A Fragrant Embrace: Indian-Style Rice and Lentil Pilaf There are meals that nourish the body, and then there are meals that nourish the soul. This Indian-style Rice and Lentil Pilaf falls squarely into the latter category for me. It’s a dish that evokes the warmth of a bustling Indian kitchen, the gentle hum of conversation, … Read more
REALLY FLAVOURFUL Cottage Cheese (Paneer) Shashlik There’s a certain magic that happens when humble ingredients are transformed by heat and spice. I remember the first time I encountered paneer shashlik, not in a fancy restaurant, but at a bustling street food stall during a trip through India. The air was thick with the aroma of … Read more
Zucchini Slippers: A Summer Comfort Classic I remember one particularly sweltering August afternoon, the kind where the air itself feels heavy and sluggish. My grandmother, a woman whose kitchen was always a haven of fragrant possibilities, pulled out a tray from the oven. The aroma that wafted out was surprisingly light and savory, a far … Read more
Quick Sautéed Curry Style Vegetables: A Burst of Flavor in Minutes There are some dishes that just whisper home. For me, it’s not a specific elaborate meal, but rather the vibrant, comforting aroma that wafts from a pan of quickly sautéed vegetables infused with curry. I remember one particularly hectic weeknight, staring into the refrigerator … Read more
Ishtu: A Taste of Kerala’s Comforting Embrace There are certain dishes that don’t just nourish the body, but also wrap you in a warm hug of memory. For me, Ishtu is one of those culinary treasures. I first encountered this gentle, unassuming stew during a trip to Kerala, the verdant southern state of India, many … Read more
Yummy Low Carb Low Fat Grilled Eggplant I’ve always believed that healthy eating shouldn’t mean sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. For years, I’ve encountered clients and friends who felt resigned to bland, uninspiring meals when trying to manage their weight or follow specific dietary plans. I recall one gentleman, a notorious skeptic of anything labeled “diet … Read more
Roasted Cauliflower and Potatoes with Lemon and Feta: A Symphony of Textures and Tastes There’s something profoundly satisfying about transforming humble vegetables into a dish that sings with flavor and aroma. I remember the first time I made this roasted cauliflower and potato dish. It was a brisk autumn evening, and I was looking for … Read more
Quinoa-Stuffed Vine Leaves: A Lighter, Brighter Take on a Mediterranean Classic I remember the first time I encountered a stuffed vine leaf that wasn’t heavy with rice and ground lamb. It was at a small, bustling taverna on a Greek island, the air thick with the scent of oregano and sea salt. The waitress, with … Read more
White Beans Plaki: A Hug in a Bowl There’s something magical about a dish that can transform a skeptic into an admirer, especially when that dish features humble beans. I remember a time, years ago, when my partner, a staunch “no beans” advocate, sat down to a plate of White Beans Plaki. The aroma, a … Read more
The Quintessential Falafel: A Taste of the Middle East, Crafted with Love The aroma of freshly fried falafel, a symphony of toasted chickpeas, earthy cumin, and a hint of spice, has always been a siren’s call for me. I remember a particularly vibrant market stall in Beirut, the vendor, a gentleman with hands stained ochre … Read more
Kashk-E-Bademjan: A Creamy, Smoky Embrace from Persia There are some dishes that transport you instantly, that carry with them the echoes of bustling bazaars, warm family kitchens, and the comforting aroma of home. Kashk-E-Bademjan is one of those dishes for me. I remember the first time I tasted it, not in a fancy restaurant, but … Read more