cooking with friends

Egusi soup is a quintessential West African dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its rich flavors and nutritional benefits. Made from ground melon seeds and a medley of spices, this hearty soup is a beloved staple in many Nigerian and Ghanaian households.

It’s that time of the year again! I’ve struggled with my Thanksgiving Turkey roast – facing a variety of issues…from being too dry, overcooked, undercooked, burnt, not well seasoned or simply not ready in time!

Egwusi Stew for fall season is in memory of rising and falling graphs. What are we talking about here?

Golu is a festival celebrated in many parts of India (particularly Tamil Nadu) that I recently had the good fortune to attend and celebrate in Chennai. Inspired by the traditional sundol treat during Golu festivities, I decided to make a Rajma Salad.

Collaborative Recipe Credit: Arunabh A Fellow Wicked Good Thai Curry Lover This Wicked Good Thai Curry comes courtesy Arunabh. He is my…

I am very fond of a popular festive Indian (Bengali) prawn curry dish called prawn malai curry. It uses prawns while the other recipe of Malabar Spinach Chorchori that I shared earlier may use shrimps. I was delighted when my friend Nithya invited me and Anju to her home for lunch. We got to taste her own version of authentic easy quick cooking Kerala mango prawn curry. It has a secret masala powder. More on that later. 🙂

Recalling a friend’s balcony garden, touching moments of receiving spinach, and memories of their childhood chore of cleaning the fridge. The process of preparing a mixed vegetable dish, “chorchori,” is shared, along with spices and personal anecdotes, culminating with reflections on home and culinary inspirations.

Barko shares memories of Nigerian puff puff, a beloved street food in West Africa. They recount their mother’s heartfelt dedication to her Sunday school class and an event hosted for Samaritan’s Purse, where they prepared puff puffs for the children. The puff puff experience symbolizes cultural connection, family bonds, and the essence of Nigerian life.

I went to learn how to make mini samosas from my foodie chef friend Richa once again on a rainy day recently. Funny, how it rains whenever I plan a trip to her place! 🙂

Mutton Stew with Appams is a favourite dish of mine. I didn’t originally have it with Appams though. It came later in life.