Chocolate Paan – Mumbai's Irresistible Chocolate-Coated After-Meal Delight

🍫Chocolate Paan – Mumbai's Irresistible Chocolate-Coated After-Meal Delight

There are some foods that beautifully bridge tradition and modernity, and 🍫Chocolate Paan is certainly one of them.

For generations, paan has been enjoyed across India as the perfect conclusion to a good meal. Whether it was a wedding feast, a festive celebration, or simply a leisurely family lunch, the meal often ended with a paan.

The humble betel leaf has long been valued for its refreshing taste and digestive properties. It is believed to aid digestion and freshen the breath after a hearty meal.

A thin layer of chuna (calcium hydroxide or slaked lime) is traditionally applied to the betel leaf. Besides acting as a binding agent, it helps neutralize bitterness and reacts with the areca nut (supari) to release naturally occurring alkaloids that contribute to paan's characteristic flavour and mild stimulating effect. In traditional understanding, chuna is also regarded as a source of calcium.

Over the years, paan makers across India have introduced numerous innovations to keep this beloved tradition relevant to changing tastes. 

🔥Fire Paan, ❄️Ice Paan (Thanda Paan), and 

🍫Chocolate Paan are among the most popular modern creations that have captured the imagination of younger generations.

I recently had the opportunity to taste Chocolate Paan during a visit to Mumbai. In the bustling neighbourhood of Juhu, people patiently stood in long queues waiting to buy these chocolate-coated delights.

Chocolate Paan has to be kept refrigerated so that the chocolate coating remains firm and retains its beautiful texture.

The Chocolate Paan was so popular that the paan vendor had already prepared numerous paans in advance and kept them neatly refrigerated, ready for eager customers.

While waiting for our turn, I stood watching the vendor deftly prepare one paan after another. 

With remarkable speed and precision, he spread the fillings, folded the leaves into neat parcels, and either handed them directly to waiting customers or carefully packed them for takeaway.

There was a certain rhythm and artistry in the entire process. The steady stream of customers and the growing queue made it abundantly clear that this humble little treat had earned quite a loyal following.

One bite was enough to understand the craze.

The cooling freshness of traditional paan fillings combined with the richness of chocolate creates a surprisingly delightful flavour experience. 

It is familiar and innovative at the same time.

Chocolate Paan is a wonderful example of how traditional foods evolve while preserving their cultural roots, ensuring that the cherished custom of ending a meal with paan continues to thrive among younger generations.

Chocolate Paan Recipe

Preparation Time -

Approximately about 15-20 minutes

Chilling Time

1-2 hours

Makes

4 Chocolate Paans

Ingredients

Paan Leaves (Betel Leaves) – 4

Hershey's Chocolate Syrup (or any chocolate syrup) – 4 teaspoons

Gulkand – ⅓ cup

Cherries (finely chopped) – 3 tablespoons

Whole Cherries – 4

Desiccated Coconut – 2½ tablespoons

Coloured Saunf – 3 tablespoons

Tutti Frutti – 1 teaspoon

Menthol Crystals – a small pinch (optional)

Cloves – 4

Melted Chocolate – 150 grams

Method

Wash the paan leaves thoroughly and wipe them dry.

Place a paan leaf on a clean work surface.

Apply a thin layer of chocolate syrup on the inner side of the leaf.

Add one-fourth of the gulkand onto the centre of the leaf.

Top with chopped cherries, desiccated coconut, coloured saunf, tutti frutti, and a tiny pinch of menthol crystals if using.

Fold the bottom portion of the leaf inward and then fold the sides over to form a neat cone.

Insert a clove at the bottom to secure the paan and prevent it from opening.

Trim any excess leaf if necessary. Fold the top portion over the filling and secure with a toothpick.

The toothpick serves a dual purpose. It helps hold the paan securely in shape while also providing an attractive way to garnish and serve it later.

Repeat the process with the remaining leaves.

Place the prepared paans in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to chill thoroughly.

Preparing the Chocolate Dip

Meanwhile, melt the chocolate using a double boiler or microwave.

Remove the chilled paans from the refrigerator.

Dip each paan gently into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is evenly coated.

Place the chocolate-coated paans on a tray lined with aluminium foil or parchment paper.

Transfer to the freezer and chill for 1-2 hours until the chocolate shell is completely set.

Remove from the freezer just before serving.

Serving suggestions

• Garnish with dried rose petals for a beautiful floral touch.

• Sprinkle a little desiccated coconut over the chocolate coating for added texture and visual appeal.

• Apply edible silver varq (vark) for a luxurious festive presentation.

• A whole cherry secured on the decorative toothpick not only looks attractive but also makes the paan easier to handle and serve.

Notes 

• The thin layer of chocolate syrup inside the paan adds an extra burst of chocolate flavour and complements the final chocolate coating beautifully.

• Menthol crystals are optional but highly recommended if you enjoy the refreshing cooling sensation commonly found in many commercial paans.

• You may use either dark chocolate or milk chocolate depending on your preference.

• Additional fillings such as chocolate chips, candied fruits, flavoured saunf, or extra tutti frutti can be added according to taste.

• The decorative toothpick not only makes the Chocolate Paan easier to handle and eat but also helps keep the folded paan securely closed while it is being dipped in chocolate and chilled.

