All posts by Zeba@Food For The Soul

My life was nourished and nurtured in the beautiful vale of Kashmir painted with mountains, lakes, running streams and meadows that know no end. Now in another beautiful part of the world in the US, I cook for the love of good healthy food…that feeds the soul. I recreate recipes that shaped my history and culture. For the love of discovering life and all things that speak to you and urge you on to evolve, touches your soul and make your journey through life a fulfilling experience.
Bread, Food

Ka’ak – Palestinian Street bread

5 Comments

Bread making is therapeutic – I was up before dawn of unsettling times , it seemed quiet and restful with no perception of the virus. Pulled out my favorite cookbook to plan ahead for 5 adults working/studying from home before my own workday started. I found this beautiful Ka’ak recipe in @palestineonaplate cookbook which is a Palestinian sesame bread.

Ka’ak is the Arabic word for cake for a type of bread that is made in the shape of a handbag or a large ring , covered with sesame seeds

My bread was ready by lunch and when everyone got off their conference calls and online classes there was warm bread to feed the soul <3. Served with home made za’atar and olive oil .. Can’t explain in words how beautiful was this bread and better yet the coming together of the family to this simple lunch.

This recipe is slightly modifies from the Palestine on a Plate cookbook but stays pretty true to the origin of the recipe.

I have used mostly whole wheat flour with some white flour, probably 3 to 1 proportion. You need to adjust the flour and water consistency to what works in your climate. The dough after kneading should be soft and be able to spring back.

Here is Joudie Kalla’s recipe slightly adapted to my taste:

  • Servings: 10
  • Difficulty: easy
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Credit:foodforthesoul00.com

Ingredients

2 cups warm water

1/2 cup whole milk

1/2 cup whole yoghurt

2 tbsp instant yeast

1 tsp sea salt

2 tbsp sugar

1/4 cup olive oil

7 cups flour plus more for managing the dough

1 – 2 cups of sesame seeds

1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp of water for egg wash

 

Directions

Bring the the milk, water and yogurt at a warm temperature

Add the yeast and the sugar and let it sit for about 5 mins until bubbles form and you can see the yeast coming alive.

Add the salt and olive oil and start kneading the dough. I used a mixer with a dough attachment for about 5 -7 minutes.

Adjust the water or extra flour until the dough comes together and bounces back.

Leave it to rise in a well oiled bowl for 2 hours ( until it doubles in size)

Punch the dough down
and make about 12 balls from the dough on a tray. Cover with a towel and leave to rise for 1 hour.

Meanwhile get your oven hot to about 475 degrees F.

Dust your surface with flour and roll out each ball to an oval shape. Cut a hole on the top to form a handle.

Brush egg wash on top of the bread and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Pat them down.

I baked two at a time on a tray.

It took about 12 minutes for each to puff up and brown. You have to watch it really closely or you will burn them.

Serve with Zaatar, olive oil and cheese.

This bread lifted our spirits as we all adjusted to a new way of living. Some had it dipped in home made za’atar and olive oil and others with cheese and hummus. It brought peace for a moment,

Peace and love to all

Sharing this at Fiesta Friday.

Food, Kashmir, Pickles, salad, side dishes, Vegan

Gand Chetin – Kashmiri Onion Chutney

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This is a traditional Onion Chutney that accompanies many a feasts and dinners in Kashmir. Kashmiri food, the whole playbook of amazing dishes often overshadows the humble accompaniments that elevate the flavors of the meal. The side kick here is truly kick ass, simply made with sliced onions that are marinated in vinegar, dried mint and red chili powder. The process is a quick pickling process which is very simple bringing out the tart, spicy and savory flavors.

The recipes call for dry mint but fresh would be fine if you are out of stock. I dry my mint in summer and fall and it lasts me at least 6 months. Dry mint does have a unique taste that it imparts to many Kashmiri dishes.

I serve it as a side to rice and savory dishes but you will find that it was be used in many other ways such as sandwiches, kebabs and burgers.

Gand Chetin Kashmiri Onion Chutney

A pickled spicy onion chutney


Credit:foodforthesoul00.com

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of organic red onions sliced thin
  • 3 green chilies sliced thin
  • 1/2 cup of green coriander/cilantro chopped
  • 1/2 tsp black cumin ( different form regular cumin)
  • 1/2 tsp dry mint
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/2 cup of organic vinegar ( i used rice vinegar)
  • sea salt to taste


Directions

Salt the onions and keep aside for an hour or so and then wash and drain. You will need to squeeze the water out.

