India - Dinner - Chicken Tikka Masala

A few days ago, my friends and I went to this amazing Indian café in Wellesley. We got the lunch buffet and the dish that I enjoyed most was the chicken tikka masala. I had never had it before, and was already planning to make it for my senior project. I loved it so much, especially when I dipped their naan in the sauce. I had it over white rice and was full for the rest of the day. Here is a healthier version of chicken tikka masala that I found. The recipe includes veggies, and I incorporated whole wheat rice (even though I like white better oops).

India - Lunch - Garlic Naan

I always knew that I wanted to try and make naan one day, but I never knew it would be this easy! Naan can be made in a variety of ways, but the recipe that I followed gave it a garlic, whole wheat twist. I was so happy with how it turned out. It was the perfect dinner side bread, and I know that it will be a nice breakfast, lunch or afternoon snack. Naan is very versatile. I know that I can eat the leftovers with hummus, cooked veggies, and cheese. In the future, naan would make an amazing pizza crust or sandwich bread (just open up the top and stuff it!). Click "Read More" to follow the steps to make your own naan.

India - Dessert - Strawberry Kulfi with Chocolate Shell

Before researching for this senior project, I didn't even know what kulfi was. Honestly, I had never really had much Indian food at all, but anything with the word ice cream in it sounded good to me. I wasn't sure how this recipe would turn out, but I'm so happy with it. Traditional kulfi calls for cardamom pods and pistachio, but because my dad is allergic to nuts and I couldn't find any cardamom pods and don't have a mortar and pestle to crush them, I omitted them from the recipe I followed. I chose a strawberry recipe because my favorite flavor, chocolate, goes perfectly with it. I made this healthier, self hardening chocolate shell I've made countless times before to harden on top of the kulfi, and it worked perfectly and tasted delicious. Here is my recipe!

India - Breakfast - Mango Lassi

When I was brainstorming recipes with my friends, I was told I have to make mango lassi for breakfast and that it would completely change my life. I was not lied to. Making this smoothie like yogurt and fruit concoction was so easy and the end result is so delicious and healthy! It's perfect for a hot spring or summer day as a breakfast or afternoon snack. I had mine lying in the sun on my back porch. Even though they are widely available here in the US, making it yourself allows you to know exactly what's in it and what you're putting in your body. Here's how you can make yours (I adapted from this recipe).