Chai Pakode – Different Seasons, Different Moods I am sure we all have our favorites of the seasons and what you see in frame is mostly the darling of the rainy season. We all love to have pakode and chai (tea) when it rains. Rain somehow gets that craving with it. Don’t you agree with me ? But for me this combo is also a favorite during the foggy evenings or a rainy winter day with all clouds in the sky, a cup of tea with crunchy pakodas, gives me a very relaxed and calm feeling. Total NIRVANA !!! Helps to forget all worries and enjoy the moment and weather ……. What is your favorite chai and pakoda story? Share with me in the comments below 😊 #chai #pakoda #seasonveggies #rainyseason #foggywinters #winterevenings #perfectsnack #snacks #tea #moods #season #nirvana #punjabi #punjabifood #streetfood #desi . #indianfood #pakoras #yummy #fritters #breadpakoda #streetfoodindia #pakora via @hashtagexpert (at Gurugram) https://www.instagram.com/p/CK6Zt7sFqIB/?igshid=hqd6genic689

Kale Chane Ka Paratha (Black Chickpea Paratha) – Recycle !!!! I am not sure about others but somehow all Punjabi Moms have this habit of recycling everything. They can re-use everything from a wooden spoon you get in Haldiram’s to your Lingerie in all creative ways she can. I mean I have grown up seeing my mom making sure that everything is used ot its best, till that very thing does not actually come to live and shout out loud “PLEASE LET ME BE NOW” 😜😂😂 this talent of her actually could not stay outside her most favorite arena i.e. the Kitchen. My mom is world famous amongst our relatives for her Parathas… she can make all variety of Parathas…. From fresh vegetables ot leftovers and mind you me ….. all our mind blowingly, awesomeliciously, finger-lickicious…….. From all the variety of parathas she makes, one of my favorite from the top 100 is the one you see in the frame. With the left over black chickpea curry, she prepares a stuffing by adding loads of onions, green chillies, grated ginger, amchur powder, jeera powder, loads of coriander leaves….. the outcome of which is a crunchy, spicy, chatakedaar paratha, with a bomb of flavours in your mouth, which can be relished with either simple white curd and butter or green chutney (describing this is bringing loads of water in my mouth) P.S. – being her daughter a bit of her recycling talent is inherited….. #paratha #mom #recycling #kitchenhacks #kalechane #blackchickpeas #kalechanerecipes #kalechaneparatha #desikhana #haldiram #punjabi #punjabifood #punjabimom #talentedmom . . . . . #desifood #yummy #parathalovers #homemade #paratharecipes #streetfood #stuffedparatha #delicious #northindianfood via @hashtagexpert (at Gurugram) https://www.instagram.com/p/CK1LpGJltKl/?igshid=1p6acfdf5ty0k

Moong Dal Chilla- No tension I was actually missing this from many days. Took me down the memory lane, this is also my mom’s favourite 😊 I still remember during my school days in Agra, our best evenings would be when mom, me and my you ger sister would goto Kamla Nagar, the nearest shopping market to our place and would eat all street food at Shri Ram Sweets, the only shop at that time which served all kind of street food under one roof and everything use to be so yummm. In those days to cover the distance from my house to this market would charge us a rickshaw ride of 5/- and my mom’s favorite moon dal cheela stuffed with loads of cottage cheese, coriander leaves and green chilies would cost us 15/- . I use to love the green chutney we use to get with this cheela totally complimenting the subtle taste of the chilla, this chutney would be hot and spicy getting tears to one’s eyes. Such carefree were those days ……….. then I wanted to grow up quickly so that I could be like grown ups, no school, no studies, no exams, no tension…… and now I wanna be that small girl again…. no responsibilities, no competition, no rat-race… no tension….. #notension #moongdal #cheela #moongdalchilla #memories #childhoodmemories #childhood #mom #momsfav #paneer #stuffed #agra #streetfood #chutney #hotandspicy #carefree #cottagecheese #protien #healthyfood (at Gurugram) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKwSR3alQ2_/?igshid=32vngcodkpil

