Entertaining

Indian Spicy Fish Parcels – And an Ode

May 15, 2021 By Asha Shivakumar

White flaky Spicy Fish Parcels is simple, flavorful and authentic. Fish fillets are marinated in cilantro, red chilies, garlic, meethi/fenugreed, coconut oil, then wrapped in Indian-style banana leaves and pan fried. Serve very simply with some coconut and lime rice, it’s a treat.

A post dedicated to my dad. One year of lows and tears, but also thankful for those memories I created with HIM. Remembering him fondly, a person who has bequeathed me fond memories.

My dad and I had a weird relationship. We fought like crazy, like screaming crazy, and moments later made up and were never angry at each other. I remember he’d apologize to me always. He had strong opinions on how I dressed, disliked my edgy fashion choices at times. Dad felt that my parenting was too lenient. I questioned his beliefs and he gave up explaining rolling his eyes that he couldn’t change the way I thought. I’d say he was my toughest critic. But, in a large wedding hall, filled with five hundred people, sitting far away, his eyes would only be on me, admiring me. He was also my BIGGEST FAN!…

Rajasthani Onion Besan Paratha

May 1, 2021 By Asha Shivakumar

Rajasthani Onion Besan Paratha is truly a treat. Crispy and spicy, they go well with a side of yogurt or boondi raita. It puffs up, blisters beautifully and the stuffing of onion and besan is out of the world tasty. This will transport you to an authentic Rajasthani home.

While the world knows about naan and almost every food blogger has a recipe, that’s not a flatbread we make often in Indian homes. Rotis, chapathis or parathas is the common flatbread we make. Stuffed parathas are a treat on weekends. And they are probably my favorite, stuffed Rajasthani onion besan paratha comes on top.

Paratha

Parathas are made out of whole wheat flour, folded and cooked on a griddle. Stuffed paratha dough is slightly most softer than a chapathi dough and it’s popularly stuffed with potatoes, radishes, you think of it, you can stuff it. Onion Parathas are very popular to the region of Rajasthan. It’s slightly more spicier than the normal stuffed parathas. They are cooked on a thick griddle, but if you have a tandoor, nothing like it. The tandoor fills the inside of the flat bread with air pockets and bakes them to perfection.

Don’t be deterred by the number of ingredients in the recipe—although the process may look time-consuming, parathas are actually quick to make. Cook it on low and make sure to crisp them up. How crisp you make them, however, is up to your taste….

Jeera Hing Aloo Mattar Fry- Cumin spiced Potato and Peas

April 1, 2021 By Asha Shivakumar

This Cumin spiced Potato and Peas is a take on potato roast from Southern part of India~ this is a spring version and packs a punch. It uses the tiniest new potatoes you can find, and fresh garden peas. A perfect spring salad or serve with rotis.

Perfecting Indian food is truly an Art.

Indian cuisine has an overwhelming array of spices. The country’s fiery curries, complex rubs, and addictive street foods owe their flavor to a long list of spices from all over the world. These are combined, blended, fried, and toasted in millions of kitchens all over the country. The spices are not just for a layering effect of flavors, but also for their nutritional/medicinal values which are rooted in Ayurveda.

Having said that, Indian recipes also doesn’t have to be complex with a gazillion ingredients and steps. Sometimes all you need is couple of spices to make a dish, and you can taste India through that dish….

Spicy Baked Dry Samosa

March 22, 2021 By Asha Shivakumar

Baked dry samosa is such a delicious treat with a cup of coffee. Make them like these pretty flowers or like a traditional samosa, it’s delicious every way. Happy Spring!

Happy Spring!

To me festivals are a time to step away from the mundane life, to join your loved ones to celebrate, to look at the bright side of life filled with positivity. Friends, family and Fun. And of course food.

This year like last is no different, still being careful and distancing. But, there’ll be food baskets delivered:-). It’s been an entire year since all of our lives changed forever and through these times staying positive has been something we all have struggling with. Festivals have a new outlook: to me it’s always been about the deeper meaning, now more than ever. Yes, it connects us to our roots, culture and values, but also sharing the joy with the less fortunate is important too. Enjoying, relishing in the beauty, gloriousness of the moment that we are in and being thankful….

Meal in One Jumbo Chicken Meatballs- Baked Chicken Cheese Meatballs

March 19, 2021 By Asha Shivakumar

A meal in one, Jumbo Chicken Meatballs! This recipe everything but the kitchen sink. Wild rice, veggies, spices, all comes together to make a juicy delicious meatball. Serve it with a green chutney or marinara, it’s a meal in one.

Why I love to make jumbo meatballs? It makes for a great balanced meal. Satisfies kids and adults. We love our food spicy and this has the heat and perfect Spicy Meatballs.

My Jumbo Meatballs is a very easy recipe. These Chicken Meatballs are deliciously flavored with garlic and herbs! They have a juicy texture with a rich, hearty and garlicky flavor and no bread! It’s a perfect easy family dinner that everyone will love! You pretty much dump everything in a bowl and mix it together. Takes very little time to do and the meatballs themselves….delicious!…

Urad Daal Halwa/Ulundu Urandai

March 11, 2021 By Asha Shivakumar

Urad Dal Halwa or Ulundu Urandai is a sweet treat that’s very healthy, protein rich and a traditional recipe passed on by grandmothers.

My paternal grandmother was anything but traditional and conventional. She wanted all her grandkids to call her “Amma”(mom). She was progressive in many ways. I was 18 when she left us. I wasn’t matured enough to really ask her about her beliefs, her likes. Interestingly though, I didn’t need to interview her to know she was a lady after her own will. She danced to her own tunes.

She was not one to tell me: you need to learn to cook. All her boys were great cooks and helped her around. She most definitely didn’t scare me or her children into living a life like everyone did. She let me believe in me, gave me the strength to think for myself and supported me in ways no one did. She went against all norms. She had a big personality….

No Bake Orange Cheesecake

February 12, 2021 By Asha Shivakumar

This no-bake Orange cheesecake is a perfect delicious dessert. It’s light, smooth, tangy and folded with candied almonds, SO GOOD!

Love is many things. It is varied. One thing love is not, is unsure. ~Maya Angelou.~

In my many years on this beautiful earth, I’ve had the opportunity to learn love comes in many forms. Romantic love is wonderful, so is friendship, family and all the little acts of kindness towards strangers. Love is making people feel seen and heard, and allowing myself to receive the same in return. Because I’ll be honest, I’m all heart. I smother the people I love with Love and there are few things that make me happier. Being honest and open and truthful about how I feel is the core that drives my connections — and drives my writing.

Everyone’s love language is not sending-love-notes, wearing-their-heart-on-their-sleeve, saying-how-they-feel-all-the-time like me. Sometimes it’s quieter, sometimes it’s louder, but once I’ve started taking the time to see how Love, with a capital L, shows up in the world around me, it’s given me a little bit more hope in humanity and made my heart grow about 10 sizes bigger. So love big, your own way….

Hotel Style Vegetable Kurma

February 11, 2021 By Asha Shivakumar

This Hotel Style Vegetable Kurma is tasty, authentic and perfect with idli, dosa or appam. It’s made with plenty of veggies, including potatoes and cauliflower that have simmered in a spice-paste.

Some recipes are born out of necessity and this is definitely one of them.

I have a hankering for authentic meals quite often. At times being in US, with below average restaurant food makes me miss the traditional curries that we get in India even more. This mixed vegetable curry comes with dosa or idli in many restaurants and it’s so special, simple and so comforting.

My Vegetable Curry recipe has been in the works for a few months now and while you’ll need bit of fresh produce, the bulk of this recipe relies on pantry staples — spices. Then, with the fresh produce required, most of it is shelf stable for quite a long time — the onions, ginger, garlic, and potatoes….

8 Simple Decadent Valentine’s treats you must make

February 9, 2021 By Asha Shivakumar

Valentines Desserts cannot be more Impressive, Simple and decadent. From breakfast, to drinks to sweet treats.

I carry around a list in my brain… a list of things that I’m in love with. Actively in love with, everyday… just walking around in the world.I’m in love with fresh flowers at home, big and small rings, my not so perfect black cotton dress, girls who carry themselves with ease that I covet, planners, writing small notes of love to family members, the diffuser that has lemon essence in it, sit and day dream.This is aside from loving the people and pets around me. This love is separate from family and friends. This love sometimes steps to the back of my mind and I’m left feeling a little blaaaaaahhh…. until all the love comes rushing back and I remember that I’m totally in love with my life. I LOVE falling in love with life.I mean… think about it. Despite its messes and disappointments… and bills, there’s a lot to be in love with… even if it’s just the smell of your new shampoo, because it reminds you of toasted coconut. That someone who compliments you on voice, a stranger looks at you because you are special. There’s so many things in life to be happy about.As much as I dislike the concept of Valentines day, hey it’s important to be in love with life.I don’t even care how cheesy that sounds… because it feels good to be in love. Let’s celebrate with something sweet.

Here are my favorite Valentines Desserts:

CHURRO FRENCH TOAST SANDWICH

In my opinion these are the next best thing to Churros . These Churro french Toast Sandwiches are easy for anyone to make and is impressive. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside and they have a flavor no one can resist!

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Ultimate Top 10 Spicy Appetizers – Super bowl Recipes

February 4, 2021 By Asha Shivakumar

A roundup of Spicy Super Bowl recipes for one of the biggest sporting events of the year is coming up on Sunday. It’s going to be just us this year, but here are some fabulous Indian inspired appetizers to help you celebrate.

A roundup of Spicy Super Bowl recipes for appetizers worthy of a touchdown. I love spicy appetizers for every party. It works great for game night parties.

All of the Super Bowl food recipes below are ones I’ve made multiple times. These are pretty much the only recipes I make for super bowl parties. Of course this year, it’s going to be just us, but I will be make a couple of these spicy appetizers.

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