedredonion2mediumtomatoes,chopped(11/2cups)1/4cupgroundrawcashewsorsoakedrawcashews,orwholeunsoakedcashewsifusingahigh-poweredblender
3clovesgarlic
1(1-inch)knobofginger,chopped1teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/2teaspoongroundcoriander1teaspoondriedfenugreekleaves,or1/8teaspoonfenugreekseedsorpowder,or1/2teaspoongroundmustard1/2teaspooncayenne
1/2teaspoonturmeric1/4teaspoongroundcinnamon3/4teaspoonsalt1/2cupwater
3heapingcupscauliflowerflorets
3/4cupfreshorfrozengreenpeas,thawediffrozen2tablespoonschoppedfreshcilantro,forgarnish1.Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addthecuminseedsandbayleaf,andcookuntilfragrant,about2minutes.Addtheonionandcookuntilgolden,6to7minutes.
2.Inablender,combinethetomato,cashews,garlic,ginger,garammasala,coriander,fenugreek,cayenne,turmeric,andcinnamon.Blenduntilsmooth.
3.Addthepureetotheskillet.Mixwellandcookuntilthepureethickensandbecomesfragrant,10
to12minutes.Stiracoupleoftimesinthelastfewminutestoavoidsticking.
4.Addthesaltandwaterandmixwell.Stirinthecauliflower,cover,andcookfor12minutes.
5.Mixinthepeas.Taste,andadjustthesaltandspices.Coverandcookuntilthecaulifloweristendertoyourpreference,5to7minutes.Garnishwithcilantroandserve.
OkrainSesameCoconutSauceBhindiMasala
Prep:20minutes|Active:20minutes|Inactive:15minutes|Serves4 SF GF E
Okraisatrickyvegetable.Itcangetslimyquickly,whichcanbeoff-puttingforsome.Cookedinthisamazingsesamecoconutsauce,okraisnotslimyatall.ServewithMaasi’sNepaliPotatoes(here)oracreamytofucurrylikeShahi“Paneer”(here)andflatbreadorrice.
2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil,divided3cupsokra,cutinto3/4-inchpieces1/2teaspooncorianderseeds1/2teaspooncuminseeds3/4cupchoppedredonion4clovesgarlic,chopped1(1-inch)knobofginger,minced1/2teaspoonturmeric
1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne1/2teaspoonsalt1/2teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/2cupchoppedtomato2tablespoonssesameseeds
2tablespoonsdrycoconutflakes
1teaspoonextra-virginoliveoil,forgarnish1.Heat1teaspoonoftheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Oncehot,addtheokraandapinchofsalt.Cookuntiltheokraisslightlycrispontheedges,8to9minutes,stirringoccasionally.Thiswillkeeptheokrafromgettingslimy.
2.Removetheokrafromtheskilletandsetaside.Add1teaspoonofoiltotheskillet.Addthecorianderandcuminseedsandcookfor30seconds.Addtheonion,garlicandginger,andcookuntiltranslucent,5minutes.
3.Addtheturmeric,cayenne,salt,andgarammasalaandstirforafewseconds.Addthetomato,sesameseeds,andcoconut,andcookfor3to4minutes.Mashthetomatoabit.Coolslightly,thentransferthemixturetoablender,add1/2cupwater,andblenduntilsmooth.
4.Addtheblendedpureeandthereservedokrabacktotheskillet,coverandcookfor5minutes.Stirtocombine,thencookuncovereduntilokraiscookedtoyourpreference,6to8minutes.Taste,andadjustthesaltandspices,ifneeded.Servewithadrizzleofoliveoil.
Cauliflower,Carrots,andPeasinCoconutPoppySeedCurryGobiGajarMutterKurma
Prep:20minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:25minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Thereareseveralvariationsofthisdishthatincorporateingredientssuchascoconut,yogurt,poppyseeds,nuts,andcreaminthesauce.Thetermskormaandkurmaareusedinterchangeably,butthedishesareslightlydifferent.ThefamiliarNavratanKorma(here)isaheavierkormawitharich,creamysauce,nuts,andraisins.Kurmaisusuallyalightercurry,andgenerallyreferstotheSouthIndianversions.Mosttraditionalrecipescallforusingtwoorfourpans,oneortwopastesthatneedtobecookedforawhile,andpre-boilingvegetablesbeforeuse.Thisversioncallsfornoneofthatcomplexityandproducesalmostthesameresult.Tryit.Servewithflatbreadorrice,andadalorbeans.
1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil1cupfinelychoppedredorwhiteonion
12curryleaves
1hotgreenchile,chopped(removeseedstoreduceheat)1(1-inch)knobofginger,mincedor1tablespoongingerpaste4clovesgarlic,mincedor1tablespoongarlicpaste
1teaspoongroundcoriander
1/2teaspoongroundcumin1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne2mediumtomatoes,chopped(11/2cups)
2teaspoonspoppyseeds
3/4cupcoconutmilk(cannedorculinary)1/4cupwater31/2to4cupssmallcauliflowerflorets
1cupchoppedcarrots
1cupchoppedcarrots
3/4teaspoonsalt1cupfreshorfrozengreenpeas,thawediffrozen1/2teaspoonGaramMasala(here)2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1teaspoonlemonjuice,forgarnish
1.Heattheoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonion,curryleaves,andchileandcookfor5minutes.Addthegingerandgarlic,andcookuntiltheonionandgarlicaregolden,3minutes.Addthecoriander,cumin,andcayenne.Addthetomatoes,mixwell,andcookuntilsaucy,5minutes.
2.Grindthepoppyseedsinagrinderorcrushtoacoarsemealwithamortarandpestle.Addtothepanandmix.Stirinthecoconutmilkandwater.
3.Stirinthecauliflower,carrots,andsalt.Coverandcookfor10minutes.Reducetheheattomedium-low.Mixinthepeas.Coverandcookuntilthecaulifloweristender,about15minutes.Stirinthegarammasala.Tasteandadjustthesaltandspices,ifneeded.Garnishwithcilantroandlemonjuice.
PressureCooker:FollowSteps1through2inapressurecooker.AtStep3,addthecauliflower,carrots,saltandpeas.Mixwell.Closeandlockthelid,cookfor3minutesafterthecookerreachespressure(1whistle).Letthepressurereleasenaturally.Garnishandserve.
Variation:Use1/4teaspoonfennelseedsinsteadofpoppyseeds.
BellPeppersandPeaswithChickpeaFlourShimlaMirchMutterZunka
Prep:15minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:10minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
ZunkaisasimplesidefromthestateofMaharashtra.Itisusuallymadewithpeppersandchickpeafloursothatitisjustroastedchickpeaflour(orbesan)andspices.Wemakezunkawithacombinationoffennelandcorianderthatremindsmeofthestuffinginkachoris,theSavoryLentilPastrieshere.Youcanuseothervegetablessuchasokra,peas,oronionsaswell.
1/4cupchickpeaflourorbesan2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil1/2teaspoonblackmustardseeds3clovesgarlic,finelychopped4cupschoppedbellpeppers(acombinationofgreen,red,andyellowpeppers,ifpossible)3/4cupfreshorfrozengreenpeas,thawediffrozen1/2teaspoonsalt
1/2teaspoongroundturmeric1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne1/4teaspoonfennelseeds
2teaspoonsgroundcoriander
2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1teaspoonlemonjuice,forgarnish1.Heatthechickpeaflourinaskilletovermedium-lowheat.Dryroastuntilthecolorchangesslightlyanditbecomesfragrant,7to8minutes.Stirfrequentlytoavoidburning.Setaside.
2.Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Whenhot,addthemustardseedsandcookuntiltheybegintopop.Addthegarlicandcookuntilgolden,3to4minutes.Addthebellpeppersandmixtocoat.Coverandcookfor5minutes.
3.Addthepeasandmixwell.Coverandcookuntilthepeppersjuststarttosoften,about5minutes.Addthesaltandturmeric,cayenne,fennelseedsandcoriander.Mixandcookfor2minutes.Sprinkletheroastedchickpeaflourevenlyonthepeppers.Mixwell,coverandcookfor2minutes.Uncover,stirwellagainandcookuntilthepeppersaretender,about2minutes.Sprinklewithsomewateriftheystarttosticktothepan.Garnishwithcilantroandlemonjuiceandserve.
MashedSpicedEggplantMyWeekdayBainganBharta
Prep:20minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:35minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Thisisourweekdaybaiganbharta.WhenMomseesthisstreamlinedversion,she’llbelike,“Nope,thatisn’tbainganbharta!”Buttome,ittastescloseenough.Whenwedon’thavethetimetobaketheeggplantforhoursorroastitonthegasflameandcreateamess,wecookeverythinginthepan.Ifyoulikeyourbhartatobepeel-less,peeltheeggplantfirst.Howdoyouthinkwegetthatsmokyburntbhartataste,then?Liquidsmokecomestotherescuehere.Servewithanyyellowdalsormasoordaltadka,rajma,flatbread,andrice.
2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil1/2teaspooncuminseeds3/4cupfinelychoppedredorwhiteonion5clovesgarlic,chopped1(1-inch)knobofginger,chopped1greenchile,chopped(removeseedstoreduceheat)1/4teaspoonturmeric1/4teaspoonsmokedpaprika1teaspoonGaramMasala(here)4cupschoppedeggplant(peeled,ifyoulike)1mediumtomato,chopped(1cup)
1/2teaspoondrymangopowderor1/4teaspoonChaatMasala(here)1/2to3/4teaspoonsalt1/4to1/2teaspoonliquidsmoke
2tablespoonschoppedcilantro
1.Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Whenhot,addthecuminseedsandcookuntiltheychangecolorandstarttosizzle,about30seconds.
2.Addtheonion,garlic,ginger,andchile.Mixwellandcookuntilgolden,6minutes.Addtheturmeric,paprika,andgarammasalaandmixwell.
3.Addtheeggplants.Mixwell,coverandcookfor6to7minutes.Addasplashofwatertodeglaze,coverandcookforanother6to7minutesuntilalleggplantpiecesaretender.
4.Addthetomatoes,drymangopowder,andsalt.Mixwell,coverandcookfor10minutes.Stirandreduceheattomedium-low.Stirintheliquidsmoke.Coverandcookuntilthemixtureiswell-roasted,withsomebrowninginthepan,15to20minutes.Tasteandadjustthesaltandspices,if
needed.Garnishwithcilantroandserve.
AssameseGreensandPotatoesXaakBhaji
Prep:15minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Thissimplegreen-leafvegetablesideisinspiredbytherecipesfromAssam,astateinnortheasternIndia.Themorefamousxaakmadethereisthedhekiaxaakwhichusessoftfiddleheadferns,withorwithoutpotatoes.Servewithdalandflatbreadorrice,oraddtowraps.Thisbhajigoeswellwithcholardal,odiadal,orcreamycurries.
2teaspoonssafflowerormustardoil
1teaspoonPanchPhoronspiceblend(here)2hotgreenchiles,chopped(removeseedstoreduceheat)4clovesgarlic,chopped
2largepotatoes,cutintoFrenchfriesorthinwedges(2cups)3to4cupspackedchoppedfreshgreens(suchasspinach,chard,ormustardgreens)1/4cupwater
1/2to3/4teaspoonsalt
1.Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Whenhot,addthepanchphoronspicesandcookfor30seconds.Addthechileandgarlicandcookuntilgarlicisgolden,2minutes.
2.Addthepotatoes,mixwellandcookuntilsomeedgesaregoldenbrown,about5minutes.Stironcehalfwaythrough.
3.Addthegreens,water,andsalt.Stirtomix,thenreducetheheattomedium-low.Coverandcookuntilthepotatoesaretenderandthegreensarelightlywilted,about20minutes.Taste,andadjustsaltandspice.Servehot.
CauliflowerandYellowLentilsinMintCilantroSauceHyderabadiGobiMung
Prep:20minutes|Active:25minutes|Inactive:25minutes|Serves4 SF GF
Inspiredbythecreamymint-basedsaucepairedwithHyderabadimeatdishes,thissauceismadewithmint,cilantro,whilecoconutandcashewsmakethecream.Thesauceiswhiterwithchoppedcilantroandmint,andgreeneriftheherbsareblendedinatstep1.Blendingalsosavesthechoppingtime.Thismildsidegoeswellwithspicydals,madraschilemasala,ortavapulao.Forvariation,useothervegetablesoromitthelentils.
11/2cupschoppedredonion1to2hotgreenchiles(removeseedstoreduceheat)3tablespoonsdryshreddedcoconut3tablespoonsrawcashews
2tablespoonsesameseeds
1(1-inch)knobofginger
4clovesgarlic
1/2cupwater2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil1/3teaspooncuminseeds3/4teaspoonblackmustardseeds1(2-inch)cinnamonstick6cloves
4cupscauliflowerflorets
1cuplightlypackedcilantro,leavesandtenderstems,finelychopped
3tablespoonsfinelychoppedmintleaves
1/2cuppetiteyellowlentils(mungdal)orredlentils(masoordal),soakedfor15minutes1cupcoconutmilk
1cupwater
1cupwater
1to11/2teaspoonssalt
1.Inablender,combinetheonion,chile,coconut,cashews,sesameseeds,ginger,garlic,and1/2cupwater,andblenduntilsmooth.Setaside.
2.Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Oncehot,addthecumin,mustardseeds,cinnamonstick,andcloves,andcookfor1minute.Addtheblendedonionmixtureandcookuntilthemixturethickens,startstoleavethesideofthepan,anddoesnotsmellraw,17to19minutes.Stiroccasionally.
3.Addthecauliflower,cilantro,andmintandmixwell.Addthelentils,coconutmilk,water,andsalt,andmixwell.
4.Coverandcookfor10minutesovermediumheat.Reducetheheattomedium-lowandcookuntilthelentilsaretender,thecaulifloweriscookedthrough,andthecurrythickens,about15minutes.Taste,andadjustsaltandspice.Servehot.
Note:Ifyouwouldrathernotbiteintowholespices,removethespicesatStep2,beforeyouaddtheonion,andtiethespicesinsideabagmadewithasmallsquareofmuslinorcheesecloth.ThenaddthespicebagtotheskilletbeforeStep4andcontinuewiththerecipe.Removethespicebagbeforeserving.Keepthespicebaginthesauceifrefrigeratingforlateruse;thewholespiceswillcontinuetoinfusethesauceasitsits.
Maasi’sNepaliPotatoesNepaliAloo
Prep:10minutes|Active:10minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Mom’ssister,KirtiMaasi(“maasi”meansaunt),makesthisNepalidishwithfriedpotatosticksandloadsofgarlicandginger.Youcanuseboiled,baked,orfriedpotatoes.Allowanextra15to20minutesifyoudon’thaveprecookedpotatoes.
1tablespoonsafflowerorotheroil
1/2teaspoonmustardseeds1/2teaspooncuminseeds8clovesgarlic,thinlysliced1(3-inch)knobofginger,julienne3greenchiles,thinlysliced(removeseedstoreduceheat)1/2teaspoongroundturmeric
2to3teaspoonswhitevinegarorapplecidervinegar31/2cupsprecookedpotatowedges(4mediumpotatoes)3/4to1teaspoonsalt
Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Whenhot,addthemustardseedsandcuminseeds.Cookuntiltheystarttopop,about1minute.Addthegarlic,ginger,andchileandcookuntilthegarlicisgolden,2minutes.Reduceheattolow.Stirintheturmericandvinegar.Addthecookedpotatoesandsaltandmixwell.Coverandcookfor5minutes.Servehot.
MushroomsandGreensKadhaiKumbhPalak
Prep:20minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:10minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Lightlyflavoredwithfenugreek,thissimplesideofmushroomandgreenscomestogetherquickly.Youcansubstituteothervegetablessuchascauliflowerorcookedchickpeasforthemushrooms.ThisdishisusuallymadeathighheatinawokorIndiankadhai.Ifyouarenotgoingtobeinthekitchentokeepaneyeonit,cookovermediumheat.Servewithanyyellowdal,chickpeacurry,orcreamycurry.
1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil4clovesgarlic,mincedor2tablespoonsgarlicpaste1/2teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/2teaspoongroundcoriander
1/2to1greenchile,chopped(removeseedstoreduceheat)1/4cupchoppedcilantro1/2teaspoondriedfenugreekleavesor1/4cupchoppedfreshfenugeekleaves1/4to1/2teaspoonredpepperflakes
3mediumtomatoes,chopped(21/4cups)4ouncesbuttonorbabybellamushrooms,sliced(11/2to2cups)2cupspackedbabygreens,suchasbabyspinach,chard,orkale
2tablespoonsormorewater
1/2teaspoonsalt2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1.Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumhighheat.Addthegarlic,garammasala,andcoriander.Stirfrequentlyandcookuntilthegarlicbecomesfragrantandgolden,2minutes.Addthegreenchile,cilantro,fenugreek,andredpepperflakes.Mixwellandcookfor1minute.Addthetomatoes,mixwell,andcookuntiltheyaresaucyandshimmery,5to6minutes,stirringoccasionally.
2.Addthemushrooms,greens,2tablespoonswater,andsalt.Mixwellandcookuntilthemushroomsaretender,5to7minutes.Youcanalsoreducetheheattomediumandcooklongerforwell-cookedmushrooms.Servehot,garnishedwithcilantro,alongwithflatbreadorrice.
CauliflowerandPeasinCilantroOnionSauceGobiMutterKeema
Prep:20minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Serves4 SF GF E
Keemameansmincedmeat,andanyIndiankeemacurryhassomekindofmeatinmincedform.However,theflavorinthedishcomesfromthespicesandsauce.Cauliflowercomestotherescuehere,gratedupandaddedtothedeliciouscilantro-basedcurry.Crumbledtempehalsoworksbeautifullyinthiscurry,especiallytogivethedishamoretoothyandtexturedresult.Ifyouarenotabigfanofcilantro,youcansubstituteagoodportionofitwithanygreensofchoice,suchasspinach.Servewithnaanorotherflatbread,orwithriceorothergrains,oruseastacoorlettuceleaffillinggarnishedwithchutneys,salsa,orveganmayo.
1cupchoppedredorwhiteonion1cuppackedcilantro,leavesandtenderstems1hotgreenchile(removeseedstoreduceheat)1(1-inch)knobofginger
4clovesgarlic
1/4teaspoonfennelseeds1/4teaspooncuminseeds
4blackpeppercorns
1/4teaspoongroundcinnamon1/4teaspoongroundcloves1/2to3/4teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/2cupwater1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil3cupsgratedcauliflower,or31/2cupsflorets1redbellpepper,thinlysliced1cupfreshorfrozengreenpeas,thawediffrozen3/4teaspoonsalt
2tablespoonsgroundrawcashews
1/2cupalmondmilkorothernondairymilk1/2teaspoonlemonjuiceorwhitevinegarDashofcayenneorgroundblackpepper,forgarnish1.Inablender,combinetheonion,cilantro,chile,ginger,garlic,fennel,cumin,peppercorns,cinnamon,cloves,andgarammasalawith1/2cupwater.Blendintoasmoothpuree.
2.Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonion-cilantropureeandcookuncovereduntilthepureethickensandshimmerswithoil,16to18minutes.Stiroccasionallytoavoidburning.Ifthepureestartstostickorbrowntooquickly,reduceheattomedium-low.
3.Addthegratedcauliflowerandredbellpeppertothedryonion-cilantropaste.Mixwelltoevenlydistributeandcookfor2minutesovermediumheat.Addthepeas,salt,groundcashews,almondmilk,andlemonjuice.Mixwell,coverandcookfor10minutes.Taste,andadjustthesaltandspices,ifneeded.Cookuncovereduntilthecaulifloweristenderandthesauceisthickenedtoyourpreference,about5minutes.Garnishwithcayenneorblackpepper.Servehot.
MildPeppersinPeanutCoconutSauceMirchKaSalan
Prep:15minutes|Active:20minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Serves4 SF GF E
AdishfromHyderabad(SoutheastIndia),thismildcurryisagreatwaytousepepperswhentheyareinseason.Thesaucehasadistinctnuttyflavorprofile.Thisdishisservedasasidewithbiryani,orotherriceorquinoadishes.Usepeppersthatdonotleavechewyskinaftercooking,suchaspoblanos.Ifyou’renotsure,lightlyblanchthepeppersandpeeltheskinoffbeforeusing.Tomakepeanut-free,useothernutsorusemoresesameseedsandcoconut.Forvariations,usechoppedeggplantorothervegetables.
2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil,divided1cupchoppedredorwhiteonion3tablespoonsrawpeanuts
2tablespoonssesameseeds
2tablespoonsshreddedcoconut,freshordried11/2cupswater,divided1/2teaspoonmustardseeds1/2teaspooncuminseeds1/4teaspoonnigellaseeds8curryleaves
2clovesgarlicminced
1(1/2-inch)knobofginger,minced1/4teaspoongroundturmeric1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne1/2to1teaspoontamarindpaste3to31/2cupsmildpeppers,choppedinto1to2-inchpieces(2greenbellpeppers,and2ormoremildchiles,suchaspoblano)3/4teaspoonsalt
1/2teaspoonsugar(optional)1.Heat1teaspoonoftheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonionsandcookuntiltranslucent,about6minutes.Addthepeanutsandcookfor2minutes,stirringfrequently.
2.Addthesesameseedsandcoconut,andmixwell.Cookuntilthepeanutsandsesameseedsaregolden,2minutes,stirringfrequently.Transferthemixturetoablender.Coolslightlyandblendwith1/4cupormorewaterintoasmoothpaste.
3.Heatateaspoonofoilinthesameskillet.Whentheoilishot,addthemustard,cuminseedsandnigellaseeds.Cookuntiltheseedsstarttopop,1minute.Addthecurryleaves,garlicandgingerand
cookforaminute.Addtheturmericandcayenneandmixwell.
4.Addtheblendedonion-coconutpastetotheskillet.Stirinthetamarindpaste,andcookuntilthemixturethickensandshimmerswithoil,6to8minutes.
5.Addthepeppers,salt,and11/4cupwater.Coverandcookuntilthepeppersaretender-crisp,about10minutes.Taste,andadjustsaltandspice,adding1/4to1/2teaspoonsugarintothesaucetobalancetheflavors,ifdesired.Servehot.
MasalaPotatoesforDosasMasalaAloo
Prep:20minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:25minutes|Serves4 SF GF E
Dosacrepesstuffedwithspicedpotatoesandservedwithsplitpeastew(sambhar)andcoconutchutneymakeupadelicioustraditionalSouthIndianmeal.Thespicedpotatoesthatareusedasstuffinghaveaspecialtasteandtextureprofile.Thepotatoesareboiled,thenspicedandpartiallymashedtomakeamoistfillingwithaflavorthatdoesn’toverpowertheentiremeal.Servethesepotatoesstuffedindosacrepesorchickpeacrepes,andservewithatangydalsuchassambhar,andaSouthIndianchickpeastew.Youcanalsoserveasbreakfastpotatoesoranywhereyouwouldusemashedpotatoes.(Seephotoofstuffeddosashere.)3to31/2cupsdicedpotatoes(3mediumpotatoes)
1quartwater
1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil1/2teaspoonblackmustardseeds1/2teaspooncuminseeds
2teaspoonssplitpeasorsplitbengalgram3driedredchiles,broken(cayenneorarbol)1/4cupfinelychoppedredonion(optional)
10curryleaves
2tablespoonsrawcashews,chopped1(1-inch)knobofginger,minced1hotgreenchile,finelychopped(removeseedstoreduceheat)1/2teaspoongroundturmeric
3/4to1teaspoonsalt
2to3tablespoonswater
2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1.Combinethedicedpotatoesandwaterinasaucepan.Bringtoaboilovermediumhighheat,uncovered.Oncethewaterisboilingrapidly,reduceheattolowandcookforanother5minutes.Checkthepotatoesandcontinuetocookifneeded,untiltender.Drainthepotatoes,pulltheskinoffifyoulike,andmashlightly.Youcanalsopressurecookthewholepotatoesovermedium-highheatfor2whistles,or10minutesafterthecookerreachespressure.Letthepressurereleasenaturally,cool,andthencube.
2.Heattheoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Whenhot,addthemustardseeds,cuminseeds,splitpeasanddriedredchiles.Cookuntilthesplitpeasaregoldenbrown,1minute.Addtheonion,curry
leaves,andcashews,andcookuntilonionistranslucent,6to7minutes.Addasplashofwateriftheonionsstarttostick.Addtheginger,greenchile,turmeric,andsaltandmixwell.
3.Addpotatoesandgentlytosstocoat.Addthewater,mix,andcookfor3minutes.Mashthelargerpiecesandmixagain.Tasteandadjustthesaltandspices,ifneeded.Garnishwithcilantro.
EasyCurriedGreenBeans
Prep:20minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Iusuallycookgreenbeansandpotatoeswithmustardseeds,cuminseeds,salt,andcayenne.Theresultinggreenbeansareadrysidedishthatisbestservedwithadalorcurry.ThesecurriedbeanscameaboutwhenIlookedatahugebunchofgreenbeansandwantedsomethingelse.Thesimplecurryandbite-sizegreenbeansworkverywell.Servethesewithriceorflatbreadandasideofpotatoesorcreamycurry.
1teaspoonsafflowerorcoconutoil
1/2teaspoonmustardseeds1/2teaspooncuminseeds3/4cupchoppedorthinlyslicedredorwhiteonion1teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/4teaspoongroundturmeric
1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne2mediumtomatoes,chopped(11/2cups)1tablespoontomatopaste(optional)31/2cupsfreshorfrozengreenbeans,cutinto2-inchpieces(thawediffrozen)3/4teaspoonsalt
1/2cupwater
2tablespoonschoppedcilantro
1.Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Whenhot,addthemustardseedsandcuminseeds.Cookuntiltheystarttopop.Stirintheonionandcookuntiltranslucent,about6minutes.
2.Addthegarammasala,turmeric,andcayenne.Cookuntilfragrant,2minutes,stirringfrequentlytoavoidburning.
3.Addthetomatoesandtomatopaste,ifusing,andcookfor3minutes.Addthegreenbeans,saltandwater.Mixwell,cover,andcookfor15minutes.
4.Stir,tasteandadjustsaltandspice.Checkthebeansfordoneness.Addabitmorewaterifyouwanttokeepitsaucy.Coverandcookuntilbeansarecookedthrough,5minutes.Thebeansshouldnotbemushy,butjustaboutwell-cooked.Servehot,garnishedwithcilantro.
CabbagewithMustardSeedsandCoconut(here)EasyCurriedGreenBeans(previousrecipe)
CabbagewithMustardSeedsandCoconutCabbageThoran
Prep:15minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:10minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Cabbagethoranisastir-fryfromthestateofKerala.Thoranisgratedorthinlyslicedvegetablescookedwithfreshgratedcoconutandspices.FindfreshcoconutinthefrozensectioninIndianstores,orusedrycoconut.Youcanalsouseothervegetablestomakethethoran,suchascarrots,beets,orgreenbeans.Thiseasysidewithcoconut,mustardseeds,andshallotsisafantasticcombinationthatwillmakeyoureachforthatheadofgreencabbagewhilegroceryshopping.Servethiswithaspicydalortempehcurry.(Seephotohere.)1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil
1teaspoonblackmustardseeds
1hotgreenchile,finelychopped(removeseedstoreduceheat)1/2cupfinelychoppedredonionorshallots
10curryleaves
1/2teaspoongroundturmeric3cupspackedfinelychoppedgreencabbage(1/2mediumhead)1/2cupshreddedcoconut(fresh,orthawediffrozen,ordried)1teaspoonsalt,ortotaste
1.Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Whenhot,addthemustardseedsandletthemstarttopop,about1minute.Addthechile,onion,andcurryleaves.Cook,stirring,untilgolden,about6minutes.
2.Addtheturmericandcabbage,andmixwell.Coverandcookfor15minutes.Stironcehalfwaythrough.Add1tablespoonofwatertodeglazeifneeded,andreduceheattomedium-lowifthecabbagestickstoomuch.
3.Addthecoconutandsalt,andmixwell.Reduceheattomedium-low.Add1tablespoonofwatertodeglazeifneeded.Coverandcookuntilcabbageiscookedthrough,10minutes.Stirandcookuncoveredforafewminutesiftoowet.Taste,andadjustsaltandspice.Servehot.
PotatoTomatoCurryAlooTamatarSubziPrep:30to35minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:30minutes|Serves4
SF NF GF E
Potatoesinasimply-spicedthintomatocurryareafavoriteweekendmeal,servedwithfriedpuffedflatbreadcalledpooris.Thedeep-friedpoorisarereallydeliciousbuttheymakethemealquiteheavy.Thesedays,weservethistangyanddeliciouscurrywithaflatbreadsuchasrotiornaan,withrice,orwithkachoris(SavoryLentilPastries,here).
6cupsfreshorcanneddicedtomatoes(8freshtomatoes)
8clovesgarlic
11/2-inchknobofginger,chopped3greenchiles,chopped(removeseedstoremoveheat)1/4cuplightlypackedfreshcilantro2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil1/2teaspoonmustardseeds
1/2teaspooncuminseeds1/3to1/2teaspoonfenugreekseeds12curryleaves
2teaspoonsgroundcoriander
1/2teaspoongroundturmeric5mediumpotatoesboiledtotender-crisp,peeledanddiced(41/2cups)11/4teaspoonssalt,ortotaste2to21/2cupswater
1/4cupchoppedcilantro,forgarnish1.Inablender,combinethetomatoes,garlic,ginger,chiles,andcilantro.Blendintoasmoothpureeandsetaside.
2.Heattheoilinalargesaucepanovermediumheat.Whenhot,addthemustard,cuminandfenugreekseedsandletthemcookuntiltheystarttopop,about1minute.Addthecurryleaves,groundcorianderandturmeric.Mixforafewseconds.
3.AddthepureedtomatofromStep1,andmixwell.Cookpartiallycoveredovermedium-lowheat,untilthemixturethickensandoilstartstoglistenonthesurface,15to20minutes.Stironcehalfwaythrough.Addthedicedpotatoesandsalt,andmixwell.Cookfor5minutes.
4.Addthewaterandmixwell.Cookcoveredfor15minutesoruntildesired(thin)consistencyisreached.Tasteandadjustthesaltandspices,ifneeded.Garnishwithcilantroandserve.
Cumin-ScentedRicewithPeasandOnionsMom’sPeaPulao
Prep:30minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:15minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Thisisaflavorfulandeasysidethatgoeswithalmosteverything.Cumin-scentedriceworksbeautifullywithIndiancurriesanddals.Tryitwithkormasormakhanicurries.Soakingthericebeforecookingensuresthatthegrainsstayseparateanddonotovercook.(Picturedonthecover.)2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil
1teaspooncuminseeds
3/4cupfinelychoppedorslicedredorwhiteonion1/2to3/4cupgreenpeas,freshorthawed3/4teaspoonsaltortotaste
3cupswater
11/2cupslong-grainwhitebasmatirice,soakedfor30minutes1.Heattheoilinsaucepanovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,addthecuminseedsandcookuntiltheychangecolorandbecomefragrant,about1minute.Addtheonions,mix,andcookuntiltranslucent,about5to6minutes.
2.Drainthericewellandaddittothesaucepan.Addthepeasandsalt,mixwell,andcookfor1minute.Addthewater,mix,andcover.Reduceheattomedium-lowandcookfor18to20minutes.Thewaterwillcometoaslowboilaround8minutesandcontinuetosimmer.Checkat18minutestoseeifallthewaterhasbeenabsorbed.Letthericesitcoveredfor5minutes.Fluffthericeandserve.
Variations:
Add3clovesand1greencardamomatStep1,alongwiththecuminseeds.
Makethiswithbrownbasmatirice:Soakthericefor30minutes.Followsteps1and2.Drainthericeandaddtothesaucepanwiththecuminandonions.Addthepeasandsalt,andcookforaminute.Add4cupsofwater,mix,cover,andbringtoaboilovermediumheat.Lowertheheatto
medium-lowandcookfor25to35minutes.(Checkthecookingtimeonthepackageandcooklongerifneeded).Letthericesitcoveredfor5minutes.Fluffthericeandserve.
RicewithVegetables,Tomato,andSpicesTavaPulao
Prep:20minutes|Active:30minutes|Inactive:10minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
TavaPulaoisIndianfriedricewithmadewithvegetablesandseasonedwithPavBhajiMasalaspiceblend.ItisservedasalightdinnerorsnackwithSpicedYogurtRaita(here).Thereisalotofflavorintherice,sopairwithitwithanyofthesimple,lessspicydals.Makethiswithprecookedleftoverriceorfreshlymadericeorothercookedgrainslikequinoa,millet,couscous,orcrackedwheat.Useedamame,corn,rootvegetables,oranyothersmallchoppedvegetablesofyourchoice,foratotalof2to21/2cupsofvegetables.Therecipeiswrittensoyoudonotneedapre-madepavbhajimasalaspiceblend.Ifyoudohavethespiceblend,use2teaspoonsofthespiceblendinsteadofthespiceslisted(corianderthroughdrymangopowder).
1cuplong-grainwhitebasmatiriceor3cupscookedgrainofyourchoice
3cupswater
1/4teaspoonsalt1tablespoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil,divided1/2cupchoppedredorwhiteonion1(1-inch)knobofginger,mincedor1tablespoongingerpaste4clovesgarlic,mincedor1tablespoongarlicpaste1/2teaspooncuminseeds
1/4teaspoonfennelseeds
1teaspoongroundcoriander
1/4teaspoongroundcardamom1/4teaspoongroundcinnamon1/2teaspoondrymangopowderor1/4teaspoonIndianblacksaltor2teaspoonsPavBhajiSpiceBlend(here)1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne
2mediumtomatoes,chopped(11/2cups)1/2cupfinelychoppedredbellpepper1/2cupfinelychoppedgreenorredbellpepper1/2cupthinlyslicedcarrot
1/2cupchoppedgreenbeans(1to2-inchpieces)1/2cupfreshorfrozengreenpeas,thawediffrozen3/4teaspoonsalt,ortotaste
3tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnishDashoflemonjuice,forgarnish
1.Washthericeinwarmwater,drain,andtransfertoasaucepanwiththe3cupsofwater,salt,andoilovermediumheat.Stirtocombine,then,cover,andbringtoaboil,about8minutes.Openthecoveracrackifthewaterthreatenstoboilover.Reducetheheattomedium-lowandcookuntilthericeisjustaboutcooked,about5minuteslonger.Letthericesitfor5minutes,thendrain,fluffandsetaside.Alternatively,youcanalsouse3cupsofcookedriceorgrainsofyourchoice.
2.Heat1tablespoonofoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonionandcookuntiltranslucent,about7minutes.Addtheginger,garlic,cumin,andfennel.Mixandcookfor1minute.Addthecoriander,cardamom,cinnamon,mangopowder,andcayenne.Mixwell,andcookfor1minute.Addthetomatoesandtheothervegetables,exceptthepeas.Mixandcookuntiltomatoesaresaucyandshimmerywithoil,8to10minutes.
3.Addthepeasandsalt,andmixwell.Addthecookedrice.Increasetheheattomedium-high.Stir,tossingthericewiththevegetablestodistributeevenly.Cookfor2to3minutestoheatthrough.CookafewminuteslongerifthericewastooaldenteatStep1.Servehot,garnishedwithcilantroandlemonjuice.
SabutMung(here)
Five
Dals:LentilsandBeans
Dal,dahl,anddhalaregenerictermsforanypreparationthatinvolveslegumes.AnimportantpartoftheeverydayIndianmeal,dalsareusuallyservedasapartofalargerfamily-stylemealalongwithdryorwetvegetabledishes,andasideofflatbreads,orgrains.Theyareevenservedasaone-potmealwiththevegetablesandgrainsincludedinthedish.Thischaptercoversthedalsthatareservedasapartofthemeal.
Cookedlentilsorbeanscanbemadesimply,seasonedwithsalt,greenchile,cumin,andasafetida(hing),oraselaboratecurries,usingspiceblends,spicepastes,vegetables,andsoon.Dalscanbemadeintogrand,creamy,complex,restaurant-styledishesorhumbleweekdaysoup.Indiandalsandsaucesdon’tneedbroth.Theflavorofthedishisprovidedbythespices.Youcaneasilywhipupabigbatchofdalanduseitthroughouttheweekinvariousways.Servedalwithcookedrice,quinoa,orothergrains;addtobowlmealsorapotpie;topapizza;orfillupburgerbunstomakeIndiansloppyJoes.Alldalrecipesaresoy-freeandgluten-freeandmostarenut-free.
Thischaptercoversagoodvarietyofrecipes.Theflavorprofileofthedalchangeswhenwholespicesareusedinsteadofgroundspices,orwhetherthespicesareroastedonadryskilletorinoil,orwhenthegarlicismincedorchoppedintolargerchunks.Thereareauthenticrecipesthatwillhelpyouappreciatethecomplexflavors,aswellasmysimplerinterpretationsofauthenticrecipesthatcouldbecomeastapleforyou.
StartwiththefamiliarMasoorDalTadkaorChanaMasala,thentryyourhandatrestaurant-styleMasalaLentilsorDalMakhani,andgetreallyadventurouswiththenewflavorprofilesofBengaliCholarDal,ChickpeaEggplantStew,andmore.Thereareplentyofvariationsinthetempering,spices,andmethodsofpreparationtokeepyoucravingdalsforawhile.
Cookingtimesforthedalsdependonthelegumesusedintherecipe,thefreshnessofthelegumes,andiftheyweresoakedbeforeusing.Seehereforgeneralcookingtimesandsubstituteoptions.
RedLentilSoupRestaurant-StyleMasoorDalTadka
Prep:15minutes|Active:25minutes|Inactive:10minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
MasoorDalTadkaisoneofthebetterknowndalsasitisgenerallyavailableinIndianrestaurants.Tadka,tarka,orchaunkareallwordsforthetempering,whichisspicesandherbsfriedinoilandthenmixedintothecookedlentils.Agoodtadkaissometimestheonlythingneededtomakeacomfortingdal.Usemoreoilorveganbutterforaricher,restaurant-styleflavor.
1cupredlentils(masoor),washedanddrained21/2cupswater3/4to1teaspoonsalt2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil,divided1/2cupfinelychoppedredorwhiteonion5clovesgarlic,finelychopped
1(1-inch)knobofginger,finelychopped1/2teaspoonturmeric
1teaspoongroundcoriander
1/2to1teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/2teaspoondriedfenugreekleavesTHETEMPERING:
1teaspooncuminseeds
1/2teaspoonmustardseedsGenerouspinchofasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)2driedredchiles,brokenintohalf(cayenneorCaliforniaredchiles)8curryleaves
1bayleaf
2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1teaspoonlemonjuice(optional)
1.Combinethelentilsinasaucepanwith21/2cupswaterandthesalt,overmediumheat.Bringtoaboil,reduceheattomedium-low,andcookuntillentilsaretender,12to15minutestotal.Reduceheattolowandcontinuetosimmer.
2.Heat1teaspoonoilinamediumskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonion,garlic,andginger.Mix
•
•
andcookuntilgoldenbrown,6to8minutes.
3.Addtheturmeric,coriander,garammasala,andfenugreekleaves.Mixandcookfor30seconds.Stirthemixtureintothesaucepanwithsimmeringlentils.
4.Thetempering:Heat1teaspoonoilinasmallskilletovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,addthecuminandmustardseeds.Letthemsizzleuntiltheybegintopopandbecomefragrant,about1minute.Addtheasafetida,redchiles,curryleaves,andbayleaf,andcookfor1minute.Addthistemperingmixturetothesimmeringlentils.Mixwellandremovefromheat.Taste,andadjustforsaltandspices,ifneeded.Garnishwithcilantroandlemonjuice,ifusing.Servehot.
Variations:
Add1cupchoppedtomatoatStep1alongwithlentilsandwater.
Add1/2cupcoconutmilkand2cupswateratStep1foracurriedcreamydal.
YellowLentilswithSpinachSookhiMungPalak
Prep:15minutes(+30minutessoak)|Active:15minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Serves4
SF NF GF E
Mungdalismysecondfavoritedalafterredlentils.Theseyellowlentilshaveastrongerearthyflavorwhichneedtherightkindofseasoninginordertoshine.Trythisdrylentilandspinachsidewithflatbreads,pitabread,curries,orforbreakfast.
1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil1teaspoonbrownorblackmustardseeds1/4teaspoonfenugreekseeds
3bayleaves
4clovesgarlic,minced1cuppetiteyellowlentils(mungdal),soakedfor30minutes,anddrained1/2teaspoonpaprikaorsmokedpaprika11/2teaspoongroundcoriander
3/4teaspoonredpepperflakes,ortotaste1/2teaspoongroundturmeric3/4teaspoonsaltortotaste11/2cupswater3/4cupcoconutmilk(cannedorculinary)3cupspackedbabyspinach,orchoppedregularspinach2tablespoonschoppedfreshcilantro,forgarnish2teaspoonssesameseeds,forgarnish1teaspoonlemonjuice,forgarnish1.Heattheoilinalargeskilletatmediumheat.Whentheoilishot,addthemustardseedscarefully.Letthemsizzleandstarttopop.Stirinthefenugreekseedsandbayleaves.Addthegarlicandcookuntilgolden,about2minutes.Addthedrainedmungdal,paprika,coriander,pepperflakes,andturmeric.Mixwellandcookthelentilsfor30seconds.
2.Stirinthesalt,water,andcoconutmilk.Coverandcookfor12to14minutes.Almostalloftheliquidshouldbeabsorbedandthebeansshouldbefirmtenderatthispoint.
3.Addthespinachandmixwell.Coverandcookuntilthebeansaretenderbutnotmushy,andthespinachislightlywilted,about4minutes.Discardthebayleaves.Garnishwithcilantro,sesameseeds,andadashoflemonjuice.
