Geetha's Kitchen

Chole Pindi with Salad, Broccoli, and Roti This chole reminds me of the ugly duckling; it looks brown and not as robust as choles with the ripe red tomatoes. But one taste will convince you that it is a glorious swan! Another reminder that one should not judge anything just by its appearance alone! This dish can be prepared with the white chick peas also known as ' Kabuli Chana ' or Garbanzo Beans or the Indian brown ones known as Bengal Gram or Kala Chana . The freshly roasted spices transport the simple chick peas to another dimension altogether, mmm !! Do include the ghee if at all possible because it adds its incredible inimitable flavor. Since it is made without garlic or onions, it is a no-tears recipe fit for special occasions and festivals which call for Satvic dishes too. Now that I have perfected this chole , it has become one of our favorites! Chole Pindi is gluten free and dairy free if the ghee is omitted. Chole canbe oil free also if ...

Pav Bhaji with pan grilled Ciabatta rolls Here is a delicious dish that can do double duty as appetizer or snack (or even a meal)! Pav Bhaji means Bread and Veggies. It is based on popular snacks sold by vendors in big cities all over India. Although there are many versions of this dish, this one includes paneer (Indian fresh cheese) along with a lot of veggies. For a vegan dish, omit the paneer; tofu maybe substituted for it. The last, but not least is the choice of bread; only good crusty bread like Ciabatta , or sourdough French rolls will do for my family. The rolls are split, toasted and buttered or roasted on a griddle only on the buttered cut sides until golden brown. I have also used toasted whole wheat sourdough or whole wheat pita bread in a pinch. One favorite way the children like it is to spread the Bhaji on a Pita bread, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and Cheddar cheeses, and heat in a toaster oven until the cheese melts; seriously YummY !! I usual...