Strawberry Jam with Redcurrant

Everything seems to be going on a little slower pace. And yes, I’ve been infinitely slow with updates. Except here.

The exciting news is, I’ve finally—yes finally—upgraded from a point and shoot camera to a DSLR—oh joy! Yes, after twenty-five amazing months of indulging in food photography and styling with a P&S, I’m now the proud owner of a SLR. 

About time, huh?

Spiced Red Beans and Green Banana — Kaya Vanpayar Mezhukkupuratti

The morning slants of sunlight are a little sluggish. A little less dazzling. As if this is the beginning. The beginning of summer’s end.

The long summer days are leisurely falling into longer winter nights.

Fall-ing. 

Slowly. But surely.

Mango Lemonade

Featured in the Kitchn delicious links, and 10 refreshing lemonade recipes to try 

Iced Tea and Lemonades on Design Crush

Ramadan is almost here—the most wonderful and magical time of the Islamic calendar. And on these last few days, with each day bringing us a little closer to the fasting season, there’s so much to think about, so much to do—iftar meals to plan and to attend, guest lists to confirm, suhoor meals to schedule, without having to worry about getting new abhayas tailored, and plenty more Ramadan-y things to get hopelessly lost in. But for now, before I get whisked away to a flurry of activities, I’m taking a few minutes for a quick hello, and share this delightful citrusy drink to set the Ramadan mood, and as usual, fill this space with plenty of photos too.

Pavakka Mulakittadu — Sour and Spicy Bitter Melon Curry — Karela from Kerala

Native to tropical Asia, Africa and Caribbea, and found usually in Asian markets, bitter melon or bitter gourd is not everyone’s cup of tea. Wonder why? Think bitter. Seriously bitter. With a lingering flavor. Yes, true to its name, the alarming bitter taste and smell is the main drawback for  haters, not the bumpy green skin. Due to its unappealing flavor, bitter melon is more confined to its roots of origin—global cooks don’t see much of this fruity vegetable, or for that matter, know of its existence. Known about as pavakka or kaipakka in Malayalam, and karela in Hindi and Urdu, it is commonly used in Indian and Pakistani cooking.

Sparkling Apple Lemonade—pretty pink summer cooler

Sun-kissed sand, sparkling sea, bright beautiful days, golden warmth, umbrellaed drinks, and the scent of sweet blossoms.

We are headstrong into summer, ha.

The sun is shining, birds are singing, and everything seems more vibrant, more hopeful.

And on this beautiful Wednesday afternoon, I sit by the window sipping on a bottle of lemonade, soaking in the charms of the season, lost in profound thoughts of things to do.

Pineapple Passion Chiller with Curried Chickpeas Salad — Guest Post for Flavour Fiesta

This week is a flurry of excitements, beautiful inspirations, new beginnings, a delicious toast to celebrate friendship, and a peek behind the screen.

My very first guest post, featuring two recipes to enjoy outdoors during the warmer spring days, is published at this utterly beautiful and inspiring space, Flavour Fiesta (FF). Also fun was to share the moment, answering a few questions with the gorgeous author, Divya.

Rasam — Hot and Sour Vegan Soup

Rasam is synonymous with soup. Sassy, clear soup. A South Indian staple.

Pleasantly light, fabulously sour and delightfully spicy. With full flavors of—sweet, sour, salty, spicy—in every bite. Ahhh, bliss!

Besides, a glass of rasam is a surefire way to boost your health and spirits whenever you are under the weather. Oh yeah. The punchy flavors are good for whatever ails you, and -- equally good for digestion, too.

Steamed Rice-Cake with Black Garbanzo Beans Curry — Puttu with Kadala

The weather was gorgeous the past few days. In the midst of rising mercury, we were back to spring with the drizzling rain. Oh yeah. Drizzling rain, balmy breeze and peals of thunder. Aha. The tinkling wind chimes and sweet fragrance of flowers from my garden evoked a sense of déjà vu—blissful memories of times past. I wish the weather would stay like this for a while. Calm, beautiful and soothing. Before summer truly envelops us.

Olive Salad — a simple Middle Eastern mezedhe, aka the meze dish

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A part of me will always be a dreamer. 

Whenever I come across a stunning picture in a travel magazine, a landscape of outstanding beauty in a movie, or listen to my friends talk about far away exotic lands they visited, I am intrigued. I dream of packing my bags and crossing the miles to explore these fantastic destinations to experience their culture, meet their delightful people, enjoy shopping from their street markets to the chic boutiques, and savor the local cuisine. 

With the vastness of the world and the plethora of choices, I have a feeling that my dream would remain just that—a dream.

Strawberry Apple Cooler

It is a beautiful winter morning in Doha.

Here’s a simple recipe for a refreshing, vitamin and mineral packed breakfast in a glass. Put the ingredients in a blender, whizz it up, and enjoy your nutritious juice!

Potato Croquettes — Aloo Tikki

Mashed potato beignet flavored with aromatic ginger, cilantro, green chilies and onion. These addictive patties are a classic Indian street food, and simply mind-blogging!

Think of this as an Indian potato croquette. Tikki simply means “croquette” and aloo means “potato”, in Hindi, India’s indigenous language. This croquette is a staple of all the chaat stalls in Mumbai and northern India.