Masala Burger Recipe

Here's a new take on the American burger classic! Spice up your traditional barbecue menu by adding flavors from India.

Masala burgers would make a perfect addition to your spread this Memorial Day weekend. They're a welcome change from regular beef burgers. I've made fusion burgers in the past, including keema burgers made with Indian-style ground beef. This time, I flavored hamburger patties with garam masala, ginger garlic paste, turmeric and red chili powder. I also changed the condiments; I substituted kachumbar (Indian salsa), my own concoction of raita (Indian yogurt sauce) and tamarind sauce for the ordinary ketchup, mayo, mustard and pickle relish.

Indian Style Eggplant Appetizers (Baigan Bharta Puff Pastry Recipe)

I love eggplant, especially in the form of a spread. Baji, my husband's late grandmother used to make the best one, called baigan bharta. I still make this dish very often, but when I use it as a filling (as I did today) I tweak it with a few substitutions. Specifically, instead of using yogurt, I used cream cheese and blue cheese in the eggplant spread.

I created puff pastry appetizers that bake in no time and filled them with the yummy eggplant. I topped each savory tartlet with crumbled blue cheese as a reminder of the flavor and cilantro as garnish. I was lucky to have any left for pictures, because Lulu and the girls attacked them as soon as they came out of the oven. Whether you serve them in puff pastry or go the more traditional route and prepare a bowl along with some pita bread, it’ll be a hit at your house too.

Ginger Rice Pudding Recipe

The last time I made mango rice pudding, the little one of the family (she's only 6 years old) complained that she didn't get any. I promised her I'd make some more the following day but I kept forgetting. I finally had time to make some rice pudding today, which I flavored with fresh ginger. Ginger is a very versatile ingredient that can flavor either drinks, savory dishes or desserts.

If you want to serve this at the end of a dinner party, I would recommend using tuile bowls filled with a layer of ginger chocolate mousse and topped with the ginger rice pudding. It's a great way to serve traditional family desserts and turn them into elegant desserts.

In case you were wondering, I made sure everyone got their fair share of rice pudding this time. That means I’m going to have to find a new excuse the next time I have a craving for rice pudding!

Mango Rice Pudding Recipe

Today, there were no eggs, fresh fruit or flour in the kitchen. I was able to find sugar, a can of Alphonso mango purée, sweet Asian rice and a few cups of milk. Rice pudding is my go-to dessert whenever my pantry is running on empty, and I found just the right set of ingredients to make a batch to satisfy my sweet tooth.

First, I boiled the rice in water, drained it and slowly cooked it in milk until tender. Once the rice was cooked, I sweetened and flavored it with the delicious mango purée. I couldn't stop there, so I finished the rice pudding with a little crème fraîche for extra creaminess and created a sugar crust, crème brûlée-style. All I can say is, yum!

Fried Haddock Recipe

Haddock is a very popular white, firm-fleshed fish, but it can be bland if not seasoned properly. To enhance the flavor, I marinated haddock fish in white wine, ginger, lemongrass, red chili powder and crushed garlic. The fish was lightly coated in a little flour, then pan-fried until golden brown. It came out beautifully moist and wonderfully fragrant. I served it with vegetable couscous, but it makes the best filling for fish sandwiches as well.

I absolutely love fried seafood. I probably eat it more than I should. I have a few recipes that I always turn to when I need a fix, and this is one of my favorites. I always have to be careful whenever I cook seafood so I don’t scare off the vegetarians in my home. This particular fish doesn’t send them running for the hills, so it’s a perfect compromise.