Party food

No onions, no garlic, no tomatoes, yet Kashmiri Dum Aloo has a depth of flavour that might surprise you. And if you’ve only ever had the rich, tomato-based dum aloo served in restaurants, this is quite a different experience. That depth comes from the spices. Fennel is what really sets it apart, with its delicate sweetness and almost liquorice-like aroma, while dried ginger adds a gentle warmth and Kashmiri red chillies give the gravy its deep red colour. The result is rich and tangy, yet surprisingly balanced. But the spices are only half of it. The other half is the dum technique. The potatoes are pricked and cooked in a covered pot, with a weight placed on the lid to help seal in the steam. This allows the gravy and spices to seep into the potatoes as they become tender, so every bite is seasoned right through, not just on the surface. I’ve always believed that not every recipe needs to be complicated to taste good. A few small details done properly are often all it takes, and this dish is a good example. Serve it with steamed basmati rice or warm rotis, whether it’s for a festive gathering or a family meal. Why You’ll Love This Recipe What Is Kashmiri Dum Aloo ? Kashmiri Dum Aloo, also known as Dum Olav, is a traditional potato curry from Kashmir, …

Aubergine is one of those vegetables that takes on an entirely different character depending on how you cook it. In Indian kitchens, it finds its way into everything from smoky …

Crispy on the outside, soft and spiced within — stuffed paniyaram is the kind of thing you eat one of and immediately reach for another. Also known as kuzhi paniyaram, …

Golden and crisp at the edges, soft in the centre. These polenta chips are garlicky, deeply satisfying and the kind of snack that never lasts long on the table. Flavoured …

There’s something deeply familiar about onion bhajia. It’s the kind of food that doesn’t need much introduction — simple ingredients, bold flavour, and that unmistakable crisp edge that makes it …

There are some dishes you make once and they just become part of Christmas . This is one of them. Warm, gooey brie tucked into every crevice of a tear-and-share …

Golden shards of fried bread, creamy yoghurt kissed with garlic, and tender chickpeas bathed in warm spices — this is fatteh in all its layered glory. A dish with deep …

I love a classic bruschetta. Toasted bread rubbed with garlic, piled high with ripe tomatoes, finished with olive oil and a pinch of salt. It’s timeless, and it never really …

Shatteringly crisp on the outside, molten and stretchy at the centre — fried mozzarella sticks are the side dish that never makes it to the table without half of them …

There’s something about food on skewers that feels instantly festive — simple ingredients transformed into a colourful spread that begs to be shared. These Grilled Vegetable Skewers in Herb and …