Some people prefer a non-vegetarian starter while others look for a vegetarian one. Today's delicious starter is quite common here in New Delhi. It is generally served with sweet and sour dips. You can also add coarsely ground chickpeas in these patties to enhance the flavor. Although one can easily refrigerate these patties for a day or two, their real flavor can only be enjoyed when they're served hot. Sometimes, these patties are also served with a spicy vegetable or potato stew seasoned with local hot spices. Pumpkins seeds used in today's recipe are optional and can be replaced with either semolina or with some crunchy dry fruit. Let's make this unique, spicy and tangy starter.
Mashed Potato Patties with Lentil and Pumpkin Seeds
by SHOSHANNA LEEChicken Tikka Masala with Saffron Rice and Garlic Naan
by SHOSHANNA LEEEarlier I made a variant of hot chicken tikka kebabs made from select spices. Today's recipe is a popular south-Asian dish of this subcontinent. It's quite spicy and absolutely delicious. Traditionally, it is cooked in mud pots and tandoor which may not be available at your home. You must use basmati rice to get the best results including tender broiler chicken. All the ingredients (specifically spices) mentioned in this recipe are easily available in an Indian store. You can also add few veggies in the saffron rice if you prefer to add some local taste. Needless to say, this preparation tastes best when served fresh and hot. This rich main course meal is ideal for special events, parties and family functions.
Silky Banana and Walnut Cake
by SHOSHANNA LEEFruity and nutty cakes are popular in almost corner of the globe. Today's cake includes generous amount of banana and crunchy walnuts to make an irresistible dessert preparation. You can keep this cake refrigerated for at least a week provided it is baked well removing extra moisture. Although walnut is the prominent dry fruit used in this cake, you can add more as well. While taking bananas for this cake, make sure that they're neither too raw and nor too ripe. The proportion of bananas also matter so that they do not overwhelm the taste of other important ingredients. If you prefer to quickly experiment with this recipe, add some ripe peaches reducing the amount of bananas used in this cake.
Dual Crust Lemon Layer Cake
by SHOSHANNA LEEGenerally, my kids prefer very colorful and multilayer cake. But, simple cakes may not look as tempting as the colorful ones; their taste governs how quickly they'll vanish from the platter. Today's cake recipe has two lemony crusts to cover a softer vanilla layer in between. One can make this cake bit nutty by including crushed almonds and pistachios in the vanilla layer. I've used both lemon and orange extract for outer crust to get a unique and pungent texture. If you do not prefer lime or orange, you can easily replace it with the extracts of your favorite fruits. You must refrigerate this cake overnight for best results. Try out this cake with hot coffee. You'll be surprised with the awesome taste experience.
Honey and Soy Chicken Fillets with Sweet Potatoes and Avocado
by SHOSHANNA LEEThis is a perfect starter for every occasion. With some more additions it can also be taken as a main course meal. Avocados and sweet potatoes make this recipe rich in nutrients and antioxidants. If you want to make a spicier version of the same, you can replace honey with a chili-based dip. You can also add some seasonal fruits in this recipe to make it more colorful and fulfilling. If you completely want to omit chicken fillets, use mushrooms in place of them. Due to the presence of sweet potatoes and mangoes, you cannot refrigerate this recipe for a long duration. One can also experiment with the dressing used in this recipe to get a familiar taste. So, let's make this delicious starter in a few quick and easy steps.
Grilled Tofu Kebabs with Mushrooms and Bell Peppers
by SHOSHANNA LEEVegetarian kebabs tastes equally well as the meat kebabs provided you carefully choose the seasoning. Today's kebabs are filled with protein and fiber and are completely vegetarian. I've used very mild seasoning for these kebabs which can be enhanced either by taking a spicier version or serving a hot dip or sauce with the kebabs. Although these kebabs taste best when grilled in a traditional tandoor, you can use a regular grill or microwave too. If tofu is not available in your area, you can take cottage cheese. Similarly, you can add or subtract the vegetables mentioned here as per your liking. So, let's quickly make these delicious kebabs without any delay as I'm already salivating.
