These sweet and crunchy crackers are an eternal favourite in India. They are called Shankarpale in Marathi and shakkarpara in Hindi. Shankarpale are essential deep fried, crisp and sweet diamonds (or squares) of dough. They form part of the Diwali … Continue reading
No Christmas at home would be complete without these little powdery sugar pillows that melt in the mouth. It’s Nana’s recipe that mum modified. I’ve changed it slightly too. After all, every generation has to do its bit to claim ownership! … Continue reading
Kelyacha halwa or halwa made from very ripe plantains is my Aji’s specialty. She made it a few times during the Indian monsoons, when the long red plantains (known as rajeli keli) are in season. We ate it as fudge, and Aji sometimes stuffed … Continue reading
The Befores and Afters theme kicks off with a slightly unusual and not very frequently made recipe. This dish also has the ability to switch forms from a ‘Before’ to an ‘After’: depending on whether you choose to make the … Continue reading
If you are looking for a healthy and delicious, bright purple snack, look no further. Yes, you read that right. If your new year resolutions include discovering the new and interesting, give purple purple yam a twirl. Of course, to … Continue reading
I’m sure you’ve hummed that along as you watched Mary Poppins, but have you ever flown a proper Indian kite? Sankranti, which is celebrated mid January, heralds the arrival of Spring in the Indian subcontinent and is a harvest celebration. You … Continue reading
Despite the many variations of besan ladoos I have tasted, nothing brings back Diwali for me as these do. The aromas of besan roasting in ghee till it was brown and fragrant, the ping of the mortar and pestle as it pounded cardamom pods and … Continue reading
Today we celebrate Kojagari poornima – the full moon day when the Indian subcontinent says goodbye to the monsoon rains and October heat and looks forward to welcoming the cooler months. Kojagari, apparently, comes from the phrase ‘ Ko jagari’ … Continue reading
This halwa is a rich, sweet and deeply satisfying dessert. You can make it as light as you like or cloyingly sweet, depending on your tolerance levels of sugar. In my mind, it is firmly associated with Diwali and the … Continue reading
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In India, Makar Sankranti signifies the end of long, cold wintry days. It heralds in spring and a feeling of festivity. In a Maharashtrian household, Sankranti is traditionally celebrated with til laddoos. These are a delicious combination of sesame seeds (til) and jaggery … Continue reading
No Diwali at our house was complete without these snowy white, crumbly mouthfuls. So that was what I turned to when I decided to make some sweets to celebrate Diwali. The customary consultation with mum was complete and I rolled … Continue reading