BrownChickpeaCurryKalaChanaMasala
Prep:15minutes(+overnightsoak)|Active:25minutes|Inactive:40minutes|Serves4
SF NF GF E
Kalachana(black/brownchickpeasorBengalgram)aretheearthiercousinofregularchickpeas(garbanzobeans).Thesedarkerchickpeasarealsomoretoothsomethanwhitechickpeasanddonotcooktoamushyconsistency.Thebeansbecometenderbuthaveathickskinthatkeepsthemintactsotheyretaintheirshape.Brownchickpeasarenotavailableincans,sosoakthedriedchickpeasovernightbeforeusing.Onecupofchickpeaswillincreaseto21/2cupsafterthesoak.Apressurecookeristhebestwaytocookthesechickpeas,althoughyoucanmaketheminasaucepanaswell;directionsforbothareprovided.Servethiscurrywithriceorflatbread.Ifyoucan’tfindkalachana,youcanmakethisrecipeusingregularchickpeas.Regularchickpeaswillcookfaster;seecookingtimesheretoadjust.
2teaspoonssafflowerorcoconutoil
1/2teaspooncuminseeds1/4cupfinelychoppedredonion1/8teaspoonasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)11/2tablespoonschickpeaflour1(2-inch)knobofginger,mincedorgrated4clovesgarlic,mincedorgrated1hotgreenchile,finelychopped3/4teaspoongroundturmeric
1tablespoongroundcoriander
1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne3cupswater,divided1cupdriedbrownchickpeas(kalachana),soakedovernightanddrained1to11/2teaspoonssalt
1cupchoppedtomatoes
1teaspoonchanamasalaspiceblendorGaramMasala(here)1teaspoonlemonjuice,forgarnish1/4cuppackedchoppedcilantro,forgarnish1.Inapressurecooker,heattheoilovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,addcuminseeds.Mixforafewseconds,andthenaddtheonionsandasafetida.Cookfor3minutes.Addthechickpeaflour,mixwell,andcookforaminuteuntilfragrant.Meanwhile,inabowl,mixtheginger,garlic,greenchile,turmeric,coriander,turmeric,andcayennewith3tablespoonsofwater.Addthismixturetothechickpeaflour-onionmixtureandcookforaminute.
2.Addthebrownchickpeasandtheremainingwater.Closeandlockthelid,andcookonhighpressurefor20minutes,afterthepressureisreached.(4to5whistlesonmedium-highheat).
3.Letthepressurereleasebyitself.Openthelidofthepressurecookerandplacebackovermediumheat.Addthesalt,tomato,andgarammasala,andmixwell.Lightlymashthechickpeasandtomato.Cookovermediumheat,uncoveredforanother15minutesoruntildesiredconsistencyisachieved.Garnishwithadashoflemonjuiceandaliberalsprinklingofcilantro.
Tomakeinasaucepan:FollowStep1usingasaucepan.Combinethebrownchickpeaswith31/2cupsofwaterinthesaucepanovermediumheat.Coverpartiallyandcookfor20minutes.Thenaddthesalt,tomato,andgarammasala,coverandcontinuetocookuntilthebrownchickpeasaretender,30minutesormore.Garnishwithadashoflemonjuiceandchoppedcilantro.
MasalaLentilsSabutMasoor
Prep:20minutes|Active:25minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Ifyouwanttoimpresssomeonewithadal,makeitthisone.Don’tbeafraidofthenumberofspices—itisquitesimpletomake.Thespicesandgarlicareblendedtoapasteandfriedintheoil.Ahotsauce(chiles,garlic,andvinegar)inthetadkaisanothersecrettogettingtherightflavorprofile.Servethisasapartofameal,orwithriceornaanorotherflatbread.(Seephotohere.)3/4cupbrownlentils,washedanddrained
2cupswater
2to3teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil1/2cupfinelychoppedredorwhiteonion6clovesgarlic,chopped
1/2teaspoongroundcumin
2teaspoonsgroundcoriander
1/2teaspoongroundcardamom1/2teaspoongroundcinnamon1/2teaspoonfenugreekleavesor1/8teaspoonfenugreekseeds
1teaspoonsweetorhotpaprika
1/8teaspoonnutmeg1/4teaspoonblackpepper11/2tablespoonssrirachaorotherhotsauce,totaste
2tablespoonswater
11/2cupschoppedtomato3/4teaspoonsalt2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1tablespoonveganbutter(optional)1.Combinethelentilswith2cupsofwaterinasaucepan.Partiallycoverandcookovermediumheatuntilthelentilsaretender,25to30minutes.
2.Whilethelentilsarecooking,makethetempering.Heattheoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonionsandcookuntilgoldenbrown,5to6minutes.
3.Inablender,combinethegarlic,cumin,coriander,cardamom,cinnamon,fenugreek,paprika,nutmeg,blackpepper,sriracha,and2tablespoonsofwater.Blendtocombinewell.Addthispastetotheonionsintheskillet.Cookuntilfragrant,about2minutes.Stirinthetomatoesandsalt,andcookuntilthetomatoesaretender,about8minutes.Mashthelargertomatopieces.
4.Addthetemperingtothelentils.Bringtoaboilovermediumheat.Reduceheatandsimmerforanother5minutes.Tasteandadjustsaltandspice.Garnishwithcilantroandveganbutter,ifusing,andservehot.
AnyBeanCurry
Prep:20minutes(+4hourstosoakdriedbeans)|Active:30minutes|Inactive:30minutes|Serves4
SF NF GF E
Tomakethiscurriedbeanrecipe,useanywholebeans,suchasblack-eyedpeas,adzukibeans,pintobeans,blackbeans,greenmungbeans,lentils,wholeblackgram,kidneybeans,garbanzobeans,brownchickpeas,ordriedwholepeas.Servewithflatbreadorrice.
11/2cupsdrybeans,soaked4hoursanddrained,or3cupscookedbeansofchoice2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil1cupchoppedredorwhiteonion
1to2greenchiles,chopped(removeseedstoreduceheat)1(2-inch)knobofgingerchopped,or2tablespoonsgingerpaste6clovesgarlicor2tablespoonsgarlicpaste
1teaspoongroundcumin
1/2teaspoongroundturmeric1/4to1/2teaspooncayenneGenerouspinchofasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)2teaspoonsGaramMasala(here)4mediumtomatoes,chopped(31/2cups)
1teaspoonlemonjuice
3/4teaspoonsalt,ortotaste1/4teaspoonrawsugar11/2to31/2cupswater2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1.Heattheoilinasaucepanovermediumheat.Addtheonionandgreenchiles,andcookuntiltranslucent,6to8minutes.Addthegingerandgarlic.Mixwellandcookfor1minute.Addthecumin,turmeric,cayenne,asafetida,andgarammasala.Mixwell,andcookuntilfragrant,about1minute.
2.Addthetomatoes,lemonjuice,and3/4teaspoonsalt.Mixwell.Partiallycover,andcookuntilthetomatoesaresaucy,about15minutes,stirringoccasionally.Mashthelargerpiecesinbetween.
3.Addthebeans,sugar,andwater.Cover,andcookfor30minutes.Thebeansshouldbetenderenoughtomasheasily.Mashsomeofthebeans.Taste,andadjustthesaltandspices,ifneeded.Addmorewaterifneeded,andcooklongerifnecessary.Kidneybeansandchickpeaswilltake40to60minutestocookthrough.Garnishwithcilantroandservehot.
PressureCooker:Fordriedbeansthathavebeensoakedafewhours:FollowSteps1and2inapressurecooker.Addbeans,sugar,andwater.Closeandlockthelid.Pressurecookfortimeaccordingtothebeansused.(Seehereforpressurecookercookingtimes).Letthepressurereleasebyitself.Mashsomeofthebeans.Tasteandadjustsaltandspice.
SplitPeaSoupwithPotatoesOdiaButaDaliAluTarkari
Prep:15minutes(+1hoursoak)|Active:25minutes|Inactive:30minutes|Serves4
SF NF GF E
TheIndiannameisamouthfulevenforme.Trysayingitafewtimes!ThisdalisfromOdisha,anortheasternstateinIndia.Panchphoron,alsoknownasIndianBengalifive-spiceblend,addsawonderfulflavorprofiletothedal.Thecookeddalisgarnishedwithjeeralanka,whichisroastedgroundcuminandcayenne.Tomaketheroastedgroundcumin:Dryroastthecuminseedsonmediumlowheatuntilfragrant,about4to5minutes.Setasidetocook,thengrindthemtoapowder.
1cupsplitchickpeas(chanadal)orsplityellowpeas,washed,soakedfor1hour,anddrained31/2cupswater
1teaspoonsafflowerorcoconutoil
2teaspoonsPanchPhoronspiceblend(here)3/4cupfinelychoppedredorwhiteonion2clovesgarlic,minced1(1/2-inch)knobofginger,minced2mediumpotatoes,diced(11/2cups)1/2teaspoongroundturmeric1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne3/4teaspoonsalt,ortotaste1/2teaspoonroastedgroundcumin,forgarnish1/4teaspooncayenne,forgarnish
1.Combinethesplitpeaswith31/2cupsofwaterinasaucepan.Partiallycoverandcookovermediumheatfor20to30minutesoruntilthesplitpeasaresoftandslightlymushy.Donotdrain.
2.Meanwhilemakethetempering:Heattheoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,addthepanchphoronspiceblend(cumin,fennel,mustard,nigella,andfenugreekseeds).Cookuntilthefennelseedschangecolor,aboutaminute.
3.Addtheonionandcookuntilgolden,about6minutes.Stirinthegarlicandginger,thenaddthe
potato,turmeric,cayenne,and2tablespoonsofwater.Mixwell.Coverandcookuntilpotatoesaretendercrisp,about10minutes.
4.Addthecookedsplitpeaswiththeircookingliquid,andthesalt.Reduceheattolow-medium,cover,andcookuntilthepotatoesarewelldoneanddesiredconsistencyisachieved,about15minutes.Garnishwithroastedgroundcuminandcayennebeforeserving.
PressureCooker:Washthesplitpeas.Combinewith3cupsofwaterinapressurecooker.Closeandlockthelid,andcookfor10to15minutesoncethecookerreachespressure(3to4whistlesatmedium-highheat).Letthepressurereleasenaturally.Openthelid,addsaltandthetempering,alongwithpotatoes.Cookovermediumheatuntilpotatoesaretender,about15minutes.
Variation:Substitutepumpkin,sweetpotato,orothersquashforthepotato.
OdiaButaDaliAluTarkari(here)
SabutMasoor(here)
SweetandSourSplitPeaSoupGujaratiSuratiDal
Prep:15minutes(+1hoursoak)|Active:25minutes|Inactive:25minutes|Serves4
SF NF GF E
ThisdalisfromSurat,acityinthestateofGujarat,inthewesternpartofIndia.Suratidalisusuallythin,withlotsofliquid,andthesplitpeasareovercooked.Youcancookthemforlesstimeasperyourpreference.Gujaratidishesareknowntohaveaslightlysweetflavorprofile.Thesugarandlemonjuicemakethisdallightlysweetandsour.Forvariation,replacethelemonjuicewith4driedkokums(Indianmangosteen).AddthekokumsatStep2withthesugar.Servehotwithriceorflatbread.
1cupsplitpigeonpeas(toordal)orothersplitpeas,soakedfor1houranddrained2mediumtomatoes,chopped(11/2cups)31/2cupswater
1/2greenchile,finelychopped1/2teaspoongroundturmeric
10curryleaves
1(1/2-inch)knobofginger,minced2tablespoonsrawpeanuts(unroasted)
2to3teaspoonsrawsugar
3/4teaspoonsalt,ortotasteTHETEMPERING:1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil1/2teaspoonblackmustardseedsagenerouspinchofasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)2driedredchiles,broken
2teaspoonslemonjuice
2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1.Combinethepeasandtomatoesinasaucepanwith31/2cupsofwater.Partiallycoverandcookovermediumheatuntilthesplitpeasareverytenderandeasilymashed,about25to30minutes.
2.Addthegreenchile,turmeric,curryleaves,ginger,peanuts,sugar,andsalttothesaucepan.Stirwelltocombine.Reduceheattomedium-lowandcontinuetosimmerfor5minutes.Mashsomeof
thesplitpeas.Addmorewaterifneeded.
3.Thetempering:Heattheoilinasmallskilletovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,addthemustardseedsandcookuntiltheystarttopop,about1minute.Addtheasafetidaandredchiles.Cookforanother10to15secondsandremovefromheat.Addthistemperingandlemonjuicetothesimmeringsplitpeas.Mixandsimmerforaminute.Garnishwithcilantroandservehot.
PressureCooker:Washthesplitpeas.Combinewith3cupsofwaterinapressurecooker.Closeandlockthelid,andcookfor10to15minutesoncethecookerreachespressure(3to4whistlesatmedium-highheat).Letthepressurereleasenaturally.Openthelid,andplacethecookeroverlow-mediumheat.Followsteps2and3.Servehot.
ChickpeaCurryChanaMasala
Prep:15minutes|Active:30minutes|Inactive:50minutes|Serves4to6
SF NF GF E
ChanaMasalaisperhapsthemostpopularIndiandishofall.Everyoneknowsaboutit,andeveryIndianrestauranthasitonitsmenu.ThisishowImakemine.Iblendthecookedchickpeasinthecurryforathickermasalasauce.ChanaMasalausesaspecialspiceblend,whichisavailableinIndianstoresoronline.Youcanalsomakeitfromscratch(youcanfindtherecipeonmyblog).Thespiceblendhasasourtastetoit,whichoftendoesnotsmellgood,butitworksbeautifullyinthesauce.Thespiceblendcanbeusedinotherbeancurriesanddalsoranywhereyouusegarammasalaforavariationinthetaste.
2(15.5ounce)canschickpeas,rinsedwellor2cupsdriedchickpeas,pressure-cookedorslow-cooked,drained6mediumtomatoes,chopped(41/2cups)
1(2-inch)knobofginger,chopped,or2tablespoonsgingerpaste6clovesgarlicor2tablespoonsgarlicpaste1greenchile,chopped(removeseedstoreduceheat)
1teaspoonlemonjuice
2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil1cupchoppedredonion(about1mediumonion)
1teaspoongroundcumin
1/2teaspoongroundturmeric1/4to1/2teaspooncayenneGenerouspinchofasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)2teaspoonschanamasalapowderorGaramMasala(here)1/8to1/4teaspoonIndianblacksalt,optional3/4to11/2teaspoonsalt,totaste
1/2teaspoonrawsugar11/2to21/2cupswater1/4cupchoppedcilantro,forgarnish1/4cupmincedredonion,forgarnish1to2teaspoonslemonjuice,forgarnish1.Inablender,combine1/2cupcookedchickpeas,tomatoes,ginger,garlic,chile,andlemonjuiceandblenduntilsmooth.Setaside.
2.Heattheoilinsaucepanovermediumheat.Addthechoppedonionandcookuntiltranslucent,7to8minutes.Addthecumin,turmeric,cayenne,asafetida,andchanamasalablend.Mixwelland
cookfor1minute.Addthekalanamak.(OmittheIndianblacksaltifusingchanamasalablend.)3.Addthepureedtomato-chickpeamixture.Cookpartiallycoveredfor15minutes,stirringonceabouthallwaythroughDeglazewithalittlewaterifneeded.Reducetheheattomedium-lowandcontinuetocookuntilthemixtureisdryandstartstoleavethesideofthepan,10to15minutes.Thetomatoesandspiceswillstarttosmellroasted.
4.Addthecookedchickpeas,salt,andsugar,andmixwell.Add21/2cupsofwater.Cover,andcookfor30to40minutesovermedium-lowheat.Taste,andadjustsaltandspiceat30minutes.Continuetocookuntilthechickpeasareverytenderandeasilymashed,oruntildesiredconsistencyisachieved.Mashsomeofthechickpeas.Garnishwithcilantro,mincedonion,andlemonjuice,andservehot.
PressureCooker:Followsteps1through4.Addthecookedchickpeas,salt,sugar,and11/2cupsofwater.Closeandlockthelid,andcookfor10minutesafterthecookerreachespressure(2to3whistles).Ifusingdrychickpeasthathavebeensoakedovernight,add21/2cupswater,salt,andsugar.Closeandlockthelid,andcookfor20to25minutesafterthecookerreachespressure(4to5whistles).Garnishwithcilantro,redonion,andlemonjuice,andservehot.
Variation:Add1to2cupschoppedspinachorothergreensatStep4.
BlackGramLentilsinTomatoSauceDalBukhara
Prep:15minutes(+overnightsoak)|Active:25minutes|Inactive:1hour|Serves4
SF NF GF E
Dalbukharaisamoretomato-y,lessrich,andsimplerversionofDalMakhani.Theauthenticrestaurantstyleversionuseswholeuraddal,alsoknownaswholeblackgram,availableonlineAmazon.comorinIndianstores.Youcanusewholemungbeansorbrownlentilsaswell.Thecookingtimeandwaterneededwillbelesswiththelentilsandmungbeans.Dalbukharaistraditionallycookedoncharcoalforhours,whichgivesitasmokedflavor.Iusesmokedpaprikafortheeffect.Addsomeliquidsmokeifyouwouldlikeitbemoresmoky.Servewithflatbreadsorrice.ThisdalalsomakesgreatsloppyJoes.Uselessliquidforathickerstew.
1cupblackgramorwholegreenmungbeans,soakedovernightanddrained5cupswater,divided3mediumtomatoes,chopped(21/4cups)1(1-inch)knobofginger,coarselychopped
6clovesgarlic
1/2teaspooncuminseeds1/2teaspoonpaprika1/2teaspoonsmokedpaprika(oruse1/2teaspoonregularpaprika+1/2teaspoonliquidsmoke)1teaspoonGaramMasala(here),divided1/2cupwater
1teaspoonsalt,ortotaste1/2cupalmondmilk(usethincashewcreamforaricherdal)2teaspoonsveganbutter,forgarnishRedpepperflakes,forgarnish1tablespooncashewcream,forgarnish(optional)1.Combinetheblackgraminasaucepanwith4cupsofwater.Coverandcookovermediumheatfor30minutes.Stironceinbetween.Ifthewaterthreatenstoboilover,openthecoveracrack.
2.Meanwhile,inablender,combinethetomato,ginger,garlic,cuminseeds,paprika,smokedpaprika,1/2teaspoongarammasala,and1/2cupofwater.Blendtoasmoothpuree.Addthepureeandsalttothebeans.Coverandcookuntilthebeansaretenderandeasilymashed,about20minutes.
3.Mashhalfofthebeans.Addthealmondmilk.Mixwell,taste,andadjustsaltandspice.Addmoresmokedpaprikaorliquidsmokeforasmokierflavor.Cookuncovereduntilthedesiredconsistencyisachieved,about15minutes.Addmorewateratanyofthestepsifneeded.Garnishwith1/2
teaspoongarammasala,veganbutter,redpepperflakes,andcashewcream,andservehot.
PressureCooker:Washthebeansandsoakforatleast4hours.Drain,andcombinewith3cupsofwaterinapressurecooker.Closeandlockthelid,andcookfor20to25minutesoncethecookerreachespressure(4to5whistlesatmedium-highheat).Letthepressurereleasenaturally.Openthelid,andplacethecookerovermediumheat.Followsteps2and3.
WinterSplitPeaSoupwithGingerKashmiriDal
Prep:15minutes(+1hoursoak)|Active:25minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Serves4
SF NF GF E
ThisdalisadaptedfromthefoodofKashmir,thenorthernmoststateinIndia.Mostofthemountainousregionisathighaltitude.Freshveggiesandherbsarenoteasilyavailableallthroughtheyear,hencethesedalsusedryspicesanddrygingerfortherequiredflavor.Thisdaltastesbestwithchanadalandmungdal.Soakbothtogetherovernightforbestresultsanduse.TrythisdalwithriceorflatbreadalongwithNepaliAloo(here).
1/2cupsplitchickpeas(chanadal)orsplityellowpeas,soakedfor1houranddrained1/2cuppetiteyellowlentilsorsplitpeas,soakedfor1houranddrained31/2cupswater
3/4to1teaspoonsaltTHETEMPERING1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil1/2cupfinelychoppedredonion
2bayleaves
1(1-inch)knobofginger,chopped1/2teaspoonfennelseeds1/2teaspooncuminseeds1/4teaspoongroundcinnamon1/4teaspoongroundcardamom1/8teaspoongroundcloves1/8teaspoonblackpepper1/2teaspoonredpepperflakes,ortotaste1/2to1teaspoonpaprika2teaspoonslemonjuice,divided1/4cupchoppedfreshcilantro,forgarnish1.Combinethechickpeasandlentilsinasaucepanwith31/2cupsofwater.Partiallycoverandcookovermediumheatuntilthesplitpeasaretenderandeasilymashed,30to40minutes.Addthesalt,reduceheattolow,andcontinuetosimmer.
2.Meanwhile,makethetempering.Heattheoilinamediumskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonionandcookuntiltranslucent,5to7minutes.
3.Inagrinderorablender,combinethebayleaves,ginger,fennel,cumin,cinnamon,cardamom,cloves,blackpepper,redpepperflakes,paprika,and1teaspoonlemonjuice.Blendintoasmooth
paste.Useafewteaspoonsofwaterifneeded.Addthespicemixturetotheskilletandmixwell.Stirringfrequently,cookfor2to3minutesoruntilthegingerandspicesmellroasted.
4.Addthetemperingtothesimmeringdal.Mixwell.Taste,andadjustsaltandspice.Cook5minutesorlongeruntildesiredconsistencyisachieved.Garnishwithlemonjuiceandcilantro,andservehot.
Variations:Add1cupofchoppedturniporotherrootvegetabletothedalinstep1.YoucanalsouseKashmirigarammasala(boughtfromIndianstore)insteadofthespices,blendedwithginger.
PressureCooker:Use1cupchanadalorsplitpeas.Washthesplitpeas,andcombinewith31/2cupsofwaterinthepressurecooker.Closeandlockthelid,andcookfor10to15minutes,oncethecookerreachespressure(3to4whistlesatmedium-highheat).Letthepressurereleasenaturally.Openthelid,andplacethecookeroverlowheat.Followsteps2through4.
SplitPeaandBeanSoupMixedDalFry
Prep:20minutes(+4hourssoaking)|Active:20minutes|Inactive:30minutes|Serves4
SF NF GF E
Thisisageneralrecipedaldalfrywithmultiplelentilsorbeans.Useacombinationof2ormoredalsorlentilsofsimilarcookingtimesuchassplitpea,chanadal(splitchickpea),brownlentils,greenmungbeans,andtoordal(splitpigeonpea).Allofthesewillcookin30to45minutesinasaucepan,andin15to20minutesinapressurecooker.Use1/2cupofanytwo,or1/3cupofanythree,tomakeatotalof1cupoflegumes.Ifusingblack-eyedpeasorwhitechickpeas,soakthemforatleast4hours.Ifusingredlentilsandyellowmungdal,theywillcookwithin25minutesanddonotneedsoaking.Servewithriceorflatbread.
1cupmixedbeans(seeheadnote),soakedfor1hourforsplitpeasand4hoursforwholebeans,ifnecessary,drained3to31/2cupswater
THETEMPERING:2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil
1teaspooncuminseeds
3/4cupchoppedredorwhiteonion1ormoregreenchile,chopped(removeseedstoadjustheat,ifneeded)4clovesgarlic,chopped1(1-inch)knobofginger,choppedGenerouspinchofasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)1/2teaspoongroundturmeric1/2teaspoongroundcoriander1/2teaspoonGaramMasala(here)2mediumtomatoes,chopped(11/2cups)3/4to1teaspoonsalt2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1tablespoonchoppedmint,optionalgarnish1to2teaspoonslemonjuice,forgarnish1.Combinethebeansinasaucepanwith21/2cupsofwater.Coverandcookovermediumheatuntiltender,30to45minutes,dependingonthebeans.Reduceheattolow.
2.Thetempering:Heattheoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Addthecuminseedsandcookuntiltheybecomefragrantandchangecolor,about1minute.Addtheonion,chile,garlic,andginger,andcookuntilgolden,6to7minutes,stirringeveryfewminutes.Addtheasafetida,turmeric,coriander,andgarammasala.Mixwellandcookforaminute.Addthetomato,mixwell,andcookuntilthetomatobecomessaucy,5to6minutes.Mashthelargertomatopiecesandcookforanotherminute.
3.Addthetemperingtothesimmeringbeans.Mixwell,coverandcookfor5minutes.Taste,and
adjustsaltandspice.Addcayenneifneeded.Mashsomeofthelentilsusingaspatulaorahandblender.Continuetosimmeruncovereduntildesiredconsistencyisachievedanduntilthelentilsaretendertopreference.Addmorewater,ifneeded.Garnishwithcilantroormint,andadashoflemon.
BengaliRedLentilSoupMasoorSeddho
Prep:15minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Thisdalisnottemperedwithanoil-basedtadka.Instead,rawvegetablesareaddeddirectlytothesoup.Mustardoilgivesthesoupadeepflavorprofile.Servethedalwithriceorflatbread,andanyoftheBengalivegetablesidesorothersidesthatarespicedwithnigellaseeds.Seephotohere.
1cupredlentils(masoordal),washed,drained,andpickedforstones
3cupswater
1teaspoonsalt,ortotaste1/2teaspoongroundturmeric1/2cupthinlyslicedredonion1mediumtomato,finelychopped(3/4cup)3greenchiles,finelychopped(removeseedstoreduceheat),divided1teaspoonmustardoiloruseaneutraloil
1teaspoonlemonorlimejuice
2tablespoonsmincedredonion,forgarnish1teaspoonlemonjuice,forgarnish
1.Combinethelentilswith3cupsofwaterinasaucepanovermediumheat.Addthesalt,turmeric,slicedonion,tomato,and2greenchiles.Mixwell.Cookpartiallycoveredfor25minutes.Keepaquarterofthepanuncovered,sotheliquiddoesnotboilover.
2.Addthemustardoilandlemonjuice,andmixwell.Tasteandadjustsalt.Continuetocookuncoveredforanother5to10minutesoruntilthelentilsareverytenderandeasilymashed.Garnishwiththemincedredonion,remainingchoppedgreenchile,andadashoflemonjuice.Servehot.
Note:Ifyoudonothavemustardoil,use1/2teaspoongroundmustardmixedinto2teaspoonsoliveoil.
Variation:Add3limeleavesormintleaveswhenyouaddthemustardoil.
CurriedMungBeansSabutMung
Prep:15minutes(+1hoursoak)|Active:20minutes|Inactive:50minutes|Serves4
SF NF GF E
Thisdalhascreamycoconutmilkcurrywhenfreshlymadeandserved.Thebeansabsorballtheliquidastheysit.Indiandalsareusuallymadewithextraliquidandarekeptthininconsistency,althoughsomeregionshavethickerdalsandsomehaveverywatereddownversions.Addmoreliquidorcookitdownaccordingtoyourownpreference.Itcanbemadewithbrownlentilsoracombinationoflentilsandmungbeans.Servewithriceorflatbread.Seephotohere.)2teaspoonscoconutorsaffloweroil
1teaspooncuminseeds
4clovesgarlic,chopped1(1-inch)knobofginger,chopped
1tablespoongroundcoriander
1teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/2to3/4teaspooncayenne1/2teaspoongroundturmeric11/2cupschoppedtomatoes1cupwholegreenmungbeans,soakedforanhourorovernight
4cupswater
1to11/2teaspoonssalt
1cupcoconutmilk
1/4cupchoppedcilantro,forgarnish1teaspoonlemonjuice,forgarnish1.Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,addthecuminseeds.Cookuntiltheseedschangecolor,about1minute.Blendthegarlic,ginger,coriander,garammasala,cayenne,andturmericwith2tablespoonsofwater.Addtheblendedmixturetotheskillet.Cookuntilfragrant,about2minutes.Pureethetomatoesinthesameblender,thenaddthetomatopureetotheskillet.Cookfor5minutes.
2.Addthemungbeanstotheskillet.Addthe4cupsofwater.Mixwell,cover,andbringtoaboil.Cookfor6to8minutes.Reduceheattolow-mediumandcookuntilthemungbeansaretender,30to40minutes,stirringonceabouthalfwaythrough.
3.Addthesaltandcoconutmilk.Mixwell,cover,andcookfor10minutes.Taste,andadjustsaltandspice.Cookuncoveredforafewminutesuntildesiredconsistencyisreached(optional).Garnishwithcilantroandlemonjuice.
Variation:AddchoppedveggiesorgreensatStep2,withthemungbeans.
PressureCooker:FollowStep1inthepressurecooker.Addthedrainedmungbeans,water,salt,andcoconutmilktothepressurecooker.Closeandlockthelid.Cookfor15to20minutesforunsoakedbeansand10minutesifthebeansweresoaked.Letthepressurereleasenaturally.Garnishandserve.
SplitPeaswithCoconut,Sesame,andTamarindMaharashtrianAmti
Prep:15minutes(+1hoursoak)|Active:30minutes|Inactive:25minutes|Serves4
SF NF GF E
Thisisasourandsweetdal.Thefoodfromthisregion(Maharashtra)usesaspecialspiceblendcalledgodamasala.Ikeeppre-madeblendsfromseveralregionsonhand,sincewecookIndianfoodoften.Someblendsarenotusedasfrequently,andtheycangetstale.SomeoftheseblendsarealsonoteasytofindintheIndianstores,soIusewholeorindividualgroundspicesinmyrecipestogetthespiceblendflavorprofileright.Theingredientlistmightlooklong,butitisjustspices.Andassomeofmytesterssay,gettingallthespicesmisenplaceisafunwaytogetchildrentohelpinthekitchen.Ifyouhavepre-madegodamasalaspiceblend,thenomittheroastedspicemixtureanduse2to3teaspoonsofgodamasalaintherecipe.
1cupsplitpigeonpeas(toordal)orothersplitpeas,washedandsoakedfor1houranddrained31/2cupswater
3/4cupchoppedtomato1/2to1teaspoonsugar3/4teaspoonsalt,ortotasteROASTEDSPICEMIXTURE:1/2teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil1teaspooncorianderseeds2bayleaves
2cloves
4blackpeppercorns
1/8teaspoonasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)3driedredchiles(mediumtohot)or1/2teaspoonredpepperflakes1/2teaspoonpaprika
1tablespoonshreddedcoconutflakes,fresh,dried,orthawediffrozen
2teaspoonssesameseeds
1/4teaspoongroundcinnamonGenerousdashofnutmeg1to11/2teaspoonstamarindpaste(concentrate),totasteTHETEMPERING:1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil1/2teaspoonblackmustardseeds1/4teaspooncuminseeds
10curryleaves
10curryleaves
2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1teaspoonlemonjuice,forgarnish1.Combinethesplitpeasinasaucepanwiththewaterandtomatoes.Partiallycover,andcookovermediumheatuntilthesplitpeasareverytender,30to40minutes.Mixinthesaltandsugar,reduceheattolow,andcontinuetosimmer.
2.Roastedspicemix:Heattheoilinamediumskilletovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,addthecorianderseeds,bayleaves,cloves,andblackpeppercorns,inthatorder,mix,andcookforaminuteoruntilcorianderseedschangecolor.Addtheasafetida,redchiles/flakes,paprika,coconutflakes,sesameseeds,cinnamon,andnutmeg.Stirtocombine.Cookuntilthemixturebecomesfragrant,1to2minutes.Transfertoablender.Addthetamarindpaste,andblendintoasmoothpaste.Useatablespoonormoreofwaterifneeded.Addtheblendedspicemixturetothesimmeringsplitpeasandmixwell.Taste,andadjustsaltandspice.Addcayenneifneeded.
3.Thetempering:Heattheoilinasmallskilletovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,addthemustardseedsandcuminseedsandletthemstarttopop,10to15seconds.Usealidifneeded.Addthecurryleaves,cookfor15seconds,thenremovefromheat.Addthistemperingtothesimmeringdalandmixwell.Garnishwithcilantroandlemonjuice,andservehot.
PressureCooker:Washthesplitpeas.Combinethemwith3cupsofwater,andthetomatoesinapressurecooker.Closeandlockthelid,andcookfor10to15minutesoncethecookerreachespressure(3to4whistlesatmedium-highheat).Letthepressurereleasenaturally.Openthelid;addthesaltandsugar.Placethecookeroverlowheat.FollowSteps2and3.
PeasinCoconutCurry
Prep:15minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
SouthIndiandishesusuallyusefreshcoconut.FreshcoconutcanbefoundinIndianorAsianstores,butrequiresthatyoubreakitopen,scrapetheinnards,andshredit.FreshcoconutinshreddedformcanbefoundinthefreezersectioninanIndianstore.Driedcoconutflakesworkoutwellinalmostallrecipes.Cookingthemwiththeliquidmakesthemmoistandsoft.Servethepeasbythemselvesorwithyellowdalsorcurrieswithgreens.
1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil
1teaspoonblackmustardseeds
12curryleaves,chopped3/4cupfinelychoppedredorwhiteonion3clovesgarlic,minced1/2teaspoongroundturmeric1/2teaspooncayenne
1/4cupshreddedcoconut,driedorfresh
1cupfinelychoppedtomatoes
3/4teaspoonsalt21/2cupsfreshorfrozengreenpeas,thawediffrozen1/2cupwater1/2cupcoconutmilk
1.Heattheoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Whenhot,addthemustardseedsandcookuntiltheybegintopop.Addthecurryleavescarefullyandmix.Addtheonion,mixwell,andcookuntilgolden,6to8minutes.
2.Addthegarlic,turmericandcayenneandmixwell.Cookuntilthegarlicbecomesfragrant,about1minute.Addthecoconut,tomato,andsalt.Mixandcookuntiltomatoissaucy,6to7minutes.Addasplashofwaterifthetomatoesbegintostick.Mashthelargertomatopieces.
3.Addthepeas,water,coconutmilkandlemonjuice.Coverandcookfor10minutes.
4.Tasteandadjustsaltandspice.Uncoverandcookfor8to10minutesoruntildesiredconsistencyisachieved.Servehot.
SproutedMungBeanCurrywithDinnerRollsMisalPav
Prep:20minutes(+1to2daysforsprouting)|Active:20minutes|Inactive:30minutes|Serves4
SF GF
Streetfoodmadeeasy.Misalpavisusuallymadewithsproutedmothbeans,butthesecanbehardtofind.Wholegreenmungbeansareagreatsubstitute.Thisdishtastesbestwithsproutedbeans,butyoucanusecookedbeansforaquickerversion.Misalpavisservedasasnackorforbreakfast,butitalsomakesagreatmeal.Thecurryisgarnishedwithonions,tomatoes,andsev(chickpeanoodles,otherIndiansnacknoodles,crackers,orsavorygranola).Servewithsoftdinnerrollsorrice.
3/4cupdriedwholegreenmungbeansor11/2cupssproutsTHECURRY:2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil1largeredonion,chopped(11/2cups)4clovesgarlic,minced
1(1-inch)knobofginger,minced1teaspooncorianderseeds2cloves
4blackpeppercorns
2teaspoonsKashmirichilepowderorpaprika1tablespooncoconutflakes,freshordry
2teaspoonssesameseeds
1/4teaspoongroundcinnamon1/4teaspoongroundturmeric
1cupfinelychoppedtomato
3/4to1teaspoonsalt1/2teaspoonsugar3cupswater,divided1/2to1teaspoontamarindpaste1/2teaspooncayenneGARNISH:1/4cupfinelychoppedredonion(soaktheonioninwaterfor5minutes,thendrainanduse)Sev,farsan,anyIndiansnackmix,tortillastrips,orcrumbledpotatochips1/2cupfinelychoppedtomato
2tablespoonsroastedpeanuts
2tablespoonsroastedpeanuts
1/4cupchoppedcilantro
1to2teaspoonslemonjuice
1.Ifsproutingbeans:Washthemungbeansandsoakindoublethewaterfor6hoursorovernight.Drain,rinse,andcoverwithadamptowel.Rinsethebeansevery8hours.Dependingontheambienttemperature,thebeanswillsproutin1to2days.Oruse11/2cupssprouts.
2.Thecurry:Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonionsandcookuntilgolden,7to8minutes.Addthegarlic,ginger,corianderseeds,cloves,andpeppercorns,andcookfor3minutes.Addthepaprika,coconutflakes,sesameseeds,cinnamon,andturmeric.Mixwellandcookfor2minutes.Addthetomatoesandcookuntilsaucy,about5minutes.Blendthismixtureinablenderwiththesalt,sugar,and1cupwater,untilsmooth.
3.Addtheblendedmixturebacktothesameskillet.Addtheremaining2cupsofwater,tamarindpaste,cayenne,andthesproutedbeans.Mix,partiallycover,andcookuntilthebeansaretender,15to20minutes4.Addthebeanstoabowl.Topwithchoppedonions,tomatoes,sev/farsanortortillastrips,cilantro,andlemonjuice.Servesomeofthethinwaterysauceinasmallbowlontheside.
SouthIndianSplitPeaStewwithVeggiesSambhar
Prep:20minutes(+1hoursoak)|Active:25minutes|Inactive:25minutes|Serves4
SF NF GF
Insomedishes,youwanttorecreatetheexactflavorsyougrewupeating,andothersonwhichyou’dratherputyourownspin.Sambhar,forme,isoneofthelatter.Mysisterwasaveryfinickyeater.Shepracticallygrewupeatingjustdal,roti,dosa,idliandrice.Togethertoeatveggies,Momwouldcooktheweek’shelpingofvegetablesinthesambharandthenblendthewholethingsoitlookedlikeasmoothdalwithnoveggiesvisible.Itworkedforher.Iwouldendupgettingsambharfromrestaurantsforthedosadays.
SPLITPEAS:1cupsplitpeasorsplitpigeonpeas(toordal),washedandsoakedfor1hour,drained
4cupswater
1/2cupchoppedeggplant(orusechoppedpotatoorothervegetable)1/2cupchoppedgreenbellpepper
1/2cupchoppedcarrots1/2cupchoppeddrumsticks(seeheadnote),wintermelon,orokra1to11/2teaspoonsalt1/4to1/2teaspoonrawsugar(optional)1to2teaspoonstamarindpaste(concentrate)ortamarindpulp(seeNote)THETEMPERING:
1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil1/2teaspoonblackmustardseeds1/4teaspoonfenugreekseeds3to4driedredchiles,brokenintotwopieces(orredpepperflakes,totaste)10curryleaves,coarselychopped
3clovesgarlic,chopped1/2cupchoppedredonionorslicedpearlonions1tablespoonSambharPowder(here)orstorebought2mediumtomatoes,chopped(11/2cups)1/2teaspoongroundturmeric
1/4teaspoonblackpepper,ortotaste2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1teaspoonlemonjuice,forgarnish1.SplitPeas:Combinethesplitpeasinasaucepanwith4cupsofwaterandthevegetables.Partiallycover,andcookovermediumheatuntilthesplitpeasareverytender,about30minutes.Whenyoutakeafewsplitpeasbetweenyourfingersandpresslightly,theyshouldeasilybecomemushy.Addthesalt,sugar,andtamarindandmixwell.Mashhalfthesplitpeas,andcontinuetosimmeroverlowheat.
2.Thetempering:Heattheoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,addthemustardseeds,andcookuntiltheystarttopop,about10seconds.Addthefenugreekseeds,redchiles,andcurryleavescarefully,andcookforafewseconds.Addthegarlicandonionandcookuntiltranslucent,about5minutes.Addthesambharmasalablend,mix,andcookforhalfaminute.Addthetomatoes,turmeric,andblackpepper,andmix.Cookuntilthetomatoesaresaucy,6to8minutes.Addthistemperingmixturetothesimmeringstew.Mixwell,increaseheattomediumandbringtoarollingboil,5to6minutes.Taste,andadjustsalt,spice,andtang.Addmoretamarindextractifneeded.Cooklongeruntildesiredconsistencyisachieved.Garnishwithcilantroandlemonjuice.Servehot.
PressureCooker:Washthesplitpeas.Combinewith31/2cupsofwaterinapressurecooker.Addthevegetables.Closeandlockthelidandcookfor10to15minutes,oncethecookerreachespressure(3to4whistlesatmedium-highheat).Letthepressurereleasenaturally.Openthelid,andplacethecookeroverlowheat.Followsteps2and3.Servehot.
Note:Tousetamarindpulp:Soakagolfballsizeoftamarindpodsin1/2cupwarmwaterfor30minutes.Squeezethepulpoutofthetamarindanduse.
Variation:Makethiswithpetiteyellowlentils(mungdal).Thedalwillcookin20to25minutesatStep1.
AnAuthenticSambharWhatmakestheauthenticsambharamazingisthetangiblevegetables,eachofwhichhasitsowntaste and texture, all in a thin tangy soup of split pigeon peas, spiced liberally with sambharpowderandtamarind.Drumsticks(immatureseedpodsofthemoringa/drumsticktree)areoftenaddedtothisstew.TheyareavailableinIndianstores,butothervegetablesmaybeusedinstead.TheflavorprofileisverydifferentfromtheusualnorthIndiandalsandcurries.Addasmuchoraslittletamarindasyoulike.Thistangystewgoeswellwithdosa,uttapam,idli,orrice.
CreamyBlackGramandKidneyBeanCurryDalMakhani
Prep:15minutes(+4hoursoak)|Active:20minutes|Inactive:45minutes|Serves4
SF GF
DalMakhaniisacreamy,rich,andcomfortingdal.Itisoneofthemorepopulardals,alongwithDalTadka.Theprepandcooktimeforthisdalisabitlongerthanforothers.Itisusuallymadefromscratchwithdriedblackgramanddriedkidneybeanswhicharesoakedovernight,thenpressurecooked,andthensimmeredforanhourorlonger.Becauseofthetimeinvolved,thisheartydalisusuallymadeforspecialoccasions.Servewithrotiornaanflatbread,orricepilaforothercookedgrainssuchasquinoaormillet.Therecipeiswrittenforblackgram(wholeurad)whichwillgiveitanauthenticflavor.Iftheseareunavailable,youmayusegreenmungbeansorbrownlentils,butuselesswater.
