Cardamom-Orange Butter
This butter can be made with either orange juice concentrate or orange marmalade, both yielding vibrant results. Equally delicious is a variation made with rose petal jam. Both orange and rose are compatible with cardamom. Best served on morning breads, muffins or crackers. Preparation time (after ingredients are assembled): a few minutes Ingredients • Unsalted butter, preferably Homemade (page 104), at room temperature – 1-1½...
Baked Eggplant Puree with Seasoned Yogurt
Eggplant bharta, in one form or another, is a national favorite of India. I learned to make this variation during my first Bombay residence in the kitchen of the Kalish Seksaria family. The cooks excel at several regional cuisines, and this Punjabi-style presentation was a favorite of hosts and wood fire until they nearly fell apart. Chilies and seasonings gave the dish a feisty punch, and the yogurt added creamy distinction....
Pear Chutney with Dates and Pecans
While residing in the vale of Evesham, I had the opportunity to sample some of England’s best produce. Every day for weeks on end I took on the challenge of coming up with a different cooked chutney, and in due course this recipe emerged from the test kitchen as everyone’s favorite. Preparation and cooking time (after assembling ingredients): about 1 hour Ingredients • Crushed dried red chilies – ¼ – ½ teaspoon (1-2 ml) •...
Spiced Chickpea salad with Spinach
As an alternative to spinach, try red or green Swiss chard leaves-they are delicious. Because chard is not as tender as spinach, blanch or steam it for a minute or two before assembling the salad. Soaking time: 8 hours or overnight Cooking time: (after assembling ingredients): about 2 hours Ingredients • Chickpeas, soaked in water 8 hours or overnight, then drained – 1 ½ cups (290 g) • Black mustard seeds – 1 teaspoon (5...
Apple Salad
Outside of Kashmir, where most of India’s apples are grown, the texture tends to be mealy –a sure sign of over ripening due to long storage at warm temperatures. On the whole, I do not find them as good as most. American varieties. Use any crisp salad or all-purpose apple: for example, Newton, pippin or McIntosh, which are crisp, sweet and juicy, with a tangy overtone; anything from sweet red or Golden Delicious to tart granny Smith...