Chocolate Paan tastes best when served thoroughly chilled❄️ 

The crisp chocolate shell gives way to a refreshing medley of gulkand, coconut, cherries, saunf, and paan leaf, creating a delightful contrast of flavours and textures.

As I stood in Juhu watching people queue patiently for these little parcels of delight, I realised that Chocolate Paan is more than just a novelty. It is a perfect example of how traditions adapt, evolve, and continue to remain relevant across generations.

And perhaps that is the true beauty of Indian food culture, honouring the past while embracing the future, one delicious bite at a time.

#ChocolatePaan #PaanRecipe #IndianStreetFood #IndianDesserts #SukanyasMusings

Lemon Coriander Soup With Tofu & Vegetables | Light Asian Clear Soup Recipe

Lemon Coriander Soup With Tofu & Vegetables

A light, refreshing, and comforting bowl filled with delicate flavours

There are certain dishes that quietly become a part of our family memories without us even realizing it. 

This Lemon Coriander Soup is one such recipe in our home.

My husband Yo is extremely fond of Lemon Coriander Soup. Whenever we visited one of our favourite restaurants, this was almost always his first order. That steaming hot bowl of clear soup infused with fresh coriander, delicate vegetables, and the bright freshness of lemon would instantly make the meal feel comforting and complete.

Over time, after tasting it so many times outside, I finally told myself, “Why not learn to make this at home?” After a few attempts in my kitchen, this homemade version slowly became one of our family favourites.

Today, this soup has become one of those comforting recipes I turn to whenever we crave something light, soothing, wholesome, and flavourful.

This clear soup is filled with tofu, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, and fresh coriander, making it nourishing without feeling heavy. The lemon adds a refreshing brightness while the coriander gives the soup its signature aroma and warmth.

Lemon Coriander Soup is especially popular in Indo-Chinese cuisine across India and Singapore. While it may not belong to one single traditional cuisine, it draws inspiration from Asian-style clear soups that celebrate freshness, light broths, vegetables, herbs, and balanced flavours rather than rich cream-based textures.

What makes this soup special is its simplicity. It is soothing during rainy evenings, comforting when you are tired, light enough for warm weather, and perfect when you want something gentle yet satisfying.

Ingredients

Garlic – 6 to 8 cloves, finely chopped

Ginger – 1 inch piece, finely chopped

Carrot – 1 small, thinly sliced

Broccoli – 1 cup small florets

Cabbage – 1 cup shredded

Tofu – 1 cup cubed

Fresh coriander leaves – ½ cup finely chopped

Spring onion greens – 2 tablespoons chopped

Vegetable stock or water – 4 cups

Soy sauce – 1 teaspoon

Pepper powder – 1 teaspoon

Salt – as needed

Cornflour – 1 teaspoon mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for slight thickness)

Lemon juice – 1½ to 2 tablespoons

Oil – 1 teaspoon

Method

Heat oil in a pan or wok.

Add the chopped garlic and ginger and sauté gently until aromatic.

Add the carrots, broccoli, and cabbage. Stir fry lightly for a couple of minutes while retaining the crunch of the vegetables.

Pour in the vegetable stock or water and allow the soup to simmer gently for about 8 to 10 minutes.

Add the tofu cubes carefully.

Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper powder.

If you prefer the soup slightly thicker, add the cornflour slurry and stir continuously for a minute until lightly thickened.

Add most of the chopped coriander leaves and allow the flavours to infuse gently into the soup.

Switch off the flame and finally add the lemon juice. Adding the lemon at the end helps preserve its fresh refreshing flavour.

Garnish with the remaining coriander leaves and spring onion greens. Serve piping hot.

There is something incredibly soothing about the freshness of coriander paired with the gentle tanginess of lemon. 

Every spoonful feels light, nourishing, and comforting without ever feeling heavy. This is one of those humble soups that quietly warms both the body and the soul.

Variations

• You can add any other vegetables of your choice like mushrooms, sweet corn, beans, bok choy, or baby spinach depending on what is available at home.

• You can skip the tofu entirely if you prefer a lighter vegetable clear soup.

• Paneer cubes can also be added for a richer and more filling variation.

• The above recipe is completely suitable for vegans when prepared with tofu.

• For Jains, the garlic can be omitted and the soup still tastes wonderfully fresh, light, and comforting thanks to the beautiful flavours of coriander, lemon, and vegetables.

#LemonCorianderSoup #ClearSoup #AsianSoup #TofuSoup #HealthySoup #VegetableSoup #SukanyasMusings

Crispy Homemade Vegetable Spring Rolls | Easy Indo-Chinese Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about homemade spring rolls. The crackling crisp exterior, the warm flavourful filling inside, and that beautiful balance of textures make them one of those timeless snacks that never go out of style.

Over the years, I’ve realised that the secret to really good spring rolls is not just in the sauces or seasoning, it’s in keeping the vegetables fresh, lightly crunchy, and full of natural flavour. I personally don’t enjoy overly oily or heavily stuffed rolls. I like them light, aromatic, crisp, and elegant the kind you can serve with tea on a rainy evening or as a beautiful appetiser for guests.

This is my simple homemade version, flavourful, comforting, and always a crowd favourite.

