All you need are a handful of ingredients and lots of stirring!Unwrapping a brown paper-clad log of Malindi Halwa has always been a momentous joy for me. Although tightly bound, the rosy aromas still permeated through the paper cover.

Tearing one side of the paper would feel like I was playing the children’s party game, pass the parcel. I’d remove only as much paper to suit the portion I’d like to eat, take a deep inhale and revel in the deeply comforting floral smell of this jewel-toned sweet. The translucent halwa was glossy with ghee and a carrier for the copious amounts of whole almonds, after which it is named.

Where does Malindi Halwa – Lozi (Kenyan Almond Halwa) come from?

Malindi is Kenya’s second largest coastal town and is at the centre of a strip of idyllic tropical beaches. Traditionally a port city, located on Kenya’s east coast, Malindi was for centuries a colonial trading post. The food of this region has therefore been influenced by multiple cultures, from Arabic and Indian, to Portuguese and British.

Why is it called Lozi?

The name Lozi refers to almonds and has roots in the Persian language لوز‎ (lowz, luz), since this style of halwa was most likely introduced by the muslim community of Kenya. In Swahili, almonds are typically called Lozi or Mlozi. Malindi Halwa Lozi (Kenyan Almond Halwa) is similar to Omani Halwa.

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Memories of Malindi Halwa

Malindi Halwa Lozi (Kenyan Almond Halwa) is difficult to come by in the UK, unless you make it yourself. Growing up in a Yorkshire town meant that I often missed comfort foods like these. I have the fondest memories of visiting my kaka (uncle) in the more cosmopolitan city of Watford, just outside of London. He would always make sure he bought a log of Malindi Halwa from the local shop when I came to visit.

What are the main ingredients in Malindi Halwa?

The base ingredients of this Kenyan almond halwa are tapioca (cassava) starch, sugar, ghee, whole blanched almonds (skinless almonds) and water. Rose water, saffron, cardamom and red/orange food colour are secondary ingredients. Ground nutmeg is also a popular addition to this East African style of halwa.

Where to buy tapioca starch

You can source tapioca starch quite inexpensively at most African, South Asian, Chinese or South American food stores. It may also be labelled ‘cassava starch’ or ‘yuca starch’. Note that it must be tapicoa/cassava starch and not flour as these are two different byproducts of the same root. They are not interchangeable.Tapioca starch is also available to buy online, along with all the other ingredients you need to make this Halwa recipe.

This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. These are all products I have purchased of my own accord and ones that I use myself. None of the products mentioned have been gifted to me. By using an affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no expense to you. This commission helps to support this blog. Thanks in advance if you choose to make a purchase through these links!

How to make Malindi Halwa – Lozi (Kenyan Almond Halwa): Step-by-step instructions

How to blanch almonds

lace whole, raw almonds in a bowl. Cover with boiling water and allow to stand for 20 minutes. Once the water has cooled, gently press the almonds to slip them out of their skins.

Malindi Halwa – Lozi (Kenyan Almond Halwa) recipe

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Malindi Halwa Lozi (Kenyan Almond Halwa)

My first mithai love. Tapioca starch halwa studded with almonds and scented with rose, saffron and cardamom. This Kenyan-style halwa is traditionally wrapped in paper and sold by the log. Warm it up for a delicious, stretchy, jelly-like halwa. It’s so fun to eat!

Course Dessert

Cuisine African

Keyword cardamom, dessert, diwali, eid, ghee, halwa, ramadan, tapioca

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings 10

Equipment

• Wooden spoon
• Large, heavy-based pan
• Whisk

Ingredients

• 125 g tapioca starch
• 500 ml cold water
• 350 g white sugar
• 400 ml cold water
• 125 g ghee
• Small pinch of saffron
• 2 tsp rosewater
• 8 cardamom pods seeds ground
• 50 g blanched almonds see video for how to blanch almonds
• Orange and red food colours

Instructions

• Place tapioca starch in a large bowl. Gradually add 500ml cold water and whisk until you have a smooth, flowing mixture. Set aside for 30 minutes.
• Melt the ghee in a pan. Add saffron, rosewater, ground cardamom seeds and food colours.
• Place the sugar in a large, heavy-based non-stick pan. Add 400ml water, switch the heat on and stir until the sugar dissolves. Whisk the tapioca starch mixture once more. Once the sugar mixture comes to a boil, pour in the tapioca starch mixture.
• Cook over a medium-low heat, stirring all the time. The mixture will begin to thicken and turn translucent in some parts. Keep stirring and cooking.
• After about 10 minutes it will thicken into a glossy paste. It’ll look a bit like gloopy wallpaper paste. Once it reaches this stage, add a ladleful of the warm ghee mixture and stir well. Continue to stir and cook, adding the ghee mixture in small increments every 2-3 minutes, until all of it is used up.
• The mixture will begin to bubble up in places and thicken significantly. It will turn from pasty, to jelly-like as you cook. The whole process will take about 30 minutes. Towards the end of the cooking time, the halwa mixture will form an elastic, slow-moving goo-like consistency! It should look shiny and translucent. The colour should be a deep orange-red tone. Add more food colour if you need to. Once the halwa pulls away from the sides of the pan in a mass like this, it’s ready. Watch my video tutorial to see all the stages and consistency you’re looking for.
• Add the blanched almonds and stir to embed the almonds into the halwa. Allow to cool for 5 minutes and then place the halwa on a very large piece of cling film.
• Shape the still-elastic halwa into a thick log, about 20-25cm wide. Use gloves if you find it still too hot to touch. Tightly wrap the halwa in the cling film. Scrunch the ends up to form a Christmas cracker shape and twist to tighten. Now wrap the log in newspaper or brown paper. Allow to cool completely at room temperature and serve. You can refrigerate this halwa log for up to a month.
• You can also turn the halwa out onto a greased tray and flatten slightly. Cut into pieces and serve warm or at room temperature.

Video

Notes

This Malindi Halwa will keep well in the fridge (wrapped) for 1 month. Do not freeze.
To re-heat the halwa, place a slice on a plate and microwave for 15 seconds. It’ll heat up really quickly so keep an eye on it and make sure it’s cooled down a little before you eat it.

Pin this Malindi Halwa – Lozi (Kenyan Almond Halwa) recipe for later!

If you like this, you’ll love my recipe for Perfect Vegan Jalebi

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My simple paneer and potato kofta are golden on the outside and a brilliant white colour on the inside. Each bite is soft, a little spongy and slick with a smooth and creamy tomato sauce. In my home, Malai Kofta is an essential curry for special occasions.

This Indian vegetarian curry of paneer (cheese) and potato kofta is a real celebration of rich flavours and warming spices.

What is Malai Kofta?

Malai Kofta is a delicious North Indian vegetarian curry, popular in restaurants and for celebrations like weddings and parties. It’s rich, creamy and utterly delicious with naan, paratha or rice.

Recipes for Malai Kofta vary from cook to cook. “Malai” refers to the liberal use of cream in the dish, while “Kofta” allude the balls of deep-fried paneer (a vegetarian take on meat kofta, so to speak). Many recipes also include potatoes and/or other vegetables in the kofta mixture. A filling of chopped nuts and sultanas is commonplace, too.

Where does Malai Kofta come from?

It’s said that Malai Kofta has roots in Mughlai cuisine; a style of cooking that goes back to the Mughal Empire and its’ royal kitchens. Originally from Central Asia, Turkey, Persia and beyond, Mughlai cuisine introduced dishes like Biryani, Nihari, Korma, Keema and Pasanda to the Indian subcontinent. You will now find hundreds of delicious variations of these and more dishes across India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

They are often rich, luxurious and meat heavy. Ingredients like nuts, saffron, rosewater and dry fruits are found in both sweet and savoury dishes of the Mughlai kitchens.

Notable vegetarian Mughlai-influenced dishes include Malai Kofta, Shahi Paneer, Vegetable Korma, as well as desserts like Shahi Tukda, Falooda and Sheer Khurma.

There are two popular styles of Malai Kofta. Let’s explore them a little.

Mughlai Malai Kofta (Shahi Malai Kofta) – White in colour

This royal preparation of Malai Kofta is heavily inspired by the customs, techniques and ingredients of Mughlai kitchens. The white-coloured gravy is an ode to the royal emperors’ tastes for all things expensive (namely nuts, but also spices like cardamom, saffron and peppercorns).

Make this white gravy by first blanching almonds and/or cashews in hot water, then grinding to create a smooth and creamy paste. Fry off some spices and add the paste, but don’t let it brown. Copious amounts of cream and a pinch of sugar to finish, of course.

Punjabi Malai Kofta (North Indian-style Malai Kofta) – Orange or red in colour

Punjabi Malai Kofta is the version of the dish we most commonly find in restaurants. It’s an adaptation of the Mughlai dish that puts tomatoes to work, hence the orange or red gravy. Tomatoes and chillies were not introduced to India until the 15th and 16th centuries so you could say this is a more ‘modern take’ on Malai Kofta.

Over the years, recipes have changed and adapted with tastes and the movement of people. Each Malai Kofta recipe you’ll find online, in books or by word of mouth will be as unique as it is delicious.

Is this a Nut-free Malai Kofta recipe?

Yes, my recipe for Melt-Away Malai Kofta is incidentally, completely nut free. Most recipes for Malai Kofta will contain an assortment of nuts and raisins in the kofta filling and either cashews or almonds to thicken the gravy (sauce).

