Doodhi na Muthiya {Gujarati Bottle Gourd Steamed Dumplings}
Thoughts Over Chai
by Tasneem Rajkotwala
4y ago
If you have a Gujarati friend, you’d remember snacking on muthiyas with chai very fondly. I’d look forward to my friend open her pandora of gujarati snacks when we’d sit with our tiffins in a college canteen and muthiyas were definitely one of them to bite on when discussing and copying notes. It is one dish that can be considered most traditional from the Western India. There are several ways of making muthiyas, I’ve read there is an oat version too, however my classic favorite has to be these doodhi or bottle gourd muthiyas. Firstly, bottle gourd is quite easily available, and you can make ..read more
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Murgh Rezala – Traditional Bengali Chicken Curry
Thoughts Over Chai
by Tasneem Rajkotwala
4y ago
Later in 2019, I started playing with an idea of introducing 10 chicken recipes native to different parts of India apart from the commercially famous butter chicken and chicken tikkas. My serious search to find these gems that don’t usually make it to a restaurant’s menu, lead me to the best version of Awadhi specialty. As I was flipping through the pages of Oh! Calcutta by Anjan Chatterjee, I was fascinated with how rezala became a part of Kolkata’s culinary history. When the nawabs and descendants of Tipu Sultan were exiled in Bengal, they’d carry their cooks along who were responsible for I ..read more
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Kesar Badaam Milk
Thoughts Over Chai
by Tasneem Rajkotwala
4y ago
I am not usually a big fan of drinking milk except for in milkshakes, but this one infused with saffron, cardamom and rosewater is another level of euphoria. Saffron almond milk or kesar badaam milk is sweet, creamy and absolutely aromatic; perfect for a hot summer treat. In India you’d find this being sold at the roadside stalls with people gulping down chilled glasses during the summer and warm over wintertime. The best I’ve found in Dubai is at MTR-1924 in Mankhool, order it alongside your crispy ragi dosa or Mangalore Bun ( or both, no one’s judging you) for the finest experience. Serve w ..read more
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Bombay Masala Sandwich & Green Chutney
Thoughts Over Chai
by Tasneem Rajkotwala
4y ago
There was a heavy downpour of roughly one hour in Dubai yesterday and it’s crazy what kind of nostalgia rain can bring to most of us. When I lived in Bombay a few years ago and still call it my first home, no memories of how public transport getting affected, deathly pothole situations and irritated angry Mumbaikars cloud my mind. What I instead reminisce of are the long drives, late evening walks on Marine Drive after work, lush greenery, the glistening foliage, hot fried foods from the street stalls, roadside vada pav with spicy red chutney and so much more. Bombay has earned a reputati ..read more
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Amritsari Chicken
Thoughts Over Chai
by Tasneem Rajkotwala
4y ago
Hello people!! It’s been very silent here over the last few months and you might see that posts since 2017 have disappeared on Thought Over Chai. That has been the most unfortunate incidents in the last month, and after being depressed over it for a few weeks, the only way to have moved forward was to pick up the pieces and start afresh. While the website is still isn’t in full order, here I am – reeling with more energy and hopefully more content to share. Since Indian food is a rich culture in itself, I’ve been playing with an idea to bring 10 Chicken Recipes native to the country/each st ..read more
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Strawberry Yogurt Cake { and my top baking secrets}
Thoughts Over Chai
by Tasneem Rajkotwala
5y ago
Whenever I am at a baking aisle of the supermarket or my local grocery store, I cringe at the ready to use boxes of cakes and brownies. Ofcourse, it has helped many non-bakers to whip up a cake for frequent occasions on the go but you should know it ain’t troublesome at all to make one from the scratch if you understand the science of baking. For me, it all initiated with a passion to learn the wonderful art of measuring, sifting and mixing. And honestly some failures! I’ve met many people who are afraid to begin the process for the mere reason it won’t turn out exactly as it is supposed to be ..read more
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Celebrating Homecooks – Sawsan, Chef in Disguise
Thoughts Over Chai
by Tasneem Rajkotwala
5y ago
Today, on the first post to Celebrate Homecooks, we have with us a woman with an angelic soul. I first met Sawsan on the sets of Philips 30DaysofHomemade and have been a fan of her work since. There is a spark, passion and intensity in every recipe she shares on Chef in Disguise and a story supporting the post. Dig up authentic Middle-Eastern recipes, alongwith a journey she’ll take you along to show what it really means for a woman to live in the Middle East with fascinating stories from her childhood. She explains on her blog that Middle Eastern cuisine is full of gastronomical treasures and ..read more
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Zaatar Chicken Fingers
Thoughts Over Chai
by Tasneem Rajkotwala
5y ago
Cricket fans, raise your hands! With the ongoing back to back season of T20 and Indian Premier League my house has somewhat turned into a club house, especially on weekends. We are constantly munching on anything and everything while glued to the television, screaming and cheering for our favorite players. Honestly, I am a very impulsive cook but also careful to what I add in my dish so that I don’t complicate many flavors at once. What I otherwise do is organize my pantry at the start of the week so I don’t have to run to the supermarkets for ingredients; it just makes it easier for my abrup ..read more
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Modern Dining (and Science) at Tresind, Dubai
Thoughts Over Chai
by Tasneem Rajkotwala
5y ago
Our first time at Tresind last year left us in awe and we loved how Chef Himanshu Saini carefully curated an Indian menu with a unique touch. I never went writing about it here because everyone was talking about the restaurant at one point, however, it had to be one of my most memorable restaurant experiences in Dubai (that I have recommended to relatives and friends on several occasions), and something that made me re-evaluate Indian cuisine. Tresind creates hallucination with your palate but not flavors and offers a laid-back fine dining. Situated on the second floor of Nassima Royal, this r ..read more
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Mutton Keema Egg Fry
Thoughts Over Chai
by Tasneem Rajkotwala
5y ago
By now all of you who have been hanging around here for a long time know I fall for recipes that don’t take much of my time in the kitchen. It doesn’t mean I don’t cook lavish meals but on most days you’ll find me whipping up items that won’t take more than 30 minutes. I should rather consider adding a tagline of “quick homemade meals” below the blog’s header. Someday… The weekend just went by and although we were rushing through a Friday, our lunch deserved a touch of something special from my kitchen. And this keema stir fry is such an absolute favorite with everyone at home! It is loaded w ..read more
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