Ingredients

For the Filling

Cabbage – 2 cups (finely shredded)

Carrot – 1 large (julienned)

Capsicum – 1 medium (thinly sliced)

Onion – 1 small (sliced)

French Beans – 5 to 6 (finely sliced)

Bean Sprouts – 1 cup

Ginger – 1 teaspoon (finely chopped)

Garlic – 1 teaspoon (finely chopped)

Green Chilli – 1 (optional)

Soy Sauce – 1 tablespoon

Vinegar – 1 teaspoon

Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon

Chilli Sauce / Schezwan Sauce – 1 teaspoon

Sesame Oil – 1 teaspoon

Salt – to taste

Oil – 1 tablespoon

For Wrapping

Spring Roll Sheets – as required

Flour – 2 tablespoons

Water – little, to make sealing paste

For Frying

Oil – as required

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Heat oil in a wok or large pan. Add ginger, garlic, and green chilli. Sauté briefly until aromatic.

Add onions and stir-fry for a minute on high heat.

Now add beans, carrots, capsicum, cabbage, and bean sprouts. Stir-fry on high flame so the vegetables remain crunchy and vibrant.

Add soy sauce, vinegar, chilli sauce, pepper, and salt. Mix well.

Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil for that beautiful warmth and aroma.

Allow the filling to cool completely before wrapping.

Step 2: Roll the Spring Rolls

Mix flour and water into a smooth paste.

Place one spring roll sheet on a flat surface. Add filling diagonally near one corner.

Fold the bottom over the filling, fold the sides inward, and roll tightly. Seal the edge using the flour paste.

Repeat for the remaining rolls.

Step 3: Fry Until Crisp

Heat oil on medium flame.

Fry the spring rolls until golden brown and crisp.

Drain on kitchen paper and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

These spring rolls pair beautifully with:

- Sweet chilli sauce

- Spicy garlic dip

- Coriander mint chutney

- Hot masala chai on rainy evenings

You can also air-fry or bake them for a lighter version.

Sukanya’s Musings Tip

The beauty of homemade spring rolls lies in simplicity. Don’t overcook the vegetables. Let them retain their crunch, colour, and freshness. That contrast between the crisp wrapper and juicy filling is what makes every bite memorable.

Homemade food always carries a certain warmth that no restaurant version can replicate and these spring rolls are exactly that kind of comfort food.

#SpringRolls #IndoChinese #HomemadeRecipes #TeaTimeSnacks #SukanyasMusings #ComfortFood

PAN FRIED TOFU

PAN FRIED TOFU
Tofu is made from soybean curds. It is an excellent source of iron and calcium. Contains no cholesterol. It is naturally gluten-free and low in calories.

Tofu is an important source of protein, especially for vegans and vegetarians.

Tofu is used as an alternative to meat and used in many Chinese vegetarian dishes as Mock meat here in Singapore.

How is Tofu made?
Tofu is made by coagulating soymilk to create curds. The curds are then pressed and compacted into the gelatinous white blocks recognized as tofu.

To make Pan fried tofu you need to use Extra firm Tofu. 

Unfortunately, the extra firm tofu was out of stock so I had to buy the silken Tofu (It was slightly difficult to manoeuvre the tofu for this dish) but the end result was lip-smackingly delicious.

Pan-fried tofu is a dish that everyone at home will love. It can be served as starters/ finger foods in parties/ social events too. Even those who are not a big fan of Tofu will love this recipe.
Tofu is very versatile. You can flavour it with any sauce or curry powders.
You can add Pan-fried tofu to fried rice or noodles as well.
I have used very simple ingredients.
But if you want you can add curry powder, sauces etc while tossing the tofu.

Ingredients
Tofu – 1 block (Firm)
Corn flour – 2 tablespoons
All-purpose flour – 1 tablespoon
Red chilli crushed – 2 teaspoons
Coarse Pepper – ½ teaspoon
Soya sauce – 2 teaspoons (Optional)
Salt as per taste (Refer Tip)
Oil for frying
Coriander leaves for garnish
Toasted sesame seeds – 1 teaspoon

Method
Tofu comes with some whey (Curdled water), We need to remove all the extra water, so Press the tofu by placing paper towels on the top and bottom of the block and absorb the whey.
After this slice the tofu into ½ inch cubes.
In a small bowl, combine the tofu with the flours, salt, crushed chilli, soya sauce (Optional) and pepper.
Toss gently to coat the tofu well.
Take a frying pan or a large skillet, add oil, heat the oil, once hot, Add the coated tofu.
Cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and lightly crispy. 

Serve it hot, garnished with finely chopped coriander leaves, some crushed chilly and toasted sesame seeds.

Tips

· Firm or extra-firm tofu is best for frying
· Adjust salt if adding Soya sauce else your dish will become very salty
· Pressing the tofu is very important as it allows the tofu to absorb more of the flavours otherwise it will become soggy.
· If you would like a firmer pan-fried tofu, freeze the tofu cubes for about 30 minutes.

· For firm Tofu, you can use less oil and shallow fry but the silken tofu needs oil for deep frying.

Variations

· You can add paprika, curry powder, turmeric for some colour and flavour

Vegan Yang Chow Fried Rice Recipe | Easy Filipino Chinese Style Fried Rice

Did you know that Chinese Filipinos are one of the largest overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asia, with a rich heritage that has deeply shaped Filipino culture over centuries? Through early trade and migration, the Chinese brought lasting influences to the Philippines...especially in the world of food.