Now, I’ve never been a fan of crunchy nuts in my creamy kofta, although it is is typical of restaurant-style Malai Kofta.

A while back, I asked my Instagram community to vote on whether they like nuts and raisins in their Malai Kofta. An overwhelming 83% of 6,000 respondents said no. To make this suitable for those with nut allergies and intolerances, I decided to cut all the nuts out, even in the sauce. So here it is: A creamy, nut-free Malai Kofta recipe that tastes like a restaurant version!

What is Malai in Indian food?

In Indian cookery, the term ‘Malai’ refers to the cream extracted from heating whole milk (sourced from cattle: Either cow or buffalo). It’s used for making a range of dishes, both sweet and savoury. Some dishes include: Malai Kofta, Malai Peda, Rasmalai and Kulfi.

How to serve Malai Kofta

Serve Melt-Away Malai Kofta with your choice of Indian accompaniments, such as Naan, Paratha or Rice. I simply adore the combination of Malai Kofta and Garlic Naan.

Some recipes call for placement of the Kofta to be a last-minute affair, directly on top of the hot gravy. My recipe requires a gentle simmer to plump up the Kofta before serving. This gives them their mouth watering melt-away texture.

Why is it called Melt-Away Malai Kofta?

I’ve been making versions of this dish for years. Take a look at this delicious Paneer Kofta recipe from my archives. The first time I made this iteration of Malai Kofta, my husband took a portion out for himself at dinner time. I looked over and saw there were five koftas in his plate.

Important tips for making this recipe

Paneer

• Homemade paneer works best in this recipe. Refer to this recipe for Homemade Paneer. Make sure the paneer is very well pressed, overnight or for as long as possible. Chill in the fridge until ready to use. The paneer should be dry and crumbly. If it is not properly pressed, the kofta may break in the oil while frying.

Potatoes

• I use a floury variety of potato in my recipe. Maris Piper or King Edward if you’re in the UK. Any mealy potato you’d use for baked potatoes is ideal. Cook the potato however you like. I like to microwave mine in the skin until soft because it’s super quick and easy. It also draws water out of the potato rather than putting water in, like boiling does.

• Once the potato is cooked grate it on the fine side of a cheese grater. It’s best to allow it to cool a bit first!

Kneading kofta mixture

• Spend a bit of time kneading the kofta mixture. Use the heel of your palm to press the mixture into the worktop and away from you. We are creating a smooth-textured dough without a crumbly texture. This process is similar to kneading chhena (paneer) for sweets like Rasmalai and Rasgulla. It produces the perfect smooth and creamy finish.

• I spent about 5 minutes per portion, so 15 minutes kneading in total. It’s a great work out! I don’t recommend using a blender for this as it can overwork the mixture and ruin the texture of the kofta.

Frying kofta

• Heat the oil to 125°C/260°F on a cooking thermometer. It should be low enough to seal the kofta all around without browning too quickly. If you don’t have a cooking thermometer, drop one of the kofta into the oil – it should bubble around the outside very slowly.
  
• The kofta need to be fried very slowly until they turn golden. Each batch will take around 10 minutes. Keep them moving in the oil all the time for even browning. If the heat is too high the outside will brown too quickly and they will deflate as soon as they come out of the oil.
  
• I do not recommend baking or air frying the kofta.

Sauce/gravy

• Since we use tomato purée in the recipe, there is no need to strain the gravy after we blend it. I love the punchy tang of tomato purée in this recipe. Fresh tomatoes don’t even come close.
  
• Skimmed milk powder and fried onions will thicken the sauce beautifully in the absence of nuts. You can replace it with 8-10 cashews, soaked in boiling hot water for 30 minutes.
  
• Be sure to remove large whole spices like star anise and cinnamon from the onion masala before you blend it. They can ruin the colour!
  
• For a bright colour, slowly sizzle Kashmiri chilli powder in warm ghee or oil before adding the gravy mixture. It has a mild flavour and great colour. If you can find this, use half the amount of regular chilli powder and supplement with a teaspoon of paprika (not smoked paprika).

Can I make vegan Malai Kofta using this recipe?

I have not tried veganising this Malai Kofta recipe. I’d imagine quite a few significant changes would need to take place in order to make a vegan Malai Kofta with this recipe. I recommend checking out this Vegan Malai Kofta recipe by Nisha at Rainbow Plant Life.

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Is this recipe for Malai Kofta gluten free?

The kofta contain plain wheat flour. Feel free to swap this for rice flour or your favourite gluten-free baking flour. Use a gluten-free baking powder.

How to make Homemade Paneer

My recipe below is best made with Homemade Paneer. Although, if you don’t have time and want to use shop-bought, I’ll totally forgive you. Please do your best to find the softest paneer possible. Malai Paneer is perfect.

Melt-Away Malai Kofta recipe

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Melt-Away Malai Kofta

I call this creamy paneer kofta curry Melt-Away Malai Kofta simply because they melt away as soon as you put them in your mouth. Malai Kofta are the ultimate North Indian vegetarian curry recipe to dazzle friends and family. A celebration of rich flavours and warming spices.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Keyword celebration, curry, dinner party, kofta, north indian, paneer, party food

Prep Time 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 2 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Author Sanjana

Equipment

• Blender
• Large pan for cooking the sauce
• Kadai, work or large pan for deep frying
• Slotted spoon for deep frying

Ingredients

For the kofta:

• 225 g paneer, very well pressed homemade is best (recipe linked above)
• 100 g potato (any floury variety such as Maris Piper, King Edward or Yukon Gold) cooked, cooled, peeled and grated on the fine side of a grater
• 1 1/2 tbsp plain flour
• 1/3 tsp salt
• Baking powder same amount as two grains of rice
• Oil for deep frying any cooking oil

For the kofta curry:

• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 whole star anise
• 2 cm stick cinnamon or cassia bark
• 4 whole green cardamom pods
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 small piece black stone flower optional
• 2 onions finely diced (about 250g)
• 2 tbsp double concentrate tomato purée
• 2 large cloves garlic chopped
• 2 cm piece ginger grated
• 2 tbsp skimmed milk powder
• 250 ml water

To finish the Malai Kofta:

• 1 tbsp ghee or oil
• 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder
• Small pinch of saffron
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 100 ml whipping cream (cooking cream)
• 1/4 tsp kasoori methi
• 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

Instructions

To make the kofta (see video for visual tutorial):

• Crumble your well-pressed homemade paneer onto a large plate or on a clean surface. it should feel dry and crumbly. If using shop bought paneer, you will need to grate it on the fine side of a grater.
• Add the finely-grated cooked potato, salt and baking powder. Work everything together using your hands and then sprinkle over the flour. Bring the mixture together to form a very rough mixture. It should bind to a sticky, but not wet dough. Divide it into three portions.
• Taking one portion of mixture at a time, begin to knead the dough on a worktop or clean surface. Use the heel of your palm to press the mixture into the worktop and away from you. We are creating a smooth-textured dough without a crumbles This process is similar to kneading chhena (paneer) for sweets like Rasmalai and Rasgulla. It produces the perfect finish.
• Spend a bit of time kneading the kofta mixture. I spent about 5 minutes per portion, so 15 minutes kneading in total. It's a great work out! I don't recommend using a blender for this as it can overwork the mixture and ruin the texture of the kofta.
• Bring the kofta mixture back together and begin to portion it out into approximately 13-15g portions. Don't make them any bigger than this as they will expand slightly in the oil. Roll each one with a little pressure between your palms. They should be perfectly smooth and without any cracks. You should have between 24-26 kofta.
• Heat enough oil to deep fry the kofta in a kadai or wok. Work in batches of 2-3 so the oil is not overcrowded. Heat the oil to 125°C/260°F on a cooking thermometer. It should be low enough to seal the kofta all around without browning too quickly. If you don't have a cooking thermometer, drop one of the kofta into the oil – it should bubble around the outside very slowly.
• Fry the kofta at this temperature. At no point should the oil temperature exceed 130°C/265°F. Agitate the oil around them, rather than directly moving the kofta at first. This will ensure they don't get knocked out of shape. The kofta need to be fried very slowly until they turn golden. Each batch will take around 10 minutes. Keep them moving in the oil all the time for even browning. If the heat is too high the outside will brown too quickly and they will deflate once they come out of the oil.
• Line a plate with kitchen towel. Lift out your fried kofta and drain on the plate. Repeat this process for your remaining batches of kofta. Note: It's okay if the kofta deflate very slightly on the surface. They will plump up again in the kofta curry later.

For the kofta curry:

• Heat the oil in a large pan. Add star anise, cinnamon or cassia bark, cardamom, cloves, black stone flower if using (I recommend it) and onions. Sauté over a medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, until the onions turn soft and translucent but do not brown. Tip: Add the salt at this stage to help the onions cook quickly.
• Next, add the tomato purée and cook out for a further minute. Finally, add the ginger and garlic and cook for two minutes longer over a low heat. Allow this mixture to cool and then remove the whole star anise and cinnamon or cassia. Leave the other whole spices in.
• Once cool, transfer the mixture to a blender. Add the milk powder and water. Blend on the highest speed until very smooth. The sauce should be thick and very creamy.

