There is nothing more comforting than a bowl of warm curry when you're craving for something really satisfying.Something that immediately awakens all your five senses,the very moment this curry hits your tongue.The spices assimilate together creating an irresistible combination of deliciousness in every bite!
This Goan curry promises to fill you with its saporous taste with the aromatic spices like cinnamon,the tangy vinegar and the sweet coconut milk.Truly a taste from the exotic!!

Easy to make and something different from the usual its a great preparation to entertain.You can omit the tamarind if you do not have it on hand.You can mix about 2-3 tbsp of orange juice with a tbsp of lime juice for this recipe.



Goan Chicken Curry
Ingredients:
Chicken thighs/Boneless-7 pieces
Onions-1 Large
Ginger-1 tbsp
Garlic-1 tbsp
Tomatoes-2 cups (canned or puree)
Coconut milk-2 cups
Cinnamon-1/2 inch
Tamarind Pulp-1 tsp
Vinegar-1 tsp
Salt- to taste
Oil-2 tbsp

Berry Strudel with Chocolate Drizzle

One of the most versatile products available in the stores is the Puff Pastry!Great with sweet or savory, you can create gorgeous recipes using these store-bought packets of convenience.The reason I always have them in my freezer! This recipe is one of the easiest and easily feeds a crowd.I recently made these as Strudels with two delicious fillings.One with Apples and the other with Berries!

The recipe is fairly simple, yet delicious without too much effort.It was a hit with my guests and the kids alike.I also made a chocolate sauce to drizzle over the top and it gave a delicate chocolaty flavor to every bite!

(You can see some bits of the apple that was left from the Apple strudel that I also made along with this)

The berries ooze out their juices and mix in with the Cinnamon Sugar and every bite explodes with 

those succulent juices that are trapped in these delicious flaky Pastry!

Berry Strudel-Adapted from-Pepperidge Farms & Yummly
Print this Recipe


Ingredients:


For the Strudel


Store bought Puff Pastry-1 sheet thawed
Strawberries (sliced)and Blackberries-1 1/2 cup mixed together
Brown Sugar-2 tbsp plus 2 tbsp for dusting
All Purpose Flour-1 tbsp
Cinnamon-1 tsp
Egg -1
Water-1 tbsp


For the Chocolate Drizzle


14 oz can of Sweetened Condensed Milk-1
Semisweet chocolate chips-1 cup
Butter-2 tbsp
Vanilla extract-1/2 tsp
Salt-1/8 tsp


Process:


Chocolate Drizzle:


In a saucepan combine all the ingredients for the sauce and cook on low heat until the chocolate melts.Add a tsp of vanilla.You can freeze any leftover sauce for later use.


Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.Mix the berries along with the 2 tbsp of brown sugar, flour and the cinnamon.
Unfold the puff pastry.Flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry into a 16 by12 inch rectangle.
Dust the remaining brown sugar all over.
With the side facing you spread the strawberry mixture at the bottom half about 2 inches from the edge.Roll up the dough till you reach the end making sure to secure the filling inside and place seam side down on a greased baking tray.
Mix the egg with water and brush the top with the egg mixture.Make slits all along the pastry.
Bake for 35 minutes or until the pastry is golden.Let it cool on a wire rack.Once cool drizzle the chocolate sauce all over.Your Strudel is ready!

Sending this to our #Berrylove bloghop co-hosted by these fabulous bloggers!Please visit their pages while you're here!


A Little bit of everything ~ Roxana GreenGirl ~ @RoxanaGreenGirl

Baker Street ~ Anuradha ~ @bakerstreet29
Baking and Cooking, A Tale of Two Loves ~ Becky Higgins
BigFatBaker ~ Erin ~ @BigFatBaker
Bon à croquer ~ Valerie ~ @Valouth
Cake Duchess ~ Lora ~ @Cakeduchess
Easily Good Eats ~ Three Cookies
Elephant Eats ~ Amy
GeorgieCakes ~ Georgie ~ @georgiecakes
Hobby and More ~ Richa ~ @betit19
Java Cupcake ~ Betsy Eves ~ @JavaCupcake
Mis Pensamientos ~ Junia ~ @juniakk
No One Likes Crumbley Cookies ~ TR ~ @TRCrumbley
Oh Cake ~ Jessica ~ @jesshose
Queen’s Notebook ~ Elizabeth ~ @Mango_Queen
Rico sin Azúcar ~ Helena ~ @ricosinazucar
Simply Reem ~ Reem ~ @simplyreem
Soni’s Food for Thought ~ Soni ~ @sonisfood
Teaspoon of Spice ~ Deanna ~ @tspbasil
That Skinny Chick Can Bake!!! ~ Liz ~ @Thatskinnychick
The Art of Cooking Real Food ~ Laura ~@TAofCRF
The Wimpy Vegetarian ~ Susan ~ @wimpyvegetarian
Vegan Yack Attack! ~ Jackie ~ @veganyackattack
Vegetarian Mamma ~ Cindy ~ @VegetarianMamma

Indian Spiced Sweet Potato Patties

My newest craze now-a-days are Sweet Potatoes.So rich in texture, taste and a nicer and healthier alternative to Potatoes.Packed with nutrition, rich in fiber, vitamins and beta carotene, this is a wonder vegetable that you can incorporate into your family's diet. Its a versatile vegetable, that can be used in many different ways right from cutlets,to a simple mash, casseroles or desserts.

