Category Archives: Indian food

Diwali: Then and Now

Posted on November 2, 2013 by madamescientist

⌘ Picture a little girl, shaken awake in the pre-dawn darkness by her mother, shivering before a “head bath” with a pail of steaming hot water from the big copper water heater in the kitchen. Squeaky clean, her hair dried … Continue reading →

Posted in Diwali, FOOD, Indian food, Vegetarian | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Springing into Green: Collards and Chard

Posted on May 25, 2013 by madamescientist

There is a brief window in spring when my Maryland garden is lushly verdant. When the so-called lawn springs joyously forth, requiring Benny and his boys to mow maniacally over it every five days. When the bunnies boldly brave the … Continue reading →

Posted in FOOD, Garden, Indian food, Spices, Vegetarian | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments

Fun With Furans: Making Flat Bread with Fenugreek

Posted on March 10, 2013 by madamescientist

The first reports of a strangely seductive aroma wafting over Manhattan, Queens and nearby New Jersey began in 2005. People smelled maple syrup, which got them fantasizing over pancakes and waffles. No doubt, the local Denny’s did brisk business. But … Continue reading →

Posted in FOOD, Herbs, Indian food, science, Uncategorized, Vegetarian | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

From Protein Folding to Punjabi Pea Paneer

Posted on December 10, 2012 by madamescientist

Making fresh Indian cheese, or paneer, used to be a bit of a production in my home. My mother would start with not-so-fresh milk (why “waste” good milk, was her reasoning), bring it to a boil and then add lemon … Continue reading →

Posted in FOOD, Humor, Indian food, Matar Paneer, science, Spices | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

A Double Dose of Dosas: Two Southern Indian Crepes

Posted on July 29, 2012 by madamescientist

The gum-chewing, bored looking US customs officer gave me an expert once-over as I dragged my world weary rag tag family towards the airport exit. “Any mangoes, miss?” I have a theory that men in uniform have been trained to … Continue reading →

Posted in FOOD, Humor, Indian food, Spices | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments

The King of Fruits: Making Green Mango Rice

Posted on June 16, 2012 by madamescientist

It has been said that India has only two seasons: Monsoon season and Mango season. While the monsoon replenishes Indian soil, mangoes are food for the soul.  Did you know that India holds 40% share of the world mango production? … Continue reading →

Posted in FOOD, Indian food | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Practically Perfect Pilaf

Posted on June 1, 2012 by madamescientist

When my children were little, of an age that believed that mothers had eyes in the back of their heads, I was (like Mary Poppins) “practically perfect in every way”. While those days have passed forever, there are still some … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Life, FOOD, Humor, Indian food, Spices | Tagged , , , | 17 Comments

Chickpeas for Comfort: Spicy Channa Masala

Posted on April 13, 2012 by madamescientist

Have you ever been transported back in space and time, to a place now lost to you forever, by a jog to the senses: word, a sight or taste? For me, a simple Channa Masala brings back memories of chilly … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Life, FOOD, Indian food, Spices | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Bitter is Better: Fabulous Fenugreek Leaves

Posted on February 5, 2012 by madamescientist

Triumphantly, I produced my find of the day, Trigonella foenum-graecum, much like a conjurer hopes to elicit oohs and ahhs for pulling the proverbial rabbit out of a hat. It was a perfect specimen, clover –like leaves of pale green, … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Life, FOOD, Herbs, Humor, Indian food, science, Spices | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments