Staple foods of the Indian Food cuisine include rice, flour & a variety of lentils. Indian cuisine is mostly recognized by the spices that are used. Popular spices that make up the traditional Indian dishes include Cardamom (Elachi), Tumeric (Haldi), Cumin (Jeera), Coriander (Dhania), Black Mustard Seeds (Sarso), Saffron, Ginger, Garlic & Chili Powder. A popular & common spice that is also used is called Garam Masala which typically has a combination of five or more spices.
Some leaves are also used in the Indian dishes which give them their distinctive Indian flavor. Leaves used for various dishes include Curry Leaves, Bay Leaves, Fenugreek Leaves, Mint Leaves & Coriander Leaves.
MUM’S PUMPKIN CURRY This Recipe Serves 2-3 How My Mum Makes It – Episode 13 Mum’s Pumpkin Curry is a simple, comforting vegetarian dish that proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something delicious. Sweet, savoury and gently spiced, this homestyle curry comes together with minimal effort and is perfect…
MUM’S CORNISH CURRY This Recipe Serves 3-4 Mum’s Cornish Curry: How My Mum Makes It – Episode 10 Welcome to Episode 10 of my How My Mum Makes It series, where I share the traditional South African Indian recipes my mum has been making for years. This episode is all about Mum’s Cornish…
MUM’S GREEN BEANS CURRY WITH GADRA BEANS This Recipe Serves 2-3 Mum’s Green Beans Curry with Gadra Beans (How My Mum Makes It – Episode 9) If you grew up in a South African Indian home, there’s a good chance you’ve had a simple vegetable curry like this on the dinner table. Mum’s…
CHICKEN KARAHI This Recipe Serves 4-6 If you’re looking for a rich, spicy chicken curry that’s packed with bold flavour without being overloaded with tomatoes, then this Chicken Karahi is one you’ll make again and again. Traditionally cooked in a karahi (also spelled karai or kadai), this popular Pakistani and North Indian dish gets…
INSTANT POT DURBAN CHICKEN CURRY This Recipe Serves 4-6 Durban chicken curry isn’t just a meal – it’s a ritual. From the moment the spices hit the pot, you know something special is on the way. This Instant Pot version keeps all that familiar flavour and fire, but brings it together quicker, without losing…
KITCHARI INSTANT RICE COOKER This Recipe Serves 4-6 Kitchari in the Instant Rice Cooker There is something deeply soothing about a bowl of kitchari. Soft, nourishing and gently spiced, this dish has long been a staple in many homes. It is simple, wholesome and incredibly satisfying. Making kitchari in an instant rice cooker is…
CRUSHED CHILLI PICKLE This Recipe Makes 250ml Pickle A bold, fiery favourite made in small batches, this crushed chilli pickle is rich, punchy, and packed with flavour. There’s something special about a good chilli pickle. It doesn’t just sit on the side of your plate, it brings everything together. This crushed chilli pickle is…
SMOKY TANDOORI LAMB CHOPS This Recipe Serves 3-4, depending on portion size Smoky Tandoori Lamb Chops (Air Fryer + Dhungar Method) If you love bold, comforting flavours with that irresistible smoky finish, these tandoori lamb chops are about to become your new favourite. Marinated in warming spices, yoghurt, and lemon, then air fried until…
CHICKEN TIKKA SUBS This Recipe Makes 6 Subs Chicken Tikka Subs (Under 30 Minutes) If you’re craving something bold, saucy, cheesy and unmistakably South African, these Chicken Tikka Subs are exactly it. Think juicy, spice-marinated chicken tossed in tikka sauce, finished with that signature smoky dhungar flavour, then loaded into soft rolls and baked…
INSTANT POT BEEF HALEEM This Recipe Serves 6 There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of rich, slow-cooked haleem. Traditionally, this hearty dish is simmered for hours as grains, lentils and meat slowly break down into a thick, creamy consistency. While the classic method requires constant stirring and patience, modern appliances make it so…