Recipes Archives - My Inner Shakti

Two Movie Recs – Knives Out and Glass Onion

Have you watched any good movies lately?

I’ve been super picky about what Vishnu and I watch together after the kids go to bed. It needs to be worth my time, especially if it’s going to push my bedtime back by an hour plus!

I’m happy to tell you that I have two movie recs that are Parita approved!

We watched Glass Onion first since Vishnu had already seen Knives Out. And it didn’t disappoint in terms of it’s entertainment factor.

I won’t give too much away, but you can go into knowing it’s a modern murder mystery that’s equal parts funny and suspenseful. It’s also a fun watch because the various plot lines mock society and how we behave and what we value (we being a very general term).

Kate Hudson did an amazing job playing her character – she cracked me up. But Daniel Craig stole the show! I’m really only familiar with him as James Bond, but he took his detective character to the next level with a New Orleans drawl. Too good!

One thing I will say is that the movie overall is predictable – meaning you may be able to figure out whodunit before the end.

Because I loved Glass Onion so much, I asked Vishnu if we could watch Knives Out next even though he’s already seen it. He like that one a lot too, so he was game.

Personally, I loved Knives Out a bit more than Glass Onion. It’s not as funny and a bit darker, but I loved the flashbacks and family dynamics, as well as the overall storyline.

In terms of characters, Daniel Craig also stars in this one as the same detective, and he kills it! So so good!

Anyways, if this post doesn’t convince you to make these your next two movie night movies, I don’t know what will. Thank me later!

Saving and Organizing Recipes

written by Parita Leave a Comment

The idea presented in this post is not groundbreaking. Nor is it anything new. In fact, I’m probably taking us back like 20 years, especially given how technologically savvy tools rule the world now.

With that, I present to you my recipe binder!

I decided that enough was enough when it came to saving and sorting through recipes. In the past, I would find a recipe and either save it in IG, email it to myself, or Pin it (although it’s been years since I’ve pinned recipes). Then when it came time to meal plan, I would be all over the place because I couldn’t remember where I saved what.

But now when I come across a recipe I want to make, I print it out and file it away in my organized binder! Then when it’s time to meal plan and make food, all I have to do is pull out the recipes from my binder and voila it’s all there for me to see!

Another reason I was desperate for an old-school binder is because going back to look at the recipes on my phone while cooking created a hot mess. Literally my phone was disgusting. Also, picking up my phone would lead to checking apps and email. Which when you only have a set amount of time to cook is a WASTE OF TIME!

In terms of how it’s organized, I have sections for appetizers, sides, soups, Indian meals, entrees, dessert, healthy stuff (i.e. my treats made from beans), and miscellaneous. This works for me, but you can obviously organize your recipes in a way that makes most sense for you.

Like I said, this is a simple idea that started in our mom’s kitchen, but I’m all about bringing it back because I need my recipes in one place. Also, the idea of having all of our household favs in one spot makes meal planning a lot easier and less stressful.

The few things I bought to create this nifty binder can be found anywhere, but in case you want to order from Amazon right now, here you go!

1.5″ binder | Dividers | Sheet protectors

Let me know if you give this a go and how it works out for you!

No portion of this post is sponsored. However, affiliate links are included. There is no extra cost to you, but I do receive a small commission on anything you buy through my links. Thank you for reading and supporting My Inner Shakti!

Cookbook Review | The Truly Healthy Vegetarian Cookbook

written by Parita Leave a Comment

As a vegetarian, Liz’s blog is a constant source of inspiration. She makes good-for-you vegetarian food that not only tastes delicious but is also easy to make. She takes the guesswork out of vegetarian dishes even carnivores will enjoy!

Before I tell you all about her new cookbook, let’s take a BIG step back. Like seven years big. That’s how long I’ve ‘known’ Liz! We met through our blogs and have stayed connected ever since. Personally, I was drawn to her truly down to earth approach to healthy living and life in general. Like her food, she makes it all look easy. I still smile every time I read about Liz’s fun adventures!

