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A sumptuous Indian Vegetarian feast!

I’ve been blogging for just over a year and a half now and in that time, I’ve come to appreciate fellow bloggers from near and far.  You could be following someone’s blog in Turkey, Spain or Argentina, but also blogs from folks who live on the same continent as yourself.  There are just so many facets that make up the blogging world, but one that I’m most passionate about is continuing to learn about the various cuisines around the world and forging friendships via a common medium.  I’ve come across so many amazing blogs (mine pales in comparison), it definitely is a learning curve when all is said and done.  There are a few favorite Indian bloggers that I follow, and I’ve got to say, whenever a dish strikes my fancy, I bookmark it and try it out.  Today, I’m featuring Indian vegetarian cuisine.

I’ve made a couple of these dishes time and again and no matter where or when I’ve cooked them, everybody gives me the “thumbs up”.  However, I don’t believe I should take all the credit as a couple of these recipes have been tried from Sonal’s blog @ SimplyVegetarian777.com.  Sonal is an accomplished blogger, her blog site definitely portrays that.  She is involved in many different areas of blogging and reaches out to folks globally, encouraging everyone along the way.  Her photography is stunning, her arrangement and plating techniques extraordinary, and her recipes and general information on healthy eating is embracing.  You can reach her blog by clicking on her link above and see for yourself, or better still try some of those yummy Indian vegetarian dishes, I promise they won’t disappoint.

The first two recipes are from Sonal’s blog.  They include Mint and Pea Pulao and Paneer Tikka Masala Curry  Click on them to follow the recipes.  The Red Lentil and Swiss Chard recipe is my own, the swiss chard from the garden is still producing quite abundantly.  It definitely added to the nutrition and color.

Assembling some of the ingredients
Assembling some of the ingredients
Cutting the paneer in cubes
Cutting the paneer in cubes
Dry spices for the pulao
Dry spices for the pulao
swiss chard still producing in the garden
swiss chard still producing in the garden

Just love this copper bottom pan with the coconut shell-wooden spoon that I found in my Mom’s kitchen when visiting her in England last month.  She claims to have bought it on one of her trips to Goa, India.  Goa as you know is on the west-coast of India and the cuisine is a blend of Portuguese and Indian influences.  Coconuts are used fairly frequently in curries in Goa, and I sure like the idea of re-purposing the coconut shell, don’t you?

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IMG_5838Paneer Tikka Masala

IMG_5836Mint and Pea Pulao IMG_5847Dahl with swiss chard

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Linking this to Fiesta Friday #95.

68 comments

  1. What a feast and a great post. Your swiss chard is gorgeous. I just love finding gadgets that are unique and have a history. It’s even more special because of the connection to your mother and heritage. Sonal is a peach and has been so supportive along the way and is so talented. Your are very talented to Loretta. You are a great friend and so supportive of so many. You are the friend whisperer!

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    1. Thanks for that vote of confidence Julie, love the name “friend whisperer” :). It’s wonderful picking up and learning so much on different cuisines isn’t it? I’ve been meaning to send you an email re the rolls for Thanksgiving. I’ll have to do that soon. I’ve always loved those coconut shell spoons, and I’m glad my Mother let me have hers, the copper based pot also was a nice serving apparatus, from the stove top to the table :). Thanks Julie, you’re a peach too! 🙂

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  2. Loretta, Love the spread! Just fabulous! I have a similar coconut shell spoon that my sister had given me. My ancestors come from Goa too and so many of the family recipes have coconut in them. My father’s side of teh family had coconut groves.
    All the recipes look awesome and I agree that Sonal is not only a fabulous cook but a sweetheart with a heart of gold. The swiss chard from your garden looks amazing and I love how you used it with the red lentils, which are my favorite! Beautiful photography, as usual, my dear. How I wish I was your neighbor….then not only would I come for the food and company, but also the swiss chard from your garden:)

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    1. Thanks Sandhya, it was pretty yummy! As I write though, I’m cooking your chicken curry recipe in my crockpot. Never done that before, so I will be interested to see how it turns out. I knew we had something in common that made us click right away – it must be that bit of Goan ancestry that you had from your father’s side. Yes, my parents too had coconut groves. It seems like coconuts are in again aren’t they? If we were neighbors, we could really do an exchange of delicious foods from my kitchen to yours and vice versa eh?

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      1. I cannot wait to hear from you about the slow cooker chicken curry. Hope you like it. Oh yes we would definitely do an exchange of yummy foods if we were neighbors !

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      2. It was so yummy Sandhya, thanks for introducing me to the slow cooker and curries :). I made some tweaks to the recipe, added extra spice, as I didn’t have some of the other ingredients. Also, the next time I’ll get thighs with the bone in. I had boneless, skinless and because I had it on high for about 4 hours, it really broke down, but I like it like that anyway. And you know something? It didn’t stink up the house at all, I didn’t fry the onions separately, I just dumped it all in as a test, and it was so yummy, served it with jeera rice and a salad. Yummm, now I’ll try other recipes in the slow cooker :). Thanks friend.

