Aloo Tamatar Jhol - No Onion No Garlic#AlphabetChallenge

Aloo jhol is a dish from the North Indian cuisine of Uttar Pradesh, this is a no onion no garlic gravy dish which can be had with puris, luchis or chapatis and also goes well with steamed rice.

Jhol means a thin gravy, wherein  the potatoes are first boiled  and then add them to the gravy.  This gravy does thicken when it cools a little. This is another vrat recipe.

Ingredients 

2 Tablespoons Oil
½ Teaspoon Cumin seeds
½ Teaspoon Mustard seeds
1 Inch Piece Ginger -  finely chopped
1 Green Chilly -  finely chopped
2 Tablespoons Tomato paste
5 Medium Potatoes - boiled
A Pinch of Asafoetida
1 Teaspoon Heaped Coriander powder

1 Teaspoon Heaped Red chilly powder

½ Teaspoon Turmeric powder

½ Teaspoon Sugar 

Salt to taste

Water as required
1 Tablespoon  Coriander leaves - finely chopped

Method 

Chop the potatoes into thin triangle slices.

Grind the green chilly and ginger to  make a fine paste. keep aside.

Heat  oil in a kadai, add  cumin seeds and  mustard seeds,  when they crackle them add the ground paste and tomato paste, fry till oil surface, then add the turmeric, chilly and coriander powders, with a little water and sauté  till oil surfaces. 

Add the  potatoes and continue to fry for a minute, add salt, sugar, two cups of water  or more and bring it to a rolling boil.  When it comes to boil, cover and let it simmer on low flame for 10 to 15 minutes till oil surfaces.  Keep stirring off and on and mash the potatoes lightly.   Adjust the gravy consistency is accordingly by adding more water.

When done then garnish it with coriander leaves and serve with puri, luchi or chapatis or steamed rice.

My Notes 

Can use 2 medium tomatoes blended instead tomato paste. Blend the tomatoes with the ginger and green chilly.

Labels: Aloo, Tomato, No Onion No Garlic, Vrat, Uttar Pradesh, Alphabet Challenge

Let's take a look at the recipes being shared today with Alphabet Challenge 2026 - Alphabet "J"  

• Sneha’s Recipe: Aloo Tamatar Jhol - No Onion No Garlic 
• Blogghetti: Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Coconut Cherry Jasmine Rice 
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Cowboy Candy 
• Food Lust People Love: Jägersuppe - Hunter's Soup 
• Culinary Cam: Jasmine-Infused Tres Leches Bundt
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Jerk-Seasoned Caribbean Honey Mustard Sauce
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Jicama Slaw with Carrots, Cucumbers, and Bell Peppers 
• A Messy Kitchen: Juniper Butter Cookies 
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Veg Jalfrezi   

Indo Chinese Idli Fry - Leftover Idlis#AlphabetChallenge

Have leftover idli's and you are tired of having them with Sambar or chutney then try this quick Indo Chinese fusion recipe. Quick, easy and delicious. We had this for a quick Sunday brunch, can pack this as your kid's tiffin as they are moist and not dry to eat.

Ingredients

10 Leftover Idli's - cubed.
2 Tablespoons Oil
1 Onion - finely chopped
1 Capsicum - chopped
3 Garlic cloves - finely chopped
3 Tablespoons Tomato ketchup
2 Tablespoons Soya sauce
1 Teaspoon Vinegar
½ Teaspoon Red chilly powder or to your taste
½ Teaspoon Sugar
Salt to taste
1 Spring Onion - chopped for garnishing
Oil - as required for deep frying

For The Batter 
1 Cup All Purpose Flour
¼ Cup Rice flour
1 Teaspoon Red Chilly powder
Salt to taste 
Method 
Cut the idlis into big cubes.  

In small deep frying pan heat oil. 

As the oil is heating let's prepare the batter -
Take all the ingredients for the batter in a bowl , add water to make a thick coating consistency. 

Dip the idli pieces in the batter and fry on high flame till golden.

Remove on a absorbent paper to remove any excess, fry all the remaining pieces and keep aside. 

In a another pan heat the 2 tablespoons oil and add the onions, garlic , fry till translucent. Then add capsicum and toss,  it should remain crunchy. Add the tomato ketchup, vinegar, soya sauce, chilly powder,  salt, 2 tablespoon water, sugar and stir well,  let it come to a boil. Now add the fried idli's toss them well till coated with the sauce on high flame. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot. 