Mix all the other ingredients ( you will not need additional salt) and cool in the refrigerator before serving as a condiment.

Linking to Fiesta Friday where the  Mollie @ Frugal Hausfrau is the fabulous cohost.

Food, Kashmir, Vegan

Kashmiri Phool Yakhni – Cauliflower in Yogurt sauce

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Kashmiri Phool Yakhni is a vegetarian version of the sublime yogurt based Yakhni that is traditionally mutton based in Kashmir. Cauliflower is the shining star in this recipe

The Cauliflower florets are par-boiled in turmeric, fried and then simmered in yogurt infused with spices like cardamom, fennel, ginger and cinnamon. These are the quintessential spices used in Kashmiri cuisine which date back to centuries.

Modern Kashmiri cuisine  tracks its history to 15th century when Timur ( a Turco-Mongol conqueror)  invaded India which led to the migration of 1700 skilled woodcarvers, weavers, architects, calligraphers and cooks from Samarkand to the valley of Kashmir.

Ok so here is the diversion from the traditional in my American kitchen….This is my recipe and I have used a coconut based yogurt to experiment with a vegan version. It was beyond my expectations, and dancing taste buds kind of delicious. I used the So  Delicious unsweetened coconut yogurt. Please free to use your choice of unsweetened yogurt.

Continuing to break the tradition, I decided not to fry the cauliflower after boiling but it can be done just to get a crisp browning. Not necessary in my opinion.

This recipe also uses lots of turmeric simply because I love it! 

Before the recipe begins, I am leaving you with verse of Habba Khatoon and 16th century Kashmiri poetess and peasant queen. These verses remind me of the beauty and uniqueness of Kashmir that translates to its cuisine.

The distant meadows are in bloom.

Have you not heard my call?

Flowers bloom on mountain lakes

Come, let us ascend these meadows now

The lilac blooms in distant woods

Have you not heard my call?

Phool Yakhni - Cauliflower in Yogurt sauce

  • Difficulty: moderate
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"Phool Yakhni - Cauliflower in Yogurt sauce"


Credit: foodforthesoul00.com

Ingredients

• Cauliflower – 1 broken into large florets

• Onion – 1 medium

• Ginger powder – 1 tsp

• Turmeric Powder – 2 tsp

• Fennel powder – 1.5 tsp

• Garlic – 1 tbsp minced

• Green cardamom – 5

• Black Cardamom – 2

• Cinnamon sticks – about 3 -4 inches

• Crushed Dry mint – 1 tbsp

• Rice flour – 1 tbsp

• Salt to taste

• Mustard or oil of choice ( 2 tbsp and additional for frying the onions)

• Organic Yoghurt ( Regular or plant based) 3 cups or 1 24 oz container


Directions

• Add 1 tsp of turmeric to boiling water. Add a sprinkle or salt and boil the florets for about 2-2 minutes. Drain and set aside.

• Chop and fry onions until golden brown. Remove onions from oil, crush in a mortar pestle and set aside

• Heat the leftover oil from the onions and add more if needed in a heavy bottomed pan. Add the yogurt and start whipping. You have to continue whipping the yogurt until it is boiling. Your hand cannot leave the stirring/whipping or the yogurt will curdle. This is a critical step in making a smooth sauce. It will take about 10 minutes.

• Add the rest of the spice ingredients ( except for mint and onions)

• Keep the stirring going for 5 mins or so.

• Add the cauliflower. If the suace is thick, add some water. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered until the cauliflower is tender.

• Add the Fried onions and Mint for a beautiful flavor.

• Serve with white or brown rice or bread.


Food, side dishes, Vegan

Carrots, Peas with Dill – Lucknow inspired

11 Comments

Here is another food story inspired my the memories of many winters in spent in Lucknow, India in my grandfather’s house and the houses of my uncles and aunts throughout the state of UP.

Somehow the archives of food snapshots in your mind brings a nostalgia filled smile and some strangeness. The simplicity of meals prepared in my grandparents house still seems so pure to me. There was a large family to feed so little ingredients went a long way. The laughter and the joy of togetherness at the lunch table in Hussaingunj with a simple meal of Dal and Vegetables is instilled in my memory to this day. There was always the abundance of “romali” (paper thin) roti that our “bua” ( god bless her) cooked in bulk over on a sawdust stove in a dark kitchen.

