Geetha's Kitchen

These super tasty and fabulous trio of dressings are not only great for salads, they can be used as a dip/sauce for fresh, steamed or roasted vegetables and as a dressing for sandwiches. These dressings are quite easy and simple to make. Our family loves to have a couple ready to use in squeeze bottles to squeeze over their daily salads. Simply Delicious! Tahini and Lemon dressings will stay fresh for 4-5 days as they have fresh ingredients; the Maple Mustard dressing will last a week. Tahini Dressing: NOTES: Add one or all of the optional ingredients for more depth and nuanced taste. I love adding the fresh herbs as they not only make it tasty, but also add to the nutrient density. Adjust the amount of water to make a dressing: more to dress salads and less to make a spread or dip. Tahini dressing maybe prepared without a blender; place all the ingredients in a widemouth jar with a tight-fitting lid and whisk or shake vigorously. It will take a little effort at first t...

Sizzling Tortilla Soup is a lovely rib-sticking, comforting, filling, and nutritious soup. Although called Tortilla soup, it is full of  plump beans, tomatoes, and sweet corn. If you like more veggies, carrots, celery, bell peppers, zucchini, etc maybe added for a veritable feast in a bowl. Notes: I make this soup with Pinto beans; you may use your favorite beans like Lima, Black, Great Northern, Peruvian or Kidney beans, etc if you prefer. Canned beans maybe used also in a pinch. Do include some fresh ingredients for toppings; they really brighten the soup. Use frozen corn kernels for ease of cooking if you prefer. If using frozen corn, omit the step of simmering the corn-cobs in the broth. If you prefer not to use tortilla chips, warm corn tortilla pieces are wonderful too as a topping or garnish. 8 Servings INGREDIENTS: 2 cups Dried Pinto Beans 3 cups vegetable broth or water 1 onion, diced 2-3 cloves garlic, minced 1-2 jalapeño, minced ...

Tofu Tikka Masala is a hearty dish and although it sounds like a lot of work, it can be done in steps. Both the tofu and the sauce maybe prepared a day ahead and assembled the next day. Making the sauce one day ahead helps to make it a lot easier; and the sauce is fabulous after it gets a chance to meld all the flavors. Do try it; when you taste and see how delicious it is, you will agree it is worth the effort. Serve with plain rice, any pulao or biriyani, roti, naan etc. accompanied by a platter of sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions or a raita. Notes:  Tandoori Masala  may be homemade or purchased. 4-6 Servings Ingredients: Tofu: 1 block of extra-firm tofu (16 oz) 1 tsp Salt 1 tsp Kasoori Methi (dried Fenugreek Leaves) 2 tsp Ginger, grated 2 Tbsp Tandoori Masala 2 Tbsp Cornstarch Oil for coating the pan Sauce: 2 medium tomatoes 2 tbsp raw cashew nuts 1 tsp Oil   1 large Onion, Divided - one half into 1-inch dice, the other half fin...

Black-eyed Peas With Greens was inspired by the Kerala style stews; this stew is an amalgam of ingredients found in both the U.S. and India. Tasty, Simple, good and good for you, what's not to love? Black-eyed Peas With Greens can be enjoyed as a soup or stew depending on the amount of water you add. Black-eyed Peas With Greens is fabulous traditional fare for New Year's Day to bring good luck and good health! Other greens such as Chard, Kale, Collards, etc maybe added instead of spinach; but these greens are sturdier than spinach and would need more time to cook. Add them at the same time as the black-eyed peas to the pot and simmer until desired doneness is achieved. Note: Black-eyed peas cook relatively quickly even when unsoaked; so soaking is beneficial but optional. Ingredients: Masala: 2-3 Tbsp Coconut, dried unsweetened 1 tsp Cumin Seeds 1 dried hot Red Chile Stew: 1 cup Black-eyed Peas, cooked until soft 1 small Onion, finely diced 1 clove ...

Delicious Smoky Almond/Mame Pâté makes a lovely appetizer, snack or even a meal especially when piled on a toast or salad! This is similar to the other wonderful recipe Chickpea Salad Spread . I am using the Japanese word for bean here as I like the sound of it! I thought I had a perfect name for the lovely brignt carrot-colored Pâté until I introduced it to friends as "Sal-None Pâté"; one friend had a hugely violent reaction and chided me for picking a horrible name! Her aversion to the name was so strong that I gave up the idea. Oh, the things One does to appease one's friends' sensibilities! :-) NOTES: Soak and cook the soy beans until soft but not mushy. Check How to cook beans for info on cooking the beans. You may also use canned beans. If soy is not an option, use cooked great northern or cannellini beans instead. Roast or cook the garlic cloves until they are soft and golden. Uncooked garlic maybe used also but will have a different flavor profile...

Veggie Sloppy Joes aka Quick Pav Bhaji is a melange of vegetables that may be mashed well or left  a bit chunky. It is as nutritious as it is delicious. Traditionally Pav Bhaji is served over toasted and butter-slathered soft buns specially made for this dish; you may use any buns, bread slices, flat breads, pita, or tortillas. Pav Bhaji Masala is readily available in Indian Markets. If Pav Bhaji masala is not handy, no worries. Here's the recipe for it.   Pav Bhaji Masala/ Spice Mix : 1 Tbsp Coriander seeds 1/2 tsp Cumin seeds 1/2 tsp Fennel seeds 1" piece Cinnamon stick 1 black Cardamom, use seeds only 1 tsp Black Pepper 3 Cloves 1dry Red Chile 1 tsp Aamchoor (Dry Mango Powder) Combine and grind the above spices to a fine powder. If you like, the spices except the Dry Mango Powder maybe very lightly toasted first, cooled, and then ground. Store in a small clean airtight jar. Veggie Sloppy Joe/Pav Bhaji: 1 Onion, p...

Seasoned Salt is a handy item to have in the pantry; it is fabulous to spice up everything from sliced veggies/salads, roasted, steamed, boiled or grilled vegetables, and your favorite recipes. Although commercial preparations are available, many have fillers, preservatives, anti-caking agents, etc. This easy home-made seasoned salt is quick and easy and the ingredients can be adjusted to personal tastes and preference. Have fun experimenting with different amounts and proportions or your favorite herbs. If you like a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika. Ingredients: Seasoned Salt Without Onion/Garlic 1/4 cup Kosher or Sea Salt 4 tsps ground Black Pepper 1 Tbsp Paprika 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (optional) 1/2 - 1 tsp ground Red Pepper (Cayenne) 1/2 tsp Celery seeds (optional) 1/4 tsp Asafetida (optional) Seasoned Salt With Onion/Garlic All the ingredients above 1 tsp Garlic powder 1-2 tsp Onion powder Method: If using celery seeds, p...