What is it about food that you like? If you ask any food lover, one of the many answers would be, the thrill of trying out new recipes and the satisfaction that comes after the appreciation lavished on them. No, no, they are not modern recipes, just some hidden gems from the treasure trove of Indian recipes.
All cuisines in the world have some very rustic and closely-guarded recipes. This also involves ancient techniques of preparing and cooking a dish. Your grandparents and other senior members will have fascinating stories to tell about the ways in which their earlier generations prepared some dishes.
Some of the interesting recipes, very authentic, homely and cherished are as follows:
Rajasthani Haldi Sabzi
From the land of royalty comes a very special recipe, the Rajasthani Haldi Sabzi.
We add a bit of jazz and spruce it up with diced carrots to make it the Taaze Haldi aur Gaajar ki Sabzi. The Rajasthani Halid Sabzi is a dry, spicy preparation of the freshest produce of the winter season namely, fresh turmeric (and carrots) cooked in a spicy yogurt-based gravy that is a delightful sight to the eyes. With fresh turmeric, you are giving your body anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral compounds and guarding yourself in the most natural way. This sabzi is definitely tasty and with the much-needed immunity boosters.
* The Taaze Haldi aur Gaajar ki Sabzi has carrots that are rich in Vitamin A
Jackfruit and Spinach Sambar
Interestingly, we Indians have lip-smacking ways to put even vegetable/fruit seeds, peels and stalks to use. Some of the most wonderful recipes can also be made from these almost-discarded parts. Like this jackfruit seed sambar, that has boiled jackfruit seeds simmered in sambar, with spinach adding an exciting twist. Everything stays the same, with spinach making it a little more colourful and of course, iron-rich. Slurrp on Jackfruit and Spinach Sambar plain or with steamed rice and idlis, vadas and dosas ...
Baked Chicken
Sometimes all it takes to whip up a simple and light chicken preparation is to bake lightly-spiced veggies and potatoes and seasoning. The chicken picks the light flavour of the bell peppers, the sharpness of the green chilli sauce, ginger-garlic paste and the tartiness of the lemon juice during the marination. Baked together, this (Lemon) Baked Chicken is a wonderful preparation that can be eaten as is, or as stuffing in a roll or wrap.
Biryani with Chicken
Simply and plainly put, the Biryani with Chicken is our good ol' Chicken Biryani. Chicken cooked in whole spices, ground masalas and a special biryani masala. Finally layered with flavourful, aromatic rice, a drizzle of saffron water, screwpine water, fried onions, fresh mint leaves and coriander. Any special occasion, a celebration, party for colleagues or friends, this all-time favourite, spicy, chicken and fragrant rice preparation isalways a winner !!
... ok it's not exactly close to what we have been discussing so far ...... This is a small detour of bite-sized sweet treats.
Gud Til Laddoo
There's a reason why certain foods have been prescribed for certain reasons and seasons. Like this Gud Til Laddoo, made in the winters to keep the body warm. However, it can now double up as bite-sized sweet treats. Lightly roasted for crunch and that healthy jaggery makes it a tasty treat and a quick boost when energy levels need a spike.
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