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Stuffed bittergourd
Gluten-free, Maharashtrian, My Signature Dishes, Recipes, Regional, Vegan

Low Waste Stuffed Bittergourd / Bharli Karli / भरली कारली

If ever there were a vegetable that deserves the label ‘an acquired taste’ it is the karela or aptly named bitter gourd. The first time you taste it you could be forgiven for thinking that the chef has made a mistake and served some inedibly bitter vegetable. Some give up after that first mouthful, but […]

Gluten-free, Indian, Maharashtrian, Recipes, Regional, Vegan

Sorghum ‘Bhakri’ Flatbread / Jowar Bhakri / Jwarichi Bhakri / ज्वारीची भाकरी 

When it comes to flatbreads India has so much more to offer than the ubiquitous chapati or naan. Different regions all have their own specialities, often making good use of locally available grains. You don’t have to limit yourself to wheat and rice. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a properly made whole wheat chapati, […]

Gluten-free, Indian, Maharashtrian, My Signature Dishes, Recipes, Snack, Vegan

Hurda Bhajani Thalipeeth / Tender Sorghum Flatbreads

India has an endless variety of flatbreads. Some are simple, like the humble chapati or roti, merely accompaniments to a ‘main dish’. Others are more elaborate and serve as a meal in themselves. Thalipeeth, packed with a mixture of healthy grains, spices and veggies, is definitely in the latter category. Thalipeeth is a perfect example […]

Ridge gourd curry aka dodkyachi bhaji
Gluten-free, Indian, Maharashtrian, My Signature Dishes, Recipes, Vegan

Ridge Gourd Curry / Dodkyachi Bhaji / दोडक्याची भाजी

Ridge gourd or Dodka in Marathi, was never my favourite. But since I moved away from my homeland and saw less of it, the more I missed its mild flavour and subtle sweetness. So recently I decided to make it slightly more interesting by adapting my Mum’s recipe a bit.  It’s not the most visually […]

Gluten-free, Indian, Maharashtrian, My Signature Dishes, Recipes, Vegan

Fresh Fenugreek Stir-Fry / Methi chi Bhaji / मेथीची भाजी 

There are some jobs in the kitchen that still need to be done the hard way. The labour-saving gadget that my husband craves the most is the auto-methi-leaf-picker™. Alas, modern science has yet to fulfil his needs. So I know that I’m going to get a few moans whenever I bring 3 or 4 bunches […]

Gluten-free, Maharashtrian, My Signature Dishes, Recipes, Regional, Vegan

Matkichi Usal / Moth Bean Usal / मटकीची उसळ

The most popular usal (उसळ) dish in Maharashtra, the state in India I hail from, is undoubtedly the classic – matkichi usal. If that name sounds unfamiliar to you, then you just need to know what matki and usal are. Matki means moth beans (pronounced ‘moath’ or ‘mote’) and usal (pronounced ‘oo-sul’ or ‘oo-sal’) is […]

Pistou Soup
European, Recipes, Soups, Vegetarian

Pistou Soup

Autumn is the time for warm soups. Hearty, comfort food. Ready for dunking crusty white bread or sprinkling with croutons. The perfect antidote to the rainy day blues. Having said that, we are having one of the warmest autumns on record. So there is still basil growing in my garden in mid-November. So how do […]