Enjoy!!
Labels: Breakfast, South Indian, Leftover series, Idli, Indo Chinese, Kids delight, Brunch,Vegan, Alphabet Challenge

Let's take a look at the recipes being shared today with Alphabet Challenge 2026 - Alphabet "I"

Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Homemade Italian Dressing  

Sneha’s Recipe: Indo Chinese Idli Fry - Leftover Idlis 

Mayuri’s Jikoni: Iru Puli Kuzhambu   

Food Lust People Love: Italian Sausage Stuffed Mini Peppers 

Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Mini Ice Cream Cakes 

A Day in the Life on the Farm: Nutella Ice Cream 

A Messy Kitchen: Smaller Chocolate Eclair Cake (from scratch) 

Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Sun Dried Tomato Italian Dipping Oil for Bread  

Homemade Chilli Oil#AlphabetChallenge

Chili oil is a fragrant, spicy condiment, staple of Chinese cuisine, particularly Sichuan cuisine. This is an addictive oil tha can be used as a topping for dumplings, noodles and stir-fries, this chilli oil carries aromas and flavours of Asian chilli powder, garlic plus toasted spices . The flavor is dynamite and taste of this oil is divine. It's so delicious.

This is my take on Chilli Oil, you can always add or minus the spice level according to your taste.
Ingredients
6 Big Cloves Garlic - minced
1 Tablespoons White Sesame seeds - lightly toasted
2 Tablespoons Korean Gochugaru or Red Pepper Flakes
1 Cup Vegetable Oil
2 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
1 Whole Star Anise
1" Stick Cinnamon
1 Bay Leaf
1 Teaspoon Sichuan Peppercorns
2½ Tablespoon Kashmiri Red Chilly Powder
2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
1 Tablespoon White Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce

Method

In a pan, toast the star anise, sesame seeds. cinnamon stick, bay leaves, Sichuan peppercorns over medium low heat until just starting to release a fragrance.

Heat the oil in a seperate pan, when the oil is just warm add all the toasted spices. Let this oil heat up to medium low flame till the spices start to gently sizzle. Cook at a gentle sizzle for 2 minutes. Switch off the flame and let it cool for 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf. 

Place the gochugaru flakes, garlic and salt in a heat-proof jar or bowl. Pour the oil over this mixture. Add the vinegar, soy sauce, chilli powder, gently stir. Allow to cool before storing in an airtight jar. Refrigerate, use within six months to a year.

This is an addictive oil tha can be used as a topping for dumplings, noodles and stir-fries etc.

Labels: Asian Cuisine, Chilly, Homemade, Condiments, Alphabet Challenge

Let's take a look at the recipes being shared today with Alphabet Challenge 2026 - Alphabet "H"

• Blogghetti: 3 Ingredient Hot Fudge Sauce
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Creamy Cilantro Herb Caribbean Potato Salad 
• A Messy Kitchen: Harissa and Brie No Knead Focaccia 
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Haluski
• Food Lust People Love: Hazelnut Vodka 
• Sneha’s Recipe: Homemade Chilli Oil 
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Honeynut Squash Soup with Apple and Bacon 
• Magical Ingredients: Hot Chocolate Rolls
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Vegetable Hariyali 
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Whipped Honey 

Homemade Gluten Free Bread Flour#AlphabetChallenge

This is a perfect gluten free bread flour for all celiac or for those not eating gluten. I make bread, tart or quiche with this blend. Please weigh the ingredients -  for cup and weight measure differs.  

Makes 704 Grams
Ingredients 
286 Grams Potato Starch
250 Grams Super Fine Rice Flour 
76 Grams Super Fine Tapioca Flour/Sabudana Flour 
76 Grams Whey Protein Isolate 
16 Grams Xanthan Gum    
Method  

Mix all the flours together and sieve them well two to three times. Store them in an airtight container.  
Labels: Homemade Bread Flour Blend, Gluten free, Tapioca Flour, Potato Starch, Rice flour, Whey Protein Powder, Alphabet Challenge, Xanthan Gum

Recipes Made from this Homemade Gluten Free Bread Flour

• Gluten Free Artisan Baguette
• Gluten Free Beef Empanadas
• Gluten Free Pie Crust 

Let's take a look at the recipes being shared today with Alphabet Challenge 2026 - Alphabet "G"

• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Cheesy Bacon Grits
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Chunky Garlic Stuffed Olive Deviled Eggs
• Magical Ingredients: Gochujang Garlic Flower 
• A Messy Kitchen: Gochujang Sugar Cookies
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Golden Diner Pancakes with Maple Honey Syrup 
• Blogghetti: Grilled Garlic Honey Boneless Wings
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Ham, Cheese, and Spinach Packets
• Sneha’s Recipe: Homemade Gluten Free Bread Flour 
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Kadai Aloo Gobi 
• Food Lust People Love: Ricotta Gnocchi à la Poêle 
• Sizzling Tastebuds: Wholewheat Garlic Monkey Bread  

Fingerlicking Garlic Coconut Chutney#AlphabetChallenge

This chutney recipe is a simple made with garlic, coconut it's fingerlicking & delicious. Goes well with dosa, snacks or sandwiches, you can also enjoy with rice as a side dish.

Ingredients
2 Big Cloves Garlic
½ Cup Packed Grated Coconut
¼ Teaspoon Cumin powder
Sendav Namak to taste
1 Tablespoon Oil
½ Teaspoon Low Carb Sweetner
2 Green Chillies - not spicy
2 Spicy Green Chillies
Juice of One Lime
3 Tablespoons Coriander leaves
5 Mint Leaves 
Method

Use freshly grated coconut.
Grind all together with little water as possible to the fine paste. Fingerlicking Garlic Coconut Chutney is ready.

Labels: Garlic, Coconut, Green Chilly, Side Dish, Chutney, Indian, Alphabet Challenge, Low Carb, Keto

Let's take a look at the recipes being shared today with Alphabet Challenge 2026 - Alphabet "F"

Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Brazilian Feijoada - Black Bean Stew with Beef and Pork
Sizzling Tastebuds: Eggless Flourless Chocochip Brownies
Mayuri’s Jikoni: Fansi Dapka Nu Shaak
Magical Ingredients: Feta Potato Swirls
Sneha’s Recipe: Fingerlicking Garlic Coconut Chutney
Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Funfetti Pancakes 

A Messy Kitchen: Fortune Cookie Crust
A Day in the Life on the Farm: Gruyere and Apple Cider Fondue
Food Lust People Love: Lamb Feta Mint Patties
Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Lemony Potato & Fennel Rotisserie Chicken Soup
Blogghetti: One Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta  

Keto Dairy Free Savory Crepes With Almond Flour#AlphabetChallenge

I love crepes for breakfast, so I made these large crepes for me to enjoy. These crepes are dairy free, these are good to enjoy with sugar free jam.
Cup Measurement = 250ml
Makes 7 Large Crepes
Ingredients
1¼ Cup Almond Flour
½ Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
1 Cup Egg Whites
¼ Teaspoon Salt
Butter Or Desi Ghee - for brushing the pan
Method

In a large bowl combine egg whites, almond flour, almond milk and salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Let rest 5 minutes. Set a 10-inch skillet over medium low flame. Add just enough oil or butter to the pan to lightly coat it. 

Once hot, tilt the pan pour the batter to the pan and swirl or spread into a thin layer that reaches to the edges. 

Cover with a lid. After 2 minutes open and let is cook for a few seconds or until the edges are cooked and can be loosened with a spatula. Loosen all the way around and then lift one edge gently and work spatula underneath (I found it easiest to place the spatula to loosened edge and under the crepe so I could flip it).

Flip and cook on the other side until lightly browned. Remove and lay on prepared baking sheet, then continue with remaining batter. You can layer another piece of parchment on top of the first set of crepes as more come off the pan.

Fill with whatever your little heart desires. You can enjoy these with sugar free jam or with sugar-free Nutella!

Labels: Crepes, Keto, Low Carb, International Cuisine, Almond Flour, Egg Whites, Dairy Free, Alphabet Challenge

Let's take a look at the recipes being shared today with Alphabet Challenge 2026 - Alphabet "D" 

• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Chocolate Covered Sandwich Cookies with Dulce de Leche
• Food Lust People Love: Coconut Cream Date Caramel
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Dalithoy,Konkani Style Dal 
• Blogghetti: Deviled Egg Charcuterie Board
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Dirty Shirley
• Magical Ingredients: Dragon Paneer Roll 
• Sneha’s Recipe: Keto Dairy Savory Crepes With Almond Flour
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Parmesan & Cheddar Pimento Corn Chip Dip 
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Ricotta Gnudi with Creamy Mushroom Sauce 
• Culinary Cam Sesame Dandelion Greens, Siguemchi Namul-Style
• A Messy Kitchen: Sticky Toffee Swirled Cookies 

Colorful Peppers Pulao#AlphabetChallenge

Colorful Peppers Pulao is an easy, quick and delicious one-pot meal rice made with 3 different bell peppers/capsicum, aromatics and herbs. The best thing about this recipe is that you can use leftover rice too. Perfect for lunch box or kid's tiffin.

