Fried Okra in Smooth Yogurt
Chilled yogurt salads are popular throughout India, and in Gujarati homes they are served with almost every summer lunch. This became one of my favorite dishes from the first time I tasted its delightful combination of textures and flavors. Though the ingredients can be prepared ahead of time, the salad is assembled just before serving. Crunchy fried okra is added to a toasted chickpea flour and yogurt sauce. The creamy...
Simple Mung Dal Soup
This smooth, liquid mung dal soup is seasoned with a simple chaunk. It is very easy to prepare and easy to digest, and its light consistency makes it appealing in any season. Serve it accompanied by a wheat bread or rice and a vegetable. To complete the meal, serve yogurt or green salad. Preparation time (after assembling ingredients): 10 minutes Cooking time: 1 ¼ hours or 25 minutes in a pressure cooker Ingredients • Split moong dal,...
Scented Almond Milk Cooler
Phool Bhag, the palace compound of Pratapkumar, Crown Prince of Alwar, is an example of spiritual management and nature’s perfect arrangements. Situated in Rajasthan’s northeastern arid desert, the complex encompasses acres of flower-spangled gardens and lakes and offers sanctuary to numerous bird and animal species elephants, camels, cows, buffaloes, deer, horses, peacocks, sheep, rabbits, goats, lions and tigers. Pratap Kumar...
Potato Pakora with Dried Pomegranate Seeds
Pomegranate seeds, used predominantly in North Indian cooking, are dried from wild pomegranate or daru that grow in the Himalayan foothills. The pleasantly sour flavors of the seeds are best for complementing potatoes and other starchy vegetables. Potato slices are handsomely jacketed in a medium-consistency batter that puts a crunchy crust on the soft potatoes. The food processor crushes the seeds while whisking the batter until it...
Shredded cucumbers in Smooth Mint-Flavored Yogurt
There are so many ways to make this, India’s most popular raita, that I am presenting two of my favorite recipe variations. In this one, we discover how mint and cucumbers were made for each other. With a touch of lemon or lime zest, you have one of the most refreshing salads possible. Though avocado oil is not available in India, I find it perfect for delicate salads and raitas. You must use crisp, seedless young cucumbers. If all...