LENTILS:1cupdriedwholeblackgram(wholeurad),washed,soaked4hourorovernight,drained3to4cupswater(use3cupsforbrownlentils)
1cupcookedkidneybeans
1teaspoonsalt,ortotaste1/2teaspooncayenneTHETEMPERING:2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil
1teaspooncuminseeds
2to3greenchiles,finelychopped(removeseedstoreduceheat)1(1-inch)knobofginger,finelychopped6clovesgarlic,finelychopped
1mediumonion,chopped(1cup)1/8teaspoonasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)2mediumtomatoes,chopped(11/2cups)1/2teaspoongroundturmeric
1teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1tablespoondriedfenugreekleaves,or1/2teaspoonfenugreekseeds1/4cupcashewmilkor1/3cupalmondmilk1tablespoonveganbutter,forgarnish1/4cupchoppedcilantro,forgarnish1.Lentils:Combinethelentilsinasaucepanwith3cupsofwater.Coverandcookovermediumheatfor30minutes.Ifthewaterthreatenstoboilover,openthe
coveracrack.Addthecookedkidneybeans,salt,andcayenne.Reduceheattolowandcontinuetosimmer.Addmorewaterifneeded.
2.Thetempering:Heattheoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Addthecuminseedsandcookfor1minute,oruntiltheystarttochangecolor.Addthechile,ginger,andgarlic,andcookforaminute.Addtheonionandasafetida,andcookuntiltranslucent,about6minutes.
3.Addthetomatoesandturmeric,andcookuntiltomatoesaresaucy,7to8minutes.Stir,andmashthelargertomatopieces.Addthistemperingtothesimmeringlentilsandbeans.Addthegarammasala,fenugreekleaves,andnutmilk.Mix,taste,andadjustsalt.
4.Simmeronlowheatuntilthedals/beansareverytender,about30minutes.Mashsomeofthelentilswiththespatula.Garnishwithveganbutterandcilantro.Servehot.
PressureCooker:Washtheblackgramandsoakfor4hours,orovernight.Soak1/2cupdriedkidneybeansovernight,oruse1cupcooked.Drainboththebeans,andcombinewith31/2cupsofwaterinapressurecooker.Closeandlockthelid,andcookfor20to25minutes,oncethecookerreachespressure(4to5whistlesatmedium-highheat).Letthepressurereleasenaturally.Openthelid,andplacethecookeroverlowheat.Addthesaltandcayenne,andmixin.Followsteps2and3.
ButternutCoconutRedLentilCurryMasoorAurKadduKiDal
Prep:20minutes|Active:20minutes|Inactive:10minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Thissimpleredlentilsoupismadewithbutternutsquash,coconutflakes,andcoconutmilk.Itisdalwithafewspices,perfectforfall.Thedalcanbemadekhadi(literallymeans“standing”)inwhichthelentilsarevisible,oritcanbemadesoupy,basedonyourpreference.(Seephotohere.)2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil1/2teaspoonblackmustardseeds
8curryleaves
Pinchofasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)2clovesgarlic,minced11/2cupsdicedbutternutsquash,pumpkin,orotherwintersquash1/4cupdriedshreddedcoconut,orfreshgratedcoconut1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne
1/2teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/2cupredlentils,washedanddrained1/2cupcoconutmilk11/4cupwater3/4teaspoonsalt,ortotaste1to2teaspoonlemonjuice,forgarnish2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1.Heattheoilinasaucepanovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,addthemustardseedsandcurryleaves.Cookfor30seconds.Addtheasafetidaandgarlic,andcookuntilthegarlicisgolden,about1minute.Addthesquash,mixwell,cover,andcookfor5minutes.Addthecoconut,cayenne,andgarammasala,andtosstocoat.
2.Drainthelentils,andaddtothepan.Addthecoconutmilk,water,andsalt,andstirwelltocombine.Cover,bringtoaboil,andcookfor7minutes.Reducetheheattomedium-lowandcontinuetocook,covered,untilthelentilsandthesquasharetender,13to16minutes.Servewithadashoflemonjuiceandcilantro.
SouthIndianChickpeaEggplantStew
Prep:20minutes|Active:20minutes|Inactive:15minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
ThisstewismyadaptedversionofafewKuzambu-stylerecipesIhavemadeovertheyears.Itcanbemadewithcookedwhiteorbrownchickpeasorsplitpeas.Thecoconutandtamarindsauceandeggplantmakeawonderfulcombination.Servewithrice,dosa,idli,orflatbread.Thispairswellwithcoconutchutney,ChileGarlicCoconutChutney(here),anypotatoside,andMushroomMutterChettinad(here).
1/4teaspooncuminseeds3tablespoonsshreddedfresh,frozen,ordriedcoconut(thawediffrozen)1largetomato,chopped(1cup)21/2cupscookedchickpeasorbrownchickpeasorcookedsplitpeas,divided1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil1/2teaspoonblackmustardseeds1/4teaspoonfenugreekseeds
12curryleaves
4clovesgarlic,chopped1smallredorwhiteonion,chopped(3/4cup)11/2teaspoongroundcoriander1/4teaspoongroundturmeric1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne1/8teaspoonblackpepper
1to2teaspoonstamarindpaste(concentrate)11/2to2cupschoppedeggplant11/2cupswater1/2to3/4teaspoonsalt
1.Inablender,combinethecuminseeds,coconut,tomatoesand1/2cupcookedchickpeasandblendintoasmoothpuree.Addafewtablespoonofwater,ifneeded.Setaside.
2.Heattheoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,addthemustardseedsandfenugreekseeds,andcookuntiltheystarttopop,about30seconds.Stirinthecurryleavesandgarlic,thenaddtheonionandcook,stirringoccasionally,untiltranslucent,about5minutes.
3.Addthecoriander,turmeric,cayenne,andblackpeppertotheskillet,andstirtocombine.Addthepureedcoconut-tomatomixturefromStep1.Cook,stirringuntilfragrant,6to8minutes.
4.Addthetamarind,eggplant,remaining2cupsofthecookedchickpeas,water,andsalt,andmixwell.Coverandcookuntileggplantsaretender,10to12minutes.Taste,andadjustthesalt,spices,andsour(tamarind),ifneeded.Servehot.
LentilsandGreenBeansBarbattiWaaliSabutMasoor
Prep:15minutes(+15minutessoak)|Active:20minutes|Inactive:25minutes|Serves4
SF NF GF E
Inthislentilstew,brownlentilsarecookedwithgreenbeansandasizzlingtadkaisaddedattheend,foraburstofflavor.Thelentilsarecookedtouseupalltheliquidandmakeadryside,oryoucanaddmorewaterforabrothystew.Servewithriceorflatbread.(Seephotohere.)1cupdriedbrownlentils,soakedfor15minutesanddrained31/2to4cupswater1to11/2teaspoonssalt1teaspoongarlicgranulesor1teaspoongarlicpaste1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne1teaspoonGaramMasala(here)21/2cupschoppedgreenbeans(1to2-inchpieces)THETEMPERING:
1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil
1teaspooncuminseeds
1largeonion,chopped(1cup)1/8teaspoonasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)1hotgreenchile,finelychopped(Serranoorbird’seye)4clovesgarlic,finelychopped
2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1teaspoonlemonjuice,forgarnish2teaspoonssesameseeds,forgarnish1.Combinethelentilsinasaucepanwith31/2cupsofwater.Partiallycover,andcookovermediumheatfor20minutes.Theliquidwillcometoaboilaround5to6minutes.Ifthewaterthreatenstoboilover,partiallyuncover.
2.Addthesalt,garlic,cayenne,garammasala,andgreenbeans.Mix,cover,andcookuntilthelentilsaretender,about15minutes,stirringonceinbetween.Ifthelentilslookliketheyaredryingouttoomuch,add1/2cupmorewater.Reduceheattolow3.Thetempering:Heattheoilinasmallskilletovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,addthecuminseedsandcookfor30seconds.Stirintheonions,asafetida,chile,andgarlic,andcookuntilgolden,5to6minutes.Addtheonionmixturetothesimmeringlentils.Mixwellandletsitfor5minutestoinfusetheflavors.Garnishwithcilantro,adashoflemonjuice,andsesameseeds.
KidneyBeanCurryRajma
Prep:20minutes|Active:30minutes|Inactive:30minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Rajmawasafavoriteinourhouse.Everyeventhadaversionofrajma.Thebeanswerecookedoverlowheatforhourssotheflavorsblendedintothebeansandcurry.RajmaislikeawarmingIndianchili,perfectforwinter.Mom’sfavoritewaytoserverajmaiswithCumin-ScentedRicePulaowithPeasandOnions(here).
2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil1/2teaspooncuminseeds
2bayleaves
1cupchoppedredorwhiteonion1to2greenchiles,chopped(removeseedstoreduceheat)1/4teaspooncaromseeds1(2-inch)knobofginger,chopped,or2tablespoonsgingerpaste6clovesgarlic,chopped,or2tablespoonsgarlicpaste
1teaspoongroundcoriander
1/2teaspoongroundturmeric1/4to1/2teaspooncayenneGenerouspinchofasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)2teaspoonsGaramMasala(here)1/2teaspoondriedfenugreekleaves
1teaspoondrymangopowder(optional)4mediumtomatoes,chopped(31/2cups)2(15.5ounce)canskidneybeansor11/2cupsdriedbeanssoakedovernightandpressure-cookedorslow-cooked1/2to11/2teaspoonssaltortotaste,divided(use1/2teaspoonifcookedbeansarealreadysalted)21/2cupswater
Lemonjuice(optional)1/4cupchoppedcilantroforgarnish(notoptional)1.Heattheoilinasaucepanovermediumheat.Addthecuminseedsandbayleaf,andcookuntilthecuminseedsbecomefragrant,about1minute.Addtheonionsandgreenchiles,andcookuntiltranslucent,7to8minutes.Addthecaromseeds,ginger,andgarlic.Mixwellandcookforaminute.Addthecoriander,turmeric,cayenne,asafetida,garammasala,fenugreekleavesanddrymangopowder.Mixwellandcookforaminute.Addthetomatoesandcookuntilthetomatoesaresaucy,about10minutes.Stironce.Mashthelargerpiecesoftomato.
2.Addthekidneybeans,salt,andwater.Cover,andcookfor30to40minutes.Thebeansshouldbetenderenoughsotheycanbemashedeasily.Mashsomeofthebeans.Taste,andadjustsaltand
spice.Addlemonjuicefortangifneeded.Cooklongertoadjustconsistencyifneeded.Garnishwithcilantroandservehot.
PressureCooker:Withcookedbeans:FollowStep1inthepressurecooker.Addthecookedkidneybeans,salt,and2cupsofwater.Pressurecookfor10minutesafterthecookerreachespressure(2to3whistles).Letthepressurereleasenaturally.Mashsomeofthebeans.Garnishandserve.
Withdriedbeans:Soak11/2cupsdriedbeansovernight.Drainandkeepaside.FollowStep1inthepressurecooker.Addthekidneybeans,salt,and3cupsofwater.Pressurecookfor20minutesafterthecookerreachespressureovermediumheat.4to5whistles.Lowertheheatandcookforanother10minutes.Letthepressurereleasenaturally.Mashsomeofthebeans.Garnishandserve.
MakhaniVegetablePotPie(here)
Six
One-PotMealsandCasseroles
Shortontime?Noworries!Whipupone-potmeals,orcombineeverythinginacasseroledishandpopitintheoven,thencomebacktoahotmeal.Thesequickcasserolesandone-potmealscanbeservedwithoutanysides.Almostalloftheserecipesaresoy-freeandgluten-free,andmostarenut-free.
One-potmealsareaninfrequentoccurrenceinIndianhouseholds.Mealstendtohavemultiplecomponents,soyoucanchoosetoeatmoreofonedishthananother.Thereisalwaysenoughforeveryone.One-potmealsgenerallyconsistofricestir-frieswithvegetablesandspices,pulaoorriceandlentildishes,kitchari,orbhath.Theycanalsoincludeelaboratespiceblendsorsauces,whicharepreparedandstoredaheadoftimetoshortentheactivecooktime.InSouthIndiandishes,localgrains,suchasvarietiesofmillets,areoftenusedinsteadofrice.
Whilegrowingup,Irarelysawanyonebake.Theonlythingthatwasbakedwasacake,andthatwasbakedonthestovetop.Therearesimilartechniques,suchasbakinginthetandoorovenandslowdumcookinginacontainersealedwithdough.SoonaftercomingtotheUnitedStates,however,Ifellinlovewithbaking.Theslow-roastinggivesapleasingtasteandtexturetothefinaldish.TheSpicyLentilCauliflowerPotatoCasseroleandMakhanicasserolearefantasticexamples.
Ilovealltherecipesinthischapter.IfIhadtorecommendwhattomakefirst,IwouldstartwiththeChickpeaSpinachStewwithLentilsandQuinoa,thendefinitelytrytheSpicyRedLentilCauliflowerPotatoCasserole.TheLightlySpicedYellowLentilsandRiceandMakhaniVegetablePotPiearesupereasyandnotfarbehindinmylistofrecommendations.
ChickpeaSpinachStewwithLentilsandQuinoa
Prep:20minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:30minutes|Serves3to4
SF NF GF E
Aone-potmealwithalltheproteinfortheday,thisstewcameaboutoneweekendwhenwewantedsomethingwarmandfillingthatwasnotdalortofuorsalad.Ifoundabunchofgreensintherefrigeratorandfromthepantry,Ipickedupredlentils,quinoa,andcannedchickpeas,andwentfromthere.Thisrecipebecameabighitontheblog.Ihopeyouwillloveit,too.Servewithflatbreadorcrackers.Omitthecashewstomakeitnut-free.
1teaspoonsafflowerorcoconutoil
1/2cupredonion,finelychoppedorthinlysliced1hotgreenchile,finelychopped(removeseedstoreduceheat)11/2teaspoonsGaramMasala(here)1/4teaspoongroundcinnamon
1/4teaspoongroundcardamom1/2teaspoongroundcumin2largetomatoes,chopped(2cups)3packedcupsspinachorothergreens
4clovesgarlic
1(1-inch)knobofginger1/4teaspoonblackpeppercorns(orgroundblackpeppertotaste)
2teaspoonsapplecidervinegar
2cupswater,divided(21/2cupsforsoupierstew)1to11/4teaspoonssalt,ortotaste1/2teaspoonrawsugarormaplesyrup
1/3cupredlentils,washedanddrained1/3cupquinoa,washedanddrained1(15.5-ounce)canchickpeas,drainedor11/2cupscookedchickpeas2tablespoonscashews,chopped(omittomakenut-free)1/2teaspoonredpepperflakes
1/2teaspoonlemonjuiceCashewcream(optional)Vegancheeseshreds(optional)
•
•
•
•
1.Heattheoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonionandgreenchile,andcookuntiltheonionistranslucent,5to6minutes.Addthegarammasala,cinnamon,cardamom,andcumin.Mixwell,andcookfor1minute.
2.Inablender,combinethetomato,spinach,garlic,ginger,peppercorns,andvinegarwith1cupofwaterandblendintoasmoothpuree.Addthepureetotheskilletandmixwell.Addthelentils,quinoa,andchickpeas,andmixwell.Addthesalt,sugar,and1to11/2cupswater.Coverandcookfor30minutesovermediumheat,oruntilthelentilsandquinoaarecookedandthesaucedoesnottasteofrawgarlic.Stironceabouthalfwaythrough.Mashafewofthechickpeas,thenstirinthecashews.Tasteandadjustsaltandspices,ifneeded.Cookafewminuteslongerfordesiredconsistency.Servehot,garnishedwithredpepperflakes,lemonjuice,and/orcashewcreamorshreddedvegancheese,ifusing.
Variations:
Add1/4cupalmondorcoconutmilkforcreamysoup.
Addvegetablessuchascauliflowerorsweetpotato.
Usemillet,couscous,orriceinsteadofquinoa.
Cookthestewafewminuteslongersoalltheliquidisabsorbed,anduseassloppyJoes.
LightlySpicedYellowLentilsandRiceMungDalKhichdi(Kitchari)Prep:15minutes(+30minutessoak)|Active:15minutes|Inactive:15minutes|Serves4to6
SF NF GF E
WhenIwasgrowingup,khichdiwasthemealweatewheneversomeonehadastomachache.Usually,itwouldbeablandbowloflentilsandricewithjustcuminandsomesalt.Solet’saddabitofflavor.Khichdiissupposedtobeasimpleandeasilydigestiblemeal,henceitismadewithsplitlentilsandwhiterice,anddoesnothaveanyheat(chile),garammasala,orotherspiceblends.Instead,itfeaturessimplespices,likecuminandasafetida,thathelpdigestion.Feelfreetoaddmorespicestotaste.Traditionalkhichdiiswellmashedandovercookedandworksbestinapressurecooker.Usethiseasyrecipeasthefirstonetotryifyouarenewtopressurecooking.Itisalsoeasilymadeinasaucepan.Omittheasafetidatomakethisdishgluten-free.
1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil
1teaspooncuminseeds
1/8teaspoonasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)1/2cupfinelychoppedredorwhiteonion1hotgreenchile,chopped(removeseedstoreduceheat)(optional)1(1-inch)knobofginger,minced
1cupchoppedtomato
1/4teaspoongroundturmeric1/4teaspoonGaramMasala(here)(optional)3/4cuppetiteyellowlentilsorredlentils,washedandsoakedfor30minutes3/4cupwhitebasmatirice,washedandsoakedfor30minutes3/4to11/4teaspoonssalt
4to41/2cupswater1teaspoonlemonjuice,forgarnish2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1.Heattheoilinapressurecookerovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,addthecuminseedsandcookuntiltheychangecolorandbecomefragrant,about1minute.Addtheasafetida,ifusing,andmixwell.Addtheonionandcookuntiltranslucent,about5minutes.
2.Addthechileandginger.Mixandcookforaminute.Stirinthetomatoes,turmeric,andgarammasala,andcookuntilsaucy,about5minutes.
3.Addthelentilsandricetothepressurecooker.Addthesaltandwater,andclosethelid.Cookfor5minutesoncethecookerreachespressure(1whistle).Letthepressurereleasenaturally.Addthelemonjuiceandmixwell.Taste,andadjustthesaltandspices,ifneeded.Garnishwithcilantroandservehot.
Tomakeinasaucepan:Drainthelentilsandrice.FollowSteps1through3usingasaucepan.Addthelentilsandricetothesaucepan,alongwiththesaltandwater.Cover,andbringtoaboilovermediumheat.Continuetocookuntilthelentilsmasheasily,20to25minutes.Openthelidacrackifthewaterthreatenstoboilover.Mashsomeofthelentilsandrice.Taste,andadjustsaltandspice.Addthelemonjuice,garnishwithcilantro,andservehot.
MakhaniVegetablePotPie
Prep:20minutes|Active:25mins|Inactive:30minutes|Serves4 SF E
Thisisasuper-quickdishmadewithmakhani,orbuttersauce,whichismadewithoutoilorbutter.Simplyblendupthesauce,chopthevegetables,combineeverythinginadish,andbakeorcookitinasaucepan.Thisisnotanaveragepotpie.Thiseasysaucepacksarestaurant-stylepunch.Itisespeciallydeliciousifbakedwithsomebiscuitsorpuffpastryonthetop;however,ifyoumakethisrecipewithoutthebiscuittopping,itwillbecompletelyoil-freeandgluten-free.(Seephotohere.)MAKHANISAUCE:1cupcoconutmilk
1cupwater
2tablespoonsgroundcashewsorcashewmeal(use1/4cupforthickersauce)1(1-inch)knobofginger,chopped4clovesgarlic,chopped
1/3to1/2teaspooncayenne
2tablespoonstomatopaste
11/2teaspoonsdriedonionflakesor3/4teaspoononionpowder11/2teaspoonsGaramMasala(here)1/2teaspoongroundcumin
1/2teaspoongroundcoriander1/4teaspoongroundturmeric11/2to2teaspoonsdriedfenugreekleaves3/4to1teaspoonsalt
1/4teaspoonrawsugaror1/2teaspoonmaplesyrupVEGETABLES:1cupchoppedgreens,suchasbabykale,spinach,orchard3cupschoppedvegetablessuchascauliflower,broccoli,mushrooms,greenbeans,orthinlyslicedcarrots1/2cupgreenpeasorcookedchickpeas3/4cupchoppedtomato
Puffpastryormathribiscuitdough(here)orotherveganbiscuitdough,cutinto11/2-inchcircles1.Preheattheovento425°F.Inablender,addalltheingredientsforthemakhanisauce.Blendwell.Taste,andadjustsaltandspiceifneeded.Donotaddtoomuchsaltandspicesastheirflavorswillgetstrongerduringbaking.
2.Pourhalfofthesauceintoa11/2quartor9x7-inchbakingdish.Spreadthegreensoverthesauce.Spreadtheveggiesandtomatotodistributeevenly.Drizzletheremainingsauceovertheveggies.
3.Coverthedishlooselywithfoilandbakefor25minutes.Removethefoilcarefully.Arrangethe
puffpastryorbiscuitdoughcirclesontheveggies.Returnthedishtotheovenfor18to22minutes,oruntilthepastryisgoldenandpuffed.Coolforafewminutes,garnishwithcilantro,andservehot.Tomakewithoutthebiscuittopping:Coverthecasserolelightlywithfoil,andbakefor40minutes.Removefromtheoven,uncover,letcoolfor5minutes,andserve.
Tomakeinasaucepan:PourthesaucefromStep1intoasaucepan.Addallthegreensandvegetables.Coverandcookovermediumheatfor30to35minutesoruntilthevegetablesaretender.Stironcewhilecooking.Garnishwithcilantroandserve.
SpinachRiceandBlack-EyedPeasLobhiaPalakPulao
Prep:15minutes(+1hoursoak)|Active:25minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Serves4
SF NF GF E
Thisrecipeshouldberenamed,“HowtoFallinLovewithBlack-eyedPeas.”Itisanothersimple,greensfilled,one-potmeal.Iliketocookmyblack-eyedpeasfromscratch.Aone-hoursoakisenough,andtheresultingdishtastesfresherthanifIusedcannedbeans.Therecipetakeslesstimeifyouhaveprecookedblack-eyedpeas.
2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil
1cupslicedredonion
1hotgreenchilepepper,chopped,seedsremovedtoreduceheatPinchofsalt1/2cupdriedblack-eyedpeas,soakedfor1houranddrained21/4cupswater,divided2cupspackedspinach,oracombinationofbabygreens2mediumtomatoes,chopped(11/2cups)1(1-inch)knobofginger
3clovesgarlic
3/4to11/4teaspoonssalt1teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/4teaspoongroundcinnamon1/4teaspoongroundcardamom3/4cupwhitebasmatirice2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1/2teaspoonlemonjuice,forgarnish
1.Heattheoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonion,chile,andapinchofsalt,andcookuntiltheonionistranslucent,6to7minutes.Removeone-thirdoftheonionstouselaterasgarnish.
2.Addtheblack-eyedpeastotheskilletalongwith11/4cupwater.Coverandcookovermediumheatfor25minutes.
3.Inablender,combinethespinach,tomato,ginger,andgarlicandblendintoasmoothpureewith1cupofwater.Addthespinachmixture,salt,garammasala,cinnamon,andcardamomtotheskillet.
Mixwell.Coverandcookfor8minutestobringtoagoodboil.
4.Addthericetothepanandmixwell.Cover,andcookfor5minutesovermediumheat.
5.Stir,reduceheattomedium-low.Coverandcookfor10minutes,oruntilthericeandbeansaretender.Garnishwithcilantro,lemonjuice,andthereservedonionsfromStep1.Servehot.
Tomakewithcanned/cookedblack-eyedpeas:Add1cupcookedblack-eyedpeasandnowateratStep2.Cookforaminuteandproceedtothenextstep.Uselesssaltiftheblack-eyedpeaswerealreadysalted.
Tomakewithbrownbasmatirice:Soakthericewiththedriedblack-eyedpeasfor1hour.DrainandaddbothtoaskilletatStep2.ProceedwithStep3,addingthespinachmixture,salt,garammasala,cinnamon,andcardamomtotheskillet,alongwith11/2cupswater.Cover,andcookovermediumheatuntilthericeandbeansaretender,40to50minutes.
RedLentilTomatoPulao
Prep:15minutes|Active:20minutes|Inactive:10minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Thispulaoisaquickone-potmealtoputtogetheronweekdays.Variationsofthispulaoareafavoriteofmine—30minutesandit’sdone!Iusuallymakeitinasaucepanasthesplitredlentilscookreallyquickly.Thelentilsandricecangetabitmushyinapressurecooker.Isoakthelentilsandricejustbeforecooking,butsoakingisoptional.Forvariation,addmorevegetablesandgreensofchoicewhenyouaddthecauliflower.Addmoretomatoesforasaucierpulao.Iliketoaddsomecayenne-infusedcaramelizedonionstothisdish,aswell.Thispulaomightnotworkaswellwithbrownrice,sincethelongercookingtimemeansthelentilswilldisintegrateandbecomeasoup.Itwillstillbedelicious,though.
2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil2bayleaves
4cloves
1/2cupthinlyslicedredonion2clovesgarlic,minced1(1/2-inch)knobofginger,minced2mediumtomatoes,chopped(11/2cups)1/2teaspoonturmeric1/2teaspoongroundcumin1/2teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne11/2cupssmallcauliflowerflorets3/4teaspoonsalt1/2cupredlentils,washedandsoakedfor15minutes,drained1/2cupbasmatirice,washedandsoakedfor15minutes,drained13/4cupswater
1/2cupfreshorfrozengreenpeas,thawediffrozen2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1/2teaspoonlemonjuice,forgarnish2to4tablespoonscaramelizedonions,forgarnish(optional)1.Heattheoilinasaucepanovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,addthebayleavesandcloves,andcookfor30seconds.Addtheonionandcook,stirring,untiltranslucent,about5minutes.
2.Addthegarlicandginger,andmixwell.Addthetomatoes,turmeric,cumin,garammasala,andcayenne.Mixwell,andcookovermediumheatuntilthetomatoesaresaucy,about5minutes.Mashthelargertomatopieces.
3.Addthecauliflowerandsalt,andmixwell.Addthelentilsandrice,mixwell,andcookfor1minute.
4.Addthewater.Mix,cover,andcookfor10minutes.Addthepeas,stir,andreduceheattolow-medium.Coverandcookuntilthelentilsandricearecookedandalltheliquidisabsorbed,about6to8minutes.Letsitfor5minutes.Servegarnishedwithcilantro,lemonjuice,andonions,ifusing.
PressureCooker:FollowSteps1and2inapressurecooker.Addthecauliflower,peas,salt,drainedlentilsandrice,andwater.Closethelid,andpressurecookfor5minutesoncethepressurehasreached(1whistle).Letthepressurereleasenaturally.Openthelid,garnishandserve.
YellowLentilRiceandChardMungDalChawalBiryani
Prep:25minutes|Active:20to25minutes|Serves4 SF GF E
Riceandmungdalareagreatcombinationformanyreasons.Theirflavorsandtexturesarecomplementary,andtheycanbeseasonedandservedininfiniteways.Thericeandmungdalkhichdithatweateonbadtummydaysisquitebland,whichtakesawayfromhowamazingthesetwostapleingredientscanbetogether.Tochangeuptheflavorandtextureofthekhichdi,Imakeaspicier,flavorfulbiryani.Asoneofmyrecipetester’sdaughtersays,“ThisisBir-yummy!”
RICEANDLENTILS:1/2cupwhitebasmatirice,soakedinhotwaterfor15minutesanddrained1/2cuppetiteyellowlentils,soakedinhotwaterfor15minutesanddrained13/4cupswater
2bayleaves
2cloves
Seedsfrom1greencardamompod1/4teaspoonredpepperflakes3/4to1teaspoonsaltBIRYANILAYER:2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil11/2cupsthinlyslicedredonion1(1/2-inch)knobofginger,finelychopped4clovesgarlic,finelychopped1(2-inch)cinnamonstick
2cloves
6blackpeppercorns
11/2cupschoppedpackedchardorspinachleaves1/4cupchoppedrawcashews
2tablespoonsraisinsordriedcranberries
1/2teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/4to1/2teaspoonredpepperflakes1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne1/2cupcoconutmilk1/4teaspoonsalt1/4teaspoonsaffronstrands(4strands)2tablespoonschoppedcilantroormint,forgarnish1teaspoonlemonjuice,forgarnish1.Transferthericeandlentilstoasaucepan.Addthewater,spices,andsalt.Coverandcookovermediumheatuntilthelentilsaretender,about15minutes.
Openthelidacrackoncethewatercomestoaboil,stirringonceabouthalfwaythrough.
2.Makethebiryanilayer:Heattheoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonionandcookfor5minutes.Addtheginger,garlic,cinnamonstick,clovesandpeppercorns,andcookuntilthegarlicandonionaregolden,3to4minutes.
3.Addthechard,cashews,raisins,garammasala,redpepperflakes,andcayenne.Mixwelltocombine.Coverandcookfor3minutes.Addthecoconutmilk,salt,andsaffronstrands.Mixwell,cover,andcookuntilthechardiswilted,4to5minutes.
4.Addthericeandlentils,andlightlymixtoincorporate.Donotovermix.Tasteandadjustthesalt,ifneeded.Garnishwiththecilantroandlemonjuice.Servehot.
TofuPasanda(here)
Seven
MainDishes
Thisiswheremyfavoritedishesgetinterestingandridiculouslydelicious.Someofthesecurriesmightnotbeeverydayfare,butIhavesimplifiedmostfromsayfourdifferentpansandfourspicepastesorprocessestotwoorfewer.Ifyouarenotsureabouttacklingaparticularrecipefromthischapter,fearnot.Makeafewofthedalsorcasseroles,ortrytheMangoCurryTofuorPalakTofuandChardMalaiMutterfromthischaptertogetthehangofcookingstyles,spices,andtimes.Innotime,youmaybewhippingupakormaoramakhanieverysingleday!ThesaucesintheserecipesproduceacomplexanddeepflavorprofileandworkbesttointroduceanyonenewtoIndianfoodortoaddmorevegetables,beans,andotherplantbasedoptionstoyourdiet.SomeofthesedisheswillremindyouofthecreamyandmeatyoptionsyouseeinIndianrestaurants,butofcoursewithoutthemeatanddairy.Also,mostarealsosecretlyhealthy!
Thischapterdemonstrateshowtheflavorofadishchangeswhenyouusewholespicesunroasted,roasted,orfried.Thecombinationsofspicesandflavorswhereagoodlonglistallcomestogetherbeautifullywillbewellworthit.Whereverpossible,Iprovidespicesubstitutionswithreadilyavailablespices.SeetheSpicesofIndianCookingsectionbeginningherefordetailsonsubstitutions.
Asyoureadtheserecipes,keepinmindthatitisdifficulttofindsuitableEnglishwordsforthesedelectablesauces.MostoftheIndiannamesrenderasdescriptivewords,suchascreamyorluscious.So,trytolookbeyondtheEnglish,aseachsaucehasaverydifferentflavorprofile.Theterm“curry,”whenusedforIndiandishes,simplymeansathinsauce.Therefore,dalscanbethoughtofaslegumecurries.“Curry”isusedtodescribesauces,notapowderorflavoring.
Therecipesusetempeh,tofu,beans,orvegetables,butmostcanbemadewithanyoftheseproteins.Withtheoptionsofmakingthemwithtofu,tempeh,soy-freechickpeatofu,soy-freeveganpaneer,chunkyvegetablesofchoice,vegetablekofta(meatballs),chickpeas,orothercookedbeans,seitan,andstore-boughtmeatsubstitutes,thereareendlesspossibilities.Mostoftherecipesinthischapterareperfecteventfoodsforamixedcrowdofvegansandnon-vegans.Learnthesesaucesandusethemwithyourfavoriteproteins.Servethemwithflatbreads,pitabreads,crackers,riceorgrains.
Tempeh,seitan,andhempseedtofuhavesimilarcookingtimes.Simmerthemfor20minutesormoreinthesauce.Thelongertheysitinthesauce,themoreflavorstheypickup.Tofucanbesimmeredinthesauceforafewminutesorbakedandusedwithaquickreheatinthesauce.Chickpeatofu(Burmese)worksbestwiththickflavorfulsaucesthatworkwellwiththeflavorofchickpeaflour.Suchsaucesincludemadraschilemasala,tikkamasala,makhani,lasoonisauce,pasanda,andchettinad.Veganpaneerworksbestwhentossedintoacookedsauceandheatedforafewminutesandserved.Vegetables,chickpeas,andlentilsworkbeautifullywithallthesauces.
Alloftherecipesinthischaptercanbemadesoy-freebyusingchickpeatofu,hempseedtofu,cookedchickpeas,beans,orvegetables.Non-soytempehmadewithsplitpeasorblack-eyedpeasalsoworkswell.
Ifyoutaketimetoreallyfallinlovewiththischapter,you’llbegladyoudid.StartwithmyfavoritePalakTofu,RainbowChardandPeasinCreamySauce,MangoCurryTofu,andthespicyVegetableJalfrezi;thenmoveontoNavratanKorma,PotatoBallsinGarlicSauce(LasooniMethiKofte),andTikkaMasala.Makegrandplanswithwholeroastedcauliflower(GobiMusallam),thesuper-hotMadrasChileMasala,andbaltiorchettinadsauces.Ohyes,anddopostpicturesofyourcreationsandtagmeonsocialmedia.
NutsandNutSubstitutesQuiteafewsaucesinthischapterdependonnutsforcreaminess.Nutscanbereplacedwithseeds,cooked cauliflower, blended tofu, yogurt, chickpea flour, or cookedbeans. There are a few saucesthat are normally made with these non-nut ingredients, such as malai kofta, pasanda, and tikkamasala, that youcanuseasa reference formaking such substitutions.Or, youcan simplyomit thenuts,thoughthesauceswillnotbeascreamy.
TofuinVelvetyPepitaPoppySeedSauceTofuPasanda
Prep:20minutes|Active:25minutes|Inactive:25minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF
Pasandameans“favorite”andisthenameofameatdishfromNorthIndiaandPakistan.Iusehemp-tofuorregularextra-firmtofuinthisrecipe.Hemp-tofuismadewithhempseedsandissoy-free.ItcanbefoundatWholeFoodsstoresundertheLivingHarvestBrand.Therearespecificspicesandingredientsthatgivethesauceitstextureandboldflavor.Youcanomitthoseyoudonothaveonhand.Seephotohere.
2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil,divided14ouncesextra-firmtofu,pressedinakitchentowelfor10minutes,orHemp-Tofu(doesnotneedpressing),cutinto3/4-inchcubes1teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/4teaspoongroundcinnamon
1cupchoppedredonion
4clovesgarlic,chopped1(1-inchknob)ofginger,chopped1/4teaspooncuminseeds
1teaspooncorianderseeds
1/2teaspoonfennelseeds
1clove
2tablespoonspumpkinseedsorsunflowerseeds1teaspoonwhiteorblackpoppyseeds1largetomato,chopped(1cup)3/4cupcoconutmilkorothernondairymilk1/2cupwater
1/2teaspoonsweetpaprika1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne3/4teaspoonsalt,ormore1/2teaspoonsugar
1.Heat1teaspoonofoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addthecubedtofu,garammasala,andcinnamonandcookuntillightlygoldenonsomeedges,about4minutes.Setaside.
2.Heat1teaspoonofoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonionandcookuntiltranslucent,about6minutes.Addthegarlic,ginger,cumin,coriander,fennelseeds,clove,pumpkin
seeds,andpoppyseedsandcookfor2minutes.Addthetomatoandcookuntilsaucy,about5minutes.Stiroccasionally.Mashthelargertomatopieces.
3.Coolthemixtureslightlyandtransfertoablender.Addthecoconutmilkandblendintoasmoothpuree.Addthepureetotheskilletwiththetofu.Addwater,paprika,cayenne,salt,andsugar.Mixwell.Coverandcookovermedium-lowheatuntilthesaucethickensandthetofupicksupthecolorofthesauce,about25minutes,stirringoccasionally.Tasteandadjustthesaltandspices,ifneeded.Thesauceneedstobecookedwelltocookthepoppyseedswhicharesomewhatgrassytastingwhenraw.Cooklongeruntilthesaucetastesflavorfulandcreamywithoutanygrassyaftertaste.
Variations:Tomakewithtempeh:Steamthetempeh(here)andaddtotheskilletwiththesauceatStep3.Continuewiththerestofthesteps.Tomakewithvegetablesorcookedchickpeas:Add3cupsofvegetablesor21/2cupscookedchickpeaswiththespicesinstep1,cookfor5minutes,thensetasideandcontinuewiththerestofthesteps.Addthesaucetothevegetablesatstep3andcookuntiltender.
RoyalTofuandCashewsShahi“Paneer”Prep:20minutes|Active:25minutes|Inactive:25minutes|Serves4 SF GF E
Shahidishesusuallyhaveanonioncreamsaucewithfull-fatcreamandhaveeitherpaneercheeseorothernon-veganproteinsources.Thisis,ofcourse,aveganversion.Tofuistossedinspicesandcornstarchandbaked,thenaddedtoalusciousonionnutsauce.WholespicesandsaffroninthesaucemakethisaShahi(regal)dish.Thisrecipeandmostothersfromthischaptertastebestnextday.Forrecipeslikethesewithalonglistofspices,keepthespicesathandinorderofuseforeaseduringcooking.Servethiswithnaan,otherflatbreads,orcumin-scentedrice.Makethissoy-freewithchickpeatofuorusevegetablesorbeansandadddirectlytothesauce.Thisdishcanbemadefreeofrefinedoils.
TOFU:14ouncesfirmorextra-firmtofu,drained1teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/4teaspoongroundturmeric
1/4teaspoonsalt1/2teaspoongarlicpowder(optional)1to2tablespoonscornstarchorarrowrootSAUCE:11/2cupschoppedwhiteorredonion1greenchile,chopped
4clovesgarlic
1(1-inch)knobofginger,choppedinto4pieces1/2cuprawcashews,divided
2tablespoonsalmonds
2tablespoonswatermelonseedsorpumpkinorsunflowerseeds2cupswater
2bayleaves
1(2-inch)cinnamonstick
3cloves
1/4teaspooncarawayseedsorcuminseeds1blackcardamompod(optional)1/2teaspoonGaramMasala(here)
1teaspoongroundcoriander
1teaspoongroundcoriander
1/4teaspoonturmeric1/4teaspooncayenne6largestrandsofsaffron
1teaspoonlemonjuice
1/2to3/4teaspoonsalt
1teaspoonsugar
2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1.Tofu:Cutthetofuinto4to6thickslices.Placetheslicesbetweenpapertowelsorinakitchentowel.Presstoremoveasmuchwateraspossible.Mixgarammasala,turmeric,saltandgarlicinabowl.Lightlyrubthemixtureonthetofuslices.Cuttheslicesinto3/4-to1-inchcubes.Addcornstarchandtosstocoat.Preheattheovento400°F.Placethetofuonparchmentlinedsheet.Bakefor20to25minutesandsetaside.Bakelongerforcrispertofu.
2.Sauce:Combinetheonion,chile,garlic,ginger,1/4cupcashews,almonds,seeds,andwaterinasaucepanovermedium-highheat.Bringtoaboilandcookpartiallycovereduntiltheonionsgetsoft,11to13minutes.
3.Coolslightly,andtransfertheonionmixturetoablender.Blenduntilsmoothandsetaside.
4.Heatalargeskilletovermediumheat.Whentheskilletithot,addbayleaves,cinnamon,cloves,carawayseeds,andcardamom,ifusing.Dryroastthespices,untilthebayleaveschangecolor,1minute.
5.Addtheblendedonionpuree,1/4cupcashews,garammasala,coriander,turmeric,cayenne,saffron,lemonjuice,salt,andsugartotheskillet.Cookuntilthemixturecomestoaboilandthickensslightly,10minutes.
6.Addthebakedtofutotheskillet.Mixtocoat.Tasteandadjustthesaltandspices,ifneeded.Addsomealmondmilkifthesauceistoothick.Cookfor2minutestoheatthetofu.Garnishwithcilantro(notoptional).Discardbayleavesandcinnamonstickjustbeforeserving.
Tomakewithoil:Cookthewholespicesin1teaspoonoilatStep4.
Tomakelower-fat:Omitthecashewsfromtheonionsauce.Usepeasinsteadofthe1/4cupcashewsatstep5.
Variation:AddpressedandcubedtofuorcookedchickpeasorblanchedchunkyvegetablesatStep6.Add1/4cupalmondmilk.Coverandcookfor10to15minutes.Garnishandserve.
GoanTempehCurry
Prep:15minutes(+1hourmarinate)|Active:15minutes|Inactive:30minutes|Serves4to6
NF GF E
GoaisacoastalstateonthewestcoastofIndia.ThecuisineofGoaisinfluencedbyfourhundredyearsofPortuguesecolonialismandinternationaltechniques.Thiscurryshowssomeofthisinfluencewithitstangynotesfromredwinevinegarandpickleflavorsfromgroundmustardandcumin.Tempehworksbeautifullyinthisrecipe,althoughyoucanusevegetablesandbeansinstead.Thesauceusuallygetsabsorbedbythetempeh,makingthisalesssaucydish.Servewithcoconutredlentildal,amtidal,plainrice,orflatbread.Usevegetables,beansorsoy-freetempehtomakethissoy-free.
11/2teaspooncuminseeds11/2teaspoonbrownorblackmustardseeds1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne1/2teaspoongroundturmeric
2teaspoonssweetpaprika
3/4to1teaspoonsalt
5clovesgarlicminced
2to3tablespoonsredwinevinegarorcoconutvinegar11/2cupswater2(8-ounce)packagestempeh,cutinto1/2-inchdice2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil2cupsthinlyslicedredorwhiteonionpinchofsugar
1.Grindthecuminandmustardseedstogetherintoacoarsepowder.Inabowl,combinethegroundcumin,mustard,cayenne,turmeric,paprika,salt,garlic,and2tablespoonsvinegarandmixwell.Mixinthewaterandtempeh.Marinatefor1hourorovernight.
2.Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonionslices,apinchofsalt,andapinchofsugar.Cookuntiltranslucent,8to9minutes.Stiroccasionally.Addthetempehwiththemarinade,reducetheheattomedium-low,cover,andcookuntilmostoftheliquidisabsorbed,25to35minutes.Stironceabouthalfwaythrough.Tasteandadjustthesaltandtang.Addasplashofvinegar,ifneeded.
