Author Archives: girijabahety

Dabeli with Manhattan I don’t think I remember the last time I ate one and only vaguely remembered what it tasted like. An explosion of taste and texture, as V describes it. Dabeli is a popular street snack in Mumbai and Gujarat. Topped it with my favorite, Manhattan. Recipe taken from https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/.

Tom Yum Soup A rainy evening and a spicy Tom Yum Soup with enoki mushrooms, lemongrass and spring onions served in Urushi (lacquer bowls) we got from Kiso-Hirasawa. These bowls almost made us miss the last train back to Tokyo from our Nakasendo Trail Hike across Magome, Tsugamo and Narai (it was worth the sprint!).Continue reading “Day 102 | 8 July”

Spring Ramen Bowl with Asparagus and Snap Peas Half of this year was meant to be spent in Japan musing around. But since the stay was cut short (thanks to the “One Who Must Not Be Named”), how could I go 100 days without any Japanese food. The food I had in Japan (even asContinue reading “Day 101 | 7th July”

Gatte ki sabzi Since this was the 100th day, I thought why not try something more traditional – that would take me back to my roots. So I made Rajasthani Gatte ki sabzi (gram flour roundels). Reminded me of all the times that I have gone back home and this has been one of theContinue reading “Day 100 | 6th July”

Puri Aloo & Grapefruit Martini In the countdown to 100 days, I asked for suggestions from friends and families and this was one of them. From having never made a Puri in my life, I have now successfully made two phulo and obviously, they made it to the photo. Recipe taken from http://www.vegrecipesofindia.com.

Portobello Mushroom Cheese Burgers July 4th spent lying on the beach in the Spectacle Island, reading Common Ground and of course, a Burger sans the real Cheeseburger. Recipe taken from https://cooking.nytimes.com/.

Mushroom Dan Dan Noodles with Paper Plane and Mezcal Sour This was such a simple recipe – not sure why I hadn’t tried it before. Substituted sesame paste with Tahini and Toasted Sesame Oil, this was delicious! Recipe taken from the Cookbook “Every Grain of Rice“. Cocktails: Paper Plane and Mezcal Sour Paper Plane isContinue reading “Day 97 | 3rd July”

Barley Salad with Griddled Broccolini and Za’atar The first part of the recipe suggested roasting the tomatoes in the oven for 1.5-2 hours – that was enough for me to procrastinate making this salad, but the tomatoes were so flavorful. A burst of flavor with charred broccolini. Recipe taken from the Cookbook “Persiana“. The barleyContinue reading “Day 96 | 2nd July”

Watermelon, Feta and Olive salad, Grilled Halloumi and Portobello Mushroom and Asparagus with Ginger and Coriander Martini The Watermelon, Feta and Olive salad came as a suggestion from a friend but took some recipe hints from the Nopi cookbook to make it more exciting with marinated olives. A perfect dish for summer with the otherContinue reading “Day 95 | 1st July”

Urad Dal Puree with Hot and Sour Eggplant The Nopi Cookbook starts with the disclaimer that these recipes are meant to be made in a restaurant kitchen. I obviously disregarded it – how hard could it be! But as with any Ottolenghi recipe, it had many steps and I messed up the most crucial oneContinue reading “Day 93 | 29th June”

Vegetable Stew, Pepper Fry and Mango Shrikhand Since the folks in Delhi were having an Appam Party with Vegetable Stew and Pepper Fry, we didn’t want to be left out, so this was our version sans Appams (no appam maker!). And since missing home in summer also means missing Alphonsos, we made Mango Shrikhand outContinue reading “Day 92 | 28 June”

Ma’s special Momos and Chilli Sauce This has probably been the biggest challenge of the 100 days – more of a psychological one. I am yet to have any Momos that can match what my Ma makes at home and she makes it for ten people at any given time. Cooking for 2 felt likeContinue reading “Day 91 | 27 June”

Harissa Marinated Asparagus and Char-grilled Eggplant with Saffron Yoghurt, Parsley and Chilli and V’s cocktail concoction “Powder House Sunset” Since the temperatures were finally rising to 30 degrees, we switched for a week to just salads and the Cookbook “Persiana” has some excellent recipes. The saffron yoghurt and harissa really did the trick. Recipe takenContinue reading “Day 90 | 26 June”

Black Pepper Tofu This recipe might look a bit greasy but the just the simple flavor of black pepper, butter and soy sauce is a great combination for really firm tofu. I remember cooking it once before, but really enjoyed it the second time around! Recipe taken from the Cookbook “Plenty“.

Puy Lentil Galettes These are not the typical Galettes, but we used the frozen puff pastry shells instead (as suggested by the recipe). This was also my first time cooking Puy lentils and I tried hard to find the Indian equivalent to replace it. The reason (as suggested by internet) to use these are asContinue reading “Day 88 | 24th June”

Asparagus and Lemon Risotto When we saw Asparagus at the grocery store, I was thinking what could we make with it. There was also this desire to make a risotto since we hadn’t had that in a while. The result was so delicious. The lemon zest adds to the flavor and makes it a perfectContinue reading “Day 87 | 23rd June”

Fattoush Salad Fattoush salad always reminds me of my go to option when I have been stuck with a largely non-vegetarian menu while travelling. The colors of the salad are always pleasing to the eye. Recipe taken from the Cookbook “Persiana“.

French Lentils and Quinoa Salad with Lemon and Sumac Typically V and I are not a big fan of salads. Being a desi, I am always left craving for more, in need of carbohydrates. Since the temperature was rising, I pushed myself into a salad week; develop the taste and appetite for it. And toContinue reading “Day 85 | 21st June”

Jackfruit and Potato Biryani, Kachumbar Salad and Raita At the Indian store, we were surprised to find some frozen Indian vegetables that I have never seen outside of India – parwal, kathal, kakdi. Looking at kathal (jackfruit), I was reminded of the time V’s mother had made it home once so I knew this wasContinue reading “Day 84 | 20th June”

Ghanaian Jollof Rice A suggestion from our friend A, who obviously insisted that Ghanaian Jollof is far superior to its Nigerian cousin. Both V and I have spent time in Nigeria so had to take up the challenge! 20 days in Northern Nigeria when I had to explain that beef was not vegetarian, meant thatContinue reading “Day 82 | 18th June”