How to cook… Aloo Bhorta

On January 13, 2021March 11, 2026 By In Recipes1 Comment

Serves 4 as a side dish

Mashed potato is a favourite around the world and the sub-continent is no different. This Bengali favourite, which uses garlic, chopped onion and spices in a mustard-flavoured oil, is also popular in Rajasthan and Bihar. You may also see it called Aloo Bhatte or Chokha.

What you need…
• 500g potatoes (about 3 medium-sized potatoes), peeled and chopped
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 0.5 onion, finely chopped
• 2 chillies, chopped
• 0.5 garam masala,
• 0.5 crushed black pepper
• Small handful coriander leaves, chopped
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon ghee

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How to make it…
1. Boil the potatoes in water with a pinch of salt until they are very soft. Mash and set aside.
• While the potatoes are boiling warm the oil in a pan to high heat and fry the mustard seeds and cumin seeds for 15 seconds. Be careful not to burn them.
• Turn down the heat to medium, add the garlic and fry for 1 minute.
• Add the onion (keep a few pieces back for the garnish) and chilli and fry for 2 minutes.
• Add the garam masala, pepper and coriander leaves, and cook for 3 minutes. Add a little water if necessary.
• Add the mixture to the mash, add salt, and mix together well.
• Garnish with the remaining onion, add the ghee to the top, and serve.

**CHEF’S TIP**
To achieve the mustardy taste you can use mustard oil instead of the vegetable oil (just omit the mustard seeds from the recipe).

Delicious **Aloo Bhorta** is the perfect comfort food and is the ideal stuffing for a roti.

How to cook… Chicken Patia

On January 10, 2021March 11, 2026 By In RecipesLeave a comment

Serves 4 as a main dish

Although traditionally cooked with fish, restaurants now serve this Parsee dish with your choice of meat, and chicken has soon become a curry house favourite. Parsee dishes are famed for their sweet and sour flavours and Patia is no different, using tamarind and jaggery to get the balance just right.

What you need…
• 2 Tablespoons oil
• 2 garlic cloves, sliced (or 1 teaspoon garlic paste)
• 600ml Base Curry Sauce
• Half a red pepper, cut into 2cm chunks
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Small handful of coriander (chop up the stems to add to the curry and keep a few leaves aside for the garnish)
• Salt to taste
• 800g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 Tablespoon jaggery (or brown sugar)
• 1 Tablespoon tamarind sauce/chutney (or lime juice)

Spice Mix
• 1 Tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

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How to make it…
1. Heat the oil in a pan to a medium heat, add the garlic and fry for 1 minutes. While it is cooking mix the Spice Mix with a little water to form a sloppy paste.
2. Add the Spice Mix to the pan and cook for 2 minutes. It should now be thick and gloopy.
3. Add the Base Curry Sauce and pepper and cook for 3 minutes.
4. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add the jaggery, tamarind and garam masala, and continue cooking until all the chicken pieces are cooked through (about 7–10 minutes).
6. Garnish with the coriander leaves and serve.

**CHEF’S TIP**
Restaurants sometimes use lime juice and brown sugar instead of tamarind and jaggery.

How to cook… Tikka Kofta Masala

On January 9, 2021March 11, 2026 By In RecipesLeave a comment

Serves 4 as a main dish

Punjabis love their spicy meat dishes. These lamb koftas are mixed with ground whole spices and garlic then soaked in marinade and cooked in the moreish masala sauce to create the meaty and creamy favourite Tikka Kofta Masala.

