From the Degchi kitchen

chicken tikka masalaleftover chicken tikka

"Chicken Tikka Masala From Leftover Tikka in 25 Minutes"

"Leftover tikka makes a better masala than raw chicken does, because the char is already built in. The sauce takes about 25 minutes."

Usama Alam · 14 November 2026 · 5 min read

skewersseekh kabab

"Skewers for Seekh Kabab and Tikka: Flat, Round or Wooden?"

"Round skewers make seekh kabab spin and wooden ones burn. A short buying and using guide for the most underrated kebab tool."

Usama Alam · 14 November 2026 · 5 min read

tandoori chickenfood colour

"Tandoori Chicken Red Without Food Colour: Does It Work?"

"Restaurant tandoori is bright red because of dye. Home tandoori can be a deep rusty orange from spices, if you set expectations and use the right chilli."

Usama Alam · 14 November 2026 · 5 min read

kebab rollparatha

"Kebab Rolls at Home: Paratha Wraps That Don't Go Soggy"

"A kebab roll falls apart for three reasons: wet filling, thin bread, and no wrap. Fix all three and a Tuesday leftover becomes street food."

Usama Alam · 14 November 2026 · 5 min read

katakatmutton

"Katakat at Home: Tawa Timing, Liver and the Chop"

"The clanging spatulas are half the appeal. Here is how to get katakat right on a home tawa without turning the liver to rubber."

Usama Alam · 14 November 2026 · 5 min read

chickenrezala

"Rezala vs Korma vs Qorma: Which Chicken Gravy?"

"Three pale-to-golden chicken gravies, three different onion methods. Here is how rezala, korma and qorma differ and which to cook for your guests."

Usama Alam · 14 November 2026 · 6 min read

best before vs use byfood dates

Best Before vs Use By: What Dates Mean on Daal, Rice and Atta

A date on a packet of daal does not mean the same as a date on chicken. Here is how best before and use by differ, and what to check on desi pantry staples.

Usama Alam · 14 November 2026 · 5 min read

methifenugreek

Methi Seeds vs Fresh Methi vs Kasuri Methi: Which for What

Same plant, three very different ingredients. Here is what methi seeds, fresh leaves and dried kasuri methi do in a pot, and how to avoid the bitter mistake.

Usama Alam · 14 November 2026 · 5 min read

mustard seedsrai

Mustard Seeds (Rai): Why They Pop and When to Add Them

Mustard seeds that will not pop, or pop and turn bitter, wreck a tadka before it starts. Here is the heat, timing and amounts that work for South Indian dishes.

Usama Alam · 14 November 2026 · 5 min read

reuse frying oilfrying oil

Can You Reuse Frying Oil? Pakora, Fish and Samosa Rules

A pan of oil is expensive, and tipping it after one batch of pakoray feels wasteful. Here is how to reuse frying oil safely and when to let go.

Usama Alam · 14 November 2026 · 5 min read