I had originally planned to make a sweet potato mash for dinner.The idea of making these into patties popped in when I had peeled them up and I instantly changed my plan!!I opened up my spice cabinet and threw in some coriander and cumin to give it a kick.The result is a luscious, vibrant, delicious and a healthy appetizer or snack that you can feel good about eating!

Don't be fooled by the color of these, they taste best when the natural sugars in the sweet potato caramelizes and imparts an earthy slightly charred flavor!The ginger blends in with the sweet potato, the spices and the chillies tickle the taste buds and the corn starch works as a binder.Its rustic and delicious!!I have been making it ever since and I'm sure you will too, once you've tried it.

Indian Spiced Sweet Potato Patties
Print this Recipe

Ingredients:

Sweet Potatoes-3 Medium or 4-5 small (makes about 8-10)
Potato (any kind)-1 medium boiled

Ginger-1 inch crushed

Green Chillies (jalapeños)-2 chopped finely

Ground Cumin-1 tsp

Ground Coriander-1 tsp

Cornstarch-2-3 tbsps

Salt-to taste

Oil-for shallow frying

Process:

Wash the Sweet potatoes and bake it in the oven at 350 degrees F for 50 mins- 1 hour until cooked.
In the meantime boil a potato either on the stove-top or in a microwave.
Peel off the skin of the sweet potatoes and the potato, mash it and mix all the ingredients except oil.Take some of the mix and flatten it between your hands, into round shaped patties.Heat oil in a no stick pan over medium heat.Shallow fry until nicely brown and caramalized on both sides.Serve hot with some ketchup!

Notes: For best results 

• refrigerate the ready patties for about 20 minutes before you fry them
• Use a Non-Stick pan to prevent them from sticking (do not use too much oil, just 2 tbsp on each side should suffice)
• Let the patties develop a nice brown color on one side before you flip them

Indian Style Cabbage and Peas Stir-fry

Cabbages are one of the most popular vegetables and are used in so many different preparations around the world.They are quite flavorful and spicy and enhance the flavor quotient of any meal that they're a part of.Nutritious and quick cooking, they make for the perfect weeknight vegetable for the whole family.

Cabbages are known to prevent cancer and in some cases also used in the treatment of cancer.They are rich in anti-oxidants and help in lowering cholesterol.(Source WHFoods).I usually cook Cabbage in a North Indian way that my Mom makes it.Its a simple stir fry that's packed with flavor and perfectly spiced.


This is a versatile recipe and can be eaten as:

• a dry vegetable side dish along with a Naan or Rotis.
• a filling inside a puff pastry for an Indian inspired appetizer!
• a filling for an Indian style veggie tortilla wrap with yoghurt and cucumber raita.

The cabbage and the peas mix with the spices and the chilli to create a crunchy, spiced, saporous finish!

Indian Inspired Cabbage and Peas Stir-Fry

Print this Recipe

Ingredients:

Green Cabbage-1 large head sliced

Frozen green Peas-1 cup

Onion-1 medium chopped
Green Chilli (Jalapeños)-2 (whole or chopped)

Ginger-1 inch crushed

Cumin Seeds- 1 tsp

Tomatoes-2 large chopped

Ground Coriander-2 tsp

Ground Cumin-2 tsp

Turmeric-1 tsp

Salt-to taste

Oil-2 tbsp

Process:

In a deep skillet heat oil.Add the cumin seeds and once they crackle add the onions.Add the green chilli and saute for about 2 minutes and add the ginger.Saute for about a minute and add the tomatoes and the spices with salt.Cook for about 2-3 minutes and add the cabbage and peas.Mix well together and cook covered on medium until all the water has been absorbed and the cabbage is cooked but crunchy.Serve hot!

Tilapia Curry with Red Peppers and Awards!!

I haven't posted a fish recipe for quite sometime although I make it two or three times every week.For this recipe I've used Tilapia.Tilapia is a very mild tasting fish at least in comparison to Salmon or Trout that have so much flavor.I typically end up cooking Tilapia either as a curry or a crispy pan-fry.