What you need…
• 600g lamb mince
• 2 teaspoons garlic paste
• 1 recipe Tikka Marinade
• 1 Tablespoon oil
• 240ml Base Curry Sauce
• 1 Tablespoon tomato paste (or ketchup)
• 3 Tablespoons yoghurt
• Small handful coriander leaves, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 Green chillies, chopped
• Salt to taste
• 2 Tablespoons cream

Kofta Mix
• 10 black peppercorns
• 2 green cardamons
• 6cm piece cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon crushed chilli flakes
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon salt

How to make it…
1. Grind the Kofta Mix to a powder. Add the garlic and mix thoroughly with the mince. Form the mixture into 12 even-sized balls.
2. Add the koftas to the Tikka Marinade making sure they are all covered. Leave to rest for 30 minutes.
3. Heat the oven to 160 C. Remove the koftas from the marinade, shake off the excess marinade and cook on a baking tray for 25 minutes.
4. Heat the oil in a pan to a medium heat, add the Base Curry Sauce, leftover Tikka Marinade, tomato paste, yoghurt and cook for 3 minutes.
5. Add the coriander leaves (keep a few aside for the garnish), turmeric, chillies and salt, and cook for 2 minutes.
6. Add the koftas, making sure they are all covered with the sauce and cook for 3 minutes.
7. Turn down the heat, add the cream and mix well, being careful not to break up the koftas and cook until the koftas are all cooked through (about 5 minutes).
8. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve.

**CHEF’S TIP**
If you are looking to stretch this dish a little bit further on the money front you can add a little bit of finely choped onion to the koftas and you’ll be able to make a couple more. Just be careful not to add to much or thet’ll lose their flavour.

How to cook… Garlic and Chilli Mushrooms

On January 8, 2021March 11, 2026 By In RecipesLeave a comment

Serves 4 as a side dish

A simple dish for mushroom lovers who love a bit of spice in their side dishes. Just add the mushrooms to a little Base Curry Sauce, add plenty of garlic and chilli for this dryish dish.

What you need…
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 6 garlic cloves, sliced
• 3 green chillies (2 chopped and once sliced lengthways for garnish)
• 600g mushrooms, washed and sliced
• 50g Base Curry Sauce (more if you like more sauce)
• Small handful coriander, chopped
• Salt, to taste

Spice Mix
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric

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How to make it…
1. Heat the butter to a low-medium heat. While it is heating mix the Spice Mix with enough water to form a sloppy paste.
2. Fry the mushrooms until they soften (about 4–5 minutes). Set aside.
3. Drain all the remaining butter from the mushrooms into the pan and add the oil. Heat to a medium heat and fry the garlic for 1 minute.
4. Add the chillies and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the Spice Mix and chilli, and cook for 2 minutes. It should now be thick and gloopy.
6. Add the Base Curry Sauce and coriander, and cook for 2 minutes.
7. Add the mushrooms and salt and heat through until the mushrooms are fully cooked and soft.

**CHEF’S TIP**
Always use freash chillies and garlic for this dish.

**Garlic Chilli Mushrooms** is a super spicy side dish.

How to cook… Vegetable Shashliks

On January 4, 2021March 11, 2026 By In RecipesLeave a comment

Makes 4 Shashliks

This mix of mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes and onions, marinated in Tikka Marinade and grilled makes a fresh-tasting starter or you can double up the portion for tasty main dish. The trick is cook the Vegetable Shashliks just enough so they soften and the edges are charred.

What you need…
• 1 recipe Tikka Marinade (omit the water)
• 16 thick slices or chunks of mushroom
• 12 chunks of red pepper, about 3cm square (stab them a few times as this absorbs the marinade better)
• 12 chunks of green or yellow pepper, about 3cm square (stab them a few times as this absorbs the marinade better)
• 1 tomato, cut into 8 segments (stab them a few times as this absorbs the marinade better)
• Half an onion cut into chunks

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How to make it…
1. Slide the pieces, alternately, onto a skewer.
2. Coat all the pieces generously in Tikka Marinade. Leave for 30 minutes.
3. Grill the Shashliks, turning a couple of times, until they soften and start to char on the edges (about 15 minutes).
4. Serve with Mint Yoghurt Sauce.

