Besan Ladoos for Diwali

Diwali is completely incomplete without sweets. In Maharashtra its the very famous Faraal - Diwali delicacies which are sweet and savoury which is must in Diwali in every household.
Sharing the recipe of one of the yummiest and most loved Besan ladoos from this delicious collection of Faraal.

Besan Ladoo Recipe

Ingredients

4 Cups Besan
1 Cup Ghee (or according to your requirement, till you get that desired consistency)
2 Cups Powdered Sugar or according to taste
1 Tspn Cardamom powder
Dry Fruits to garnish (optional)

Method

Dry roast the Besan in the pan for about 10-12 minutes continuously stirring it on low flame till  it starts giving a nutty aroma.
Make sure its not getting burnt and is evenly brown.
When the Besan changes colour add the melted ghee.
Again low roast for 6-7 minutes continuously stirring.
Once the ghee starts leaving the Besan add the sugar and continuously stir to mix it up all evenly.
You have to be very cautious that the Besan is not getting stuck and burnt.
Once the sugar is nicely mixed. Remove it from the flame. Let it cool down a bit (warm enough) and start shaping the dough into medium shaped balls.
Garnish it with Dry fruits.

Your Ladoos are ready to be devoured.
Simple recipe which is completely delicious.

Check the video here of how I prepared them.

Hope you enjoyed ...

Stay Tuned for more Diwali Posts.

Thanks for reading.

Happy Diwali !!

Lots of Love...

xoxo

Bhakti

Corn and Green Peas Masala

I love corn and Green peas like crazy.

So here goes a dish which has both. 

Now that's what I call party for your tastebuds. 

Knowing me the recipe has to be simple and easy. 

So check it out and cook it away in a jiffy. 

Ingredients 

1 medium onion finely chopped

1 medium tomato finely chopped

1 tspn giner garlic paste 

1 tbspn oil 

1/2 cup corn 

1/2 cup green peas 

1 tspn red chilly powder 

1 tspn turmeric 

1 tspn coriander powder 

1 tspn garam masala 

Cumin seeds

Pinch of asofoetida 

Salt as per taste 

1/2 cup coconut paste 

1/2 cup whipped yogurt 

Dried fenugreek leaves 

Method 

In a pan, heat oil, let cumin seeds crackle, add asofoetida, add onion and sauté it till translucent, add ginger garlic paste, green peas, corn and sauté. 

Add tomatoes and sauté till they are soft.

I can just eat it like this, yum isn't it? 

Add all the masalas and salt and let it sauté, then add the coconut paste and sauté for sometime, add yogurt and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. 

Tada !! Doesn't it look really delicious . 

Serve with hot Rotis or Rice. 

Hope you enjoy. Let me know how it was. 

Until next time. 

xoxo 

Bhakti 

The Joy of Simple food - Dal Khichadi

The festive season is in the process, after eating loads of desserts and yummy food for Diwali, Christmas is already in the air, and the waft of cookies and cakes is everywhere.

However I was just missing some simple food, it always is the case with me, no matter whether I am travelling and having the most exotic food, or after a bout of parties, dose of festivals, it's always the simple food that calls out to my tummy. 

Is it only me or this happens to you too?? 

Anyhow ... I was craving some simple Ghar ka khana, easy on my palette and delicious nonetheless. So I whipped up some Dal Khichdi. 

It's very easy to make, have a look - 

Dal Khichdi 

Ingredients  

1 cup rice washed and drained 

1 cup toovar dal washed and drained 

1 medium onion finally chopped 

1 medium tomato finally chopped 

Few sprigs of curry leaves 

Coriander to garnish 

Ghee to cook 

Dried red chillies 

3 green chillies finely cut 

Pinch of asofoetida 

1 tspn turmeric 

1 tspn chilly powder 

Salt to taste 

1 tspn cumin seeds - jeera 

1 tspn mustard seeds - Mohri 

2 tspn finally chopped garlic 

Peppercorn, cinnamon, cloves 

Method 

In a pressure cooker 

Add 1 tbspn ghee, let it get hot add cumin, mustard, curry leaves, peppercorns, cloves , cinnamon,asofoetida  on low flame , let the aroma come out. Then add red chilly, garlic, onion, sauté till onion is translucent. 

Add tomatoes, stir and sauté till tomatoes are done, add salt, turmeric? Red chilly powder, stir, sauté on low flame for 1 minute, then add the rice and dal, water to cook. Pressure cook it for around 6-8 minutes 1 whistle on high flame and two on low flame. 

When the pressure cooker is done, let it cool down open and check the consistency. If not desired add water and stir and mix nicely on low flame (paste like consistency) simmer. 

Serve hot garnished with coriander and tspn of ghee 

Yumminess. 

What's your favourite simple food ?

Write to me. 

Until next time-- 

xoxo

Bhakti 

Offbeat Goan Food

I love to walk the path uncommon, to explore the unexplored, and to do things which are not well known... 

I love to do and experience new things. Though Goa remains a constant every year however my quest to discover the Goa which is untouched and still innocent and pure carries on. I love to see places in their natural beauty and true roots. 

