Snacks, Appetizers & Sides Archives

Namak Para is crispy fried savory Indian snack made with flour, spices and ghee (or oil). These are best enjoyed with a cup of masala chai. My mom would often make a batch of these crunchy namak para during festivals like Holi & Diwali. But if you ask me. you don’t need an occasion to munch on them. They are highly addictive! They are traditionally deep fried but you can also air fry or bake them for a healthier option.

When mom used to prepare for Indian festivals back home, I used to...

Khaman Dhokla Recipe

khaman dhokla arranged on a black board with bottle of chutney in the backdrop

February 21, 2023

Khaman Dhokla is a steamed Indian savory snack which is extremely popular in the western state of Gujarat. It is made with besan (gram flour) and leavened with leavening agents like baking soda and eno. A tempering of curry leaves, mustard seeds is often poured on it after it’s done. Khaman is best enjoyed with a side of cilantro chutney and a cup of masala chai.

Khaman dhokla or simply khaman is a popular snack not only in Gujarat but all...

Tandoori Mushrooms

November 9, 2022

These tandoori mushrooms are first stuffed with a flavorful filling made with cream cheese, onion, peppers, cilantro chutney and then coated in a marinade with yogurt and spices and baked to perfection in the oven. The final charring of the mushrooms over direct heat gives these mushrooms that smoky flavor which takes the flavors a notch-up!

Mushrooms appetizers are some of my favorite appetizers like the mushroom tikka, avocado mushroom crostini and more! However,...

Indian Chaat Dip

layered dip served in a transparent bowl topped with cilantro, pomegranate

October 11, 2022

This Indian Chaat Dip has layers of pureed chole, salsa, tamarind chutney, cilantro chutney and topped with fresh cilantro, pomegranate arils, sev and papdi! Makes a great appetizer to serve at holiday and festive parties. Serve with tortilla chips, bite size naan, pita chips and more!

Appetizers and desserts are my favorite part about any party. I often don’t eat the main course and focus only on the apps. I love creating fun fusion appetizers like the paneer dip with spicy honey...

Bhakarwadi Recipe

bhakarwadhi placed in a black plate with glass of chai in the background

October 7, 2022

Bhakarwadi is a crunchy snack popular in the western parts of India. These pinwheels are stuffed with spices, coconut etc. and have a spicy, tangy and sweet taste. These are deep fried and go well along with a cup of chai!

I love all things crispy and crunchy with my chai like mathri, samosa etc. Most chai time Indian snacks are deep fried and crispy and I am low key addicted to them. I have zero self control when it comes to Indian snacks, I just cannot resist them and often end up eating the whole packet in one...

Paneer Tikka Corn Chaat

paneer and corn tossed with onion, tomatoes served in a glass and garnished with cilantro

September 28, 2022

This Paneer Tikka Corn Chaat makes a flavorful vegetarian appetizer which is great to serve at Holiday parties and festive get-togethers. Marinated paneer cubes are cooked until golden (just like the paneer tikka recipe) and then tossed with corn, onion, tomatoes and a bunch of spices in this appetizing chaat. You can serve it in bowls or in small glasses like I did!

I always find that the main course is easy to plan when deciding on a menu for a Diwali party, or any Holiday party. It...

Easy Tofu Lettuce Wraps

tofu lettuce wrap topped with green onions with bowls of sauce in the background

June 23, 2022

These easy tofu lettuce wraps make a light and flavorful lunch or dinner and are easy to make at home without much prep work. The tofu filling can be made in advance and so these are great for meal prep as well.

The first time I had tofu lettuce wraps was at PF Chang’s. I instantly loved them, though Sarvesh didn’t fancy them (but then he never fancies anything with tofu), and ever since they are my go-to order when we eat at that restaurant. I also had tofu...

Rava Dhokla (Sooji Dhokla)

3 pieces of rava dhokla served on a blue plate with bowl of chutney in the background

March 7, 2022

This homemade recipe of rava dhokla is made with simple ingredients and results in a soft and fluffy instant rava dhokla. This is an eggless savory cake made with semolina and is great for breakfast or snack!

Dhokla is one of my absolute favorite things to eat for breakfast or snack. Growing up, I mostly knew about instant dhokla made with besan- the yellow one. It was later in life when I learnt about different foods that I came to know that besan dhokla is actually called khaman...

Almond Flour Masala Crackers

masala crackers dipped in white color sauce

January 11, 2022

Gluten-free and made without any oil, these Almond Flour Masala Crackers are a great snack to munch on. Spiced with Indian spices, they also pair well with dips like hummus, pesto, tzatziki and more!

Do you have a snack problem? I definitely do! I feel like I am constantly snacking, and it really has to do with me being in the kitchen all the time. On days, when I am not in the kitchen, I...

Hasselback Sweet Potatoes Chaat

hasselback potatoes sliced into thick slices and drizzled with chutneys and topped with cilantro, mint

November 19, 2021

This Hasselback Sweet Potatoes Chaat inspired by Indian flavors might be your new favorite way to enjoy sweet potatoes for the holidays! Garnished with cilantro chutney, tamarind chutney, pomegranate and fresh herbs this is also vegan and gluten-free!

I love chaat anything and everything and I think I have mentioned that so many times on the blog. I make a chaat out of everything from pizza to kala chana to potatoes to my favorite sweet potatoes. I have shared a sweet potato chaat recipe on the blog...

Shahi Samosa Pinwheels

puff pastry pinwheels arranged on a plate and served with chutneys

November 19, 2021

Puff Pastry Shahi Samosa Pinwheels are filled with spiced potato, paneer and peas filling. The addition of cashews and raisins make them extra rich and flavorful. These make an easy vegetarian appetizer for potlucks, parties and the holidays!

Samosa is one snack that needs no introduction. In north India where I am from, it is literally sold at every nook and corner on the streets, at least that’s how it was in my city. It was the one snack which mom...

Roasted Beets with Pistachios & Goat Cheese

diced beets with sliced onions and goat cheese served in a white bowl

November 16, 2021

Sweet oven roasted beets, thinly sliced red onion and roasted pistachios are tossed together with a red wine vinaigrette in this vegetarian side dish which is perfect for the holidays! Topped with crumbled goat cheese, this will be a great addition to your holiday table.

It took me some years to warm up to goat cheese but now I really like it. It’s sharp flavor particularly pairs well with sweet vegetables like butternut squash, beetroot,...