Main Dishes

Main Dishes

New Chicken (murgh) Karahi

There are just so many karahi recipes around, some are really good, some are average and some just don’t meet the criteria of good karahis. A true karahi is…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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

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

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/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

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

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

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 Karahi dhaba style

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

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…

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 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 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

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

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

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

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

Masoor Whole

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

Main Dishes

Okra Masala

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

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!…

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…

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

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…

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…