PotatoVeggieBallsinGarlicFenugreekSauceLasooniMethiKofte
Prep:20minutes|Active:25to40minutes|Inactive:10minutes|Serves4
SF NF GF E
ThissaucewasvotedthebestsimmersaucebymyrecipetestersandisaperfectadditiontoafestiveIndianmeal.Thesaucealoneisdeliciousservedoverchickpeasinlettucecups.Ilikecoconutmilkinthissauceasitaddstheneededcreaminess.Those12garlicclovesmakethissaucefinger-lickinggood.Thekoftaballsareasimplemashofveggiesthatcanbebakedorpan-fried.Servewithflatbreadsorcumin-scentedrice.Itcanbemadegluten-freewithgluten-freebreadcrumbsoroatflourandnut-freewithcoconutmilk.
KOFTAS:1recipeVeggiePotatoCutletmixture(here)Breadcrumbsfordredging(optional)Safflowerorotherneutraloil,asneededSAUCE:
3teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil,divided12to14clovesgarlic,coarselychopped
1cupchoppedredonion
1/2cupchoppedtomato,freshorcanned1/2teaspoongroundturmeric1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne11/2cupcoconutoralmondmilk
2bayleaves
1teaspoonGaramMasala(here)
2teaspoondriedfenugreekleaves
1/2to1teaspoonsalt1/2teaspoonsugar2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1.Koftas:Preparethepotato-veggiemixtureaccordingtotheinstructionshere.Insteadofmakingpatties,shapethemixtureintoabout20(1-to11/2-inch)balls.Coattheballsinbreadcrumbs(optional).
2.Tobake:Preheattheovento425°F.Placetheballsonaparchment-linedbakingsheet.Sprayorbrushwithoil.Bakefor10to12minutes.Broilfor1to2minutestobrown,ifneeded.
3.Topanfry:Heat2teaspoonsoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Panfrytheballsfor4to6minutesoruntilgoldenonallsidesandkeepaside.
4.Sauce:Heat2teaspoonsoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Addthegarlicandcookuntilslightlygoldenonsomeedges,2to3minutes.Addtheonionandcookuntilgolden,7minutes,stirringoccasionally.Reserve1teaspoonoftheonion-garlicmixturetouseasgarnishlater(optional).Addthetomato,turmeric,andcayenne,andmixwell.Cookuntilthetomatoesaresaucy,5minutes.Coolslightly.Transferthemixturetotheblender.Addthecoconutoralmondmilk,andblenduntilsmooth.Setaside.
5.Heat1teaspoonoilintheskilletovermedium.Addbayleaves,garammasala,andfenugreekleaves.Cookuntilfragrant,about1minute.Addthepureedmixturefromstep4.Addthesaltandsugarandmixwell.Bringtoaboilandcookfor5to6minutes.Tasteandadjustthesalt,spicesandsweetness,ifneeded.Addmorecoconutmilkorwaterifthesauceistoothick.
6.Tossthekoftaballsinthesauceandservehot.Garnishwithcilantroandreservedroastedoniongarlic.Storethekoftasandsauceseparatelyintherefrigerator.Heatandservetogether.
ButterSeitanCurrySeitanMakhani
Prep:20minutes|Active:25minutes|Inactive:15minutes|Serves4 SF NF E
Butterchicken,ormurghmakhani,isaclassicstaplewithaflavorprofilefromPunjabicuisine.AvariationoftheoriginalrecipecanbefoundinmostIndianrestaurantsworldwide.Seitanisgreatinthisrecipe.Ittastesbestwhentheseitanhashadsometimetositinthesauce.Usethinlyslicedseitanoraplant-proteiningredientsuchasBeyondMeatstrips.Thesaucealsoworksbeautifullywithcookedbeans,cookedlentils,tofu,ortempeh.Servewithflatbreadorriceormaketacoswithfreshsalsa.Usepumpkinseedstomakeitnut-free.Useagluten-freeproteintomakeitgluten-free.
SEITAN:1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil8ouncesseitan,thinlysliced(2cups)1/4teaspoonsalt1/2teaspoonGaramMasala(here)SAUCE:2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil1/2teaspooncuminseeds1/2teaspooncorianderseeds
1bayleaf
8clovesgarlic,coarselychopped
1cupchoppedredonion
1(1-inch)knobofginger,chopped1/2teaspoonturmeric1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne1teaspoonGaramMasala(here)11/2cupchoppedtomato,freshorcanned1/4cuprawcashews1/2to1teaspoonsalt1cupwaterorusenondairymilkforrichersauce11/2teaspoonsdriedfenugreekleaves1/2teaspoonsugar
2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1.Seitan:Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addtheseitanstrips,salt,andgarammasala.Cookfor5minutes.Stiroccasionally.Setaside.
2.Sauce:Heattheoilinaseparatelargeskilletovermediumheat.Addthecumin,coriander,andbayleaf.Cookfor1minute.Addthegarlicandcookuntilslightlygoldenonsomeedges,2minutes.Addtheonionandginger,andcookuntilgolden,7minutes,stirringoccasionally.Addtheturmeric,cayenne,andgarammasala,andmixforafewseconds.Addthetomato,cashews,andsaltandcook
untilthetomatoesaresaucy,about5minutes.Stiroccasionallytoavoidsticking.Coolslightly,thentransfertoablender.
3.Blendthemixturewithwateruntilsmooth.Pourthesauceintothesameskilletandheatovermediumheat.Stirintheseitan,fenugreekleaves,andsugar.Reducetheheattomedium-low,cover,andcookuntilthesaucethickensandtheseitanabsorbstheflavors,20to25minutes.Tasteandadjustthesaltandspices,ifneeded.Garnishwithcilantroandserve.
Variation:Replacetheseitanwith1cupofvegetablessuchasgreenbeans,mushrooms,broccoli,orcaulifloweratStep3.
Note:Seethe15-minutemakhanisaucehereandaricherversionhere.
RainbowChardandPeasinCreamySauceChardMalaiMutter
Prep:20minutes|Active:20minutes|Inactive:15minutes|Serves4 SF GF E
Oneofmyfavoritewaystousefreshfenugreekgreenswaswithpeasinacreamysauce.Thesaucehadagoodamountofcream,butter,andsometimesgratedpaneercheese.Thisrecipeusesrainbowchard,whichisreadilyavailableintheNorthwestandotherareas.Driedfenugreekleavesaddthemethiflavorandcashewsmakethecream.TheresultisthislovelyChardMalaiMutter.Youcanserveitlikeadipwithpitachips,too.Servewithnaanorrice.
Note:Driedfenugreekleavescanmakeadishsalty,souselessfenugreekandsalttobeginifyouarenotfamiliarwiththeflavor.Driedfenugreekisusedofteninthischapteranddoesnothaveagoodsubstitute.Youcouldusegroundmustardtotaste,butIsuggestorderingdriedfenugreekleavesonlineforbestresults.
2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil
1cupfinelychoppedwhiteonion
1Serranoorbird’s-eyechile,chopped5clovesgarlic,finelychopped1(1-inch)knobofginger,chopped1/2teaspoongroundcumin1/2teaspoongroundcinnamon1/2teaspoongroundcardamom31/2cupspackedchoppedchardorothergreens11/4to11/2tablespoonsdriedfenugreekleavesor1/2cupfreshfenugreekleaves1to11/2cupsfreshorfrozengreenpeas,thawediffrozen1/2cupsoakedcashews(soakedfor15minutes)11/4cupsnondairymilk
1/2to1teaspoonsalt1/2to1teaspoonrawsugarorothersweetener1teaspoonKashmirigarammasalablend(or1/4teaspoonblackpepper,1/2teaspoongroundcoriander,1/8teaspoonnutmeg,and1/8teaspoongroundcloves)1/4teaspoonpaprika,forgarnish1.Heattheoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonion,chile,ginger,andgarlicandcookuntilonionisgolden,6to8minutes.Stiroccasionally.Addthecumin,cinnamon,andcardamomandmixwell.Stirinthechardandfenugreek.Coverandcookuntilalmostwilted,about4minutes.Addthepeas,mixwell.Reducetheheattolow.
2.Inablender,combinethesoakedcashewsandnondairymilkandblenduntilsmooth.Addthe
cashewcream,salt,andsugarandKashmirigarammasalatothepan.Addlesssalttobeginwith,ifusingbittergreens.Mixandcookoverlowheatuntilthecreamjustcomestoaboil,10to15minutes.Tasteandadjustthesaltandspice.Addmorewaterornondairymilkforamoresaucyconsistency.Garnishwithpaprika.Servehot.
Variations:Add1/2cuprawcashewswiththepeasforCashewChardandPeasinCreamSauce(KajuMutterMalai).Add1/2cupshreddedfirmorextra-firmtofuwiththepeasforsometexture.Youdonotneedtosoakthecashewsifusingahigh-speedblendersuchasaBlendtec.
TofuinSpinachCurryPalakTofu
Prep:15to20minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:15minutes|Serves4to5
GF E
Palakpaneerisoneofthemostpopularpaneercurries.Freshorlightly-friedpaneeriscookedinasmoothspinachcurry.Iusefirmtofutomakemyveganversion,whichisalsoeasierthanthetraditionalrecipe.Thisrecipetakeslessthan10minutestoputtogetherifyouhaveabunchofprewashedbabyspinachorgreens.Crispupthetofuwithspices,blendallthesauceingredients,giveitagoodboil,andserve.Dresswithcashewcreamandservewithnaanorrice.UseChickpeaTofu(here)orcookedchickpeasorbeansorvegetablestomakethissoy-free.Foracheesyflavorinthesauce,addnutritionalyeast.
TOFU:2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil14ouncesfirmtofu,drained,pressed,andcutinto3/4inchdice1/2teaspoonsaltortotaste
3/4teaspoongroundcumin1teaspoonGaramMasala(here)
1teaspoongarlicpowder
1/8teaspoonIndianblacksalt,optional3/4teaspooncayenne,ortotasteSPINACHCURRY:4cupspackedfreshspinach,choppediflargeor3cupsfrozen(thawedandsqueezed)3/4cupwater
3/4cupalmondmilkorcoconutmilk1/4cupsoakedcashews,soakedfor15minutesor1/4cupgroundrawcashews
6clovesgarlic
1(11/2-inch)knobofginger1serranoorotherhotgreenchile(removeseedstoadjustheat,ifneeded)2largetomatoes,chopped(2cups)3/4teaspoonsalt,ortotaste
11/2teaspoonrawsugarormaplesyrup1teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/4to1/2teaspoongroundcinnamon2tablespoonscashewcream,forgarnish1/4teaspoonredpepperflakes,forgarnish1.Tofu:Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addthecubedtofu,stirtocoat,andcookfor2to3minutes.Reducetheheattomedium-low.Addsalt,cumin,garlic,garammasala,kalanamak,andcayenne,stirringtocoat.Cookfor9to10minutes,partiallycovered,tocrispsomeedges.Setaside.
2.SpinachCurry:Washthespinachandaddtoablender.Addalltheothercurryingredientstotheblenderexceptcashewcreamandredpepperflakes.Blendintoasmoothpuree.Addthepureetotheskilletwiththetofu.Mixwell.Cookcoveredovermedium-lowheatuntiltherawgarlicsmellisnotdetectableanddesiredconsistencyisachieved,12to15minutes.Tasteandadjustthesaltandspices,ifneeded.Drizzlethecashewcreamontopandsprinklewiththeredpepperflakes.Servehot.
Tomakethisnut-free:Usefull-fatcoconutmilkinsteadofalmondmilkandomitthecashews.
Tomakethiswithtempeh:Steamthetempehaccordingtoinstructionshere.Addthespicesforthetofuandoiltotheskilletwiththesteamedtempehandcookuntilgoldenonsomeedges,about5minutes.Addtheblendedspinachcurryandcookfor20to25minutesovermedium-lowheat.
Tomakethiswithveganpaneer:Skipstep1,addspicestohotoilinalargeskillet,addtheblendedspinachpuree.Cookfor10minutes.Addveganpaneercheeseandcookfor5minutes.Servehot.
Tomakesarsonkasaag:Omitthetofu,use2cupsmustardleavesand2cupsspinachandfollowtherecipe.Dresswithmeltedveganbutteroroliveoilandserve.
VegetablesinLuxuriousRoyalSauceRestaurant-StyleNavratanKorma
Prep:25minutes|Active:35minutes|Inactive:10to20minutes|Serves4to6
SF GF E
NavratanKormaisarichdishthatliterallytranslatesto“nine-gemcurry.”Thegemsarethevegetables,fruits,andnuts.Mughlaidishesareusuallyover-the-topandincludedriedfruitandnutsandheavycreamorcoconutmilk.TheseMughlaidishessuchaskormaandmakhaniweremadetoservekingsandqueens.Forthisrestaurant-styleversion,sometomatoisusuallyaddedforcolor.Makethisversionwhenappearancematters(forkids),andthewhitesauceversion(here)forthetraditionalflavors.Servewithpuffynaanorotherflatbreads.YoucanreducetheactivetimebystartingthesauceduringStep1whilethewaterisheating.
5cupschoppedvegetables(potatoes,cauliflower,carrots,greenbeans,peas,zucchini,redbellpepper,corn,broccoliorothers)
2teaspoonssafflowerorgrapeseedoil
Seedsfrom3cardamompods(1/4teaspoon)8cloves
2bayleaves
1mediumredorwhiteonion,chopped(3/4cup)1(2-inch)knobofginger,chopped7clovesgarlic,coarselychopped
4mediumtomatoes,chopped(3cups)1/2cuprawcashews1/4teaspoongroundturmeric
1teaspoongroundcoriander
1/2teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne11/2cupswater3to4tablespoonsgoldenraisinsorotherdriedfruit2tablespoonschoppedpistachioorcashewsoralmondslivers11/4to11/2teaspoonssalt
1/4teaspoonrawsugar2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish2tablespoonschoppednuts,forgarnish1.Bring4
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quartsofwatertoarollingboilinalargepot.Addthepotatoesfirst,ifusing,andcookfor2minutes.Addrestofthevegetablesandcookfor4minutes.Drainandsetaside.
2.Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addthecardamomseeds,cloves,andbayleaves,andcookuntilfragrant.Addtheonion,ginger,andgarlicandcookuntiltranslucent,about6minutes.Addthetomatoesandcashewsandcookuntiltomatoesaresaucy,7minutes.Stirintheturmeric,coriander,garammasala,andcayenne.Coolslightlythentransfertoablender.Addthewaterandblendintoasmoothpuree.
3.Addthepureebacktotheskilletovermediumheat.Addtheblanchedveggies,raisins,nuts,salt,andsugar.Cookovermediumheatuntilthesaucecomestoagoodboil,4to5minutes.Tasteandadjustthesaltandspices,ifneeded.Checkwhetherthelargerveggiesaredoneandcookafewminuteslongerifneededtothickenthesaucetoyourpreference.Servegarnishedwithcilantroandchoppednuts.
Variations:Add1/4cupchoppedpineappleorpomegranateseedswiththeraisins.
Frythenutsandraisinsin1teaspoonofoiluntilgoldenandthenaddthemtothesauceatStep3withthevegetables.
VegetablesandNutsinLuxuriousWhiteSauceNavratanKorma
Prep:25minutes|Active:25minutes|Inactive:25minutes|Serves4ormore
SF GF E
Kormahasmanyvariations,dependingontheregion,restaurant,andotherfactors.Thisversionusesonionsandcashewstomakethesauce,anddoesnotneedtheextrastepofblanchingthevegetables.Thewhitesauceismoretraditionalthantheusualorangesaucethatmightbeusedinmostrestaurants(here).Servewithpuffynaansorotherflatbreads.
3teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil,dividedSeedsfrom2to3cardamompods(1/4teaspoonseeds)7cloves
2bayleaves
21/2cupschoppedredorwhiteonion1(2-inch)knobofginger,chopped5clovesgarlic,chopped1/2cuprawcashews21/2cupswater,divided
1teaspoongroundcoriander
1/2teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne5cupschoppedvegetables(cauliflower,potato,carrot,greenbeans,pressedtofu,peas,zucchini,redbellpepper,corn,edamame,broccoli,oreggplant)3/4to11/4teaspoonsalt
1/4teaspoonrawsugar3to4tablespoonsgoldenraisinsorotherdriedfruit,divided3tablespoonschoppedpistachioorcashewsoralmondslivers,divided1.Heat2teaspoonsofoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Oncetheoilishot,addthecardamomseeds,cloves,andbayleaves.Cookuntilfragrant,about1minute.Addtheonion,ginger,andgarlicandcookfor2minutes.Addthecashews,thenstirin1cupofwaterandbringtoarollingboil,about5minutes.Cookuntilthecashewsareslightlytender,about2minutes.Coolthemixtureslightly,thentransfertoablenderandblendtoasmoothpaste.Setaside.
2.Inalargeskillet,addtheremaining1teaspoonoilandheatovermediumheat.Addthegroundcoriander,garammasala,andcayenneandcookforafewsecondsuntilfragrant.Stirintheonion-cashewmixtureandcookuntilthemixturethickensandstartstoleavetheedges,10to12minutes.
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3.Addthevegetablesand11/2to2cupsofwatertocovermostofthevegetables.Addsaltandsugar.Mixwell,cover,andcookovermediumheatfor15minutes.Tasteandadjustthesalt,sweetness,andspices,ifneeded.Add3tablespoonsofraisinsand2tablespoonsofthenuts.Coverandcontinuetocookuntilthevegetablesaretender,10minutes.Servegarnishedwiththeremainingraisins,ifdesiredandthechoppednuts.
Variations:Frythenutsandraisinsin1teaspoonofoiluntilgoldenandthenaddthemtothesauceatstep3afteraddingthevegetables.
Add1/4cupchoppedpineappleorpomegranateseedsalongwiththeraisins.
NavratanKormashownwithAlooParatha(here)
TempehTikkaMasala
Prep:20minutes|Active:30minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Serves4 GF E
Tikkamasala,buttermasala,andmakhanisaucesareoftenusedinterchangeablyinrestaurants.Theoriginsofthetikkamasalastemfromthebuttermasala/makhaniversionsmadeinPunjab,NorthIndiaandinPakistan.Makhaniandbuttermasalasauceareusuallycreamierwithmorebutterandcreamorcashewpaste,tikkamasalaismadetangierwithmoretomatoes.
8ouncestempeh,cutinto1/2-inchdiceandsteamedwithspices(here)3teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil,divided1mediumredonion,chopped(3/4cup)
1teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/2teaspoonpaprikaorKashmiriredchilepowder
1teaspoongroundcoriander
Generouspinchofasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)
2teaspoonsdriedfenugreekleaves
1/2teaspoongroundturmeric4mediumtomatoes,chopped(3cups)1(1-inch)knobofginger,chopped
6clovesgarlic
1hotgreenchile,chopped(removeseedstoadjustheat)1/2teaspoonrawsugar(omitifyogurtissweetened)3/4teaspoonsaltortotaste
1/2cupplainnondairyyogurt(unsweetenedorlightlysweetened)1/4cupwaterornondairymilk
1teaspoonapplecidervinegar
2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish
1.Addthesteamedtempehand1teaspoonoiltoasmallskilletovermediumheat.Cookuntilsomeedgesaregolden,3minutes.Setaside.
2.Heattheremaining2teaspoonsofoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonionandcook
untilgolden,stirringoccasionally,7minutes.Addthegarammasala,paprika,groundcoriander,asafetida,fenugreekleaves,andturmericandmixwell.Cookfor2minutestoinfusetheoil.
3.Inablender,combinethetomatoes,ginger,garlic,andchileandblendintoasmoothpuree.Addthepureetotheskilletandcookovermediumheatuntilthemixturethickens,andleavesoilonthesides,17to20minutes.Stiroccasionally.
4.Addthetempeh,sugar,salt,yogurt,andwater.Mixwell.Stirinthevinegar,cover,andbringtoaboil,8to10minutes.Tasteandadjustthesalt,tang,andspices,ifneeded.Reducetheheattolowandcookuntilthesaucereachesthedesiredconsistency,10to15minutes.Removefromtheheatandservehot,garnishedwithcilantro.
Variations:AddchoppedgreensorkaleatStep4withthetempeh.
Insteadoftempeh,usetofu,vegetables,koftaballs,orcookedchickpeasinthisdelicioussauce.
Tomakewithtofu:FollowSteps2through4.Drainandpress14ouncesoftofutoremoveexcessliquid.Cutitinto1/2-inchdice.
WholeRoastedCauliflowerwithMakhaniGravyGobiMusallam
Prep:20minutes|Active:25minutes|Inactive:45minutes|Serves4to5
SF GF
GobiMusallam(cauliflowerthathasbeenroastedwhole)isafantasticcenterpiece.ThewholecauliflowerheadislightlyblanchedthendrenchedwiththelusciousMughlai-inspiredmakhanisauceandbaked.Whenroasted,thewholecauliflowerlooksgorgeousandsmellsdivine.Themakhanicurryisdecadent,creamy,buttery,andfantastic.Youcanservethecauliflowerasis,orslicedwithsomesauceontheside.Servewithnaan,otherflatbread,salads,rice,orquinoa.Thisrecipehasbeenmadeoftenfortheholidaysbymanyofmyreaders.Foraquickercooktime,cookcauliflowerfloretsandtheblendedsauceinaskilletovermediumheatfor15to20minutes.
CAULIFLOWER:1mediumheadcauliflower(leavesandtoughstemremoved)3to4quartswater
2teaspoonssalt
1/2teaspoonturmeric1/2teaspooncayenne(optional)SAUCE:2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil3/4cupredonion,chopped1(1-inch)knobofginger,chopped6clovesgarlic,chopped1driedredchileor1/2teaspoonredpepperflakes1teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/2teaspoongroundcumin
1/2teaspoongroundcoriander1/2teaspoongroundturmeric3mediumtomatoes,chopped(21/2cups)3/4teaspoonsalt,ortotaste1/4teaspoonrawsugaror1/2teaspoonmaplesyrup1tablespoondriedfenugreekleavesor1/4teaspoonfenugreekseeds3/4cupcoconutmilk
1/4cupgroundrawcashewsor1/3cupsoakedcashews(soakedfor30minutes)1.Cauliflower:Bringalargepotofwatertoaboil.Useenoughwatersotheentirecauliflowercanbeimmersedinit.Addsalt,turmericandcayenne(ifusing)tothewater.Placethecauliflowerintheboilingwater.Coverandcookfor3minutes,thenflipandcookfor3minutes.Blanchingensuresthatthecenterofthecauliflowergetscookedthroughduringroasting.
2.Makethesauce:Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonionandcookuntilgolden,6to7minutes.Addtheginger,garlic,andchileandcookfor2minutes.Stirinthegarammasala,cumin,coriander,andturmericandmix.Addthetomatoes,salt,sugar,andfenugreek
leaves.Mixwell,thencoverandcookuntilsaucy,stirringoccasionally,8to9minutes.Mashthelargertomatopieces.
3.Coolslightly,andthentransfertoablender.Addthecoconutmilkandcashewsandblendintoasmooththickpuree.Addafewtablespoonsofwaterifthesauceistoothick.Tasteandadjustthesaltandspices,ifneeded,andsetaside.Preheattheovento400°F.
4.Oilabakingdish,ifdesired.Placetheblanchedcauliflowerinthebakingdish.Poursomepureebetweenthefloretsbyseparatingthefloretswithyourhandsandlettingthesauceflowin.Slowlypourthethickpureeontoptocovertheentireheadofthecauliflower.Somesaucewillfallontheside.Keepaboutathirdoraquarterofthesaucetoserveonthesidelater.
5.Bakefor30minutes,thenturnthedisharound,drizzlesomemoresauceonthecauliflowerandbakeanother15minutes.Bakeuntilthecauliflowerisdrytotouch,atoothpickgoesthrougheasily,andthesauceonthesidethickensabit.
6.Heattheremainingsauceovermediumheattojustaboutaboilandserveontheside.Addblanchedvegetablestothesauceifdesired.Toserve,slicealargechunkofthecauliflower.Dresswithsauce.
Variations:Tomakenut-free:Use3tablespoonscoarselygroundpumpkinorsunflowerseeds.Oruse1/4cupcoconutcreammixedwith2teaspoonscornstarch.
ChickpeaTofuinSpicyMadrasSauceTofuMadrasChileMasala
Prep:20minutes|Active:20minutes|Inactive:30minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
Madrascurryorchilemasalaisoneofthosedeep-flavoredcurriesthatmightnotbefrequentlyfoundinrestaurants.ItmostlikelyoriginatedinBritain,andisaspicier,SouthIndianinfluencedcousinoftikkamasalasauce.Becauseoftheheat,thissauceisnotforthefaintofheart.Toreducetheheat,usefewerblackpeppercornsand/orredchiles.Servewithriceandraitaoryogurttobalancetheheat.Reducetheheattomakeitkid-friendly.Thisrecipeuseschickpeatofuwhichismadeofchickpeaflour,althoughanytofuwouldworkhere.Youcanusepressedfirmorsuper-firmtofu,steamedtempeh,orveganpaneer.Ifyoucanfindmadrascurrypowder,youcanuse2to3teaspoonsofthatinsteadofthedryspicemixintherecipe.
SPICEMIX:1tablespooncorianderseeds
1teaspooncuminseeds
1/2teaspoonblackmustardseeds1/4teaspoonfenugreekseeds1/4to1/2teaspoonblackpeppercorns
3to5driedredchiles
1/2teaspoongroundcardamom1/4to1/2teaspoongroundcinnamon1/4to1/2teaspoonturmeric1/2teaspoonsweetpaprikaSAUCE:2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil11/2cupschoppedredonion
10curryleaves
5clovesgarlic,chopped1(1-inch)knobofginger,chopped3mediumtomatoes,chopped(3cups)3cupsdicedChickpea
Tofu(here)1cupfreshorfrozengreenpeas,thawediffrozen1teaspoonsalt,ortotaste11/2teaspoonsugar1/2cupwater
1teaspoonlemonjuice
2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1.Makethespicemix:Heatasmallskilletovermediumheat.Dryroastthecoriander,cumin,mustard,fenugreek,peppercorns,andchilesuntilthecorianderchangescolor,2minutes.
2.Grindtheroastedspiceswithcardamom,cinnamon,turmeric,andpaprikaandsetaside.
3.Makethesauce:Heatoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonion,curryleaves,garlic,andgingerandcookuntillightlygolden,8minutes4.Transfertheonionmixturetoablender.Addthetomatoandgroundspicesandblenduntilsmooth.Addafewtablespoonsofwater,ifneeded.
5.Returntheblendedmixturetothepanandcookovermediumheatuntilitleavestheedgesofthepanandsmellswellroasted,20to25minutes.Besuretoroastwellsothespicesdonotoverpowerthesauce.
6.Addthechickpeatofu,peas,salt,sugar,lemonjuice,andwater.Mixwell,coverandcookuntilthesaucethickensandcoatsthetofu,about8minutes.Garnishwithcilantroandservehot.
VegetablesinSmokyTomatoSauceVegetableJalfreziPrep:20minutes|Active:30minutes|Inactive:15minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF E
CauliflowerisusedinmanyrecipesbecausethelocalIndianvegetablesthatmaynormallybeusedinsomeofthedishesarenoteasilyavailableintheU.S.Soinsteadofsearchingforcannedorfrozentindora,gourds,orotherhard-to-findveggies,caulifloweritis.Jalfrezirecipesoriginallycameaboutasawayofusingupleftoversbyfryingtheminchilesandonionoverhighheat.Theresultingdishusuallyisspicyandsmokyroastedinflavor.Servewithnaan,rice,orothergrains.Foraquickerversion,skiptheblanching.Cookthevegetableswiththesauceuntiltender,15to20minutes.
21/2cupssmallcauliflowerflorets1cupchoppedorthinlyslicedcarrots1/2cupchoppedgreenbeansorbroccoli3teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil,divided3/4cupslicedredonion
1redbellpepper,sliced1/8teaspoonsalt1/2teaspoonliquidsmokeor1/4teaspoonchipotlepepperflakes1/2teaspoonchipotlepepperpowderorflakes1/2teaspooncuminseeds
1(1-inch)knobofginger,minced2clovesgarlic,minced
1teaspoongroundcoriander
1/2teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/2teaspoonhotpaprikaorsmokedpaprika3largetomatoes,chopped(21/2cups)orfireroastedcannedtomatoes1(15-ounce)canchickpeas,rinsedanddrained1/2cupfreshorfrozengreenpeas,thawediffrozen1/2teaspoonapplecidervinegar
3/4to1teaspoonsaltortotaste(uselesssaltifusingsaltedchickpeas)1teaspoondriedfenugreekleaves(optional)1/4cupwater
2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1.Bringapotof2ormorequartsofwatertoaboil.Blanchthecauliflower,carrot,andgreenbeansintheboilingwaterfor5to6minutes.Straintheveggiesandsetaside.
2.Heat2teaspoonsofoilinalargeskilletovermedium-highheat.Addtheonionandcookfor4minutes,stirringfrequently.Addbellpeppersandsalt,andcook,stirring,untiltheonionsandpeppersstarttobrownontheedges,5to7minutes.Stirintheliquidsmokeandchipotlepepperflakes.Removetheonionsandpeppersfromthepanandsetaside.
3.Inthesamepanovermedium-highheat,add1teaspoonoil.Whentheoilishot,addthecuminseedsandcookuntilfragrant,30seconds.Addthegingerandgarlicandcookfor1minute.Addthegroundcoriander,garammasala,andpaprikaandcookfor1minute.Addthetomatoes,andcookuntilsaucy,about7minutes,stirringoccasionally.Mashthelargertomatopieces.Addthechickpeasandpeas,andmixwell.Coverandcookuntilthechickpeasaretender,about7minutes.Addthevinegar,salt,andfenugreekleaves.Addtheblanchedveggies,goldenonions,andpeppersfromStep2,andthewaterandstirtocoat.
4.Coverandcookuntilthesaucecomestoaboil,3to4minutes.Tasteandadjustthesaltandspices,ifneeded.Servehotgarnishedwithcilantro.
Chicken-FreeBalti
Prep:15minutes|Active:20minutes|Inactive:35minutes|Serves4 NF E
Abaltiisatypeofkadhaiorsteelwok,thoughinHindi,itliterallymeans“bucket.”Baltisauceisanoncreamy,spicysaucethatispopularintheUnitedKingdom.IthasitsinfluencesfromnorthernIndia,Pakistan,andEngland.Baltisaucealsohasitsvariations,dependingontherestaurantsandregions.Nigella,carom,andfenugreekseedsaddincredibleflavortothissauce.IlikethesaucepairedwithBeyondMeatbrandchickenstrips,seitanortempeh.Thissaucebenefitsfromlongercookingoverlowheat,soletitsimmeruntiltheoilpoolsontop.Servewithnaanorrice.
3teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil,divided1/2cupslicedredbellpepper1/4cupslicedgreenbellpepperoruse1jalapeno,seedsremoved8ouncesseitanorBeyondChickenStrips,cutinto3/4-inchpieces(2cups)1/4teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/2teaspoonnigellaseeds
1/2teaspooncorianderseeds1/4scantteaspooncaromseedsorusecumin1/8teaspoonfenugreekseedsSeedsof2greencardamompods3cloves
6blackpeppercorns
1mediumredonion,chopped(1cup)
1hotgreenchile
1(1/2-inch)knobofginger,chopped6clovesgarlic,coarselychopped1/2to3/4teaspoonsaltdivided1/4teaspoonturmeric
1/4teaspooncinnamon1/2teaspoonsweetpaprika1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne11/2cupsfreshorcannedchoppedtomatoes
1teaspoonlimejuice
11/4cupswater,divided1/4teaspoonsugar
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2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1.Heat1teaspoonofoilinaskilletovermedium-highheat.Addbellpeppersandcookuntilgoldenontheedges.2to3minutes.Removethebellpeppersfromtheskilletandsetaside.
2.Addtheseitanandgarammasalatothesameskillet.Cookfor3minutes,stirringoccasionally.Setaside.SkipthisstepifusingBeyondMeat.
3.Heattheremaining2teaspoonsofoilinalargeskilletovermedium-lowheat.Addthenigellaseeds,corianderseeds,caromseeds,fenugreekseeds,cardamomseeds,cloves,andblackpeppercorns.Cookuntilfragrant,3minutes.Addtheonion,chile,ginger,garlic,and1/4teaspoonsalt.Mixwellandcookuntiltheonionistranslucent,stirringoccasionally,12to15minutes.Reducetheheattolowiftheonionstartstobrown.Addtheturmeric,cinnamon,paprika,cayenneandtomatoes.Increasetheheattomediumandcookuntilthetomatoesareslightlysaucy,4minutes.
4.Combinetheonion-tomatomixtureandlimejuiceinablenderwith1/2cupofthewaterandblenduntilsmooth.Addthemixturebackintotheskillet.AddthereservedseitanorBeyondMeat,remainingwater,remainingsalt,andsugar.Mixwell.Coverandcookoverlow-mediumheatfor25to30minutes.Addthebellpeppershalfwaythroughandmixtocoat.Thesaucewillthickenandoilwillshineontheedges.Tasteandadjustthesalt,spices,andlimejuice,ifneeded.Garnishwithcilantroandserve.
Variations:MakethiswithSteamedTempeh(here),tofu,orchickpeasandfollowtherecipe.
Tomakewithvegetables,skipStep1and2,Addvegetablesatstep3insteadofseitan.Coverandcookuntiltender.
VeganPaneerandSpinachinTomatoSauceKadhaiVeganPaneerPalak
Prep:25minutes|Active:30to35minutes|Inactive:15minutes|Serves4
SF GF E
Thisisaneasysaucewithgreensthatcanbepairedwithtofu,veganpaneer,chickpeatofu,chunkyvegetables,orcookedchickpeas.Itcanbemadenut-freewithtofuorcookedchickpeas.Ifinallydevelopedagoodveganpaneerrecipeneartheendofwritingthisbook,soitisfeaturedonlyinthisrecipe,althoughitcanbepairedwithmostofthesaucesinthischapter.Becausetheveganpaneerissomewhatdelicate,itisaddedtowardstheendofthecookingtime.KiteHillbrand(U.S.)SoftOriginalAlmondCheesealsoworksbeautifullyasveganpaneer.
2teaspoonscorianderseeds
2driedKashmiriredchilesor1/2to3/4teaspoonsweetpaprika1/4to1/2teaspoongroundcinnamon
1/8teaspoongroundclovesor1clove1/4teaspoongroundcumin1/4teaspoonturmeric1/8teaspoonblackpepperoragenerousdash1/4cupchoppedredonion2mediumtomatoes,chopped(11/2cups)
7clovesgarlic
1(1-inch)knobofginger
1greenchile
3/4cupwater,divided2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil1cuppackedbabyspinachorotherbabygreens2tablespoonsnondairyyogurtorsilkentofu1/2cupalmondmilkorothernondairymilk3/4teaspoonsalt,ortotaste
1/4to1/2teaspoonrawsugar1/2teaspoonapplecidervinegar1to11/2cupsveganpaneercubes(here)2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1.Heatasmall
•
skilletovermediumheat.Dryroastthecorianderseedsandchiles(ifusing),untilfragrant,about1minute.Addthecorianderseedsandredchilestoablender.Addthecinnamon,cloves,cumin,andblackpepper.Blendtoacoarsepowder.
2.Addtheonion,tomato,garlic,ginger,greenchile,and1/4cupwatertotheblenderwiththespicesandblendtoasmoothpuree.
3.Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addtheblendedpureeandcookfor12to15minutes.Stiroccasionally,especiallytowardstheendtoavoidsticking.Themixtureshouldchangecolorslightly,leaveoilonthesides,andthickenconsiderably.
4.Stirinthegreensandyogurtandcookfor1minute.Addthealmondmilk,1/2cupwater,salt,sugar,andvinegar.Bringtoaboilandcookfor5minutes.
5.Tasteandadjustthesalt,spices,andsugar,ifneeded.Addcayenneforheatifneeded.Mixintheveganpaneercubes.Coverandcookfor5minutesovermediumheat.Garnishwithcilantroandservehot.
Variations:Add1teaspoondriedfenugreekleavesatstep4withthegreens.
Makeitwithtofu:Press14ouncesoffirmtofuandcutitinto3/4-inchdice.Addthetofucubesandanother1/4cupofwateratstep5.Coverandbringtoaboilovermediumheat,5minutes.Reducetheheattomedium-lowandcookfor10minutesoruntilthecurrythickenstodesiredconsistency.
VeganPaneershownwithGluten-FreeOatNaan(here)
MushroomsandPeasinSpicyCoconutSauceMushroomMutterChettinad
Prep:20minutes|Active:25minutes|Inactive:15minutes|Serves4 SF GF E
ChettinadcuisineisfromtheChettinadregionofTamilNadustateinSouthIndia.Itisfamousforitsuseofavarietyoffreshlygroundspicesinpreparingmainlymeatrecipesthatareservedwithrice-baseddisheslikeidlianddosa.Iusuallypairthissaucewithmushrooms,butyoucanuseanyothervegetables,plantbasedproteins,tempeh,orcookedchickpeas.Theflavorsofthisdriersaucearebeautifulandcomplex,pairingwellwithsimpleyellowdalsortangysplitpeadals.Tomakethiskid-friendly,usefewerchiles.Foranut-freeversion,usepumpkinseedsinsteadofcashews.
1teaspoonpoppyseeds(whiteorblack)
2tablespoonscashews
1/4cuphotwater
1teaspooncorianderseeds
1/4teaspooncuminseeds1/2teaspoonfennelseeds2driedredchiles(hotormild)1/4cupshreddedcoconut(dried,fresh,orthawediffrozen)1/2teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1(1-inch)knobofgingerchopped3clovesgarlic,chopped
1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil
10curryleaves
1/2cupchoppedredorwhiteonion1/2teaspoonturmeric1/2teaspoonpaprika2mediumtomatoes,chopped(11/2cups)
4ouncesslicedbuttonmushrooms
1cupfreshorfrozengreenpeas,thawediffrozen1/2to3/4teaspoonsalt1/4teaspoonsugar(optional)
1/4teaspoonsugar(optional)
1.Grindthedriedpoppyseedsandcashewsintoacoarsepowderthensoakthemin1/4cuphotwaterfor15minutes.
2.Heatalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addthecoriander,cumin,fennelseeds,andredchiles.Dryroastuntilcorianderchangescolor,2minutes.Addthecoconuttotheskilletanddryroastuntilgolden,3to4minutes.Stirfrequentlytoavoidburning.Coolthemixtureslightly,thentransfertoablenderandgrindwithgarammasala,ginger,garlic,andthesoakedpoppyseedsandcashewswiththeirsoakingwater.Blendorgrindintoasmoothpasteorgrindthedryspicesfirstandthenblendwiththewet.
3.Heattheoilintheskilletovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,addthecurryleavesandonion.Cookuntiltheonionistranslucent,5minutes.AddtheblendedpastefromStep2andmixwell.Addturmeric,paprika,andtomatoes,andcook,stirring,untilthemixtureissaucyandshimmerswithoil,7to8minutes.
4.Stirinthemushrooms,peas,salt,andsugar.Coverandcookfor10minutes.Tasteandadjustthesaltandspices,ifneeded.Coverandcookuntilthemushroomsarecookedtoyourpreference,5minutesorlonger.Servehot.
Variation:Add1/2to1cupwaterandbringtoaboilifyouwanttomakethisasasaucymaindish.
Andhra-StyleTempehCurry
Prep:20minutes|Active:20minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Serves4 NF GF E
ThecuisineoftheTelugu-speakingregionsinSouthIndia,orAndhracuisine,isknownforitstangy,hot,andspicyflavors.Thecurriesorfrieddisheshaveseveralstepsinwhichthespicesareroasted,blended,andre-roastedorfried.Thisdishisinspiredbythespicyandtangymeat-basedcurriesfromthatcuisine.Youwillbesurprisedbytheburstofflavorsinthesauce.Servethiswithdosacrepes,rice,orasideofpotatoes.Ifthedishistoospicy,addsomecashewcreamornondairyyogurt,orusefewerchiles.
2teaspoonspoppyseeds
1teaspoonfennelseeds
1/2teaspooncuminseeds
5cloves
1-inchcinnamonstickor1/2teaspoongroundcinnamon2to4driedredchiles(cayenneorThai,11/2incheslong)
2teaspoonssaffloweroil
1/2teaspoonmustardseeds12curryleaves
1cupchoppedonion
1(1/2-inch)knobofginger,chopped3clovesgarlic,chopped2mediumtomatoes,chopped(11/2cups)8ouncestempeh,cutinto1/2-inchdiceandsteamed(seehere)11/2cupwater
1/8teaspoonsugar3/4teaspoonsalt1teaspoonwhiteorapplecidervinegar1teaspoonmeltedveganbutteroroliveoil,forgarnish2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1teaspoonlemonjuice,forgarnish1.Heatasmallskilletovermediumheat.Dryroastthepoppyseeds,fennelseeds,cuminseeds,cloves,cinnamon,anddriedredchiles,untilthefennelseedschangecolor,2minutes.Ifusingground
spices,donotroastthem.Coolthewholeroastedspicesandgrindtoapowder.
2.Heatoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,addthemustardseedsandcurryleavesandcookforminute.Addtheonionandcookfor4minutes,stirringoccasionally.Addinthegingerandgarlicandcookuntiltheonionistranslucentandthegarlicisgolden,about2minutes.AddinthegroundspiceblendfromStep1andmixwelltocoat.Stirinthetomatoesandcookuntilsaucy,5minutes.Mashthelargertomatopieces.
3.Addthesteamedtempeh.Addthewater,sugar,vinegar,andsalt.Stirtocombine.Reducetheheattomedium-low,cover,andcookuntilthesaucethickensandtempehpicksupthesaucecolor,15to20minutes.Servehotwithadrizzleofveganbutter,garnishedwithcilantroandadashoflemonjuice.
