Happily Cooking

Skip to Recipe 2020 has been a very different year. The pandemic has wreaked upheaval across the globe and made us examine the fragility of our mortality. As our worlds suddenly shrank, and we were confined mostly to our homes, it brought in us a renewed appreciation for the simple things in life- the joy of stepping out of our homes without fear, the joy of meeting our friends, and the joy of the heartfelt hugs from our loved ones. Much like the other holidays, New Years´ Eve will look different this year. But that is no reason not to celebrate. Getting through such a crazy year is still worth celebrating — even if it is just over Zoom or a small celebration within the family. Get your New Year’s celebration off to a rocking start with this mouth-watering appetizer. Buffalo Chicken Wings are fried chicken wings that are tossed in a homemade “Buffalo Sauce”, which is a mixture of hot sauce, butter, and honey. Extra crispy on the out...

Skip to Recipe "What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare?" These are lines from the poem Leisure that I had read in my childhood. Though they didn't mean so much to me as a kid, I understand their relevance now. Living in a world full of chaos and cacophony, we tend to ignore the simple blessings of life and sometimes even ourselves. The month of December, for me, is a time to escape from the hustle-bustle of everyday life, a time to dream, a time to pause and reflect. I generally take this as an opportunity to be with myself, turning inward for reflection and contemplation. Taking a break from the rhythm of rush, not only gives me peace of mind but also allows me to focus on myself and my goals. With the holiday mood in full swing, I like to spend more time in the kitchen baking something that cheers me up. Since oranges are in bounty during these colder months, I decided to...

Skip to Recipe The holidays are gearing into full swing, and I am looking forward to some relaxing time at home along with some good food. Sometimes, even scrolling through the food pics on Instagram makes my mouth drool and my tummy rumble. There are so many tempting recipes that I want to try my hands at, but at the same time, I don´t want the holiday blues to derail my diet. Hence, I am always on the lookout for food that is healthy yet delectable. I love potatoes unconditionally and in all forms- mashed, fried, baked. And why not? You can never go wrong with them – they’re nutritious, filling, and of course, delicious. The recipe today is for all those friends who share the same affinity for potatoes. The Garlic Roasted Potatoes are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and have a bold garlic flavor. Every bite is packed full of flavors. It is easy to make, and most important of all, you can enjoy this appetizer without worr...

Skip to Recipe Well, it was our 7th Wedding Anniversary last weekend. Though I was disappointed for not being able to carry out our travel plan, I was grateful that my husband and I were together. And that was all that mattered. Our relationship has evolved so much over these years, and so have I as an individual. What I have realized in these years is that marriage is not always being mushy-gushy in love, but the small and thoughtful gestures of care and adoration. We spent the whole day together, enjoying good food, playing cards, watching an old movie that we both love, and going through our old travel memories. With all the restaurants closed at the moment, I decided to create a gourmet dinner to surprise my significant other. For the celebratory meal, I chose recipes that were simple yet elegant. The Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken is a one-pan skillet recipe that comes together within half an hour and is sure to become you...

Skip to Recipe There are days when I am full of energy and motivation, and there are days when I feel that my interior flame of energy is flickering out, and I become emotionally jaded. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I try to cook something that would uplift my mood and cure my tired soul. And I believe that nothing works better than a bowl of hot piping broth. The Chicken Taco Soup that I am sharing today is hearty, healthy, and bursting with bold Mexican flavors. Loaded with juicy shredded chicken, hearty black beans, and sweet corn, all swimming in a spiced broth, this soup is something that will keep you insulated against this chilly winter. This recipe is quick and easy, which makes it perfect for a busy weeknight meal. Just combine all the ingredients, turn on the heat, and voila, your flavourful soup will be ready to serve in no time!Just before serving, top it up with your favorite toppings, lik...

Skip to Recipe It seems like yesterday we were celebrating the pleasant summer, the long days, and sipping into the chilled glasses of mocktails. I can’t believe it is almost the end of November. As I look outside my window, the trees have lost their beautiful lush greenery, and the bare branches stand naked against the wind and the cold. It is fascinating how each season brings its charm and keep reminding us of how change is an inevitable part of our lives. And even though we cannot control the changes happening outside, we can always change our way of looking at things. There is nothing cosier than baking inside my kitchen while it is cold and dreary outside. Crispy and flaky on the outside and juicy inside, these vegetable puffs straight out of the oven will warm you up on a cold winter evening. These are so addictive that you will end up losing count of how many you eat. This recipe is also a gre...

Skip to Recipe Growing up in a time when people did not spend their days glued to their smartphones and social media accounts, as a kid, I used to find joy in the simpler things of life. Every lane in our locality had a sweet shop that boasted of their lineage and their prowess of making the best sweets. It was part of my Sunday ritual to visit the sweet shop with my dad. My eyes would sparkle with joy at the mere sight of those scrumptious and colorful sweets on display at all eye levels. God, it was so difficult to pick a favorite! Consumed by busy schedules and a cluttered mind, these little pleasures now feel just out of reach. Kalakand (or Milk cake) is one such Indian dessert that has a special place in my heart and elicits feelings of nostalgia. It is a creamy milk fudge delicately perfumed with cardamom and adorned with chopped pistachios and nuts. Traditionally made with cottage cheese, it is moist, tender, and mel...

Skip to Recipe We are just a few days away from Diwali–the festival of lights, and I am sure that the festive spirit is soaring high in each one of us. I think festivals are all about creating countless joyful memories with people we love that would last for a lifetime. So, even though throughout the year, I try to eat as healthy as possible, during these festivals, I let go of all my inhibitions and unapologetically indulge to my heart's content. Like most of us, a major part of my childhood memories hovers lovingly around festivals. My earliest memories of Diwali were that of my sister and me lighting up every nook and corner of the house with earthen diyas (or lamps), friends, and relatives visiting us to exchange Diwali greetings, and Mom making delectable desserts. But as a kid, what I used to look forward to was bursting different crackers that my Dad used to get from the market. Even after Diwali night, there wer...

