Accompaniments/Condiments

Rose Syrup

This my dear friends is an exotic and fragrant syrup that I enjoyed since my childhood days. It is highly versatile. You’ll find its use as a flavoring in many traditional Indian, Persian and middle eastern cooking much the way Westerners use vanilla. You can drizzle over crepes, kulfi (indian ice-cream) or add it to milk and desserts or use it in baking or in cocktails for a subtle rose flavoring. If you have never tried your hand at homemade rose syrup , you won’t believe how easy it is to make. I made a small batch in end of June when my rose bushes were in full bloom.

Relishing Indian Chutneys

by Balvinder. 16 Comments

Chutneys are essential part of Indian cuisine. They add that little bit of something extra, to every bite of a meal. Quick and easy to prepare indian chutneys can be made with huge range of ingredients. Some of these chutneys are fresh (raw), some are cooked, some are dry, some are chunky, some are smooth, some are served as a condiment or dip or a side dish, and some are even served for breakfast. Today, I have three fresh (raw) chutney recipes to share that are sure to please your taste buds and add flavor to the meal.

Homemade Cultured Butter

by Balvinder. 32 Comments

I simply love the taste of fresh homemade butter. It is not something that I make every day of the week but whenever I have spare cream or crave for parathas I do make butter. It only takes 2-3 minutes to make cultured butter in a food processor. Freshly made cultured butter tastes good on a toast, paratha or over steamed vegetables or indian style cooked daal/ lentil. It keeps well at room temperature for a week, 15-30 days in the fridge and few months in the freezer.

Make your own Mango Chutney

by Balvinder. 30 Comments

Google+ is one of the social media platforms where you get to see and learn something unique every single day. And sometimes an idea or recipe you see is so simple and works for you that you wonder why you didn’t think of it. I came across one such post by Azlin where she used a mix of mango chutney and mayonnaise for canape topping. I happened to have mango chutney at home, so I tried out her recipe and also a really simple dipping sauce by adding water, and it was deeeeelicous! I wanted to share this idea and the recipe of mango chutney with you all.

Five Spice Tomato Chutney

by Balvinder. 19 Comments

This Tomato Chutney is chunky and packs a flavorful punch with sweet, sour and savory undertones, not heat. The spice infusion used in this chutney is panchporan, a five-seed spice used extensively in eastern India, especially Bengal. The combination of fennel, fenugreek, cumin, nigella and mustard seeds gives this dish a nice aromatic flavor.

Creamy Edamame Dip

by Balvinder. 23 Comments

A healthy and flavorful edamame dip that you can serve with a side of veggies, thin pretzels or pita chips. There is no dairy or nuts, just pure veggie goodness.