Saffron and Almond Custard

I hope you all are as excited about 2012 as I am. I wanted to end this year on a sweet note and wish you a very happy new year. I can't thank you enough for being generously supportive over the year. But I'll try - thank you!

Khurdi - Bohra White Stock Soup

Food has not been on my top of my mind lately and hence the lack of posts. When my mind is void of any food creativity, I fall back on food that I grew up with. Food that doesn't require me to think much or work much. Food that I can throw in a pot and be assured of delicious endings. And when it comes to simple comfort, soups top my list. One of my favorite part about Bohra cuisine is the soups. Unlike the general Indian cuisine, Bohras make a lot of soups. They are often served along side rice dishes, to sip on while one eats the rice.

Paneer Bruschetta with Alfalfa Sprouts

Paneer was nothing but a 'cheap filler'  we siblings used to complain to mom, asking for meat instead.  Like all things we didn't like, we ganged up against her, protesting to not eat it, leaving her with little option but to cook us what we liked. That's the power of having 3 siblings. I used it. Paneer vanished from our lives.

Knowing M and his family's love for paneer I prepared my self to mentally gulp down paneer after marriage. Then the day came. Everyone at home demanded to eat my mother in law's paneer roll, which made my mother in law quite happy. "Easiest thing to make! Let me teach you how to make it" she said. I followed her to the kitchen, wishing all along a change in plan. While she fried her paneer to beautiful golden brown she told me about their humble starting as a family. "Meat was not always an option and paneer was my go to healthy 'filler' for the children and they loved it" she smiled with pride.

How to make Paneer at home

"What are you upto madam?" asked the shopkeeper of the mom's favorite dairy products shop, after he noticed me inquiring, pressing hundredth time the block of paneer he had handed to me ten minutes ago. Almost, embarrassed by his tone, I blurted out, I was just curious how they got that paneer to be so soft and spongy. Not expecting an answer, after all his business relied on it, I looked up at M, who was clearly annoyed he was getting late, the shopkeeper like a true Indian salesman said "You have to buy milk from us for that". Mom has warned me not to buy milk from him already "Way to expensive and its as thin as water" she complained.

Chocolate Cinnamon Date Truffles (Sugar Free) and Eid Al Adha

In this week, Eid Al Adha will be celebrated by Muslims all over the world, to comommerate Ibrahim's devotion to God and his willingness to sacrifice his own son when God commanded. But just before he was to do so God replaced his son with a ram, and revealed to Ibrahim that his sacrifice has already been accepted.

Udaipur Trip - Food and more!

In my last post on Udaipur, many of you noticed the lack of food photos. So I dug into my hard disk to find some and in the process found more photos I thought were worth sharing.

Persimmon Pomegranate Feta Salad with Chili Lime Dressing

Why don't we buy persimmon often? M asked while we were walking through the fruit aisle of our supermarket. Always armed with an answer to M's food related queries, or so I pride, I couldn't answer that for once. What I didn't want to admit was I didn't have enough ideas of what to do with it.

Indian Omelette

If it wasn't for fusion food, my morning would be omelette less and that could be such a pity. And atleast half the time in the week, there would be no breakfast for M. And that's only calling trouble later in the day when M becomes extremely finicky when he didn't have his breakfast right. How the fusion that took place ages ago can make my life a happy one!

Blackberry Frozen Yogurt and Nutella Hazelnut Ice cream

The sound of rain does something to my spirit. Or our spirit to put it rightly. Be it a light drizzle or heavy rains, we took it upon us to enjoy every minute of it, for we never know how long we had to wait to see rain again. Good thing we kept our rain coats handy before heading to India.

Udaipur - City of Lakes

I have always thought of myself as a small town girl even though I hardly spend any time in my small hometown of Galiakot, a small town near Udaipur city, Rajasthan.

Chettinad Chicken - A Guest Post by Tanvi of Sinfully Spicy

Hey guys! I'm back. And trying to grasp the fact that a great vacation has indeed come to an end. But I must say I'm settling just fine. Lots of work to get in order before I'm back to blogging so I invited my friend Tanvi from Sinfully Spicy to share a delicious and spicy chicken recipe with us today. Tanvi already said all I wanted to say below. She has been a dear friend from the time I started blogging and I'm so thankful she accepted to do the post despite being busy. 

