1. Wash and soak the whole brown lentils in sufficient water for 2 hours.
2. Drain the soaked lentils and transfer them to a cooking pot. Add fresh water, salt, oil and turmeric powder.
3. Cook until the lentils are approximately 80% soft but still retain their shape. Drain the excess water and allow the lentils to cool completely.
4. Lightly roast the walnuts and almonds in a pan. Remove and allow them to cool.
5. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, mustard sauce, salt and black pepper powder.
6. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is well combined and slightly thickened.
7. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled cooked lentils, diced carrots, cucumber, beetroot and pear.
8. Add the peeled and diced oranges, halved black grapes, pomegranate seeds, roasted walnuts and almonds.
9. Add the finely chopped coriander and mint.
10. Pour in the prepared dressing according to your taste and toss everything gently until evenly coated.
11. Serve fresh and enjoy your wholesome Lentil Salad!

*Disclaimer: The nutritional values provided here are estimates generated for reference only and may vary based on exact ingredient brands and preparation techniques. Please calculate your nutrition independently if following a strict diet.

The beauty of this salad lies in the balance of textures and flavours. The earthy lentils, sweetness of fresh fruits, crunch of nuts and freshness of herbs should complement one another without any single ingredient overpowering the rest.

The dressing brings all the ingredients together. Its balance of tanginess, mild sweetness and savoury notes is what gives this salad its distinctive character.

Ensure the cooked lentils are completely cool and well drained before assembling the salad. Excess moisture can dilute the dressing.

Use firm fruits and vegetables, and cut them into evenly sized pieces for a better eating experience.

Add the roasted walnuts and almonds just before serving to preserve their crunch.

1. Remove the stems and seeds from the dried red chillies.
2. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over a low flame. Add the dried red chillies and roast for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the chillies become crisp and aromatic, add the garlic. Continue roasting for another 2–3 minutes. Transfer the chillies and garlic to a plate and allow them to cool completely.
3. In the same pan, add the white urad dal. Roast over a low flame, stirring continuously, until the dal turns light golden brown and releases a pleasant roasted aroma. Transfer to a plate and allow it to cool.
4. Similarly, Add the chana dal to the same pan. Add the whole black peppercorns and curry leaves. Roast over a low flame until the dal turns golden brown and the curry leaves become crisp. Transfer everything to the cooling plate.
5. Add the white sesame seeds to the pan. Dry roast gently for approximately one minute, stirring continuously. Once lightly toasted and aromatic, transfer them to the same plate.
6. Spread all the roasted ingredients on a wide plate. Allow everything to cool completely to room temperature before grinding. This step is particularly important to prevent the natural oils from releasing during grinding.
7. Transfer all the cooled roasted ingredients into a mixer grinder. Add the jaggery.
8. Grind into a fine powder, working in short pulses if necessary.
9. Transfer the ground podi into a large mixing bowl. Add turmeric powder, hing and salt as required. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
10. Allow the podi to cool completely before transferring it into a clean, completely dry, airtight glass jar. Store in a cool, dry place and always use a clean, dry spoon.

*Disclaimer: The nutritional values provided here are estimates generated for reference only and may vary based on exact ingredient brands and preparation techniques. Please calculate your nutrition independently if following a strict diet.

1. Enjoy homemade Idli Milagai Podi for up to 3 months, provided it is protected from moisture and stored properly.

2. The Jaggery Factor: Jaggery is a lovely addition to this family recipe. It doesn't make the podi sweet; instead, it rounds off the sharpness of the chillies and brings the roasted flavours together.

1. Byadgi chillies provide colour and mild warmth, while Guntur chillies bring the heat. Adjust their proportions to suit your preferred spice level.

2. For a more traditional texture, grind the podi slightly coarse rather than making it extremely fine. It gives a lovely bite when mixed with ghee or gingelly oil.

3. Always use a completely dry, airtight jar and a dry spoon. Keep moisture away to preserve the podi's freshness and aroma.

