All Posts By:

Sabiha

Breads/ Snacks/ Starters

Desi chicken sandwiches

I am sure we all know sandwiches have been around for yonks, but do we know who created them and when?  The British would love to take the accolade…

Accompaniments

Plum chutney (Alu bukhara chutney)

This is self-explanatory – a chutney made with dried plums. It is served in Pakistan at every wedding as the country produces plums and other summer fruits in abundance.…

Accompaniments

Chimichuri chicken salad

I came across this chicken salad recipe online and found it interesting, I have made it numerous times with the chicken and more frequently without. The dressing is the…

Main Dishes/ Starters

Chicken (kuku) wings

During Covid Lockdowns 2020/2021 I set myself a task – how to make at least 5 types of really happening chicken wings! The really successful ones are on this…

Main Dishes

Paya curry (lamb/goat/beef trotters)

It is difficult to introduce a dish that has been around for years and years and years, comes with some challenges and has traditionally been cooked overnight on very…

Main Dishes

White chicken karahi

The Afghan people have brought a lot of different types of karahis to our table, this white chicken/lamb karahi is trending all over YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. It is…

Breakfast/ Snacks

Club Sandwich

There are so many stories about how the club sandwich originated, my favourite one is the one about Colonial times in Hindustan, when the cook was asked to produce…

Main Dishes

Shinwari Lamb/Chicken Karahi

The Shinwaris, are a nomadic Afghan people and those that have moved to Pakistan have succeeded in establishing themselves via their food. As with any new migrants, familiar food…

Starters/ Vegetarian

Fresh mint Paneer (Hyderabadi)

I came across this recipe from cookingshooking on my Facebook feed, I made it yesterday and it was soooo popular, it motivated me to write it onto my website…

Main Dishes

Chops bhuna (Madhu’s Brilliant inspired)

Many years ago, we were frequent visitors at Madhu’s Brilliant restaurant, Southall, UK.  Uncle Madhu (Maha) was originally from Kenya so he knew our palate well, and we loved…

Main Dishes/ Snacks/ Starters

Desi Salmon (dry)

We have been making different kinds of fish over the years, and some of the recipes are already on this website. This one is very special to me as…

Main Dishes

Sweet and Sour Chicken

What can I say to introduce this dish? It is almost the most ordered dish in Chinese restaurants worldwide and every chef has their own take on it. It…

Main Dishes/ Snacks/ Starters

Chicken Malai Boti (Tikka)

This currently very trending recipe is called Chicken Malai Boti for a reason.  Malai translates into cream in Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi but is also a term used to…

Main Dishes

Thai 3 flavoured fish

This is one of Marion Grasby’s recipes, her videos and explanations are just so mouth-watering and she is one of the few chefs I follow on Instagram. Check for…

Main Dishes

Keema (Mince) Karahi

Keema or mince is just meat that has been finely chopped or put through a mincer and can be from cow/goat/sheep or even chicken. It is easy to cook…

Main Dishes

Maash (Urad) Dhal (Dhal Maash)

Some will call this the ‘king’ of dhals some the ‘queen’ as it was a favourite of the Moghuls and is still the dhal of choice at formal dinners.…

Main Dishes/ Rice

Kapsa (a rice and meat dish)

This is a rice dish made with lamb, beef or chicken,and is widely available in most Middle Eastern countries, it is an Arabian take on Pilao/Biryani and the change…

Main Dishes

Crispy Fried Masala Fish

This recipe has been passed down for generations in my paternal family and was taught to me by an aunt in Narowal, Pakistan.…

Desserts

Semolina/Sooji Halwa

(Semolina and flour dessert) This is mostly made for larger gatherings in the Winter months and also as a give away dessert at religious gatherings. …

Desserts

Busbusa (Semolina cake)

One of my sister-in-laws is brought up in Saudi Arabia, this is one of the Middle-Eastern desserts she makes for us using Semolina.…

Main Dishes

Moussaka (Aubergine/Egg Plant/Brinjal)

A Greek/Arab/Turkish dish made all over the world to differing ingredients. This recipe is my mum’s and she frequently made it for us upon request during our growing years…

Main Dishes

BBQ Red snapper with dip

During our recent tour of South East Asia, we had the opportunity to try different cuisines and very different recipes, some didn’t sit very well with our views living…

Breakfast/ Snacks

Granola

A very simple and satisfying granola recipe, its so simple to prepare, I often wonder why we bother buying the stuff!…

Drinks

Kashmiri Chai (Pink Tea)