This preparation is very versatile and works well even with Salmon,Trout or Atlantic Char.So the next time you're in the mood to have a satisfying fish curry,instead of driving over to your nearest Indian restaurant,try this delicious home cooked version that will not disappoint!

This is a very comforting and easy recipe that does not take too long and I usually make this on busy weeknights.I like to throw in different veggies sometimes into my fish curries not only for health purposes but also for the flavor they impart to the curry.This time I chose Red Peppers.

The cardamom and the spices gives this curry lots of flavor and the Red Pepper adds its sweetness and a vibrant color to beautifully contrast the Tilapia.Served on a bed of rice alongside a salad, it makes for a delicious and healthy meal.


Tilapia Curry with Red Peppers
Print this Recipe


Ingredients:


Tilapia-5-6 medium pieces
Red Pepper-1 large cut into squares
Green Cardamom-2 
Onions- 1 finely chopped
Garlic paste-1 tsp
Ginger paste-1 tsp
Ground Coriander-1 tsp
Ground Cumin-1 tsp
Turmeric-1 tsp
Red Chilli Powder(cayenne)-1 tsp
Green Chillies (Jalapeños)-1 (optional)
Tomatoes-2 chopped
Oil-3 tbsp
Salt-to taste
Water-1 1/2 cups


Process:


Heat oil in a deep pan.Add the Cardamom.Once it sizzles add the onions.Fry until translucent.Add the ginger and garlic paste.Fry for about a minute and add the tomatoes.Add turmeric, coriander, cumin and cayenne.Fry about 5 mins stirring often.Once the mixture comes together and the tomatoes are cooked add the water and salt.Bring to a boil.Add the Tilapia and the peppers.Cover and cook on medium heat until done about 6-8 minutes.Check seasonings.Serve hot with rice!

Now on to some more exciting stuff!!Last month I was very fortunate to receive many awards from my friends.You can see the list of my awards here !Thanks so much dear friends for thinking of me :)


I just have to say that nominating blogs was very very difficult, since there are so many good ones that I like!So please do not be disappointed.If I could I would nominate every one of you :)


So lets start with the Leibster which was awarded to me by Laura @Lauralicious Recipes!Thanks my friend!I'm passing on the Leibster to these wonderful bloggers out there!Its been a pleasure getting to know you all through your beautiful blogs that I love to read :)

Liz @That Skinny Chick can bake!
Sofie @The German Foodie
Susan @The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
Jessica @Oh Cake
Alisha @Magic of Spice
Georie @Georgie Cakes

I was awarded the Happy Blogger award from my dear friend Carmen @Carmen's Kitchen!Carmen and I started blogging around the same time and I just love her scrumptious dishes!Please stop-by at her space to see for yourself :)Thanks so much Carmen!

I was also awarded the Sunshine Award by the lovely Susan@The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen!Thanks dear!I have to answer 10 questions about myself to receive this award.

So here we go:

1. Favorite Color – Red
2. Favorite Animal – Dogs (although I do not own one and don't plan to)
3. Favorite Number-7 and 11(my kids' birthdays!)
4. Favorite non-alcoholic drink –coconut water (its my latest craze!)
5. Facebook or Twitter – I'm using both right now, so both!
6. My passion-Cooking/Reading!
7. Prefer giving or receiving presents-Both!
8. Favorite Pattern-I don't have a favorite, I like many different patterns.
9. Favorite day of the week –Friday since its the start of the weekend!
10. Favorite flower – Roses

The Kreativ Blogger award was passed on to me by dear Susan @The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen and the lovely Sofie @The German Foodie!Thank you so much lovelies!

I have to state 10 facts about myself to receive this award!

Fact: 

1. I have a fashion background(have worked for fashion clients in Europe)and I've also worked for retail banks and a software company before starting my food blog!
2. I have two lovely kids aged 4 and 8 and they keep me on my toes all the time!
3. I'm a big time foodie!!Ever since I've started blogging even my dreams are mostly about food where I can see myself creating some very interesting fusion dishes!Maybe I should start a series called "DREAM DISHES"!
4. I've grown-up in India,lived in the UK for 5 years before moving to America about 7 years ago!Three different continents,varied experiences in culture,food and lifestyle, life has been one hell of a ride!
5. My favorite cuisine is Japanese especially Sushi!!My kids also enjoy it as much as we do :)
6. I love music and am always humming when I'm in my kitchen.
7. I always mix two shades of lipstick to create a unique shade.Always!Usually the darker shade is followed by a lighter one. 
8. I love being surrounded by warm,genuine,fun loving people.
9. I don't know how to ride a bike!
10. I hate emptying the dishwasher and ignore it for as long as I can(which is until late afternoon on most days!)If only there was a machine that could do it for me :)

KREATIVE,HAPPY BLOGGER AND SUNSHINE AWARDS:
I'm passing on these awards to these 10 blogs that I absolutely love and in no particular order:

1. Kelly @The Corner Kitchen
2. Nami @Just One Cookbook
3. Nupur @UK Rasoi
4. Jaime @Jaim's Kitchen
5. Kit @I-Lost in Austen
6. Laura @The Art of Cooking Real Food
7. Anuradha @Bakerstreet
8. Pola @An Italian Cooking in the Midwest
9. Anita @Hungry Couple
10. Suzanne @You made That?