1. Soak & Grind Falafel: Soak dried chickpeas in water overnight (8–12 hours), drain thoroughly, and pulse in a blender with onions, green chillies, garlic, lemon juice, fresh coriander, cumin powder, coriander powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until coarse and granular.
2. Rest Mixture: Transfer the mixture to a bowl, fold in besan and white sesame seeds, cover, and refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up.
3. Prepare Special Sauce: Whisk together curd, tomato ketchup, schezwan chutney, mayonnaise, mustard sauce, red chilli powder, honey, salt, and black pepper until creamy. Refrigerate.
4. Prepare Salad: Julienne onion, tomato, cucumber, and beetroot. Shred iceberg lettuce, toss with chopped coriander and salt, and chill.
5. Fry Falafel: Shape chilled mixture into patties, press sesame seeds on top, and deep fry in hot oil over medium-low heat until golden and crispy.
6. Serve: Enjoy hot and crispy with warm pizza bread, special sauce, and fresh salad, or assemble into a delicious sandwich! Jamjo ane Jamarjo!

*Disclaimer: The nutritional values provided here are estimates generated for reference only and may vary based on exact ingredient brands and preparation techniques. Please calculate your nutrition independently if following a strict diet.

Chef’s Note

• Always use soaked dried chickpeas—never canned or boiled—to achieve the authentic texture and prevent the mixture from turning mushy.
• Grind coarsely to preserve texture, and use besan as needed for binding.

Tips & Tricks

• Test fry one small patty first. If it breaks, add a little more besan to the mix.
• Fry over medium-low heat so the falafel cooks thoroughly through the center without burning outside.

1. Extract Citrus Juice: Freshly squeeze the mosambi (sweet limes) and strain out seeds and pulp.
2. Combine Hydration Bases: Mix the freshly extracted mosambi juice with tender coconut water in a pitcher.
3. Serve: Stir well and pour into glasses. Enjoy at room temperature for winter or chilled during warmer days! Jamjo ane Jamarjo!

*Disclaimer: The nutritional values provided here are estimates generated for reference only and may vary based on exact ingredient brands and preparation techniques. Please calculate your nutrition independently if following a strict diet.

Chef’s Note

• Use fresh, sweet mosambis and tender coconut water for the best natural flavor without any bitterness.
• No added sugar or salt is needed, allowing the natural electrolytes of citrus and coconut to shine.

Serving Suggestion

• In winter, drink it at room temperature for a softer, soothing effect.

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Ensure boneless mutton and gurda kaleji are cooked and tender. Boil potatoes, and finely chop onions, green chillies, and fresh coriander.
2. Prepare the Ghotala: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté chopped green chillies and finely chopped onions until light golden.
3. Add Meat & Spices: Add cooked boneless mutton, gurda kaleji, ginger-garlic paste, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Sauté over high heat until well combined and moisture evaporates.
4. Add Potatoes: Add boiled potatoes and mash gently in the pan, leaving a few soft chunks. Cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
5. Finish the Filling: Stir in lemon juice, chopped coriander, and salt. Mix thoroughly to keep the ghotala flavorful and fairly dry.
6. Stuff the Naan: Slice mini sandwich naans horizontally. Spread a generous layer of ghotala inside and close to form sandwiches.
7. Toast Until Crispy: Heat a tawa with butter over medium-low heat. Toast the stuffed naan sandwiches until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Serve hot! Jamjo ane Jamarjo!

*Disclaimer: The nutritional values provided here are estimates generated for reference only and may vary based on exact ingredient brands and preparation techniques. Please calculate your nutrition independently if following a strict diet.

Chef’s Note

• The mutton and gurda kaleji must be cooked and tender before you begin preparing the ghotala.
• Keep the filling fairly dry to prevent the naan from becoming soggy.

Tips & Tricks

• For the best texture: Mash the potatoes gently in the pan, leaving some small chunks rather than making the filling completely smooth.
• For a crisp finish: Toast the stuffed naan over medium-low heat with butter, turning it patiently so both sides become golden without burning.