For the world, Almonds are a healthy & tasty nut/seed. For me they are a thing of pride, joy and memories. As a kid, I had a difficult time deciding if I wanted the long hard winter to end. While the end of winter meant that the dreary school will reopen its gates and herd me back in, it also meant the Almond trees will soon blossom and set my mind free. And it meant a picnic in the almond orchards would soon happen and I could just lay on the flowers and breathe their essence in and let myself …
Nadir Yakhin – Lotus Roots in a yogurt sauce
A few of friends of Spiceroots recently asked me to share some traditional recipes from Kashmir. Today I chose to share the Nadir Yakhin – Lotus Roots in yogurt sauce, as it brings a lot of happy memories from my childhood. My cousin and I used to steal pieces of lotus roots from each other’s plates – just so the other did not get to eat one too many. We would sit next to each other and keep a sharp eye out for a moment when the other was not looking and grab it from the plate. Of course we …
Roasted Eggplant Dip – Baigan Bharta
Smoky, smoldering and clandestine. That has been my affair with the guy named clove, ever since we got together for the Alu matar Smokin’. We have been meeting off and on, more on than off for he is just too irresistible. What’s not to like in a guy who makes me look like I am the greatest cook? He makes me look good, oh yes he does! But since it is a brand new year and I really don’t want to keep him a secret anymore, I am declaring it out loud. This is going to be the year of clove in …
Quinoa Pulav – 38 power foods
The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has officially declared that the year 2013 be recognized as “The International Year of the Quinoa.” Proposed by the government of Bolivia and receiving strong support from many Central and South American countries, quinoa has now been singled out by the FAO as a food with “high nutritive value,” impressive biodiversity, and an important role to play in the achievement of food security worldwide. – Source WHF Some of the health benefits of Quinoa and why it is a power food:- Even though it is eaten as a grain, it …
Malai Kofta
Malai Kofta – the buttery goodness of deep fried paneer/ricotta cheese balls in a smooth and creamy and rich gravy. This is one of the dishes that makes your friends go “did you make this at home?” and with their eyes wide in disbelief ! And I say,” No I didn’t”, he did. And then its all they can do to keep their eyes from popping out! LOVE that feeling! This recipe of Malai kofta is again developed by my very talented hubz , just like his famous Spartan egg Bhurji and his incredible Gulab Jamuns. I have been told …
Khasta Kachori
The buzz is on – clean up home, shopping sprees, recipe collections for parties, Puja room decoration, and friends and family to invite over. It is the time of the year when you want everything to be just perfect. With the beautiful oil filled Diyas and colorful candles spreading soft lights, the heart is filled with a beautiful warm glow. The colorful rangolis, thoran, flower garlands hanging outside the main door bring in joy and laughter. And then there are the sweets, new clothes for everyone, time to meet friends and neighbors and wish them a Happy Diwali. The spirited …