Red Pepper and Potato Masala

Potatoes are a treasured addition or feature of almost any meal, and the quick and easy preparation for this colorful side to accompany other Indian dishes is one that you may find yourself turning to often. This combination is simply delicious in its own right, with the addition of fresh red bell pepper and an array of treasured spices that those of us who regularly enjoy cooking up Indian creations with likely have on hand.

Simple Green Curry Rice

Hot fresh cooked rice is something I actually enjoy on its own, but I do usually dress it up a little to go with meals. Because I focus so much time and energy on the main dish of my meals, I'm always thinking of quick and easy ways of to lend flavor and elegance to even a humble pot of rice. After all, even if the rice isn't the starring dish on the menu, as a side it can shine just as much as the main dish with a little love and attention … and seasoning.

Stuffed Eggplant with Paneer and Chickpeas

Eggplant is one of my favorite vegetables to work with, and also, I think, one of the more under-appreciated ones in this part of the world, despite its popularity in many cuisines around the world. When I was growing up, family meals always featured vegetables, but eggplant never once made an appearance. Unlike other vegetables, it does not have much flavor one its own, but the beauty of eggplant is that, when prepared with some love and attention, it takes on the flavors of what it is combined with and then really shines in its own right.

Strawberry Jam Truffles

Homemade treats are always far superior to store-bought versions. Apart from the ability to control the quality of your ingredients, you'll deliver up positive energy with food made with your own hands in your own kitchen — as a friend remarked, homemade treats made with good quality ingredients feel "alive". And despite what many might think, homemade truffles are remarkably easy to make, with no special equipment needed — all you need is a little bit of patience to let the ingredients cool before handling the mixture, and with the slight messy process of shaping the truffles into the final bite-sized version.

Saffron Biscuits

One of my favorite ways to fill out a meal is to serve some hot-from-the-oven homemade biscuits alongside the central components. These buttery saffron bisuits would go nicely with any variety of entrées as they are free of overpowering tastes but instead feature the complementary and subtly sweet earthy flavour of genuine saffron. A flowery gem that is also quite costly due to the intensity of the labour involved, thankfully only a small amount is needed for colour and flavour.

Roasted Root Vegetables in a Madras Sauce

A well-balanced diet of legumes, grains, and a variety of vegetables is your best defense in maintaining optimal health and to treat a variety of conditions. Too often doctors are quick to prescribe pharmaceuticals which often only serve to mask conditions rather than treat the underlying causes of poor health, not to mention the side effects which can lead to more problems.

Green Curry Potato and Mushroom Soup

There's nothing quite as comforting as a hot bowl of homemade soup on a cold winter's day, and if you're looking for a simple and hearty soup with a little kick, this aromatic cream of potato soup with shiitake mushrooms is seasoned with green curry paste for a delightful vibrant and zesty flavor. I make my own green curry paste from scratch as it is easy to make and lends an unbeatable fragrant freshness and pungency to the taste experience, but if you opt for a storebought paste to make things even easier, just taste ahead of time to adjust the seasoning in the soup to your own preference for heat.

Buckwheat and Wild Rice Soup with Mushrooms

After the holidays, with much rich fare on our menus, many of us are craving lighter meals. With January tempatures, warming soups are a natural choice. And, lighter meals can be just as satiating, as this bowl of comforting mushroom soup with nutty kasha, wild rice and potatoes, along with herbs and aromatic spices illustrates nicely. With the addition of creamy coconut milk and some red lentils, this is a balanced bowl of goodness. For a particularly satisfying and filling meal, serve with some crusty bread, such as Rustic Sun-Dried Tomato Bread or Rustic Herb and Olive Bread with Reishi.