Ajwain
Ajwain, also known as carom seeds, look and smell much like cumin seeds, Ajwain seeds are pungent. Ajwain compliments dals, breads and root vegetables. They also comfort diarrhea and stomach pains.

Black Cardamom (kali elaichi)
Black cardamom is originated from southern India. Black cardamom is an important ingredient of the Indian spice mixture Garam Masala. Black cardamom is also used in dal and rice dishes.

Cabbage Chana Dal Salad
This healthy and refreshing colorful salad can brighten up any meal. Perfect for summer brunch or served with any meal.

Chana Dal
Also known as Bengal Gram. This is the most popular legume in India. Chana dal has a very low glycemic index.

Chole (Chana Masala)
Chole also known chickpea, garbanzo, and kable chana, Chana Masala is a cooked in a spicy tomato gravy. This is a very popular, served with Naan, Tandori Roti.

Contest March 2010 Winners
Once again, this month was very difficult in choosing a winner as there were so many great entries. But in the end, I had to make a choice and the winners are listed below. Be sure to try their recipes! FIRST PLACE: Sharmila Krishnamurty from San Diego created a dish called Cauliflower Parupu Usli which […]

Dahi Vada
Dahi Vadas are lentil dumplings topped with a spicy savory yogurt and tamarind chutney. These are great as a side dish for a formal dinner or served as a chaat. Dahi vadad are made using wash urad dal or moong dal or with a combination of both dals using different proportions of dal.

Dal Makhani
Dal Makhani is a popular north Indian dish; it is rich and hearty. Dal Makhani is a combination of whole urad and red kidney beans. It goes great with Naan or Tandoori Roti.

Green Beans and Peas
Green beans and peas is healthy side dish with mild spices, which nicely compliments kadhi or any dal.

Green Pea Soup
This is a healthy and delicious vibrant green color soup. Green pea soup can be served with slice of bread or with rice.

Kadhi Pakoras
Kadhi is a very popular dish throughout India. Kadhi is a blend of yogurt and besan (gram flour) with besan pakoras. Kadhi is served with plain white rice.

Khasta Kachori
Khasta Kachori is a delicious, spicy, fried puff pastry. Kachoris are great as an appetizer or as part of a festive meal for any occasion.

Lentil Vegetable Soup
Lentil soup is healthy and very satisfying dish. Its a great soup for lunch served with bread.

Mango Powder (amchoor)
Mango powder is made from raw green mangoes that are cut, sun-dried, and pounded into powder. Mango powder is used much like lemon. But it gives food a tangy, sour taste without adding moisture. Its tart flavor is used as a souring agent in soups, dals, vegetable dishes and chutneys.

Masala Khichdi (Rice and Moong Dal)
Masala Khichdi is a spicy variation of simple khichdi. This is healthy but ultimate comfort food. Khichdi is basically prepared with rice and lentils. Every hosehold has their own recipe for khichdi. At my home khichdi was made just with rice and moong dal. Adding a few vegetables with spicy tomato seasoning makes khichdi a complete meal. Usually khichdi is served with yogurt, pickle and papdam.

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