Happily Cooking

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 ...