Best Ever Chocolate Pudding - A Guest Post by Brian of A Thought For Food

My dear friend Brian from A Thought For Food is sharing some chocolate love with us today. A Thought for Food is one of the earliest blog I fell in love with when I started blogging. From recipes to pictures, you find your own reason to love this fabulous blog. Thank you Brian for guest posting on Journey Kitchen!

Spicy Eggplant Roast - A Guest Post by Harini of Tongue Ticklers

India is a vast country and when I say vast I mean really vast. Each state, each region even each village has special cuisine. Even if one wanted, it is next to impossible to sample all the food in India, not that I’ll give up though.  So, today I wanted to bring to you a blog I have been admiring for quite some time. Harini, the author of Tongue Ticklers  is one of the few vegan bloggers in India and specializes in South Indian food, which is often naturally vegan and even gluten free. I always suggest friends with eating restrictions to embrace South Indian food which is not only delicious but often healthier as well.

Herbed Butter and Mustard Roasted Chicken - Guest Post by Jenn of Jenn Cuisine

Before I started blogging, the word gluten free was just a label I read on food products. My only understanding of it was a diet where one has to avoid gluten. It was after I started following blogs like Jenn Cuisine, I learned how such food is prepared, what kind of substitutes are used and most importantly how food can taste and look as gorgeous even when they are gluten free. Jenn is not only a fabulous blogger and photographer, she is a generous and kind friend. If you haven't come across her photography series yet, check it now, they are very helpful and detailed. 

Monthly Mingle Round up and Journey Kitchen's First Magazine Feature

I must admit I'm having a time of my life back in India with my family but I miss blogging. I miss being able to visit your blogs and it is kind of difficult for me to explain it to others. Anyway because of the crazy schedule, I'm sorry I'm late for the monthly mingle round up but I'm here now. I'm so thrilled with the amazing entries food bloggers and friends have send along. Also, I have great news to share with you. I was thrilled to contribute to Kuwait's leading English magazine Bazaar, for a feature on Frozen Desserts for their September issue. If you live in Kuwait, don't forget to grab this month's issue of Bazaar Magazine. The scan is certainly bad but I was too excited to wait till I got back for a decent scan. I will be sharing the recipes and pictures when I'm back.

The Italian Breakfast, Spelt Flour and Cocoa Ring Cake - Guest Post by Giulia of Juls Kitchen

Italian cuisine has always fascinated me and as much as I love it, I must admit my knowledge about it is quite limited. For more than a year now, I have been following Giulia's blog Juls Kitchen, who blog's from the beautiful Tuscany, bringing authentic Italian recipes to the virtual world. She is also the author of the cookbook My Grandma's Recipes featuring classic recipes of the Tuscan culinary tradition. I'm so happy she is on Journey Kitchen to share a fabulous homey and traditional Italian cake with us.

How To Make Yeasted Naan

After 3 long years, I'm finally going on a vacation to India. I have been trying hard to picture my little brother as not my 'little brother' but a teen boy whose voice has changed. And how much ever I try, I just can't picture it. My mom has been reporting white hair since a couple of years and how she has slowed down in her cooking ventures. I can't imagine how that can be. I only remember my mom as beautiful young and spirited woman with four young kids, managing to look that great and cook great new food every day.

Tomato Curry Leaves Soup

I must tell you I take the idea of last meal on earth very seriously. Whatever food falls in that category, I make sure I teach M how to make it.  He doesn't know I'm doing this to him of course, that's my underlining, unsaid and vicious goal. And guess what? He's almost mastered this one. So far my last meal is looking good and in safe hands. Besides it's not all that vicious, it also makes sure he doesn't have to rely on take outs when I'm not going to be around until he joins me in India after a week. All my goals benefit human kind I tell you!

Saffron Pistachio Kulfi - An Indian Ice Cream

Most of my memories of India are from the times we went on vacation to India from Kuwait. As a kid though, the hot dry climate of Rajasthan wouldn't really get me excited. Not that Kuwait has any better climate, but we have been spoiled with central air conditioned environment all day long whereas the small town I come from, doesn't even have good supply of electricity. 