Saag Paneer – Because It’s the Season of Greens. Winters is all about the “Green vegetables” …. Although now we can get all vegetables in all seasons but still the benefits of seasonal vegetables is unbeatable. As a kid I never liked these greens may it be methi or sarson….. but somehow as a grown up I relish them. I never liked palak paneer as a kid, but when my MIL introduced me to the same dish, which had already debuted in my life during my adolescent, many times I somehow started loving it 😊 No no please don’t presume that my own mother was not good at making it…. I think its just that with age are palates also change. Well now my mother loves the Palak Paneer which I make….. all thanks to my MIL 😊 (undoubtedly they both are very good at cooking). What you see in the frame is actually a edited version of Palak Paneer and I called it Saag Paneer. It so happened that I was all prepped up to make Palak Paneer when I realized that the quantity of palak available is not sufficient for the number of people I was cooking lunch for….and I didn’t want to make anything else…. At that point when I was standing inform of my fridge scanning through, I saw a packet of methi and my problem was solved. I added the methi to the palak and served it to all as Palak Paneer….. 😊 😊😊…. Sometimes you have to be tricky I believe ………… after my family reads this post they will get to know that what they ate was not completely what they assumed they were eating…….. Have you ever done something of this sort? Share in the comments below ….. would love to know your food twists to save you in such situations. #saag #paneer #palak #palakpaneer #paneerrecipes #cottagecheese #green #greenveggies #winters #seasonofgreens #saagpaneer #homemade . . . . . #homecooking #indianfood #foodfeed #palakpaneerrecipe #indianrecipes #indianfoodlovers #foodie #dinner #spinach #modernindianfood #india #northindianfood #foodblogger #healthyfood #gharkakhana (at Gurugram) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKjLUNDFMtT/?igshid=1iul24aiw45ey

Gajar Ka Halwa – Winter Delicacy A beautiful winter morning with golden shining sun showring its happiness on the whole world, so that everyone can enjoy its benefits in this season. A big stack of red carrots kept on a bedsheet and a Man busy grating them along with two small girls on his terrace and an elderly woman enjoying the sunshine ……… on the other hand a woman is grinding cardamom in the kitchen and the amazing smell is filling the aura and also pouring milk in a big utensil and prepping all up to make the best Gajar Ka Halwa in the world…. 😊 Well this is scene is from my childhood and I am sure from many other households ………. One of those little girls is me, the other my younger sister. The man grating carrots is my father, the old lady enjoying the sunlight is my grandmother and of course the lady in the kitchen is none other than my MOM, the best cook….. The Gajar Ka Halwa she prepares is out of the world and is only prepared with four ingredients – milk, sugar, carrots and a pinch of cardamom. What you see in the frame is an essence of the same recipe, where all the carrots were grated by my brother.. (have to give him credits in the post as without him this dish could not have been made 😊) and the twist here is that we all love the hot gajar ka halwa with cold vanilla ice cream…… the white ice cream when melts with the hot red Gajar Ka Halwa in my mouth it takes my heart away…… How do you like your Gajar Ka Halwa? Let me know in the comments below and would love to know 😊 #carrot #halwa #gajarkahalwa #mummykirecipe #childhoodmemories #evocative #icecream #twist #homemade #dessert #winters #delicacy #redandwhite #foodstories #foodblogger #bestwinterdessert #momrecipe #easyrecipesathome #delhifoodlover #desikhana #foodiesofindia #foodstagram #carrothalwa #carrotpudding #gajar #sweet #indiansweets via @hashtagexpert (at Gurugram) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKeBxj2l-TJ/?igshid=1u6257yys68ed

Methi Malai Matar – Missing “Amrik Sukhdev” I know most of you love this place for its “dudhwaali adrak ealichi maarke chai” (tea with load of milk, cardamom and ginger) and “tandoori paratha” (stuffed Indian bread made in a earthen oven), that’s what its famous for since the time it started. I have been going to this place since the time its use to be a dhaba and has seen its transformation to this huge mansion that it has become now. This is our favorite stop during our trips from Delhi to Chandigarh. I have like all others loved this place for its “tandoori parathas”, but it was in 2012, when I was actually travelling from Chandigarh to Delhi with my family, that we halted at Sukhdev and as it was lunch time my father ordered “methi malai matar” (creamy fenugreek and pea). Well this was the first time I ditched the “parathas” and tried this dish at Sukhdev. I have had this dish before also at many other eating joints and have never relished it, but this actually got added in my food list after I tasted it at Sukhdev. I named it “Sukhdev wale Methi Malai Matar”. 😊 So what you see in the frame is somewhat version of “Sukhdev wale Methi Malai Matar” accompanied best with laccha paratha, which is a result of major missing of travelling and halting at Amrik Sukhdev. Let me know in the comments below what is your favorite dish at Amrik Sukhdev or what is your best accompaniment with the dish in the frame ……… looking forward to hear from you all 😊 #methi #fenugreek #malai #cream #matar #peas #amriksukhdev #majormissing #eatingjoint #dhaba #methimalaimatar #methimatarmalai #yfl #yourfoodlab #travel #lockdown #lockdowndiaries #paratha #winters #winterfood #greens #homemade #desi #desikhana #garmagaram (at Gurugram) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKRS9s5lgYh/?igshid=1o56gdmulxqdq

