Sada Khana

  Pongal Recipe: A Comforting South Indian Dish Pongal is a traditional South Indian dish from Tamil Nadu, a creamy porridge made from rice and moong dal, flavored with ghee, black pepper, and cashews. Often prepared during the harvest festival of Pongal, this savory delight is a staple breakfast or temple offering, cherished for its simplicity and hearty taste. Served with sambar or chutney, it’s pure comfort in a bowl. Let’s dive into this soulful recipe to enjoy its warm, nutty goodness at home! Ingredients (Serves 4-6) For the Pongal: 1 cup raw rice (short-grain like sona masuri) 1/2 cup yellow moong dal (split yellow lentils) 4-5 cups water (adjust for consistency) 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (optional) Salt to taste For the Tempering: 3 tbsp ghee 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp black peppercorns (whole or coarsely crushed) 1-2 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste) 1-inch piece ginger, finely chopped or grated 10-12 curry leaves 10-12 cashews, halved 1/4 tsp asafoet...

  Khandvi Recipe: A Silky Gujarati Snack Khandvi is a delicate Gujarati snack made from a spiced gram flour and yogurt batter, cooked into a smooth paste, spread thin, and rolled into bite-sized spirals. This savory treat, garnished with a tempering of mustard seeds and coconut, is loved for its soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture and tangy flavor. Perfect as a tea-time bite or appetizer, it’s a light yet flavorful delight. Let’s dive into this intricate recipe to master its silky rolls at home! Ingredients (Serves 4-6, Makes 20-25 Rolls) For the Khandvi Batter: 1 cup gram flour (besan) 1 cup yogurt (curd), preferably sour 2 cups water 1 tsp ginger paste 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped or pasted (adjust to taste) 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 1/2 tsp red chili powder (optional) Salt to taste For the Tempering: 2 tbsp oil 1 tsp mustard seeds 1 tsp sesame seeds 1-2 green chilies, slit 8-10 curry leaves 1/4 cup grated coconut (fresh or dry) For Garnish: 2 tbsp fre...

  Pesarattu Recipe: A Nutritious Andhra Crepe Pesarattu is a savory green gram crepe from Andhra Pradesh, made from a batter of soaked moong dal and rice, spiced subtly, and cooked to a crisp, golden finish. This wholesome South Indian dish, often topped with onions or served with ginger chutney, is a protein-packed breakfast or snack. Its light yet satisfying nature makes it a regional gem. Let’s dive into this healthy recipe to enjoy its earthy flavors at home! Ingredients (Serves 4-6, Makes 8-10 Pesarattu) For the Batter: 1 cup whole green moong dal (with skin) 1/4 cup raw rice (any variety) 1-2 green chilies, chopped (adjust to taste) 1-inch piece ginger, chopped 1 tsp cumin seeds Salt to taste Water (as needed, about 1-1.5 cups) For Cooking: Oil or ghee (for greasing the pan) For Topping (Optional): 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped For Serving: Ginger chutney or coconut chutney Sambar (optional) Instructions Prep...

  Vada Pav Recipe: Mumbai’s Iconic Street Food Vada Pav is a legendary street food from Mumbai, often dubbed the "Indian burger," featuring a spicy potato fritter (vada) tucked inside a soft bread roll (pav), served with chutneys and fried green chilies. This Maharashtrian snack, loved for its bold flavors and portable charm, is a quick bite for busy streets or a cozy treat at home. Let’s dive into this vibrant recipe to recreate its irresistible taste! Ingredients (Serves 6-8) For the Vada: 4 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed 1 tbsp oil 1 tsp mustard seeds 1 tsp cumin seeds 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste) 1 tsp ginger, grated 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp coriander powder 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped Salt to taste 1 tbsp lemon juice For the Batter: 1 cup gram flour (besan) 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 1/2 tsp red chili powder 1/4 tsp baking soda (optional, for crispiness) Salt to taste Water (about 3/4 cup, for a thick batter) ...

