The Battle Royal of Oils Oils are wonderful flavor enhancers, integral to most recipes, ideal for sauteing veggies, browning onions, and adding a sizzle and crust to meats. Adding a tadka with ghee/oil, red chili, and garlic on daals takes it to the next level of flavor.  But which oil is the best one to use?  We have all grappled with that question, one that doesn’t have an easy answer. Choosing the right oil is important for both flavor and health. Cooking oils contain saturated, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated fats, each of which can affect human health in different ways. We ..read more

Basmati – the king of rice Recently, Taste Atlas, a popular food website, named Basmati the ‘best rice in the world’ for 2023-24.  They ranked Indian cuisine 11th on the list of Best Cuisines in the World – a nod to the growing popularity of Indian food in the West. “This recognition not only highlights the exceptional nature of Basmati rice but also underscores the global influence of Indian ingredients on the culinary stage,” said Mayuri Mukherjee, marketing director at LT Foods Americas. This burst of popularity is driven not only by the growing South Asian diaspora in the United State ..read more

Ambulu Paati’s sambar podi The cottage I recently moved into is filled with little knick-knacks my maternal grandmother gave each of her grandchildren over the years. The little Ganesha statues on shelves. The dancers carved in bronze metal propped over the heater. The colorful mirror in the bathroom. The children’s books by Enid Blyton and other British writers she loved in dusty cardboard boxes I hope to pass on to my future kids someday. But something most treasured is now missing from the top shelf of my refrigerator here — far more valuable than limited supply Trader Joe’s pumpkin bu ..read more

Destination Swiss Cheese Cheese is arguably one of the most popular foods across the world.  Given its unique flavors and versatility, cheese, made by curdling milk, can be savored off the shelf, paired with a plethora of foods, or used as an ingredient in a variety of cuisines.   Hence it is no surprise that according to a Statista report, the global cheese market was valued at about US $83.4 billion in 2022, and  is expected to scale over U.S. $120 billion by 2028.   And for a  true turophile, few places on Earth can be more exciting than Switzerland.  A country ..read more

The taste of being back home I just got back from an exhilarating vacation to attend my nephew’s wedding in India. The humdrum of meeting with family, friends, cousins and long lost relatives was such a wonderful treat. And the food! Even on regular visits home to meet my father, my plate is piled-high with yummy home cooked meals, jaunts to new restaurant’s and nights spent exploring the myriad street food options that the city has to offer. But wedding food is a notch above, with a smorgasbord of some of the best dishes I have ever tasted. So, returning home brings with it a mix of emotions ..read more

Love is all about going nuts over bananas  What’s a day of love without some sweet nothings here and some sweet somethings there? Strawberries dipped in chocolate may be staple Valentine’s Day fare, but the common yet always dependable banana, wrapped in the right recipe, can be just as romantic! Here are some fresh ways to express that special emotion and make dessert memories for a lifetime. Caramel & Pecan Nut Banana Cake Courtesy Ramachandra Ganeshan, Executive Sous Chef, ITC Maurya, New Delhi “Banana and Pecan Nut Cake is truly a nutritious option for your loved one. Having the m ..read more

Sometimes, all you need is to throw a handful of ingredients into one pot and turn it into a scrumptious meal, with no need for extra pots and pans. One-pot meals are not only easier to make but also pack a punch with their flavors and aromas. And when you toss in some California walnuts while putting together a one-pot meal, you’re giving it an added boost of nutrition. A handful of walnuts (28g) are packed with the essential fatty acid omega-3 ALA (2.5g) and have protein (4g) and fiber (2g). With their combination of excellent nutrients, it’s no surprise that walnuts can make your simple re ..read more

Sprouts pack a healthful punch The dawn of a new year often inspires resolutions to adopt healthier lifestyles. What better way to kickstart a nutritious journey than incorporating sprouts into your diet? Sprouts, tiny powerhouses of nutrients, can be the key to revitalizing your nutrition and achieving your wellness goals. These young, germinated seeds offer a concentrated burst of essential vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.  Packed with fiber, sprouts aid digestion and support weight management. These tiny greens are also rich in antioxidants, promoting overall health by combating oxidat ..read more

Observed across India, Makar Sankranti is the first festival of the year marking the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of consistently longer days. Known for colorful decorations, music, kite flying, bonfires, and feasts, the festival is celebrated with family and friends. For most parts of India, this period is also a part of the early stages of the agricultural cycle, where crops have been sown and the hard work in the fields is mostly over. The time thus signifies a period of socializing and preparing delicacies dear to each part of the country.  With Ma ..read more

A mix of old and new in your Sankranti spread The first festival of the year is here and it is time to lay out a feast!. After all, Sankranti is the celebration of a new harvest. A festive table is not just about traditions but also good food and here are some traditional and offbeat recipes that are sure to add a spark of joy to your Sankranti table. Sarson ka Saag with Soya, courtesy Chef Ashish Tiwari of Dhaba Est 1986, New Delhi Sarson ka Saag with soya. (Image courtesy: Chef Ashish Tiwari of Dhaba Est 1986, New Delhi)Ingredients 1 kg (bunch) of mustard leaves washed and chopped. 1 kg (bu ..read more