Red Chili Pepper Curry

There are so many chili peppers that are grown and consumed around the world, but did you know that India is the world's largest producer, consumer and exporter of chili peppers? Doesn't sound exaggerating, right? This is not your usual curry with vegetables, or meat, this is really spicy and no other vegetable in it, other then green chili pepper. For the dish I prepared, I used the ones I found in my local Persian grocery store and boy! The chilies did pack a punch. Please use discretion when selecting the chilies and adjust the quantity according to your spice level.

Note: The cooking time mentioned in the video recipe depends on the size of the crock-pot and the wattage. Bigger crock-pots cook faster. Please use discretion.

Bendakaya Pulusu (Tangy Okra Gravy Curry)

"Pulusu" is a Telugu word for stew, which is typically prepared in Andhra Pradesh state of Southern India. This preparation, which is tamarind based gravy, provides a tangy flavor to vegetables cooked in it. Bendakaya pulusu is a simple recipe of okra cooked in tamarind sauce where the flavor of okra is brought out well in this tangy gravy dish. The simplicity and flavor of this dish is accentuated by the distinct tangy flavor from the tamarind and other spices. Serve this dish with steamed rice.

Note: The cooking time mentioned in the video recipe depends on the size of the crock-pot and the wattage. Bigger crock-pots cook faster. Please use discretion.

Lauki (Bottle Gourd) & Lentils Curry

Lauki (in Hindi), the Bottle Gourd (aka Opo Squash) is a popular vegetable in Asia. This dish is a healthy treat for all as I have used good proportion of both vegetables and lentils, i.e. Channa Dal (Bengal gram) and the squash.  To finish the dish, transfer cooked gram in a serving dish and pour tempering on top. Serve hot garnished with coriander sprigs. This goes well with both rice or chapati.

Note: The cooking time mentioned in the video recipe depends on the size of the crock-pot and the wattage. Bigger crock-pots cook faster. Please use discretion.

Spicy Mushroom Curry

If you like mushrooms, then you will fall in love with this curry, well only if you are a fan of spicy food as well. While tomatoes give this dish a tangy twist, spices including a load of black pepper give this dish the right amount of heat. Enjoy this spicy treat with either Chapatti or steamed rice.

Note: Please follow the proportion of ingredients used in the recipe as is to get the right kind of curry consistency; adding more onions and tomatoes makes the curry more watery.
2.The cooking time mentioned in the video recipe depends on the size of the crock-pot and the wattage. Bigger crock-pots cook faster. Please use discretion.

Moong Dal Halwa

Moong Dal Halwa (Sweet Yellow Lentil Pudding) is a delicious, rich and creamy pudding recipe that has an unusual main ingredient, normally associated with savory dishes - lentils. You'd never believe it when you eat it though! This dish originates from a city called Rajasthan where this is traditionally prepared during festivals like Holi, Diwali etc., but also during happy ceremonies like Birthdays and Weddings.

Note: The cooking time mentioned in the video recipe depends on the size of the crock-pot and the wattage. Bigger crock-pots cook faster. Please use discretion.

Capsicum Masala (Green Peppers) Curry

Capsicum (aka Green Pepper) is such a versatile vegetable that you either use it to blend it in several curries or cook it up straight. Capsicum Masala curry gives a full-bodied Capsicum flavor with a creamy blend of spices and nuts; and the tamarind juice gives it a tangy kick. This curry can be served with Chapatti/Roti or hot steamed rice.

Note: The cooking time mentioned in the video recipe depends on the size of the crock-pot and the wattage. Bigger crock-pots cook faster. Please use discretion.

Palak Paneer (Spinach & Cottage Cheese) Curry

Palak Paneer is a delicious, hearty North Indian dish prepared with spinach and Indian cheese. This traditional greens based vegetarian dish is a rich, smooth, creamy curry where paneer cubes are cooked in an onion-spinach based gravy which is moderately spiced with Indian spices.

Note: The cooking time mentioned in the video recipe depends on the size of the crock-pot and the wattage. Bigger crock-pots cook faster. Please use discretion.