ChickpeasinSpicySorghumSauceSavjiChickpeas
Prep:20minutes|Active:20minutes|Inactive:25minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF
SavjiorSaojichickenisafamousdishfrommyhometownincentralIndia.Ithasalonglistofspices,muchlongerthanthisversion,andsorghumflour(jowar),whichgiveitthatdistinctflavorprofile.Sorghumflourcanbefoundinnaturalfoodstoresorsupermarkets.Ifunavailable,usewhole-wheatflourasasubstitute.Becausetherearealotofspicesinthisrecipe,assemblethemaheadoftimesotheyarereadytoaddinorder.Ilikethisrecipemadewithchickpeas,butyoucanmakeitwithtempehforatoothsomeoption.Thisrecipemadethe“PPKTop100”listforexactlywhattherecipeis:alonglistofingredients.
1tablespooncorianderseeds
1/4teaspoonfennelseeds1/4teaspooncarawayseedsorcuminseeds1teaspoonpoppyseeds
3bayleaves
4dryredchilesor1/2teaspoonredpepperflakes
2cloves
1teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/4teaspoongroundcardamom1/4teaspoongroundcinnamon1/2teaspoonpaprika
2tablespoonssorghumflour
2tablespoonscoconutflour(ordriedshreddedcoconut)2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil,divided3/4cupfinelychoppedredorwhiteonion1(1-inch)ginger,crushed
4clovesgarlic,crushed3cupswater(2cupsforadrydish)2(15-ounce)canschickpeas,drainedor3cupscooked1/2teaspoonsalt,ortotaste
teaspoonsalt,ortotaste2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1teaspoonveganbutteroroliveoil,forgarnish1.Heatalargeskilletovermedium-lowheat.Addthecorianderseeds,fennel,caraway,poppyseeds,andbayleavesandroastuntilfragrantoruntilthecorianderseedsstarttochangecolor,2to3minutes.
2.Addtheredchiles,cloves,garammasala,cardamom,cinnamon,paprika,andsorghumflour.Mixwellandroastforanother2minutesoruntilthesorghumstartstochangecolor.Addthecoconutflour,mixwellandtakeoffheat.Coolthemixtureslightlythentransfertoablenderorspicegrinderandblendtoacoarsemixture.Setaside.
3.Heat1teaspoonoftheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonionandcookuntiltranslucent,stirringoccasionally,6to7minutes.Addgingerandgarlicandcookfor2minutes.
4.Addthegroundspicesfromstep2andtheremaining1teaspoonofoil.Mixwellandcookuntilfragrant,1minute.Addwater,chickpeasandsalt.Mix,coverandcookfor20to25minutes.Mashsomeofthechickpeas.Tasteandadjustsaltandspice.Garnishwithcilantroandveganbutter.
Makethiswithtempeh:Add8ouncescubedtempeh(steamedorunsteamed)and2cupsofwateratStep4.Partiallycoverandcookfor25to30minutes.
TempehinOnionSauceTempehDoPyaazaPrep:20minutes|Active:25minutes|Inactive:25minutes|Serves4 NF GF E
“Dopyaaza”literallymeans“doubleonion.”Earthyspicesandaloadofonionswillremindyouofroadsidedhaba(restaurant)stylemeatpreparations.Servewithadollopofveganbutterforanauthenticflavor.Tempehcanbereplacedwithseitan,tofu,mushrooms,cookedchickpeas,orvegetablessuchaspotatoesorcauliflower.ServehotwithanyIndianflatbreadorbasmatirice.Therecipemakesadrycurry.Addwaterornondairymilktomakeitsaucier.Steamthetempehwhiletheonionscooktoreducepreptime.
ONIONPASTE:1/4cupchoppedredorwhiteonion1greenchile,seeded
5clovesgarlic
1(1-inch)knobofginger1/4cupwaterSAUCE:1/2teaspooncuminseeds
4cloves
1blackcardamompodorseedsof1greencardamom1/4teaspoonfenugreekseeds1(1-to2-inch)cinnamonstick2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil2mediumredonions,thinlysliced(21/2cups)1mildgreenpepperor1/4bellpepper,thinlysliced1/2teaspoonsugar
3/4teaspoonsalt,divided1/4teaspoongroundturmeric
1teaspoongroundcoriander
1/2teaspooncayenneorpaprika3/4cupwater1/2teaspoonlemonjuice,forgarnish8ouncestempeh,cutinto1/2-inchpiecesandsteamed(here)
1.Onionpaste:Inablender,combinetheonion,chile,garlic,andgingerwith1/4cupwaterandblendintoasmoothpaste.
2.Sauce:Crushthecuminseeds,cloves,cardamom,andfenugreekintoacoarsemixtureusingamortarandpestleorspicegrinder.Heatalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addthespicesandcinnamonstickanddryroastuntilfragrant,about1minute.
3.Addoiltotheskilletwiththespices.Lettheoilgethot.Addtheslicedonion,peppers,sugar,and1/4teaspoonsalt.Mixandcookuntiltheonionsstarttocaramelizeorturngoldenbrown,about20minutes,stirringoccasionally.Remove2tablespoonsoftheonionandpeppersandsetasideforgarnish.
4.AddtheonionpastefromStep1,turmeric,coriander,paprika,and1/2teaspoonsalt.Mixwellandcookuntilfragrant,6minutes.
5.Addthesteamedtempehandwaterandmixwell.Reduceheattomediumlow.Coverandcookuntilthesaucethickensandtempehpicksupthecolorofthesauce,20minutes.Garnishwiththecaramelizedonion.Servehot.
CabbageKoftainCreamyTomatoSaucePatta-GobiKeKofte
Prep:20minutes,Active:30minutes,Inactive:15minutes|Serves4 SF NF GF
Thesekoftasareadeliciousvegetable-focusedwaytoenjoycabbagewithasimpletomatosauce.Theshreddedcabbageiscombinedwithspicesandflourandusuallyfried.Vegetablessuchascabbageexudemoistureoncethesaltisadded.Forsturdierkoftas,usefinelychoppedvegetables,addmoreflourifneededtothedough,andpackwelltoshape.Bakeorfrythemimmediately.Servewithriceorflatbread.Tomakethisnut-free,use1/4cupmashedcookedchickpeasorsplitpeasinsteadofcashews.Thisrecipemakesabout15(1-inch)balls.
KOFTABALLS:1/4cuprawcashewsorcoarselygroundcashewsorothernuts2packedcupsfinelyshreddedcabbage(4cupschopped,beforeshredding)1/4cuppackedchoppedcilantro1(1/2-inch)knobofginger1/2hotchilepepper(removeseedstoreduceheat)2clovesgarlic,minced
1/2teaspooncuminseedsPinchofbakingsoda1/4cup+2tablespoonschickpeaflourorbesan(orall-purposeflour)1/2teaspoonsalt2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloilTOMATOSAUCE:4mediumtomatoes,chopped(3cups)
4clovesgarlicminced
1(1-inch)knobofginger
2teaspoonsgroundcoriander
1/2teaspoonsweetpaprika1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne1/2teaspoongroundturmeric1/2teaspoongroundmustard1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil2bayleaves
3cloves1teaspooncuminseeds
1tablespoonchickpeaflourorbesan
1/2cupalmondmilkorothernondairymilk1/2cupwater
1/2teaspoonsalt1teaspoonapplecidervinegarorwhitevinegar2tablespoonschoppedcilantro,forgarnish1.Kofta
balls:Preheattheovento450°F.Processthecashewstoacoarseflourandtransfertoabowl.Addtheshreddedcabbage,cilantro,ginger,andgreenchile.
2.Addthegarlic,cuminseeds,bakingsoda,chickpeaflour,salt,oilandmixwell.Itwillbeawetmixandyoushouldbeabletomakesoftballswithgreasedorflouredhandseasily.Addmoreflourifthemixtureistoowetlikeastickybatter.Immediatelyshapeintosmall1inchballsbyhandorbypackingthemixtureintoatablespoonmeasureoricecreamscoop(dipthescoopinwaterbeforepackingeachtime).Placetheballsonaparchment-linedbakingsheet.Sprayorbrushthemwithoil.
3.Bakefor17to18minutes.Broilfor1minutetocrispthemup.Youcanalsopanfrytheballs.Flattentheballsslightlyandpan-fry3to4minutesoneachsideovermediumheat.
4.Sauce:Blendthetomato,garlic,ginger,coriander,paprika,cayenne,turmeric,andmustardintoasmoothpureeandkeepaside.
5.Heatoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,addthebayleaves,cloves,andcuminseedsandcookuntilfragrant,about30seconds.Addthechickpeaflour.Mixandcookfor1minuteuntilitchangescolorslightly.Add1/2cupofthetomatopureetothepanandmixwell.Thechickpeaflourwillbecomepastyorlumpybutwillmixinasthepureeheatsup.1minute.Addtherestofthetomatopureetothepanandcookuntilitthickensandleavessomeoilontheedges.10to12minutes.
6.Addthealmondmilk,water,saltandmixwell.Bringtoasimmeringboil,7to8minutes.Tasteandadjustsalt,spice.Add1/2to1teaspoonvinegarifthesauceisnotsourenough.Cookafewminuteslongerifthesauceistoothin.Addthekoftaballs,mixtocoatwiththesauce.Garnishliberallywithchoppedcilantroandservehot.Tostore,storethekoftaballsandsauceseparately.Heatthemtogetherbeforeserving.
VeggieBallsinManchurianSauceVegetableManchurian
Prep:20minutes|Active:30minutesifsauceismadewhiletheveggieballsbake|Serves4
SF NF GF
Manchuriandishes,whichcanbemadewetordry,areafusionofIndianandChinesecuisines.Thesauceismadewithgarlic,ginger,andsoy-sauce.Thevegetableballsaremadewithcabbage,carrots,peas,corn,andothervegetables.Ibaketheballs,becauseyouknowme,Ibake.Allthevegetablesneedtobefinelychoppedorgratedfortheseballstostaytogether.Servewithriceorcookedgrains.ForaspicydryCauliflowerManchurianseehere.Tomakegluten-free,replaceall-purposeflourwithoatflour+riceflour(notchickpeaflour).
VEGETABLEBALLS:
2cupspackedfinelyshreddedcabbage
1/2cupgratedcarrots1/2cupfinelychoppedgreenbellpepper1/2-inchknobofginger,grated1/4cupfinelychoppedscallion1/4teaspoonfreshlycrushedblackpepper1/4teaspoonwhitepepperpowder
2tablespoonscornstarch
1/4cup+2tablespoonsall-purposeflour3/4teaspoonsalt2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloilSAUCE:2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil2tablespoonschoppedwhiteonionorscallions1tablespoonfinelychoppedcelery(optional)2tablespoonsfinelychoppedgreenbellpepper1hotgreenchile,finelychopped(removeseedstoreduceheat)4clovesgarlic,finelychopped
1tablespoongratedginger
11/2cupsvegetablebrothorwater2tablespoonssoysauceorcoconutaminos1/2teaspoonapplecidervinegar1/4to1/2teaspoonsalt
Generousdashofblackpepper1/8teaspoonwhitepepper
2teaspoonssugar
2teaspoonssugar
11/2tablespoonscornstarch1/4cupwater(atroomtemperature)1.Vegetableballs:Preheattheovento450°F.Inabowl,combinetheshreddedcabbage,carrots,bellpepper,andginger.Addthescallion,blackandwhitepepper,cornstarch,flour,salt,andoil.Mixwelltomakeasoftslightlystickymixture.Themixturewillbewet,butshouldnotbeverysticky.Addmoreflourorcornstarch,ifneeded.Donotletthemixturesitatthispoint.Shapethemixturebyhandintoagreasedtablespoonorscoopmeasuretomake15well-packed11/2-inchballs.Arrangethemonaparchment-linedbakingsheet.Sprayorbrushwithoilandbakeimmediatelyastheveggieswillleakwateroncethesalthasbeenadded.Bakefor18minutes.Broilfor1to2minutetobrownandcrispuptheballs.Iftheveggiesleaktoomuchmoistureduringbaking,thentheballswillflattenslightly.Youcanalsoshallow-fryorpanfrytheballs.Addmoreflourtothemixturesotheflatballsholdtheirshape.
2.Sauce:Heattheoilinaskilletovermediumheat.Addtheonion,celery,peppers,chile,garlic,andginger,andcookuntiltheonionandgarlicaregolden,6to7minutes.Addthebroth,soysauce,vinegar,salt,peppers,andsugar.Mixwell,thenbringtoabubblingboil,6to7minutes.Tasteandadjustthesaltandspices,ifneeded.Mixthecornstarchinthewaterandslowlypouritintothepan.Mixwellandcookuntilitthickens,2to3minutes.Tossthevegetableballsinthesauceandserve.
SouthIndianLentilandRiceDosas(here);MasalaPotatoesforDosas(here)
EightFlatbreadsFlatbreadsareanimportantpartofmostIndianmeals.IntheNorth,wefindchapati,roti,phulka,poori,kulcha,andnaan,andintheSouthwefinddosalentilcrepes.Chapatis,rotis,andphulkasaresimilarflatbreads.Onemightbeslightlythinnerthantheother,dependingontheregionandpersonalpreferences.Phulkasareflatbreadsthatarepuffeduponthestove.Flatbreadsaremostoftenusedtopickupthevegetables,sauces,dals,andanythingelsethatisservedontheplate.Atypicalplate,orthali,wouldincludeoneormorewetdishes,suchascurryordal,oneormoredryvegetablesides,chutneyorraita,andflatbread.
Thischaptercoversthebasicflatbreads,aswellassomeregionaloptionsandsomericesides.Oh,anddidImentionmyGluten-FreeVeganNaan?Ifyoufollowmyblog,youknowthatreadershavelovedmygluten-freeveganbread,becausetheyarealwaysverysoft,fluffy,andmoist.Mygluten-freebreadsalsodonotuseanyxanthanorguargum.Inadditiontothetraditionalflatbreadsinthischapter,therearequiteafewthataregluten-freeandagrain-freeflatbreadaswell.Theseversatilebreadscanbeusedaspizzabases,tortillas,pitabread,wraps,andmore.Theywillallowyoutomakenaanpizzas,alooparathaburritos,andpitasandwiches.
PuffyRestaurant-StyleNaan
Prep:15minutes|Active:45minutes|Inactive:2hours|Makes8flatbreads
SF NF
Thispuffynaangoeswitheverything.Therecipeinvolvesabitofpreparation,butreally,onceyougetthehangofit,youwillwanttomakeandeatthesenaanseveryday!Garlicnaanisthefavoriteinmyhouse(seevariationbelow).Ioftenmakethenaanswithhalfwhole-wheatflourandhalfunbleachedwhiteflour.Thisrecipeusesplainunbleachedwhiteflourfortherestaurant-stylesideyou’lldefinitelywanttomakewhenentertaining.Toserve,brushthenaanwithmeltedveganbutteroroil.Thispuffyflatbreadmakesawonderfulpizzaaswell.Shapethedoughintoapizzabaseandbakeat450°Ffor12to16minutes,dependingonyourtoppings.Usecoconutyogurttomakethissoy-free.
1/2cupwarmwater2teaspoonssugar
1tablespoonactivedryyeast
4cupsbreadflourorunbleachedwhiteflour,plusmorefordusting11/2teaspoonssalt
1teaspoonbakingpowder
1/4teaspoonbakingsoda1/4cupsaffloweroil,coconutoil,ormeltedveganbutter,divided3/4cupplainnondairyyogurt(unsweetenedorlightlysweetened),atroomtemperature1to2tablespoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil,forcooking1tablespoonnigellaseeds,forgarnish
1.Inalargemixingbowl,combinethewarmwaterandsugar.Sprinkletheyeastintothebowlandsetasidefor10minutes,oruntilfrothy.
2.Inanotherbowl,whisktogethertheflour,salt,bakingpowder,andbakingsoda.
3.Totheyeastbowl,add31/2cupsoftheflourmixture,3tablespoonsoftheoil,andtheyogurt.Mixwelltocombine.Addtheremainingflour,afewtablespoonsatatime,andkneadintoasoft,smoothdough,eitherinthebowloronaflouredsurface,for2to4minutes.
4.Placethedoughbackintotheyeastbowl.Drizzleonetablespoonofoiloverthedough,androlltocoatintheoil.Coverthebowlwithplasticwraporaheavykitchentowel,andletsittoriseuntilitdoublesinsize,about11/2hours.Punchthedoughdown.Kneadforafewseconds,addingatablespoonormoreflourifneeded.Dividethedoughinto8equalpiecesandshapeintoballs.Rollthedoughballslightlyinflourandplaceonparchmentpaper.Coverwithatoweloranothersheetofparchment,andletrisefor20to30minutes.
5.Takeadoughballandshapebyhandintoan8-to9-inchoval,workinglightlysotheairstaysinthedough.Youcanalsousearollingpintorollitout.Dustlightlywithflourtohelpwiththerolling/shaping.Spraythetopofthenaanlightlywithwater.Sprinklewithnigellaseeds,andbrushorspraylightlywithoil.Repeatwiththeremainingballs.
6.Tocookthenaan:Preheattheovento450°F.Placeapizzastoneintheoven,andheatforatleast30minutes.Placeasmanyrolled-outnaanbreadsasthestonecanaccommodate.Bake2to3minutes,untilthebreadspuffupandthetopsbecomegolden.Broilfor30secondstocrisp/charifdesired.Removethebreadsfromthestone.Repeatwiththeremainingbreads.
Tocookonthestovetop:Useanycastirongriddle,skillet,orgrillpan,whichcanwithstandhighheat.Heatthepanovermedium-highheatuntilheatedevenly.Placeonenaanonthepan,seeds-sideup.Coverthenaanwithalidandcookovermediumhighheatuntilitstartstopuff,2to3minutes.Flipandcookforanotherminute.Tomakecharrednaans,usetongstoholdthebreaddirectlyoverthegasflameforafewseconds,untiltheycharinsomespots.Repeatwiththeremainingnaans.
Tostore:wrapthenaansinacleankitchentowelandkeeponthecounterfortheday.Tostoreforlonger:coolcompletelyandplaceinanairtightbag.Keeponthecounterforupto2days,andintherefrigeratorforuptosevendays.
GarlicNaan:Spraythetopofeachnaanlightlywithwater,asinStep5.Press2teaspoonsoffinelychoppedgarlicandonetablespoonofchoppedcilantroonthetop,alongwiththenigellaseeds.Spraylightlywithoil,andcookaccordingtoinstructions.
AvocadoNaan
Prep:15minutes|Active:45minutes|Inactive:2hours|Makes8flatbreads
SF NF
Nonondairyyogurt?Noproblem.Andthatcolorisquiteinteresting,isn’tit?Replacingtheyogurtwithavocadomakesasoft,puffynaan.Avocadoaddstheneededmoistureandfattotheflatbreadandkeepsthetexturesimilartotheusualnaan.Useveryripeavocadoforbestresults.Servebrushedwithmeltedveganbutteroroil.Youcanalsousemashedsweetpotatoorpumpkinpureeforflatbreadsthatwillhaveaslightlysweet,pumpkin-yflavor.
1/2cupwarmwater2teaspoonssugar
1tablespoonactivedryyeast
4cupsbreadflourorunbleachedwhiteflour,plusmorefordusting11/2teaspoonssalt
1teaspoonbakingpowder
1/4teaspoonbakingsoda1/4cupormoresaffloweroil,coconutoil,ormeltedveganbutter,divided3/4cupwell-mashedripeavocado
1tablespoonnigellaseeds,forgarnish
1.Inalargemixingbowl,combinethewarmwaterandthesugar.Sprinkletheyeastintothebowl,andletitsitfor10minutes,oruntilfrothy.
2.Inanotherbowl,combinetheflourwiththesalt,bakingpowder,andbakingsoda.Whiskwell.
3.Totheyeastbowl,add31/2cupsoftheflourmixture,3tablespoonsoil,and3/4cupavocado.Mixwell.Addtheremainingflour,afewtablespoonsatatime,andkneadintosoft,smoothdough,eitherinthebowloronaflouredsurface,for2to4minutes.Add1tablespoonormoreofwaterifthedoughisnotsoft.
4.Placethedoughbackintotheyeastbowl.Drizzle1tablespoonofoiloverthedough,androlltocoatinoil.Coverthebowlwithplasticwraporakitchentowel,andletsittoriseuntilitdoublesin
size,about11/2hours.Punchthedoughdown.Kneadforafewseconds,addingatablespoonormoreflourifneeded.Dividethedoughinto8equalpiecesandshapeintoballs.Rollthedoughballslightlyinflourandplaceonparchment.Coverwithatoweloranotherparchmentandletrisefor20to30minutes.
5.Rollorshapeadoughballintoan8-to9-inchoval.Rollwitharollingpinorshapebyhand,workinglightlysotheairstaysinthedough.Dustlightlywithflourtohelpwiththerolling.Spraythetopofthenaanlightlywithwater,andsprinklewithnigellaseeds.Brushorspraylightlywithoil.Placethenaanonaparchment-coveredbakingsheetorothersurface,coverwithanothersheetofparchment,andrepeatwiththeremainingballs.
6.Tocookthenaan:Preheattheovento450°F.Placeapizzastoneintheovenandheatforatleast30minutes.Placeasmanyrolled-outnaanbreadsasthestonecanaccommodate.Bake2to3minutes,untilthebreadspuffupandthetopsbecomegolden.Removethebreadsfromthestone.Repeatwiththeremainingnaans.Broilthenaansfor30secondstocrisp/charifdesired.
Tocookonthestovetop:Useanycastirongriddle,skillet,orgrillpan,thatcanwithstandhighheat.Heatitovermediumhighuntilheatedevenly.Placethenaanonthepan,seeds-sideup.Coverthenaanwithalidandcookovermedium-highheattillitstartstopuff,2to3minutes.Flipandcookforanotherminute.Tomakeacharrednaan,holdthebreaddirectlyoverthegasflamewithtongsforafewsecondstocookandcharsomespots.Repeatwiththeremainingnaans.
Tostore:Wrapinacleankitchentowelandkeeponthecounterfortheday.Tostoreforlonger,coolcompletelyandplaceinanairtightbag.Keeponthecounterforupto2days,andintherefrigeratorforupto7days.
Clockwisefromlowerleft:avocadonaan,suratidal,chiligarlicchutney,coconutchutney,unsoakedgulabjamuns,tempehtikkamasala
BakedChickpeaFlourNaan
Prep:15minutes|Active:20to30minutes|Makes6to8smallflatbreads
SF NF GF E
Thisisasimplebakedflatbreadwithnoyeast,nogluten,andnofermentation.Itworksbestwhenmadeintothinflatbreads,asthethickerbreadsendupfeelingcakey.Usetheseflatbreadsasaquicknaanoptionforanyonewholoveschickpeaflour.Youcanbakethebatterintobite-sizecroutonsaswell.Also,seehereaboutadjustingtheamountofliquidinrecipesusingchickpeaflourandbesan.Thisrecipecanbesoy-freeifyouuseasoy-freeyogurt.
2cupschickpeaflourorbesan(seehere)
1teaspoonsalt
1/2teaspoonbakingsoda
1teaspoonbakingpowder
1tablespoonflaxseedorchiaseedmeal1/4teaspoongarlicpowderor1/2teaspoongarlicpaste1/3cupnondairyyogurt
1teaspoonlemonjuice
2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil3/4to1cupwater1to2teaspoonsnigellaseeds,forgarnish1tablespoonsafflowerormeltedveganbutterforbrushing
1.Preheattheovento425°F.Combinethechickpeaflour,salt,bakingsoda,bakingpowder,andflaxseedmealinalargebowl,andwhiskwell.
2.Addthegarlicpowder,yogurt,lemonjuice,oil,and1/2cupofwater.Mixwelluntiltherearenolumps.Addmorewaterifneededtomakeathick,smoothbatter(slightlythickerthanpancakebatter).Youwillneedabout3/4cupwithbesan,and1cupormorewithchickpeaflour.Letthebatterrestfor5minutes.
3.Linealargebakingsheetwithparchment.Dropabout1/4cupofthebatterontothebakingsheet.Spreadintoanovalwithaladle.Repeattomake2ormorenaanstofitthesheet.
4.Spraythenaanslightlywithwater,andsprinklewithnigellaseeds.Sprayorbrushlightlywithoil.Coverthenaansentirelywithanotherparchmentpaper.
5.Bakefor10minutes.Removethebreadsfromtheoven,andbrushwithmeltedveganbutter,oroil.Letthemcoolfor2minutesbeforeremovingfromparchment.Repeatforthenextbatch.Thebattermightthickenasitsits.Mixinafewteaspoonsofwaterifneededbeforethenextbatch.Servehot.
Nondairyyogurtfornaan:Useanystoreboughtnondairyyogurtsuchassoy,coconut,oralmondmilkyogurt.Youcanmakeyourownnondairyyogurtathome(here).Youcanalsouseblendedtofutoactasyogurtinthisrecipe.Use1/2cupsilkentofu+1/4cupcoconutmilk+1teaspoonlemonjuice+1/2teaspoonapplecidervinegar,blendedwelltoreplacethe3/4cupofyogurtinthisrecipe.Youcanalsoreplacetheyogurtwithmashedavocadotomakeavocadonaan(here).
MySecretsforGluten-FreeBaking
MySecretsforGluten-FreeBakingIstartedexperimentingwithgluten-freebakingafterIkeptgettingrequestsforgluten-freebreadontheblog.Afteracoupleofheavy,dry,inediblebreads(whichseemobligatoryforanyonestartingtobake gluten-free), I paused to think of what I already knew that always worked. Several regionalIndian cuisines have gluten-free bread or bread-like options that they make successfully withoutxanthanorguargumsandwithoutthemturningintobricks.Theoutcomeisalwayssoft,edible,anddelicious.Thesecrettomygluten-freebakingissteam.
ChoosingGluten-FreeGrains
Whenchoosingagluten-freegrainflourtomakeyourflatbreads,beawarethattheyhaveverydistinctflavorprofilesandcancatchyouoff-guardifyouarenotusedtothem.Forexample,amaranthflourisgrassy,sorghumisearthyandnutty,buckwheatissomewhatbitter,oatissoil-y,milletissweet-earthy,andquinoa flourcanbeveryearthyandbitterdependingonhow it ismilled.Evenwheat flourcantaste bitter and earthy to someonewho has never tasted it before. Keep these notes inmind forsubstitutionsingluten-freenaanandrotirecipes.
Gluten-FreeOatNaan
Prep:15minutes|Active:35to45minutes|Inactive:15minutes|Makes6(7-inch)naans
SF NF GF
Therearethreewaystocookthisflatbread:onthestovetop;baked,coveredwithparchmenttocapturesomesteam;orsteamedinasteamer.Steamednaanisthesoftestandmoistestgluten-freebreadyouwillevertaste.Donotletthecookednaanssitoutintheairforlong,astheytendtodryout.Storetheminacontainerlinedwithpapertowels.Thebreadtastesbestfreshortoasted.Thisgluten-freenaanbreadwillkeepwelluptofourdays,refrigerated.Toastorgrillitbeforeserving.Youcanfreezethenaansifyouseparatethemwithparchmentpaperinalockingfoodbagorairtightcontainer.Thawandtoasttorefresh.Thisnaancanbemadesoy-freeornut-free,dependingonthetypeofyogurtused.(Seephotohere.)
1/2cupwarmwater1teaspoonsugarormaplesyrup
1tablespoonactivedryyeast
1tablespoonflaxseedmeal(usegoldenflaxseedmealorwhitechiaseedmeal)
1cupfinelygroundoatflour
1/4cupbrownorwhitericeflour1/4cupwhitericeflour1/3cuptapiocastarch1/2cuppotatostarch13/4teaspoonbakingpowder3/4teaspoonsalt1/2cupnondairyyogurt,atroomtemperature2tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoilorcoconutoil1to2tablespoonsmeltedveganbutteroroliveoil,forbrushing1to2teaspoonsnigellaseeds,forgarnish
1.Combinethewarmwater,sugar,andyeastinabowl.Mixandletsituntilfrothy,about5minutes.Addtheflaxseedmealandmixin.Letitsitfor2minutestothicken.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
2.Inanotherbowl,combinetheoatflour,riceflours,starches,bakingpowder,andsalt.Whiskwell.Addthefrothyyeastmixturetotheflourmixture.Addtheyogurtandoil,andmixtomakeathick,stiffbatterorstickydough.Addatablespoonormoreofwaterifneeded(theamountwilldependonmoisturecontentoftheyogurt).Thebatterwillcontinuetodryasitsits,soalittleextraliquidisokay.Coverthebowlwithatowel.Letthedoughsitfor15minutesbeforeusing.Cookthenaaninoneofthefollowingthreeways:
STOVETOP
Letthedoughrisefor30minutesinsteadof15.Thedoughshoulddryoutandbelessstickyatthispoint.Addsomestarchifthedoughisstilltoosticky.
Dividethedoughinto6equalparts.Takeoneball,flattenit,andplaceonparchment.Placeanotherparchmentontop,androllorpresstoshapeintoanoval.Removethetopparchment,spraythenaanlightlywithwaterandsprinklewithnigellaseeds.Donotletthenaansitfortoolongatthispoint.
Useaheavy-bottomskilletthatcanwithstandhighheat.Heattheskilletovermediumhighuntilheatedevenly.Removeoneshapednaanfromtheparchmentandplaceontheskillet.Spraywateronthenaan.Covertheskilletwithalidandcookovermediumhighuntiltheflatbreadstartstopuff,about2minutes.Flip,andcookthenaanforanotherminute.Brushwithveganbutterandserve.Repeatwiththeremainingdough.
OVEN
Preheattheovento450°F.Drop1/3cupofthenowdough-ybatteronalargeparchment-linedbakingsheet.Spraythedoughlightlywithwateroroil,flatten,andshapeintoovalswithyourhands.Useanotherparchmentsheetontoptohelpshapeifthebatteristoosticky.Removetheparchmentandsprinkletheshapeddoughwithnigellaseeds.Repeatwiththeremainingdough.
Spraytheshapedflatbreadslightlywithwater,andletthemriseinawarmplacefor15to20minutes.Lightlysprayorbrushoilontheflatbreads.Completelycovertheflatbreadswithanotherlargepieceofparchment.Thisisimportanttokeepthemoisturefromescapingthebreadduringbaking.
Bakefor11to12minutes.Removethetopparchmenttocheckfordoneness.Broilfor30secondstocharifneeded,orbroillateronthegrillorstove.Removefromtheoven.Letthebreadscoolfor2minutesbeforeremovingthemfromthebakingsheet.Brushwithmeltedvegan
1.
2.
butterbeforeserving.
STEAMER
Followsteps1and2.Letthedoughrisefor30minutesinsteadof15.Cutparchmentsheetstothesizeofthesteamerplate.Placeabout1/4cupofdoughontheparchment.Spraythedoughlightlywithwater,flatten,andshapeintoovalsorsmallercircles,dependingonthesizeofthesteamerplate.Useanotherparchmentsheetontoptohelpshapeifthebatteristoosticky.Transferthebreads,ontheparchment,tothesteamerplate.Letthebreadsrisefor15minutes.
Placeaboutaninchofwaterinthesteamer,andbringtoaboil.Placetheplateinthesteameroncethewaterisrapidlyboiling.Cover,andsteamovertheflatbreadsarecooked,touchthetopoftheflatbreadcarefully:itshouldnotbesticky.Removetheplatefromthesteamer.Letitcoolfor1to2minutesandremovethebreadsfromtheparchment.Coolthebreadsfor5minutes,thenplacethemonahotskilletovermedium-highheatfor1minute.Flip,andcooktheothersidefor1minuteandserveimmediately.Repeatthesteamingforthenextbatch.StorethesteamednaaninaZiplocbagintherefrigeratoruntilreadytoserve.Cookonahotskilletfor1minutepersidebeforeserving.
GarlicNaan:Sprinkle1teaspoonmincedgarlic,and1tablespoonchoppedcilantroontoeachnaan,alongwiththenigellaseeds,andpresslightly.Continuewiththerestofthesteps.
WheatFloursandRotisIfyouhavetriedmakingrotisintheUnitedStates,youmighthavenoticedthattheydonotcomeoutassoftastheonesinIndia.Thishappensforthreereasons.First,thewheatitselfisdifferent.Second,inIndia,theentirewheatberryismilled,ratherthanonlycertainparts.Andthird,attaismilledslightlyfinerthanwhole-wheatflourorpastryflour,butmorecoarselythanall-purposeflour.
Overtheyears,Ihavetriedseveralvarietiesofflours,includingwhole-wheatpastryflour,whitewheatflour, durumwheat flour, spelt flour, and plain whole-wheat flour. Almost all of these flours yieldeitherhardordryrotis.ThechapatiattaflourfromIndianstoresalsocanbehit-or-miss,dependingonthebrandandwhereitwasprocessed.
Oneday,Idecidedtochangetheentireprocessbyreducingthekneading.Notonlyisallthatkneadingexhausting,italsoleadstoalotofglutenformationinthedough,whichmakesrollingitoutdifficult.This isespecially thecasewithwhole-grain flours in theUnitedStates. Inmynewmethod, Idonotkneadformorethan1to2minutes,untilthedoughisfairlysmooth.Ikeepthedoughsoft—infact,itissofterthanregularattadoughwouldbe.
So if you are planning to make these whole-wheat flatbreads in the United States, or in othercountrieswhereyoudonothaveaccesstoagoodIndianchapatiattaflour,usetherecipebelow.
WheatFlatbreadsRoti,Chapati,andPhulka
Prep:15minutes|Active:30to45minutes|Inactive:15minutes|Makes12flatbreads
SF NF
Rotis,phulkas,andchapatisaresimilarwhole-wheatflatbreads.Onecanbeslightlythinnerthananother,dependingontheregion.Phulkasaregenerallypuffed-upflatbreads.Sliceaphulkaandstuffitlikeapitasandwich.InIndia,thedoughfortherotisismadefromwhole-wheatflour(calledatta),salt,andwater.Someoilmightbeaddedaswell,dependingontheregion.Thedoughiskneadeduntilsmooth,lefttorestforhalfanhour,andthenrolledintoflatbreads.Rotisarethemostcommonflatbread,usedforeverydaymeals.Theseflatbreadscanalsoserveaswheattortillas.IfmakingrotiswithIndianatta,use11/4cupattaflourinsteadofthewhole-wheatandwhiteflours.Todothis,youmightneedatablespoonorsomorewater.(Seephotohere.)
1cupwhole-wheatflour
1/4cupunbleachedwhiteflourorall-purposeflour1/3teaspoonsalt1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloilormeltedveganbutter1/2cupwarmwater1/4cupwhole-wheatflour,plus2tablespoonsunbleachedwhiteflour,fordusting
1.Combinethefloursandsaltinalargebowl.Add1teaspoonoil,andthewater.Greaseyourhands,andkneadtomakefairlysmoothandnottoostickydough.Addmorewater(1teaspoonatatime)duringtheprocessifthedoughseemsdryorstartstocometogetherasstiffdough.Brushthedoughlightlywithoil,cover,andletitrestfor15minutes.
2.Greaseyourhands,kneadthedoughforafewseconds,andthendivideinto12equalparts.Rollthemintosmoothballs.Keeptheballscoveredwhileyourolloutandcookeachflatbread.
3.Takeoneball,flattenit,anddipintotheflourthatiskeptfordusting.Coatfully.Usingarollingpin,rollitoutintoathin,7-inchflatbread.Dustthedoughwithflourasyouroll,tohelppreventsticking.
4.Heatalargeskilletovermedium-highheat.Whenhot,placetheflatbreadontheskillet.Cookuntilafewsmallbubblesstarttoappear,about20seconds.Flip,andcookuntilmorebubblesappearandsomebecomelarger,20to30seconds.Now,youcanpufftheflatbreadontheskilletoronthegasflame.
5.Topufftheflatbreadontheskillet:Fliptheflatbread.Usingakitchentoweloraflatspatula,lightlypresstheflatbreadonandaroundthepuffedspotssotheaircanmovearoundandtheflatbreadpuffsupevenly,about10to20seconds.Removethebreadfromtheskilletandstore.
6.Topufftheflatbreaddirectlyonthegasflame:Usetongstoplacetheflatbreadontheopenflame(mediumhighorhighheat).Moveitevery1to2secondssoitpuffsuplikeaballoon.Fliponceinbetween.Brushthepuffedflatbreadwithmeltedveganbutter(optional).
7.Placethecookedflatbreadsinacontainerlinedwithpapertowelsorakitchentowel.Coverwithanothertoweluntilreadytoserve.Repeatforalltheballs.
Note:Thedoughcanberefrigeratedforupto3daysinanairtightcontainer.Letitcometoroomtemperaturebeforeusing.Youcanalsofreezetherolled-out,uncookedflatbreadsbetweenlayersofparchmentforafewmonths.Removefromfreezerandcookonthestovetopasabove.Theflatbreadswilltake10to15moresecondsuntilthebubblesstarttoappear.
TheScoopAboutRotisRotisareanessentialIndianside.Theyareusedtoscoopupveggies,curries,dals,andeverythingelse.Thatimportantscoopiscalledagussi,orbite.IrememberMomtellingustoeatjustonemoregussi(garayee) again and again so wewould finish everything on our plates. You can tear off a biggerportionandfillitwithmorefooddependingonyourpreference.Thisappliestoalloftheflatbreads.Youcanalsoskip theprocessof filling the flatbread,andeat itasyouwouldanybreadorcrackerswiththesoupsorstews.
Gluten-FreeChiaFlatbreadsPhulkasorRotis
Prep:15minutes|Active:45to60minutes|Makes10to12rotisor8to9stuffedparathas
SF NF GF
Thisflatbreadisinsanelysoftandstayssoftovertime.Usetheseanywhereyouusesoftflatbreadssuchasroti,pitabread,andtortillas.Puffthemuponthegasflamelikeballoonstomakephulkasorpitabread.Seriously,makethese.Usewhitechiaseedsforalighter-coloredflatbread.(Seephotohere.)
3tablespoonschiaseedsorflaxseeds
21/2tablespoonspsylliumhusk3/4cup+2tablespoonswarmwater
1cupamaranthflourorsorghumflour
1/4cuptapiocastarchorcornstarch1/4teaspoonsalt1/4teaspoonbakingpowder1/4teaspoonGaramMasala(here)
2teaspoonssafflower,coconut,orotherneutraloil
1/2cupamaranthflourorriceflour,fordusting
1.Blendorgrindthechiaseedsandpsylliumhuskintoacoarsemeal.Combinethemwiththewaterinalargebowlandmix.Letthemsitfor5minutes.Themixturewillfirmupintoathickgel.
2.Inanotherbowl,whisktogethertheflour,starch,salt,bakingpowder,andgarammasala.
3.Addthedryflourmixtureandoiltothegelmixture,andkneadtocombine.Themixturewillfeelverydryinitially.Pressandkneadforaminuteortwo.Thedoughisreadyassoonasitcomestogetherandstartstofeelslightlysticky.Coverwithatowelandletitsitfor5minutes.
4.Greaseyourhandswellanddividethedoughinto12parts.Rollthemintoballs.Keeptheballscoveredwhileyourolloutandcookeachflatbread.Takeoneball,flattenit,andliberallycoatwithflour.Rollitoutwitharollingpin,usinglightstrokestomakeathinflatbread.Dustthedoughliberallywithflourasyourollit.Youcanalsorollthefloureddoughbetweensheetsofparchmentpaperifitistoosticky.
5.Heatalargeskilletovermediumhighheat.Whenhot,placetheflatbreadintheskillet.Cookuntilafewsmallbubblesstarttoappear,about20seconds.Flip,andcookuntilmorebubblesappear,andsomebecomelarger,20to30seconds.
6.Atthispoint,youcanflip,cookforanother10secondsandserve,orpufftheflatbreadontheopenflameovermedium-highorhighheat.Usetongstomoveitevery1to2secondssoitpuffsuplikeaballoon.Placethecookedflatbreadonaplateand,coverwithanothertoweluntilreadytoserve.Repeatwiththeremainingdoughballs.Storeinacontainerlinedwithpaperorkitchentowels.
Vegetable-StuffedParathas
Prep:40minutesincludingdoughresttime|Active:45to60minutes|Makes8to10parathas
SF NF GF
Parathas(stuffedflatbreads)areapopularbreakfast,brunch,orsnackinNorthIndianhouseholds.Parathascanbestuffedwithvariousvegetables,orcookedsplitpeas.Cookedorrawshreddedvegetablesareplacedonrolled-outflatbreaddough,whichisthenfoldeduplikeadumplingandrolledouttodistributethefilling.Thecookedflatbreadisservedwithadollopofveganbutterandnondairyyogurt.Thisrecipefeaturesparathamadewithtwodifferentfillings:cauliflower(gobi)andpotato(aloo).CaromseedsareimportantfortheauthenticPunjabi(NorthIndian)paratha.Ifyoudon’thavethem,youcaneitheromitthemorusecuminseedsinstead.Ajwainisagreatspicetoaddtoyourpantry.Itcanbeaddedtowholedriedbeansduringslowcookingorpressurecookingtohelpreducethegas.Italsohelpssimilarlywhenaddedtochickpeaflour-baseddishes.Parathascanbeservedasis,withraitaandIndianpickle.Theyalsomakeagreatsidewithdalsandcurries.Usemyglutenfreerotidoughtomakeglutenfreeparathas.(Photofollows.)CAULIFLOWERFILLING:1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil1/2teaspooncaromseeds1(1-inch)knobofginger,minced1to2hotgreenchiles,finelychopped(seedsremovedtoreduceheat)
2cupsgratedcauliflower
1/2teaspoongroundcumin1/2teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/4teaspooncayenne1/2teaspoonsalt1/4cupchoppedcilantroPARATHAS1recipeWheatRotiDough(here)orGlutenFreeChiaRotiDough(here)1/2teaspooncaromseeds1/4teaspooncayenne1/2teaspoonsaltFlourfordusting(whole-wheatflourforwheatparathas,andamaranthorriceflourforglutenfreechiaparathas)1to2tablespoonssafflowerorveganbutter,forcooking
1.Filling:Heattheoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addthecaromseeds,ginger,andchile,andcookforaminute.Addthegratedcauliflower,cumin,garammasala,cayenne,andsalt.Mix
well,andcookuntilthecauliflowerisdry,5to7minutes.Mixinthecilantro.Coolthefillingbeforeusing.Alternatively,youcanusethefillingmixtureraw.Combinealltheingredientsexceptsalt.Addageneroussprinkleofsalttothefillingwhenitisplacedontheflatbreaddough,thenseal,andproceedwiththerecipe.
