Happily Cooking

Skip to Recipe It is my favorite time of the year. Spring is in full bloom. It never fails to cheer my heart to see dormant plants come to life again, more hours of sunshine, and the snug warmth of the big yellow ball in the sky. Since the last few weeks were bright and sunny here, I could not resist the intoxicating temptation of having mangoes. Although they are available here almost year-round in the grocery stores, there is something about having them during this time. Fresh Mango Salsa is a colorful dish that is packed with bright, juicy mangoes, crunchy red onions, red bell peppers, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. With the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, this Mango Salsa is sure to be a hit in your family! It’s so colorful that it almost looks like a party on a plate! I love it so much that every summer I put it on our meal rotation at least 3-4 times a month.It’s not only great for special occasions like BBQs, picnics,...

Skip to Recipe Does this sound familiar? You’ve just walked through the door after a busy day, and it’s going to take at least an hour to get dinner on the table. You have a ravenous appetite, you scurry into the kitchen to grab a bite and upon glancing in the fridge realize there’s nothing to eat. As tempting as it may be to grab that packet of chips at that moment, you will regret that decision later on. If you are looking for a tasty and healthy snack, look no further! Soft, moist, Banana Oats Muffins made without any flour, or refined sugars-these are healthy, wholesome, and so delicious. These naturally gluten-free muffins rely on regular pantry staples like oats, bananas, eggs, Greek yogurt, and honey. I have substituted the butter for Greek yogurt that makes them super moist and fluffy. These oats muffins are such an easy way to enjoy a treat without feeling guilty. Whip up a batch of these over the weekend, and...

Skip to Recipe For most of us, the idea of healthy food conjures up images of boiled vegetables and salads. But, I believe that healthy eating is all about moderation. It is about providing our bodies with key nutrients and ingredients that make us feel energized, motivated and happier. If you are trying to follow a healthy diet, but the idea of having boring and tasteless food keeps that idea locked within and unleashed, then think again! This recipe is for all the vegetable lovers out there! A flavorful, hearty Moroccan Couscous that’s packed with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and almonds. This will surely excite your taste buds with its range of contrasting flavors. It is a delicious recipe that you can enjoy while staying on track with your fitness goals. Commonly served in North African, Moroccan cuisine, Couscous is a type of pasta that is made of semolina or ground durum wheat. It is a convenient product to have stocked...

Skip to Recipe Sundays have always evoked a labyrinth of emotions in me and continue to do so even today. Growing up in a Bengali family of enthusiastic foodies, Sundays were synonymous with mutton curry, a specialty that was prepared by mom. I used to wait impatiently for it the whole week. As my mother braised the mutton, the rich aroma wafting from the kitchen stimulated my appetite, and with each passing minute, my patience wore thin. It was a matter of minutes before I devoured everything on the plate. The scrumptious lunch was followed by a food-coma-induced siesta, only to wake up to the evening cup of tea. Succulent pieces of lamb, cooked with aromatic spices in a rich yogurt-based sauce, this Indian Lamb Curry is heavenly. Every time I prepare this dish, it takes me back to childhood and the Sunday ritual of food and family. All it takes to make this is patience! Slowly cooking and simmering the mutton over low flame for a ...

Skip to Recipe As much as I love to cook elaborate meals, sometimes all I need is a simple, decent meal after a grueling day. I believe that more ingredients always don't produce a tasty dish. Sometimes the beauty of food lies in the use of simple, fresh ingredients that can shine on their own. It has been a while since I shared a pasta recipe, so finally decided to share one. 30 minutes is all you need to make this delicious Spicy Sausage Pantry Pasta. It is a super easy and incredibly flavourful weeknight dinner recipe! And most importantly, you probably have all the ingredients hanging out in your kitchen cupboards already! Pasta paired with spicy Italian sausages-it is just a match made in heaven. Spicy chunks of sausages cooked in a homemade tomato garlic sauce, a heavy sprinkle of parmesan cheese, and a touch of fresh basil -you’ll love every bite of this. With a side salad and a loaf of crusty bread, this is an easy dinne...

Skip to Recipe I don't know about others- but I am addicted to cooking shows. After a long tiring day, I willingly submit myself to cooking stimuli. For me, they're the television equivalent of comfort food, something mindless that washes over the weariness of the whole day. And not to forget, they unleash my creativity in the kitchen. Holi, the "Festival of Colors" is just around the corner. Amidst the daily drudgery, Holi brings much-needed cheer and color to our lives. Back in India, the festival vibe is all about love, joy, laughter, and massive gastronomic spread. The mere thought of those delicacies is enough to get me drooling! Made with nuts, rose petals, and flavored with fragrant spices, Thandai is the quintessential Indian beverage made on the festive occasion of Holi. The word Thandai in Hindi refers to a refreshing drink that has a cooling effect. This time I decided to give the famous Italian Pannaco...

Skip to Recipe Being someone who tries to take on more than one should, I know what it’s like to keep several balls in the air. I constantly keep striving for balance and at times, finding the time to pause becomes a herculean task. A friend of mine once said, "If you want to find the balance, you have to make peace with imperfections". How true! Just like our lives, the food we consume also needs a balance. The Mexican-inspired Chicken Burrito Bowl is the perfect example of a healthy, hearty meal that is filled with a balance of nutrients and, at the same time bursts with flavors. A burrito bowl is a deconstructed burrito without the tortilla. It has all of your favorite burrito-filling ingredients served over a bowl of rice. Loaded with juicy, grilled chicken, rice, black beans, corn, this recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner any day of the week. These bowls can easily be meal prepped for the week or turned into an easy...