You will be surprised at how much flavor toasted cumin seeds add to this salad. If you find leeks to be on the stronger side with an edgy bite to it, you can use garlic instead in this hearty and healthy salad. Continue reading Sugar Snap Peas, Leeks & Asparagus Cumin Quinoa Salad
Tag Archives: spices
Uma’s Spiced Coconut Quinoa
This coconut quinoa dish is a variation of a traditional South Indian Tamil rice pilaf called Thenga Sadham (coconut rice). In this version my cousin Uma made the same coconut rice but with quinoa instead of rice when we went for lunch one weekend. Continue reading Uma’s Spiced Coconut Quinoa
Herbal Transformations. Ancient Wisdom Revealed for Health and Longevity by Uma Swaminathan
Herbal Transformations: Ancient Wisdom Revealed for Health and Longevity Using Herbs and Spices, Yoga, Hygiene and Spirituality. The title says it all. My aunt Uma Swaminathan is the author of this wonderful book that gives you valuable information about Indian spices and herbs and also shows you how to use them to enhance the positive aspects of those spices and herbs. Continue reading Herbal Transformations. Ancient Wisdom Revealed for Health and Longevity by Uma Swaminathan
Ranjit’s South Indian Pan Sautéed Fish
My brother-in-law Ranjit is an amazing cook. He made this outstanding South Indian pan sautéed fish one evening when we visited him and my sister in Philadelphia over the summer. The whole family loved it, kids and adults alike. Being vegetarian I didn’t taste it, but what he made looked so good that I wished I did eat fish. Ranjit served the fish with rice and the combination of golden yellow fish and fluffy white basmati rice looked positively gorgeous on the plate. I asked Ranjit to share the recipe, and here it is. Continue reading Ranjit’s South Indian Pan Sautéed Fish
Dark Chocolate Fruit & Nut Bark with Apricots and Candied Ginger
I love Cadbury’s Fruit and Nut Bar. It’s my favorite chocolate. I thought about making some at home but decided it was best to leave it to Cadbury’s to make it the way they do – just perfect. Instead I decided to make a more adult fruit and nut bar with dark chocolate and some of my favorite dried fruits and nuts like apricots, pistachios, and candied ginger. I also added saffron to give the chocolate an exotic flavor. Here is the recipe. Continue reading Dark Chocolate Fruit & Nut Bark with Apricots and Candied Ginger
Mushroom Curry with Shredded Paneer Cheese
This mushroom dish is a perfect dinner option on a cool evening. It tastes wonderful over hot steaming rice, quinoa or couscous. I used shredded paneer cheese in this mushroom curry, but you could easily substitute paneer with shredded chicken or any meat of your choice. Continue reading Mushroom Curry with Shredded Paneer Cheese
Roasted Veggies with Hard-boiled Eggs and Spices
Roasted Veggies with spices and hard-boiled Eggs is a delicious and colorful dish chock full of veggies, and packed with flavor.
Continue reading Roasted Veggies with Hard-boiled Eggs and Spices
Cardamom Spiced Warm Apple Almond Crumble
A couple weeks ago I received loads of homegrown apples from my friends Devi and Swati. Between the two of them I had over 35 apples! How fast can we eat all these apples I wondered. I figured this would be the perfect time to make my Cardamom Spiced Warm Apple Almond Crumble.
Continue reading Cardamom Spiced Warm Apple Almond Crumble
Sundal. Savory Chickpeas and Coconut Snack
Every year in the fall, during the ten-day Indian festival of Navrathri, I am invited to a few of my friend’s homes for Golu where we are treated to a traditional south Indian Tamil snack called Sundal. We always look forward to eating this dish. In fact, all Tamilians make sundal for special occasions and there are many variations. Sundal is made with different types of pulses or legumes. Continue reading Sundal. Savory Chickpeas and Coconut Snack
Black Bean & Corn Salsa
I had a small group of friends over for a holiday tea a few months ago. I thought a simple tea would be a great way to get all of us together and catch up. Everyone offered to bring something, and we ended up with a wide variety of snacks and treats. Continue reading Black Bean & Corn Salsa