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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Achaari Chicken – Chicken with Spicy Mango Pickle

Achaari Chicken

“Nah!  It’s not really cold yet!”  I’ve been repeating this to myself every day.  Well… the weather hasn’t dipped that low yet.   Come on, don’t frown – it’s Minnesota for goodness sake!  If I complain of the cold, I might as well pack my bags and leave.

Walking to the bus stop yesterday morning was bitterly cold.  I felts little streams of tears running down my face and no, I was not crying,  my eyes were watering from the bitter wind blowing into them. Continue reading

Curry Leaf infused Cranberry Sauce

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Thanksgiving is a holiday we absolutely adore!  It’s my son’s favorite!  We have for several years now celebrated it in our home with the whole shebang.  I brine the turkey for a couple of days and then dry rub it with loads of spices just before shoving it into the oven for several hours.  As it leaves it’s warm cocoon, the golden bird is greeted with all the glory of a coronation, with many eyes feasting on its magnificence. Continue reading