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Alsandyache Tonak

The title sounds all Greek and Latin isn’t it? Well it is Goan in fact 🙂 Let me explain. Alsande is a kind of legume grown mainly in Goa and Karnataka. Its actually a black eyed pea belonging to the cow pea family. Its extremely tasty and cooks very well. Tonak is  colloquial version of Tondak which refers to a type of masala or gravy. This is an extremely tasty dish and is usually had with Goan bread called poi. You could have it with pav or slice bread as well. Continue reading “Alsandyache Tonak”

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Sprouted Mung Side – Goan Style

Last couple of months have been tough world wide! The mayhem caused by the the virus COVID 19 continues and we all are trying to stay safe. We can take care by staying indoors, by practising social distancing and staying healthy and calm.  To stay healthy it is important to consume healthy food, food that is rich in protein. It is common knowledge that proteins are a very important part of  our diet. Not only do they build and repair body tissue but they also help to fight viral and bacterial infections. So this function of proteins of increasing the body immunity to fight infections is what is really important today.  Continue reading “Sprouted Mung Side – Goan Style”

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Hello Summer !!!

For me summer has always been about exuberance ! As a child, it was the vacation time in summer we would look forward to, it was about ice creams and pepsicolas and ice balls with those colourful syrups! All the food stuff that was forbidden during the year was allowed in summer. We travelled a lot, had one day picnics. All in all summer symbolised riot time! Things are no different now as I am still enjoying the summer through my daughter’s eyes. 

Pune is pretty hot in summer and one needs to be hydrated all the time. To beat the summer heat, my mother in law used to make a very interesting summer cooler from Kokam. It is a Goan speciality and even the diabetics can enjoy it guilt free. It has lot of medicinal benefits.  Continue reading “Hello Summer !!!”

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Goan Breakfast Curry

India is a country of diversities, be it geographical, religious or cultural! Hence food diversity is a natural consequence. Every state in India has its version of potato curry using the spices and ingredients locally available. Naturally, Goan version of the potato curry is made with coconut. When I was first introduced to this scrumptious curry, I was genuinely surprised as to how such a small amount of ingredients can yield such a tasty curry. But then that is Goan food for you, minimalistic yet tasty!

The Goan Potato curry is a breakfast item and is to be had with bread. It is mostly not available on the menu of restaurants and only Goan households make it.  It is literally un-heard of! The Goans have it with their bread called ‘Poi’ or with the regular slice bread. Cumin seeds, sesame seeds, fresh grated coconut and dried red chillies are the key ingredients used to make this flavourful curry.  Here is the recipe to make this breakfast curry: Continue reading “Goan Breakfast Curry”