Ok, so now about her cookbook, The Truly Healthy Vegetarian Cookbook. If you classify yourself as a vegetarian or are trying to incorporate more meat-free dishes into your life, this is the cookbook for you. Liz is a certified health coach who’s created step-by-step recipes that anyone can make. No matter what kinds of foods you naturally gravitate towards, you’ll find something to devour. Between the pages of this book, you’ll find everything from a spicy peanut sauce to spicy enchilada soup to eggplant ricotta roll ups to chocolate chip chickpea cookies.

Mouth watering yet?

Hold your taste buds for 10 more seconds.

Liz graciously agreed to let me share a recipe from The Truly Healthy Vegetarian Cookbook with all of you. After considering multiple options, I decided to make her Coconut-Mango Smoothie. I know, right? Every sip took me straight to a little cabana on the beach. This smoothie is creamy, tropical, and filling. You better believe I’ll be making this weekly once Spring decides to show up!

Enough from me. Here’s the recipe so you can enjoy alongside me!

Coconut-Mango Smoothie
Serves 2
Prep time: 5 minutes

1 cup ice cubes
1 cup frozen mango chunks
1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes
1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)

Blend the ice, mango, pineapple, and coconut milk or almond milk in a blender until smooth.
Divide between two glasses and sprinkle with the coconut flakes and chia seeds (if using).

Yes! It’s that easy.

If you need a little vegetarian inspiration in the kitchen and are looking for a cookbook to introduce you to new recipes that are good for you, this is the one! I mean, did you read what I wrote – CHOCOLATE CHIP CHICKPEA COOKIES. Cookies made from beans that can probably be eaten for breakfast! Wins all around!

Your turn – what’s your favorite cookbook?

P.S. Visit my Instagram page for a chance to win your very own copy of The Truly Healthy Vegetarian Cookbook!

My Latest Kitchen Gadget Obsession – The Instant Pot

written by Parita 6 Comments

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you know I’m OBSESSED with the Instant Pot (IP). Like sometimes it’s all I want to talk about. The tool itself, great blogs to follow for recipes, recipes I’ve tried, etc. It’s all about the IP here in the MIS household. Even Vishnu’s on board and excited!

If you already own an IP, you’re likely obsessed too and totally get why I can’t stop talking about/using this gadget. If you don’t or have never heard of the IP, I’m hoping you’re like, “TELL ME MORE, PAR!”

Because that’s exactly what I’m about to do…

First and foremost, you can’t beat the price. Now that I own one, I’m surprised it isn’t more expensive. The normal price is ~$99, but I’ve found the IP discounted on Amazon a couple of times in the past few months.

Growing up, my mom’s traditional pressure cooker was a staple in our house. I still remember counting ‘whistles!’ I also remember not feeling safe around that thing. Almost as if was going to burst open in any minute. The IP is different. It’s easier and safe to use. No more counting whistles or running to turn off the stove and running away as quickly as possible.

So here’s the thing. The name is a little deceiving. I really thought my meals would be as close to ‘instant’ as possible. What I didn’t think about was the ‘come to pressure’ time and the ‘release’ time. So yes, while the actual cooking time for most foods is short (chicken thighs cook in 8 minutes!), when you add in everything else, it’s not really that instant. BUT, I do love the fact that I can turn it on and walk away. No more babysitting a meal while it simmers away on the stovetop.

A couple of other features I love include the saute and slower cooker options. With the saute function, I can saute my veggies, brown my meats, etc. before pressure cooking…all with the same tool! There’s no need to use multiple pots and pans. And with the slow cooker function, you can literally give away/donate your standalone tool and just use the IP.

The thing that Vishnu loves most about the IP is that it locks in flavor, especially when it comes to meat dishes. For example, he always marvels at how flavorful the chicken thighs are in the chicken curry. “How can it taste like this when it only cooks for eight minutes.”

One of my favorite things about the IP is that it’s a breeze to clean. The internal pot is like any other steel pot, and you clean it (along with the other parts) like you would anything else.

Something else I love is that it’s the perfect tool for meal prep Sunday. I can easily make two dishes for the week along with rice if needed and be good to go! Most IP meals don’t require much prep, and some are even chop/pour and dump…makes a time consuming task less so!

