This one is a special treat to all my salsa enthusiasts, ENJOY!
The Sunderban Jungles, in West Bengal, India, are the home of some of the most beautiful cats of the world, the Royal Bengal Tigers. From the village of Sajnakhali in that area, comes the recipe for this salsa, which has been handed down in my family, mother to daughter, for almost 200 years. Read the rest of this entry »
Breakfast food in India is different from lunch or dinner. Breakfast dishes vary from state to state, and all families cook different. Some families cook the British standard breakfast, cereal, milk, fruit, eggs and toast with butter and jam. The usual creamy curries, nut and tomato based heavy sauces are not found. Vegetables mostly and meats are cooked with some seasonings. Indian Flatbreads, like plain Rotis or Chapatis are made quite often. There is also deep Fried Breads called Puris and griddle fried ones called Parathas. These can be filled or plain. They are eaten with a boiled light Daal or Lentil Soup seasoned with a little cumin, or a very simple mixed vegetable dish. Sometimes there is some plain yogurt over some rice and a little chutney or pickle as a relish. Methi Aloo or Fenugreek and Potato is one of the most healthy and popular curries to go with breakfast. You can get a bunch of fenugreek leaves at an Indian grocery store or grow some from fenugreek seeds in your garden. This is a delightful herb which is good for every part of your anatomy. It is a little bitter like Arugula but is excellent cooked with potatoes or vegetables and rolled up in a Chapati. Here is a nice Vegan Vegetarian Gluten free recipe: Read the rest of this entry »
The Santhals are the largest tribal community in India. They are found mainly in the States of Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Orissa. These people prefer to live by the forests and rivers with their own unique religion and culture. They speak a language called Santhali. They are mostly hunters and fishermen. These tribes are very happy among themselves. They have a tribal leader or Chief who settles any disputes. After they hunt and kill animals they make sacrifices to their Gods and then while they are cooking it they play drums, dance around the fire and drink locally made alcohol. Read the rest of this entry »
Ghee or Clarified Butter is one of the most flavorful ingredients in Indian Cuisine. Naan Breads with Ghee is eaten as a meal in itself. Here is an interesting story of how important Ghee can be in Indian Food and Culture.
Some time ago in Punjab India, there was a Holy man who lived on the streets of his village. People used to give him food and he would take some for himself and gave the rest away. Read the rest of this entry »
