Hot summer lazy and melancholic days. I vacillate between utter gratitude of having the family safe to frustration towards the desolate state of our world. Still, the good outweighs the bad and we clear our heads and focus on inner strength, blessings and earth’s bounty. After my early morning run or walk, I spend quite…
Haakh – Kashmiri Collard Greens
Kashmiri Haakh has been a green staple in every Kashmiri household for hundreds of years. Mounds of rice topped with the cooked greens is a common sight that will unequivocally satisfy many a discerning palate. Often thought of as a very humble food, it’s taste is far from simple. The complex pungent taste of simply…
Sourdough Banana Bread
Sometimes ( or most of the time) the simplest of ingredients produce the most beautiful food. The Sourdough craze overtook our home as well with my son tending to his starter and me watching over his shoulder skeptical. After tasting a couple of fantastic loaves I eventually wanted one of my own so started my…
green salad with toasted dates and strawberry dressing
Today is the first day that spring was at its peak and summer was trying to push through. I can see my seedlings sprouting through the earth eagerly reaching for the sun. The birds this year have been in abundance and start their crazy chirping at 4 am – I do not mind. Gratitude for…
Tofu tomato curry with beetroot raita
Spring comes and goes a little tantalizing and evasive. Just cold enough to want some spicy rich curry. This is a vegan version of a wonderful rich “tikka masala” usually made with chicken. I am not going mention the quarantine times , but i just did 🙂 . Hard to get time slots for groceries…
Ka’ak – Palestinian Street bread
Bread making is therapeutic – I was up before dawn of unsettling times , it seemed quiet and restful with no perception of the virus. Pulled out my favorite cookbook to plan ahead for 5 adults working/studying from home before my own workday started. I found this beautiful Ka’ak recipe in @palestineonaplate cookbook which is a Palestinian…
Gand Chetin – Kashmiri Onion Chutney
This is a traditional Onion Chutney that accompanies many a feasts and dinners in Kashmir. Kashmiri food, the whole playbook of amazing dishes often overshadows the humble accompaniments that elevate the flavors of the meal. The side kick here is truly kick ass, simply made with sliced onions that are marinated in vinegar, dried mint…
Kashmiri Phool Yakhni – Cauliflower in Yogurt sauce
Kashmiri Phool Yakhni is a vegetarian version of the sublime yogurt based Yakhni that is traditionally mutton based in Kashmir. Cauliflower is the shining star in this recipe The Cauliflower florets are par-boiled in turmeric, fried and then simmered in yogurt infused with spices like cardamom, fennel, ginger and cinnamon. These are the quintessential spices…
Carrots, Peas with Dill – Lucknow inspired
Here is another food story inspired my the memories of many winters in spent in Lucknow, India in my grandfather’s house and the houses of my uncles and aunts throughout the state of UP. Somehow the archives of food snapshots in your mind brings a nostalgia filled smile and some strangeness. The simplicity of meals…
Station Wale Aloo – Simple Potato curry
What is that title you may say 🙂 Let me explain by a trip down memory lane…Throughout childhood, my family embarked on the winter trip from the icy cold winter in Srinagar, Kashmir to the weirdly uncomfortable winter in Lucknow, UP to bask in the sunshine of my grandparents. Once winter descended in Kashmir and…
