Indian Masala Burger

Indian Masala Burger

Indian Masala Burger

Indian Masala Burger

SpiceBreeze
This Indian masala burger is a delicious fusion of traditional Indian spices and Western-style fast-food. The patty is made from ground meat infused with aromatic masala spices, and the addition of grated or pureed beetroots adds a unique sweetness and vibrant color. Served on a burger bun with an exotic yogurt coconut dressing, this burger is a flavorful and satisfying treat.
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Coconut Raita

  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut unsweetened
  • 1 Persian cucumber grated
  • 1-2 tbsp fresh cilantro or mint leaves chopped
  • 1 fresh green chilies or to taste finely chopped

Masala Burger

  • 1 lb ground meat beef, lamb, pork, or poultry
  • 1 cup raw beetroot, grated 3.5 oz
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or ground nuts
  • 4 burger buns

Culinary Spice Kit

  • Turmeric, coriander, cumin, black pepper, fennel, cardamom, cinnamon, ajwan, nutmeg, cloves, saffron

Instructions
 

Coconut Raita

  • In a small BOWL, mix coconut, cucumber, and yogurt.
  • Season with cilantro, chili and salt to taste.
  • Cool in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

Masala Burger

  • In a large BOWL, add the meat, beetroot, egg, breadcrumbs, Masala Burger spices, and salt to taste (1/2-1 tsp). Knead well.
  • Form burger patties of the same size and thickness and create a slight indent in the center.
  • Preheat your GRILL or stovetop GRIDDLE or PAN over medium-high heat.
  • Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes over medium-high on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
  • While the patties are cooking, you can lightly toast the burger buns on the grill or in a separate pan.
  • Once the patties are cooked to your liking, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a minute before your assemble your burgers.
  • Serve the delicious beetroot beef burgers with the coconut raita and your choice of sides like fries or a fresh salad.
Marceline Reid-Jaques
Marceline Reid-Jaques
2022-12-14
Karen Jones
Karen Jones
2022-12-05
Wonderful, flavorful meals using readily available ingredients!
ann davis
ann davis
2022-11-29
My daughter gave me a subscription as a Christmas present while our families were quarantining together. It was so much fun! It introduced us to several cuisines that were totally new to us. The recipes were easy to follow and the spices were transformative - fresh and pungent and delicious.
Jessica Brown
Jessica Brown
2022-05-22
The best way to try new dishes!

Enter the Culinary World

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Kashmiri Tujji

Kashmiri Tujji BBQ

Kashmiri Tujji

Kashmiri Tujji BBQ

SpiceBreeze
Kashmiri Tujji is a popular grilled chicken dish from Kashmir, Northern India, known for its flavorful spices and tender texture. It is prepared by marinating meat in a blend of yogurt and aromatic spices before grilling it over charcoal. This dish has a rich history rooted in Kashmiri culinary traditions and is a popular choice for festive gatherings. It is a must-try for those seeking authentic Indian flavors.
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Kashmiri
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Tujji BBQ

  • 1 lb grill meat (boneless, skinless) [1] cut into 3/4-inch cubes
  • salt & chili powder to taste
  • 1/3 cup yogurt plain
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 clove garlic grated or pressed
  • 1 inch ginger grated
  • 6-12 skewers [2]

Culinary Spice Kit

  • Fennel, black pepper, cinnamon, mustard, poppy seeds, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves

Dip

  • 4 tbsp carrots, cucumber, or radish, grated
  • 1 tbsp onions, grated & squeezed [3]
  • 1/3 cup yogurt
  • salt & pepper or chilies*

Mint Chutney (optional)

  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves finely chopped
  • 1.2 inch ginger
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 lemon for juice
  • 1-2 fresh chilies to taste (optionally) finely sliced

Suggested Sides

  • rice or flatbread, and dips

Instructions
 

Tujji BBQ

  • In a CONTAINER, add meat or substitute.
  • Rub it with salt & chili powder to taste.
  • Add yogurt, lemon juice, and oil (marinade basics), Tujji spices, garlic, and ginger.
  • Mix well to coat meat or substitute all around.
  • Cover. Let it marinate in the fridge 2 to 24 hours.
  • Thread the marinated pieces onto skewers. [2]
  • Grill meat or substitute or roast it in the oven:

Option 1 - Grilling

  • Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  • Place the skewers on the grill and cook them for about 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally, all pieces are fully cooked and have a slightly charred and golden-brown appearance.

Option 2 - Roasting

  • Preheat OVEN to 425°F.
  • Place the skewers on a BAKING SHEET lined with greased aluminum foil. Roast the chicken in the OVEN for 20 to 30 minutes, until cooked through, turning midway.