To finish the Malai Kofta:

• Heat ghee or oil in a large pan set over a low heat. Add the Kashmiri chilli powder and allow it to sizzle for a few seconds before adding the blended kofta sauce. Stir well. Add saffron, sugar and cream (reserve a tablespoon for garnishing). Stir well and bring to a very gentle simmer.
• Add the fried kofta and mix gently to ensure they're covered. Place a lid on the pan and allow to heat through over a low heat for 4-5 minutes.
• Remove the lid and garnish with a swirl of cream, kasoori methi (rub between your palms first) and fresh coriander. Serve immediately with naan, paratha or rice.

Video

Notes

How to store leftover Malai Kofta

Pack any leftovers into an air-tight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan, adding water if sauce is too thick. Try not to stir too much to avoid breaking. Do not freeze.

To make Malai Kofta ahead of time

This can be made up to 3 days in advance. Keep the kofta and sauce separate until you’re ready to serve. At the last minute, bring the sauce to a gentle simmer (add water if necessary as it will thicken over time), add the kofta and simmer gently for 4-5 minutes as directed in the recipe above.

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If you like this, you’ll love my recipe for Restaurant-Style Shahi Paneer

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Fans of savoury and sweet combos will find this rich and comforting pasta dinner irresistible.

An unexpected twist on classic creamy mac and cheese

Spring means the arrival of Easter favourite, hot cross buns in the shops (well, from January actually!). There are few dinners I make on consistent rotation but recently, this has become one dish I crave solidly.

Hot Cross Crumb Mac & Cheese comes from my deep love of Cheddar cheese sandwiched between warm, toasted hot cross buns. It’s a classic sweet and savoury snack combination I couldn’t help but make a meal of.

The fact of the matter is that nothing bulks out a dish better than pasta. Enter Hot Cross Crumb Mac & Cheese. Here, I fold short pasta like fusilli, macaroni, conchiglie (shells), penne or even rigatoni into rich and creamy mature Cheddar sauce.

The ultimate Mac and Cheese with breadcrumbs

Golden hot cross bun crumbs with crispy sage leaves top the dish off. I love the contrast of lightly-spiced crumbs and sweet raisins against the deeply savoury cheese. The whole affair is a celebration of textures and flavours.

A combination you’ll either love or hate

Hot Cross Crumb Mac & Cheese reminds me a bit of fruity Wensleydale with cranberries and apricots at Christmas. Or cheese and mango chutney sandwiches. It feels 50 shades of wrong but when you eat it, it the flavours just work.

This being said, if sweet and savoury dishes aren’t your cup of tea, it’s best to skip the hot cross crumbs with this recipe. Ultimately, this mac and cheese recipe alone still makes for a delicious stove-top meal.

Make Hot Cross Crumb Cauliflower Cheese for a lower carb option

Although my passion for pasta runs deep, you might find it useful to know that you can easily swap cooked pasta for roasted cauliflower florets. A cheeky riff on cauliflower cheese, so to speak. This would make for a great lower carb option or side dish.

Mac & Cheese tips & tricks

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Hot Cross Crumb Mac & Cheese recipe

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Hot Cross Crumb Mac & Cheese

The ultimate luxury macaroni cheese for hot cross bun lovers! Fold pasta into this impossibly creamy cheese sauce and top off with crispy hot cross bun crumbs. Fans of savoury and sweet combos will find this irresistible.

Course Main Course

Cuisine British

Keyword cheese, dinner party, easter, hot cross buns, macaroni, pasta, vegetarian

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Author Sanjana

Equipment

• Blender or food processor
• Whisk

Ingredients

• 350 g fusilli or other short pasta of your choice
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 600 ml evaporated milk or whole (full-fat) milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp dried garlic or 2 large cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
• 225 g extra-mature Cheddar grated
• 1 tsp English mustard powder or Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tsp cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1/4 tsp salt or to taste

For the hot cross crumbs:

• 3 shop-bought hot cross buns
• 3 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 10-15 sage leaves or 1-2 sprigs rosemary

Instructions

To make the hot cross crumbs

• Break the hot cross buns up into rough chunks. Place them in to the jar of a blender or food processor. Pulse or blend until you have medium-coarse crumbs.
• Heat the olive oil or butter in a pan set over a medium-low heat. Add the sage leaves or sprigs of rosemary. Sauté for a minute or two until the leaves begin to crisp up. A low heat will help release the natural aromas from the herbs.
• Add the hot cross bun crumbs and continue to sauté over a medium-low heat until golden and crispy, about 5 minutes. Stir all the time to ensure the crumbs toast evenly and don't burn. You'll be able to hear when they're ready — a crispy clattering sound as you mix. Remove from the heat and transfer to a plate to cool.

For the mac and cheese

• Toss the grated cheese with cornflour, English mustard powder, garlic and nutmeg.
• Melt the butter in a large, heavy-based pan. Add the plain flour and cook, stirring all the time until it releases a slightly nutty aroma (don't let it brown), this should take about 2 minutes over a medium heat. Remove from the heat.
• Whisk in the milk a little at a time until you have a smooth, lump-free mixture. It won't immediately look thick. Return to the heat and cook for 4-5 minutes, whisking all the time until slightly thickened. Once it comes to a very gentle simmer, switch the heat off again.
• Add the cheese mixture and whisk continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens further and becomes smooth and glossy. Taste and season with salt if necessary. How much salt you add depends on how salty your cheese is and your personal taste.
• Cook the pasta in plenty of salted water, according to the packet instructions or until al dente (it should still have a little bite to it).
• Fold the cooked pasta into the sauce. If it feels a bit too thick, add a little bit of the pasta cooking water to adjust the consistency.
• Serve immediately topped with the crispy hot cross crumbs.

Video

Notes

• I like to use evaporated milk from a tin for my mac and cheese. It’s been heat-treated so is more stable and produces a smoother sauce without as much risk of curdling on contact with the cheese. I also love the flavour and creaminess of cheese sauce made with evaporated milk.
• Cornflour gives the mac and cheese a lovely glossy finish, as well as ensures the dish reheats better than if it were made with plain flour alone.
• Toss the cornflour with the cheese for even distribution into the sauce. It’s easier to add all the seasonings into the cheese mixture beforehand so you can just dump and go when making the sauce, too.
• If using fresh garlic, add it to the plain flour and butter mixture. Cook it out before adding the milk.
• If using Dijon mustard, whisk it in at the end, right before adding the pasta.
• This Hot Cross Crumb Mac & Cheese reheats beautifully in the microwave. Keep the macaroni cheese and crumbs separate until you’re ready to serve so the crumbs remain crunchy.

 

Pin this recipe for later! Hot Cross Crumb Mac & Cheese

If you like this, you’ll love my recipe for Roasted Vegetable & Mascarpone Lasagne

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One bite of spicy cheese scone followed by a swift sip of sweet chai and I’m transported back to my childhood kitchen.

From picnic blanket to kitchen table

I grew up in a town in West Yorkshire. It was a picturesque place full of friendly people. My family made life-long friends there. We lived above our newsagents for many years before moving to a more spacious home.

The kitchen above the shop was incredibly compact. We’d lay a picnic blanket out on the floor to roll Daal Kachori and fold Samosas. Sitting cross-legged, we’d hum to Anup Jalota bhajans.

His rendition of Hanuman Aarti will forever be etched in my mind as the soundtrack that fortifies mum’s Saturday morning Urad (black lentils). This experience bore and fostered my curiosity for cooking, from the age of just six or seven.

When we moved some years later, I remember my mum’s joy at having a modern kitchen where she could cook her heart out. She loved that her new kitchen was an ‘L’ shape with enough room for a table.

Sunday lunchtime Masala Poori, Bateta nu Shaak and Shrikhand may have tasted the same but now they were now enjoyed at the table, not on our laps. We ate every meal there as a family for the next eight years.

I learnt to cook a great deal in both kitchens but my sweetest memories came from that tiny kitchen above the corner shop.

I’ll keep the chai warm

Sunday afternoons would be spent browsing through well-thumbed cookbooks together, chatting about what we can cook up next. Mum’s collection of recipe books blew my curious mind. Never one to miss a trick, she would translate the ones written in Gujarati to English for me.

No matter how un-traditional my recipe ideas were, mum would always encourage me to try them out. Shrikhand-filled Doughnuts and Naan Pizza Pockets, anyone?

It was this encouragement, peppered with her sage advice that nurtured my passion. Everything grew from these moments we shared, from the picnic blanket on the floor, to the kitchen table.

With multiple lockdowns this past 12 months, having tea, scones and chats with her have been the thing I’ve missed the most. I’ll keep the Chai warm until we can do that again.

What’s in Masala Cheese Scones?

Aside from the basic flour, butter, milk and leavening agents, I add a blend of two cheeses, chilli, coriander, onions and garam masala.

I use my Homemade Garam Masala in these scones. The flavour you get from home-roasted and ground spices is wonderful. Indeed, if you don’t have time, you can use shop-bought garam masala.

How long does it take to make Masala Cheese Scones?

These vegetarian Masala Cheese Scones can be ready in under 40 minutes, including prep time.

How to serve these Scones

Serve them with chai, your favourite mango chutney or even alongside a bowl of tomato soup. They’re light, flaky and full of spiciness. Feel free to reduce or increase the amount of chillies as per your taste.