This Goa trip was nothing new, the urge to explore something new, got us to the quaint side of Goa, where few tread and that's what I like. 

Places and food which still has its authenticity and simplicity, For me that's pure beauty.

Exploring the small and homely eateries and bakeries and losing myself in the overly tasty and yet simple Goanese cuisine just kept me craving for more. 

Goan food is not only Vindaloo, Xacuti, Goan curry, Bebinca but so many other things and mouthwatering dishes still to be relished. 

Have a look yourself, a small glimpse in the treasure trove of Goan Food. 

Rassa omelette 

A simple yet hearty breakfast- Egg omelette topped with a curry made of coconut and local spices. Creamy, spicy and a coarse taste along with a fluffy omelette garnished with a generous helping of onions and a good squeeze of a juicy lemon relished with Goan buns. 

 

 

Usal pav 

A gravy made of white chic peas, the base is water and just simple spices. The consistency it gets is entirely from the peas savored again with Pav or sweet Goan buns. 
 

 

 

Banana fritters

Mixture of mashed Banana in flour, deep fried. What you can expect is a thick puri kinds. Break it and you will get a nice soft, smooth, mushy texture. Lovely and dissolving in the mouth. They are creamy, mildly sweet. So good. Taste superb with tea. 

 

Do try the local delicacies like these which are available at small joints and homely eateries. The taste and the goodness of the food makes up for the ambience. The true essence of the place indeed.

Share any such local goodies you love on your travels with us and get featured on the blog. 

Happy Travelling and relishing food!! :) 

xoxo

Bhakti

Chakhna Menu Launch at Punjab Grill

Chakhna a true Punjabi word for appetizers served along with drinks and beverages(snacks or finger food). Savory , spicy, easy to eat and yummy to devour along with drinks alcoholic or otherwise.(alcoholic mostly ;p). Chakhna is a Punjabi version of Tapas or Bar food.
I love Chakhna, drinks, good music and long chats with friends and family, that's how life is supposed to be enjoyed and lived according to me. Chakhna is for Indians what chicken wings is for Beer lovers across the globe.
Classic Chakhna being Masala Papad, Kebabs, spiced chana and nuts, chips the list goes on.
Desi Chakhna and Videsi Daaru does wonders known alone to the Indians now ;p
How could I ever in my wildest dreams turn down the invitation for the Chakhna Menu Launch at my favorite Punjab Grill by Lite Bite group. Straight from the motherland of Chakhna Punjab itself.
If there is an evening filled with Chakhna and Drink at the finest restaurant who would want to have anything else at all.
I along with my co Food adda team members marched to Punjab Grill in full attendance for the mission Chakhna devouring.
Let me tell you I was really transferred immediately to a laid back Punjabi evening at the fine dining Punjab Grill.
Must say Chef Gurpreet Singh really set some serious Punjabi Mood going with his awesome creations and outdid himself.
It was a small gathering at the terrace seating, along with other food bloggers and connoisseurs.
The setting was charming, Honey Singh's Punjabi tracks charged up the ambience and left me wondering about an amazing fun filled evening waiting ahead.

 

The table mats had a design of deck of cards which added further to the laidback ambience.

 

The Chakhna Menu Card waiting to be explored

 

A never ending journey of some Chakhna delights and Drinks.

Can anything else top this ? I think not.

 

Our Foodadda table all set for a long crazy night.

 

The Classic arrives first --

Papad Peanut Masala Platter

Simple and classic Chakhna at its best.

I nibbled on it all through till the end.

I loved the way it was presented, like the small chana jor garam available at the street side in paper cones.

 

Jheenga Chowk ki tikki.

Not my kinds, found it bland.

Alu tikki stuffed with prawns mixture and deep fried.

 

 

Here comes the drinks.

 

Pineapple Thandai.

Very nice Mocktail, refreshing and cooling served in style in a brass lota

 

Food adda enjoying the Band Baja Te Whisky.

Ringing in the bhopu when you receive your drink.

Fun!

 

I loved my drink -

Rasbhari Margarita

it consisted of

Cape Gooseberry, sugar syrup, black salt, Tequila.

made an amazing concoction.

You could get a nice sweet salty flavor along with your tequila.

Recommended,

 

Ganne ka Juice Margarita

Sugar cane juice, mint, black salt, ginger, lemon juice, tequila.

Must for sugar cane juice lovers.

 

Ambarsari Machchi with Desi Aloo chips

served in authentic desi style.

Full of robust desi flavors, nicely marinated, soft and spicy. loved this one.

Recommended.

 

Fondue with a twist.

Cheese Fondue with Mathri

The combination was really tasty and went very well along with drinks(any kinds)

Recommended

 

Kurkuri with imli chutney

My favorite

crispy spring rolls on the outside filled with cheese on the inside.

so very comforting

Recommended.

 

Mutton ki boti served in olden istri.

Mutton marinated in khada masala, well cooked and juicy.

I liked

Recommended

 

 

Tandoori Kukkad wings

This was the best. I love wings. the best accompaniments to drinks.

These were perfect. Juicy, a little spicy and tangy. Crispy and just too yum.

Highly recommended.