Finally, with this gadget being relatively new, I was surprised to find so many blogs/cookbooks dedicated to IP meals. There’s a high likely hood that if you Google “Instant Pot + [insert your favorite meal],” you’ll find something.

With that being said, here are some of my go to blogs for IP recipes along with a few recipes we absolutely love…

Indian meals
My Heart Beets
Piping Pot Curry
Ministry of Curry

Other cuisines
Dad Cooks Dinner
Peas and Crayons

Recipe love
Pressure cooker mac n’ cheese
Vegetarian lentil tortilla soup
Instant Pot creamy tomato soup
Instant Pot Saag
Instant Pot Dal Makhani
Instant Pot Butter Chicken (MofC)
Instant Pot Butter Chicken (MHB)

P.S. When it comes to the Instant Pot, you have a lot of choices with regard to size. We own the 6 quart one and find that it’s perfect for the meals we make (the 8 would be too large for us!).

No portion of this post is sponsored. However, there are affiliate links included. There is no extra cost to you, but I do receive a small commission on anything you buy through my links. Thank you for reading and supporting My Inner Shakti!

The Blissful Veggie + Native Foods Cafe

written by Parita 3 Comments

So I have a problem. I like to do ALL the things, in that I’ve always been a ‘I love my plate tipping over’ kind of person. Until I realize it’s not possible to do all the things and do them well. Let’s take The Blissful Veggie (TBV) as an example.

I started TBV earlier this year with the hopes of creating a space for veggie friendly restaurant reviews. Great idea in theory. But when you’re pregnant and have a blog you already post fairly regularly to and have a full time job, it’s a bit much…even for me! Also, I totally didn’t take into account the fact that after you have a baby meals out are kind of a once in a blue moon type of event. At least for the time being. If we don’t go out to eat, I don’t have any content to share!

So with that being said, TBV is coming to an end…for now. However, I still love sharing and writing restaurant reviews so that won’t stop. When we get a chance to try new restaurants, AND I remember to take a few decent pics, I’ll share my foodie adventures on MIS.

* * * * *

With all of that being said, here’s a restaurant review I’ve been wanting to share.

Native Foods Cafe is a vegan restaurant Thea (my coworker and friend) and I frequent a lot. Mind you, Thea is a not a vegetarian, yet she loves this place as much as I do.

Because we’re basically the same person (just kidding, she’s a lot cooler than me!), we always order the same few things and share. On our most recent visit, we convinced our coworker Lamia to come with us. We’re always looking to spread the Native Foods love!

Lamia was happy to go with the flow, so Thea and I decided to stick with our favorites – the Native Nachos + guacamole + the seitan taco meat and a side of sweet potato fries + the spicy and creamy dipping sauce. Because there were three of us this time, we also ordered Native Chicken Wings with a side of creamy ranch. And of course, you can’t go to Native Foods without contemplating dessert. Our contemplation pointed to a ‘duh,’ so we ended up getting the Peanut Butter Parfait.

SO MUCH GOODNESS!

The following pictures will speak for themselves, but the food here is finger licking good.

The nachos are perfectly prepared with a variety of delicious toppings, including the best “cheese” sauce. I also love the balance of textures and flavors – everything just ‘fits’ together. You may think you’re ordering the standard run of the mill nachos, but you’re wrong. These are super unique.

The sweet potato fries are great on their own, but what makes them extra special is the sauce. Every time we eat here, I’m tempted to ask someone the secret to making it taste so good. It’s so creamy and rich with a bit of spice mixed in. Love the sweet and savory play here!

This was my first time trying the chicken wings, and I must say, I’m a fan! Of course, they don’t taste like chicken, but the sauce gets you as close as possible given these are made of veggie protein. Again, the ranch dipping sauce makes these next level good. The balance of spice from the wing sauce and the cool ranch is perfect.

And finally, this dessert. It’s pretty incredible. I mean, peanut butter cream + chocolate + banana bread. And believe it or not, it’s pretty light!

If you live in the Chicagoland area (or are planning to visit), I highly recommend Native Foods Cafe. There’s truly something for everyone, vegan or not!

Your turn – do you have a favorite vegan/vegetarian restaurant in your city?