These Masala Cheese Scones are…

• Quick & easy
• Vegetarian
• Egg free
• Easy to veganise

How to make Vegan Cheese Scones

You’ll need to make a few swaps to the recipe below. Instead of butter, use any soft, plant-based spread (vegan block) of your choice. Don’t use oil.

Swap the milk in both the dough and for the milk wash for any unsweetened dairy-free milk.

Instead of the dairy cheese, use your favourite brand of vegan cheese. I love vegan Applewood Smoked Cheese.

Other recipes you might like

• Indian Cheese Twists
• Chilli-Cheese Churros
• Halloumi 65
• Garam Masala Potato Gratin

3 ways to make “egg wash” without eggs

Option 1: Turmeric “Eggwash”

If you’ve been following me for a long time, you’ll remember these Mini Mushroom & Feta Pies. This was one of the first times I made an eggwash without eggs and the results were perfect.

I usually mix together warm milk and a very small amount of ground turmeric. And there you have it. A perfect “eggwash”, minus the eggs.

Option 2: Coconut “Eggwash”

Mix together warm coconut milk, a tiny pinch of turmeric and a drizzle of agave for a shiny finish. This is how I give my Vegan Curry Puffs a glorious egg-yellow colour.

Don’t worry, the agave in such a small amount won’t make your finished bake taste sweet.

Option 3: Mustard “Eggwash”

This is my no-egg “eggwash” of choice in this recipe for Masala Cheese Scones. Not only does it give the flaky scones another dimension of warmth, it turns the tops so beautifully golden.

If you choose to add any seeds to the top, this will also help them stick.

Simply mix together English mustard powder and warm milk. Brush this all over the top of the scones before you bake them.

How to make light scones: Freeze and grate your butter!

For the lightest and flakiest scones, pop your butter in the freezer for 30 minutes or so. Grate on the coarse side of a cheese grater to ensure it combines with the flour quickly and easily.

Like making shortcrust pastry, light and flaky scones require as little handling as possible. Every ingredient should be cold before you begin.

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More topping ideas for your Masala Cheese Scones

• Nigella seeds (kalonji)
• Sesame seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Poppy seeds
• Cumin seeds
• More cheese (never a bad idea)

Masala Cheese Scones recipe & video

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Masala Cheese Scones

Never underestimate the power of a Masala Cheese Scone and a mug of hot tea. This casual comfort combo is my go-to for when I need a dose of nostalgia.

Course Appetizer, Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Indian

Keyword afternoon tea, bread, cheese, pastry, scone, snacks

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Equipment

• 7cm (2.7-inch) round cookie or scone cutter

Ingredients

• 250 g plain flour
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 50 g mature Cheddar grated
• 50 g Red Leicester grated
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
• 50 g red onion finely chopped
• 75 g unsalted butter frozen or very cold
• 175 ml full-fat milk cold

For the mustard "eggwash":

• 2 tsp English mustard powder
• 1 1/2 tsp full-fat milk

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F.
• Start by grating your butter on the coarse side of a cheese grater. This will help incorporate the butter quickly and easily.
• In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, garam masala and salt. Add the grated butter and using your fingertips, swiftly rub the flour and butter together to form a fine, breadcrumb-like texture.
• Add the onion, chilli, coriander and cheese. Mix together.
• Next, pour in the milk. Use a spoon or your hands to bring the mixture together as a soft dough. Be very gentle and do not knead it. Light and flaky scones require as little handling as possible.
• Flour a clean surface and pat or roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1 1/2-2cm. Stamp out rounds using a cookie cutter. Pick up any scraps of dough and bring them back together to cut out more rounds. Remember to handle the dough quickly and with a light touch. Cracks on the surface are fine. Scones should be rustic looking.
• Place the scones on a large baking tray lined with baking parchment. Arrange the scones on the tray, leaving a small gap around each one as they will rise a bit. Refrigerate for 5 minutes.

To make the mustard "eggwash":

• In a small bowl, mix together the mustard and milk. Stir until no lumps remain.

To bake the scones:

• Brush the scones with the mustard wash and sprinkle on your kalonji (nigella) seeds and sesame seeds. Alternatively, you can keep them plain or choose an alternative. I've included some different topping ideas in the blog post above.
• Bake the scones in the pre-heated oven for 20-22 minutes. Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes before eating.

Video

Notes

• Serve these scones with Masala Chai and if you like, mango chutney. I sometimes like to add a blob of whipped cream cheese and mango chutney together, cream tea style.
• Cut the scones into any shape you like. Note that larger scones may take longer to bake.
• Store the scones in an airtight container, somewhere cool. Enjoy within 2 days. Refrigeration may make the scones stale.

 

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If you like this, you’ll love my recipe for Indian Cheese Twists

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Fresh beancurd sheets stir-fried with onions, peppers, fresh basil and a sweet and sour chilli sauce.

What is Yuba?

“Yuba” or tofu skin (also bean curd skin or bean curd sheet) is a form of protein made from soy beans. Soy milk, to be precise.

During the boiling process, a skin forms on top of the soy milk. It is made up of protein and fats in the milk, similar to the kind that forms on top of dairy milk.

Once it’s nice and thick, the skin is skimmed off the surface of the soy milk and dried on a cloth. The result is a chewy and pliable ‘sheet’ of bean curd that can be used in endless ways.

It’s a time-consuming process which is why buying it is a good idea! Although, homemade fresh Yuba is a melt-in-the-mouth delight. If you have time, there’s nothing quite like it.

Some of my favourite ways to use Yuba are to stir fry, braise or wrap in the form of a parcel or spring roll.

Not only is it delicious, it also makes a nice change from tofu, soya and seitan.

Where can I buy Yuba?

You can buy Yuba (also called beancurd sheets or tofu skin) in all well-stocked East Asian supermarkets.

Types of Yuba

There are a few types available and all of them are suitable for use in this recipe.

Fresh Yuba (beancurd sheets)

Usually sold in the fresh, refrigerated section. They come in thin, flexible sheets rather like fresh lasagne. The texture is a little chewy and the flavour a blank canvas for whatever ingredients you cook them with.

Slice these into a size and shape of your choice and throw straight into stir fries or soups.

Dried Yuba/Tofu Stick (beancurd sheets or rolls)

Buy these in the dried food aisle of your Asian supermarket. They require you to soak them in water for a few hours prior to use. Stir fry the sheets or use to wrap spring rolls or dumplings.

Tofu Stick pieces are a great addition to braised dishes like broccoli with soy sauce or in soups. A slow summer separates the layers of tofu stick slightly for a really delicious texture.

Frozen Yuba

You can also buy beancurd sheets in the frozen aisle. Use them in the same way you’d use the fresh variety but allow you defrost at room temperature before you slice them up. This shouldn’t take too long.

I often keep both frozen and dried forms of Yuba at home to give meals a quick and convenient meat-free protein element.

What can I use instead of Yuba?

You can indeed replace the Yuba in this recipe with any protein of your choice. Tofu, tempeh, seitan, soya chunks or chickpeas.

If you prefer, use all vegetables. Mushrooms, cauliflower and broccoli are also very delicious.

Fresh basil is an essential in this recipe. It gives the dish a wonderful, peppery freshness.

You can use Thai Basil or regular sweet basil. Holy basil (Tulsi) works beautifully too but add half the amount because it can be quite fiery. Dried basil just won’t cut it in this recipe.

Find my Indo-Chinese Chilli Yuba on YouTube

How to adapt this recipe to be more or less spicy

Make this Indo Chinese-Style Chilli Yuba as spicy or as mild as you like. My recipe below is  ‘medium’ according to my tastes. Add fresh chilli according to your preference but I recommend keeping the amount of black pepper the same.

5 tips for excellent stir fries

1. Use a good wok

You will get the most flavour from a well-seasoned carbon steel wok. Ensure it is smoking hot before you add any ingredients.

If possible, buy one from your local Asian shop.

2. Be prepared

Prepare all your ingredients before you begin cooking. The cooking process should be fast so the veggies remain crunchy.

3. Pay attention to your heat source

Your heat source should be on the highest possible setting when you stir fry. Turn the heat down and the stir fry might accidentally become a stew or braise.

4. Get moving

Keep the ingredients moving at all times. A smoky char is desirable but burnt aromatics and vegetables or proteins aren’t.

5. Last minute cooking is key

Cook your stir fry at the last minute; By this, I mean immediately before serving for the freshest and most delicious results. This isn’t to say the reheated leftovers aren’t tasty the next day!

How to make a slurry for a thick and shiny Chinese-style sauce

It’s quicker and easier than you might think. Simply mix together cornflour (cornstarch) and cold water. It’s important your water is cold. Hot water will cause the starch in the cornflour to seize up and become lumpy on contact.

Other recipes you might like:

• Vegan Hakka Noodles
• Vegetable Manchurian
• Chilli Paneer
• Gyoza Bhajia

Is this Indo Chinese-Style Chilli Yuba recipe vegan?

Yes! This recipe is vegan and can be made gluten free if you swap your soy sauce for tamari or use a commercial gluten-free soy sauce brand.

Indo Chinese-Style Chilli Yuba recipe

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Indo Chinese-Style Chilli Yuba

This Indo Chinese-Style Chilli Yuba is a quick and easy vegan dish for weeknights. Fresh beancurd sheets stir-fried with onions, peppers, fresh basil and a sweet and sour chilli sauce.