So my friends until next time, Happy Cooking!

Blackberry Cobbler - #Berrylove Bloghop

Today I'm going to share with you the new found love of my life, the 'Fruit Cobbler'.How else would you explain the fact that in the past month I've made it not once or twice or thrice but 5 times(with different fruits)!! I'm not kidding!Its THAT good and with Berry for our theme for this month's bloghop, I knew exactly what I was going to be making :)

Cobbler is a classic American deep-dish fruit Dessert where the fruits are either enclosed in a thick fluffy pillow of a butter batter or have a drop biscuit or crumb topping.While I've had the fruits with crumb toppings before, the fruits enclosed in the crust was new to me.

I tweaked the original recipe by cutting down on the butter and used Olive Oil instead in my batter and trust me it tasted delicious.I didn't miss the butter in my batter at all!I've made these using blackberries here,but you can use any seasonal fruit like apples, peaches,plums,mixed berries etc.The lemon sugar is the key in this recipe as it adds that sweet lemony touch to the Dessert!

The batter rises and covers up the fruit and the berries oozing out their gorgeous juices intermingling with the chewy moist crust!Oh the simple pleasures of life~


Blackberry Cobbler-Adapted from Scarletta Bakes via Cook's Country 
Print this Recipe


Ingredients:


Unsalted Butter-2 tbsp cut into 4 pieces
Olive Oil-1/2 cup
Sugar-1 1/2 cup
Lemon Zest-1 1/2 tsp 
Blackberries-3 cups
All Purpose Flour-1 1/2 cups
Baking Powder- 2 1/2 tsp
Salt-1/4 tsp
Milk- 1 1/2 cups (I used 2%)


Process:


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.Place 2 tbsp of cut-up butter into a baking dish and transfer into the oven.Heat until the butter is melted.
Meanwhile mix the lemon zest with 1/4 cup of sugar in a bowl.Keep aside.

Combine flour, remaining sugar, baking powder and salt in a bowl.Whisk in the milk,olive oil into the flour mixture until smooth.Take the baking dish out of the oven and make sure to spread the melted butter evenly so that it coats the entire bottom of the dish.

Transfer the batter into the dish.Arrange the blackberries evenly over the top.As you can see my kids helped me out with this :).

Sprinkle the lemon sugar and bake until the golden brown edges are crisp about 40-45 mins.Cool and serve warm.

Enjoy!

April is #Berry-love month!Please join in the Berry-love fun by linking up any Berry recipes from the month of April 2012.Don't forget to link back to this post so that your readers come stop by the Berry-love event!
Co-hosting this Blog-hop with my fabulous friends listed below.Please stop-by their pages as well while you're here :)

A little bit of everything ~ Roxana GreenGirl ~ @RoxanaGreenGirl

Baker Street ~ Anuradha ~ @bakerstreet29

Baking and Cooking, A Tale of Two Loves ~ Becky Higgins

BigFatBaker ~ Erin Meyer ~ @bigfatbaker

Bon à croquer ~ Valerie ~ @valouth

Cake Duchess ~ Lora ~ @cakeduchess

Easily Good Eats ~ Three Cookies                                                     

Elephant Eats ~ Amy
Georgie Cakes ~ Georgie ~ @GeorgieCakes

Hobby And More ~ Richa ~ @betit19

Java Cupcake ~ Betsy Eves ~ @JavaCupcake

Mis Pensamientos ~ Junia ~ @juniakk

No One Likes Crumbley Cookies ~ T.R. ~ @TRCrumbley

Oh Cake ~ Jessica ~ @jesshose

Queen's Notebook ~ Elizabeth  Quirino ~ @Mango_Queen

Rico sin Azúcar ~ Helena ~ @ricosinazucar

Simply Reem ~  Reem ~ @Simplyreem

Soni's Food for Thought ~ Soni ~ @sonisfood

Teaspoon of Spice ~ Deanna Segrave-Daly ~ @tspbasil

That Skinny Chick Can Bake!!! ~ Liz ~ @thatskinnychick

The Art of Cooking Real Food ~ Laura ~ @TAofCRF

Vegan Yack Attack ~ Jackie S. ~ @veganyackattack

Vegetarian Mamma ~ Cindy ~ @vegetarianmamma