Weekend Recap – The One Where We Stayed Up Way Past Our Bedtime

written by Parita 8 Comments

You guys! This weekend was a ton of fun, but I’m exhausted. Like I probably need 12 hours of sleep exhausted.

Let me explain…

On Friday, I finished up work and cleaned our apartment because one of my best friends from college was coming down for the night AND because my sister and four of her med school friends were staying at our place over the weekend.

Once Sweeti got to our place, we chatted for a bit and then headed out to dinner at De Cero, a Mexican inspired restaurant in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago. The three of us (me, Vishnu, and Sweeti) agreed that while the food was far from authentic, it was delicious and very filling.

After dinner, we went to a bar (I can’t remember the name for the life of me) for a few beers. We sat and talked for another 1.5 hours before heading home.

Aekta and her friends were at our place when we got back. We chatted for a couple of hours before heading to bed. It was 2:00 am by the time we went to sleep!

The next morning started much later than anticipated for obvious reasons! Vishnu and I had a lunch date on the books for 12:30, so we headed out a little after 12. I won’t share too much about this meal because I want to do a more comprehensive review on the blog. But I really loved Summer House Santa Monica – the ambiance was beautiful and really reminded us of a beach house. And the food was pretty good too!

Summer House Santa Monica – Chicago, IL

Vishnu and I stopped for some after lunch coffee and ended up hanging out for another hour or so. I love it when this happens!

The rest of the day was spent lounging around doing some loose research for our trip to Hawaii.*

Later in the evening, when everyone was back from their Saturday adventures, we ordered pizza, played games, including flip cup and Cards Against Humanity, and got ready for a night out on the town! You guys, we went to not one, not two, but three different places over the course of the night. We started at a restaurant bar, made our way to another bar, and then finally ended up at a club. We got home at 3:30 am!!! Who am I? Exhausted and tired that’s who!

Anyways, because of our wild and crazy (says the girl who didn’t drink) Saturday night, our Sunday was super low-key. Aside from basic to dos (cleaning, laundry, etc.), we napped and watched TV.

And just like that, it’s Monday again! Make it a good one. 🙂

*Any and all recommendations are more than welcome for both Maui and Kauai!

What I Ate in London

written by Parita 4 Comments

You guys, I’m on my way back from London as I type! What a whirlwind of a trip. It would’ve been absolutely fine, except for the fact that we took a redeye flight in and didn’t get a chance to rest at all. Upon arriving to my hotel room, I took a shower, got ready, and went to the office. The sleep factor didn’t get any better over the next couple of days. Phew! I’m really looking forward to some relaxing, quality, family time this weekend!

With that being said, I have a few fun London updates (all food related…big surprise).

Firstly, I ate my beloved Pret’s porridge twice, and it was glorious. My boss tried (and loved) it too! Her exact words were, “You mentioned this stuff a few times now. I should probably try it.” Haha!

Second, we had dinner at a restaurant called Granger and Co. on Tuesday evening. I’m telling you, every London restaurant I try is amazing and often better than the last. This place had quite a few vegetarian options. I decided to try the lentil, tomato, and burrata dish – so much texture, flavor, and earthiness. I need to recreate this one soon!

Finally, we had dinner at The Cinnamon Club on Wednesday night. The restaurant itself was super unique – located in the old Westminster Library. And the food! Unique twists on Indian food presented in the most beautiful and clean way. I shared beetroot vegetarian cakes and the malai kofta (paneer dumplings in a creamy tomato sauce) with my boss. So much yum! I also ordered the plain lassi – it had hints of vanilla and sesame oil. #strangebutsogood

Other than that, the trip was all about that work, work, work, work, work life.

I plan to rest as much as possible before landing in Chicago because this weekend is full of activity and good food. More on that next week!

Happy Friday eve!

Two Movie Recs – Knives Out and Glass Onion

Saving and Organizing Recipes

Cookbook Review | The Truly Healthy Vegetarian Cookbook

My Latest Kitchen Gadget Obsession – The Instant Pot

The Blissful Veggie + Native Foods Cafe

Weekend Recap – The One Where We Stayed Up Way Past Our Bedtime

What I Ate in London

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