Turn Everyday Cooking into a Café-Style Experience with These Easy Recipes

New Delhi:Bringing a café-style experience to your home kitchen is easier than you think. With the right ingredients and simple techniques, you can prepare restaurant-style dishes that are perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a special meal.

In a conversation with HT Lifestyle, Chef Bishan Singh Negi, Executive Chef at DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square, and Sunil Dasila, Head Chef at Salt Cafe, shared two easy yet delicious recipes that can transform your everyday cooking.

Dahi Kebab

Dahi Kebab is a popular North Indian starter known for its soft texture and rich, creamy taste.

Ingredients:

• 200 g hung curd (yogurt)
• 50 g grated paneer
• 2 tbsp gram flour
• 3 tbsp breadcrumbs
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 5 g raisins
• 5 g almonds, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp salt
• Semolina (for coating)
• 150 ml oil (for shallow frying)

Method:

1. In a bowl, combine hung curd, paneer, gram flour, breadcrumbs, chili, raisins, almonds, coriander, and mint.
2. Add cumin powder, black pepper, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to form a soft dough.
3. Divide into small portions and shape into patties.
4. Coat each patty lightly with semolina.
5. Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry until golden brown on both sides.
6. Place on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Serving Suggestion: Serve hot with mint chutney.

Watermelon Feta Garlic Bruschetta

Bruschetta gets a refreshing twist with watermelon and feta, making it perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces garlic bread (crispy)
• Feta cheese (crumbled)
• 1–2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp thick curd
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Watermelon (small cubes, seeds removed)

Method:

1. Prepare the spread by mixing mayonnaise, curd, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add salt and pepper.
2. Cut watermelon into small cubes and lightly season with a pinch of salt and lemon juice.
3. Ensure the garlic bread is crisp; re-toast if needed.
4. Spread the creamy mixture on the bread and add watermelon cubes.
5. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.
6. Drizzle olive oil, add fresh pepper, and garnish with parsley.

These recipes are simple to prepare yet impressive enough to recreate a café-style experience at home, making them ideal for small gatherings or special occasions.