Bringing one of those vegetables to life in this blog is homage to the lady who cooked our meals,  “bua” and my grandparents who also inspired us to be creative, smart, simple and good humans.

The house was defining and built character in every child, teenager and adult that spent time within its walls. The picture is recent but a fossil of an amazing before. 

The house of memories – Lucknow, India

It is an honor to be to hosting the Fiesta Friday this week where I can showcase the beautiful memories of food. Looking forward to the dishes that you all will bring to the party so please join us!!

Gajar Matar with Dill

  • Difficulty: easy
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Vegetables with Dill - Lucknow Inspired


Credit: foodforthesoul00.com

Ingredients

  • Mustard Oil ( or any preferred oil) – 2 tbsp
  • Carrots – 2 cups chopped small
  • Potato – 1 cup chopped fine
  • Dill – 1 1/2 cup Fresh chopped fine
  • Green peas – 1 cup frozen
  • Cumin seeds – 1tsp
  • Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
  • Turmeric powder – 1 tsp
  • Chili Powder  – 1tsp ( or manage the heat to taste)
  • 1/2 lemon
  • Salt to taste


Directions

  • Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat. If using mustard oil, it need to be smoking before you add the next ingredients
  • Add the cumin and mustard seeds and let them pop of a few seconds.
  • Add the carrots and potatoes and sauté for about 5 mins
  • Add the spices and cover an cook until the carrots and potatoes are almost done ( probably 15 mins)
  • Taste and adjust the salt if needed
  • Add peas and then add dill leaves.
  • Mix well and cook covered for another 5 mins until all the vegetables are tender.
  • Squeeze the lemon juice and serve with fresh rotis or rice. I have served with rice and beans with a side of pickle

the door to childhood….
Carrots and Peas with dill and spices
Food, Lunch, side dishes, Vegan

Station Wale Aloo – Simple Potato curry

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What is that title you may say 🙂

Let me explain by a trip down memory lane…Throughout childhood,  my family embarked on the winter trip from the icy cold winter in Srinagar, Kashmir to the weirdly uncomfortable winter in Lucknow, UP to bask in the sunshine of my grandparents.

Once winter descended in Kashmir and school wrapped up for winter vacation, it became bitterly cold, electricity was a novelty for the most part and activity was limited to playing in the snow or running around the house making up games. We would then prepare to make the trek to spend the winter with our grandparents and extended family in Lucknow.

Lucknow houses were big and open which reluctantly welcomed a moderate winter but full of warmth and laughter from the cousins, uncles and aunts that waited anxiously for our arrival each year.

My siblings and I absolutely loved the adventurous trip… so I am getting to my story that ties to the recipe….The yearly adventure first involved getting to the city of Jammu from Srinagar which could be a long bus or car ride ( airplane in later years). Then the famous “express” train which would take 2 days from Jammu to Lucknow. A day in life in trains in India  was sweet, surreal, seductive, scary, inspiring, dismal, reflective and never ending all at the same time.  To this date if I close my eyes, I can feel the wind (and the dust) through the grilled train windows.

The train ceremoniously stopped at numerous railway stations during this journey at strange hours of the night and day and I would eagerly await the one that called out the potato curry and puris (fried bread).

That gets me to the point of Station Wale Aloo. The simple potato curry being served for a couple of pennies through the grilled train windows at indistinct stations is a memory that is deep rooted.

Food memories reside deep within your soul and can be recreated through flashbacks and visuals and the sense of smell and taste through time and experiences. I have not been on a train in India for about 25 years  but this is my version in my American kitchen weaved together from magical childhood memories

It is essentially potatoes in curry with no onions or garlic. You can omit the oil as well if you like.

A simple vegan dish that will nourish your soul.

Station Wale Aloo

Credit: foodforthesoul00.com

Ingredients

 

  • 4 -5 Boiled potatoes
  • 2 tomatoes – pureed or 1/2 canned tomato pureed
  • 2 green chilies
  • 1 tsp methi ( Fenugreek) seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp fennel
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 inch grated ginger
  • 5-10 curry leaves ( optional)
  • 1/4 tsp Hing ( Asafetida)
  • Oil if using ( 1 tbsp)
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon


Directions

 

  1. Boil the potatoes until tender. You can remove the skin if thick or leave it on depending on the potato. . I use my hands to break the potatoes into chunks ( 1 inch or so) and set aside. You can chop if you like.
  2. Soak the methi ( Fenugreek) seeds in warm water for about 20 mins and grind.
  3. Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan. If not using oil you can add the spices directly to the pan and monitor that they do not burn.
  4. Add cumin, Hing, curry leaves and green chilies and sauté for a minute
  5. Add the ground methi seeds and fry for a few second and then the pureed tomatoes and ginger.
  6. Cook everything for 5 minutes and add the rest of the spices.
  7. Add vegetable broth and then the potatoes.
  8. Cook everything until it gets to a thick gravy consistency
  9. Garnish with lemon juice and cilantro.
  10. I have served with this with sprouted wheat and lentil roti…but the choice of puris(fried bread) or rice would be great too.

