Dahi Ke Kabab Delight
Explore the creation of Dahi ke Kabab, a cherished North Indian vegetarian starter renowned for its velvety texture and melt-in-your-mouth quality. This
recipe, shared by Chef Bishan Singh Negi, guides you through crafting these exquisite morsels at home. Begin by combining 200g of hung curd with 50g of grated paneer in a mixing bowl. Incorporate two tablespoons of besan, three tablespoons of breadcrumbs, one finely chopped green chili, five grams each of raisins and chopped almonds, and one tablespoon each of chopped fresh coriander and mint. To enhance the flavor profile, add half a teaspoon of cumin powder, a quarter teaspoon each of black pepper and garam masala, and half a teaspoon of salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to achieve a pliable, dough-like consistency. From this mixture, divide and shape six small patties. Next, lightly coat each patty with semolina to achieve a delightful crispness when fried. For cooking, heat approximately 150ml of oil in a pan over medium heat and shallow fry the patties for 3–4 minutes per side until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown hue and a satisfying crisp exterior. Once cooked, remove the kababs and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil, ensuring a perfect finish. These Dahi ke Kababs are best served hot, ideally accompanied by a zesty mint chutney, offering a burst of flavor and a delightful culinary experience.
Watermelon Bruschetta Magic
Sunil Dasila, Head Chef at Salt Cafe, presents a vibrant Watermelon Feta Garlic Bruschetta, a recipe perfect for elevating your home entertaining and adding a unique flair to any gathering. The preparation begins with crafting a delectable creamy spread. In a bowl, whisk together one to two tablespoons of mayonnaise with two tablespoons of thick or hung curd, one teaspoon of lemon juice, and one teaspoon of olive oil. Season this mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper to achieve a smooth, subtly tangy consistency. Concurrently, prepare the star fruit by cubing fresh watermelon, ensuring all seeds are removed. Lightly season these cubes with a hint of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice, preserving their natural freshness. The foundation of this dish lies in perfectly crisp garlic bread; if your pre-made garlic bread isn't sufficiently crisp, re-toast it for an additional 2–3 minutes to ensure maximum crunch. Once prepared, spread a generous layer of the creamy mixture onto each piece of crisp garlic bread. Arrange the prepared watermelon cubes atop this creamy layer. Following this, generously sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the watermelon, adding a salty counterpoint to the sweetness. To finish, drizzle a very small amount of olive oil over the assembled bruschettas, crack fresh black pepper for an aromatic touch, and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous aroma. This refreshing bruschetta offers a delightful blend of sweet, salty, and creamy textures, making it a memorable appetizer for any occasion.
