ZUCCHINI PASTA- GLUTEN FREE RECIPE

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Happy Republic Day to all Indians!

Its Day Two of Denver and I got myself to go to the gym! Last night, we had Indian food at this place called India Tavern. V and I both enjoyed the food- it was really good and the host was a very sweet and friendly guy. We both ended up overeating, so gym today was definitely in line! I also tried eating healthier (as much as I could)- fruits and bagel with light cream cheese (yes, yes – “light” cream cheese- I really do need to lose weight!). (FYI dinner still awaits so I shouldn’t be jumping my gun.)

And, if you think I am bad with my weight issues, V is paranoid. He found a teeny weeny bit of paunch- and he has been freaking out since then- standing in front of the mirror, frowning at his almost negligible waist! And then, today on being asked what did he have for lunch, prompt came his response – a salad! Like, he could dream of eating anything else! (and here I am rejoicing for choosing “light” cream cheese instead of “regular”) Oh, the shame he brings to the Punjabi in me šŸ˜‰ (Punjabi people in India are known for eating a lot- and eating food full of butter and cream!)

So to keep the spirit of being healthy (or well, trying to be), I decided to post the low-carb zucchini pasta recipe I tried a few days back. I remember hearing/reading (memory fails me here) about this pasta a long time back. The idea stuck on my mind for some time, and the other day when I passed the zucchinis at the supermarket I thought I’ll give it a try. Luckily, I found a similar recipe online too. (Click here for the link).

The recipe is quick and easy to make. It would have been quicker had I a mandolin, but since I did not, cutting the zucchini into long strands did take some time. Loved the flavors, and more so because it is so healthy!

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INSTANT KHAMAN DHOKLA

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Khaman Dhokla is a very tasty Indian snack made from gram flour. It is a dish typical to the western state of Gujarat in India, but enjoyed all over India. Traditionally, chickpeas, or gram flourĀ in some recipes, are soaked overnight. This paste is fermentedĀ for four to five hours, then is spiced by adding red chilli powder, ginger and baking soda.Ā TheĀ dhokla is then steamed for about 15 minutes on a flat dish and cut into pieces. Once done, mustard seeds, green chillies are tempered in oil and along with a little sugar and water, poured over the dhokla. Garnished with fried green chillies, coriander and sometimes grated coconut, it is best served with tamarind and mint-coriander chutneys and a hot cup of tea!

Now, we don’t have the luxury of buying freshly made Dhokla from the local sweet shop here. We had been getting our doze of Dhokla off frozen boxes available in an Indian store in Phoenix. I know! The horror! hate frozen stuff but sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture and when it came to no Dhokla Vs. Frozen Dhokla, the latter won. Sigh!

But things are gonna change from now on- thanks to my in-laws who gave me these amazing books on microwave cooking. I made the Dhoklas at home today! AndĀ I still can’t believe what a snap they were to make. I mean, I made it for V’s breakfast- they were that quick. While he took a shower to get ready for work- I was done with making the Dhoklas!Ā Half groggy and sleepy at 6.30 in the morning, the Dhoklas came together in under 15 minutes! Woop woop!Ā And they taste so good- so much better than the frozen kinds! Double woop! šŸ™‚

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MINT CHUTNEY

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Mint chutney- a versatile condiment that goes great with appetizers and is an excellent sandwich spread

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UPDATE July 15, 2016: The picture above of the mint chutney is from the original post that went live in August 2010. I don’t know how many times I have made this chutney since the first time I posted it. I was a newly married woman then and very new to cooking. I got the recipe from my mom and adapted it over the years thanks to the suggestions my friend Bhinee told me. After making it countless times I now know this recipe by heart that I just eyeball it. So feel free to make adjustments, but use all these ingredients. Every time I make it I have at least one person either asking for the recipe or telling me how good it is. For being a condiment I think that just proves how good it is. Its perfect with chicken tikkas, samosas or any other appetizer. It also makes a great sandwich spread- some cream cheese, cucumber, mint chutney and tomatoes -yum. Hope you get to try it.

ORIGINAL POST:

Yesterday, the Food Network Channel announced its Next Food Network Star, and what would you know- its an Indian! So, a week from now, we are going to see Aarti, previously doing the circuits on the internet world as a food blogger,Ā teaching Americans how to incorporate the exotic Indian taste in everyday American Food. Do I see my future in her?…Nah! I am too camera shy! So I will stick to just blogging.

Yesterday, I wrote about mooli paranthas and how we enjoy ours with mint chutney. Now, mint has a terrific smell and it tastes wonderful too, and when you mix it with onions, chillies and lemon, another dimension is added to the whole taste. This chutney is such a versatile condiment, and can be served with almost any food. It is also one of the more popular Indian chutneys, served with kebabs, pakodas, samosas, etc.Ā And, would you know, the mint in the chutney helps in digestion. A perfect dish for those who find Indian food too heavy to digest! The best part – its made in a jiffy!

Mint chutney- a versatile condiment that goes great with appetizers and is an excellent sandwich spread Mint chutney- a versatile condiment that goes great with appetizers and is an excellent sandwich spread Mint chutney- a versatile condiment that goes great with appetizers and is an excellent sandwich spread

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