**CHEF’S TIP**
Experiment with other vegetables of your choice.

How to cook… Chicken Tikka Wraps

On January 3, 2021March 11, 2026 By In RecipesLeave a comment

Makes 4–6 wraps

These Chicken Tikka Wraps make a delicious and fresh tasting snack when combined with peppers, onions, salad and Mint Yoghurt Sauce. It’s best when cooked fresh but to speed up the process simply marinate some extra chicken when making any of the tandoori dishes that require Chicken Tikka, such as Chicken Tikka Masala, then cook it up for the perfect lunch-time snack the next day.

What you need…
• 1 recipe Chicken Tikka (starter)
• 2 teaspoons oil
• 0.5 green pepper, sliced
• 0.5 red pepper, sliced
• 0.5 onion, sliced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• An 8cm piece of cucumber, chopped
• Handful of crispy lettuce, chopped
• Small handful of fresh coriander, chopped
• 1 recipe Mint Yoghurt Sauce
• 4–6 wraps (or nan bread or roti)

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How to make it…
1. Heat the oil in a pan and fry the peppers and onions in a pan until soft (about 4–5 minutes).
2. Warm the wraps under the grill for a couple of minutes.
3. Lay 4–5 pieces of chicken just off the centre right of the wrap and add your choice of peppers, onions, salad and coriander, plus some Mint Yoghurt Sauce.
5. Fold the long side of the wrap to the right over the mixture and tuck it just under the mixture. Now fold the bottom of the wrap up so it overlaps the flap you have created on the right and holding it tight with your thumb fold the left side over to create the wrap.

**CHEF’S TIP**
If eating on the go you can wrap if in tin foil and peel back the foil as you eat.

**Chicken Tikka** is an excellent snack when combined with pepeprs, onions and salad in a wrap.

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How to cook… Spinach and Lentils Masala

On January 2, 2021March 11, 2026 By In RecipesLeave a comment

Serves 4 as a main dish

There are an estimated 375 million vegetarians in India, mainly for religious reasons. Menus usually list dishes as Veg and Non-Veg rather than the mian or side dishes that is more usual in the Western world. Lentils are one of the Veg staples, and as well as being tasty with spices they also provide many essential nutrients. Combine them with spinach for a filling and healthy meal. Lentils are usually served with rice or roti.

What you need…
• 250g brown lentils
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1.5 teaspoon garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 200g spinach, chopped
• A few coriander leaves to garnish

Spice Mix
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• I Tablespoon curry powder
• 5 curry leaves

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How you make it…
1. Soak the lentils for at least 4 hours but preferably overnight. Drain the water and add to a pressure cooker, add a pinch of salt and cover with fresh water. Cook until the lentils are soft (about 30 minutes). Set aside.
2. Heat the oil to a medium heat and cook the onion until it softens (about 5–7 minutes).
3. Add the garlic, ginger, the Spice Mix, tomato paste and tomato with a little water, mix well and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add the spinach until it wilts (about 3 minutes).
5. Add all the ingredients into the pressure cooker with the lentils and cook for 5 minutes. Add salt to taste.
6. Serve, garnished with coriander leaves

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**CHEF’S TIP**
To save chopping the spinach freeze it in the bag then remove it and bash the bag with the back of your hand. The spinach will snap into small pieces.

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How to cook… Indo-Chinese Rice

On December 28, 2020March 11, 2026 By In RecipesLeave a comment

Serves 4 as a side dish

This Indo-Chinese Rice combines the best of Indian and Chinese flavours and is excellent with Indo-Chinese dishes or to add a little extra to dishes such as Aloo Ghobi and Bombay Aloo.

What you need…
• 300g Basmati Rice
• 0.5 teaspoon oil
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped into slivers
• 200g peas
• 1 green chilli, chopped
• 2 Tablespoons soya sauce
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 2 spring onions, chopped to garnish (optional)

How you make it…
1. Cook the Basmati Rice and allow to cool.
2. Heat the oil, add the garlic and fry for 1 minute.
3. Add the peas and green chilli and fry for a few seconds. If you are using frozen peas you will need to cook them for a bit longer.
4. Add the soya sauce and vinegar, mix well and fry for 1 minute.
5. Add the rice and stir fry until everything is warmed through.
6. Serve, garnished with the (optional) spring onions.

