Masala Eggplant in Jersey City

Conjuring up this dish brings back fond memories of living in a highrise apartment in Jersey City, right along the Hudson River. The whiff of the nigella seeds toasting in oil, reminds me of floating blocks of ice gliding across the river in front of me as I peered out of the large windows framing the Manhattan skyline.

Masala Eggplant Close up

Usually in the evening, with my pots simmering away in my awesome little kitchen – I’d sit near the window and gaze across the river into the city, waiting patiently for my husband to come home. Now, now, don’t get carried away with your imagination, it was not like an Indian movie…and I was surely not wearing a sari. Well not on that day anyway 😉 Continue reading

How to Make Basmati Rice

1 cup basmati rice
1 tbspn ghee
salt to taste (I ussualy add 1 tsp of sea salt)

Rinse the rice with cold water about 3 times, drain and then transfer to a deep pan.  Add 2 cups of water, the ghee and salt.  Bring to a boil on medium high heat.  Reduce the heat to medium low, cover the pan and let the rice cook till most of the water has evaporated (when you see little holes forming around the rice).  Close the lid, turn off the heat and let the rice steam for 15 more minutes.  To serve, lightly fluff with a fork and spoon into individual plates or pile into a huge serving bowl, family style.

  • Tips and Childhood Memories

Childhood Memories

I remember when growing up, my mum served the rice straight out of the pan.  This kept the rice warm for second helpings.

A delicious childhood memory, especially on cold wintry days, was eating hot rice with crunchy sugar and loads of yummy ghee.

Another way of indulging in a bowl full of rice is to lather it with plain yogurt and a dollop of spicy indian pickle.

Pure heaven!