Category Archives: Nepali food

Celebrating Dashain 2024

The last few days have been a whirlwind of fun, family, and festivities as we’ve been busy celebrating Dashain, one of the most cherished festivals in our culture. It’s always a time of togetherness, where we come together with friends and family to share joy, laughter, and of course, delicious food!

From Tika and Jamara to playing cards and eating delicious food, the spirit of Dashain has been in full swing. We’ve enjoyed the beautiful rituals, reconnected with family, and created unforgettable memories. Here are some glimpses of our celebrations – filled with love, blessings, and happiness.

Asthami

Nawami

–Dashami

Wishing everyone a Happy Dashain! May the blessings of Goddess Durga bring peace, prosperity, and success to you and your family. 🙏✨

Here are the posts I have written regarding Dashian over the years .

Please follow me on Instagram! and Please follow me on TikTok to stay updated on my adventures.

Take care,

M from Nepaliaustralian
XOXO

Easy Burfi (Milk Cake ) recipe

Ingredients:

  • 150 ml condensed milk
  • 3 cups full cream milk powder
  • 1 cup full cream milk
  • 1 tablespoon crushed pistachios (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon ghee
  • Optional: Crushed almonds for garnish

Instructions:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the full cream milk powder and full cream milk. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
  • Gradually add the condensed milk while continuing to whisk. Ensure the mixture is well-blended and has a consistent texture.
  • Sprinkle in the cardamom powder and mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavour.
  • Heat a heavy-bottomed pan on low heat and add the ghee. Allow it to melt and coat the pan evenly.
  • Pour the milk mixture into the pan and start cooking on low heat. Stir the mixture continuously with a spatula to prevent it from sticking to the bottom or forming lumps.
  • Cook the mixture slowly, allowing it to thicken gradually. The key is to maintain a low temperature and consistent stirring, which will give the burfi a smooth and creamy texture.
  • As the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, continue cooking until it reaches a dough-like consistency. This will take about 10-15 minutes.
  • Once the mixture has thickened to the right consistency, remove it from the heat.
  • Prepare a cake pan or a square dish by lining it with baking paper. Grease the paper lightly with ghee to prevent sticking.
  • Pour the cooked mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the surface.
  • While the mixture is still warm, sprinkle the crushed pistachios (and almonds, if using) on top. Press them gently into the surface with the back of a spoon.
  • Allow the burfi to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, place it in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours to set completely.
  • Once the burfi has set, remove it from the pan by lifting the baking paper. Cut it into squares or your desired shape.
  • Garnish with extra pistachios or a dusting of cardamom powder for an added touch.
  • Tips for the Best Milk Cake:
  • Use high-quality milk powder for a richer taste.
  • Ensure that the heat is kept low throughout the cooking process to avoid burning.
  • For an extra indulgent flavour, you can add a few drops of rose water or saffron strands while cooking the mixture.

Enjoy this deliciously rich and aromatic Burfi that melts in your mouth!

M from Nepaliaustralian

XOXO

Please follow me on Instagram! and Please follow me on TikTok

Aloo Paneer Matar Recipe

Ingredients:

  • Paneer: 500g, cut into cubes
  • Potatoes: 200g, peeled and cut into cubes
  • Peas: ½ cup
  • Onion: 1 medium, finely diced
  • Tomatoes: 2 small, finely diced
  • Coriander powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Cumin powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Red chili powder: ½ teaspoon (adjust to taste)
  • Garlic paste: 1 teaspoon
  • Ginger paste: 1 teaspoon
  • Turmeric powder: ½ teaspoon
  • Salt: To taste
  • Oil: For frying and cooking
  • Water: As needed

Instructions:

  1. Cut the paneer into bite-sized cubes.
  2. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the paneer cubes and fry until they are golden brown on all sides.
  4. Remove the paneer from the pan and set aside.
  5. Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes.
  6. Boil the potatoes in salted water until they are tender.
  7. Drain the water and lightly mash the potatoes, leaving some texture. Set aside.
  8. In the pan, add a little more oil if needed.
  9. Add the turmeric powder to the hot oil and immediately add the diced onions.
  10. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and cook the onions over medium heat until they turn golden and caramelised.
  11. Stir in the garlic paste and ginger paste, cooking for about a minute until the raw smell disappears.
  12. Add the cumin powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder. Mix well to coat the onions and release the flavours.
  13. Add the mashed potatoes to the pan and mix everything thoroughly.
  14. Cook the mixture for a few minutes, allowing the potatoes to absorb the spices and turn golden.
  15. Add the peas and stir them into the mixture, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
  16. Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and stir well.
  17. Cook until the tomatoes soften and blend with the spices, forming a thick, rich masala.
  18. Pour in a little water to achieve your desired consistency and stir everything together.
  19. Gently fold the fried paneer cubes into the masala, ensuring they are well coated.
  20. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the paneer to soak up the flavours.
  21. Adjust salt and seasoning to taste. If you prefer a richer flavour, you can add a touch of garam masala or a splash of cream at this stage.
  22. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired.
  23. Serve the Aloo Paneer Matar hot with roti, naan, or steamed rice. Enjoy your flavourful and hearty dish!

M from Nepaliaustralian

XOXO

Please follow me on Instagram! and Please follow me on TikTok

Cumquat Achar : A Sweet and Tangy Delight

If you live outside of Nepal and miss the taste of lapsi ko achar, I have the next best thing for you—cumquat achar! This sweet, tangy, and spicy pickle is a delicious alternative that you can easily make at home. Cumquat is called muntala in Nepali

Ingredients:

  • Cumquats: 1 Kg, cut in half or into thirds
  • Mustard oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Mustard seeds: 1 teaspoon
  • Hing (asafoetida): 1/4 teaspoon
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, chopped
  • Bay leaf: 8-10
  • Dried chili flakes: 1-2 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
  • Fresh hot chilies: Optional, for extra heat
  • Salt: To taste
  • Red chili powder: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
  • Sugar: 200 gm (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

  1.  Start by cutting the cumquats in half or into thirds, depending on your preference.
  2. In a pan, heat mustard oil until it’s hot and shimmering.
  3. Add mustard seeds, hing, chopped garlic, bay leaf, and chili flakes to the hot oil. If you like extra heat, add some fresh hot chilies as well. Fry the spices for a few minutes until they release a rich, aromatic flavour.
  4.  Now Add the cumquats to the pan and stir-fry them until they soften, about 2-3 minutes. Add salt and red chili powder, mix well, and cover the pan. Let it cook for a 5 minutes.
  5.  Add sugar to the pan and mix well. Cover the pan again and let it cook for a few more minutes until the sugar dissolves and the flavours come together. Turn off the heat and let the achar cool down.
  6. Once cooled, transfer the achar to a glass jar. Refrigerate it, and it can be enjoyed for up to 3 months.

Enjoy, a delicious, tangy, and spicy homemade cumquat achar with your meals!

M from Nepaliaustralian

XOXO

Please follow me on Instagram! and Please follow me on TikTok

Piro Jeera Aloo (Hot cumin potatoes)

Hello everyone! Today, I’m excited to share with you a super simple and delicious recipe using just potatoes and some spices. It’s perfect for those days when your pantry is running low. Let’s get started! 

Ingredients:

• Potatoes : 1/2 kg
• Turmeric powder : 1/2 teaspoon
• Chili powder : 1 teaspoon
• Cumin seeds : 1/2 teaspoon
• Chili flakes : 1 teaspoon
• Oil : 2 teaspoons
• Water : as required


First, we’ll start by boiling the potatoes. I like to use a pressure cooker for this, but you can use any method you prefer. Make sure the potatoes are not overcooked.

Once the potatoes are boiled, peel and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Now, let’s make a spice paste. In a bowl, add some turmeric powder and chili powder. Add a little water and mix well to form a paste. Set this aside.

Next, take a pan and heat some oil. When the oil is hot, add some cumin seeds and chili flakes. Wait until they turn brown.

Now, add the spice paste we made earlier and fry for a few minutes.

Add the boiled potatoes and mix everything well. Cover the pan and let it cook for a few minutes so all the spices blend perfectly.

And there you have it! Our delicious Piro Jeera Aloo is ready. Enjoy it with rice, Chiura (beaten rice), or roti.

Thank you for joining me today. I hope you try this recipe and love it as much as I do. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more delicious recipes. See you next time

Check more recipes here.

M from Nepaliaustralian

XOXO

Please follow me on Instagram! and Please follow me on TikTok