From stir-fried dishes and delicate rice cakes to beloved noodle favourites like Pancit, Chinese culinary traditions blended beautifully with local flavours to create iconic fusion cuisine. One delicious result of this heritage is Yang Chow Fried Rice, a vibrant, flavour-packed dish loved across the Philippines.

Traditionally prepared with barbecued pork such as Char Siu and juicy prawns, this version offers a delightful vegetarian twist with hearty soya nuggets. Colourful, aromatic, and satisfying, this Yang Chow Fried Rice is a complete meal in itself, comforting, wholesome, and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients (Serves – 4)
Rice – 2 cups
Soya nuggets – 1 cup
Soya sauce - 1 ½ tbsps
Onion – 1 chopped
Green peas - ¾ cup
Carrots – 1 julienned
French Beans – 1 julienned
Corn – ½ cup
Lettuce – 8- 10 leaves
Ginger minced – 1 tsp
Garlic minced – 1 tsp
Sugar - 1 tsp
Cooking Oil – 3 tbsps
Salt as per taste

Method

Cook the rice beforehand, or for best results, use rice cooked the previous day and chilled in the refrigerator. This helps the grains remain separate and gives the fried rice its signature fluffy texture.

Rinse the soya nuggets well, then soak them in boiling hot water with a pinch of salt for at least 15 minutes. Once softened, transfer them into cool water. Drain through a colander and squeeze out all the excess water so they are ready to absorb flavour beautifully.

Prepare and chop all the vegetables before you begin cooking.

Heat oil in a wok over medium-high flame. Add the ginger and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Add the onions and cook for about a minute until slightly softened.

Next, add the soya nuggets and sauté well. We want them to soak up all the delicious flavours. Add 1 teaspoon soy sauce and continue stir-frying for 2–3 minutes until the nuggets are lightly browned and flavourful.

Now add in all the vegetables. Stir-fry on high heat, season lightly with salt, and toss continuously. The vegetables should remain vibrant, crisp, and slightly crunchy—not overcooked.

Add the cooked rice and mix thoroughly so everything is evenly combined. Pour in the soy sauce, sugar, and adjust salt carefully, keeping in mind that soy sauce already adds saltiness.

Mix well, cover with a lid, and cook on low flame for about 10 minutes so the rice absorbs all the wonderful flavours.

Finally, add the chopped spring onion greens. Toss everything together and cook uncovered for another 2 minutes.

Your delicious Yang Chow Fried Rice is now ready to serve. Enjoy hot with chillies marinated in soy sauce on the side.

Tips

I have used Thai Rice in this recipe. The key is to use rice that fluffs up well and does not turn sticky.

Leftover cold rice works wonderfully, as chilled rice grains remain separate and are ideal for fried rice.

If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a large plate or tray and allow it to cool completely before cooking. This helps prevent clumping.

Variations

This recipe is completely vegan-friendly.

The soya nuggets can be replaced with tofu, tempeh, or store-bought mock meats for different textures and flavours.

Traditionally, Yang Chow Fried Rice is made with Char Siu and prawns, so non-vegetarian versions can include these classic ingredients.

STIR FRY TOFU WITH VEGETABLES

STIR FRY TOFU WITH VEGETABLES
This is a vegan recipe. I was also careful to use the NON GMO Soya bean Tofu.  
(Kindly do click on the word "NON GMO Soya bean" hyperlink to learn more about Non GMO Foods).
There are many varieties of Tofu available in the market. For this recipe choose the medium firm ones. In Singapore you can buy it everywhere and they are known as Tau kwa.
Soya bean is high in calcium which is good for your bones and teeth.

Tau Kwa also has a high amount of Isoflavones which allows one to prevent heart disease. FDA states that consumption of 25 grams of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. With these kind of health benefits isn’t it good to add tofu to your vegetables?

This dish is very easy to cook and very healthy as it’s packed with proteins and vitamins. I would call it a crunchy crispy delight. You can eat this with brown rice/ white rice/ Noodles or just dunk into a bowlful of this nutritional delicacy.

Stir fry vegetables with soya sauce is made in many south asian countries with a variation to the sauces / spices used.

Below is the Indo-Chinese, Indo-thai, Indo-Pinoy fusion version. (Indo because there is an Indian twist to it)

You can add any vegetables to it like Broccoli, Celery, Mushrooms, Cauliflower….the list of variations is endless. You can rustle this up with whatever you have at home.

Ingredients

Tofu cubes (Tau Kwa) - 1 teacup
Carrot - 1
French Beans / Snow Peas – 5 - 6
Onions  –  2
Tomatoes - 1
Capsicum – 1
Green chilly – 1 big (non – spicy variety)
Stem of spinach – a few
Oil – 1 tbsp
Cumin seeds – 1 tsp (optional)
Soya Sauce – 1 tbsp
Ginger paste – 1 tsp
Red chilli powder – ½ tsp (optional)
Salt as per taste
Pepper – a pinch of coarsely ground pepper (optional)
Spring onion for garnish
Coriander leaves for garnish

Method
Cut the Tofu into cubes Deep fry the tofu until medium brown (about 5 to 8 minutes). Set aside. You can avoid frying and can add the tofu at the end when the vegetables are almost done. Tofu cubes are soft and tend to break, hence, frying would be a good option to keep its texture and shape good.

Chop 1 onion, tomato and the ginger and make a coarse paste in the blender. Keep aside.

