South African & Authentic Indian Recipes

 The festival of Lohri is right around the corner. And while a bonfire along with your loved ones is probably the most important thing to celebrate this joyous festival, the role of lip-smacking food to binge on cannot be forgotten.While the festival of Lohri gives way for constant nibbling of peanuts, popcorns, dates, rice puffs and other yummy tit-bits, here are some simple and delicious Lohri-appropriate dishes one can prepare at home easily and share with their loved ones. 1. Gur ki Gajak One just can’t imagine celebrating Lohri without Gur ki Gajak, a traditional recipe of Punjab. This sweet is also easily available in the market during the winter season.To prepare at home, melt jaggery with ghee and load with chunks of dry fruits such as peanuts and sesame seeds. Then once set, it can be broken into smaller …

The surging trend in the food business globally is the emergence of ‘mock meat’. Millions of dollars are being spent on advertising campaigns to convince us that it is good for us (our health) and good for the planet (for conservation of the environment). It can’t be denied that raising animals for the table leaves an unbearable carbon footprint and the practice isn’t sustainable. Cattle farming – particularly to produce red meats, beef and pork– contributes to large scale deforestation, exploitation of labour and destruction of the lifestyle of indigenous people. All this besides the argument that we should not view everything through an anthropomorphic lease and should strive to eliminate cruelty towards animals deserves serious consideration. The raging debate is not confined to ethical moral issues. Carnivores who love to bite into flesh, fowl or fish ask why can’t …

The aroma of freshly prepared desi ghee kadha prashad and the sound of pressure cooker whistle can be heard from Manpreet Kaur’s house who has volunteered for langar sewa near her house, celebrating the auspicious festival of Gurupurab. Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurupurab, Guru Nanak Dev Prakash Purab or Guru Nanak Aagman Divas, has just arrived. It will be celebrated on November 19 this year and is considered one of the most important festivals in Sikhism. The day marks the birth of Sri Guru Nanak Dev, who laid the foundation of Sikhism. Born in 1469 in Talwandi, Pakistan, Sri Guru Nanak Dev spread the message of ‘Ik Onkar’, meaning ‘One God’ who dwells in every one of his creations and constitutes the eternal truth. The celebrations of the auspicious festival include the three-day Akhand Path during which the …

Celebrity chef Asha Maharaj shares her recipes watch as Asha Maharaj crafts her special Diwali sweetmeats that you can make at home!

he festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is just around the corner, and surely amidst the enthusiasm and excitement to bring Lord Ganesha home, you haven’t forgotten about the most important thing– bhog prasad! Ganesh Chaturthi, which is celebrated for a period of 10 days, starts on the fourth day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month Bhadrapada. It will begin on September 10 this year and conclude on September 21. With decorations and exquisite pandals taking the front seat, it is the scrumptious food that you cannot miss out on.We all know that the ‘Bappa’ is fond of delectable sweets, and to please him on Ganesha Chathurthi devotees prepare a variety of lip-smacking delicacies.The dishes prepared during this 10-day long extravaganza vary from one region to another. Here are some of the bhog recipes to offer the benevolent God. 1. Modak There …

From FoodiesTreasure: Shri Krishna Janmashtami—The birth celebration of our darling god Lord Shri Krishna in Hindu Mythology definitely deserves a sweet treat as he loves feasting on an array of sweets. Different kinds of sweets and dairies including laddoos, barfis, halwa & kheer, malai (cream), makhan (butter) and dahi (yoghurt) are offered to our beloved Bala Gopala ( Little Krishna). Every year, we make it a point to offer him with some new and special, home made sweet or dessert in the bhog (offering). This year here is a specia Janmashtami recipe – Flavoured Bhapa Doi / Steamed Yoghurt This time we celebrated his grand birth festivity by offering him this delicious Bengali dessert of “Bhaapa Doi“ or steamed yoghurt flavoured with mango and basil-mint, specially made for him for the bhog (offering). Since, the season of mangoes is getting over, we just could not stop having more of them and also wanted our favourite child god …

This is the recipe that chef Vanie Padayachee has been doing the rounds since it was featured on Mela a few yers ago – Butter Chicken Marigold. Ingredients For the marinated chicken: 60 g ginger-and-garlic paste 1 tsp salt 1 tsp Kasmiri spice Pinch fenugreek powder 1 tsp cumin powder ½ tsp chili powder ½ tsp chaat masala 1 Tbsp mustard oil 100 g hung yoghurt 1kg de-boned chicken thighs For the sauce to serve: 3 cups red gravy 20 g smoked butter 1 tsp chopped garlic 1 tsp chopped ginger 50 ml cream Lime juice to taste Method Mix the marinade ingredients together, add in the chicken and allow to marinade overnight. Skewer the chicken and cook in the tandoor oven. To prepare the sauce to serve, heat a wok/saucepan, add the butter and sauté the ginger and garlic. …

This Jamu juice recipe is an immunity booster and anti-inflammatory elixir made with turmeric, ginger, maple syrup and lemon popular in Bali.