  Aloo Paratha Recipe: A Hearty North Indian Flatbread Aloo Paratha is a beloved North Indian flatbread stuffed with a spiced mashed potato filling, rolled out, and cooked to golden perfection on a tawa. This comforting dish, popular in Punjab and beyond, is a breakfast staple or a satisfying meal, often paired with yogurt, pickle, or butter. Its crisp exterior and soft, flavorful center make it a timeless favorite. Let’s dive into this classic recipe to enjoy its rustic charm at home! Ingredients (Makes 6-8 Parathas) For the Dough: 2 cups whole wheat flour (atta) 1/2 tsp salt 1 tbsp oil Water (as needed, about 3/4 cup) For the Filling: 4 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional) 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste) 1 tsp ginger, grated 1 tsp cumin seeds 1/2 tsp red chili powder 1 tsp coriander powder 1/2 tsp garam masala 1 tsp amchur (dried mango powder) or 1 tbsp lemon juice 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped ...

  Methi Thepla Recipe: A Spiced Gujarati Flatbread Methi Thepla is a flavorful Gujarati flatbread made from whole wheat flour, fresh fenugreek leaves (methi), and a blend of spices, rolled thin and cooked to golden perfection. This versatile dish is a popular breakfast, snack, or travel food in Gujarat, loved for its soft texture and aromatic, mildly bitter taste. Paired with yogurt or pickle, it’s both nutritious and delicious. Let’s dive into this traditional recipe to enjoy its wholesome goodness! Ingredients (Makes 10-12 Theplas) For the Dough: 2 cups whole wheat flour (atta) 1 cup fresh fenugreek leaves (methi), finely chopped (or 2 tbsp dried methi/kasuri methi) 1/4 cup gram flour (besan, optional for softness) 1 tsp ginger, grated 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste) 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp red chili powder 1 tsp coriander powder 1/2 tsp cumin powder 1 tsp ajwain (carom seeds) 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional) 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste) ...

  Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe: A Rich Indian Dessert Gajar Ka Halwa is a classic North Indian dessert made from grated carrots simmered in milk, sugar, and ghee, garnished with nuts for a luxurious finish. This vibrant, orange-hued sweet, also known as carrot halwa, is a winter favorite, especially during festivals like Diwali or family gatherings. Its creamy texture and warm flavors make it a comforting treat. Let’s dive into this traditional recipe to savor its rich sweetness at home! Ingredients (Serves 6-8) For the Halwa: 1 kg carrots (about 8-10 medium), peeled and grated 1 liter full-fat milk 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste) 1/4 cup ghee 1/2 tsp cardamom powder 10-12 cashews, halved 10-12 almonds, slivered or chopped 10-12 raisins 1 tbsp khoya or mawa (optional, for richness) For Garnish: 1 tbsp pistachios, slivered (optional) A few saffron strands (optional, soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk) Instructions Prepare the Carrots: Grate and Cook: Wash, peel, and g...

  Misal Pav Recipe: A Spicy Maharashtrian Delight Misal Pav is a fiery street food from Maharashtra, featuring a spicy sprouted lentil curry (misal) topped with crunchy farsan and served with soft bread rolls (pav). This vibrant dish, bursting with flavors from tangy gravy and aromatic spices, is a breakfast or snack favorite, especially in Pune and Mumbai. Its mix of textures—soft, spicy, and crunchy—makes it irresistible. Let’s dive into this authentic recipe to bring its bold taste home! Ingredients (Serves 4-6) For the Misal (Sprouted Lentil Curry): 2 cups mixed sprouts (moth beans/matki, moong, or chana), soaked and sprouted 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 medium tomatoes, pureed (or 1 cup tomato puree) 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste) 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp mustard seeds 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 1 tbsp red chili powder (adjust for spice) 1 tbsp misal masala or garam masala 1 tsp coriander powder Salt to taste 2 ...