Rajma – Indian Style Kidney Beans

Has it ever happened to you, that you presented the idea of making the best dish from your hometown with so much enthusiasm that you could barely resist the urge to get going and make it but your baloon of excitement was burst with one simple “ Sure! But I don’t understand what the fuss is about this dish.” A lightening strikes and then there is a deafening silence. While you scurry for an appropriate response, your mind is racing with responses that you want to utter in a thundering voice so high pitched that every crystal in the house …

Walnut Chutney

Walnut is a significant part of Kashmiri culture. It is said that that the four kernels of the walnut represent – Dharma ( guiding principles by which we live life ) Artha ( Meaning of life ) Kama ( desires) and Moksha ( Nirvana). It is also believed to be symbolic of the four Vedas – Rig, Yajur, Atharva and Sama. The whole walnut with the shell on is an essential element in all Kashmiri rituals and important religious festivals. The Festival of Herath ( Shivratri) – The celebration of the union of Shiva and Shakti – being the most …

Nadir Yakhin – Lotus Roots in a yogurt sauce

A few of friends of Spiceroots recently asked me to share some traditional recipes from Kashmir.  Today I chose to share the Nadir Yakhin – Lotus Roots in yogurt sauce,  as it brings a lot of happy memories from my childhood. My cousin and I used to steal pieces of lotus roots from each other’s plates – just so the other did not get to eat one too many. We would sit next to each other and keep a sharp eye out for a moment when the other was not looking and grab it from the plate. Of course we …

Marchwangan Korma – Kashmiri Mutton

  We were having a fiery discussion, my friend and I.  You know those kinds that begin casually over a topic as random as what size dress Kareena Kapoor wears but end up in a discussion about new age technology or Cricket and you forget what you were discussing in between. But you still want to showcase your oratory skills and never pause for breath because if you did, the others would take over and then you would be at the listening end, which you of course don’t want because if you won’t speak the world will be deprived of …

Muji Gaad & memories of Mom!

Sunny flowers, lined up bouquets, arrays of Chocolates, claims from businesses that they have the perfect gift for mom. This was the build up to the Mother’s day this year as it is every year. I never paid much attention to it in the past. It was after all just a made up day to Celebrate Moms and I did not need a particular day to do that. Yes, I would wish my Mom a happy mother’s day and she would reply with a twinkle and jingle in her voice “Thank you !Thank you!Same to you!” Her way of really …

Lotus Root Fritters – Nadir Monji Kashmiri

Deep fried lotus roots or Kashmiri nadir monji

Lotus root fritters – Nadir monji or monji gul, served with a lip smacking Tamarind and onion chutney is a street food in Kashmir. Nadir monji is a cherished treat in all of Kashmir. It is a coveted snack. It is a required addiction – by law. Ok may be not by law. It is a requirement by virtue of being a true blooded Kashmiri. Any Kashmiri worth her salt should be obsessed with nadur. Full Stop. Thin slices of lotus roots are mixed with spices and rice flour and then deep fried until crisp. If that was not enough …