Aloo Besan (Potato & Chickpea flour)

In our home, Aloo Besan, a combination of potatoes and chickpea flour is usually served with rice and rasam.  This is a very simple recipe that is almost like a dry saute. With very basic ingredients, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Note: The cooking time mentioned in the video recipe depends on the size of the crock-pot and the wattage. Bigger crock-pots cook faster. Please use discretion.

Pav Bhaji

Pav bhaji (Marathi: पाव भाजी) is a Maharashtrian fast food dish that originated in Mumbai cuisine. The pav-bhaji is a spicy preparation with a mixture of vegetables, either whole or mashed, a generous dose of fresh tomatoes, a dollop of butter, optional toppings of cheese and dry-fruits and fresh fruits, consumed with warm bread gently or crispy fried in butter - an all-time, anytime favorite with Mumbaikars. It is native to Mumbai and has now become popular in most metropolitan areas in India, especially in those of central and western Indian states such as Gujarat and Karnataka. Pav means bread. Bhaji in Marathi means vegetable dish. Pav bhaji consists of bhaji (a thick potato-based curry) garnished with coriander, chopped onion, and a dash of lemon and lightly toasted pav. The pav is usually buttered on all sides and served hot. This is the best alternative you can find to Chili, the vegetarian version. Enjoy!

Note: The cooking time mentioned in the video recipe depends on the size of the crock-pot and the wattage. Bigger crock-pots cook faster. Please use discretion.

Rice Halwa

This is a traditional South-Indian recipe that's a favorite for most of them. Simple ingredients and easy process make this sweet dish a wonderful recipe. Normally, this dish is prepared using 'Sooji' (Semolina) but I have substituted it with 'Basmati Rice' to give the dish a bold texture. If you do not like a thicker consistency, you can convert this dish into rice-pudding by simply adding double the quantity of milk, a little bit of Kesar (Saffron) and garnish with Pistachios and other nuts of your choice. Enjoy!

Note: The cooking time mentioned in the video recipe depends on the size of the crock-pot and the wattage. Bigger crock-pots cook faster. Please use discretion.

Dal Makhani

Dal makhani (Hindi: दाल मखनी, Punjabi: ਦਾਲ ਮੱਖਣੀ) ("Lentil rich sauce") is a staple food originating from the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent. The dish differs from other popular Punjabi dal dishes, such as dal tadka, in that the primary ingredients in dal makhani are whole black lentil (urad) and red kidney beans (rajma), rather than red lentil (masoor). This dish serves well with plain basmati rice, jeera rice or chapathi (Indian bread).

Note: The cooking time mentioned in the video recipe depends on the size of the crock-pot and the wattage. Bigger crock-pots cook faster. Please use discretion.

Soy Spinach Curry

Well, who doesn't know the benefits of soy! This curry is a good substitute for meat, and very delicious too...

Cabbage Egg

Cabbage and Egg?? This may sound a little weird combination; but try this and you will be surprised how fluffy and tasty this curry turns out to be. This can be served with both white rice or Chapatti/Roti (Indian Bread).

Note: The cooking time mentioned in the video recipe depends on the size of the crock-pot and the wattage. Bigger crock-pots cook faster. Please use discretion.

Baingan Bharta

    Baingan bharta or Baingan ka bhurtha (Mashed Eggplant) is a popular dish in Northern and Southern parts of India. It is a vegetarian that comprises bhurtha, which is minced baingan (eggplant) that is grilled over charcoal or direct fire, to infuse the dish with a smoky flavor. However, I have modified this process to cook it in the crock-pot and the consistency came out to be just fine! Traditionally, the dish is often eaten with an Indian flatbread (specifically roti or paratha) and is also served with rice and/or raita, a yogurt salad.

Note: The cooking time mentioned in the video recipe depends on the size of the crock-pot and the wattage. Bigger crock-pots cook faster. Please use discretion.

bread pudding

Just in time for the holidays! This lightly spiced, medium-soft bread pudding is made with simple pantry items like bread, eggs, milk, sugar and a hint of spices. Normally, bread pudding is baked in the oven hence I was initially skeptical how the texture is going to be turn-out in the crock-pot, but I was amazed what the crock-pot did to the pudding. No burnt or over-cooked pudding anymore. Enjoy!!

Note: The cooking time mentioned in the video recipe depends on the size of the crock-pot and the wattage. Bigger crock-pots cook faster. Please use discretion.