Turmeric is an ubiquitous indian spice and a common ingredient of pre-mixed curry or masala powders. Turmeric (haldi, Konkani; haridra, Sanskrit) is also an essential component of fish marinade. While I take for granted the turmeric used in cooking, I distinctly remember my grandma preparing scalding hot, turmeric milk whenever we had a sore throat [...]
Filed under: Food, Health | Tagged: ginger, home remedy, milk, turmeric | Leave a Comment »
I could have a tough day at work, or come in cold and shivering from shoveling snow. On days when things just don’t go right and you start wondering if the Universe is conspiring against you. I walk in the front door and get a whiff of roasting wheat, … Yaay! Its Shira for dessert! [...]
Filed under: Food | Tagged: cardamom, cashew nuts, cream of wheat, Festival, halwa, kesar, Konkani, saffron, wheat | Leave a Comment »
In 2007, the Shanbhag School in Kumta (and their parent, the Konkan Education Trust), started to provide lunch for all their students. In the midst of a long day, the students had previously rushed home during their lunch hour. There are no cafeterias or restaurants near the school. The school made a significant investment in [...]
Filed under: Food, Karnataka, Kids, Konkani, Kumta, Shanbhag School | Tagged: lunch, meals, school lunch, students | Leave a Comment »
Phovu (flattened rice) freshly mixed with a few spices is a staple of Konkanis. Growing up, we’d eat tambdo phovu (tambdo – red) nearly every day for breakfast. If not for the main dish, at least as a side. I prefer it sprinkled with a little sev, or served on the side (see pic below). [...]
Filed under: Food, Karnataka, Konkani, Kumta, Recipes | Tagged: breakfast, phovu, vegan, vegetarian | Leave a Comment »
After our first attempt at Raagi Bhakri it is a favorite in our home. It’s easy to prepare and both of us love it. During this past visit to Kumta I replenished our stock of Raagi flour. A few blocks from our place in Kumta is a little “girNi” (or mill) which grinds various types [...]
Filed under: Food, India, Konkani, Kumta | 5 Comments »
Looking for new recipes, you have likely browsed Aayi’s Recipes the uber popular food blog hosted by Shilpa. This is M’s favorite “go-to” site anytime she needs inspiration for her cooking. During my travels to India, I look forward to visiting our ancestral town of Kumta – Jewel of the Konkan in coastal Karnataka. And [...]
Filed under: Food, India, Karnataka, Konkani, Kumta | 25 Comments »
During one of our trips through Karnataka, we visited Hampi to see the ruins of Vijayanagar. What a fascinating city it is! Under a UNESCO mandate, extensive restorations are ongoing. The temples are awe inspiring! But for M the best part of that trip was a stay in the nearby town of Hospet. A busy, [...]
Filed under: Food, India, Karnataka, M & A | 29 Comments »
During summers in Bhatkal (Karnataka), every morning we were treated to Raagi-neru. A watery concoction of raagi ground with a bit of coconut and jaggery. My grandmother advised that this would keep our insides cool from the summer heat. We’d hurriedly gulp a few glasses and dash into the orchards, chasing dragon flies! I recently [...]
Filed under: Food, Karnataka, Recipes | 19 Comments »
Food blogs are fascinating ways to learn about different cuisines, new dishes, new ways to prepare old dishes, and importantly, gives ides of what to cook up for the simple daily dinner, or even the special feast coming up. Have to confess, M looks through a few food blogs every day to figure out what [...]
Filed under: Food, Karnataka, Recipes | 8 Comments »
Over the last several weeks I have found scores of excellent Indian Food Blogs. These are not written by celebrity chefs, but by regular, albeit very talented women cooking everyday meals at home for their families. And many are based in the US and use locally available ingredients. The collection is truly spectacular and makes [...]
Filed under: Festivals, Food | 8 Comments »
