Gujarati Dal from Plant-Based India

I’m so excited to share my first recipe preview from my forthcoming book Plant-Based India: Nourishing Recipes Rooted in Tradition which will be released in June 2022!

Characteristically tangy, sweet, and a bit spicy, this dal, made with tuver/toor dal (split pigeon peas) is one I grew up on, and it will always remain a staple in our home. Cinnamon and cloves provide a pleasing warmth, and peanuts add a welcome contrast to the smooth dal. Serve with rice or on its own.

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Veggie Bean & Quinoa Chili

This chili is packed with five (5!) varieties of peppers for depth of flavor without making the dish overwhelmingly spicy. The addition of cacao rounds out the flavors and adds an incredible richness. The chili requires a decent bit of simmering (an hour), but there’s otherwise not much active cooking time at all! It’s is best enjoyed during crisp weather in your coziest attire.

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Buffalo White Bean Burgers

These burgers are packed with flavor and plant-based goodness. They proudly showcase easily accessible and wholesome ingredients— beans, rice, and veggies— in all their glory. They’re paired with a creamy sauce that goes perfectly with the spiciness of the burger. You can serve them however you like, really, with classic burger buns, on a salad, or even in lettuce wraps.

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Green Chutney

This vibrant chutney is the perfect accompaniment to Indian snack foods such as samosas, chaat, dhokla, and more. This is a recipe I’ve adapted over the past few years and it is always a hit. I use a combination of aamchur (dried/ground green mango) and black salt (aka kala namak in Hindi or sanchal in Gujarati) here to give a classic “chat patta” (“finger-licking good”) taste.

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Oatmeal Kheer

This oatmeal is inspired by the flavors of kheer, an Indian rice pudding with numerous variations. The stars are cardamom and saffron which offer a wonderful fragrance and vibrance to this dish. While Indian desserts in particular can tend to be tedious, this recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing the key flavors. This oatmeal is great for dessert or even breakfast!

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Earl Grey Chai

This recipe was born on a day off when I could not decide between enjoying my two favorite black tea drinks: masala chai and London fog. I combined some of my favorite elements of each - warm spices, frothed milk, and vanilla - to create this light afternoon pick-me-up. Here, I prepare earl grey tea in the traditional chai method on the stovetop and finish it off with frothed milk which is characteristic of a London fog. I hope you’ll enjoy this East-meets-West black tea drink as much as I do!

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Indonesian-Inspired Peanut Tofu

This tofu dish is inspired by the Indonesian flavors of satay with peanut sauce. It is not intended to be a completely authentic recreation of the classic dish but rather my interpretation of it. My version draws from regions throughout Asia, borrowing lime leaves typical of Thai cuisine, five spice powder of Chinese cuisine, and turmeric adored by Indian cuisine.

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Spinach Daal Recipe

My first recipe for my new site features nutritional powerhouse ingredients including turmeric, ginger, spinach, and legumes (moong daal). The inspiration for this recipe draws from my Indian heritage and it is similar to a dish I grew up eating. It uses traditional Indian ingredients, and I have provided detailed ingredient notes at the end of the recipe. Don’t fret if you’re not interested in Indian recipes. There will be plenty of other recipes to come!

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