Fenugreek In My Spice Cupboard

Fenugreek Seeds (methi seeds) have a bitter taste and distinct sweet aroma. This little but mighty flavorful spice is largely associated with Indian cooking.  The seeds tempered in hot oil, release a pungent yet sweet maple syrupy fragrance. They are hard little angular nuggets of mustard yellow with a little indentation in them. 

Often, fenugreek is dry roasted and ground to a powder. It is then added to pickles to balance out the tart and spicy flavors. Alternatively, it can be added to curries during the cooking process. The hard seeds are sometimes soaked over night and made into a dry curry seasoned with spices.

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Fresh Mango Pickle

It’s green mango season! Yes, it’s here and it doesn’t last too long. The young tiny and lip puckering unripe fruit of the mango tree is absolutely delicious. For a quick pickle, cut the tiny mangos into slivers and scatter with cayenne pepper, salt and a bit of dry garlic. If you’d like throw in some chopped cilantro. Stir in some good olive oil and hey presto your done!

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Tastes amazing as a condiment with anything really. I particular like eating it rolled up into a paratha (unleavened flaky flatbread) and washing it down with a cup of hot chaa!

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Crunchy Pizza

I made my first pizza when I was 11 years old or maybe sooner.  It was from the Ladybird children’s recipe book series.  It took me hours to make the dough alone.  I would cautiously warm the water, add the sugar and slowly pour in the yeast granules, watching the little globules scatter delicately into the water below.  I then stirred it and glowed at the transformation taking place before my eyes.  My favorite spot was leaving it in the sun near the swimming pool and watching it slowly bubble away. Mixing the dough was a feat I cherished. I spent more time than needed, kneading it. I loved the warm, squishy dough squeezing between my fingers. Continue reading

Dhaar with Vegetables – (Lentil and Vegetable Curry)

Ghee Goor and Roti – Crumbled Roti Sweetened with Jaggery

Mmmmmm yum! Still a family favorite! This recipe is still going strong in my household. We just had it for an after school snack.