Delhi Aloo Tikki

The Punjabi staple, Dal Makhni, is traditionally time-consuming to make, but not anymore. Rich with butter and cream, as the name announces (more makhan equals more deliciousness) and wholesome, made with various combinations of lentils and pulses. So, here’s a recipe to speed up the process for a beloved comfort food in a delicious tomato-based gravy. You’ll have a scrumptious and protein-rich meal ready in a jiffy. Linger over each bite, appreciating the depth of flavour that’s bursting forth in your mouth. Dig in while it’s hot with rotis, naan or rice and your choice of green vegetable, and you’ve got a winner!

A charming and elegant appetiser that’s a hidden gem in the treasure trove of Goan culinary delights. In a crispy pastry shell, the filling of boiled fish with onions and tomatoes offers a burst of flavour with every bite. Forminha, which means 'small form' or 'shape' in Portuguese, is a beloved snack at Goan parties and celebrations and embodies the spirit of Goa – a place known for its warm hospitality, vibrant culture, and delicious food. And you can have fun with the presentation as you arrange them elegantly on platters, making them a true feast for the eyes.

Famous for its smooth and silky texture, it is rumoured that the Chicken Shami Kebab was created especially for a toothless Lucknowi nawab. We live to reap the benefits of this luscious appetiser and its rich tapestry of taste, shaped into perfect tikkis pan-fried to golden perfection. Succulent ground chicken, subtly infused with a carefully selected array of spices, is meticulously balanced to create a harmonious blend. You can serve it as a delectable appetiser with a side of mint chutney or lemon wedges or use it as a protein-packed filling for sandwiches. The crispy crunch gives way to a moist, flavourful interior, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.

Culinary fusion is a magical place to experiment and play. The Dal Vada Burger is a delightful marriage of traditional Indian flavours and the iconic burger. You swap the potato tikki with a crunchy chana dal tikki, lettuce gets replaced by iron-rich spinach, and mayonnaise gives way to good old dahi. You’ll feel guilt-free when you feed this finger-licking snack to all you know. Each bite will surprise you as the freshness of spinach meets the wholesome spiced dal tikki before meshing with a yoghurt spread. And, for your Anglacised guests, you can serve it up as ‘Lentil Fritters in a Bun’ for a good laugh. However, they’ll likely never want a regular burger again!