Archana's Veg Food Chronicles

One of the very authentic and popular recipes of India, being the favorite of all is Malai Kofta. It refers to deep-fried Potato Paneer dumplings in a creamy smooth Velvety Tomato gravy. This is one of the most popular vegetarian dishes across the world. One can always find it in a Menu card of any Indian Restaurant and is an exotic dish. We always craved for this side dish when dining out along with Rotis/Naans...how I wish I would go back and live those childhood days. Melt in mouth protein-rich Koftas dumped in a lip-smacking tomato gravy not only is tasty and comforting but a feast to your eyes too. It is not a very complicated process and you can achieve Restaurant style taste if you follow the instructions properly. All the spices that go inside this dish make it so flavourful and I bet your house will be filled with its aroma. Boiled Potatoes and Paneer are two important ingredients for the Kofta. This is an ultimate combination and a feast fo...

 This is one of the authentic Goan curries which is usually made with seafood. This is prepared in every Goan kitchen paired with fish, prawn, or other sea food.  But as a vegetarian, My mother in law who stayed in Goa for a long time came up with this idea of making this curry with just vegetables like radish, potato, and onion. All these vegetables are sauteed and mixed with a coconut-based gravy and spices. There is one spice called 'Tephla' which is used in making Goan Curries. It gives a great flavor to the curry. But since I do not get them in my place. I haven't added it. As you all know Daikon Radish is an excellent source of nutrients including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and copper. It is highest in Vitamin C and folate. Potatoes, being a starchy vegetable are a good source of carbohydrates and also contain Vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6. Coconuts needless to say are a superfood. High in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and a source of g...

If you ask me what is the best comfort food according to me, I would say it is Anna Saaru( Rice and Rasam). Right from my childhood, I have been loving this delicious combo and still do.Saaru(Rasam) is one of the tastiest, easiest, simplest recipe which you can make and have when you don't want to cook an elaborate meal. Here I am sharing with you the simplest Powder that you can make and store. Just add a little bit of this powder to your boiling Saaru and your house will be filled with the aroma of spices. In Karnataka, Saaru /Rasam is basically a sweet, spicy, sour stock prepared traditionally with tamarind, tomatoes, kokum, or lemon. Saarina pudi/ rasam powder is prepared differently in each region of south India. So the taste slightly changes from one region to another. This recipe is very easy to make and is made with just a few ingredients, basically dried spices. The ratio in which the spices are to be added is crucial to get that authentic taste. Th...

If you ever travel across Karnataka, (India) One delicious specialty dish that you will come across in restaurants is Bisibelebhaath. This is an authentic Karnataka dish which basically means a flavourful rice and dal combination cooked with spices, tamarind, and vegetables. It is a one-pot traditional dish that you can have with Onion Raita, papad, boondi, and pickle. The word 'Bisibelebhaath' means hot lentil rice. So it is usually served hot with some ghee on top. In North Karnataka, It is usually prepared on weekends when we are not interested in cooking an elaborate meal. This dish not only tastes delicious but also is filling and healthy. It contains rice, Tur dal, and a lot of veggies which gives energy as well as keeps you fuller for longer. In other words, it is a satisfying meal. In South Karnataka, it is usually prepared by making a separate Bisi bele bhaath powder. But in my family, coming from North Karnataka, We add a little bit of both Hul...