Skip to Recipe When we move to a new country, the first thing we do is get some furniture. And that’s exactly what I did after knowing about IKEA. It was a real experience walking into the store, and my first impression was that of awe. After walking several miles in a maze made of tiny fully-furnished micro-studio apartments, I had developed a pit in my stomach. Just as I was about to leave the store, I spotted the IKEA cafeteria and their plates piled with gravy-soaked meatballs. That was my first encounter with meatballs, and eventually, I got so obsessed with them that I would often make excuses to visit the store for lunch. As my fondness for cooking grew, I tried different versions of meatballs at home. I love how meatballs can be served in different ways-as an appetizer, as a main dish served over a bed of spaghetti, or even in a sandwich. However, I find meatballs with spaghetti to be a heavenly combination! Tender,...

Skip to Recipe Seemingly-endless winter is just around the corner. Dragging myself out of comfy blankets while it’s cold outside is so difficult for me, and that’s where motivation comes in. And what can be made more motivating than being greeted by a warm and indulgent breakfast? Breakfast is the time when I soak in a few moments of peace, observe the weather and plan for the whole day. I have realised how carving out a little solitude in the mornings makes a world of difference to my whole day. The recipe that I am sharing will have you bouncing out of bed each morning and excited to start a brand new day.The Greek Yogurt Lemon Pancakes is an easy, delicious and wholesome breakfast recipe that your whole family will love. The yogurt and milk add plenty of moisture to the batter, making the pancakes extra soft and giving a protein boost. Are you looking for other healthy breakfast ideas?You can also check out my ...

Skip to Recipe Lately, as I wake up in the mornings, a string of beautiful memories comes flashing back. The festive season has officially begun in my home country, India. And this brings with itself a hollow realisation of everything that I have left behind- the joy of wearing new clothes, the delicacies made by my Mom and good times spent with friends. Thousands of kilometres away from home, a feeling of pervasive emptiness, and a pang of homesickness engulfs me. Over the years, the joy of going back home to near and dear ones has been replaced by video calls. For me, festivals have now become synonymous with good food. I try to create beautiful recipes at home just to bring in the feeling of festivity. And, how can any Indian festival be complete without some lip smacking desserts? The recipe that I am sharing today is a wonderful twist to the traditional Jalebis. Jalebis are one of the most popular and delectable s...

Skip to Recipe It has been raining here for the past few weeks, and we are stuck inside our house. When I see the bright sunlight filtering through the clouds, it brightens up my day and uplifts my mood. On the other hand, waking up to a gloomy sky and wet weather always takes a toll on me. On days, when I am feeling down, whipping up a tasty, comforting meal acts as a relaxing retreat, and soothes my soul. A bowl of hearty, piping curry with steamed rice always melts my heart and brings a big smile on my face. It will be unfair of me if I talk about curry and do not include the recipe for the creamy Coconut Chicken Curry. A one-pan dish of tender chicken simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce, this curry bursts with flavors and comes together in just 30 minutes. If you love chicken,you can check out my Honey Sesame Chicken and Mexican Chicken Fajitas Just make this recipe ...

Skip to Recipe While it pains to bid farewell to summer, the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is now officially upon us. After a great summer this year, I am now ready to welcome autumn with open arms. I am so in love with everything autumnal-the sound of the crispy leaves, the coziness of being inside and watching the rain through the window, the colours of the leaves changing into vibrant hues of orange, red, and yellow, and the list is endless. Everything seems magical to me this time of the year, and this magic lifts my creative spirit. With the cold nights drawing in, there’s nothing that quite compares to curling up on the couch with a warm bowl of soup. The Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup is healthy, light, and flavourful and is great as an appetizer or a light dinner. This simple and incredibly delicious soup will surely warm your soul on rainy and cold nights. So this autumn, make sure you’re all insula...

Skip to Recipe What’s for dinner? This is the most asked question in our household. I must confess that as much as I love cooking, meal planning is something that is always on my dreaded chore list. Whenever I am too exhausted to cook or run out of fresh ideas, I try to stick with simple, reliable recipes that get my job done. I think the possibilities are endless when you have got pasta in the pantry. With a little imagination, you can put together a satisfying main dish by the time the pasta gets cooked. Made with homemade, rich tomato sauce and topped with juicy shrimps, this Tomato Shrimp Pasta is a great way to spice up your weeknight dinner. Cracking open a jar of store-bought sauce and pouring it into the pasta may seem very convenient to us on busy days. But, nothing beats the sauce that is made at home from scratch. It just tastes so much better and is healthier than the store-bought stuff. Roast...

Skip to Recipe It has been quite a while that I have started this blog, and I realized the other day that I have not shared a single dessert recipe with you yet. Honestly, we don’t have desserts too often in our house. I do not have a sweet tooth. Whenever there is a decision between sweet and savory, I pick savory every time. But I know, most people live for desserts and can have them even for dinner. Yeah, I know that desserts can seem off-limits if you are dieting or you are trying to make some healthy food choices. You spend those extra hours at the gym and try to eat healthy throughout the day. But then you suddenly see a chocolate commercial and your craving for something sweet hits HARD. Curbing the urge can be difficult to fight, and these cravings can sometimes turn into uncontrollable or emotional eating. Now you do not need to deprive yourself. You can fight your sweet cravings with this ...