Kashmiri (the original leaves originate in Kashmiri) or Gulabi (Pink) Chai (Tea) is a savoured delicacy and the process to get the correct pink coloured milky liquid into a…

Snacks/ Starters

Chicken Pasta Soup with Coconut

This is one of my most recent ‘acquisitions’! A very talented lady who is an amazing cook, served my lovely Pupho Maryam and ‘us’ as part of our recent…

Main Dishes/ Starters

Bhuna Chicken 95

I saw this recipe from Masala hut online, made it once loved it and then adjusted it to our tastebuds, hence the name change to Bhuna Chicken 95 –…

Main Dishes

Chicken/Kuku Pilao

Pilao/Pilaf/Pilaff you spell it how you like! This is a dish of rice and meat, it is milder than a biryani, but with an unusualy aroma of spices.  Pilaos…

Main Dishes

Tawa Chicken Roast

Tawa – is a griddle/frying pan/flat piece of metal with very low walls, sometimes convex, it is usually made of iron sheet or cast iron, but also comes in…

Main Dishes

Nihari

Nihari was a dish created for kings, nawabs and emperors but also served in huge vats to the workers in eras gone by. Rich in meat content, light on…

Snacks/ Starters

Chicken & Sweetcorn bake

This recipe is a cross between East and West brought to our palate by one of my mum’s friends in the UK.  Every 27th night of Ramadan, aunty would…

Main Dishes

Afghani Charsi Lamb Karahi

Those of us living in the UK have seen many an influx of different races and creeds, each bringing into Britain their very own personal cuisine, always tried and…

Starters

Nathiagali Taj Hotel Chicken

Those of you that have been to Nathiagali, Muree will have missed out, if you didn’t eat the fried chillie chicken and mash ki daal at the famous Taj…

Desserts

Tres leches (3 milks) cake

This is a basic sponge (without butter), of Latin American origin, steeped in three kinds of milk – evaporated, sweetened condensed and double cream. It has a light texture…

Starters

Chicken and Vegetable soup

This is a really warming Chinese style chicken and vegetable soup perfect for Winter nights.  I got the recipe from Aqsa Khalid of Lahore.  It’s quite simple, but as…

Main Dishes

Methi Daal (Fenugreek and red lentils)

For this recipe you will either already be used to and enjoy eating  cooked bitter sweet fenugreek leaves or you will need to acquire a taste for it. Bear…

Rice

Chinese Egg Fried Rice

No Chinese meal is complete without at least one rice dish, this is a quick and easy recipe for egg-fried rice, it’s an easy dish to take to picnics,…

Main Dishes

Chinese Spring Fried Chicken

Again, this is one of the lovely Chinese with a Pakistani touch, ever popular in Pakistani restaurants and easily re-created in the home.…

Main Dishes

Chicken Manchurian (Pakistani style)

If I say this is the most favourite, very favourite, the favourite dish of my family you will get the correct idea about the popularity of this dish. Again…

Starters

Chicken Corn Soup (Chinese)

Chinese with a touch of Pakistan! I actually took classes in Lahore, Pakistan to emulate the dishes served in the Chinese restaurants in Lahore. I have travelled the world…

Main Dishes

Special Kofta (Meatball) Curry

We have been making Kofta (Meatball) curries from the time of the Mughal empire in India, recipes have been evolving over time and there is always a new one around the…

Snacks

Namak Paray (Popat)

When we were growing up in Kenya, our mothers took pride in feeding us and our guests homemade snacks.  Popat as my mum called these, were one of the…

Main Dishes

Razia’s Bhuna Chicken

Bhun is a Pakistani cooking technique in which ingredients are fried until the oils separates.  Onions, ginger, garlic, tomatoes and spices are fried in hot oil, until they have formed…

Accompaniments

Oriental Raw Mango salad

On one of my annual trips to sunny California to visit family I was served this salad the ‘killer’ ingredient is the almost raw mango – mouthwatering.  It has…

Desserts

Nankhatai

This tea-time snack is a cross between a crumbly biscuit/cookie and cake, a good nankhatai is one that crumbles on the tongue, sweet but not too sweet.  This recipe…

Main Dishes

Sri Lankan Devilled Chicken

My son went on a holiday to Sri Lanka and couldn’t stop raving about this very frequently served dish in hotels and small establishments.  I remember it from my…

Breads

Mahambri

This is a Kenyan coastal/Swahili fried bread.  A true mahambri has to be hollow on the inside for stuffing, slightly crunchy on the outside and not too sweet.  It’s…