2.Parathas:Makethedough,cover,andletitrestfor15minutes.
3.Dividethedoughinto8to10balls.Takeadoughball,flattenit,andcoatliberallyinflour.Usingarollingpin,rollthedoughouttoa7-inchcircle.Theflatbreadneededfortheparathasisrolledoutslightlythickerthanforrotis,andslightlylarger,toaccommodatethefilling.
4.Place2to3tablespoonsofthefillinginthecenterofthedough.Foldtheflatbreadintoasquareandpresstoseal.Orcollecttheedgesandsealinthemiddlelikeasiumaidumpling.(Seephotos.)5.Flattenwithyourhand,coatwithflour,androllouttheflatbreadwitharollingpinusinglightstrokes.
6.Heatalargeskilletovermediumheat.Whenhot,placetheflatbreadintheskillet.Cookfor30to45seconds.Flip,andcookforanother30to45seconds.Brushthetoplightlywithoilorveganbutter,flip,andcookfor30secondsoruntilgoldenbrownonthebottom.
7.Brushthetoplightlywithveganbutter,oroil,flip,andcookfor30secondsoruntilgoldenbrownonbothsides.Storeinacontainerlinedwithpaperorkitchentowel.Theparathascanberefrigeratedforupto3days.Reheatinaskilletbeforeserving.
POTATOFILLING:2cupswell-mashedpotatoes(3mediumor2largepotatoes,boiledandmashed)1(1-inch)knobofginger,minced
1/4cupchoppedcilantro1to2hotgreenchiles,finelychopped(removeseedstoreduceheat)1/2teaspoongroundcumin1/2teaspoonGaramMasala(here)
Inabowl,mashthepotatoesreallywell.Addtheginger,cilantro,cumin,garammasala,caromseeds,cayenne,andsalt.Mixwell.Tasteandadjustsaltandspice.Proceedtomaketheparathas.
Variationforthedough:Add1/2teaspooncaromseedsorcuminseedstothedoughrecipe.Omitthecaromseedsfromthefilling.
Thestepsaboveshowtheeasysquaremethodofmakingparathas.Othermethodsinclude:collectingtheedgestothemiddlelikeaJapanesesiumaidumplingandrollingitout;androllinguptheflatteneddoughlikearugandcoilingtherollarounditselfinacirclebeforerollingitoutwitha
rollingpin.
GobiParatha
30-MinuteRiceDosas
Prep:15minutes|Active:30to40minutes|Inactive:30minutes|Makes11to12
SF NF GF E
Thisisaquickversionofdosacrepes.Therecipeusesbrownriceflour,uraddalflour,andoatflour.Itrequiresonly30minutespreptime,unlikeafulldayoffermentationasinthetraditionalrecipe.Dosacrepesareservedwithsambhar,coconutchutney,andmasalapotatoesorotherpotatoside.Seethetipsformakingperfectcrepesherefortroubleshooting.
1/2cupoatflouroroats1/4teaspoonfenugreekseedsorfenugreekpowder1/4cupblackgramflourorsplitblackgram,oruseoatflour1cup+2tablespoonsriceflour(brownorwhite)3/4to1teaspoonsalt
2cupswater
1(1-inch)knobofginger1hotgreenchile(removeseedstoreduceheat)or1/4to1/2teaspooncayenne3/4teaspoonactivedryyeast
1teaspoonbakingpowder
1.Combinetheoatflour,fenugreek,anduradflourinablenderandblendtoafinepowder.
2.Addthebrownriceflour,salt,water,ginger,andchiletotheblenderandblendwelltomakeasmoothbatter.Blendforthree1-minutecyclestoincorporatewell,scrapingdownthesidesin-betweenifnecessary.Addtheyeastandbakingpowderandblendfor30seconds.Pourthebatterintoabowlandletrestfor30minutes.
3.Heatalargeskilletovermediumheat.Whenhot,drizzleafewdropsofoilintotheskilletandspreadusingapapertowel.Drop1/4to1/3cupofthebatterintheskillet.Usealadletospreaditfromthecenterofthepanout,incircles.Cookuntilthecrepestartstocomeofftheedges,about2minutes.Flip,andcookforanother30secondstoaminute.Transferthecookedcrepetoacontainerlinedwithpapertowels,andrepeatwiththeremainingbatter.Thecrepescanbestoredatroomtemperaturefortheday,orrefrigeratedforupto4days.Reheatbeforeserving.
SouthIndianLentilandRiceDosas
Prep:11/2daysfermentation|Active:45minutes|Makes10to12 SF NF GF
Dosacrepesarenotaswell-knownasnaan.MostrestaurantsintheUnitedStateshaveNorthIndianinfluencedmenus,withcreamcurriesandvegetablesidesthatpairwellwithnaanorroti.Generally,dosacrepesareservedwithsouthernIndiansplitpeastews,tamarind-flavoredsoups,coconut-basedchutneys,sambhar,andpotato-basedsides.Thesedeliciousandversatilecrepesaregluten-freeandareperfectwithcurriesaswell.Usethemastortillasorwraps.Thesecrepesarebestmadewithsplitblackgram(uraddal).Wholeblackgramoruradisablack-coloredbeanlikemungbean.Splitblackgramiswholebeanssplitinhalf.Splitdalcanbeunskinned,whichmeansitwillbeblackononesideandwhiteontheother;anditcanskinned,soitwillbewhiteonboththesides.Anyofthethreewillworkinthisrecipe.(Photos:Seehereforthestuffedpotatodosasandhereforthestepstomakethem.)
1cuplong-grainbasmatiorbrownrice1/3cupsplitblackgram(uraddal)1/3cupyellowsplitpeas1/4teaspoonfenugreekseeds
1cupormorewater
1/2to3/4teaspoonsalt
1.Washtherice,drain,andplaceinadeepbowl.Add3cupsofwater.
2.Washtheblackgramandsplitpeas,drain,andplaceinanotherdeepbowl.Add3cupsofwater.Addthefenugreekseedstothesplitpeasbowl.Letboththericeandthedalssoakforatleast6hours.
3.Drainthewaterfromthericeanddalsintoanotherbowl.Reservethesoakingwatertouseduringgrinding.Grindthedalsfirst,with1/4cupormorewater,tomakeasmooth,fluffymixture.Transfertoabowl.Grindthericewith1/2to1cupwatertomakeasmoothbatter.Pourthericebatterintothebowlwiththedalbatter.Mixwelltocombine.Stirin1/2teaspoonsalt.
4.Coverthebatterwithalooselidandplaceinawarmplace,suchasanovenwiththeovenlight
on,foratleast8hours.Thebattershouldgetbubbly,increaseinvolume,andsmellfermented.Ifthebatterisnotfermentedyet,youcanletitsitforupto24hourstoferment.Thefermentationtimedependsontheambienttemperature.
5.Ifthebatterdoesnotfermentenough,combine1teaspoonactiveyeastand1/4teaspoonsugarwith2tablespoonswarmwaterinasmallbowl.Setasidefor2minutes,thenmixitintothebatteratanypointafterthe8hourfermentation.Letthebattersitfor1hourbeforeusingtomakecrepes.
6.Tomakethedosas,heatalargeskilletovermediumheat.Whenhot,sprinkleafewdropsofoilorsprayoilontheskillet.Spreadtheoilusingapapertowel.
7.Ladleascant1/4cupofbatterintotheskillet.Spreadthebatterbymovingtheladleinconcentriccirclesfromtheinsideout(seepictures).Drizzleafewdropsofoilorsprayoilontheedges(optional).Cookthedosauntilthebottomisgolden,about2to3minutes.Flip,andcookfor30seconds(optional).Tastethedosaandadjustsaltinthebatterifneeded.Maketherestofthedosas.Foldandserve.
Note:Ifyoucannotfindsplitblackgram(uraddal),usepetiteyellowlentilsorredlentils.Thebattermightnotfermentwithlentilsotherthanblackgram.Mix1teaspoonofactiveyeastand1/4teaspoonsugarwith2tablespoonswarmwaterinabowl.Lettheyeastgetfrothy,about2minutes.Mixintothebatterrightaftergrinding,atstep2.Letthebattersitforanhourandthenusetomakecrepes.
TipstoMakePerfectDosaCrepesThesetipsapplytoanytypeofcrepeorthinpancake,suchaschilla.
•Useagoodpan.IuseaPFOA/PFOE-freenon-stickpanthatIkeepforjustcrepesandpancakes.Ifthepanisusedforanythingelsethatneedsstirring,thesurfacedoesn’tstayevenlynon-stickandthecrepebatterhasatendencytosticktothepan.• Bring the batter to room temperature before using, or it might stick to the ladle whilespreading.•Useawell-heatedpan.Ifthebatteriscold,orthepaniseithernothotenoughortoohot,thebattermightclumpupandsticktotheladleorthepan.Thisisusuallythereasonthefirstdosaalwaysclumpsupabit.
HowtoMakeDosas
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Pourthebatterontothetavafromaladle.
Withthebackofthespoon,spreadthebatteroutinaswirlingmotion.
Cookthedosaperinstructionsuntilgolden.
Withaspatula,turnthedosauponoppositesidestomakeataco-likeshape.
Addthefillingandeat.
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2
3
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5
Gluten-FreeRoti(here)
WheatRoti(here)
Rasmalai(here)
Nine
Desserts
InIndia,dessertsandsweetsareusuallyreservedforspecialdaysorfestivals,sospecialmemoriesareusuallyassociatedwiththem.Unliketheavailabilityofveganversionsofotherdesserts,veganIndiandessertsarenexttoimpossibletofind.Forthisreason,ImissedIndiandessertsthemostaftertransitiontoaplant-baseddiet.
Indiandessertsusuallycontainalotofdairyproducts,suchascheese,heavycream,andclarifiedbutter,andareoftencookedwithalotofsugar.Becausemostplant-basedmilksdonotbehavelikedairymilkwithtraditionalcookingmethods,someIndiandessertscannotberecreateddirectlyusingnondairymilks.However,thischaptersharesyearsofresearchinwhichIfoundthebestwaystorecreatethem.That’swhatmakesthischaptersomewhatdifferent.
Theotherchaptersareaboutmakingthingssimplerwitheasiermethodsandflavorstomakethefoodmoreapproachable.Thischapter,however,isaboutachievingtraditionalandauthenticresults.Thinkofitthisway,youcanmakeaveganversionofyourfavoritenonveganstewand,whileit’snotexactlythesame,it’sequallydelicious.Butifyoumakeavegancheesewithacompletelydifferenttextureandtastethanthenonveganversion,youmightstillmisstheauthenticflavor,howevergoodthevegancheeseturnsout.ThatisthesamewithIndiandesserts.
Sometraditionaldessertsthatarenotasdairydependentaremoreeasilyadaptedandcomparabletotheirveganversions,whileothersthataretraditionallymostlydairy,needtostaytruetothetextureandflavor,andhenceneedmorecomplexcookingmethods.Forthesedesserts,Iadvisethatyoufindastashofcardamomandsaffron,becausetheyarefrequentlyused.Bothcanbeexpensive,butalittlebitgoesalongway.Agoodnumberofrecipesinthischapterareglutenfreeandsoy-free.
WhetheryouareIndianornot,youwilllovemakingtheseeasydesserts,someofwhichalsomakegreatbreakfastssuchasPhirni,CardamomFudgySquares,CoconutLadoo,KajuKatli,andNanKhatai.ThentryyourhandatBesanLadoo,CarrotHalwa,andkulfiicecreams.Afterthat,youwillbereadytotryyourhandatthemoredifficultGulabJamuns,MalaiPeda,Sandesh,andRasmalai.
SweetChickpeaFlourBallsBesanLadoo
Prep:15minutes|Active:30minutes|Inactive:20minutes|Makes12 SF GF E
Ifyouaskmymomaboutthesecrettoaperfectbesanladoo,shewillsaygheeandslowroasting.Inthisrecipe,Iuseveganbutterandoilinsteadofghee,butcocoabutteralsoworksbeautifully.Youcanslowroastthebesanflouroverlowheatfor30minutesorovermediumheatfor15minutes.Ifyouaregoingtoroastovermediumheat,keepaneyeonthebesantoavoidburning,asburntorover-roastedbesancantastequitebitter.Foravariation,usewhole-wheatflourorotherfloursinsteadofthechickpeaflourtomakethisladoo.
2tablespoonsorganiccanolaoilorsaffloweroil2tablespoonsveganbutter,cocoabutter,orcoconutoil1cupchickpeaflourorbesan
2tablespoonscoarselygroundrawcashews
2tablespoonsraisins,optional1/4teaspooncoarselygroundcardamom1/2cup+2tablespoonsfinelygroundorconfectioners’sugar1.Heattheoilandbutterinaskilletoverlow-mediumheat.Whenthebutterhasmelted,addchickpeaflourandmixwelltomakefatcrumbs.Roasttheflourfor30to40minutes.Stirbydraggingthemixturearoundevery5minutes.Dependingonthepanandyourstove,thechickpeaflourwillchangecolorandthemixturewillcontinuetogetmorelumpy,andcometogetherandtheoilwillstarttoshimmeronit.Ifroastingonclosertomediumheat,theflourwillbewell-roastedin12to18minutes.Stirevery1to2minutes.
2.Addgroundcashews,raisins,cardamomandsugarandmixin.Cookfor3minutes,mixingthesugarintothechickpeaflouruntilthesugarisnotvisible.Themixturewillbecomelikefatcrumbs.
3.Takeoffheatandcoolfor5minutesoruntilcoolenoughtohandle.Donotletthemixturecoolcompletely.Shapeintoballsbypressingsomeinonehandandthenrollingbetween2hands.Themixturecomestogetherbecauseofthepressureandwillsmoothoutasyouroll.Ittakes10secondsorso.Ifthemixtureistoocrumbly,addsomeoilornondairymilktohelpwiththebindingorserveas-is.Storeinanairtightcontaineronthecounterforupto2weeks.
CashewFudgeKajuKatli
Prep:15minutes|Active:25minutes|Makes12to18pieces SF GF E
KajuKatliisanotherfavoriteIndiandessert.Thereareseveralwaystomakethefudge,butthekeytoagreatfudgeisagoodsugarsyrupandwellgroundcashews.Somemethodsrequireyoutosoakthecashewsandcookwiththesugarforaboutanhour.Somemethodsrequirealotofelbowgrease.ThisisthesimplestrecipethatIusetowhipupfudgewithinminutes.
2cupsrawcashews
1tablespooncornstarchorotherstarch(optional)1/3cupwater1/2cupgroundrawsugarFlavoroptions:1/4teaspooncardamompowder,6strandsofsaffron,orafewdropsofkewraorroseessence
1.Grindthecashewstoapowderinadrygrinderandkeepaside.Ifusingablender,addcornstarchandthenblend.Removethebutterycashewpowderfromthesidesoftheblenderinbetweentohelpwithevenblending.
2.Makethesugarsyrup:Inasaucepanovermediumheat,combinewaterandsugarandmixwell.Bringtoaboil,about3minutes.Continuetocookovermediumheat,untilthesyrupisajustaboutsinglethreadconsistency(closeto230°F),3to4minutes.(Seenotebelowforhowtochecksinglethreadconsistency.)Stirafewtimesinbetween.Thesyrupwillgetbubblywhileitthickens.Addcardamomorotherflavorsandmixin.
3.Reduceheattolow,thenaddhalfofthegroundcashews.Mixinwell.Keepaddingthecashewmixture,afewtablespoonsatatime,untilthemixturegetsthickandaddsresistancetothemovementofthespatula.Mixwelleachtimebydraggingandmixing.Themixturewillbesomewherebetweenathickbatterandasoftdough.Youwilluseupanywherefrom11/2cupstotheentire2cupscashews.
4.Transferthehotmixturetoparchmentoragreasedflatplateorpan.Carefullypatitdownor
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•
•
shapeusingaspatula,intoa1/4inchthicksomewhatrectangle.Ifthemixtureistoostickyorhot,letitcoolforaminutebeforepattingitdown.Youcanalsorollitbetween2parchments.Youcankneadthemixtureabitatthispointtomakeitsmoother,beforeshapingintoarectangle.
5.Usingaknifeorpizzacutter,cuttherectangleintoagrid.Letcoolcompletelybeforeseparatingintopiecesandstoring.Storeinanairtightcontainerforafewdaysonthecounterorseveralweeksrefrigerated.
Single-threadconsistency:Takeadropofsugarsyrupcarefullybetweenonefingerandthumborbetweentwospoons.Whenyouseparatethefingerandthumbthesyrupshouldformasinglethreadatleast1/2-inchlongbeforebreaking.Youcanalsochecktheconsistencybydroppingasingledropofthesyrupinabowlofcoldwater.Thesyrupshouldnotimmediatelydissolveandshouldsplashintooneormorevisiblethreads.
Troubleshoot:
Sugarsyrupsaretricky,becauseyoucanendupwithareallysoftfudgeoracrumblyburfi.Eitherwaytheyareabsolutelydelicious.
Ifthemixturegetstoocrumblyafteraddingcashewsanddoesnotlumpup,thatmeansthesugarsyrupgottoothickorovercooked.Keepthecashewmixtureonlowheat.Boilsomewaterinanotherpanandaddateaspoonatatimetothecashewmixture,mixwell,addingmoreifneeded,untilthemixtureismorelikeathickbatter.Thenproceedtomakethefudgepieces.
Ifthefudgeistoosoft,thesugarsyrupwaslikelyundercooked.Servewithaspoonashalwa.
PistachioCardamomCookiesNanKhatai
Prep:15minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:14minutes|Makes10to12
SF E
CardamomandsaffronareratherinexpensiveinIndia,whichisonereasontheyarebothusedliberallyinIndiandesserts.Evencookieshavesaffroninthem.NanKhataicookiesareknownfortheirevencolorappearanceandsofttextureandarebakedataslightlylowertemperaturesotheydon’tbrown.
1/2cupgroundrawsugar1/8teaspoonsalt2tablespoonsmeltedveganbutteroraneutraloil
1tablespoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil
2tablespoonsnondairyyogurtorcashewcreamorcoconutcream4saffronstrands(optional)1/2cup+2tablespoonsunbleachedwhiteflour3tablespoonssemolinaflour(finesooji)3tablespoonsfinelygroundrawpistachio,casheworalmond(tastesbestwithpistachio)2teaspoonschickpeaflourorbesan(optional)1/8teaspoonbakingsoda
Seedsfrom1cardamompod,lightlycrushedor1/4teaspooncardamompowder1/8teaspoonnutmegpowder
Rawpistachiooralmondslivers,forgarnish
1.Preheattheovento345°F.Prepareabakingsheetwithparchmentpaper.Inabowl,addsugar,salt,veganbutter,oil,yogurt,andsaffron,ifusing,andwhisktocombine.
2.Inanotherbowl,mixflour,semolina,nutflour,chickpeaflour,bakingsoda,cardamomandnutmeg.Whiskwell.
3.Addthedryingredientstowetandmixtomakeasoftdough.Useateaspoonorsonondairymilkifthedoughistoocrumbly.
4.Shapethedoughintosmallballs,aboutaninchindiameter.Placeontheparchment.Pressslightlyontoptoflattenjustabit.Pressinpistachioslivers.Bakefor14to15minutes.Bakeaminutelongerforcrunchiercookie.Letitcoolcompletelybeforeserving.Storeinanairtightcontainerforuptoaweek.
Variation:Add1teaspoonvanillaextractinsteadofcardamom.
Tomakethesegluten-free:Useagluten-freeflourblendtoreplaceunbleachedwhiteflour,andwhiteorbrownriceflourtoreplacesemolina.Usenondairyyogurtandnotcashewcreamwithgluten-freeflours,astheyogurtholdsthemoistureinthecookies.
SaffronCreamPopsiclesKesarKulfi
Prep:10minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:3hourstofreeze|Serves4to6
SF GF E
KulfiisIndianice-creammadefromthickenedandreducedmilkandoftenflavoredwithsaffron,cardamom,rosewater,kewra,andotherflavors.Unlikeregularicecreams,kulfiisnotwhipped,resultinginasolid,densefrozendessertwhichalsotakeslongertomelt.Useanypopsiclemoldsorsmallandtallbowlstofreezethekulfi.Ihavemanymemoriesassociatedwithkulfi.Thekulfiwala(amanwithanice-boxcartcontainingkulfis)wouldcomebyourstreeteverySundayduringsummer.Beforeanyoneelseknewthathewasonthestreet,ourdogwouldalertuswithherbarking.Shewouldalwaysgetafifty-paisakulfialltoherself.Nowweknowwhyshewassuchgoodfriendswiththekulfiwala.
1/3cupgroundrawcashews
1tablespooncornstarchorarrowroot
1(13.5-ounce)canfull-fatcoconutmilk,divided
3tablespoonswater
1/2teaspoonsaffronstrands1/3cupgroundrawsugar(1/2cupforsweeter)Agenerouspinchofgroundcardamom1/8to1/4teaspoonfineseasaltChoppedrawpistachios,forgarnish
1.Inabowl,mixthecashewsandcornstarchwith1/2cupcoconutmilkandsetaside.Blend,ifneeded.
2.Addthewaterandsaffrontoasaucepanandletsitfor5minutesofftheheat.
3.Heatthepanovermediumheat.Addthesugar,andcookovermediumheat,stirring.Bringthemixturetoabubblingboil,4to5minutes.
4.Addthecashewcoconutmilkmixturetothepan.Addcardamomandsaltandbringtoaboil,5to
7minutes.Themixturewillthickenconsiderably.Removefromtheheat.
5.Addtheremaining1cupofcoconutmilkandmixwell.Tasteandadjustsugar.Addchoppednutsordriedfruit,ifusing,andfoldintothecreamymixture.
6.Pourthemixtureintokulfimoldsorpopsiclemoldsoralargercontainer.Freezeuntiljustset,popout,topwithcoarselychoppedpistachiosandserve.Ifthekulfiistoohard,letitsitfor10minutesbeforeserving.
TomakeMangoKulfi:Atstep5,coolthemixturecompletely,thenfoldin1cupofripemangopureeorpulp.Pourintokulfiorpopsiclemoldsandfreeze.
MangoKulfivariation
PistachioAlmondIceCreamPistaKulfi
Prep:10minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:3hourstofreeze|Serves4to6
SF GF E
Thisisisaricherkulfithatistypicallyservedduringsummerfestivals.Youcansubstituteothernutsofyourownchoice.Servedrizzledwithsaffroncream(rabdi),here.
1/3cuprawpistachios
2tablespoonsrawalmondsorcashews
11/2cupsalmondmilkorcoconutmilk
1tablespooncornstarchorarrowroot
1/4teaspoongroundcardamomPinchofsaffron(optional)
4to6tablespoonsrawsugar
1.Grindthepistachiosandalmondsintoacoarsemealinagrinderorblender.
2.Inablender,combinethenutmealwithnondairymilk,cornstarch,cardamom,saffron(ifusing),andsugar,andblenduntilsmooth.Transfertheblendedmixtoaskilletovermediumheat.Bringtoaboil,stirringfrequentlytoavoidburning,5to6minutes.Removefromtheheat.Carefullytasteandadjustthesugar,ifneeded.Setasidetocool.
3.Transferthecooledmixturetopopsiclemoldsoralargercontainer.Freezeforafewhours.Removefrommoldandserve.
DoughnutsSoakedinSugarSyrupGulabJamun
Prep:20minutes|Active:30to45minutes|Inactive:1hoursoak|Makes18to20
SF
Gulabjamunisamilk-solidsbaseddessertservedduringfestivals.ItispopularinIndia,SriLanka,Nepal,Pakistan,Bangladesh,andalsoinCaribbeancountries.Ballsofmilksolids(khoya),flour,andotheringredientsarefriedandthensoakedinalightsugarsyrupflavoredwithgreencardamomandrosewater,kewra,orsaffron.Togettherighttexture,Iuseflour,groundcashew,andsweetpotato.Use1/4cuplesssugarinthesyrupforlesssweetsyrup.Note:Instructionsaregiventoeitherfryorbake.
1/4cupwheatflourorunbleachedall-purposeflour1/4cupunbleachedall-purposeflour
1tablespooncornstarchorarrowroot
2tablespoonsgroundrawcashews,pistachios,oralmonds2tablespoonsoatflour
2tablespoonsgroundrawsugar
1/2teaspoonbakingpowderAgenerouspinchofsalt1/4cupsweetpotatopuree(well-mashedboiledsweetpotatoorcanned)orthickapplesauce1tablespoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil1to3teaspoonsalmondmilkorwaterSUGARSYRUP:
11/4cupsgroundrawsugarorothervegansugar11/2cupswaterAgenerouspinchofsalt1/4teaspooncardamompowderorcrushedseedsfrom2cardamompods1/4teaspoonsaffronstrands
1to2teaspoonsrosewater(optional)Pistachiosliversorshreddedcoconut,forgarnish1.Mixtheflours,nuts,sugar,bakingpowder,andsaltinabowl.
2.Addthesweetpotatopureeandoilandmixwell.Thesweetpotatowilltake1to2minutestofullyincorporateinthedryingredients.Addalmondmilkorwaterifneededateaspoonatatime,tomakeasoftdough.Thedoughmightbeslightlystickyifyouareusingsweetpotatoinsteadofapplesauce.
3.Coverthedoughwithatowelandletitsitfor10minutes.Oilyourhandsanddividethedoughintoequalsized,1/2-3/4inchsizesmoothballs.Uselightpressureduringshaping.
4.Iffrying:Addenoughoiltobeatleast11/2inchdeep.Heatovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,reduceheattomedium-low.Frytheballs.Movethemaroundevery2minutesforevencookingandcolor.Theballswillincreaseinsizeduringfrying.Removetheballsfromtheoiloncegoldenbrownallover,notdarkbrown.(6to8minutestotaltimeperbatch).Lettheoilheatupforafewminutesaftereachbatchbeforeaddingthenext.
5.Ifbaking:Preheattheovento425°F.Placetheballsonparchmentlineddoubledbakingsheet(toavoidburningthebottoms).Bakefor7to8minutes.Thenbroiltogetadarkercolor.Broilfor30seconds,thenmovetheballsaroundandbroilforanother15seconds.Continuetobroilforanotherminuteforevenbrowning.Movetheballsfrequentlyevery10to15seconds.Theseballswillbehardtothetouch.
6.Preparethesugarsyrup:Addtheingredientsforthesugarsyrup,excepttherosewaterinawidesaucepanthatcanaccommodatethe20ballsinasinglelayer.Heatovermediumheat,stirringuntilallthesugardissolves.Bringtoabubblingboil.Reduceheattolowandcontinuetosimmerfor2to3minutes.Addtherosewaterifusing.
7.Placethejamunballsinthesimmeringsugarsyrup.Keepthesugarsyrupsimmeringoverlowheat.Turntheballsaroundafter10minutes.Takethesyrupofftheheat.
8.Theballswillsoakunevenlyforthefirstfewminutes,butwillevenoutaftersometime.Letthemsoakforanhour.Flipthemaroundafter20minutes.Servewarmorcold.Keeprefrigeratedforupto4days.
Variations:Foldthesoakedgulabjamunsintovanillaorsaffronicecream(likecookiedough)andfreeze.Servethejamunswithsaffroncream(rabdi)(here)forMalaiJamun.
Tips:Iftheballsareovercookedortoohard,simmertheminthesugarsyrupfor15to20minutesuntiltheysoften.Toavoidtheballsbreakingtooeasilywhilefryingorsoaking,makesmoothballsbyrollingbetweenyourhandsuntilevenlysmooth.
Gluten-FreeGulabJamun
Preptime:20minutes|Activetime:30to45minutes|Makes14to16 GF
Forthisgluten-freeversion,Iusesoymilkpowdertoensureasoftandmoistjamun.Withoutsoymilkpower,gluten-freejamunstendtobeeitherdryorhard.
1/4cupoatflour1/4cuparrowrootstarchorotherstarch3tablespoonsoymilkpowder
2tablespoonsriceflour
2tablespoonsalmondmealorcashewmeal1/4teaspoonbakingpowder1/4teaspoonbakingsoda1/4teaspoonsalt2tablespoonssweetpotatopurée
1tablespoonalmondmilk
1teaspoonsafflowerorotherneutraloil1tablespoonflaxseedmealorchiaseedmeal1.Inabowl,combineoatflour,arrowroot,soymilkpowder,riceflour,almondmeal,bakingpowder,bakingsoda,andsalt.Whiskwellorsift.
2.Inanotherbowl,combinethesweetpotatopurée,milk,oil,andflaxseedmeal.Mixwellandsetasidefor2minutes.
3.Mixthewetingredientsintothedryingredients.Kneadfor1to2minutestomakeasoft,smoothdough.Addafewdropsofalmondmilkifthedoughisstiff.Letthedoughrestfor5minutes.
4.Dividethedoughinto16to20equalparts.Rollthemintosmoothballs.
5.Heatenoughoiltodeep-fryovermediumheat,about11/2inchesdeep.Whentheoilismoderatelyhot,frytheballsinbatchesuntilbrownonallsides,4to6minutes.Draintheballsonapapertowel.Fryalltheballsandkeepaside.Followstep6onwardsofGulabJamun(here)tomakethesugarsyrupandsoaktheballs.
FudgyCoconutBallsNariyalLadoo
Prep:10minutes|Active:20minutes|Makes12ormore SF NF GF E
Ladoosmadewithcoconutareanothereasyandpopulardessertservedduringfestivalslikediwali,ganeshchaturthi,anddussehra,ortocelebrateanythingelse.Theyarealighterfarethantheusualdairy-ornutbaseddessert.Addflavorssuchascardamom,rose,orvanillaforvariations.Usecoconutcreamforamoredecadentladoo.Coconutcreamisthewhitecreamthatseparatesfromthefull-fatcoconutmilkafterthecanhasbeenchilledforafewhours.Scoopthecreamfromthecantouse.
2cupsunsweetenedshreddedcoconut(dried)Seedsfrom4to5cardamompods1/3cupfull-fatcoconutmilkorcoconutcream
2teaspoonscoconutoil
2/3cupgroundsugar(use1tablespoonlessforlesssweeter)Pinchofsalt2tablespoonscoconutflourorshreddedcoconut1.Grindorblend2cupsofshreddedcoconutinablenderorprocessortomakesmallpowderyflakes.Blendafewshortcycles,movethecoconutaround,andpulsemoretoblendevenlyandavoidmakingcoconutbutter.Poundthecardamomseedsinamortarandpestletobreakintoacoarsemixtureandkeepaside.
2.Heatthecoconutmilkinasmallskilletovermediumheat.Addthecoconutoil,sugar,andsaltandmix.Bringthemixturetoabubblingboil,about4minutes.Continuetoboilforanother4minutesoruntilthemixturecanformahalf-thread(220°to225°F).Takeofftheheat.
3.Immediatelyadd11/2cupsoftheshreddedcoconutandcardamomandmixin.Addthecoconutflourandmixin.Ifthemixtureappearstoowet,letitcoolforaminute,thenaddmoreshreddedcoconut,2tablespoonsatatime.Donotaddmorethan4tablespoonstotal.Themixturewillbecomelesssoftasitcools.Letthemixturecoolfor2minutesoruntilcoolenoughtohandle,thenshapeintoballsbypickingup1to2tablespoonsofthemixture,pressingandshapingwithonehand.Rolltheballintheremainingshreddedcoconutandserve.Coolcompletelybeforestoring.Storeinanairtightcontaineronthecounterforupto3daysorrefrigeratedforaweek.
SouthIndianChickpeaFlourFudge
MysorePak
Prep:15minutes|Active:30minutes|Makes16to20(1-inch)squares SF NF GF
Thisisoneaddictiveandfunchickpeaflourburfi.Thisfudgeisdeliciousandthetraditionaltechniquebelowneedsabitofpracticetogetthetraditionalroastedchickpeafudgetasteandtexture.Thetimingandheatduringtheprocessensurethatthefudgecomesoutslightlyairywithaslightcrunchandstillismelt-inyour-mouthgood.Thereisenoughsugarandfatinthisrecipe,thatevenifyoumessup,theendresultwilltastefabulous.Readtherecipeafewtimestomakesureyouhavethesteporderrightbeforeproceeding.DotrytheBesanLadoofirsttogetanideaofhowchickpeaflourtastesinIndiansweets.Ifyouwonderwhyyoushouldtomakethisfudgeoveranotherone,imaginethedifferencebetweenachocolatefudgecakelayeredwithchocolateganacheversesaregularchocolatecake.
1/2cupchickpeaflourorbesan11/2tablespoonsmeltedcoconutoil,orsafflowerorcanolaoil2/3cupgroundrawsugar1/4cupwater1/2cupcocoabutterorveganbutter(oracombinationsuchas2tablespoonssaffloweroil+2tablespoonsveganbutter+1/4cupcocoabutterorcoconutoil)
1.Heatalargeskilletovermedium-lowheat.Dryroastthechickpeaflourfor5minutes,stirringfrequently.Add11/2tablespoonsofcoconutoiltothechickpeaflour.Continuetoroastforanother2to3minutesoruntilthechickpeaflourgetsslightlyfragrant.Mixtheoilintothechickpeaflourbypressinganddraggingsothemixtureislikefatbreadcrumbs.Setaside.Greasea7-inchsquarebakingpanorlineitwithparchmentandsetaside.
2.Makethesugarsyrup:Combine2/3cupsugarand1/4cupwaterinaskilletovermediumheat.Bringtoaboilandcontinuetocookuntilitreachessingle-threadconsistency.
3.Whilethesugarsyrupiscooking,heatthecocoabutterinaskilletovermediumheat.Thebuttershouldbeheatedenoughtobesmokinghot.
4.Atthispoint,boththesyrupandthebuttershouldbehottoproceedtothenextstep.Keepbothovermediumheat.
5.Addtheroastedchickpeaflourtothehotsugarsyrupassoonasthesyrupreachessingle-threadconsistency.(Addhalftheflouratatimetoavoidlumps.Usingawhiskwillalsohelp).Mixwelltill
therearenolumps,about1minute.Startaddingthehotbutter/oiltothissugar/chickpeamixture,1tablespoonatatime.Beverycareful.Mixinwellandaddmoreoil.
6.Thechickpeamixturewillbegintochangecolorandstarttogetfluffyafterafewminutes.Afteralltheoilhasbeenadded,continuetocookforanotherminuteorso.Thechickpeamixturewillstarttoleavetheedgesandwillbenoticeablybubblyandfluffy.Removeitfromheatandimmediatelypouritintoabakingpanorparchmentlinedbreadpan.Thiswholeprocess(step4)takes5to7minutes.Letthemixturesitandcoolforafewminutes.Thencutupintosquares.Storeinanairtightcontainerforafewweeks.
Note:Thesyrupwillbeat230°to235°Fforsingle-threadconsistency.Tochecktheconsistency,takeatinyamountofsyrupinaspoonandcoolabit.Placeadroponyourfingerorthumb,pressbothtogether,andthenpullthemapart.Thesyrupshouldformasinglethreadthatdoesnotbreak.Ifitbreaksquickly,thenitishalf-threadconsistency.Thisstageisjustbeforeitcanmakeasoftball(adropofthesyrupdroppedintocoldwatermakesasoftball).Pleasebecarefulwhenyouaddthehotoiltothehotchickpeamixture.
GrainFlourSpoonFudgeAtteKaHalwa
Prep:10minutes|Active:25minutes|Serves2to4 SF E
Halwasareasweet,somewhatgel-like,flour-basedmixturewhichhasnutsandflavorssuchascardamom,saffron,kewraessence,orrose.TheyareusuallyservedasPrasad(foodofferedtoadeity/idolorgodanddistributedinhisorhername)andeveryonehadtofinishtheirportion.Askids,wewouldalwayswantthebesanladdooorthedairy-baseddessertsandwouldbedisappointedwiththelesssweethalwas.Ifyouuselesssugar,youcanserveitforbreakfast.Thewhole-wheatflourhalwaispicturedopposite.Thetexturecanrangefromcrumblytoasmooth,silkypudding.Uselessormorewatertopreference.Mom’swheathalwaisbasicallythemixtureatStep3.Oncethesugarismixedinandbeginstomelt,itistakenoffheat,cooled,andserved.Usegluten-freeflourtomakethisgluten-free.
2tablespoonsveganbutterorsaffloweroil
2tablespoonscashews
1tablespoonraisins,driedcranberries,orotherdriedfruit1/2cupgrainflourofchoice(whole-wheat,amaranth,quinoa,oat,semolina)1/4teaspoongroundcardamom
Pinchofsalt1/4to1/3cupconfectioners’sugar1/2cupwater
1.Heatthebutterinaskilletovermediumheat.Addthecashewsandcookuntillightlygolden,about1minute.Addtheraisinsandcookuntilgoldenandpuffed,about1minute.Removethenutsandraisinsfromthebutterandkeepaside.
2.Inthesameskillet,addtheflourtotheremainingbutter.Mixwellandcookfor2minutesovermediumheat.Reduceheattomedium-lowandcontinuetoroasttheflouruntilitchangescolor,stirringfrequently,4to8minutes.Cookingtimedependsontheflourused.Wheatflourwillusuallyneed6to7minutes,amaranthabout5minutes,andsemolinaabout8minutes.
3.Midwaythroughtheroasting,heat1cupofwaterinasaucepanovermediumheattobringtoaboil,4to5minutes.Addthecardamom,salt,sugar,friedcashews,andraisinstotheflourandmixin.Cookfor1minute.
4.Add1/2cuphotwatertotheflourandmixin.Themixturewillquicklyformalump.Addanother1/4cupwaterifyoulikeawethalwa.Keepmixinguntilsmooth.Cookfor1minute.Carefullytasteandadjustsweetifneeded.Takeoffheat.Toshape,packintogreasedmoldor1/4cupmeasurewhenstillwarm.Tapupsidedowntoremove.Servewarmorcold.Storerefrigeratedforupto3days.Youcanalsoshapethehalwaintosquares.Patthewarmhalwaintoa1/2inchthickrectangleonparchment.Letitcool,thensliceandstore.
Notes:AtStep4,dependingontheflourandthepreferredconsistencyofthehalwa,youwillneedanywherefrom1/4cuptoa1cupofhotwater.Use1/4to1/3cupwaterforacrumblysemolinahalwa.Use3/4cupto1cupforasmoothsofthalwawhenusinganywholegrainflourlikewheatoramaranth.
FudgyCardamomSquaresVeganKalakand
Prep:15minutes|Active:15minutes|Inactive:15minutes|Makes12ormore
SF GF E
Thesefudgysquaresuseground-upalmondstomimicthetextureandtasteofthekhoa(milksolids)inthecommonmilkburfis.Itmaybehardtobelievethatitworks,butitdoes!Tryit.
1/2cupalmondmilk
2teaspoonsveganbutterorsaffloweroil
1/2cupgroundsugar1/8teaspoonsalt1/4teaspooncardamompowder1cupgroundraworblanchedalmondsorfinealmondmeal1/4cupoatflour
1/3cupormorecoconutflourSeedsfrom4cardamompods,lightlycrushed1.Preheattheovento300°F.Combinealmondmilk,oil,sugar,andsaltinasaucepanovermediumheat.Mixwelltodissolvethesugar.Bringtoabubblingboil,about4minutes.
2.Continuetoboilthemixturefor2minutes.Takeoffheatandmixinthecardamompowder.Coolfor5minutes.
3.Addgroundalmonds,oatflour,1/3cupcoconutflour,andcardamomseedstothesaucepan.Mixwelltoformasoftdough.Add1tablespoonmorecoconutflourifthemixtureistoowet.Mixandletsitforaminutebeforeaddingmore.Themixturewillcontinuetogetlesswetasitsits.Tasteandadd1tablespoonmoresugarifyoulikeitsweeter.
4.Patthestickydoughontoparchment-linedsheetintoa1/4-inchthicksquare.Cutinto1-inchsquaresusingaknifeorapizzacutter.
5.Bakefor16minutes.Removefromtheovenandbrushalmondmilkoroilontop.Coolcompletelybeforeservingorstoring.Storeonthecounterforadayandrefrigeratedforupto7days.
Variation:TomakeKesarPeda(saffron-infusedfudgecookie):Add6strandsofsaffronatstep1tothealmondmilk.ProceedwithSteps2and3.Make11/2inchsizeflatdiscsofthedoughandbakefor16minutes.
CarrotHalwaGajarKaHalwa
Prep:15minutes|Active:60minutes|Inactive:45minutes|Serves4 SF GF E
Carrothalwahasmanyversionsdependingontheregion.Mommakesitwithdeepredcarrots.Shestartsmakingitinthemorningwithloadsofcarrotsandgheeoroilandcreamandcontinuestoroastitintotheevening,untilthecarrotsareadarkredbrown.Myversionisquickerand,ofcourse,minusthedairythatisunfortunatelypresentinmanyIndiandesserts.
2teaspoonssafflowerorotherneutraloil3tablespoonschoppedorhalvedrawcashews2tablespoonsraisins
2tablespoonschoppedpistachios
21/2cupsgratedorshreddedcarrots1/4cupalmondmealorcoarselygroundalmonds
1cupalmondmilk
1/4cupgroundrawsugar1tablespoonveganbutterorsaffloweroilGenerouspinchofsalt1/4teaspooncardamompowderorsaffronstrands1.Heatoilinalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addthecashewsandcookuntillightlygolden,2minutes.Addraisinsandpistachiosandcookuntiltheraisinspuffup,1to2minutes.