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      3. Loretta, I am so happy to hear that! I am going to try more recipes in the slow cooker too.The chicken curry with jeera rice and salad sounds very yummy! It is good to know that the onions tasted fine without the frying.
        I am so flattered by your compliments! You have made my week!

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    1. Is this the Lovely Lena from Edmonton? If it is, thanks so much for your beautiful compliment, I truly appreciate it. I love cooking vegetarian meals and fish at least 3 times a week. Thanks for always being so supportive on my blog, it means a lot.

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    1. Thanks Naina, I really try to cook vegetarian and fish meals at least 3 times a week, and this was a lovely feast. Isn’t that spoon lovely, especially since it has been re-purposed. Thanks for stopping by 🙂

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  6. Loretta, I share your sentiment about blogging, word for word, at the beginning of your narrative. Indian cuisine is top three cuisines I love. It pleases all my senses. These dishes are fabulous and mouthwatering. Sonal’s vegetarian recipes are just inviting and ‘make sense meals’! 🙂

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    1. Thanks Fae, I’m glad you share my sentiment. So I’m curious to know what the other 2 cuisines might be? Persian for sure I know :). Thank you for always stopping by and saying hello, I truly appreciate your presence. 🙂

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  10. Delicious and fabulous spread , Loretta ! You have a fantastic blpg too , all your recipes and travelogues are amazing , with some gorgeous captures 🙂 oh ! I have that coconut wooden spoon too , my mum in law just got it for me from Goa , waiting to use it for pics 😀

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    1. Aww, thanks Freda you are so sweet. I do enjoy most aspects of blogging, but don’t feel half way as professional as some of the other bloggers, in fact I don’t even have this blog registered on social media, and isn’t that a good way to reach a larger audience? No worries though, I’m quite content with the folks I’ve met via blogging. Great that you have that coconut spoon too, I knew it would look good in the pictures, so I’m glad that my Mum gave me hers. That copper bottom pot was also from Goa and I liked that it made a nice serving dish too in the presentation. The mat with the mirrored work was one I purchased from the Mapuca market about 10 years ago when I visited Goa. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. 🙂

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      1. I can relate with you Loretta about the social media sites , I don’t find much time to post on a daily basis ! I’m surprised I’ve manage to keep my blog going :/ I finally did create a FB page , that’s all ! Well it’s a never ending thing .. Hehe but it’s amazing to connect with so many lovely and talented bloggers out here 🙂 have a good evening 🙂

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      2. Yes, it is mind-boggling how much is involved with a blog isn’t it? I too have my post automatically published on FB, but I had this account way before I started blogging, I don’t have a FB page specifically for my blog. 🙂

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  11. Loretta what a great post and delicious Indian dishes you made. I couldn’t agree more about Sonal she is amazing and talented and so generous. Every dish you made looks so so good. I have s few that I will be doing soon also. I love Indian food and it’s thanks to Sonal that I can actually make them at home. Great post, very well done!!!

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    1. Thanks Suzanne, it’s always lovely to receive a comment from you, I do appreciate your visit sincerely. Indian food is definitely # 1 in my books, but then shall I say, I’m biased? :)). Actually the part of India where my folks came from is Goa (I blogged about it once, as not many Americans have heard of Goa, dubbed the Caribbean of India). It was ruled by the Portuguese for many many years and is on the west coast of India, so our cuisine is a blend of Portuguese and Indian. I cook Goan/Indian cuisine more in the winter time, as you know it is pretty time consuming. I can’t wait to see what you will be making with those spices. New York has some amazing Indian restaurants, and I’m sure you have some favorites in Brooklyn.

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      1. Loretta
        So true!! Suzanne’s comments in my posts make them much more bright for me :).
        I have to try some good Goan recipes. Would love your suggestion on some “beginners” veg curries from Goa or suggestion would do too 🙂

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  12. Loretta, I really agree with your introduction and how amazing the number of wonderful people you can meet. I’m a huge fan of Indian cuisine and your post is a food festival, Loretta. Everything looks delectable and Sonal is a lovely Lady with a big heart. Have a nice day! 🙂

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    1. How very sweet of you Linda, thanks so much. I’m hoping Sonal is reading all the “kudos” she’s been receiving as a result of this post :). It is wonderful being introduced to so many different cuisines via this medium isn’t it? I know I always look forward to yours, I feel I always learn something new with your posts. Your last post was so unique, I hope you entered FF this week :)) Thanks again Linda, it’s always lovely to hear from you.

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      1. I can’t be more thankful than this Loretta! You made my thanksgiving extra special!!
        Linda is one blogger friend I love to interact with… Our common “Urdu/Persian” words leave me amazed Everytime… Chorba, nakashi are few to name!!

