Tofu Burger on Homemade Spinach Buns

by

Tofu Burger on Homemade Spinach Buns-1

So as I mentioned before I have been struggling with writing posts these days. And I feel really bad because I have a ton of great recipes in the line up. But I just cant think of what to write.

Yup, there are certain things going on- I am going to India soon (and am pretty pretty excited about that!). I am also making sure I lose weight before I reach India, lest my mom comments that “what have I done to my body!” like she did the first time I went to India after marriage. That means gymming in the morning and running in the evening. But the chocolates in the house really aren’t helping. Whatever I burn by sweating I gain by eating the darn chocolates. Each time we go to the grocery store V really tries to dissuade me from buying them because he knows I will come back to him later and blame him for letting me go through the whole packet of peanut M&Ms on my own (but oh gawd they are sooooo good, and yes I am that kind of wife- I blame my husband for EVERYTHING). Of course I don’t listen then or to the voice in my head telling me not to eat any and end up eating and then regretting. I know, I have zero self control. I blame V!

Read More →

Garam Masala Tuesdays: Gluten Free Microwave Dhokla

by

Gluten free Microwave dhokla The Novice Housewife

Dhokla is a very popular snack in India, and although its from the western state of Gujarat its a favorite across India. It is a plus that it is also gluten free. A lot of snacks in India are made from besan or gram flour but unlike most Indian snacks that are fried, this one is traditionally steamed. But the version I am sharing today is one that can be made in the microwave and is quicker and slightly more convenient.

I know a lot of people are against the use of microwave and even though I try to avoid it, sometimes for certain things I do use it. Especially for making quick snacks like these.

I also know I have posted a recipe for Microwave dhokla before (long, long before- which reminds me I completed three years of blogging on 28th and unlike the first blogiversary and my second blogiversary, I completely forgot about this one!). But this recipe is slightly different from the previous one I posted and in fact I like it better. Probably because of the fresh ginger that is mixed into the batter, unlike the paste used in the previously posted recipe.

The recipe is from my mamiji (my mom’s brother’s wife). My mamiji is an excellent cook and an even more amazing person. She is an inspiration. At 50 plus age, she decided to go to nursing school. Having never had a science background in school, she took up this challenge and with a family to take care of (my mom’s parents also stay with my uncle’s family and it can be quite challenging sometimes to take care because old people can be as stubborn and as demanding as kids), she still managed to complete her course and is now working as a lab technician. To get back to studies after such a long break is trying enough but to take up a subject you have no prior knowledge of is, in my opinion, absolutely incredible and kudos to my mamiji for having the resolve to go through with it.

And thanks to her, finally after a long break, I am able to share a GMT recipe with you. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have been. 🙂

Read More →

Oven Baked Chicken Tacos

by



Oven baked chicken tacos The Novice Housewife

Its fun staying with family and a different kind of fun when its that side of the family that you haven’t had a chance to spend much time with.

My mom’s parents and her brother and his family stay in Toronto and these days I am staying with them. Since Canada was never much in our holiday destinations, I hardly got to meet my uncle or his family much while growing up. Now, I will be with them for more or less two months, while my course is going on.

My uncle is a fun person. Being the youngest of the three children, and having two elder sisters to pamper him, he is still a kid in many respects and loves pulling everybody’s legs and making everyone laugh. My mom’s sister’s daughter also stays close by and when she comes home, its a laughing riot in the house. Each family member is goofier than the other, messing up normal things and giving others some fodder to laugh about. Well, what would you expect from a family of Sardars, but this.

I do miss home and V and my friends back in Arizona, but I like the change that comes with this place. I especially like that I am with family and have this time to bond with my mom’s side of the family, which I never could growing up.

Read More →