I’m Maunika and I’m an Indian chef and food writer. Raised in Mumbai, my food influences stem from traditional home cooking, creating authentic and delicious Indian dishes full of flavour and spice.
One of the most revered snacks/ starters at every dinner across homes in India. Also commonly cooked and served at street stalls across Mumbai. ‘Tangdi’ meaning chicken drumstick; which has been marinated in yoghurt, green chilli and ground spices. The […]
The batter for this cake is made with yoghurt and like most sweet and savoury dishes in Indian cooking; yoghurt keeps the cake fresh and also gives it a tangy flavour. I’m no expert at baking and this is the […]
Indian street food is brimming with so many flavours, spices and the goodness of finding that ultimate food fix that’s delicious and quick to rustle up. A Bombay sandwich is definitely high up on my list! There are so many […]
With Indo-Chinese influences this is just one of the few delicious dishes that is relished across cities in India. A definite on the menu for vegetarians; Gobi Manchurian is coated in a chilli garlic sauce with spring onions. The sauce […]
A classic Indian recipe with fresh fenugreek leaves as well as dried fenugreek. The fresh variety is also great in flatbreads and stir-fried dishes. Dried fenugreek also known as ‘Kasoori Methi’ is great in curries and lends so much flavour. […]
Home comforts and slow cooking have been the order of the day over the last one year. And it’s something I will continue and look forward to times when I can have my friends around the table to share the […]
The word 'Thali' refers to the way meals are eaten in India; where a mixed selection of delicious dishes are served together on one platter. They offer a wonderful way to experiment with Indian flavours and dishes and to discover the rich and diverse range of this cuisine.
From familiar and classic Indian dishes like Tadka Dal and Matar Paneer alongside less familiar ones such as Pomegranate Spiced Chicken and Konkani Jackfruit Stir-Fry, these recipes will encourage you to explore the varied and vibrant range of food, flavours and textures across the Indian subcontinent, and give you the confidence and skill to create your own perfect thali.
Featuring a thali inspiration section at the end which showcases four stunning regional thalis to recreate at home, as well as menu ideas to help you mix and match recipes as you like, Thali is a joyful and creative approach to Indian home-cooking that will excite and inspire.
I love Maunika's cooking. Her food is a joy - she makes incredible Indian food really achievable at home.
Jamie Oliver
With a variety of spices in the Indian cooking repertoire it can be tricky to decide where to begin. What are the must have spices in the kitchen and how to get the most out of them? This spice guide gives you an insight to what Indian kitchens and regional communities stock up. Also simple hints, tips and tricks on how to use each spice along with a suggested list of recipes for the spices.
In Thali, Maunika shows you how to create over 80 easy, accessible and delicious Indian recipes in your own kitchen, how balance a variety of flavours and textures within each dish when creating your own thali at home.