Dip [4]

  • Choose one or two of the vegetables, 4 tbsp in total.
  • Add onions and salt to taste.
  • Mix with the yogurt. Season with pepper or chilies to taste.

Mint Chutney (optional)

  • In a BLENDER, blend mint, cilantro, 1 tbsp lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and salt and chilies to taste.
  • Add water as needed to create a thick sauce.
  • Cover and keep cool until serving.

Serve

  • Serve tujji with dips and rice or flatbread.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

[1] For instance boneless, skinless chicken, lamb loin, sirloin beef, veal, or substitute with mushrooms, eggplant, zucchini, firm tofu.
[2] If using wooden skewers, soak them first for 30 minutes in water.
[3] Substitute: 1 green onion, finely sliced
[4] Optionally, create more dips, each with a different combination of the ingredients added to the yogurt and salt, for instance:
  • One dip with cucumber, sliced fresh chilies and green onions.
  • Another one with carrots, radish, onions, black pepper, and optionally a dash of cumin or coriander.
Marceline Reid-Jaques
Marceline Reid-Jaques
2022-12-14
Karen Jones
Karen Jones
2022-12-05
Wonderful, flavorful meals using readily available ingredients!
ann davis
ann davis
2022-11-29
My daughter gave me a subscription as a Christmas present while our families were quarantining together. It was so much fun! It introduced us to several cuisines that were totally new to us. The recipes were easy to follow and the spices were transformative - fresh and pungent and delicious.
Jessica Brown
Jessica Brown
2022-05-22
The best way to try new dishes!

Enter the Culinary World

Be Inspired | Explore your boundaries and creativity

Indian methi paratha

Indian Methi Paratha

Yield: 3

Indian Methi Paratha

Indian methi paratha

Methi paratha is a popular Indian flatbread that is made with fenugreek leaves and wheat flour. Fenugreek leaves, also known as methi, have a distinct bitter flavor and are packed with nutrients. Methi paratha is a healthy and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The paratha is usually served with yogurt, pickle, or any side dish of your choice. In this recipe, we will show you how to make methi paratha at home in a few easy steps.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups wheat flour
  • 1 cup fresh methi (fenugreek leaves), washed and chopped, or 3 tbsp dried crushed methi
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee

Recommended Spices

  • 1 tsp cumin or coriander or mixed, or ginger
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp ajwain seeds

Optional

  • 1/2 tsp chili powder or more to taste

Instructions

Prepare

  1. In a BOWL, combine flour, methi, spice blend, and salt & chili (opt.) to taste. Mix well.
  2. Add sour cream, oil. and 1/4 cup. Mix well.
  3. Knead into a smooth dough. Gradually, add water as necessary, one tbsp at a time. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
  4. Cover the BOWL with a damp kitchen towl. Let it rest for 15-30 minutes.
  5. Divide the dough into equal-sized small balls.
  6. Roll each ball into a flat disc using a rolling pin and some flour for the surface.

Cook

  1. Heat a non-stick PAN over medium heat.
  2. Place the rolled-out paratha in the PAN and cook for 1-2 minutes or until the underside is slightly browned.
  3. Flip the paratha, and cook the other side until brown spots appear on the surface.
  4. Apply a little oil or ghee on both sides and cook until the paratha is crispy and golden brown.

Serve

Marceline Reid-Jaques
Marceline Reid-Jaques
2022-12-14
Karen Jones
Karen Jones
2022-12-05
Wonderful, flavorful meals using readily available ingredients!
ann davis
ann davis
2022-11-29
My daughter gave me a subscription as a Christmas present while our families were quarantining together. It was so much fun! It introduced us to several cuisines that were totally new to us. The recipes were easy to follow and the spices were transformative - fresh and pungent and delicious.
Jessica Brown
Jessica Brown
2022-05-22
The best way to try new dishes!

Enter the Culinary World

Be Inspired | Explore your boundaries and creativity

Indian Malai Kofta

Indian Malai Kofta

Indian
Malai Kofta

Vegetables in the Spotlight

Malai Kofta is a luxurious North Indian delicacy that tantalizes the senses with its creamy and aromatic sauce, and melt-in-your-mouth koftas.

The soft paneer cheese and vegetable or meat koftas are simmered in a velvety sauce that’s infused with our blend of aromatic spices. Each bite leaves you craving for more.

