Punjabi-Inspired Black Gram Dal

Cooking with dals is a fun experience for me in the kitchen, especially if they feature in an Indian-inspired creation, and I often go into the kitchen armed with only a scant idea of how I am going to cook the dals, with some thought beforehand in case I need to soak the dals ahead of time or require any additional items that I don't happen to have on hand already. Of course, this is not always the case, and many of the dal recipes that I make are well drafted and thought through in more detail and then revised as I cook.

Black-Eyed Peas and Mung Beans in a Fragrant Spicy Tomato Sauce

If you are looking for an easy and fairly quick but nourishing and comforting meal, then this recipe ought to be on the top of your list. If you cook Indian food often enough, all of the ingredients are staples you likely have on hand.

The distinctive earthiness of black-eyed peas and mung beans are harmoniously complemented by a delectable and enticing fragrant, spicy and tangy tomato base. The addition of garam masala adds a hint of aromatic smokiness and depth. Vibrant in color and taste, all you need to complete the meal is some hot fresh cooked basmati rice and a vegetable side if desired.

Vegetarian Lasagna Soup

When I announced that I was going to be serving up a lasagna soup, a few eyebrows were raised but the general reaction was one of curious anticipation. After serving the lasagna soup, the reactions turned to praise and delight.

This lasagna soup is very much like an extra thick and hearty vegetable minestrone soup, but with lasagna noodles instead of small pasta noodles, lentils instead of cannellini or borlotti beans, and marinara sauce instead of tomatoes. The lasagna noodles are broken into squares, and as they cook, form into luscious and silky slices of pasta in this rich and creamy soup. Because the marinara sauce I used was prepared with portobello mushrooms, this soup is a mushroom lovers' delight, especially as button mushrooms are also added to the simmering soup. As many vegetarian lasagnas also feature eggplant, I included that too. Brown lentils add protein and texture to the soup, and complement the earthiness of the mushrooms and spinach.

Valentine's Day Ideas for your Sweet

Valentine's Day isn't something that I bother much with myself even though I do have a very special person in my life. I show and tell my husband each and every day how much I love him and value him, and I certainly don't relish occasions that make people feel compelled to dash off to the store to purchase things that aren't really needed, such as overpriced roses and treats, or spend an excess of money at expensive and crowded restaurants. My husband is very fortunate to get special meals and treats on a regular basis as part of my food blogging project and just because I like to provide good nourishing meals. And he likes to treat me too, all year round.

But Valentine's Day is an excuse for many people to prepare special foods for their sweethearts, and if you're looking for ideas you may want to try some of these vegetarian recipes that will certainly illustrate your passion for your honey. From breakfast to dinner right through to tempting treats and desserts, there's no shortage of opportunity to make this a special day for your most loved one.

You will find many more ideas to celebrate any occasion by browsing through the recipes that I have shared with readers including some nourishing and delicious side-dishes to go along with your meals. Though this list of suggestions was written for those in mind who enjoy Valentine's Day, I was also considering creations for any special occasion or for no reason in particular except for wanting to have a lovely meal along with some delights to treat your loved ones.

Potato Habanero Biscuits

Over the years, I have worked on mastering the art of biscuit making. So my husband and my best friend are always delighted when they hear that I am including biscuits with dinner. Of central importance to great biscuit making are using cold ingredients and taking care not to overwork the dough to ensure that they rise, with a delightfully crisp exterior and flaky soft inside that is moist with an almost melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Dark Chocolate Truffle Tart with Mixed Berries in a Teff Crust {Vegan}

If you want to impress your dinner guests, then you'll want to make this tart that will have everyone oohing and aahing in anticipation. Little will they know that the tart is incredibly easy to make even though it has that fancy bakery appeal. No kneading, chilling and rolling out of the crust. And when it comes down to it, simplicity in all its blissful glory is just the dessert to make a lasting impression. Rich, succulently dense and refreshing, the goodness of fine quality dark chocolate pairs perfectly with the earthy teff crust. You'll only need a small slice of this divine tart, despite the urge to skip dinner all together and just concentrate on dessert.

This dessert was the crowning touch on my vegetarian Christmas meal that was quietly enjoyed at home with my husband, cherished bestest friend Basil, and two kitties lurking around but respectfully staying away from our food. My dinner was so tempting that it was deemed best to leave the tart to sit out and entice while we enjoyed a hot mulligatawny soup and my lush and filling samosa potpie. Coffee was necessary after dinner as we opened a few gifts and then onto the tart as dinner began to settle in our full tummies.