Vegan Salad Nicoise

After all the Thanksgiving feasting we needed something lighter and vegan for a refreshing change. Vegan foods sometimes get a bad rap. But this delicious Vegan Nicoise Salad takes it to the next level with plant goodness. It can be ready within an hour and it can be served as side or main dish. Healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or tasteless. So I love to get crafty in the kitchen. I often prepare variety of salads with different veggies, chicken and seafood as a meal that look fancy yet healthy and easy to make. This roasted veggies my teen boy loves to savor without any fuss. 

Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

Fall is pumpkin season and so many pumpkin inspired savory and sweet dishes are great treats to celebrate the spirit of the season with family and friends. No big Thanksgiving celebration this year though and it's important staying home, being healthy during this pandemic situation. So we are trying our best to enjoy holiday spirits with family this time!

Pumpkin Loaf

Thanksgiving holiday is all about spending happy time with family and friends and enjoying delicious meal together. But 2020 Thanksgiving is different and it is extremely hard for so many people. This year we are grateful for being alive and staying home to protect ourselves and others. We are keeping this Thanksgiving very simple to enjoy small blessings! Today I bring you one of the all time favorite Thanksgiving treats "Pumpkin Loaf ". Who doesn't love a slice of a fresh Pumpkin Spiced loaf made with fresh deep orange colored pumpkin puree with a hot drink on chilly nights to warm up!

Besan Barfi and Laddo/Chickpea Flour Fudge

Dipabali/Diwali, the festival of lights is celebrated which signifies the victory good over evil. Some households worship Ma Laxmi for peace, prosperity and happiness for this auspicious celebration. On this joyous occasion of Diwali I am sharing one of the most popular Indian desserts "Besan Barfi/Laddo", made of husked black chickpea flour, ghee, sugar, cardamom and nuts. 

Chicken Kosha/Spicy Dry Chicken Curry

Chicken Kosha is one of the simplest chicken dish with great flavor that requires just a few ingredients you have on hand. This chicken dish is supposed to be on the spicy side but it doesn't have to be awfully spicy. You can adjust spiciness to your liking and still relish the spicy flavors.

Goalondo Chicken Curry

Goalondo or Goalundo Ghat on the southern bank of the Padma river was the last railway station during British era (erstwhile East Bengal, now Bangladesh) from Kolkata-Dhaka route established by the Eastern Bengal Railway where travelers would continue their over night journey by steamer service from Goalondo Ghat to reach Narayanganj railway station to catch the train for preferred destination. The boatman of the steamer would cook a simplest chicken curry for the travelers with country chicken and limited ingredients resulting in a wonderfully rustic, gorgeously fiery colored and very unique flavored curry served with plain steamed rice. And that is how famous chicken curry got its name Goalando Chicken Curry or Goalando Steamer Chicken Curry. 

Spiced Fig Jam

If life gives you figs, make fig jam to accompany with so many wonderful ways; spread on crackers, pita chips, toast, and bagels, even on roti and last but not least on cheese. Figs and Fig Jam are aesthetically appealing and they are great to incorporate with cake, cheesecake or tart filling and toppings. Ripe figs are naturally sweet; so spicing it up a little with crystallized ginger and chili takes to a different level. Fig Jam is perfect for fall and winter season. It's not too sweet; it’s delicious!