Malai Kofta Spice Blend

Turmeric, ginger, coriander, cumin, methi leaves, black
peppercorn, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, saffron

 

Indian Malai Kofta

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With or without meat, gluten free, or lactose free
Indian Malai Kofta

Authentic without Meat

If you prefer the authentic malai kofta, try the recipe without meat:

  • garbanzo bean flour
  • grated mixed vegetables
  • grated or crumbled cheese

The meat malai kofta recipe has the same flavor profile. The ingredients are reduced to make room for ground meat.

Gluten-Free Kofta

The malai kofta recipe is made with flavorful garbanzo bean flour which is natural gluten free.

For your convenience, we offer garbanzo bean flour in small amounts in our shop.

Garbanzo beans on bread

Malai Kofta Sauce

For the sauce, all you need are these handy staples:
  • onions, garlic, broth (any), tomato puree (unflavored), and heavy cream
Indian Malai Kofta with nuts

Lactose-Free Kofta

For lactose free malai kofta, we recommend to use the meat malai kofta recipe and substitute the cheese with one egg.

For the sauce, our nut mixture is included in the online recipe.
Indian Malai Kofta

Indian Malai Kofta

SpiceBreeze
Malai Kofta is a luxurious North Indian delicacy that tantalizes the senses with its creamy and aromatic sauce, and melt-in-your-mouth koftas. The soft paneer cheese and vegetable or meat koftas are simmered in a velvety sauce that's infused with a blend of aromatic spices. Each bite leaves you craving for more.
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Kofta Option 1: Meatless (Authentic)

  • 3/8 cup garbanzo bean flour *1
  • 3 cups grated mixed vegetables *2
  • 3/4 cup grated or crumbled cheese *3

Kofta Option 2: With Meat

  • 8 oz ground beef
  • 1/8 cup garbanzo bean flour *1
  • 2 cups grated mixed vegetables *2
  • 1/4 cup grated or crumbled cheese *3

Sauce

  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 2-3 cloves garlic (optional) chopped, pressed, or grated
  • 1 cup broth of your choice
  • 1 cup tomato puree unflavored
  • 1 cup heavy cream *4

Basic Ingredients

  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Malai Kofta Culinary Spice Kit

  • 1 pouch: Turmeric, ginger, coriander, cumin, methi leaves, black peppercorn, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, saffron

Suggested Sides

  • basmati rice
  • flatbread *5
  • salad

Instructions
 

Kofta

  • In a BOWL, mix all kofta ingredients, 1 tbsp or about half of the Malai Kofta spices, and salt to taste. Shape the mixture into small round or oval forms.
  • In a PAN, heat oil and fry the koftas until they are golden brown on both sides.
  • Scoop them out and drain them on paper towels.

Sauce

  • In a wide POT, heat 2 tbsp oil.
  • Fry onions and optional garlic until translucent.
  • Add the remaining Malai Kofta spices.
  • Stir-fry for about 1 minute.
  • Add broth, tomato puree, and cream (*4). Bring to a boil.
  • Add the fried koftas. Coat them with the sauce.
  • Cover and cook over low heat for 5 minutes to reheat the koftas.
  • Serve the koftas with the sauce over rice or with flatbread.
  • Optionally, sprinkle with nut pieces and chopped parsley or cilantro.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

(1) Substitute
  • all-purpose flour, or with almond or cashew nut flour & 1 tbsp of starch.
(2) 50:50 carrots & cauliflower (authentic); parsnip, potatoes, Brussels sprouts.
(3) Paneer (authentic), cottage cheese, feta, cotija.
(4) Substitute with a nut based mixture:
  • 1 cup almond or cashew milk
  • 2 tbsp almond or cashew butter
(5) For instance, naan or methi paratha
Indian Tandoori

Indian Tandoori

Indian Tandoori

Indian Tandoori

SpiceBreeze
Well-known Tandoori BBQ develops its flavor in a fragrant yogurt-marinade. The spice blend includes ajowan, an extraordinary aromatic Indian spice. Ajowan has a thyme-anise-like taste, slightly bitter and nutty. Dip the grilled goodness into a mint chutney from fresh herbs.
 
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1.25 lb chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces

Fresh Produce

  • 3 cloves garlic grated
  • 1.5 inch ginger grated
  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped
  • 1 lemon for juice

Dairy

  • 2/3 cup yogurt plain

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 12 skewers *)
  • salt
  • oil

Tandoori Culinary Spice Kit

  • [1] Paprika, cinnamon, cardamom, ajowan, turmeric, cloves, cumin, white pepper, coriander
  • [2] Chili flakes

Suggested Sides

  • 2 cups basmati rice cooked or steamed

Instructions
 

Marinade

  • In a BOWL, add yogurt, Tandoori [1] spices, 2/3 of the garlic and ginger, salt and Tandoori [2] spices to taste. Mix well.
  • Coat chicken with the marinade.
  • Cover and let marinate in the fridge for 2 to 24 hours.