2.Addthegratedcarrotstotheskilletandcookfor5minutes,stirringoccasionally.Addalmondmealandalmondmilkandmixwell.Reduceheattolow-medium.Cookuntilallthealmondmilkhasbeenabsorbed.20to40minutesdependingonthemoistureinthecarrotsandthestove.Stiroccasionally.
3.Addsugar,veganbutter,salt,andcardamomandmixwell.Continuetocookfor15minutes.Tasteandadjustsweet.Continuetocookafewminuteslongeruntildesiredconsistencyandcolor.Servewarmorchilled.
SteamedYogurtDessertBhapaDoi
Prep:5minutes|Active:15minutes.Inactive:1hourbake+3hourchill|Serves2to4
SF GF E
BhapaDoiisayogurtdessertfromtheNortheasternstateofBengal.Yogurtisusuallymixedwithevaporatedorcondensedmilkandsteamedinasteamerorbainmarieuntilset.Forthisplant-basedversion,Iuseathicknondairyyogurtsuchascoconutmilkyogurtandcoconutcreaminsteadoftheevaporatedmilk.ThesteamedyogurttasteslikeasweetandslightlysourGreekyogurt-likecustard.Thebakedyogurtisalsothickenoughtouseasshrikhand(seebelow).Coconutcreamisthewhitecreamthatseparatesfromthefull-fatcoconutmilkafterthecanhasbeenchilledforafewhours.Scoopthecreamfromthecantouse.
1cupplaincoconutorothernondairyyogurtorAlmondCashewYogurt(here)1/3cupcoconutcreamorthincashewcream
2teaspoonscornstarchorarrowrootstarch
3tablespoonsgroundsugar,ortotastePinchofsaltGenerouspinchofcardamompowderorsaffronstrands
1.Preheattheovento350°F.Combinealltheingredientsinabowlandwhiskuntilsmooth.Tasteandadjustsweet.Themixtureshouldbemildlysweet.Itgetssweeterasitbakes.
2.Pourthemixtureintosmallgreasedramekins.Covertheramekinswithaluminumfoil.Justplacethefoilontopwithoutsealing.
3.Bringaquartofwatertoaboilinsaucepan.Placealargedeepbakingpanintheovenlargeenoughtoaccomodatealltheramekins.Placetheramekinsinthepan.Addenoughboilingwatertothebakingpansothewaterreacheshalftheheightoftheramekins.
4.Bakefor1hour.Removetheramekinsfromtheoven.Coolandthenchillfor2to3hoursbeforeserving.Topwithnuts,driedfruit,orchoppedfruitslikemangoandserve.
Variations:Addchoppedripemangoormangopureetotheramekins,thenaddtheyogurtmixtureandbake.Servewithadrizzleofmangopulp/puree.
Makethisonthestovetop:Prepareasteamerandsteamtheramekinsfor45minutes.
Tomakeshrikhand(aMaharashtriandessert):Add1/2teaspoonsaffronstrandstoatablespoonofwarmalmondmilkornondairymilkandletsitfor10minutes.Addthesaffroninfusedmilkandapinchofnutmegtothebakedyogurtramekinsandwhiskwell.Chillforanhourandservetoppedwithchoppedraworblanchednuts.
PistachioSpoonFudgePistachioHalwa
Prep:15minutes|Active:20minutes|Serves4 SF GF E
Thiseasypistachiohalwaismostlypistachiosandsugar.Itisrichandalmostlikecandy.Makethisasatreatforspecialoccasions.Thehalwagetschewyasitcools,soitcanalsoberolledintoballsorcutupintosquares.
1cuprawshelledpistachios
1/4cupoatsoroatflour
1tablespooncornstarchorarrowrootstarch
1/4cupcoconutflour1/4teaspoonsaltSeedsfrom2cardamompods1/2teaspooncardamompowder3/4cupalmondmilk1/2cup+2tablespoonssugar(use1tablespoonlessormoretotaste)Rawpistachios,forgarnish1.Grindthepistachiosinablenderorfoodprocessorwithoatsandcornstarchuntilthenutsaregroundtoacoarseflour.Pulse5to10secondsatatime.Addthecoconutflour,salt,cardamomseeds,andcardamompowderandprocesstomix.Processuntilthepistachiosarewellground.
2.Combinethealmondmilkandsugarinamediumsaucepanovermediumheat.Mixwelluntilthesugarisdissolved.Bringthemixturetoabubblingboil,6to8minutes.
3.Addgroundpistachiosandmixwelluntilathickmixtureisformed,1minute.
4.Takeoffheatandcoolabitbeforeserving.Servewarmorchilled.Garnishwithchoppedrawpistachios.
Variation:useothernutsornutflourinsteadofpistachios.
SaffronCreamFudgeMalaiPeda
Prep:10minutes(+4hoursoak)|Active:15minutes|Inactive:15minutes|Makes10ormore
SF GF
MalaiPedaisamelt-in-the-mouthsweetusuallymadeofcondensedmilkandmilkpowder,andofcourseaflavorsuchassaffron.Thisversionhascashewcream,oatflour,whiteflour,andsugar.Youcanusealloatflourforthepeda,butifmadefromwholeoats,itcangivethemixtureabrownishcolorwhichmightnotbeasappetizing.Useafewtablespoonsofwhiteflourtokeepthecolor.Oruseanywhiteoroff-whiteflourthatyouwouldnormallyusetomakerawcookiedough.
1/2cupcashews,soaked4hoursorovernightanddrained
2to4tablespoonsalmondmilk
1/8teaspoonsalt1/4cupsugar1/2teaspoonsaffron(6to8strands)1teaspoonveganbutteroroil2dropslemonjuice
1dropvanillaextract
1/3to1/2cupgroundoatsoroatflour1to2tablespoonwhiteflouror1tablespooncornstarch1to2tablespoonsgroundorconfectioners’sugarAlmondorpistachioslivers,forgarnish1.Blendthecashewswith2tablespoonsofalmondmilkintoasmooththickcashewcream.Usemorealmondmilkor1/2cupthickcashewcream,onlyifneeded,toblend.Addthesalt,sugar,andsaffronandblendagainuntilsmooth.
2.Transferthecashewcreamtoaskilletovermedium-lowheat.Addthebutterandcook,stirring,untilthemixturethickenstoacustard,3to5minutes.Stirfrequentlysothemixturedoesnotgetlumpy.Letitcoolcompletely.Thenchillintherefrigeratorfor15minutes.
3.Stirinthelemonjuiceandvanillaextract.Add1/3cupoatflour,1tablespoonatatimeandmixin.Stirintheflour.Themixtureshouldbecomeastickysoftdough.Tasteandaddconfectioners’sugarifneeded.
4.Applyoiltoyourhands,take1tablespoonofthemixtureandshapeintoflatdiscs.Presspistachio
oralmondsliversontop.Ordustthepedasinpowderedsugar.Storeonthecounterforthedayorrefrigeratedforuptoaweek.
Variation:Makethemintocookies:Bakethepedasinapreheated300°Foverfor10to12minutes.Coolcompletelybeforeserving.
BengaliSaffronCheeseDessertSandesh
Prep:15minutes(+1hoursoak)|Active:20minutes|Inactive:45minutes(+1hourchill)|Makes10to12
GF
SandeshisaBengalidessertconsistingoffreshlymadecottagecheese(chenna),sugar,andcardamom.Dairy-basedsweetssuchasthisonearedifficulttomakevegan.Thisismyattempttorecreatethesandesh.Eachoftheingredientsintherecipeisthereforareason.Thesoymilkcurdlestomakefreshtofu.Thealmondflouraddssometexturetotheotherwisesmoothfreshtofu.Soymilkpowderaddsthemilkpowderlikeeffect.Thecoconutflourisforabsorbingextramoisturefromthemixture.Ifyouarenotplanningtorollthemixtureintoballs,youcanomitthecoconutflourandsoymilkpowder.Servethesandeshballsormixtureasisorwithafruitcompote.
1/4cuprawcashews,soakedinhotwaterforanhourorlonger,drained3cupssoymilk(fortifiedcreamysoymilkworksbest;homemadesoymilkdoesnotworkwell)
1tablespoonlemonjuice
11/2teaspoonsapplecidervinegar
2tablespoonswater
4to6tablespoonsfinelygroundrawsugarorotherfinevegansugar1/8teaspooncardamompowder(optional)
1/4teaspoonsaffronstrands(6to8strands)Generouspinchofsalt1/2teaspoonnutritionalyeast(optional)1to3teaspoonscoconutflouroroatflour
2teaspoonsormoresoymilkpowder
1tablespoonormoreblanchedalmondflourSlicedpistachios,forgarnish
1.Blendthecashewswiththesoymilkuntilwellcombined.Straintoremoveanypieces.Pourthesoymilkintoadeepheavybottompanandbringtoarollingboilovermedium-highheat,5to7minutes.Stiroccasionallysothemilkdoesnotburnorboilover.Mixlemonjuice,vinegar,andwaterinabowl.Addthemixturetothemilk.Mixwellforhalfaminuteandtakeoffheat.Letitsit
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for10minutes.Themilkshouldcurdlecompletely.
2.Strainthecurdledmilkthroughacheeseclothormuslincloth.Washthecheesewithcoldwaterwhilestillinthecloth,thenfoldtheclothandsqueezeoutasmuchwaterasyoucanbysqueezinglightly.Wrapinpapertowels,coverwithaheavyweightandletitsitforhalfanhourtodrain.Transferthesoycheesefromtheclothtoabowl.
3.Addsugar,cardamom,saffron,salt,andnutritionalyeast.Mixwellforaminutesothesugarandsaffronareincorporatedwell.Tasteandaddmoresugarifneeded.Themixturewillbecomepastybecauseofthesugar.
4.Addcoconutflourandsoymilkpowderandmixin.Useoneorboth.Addinalmondflourandmixwell.
5.Letthemixturechillforanhourorsobeforeshapingintoballs.Ifthemixtureisstillverysticky,addateaspoonmorecoconutflourorsoymilkpowderandshapeintoballs.Toptheballswithslicedpistachiosoralmonds.
Variations:
Shapetheseintofudgysquares:Patthemixtureontoparchment.Chillforhalfanhour,sliceandserve.
Makeacheesecakewiththefilling:Fillupyourfavoritecheesecakecrustwiththemixture.Chillforafewhours,sliceandserve.
Makethiswithtofu:Useaneutral-tastingfirmtofu.Use6to7ouncesofwell-pressedtofu.Pressforanhourorlongertoremoveasmuchmoistureaspossible.Kneadthetofuinabowluntilsmooth,2to3minutes.Thenproceedwithstep3.
SpongyBallsinSaffronCreamRasmalai
Prep:15minutes|Active:20minutes|Inactive:40minutes(+overnightchill)|Makes8ormore
GF
Rasmalaiarespongycheeseballsthataresoakedinsaffroncreamandservedchilled.Thespongyballsarebasicallypaneercheesethathasbeenkneadedandthenpressure-cookedsoitbecomeschewyandairy.Thattexturesoaksupthedelicioussaffroncream.Ifnothingelse,makethesaffroncream,andserveitovertoastedbread.Thesaffroncreamcanalsobeservedasrabdiorrabriifyouadd1/2teaspooncornstarchorarrowrootstarch,mixinandheatupthecreamuntilitthickens,3to4minutes.Chillandserve.ThisisanotherfavoritedessertthatIhavebeentryingtoveganizeforyears.Imightneedtobecomeafoodscientisttogetthisperfectlyright.Butinthemeantime,thisrecipecomesveryclose.ThinkoftheefforttomakeIndiandessertsliketheeffortonewouldputintomakeandgetvegancheeseright.Don’tgiveup.Troubleshootwithmeonsocialmediafacebook.com/veganricha.(Seeanotherphotohere.)SAFFRONCREAM:1/4cupwellgroundrawcashewsorsoakedcashews
1cupalmondmilk
1/4teaspooncardamompowder1/4teaspoonsaffronstrands(6strands)Generouspinchofsalt3to4tablespoonsrawsugar,ortotasteAfewdropsofkewraessenceorrosewater(optional)BALLS/DUMPLINGS:3/4cupfirmtofu(IuseNasoyabrand,useanyneutral-tastingtofu)1/2teaspooncornstarchorotherstarch
2saffronstrands
Water,asneededPistachiosliversoralmondslivers,forgarnish1.Makethesaffroncream:Blendalltheingredientsuntilsmoothandpourintoabowl.Youmighthavetoblendacoupleofcyclessothecashewsgetwellblended.Tasteandadjustsweetandchill.
2.Makethedumplings:Cutthetofuintoslicesandplacebetweenpapertowels.Keepaheavyweightonthetowelsfor30minutestoremoveasmuchmoistureaspossible.
3.Kneadthetofuinabowl,bypressinganddraggingfor2to3minutes.Youwillbeabletofeelthetofugetsmoother.Addinthecornstarchandsaffronandmixinbypressinganddragging.Shapeinto3/4inchballs,lightlyflatten,andsetaside.
4.Prepareasaucepanorsteamerwithawell-fittinglid.Placethediscsonaparchment-linedsteamerbasketorplate.Placeitinthesteamerwhenthewaterisrapidlyboiling.Steamfor10minutesoruntiltheballsexpandalittleandfeelchewytotouch.Removetheballsfromthesteamerandletcoolforafewminutes.
5.Addtheballstothesaffroncream.Lightlypresstheballswithaspoonandreleasesotheyabsorbthecream.Chillforanhourorovernightbeforeserving.Garnishwithpistachiooralmondslivers.
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Variations:
PressureCooker:FollowSteps1and2andmakesmoothtofudiscs.Add3cupsofwater,1
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tablespoonsugar,apinchofsalt,andanopenedgreencardamompodtoapressurecooker.Bringthewatertoarollingboilovermedium-highheat.Addtheballstothewaterandclosethelid.Cookfor1whistle(2minutes),thenreduceheattomedium-lowandcookfor7minutes.Takethepressurecookeroffheatandletthepressurereleasebyitself(about10minutes).Removetheballsfromthewaterinthecookerandletsituntilcooltohandle.LightlypresstoremoveexcesswaterandproceedtoStep4.
Makefromscratchwithsoymilk:Fortified(refrigerated,notshelf-stable)creamysoymilkworksbest.
Pour3cupsofsoymilkintoadeepheavybottompanandbringtoarollingboilovermediumhighheat.5to7minutes.Stiroccasionallysothemilkdoesnotburnorboilover.Mix1tablespoonlemonjuice,11/2teaspoonvinegar,and2tablespoonswaterinabowl.Addthelemonmixturetotheboilingmilk.Mixwellforhalfaminuteandtakeoffheat.Letthemilksitfor10minutes.Themilkshouldcurdlecompletely.
Strainthemilkthroughacheeseclothormuslincloth.Thenfoldtheclothandgentlysqueezeoutasmuchwaterasyoucan.Placethecheeseclothinalargestraineroverapanandplacea5-to10-poundweightonitforanhour.
Transferthesoycheesefromthecheeseclothtoabowl.Kneadwellforaminutetomakeitsmooth.Thenshapeintoflatballs.Proceedtocooktheballsbypressure-cookingorsteaming.
Makecheeseballsinsugarsyrup(rasgulla):AtStep4,insteadofsoakinginsaffroncream,soaktheballs/disksingulabjamunsugarsyrup(here).Usekewraorvanillaflavorinthesugarsyrupinsteadofsaffron.Chillovernightbeforeserving.
Quickversion:BreadRasmalai:Makethesaffroncream.Removethecrustfromaday-oldwhitebread.Cutthebreadinto11/2-to2-inchcirclesusingacookiecutterorknife.Soakinthesaffroncreamfor5minutesandserve.Usehome-bakedorFrenchbreadhereasotherbreadswillgetsoggytooquickly.
Clockwisefromtop:SouthIndianCoconutChutney(here),MintCilantroChileChutney(here),andChileGarlicCoconutChutney(here)
Ten
Chutneys,SpiceBlends,andBasics
ChutneysaretheIndianversionofcondimentssuchasketchuporsalsa.Allthechutneysinthischapterareusedwiththeotherrecipesinthebook.Theyareeasytomake,delectable,andfreezer-friendly.IalwayskeepservingsizeportionsfrozenforthedayswhenIneedthemtoampupameal.
Thespiceblendsormasalablendsarealsobestwhenfreshlymadeandusedwithinafewmonths.Thereisamarkeddifferenceinpotencyandflavorofthespiceblendsyoumakeathomeversusstorebought.TrytheGaramMasalaspiceblendhereandcompareitwithstoreboughtgarammasala.Sometimesthefreshgarammasalaspiceblendcantakeadishfrom“good,”to“WOW.”Makethesespiceblendsandstoretheminwholeformuntilneeded.
Allchutneysandspiceblendsinthischapteraresoy-free.Mostaregluten-freeandnut-free.Theyallcanbemadegluten-freebyusinggluten-freeasafetidaorbyomittingit.Seeheretolearnaboutasafetida.
Thischapteralsocoversthingsyoumightwanttokeephandywhilecookingextensivelythroughthebook.Chickpeatofuandveganpaneerrequiresomeplanning,sohavingsomeinthefridgeenablesyoutothrowthemintosaucesorcurriesorevendalsandhaveamealreadywithin30minutes.Theybothmakeagreatpaneerormeatsubstitute.Steamedtempehdoesnotneedanyplanning.Idon’tstoresteamedtempehasitusuallysteamsforthe10minutesinparallelwiththesauceswhichgenerallyhavea10-to15-minutecooktimebeforetempehorvegetableshavetobeadded.
ChileGarlicCoconutChutney
Activetime15minutes|Makes11/2cups SF NF GF E
Garlicandchiletakecoconutchutneytoawholenewlevel.Thisveryspicyflavorfulchutneyislikeanadultversionofasimplecoconutchutney.Youcanuselesscayennetomakeitlessspicyandaddmorelater,ifneeded.Servethischutneywithidli,dosa,orchillaasasidewithanydryvegetablesides,oraddtosandwiches,andwraps.Thischutneyworksverywellasacondimentwithdryvegetablesideswhenyoudon’twanttomakeanelaboratemealwithtwoorthreedishes.Foraspicydip,mixthechutneywithsomehummus.Tomakeitgluten-free,omittheasafetidaoruseagluten-freeversion.(Seephotohere.)1teaspooncoconutoilorsaffloweroil3tablespoonsgarlicpasteor7clovesgarlic,crushed11/2teaspoonscayenneoruse1teaspooncayenne+1/2teaspoonpaprikaforlessheat1cupwater,divided1/2cupdriedshreddedcoconutorfreshgratedcoconut,thawediffrozen
2tablespoonssesameseeds
1/2teaspoonsaltTHETEMPERING:1teaspooncoconutoilorsaffloweroil1/2teaspoonblackmustardseeds1/4teaspooncuminseedsGenerouspinchofasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)6to8curryleaves,coarselychopped1.Heatoilinamediumskilletovermediumheat.Whentheoilishot,addthegarlicandcookuntilgoldenandfragrant,about2minutes.Addthecayenneandstirforafewseconds.Add1/4cupwater,thenstirinthecoconutflakes,andsesameseeds.Removefromtheheat.Letthemixturesitfor10minutestocooldown.
2.Blendthecoconutmixturewith3/4cupwaterand1/2teaspoonsalt.Pulseandblenduntilthewaterandcoconutarewellincorporated.Donotoverblend,asthecoconutmightbecomecoconutbutter.Addmorewaterifneeded.Transfertoaservingbowl.
3.Makethetempering:Heatoilinasmallskilletovermediumheat.Keepalltheingredientsready.Whentheoilishot,addthemustardseedsandcuminseedsandletthemstarttopop.Addtheasafetidaandcurryleavesandstirtocombine.Letthecurryleavescrackleandfry,about30seconds.Removefromtheheatandaddtothechutneybowlandlightlymixin.Serveatroomtemperature.Keeprefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforupto4days.Thechutneycanalsobe
frozen.
MintCilantroChileChutney
Active:20minutes|Makes1/2to3/4cup SF NF GF E
Theburstofflavorfrommintandcilantrointhischutneymakesitveryappetizing.Thischutneyisperfecttoserveasacondimentwithsnacksorameal.Servewithpotatopatties,samosapastries,pakoras,tikka,grilledveggies,orasasaladdressing.Useitinsandwichesandwraps.Liketheotherchutneysinthischapter,thisonecanbeusedtomakeachutneyfriedrice.(Seephotohere.)2to3hotgreenchiles(removeseedstoreduceheat)1/2cupfreshmintleaves1/2cuppackedfreshcilantroleaves1/4to1/2teaspoonsalt1/4teaspoonsugar
1teaspoonormorelemonjuice
1/2teaspoonapplecidervinegar
2clovesgarlic
1/4cupormorewater1/4teaspoonChaatMasalaSpiceBlend(here)or1/2teaspoondrymangopowder+1/8teaspoonIndianblacksaltCombinealloftheingredientsinablenderandblenduntilsmooth.Tasteandadjustsalt,spiceandlemonjuice.Addmorechilestomakeithotter,ifdesired,andblendagain.Refrigerateforupto4daysorfreezeinanairtightcontainer.Thawandserve.
Variation:Forathickerchutney,add1tablespoonnondairyyogurt,peanuts,orshreddedcoconut.
QuickTamarindDateChutney
Active:20minutes|Makes2/3cup SF NF GF E
Thissweet-and-sourchutneyisservedasadippingsauceforappetizerssuchassamosas,pakoras,orothersavorypastries,aswellasinchaatrecipes.Thisquickversionismadewithtamarindpaste(concentrate)anddates.Youcanalsofindshelf-stabletamarinddatechutneyinIndianstoresoronline.Makeitgluten-freebyomittingasafetidaorusingagluten-freeversion.
7to8largesoftmedjooldates,pittedandsoakedinwarmwaterfor30minutes,drained1tablespoontamarindpaste(concentrate)1/2cuphotwater
1/4teaspoonfennelseeds1/4teaspoongroundcumin1/4teaspoonsalt1/4teaspooncayenne1/4teaspoongroundgingerGenerouspinchofIndianblacksaltDashofblackpepperPinchofasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)1/4cuppowderedjaggery,brownsugar,orcoconutsugar1.Transferthedatestoablender.Dissolvethetamarindpastein1/4cupofthehotwaterandaddtotheblenderAddtheremaining1/4cupwaterandblendtoasmoothconsistency.Setaside.
2.Inasmallskillet,combinethefennelandcuminseedsovermediumheat.Dry-roastuntilthefennelseedschangecolor,about1minute.Useaspicegrinderormortarandpestletogrindthecuminandfennelwithsalt,cayenne,ginger,Indianblacksalt,blackpepper,andasafetida.
3.Combinethespicemixture,sugar,andblendeddatetamarindmixtureinasaucepanovermediumheatandbringtoaboil.
4.Reducetheheattolowandcookuntilthechutneythickens,5to7minutes.Tasteandadjusttheseasoningsforsalt,sweetness,andspice,ifneeded.Coolcompletelybeforeusing.Keeprefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforuptoamonth.Thinoutthechutneywithwatertoyourpreferencebeforeusing.
Note:Thechutneycanalsobemadewithtamarindpods.Use1/2cupseedlesstamarind.Soakin1cuphotwaterfor1hour.Breakthepulpwithaforktomix.Straintheliquidanduse.Discardtheleftoverpulp.
GaramMasala
Makes11/2cups SF NF GF E
Thisspiceblendisprobablytheoneyouwillusethemostintherecipes.Garammasalaisquitedifferentfromcurrypowder.Ithasastrongerandmorecomplexflavorandnoturmeric.Ifyouprefernottomakeyourown,youcanfindgroundgarammasalainIndianstores,worldspicestores,oronline.Youcanalsofindwholegarammasala(wholespicesthathavenotbeenground)inIndianstoresoronline.Thewholespicesblendisbestforstoragebecausewholespicesstayfreshlongerthangroundones.Istorethewholespiceblendandgrindupa1/4cuporsoandusethatuntilitrunsout(notlongerthan3months).Thetasteofthegroundspiceblendismuchstrongerandfresherthisway.Everyhouseholdhastheirownrecipeforgarammasala,andthisistheonethatIuse.Feelfreetoadjustthespicesintherecipetopreference,usingfewerblackpeppercornsforlessheat.Forvariation,uselessblackcardamomorfewerbayleaves.Indianbayleavesareslightlydifferentthanregularbayleaves.IfyoucannotfindIndianbayleaves,useregularbayleaves.(Seephotohere.)1/2cupwholecorianderseeds1/4cupcuminseeds6to8(2-inch)cinnamonsticks8to10blackcardamoms2tablespoonsgreencardamompods
2tablespoonscloves
1to11/2tablespoonsblackpeppercorns
10to12Indianbayleaves
1nutmeg(optional)
Combinealltheingredientsandstoreinanairtightcontainerforupto1year.
Togrind:Inaspicegrinder,grindthecinnamonsticksandnutmegfirstuntilwellground,thenaddtherestofthespicesandgrindtoapowder.Storeinanairtightcontainerforupto3months.
Note:Youcanalsoroastthespicesbeforeblending.Dryroastalltheingredientsexceptthenutmegoverlow-mediumheatfor4to5minutes,stirringoccasionally.Coolcompletely.Grindthe
cinnamonsticksandnutmeg,andthenaddtherestofthespices,grindandstoreasabove.
GaramMasala,wholeandground.
TandooriMasala
Makes1/3cup SF NF GF E
Tandoorimasalaissimilartoagarammasalaspiceblend,butitismoreofaspicerub.Itcanincludegarlic,ginger,andpaprika(orKashmiriredchilepowder)butdoesnotcontainbayleaves.Youcanusethisinsteadofgarammasalaforaflavorvariationinrecipes.Useittorubontofu,tempeh,plantproteins,orchunkyvegetablesthatyoucanthenroastandservewithchutneys.
2tablespoonscorianderseeds
2teaspooncuminseeds
1/2teaspoonsfennelseeds1teaspoonto1/2tablespoonblackpeppercorns1/2tablespooncloves2blackcardamoms(optional)
1greencardamom
1(2-inch)cinnamonstickor1teaspoongroundcinnamon1/2teaspoonfenugreekseeds1/2teaspoonturmeric1tablespoon(ormore)mildpaprikaorKashmirichilepowder(fortheredcolor)1/4teaspoonIndianblacksalt1teaspoongarlicpowder(optional)1teaspoongingerpowder(optional)Combinealltheingredientsinaspicegrinderandgrindwell.Transfertoanairtightcontainerandstoreforupto3months.
Variation:add1/2teaspooncaromseedsorceleryseeds.
SambharPowder
Makes1/3cup SF NF GF E
SambharpowderorspiceblendisessentialformakingSambhar(here)andothersouthernIndiansoupsandstews.Itismarkedlydifferentfromgarammasala.Thisspiceblendhassplitpeasgroundintoit.Thespiceblendisusuallypairedwithsournotesliketamarindinthedalsorcurries.Addittoanyofthesplitpeadalsforavariationinflavor.
11/2tablespoonsyellowsplitpeasorsplitpigeonpeas(toordal)1tablespoonpetiteyellowlentils(mungdal)orsplitblackgram(uraddal)
2tablespoonscorianderseeds
1/2teaspoonmustardseeds1/2teaspooncuminseeds10curryleaves,dryorfresh1/2teaspoonfenugreekseeds1to11/2teaspoonsredpepperflakes1/4teaspoonasafetida(omittomakegluten-free)1.Heatasmallskilletovermediumheat.Whentheskilletishot,addthesplitpeaandlentilsandroast,stirringfrequently,untiltheybecomegolden,3to4minutes.
2.Addthecoriander,mustard,andcuminseedsandroastuntilcorianderseedschangecolor,2to3minutes.
3.Addthecurryleavesandfenugreekseedsandroastuntilthecurryleavesdryout,1minute.
4.Mixintheredpepperflakesandasafetida,thenremovefromtheheat.Coolcompletely.Grindthemixture,thentransfertoanairtightcontainerandstoreforupto6months.
ChaatMasala
Makesabout3tablespoons SF NF GF E
Chaatmasalaisnotasubstituteforgarammasala.Itisasourspiceblendusuallyusedindryorfreshsnacks.“Chaat”basicallymeans“tolick.”Chaatmasalaisasalty-sourmixthatgetsyourtastebudstostartwatering,inducesthesourcraving,andismoreaofasnackblend.Snacksthathaveasweet-and-sourtasteprofilearealsocalled“chaat.”Forexample,samosachaatishot,spicysamosasservedwithcoolyogurt,TamarindDateChutney(here),choppedonion,tomato,andchaatmasala.Addthistochoppedfruit,orsprinkleonbakedpotatochipsorfriesandkeeplickingyourfingers!(Seephotohere.)11/2tablespoonscorianderseeds1/2teaspooncuminseeds1/2teaspoonfennelseeds1/2teaspoonwholeblackpeppercorns2to3driedredchilies
1teaspoondrymangopowder
11/2to2teaspoonsIndianblacksalt1.Dry-roastthecorianderseedsinaskilletatmediumheatuntiltheychangecolorslightly.1minute.
2.Removethecorianderseedsanddryroastthecumin,fennelseeds,andblackpeppercornsfor30to45secondsoruntiltheseedschangecolorslightly.
3.Coolandaddtheseeds,pepper,chilies,drymangopowder,andIndianblacksaltintoagrinderorblender.Grinduntilpowdery.Storeinanairtightcontainerforupto6months.
ChaatMasala
BengaliFive-SpiceBlendPanchPhoron
Makesabout3tablespoons SF NF GF E
PanchphoronisaspiceblendusedinEasternIndia,inBengali,Assamese,andOriyacuisineandalsoinBangladeshandNepal.Itisablendofblackmustardseeds,nigellaseeds,greenfennelseeds,goldenfenugreekseeds,andbrowncuminseeds.Thefivespicescanbeaddedinequalquantitiesorvaryslightlyaccordingtoregion.Imakeminewithequalquantitiesofmustard,fennel,cumin,andnigellaseedsandhalftheamountoffenugreekseeds.Fenugreek(methi)seedshaveadistinctbitterflavorwhichenhancestheprofileofadishifusedcorrectlybutcanalsomakeittasteoverlysaltyinlargerquantities.Panchphoronistypicallyfriedinhotoil,whichcausesthespicestostartpoppingtoreleasetheflavorsandtempertheoil.Addthistemperedoilorspiceblendtoanyofthedalsorvegetablesidesbeforeserving.
2teaspoonscuminseeds2teaspoonsfennelseeds2teaspoonsblackmustardseeds2teaspoonsnigellaseeds
1teaspoonfenugreekseeds
Combinethewholespicesandstoreinanairtightcontainer.
IndianChaiSpiceChaiMasala
Makes1cup SF NF GF E
Chaispiceorchaimasalaisamixofcardamom,cinnamon,andotherspicesandisusedtoaddflavortotheeverydayIndiantea.Everydaychaiismadewithwaterboiledwiththisspiceblendandmilk.Usethisspicewhereeveryouusechaispicesuchasinbakingandcookies.Adjustthequantitiestosuityourpreference.Forexample,addmoregingerandsometurmericforawinterchaimasala;add1teaspoonofnutmegandallspiceforaflavorvariation.
3/4cupgreencardamompods5(2-inch)cinnamonsticksor2tablespoonsgroundcinnamon1/4cupcloves
2tablespoonsblackpeppercorns
2to3tablespoonsgroundginger
1/2teaspoonfennelseeds(optional)Combinealltheingredientsinaspicegrinderandgrindtoapowder.Transfertoanairtightcontainerandstoreforupto6months.
PavBhajiMasala
Makesabout1/4cup SF NF GF E
PavBhajiisafavoriteIndianstreetfood.ScoresofvendorscanbeseeninstreetsalloverMumbaiandothercities,stirringupitsingredientsonhugesizzlingpans.Pavmeans“asmallbun,”whilebhajimeans“vegetable.”Thespiceblendusedtomakethevegetablestewisdifferentfromtheusualgarammasala.Thisspiceblendhassourandsweetnotesandalatentheatfromtheblackpeppercorns,addingascentandflavortothedishwhichgetyourmouthwatering.Usethisspiceblendinanyvegetablesidedish.
4teaspoonscorianderseeds1teaspooncuminseeds
1teaspoonfennelseeds
4wholeblackcardamomsorusewholegreencardamoms
4cloves
1/2to3/4teaspoonredpepperflakes1/2teaspoonblackpeppercorns1teaspoongroundcinnamon
3teaspoondrymangopowder
Heatalargeskilletovermediumheat.Addallthespicesthroughblackpeppercornsanddryroastfor1to2minutes,oruntilthecorianderandfennelseedsstarttochangecolor.Coolslightlyandtransfertoaspicegrinder.Addthecinnamonandmangopowderandgrindtheingredientstoapowder.Transfertoanairtightcontainerandstoreforupto6months.
ChickpeaTofu
Active:10minutes|Inactive:1hour|Serves4 SF NF GF E
TheprimaryingredientsforBurmesetofuarewaterandflourgroundfromyellowsplitpeasorchickpeaflourorbesanflour.Thischickpeatofuuseschickpeaflour.Itisasturdier,modified,andquickversionofBurmesetofu.Thisrecipemakesabout3cupsofcubedtofuthatworkswellwithanyofthesaucesintheMainDisheschapterandhandlesallthestirringandcookingtimes.Youcanalsousebesanflourtomakethistofu,butyou’llneedtouse11/2cupswaterifusingbesan.(Seephotoopposite.)
1cupchickpeaflour
3/4teaspoonsalt1/2teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/4teaspoongarlicpowderor1/2teaspoongarlicpaste1/4teaspoongroundturmeric(optional)13/4cupwater
1.Greasealoafpan(9x5-inch)andsetaside.Inabowl,combinealltheingredientsandwhiskuntiltherearenolumps(oraddtheingredientsdirectlytothesaucepanandwhisktocombine).
2.Pourthechickpeaflourmixtureintoasaucepan.Cookovermediumheat.Stircontinuouslywithaspatula.Themixturewillstarttogetlumpyasthepanheatsupandthenthickenevenly,4to5minutes.
3.Oncethemixtureisevenlythickandstiff,keepcookingforanother2to3minutessothechickpeaflourgetscookedthrough.Cookovermedium-lowheatifthemixturestartstoscorchatthebottom.
4.Pourthemixtureintothepreparedloafpanandsmoothitoutusingaspatula,ifneeded.Letitcoolcompletely,thenrefrigerateforanhourtoset.
5.Removethesettofufromthepan.Cutintocubes.Storeinanairtightcontainerforupto4days.Thechickpeatofuwillleaksomemoisturewhileitsits.Drainbeforeusing.
ChickpeaTofu
NondairyYogurt
Active:15minutes|Inactive:4to6hours|Makes2cups GF
YogurtisusedmoderatelyorextensivelyinIndiancuisine,dependingontheregion.Duringmychildhood,freshyogurtwasseteveryday.Ifnotservedwithfood,itwouldbeasummersnack:abowlofyogurtwithalittlesugarsprinkledinbeforeweheadedouttoplay.Thefreshlysetyogurtwouldtendtoseparate;welikeitthatwayinIndia.Theseparationhappenswhentheyogurtiskepttoowarmorkeptwarmtoolong.InIndia,climateisalwaystoowarm.Iftheyogurtdoesseparate,whiskittohomogenizeitagain.Letitsetfor4to5hoursifyoudonotwantittoseparate.Ithickenthealmondmilkwithstarch,whichhelpswiththesettingandalsomakestheyogurtalittlecreamy.Usestarchforanynondairymilksthataretoothin.Thickandcreamynondairymilkslikesoymilkandcashewmilkdonotnecessarilyneedthestarch.
2cupsunsweetenedorlightlysweetenedalmondmilk,divided1/2teaspoonsugarormaplesyrup(optional)
2tablespoonscornstarchorarrowroot
1/4cupnondairyyogurtoryogurtstarter(opposite),broughttoroomtemperature
1.Removethemilkandyogurt(starter)fromtherefrigeratorandletsitonthecounterfor10minutes.Addthesugartothemilk,ifusing,stirringtoblend.
2.Heat1cupalmondmilkinasaucepanovermediumheat.After1to2minutes,remove1/4cupofthenowtepid(lukewarm)milkintoabowl.
3.Continuetoheattheremaining3/4cupmilkinthepanuntilitstartstobubbleontheedges.Addcornstarchtothe1/4cuplukewarmmilkandwhisktocombine.Slowlypourthestarchmixtureintothesaucepan.Whiskwelltocombine.Cookuntilthemilkthickens,aboutaminute.Takeoffheat.
4.Gentlypourin1cupofroomtemperaturealmondmilkandwhiskwell.Touchthemixturetoensureitisslightlywarmtotouchandnothot.Letitsitforafewminutesiftoohot.
5.Addintheyogurt(starter).Whiskwell.Transfertoaglassbowlorjar.Lightlycoverandletitsitfor6to8hoursinawarmplacelikeanovenwiththeovenlighton,orinthesuncoveredwithatowel.
6.Serveorrefrigerateforupto1week.Reserve3to4tablespoonstomakethenextbatch.
Forcashewalmondyogurt:Blend1/3cupsoakedcashewsin1cupalmondmilkuntilsmooth.Addthistothestarchthickenedalmondmilkatstep4andcontinuewiththerestofthesteps.Thisyogurtiscreamyandperfecttomakeyogurtdessertslikebhapadoi.
Forcoconutmilkyogurt:Useliteorfull-fatcannedcoconutmilkandfollowthealmondmilkyogurtrecipe.Coconutmilkyogurttastescoconut-ty.ItcanbeusedinrecipeswheretheyogurtgetscookedintothesaucesuchasKadhi,TikkaMasala,RoganJosh.
Forsoymilkyogurt:Bringsoymilktoaboil.Letitcooltowarmtotouch.Addintheyogurt(starter).Whiskwell.Transfertoaglassbowlorjar.Lightlycoverandletitsitfor6to8hoursinawarmplacelikeanovenwiththeovenlighton,orinthesuncoveredwithatowel.
Forcashewyogurt:Blend1cupofovernightsoakedcashewswithenoughwater(3to4cups)tomakesmoothcashewmilk.FollowtherecipeforNondairyYogurt.
YogurtStarterIuseaprobioticyogurtstartertostartafreshyogurtbatchafterwhichIkeepusingreserveyogurttosetthenextbatch.
1/2cupcashewmilkorsoymilk1/2teaspoonnondairyprobioticpowderor1probioticcapsule
Warmthemilkoverlowheatuntillukewarmtotouch.Mixintheprobioticpowder.Transfertoaglassbowlorjar.Coverandletsitinawarmplacefor6hours.Refrigerateandusewithin3daystostartayogurt.
Raita
Prep:10minutes|Active:5minutes|Serves4 GF E
Raitaisyogurtwhichislightlyspicedwithcumin,cayenne,andsaltandservedasasavorycoolingdipwithspicycurries,spicyvegetablesubzi,orstuffedparathaflatbreads.Youcanaddchoppedonion,cucumber,orzucchiniforvariation.
1cupnon-dairyyogurt
1/2cupfinelychoppedredorwhiteonion,orgratedcucumberorzucchini1teaspoonchoppedfreshmintleavesora1/4teaspoondrymintleaves(optional)1/4teaspoonroastedgroundcumin,plusmoreforgarnishGenerouspinchofcayenne,plusmoreforgarnish1/4teaspoonsalt
PinchofIndianblacksalt1tablespoonchoppedcilantro,forgarnish
Inabowl,whisktheyogurtuntilsmooth.Addafewtablespoonswaterifneeded.Addtheonion,mint,cumin,cayenne,salt,andIndianblacksaltandmixwell.Tasteandadjustthesaltandspices,ifneeded.Garnishwithchoppedcilantro,andcuminandcayenne,totaste.
Note:Storeboughtgroundcuminusuallyisunroastedgroundcumin.Tomakeroastedgroundcumin,dryroastthegroundcuminovermediumheatuntilthefragrant,1to2minutes.
SteamedTempeh
Prep:10minutes|Active:10minutes|Makes21/4cup NF GF E
TempehisatraditionalsoyproductoriginallyfromIndonesia.Itismadebyanaturalculturingandcontrolledfermentationprocessthatbindswholesoybeansintoacakeform,similartoaveryfirmvegetarianburgerpatty.TempehisanunprocessedformofsoythatworksbeautifullyasacubedproteinwithIndiansauces.Recently,soy-freetempehmadewithotherbeanshasbecomeavailableintheU.S.market.Tempehcantastebittertosomeifusedas-is.Iusuallycookthetempehinspicedwaterorbroth.Thisprocessservestwopurposes:itsteamsthetempehtoreducethebitternessanditalsointroducesalittleflavortothetempeh.Youcanalsosteamtempehinasteamerwithoutthespicesfor10to11minutesbeforeusing.Thepreppingandsteamingtakesabout15minutes,sosteamingthetempehdoesnothavetobeplannedahead.Itcanbedonewhilethesauceorcurrycooks.
8ouncestempeh,cutinto1/2-inchcubes
1cupwater
1/4teaspoonsalt1/4teaspoonGaramMasala(here)1/4teaspoongarlicpowder1/4teaspoongingerpowder1/4teaspoonhotorsmokedpaprikaCombinealltheingredientsinamediumskilletorsaucepan.Cookovermediumheatfor11to12minutesoruntilmostofthewaterisabsorbed.Letthetempehsitforafewminutes.Drainifneededanduse.Forbestresults,marinatethetempehforafewhoursintheliquidbeforecooking.
CashewCream
Prep:overnightsoak|Active:10minutes|Makes11/4cup SF GF E
Cashewcreamworksreallywellasacreamsubstituteinanyrecipeorasagarnish.Addatouchofsugarorsalttotaste.
1cuprawcashews,soakedovernight
1/3to1/2cupwaterDrainthecashewsandaddtoahighspeedblender.Add1/4cupwaterandblendtoasmoothcream.Addatablespoonmorewaterifneeded.Refrigerateandstoreforuptoaweek.
Variation:tomakecashewmilk:Blend1cupsoakedcashewswith2cupsofwateruntilsmooth.Add1to2morecupsofwaterandblendintogetthedesiredconsistency.
