Today is Ram Navami, a major festival in India. It celebrates the birth of Lord Ram (supposed to be the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Ram is often described as the ideal man. The huge and impressive volume written by Valmiki on the life of Ram is a very holy book for Hindus and one…
Category: Recipes
Beetroot Raita (Dip)
Indian summers are harsh, with temperatures soaring above 40o C across most parts of the country. One does not crave heavy foods in such weather. A raita (yogurt based dip), also called pachadi in the Southern parts of the country, is an ideal accompaniment to a meal. These are Indian salads, so to speak. Raitas…
Baked Cauliflower
In the mid and late 80’s, my weekends were always spent with two good friends and their families. We would rotate the venue amongst our homes – and whoever was the host had to prepare lunch and dinner for the group. It was always such great fun. On one such occasion. my friend’s wife (she…
Mixed Vegetable Pulusu (Curry)
Pulusu is the Andra Pradesh equivalent of the sambar of Thamizhnadu and Kerala. This dish is spicy, tangy and slightly sweet. I love pulusu of any kind. I first got a taste of this dish at my friend’s home in the late 80’s. His wife, also a dear friend, used to make this for us…
Drumstick Soup
Let me, at the outset, clarify that by drumstick I mean the vegetable. It’s the pod from the moringa tree. Called Sajjan Ki Phali in Hindi and Murungakkai in Thamizh. While eating this excellent vegetable, the pod is cooked with the skin on. It is only when served that the pod is chewed upon and…
Makai Shorba (Corn Soup)
This is another wonderful soup by the prolific Tarla Dalal, may her soul rest in peace. Corn is plentifully available in Northern India from late monsoon right through winter. Of course, it is available throughout the year – but not through natural farming methods. So I tend to avoid buying corn in summers, trying to…
Chayote Squash Soup
Chayote squash is widely available across India, commonly called chow chow. It is also widely used in the cuisines of East and South India. But I have never seen it used in North Indian cuisine. I buy this gourd quite often, but must admit that I am not a great fan. I eat it rather…
Onion Chila (An Indian Flat Bread)
I love my paranthas during winters. Especially with a raita and a pickle. But we very soon run out of ideas on what kind of paranthas to make. I suppose I am difficult to please. I was discussing the menu for the following day when Hari suggested a potato or radish parantha. I told him…
Lemon Coriander Soup
This is another classic soup, though I am not sure whether it is only in India or across the world. In my mind, this is more like a summer soup. Perhaps because the association of lemon is often with summer and lemon juice. But I made this soup in winter and thoroughly enjoyed it. The…
Maa Ki Dal (Black Lentil Dal)
This traditional recipe from the North Indian state of Punjab uses whole black lentils. This is not a lentil that I normally stock in my pantry. The urge was upon me to have maa ki dal – which I requested Hari quite a few times. Every time, the response was that we did not have…
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