Mint chutney

  • In a FOOD PROCESSOR, blend mint, cilantro, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/3 of the garlic and ginger, salt and Tandoori [2] spices to taste.
  • Add water as needed to create a thick sauce.
  • Cover and keep cool until serving.

Bake

  • Preheat OVEN to 425°F.
  • Thread chicken onto skewers.
  • Place skewers in a BAKING DISH lined with aluminum foil.
  • Roast in the OVEN for 20 to 30 minutes, until cooked through, turning midway.

Serve

  • Serve tandoori with rice or bread, the mint chutney, and optionally a fresh salad.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

*) If using wooden skewers, soak them first for 30 minutes in water.
▪ Substitute chicken with lamb loin, sirloin beef, veal, mushrooms, potatoes, and/ or boiled paneer or tofu.
▪ Substitute cilantro with parsley.
▪ Substitute rice with naan or chapati bread.
 
Marceline Reid-Jaques
Marceline Reid-Jaques
2022-12-14
Karen Jones
Karen Jones
2022-12-05
Wonderful, flavorful meals using readily available ingredients!
ann davis
ann davis
2022-11-29
My daughter gave me a subscription as a Christmas present while our families were quarantining together. It was so much fun! It introduced us to several cuisines that were totally new to us. The recipes were easy to follow and the spices were transformative - fresh and pungent and delicious.
Jessica Brown
Jessica Brown
2022-05-22
The best way to try new dishes!

Enter the Culinary World

Be Inspired | Explore your boundaries and creativity

Indian Samosas

Indian Samosas

Indian Samosas

Indian Samosas

September 5th is World Samosa Day but we revel in its universality no matter what time of year it is.

Pockets full of Goodness

Crispy, savory, and an incredibly simple snack to prepare, samosas are found in nearly every roadside food vendor, movie theater, or restaurant around the Indian subcontinent; going by many names and enveloping any combination of area-specific ingredients available. 

There are a surprising number of regional varieties one may try when visiting this fascinatingly diverse part of the world! Small or large; baked or fried; vegetarian, sweet, or savory – there is a samosa out there just waiting to satisfy whatever craving you have.

Simplicity in Diversity

While the triangular shape and overall flaky texture are a constant, with only subtle changes to the pastry, what’s inside is what begins to tell the complex story of that particular area. Around India, samosas are often filled with mashed or diced, cooked potato with vegetables and spices, then deep-fried in ghee or oil to achieve a golden brown, crunchy crust. 

Served hot with a side of fresh chutney and cup of steamy chai tea, these delectable pastries can be vegetarian or meaty; a sweet version with fruits and mawa (also called khoya, a sweet milk-cheese) is dipped in a sugar-syrup before serving. Visit Ahmedabad for spicy minced meat samosa, called lukhmi; Bihar for a ginger-seasoned potato version; or around eastern Indian regions for smaller potato, nut, and raisin-filled shigaras.

Historical Chronicles

What we know of as the samosa today – a staple Indian snack or appetizer – is not actually of Indian origin, but Middle Eastern or Central Asian! 

A medieval Persian poem mentions the earliest form of the samosa – sanbusaj – as far back as the 10th century but it truly gained its cultural significance following a 13th century reference to its recipe in an Arabic cookbook. 

Traveling Central Asian merchants, and their saddle bags of these mince-filled pastries, are credited to have carried the dish along the silk route or Indian coast through its influenced regions to its claimed home of India. 

Samsa officially debuted on Indian soil in the 1300s, so named after its shape resembling the pyramids of Central Asia, and featured ingredients like ghee, onion, and meat.

A Polyonymies Dish

In Bangladesh, shingaras can incorporate beef liver as a popular addition in some parts of the country with the usual ingredients. Pakistani versions can include minced meat and vegetables as a prevalent iftaar food for families celebrating Ramadan. It is a dish well associated with regional holy meals spent with loved ones. Around the Middle East, crescent-shaped versions of sambousek are stuffed with meat, onion, cheese, or pine nuts. 

Portuguese-majority speaking countries such as Brazil, Portugal, and Goa, India also have a similar meat-filled pastry to samosa, called chamuças or pastéis, respectively. Chickpeas replaced potatoes in the Israeli version, and Moroccans added peas to their filling. 

In regions like North America, the UK, and Australia, frozen samosas are becoming more available in grocery stores with some variations to the dough.