VeganPaneer
Prep:overnightsoak|Active:25minutes|Inactive:70minutes|Makes1to11/2cups(cubed)
SF GF
Paneeristhefirmcheese(firm-pressedcottagecheese)usedinNorthIndiandishes.Tofuisagreatsubstituteforpaneer,althoughtofuhasadistincttextureandtastethatmightnotworkforsomepeople.Thisveganpaneerismadefromalmondsandisfirmontheoutsideandcreamyontheinsidelikefreshlymadedairypaneer.Rawalmondsworkbestwithafull1-daysoak.Thisveganpaneercanturnoutmedium-sturdytodelicate.(Seephotohere.)1cupraworblanchedpeeledalmonds2tablespoonsrawcashews
2tablespoonsnondairyyogurtorRejuvelac
1/4teaspoonsalt1/8teaspoonIndianblacksalt2teaspoonsnutritionalyeast1to2teaspoonslemonjuice2teaspoonssaffloweroil
2teaspoonscornstarchorotherstarch
1teaspoonwhiteflour(optional)1tablespoonwater,ormore,ifneeded1.Soakthealmondsandcashewsinwaterovernightor24hours.Drainthewater.
2.Ifusingrawunpeeledalmonds,blanchthesoakedalmondsinboilingwaterfor1minute.Thenwashincoldwater.Theskinwillcrinkle.Squeezelightlyfromoneend.Thealmondsshouldshootoutfromtheotherend.Peelallthealmondsandkeepaside.
3.Inablender,combinethealmonds,cashews,yogurt,salt,kalanamak,nutritionalyeast,lemonjuice,oil,cornstarch,andflour,ifusing.Blenduntilallthealmondsareblendedwellbutarenotaverysmoothcream.Add1tablespoonwater(ormoreifneeded)duringblending.Useaslittlewateraspossible.Toomuchmoisturewilladdtothebakingtime.
4.Dropthemixtureontoparchment-linedglassdishorstonewaredish.Spreadthemixturetomakea6-to7-inchsquareabout1/4-inchthick.
5.Preheattheovento225°F.Bakefor55minutesoruntilthetopisset.Thecheeseshouldbelightlygoldenontheedges.
6.Slicetheslabinto3/4inchsquaresandseparatethemtohaveatleastahalfinchbetweeneach.Preheattheovento300°Fandbakeforanother10to20minutesdependingonthemoisturecontent.Theexteriorshouldbeslightlygoldenandthecenterofthecubesshouldbesomewhatcreamybutset.Coolcompletelyanduse,orrefrigerateinanairtightcontainerforupto3days.
TroubleshootingVeganPaneerForbestresults,uselittleornowaterduringblending.Theoutsideshouldbefirmandnotsticky.Theinsidewillbesomewhatfudgydependingonthemoistureandbakingtime.Usethispaneerincurriesanywhereyouusetofu,butdonotcookwiththesauceformorethan5minutes.Thesesquaresarebestusedasfreshpaneerjustheatedupwiththesauce.Ifthisveganpaneerdoesnotsetenoughduringbakingorbreakstooeasilyoryoudon’twanttouseitinacurry,thenblenditupwithherbs,somelemonjuice,andotherflavorstomakeaspreadablecheesetouseelsewhere.Othernon-tofu
optionstouseaspaneerarebecomingavailableinstores,suchasKiteHillSoftFreshOriginalAlmondMilkCheese.
VeganPaneer
3GPasteGinger-Garlic-GreenChilePaste
Prep:10minutes|Active:5minutes|Makes1/2cup SF NF GF E
Thisginger-garlic-greenchilecombocanbemadeinapasteormincedtexture.Thepreparationoftheseoften-usedingredientscomesinhandyduringaweekormonthwhenIcookmostlyIndianmealsorwhenmyparentsorrelativesarevisiting.Weendupcookingsomuchfoodanditneedstobeonthetablebeforeanyonerealizestheyarehungry.Momkeepsaboxwiththreecompartmentsfilledwithmincedginger,mincedgarlic,andmincedhotgreenchiles.I,ontheotherhand,justliketohavepeeledgarlicavailableintherefrigerator.The3Gscanalsobeblendedwithalittlewaterandapinchofsalt.Youcanaddthesetothesauceswhenneeded.Ifusingasapaste,addtothesaucejustbeforeaddingwetingredientssuchastomatoes.
1/4choppedginger1/2cupgarliccloves,peeled1/4cupcoarselychoppedgreenchilespinchofsalt
Combinetheginger,garliccloves,choppedgreenchiles,andsaltinablenderwith1tablespoonofwater.Storerefrigeratedinanairtightcontainerforuptoaweek.
Variations:Minceorblendequalamountsofeachoftheingredientsindividuallyuntilapasteorfinemince.Storerefrigeratedinairtightcontainersforupto1week.
Note:Thegarlicandgingershouldbefinelyminced,butnotsofinethatitreleasesthejuices.
Resources
CUISINESOFINDIA
Indiancuisineisnotjustonecuisine;itismadeupofseveralcuisines.Eachofthetwenty-ninestateshascuisinesandspecialtiesofitsown.Somestateshavemultiplecuisines,dependingonlocalandseasonalinfluences.Somearesimilartoeachother,whilesomeareverydifferent.
IamPunjabibybirth,butIgrewupinMaharashtrastate.MyhusbandisMarwaribybirthandgrewupinthenorthcentralandwesternstates.Inthisbook,ItouchonthosecuisinesaswellasothersthatIhavetastedovertheyearsthroughfamilyandfriends.Someoftherecipesdon’tbelongtoaparticularcuisinebutweredevelopedovertimewithlocalorinternationalinfluences.
StartingfromtheNorth,Kashmiricuisineislargelymadeupofmeats.Themountainsandhigherelevationrenderfreshproducelessavailableinallseasons.Thedishesdependondryspicesfortheflavors.Thespicecombinationsgenerallytendtoheatyouupfromtheinside,eveniftheyarenothotonthetongue.SeeRoganJosh,KashmiriDal,andPhirni.
Punjabisamajorproducerofwheat,rice,anddairy,whichformthestapledietthere,thoughtheirvegetarianfoodtakesadvantageoftheabundanceofbeans,lentils,dals,grains,greens,andvegetables.TheMughlaiinfluencecanbeseenintheabundantuseofpaneer,cream,nuts,andmeats.Punjabicuisineisthemostwell-knownIndiancuisinetheworldover.ItisthefoodinmostIndianrestaurants,alsoreferredtoasNorthIndiancuisine.ThedishesfromthisregionincludefavoritessuchasChanaMasala,DalMakhani,Parathas,TandooriVegetables,andPakora.Someothernorthernandcentralagriculturalstatesenjoysimilarfood.
MughlaicuisinewasdevelopedintheIndiansubcontinentbytheimperialkitchensoftheMughalEmpire.Itfeaturesrich,creamy,andheartypreparationssuchasMalaiKofta,NavratanKorma,andBiryani.TheMughlaiinfluencecanbeseenincuisinesofKashmir,Punjab,UttarPradesh,andotherNorthernstates.
AwadhicuisineistheNawabicuisineofLucknowcityandnorthcentralIndianstates.Awadhicuisineusesdumstylecooking(cookingoveraslowfire).ItisheavilyinfluencedbyMughlaicuisinewithitsKormas,Biryanis,Kebabs,Kulchas,Naan,butuseslessspices,nutsandcream.AwadhicuisineisalsoknownforChaatsnackslikeVegetableSamosa,Dahivada,AlooTikki,PapdiChaat.
RajasthanstateinnorthwestIndiaisaridanddry,anditscuisinereflectsthatclimate.Marwariare
RajasthanstateinnorthwestIndiaisaridanddry,anditscuisinereflectsthatclimate.MarwariareanethnicgroupthatoriginatedinapartofRajasthan.Marwarifoodischaracterizedbyabundantuseofgheeandbesan.Thebesanisoftenusedtomakedumplingsthataresteamedorfriedandaddedtodalorthin,spicedsoupstomakeameal.Dalisservedwithhardwheatdoughballs(baati)andwheat-flourladoos,missiroti,andkadhi,afavoriteservedwithchoppedfriedorbakedpapadums.
ThecuisineofthewesternstateofGujaratisprimarilyvegetarian.AGujaratimealorthaliwillgenerallyconsistofdal,kadhiorchaas(buttermilk),shaak(vegetablesideoflocalandseasonalvegetables),roti,andrice.GujaraticuisinehasasweetandsaltyflavorprofileasintheSuratiDalhere.Thecuisineisalsoknownforavarietyofsnacksthataresteamed,baked,orfried,suchasdhokla,handvo,kachori,andmore.
Maharashtra(midwesternIndia)hasvariousregionalcuisineswithinthestate,includingcentral,coastal,andcityspecific.Thecuisinealsohasitsownsetofspiceblends,andfeaturespeanuts,poppyseeds,andavarietyofgrains.MaharashtrianAmtiDal,BatataWada,andPavBhajiareafewrecipesfromthisregion.
GoancuisinehasinfluencesfromPortugueseandMalwani(coastalMaharashtra)cuisines,featuringfish,wine,andvinegar-basedsauces,hotspices,andcoconut.VindalooandGoanTempehCurryaresomeexamples.
BengaliandOdiyacuisinesfromtheeasternstatesfeatureawholespiceblendcalledPanchPhoron.Vegetables,lentilsandrice,andfishformamajorpartofthecuisine.DishesincludingOdiaDal,MasoorSeddho,anddessertssuchasRasmalai,BhapaDoi,andSandeshareincludedinthebook.
SouthernIndianstatesaremajorproducersandconsumersofredchiles,rice,andmillets.SouthernIndiancuisineisalsoknownfortheuseofcoconut,tamarind,curryleaves,andmustardseeds.Thetangysambharisastapleaccompanimentfordosacrepes,vada,andidli.Riceandlentilsareusedinmanywaystomakesoups,crepes,one-potmeals,desserts,andalsoinspiceblendsandtempering.SouthernIndianstateshavesmallerregionswiththeirowncuisineslikethespicierChettinadcuisine.Coastalregionsalsofeatureseafood.Desserts,suchaspayasam(puddingmadewithvariousgrainsorvegetables),CoconutLadoo,andMysorePakaremadeduringfestivals.ThereareseveralnuancesofeachoftheregionalcuisineswithinthesouthernIndianstates,whichwouldneedbooksoftheirown.
RecipesbyRegionNorthIndianCuisine
PunjabChanaMasala(here)Rajma(here)DalMakhani(here)Parathas(here)MalaiMutter(here)
SarsonkaSaag(here)TandooriVegetables(here)Pakora(here)BesanLadoo(here)GajarkaHalwa(here)Kalakand(here)KajuKatli(here)Kulfi(here)Rabri(here)Pudla(here)ButterMasala(here)TikkaMasala(here)Kashmir
RoganJosh(here)KashmiriDal(here)Phirni(here)MughlaicuisineMalaiKofta(here)NavratanKorma(here)Pasanda(here)ShahiMasala(here)Musallam(here)
Keema(here)Biryani(here)Makhani(here)Phirni(here)AwadhAlooTikki(here)VegetableTikki(here)Samosa(here)TandooriVegetableTikka(here)
LasooniMethiKofte(here)NorthwesternIndianCuisine
Rajasthan(Marwarifood)Ladoos(here)MissiRoti(here)Kadhi(here)WesternIndianCuisine
GujaratSuratiDal(here)Handvo(here)Kachori(here)MidwesternIndianCuisine
MaharashtraMaharashtrianAmtiDal(here)Zunka(here)MisalPav(here)Shrikhand(here)PavBhaji(here)
GoaVindaloo(here)GoanTempehCurry(here)EasternIndianPanchPhoron(here)OdiaDal(here)CholarDal(here)MasoorSeddho(here)Rasmalai(here)
Rasgulla(here)BhapaDoi(here)KesarPeda(here)Sandesh(here)SouthernIndianPoriyal(here)MirchKaSalan(here)Thoran(here)ChanaMasala(here)Sambhar(here)Dosa
Crepes(here)Vada(here)MushroomChettinad(here)CoconutLadoo(here)MysorePak(here)
WheretoBuyIngredientsIndianspicesandpantryitemsarebecomingmorereadilyavailablelocallyandonline.Forthecheapestoptions,lookforanIndianstoreinyourareaororderonline.ThenextbestoptionthatIhavefoundisAmazon.com.SeveralIndianstoresnowhaveAmazon.comstorefronts.IgenerallygetmostofmyspicesfromSeattle’sWorldSpiceMerchants,astheyhavethefreshestspices,andyoucanalsoorderfromthemonline.
DirectoryofU.S.IndianGroceryStores:www.thokalath.com/grocery/
OrderIngredientsOnline:
www.worldspice.com
www.kalustyans.com
www.indianblend.com
www.grocerybabu.com
www.patelbrothersusa.com
PantryItemsandSpicesalsoavailableat:www.amazon.com(hasalmosteverythingyouwillneed)www.bobsredmill.com
www.penzeys.com
AcknowledgmentsIfyouwouldhavetoldmeadecadeagothatIwouldbewritingacookbook,Iwouldhavelaugheditoff.Iwasclimbingupthetechladderandlivingthestressfullifethatcomeswithit.Foodonlycrossedmymindatmealtimes.
Mydeepestgratitudeforthisbook,andforeverythingforthatmatter,goestomyhusbandVivek.Withouthisconstantsupport,openmind,openpalate,non-fussiness,andconstantloveforwhateverIcooked,Iwouldnotbebloggingsuccessfully,andthisbookwouldneverhavecometobe.SometimesIdidwonderifhiscomplimentsmeantthatthefoodwasreallythatgood.Youknowhusbands.(ThankfullyIhadsomeamazingtesterstotellmeifitreallywasornot.)ThankyouBabeforhelpingusgetthroughallthecrazydayswhenthekitchenlookedlikeatornadowentthroughit,thedayswhentherewasnothingedible,andthedayswhenIwasamess.ThankyouforcookingformewhenIcouldn’t,forwaitingpatientlywhileIfinishedphotographingontheweekends,forcominghometohelpwiththephotographyonthelimitedsunnydaysinSeattle,foralltheappreciation,andthankyouforbeingyou.
Thankyou,Jon,andtheteamatVeganHeritagePressformakingthisbookhappen,fortrustingme,andforbeingsoflexible.
ThankyouMom,fordealingwithuspickyeatersandtheunconditionalloveandappreciationyougiveusforeverythingwedo.
ThankstoDadforlivingthroughthenightmarethatwasourteenageyearsandforbeingalwayssupportiveandtrusting.
Thankstomysisterandbrotherforbeingthelovingandcaringfamilythattheyare.
Thankyoutomymom-in-lawanddad-in-lawandmyextendedfamilyforlovingmeasyourown.
ThankyouKathyHester,forputtingtheideainmyheadthatIreallycanwriteacookbook!
ThankyouChewie,forwithoutyouIwouldn’thavediscoveredthecompassionIhadforanimalsandwouldn’thavebecomevegan.
ThankyoutoalltheblogreadersandfriendsIhavemadethroughVeganRicha.com.Yourconstantsupport,trust,eagernessintryingoutmyrecipes,wonderfulcomments,andemailskeepmemotivatedthroughalltheupsanddowns.
Thankyoutomytesterswhofearlesslytackledeventhetraditionalnever-eaten-beforeIndianfood,
Thankyoutomytesterswhofearlesslytackledeventhetraditionalnever-eaten-beforeIndianfood,providedhonestfeedback,andalsohelpedproofreadmywanderingwords,addingconsistencyandclaritytothebookandrecipes.Thisbookisyoursasmuchasitismine:JennSebestyen,ShubhdaFajfar,AmandaJean,EmaHaverkamp,GabbyOuimet,KrysKagan,ShannonCebron,DaviGendel,LeighWetzel,NicoleSelahDestrampe,KatieHay,MirazAgarwal,RithikaRamesh,SejalParikh,AshleyCook,KyleighRapanos,LynsiBurton,LisaPortnoff,LizM,MiaFaletti,MeganFitzsimmons,Carla,LeeannPlouffe,andDanaWillan.
ThankyouEileenWeintraubandErikaAbrams,thewonderfulwomenIhadthehonortomeet.BothamazingwomenworkingtirelesslytowardsmakingadifferenceinthelivesofanimalsinIndia.
AbouttheAuthor
RichaHingleistheprolificandawardwinningrecipedeveloper,blogger,andphotographerbehindVeganRicha.com.Shehasagrowingcommunityofardentfollowerswholovemakingherrecipesandsharingthemwithfamilyandfriends.Herinstructionsareeasytofollowandherstep-by-stepphotographswelcometheuninitiatedintotheirkitchenasvouchedbymanyofherreaders.ShelovestoshowpeoplehoweasyitistocookveganIndianorothercuisines.RichahasbeenfeaturedonOprah.com,HuffingtonPost,Glamour,Babble,VegNews.com,Rediff.com(top50Indianfoodblogs),TheKitchn,Cosmopolitan,BuzzFeed,andmanymore.InherwildlysuccessfuleBookonIndianVeganDiwaliSweets,shecreatedveganversionsofIndiandessertsthatwerepreviouslydeemedimpossibletoconvert.ShelivesinSeattlewithherhusbandandafluffyPomeranian.Theybothloveherfood.
Forquestionsabouttherecipes,spices,oranythinginthebook,contactRichaatthefollowing:
Blog:www.veganricha.com
Facebook:www.facebook.com/VeganRicha
Intagram:www.instagram.com/veganricha
Twitter:www.twitter.com/veganricha
Aportionoftheproceedsfromthebookwillgotothefollowinganimal-welfareorganizationsoperatinginIndia:
VisakhaSocietyfortheProtectionandCareofAnimalshttp://vspca.org/
HelpAnimalsIndiahttp://helpanimalsindia.org/
AnimalAidUnlimitedhttp://www.animalaidunlimited.com/
WildlifeSOShttp://wildlifesos.org/
Index
30-MinuteRiceDosas,13GPaste,1
A
AchariGobiAloo,1ajwain,ajwan,1Aloo:
Bonda,1Saag,1TamatarSubzi,1Tikki,1
amchur,1Andhra-StyleTempehCurry,1AnyBeanCurry,1arhar:Seepigeonpeas.asafetida,1AssameseGreensandPotatoes,1atta,1AttekaHalwa,1AvocadoNaan,1
B
BaiganPatiala,1BainganBharta,MyWeekday,1BakedChickpeaFlourNaan,1BakedDalKachori,1BakedPotatoSamosas,1Balti,Chicken-Free,1BarbattiWaaliSabutMasoor,1basmatirice,1
bayleaves,1Bean(s):
Curry,CreamyBlackGramandKidney,1Curry,Kidney,1CurriedMung,1howtocook,1Soup,SplitPeaand,1
BellPeppersandPeaswithChickpeaFlour,1Bengali:
CholarDal,1Five-SpiceBlend,1gram,1RedLentilSoup,1SaffronCheeseDessert,1
Besan:flour,1Ladoo,1
BhapaDoi,1BhindiMasala,1Biryani:
MungDalChawal,1QuinoaCauliflower,1
Biscuits,1black-eyedpeas:about,1Black-EyedPeas,SpinachRiceand,1BlackGram:
andKidneyBeanCurry,Creamy,1Fritters,1LentilsinTomatoSauce,1
blackmustardseeds,1blackpepper,1blacksalt:SeeIndianblacksalt.blenders,1BreadPakora,1Breakfast(s):about,1
IndianSpicedMilkTea,1
Mom’sChickpeaFlourPancakes,1SavoryOatsHash,1SavoryPan-FriedFrenchToast,1SpicySouthIndianTofuScramble,1
Broccoli:OnionFrittersinSpicedYogurt,1PakoreKadhi,1
BrownChickpeaCurry,1Burfi,VeganKalakandorMilk,1BurmeseTofu,1ButternutCoconutRedLentilCurry,1ButterSeitanCurry,1
C
Cabbage:KoftainCreamyTomatoSauce,1Potatoes,Spiced,1Thoran,1withMustardSeedsandCoconut,1
cardamompods:black,green,1caromseeds,1Carrot(s):
Halwa,1andPeasinCoconutPoppySeedCurry,Cauliflower,1withMustardSeeds,Cauliflowerand,1
Cashew(s):Cream,1Fudge,1RoyalTofuand,1
casserole(s):SeeOne-PotMealsandCasseroles.Cauliflower:
andCarrotswithMustardSeeds,1andPeasinCilantroOnionSauce,1andPeasinSpicyCurry,1
andPotatoeswithPickleSpices,1andRadish,Roasted,1andYellowLentilsinMintCoconutSauce,1andPeasinCoconutPoppySeedCurry,1Biryani,Quinoa,1Florets,SpicyBaked,1inSpicyPaprikaYogurtSauce,Tempehand,1PotatoCasserole,SpicyRedLentil,1Potatoes,Dad’sFavorite,1SweetandSpicyBaked,1withMakhaniGravy,WholeRoasted,1
cayenne,1chaat:about,1ChaatMasala,1ChaiMasala,1Chai,Masala,1chanadal,1chapati:SeeFlatbreads.Chard:
MalaiMutter,1andPeasinCreamySauce,Rainbow,1YellowLentilRiceand,1
chawli:Seeblack-eyedpeas.Chicken-FreeBalti,1Chickpea(s):
brown,white,about,1Curry,1Curry,Brown,1EggplantStew,SouthIndian,1flour,1FlourBalls,Sweet,1FlourFlatbread,Spicy,1FlourFudge,SouthIndian,1FlourPancakes,Mom’s,1inSpicySorghumSauce,1savji,1
SpinachStewwithLentilsandQuinoa,1Tofu,1TofuinSpicyMadrasSauce,1
Chilla,1chole:Seechickpeas,white.Chutney(s):
ChileGarlicCoconut,1MintCilantroChile,1QuickTamarindDate,1SouthIndianCoconut,1
cilantro,1cinnamon,sticksandground,1cloves,wholeandground,1Coconut:about,1
Balls,Fudgy,1CabbagewithMustardSeedsand,1Chutney,SouthIndian,1Chutney,ChileGarlic,1Curry,Peasin,1RedLentilCurry,Butternut,1Sesame,andTamarind,SplitPeaswith,1
Cookies,PistachioCardamom,1cookingtimenotationsforrecipes,1cookingtimesfordalsandbeans,1corianderseeds,1cornstarch,1CreamyBlackGramandKidneyBeanCurry,1cuisinesofIndia:about,1Cumin-ScentedRicewithPeasandOnions,1cuminseeds,1Curry(ied):about,1
AnyBean,1BrownChickpea,1ButternutCoconutRedLentil,1ButterSeitan,1Cauliflower,Carrots,andPeasinCoconutPoppySeed,1
CauliflowerandPeasinSpicy,1Chickpea,1CreamyBlackGramandKidneyBean,1EasyGreenBeans,1GoanTempeh,1KidneyBean,1leaves,freshordried,1MungBeans,1PeasinCoconut,1PotatoTomato,1Tofu,Mango,1TofuinSpinach,1Sauce,RainbowChardandPeasinCreamy,1withDinnerRolls,SproutedMungBean,1
D
Dad’sFavoriteCauliflowerPotatoes,1Dals:about,1,2
AnyBeanCurry,1BengaliRedLentilSoup,1BlackGramLentilsinTomatoSauce,1BrownChickpeaCurry,1Bukhara,1ButternutCoconutRedLentilCurry,1ChickpeaCurry,1CreamyBlackGramandKidneyBeanCurry,1CurriedMungBeans,1Fry,Mixed,1KidneyBeanCurry,1LentilsandGreenBeans,1Makhani,1MasalaLentils,1PeasinCoconutCurry,1RedLentilSoup,1
SouthIndianChickpeaEggplantStew,1SouthIndianSplitPeaStewwithVeggies,1SplitPea(s):
andBeanSoup,1SoupwithPotatoes,1SoupwithSpicesandCoconut,1withCoconut,Sesame,andTamarind,1
SproutedMungBeanCurrywithDinnerRolls,1SweetandSourSplitPeaSoup,1WinterSplitPeaSoupwithGinger,1YellowLentilswithCumin,1YellowLentilswithSpinach,1
Dessert(s):aboutIndian,1BengaliSaffronCheeseDessert,1CarrotHalwa,1CashewFudge,1DoughnutsSoakedinSugarSyrup,1FudgyCardamomSquares,1FudgyCoconutBalls,1Gluten-FreeGulabJamuns,1Grain-FlourSpoonFudge,1Pistachio:
AlmondIceCream,1CardamomCookies,1SpoonFudge,1
Saffron:CreamFudge,1CreamPopsicles,1-InfusedCreamyPudding,1
SouthIndianChickpeaFlourFudge,1SpongyBallsinSaffronCream,1SteamedYogurtDessert,1SweetChickpeaFlourBalls,1
Dosa(s):30-MinuteRice,1MasalaPotatoesfor,1
SouthIndianLentilandRice,1DoughnutsSoakedinSugarSyrup(GulabJamuns),1driedmangopowder,1
E
EasyCurriedGreenBeans,1Eggplant:
MashedSpiced,1Stew,SouthIndianChickpea,1withCuminandNigellaSeeds,1
F
fennelseeds,1fenugreekleaves,dried;seeds,1Flatbread(s):about,1
30-MinuteRiceDosas,1AvocadoNaan,1BakedChickpeaFlourNaan,1Gluten-FreeChia,1Gluten-FreeOatNaan,1MissiRoti,1PuffyRestaurant-StyleNaan,1SouthIndianLentilandRiceDosas,1SpicyChickpeaFlour,1Vegetable-StuffedParathas,1Wheat(roti,chapati,andphulka),1
flours:about,1foodprocessors,1FrenchToast,SavoryPan-Fried,1Fritters:
BlackGram,1inSpicedYogurt,BroccoliOnion,1MashedPotato,1
OnionChile,1FudgyCardamomSquares,1FudgyCoconutBalls,1
G
GajarKaHalwa,1GaramMasala,about1;recipefor,2garliccloves,1gehun,1ginger,1Gluten-Free:
baking,1ChiaFlatbreads,1GulabJamun,1OatNaan,1
GoanTempehCurry,1Gobi:
1,2Aloo,1GajarMutterKurma,1GajarPoriyal,1Manchurian,1Musallam,1MutterKeema,1MutterMasala,1
Grain-FlourSpoonFudge,1gram,1gramflour:Seebesanflour,1GreenBean(s):
EasyCurried,1Lentilsand,1
greenchiles,1grocerylist,1Gujarati:
Handvo,1SuratiDal,1
GulabJamuns,1;Gluten-Free,2
H
haldi,1Halwa:
AtteKa,1Carrot,1GajarKa,1Pistachio,1
haremoong,1harielaichi,1hing,1HyderabadiGobiMung,1
I
IceCream,PistachioAlmond,1Indian:
blacksalt,1ChaiSpice,1cuisines,about,1SpicedMilkTea,1spices,about,1
J
jaiphal,1Jalfrezi,Vegetable,1jeera,1
K
kabulichana:Seechickpeas,white,1Kadhai:
KumbhPalak,1VeganPaneerPalak,1
kadipatta,1KajuKatli,1Kala:
chana,1ChanaMasala,1namak,1
Kali:elaichi,1mirch,1
kalonji,1KandaPoha,1Kashmiri:
Dal,1RoganJosh,1
kasoorimethi,1Katli,Kaju,1Kesar:about,1
Kulfi,1Phirni,1
KhattaMeethaKaddu,1khuskhus,1KidneyBean(s):about,1
Curry,1Curry,CreamyBlackGramand,1
knives,1Kofta:
BallsinNut-FreeCreamSauce,1inCreamyTomatoSauce,Cabbage,1
Kofte,PattoGobiKe,1Korma:
Navratan,Restaurant-Style,1Navratan,1
Kulfi:Kesar,1Pista,1
Kurma,GobiGajarMutter,1
L
Ladoo,Nariyal,1lalmirch,1LasooniMethiKofte,1laung,1Lentil(s):about,1;howtocook,2
andGreenBeans,1andQuinoa,ChickpeaSpinachStewwith,1andRiceDosas,Indian,1andRice,LightlySpicedYellow,1CauliflowerandYellow,1CauliflowerPotatoCasserole,SpicyRed,1Curry,ButternutCoconutRed,1inMintCilantroSauce,Cauliflowerand,1inTomatoSauce,BlackGram,1Masala,1RiceandChard,Yellow,1SavoryPastries,1Soup,BengaliRed,1Soup,Red,1TomatoPulao,Red,1withCumin,Yellow,1withSpinach,Yellow,1
LightlySpicedYellowLentilsandRice,1LobhiaPalakPulao,1lobhia:SeeBlack-EyedPeas.
M
Maasi’sNepaliPotatoes,1MaharashtrianAmti,1maida,1MainDishes:about,1
Andhra-StyleTempehCurry,1BroccoliOnionFrittersinSpicedYogurt,1ButterSeitanCurry,1CabbageKoftainCreamyTomatoSauce,1Chicken-FreeBalti,1ChickpeasinSpicySorghumSauce,1ChickpeaTofuinSpicyMadrasSauce,1GoanTempehCurry,1KoftaBallsinNut-FreeCreamSauce,1MangoCurryTofu,1MushroomsandPeasinSpicyCoconutSauce,1PotatoVeggieBallsinGarlicFenugreekSauce,1RainbowChardandPeasinCreamySauce,1RoyalTofuandCashews,1Tempeh:
andCauliflower,1andCauliflowerinSpicyPaprikaYogurtSauce,1inOnionSauce,1TikkaMasala,1
TofuinVelvetyPepitaPoppySeedSauce,1TofuinSpinachCurry,1VeganPaneerandSpinachinTomatoSauce,1Vegetables:
andNutsinLuxuriousWhiteSauce,1inLuxuriousRoyalSauce,1inSmokyTomatoSauce,1inVindalooSauce,1
VeggieBallsinManchurianSauce,1WholeRoastedCauliflowerwithMakhaniGravy,1
MakhaniVegetablePotPie,1MalaiKofta,1MalaiPeda,1
Manchurian,Gobi,1ManchurianSauce,VeggieBallsin,1MangoCurryTofu,1masala(s):SeeSpiceBlends.Masala:
Aloo,1Bhindi,1Chai,1,2Chana,1GobiMutter,1Lentils,1MadrasChile,1TempehTikka,1PotatoesforDosas,1
Mashed:PotatoFritters,1SpicedVegetableswithDinnerRolls,1SpicedEggplant,1
Masoor:AurKaddukiDal,1dal,1DalTadka,1MeduVada,1Seddho,1
methidana,1MildPeppersinPeanutCoconutSauce,1milk,nondairy,1MintCilantroChileChutney,1mintleaves,1MirchkaSalan,1MisalPav,1MissiRoti,1MixedDalFry,1Mom’sChickpeaFlourPancakes,1Mom’sOkraandOnionStir-Fry,1Mom’sPeaPulao,1
Mom’sVeggiePotatoCutlets,1Mung:
Beans,Curried,1Bean,Sprouted,CurrywithDinnerRolls,1beans,whole,1dal,1DalChawalBiryani,1DalKhichdi(Kitchari),1
Mushroom(s):MutterChettinad,1andGreens,1andPeasinSpicyCoconutSauce,1
MysorePak,1
N
Naan:Avocado,1BakedChickpeaFlour,1Gluten-FreeOat,1PuffyRestaurant-Style,1
NanKhatai,1NariyalLadoo,1NavratanKorma(Restaurant-Style),1NepaliAloo,1nigellaSeeds,1nondairymilks,1NondairyYogurt:about,1;fornaan,2;recipefor,3nutmeg,1nutritionalyeast,1nutsandnutsubstitutes:about,1
O
oats,1
Oats,SavoryHash,1OdiaButaDaliAluTarkari,1Okra:
andOnionStir-Fry,Mom’s,vi,1inSesameCoconutSauce,1
One-PotMealsandCasseroles:about,1ChickpeaSpinachStewwithLentilsandQuinoa,1LightlySpicedYellowLentilsandRice,1MakhaniVegetablePotPie,1QuinoaCauliflowerBiryani,1RedLentilTomatoPulao,1SpicyRedLentilCauliflowerPotatoCasserole,1SpinachRiceandBlack-EyedPeas,1YellowLentilRiceandChard,1
Onion:about,1ChileFritters,1FrittersinSpicedYogurt,Brocolli,1
P
PalakTofu,1Pakora(s):
Bread,1;Kadhi,Brocolli,1recipefor,1
Pancakes,Mom’sChickpeaFlour,1PanchPhoron,1Paneer:
andSpinachinTomatoSauce,Vegan,1Palak,KadhiVegan,1Shahi,1Vegan,1
Pancakes,Mom’sChickpeaFlour,1Parathas,Vegetable-Stuffed,1Patta-GobiAlooSubzi,1
Patta-GobiKeKofte,1PavBhajji,1PavBhajjiMasala,1Pea(s):
andOnions,Cumin-ScentedRicewith,1Cauliflower,Carrots,and,1inCilantroOnionSauce,Cauliflowerand,1inCoconutCurry,1inCreamySauce,RainbowChardand,1inSpicyCoconutSauce,Mushroomsand,1inSpicyCurry,Cauliflowerand,1Soup,SweetandSourSplit,1StewwithVeggies,SouthIndianSplit,1withChickpeaFlour,BellPeppersand,1withCoconut,Sesame,andTamarind,Split,1
Peppers,Mild,inPeanutCoconutSauce,1phulka:SeeFlatbreads.Phirni,Kesar,1pigeonpeas,1Pistachio:
AlmondIceCream,1CardamomCookies,1Halwa,1SpoonFudge,1
PistaKulfi,1poppyseeds,blackorwhite,1Popsicles,SaffronCream,1Potato(es):
andGreensStir-Fry,1AssameseGreensand,1Casserole,SpicyRedLentilCauliflower,1Cutlets,Mom’sVeggie,1Dad’sFavoriteCauliflower,1forDosas,Masala,1Fritters,Mashed,1Maasi’sNepali,1
QuinoaPatties,1SpicedCabbage,1SplitPeaSoupwith,1TomatoCurry,1VeggieBallsinGarlicFenugreekSauce,1withPickleSpices,Cauliflowerand,vi,1
PotPie,MakhaniVegetable,1pressurecookers,1Pudding,Saffron-InfusedCreamy,1Pudla,1PuffyRestaurant-StyleNaan,1Pulao:
LobhiaPalak,1Mom’sPea,1RedLentilTomato,1Tava,1
Pumpkin,SweetandSour,1PyaazWaaliBhindi,1
Q
Quinoa:CauliflowerBiryani,1ChickpeaSpinachStewwithLentilsand,1Patties,Potato,1
R
raee,1RainbowChardandPeasinCreamySauce,1Raita,1rajma,1Rajma,1Rasmalai,1raungi,seeblack-eyedpeas,1
recipenotations,1RecipesbyRegion,1redchilepowder,1RedLentilSoup,1RedLentilTomatoPulao,1redpepperflakes,1Restaurant-StyleSabutMasoor,1Rice:about,1
andBlack-EyedPeas,Spinach,1andChard,YellowLentil,1Dosas,1-Minute,2Dosas,SouthIndianLentiland,1LightlySpicedYellowLentilsand,1withPeasandOnions,Cumin-Scented,1withVegetables,Tomato,andSpices,1ZucchiniCakes,SavorySplitPeaand,1
RoastedCauliflowerandRadishwithMustard,Nigella,andFennelSeeds,1rotis:SeeFlatbreads.RoyalTofuandCashews,1
S
Sabut:masoor,about,1Masoor,Restaurant-Style,1Mung,1urad,1
Saffron:about1CheeseDessert,Bengai,1CreamFudge,1CreamPopsicles,1Cream,SpongyBallsin,1-InfusedCreamyPudding,1
salt,Indiansulfurblack,1Sambhar:
about,1powder,1recipefor,1
Samosas,BaskedPotato,1Sandesh,1saunf,1SavjiChickpeas,1Savory:
OatsHash,1LentilPastries,1SplitPeaandRiceZucchiniCakes,1Pan-FriedFrenchToast,1
SeitanCurry,Butter,1Shahi“Paneer,”1ShimlaMirchMutterZunka,1SideDishesandDryVegetableCurries:about,1
AssameseGreensandPotatoes,1BellPeppersandPeaswithChickpeaFlour,1CabbagewithMustardSeedsandCoconut,1Cauliflower:
andCarrotswithMustardSeeds,1andPeasinCilantroOnionSauce,1andPeasinSpicyCurry,1andPotatoeswithPickleSpices,1andYellowLentilsinMintCilnatroSauce,1Carrots,andPeasinCoconutPoppySeedCurry,1
Cumin-ScentedRicewithPeasandOnions,1Dad’sFavoriteCauliflowerPotatoes,1EasyCurriedGreenBeans,1EggplantwithCuminandNigellaSeeds,1Maasi’sNepaliPotatoes,1MasalaPotatoesforDosas,1MashedSpicedEggplant,1MildPeppersinPeanutCoconutSauce,1Mom’sOkraandOnionStir-Fry,1MushroomsandGreens,1
OkrainSesameCoconutSauce,1PotatoesandGreensStir-Fry,1PotatoTomatoCurry,1RicewithVegetables,Tomato,andSpices,1RoastedCauliflowerandRadish,1SpicedCabbagePotatoes,1SweetandSourPumpkin,1
SindhiMungDal,1skillets,1SmallPlatesandSnacks:about,1
BakedPotatoSamosas,1Biscuits,1BlackGramFritters,1MashedPotatoFritters,1MashedSpicedVegetableswithDinnerRolls,1Mom’sVeggiePotatoCutlets,1OnionChileFritters,1PotatoQuinoaPatties,1SavoryLentilPastries,1SavorySplitPeaandRiceZucchiniCakes,1SpicedRoastedTofuandVegetables,1SpicyBakedCauliflowerFlorets,1Street-StyleTempehWraps,1SweetandSpicyBakedCauliflower,1
soakingtimesfordalsandbeans,1SookhiMungPalak,1Soup(s)andStew(s):
BengaliRedLentilSoup,1ChickpeaSpinachStewwithLentilsandQuinoa,1RedLentilSoup,1SouthIndianChickpeaEggplantStew,1SouthIndianSplitPeaStewwithVeggies,1SplitPea(s):
andBeanSoup,1SoupwithPotatoes,1SoupwithSpicesandCoconut,1
SweetandSourSoup,1WinterSoupwithGinger,1
SouthIndian:ChickpeaEggplantStew,1ChickpeaFlourFudge,1LentilandRiceDosas,1SplitPeaStewwithVeggies,1
SpiceBlends:BengaliFive-SpiceBlend,1ChaatMasala,1ChaiMasala,1GaramMasala,1IndianChaiSpice,1PanchPhoron,1PavBhajiMasala,1SambharPowder,1TandooriMasala,1
spicegrinders,1SpicedCabbagePotatoes,1SpicedRoastedTofuandVegetables,1spices,Indian,about,1Spicy:
BakedCauliflowerFlorets,1ChickpeaFlourFlatbread,1RedLentilCauliflowerPotatoCasserole,1SouthIndianTofuScramble,1BakedCauliflowerFlorets,1
Spinach:Curry,Tofuin,1inTomatoSauce,VeganPaneerand,1RiceandBlack-EyedPeas,1YellowLentilswith,1StewwithLentilsandQuinoa,Chickpea,1
SplitPea(s):about,1andBeanSoup,1andRiceZucchiniCakes,Savory,1
SoupwithPotatoes,1SoupwithSpicesandCoconut,1withCoconut,Sesame,andTamarind,1withGinger,Winter,1StewwithVeggies,SouthIndian,1
SpongyBallsinSaffronCream,1SproutedMungBeanCurrywithDinnerRolls,1SteamedTempeh,1SteamedYogurtDessert,1Street-StyleTempehWraps,1Stew(s):SeeSoupsandStews.strainers,1sugar,1sukhadhania,1SweetandSourPumpkin,1SweetandSourSplitPeaSoup,1SweetandSpicyBakedCauliflower,1SweetChickpeaFlourBalls,1
T
tamarind,1TamarindDateChutney,Quick,1TandooriMasala,1TandooriTikka,1tava,1TavaPulao,1Tea,IndianSpicedMilk,1tejpatta,1Tempeh:about,1;howtosteam,2
andCauliflower,1andCauliflowerinSpicyPaprikaYogurtSauce,1Curry,Andhra-Style,1Curry,Goan,1DoPyaaza,1
inOnionSauce,1Steamed,1TikkaMasala,1Wraps,Street-Style,1
tempering:about,1thali,1tiffin,1TikkaKathiRolls,1Tofu:about,1
andCashews,Royal,1andVegetables,SpicedRoasted,1Burmese,1Chickpea,1inSpicyMadrasSauce,Chickpea,1inSpinachCurry,1inVelvetyPepitaPoppySeedSauce,1MadrasChileMasala,1MangoCurry,1Palak,1Pasanda,1Scramble,SpicySouthIndian,1
tomatoes,1toor:Seepigeonpeas,1turmericpowder,1tuvar:Seepigeonpeas,1
U
unbleachedwhiteflour,1uraddal,1
V
VeganKalakandorMilkBurfi,1VeganPaneer,1
VeganPaneerandSpinachinTomatoSauce,1Vegetable(s):
Jalfrezi,1Manchurian,1andNutsinLuxuriousWhiteSauce,1inLuxuriousRoyalSauce,1inSmokyTomatoSauce,1inVindalooSauce,1PotPie,Makhani,1-StuffedParathas,1Tikki,1Tomato,andSpices,Ricewith,1withDinnerRolls,MashedSpiced,1
VeggieBallsinManchurianSauce,1VindalooSauce,Vegetablesin,1
W
WheatFlatbreads(roti,chapati,andphulka),1WholeRoastedCauliflowerwithMakhaniGravy,1whole-wheatflour,1WinterSplitPeaSoupwithGinger,1Wraps,TempehStreet-Style,1
X
XaakBhaji,1
Y
yeast,nutritional,1YellowLentil:
RiceandChard,1withCumin,1withSpinach,1
Yogurt:
Yogurt:nondairy,1Dessert,Steamed,1Nondairy,1Starter,1
Z
ZucchiniCakes,SavorySplitPeaandRice,1