**CHEF’S TIP**
Avoid adding salt as the soya sauce already contains a lot of salt.

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How to cook… Rajma Curry

On December 28, 2020March 11, 2026 By In RecipesLeave a comment

Serves 4 as a main dish

Rajma (red kidney bean) Curry is a hearty North Indian dish and makes a delicious, filling main meal or excellent side dish. The kidney beans require a bit of preparation but you can skip this by using canned beans if you don’t have time. Take a good serving of your Base Curry Sauce, add the kidney beans, add a bit of garlic and a sprinkle of spice for a great medium-strength curry. Garnish with cream and fresh coriander.

What you need…
• 750g red kidney beans
• 2 Tablespoons ghee
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• 600g Base Curry Sauce
• 2 Tablespoons tomato ketchup
• Small handful fresh coriander (chop up the stems to add to the curry and set aside the leaves for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 Tablespoons cream

Spice Mix
• 1 Tablespoon mild curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon vinegar

How to make it…
1. Soak the kidney beans in water overnight. Drain the water and rinse the beans. Cover with fresh water and boil for until the bean are well cooked and completely soft (about 45–60 minutes). Drain and set aside. Alternatively you can use canned beans. Drain them and rinse them well.2.Heat the ghee to a high heat. While it is heating up mix the Spice Mix with the vinegar and enough water to form a sloppy paste.
3. Add the cumin seeds and fry for 15 seconds. They should sizzle immediately. You can test the ghee is hot enough by adding one seed.
4. Add the garlic paste and cook for 1 minute on a lower heat. You may have to remove the pan from the heat initially to stop the paste burning. (If it burns then throw it away and start again.)
5. Add the Spice Mix paste and cook for 2 minutes. It should now be thick and gloopy.
6. Add the Base Curry Sauce and the tomato and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the kidney beans, mix well and cook for 5 minutes.
7. Add the garam masala, salt and coriander stems and continue cooking until the beans are fully cooked.
8. Serve, garnished with the cream and the coriander leaves.

**CHEF’S TIP**
Spice up the curry with a couple of chopped red chillies. Add them just before stage 5.

How to cook… Chicken Chettinad

On December 27, 2020March 11, 2026 By In RecipesLeave a comment

Serves 4 as a main dish

Chicken Chettinad tis the trademark dish from the South Indian city of Chettinad, whole spices and coconut are dry-fried and ground, then added to a sauce of tomatoes, onions, garlic and ginger to create a classic Tamil Nadu dish, with chillies providing the kick.

What you need…
• 2 Tablespoons sesame oil (you can use vegetable oil but will lose some of the flavour)
• 10 curry leaves
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• 400g Base Curry sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoon coriander powder
• 0.5 teaspoon chilli powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 800g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• A few coriander leaves for garnish

Spice Mix
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 4cm piece cinnamon stick
• 3 cloves
• 3 cardamons
• 6 Tablespoons desiccated coconut

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How to make it…
1. Dry fry the spices from the Spice Mix on a medium heat in a pan for 15 seconds then add the coconut until it browns (about 2 minutes). Keep stirring and be careful not to burn the Spice Mix. Grind the mixture and set aside.
2. Heat the oil in the same pan to a medium heat and fry the curry leaves for 15 seconds.
3. Add the garlic paste and fry for 1 minute.
4. Add the Base Curry Sauce and cook for 3 minutes.
5. Add the Spice Mix, turmeric, coriander, chilli powder and salt and cook for 3 minutes. Add a little water if needed.
6. Add the chicken pieces and fry until all the pieces are cooked (about 10 minutes)
7. Serves, garnished with the coriander leaves.

**CHEF’S TIP**
If using an electric grinder it’s best to let your dry-fry mix cool down before grinding.

**Chicken Chettinad** is a popular dish from the heart of Tamil Nadu.

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