Cheese Board - sometimes all you need is a simple meal which satisfies your heart more than your tummy.... This urge for satisfaction led to this cottage cheese board... nutritious and healthy.... in one word PERFECT 👌🏻... I hat is your visual of perfect... mine is what you see in the frame.. let me know yours in the comments below... #cheese #cottagecheese #cheeseboard #platter #colorful #trending #instagram #instafood #foodgasm #simple #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #nutrition #protien #meal #bachelorfood #food_o_cative #foodissatisfaction #satisfaction #heartandsoul #paneer (at Gurugram) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKMR20wFY0_/?igshid=3kp492jstvqg

Happy Lohri - Sarson ka Saag Makki ki Roti - this is the perfect winter festival with a bonfire, popcorn, peanuts, jaggery... My house is full of indian culture where we celebrate different festivals from different states of India and Lohri the festival from Punjab embarks the festivities every year. Me having my roots from Punjab love this winter festival as you get to dance, sing and best part is the FOOD.. My fav part of this festival other than food is the folk songs ..... What is your favourite part about this festival let me know in the comments below Wish you all a HAPPY LOHRI. #sarsonkasaag #makkikiroti #lohri #happylohri #sarson #mustard #winters #bonfire #peanuts #popcorn #jaggery #outdoorshoot #winterfestivals #punjab #punjabifood #folk #folksongs #folklore #india #indianculture #indianfood #northindianfood (at Gurugram) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ_K5RaFw3N/?igshid=8blyyq0tklv3

Happy Lohri - Sarson ka Saag Makki ki Roti - this is the perfect winter festival with a bonfire, popcorn, peanuts, jaggery... My house is full of indian culture where we celebrate different festivals from different states of India and Lohri the festival from Punjab embarks the festivities every year. Me having my roots from Punjab love this winter festival as you get to dance, sing and best part is the FOOD.. My fav part of this festival other than food is the folk songs ..... What is your favourite part about this festival let me know in the comments below Wish you all a HAPPY LOHRI. #sarsonkasaag #makkikiroti #lohri #happylohri #sarson #mustard #winters #bonfire #peanuts #popcorn #jaggery #outdoorshoot #winterfestivals #punjab #punjabifood #folk #folksongs #folklore #india #indianculture #indianfood #northindianfood (at Gurugram) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ_K5RaFw3N/?igshid=8blyyq0tklv3

Happy Lohri - Sarson ka Saag Makki ki Roti - this is the perfect winter festival with a bonfire, popcorn, peanuts, jaggery... My house is full of indian culture where we celebrate different festivals from different states of India and Lohri the festival from Punjab embarks the festivities every year. Me having my roots from Punjab love this winter festival as you get to dance, sing and best part is the FOOD.. My fav part of this festival other than food is the folk songs ..... What is your favourite part about this festival let me know in the comments below Wish you all a HAPPY LOHRI. #sarsonkasaag #makkikiroti #lohri #happylohri #sarson #mustard #winters #bonfire #peanuts #popcorn #jaggery #outdoorshoot #winterfestivals #punjab #punjabifood #folk #folksongs #folklore #india #indianculture #indianfood #northindianfood (at Gurugram) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ_K5RaFw3N/?igshid=8blyyq0tklv3

Younger sister to food_o_cative - “I want something hot, chocolaty, melty ...... ymmmmm for this chilly winter evening.... which gives me a cozy feel Food_o_cative - 😊 ( gave a smile) ..... you need just one thing then..... HOT CHOCOLATE.... silky and smooth The recipe is from @shivesh17 and it turned out yummmm for a chilly evening which we enjoyed with a vanilla sponge cake and marchmallows... How do you like your hot chocolate ? Let us know in the comments below 😊 #hotchocolate #winter #winters #winterevenings #chillywinter #hotdrinks #beverages #marshmallows #food_o_cative #siblingdemands #siblings #siblinggoals #chocolate #vanillacake #cozy #cravings #drinks #hotdrinks . . . . . #hotchocolateweather #hotchocolatelover #yummy #ahotchocolateaday #lovehotchocolate #hotchocolateseason #hotcocoa #hotchocolatetime #silky (at Gurugram) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ5_ww7ld_4/?igshid=k8wsnd2l0a45