Main Dishes

Kuku Paka (Chicken in coconut sauce)

This dish is synonymous with Mombasa – Kenya, it is cooked in many homes by many women and sometimes men, but as with all popular dishes the recipe changes…

Accompaniments

Lime Pickle (Mombasa Style)

This was made popular within our family by one of my aunt’s in Kenya. It has no oil and yet can be stored in the refrigerator. The…

Starters

Ketchup Chicken

This is a very easy and convenient recipe taught to us by our cousin Talat who resides in Tullamore, Ireland.  My 14 year old niece in California made this…

Starters

Makai Paka (Corn cobs in coconut sauce)

This dish has connections to the happy years I spent in Mombasa and memories of any and every dish having some ‘tui’ coconut milk added to it. There is…

Desserts

Plated Blackberry Trifle

I watched a television show in the UK where Nigella Lawson made this very simple dessert.  My niece made this under my guidance during my trip to USA and…

Starters

Sizzling chicken wings

My friend who owns a restaurant showed me how to make wings in this unusual way.…

Starters

Maru’s Bhajia (of Nairobi fame!)

I remember going to River Road with my grandmother especially for a plate of Maru’s (the owner’s name) Bhajia, they would be served freshly fried, with two chutneys, one…

Main Dishes

Chicken Pasta with Coriander

This is an unusual pasta dish with a Pakistani connotation, it can be eaten hot or cold, and is a very suitable and popular item at a high tea…

Main Dishes

Jalfrezi Chicken

This is a dish with a mix of tastes, I would describe it as Chinese leaning towards the Pakistani palate.  It is quite ‘hot’ in chillies, so feel free…

Rice

Pilao with Whole chicken

We have a feast every Ramadan at my friend’s house, this year she made this lovely whole chicken pilao and when the dish arrived at the table, it made…

Main Dishes/ Rice

Fish Pilao

This is a recipe from my mum’s friend who taught us Middle Eastern, Pakistani and Kenyan dishes, you could never visit her and not be fed a whole meal!…

Rice

Plain Pilao Rice

Pilao rice is a good accompaniment for vegetarian dishes e.g spinach and potato, aubergine and potato, cauliflower and potato.…

Rice

Plain boiled rice 2

This method to cook rice uses a ‘measure’ of water and maybe more suitable for beginners.…

Accompaniments

Coconut Chutney

This chutney is really good with any coconut based dish and with roast chicken. This version originates from Mombasa, Kenya where I learnt to make it when I…

Starters

Salt Meat

This recipe was given to me by a lady from Northern Pakistan, I ran into her at one of the Heathrow hotels, we got talking about food and cooking…

Main Dishes

Chicken Tikka Masala

This has been voted the most ordered dish in the UK and it was created in England at the request of local customers. There are many versions, some…

Desserts

Pineoffee Pie

This is an excellent variation to the Banoffee pie. I got the recipe from a friend’s daughter in Lahore, Pakistan. All of the ingredients fuse into each…

Desserts

Pineapple Pudding

This was served at a dinner by my family in USA, it is a simple but delicious dessert.…

Main Dishes

Special Dhal

I had this for the first time in USA March 2010 where a young girl called Nida had helped lay the table in readiness for a special meal prepared…

Starters

BBQ Wings

Umm! these are smokey bbq wings taught to me by my youngest sister-in-law, who loves making unusual dishes and is a master at them!…

Rice

Chicken Biryani (Kenyan Style)

Biryanis are really a meal in one and usually eaten with a full fat plain yoghurt and a good mixed salad. There are many recipes for this very…

Main Dishes

Sri Lankan Coconut Chicken Curry

A few years ago, I had an exchange student from Sir Lanka who could cook really well. This is a lovely, warming dish that we cooked and ate…

Rice

Shahjehani Pilao

Shahjehan was an Indian Moghul Emperor and the rich and intense cuisine is accurately depicted in this lovely rice and boneless chicken dish, served with plenty of freshly chopped…

Rice

Maghluba – Chicken & Aubergine Rice

This is a lovely rice dish, demonstrated to me by my sister-in-law from Saudi Arabia. The mastery of the dish is in the ‘wrist’, as there is a mixture…

Rice

Chicken Khao – Rice

This recipe is made as a main meal in memon homes in Kenya and was made and demonstrated for me by my cousin who works with me.…