Ingredients
½ Each of Red, Yellow, Orange & Green Bell Peppers
½ medium sized Red/ purple Onion
3 Green Chilies - thinly sliced
1 Teaspoon Urad Dal
1 Tablespoon Homemade Curry Powder
1½ Cups  Rice 
2-3 Tablespoons Oil 
2½ Cups Water 
Method  

Dice into little cubes all the colored bell peppers
Heat a frying pan with a tablespoon of oil and sauté the peppers, sliced green chillies and with a pinch salt, and a teaspoon of curry powder. Remove and keep aside.

In the same pressure cooker heat 2 tablespoons of oil, add the urad dal, when it starts to brown add in the rice and sauté it for a minute lightly stirring it or else the rice will break. Then add in the curry powder and sauté again for a minute, add salt to taste and give a good mix. Add in the water and bring this to a rolling boil. Close the cooker and take 2 whistles on high flame. After 2 whistles switch off the flame. 

Let the pressure release on it's own. Open the cooker and stir in the sautéed bell peppers and green chillies lightly fluff the rice with a fork so that the bell pepper as incorporated and the rice is loosen nicely. Serve warm, garnished with chopped coriander leaves.

Enjoy this simple yet completely healthy and wholesome one pot meal! 
Labels: Colored Bell Peppers, Capsicum, Pulao, Pressure Cooker, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free,  Main course, Curry powder, Homemade, Alphabet Challenge

Let's take a look at the recipes being shared today with Alphabet Challenge 2026 - Alphabet "C" 

• Blogghetti: Chai Spice Mix 
• Culinary Cam: Chicken Thigh Schnitzel + Chenin Blanc 
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Chocolate Chip Crescent Roll Cookies 
• Mayuri’s Jikoni : Chora Nu Shaak,Gujarati Style 
• Magical Ingredients: Coconut Rolls 
• Sneha’s Recipe: Colorful Peppers Pulao 
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Corn Saute with Pancetta, Potatoes, and Peppers 
• A Messy Kitchen: Cranberry Pistachio Pull-apart Rolls 
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Dill Pickle & Mustard Seed Cream Cheese Spread
• Food Lust People Love: Traditional Cullen Skink
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: White Chicken Chili  

Brown Bread Omelette#AlphabetChallenge

Bread Omelet is a very popular street food. This makes a good and healthy breakfast or filling meal too. This is quick and easy to prepare. 

Ingredients 
4 Eggs
2 Medium Onions - finely chopped
Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp
2 Green Chillies -finely chopped or according to taste
2 Tablespoons  Coriander leaves - finely chopped
Salt to taste
Oil as required 
4 Brown Bread slices

Method

Toast the bread slices lightly and keep aside
Add the onions, turmeric, salt, green chillies and coriander leaves in a bowl, mix well. 

In a another bowl break an egg and whisk it lightly, add to it a tablespoon or two of the onion mixture and mix it all up.

Heat oil in a non stick frying pan, over medium flame. Pour a little of this egg mixture on the pan, in small circle 

place the toasted bread in the center, with a spatula fold the edges of the omelet around the bread on top of the bread 

again spread the egg mixture on top and let it cook it on low flame for 3 minutes,until the base of the omelet is lightly browned. 

Carefully flip over the omelet,press it down lightly with the spatula and cook this side too till done and browned. 

Remove this on to a plate and continue making omelets with rest of the mixture.

When done cut each slice into triangle drizzle tomato ketchup. Enjoy the yummy and delicious bread omelette!

Labels : Egg, Omelette, Brown Bread, Breakfast, Alphabet Challenge

Let's take a look at the recipes being shared today with Alphabet Challenge 2026 - Alphabet "B" 

• Food Lust People Love: Baby Cos Peach Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing 
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Bateta Ringad Nu Shaak 
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Beef and Noodles 
• Magical Ingredients: Beet and Cheese Rolls 
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Black Bean Salad with Corn, Avocados, Tomatoes, and Red Onions 
• Blogghetti: Broccoli and Swiss Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
• Sneha’s Recipe: Brown Bread Omelette 
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Brown Sugar Banana Bread 
• A Messy Kitchen: Creamy Broccoli Soup 
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Small-Batch Blue Cheese Dip with Dried Herbs

Anday Aur Subzi Pulao#AlphabetChallenge

This Anday Aur Subzi Pulao / Egg & Vegetable Pulao is quick and easy to make. I have made this in the pressure cooker. It's  a complete meal or what you could say, a One Dish Meal. Healthy and filling with all the required nutrients.

