coriander, cumin, fenugreek, garam masala, cardamom, mustard seed, turmeric, chili powder, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, curry leaves, cilantro, chilis...

 

Indian cuisine has always sparked my interest but has been very foreign to me.  Other than cumin and a few other ingredients I was a deer in headlights.  My determination and passion in the kitchen lead me to Kamini.  She welcomed me into her world of colorful cuisine, filled with warm notes of cardamom, spicy sprinkles of chilis and pops of bright citrusy cumin. To begin our adventure we traveled to the local Indian market! You know I LOVE MARKETS! I was like a kid on Christmas morning! As Kamini and I strolled through the earthy fruits and veggies, roots in tact, she fulfilled my curiosity with more knowledge than I had expected.  I thought Indian cuisine was all about curry piled atop white rice! Well well well...that is just the beginning my foodie friends. Cinnamon aids in digestion and is known for its blood sugar and cholesterol lowering properties.  Cardamom with its lemony eucalyptus flavor cures bad breath, loss of appetite, depression, indigestion... Fenugreek encompasses a very bitter taste but is a great blood purifier, laxative and helps maintain metabolism.  Turmeric gives Indian food its rich appetizing color, reduces liver toxins and can be used as a natural anti-septic for small cuts. These health benefits are only a few that I thought might GRAB your curiosity! I had no idea either! Kale and quinoa, as much as I love you and always will MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!

 

 





the SPICE of LIFE

 

 

Not so sure about these...

 

 

Rice anyone?

 

 

Warmth

 

 

L.E.N.T.I.L.S.

 After our field trip, it was time to head home and get busy! We picked up this traditional Indian Street food at the market to tide us over before our feast! Dholka makes for a delish breakfast  with a cup of tea and a drizzle of chutney. This sponge-like snack is made from fermented chickpea batter and rice seasoned with chilies, mustard seeds and garnished with coconut and coriander.

 

 



This was so yummy! If I had to compare it to something more familiar, I would say it was kinda like cornbread but more airy and def not Paula Dean approved!  As I savored every nibble my nose was awaken by vibrant green cilantro Kamini was gathering.

 

 

Cilantro plays that LOVE or HATE relationship with most but with me I'm in LOVE

When incorporating this fresh herb into your summer recipes make sure you rinse it more than once! It is extremely sandy and as much as I love the beach and crunch, I'm not a fan of grit!

 

 

Cilantro+green pep (HOT)+garlic+ginger+salt+pep+sugar+ a touch of water whipped up in the blender=DAMN GOOD CHUTNEY

 

 

This smelled like glue...I am an art teacher n' all

 

 

Mixed with a little water, this become the wrap, pita, naan, crepe, DOSA for our yummy potato mixture that was steaming away!

 

 

The potatoes were tossed by hand with spoonfuls of these gorgeous colors! Followed by a couple pinches of sugar(traditional in most dishes to balance the flavors)

 

 

When it all came together this was our masterpiece! Dosa filled with warm, perfectly flavored comfort with a side of cilantro and coconut chutney.  As I observed our work of art, I couldn't figure out how in the world I was supposed to eat this thing! Kamini and her beautiful girls taught me the ropes! HANDS! We ripped pieces of Dosa and picked up the delish pots not leaving the plate without a swipe of green and white! OhEmGee!! My heart and soul were feeling the love.

 

 

And THIS is what its all about! These beautiful, young, innocent smiles enjoyed every bite! At the end of my visit I felt like I was home.  THIS is what cooking is! Connection, curiosity, warmth, creativity, peace, sharing, experimenting, knowledge, smiling hearts and spices that flavor our body and souls forever!