Rice

Kabuli (Qabli) Afghani Pilao

Kabul is the capital of Afghanistan and I had the pleasure of watching a pretty Afghani lady demonstrate the intricacies of this dish in a West London kitchen. …

Rice

Plain boiled rice 1

Plain rice is a perfect accompaniment for curry dishes and some meat and vegetable dishes e.g Chicken curry, Lamb or Chicken with potatoes, Lamb and Chicken with spinach etc…

Breads

Plain Parathas

These are made with plain unleavened flour and fried in butter and or oil.…

Breads

Plain puris

Puris are made with unleavened flour and there is an art to get them right. The best puris I have ever had were made for us in Nakuru…

Breads

Naans

Naan making is like making bread, the right dough will produce soft and pliable naans and the more often you make them, the better they get!…

Accompaniments

Tabouleh

This is a very healthy refreshing Middle Eastern salad which I had at a restaurant in Edgware road, London and thereafter learnt the recipe by trial and error.…

Accompaniments

Lentil salad

This recipe was created by one of the chefs at my place of work in Brentford. It was quite easy to work out the recipe as the ingredients…

Accompaniments

Chillie Sauce

There are a variety of excellent chillie sauces now readily available in most countries. If you would like to make your own, this recipe I learnt in Pakistan…

Accompaniments

Tomato Salsa

This was introduced to us by an aunty in Nairobi who was very innovative in the kitchen.…

Accompaniments

Cucumber Raita

A raita is a dish made with yoghurt. Different items like onion, cucumber, baked aubergine, par-boiled marrow or bundi (see below) can be added. This one is with cucumber,…

Accompaniments

Hummus

A Middle Eastern accompaniment, I saw my daughter learning this recipe from one of my favourite uncles who lives in Isleworth, London.…

Accompaniments

Yoghurt Chutney

An easy to make chutney which is perfect to serve with, starters, snacks and bbqs.…

Accompaniments

Tamarind Chutney

As with a majority of recipes on this website, there is more than one way of making this chutney. This is a recipe from my sister-in-law in Pakistan…

Accompaniments

Dried Plum Chutney

This is called alu bukhara (dry plums) chutney in Pakistan and made at weddings on a large scale. I learnt this from my husband’s 75 year old uncle,…

Accompaniments

Green Chutney

This is a really good mixture of mainly green ingredients and works very well as a dip or accompaniment.…

Accompaniments

Chutney Apple/mango

This chutney goes well with a lot of dry snacks and starters but especially with the Dokhra and Kebabs.…

Accompaniments

Avocado chutney

This is an excellent accompaniment for crisps and tacos but also goes well with Chicken Cornflakes and Lamb chops with tomato puree.…

Accompaniments

Carrot Pickle

This is one of the most commonly served accompaniments with rice and vegetarian dishes in mosques especially in East Africa.…

Main Dishes

Potato and Cauliflower

This is a common dish in Indian and Pakistani households, my version has a tarka at the end that makes it different and produces a wonderful aroma.…

Main Dishes

Okra Masala

This is a very simple Okra recipe suitable for vegetarians.…

Main Dishes

Masoor Whole

A traditional way of making whole masoor the Narowalian way - Pakistan. It can be served as a soup with French bread.…

Accompaniments/ Starters

Chillie Paneer

Paneer is an Indian cottage cheese, sometimes made at home but more often shop bought. It is easily available in most UK Supermarkets and Indian grocers. My…

Main Dishes

Afghani Bengun (Aubergine/Eggplant)

My mum’s friend from Afganistan now residing in California shared this recipe with us. It is an intricate dish with many stages but the end result is tasty…

Main Dishes

Lamb Tawa

This is a special Pakistani Restaurant and Roadside dish cooked on an Iron griddle or frying pan to impart special flavours.…

Main Dishes

Leg of Lamb Roast

Contrary to popular belief, we do Roasts including Leg of Lamb. As we enjoy the flavour of spices and garlic, we include these in our roasts. Here…

Main Dishes

Muthi Kebabs with gravy

This is a recipe that just happened! I made some fist shaped kebabs as a starter, they were not very popular with those that ate them and I…

Main Dishes

Fish Yoghurt Curry (fish kadee)

This is a very innovative recipe shared with me by my sister-in-law in the USA. The yoghurt and fish go together to create a yummy saucy curry!…

Main Dishes

Fish Fried Ichra style

This is the recipe for a very popular street fried fish from Ichra Bazaar in Lahore, Pakistan. I spoke to the street vendor about sharing his secret recipe…

