Malai Kofta and Favorite Recipes

Malai Kofta Recipe

I look forward to my blog hops every Friday. I love selecting a theme – usually an ingredient or holiday – and seeing what everyone links up. The entries never fail to surprise and impress me, and I often return to the blog hops for inspiration. There’s a lovely community feel to boot, in the same way that a potluck has a sense of community. Today’s theme isn’t a specific ingredient, it’s much looser than usual. Today I just want to see your favorite recipe or recipes. What dish on your blog do you make all the time, or are you especially proud of?

 

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Chicken on Rice and a Tribute to Daniel of The Haggis and the Herring

I’ve mentioned that one of my favorite parts about blogging has been the incredible community that comes with it. Through interesting groups, eye-opening forums, and commenting on posts I’ve met some amazing people who are equally as passionate about food. Together we share knowledge, tips, and, of course, recipes. I feel connected to these individuals, even if we’ve never met and live an ocean apart. Which is why I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Daniel Saraga, the man behind The Haggis and the Herring. I first “met” him through a food blogger yahoo group that we both belong(ed) to, and he was always a vocal member, piping up with opinions and helpful advice at every exchange. We are also both part of the Secret Recipe Club, and today we as a group have come together for a special edition of SRC in tribute to Daniel.

Chicken on Rice from The Haggis and the Herring

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Japanese Chicken Curry

I’ve had this one saved up for you for some time. It’s another one of those recipes that I knew I had to make as soon as I saw it. This tempting Japanese Curry comes by way of Biren from the inspiring food blog Roti n Rice. Her recipes are always mouth-watering but this particular one sang a siren song that simply captured me. I couldn’t resist. As Biren points out, many don’t think curry when they think Japanese food. But it’s not all sushi and tempura in Japan, and curry is another delicious staple. Continue reading “Japanese Chicken Curry”

Samosas with Loquat-Onion Chutney

Samosas were probably the first Indian food I fell in love with. How could you not? Perfectly fried triangles of curried potato and peas in a crispy shell are the ideal snack, almost any time. In college I studied abroad in India and fell even deeper for Indian flavors, although what we in America think of as Indian food is a little different. I’ve been making samosas ever since I’ve had my own kitchen, over 10 years, and they are always crowd pleasers. Continue reading “Samosas with Loquat-Onion Chutney”

Sweet Potato Soup with Attitude

I love sweet potatoes, and I love the idea of sweet potato soup but too often it ends up being bland or overly sweet. Sometimes its a little too much like baby food, or there’s too much cream to thicken it up. I was sick all last week and so of course I wanted soup. But I also didn’t want to make something that was overly involved or complicated; I was sick after all and it was a nasty virus. So I decided to make sweet potato soup, but with attitude. Continue reading “Sweet Potato Soup with Attitude”

Curry and Spice and Everything Nice

I have been making a lot of soup lately. Way more than usual. It’s just so good, so easy, and it’s usually even better the next day. I often make soup on Sunday and Tuesday afternoons, before Hebrew class from 5-8pm. That way I have something warm and tasty to come home to. I’ve made chicken, mushroom, cauliflower, tortilla, you name it. This time I wanted something a little different. Continue reading “Curry and Spice and Everything Nice”

India, by Way of London

I’ll admit it. Chicken Tikka Masala is one of my favorite dishes to order in Indian restaurants. The truth is, I feel a tad guilty about it. I know it’s not an authentic Indian recipe, and I am aware that it’s the ever-popular choice of the unknowing masses. But I can’t help it. It tastes good. The creamy, savory-sweet sauce (at its best when it has a hint of heat) and the tender medallions of  yogurt-marinated chicken tikka make for a divine combination. Continue reading “India, by Way of London”

Baingan Bharta: A Tale of Pantry Desperation and Innovation

It did begin with me alone in the kitchen with an eggplant, but this wasn’t some lame attempt to recreate a Laurie Colwin essay. I was trying to come up with a quick meal using only the ingredients I had on hand that could be easily reheated. And considering I hadn’t been shopping all week, this was a particular challenge. That’s when I remembered the eggplant. Two of them. Trapped in my crisper for a week, or was it two? They couldn’t still be good. But against all odds they looked fine. They smelled innocuous. I cut into them, surprised to find completely typical, fresh eggplants. Now I just needed a plan. Continue reading “Baingan Bharta: A Tale of Pantry Desperation and Innovation”