Variations
  • For a faster dinner: Cut tortillas into bite size pieces and fry them in oil until slightly brown. Serve them with the filling.

  • For a most authentic dinner: Substitute tortillas with authentic samosas dough (see below).

  • For a change: Use the filling with a pie crust.

The Samosas Culinary Spice Kit includes the following spices:
Coriander (toasted), cumin (toasted), turmeric, cardamom, chili (mild), cinnamon, cloves, white peppercorn.
Indian Samosa Pie
Indian Samosa Pie
samosas with mango chutney
Mango Chutney
Ingredients

1 small onion, chopped
1/2 inch ginger, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 large ripe mango, diced
2 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp raisins (optional)

Spices, one or all:

cumin, coriander (1/2 tsp or to taste)
cayenne, turmeric (1/4 tsp or to taste)

Instructions

In a small POT, add 1 tbsp oil and fry onions over medium heat until they turn translucent, stirring occasionally.
Add ginger and garlic and continue for 1 minute.

Add mango, vinegar, honey, and raisins (optional). Season with salt and spices to taste.

Cook over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Indian Samosas

Indian Samosas

SpiceBreeze
Crispy, savory, and an incredibly simple snack to prepare, samosas are found in nearly every roadside food vendor, movie theater, or restaurant around the Indian subcontinent; going by many names and encompassing any combination of specific ingredients available in the area. Our recipe offers shorter and longer variations for any skill level.
hands-on time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1 lb ground* meat**

Fresh Produce

  • 3 large potatoes boiled skin on
  • 1 cup peas frozen
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 12 medium tortillas**** cut in half
  • vegetable oil or ghee
  • salt

Samosas Culinary Spice Kit

  • Coriander (toasted), cumin (toasted), turmeric, cardamom, chili (mild), cinnamon, cloves, white peppercorn.

Optionally, add to taste to the filling:

  • 2-3 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 inch ginger grated
  • 0.25 cup cashew or macadamia nuts chopped
  • 1-2 fresh chilis chopped
  • 2 tbsp cilantro chopped
  • 0.25 cup raisins

For the Dough (optional)

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/4 cup oil

Mint Raita (optional)

  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves finely chopped
  • 1/4 tsp cumin optional
  • 1 dash ajwain seeds optional
  • fresh or dried chili to taste optional

Suggested Sides

  • basmati rice

Instructions
 

Prepare potatoes

  • Peel and roughly chop the potatoes.

Prepare filling

  • In a large PAN, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium heat.
  • Stir-fry Samosas spices about 30 seconds.
  • Add meat and salt to taste.
  • Stir-fry until the meat is crumbled and cooked through.
  • Add potatoes and salt to taste. Mix well.
  • Let it cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of water if necessary.
  • Add peas and salt to taste. Mix well.
  • Continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Prepare samosas*** (video link in the notes)

  • Brush the straight edge with a bit of water.
    street samosas
  • Form a cone by overlapping half of the straight edge with the other half.
  • Fill the cone.
  • Brush the top inner edges with a bit of water.
  • Press the edges together to close.
  • Repeat.

**** Prepare dough (if not using tortillas)

  • In a BOWL, mix flour with salt.
  • Optionally, add 1/4 tsp ajwain seeds.
  • Add 1/4 cup of oil. Knead until crumbled.
  • Gradually, add 1/4 cup of water.
  • Knead into a firm dough.
  • Cover and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • Divide dough into 6 equal pieces. Form 6 balls.
  • Roll each ball out into about 6 to 8 diameter.

Fry samosas made with tortillas***

  • In a POT, heat oil to medium-high.
    street samosas
  • Fry 3-4 samosas until they turn slightly brown.
  • Repeat.

Fry samosas made with authentic dough

  • In a POT, heat oil to medium.
  • Fry 3-4 samosas for 5 minutes.
  • Turn the heat up and fry samosas until they turn slightly brown.
  • Repeat.

Mint Raita

  • Optionally, pour the yogurt into a strainer lined with a paper towel and a bowl underneath. Keep it in the fridge for a few hours. The drained yogurt will be wonderfully creamy.
  • In a BOWL, mix yogurt with Dal [2] spices and salt to taste.

Serve

  • Serve samosas with basmati rice and mint raita.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Video instructions for folding samosas
* Substitute ground with cooked and shredded meat.
** Lamb, pork, beef, or poultry; or substitute with 2 cups cooked garbanzo beans, slightly mashed.
*** Alternatively for a faster dinner:
Cut tortillas into bite size pieces and fry them in oil until slightly brown. Serve them with the filling.
**** Substitute tortillas with authentic samosas dough (see the recipe above).