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  13. I agree! I think one of the best parts of blogging is the connection I’m making with so many people around the world! It’s wonderful to see so many kind and talented people…and I love reading about their cuisines and even a peek into their lives when they give us a tidbit of who they are…it has truly been a great experience – and ‘meeting’ you has been such a pleasure! Here’s to many more happy blogging years & friendships! 🙂 🙂

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    1. Thank you Linda, that’s so very kind of you. You’re absolutely right, blogging has opened up a whole new world out there hasn’t it? It’s wonderful to be able to connect with like-minded folks world wide and expand one’s cuisine. It has been a fantastic journey, I wish you well with your own blog and many more happy blogging years and friendships too. 🙂

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    1. Ha ha thanks Elaine, you’re welcome over for dinner, only I don’t have Indian nosh cooking, I’m prepping and getting ready for the big Thanksgiving feast next week. Just a bit everyday really helps. I know you enjoy Indian cuisine as our dear Selma did too. It has got to be my favorite too, but then I’m biased :). Thanks for the visit, truly appreciate it.

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  15. The feast indeed looks sumptuous Loretta. Your swiss chard looks fabulous. You are a sweetheart always encouraging and spreading cheer around. Sonals photography skills I have always admired. Lovely post altogether 👍☺

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    1. Thanks so much for your encouraging words Ana, didn’t the swiss chard in the dahl look amazing? I always like something green in my dahls :). Yes, isn’t Sonal’s photography top-notch? WP has made some changes in the Editor, so I want to do some testing with the sizes of the pictures and see how they turn out. Happy blogging 🙂

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      1. Blogging is always a pleasure when I have such amazing blogger friends and so much to learn from all of you.
        Yes I noticed that too. WP has added choice in picture sizes and that is very useful. Somehow I always use the full size option.
        However I want WP to let us paste banners on the side widget which they do not allow at present.

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    1. Wow Sonal, where have you been? You don’t have to answer that :)). I hope you will be around for tomorrow’s Fiesta Friday though, as I will be one of the co-hosts. Your presence has been missed. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting, I hope to see some of your creations soon. 🙂

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      1. Hahaha! I have been traveling:) Vegas… Grand Canyon and the works! GC is beautiful 😀 ! Thank you for making me feel special:) means a lot! I promise to be back, soon 🙂 Much Love xxx and Happy FF

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  18. i’ve also been on an Indian kick lately. Been planning to make some Indian dishes and I can’t wait. What a great feast and everything looks so delicious. Thanks for sharing, Loretta. I must take my share before everybody polish off everything. 😀 Thanks for co-hosting! xx

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    1. Thanks Jhuls, there’s nothing like Indian cuisine in the winter time is there? I tend to cook it more when the weather outside is frightful :). The warm spices and aromas fill the entire house with a welcome fragrance. Thanks for stopping by, it’s been my pleasure co-hosting 🙂

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  19. I love Indian food with all of the different spices and your spread looks fantastic. I have only made a few Indian recipes and should experiment more. I need to look at blogs such as yours or Sonal’s. There are so many other good Indian sites who participate in Fiesta Friday. When I co-host I spend more time reading the recipes in depth and trying to understand the different cuisine. I am always “googling” something! Happy FF and thanks so much for co-hosting 🙂

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    1. Hi Judi, thanks for stopping by. I am a tad biased, Indian food has got to be my favorite, that and Goan food, which is a state in India where my ancestors hailed from. It is a blend of Indian and Portuguese cuisines. In the USA, Indian cuisine is just getting popular now, but in Europe, especially the UK, it is said that the Indian restaurants there are better than in India itself :). I’ve taught a lot of my American friends the art of Indian cooking. It is so interesting to learn about other cuisines through different cultures right?

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  20. Wow – what a feast! I can’t believe how you managed to assemble all those dishes, the mix of flavours must have been awe-inspiring! It always surprises me how well Indian food goes with our climate, these dishes are perfect to spice up our cold evenings. 🙂

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    1. Thanks Ginger for stopping by. You are absolutely right, your climate is so well suited for Indian nosh. Also, did you know that Indian restaurants in the UK are way better than restaurants in India? It’s the truth :). Indian cuisine is only now just getting popular in the USA, but I know it is wildly popular in the UK.

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  21. Loretta
    I can’t thank you enough for posting this! I am overwhelmed and indebted for this kind action. You are a gem of a person and a sweetheart! Angie’s fiesta has done wonders to many of us, bringing us together and so many became a great support system to each other. I stated knowing you slowly and loved reading about you and your pen downs.
    You have made my thanksgiving super special and I am swollen with happiness!!
    I would be happy to be of any help to you, if you ever need any :).
    Loads of love and Happy Thabksgiving!
    Sonal ❤️

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    1. Oh, the pleasure is all mine Sonal. You deserved all the kudos you got from that post. You reach out to so many folks and encourage them, you have a wealth of ideas and schemes and implement them so well. Thank you. No worries on the spices/tea, this is a busy time of year, but will surely look forward to it after Thanksgiving. xxx

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  22. Oh My Loretta!! I am so sorry to have missed the post as my reader does not show me all the post published. Your mum’s pot and “Dowlo” hope I have the right spelling as my konkani is not that good has motivated me to get my own when I visit Goa next. Thank You for sharing 🙂

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    1. No worries Nandini, I don’t always hit every post either, life gets in the way doesn’t it? :). But I specifically wanted you to see this one because of the spoon and the mention of Goa. I didn’t realize that was the konkani word for it? I’ll have to ask Mum. I hope you enjoyed a great Thanksgiving.

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