 

 

Chicken Kheema with fryums.

Childhood revisited.

 

 

Anda tawa rice

right from the street side menu.

The anda tawa rice was flavorful and juicy topped with sev chiwda.

It was perfect.

Recommended

 

nothing else could have completed this meal other than

Mele Ki Chuski

Vodka with different flavors.

 

A platter of chuskis with different flavors

 

My favorite.

The best of all.

Orange chuski

 

Me slurping on the vodka chuski and enjoying it thoroughly

Vodka orange chuski recommended

Punjab grill got the streets of Punjab right at Phoenix market city for us to enjoy.
I had awesome Punjabi time. Loved it all. A big Jhappi to Punjab Grill and Food adda India for the invitation.
The festival is still going on, so all you desi at hearts like me .. enjoy the desi food along with some videsi daru and steal some moments of laidback fun with your near and dear ones. I guarantee you wont be disappointed.

Last but not the least - cheers to Punjab Grill and the entire team for such an amazing concept, food, fun , presentation and an entire power packed Punjabi Punch in all the dishes and drinks. They sure make you revisit childhood with fond memories.


Punjab Grill
S-51, Phoenix Marketcity, Phoenix Boundary Rd, Viman Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra
020 6689 0610

 

xoxo

Bhakti

 P.S - If you would like me to visit your property to review and write about it, I would be happy to do so (restaurants, travel, hotels)

 

 

Zambar - Hyderabadi Food Festival

Zambar - a name synonymous with the South Indian Coastal cuisine.

An all day fine dine restaurant serving authentic and mouth watering southern specialties taking you on a culinary experience through India’s four Coastal states - Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh, serving traditional home-style food. Zambar is a popular restaurant in Pune and has made its mark in being one of the gastronomical pleasures in the city.

It is definitely one of the favorite restaurants in the city to devour authentic coastal cuisine from down south.

After conquering hearts with delectable cuisine of these 4 states, Zambar now has incorporated and launched royal dishes from the culinary delight - Hyderabad with the Hyderabadi food Festival to the Menu of the restaurant.

We thus jumped with joy on being invited to enjoy Hyderabadi delicacies added to their menu.

Chef Arun has brought selective connoisseur Hyderabadi dishes with the influence of the Nawabs from Lucknow to Pune on our plates.

Chef Arun Kumar ( cuisine and brand head of Zambar)with flavorful Hyderabadi Biryani.

P.S The Hyderabadi Biryani is really mouth watering, must have. 

Wall of Fame, a picture speaks a thousand words.

I love the interior and setting of Zambar, it is rustic and ethnic. I feel connected to the roots. A feeling of calm settles all over. The classical south Indian instrumental music going on in the background, the ripples of waves covering the walls, being seated in big ships with lanterns and soft glowing lights, metal urns and pots, Diyas, plates in the shape of banana leaves. It certainly wouldn't be wrong to say that Zambar does take you on a journey to the southern coast. I felt as if I was seating in a Kerala houseboat having my lunch reminiscing my Kerala vacation.

Just a part of the Menu

I am not a big fan of Rassam, but I always look forward to this welcome drink at Zambar along with Papadam.

The Rassam shot. different and nice.

I enjoyed all the cocktails

Chicken Tikka on tawa.

This beautiful and equally mouth watering dish was not grilled but cooked over the Tawa.

It left us craving for more.

Was done perfectly, well marinated, the chicken was tasty, flavorful, juicy and succulent.

Must try!

Shikhampuri Kebabs.

Flavorful minced mutton Kebabs.

Alu ke Garlay

though tasty its basically Puneri Batata Vada with extra ginger.

Achari Murgh

This dish was really tasty and nice, but it wasn't achari. You wont get the pickled sour taste.

It was good. Must try!

Machi ka Salan

A mustard based gravy consisting of Rawas.

Its like an explosion of flavorful mustard.

Must try for fish and mustard lovers.

Enjoyed this with appams.

Nawabi Kofta Curry

Perfect soft Koftas in Hyderabadi curry we enjoyed it with Malabar Paratha. The base is creamy though not sweet at all

Must Try!

Mirch ka salan

Authentic, a little salty must try with Hyderabadi Biryani

Shahi sweets to complete a meal served to the kings.

Qubani ka Meetha

A dessert made of puree of dried apricots.

It was flavorful, very rich in apricots, not very sweet.

Double ka Meetha.

Deep fried Bread with flavored with sweet syrup and rabdi on top.

I loved this one. Though the bread could have been a little soft. The overall taste was mind blowing. It was a finale dish for the meal.

Must try !

Zambar is always the name and place where I am heading to satiate my southern coastal cravings.
Thanks to Food adda and Zambar, for introducing me to their newly launched Hyderabadi Cuisine state from the kitchens of royal kings and Nizams.Thus Zambar will now be my preferred choice for Hyderabadi cuisine as well.

Rush to Zambar for some mouth watering Hyderabadi cuisine and fall in love with it completely.


Zambar
020 66890606, 020 66890607

Table Reservation: Recommended                                        

Address:

2nd floor

Phoenix Market city,

Viman Nagar,

 Pune                           

xoxo

Bhakti