Ingredients

2 Cups Rice - washed and soaked for at least 30 minutes
1 Tablespoon Garlic Paste - mixed with 2 tablespoons water
2 Medium Onions - chopped
1 Large Capsicum - sliced
1 Cup French Beans -chopped
2 Potatoes - cubed
2 Carrots- cubed
1½ Teaspoon Red Chili Powder or according to taste
2 Green Chilies -slit or cut into big pieces
2 Tomatoes - chopped
4 Eggs 
½ Teaspoon Salt or to taste
2 Veg Soup Cubes
1/3 Cup Oil
1 Tablespoon Desi Ghee
Whole Spice Mix
2 Green Cardamoms
1 Brown Cardamom
4 Cloves
5 Black Peppercorns
1 Bay Leaf
1 Cinnamon Stick 

Method

Heat oil and ghee in a pressure pan add garlic paste, sauté till it dries then add the onion fry till light golden. Add whole spices with chopped tomatoes, salt, soup cube, chilly powder and green chilies, fry for a minute. Add all the chopped vegetables, sauté for 2 minutes. 

Then add in the soaked and drained rice. Fry the rice for 2 minutes. Add 3 cups water, bringing it to rolling boil. Give it a light stir, place the eggs to top.  Cover with the pressure cooker lid, on high flame take 2 whistles. Switch off the flame, keep it covered till the cooker has cooled down or when ready to serve. Remove the shell of the eggs, cut them.   Serve hot with garnished with eggs.

Labels: Rice, Vegetables, Egg, Healthy, Pressure Cooker, One Dish Meal, One Pan Dinners, Alphabet Challenge

Let's take a look at the recipes being shared today with Alphabet Challenge 2026 - Alphabet "A" 

• Food Lust People Love: Ají de Cerdo - Peruvian Pork Stew 
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Aloo Bhaji & Poori 
• A Messy Kitchen: Amygdalopita
• Sneha’s Recipe: Anday Aur Subzi Pulao
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Apple Crumb Pie 
• Blogghetti: Apple Pork Chops 
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Arancini
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Argentine-Style Burgers with Chimichurri Sauce 
• Magical Ingredients: Artichoke Spinach Rolls
• Culinary Cam: Atchara: A Pickle from My People…and My Grandmother 
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Homemade Apple & Whiskey Barbecue Sauce 
• Palatable Pastime: Magic Pan Orange and Almond Salad 

Grilled Zucchini Bruschetta Bites#Alphabet Challenge

These Keto Zucchini Bruschetta Bites are a fun and tasty and a great way to enjoy a tasty alternative where the toast is replaced with slices of zucchini making for some light, bite sized treats! Whether you are looking for a Keto appetizer, snack or even a light meal these zucchini bruschetta bites are the perfect finger food!

Ingredients
2 Medium Zucchini - sliced ⅛ inch thick
2 Medium Tomatoes - diced
2 Tablespoons Basil - chopped
2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
1 Clove Garlic - minced
Salt & Pepper to taste
Cheese Slices as required.
Grated Pizza Cheese as required
Method

Mix the basil balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Keep aside.
Top the zucchini slices with a piece of cheese slice then tomato the mixture of the tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar mix, sprinkle on the pizza cheese.

Broil or grill until the cheese has melted.

Enjoy these bites...yum!! 
Labels: Alphabet Challenge, Keto, Low Carb, Zucchini, Appetizer, Snack

Let's take a look at the recipes being shared today with Alphabet "Z" 

• Culinary Cam: A Holiday Zaza or Two or Three - Cheers!
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Baked Ziti 
• Food Lust People Love: Boursin Zucchini Tart 
• Sneha’s Recipe: Grilled Zucchini Bruschetta Bites
• Blogghetti: Homemade Za’atar Seasoning 
• A Messy Kitchen: Lemon Eton Mess 
• Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Simple Zero Cream Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
• Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Zacatecas Beef Stew
• Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Zeppole 
• Mayuri’s Jikoni: Zeytin Piyazi