Food, Vegan

Turmeric Ginger tonic

4 Comments

I make this every week but have never really photographed it or posted the recipe until now, not sure why and this is totally something you want to share with everyone.

This is good for you…. for the gut and general healing. It is fermented and There is heat in the turmeric and ginger so adjust the quantity based on your own body type and digestive system

Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which is anti inflammatory. Ginger happens to be a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Lemon is naturally detoxifying boosts the immune system. Allof it together is one solid health shot!!!

I normally add water to a 1/4 cup of the fermented tonic and drink it every morning with a dash of lemon juice

Beautifully healing from all things evil and toxic for the body especially for the gut.

The fermentation process needs some sugar, I have used both honey and a vegan option of rice or coconut syrup. Please adjust to your liking.

The tamarind is key to bring on the tartness. Please do not omit ( I guess you could but it would not be the same).   Tamarind pods can be found in the local Asian stores.

So here is the recipe:

This recipe is not precise, please do adjust as you wish.

Ingredients:

  • 10 fresh turmeric pods
  • 1 pod of ginger ( about 4 inches)
  • 7 dry tamarind ponds
  • 2 lemons
  • 2 tablespoon coconut nectar or honey or rice syrup

Directions:

  • Remove the shell of the tamarind pods and bol them in water on low heat covering just barely. This takes about 10 mins. Cool and them use your hands to removes the shells and strings until everything is a pulp.
  • Chop the fresh turmeric and ginger and boil for 20 mins until golden brown. Cool to room temperature.
  • Blend the turmeric ginger in a high speed blender. Add tamarind, nectar and lemon juice until everything is smooth and combined. If it is thick you can add some water.
  • Pour into glass containers, cover with muslin and ferment in a dark dry place for 2 days.
  • Once fermented you can cover the bottles and move into the fridge.
  • You can strain into a glass, add some lemon juice and drink once a day!
turmeric ginger tonic with tamarind
Chutney, Food, Kashmir, side dishes, Vegan

Kashmiri Chutney – Dodh AL ( Bottle Gourd in Yoghurt)

3 Comments

Kashmiri culture and ways of preparing the food lends to its exquisite and unique taste. An art form which is then accented by how the food is served….in copper dishes, with flavorful white rice, rich yoghurt and tart chutneys.

In the series of Kashmiri chutneys, this one is a little unusual and delightful. Made with boiled bottle gourd (Lauki), yoghurt and a dash of honey, it brings a slight sweetness to the table of spicy food.

In my version I have omitted the honey and the raisins but do add them if you prefer the sweetness. I also made a vegan version by using coconut milk instead. Either way it will come out just superb.

These are images of Bottle Gourd growing and being sold in the floating vegetable gardens on the Dal Lake in Kashmir. A visit to the pre-dawn vegetable market on the lake is a memory that does not leave your soul.

Dodh Al - Bottle Gourd Chutney

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: easy
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Kashmiri Chutney

Credit: foodforthesoul00.com

Ingredients

  • One small bottle gourd, seeds removed and grated
  • About 5 cloves of garlic
  • 1 cup of full fat yoghurt ( plant based yoghurt is fine)
  • 1 tbsp organic honey (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black cumin
  • a few strands of saffron crushed
  • 1 tbsp of yellow raisins (optional)
  • chopped cilantro and mint leaves

Directions

  • Boil the gourd and garlic until tender about 5-7 mins. Drain the water and cool. ( you can save the water for soup or broth in other dishes)
  • Put it in a sieve or muslin, mashing the garlic cloves and squeezing the water out.
  • Put it in a sieve or muslin, mashing the garlic cloves and squeezing the water out.
  • Add this to the yoghurt and mix the other ingredients.

Serve as a side topped with black cumin and cilantro/mint leaves. This is also perfect as a dip with pita bread.