Course Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Asian

Keyword high protein, stir fry, tofu, vegan, vegetables, vegetarian

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Equipment

• Wok

Ingredients

• 250 g fresh beancurd skin cut into 2cm squares
• 2 red onions sliced into 2cm pieces
• 2 peppers sliced into 2cm pieces
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 8 large cloves garlic cut into corn-sized pieces
• 4-5 green chillies whole
• 3/4 tsp ground cumin
• 3/4 tsp ground coriander seeds
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp agave or sugar of your choice
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 150 ml cold water
• 2 tbsp cornflour cornstarch
• 2 spring onions green parts only
• Handful fresh basil or Thai basil leaves
• Cooked Jasmine rice to serve

Instructions

• Heat the oil in a large wok until smoking hot. Add the garlic and chillies. Sauté briefly.
• Add the onions and peppers and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until softened.
• Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground black pepper, soy sauce, agave or sugar and salt. Stir fry for a further minute.
• Throw in the yuba and vinegar. Stir fry to coat.
• Mix together the cornflour and water. Add this straight to the wok and stir fry for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
• Add the basil and spring onions and toss well. Serve immediately with cooked Jasmine rice or noodles.

Video

Notes

• Ensure the wok is smoking hot throughout the cooking process. Use the highest heat possible.

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Here’s my favourite homemade Chai Masala blend. As the title suggests, I think it’s very good.

8 tips for the perfect cup of homemade chai

1. Balance your spices

This homemade Masala Chai recipe delivers aromatic flavours as well as a warming whack of dried ginger and peppercorns.

When cool, aromatic spices and warming spices work in tandem, beautiful things happen.

For me, it’s the spiciness of the ginger and peppercorns, offset by cooling cardamom that takes a standard cuppa chai to the next level.

2. Pick decent quality tea

Use good-quality black tea. It doesn’t have to be super premium, just strong and with great flavour (a flavour you like!). Assam and Darjeeling are both good options.

Tea bags or loose leaf tea for chai? Loose leaf tea is traditional but tea bags make for easier clean up. Choose what works for you.

I live in the UK and my preference is to use Yorkshire Tea Leaf Tea. It’s what I’ve always had and I’m used to it. The flavour is suitably strong and it makes for a great cup of chai.

3. Boil it in a pan, on the stove

No teapots or cups for brewing. To make proper Masala Chai, you need a saucepan and a good 15 minutes or so. It’s a no shortcut zone.

4. Steep the tea

Brew your tea for 2-3 minutes. I like to give it a hard boil to extract as much tea flavour as possible.

5. Add milk and boil the chai properly

I cannot emphasise this step enough. Boil the tea with the milk in the pan, for at least 10 minutes. The spices and tea need time to infuse and the milk needs to reduce so its’ raw ‘dairy’ flavour condenses and cooks out. This is crucial.

Those coffee chains that sell “chai tea latte” with frothed milk are charging you too much for something that isn’t chai.

6. Stir often

To stop anything burning at the base of the pan.

7. Skim and strain

Skim off any skin (malai) that forms on the surface of the chai. It’s totally fine to consume but makes pouring rather difficult. Malai is less likely to form with plant-based milks.

Pour through a tea strainer into a cup or mug.

8. Don’t forget the biscuits

This is extremely important.

How to make vegan chai or chai with oat milk

Switch dairy milk for your usual non-milk milk. Almond milk, oat milk and rice milk make excellent chai. You can also use soy milk or cashew milk.

I do not recommend using coconut milk in chai (unless you really love coconut milk). It will completely change the flavour.

Pay attention to whether your dairy-free milk is sweetened or unsweetened so you know whether to add sugar or not.

I like to boil my vegan chai with oat milk for longer to make sure it’s really well infused and slightly condensed.

Sweeten to taste

Use any sugar or sweetener of your choice. I recommend something neutral tasting but go with your preference.

Personally, I don’t sweeten my chai at all but for family and guests, I only ever serve use white sugar, light brown sugar or agave.

Some people like to add artificial sweeteners which are usually fine taste-wise (in small amounts).

I do not recommend using maple syrup in chai (unless you really love maple syrup). It will completely change the flavour.

Popular varieties of Masala Chai

Cutting chai

Literally “half a cup” of chai. Cutting translates as a half serving or shot of tea. It’s just enough to give you a refreshing pick-me-up. The tea is usually rocket-fuel strong (karak chai or kadak chai).

To make Cutting chai: Half the recipe below and serve the chai in small glass cups. Leave some room at the top of the cup so it’s not too hot to hold.

Adrak Chai

Adrak chai or ginger tea is a zippy, fresh cup with the addition of fresh ginger.

To make ginger chai: Add 3-4 sliced rounds of fresh ginger along with the black tea in the recipe below and boil.

Tulsi Chai

Chai with Tulsi or holy basil provides a soothing, peppery hit of flavour. It’s herbal and and very delicious.

To make Tulsi chai: Add 5-6 tulsi (holy basil) leaves along with the black tea in the recipe below and boil.

Lemongrass Chai

As with ginger chai, lemongrass chai provides a refreshing change from everyday masala chai. The grassy, citrus aromas are a delicious addition.

To make Lemongrass chai: Add one lightly-bruised stalk of lemongrass along with the black tea in the recipe below and boil.

How to make Chai Masala

My recipe for chai masala calls for dried ginger, cardamom, black peppercorns, cinnamon, cloves, dried rose petals, mace and nutmeg.

Every recipe for chai is truly unique. Many call for other spices and some don’t include the ones I use in my blend. Some other common additions in masala chai recipes are star anise, fennel seeds and white peppercorns.

Watch how to make Masala Chai

Do I need to toast spices for Chai Masala?

No. There’s no need to toast the spices prior to grinding when making chai masala. The heat of the blade when grinding will do the hard work.

Simply throw your spices into a high-powered spice grinder or coffee grinder, blitz and store in an airtight container.

How long can I store Chai Masala?

This recipe for Chai Masala will keep well for around 6 months. It’s a relatively small batch so you can always have fresh Chai Masala to hand.

Can I use this Chai Masala to make Masala Coffee?

Absolutely, yes. I often do and it turns out delicious every time.

How to make Masala Coffee: Instead of adding the black tea leaves, add 3-4 teaspoons of instant coffee depending on how strong you like your Masala Coffee and then continue as directed in the recipe.

My essentials for Very Good Homemade Masala Chai

This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. These are all products I have purchased of my own accord and ones that I use myself. None of the products mentioned have been gifted to me. By using an affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no expense to you. This commission helps to support this blog. Thanks in advance if you choose to make a purchase through these links!

Other recipes you might like

• Puffy Masala Poori
• Crispy Potato Bhajia
• Indian Cheese Twists
• Vegetable Samosas

Very Good Homemade Masala Chai recipe

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Very Good Homemade Masala Chai

Here's my favourite recipe for Masala Chai, including a homemade spice blend. As the title suggests, I think it's very good.

Course Breakfast, Drinks

Cuisine Indian

Keyword chai, drinks, spice blends, tea

Prep Time 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 150 grams

Author Sanjana

Equipment

• Spice grinder or coffee grinder
• Saucepan or milk pan
• Tea strainer

Ingredients

For the chai masala (150g)

• 50 g ground ginger
• 50 g green cardamom
• 30 g black peppercorns
• 15 g ground cinnamon
• 10 g rose petals
• 8 g cloves
• 4 g mace 2 blades
• 2 g nutmeg 1/2 or 1 very small kernel

For two cups of masala chai

• 400 ml water
• 400 ml milk
• 3 tsp 10g strong black tea leaves (or 3 teabags)
• 1 1/4 tsp chai masala (recipe included in this card)
• Sugar or sweetener to taste

Instructions

To make the homemade chai masala

• Add all of the spices, including the one that are already ground to the jar of a spice grinder or coffee grinder. Grind to a fine powder. Stop halfway to stir the spices and make sure everything is properly ground.
• Sift the chai masala into a bowl to ensure there are no longer any large spice fragments left in there.
• Pack the chai masala into a clean, dry airtight container. It will keep well for around 6 months. After this, it will begin to lose some of its' flavour and aroma.

To make two cups of masala chai

• Bring the water to the boil in a saucepan, milk pan or chai pan. Add the tea leaves or tea bags as well as the chai masala. Continue to boil for about 2 minutes.
• Add the milk of your choice and stir well. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring often. Once the chai begins to foam up, you can turn the heat down a little but continue to boil it quite vigorously for about 10 minutes. Note: Do not leave the chai unattended as it boils. It has a tendency to froth up and overflow. Cleaning it up isn't so fun.
• Once the chai has boiled for 10 minutes, remove it from the heat and strain into cups. Serve hot with your favourite biscuits or savoury snacks.

Video

Notes

• This recipe makes approximately 150g chai masala.
• If you don’t want to make your own chai masala, feel free to use your favourite shop-bought one.
• To customise this chai and make a ginger, tulsi, lemongrass, etc variety, see my suggestions in the post above.
• Store your chai masala in a cool, dark place. After 6 months, it will begin to lose some flavour and aroma.

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All you need is a bag of frozen gyoza (or any Asian dumplings), some store cupboard spices and about 30 minutes.

I’d like to close a strange and difficult year with a recipe that’ll bring a smile to your face. I can’t say I’ll miss 2020 (I don’t think any of us will), but I am eager to step into the New Year with a full belly and a positive outlook.

What are Gyoza Bhajia?

I first made these during a moment of panic. It was 2010 and I was cooking for a crowd ahead of a family wedding. I had far too much bhajia batter left over after making these Crispy Potato Bhajia.

After a frenzied rummage through the fridge and freezer, I found some strong candidates to batter and fry, or as I like to call it, ‘bhajiafy’.

An apple, an unripe banana, onions and erm… some frozen gyoza. With their Japanese tofu and vegetable filling, I knew I had to try it. What could possibly go wrong?

Nothing, that’s what. They were absolutely delicious. Steamy and juicy on the inside, with a delicious double wrap of dumpling skin and crispy masala batter. Perfection. I’ve been making them ever since.

How to make Gyoza Bhajia | Dumpling Bhajia in 4 easy steps

1. Make the batter
   Mix together all the ingredients for the batter including the flours and spices. Add water gradually and whisk until smooth and lump free.
   
2. Let the batter rest
   This is important so don’t skip this step. Allow the batter to rest for at least 10 minutes before dipping and frying.
   
3. Dip the dumplings
   Be sure your frozen dumplings are free from any ice or water on the outside. Wipe them down with a clean kitchen towel to ensure the oil doesn’t spit when you slide the gyoza into the oil.
   
4. Fry the Gyoza Bhajia
   Work in small batches and use a cooking thermometer for the most accurate results. Try to aim for 170°C/340°F throughout the cooking process. Initially, the temperature will drop but bring it back up and fry until golden, about 3-4 minutes in total.

What type of Gyoza or Dumplings should I use for Gyoza Bhajia?

It’s best to work with frozen gyoza for this recipe. The sturdiness of frozen gyoza will allow you to dip the batter without worrying the dumplings will fall apart.

Nine time out of ten, I buy frozen gyoza from my local Asian supermarket over making them at home. They’re something I always keep in the freezer.

Having said this, you can by all means make your own gyoza/dumplings or momos at home using your favourite recipe. Just be sure to freeze the uncooked dumplings solid before you batter and fry them.

How long do Gyoza Bhajia take to cook?

From start to finish, no longer than 30 minutes. I’ve done it in 20 minutes before and it’s so easy!

You do not need to cook the gyoza prior to dipping and frying. Just dunk the frozen gyoza in the bhajia batter and carefully slide them into the hot oil.

5 Tips for making Gyoza Bhajia

1. Oil temperature. Keep your oil at a temperature of 170°C/340°F throughout the cooking process. Initially, the temperature will drop due to the gyoza being frozen.

2. Cooking process. Once the Gyoza Bhajia are in the oil, bring it back up to the correct temperature and maintain throughout.

3. Batches. Work in small batches when frying. Do not overcrowd the oil or the temperature is likely to drop.

4. Time. The Gyoza Bhajia should take no longer than 3-4 minutes in the oil. By this time they will cook through.

5. Ice. Be sure your gyoza are free from any ice or excess water. It’s a good idea to wipe off any ice or water using a clean, lint-free kitchen towel before you begin. This will prevent the hot oil and water mixing and spitting at you.

Watch now: How to make Gyoza Bhajia

Can I bake or air fry these Bhajia?

Do not attempt to bake or air fry these Gyoza Bhajia. The batter is far too thin and will just slide off during the cooking process. They must be fried.

You can however, reheat the Gyoza Bhajia in the oven or air fryer. To reheat: Fry the cold Bhajia again in hot oil or place them in a hot oven (about 200°C/400°F) or air fryer for 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

Other popular types of Bhajia

Crispy Potato Bhajia (Maru’s Bhajia)

Crispy, spiced potato fritters (Potato Bhajia) are the most iconic of bhajias. Here’s a tried and true recipe for Crispy Potato Bhajia that will leave you wanting more.

Onion Bhajia (Kanda Bhajji or Onion Bhaji)

The British Indian restaurant Bhajia of choice. These craggy onion bhajia are made from shredded onions and spices, namely coriander seeds, chilli, garam masala and a small amount of chickpea flour (besan).

Spinach Bhajia

An elegant crispy spinach version of Bhajia popular across mostly North India. These Palak Patta Bhajia are a popular Delhi street snack. Top with chutneys, sweetened yoghurt, onions, tomatoes and sev for a blow-your-mind Crispy Spinach Chaat.

Chilli Bhajia (Mirchi Pakoda)

Stuff chillies with a mixture of spiced mashed potato for Chilli Bhajia (Mirchi Pakoda) created for chilli heads. These spicy bhajia are a Rajasthani favourite.

Daal Bhajia

Daal Bhajia are typically made with a mixture of soaked and ground yellow moong daal but can feature any lentils you like. My family make a delicious version with ripe bananas. Sweet, hot and sour, African style.

Mixed Vegetable Bhajia (Vegetable Pakoda/Pakora)

Make mixed vegetable bhajia with any veggies you have leftover. They’re a brilliant raid-the-fridge option. Either shred the veg to make fritters, Onion Bhaji style or dip and fry whole/in chunks like Japanese tempura. The choice is yours.

Paneer Pakoda/Pakora

I can’t wait to share a recipe for Paneer Pakoda with you. They’re a personal favourite. Slices of paneer sandwiched with green coriander chutney, dipped in Bhajia batter and then deep fried. A Punjabi classic with tonnes of heart.

Sabudana Vada

Strictly speaking, vada are more of a dumpling than bhajia (fritters) but I can’t miss them off the list. These soft and crispy tapioca pearl and fluffy mashed potato vada are a vrat (fasting) staple. They have no onions or garlic, yet they still pack heaps of flavour.

Get my recipe for Sabudana Vada here.

How to serve Gyoza Bhajia | Ideas for dips and chutneys

The recipe card below includes a delicious and easy Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce. It pairs perfectly with these Asian-fusion Gyoza Bhajia.

If you’re after an Indian-style chutney, try one or more of these 4 Indian Chutney recipes.

You might also like these recipes

• The Best Vegetable Samosas
• Vegetable Manchurian
• 30-Minute Hakka Noodles
• Quick Paneer Tikkis

Gyoza Bhajia (Dumpling Bhajia) recipe

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Gyoza Bhajia

Gyoza Bhajia are the ultimate Asian mashup when it comes to tasty vegetarian finger food. Crispy dumplings covered in a spicy bhajia batter.

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Asian

Keyword bhajias, chickpea flour, dip, dumplings, fried, fritters, gyoza, vegan

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Author Sanjana

Ingredients

For the Gyoza Bhajia:

• 28 frozen vegetable dumplings
• 225 g chickpea flour
• 50 g plain flour
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 3/4 tsp fine salt
• 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/4 tsp chilli powder
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp citric acid
• 1/4 tsp ajwain seeds
• 2 tbsp fresh coriander chopped
• 1 small green chilli finely chopped (optional)
• 2 tbsp oil
• 310 ml warm water
• 1 L sunflower or rapeseed oil for deep frying

For the soy-ginger dipping sauce:

• 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 3 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp mirin
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger
• 1/2 tsp chilli
• 1 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tsp chopped spring onion or dried spring onion

Instructions

For the Bhajia batter:

• Take chickpea flour in a large bowl. Add the plain flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, turmeric, chilli powder, baking powder, citric acid, ajwain, fresh coriander, chopped green chilli and 2 tbsp oil.
• Gradually add the water in stages, whisking all the time until you have a smooth batter. Rest the batter for 10 minutes.

To make the dipping sauce:

• Whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl and set aside.

To fry the Gyoza Bhajia:

• Heat around 1L oil in a deep pan, wok or kadai suitable for deep frying. The temperature of the oil should be 170°C/340°F.
• One at a time, dip the frozen gyoza in the rested batter and shake off any excess. Carefully place the dipped gyoza in the oil. Work in small batches to ensure the oil temperature doesn't drop too low. Fry each batch of Gyoza Bhajia for 3-4 minutes until golden all over.
• Lift the fried gyoza out of the oil and drain on a plate lined with absorbent kitchen towel.
• Serve immediately with the prepared dipping sauce or your favourite chutneys.

Notes

• Do not attempt to bake or air fry these Gyoza Bhajia. The batter is far too thin and will just slide off during the cooking process. They must be fried.

• You can however, reheat the Gyoza Bhajia in the oven or air fryer. To reheat: Fry the cold Bhajia again in hot oil or place them in a hot oven (about 200°C/400°F) or air fryer for 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

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I almost lost my marbles trying to perfect this recipe for homemade ladyfingers and after many attempts, the result is beautifully-light, spongy and perfect for soaking up espresso.

My Eggless Ladyfinger journey

You know how people say, “Third time lucky”? Well for me, this Homemade Eggless Ladyfingers recipe was more of a ninth-time lucky project!

To achieve a perfectly light egg-free ladyfinger (savoiardi) requires both the sponge to be lower in fat than a traditional cake, yet still moist enough to rise adequately in the oven.

After what’s felt like a mammoth task, I present you with my perfectly-delicious Eggless Ladyfinger recipe. They drink up espresso like no man’s business and remain super light inside our favourite desserts.

While they may no be piped into oblong “fingers” like their traditional eggy counterparts, I guarantee you’ll never know the difference when you eat your dessert. Neither will your friends and family.

Here’s how I make them.

How to make Eggless Ladyfingers (Savoiardi)

1. Mix up the batter for the Eggless Ladyfingers

With the combination of self-raising flour, potato starch and DIY buttermilk, our egg-free savoiardi will have both the lightness and sponginess of shop-bought ladyfingers.

2. Pour and bake

Spread the batter quite thinly onto a lined baking tin. It will seem like there’s no enough batter but it will rise to double the height in the oven. Be sure to use the correct size tin.

See notes in the recipe card below for tin dimensions.

3. Top with sugar

Like any good shop-bought ladyfingers, our sponge must have a crunchy sugar top. Only scatter the sponge with sugar once it’s cooled a little or the sugar will start to melt. I speak from experience!

Allow the eggless sponge fingers to cool

Be patient, this could take about an hour.

4. Cut and dry

No, I’m not talking about what you ask for at the hairdressers. Carefully lift the sponge out of the tin and cut it into rectangles (approx. 2.5cm x 8.5cm).

Okay, so this isn’t the typical shape of ladyfingers you buy from the shop but hey, this is homemade. Also, nobody will even see the shape once you blanket them in mascarpone cream and cocoa powder.

Gently peel the cut eggless ladyfingers from the baking parchment and lay them on a wire rack.

Now leave them there, uncovered for 24 hours. Yep, a whole day.

This last step is a crucial step in making good Eggless Ladyfingers that soak up lots of espresso! We want them to become stale and hard so they keep their shape and drink in all those delicious coffee flavours.

Video: Learn how to make amazing Eggless Tiramisu from scratch

How to make Eggless Tiramisu with Mascarpone

1. Make the eggless ladyfingers. Don’t forget the wait 24 hours after they’re cut. The drying time is essential!
2. Pour some strong espresso. I use instant Arabica coffee granules and boiling water. You can add some booze if you like. Allow to cool.
3. Whip up the mascarpone and sweetened condensed milk. Fold in whipped cream.
4. Dunk the dry eggless ladyfingers in the cold espresso and arrange them in a dish.
5. Top with mascarpone cream and a flurry of cocoa powder and cinnamon.
6. Repeat!
7. Pipe the final third of mascarpone cream on top. This is totally optional. Just spread it if you want something simpler.

8. Dust with more cocoa and cinnamon.

9. Cover and chill in the fridge for 24, 48, 72 hours… whatever. The longer the better. It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I add alcohol to this Eggless Tiramisu with Homemade Ladyfingers?

Be my guest! I normally would but not everyone in my family drinks so I thought I’d give it a miss this time.

If you like your eggless tiramisu boozy, add 3-4 tablespoons of marsala, Bailey’s, dark rum or whiskey to the cold espresso.

Can I make this Tiramisu in advance?

Yes! Please do. It tastes so much better after 72 hours in the fridge. 24-48 hours ahead of time are also fine. It will last for a week in the fridge (covered) since there are no raw eggs in the recipe.

Can I skip the cinnamon?

You sure can. If cinnamon isn’t your thing, just leave it out of the cocoa mixture. I do recommend using the best-quality cocoa powder you can afford. In this recipe, I’m using this Valrhona Cacao Powder.

Why do you use potato starch in the Eggless Ladyfingers recipe?

For a much lighter sponge. Too much and the sponge will turn gummy so be sure to weigh your ingredients with precision.

I have tried the recipe with cornstarch but find potato starch produces a better texture.

Shop my Eggless Tiramisu essentials!

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Eggless Tiramisu with Homemade Ladyfingers (+ Video) recipe

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Eggless Tiramisu with Homemade Ladyfingers (+ Video)

A creamy, dreamy eggless Tiramisu recipe. Make your own spongy ladyfingers with my easy step-by-step video. No eggs required!

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Keyword christmas, coffee, dessert, dinner party, eggless, pudding

Prep Time 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 40 minutes minutes

Servings 12

Author Sanjana

Equipment

• 20 x 3.5 x 31.5 cm cake tin or traybake tin
• Deep ceramic or glass dish

Ingredients

For the sponge layer:

• 280 g self-raising flour
• 180 g caster sugar + 4 tbsp
• 330 ml full-fat milk at room temperature
• 2 tsp white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract not vanilla essence
• 30 g potato starch
• 70 ml any flavourless oil
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the coffee:

• 20 g instant Arabica coffee
• 650 ml boiling hot water

You will also need:

• 500 g mascarpone
• 600 g double cream divided
• 200 g sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

To make the eggless ladyfingers:

• Pre-heat the oven to 175°C/350°F. Line a baking tray with baking parchment, leaving a 3cm overhang at the longest sides for easy removal from the tin later.
• Sift together the flour, 180g caster sugar, potato starch and salt.
• In a jug, whisk together the milk and apple cider vinegar. Set aside for 10 minutes. Once it looks like its curdled a little, add the vanilla extract and oil. Whisk briefly.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the sifted dry ingredients and whisk until smooth, about 90 seconds. It should be of a flowing, ribbon consistency.
• Immediately pour HALF of the batter into the lined tin and spread it out using a spatula. Rasp the tin on the counter top a dozen times to encourage any air bubbles to rise to the surface. This will give you a more even bake.
• Bake the sponge in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. It should be springy to the touch and slightly golden on top.
• Remove the sponge from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes. After this time, scatter 4 tbsp caster sugar over the top and give the pan a gentle shake to distribute it evenly. The surface of the sponge should look beautifully frosty. Carefully lift the sponge from the tin.
• Repeat the same baking steps above to bake the second half of the batter.
• Once both sponges have cooled, slice them into rectangles, about 2.5cm x 8.5cm. Carefully peel the sponge fingers away from the baking parchment and set them on a wire rack. Leave them out at room temperature, uncovered for 24 hours. Do not skip this step. The air-drying ensures the sponge fingers become dry enough to dip into the coffee without breaking.

To make the espresso:

• Mix together the instant coffee and boiling water. Allow to cool completely. Now is the time to add any alcohol if you like. I kept mine alcohol free.

To make the mascarpone cream:

• In a bowl, mix together the mascarpone and sweetened condensed milk. Once combined, whisk until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the double cream until it produces soft peaks. Don't overwhip.
• A little at a time, fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. The finished mascarpone cream should be smooth and able to hold a peak.
• In a small bowl, mix together the cocoa powder and cinnamon.

To assemble to tiramisu:

• Take a large glass or ceramic dish. Dip the now stale ladyfingers in the cold coffee until soaked, about 5-6 seconds and then arrange in the base of the dish. Top with 1/3 of the mascarpone cream and spread out into an even layer.
• Use a tea strainer to sift half of the cocoa powder and cinnamon mixture on top of the mascarpone cream.
• Repeat the sponge finger and espresso layering process. You can plug any gaps with broken sponge fingers to fit. Top with another 1/3 of the mascarpone cream.
• Place the remaining mascarpone cream in a piping bag fitted with a large, round nozzle. Pipe little blobs of cream on the top of the tiramisu for a pretty finish. Sift the remaining cocoa powder and cinnamon mixture over the top of the tiramisu.
• Cover the dish, taking care not to smudge the top. Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 24 hours (or up to 72 hours) before serving.

Video

Notes

• Since this tiramisu is eggless, it will keep well in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freeze any leftover tiramisu in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature and consume within 24 hours. Do not re-freeze.
• If you don’t want to pipe a design on top of the tiramisu, divide the mascarpone in half rather than thirds. Use half in the first layer and half on top.
• Decaf coffee can be used in place of regular coffee.
• Cinnamon is optional. Leave it out if you don’t like it.
• If you like your eggless tiramisu boozy, add 2-3 tablespoons of marsala, Bailey’s, dark rum or whiskey to the cold espresso.
• This recipe makes approx. 52 ladyfingers/sponge fingers.

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Masala yoghurt, red, green and tamarind chutneys, onions, tomatoes and crunchy sev are all crowd-pleasing toppings. These snack-tastic fried spinach leaves get more addictive with every bite! If you’re a lover of crispy nachos, try this Indian-style chaat.

What is Palak Patta Chaat (Crispy Spinach Chaat)?

This recipe begins with spinach, lots of spinach. Each leaf is dipped in a batter of chickpea flour (besan), rice flour and spices before getting deep fried.

Once crispy all over, the spinach bhajiya (fritters) are spread out on a tray or plate.

Now for the fun part: A tumble of red onions and tomatoes. Then a smatter of various hot and sour chutneys made with fresh herbs, fruits and spices. Cold sweet and savoury yoghurt drizzle goes on top.

Finally, sev (chickpea flour noodles), fresh coriander leaves and optional chaat masala. This dish really is a celebration of spinach.

What else can I add to my Chaat?

If the aforementioned toppings aren’t enough to set your taste buds alight, you can also throw on some fresh pomegranate, mint leaves and fresh chillies. It really is a flavour free for all. Indeed, I’ve been known to scatter over some crushed potato chips.

How do you eat Chaat?

Depending on the style of chaat, you can either use your hands, a spoon or fork. Generally speaking, eating with your hands is commonplace but if the chaat is drenched in chutneys and yoghurt, grab yourself a spoon.

I’m actually a firm believer of going in face first. Just kidding. I like to use my hands, nachos style. I pick them up, scooping up as many toppings as you can, sort of like a spinach-leaf surf board riding some deliciously-gnarly waves.

How many different types of Chaat are there?

Hundreds. Chaat is one of those dishes that is has consistency as well as uniqueness. You can prepare Chaat from almost any base ingredient: Think crispy bhajia (fritters), vada, fried dough, dumplings, noodles, fruit and many more things. Each of Chaat is both unique, yet familiar all at once.

The familiarity of chaat comes from the toppings. Almost all will have some sort of yoghurt, chutney, onion and tomato combination (not the fruit ones). Sometimes a sprinkle of chaat masala if it’s available. If not chaat masala, a pinch of black salt (kala namak) and roasted cumin seed powder.

What are the different types of Chaat?

While practically anything can be a chaat, some of the most popular chaats of India are:

• Aloo Chaat (with fried potato cubes)
• Samosa Chaat (with erm… samosas)
• Papdi Chaat (with fried strips of shortcrust dough)
• Sev Puri Chaat (same as above but with fried chickpea flour noodles)
• Dahi Puri Chaat (mini pastry shells filled with boiled potatoes and lentils and lots of seasoned yohurt)
• Channa Chaat (with chickpeas)
• Kachori Chaat (similar to samosa chaat but with a stuffed shortcrust round. Fillings usually include, but aren’t limited to peas, daal and onions).
• Fruit Chaat (mixed fruit sprinkled with chaat masala and fresh herbs).

Essentials I used for this recipe

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How to make Palak Patta Chaat (Crispy Spinach Chaat)

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Palak Patta Chaat (Spinach Leaf Chaat)

Crispy fried spinach leaves topped with a monsoon of Mumbai chaat favourites including masala yoghurt, red, green and tamarind chutneys, onions, tomatoes and crunchy sev. They get more addictive with every bite! If you're a lover of nachos, try this Indian-style chaat.

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Indian

Keyword bhajias, chaat, spinach, street food

Servings 4

Author Sanjana

Ingredients

For the crispy fried spinach:

• 180 g baby spinach leaves washed and dried
• 175 g chickpea flour (besan)
• 50 g rice flour
• 1 1/4 tsp dried garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1/8 tsp asafoetida (hing – ensure it's a gluten free one if you have any allergies or intolerances)
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
• 2 tsp oil (I used sunflower)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 300 ml ice cold water

For the masala yoghurt:

• 150 g unsweetened vegan yoghurt (I used soy)
• 1 tsp roasted cumin seeds coarsely ground
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp black salt (kala namak)

For the chaat toppers:

• 1 tomato finely diced
• 1 small red onion finely diced
• 2 tbsp sev
• 1/4 tsp chaat masala (optional)
• 1/4 tsp chilli powder or fresh green chillies (adjust according to your taste)
• Lemon wedges
• 2 tbsp green coriander and mint chutney recipe linked below
• 2 tbsp tamarind and date chutney recipe linked below
• 2 tbsp red chilli chutney recipe linked below
• 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves
• 1L oil for deep frying (I used sunflower)

Instructions

For the masala yoghurt:

• Mix together all the ingredients and chill in the fridge until needed.

For the batter:

• Place the chickpea flour in a large bowl. Add the Kashmiri chilli powder, turmeric, asafoetida, dried garlic powder, salt, ajwain and rice flour. Stir to combine.
• Next, add the oil and lemon juice. Now gradually add the water, whisking all the time to ensure you work all the lumps out. It's good to add the water in stages for this reason. The final batter should be like a smooth dosa or crepe batter.

To fry the spinach:

• Heat the oil in a large pan suitable for deep frying, about 5cm deep. Bring the temperature to 200C/400F. It should be hot but not smoking.
• Dip a spinach leaf in the batter, gently shaking off any excess. Carefully place the spinach leaf in the hot oil. It may crackle and spit so be extra vigilant.
• Repeat more spinach leaves, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. I fried mine in batches of 6-7 at a time. Turn the spinach in the oil often using a perforated spoon or frying spider/skimmer. After around 2 minutes the spinach should be golden and crispy. Lift the spinach out of the oil using the perforated spoon.
• Place the spinach on a plate or tray lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. If you want to keep them warm, you can transfer the fried spinach leaves to an un-lined tray and place them in a low oven while you fry the remaining spinach. This will help keep them crispy.

To build the chaat:

• Arrange the spinach leaves on a tray. I lined mine with baking parchment for easy clean up. Top with onions, tomatoes, chilled masala yoghurt, chutneys of your choice, sev, fresh coriander leaves, optional chaat masala and any other toppings you would like to add. Serve with fresh lemon wedges.

Video

Notes

• Serve immediately. This chaat doesn’t wait around for long so get stuck in.
• Not suitable for reheating or freezing.

Get my 3 epic chutney recipes

Easy Mint & Coriander Chutney

Smooth and creamy Indian street-style chutney for drizzling over chaats, spreading in sandwiches and dipping bhajiyas. My recipe is super aromatic and medium hot in flavour. You can add as many chillies as you like. If you prefer a milder chutney, feel free to stir in some natural yoghurt or dairy-free yoghurt.

Check out this recipe

Atomic Red Chilli Chutney

Calling all chilli lovers! This red chilli chutney is quick and easy to make and intense enough to satisfy your spice cravings. Use two or more types of chilli for both flavour and intensity. Mixing your chillies in this way will add multiple layers of flavour.

Check out this recipe

Tamarind & Date Chutney

Learn how to make sweet and sour tamarind and date chutney from scratch! No Indian chaat is complete without a drizzle of this mouth-puckering fruity chutney.

Check out this recipe

Pin this Spinach Leaf Chaat recipe for later!

If you like this, you’ll love my recipe for Maggi Noodles Chaat

And these Aloo Chaat Potato Skins

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As I spy the bunches of 10-12 little green bananas, I know I’ll always need a lot of them to make the dish that’s whirring around in my mind. Matoke cook down like spinach and what looks like too much is somehow never quite enough. The dish I’m thinking about is Spicy Ugandan Matoke Mash. A staple curry of green bananas cooked with a handful of spices. My family version sees the Matoke pressure cooked until tender and then mashed with plenty of butter, softened onions, cumin, tomatoes and cinnamon.

The Indian diaspora in East Africa

The huge South Asian influence on the food culture of Uganda is beautifully-harmonious with the local style of cooking. Because of this assimilation of backgrounds, each dish that now exists is bold, hearty and as interesting as the local communities are. As a result, this Indian-style Matoke is just one way in which green bananas are prepared across Uganda.

It is often cooked simply with tomatoes, turmeric and salt, or added to stews as a filling carb in place of potatoes or cassava.

What I love about this Matoke recipe is that it celebrates those little green bananas for being a filling, delicious, staple ingredient in themselves. And they don’t taste like regular bananas at all! No need to add fancy ingredients, just a few store cupboard basics. Serve with soft-layered Chapattis (Chapos) and Kachumbari to make it a meal.

Veganise this Ugandan Matoke (Spicy Green Banana Mash)

Vegan? Switch the butter for your favourite vegan butter, Flora for example. Whatever you do, don’t be afraid of overdoing the spicing in this dish. You might think I’m mad for adding as much garlic and onions as the recipe calls for but I urge you to stick with it. The Matoke has a great texture but truth be told, it is bland. It needs flavours that can stand up to it so that the final dish is spicy, tangy, buttery and flavoursome. I promise you won’t regret peeling all that garlic.

Watch my video below and get the full recipe for this delicious Ugandan Matoke (Spicy Green Banana Mash).

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Ugandan Matoke (Spicy Green Banana Mash)

Spicy, tangy, buttery and flavoursome green banana curry from the Asian community of Uganda.

Course Main Course

Cuisine African

Keyword curry, green banana, matoke, ugandan

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 50 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Author Sanjana

Ingredients

• 10 Matoke small green bananas
• 125 g salted butter or vegan butter
• 2 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 large onions chopped
• 8 cloves garlic
• 2 green chillies
• 1 tin chopped tomatoes 300g
• 1 tbsp concentrated tomato purée
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander
• 2 tsp ground black pepper
• Chapos East African Layered Chapattis, to serve

Instructions

• In a large, non-stick pan, melt the butter. Add the cumin seeds and chopped onions. Sauté the onions over a medium heat until lightly golden, about 8 minutes.
• Add the garlic, chillies and concentrated tomatoe purée and cook for a further 2 minutes.
• Next, add the chopped tomatoes. Cook over a medium heat for 5 minutes.
• Top and tail the Matoke. Cut each one in half and slit the skin of each half lengthways. Pop these into a pressure cooker and fill with 500ml water. Pressure cook for 3 whistles and then switch off the heat. If you don’t have a pressure cooker you’ll need to boil the Matoke in a big pan of water with a lid until tender, about 30 minutes.
• Allow the Matoke to cool until you can just about handle them. They need to be hot. This is really important. If you let them cool down too much they will become super starchy and be hard to mash, leaving you with a lumpy finish. Peel the Matoke and mash them with a potato masher until smooth.
• Add the mashed Matoke to the tomato and onion mixture and cook on a medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring all the time. The butter should start to separate from the Matoke at the sides of the pan. Now add the cinnamon, salt, lemon juice, black pepper and chopped coriander and mix thoroughly.
• Serve immediately with hot Chapos (chapattis).

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