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Food stories

Come on into my kitchen. Let’s cook! 5 (2)

Take a look around. One wooden kitchen island with a small dog perched on it. Tilt your glance to the right, and nestled in a corner is a baker’s rack where rows and rows of lentils sit hugging one another. Turn the corner at 3 o’clock and there’s Umbu sunning herself on the window ledge, […]

New York Specials

Authentic Mexican Chilaquiles Verdes e Rojos–the Vegetarian & Vegan Edition 0 (0)

In order to understand chilaquiles, think tortilla casserole or lasagna. Layers and layers of tortilla chips with sauce and toppings sandwiched in between. Just like any sandwich, lasagna or casserole, chilaquiles are susceptible to variations depending on taste and/or preferences. The Chips You have two options: Buy tortillas from your local grocery store and make […]

Super Easy 10 Min. Indian Vermicelli Stir-Fry--Breakfast on the Go
Recipes, Indian Classics Revisited, Noodle Corner, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Toddler Meals

Super Quick 10 Min. Vermicelli Stir-Fry (Semiya Upma)–Breakfast on the Go 5 (1)

What is Vermicelli? Super thin noodles that can be made from semolina-wheat, durum-wheat, rice flour, or some combination of these flours. They cook very very swiftly. Why This Recipe? The a.m. hours can be a stressful time–getting ready for work, packing lunches, juggling the demands of toddlers preparing the morning meal. This 10 Min. Indian […]

Farfalle in Walnut-Arugula Pesto
Recipes, California Days, Italian Nights, Noodle Corner

Farfalle in Quick & Easy 5 Min. Walnut-Arugula Pesto 0 (0)

As the mother of a 4-year old, I love pestos, particularly this Walnut-Arugula Pesto. Pestos require minimal prep work or cooking, are incredibly nutritious, and they freeze really well. So when my mini-mo suddenly says at 3 p.m. “Mama, my tummy is hungry”, I spring into action, Boil kettle Toss the boiling water & pasta […]

White Bean Soup
Recipes, California Days, Italian Nights, Toddler Meals

Quick & Easy Instant Pot Ribollita-A Hearty White Bean Soup With Toasted Croutons & Barley 0 (0)

The ribollita (white bean soup) I fell in love with at a small Italian enoteca near Chelsea Market was clear and uncluttered, infused with kale and veggies and a light smattering of beans. There was no bread. Since, then I’ve had many versions of this beloved dish–with breadcrumbs, with chunks of sourdough, with large slices […]

Eggplant Boureka--Crisp, flaky & golden
Recipes, California Days

Light, Flaky & Golden Eggplant Bourekas–Warm Eggplant & Creamy Cheese In Crisp Pastry Puffs 0 (0)

My Eggplant Bourekas are part of a long tradition of savory pastries or pies that can be found in many parts of the world. Argentina has Empanadas, India has Samosas & Veggie Puffs, Greece has Spanakopitas, Ethiopia has Sambusas and Israel has Bourekas. Some pies are baked in the oven, others are fried. Some are […]

Creamy, luscious Hariyali Paneer
Recipes, California Days, Something Olde, Something New

Hariyali Paneer ( A Creamy, Decadent and Nutritious Mixed Greens Curry With Fresh Indian Cheese) 0 (0)

What is Hariyali Paneer? There is an abundance of leafy green curry recipes amongst the regional cuisines of India. Hariyali Paneer borrows differe elements from cuisines and brings it all together harmoniously in one dish. Shades of palak and saag panner (spinach & mustard greens curry) can be seen in the way the leafy greens […]

Light and refreshing Indian Cabbage Curry
Recipes, New York Specials

Light & Refreshing Indian Cabbage Curry on Lower East Side (Dhaba Style Patta Gobi Ki Sabzi) 5 (2)

On April 2, 2010, The Economic Times published an article with a title that loudly asked “an [i[conic Indian cabbage dish likely?” My answer? Every desi family, in almost every region in India, has a cabbage curry that’s mouth-watering. It’s an embarrasment of riches. The question is not whether there is an iconic Indian cabbage […]