Baked Potato Wedges With Chat Masala - Guest Post for Xiaolu of 6 bittersweets

You might already know that Indians eat their food with hands instead of fancy cutlery. Eating food with hands might be looked down upon in some cultures, but to me, there is nothing more satisfying than rolling up homemade Indian chapati and dipping it into spicy curry with bare hands. Or eating soft, white basmati rice covered in gravy and licking off every last bit of grain. 

Lamb Kebab Sliders with Coriander Mint Mayo

One of my biggest pet peeve is when people consider spice to be spicy. In my early years when I used to take my lunch box to work, most of  my non-Indian colleagues said they can't eat Indian food as its too spicy. After much convincing, I offered them to at least try it. And ever since, every morning I get the question 'What's in lunch box today?'.

Two Ingredient Ice Cream (without an ice cream machine) - Cheesecake Brownie Ice cream

We all need easy desserts for days when nothing seems to go right. When all you remember about the day is a sigh. And I have been sighing a lot lately. I have ended up burning a dozen eggs this week, wore wrong socks to work and broke my favorite oil jar for instance.

Yeasted Dough - Monthly Mingle August

I'm so happy to announce that I will be hosting this month's Monthly mingle, brainchild event of talented  Meeta from What's For Lunch Honey. The exciting new theme is Yeasted dough. Whether its sweet or savory, its time to give life to some yeast in your kitchen!

My Favorite Chocolate Brownies

Baking is not a widely used method  in Indian cooking. Most of the cooking happens on stove top or tandoor when things are to be cooked at higher temperature. Even though growing up my mom baked a lot of savory food, sweet baking was rather rare. My mother in law on other hand never baked. When she was recently visiting us, she was completely fascinated about baking. I was pleasantly surprised, I didn't think she would take a liking to it immediately. But she did. I wrote tons of recipes for her to go back and try.

Lentil Stuffed Samosas - Dal ke Samose

Samosas make me extremely nostalgic. Not a potato filled ones but rather lentils and meat stuffed samosa which are a known delicacy of the little town I come from. Growing up, any feast or occasion had to include samosa. Mom starts her morning by making pastry from whole wheat flour which is similar to making roti. Two balls of dough are put together pressed at edges and then rolled out thinly. While its cooked on the griddle, the air fills and separates the two layer of pastry that were put together leading to two thin sheets of round pastry.

Peach Lassi Granita

Call me lazy but given a choice between eating fresh summer fruits to baking with them, I'm leaping on fresh fruits. From apricots, peaches, cherries, mangoes, watermelon and sometimes the exotic rambutan, every meal is followed by a bowlful of summer fruits.

Green Coriander Chutney and Garlic Coconut Chutney

There are only few things M and I can do together without shaking up the house. One is watching a movie. Of course, the movie has to involve at least one Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzennegger or the likes for M to stay fascinated while I plan the next blog post staring at the screen. Then, we can make condiments and chutney together. It’s like our weekend time together. 

Murgh Mughlai - Mughlai Chicken

You should make this and then die gleefully. Its so good, M often makes breakfast when I promise him this over the weekend. And the dishes. Tell me, can there be a better way to live life? Never mind that I often end up over eating it and stare at my thighs in real despair at the same time. Just run extra that day. Its all about balance.

Cold Lentil Yogurt Soup

A few years ago, a fine summer day M wanted Sarki. Now, I could barely remember what a Sarki was.  I was pretty sure the blame has to go on my mom, who most probably never made it at home.

Blackberry Honey Butter - A Guest Post by Sylvie from Gourmande in the Kitchen

Here's a gorgeous guest post from Sylvie from Gourmande in the Kitchen, a brilliant photographer and great food writer. Her posts always teach me something new,  like this how to plan a cheese tasting party or maintaining an indoor herb garden. She is also a very special friend and I'm so glad that our paths crossed. I could say many thing about her but in one word she is 'extra ordinary'. 

Aloo Matar Paratha - A Guest Post by Prerna of Indian Simmer

Prerna from Indian Simmer is among the first few friends I made on blogosphere, a friend I have learned from, being inspired by and share a common passion of making Indian food accessible to a wider audience. Apart from being a dear friend, great blogger, she is also fabulous photographer which I'm sure you can see from this post. I'm so glad she is on Journey Kitchen sharing one of my  favorite breakfast recipe - paratha with us!

Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes

I'm still on my little blog break and I have some fabulous guest posts later in the week but I thought this will be just the right post for today. 

Chana Bhatura - A Guest Post by Nisha of Look Who's Cooking Too

I like people who are honest. That's what's initially drew me towards Look Who's Cooking Too written by my lovely friend Nisha. Every time I'm at her blog, I want to leave a comment saying 'Oh that's my life story'. Apart from the fact that I relate so much with her and that she is honest and funny, her blog is  filled with great Indian recipes and I have so many of them bookmarked.

Poached Quince with Spices - A Guest Post by Anh of Anh's Food Blog

 

I'm struggling to put my mind on studying as chocolate craving seems to to touch the sky a few days before the exams. I start the morning by snacking on bitter chocolate chips and a piece (or pieces) of dark chocolate during the day. And I can't seem to go to bed without having a spoonful of nutella. I know! Please send help!


Apart from chocolate, another addiction I'm finding hard to get off is Twitter.  But I'm not complaining, since it has also connected me to some fabulous people around the globe. One of those friends being Anh from Anh's Food Blog.

Rhubarberric Macarons - A Guest Post by Xiaolu of Six Bitter Sweets

I'm always in awe of people who can bake beautiful things. I spend hours looking at baked creations and then sigh thinking to myself I can't make that! That's what's different about Xiaolu of Six Bitter Sweets.

Mango Pancakes with Saffron Cardamom Cream: A Guest Post by Soma of Ecurry

Its the time of the year I dread the most - exam times.  Food will be mostly takeouts, or instant sandwiches or M's dal for some days.

Savory Fennel Seed Oats

If anything M did good for me with regard to food, it must be that he made me a breakfast person.

Khajur ka Halwa - Indian Date Pudding/Halwa

Whatever be the health benefits of dates, I can vouch for the fact that it energies and revitalizes the body instantly. Its also an instant mood booster.

Fire Roasted Tomato Chutney

I have been trying very hard for last 3 years in making M (the husband) into a more adventurous eater.

Dum Aloo - Baby Potatoes Steamed in Spices and Yogurt

Two things that are always on demand for lunch at my office is biryani and dum aloo. Its less to do with my culinary skills than it is about the universal love for potatoes.

Apple Rabri/Rabdi and a Guest Post

The lovely Leemei from My Cooking Hut invited to do a guest post for her. How can I turn that down? She has a beautiful blog with great collection of Asian and French recipes. Not only that she is a fabulous photographer as well and I often seek inspiration from her blog. I was delighted when she requested an Indian sweet recipe, because there is always room for dessert isn't it?

Zeera Chawal - Cumin Rice

It never ceases to surprise me how different I and M-the husband are.We just can't say, do or act similarly in any given situation. Sure, we are born and bought up in different countries, quiet different "kind" of families, different food but even as people we are different species.

Gobi Butter Masala - Cauliflower { Butter Chicken Style }

Blogging world is full of weird people. I always praise of how I have met fabulous people through blogging all the time but today lets talk about the other side. Take up a chair, because this is lengthy.

Guest Post on Rasa Malaysia - Mango Chutney

When Bee suggested chutney for this guest post, I was elated. I can handle chutney I thought to myself. But when she suggested mango chutney, I was a bit hesitating at first.

Japan, Middle East and North Africa - With love

The events unfolding around the world in the last week or so has been overwhelming. 

Double Nutella Chip Cookies

Lately M - the husband is threatening me.

Fatteh Hummus - Its not just a dip its a meal!

As a newly wed, coming back to Kuwait after spending quite a few years in India, was a weird feeling to say the least. One might say, it should be a good feeling, Kuwait is after all were I was born and bought up. But the life back in India got the better of me.

Utterly Buttery Gingery Peas

Tell me tell me you loved the name of this recipe! 

Masala Chai - Indian Spiced Milk Tea

Tea to most Indians is like coffee is to the Western world even though coffee is more famous in Southern India. A simple cardamom studded chai is a daily affair in our lives.