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Parsnip Leek Spicy Pancakes -Gluten free Vegetable Pancake and Vegan

June 13, 2018 By Asha Shivakumar

This savory, gluten-free, and vegan treat is so versatile, and this combination of parsnip and leek is delicious. The sweetness from the parsnips and the onion-like crunch from the leeks make this gluten-free vegetable pancake a perfect snack, or lunch on a bed of salad.

Do we post on social media for ourselves or others?

People are self-centered (not the same as selfish), and that’s a fact. Sharing in general – and the sharing of content in particular – offers a personal benefit, even if we don’t realize it. We might get a kick out of storytelling, and when someone relates to it and writes back, there’s a special connection, an insulin high. I am ever so grateful for all the inspiration, the work I’ve gotten through social media. But……

Cabbage Puttu/Stirfry – Vegetable Dry Sabzi South Indian style

May 20, 2018 By Asha Shivakumar

This easy weeknight South Indian style cabbage puttu-stirfry is spicy and gingery, and it’s perfect with some roti or chapathi.

There are people who like to say how exactly they feel about certain foods. They don’t like the taste, it’s too sour or too sweet, or “Why would I ever eat that? It seems too healthy.”

I live with these types of people.. I was one, oh well, I’m still one.

They are firm non-believers of the cabbage family….

Salvadoran Sweet Bread / Semitas De Dulce (Sweet Stuffed Bread)

May 15, 2018 By Asha Shivakumar

This Salvadoran Sweet Bread / Semitas De Dulce is a traditional bread stuffed with panela/jaggery. A delicious twist on the classic recipe is to use your favorite jam as a filling.

You have to taste the culture to understand it.

We travel for many reasons. To explore, for love, for glory, for adventure, for thrills, to get away from reality, to relax. For the new and the familiar, for sensory thrills and serenity, for socialization and isolation, for risk and reward, for the journey and the story and the secrets. I travel for all these reasons. Which is all just another way of saying that I travel to eat….

The Best Homemade Soap – Coffee-Chocolate Honey Exfoliating and Nourishing Soap

May 9, 2018 By Asha Shivakumar

This easy and nourishing homemade soap is easily customizable and makes for a perfect gift for Mother’s Day, Teachers’ Appreciation Week, for friends, or just for yourself.

Mother’s Day weekend is a few days away. Happy Mother’s Day to all you lovely mom’s out there. Including the moms to all the fur babies too!!

What is a better gift than chocolate, flowers, and homemade goodies for moms?

I’m a sucker for homemade skin care, and haven’t used a store bought soap in years. I first started out making homemade LIP BALM years ago. Then it was hair oil, BATH BOMBS, and soaps….

Kovakkai/Tindora/Ivy Gourd Curry Easy Curry with Chickpea Flour and Peanuts

February 22, 2018 By Asha Shivakumar

This is a simple delicious curry for vegetarian and meat lovers. This kovakkai/tindora Ivy gourd curry with chickpea flour and peanuts is absolutely a treat for the vegetarian lovers. Have it with rotis, and it’s perfect.

We all hail from different ethnic backgrounds and cultures, and have limitations on what we do eat and not.

There are many myths in different cultures, and we Indians are quite famous for it. When you grow up in a distinctive culture, it’s bound to influence your lifestyle, your belief system — and perhaps most enjoyably, your diet. Eat okra, you’ll do well in math. Eat too much ivy gourd, your brain will not be as smart (no joke, I’ve seen people say this), don’t have banana after 6 p.m, or my favorite one, don’t have yogurt rice after you eat meat. I’ve heard it all….

Caramel Cardamom Affogato

February 13, 2018 By Asha Shivakumar

Caramel Cardamom Affogato. It’s simple, it’s classy, it’s refined yet unfussy, it requires almost no effort and a mere two or three ingredients, yet it can finish a meal on a note as strong and sexy, as the espresso used to make it.

I run away from pinks and hearts as far as I can. I remember the days, when giddy young girls/friends would wait for a flower or pink balloon or a card and I hid under tables. Valentines was never my thing. Didn’t understand it then, don’t get it now.

But, desserts are my thing. Being a big fan of coffee, affogato is as sexy as it can get. Simple and absolutely non fussy, can be whipped up in no time and hits a spot always….

Quick Yellow Thai Curry – 20 Min.

January 24, 2018 By Asha Shivakumar

This quick yellow Thai curry will both impress you and leave you craving for more. It’s so easy, and you don’t even need any paste. It’s a weekly staple in our home.

If there’s one thing we would take out quite often, but I was still overwhelmed by, it was Thai food. For some reason, for years I thought making Thai curry with Thai paste was laborious. Well, making a Thai curry paste does require a few ingredients, but it’s actually quite simple as I later learned. However, on the days I run out of my curry paste and have a hankering for Thai Curry, this is my go to….

Vegan Healthy Vegetable Dal with Kale and Yam

January 15, 2018 By Asha Shivakumar

This vegan healthy vegetable dal is filled with ton of good veggies, kale and yam and carrots. Perfect hearty meal.

We are mid Jan and I have been on a vegetable high this month on the blog and otherwise. We make many different types of dal and I’ve been fond of mixing a few different legumes for a hearty and delicious meal. Dal seems to be one of the biggest source of protein for vegetarian eaters. South Indians love their dal and this has become one is become by absolute favorite, healthy vegetable dal….

Quinoa Ven/Khaara Pongal with Gotsu

January 12, 2018 By Asha Shivakumar

The first festival of the year for Tamilians, Pongal. This quinoa pongal with gotsu is a slightly healthier alternative to the classic pongal that is usually made on this festival with rice.

Happy Pongal / Sankranti to all who celebrate!! When they say India is a land of festivals, it is true. We probably have a festival every month of the year. The crazy part is that they are not small festivals; each one is big. Pongal is a harvest festival dedicated to Sun God. It’s a celebration of the first crop. It’s celebrated over four days, each day with its own significance. You can read more about the mythology and significance behind Pongal here.…

Crispy Thai Tofu Tacos with Avocado Cream

January 8, 2018 By Asha Shivakumar

Crispy Thai tofu tacos with avocado sauce, oh yum!! Once you make this tofu once, you’ll not stop. It’s so addictive, and oh so good.

Let’s play a game! Take a shot every time you see the word “crispy” in this post.

My love of tofu continues. I absolutely enjoy some spicy crispy tofu tacos drenched in sauce. Tell me, what’s your favorite way to enjoy tofu?

As we get into the second week of 2018, I get even more excited. My cookbook, MASALA AND MEATBALLS, will be out tomorrow. And we all are so excited. This is one of the recipes that was this close to getting in the book, but I had to edit it out, along with many other favorites. However, when your meat-loving family says it tastes just like meat, I just knew I had to share it here….