Main Dishes

Fish Karahi

A friend who originates from Kenya shared her family recipe with me during one Ramadan (Annual Muslim month of fasting). I have re-created it and made it many…

Main Dishes

Fish Maryam Masala

This is a recipe that has been in our family in Pakistan and Kenya for quite sometime and has evolved over the years. This is a straightforward version…

Main Dishes

Fish & Chips

One of my students from my Indian & Pakistani cookery class was a trained UK chef. She shared this excellent fried fish recipe with me, very easy to…

Starters

Fish Kebabs

This is a simple recipe, perfect as a starter, ideal for picnics and excellent as a sandwich filling. It was passed on to me by a Khoji friend…

Main Dishes

Chicken Karahi dhaba style

This version of Karahi chicken is mostly made at roadside shacks (dhaba) in Pakistan and it is truly yummy!…

Main Dishes

Chicken Karahi traditional

This is a specialist dish, very popular in Pakistan and the best recipes are found in roadside shacks! There are many versions of this dish; this one is…

Main Dishes

Chicken Korma

Although in the UK, a korma is a ‘timid’ curry and for those that don’t like hot and spicy food, a korma prepared by a Pakistani or Indian will…

Main Dishes

Chicken/Lamb Curry

I would have to begin with the most popular curry in the UK. This is a standard recipe but how it turns out will depend on the authenticity…

Main Dishes

Pilli Pilli (Piri Piri) Chicken

Pilli Pilli means chillies in Kiswahili! in other parts of the World this dish is called Piri Piri chicken! This recipe is a mixture of two recipes, one…

Main Dishes

Chicken Cornflakes

This is a recipe from one of my cousins residing in Saudi Arabia, it is very easy to make and can be eaten hot or cold.…

Main Dishes

Chicken Pickle Roast

Another recipe from my Wembley cousin, she took one of our old recipes and made it into a new innovative roast.…

Main Dishes

Oregano Chicken

My cousin in Wembley made this for us and 25 others as a main dish during Ramadan. It is very simple and does not require much marinating.…

Desserts

Mockunafa

This is a semolina and vermicelli dessert perfect for tea-time or after dinner, I learnt it from a young girl who is very interested in cooking and learning. …

Desserts

Mango Ice-cream

I came across a sweet potato ice-cream recipe from Thailand; I substituted with Mango as the fruit is far more familiar and popular with family and guests. …

Desserts

Kulfi

For those that love Kulfi and find it difficult to make, here is a simple and straightforward recipe from my sister-in-law in USA.…

Desserts

Habshi Halwa

This is a newly discovered recipe of a delicious mithai. Once again my mum from USA sent it to me.…

Desserts

Gajeri Zarda

My mum entered this dish in a food competition in London and although it didnt win any prizes - it looked very presentable!…

Desserts

Gajarela (carrot and rice pudding)

This is a frequently made dessert in Indian and Pakistani homes and it is difficult to estimate ingredients. My sister-in-law who lives in Milpitas has worked out the…

Desserts

Falooda

This is a very popular milk based refreshing milkshake dessert contain a variety of different flavours. The version served in East African restaurants differs from the one served…

Desserts

Bread Halwa

When we were growing up in Kenya, my mum was always finding innovative ways to use up leftovers. She often made this halwa with left-over bread and thick…

Starters

Chops with Tomato puree

This dish can be served as a starter or as a main with naan bread or French bread.…

Starters

Papri Chaat

This is a lovely refreshing chaat that binds unusual ingredients together with yoghurt and tamarind.…

Starters

Nacho station

This is a popular recipe put together and served at our staff restaurant - theatre cooking! …

Starters

Cassava/Potato chaat

This is a lovely chaat made either with cassava (mogo) or boiled potatoes and brought together with tamarind chutney.…

Starters

Masala Chips

I think very fondly of Totem Kiosk in Nakuru where I learnt how to make this unusual chips recipe.…

Starters

Dokhra

This is a spongy savoury steamed cake made with yoghurt; I learnt to make this in Nakuru, Kenya…

Starters

Corn Bhel Puri

A recipe with many different tastes, I overhead two ladies exchanging this recipe at a gathering. I replicated it at home and my family of ‘tasters’ loved it!…

Starters

Cauliflower kebabs

Par-boiled cauliflower florets coated with mince. An innovative recipe shared by a friend’s lovely mum who was a very experienced cook.…

Rice

Kofta and Chana Pilao

This is another recipe that just was created with ’left-overs’ but I have regularly made it and family and guests do enjoy it.…