Julienne ( cut thin strip lengthwise ) the carrots , beans , capsicum, Chilly,  Cut some Spinach stems about the same length as the julienned carrots

Now, heat a pan and pour-in 1 tablespoon cooking oil. Add the cumin seeds, when it splutters, Sauté the onion. Once it’s translucent, add in the blended coarse paste of the Onion- Ginger Tomato and sauté well, until you see the oil come out of the paste indicating its cooked well. Now add the fried tofu and stir-fry for 3 minutes. Add all the vegetables and stir fry for 3 to 5 minutes. Put-in soya sauce, salt as per taste, chilly powder and pepper as required. Cook in steam till it’s done. The vegetable shouldn’t be overdone. It should be cooked but crunchy.

Garnish with finely chopped spring onion leaves and cilantro (Coriander leaves)

You can make a vegetable broth to pour on top or just enjoy the way it is. Serve steaming hot with Rice/ Noodles or just plain.

Flavors of Cumin & Tomatoes give an Indian twist to this dish. Do enjoy this healthy recipe.

SOM TAM - REFRESHING THAI SALAD (A VEGAN RECIPE)

SOM TAM - REFRESHING THAI SALAD (A VEGAN RECIPE)
I am not a huge salad lover and the entries in my blog can vouch for it as I don’t have many salad recipes. That does not mean I don’t love salads. I do love salads which are a good mix of ingredients and which appeal to my palate and once it does, it enters my blog. One of my friends recently moved and had a party at her house and she prepared this refreshingly lovely salad for lunch. I loved the refreshing tanginess of the mango, mixed with the neutral crunch of the papaya, the sweet blend of the carrot & onion. Adding to the refreshing feeling was the lemon, the crunch of the de-skinned salted peanuts. The sweetness imparted by the jaggery. The best part of the salad was all blended beautifully into one and yet had a unique taste and flavor. This dressing could be aptly described as “tangy” - a combination of sweet, sour, spicy and salty, but more sweet than sour which helps to balance out the sharpness of the papaya.
This led me to research about this Thai salad, and I found out that this salad is called “Som tam”.
Now, Som (means 'sour') Tam (means to 'pound' with a pestle and mortar).
This refreshing Thai salad, originates from the northeastern part of Thailand, but is popular all over Thailand and even in neighboring Laos and Myanmar.They have their version and additions to the recipe too.
A google search also led me to a website that lists this dish as Number 46 in the “World's 50 most delicious foods” (Below is the URL for you to see the Worlds 50 most delicious foods.)

http://travel.cnn.com/explorations/eat/worlds-50-most-delicious-foods-067535

It’s no wonder that I liked this recipe so much.

As the Thais love meat, the som Tam contains dried shrimps and crab meat and fish sauce as one of the ingredients. But since Iam a vegetarian, I will be avoiding all this in my recipe.
They also pound with a mortar and pestle the garlic and chilli into a paste and pound the long beans to a bruise. In fact they pound even the grated papaya and carrot a bit. I didn’t add long beans nor did I add garlic or green chillies in my recipe as I have to cook for young kids who may not appreciate all the spice.

Below is the Vegetarian or might I say vegan version of the “Unpounded” Som Tam with ingredients blended to make anyone crave for a helping of it. Try this refreshing salad. A special thanks to my friend who introduced me to this recipe.

Ingredients
Raw papaya –½
Raw Mango – ¼
Carrot - 1
Onion – 1
Tomatoes – 1 red and ripened (I didn’t use in this recipe)
Long beans (lightly steamed/blanched and chopped) - 7-8 nos (I didn’t use in this recipe)
Green chilly - 1-2 to taste (optional)
Salted de-skinned Peanuts – 2 tablespoons
Red Chilly flakes – ½ teaspoon
Lemon Juice – 1 lemon
Jaggery – Lemon Ball size
Salt as per taste
Fresh green coriander leaves – 1 tbsp

Method
Grate and soak the lemon sized jaggery in water. Make a solution of the jaggery.
Choose a nice green raw papaya, peel the skin and grate it. Don’t use the fine grater, use the medium sized grater, so that you can feel the texture of every ingredient. Keep aside.
I chose a nice green Thai Mango, you can choose any variety of raw mango.
Use only quarter of the mango. Peel the skin and grate using the same grater. Keep aside.
Now peel and grate the carrot and keep aside.
Onion has to be cut in thin strips. Keep aside.
Squeeze the juice of a lemon without the seeds and keep aside.
Now, in a big salad bowl, toss in all the ingredients.
Traditionally Thai som tam salad, is served along with a side dish. This includes pieces of green beans and a fairly thick but small size of cabbage.
Traditionally som tam is made very spicy and hot - the side dish also contains crushed ice along with the beans and cabbage.
I’d suggest that you toss all the ingredients together just 5 to 10 minutes before you plan to eat it. Leaving the ready som tam for a long time, causes the salad to become quite soggy. Remember that this is just you first try at making veg Thai food, you can always experiment by fine tuning the proportion of ingredients used in the recipe.
You can adjust the sweetness or spice levels according to your tastes.
This proportion serves 3-4.

Tips:
· Make sure you use unripe green papaya, which is firm

· Jaggery can be replaced with Sugar or Honey

· Ripe tomatoes can be chopped and added

· Long beans can be lightly steamed or pounded and added

Variations:
· The peanuts can be added as it is or split them into halves and add in, or do it the more authentic way. The roasted peanuts are generally pounded into smaller pieces, not a fine powder but rather coarse.

· Instead of peanuts you can use cashew nuts or both in the recipe

· You can add garlic and chilly pounded into a paste as per the traditional recipe.

· You can add a dash of soya sauce for a n Asian flavor.

MOOLI AUR METHI KI SABZI (Raddish with leaves and Fenugreek leaves dry curry)

MOOLI AUR METHI KI SABZI (Raddish with leaves and Fenugreek leaves dry curry)

Here is a recipe created by me. Fusion of fusions and a lot of confusions, presenting the Mooli aur Methi ki Sabzi with a twist.

I haven’t heard of Radish along with it’s leaves cooked combined with Fenugreek leaves and I decided to try this combo just for fun and lo and behold it turns out to be too good and everyone likes it including my friends with whom I shared it proudly. I am sure Archimedes must have felt the same way when he discovered the laws of buoyancy the way I felt tasting my invention. It was extremely exciting and I am thinking of creating a whole new topic on my blog dedicated to the new things that I am going to try. Ain’t that going to be fun.

Without further ado…let’s go on to read the recipe of a dry curry made with Radish along with its leaves and Fenugreek leaves.

MOOLI AUR METHI KI SABZI

Ingredients

Radish with leaves - 3-4 (use small radish)

Fenugreek – 1 cup

Onion – 1 (optional)

Besan (Chickpea flour / Bengal gram flour) - ½ cup

Ginger paste – 1 tsp

Mustard seeds – 1 tsp

Black gram dal (Udad dal) – 1 tsp

Asafetida – a pinch

Red chili powder - ½ tsp

Turmeric powder - ½ tsp

Salt as per taste

Oil

Method

Roast the chick pea flour (besan) until golden brown, keep this aside. Wash and peel the radish and chop them into small squarish pieces and keep aside. Separate the radish leaves, rinse them thoroughly and chop them finely and keep aside. Sort the methi leaves(de-stem), rinse well under running water in a colander and chop them. Keep this aside too.

Now in a wok, add one 1teaspoon of oil, once the oil is hot, add the mustard and udad dal and when it splutters add in the chopped radish,

If you are using onions kindly add finely chopped onions before adding the radish and sauté until transparent only then add the radish.

After this add in the radish leaves and fenugreek leaves. Also add in the turmeric, asafetida, red chilly powder and salt as per taste and stir well.

Cover the wok with a lid and let it cook in its own juices. Don’t add any water as once you add the salt the radish, its leaves and the fenugreek leaves will release its own water and it should cook in that only. After about 15 minutes you will notice that the radish is soft and can be easily mashed by hand and the water has dried completely and the vegetable has become dry. At this stage add in the roasted chickpea flour and mix well. Check for salt, you can add some more salt in this stage. Mix it well and cook until dry as you see in the picture.

Serve this unusual concoction of mine with fulkas/parathas or dal and rice or sambhar/rasam and rice. It’s a fusion recipe and can go with any cuisine.

SUKANYA'S CONCOCTIONS

SUKANYA’S CONCOCTIONS

This will feature dishes concocted by me.  Usually there are traditional ways of cooking a certain dish. Same dish is cooked in different ways in different states of India and also in different parts of the world. Human being has a tendency to get bored easily. Variety is the spice of life. No wonder then that so many fusions took place in the culinary world. Spices that were brought from India by the East India company started being used in Britain. Coffee from Brazil was enjoyed by people in Europe. Mediterranean and Continental food have found its place in a traditional place like India. Thai food is eaten in USA, Chinese food enjoyed in Europe. Pizzas, Burgers and Noodles have captured the world and the list is endless. We can see that what was traditionally cooked and relished in certain parts of the world are not the only thing that’s being eaten by them. People in their relentless pursuit for variety and change have sought solace in food from other countries. Some countries like India where the taste buds of people find it difficult to adapt to foreign cuisines have devised their own fusions, so here you see Chinese food cooked with some Indian spices, this has been done to alter the taste to suit the Indian palette and this has given birth to a whole new genre of fusion cuisines. Such fusions have happened all over the world. A foreign cuisine is taken and altered to suit the taste of the local people. This has always worked. People like to try new recipes and flavors but they find it more comforting if it has the flavors, spices & tastes that is near to their own cuisines. Food has always been something which has provided comfort to man and there is no doubt that people like food which they find comforting to them.  

GOBI 65 - RESTAURANT STYLE

GOBI 65

What is Gobi 65 and how did it get its name? Is it a North Indian dish or is it an Indo-Chinese fusion recipe coz it tastes and looks a lot like Gobi Manchurian or is it South Indian. I am sure it is not a North Indian recipe, because I never saw this on the Menu card in restaurants in Mumbai while growing up. The recipe does resemble an Indo-chinese fusion, but no….there are a lot of Indian ingredients in it….Surprised as you maybe this recipe has emerged from South India, where a dish called Chicken 65 became immensely popular and the Gobi 65 is a vegetarian twist to it. The anecdotal theories as to how they stumbled upon this name are many. Some say the 65 represents the 65 separate ingredients in the dish. Some say that a restaurant in Chennai came up with this dish and as it became popular with these signature 65 dishes the fever caught on. Some say that the dish was the 65^th dish on the menu card and as people started ordering for it on a regular basis the name of the dish changed to this. Whatever be the theories, but as the saying goes, “Call the rose by any other name and it smells just as sweet”…and so it is for this dish. It’s such an exotic looking and tasting dish that you can surprise your guests or hubby with it. I had a few guests at home and I was pondering over what to cook. I was bored of cooking the same things over and over again. I was quite fancied by the look and taste of the Gobi 65 in a restaurant here in Singapore, so I thought why not try it and started searching for recipes desperately over the internet but none that I found were near to what I had at the restaurant, I would call them Gobi pakodas but not Gobi 65 as they didn’t have the masala. Here is the complete recipe of the Gobi 65.

Ingredients:      

Cauliflower – 1 big

Corn starch - 2 tbsp

All purpose flour (Maida) - 2 tbsp

Coriander powder – 2 tsps

Cumin powder – 1 tsp

Chili powder -2 tsp

Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp

Light Soya sauce - 2 tsp

Ginger paste - 1 tsp (I don’t like garlic in my cooking, but for those who enjoy you can add ginger-garlic paste)

Saffron Color – 1 tsp

Cumin seeds – 1 tsp

Onions – 2 nos

Capsicum – 1 (big size)

Fresh Coriander leaves – 2 tbsps

Oil for frying

Salt as per taste

Method

Pluck the florets of the cauliflower and rinse well under running water in a colander. Heat a big pan of water, drop in the florets, ¼ spoon of turmeric powder and 2 pinches of salt. If there are any worms they will come floating to the surface, if that happens, throw the water and redo the process. Now cook the Cauliflower florets in boiling water, the florets must be half cooked, don’t cook until soft, they should be only semi-cooked. Now remove them from the heat and drop it through a colander to drain all the water. Keep aside. Now in a big salad mixing bowl, Take the two heaped tablespoons of All purpose flour, add Corn starch, Coriander powder, Cumin powder, Chili powder, Light Soya sauce(Dark soya sauce gives a very dark color to the dish, we want a reddish color so please use light soya sauce. Soya sauce is only for flavor and helps greatly in the marinating process), Ginger paste, saffron, and salt as per taste (Soya sauce is salty so taste and add salt accordingly. Mix all the ingredients well by adding water (just like we make a batter for bhajiya’s, the batter shouldn’t be very watery). Drop in the semi-cooked cauliflower florets in the batter and mix well. Let it marinate for a while. Marinating imparts better taste to the end product. You can marinate it for a few hours. For example if you are making this for dinner marinate it in the afternoon itself. It will taste awesome!!!as all the masala enters the florets. Now heat oil in a pan, when the oil is heated, drop the florets like pakodas(bhajiyas) one by one. Keep the flame low while dropping and let it get cooked slowly and properly in the oil. When the florets are golden brown in color remove from the fire and drain on a kitchen towel. 

Once all the florets are done in this fashion the next step comes into place and i.e the masala for the Gobi 65. Restaurants serve them in this fashion.

Take a pan, add one tablespoon oil, add a teaspoon of cumin seeds and when they fry, add in the onions and cook until transparent, then add in the capsicum chopped into chunky square pieces, add some salt and toss well, don’t over cook the capsicum, it should just be sautéed for about 5 minutes, then add in the fried cauliflower florets and toss well and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot and enjoy the lovely restaurant style Gobi 65. 

CHINESE GOLD COINS

CHINESE GOLD COINS
Ingredients
7-8 bread slices
1 cup noodles(cooked)
3-4 potatoes (boiled)
1 tsp sesame seeds (roasted)
½ tsp Ajino moto
1 tsp soya sauce
½ tsp vinegar
2 tbsp oil
Oil for frying

Method
Discard the sides of the bread and cut one circle from each bread slice with the help of a small bowl, so that all the circles will be uniform and perfectly rounded. Keep the circles aside.

In a wok, heat 2 tbsp oil and mix the boiled, peeled and mashed potatoes, cooked noodles, soya sauce, vinegar and ajino moto.

Mix well and cook over a medium flame for 2-3 minutes. Remove and cool.

On each bread “circle” place a portion of the prepared mixture.

Top with sesame seeds. Prepare all the circles in this way.

In a wok, heat oil to deep-fry the bread circles. When the oil is hot, put in it each bread circle. And fry for only a minute. Drain the excess oil on a kitchen towel and serve hot.

VEG MANCHURIAN

INDIAN-CHINESE FUSION

VEG MANCHURIAN
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS FOR MANCHURIAN BALLS
Carrot (grated) 3
Maida 1 tbsp.
Cauliflower (grated) 1
Ajinomoto ¼ tsp.
Raw Papaya (grated) 1
Black pepper and Salt ½ tsp. each
Small Cabbage (grated) 1
Corn flour 2 tsp.
Green chilly (finely chopped) 2
Oil for deep frying

INGREDIENTS FOR MANCHURIAN SAUCE

Oil 2 tbsp.

Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp.

Ginger (paste) 1 tsp.

Tomato sauce 1 tbsp.

Garlic (paste) 1 tsp.

Vinegar 2-3 tsp.

Green chilly (finely chopped) 3-4

Salt 1 tsp.

Onion (finely chopped) 1

Black pepper ¼ tsp.

Soya sauce 2 tbsp.

Corn flour 1½ tbsp.

Preparation Method
METHOD FOR MAKING MANCHURIAN BALLS

Put 1 tsp. salt in grated cabbage and leave it for 15 minutes. After that squeeze it. Mix all the ingredients for manchurian balls(as given above). If the mixture is too soft, add more maida. Make balls of oval shape. Roll the balls in dry maida. Heat oil in a kadahi. Fry the balls to a golden brown color.

METHOD FOR PREPARING THE SAUCE OR GRAVY
For preparing manchurian sauce
heat 2 tbsp. of oil in a kadahi.
Add ginger and garlic paste and fry it for one minute.
Add the sauces, vinegar, salt and black pepper and cook for 1 minute. Add 1½ cup of water. Boil it and simmer for 2 minutes.
Mix 1/2 cup of water in corn flour and add while continuously stirring it.
Cook till it becomes slightly thick.
Remove from flame and keep aside.
While serving boil it again and put the balls in it.
Cook for one minute and serve hot.

Tip :
1. Keep the fried Balls seperately and only when you are serving add it to the gravy like it is given in the recipe. otherwise the balls will beocme very soogy and also there wont be any gravy left while serving as the balls will absorb all the gravy.
2.While buying Chinese Sauces abroad or in India always check behind for the ingredients. Many of the sauces have non vegetarian ingredients for added flavour.

Please refer to my post on "Worcestershire Sauce is actually of Indian Origin" in the "Culinary Stories" Section of My Blog.

DRY VEG MANCHURIAN
Ingredients
Spring onions (Onions and the leaves chopped finely) - 1/2 cup
Ginger Paste - 2 tspns
Garlic (Finely chopped) - 1tbsp
Soya sauce - 2 tbsp.
Vinegar 1-2 tsp.
Oil - 2-3 tbspns
Salt to taste
Method
Use the above procedure to make the Machurian Balls. Keep aside.
In a wok, Take some oil, Add ginger paste, chopped garlic,Spring onions and their leaves and Saute. Add the manchurian balls. Mix well. Add soya sauce, vinegar and salt to taste. Stir on a high for 2-3 minutes till u feel the balls are properly coated with the masala.
If the balls are more and the masala is less, fry some more masala and add to the manchurian balls.
Garnish with finely chopped spring onion leaves.

VEGETABLE FRIED RICE

INDIAN- CHINESE FUSION

Chinese Recipes with an Indian touch. Man's passion for food and his hunger to taste new delights have always made him very innovative in food, so here is presenting you guys with some Indian-Chinese Vegetarian delights which means Chinese food altered to Indian tastes and suiting Indian palette.
Here's the Recipe for

Vegetable Fried Rice
Ingredients
Rice 2 Cups (Preferably use Basmati Rice)

Onions (finely chopped) 1 cup
Ginger Paste - 1 tsp
Chilly Paste - 1 tsp
Spring Onions and their leaves - 1/2 cup

Oil 4 tbsp.

Green peas - 1/4 cup

Carrot (cut into strips) ¼ cup

French beans (cut into small cubes) ¼ cup

Capsicum (cut into small cubes) ¼ cup
Ajinomoto - ½ tsp.
Vinegar 2 tbsp
Soya sauce 2 tbsp.
Salt to taste.
Preparation Method
In a Wok(Kadhai), Take Oil, Saute the onions, spring onions(onions and the leaves as well) with the ginger paste and chilly paste until the onions are transparent, then add the vegetables, Add the Ajinomoto, some salt and stir fry.
Dont overcook the vegetables, as Chinese vegetable are always half cooked and crisp.
Now wash the rice nicely and drain the water completely.
Add the rice to the Vegetables in the wok and stir fry for a while till all mixes well. Add some Soya sauce and vinegar. Add salt according to taste. Mix well. Add water, just enough to cover the rice and vegetables. Basmati rice doesnt require much water to cook. Close the wok with a lid and wait for the rice to cook in the steam. After 5-7 minutes check if the rice is done.
If the rice is done. Mix well and Stir fry for 2-3 minutes on high flame while continuously stirring it.
Incase you feel, the salt is less, dont add salt , add soya sauce as soya sauce is used to make the dishes salty in chinese cuisine.
Serve hot.

Tip : Use Light Soya Sauce, As Dark Soya sauce will make the rice very dark in colour.

CHINESE CHAAT

CHINESE CHAAT
Ingredients
100 gm Paneer (cottage cheese)
50 gm black-eyed beans (Lobiya)
1 cup boiled noodles
1 medium-sized cucumber
2 pineapple slices
1 large onion
2 tomatoes
A pinch of Ajino moto (optional)
1 tbsp Soya sauce
1 tsp vinegar
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
2 tbsp olive oil

For garnishing : 2-3 tbsp cornflakes

Method
Soak the Lobiya overnight. Drain and keep aside. Peel and cut the onion into large pieces. Peel and cut the cucumber into cubes. Cut the tomatoes into quarters, cut the pineapple slices into big pieces. Cut the paneer into cubes. Heat the olive oil in a wok, Add the ginger-garlic paste and fry, Add the onions and fry, add all the ingredients and lower the flame. Don’t fry until soft, Just toss only. Toss very gently and allow to cook over a low flame for only 2-3 minutes. The vegetables should be crunchy. Serve garnished with cornflakes.