Lentils

Healthy Creamy Kale-Lentil Daal

January 3, 2017 By Asha Shivakumar

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Wishing you all a very wonderful 2017!!

I woke up on NYE, reflecting on how it was a wonderful 2016.

When I say wonderful, it was, with some complexity. It had its ups and downs. And when I say wonderful, I meant that I chose to focus on the wonderful things. I tried to focus on the positive things. I learnt how to heal myself and look at what I had in front of me. I learnt that there’s no right way of life, no right way of living, or a perfect life. Perfection is a perception. It’s what we make of it.…

Lentil-Radish Salad with Chili-Lime Dressing (Guest Post)

March 17, 2016 By Asha Shivakumar

Lentil-Radish Salad with Chili-Lime Dressing |foodfashionparty|Guest post by @boxofspice

With the rain and winds, the Bay Area is filled with pollen too. The only way I can communicate now, without messing my vocal chords completely, is to whisper. For some reason the husky and sexy voice(as someone called it) doesn’t seem to suit me and I’ve had a few people feel bad, laugh and make fun of me all at the same time :). It’s one of the worst sore throats I have ever had, and I refuse to go to the doctor. Trying to have green tea with honey, fresh turmeric and everything to soothe my poor little throat. I am so very thankful and grateful to Rakhee from boxofspice to fill my space today with one of her impressive salads.

As Rakhee puts it, we’ve known each other for the longest. I fell in love with her gorgeous photography and this post in particular Chaat Salad, and now we are great friends and I am in love with her personality too. She’s all ears when I want to and makes me feel like a million bucks (what more can anyone ask). Her artistic eye for dreamy and moody photography requires a standing ovation and her salads all belong in a magazine. Without further ado… Here’s Rakhee. Take it away my dear…..

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Garlicky Mung/Moong Bean-Dill-Pomegranate Spicy Warm Salad

January 21, 2016 By Asha Shivakumar

After a couple of years of pretty severe drought in the Bay, the wet weather for the past few weeks is a welcome change. I definitely am happy to hear the pitter-patter of the rain and rumble of the leaves. The deep brown soil turning brown and the dry brown grass on the mountains turning green are some very pretty sights.

Waking up to dark gray clouds, the sounds of rain, the trembling trees all makes us want to snuggle a bit more. Turning and struggling to wake up, going down for a hot cup of coffee and to a silent almost ‘pin drop silence’ except for the rain was an ideal start to my perfect day.

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3 Bean Carrot-Spinach Soup (Spicy Indian Style)

January 22, 2015 By Asha Shivakumar

While in many places it’s snowing and freezing, late winter brings bright sunny weather in Northern California. I had to remind myself that it is winter as I drove around in 65 degree weather today. The excitement of winter is only when we drive up for a few hours to see the snow. After a few rash rains, the doldrums of January bring foggy mornings and warm yet cozy afternoons. The sun stays awake for as long as it can, as the fog gives us the perfect picturesque view on early morning walks. Living in the Bay Area sure has its beautiful moments….

PUMPKIN ON LENTIL AND COUSCOUS GALETTE

October 6, 2013 By Asha Shivakumar

It’s the season of Pumpkins.

It’s very overwhelming when you move from a place where you are born, raised and have a big family to a place where you know no one. The rules, the grocery store, the weather, food and getting adjusted to a different way of living poses a challenge. It can can get very lonely if you don’t have anyone to talk to, spend some time on the weekends.

When I moved here, I was blessed with a great set of my hubby’s friends. They knew each other from early college days. Eventually, everyone got married in the group. Had kids almost at the same time. Growing up together and to see kids get along well, sure is nice thing. I don’t feel so lost anymore after a fun 17 years here.
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Obbat/ Puran poli – Happy Father’s Day!!

June 15, 2013 By Asha Shivakumar

Distance means so little when someone means so much.

~Anonymous

Obbat/ Puran poli – Happy Father’s Day!!

If you could describe your dad in three words, what would it be??

My DAD,as he would like to be called as ‘a man of simple needs’. The oldest of all, he grew up with a huge family and lots of responsibilities. Man of principles, with very strong opinions and seasoned habits.

Holding his hands, going for a walk every Sunday evening was our ritual which I enjoyed. His over protective and possessive nature played a huge part in my life. His strong opinion on not allowing me in the kitchen to cook was annoying, but coming back home from work with a bagful of goodies always made me happy. He would sit for hours over my bedside when I had a fever, pampered me like crazy which I miss the most as I’m surrounded with three boys who need pampering all the time. Among a lot of his attributes, one of the things I admire most is his love for food. To him, all food was either “marvelous” or not worth mentioning. He taught me that food is an experience, how you make it and how you serve it, the pleasure it brings leaves an impression.

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