Chicken Seekh Kebab - Yummmmm .... the name itself is so mouthwatering that no word can explain it.. well the chatora gang was waiting for kebabd to be made in @food_o_cative kitchen for long. So I finally decided ki “ab unki ye pyaas bhi bhujha di jaye” 😂😂😂😂 .... I know the line is too cheessyyyy but the kebabs were 🔥... hope you also like what you see in frame 😊... #chicken #nonveg #kebab #seekhkebab #chickenkebab #chickenseekhkabab #chatoragang #food_o_cative #skewers #chickenskewers #punjabi #punjabifood #loveforfood #instafood #foodblogger #lovetocook #homecooked #mouthwatering (at Gurugram) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJtL-6fllaL/?igshid=1482tkspuj1o6

Anda Curry - As they say “sunday ho ya monday roz khai ande” .... I love eggs but they don’t love me back 🤪. This white ovals only suit me in winters so I take full advantage of these protein packed food. Are these Andas also unfair to you in summers???? Share your anda story in the comments below .... happy winters 😊😍 #egg #eggrecipes #eggcurry #bachelorrecipe #easytomake #proteinfood #winterfood #anda #andastory #easytocook #anyonecancook #enjoywinters #desistyle #healthyfood #homemade #foodblogger #lunch #indianeggcurry #indianfood #iloveeggcurry #instafood #dinner #foodie #breakfast #eggs #indiancuisine via @hashtagexpert (at Gurugram) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJn_UqGF53o/?igshid=1wpf8nm9snj65

Plum Cake - #christmasseries - And finally the day has come... its the day of celebrations and festivities.... here’s wishing everyone a Merry Christmas from @food_o_cative . This brings to end of my #christmasseries and what better than creating the famous Plum cake for this occasion. This cake you see in frame is a bundle of loads of flavors and is mouth melting, with no egg, no alcohol and no oven baking. Totally reminded me of the cakes we use to have during our childhood in school. Wishing all my #instafam a Merry Christmas #plumcake #christmas #christmascake #noalcohol #noegg #nooven #merrychristmas #food_o_cative #cherry #plum #festivities #celebration (at Gurugram) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJOUDk3lJDO/?igshid=jfnumd0krv7x

Stained Glass Cookies - #christamasseries - 100th Post - This one is special... not only because this is my 100th post but because a lot of prep went into this one. While I was doing my research for the Christmas Series menu, I saw a picture of these stained glass cookies on #pineterest and I was so amazed that even something like this can be created. This Christmas series has taught me so many new things about baking that I feel thankful that I did this series and this is for all my instafam who keep inspiring me to do something new and create more amazing things. Thanks to you all also for @food_o_cative has reached its 100th post today with this story.... it has been such an amazing journey....🎉🥰🤩🎈💯 #cookies #buttercookies #stainedglass #stainedglasscookies #anyonecancook #christmas #holidayseason #holidayvibes #candycookies #christmascookies #bakingisfun #baking #100post #instafamous #instafamily #loveandsupport #madethishappen #passion #journey (at Gurugram) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJL71jgljHR/?igshid=co89ecg2yvkh

Walnut Chocolate Brownie - #christmasseries - well this is close to my heart ❤️. This is the first time I dis frosting and piping.... though it didn’t come out that perfect. BUT I am HAPPY with it and thats what food is all about that makes you happy 😃. These walnut chocolate brownies have been turned into Christmas tree brownies by whipped cream frosting and sprinklers and they just melt in your mouth.... i am just loving this creation.... what do you guys think ???? #walnut #chocolate #brownies #christmascake #holidayseason #chocolatebrownie #walnutbrownies #christmastreebrownies #dessert #justlovingit #food_o_cative #foodmakesmehappy . . . . . #baking #homemadebrownies #fudgybrownies #instafood #brownielovers (at Gurugram) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJJN08SF89g/?igshid=b6n0d8rwl70s

Croissant Wreath- #christmasseries - The next one on these series is this beautiful wreath of chocolate croissant. This was a new thing for the chatora gang members and was loved by one and all. My husband is a fan of these puffy buns since his france trip and never leaves a chance to relish this delicacy. Hence this had to be on my Christmas series menu and with the chilling winter ... this is the best accompaniment to a cup of coffee and tea... hope you all also enjoy what you see in the frame... #holidayseason #winter #chillingwinter #christmas #christmastime #croissant #chocolatecroissant #croissantwreath #festivities #paris #food_o_cative #homebaker #bakingisfun #dessert #sweetbringshappiness #sweettooth #christmastreats #yearend #bestaccompaniment #chocolate #recipes #sweet #yummy #homemade #patisserie #francecroissant #croissantlover #breakfastcroissant #delicious (at Gurugram) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJGhJrsloI6/?igshid=1fvpqj9t6pex7