A coconut based curry gives this vegetable a delicious taste.

Lotus stem, "bhein" or " kamal kakdi" as it is known, is extensively used in Kashmiri, Sindhi and Punjabi cuisines. Some parts of China and South East Asia are also known to use it. It is mainly used in vegetables to make fritters and for pickling. For all those who must be wondering what lotus stem is, it is the matured stem of the lotus flower, which is almost a foot long when vegetable vendors sell it. You will find it coated with mud due to the surroundings in which it grows. The mud also acts as a protective covering and keeps the stem fresh for a longer period. Choose a lotus stem that is almost 25 mm. (1") thick, as the thicker ones have more flavour. Wash the lotus stems thoroughly under a tap of running water to remove the muddy coating. Peel the lotus stems and cut into thin roundels using a sharp knife. Wash the roundels again to get rid of any residual mud and pat them dry. Combine the roundels with pickling spices and mustard oil and that is all that is needed to make this pickle. Store this for upto one year and enjoy it with your favourite roti or paratha.

A fiery combination of spices, dominated by the exclusive taste of poppy seeds, cumin seeds and dry coconut, adds a special touch to this dish.

Pachranga achaar is a famous Punjabi pickle which I came across quite accidentally enroute from Delhi to Ludhiana. There was a huge pickle factory on the highway by the side of which I stopped. Here I discovered they were manufacturing and exporting a whole array of North Indian pickles. I stumbled upon this pickle which I thought was totally amazing. I took a small sample back home with the sole purpose of being able to make it myself. Like all Punjabi pickles, this one too was made using mustard oil. Pachranga achaar as its name suggests is made using five main ingredients raw mangoes, chick peas, lotus stem, karonda and amlas or limes, pickled with whole spices. In this recipe, I have used a combination of raw mangoes, chick peas and lotus stem omiting karonda and amlas but you can add more vegetables if you like. Serve this achaar with Parathas of your choice to tantalize your taste buds.

Rasavangy literally means brinjals in a fluid gravy. While it is a traditional South Indian recipe, many believe that it demonstrates a strong Maharashtrian influence perhaps because of the selection of spices, or because of the tanginess brought about by dhania! This is an excellent accompaniment for idli or rice . If you love brinjal, we would love to introduce you to some of our international favourites like Stuffed Bulgur and Brinjal Bake , Smoked Brinjal and Pumpkin Dip with Cucumber Strips , Sautéed Brinjal with Mushroom Sauce and Zucchini and Brinjal Bake .

Although the main ingredient in this recipe is red chawli, it is undoubtedly the shallots or madras onions that give this dish its unique aroma and flavour! feast on this spicy and nutritious recipe with a bowl of steaming hot rice topped with ghee.

This recipe gets its “ambat” flavour, thanks to the tamarind. You can add jaggery too to get a sweet-tangy flavour. Serve with steamed rice or as an accompaniment to roti.

The liberal use of coconut and spices leaves you in no doubt that this is a Goanese creation! This delicacy from Goa features potatoes in a tongue-tickling gravy, which is both tangy and spicy. While the gravy gets its tanginess from tomato pulp, the pungency is derived from a special paste of onions, coconut and spices. It is the special way of handling the onions that makes this Goanese gravy very different. The onions are first roasted whole, and then peeled and blended with the other ingredients. This gives a unique, intense flavour to the gravy, which complements the potatoes beautifully. Indeed, Potatoes in Goanese Gravy is a real peppy accompaniment for ladi pav .

Rice noodles and green vegetables in a fiery red curry sauce!

The traditional hyderabadi salan can now be prepared in the microwave, in just a few minutes and with absolutely no compromise on taste.

This Goanese specialty involves a special cooking method. The masala or paste is pre-cooked and then added to the subzi, thereby giving it a distinct flavour. Serve with Tandoori Roti or Parathas .

Think breakfast, and Mooli Roti is amongst the first choices that come to your mind. This very popular North Indian breakfast dish has been tweaked slightly in this recipe, by including oats flour along with whole wheat flour, to boost the fibre content. Grated radish contributes not only flavour but also nutrients, and also helps to moisten the rotis. A couple of spice powders are added to the dough to give the Zero Oil Oats Mooli Roti a lip-smacking flavour. You will really enjoy the unique texture and homely flavour of this Oats Mooli Roti, when had hot. Serve with curds or with some low-cal pickle or chutney .You can also enjoy it as it is with a cup of hot tea .

This recipe is sure to tempt you to come back for another serving! Whether served as it is or with a vegetable, this is definitely a delicacy. Mashed potatoes and low fat curds make these Parathas soft and delicious, while soya flour increases its nutritive value by adding protein, iron and zinc.

Here's a spicy curry from Tamilnadu that tastes best with steamed rice. The Chettinad masala for this curry can even be made a week in advance and stored in air-tight bottles.