Spiced Sweet Potato Bites

November 26, 2014 Karishma

Samosas are the most popular among all Indian food. But thats just my opinion. I have never met anyone who dislikes samosas. They're spiced potatoes wrapped in dough and deep fried - a staple at every Indian restaurant and a favorite snack across the board. There are some great ways to make them healthier by substituting them with sweet potatoes. Or you can bake them instead of deep frying like my friend Priya at Recipris did. I love indulging in these savory enclosed galette-like snack.

You may not know but there is another dish that's the underdog of this category of food. They're known as "puffs". A mixture of spiced potatoes, onions and peas wrapped in puff pastry and then baked. I mean, its potatoes enclosed in a buttery flaky goodness, whats there not to like?!

Sautéd Vegetables in Tahini Sauce

June 19, 2014 Karishma

Summertime makes me want to go frolicking around town in a summer dress, overdose of cherries, make apricot jam and eat colorful things. This summery recipe is inspired by one of my favorite dishes at The Plant Cafe in SF. Remember my first video recipe of the Kale and Quinoa Salad? That was inspired by The Plant Cafe as well and I just can't get over how much I am in love with that place. I end up taking all my friends that visit from the east coast to TPC just so I have an excuse to eat there...again and again. Last time I was there, I analyzed their dish very carefully and tried my best to extrapolate the flavors. I decided to give it a try at home and I patted myself on the back as I devoured this deliciousness. The original recipe at TPC is made with tofu and veggies tossed in miso sauce but I didn't have tofu or miso on hand so I added edamame, which is also a great source of protein, and made the sauce with tahini. I can't believe how simple and fast this recipe is, similar to my Tofu-Stir Fry recipe - now you have another weekday dinner option to add to your list.

Chickpea Scallion Crepes

May 28, 2014 Karishma

For as long as I can remember, I've loved chickpea crepes made by my mom. She makes them with a lot of Indian spices and occasionally add chopped spinach or fenugreek leaves. This was her "quick fix-in' for lunch or dinner and we'd happily indulge in this mouthwatering deliciousness.

Avocado-Radish Toast

May 14, 2014 Karishma

I love going to Zanatto's, a small and cozy local family market. They have a deli section and a really good salad bar as well. More importantly, they have an excellent produce section. Everything is fresh and I especially love the variety and their impeccable display (well, at least at 8 am it is). I always feel so inspired when I'm there. And today I was inspired by these beautiful baby radishes and my good friend, Devina's post on her blog. I love the marriage of the creamy avocado with the spicy radishes and the sweet and sour notes of balsamic on a crunchy toast. Ooh la la...it was super delicious! This would make a perfect light lunch or a gorgeous appetizer for a summer party.

Baked Falafels

April 3, 2014 Karishma

Falafels are one of our favorite foods to eat. They're packed with amazing flavors and us vegetarians get a good amount of protein from them. My mom makes the falafel balls from scratch at home but I just bought the frozen kind from Trader Joe's or Costco. The thing that kept me from making them at home was the idea of frying them. I don't like frying things. I've had my own home for almost 4 years now and I have never fried anything in my kitchen. I always seek the alternative. Don't get me wrong, I occasionally indulge in fried food at restaurants (mainly, French Fries and Vegetable Samosas) but I don't like the act of frying, the smell that lingers or, the more obvious reason, the nutrition facts of fried food -- yikes! However, when I saw two fellow bloggers make baked falafels, I was inspired and immediately jumped on the bandwagon and attempted my own version. Here's a mash up of Recipris and Sprouted Kitchen's recipes.