Watermelon Rose Squash

Is it summer yet? It is here in Udaipur or at least the sight of watermelon is a good sign. Watermelon evokes sweet childhood memories of sitting around a round cutting board, mom meticulously and flawlessly slicing the melon while we sat waiting for our slices and contemplating whether the melon was sweet enough or will require a sprinkle of black salt. 

While sharing meals together is important, fruits like watermelon gives an equal opportunity to bring family together. That is one reason, one tradition so dear to my heart, I'm often reluctant to do much with watermelon.

Lemon, Carrot and Dates Pickle

The sun has started playing peekaboo as the winter bids its final goodbyes. The grey and gloomy clouds are giving way to bright cherry sun only to return with cold breezy winds by evenings. That's also how my life has been in the last year. Like a sweet and sour pickle.

Ginger Garlic and Chilli Paste and Turning 25

The long absence from the blog needs a post of its own. And that I’ll save for another day. Today though, I wanted to talk about turning twenty five. Truth is, I have never been a date person. That one can see from my lack of really celebrating blog anniversaries which apparently falls in this month too. 

Paneer Tikka With Grilled Vegetables

In matter of a month  decisions were made, suitcases were being packed and for the first time we were not shopping till we dropped before heading to India. The less things we take, the less we will miss the place, my mom said in her soft yet confident voice. We were leaving Kuwait for good. And not enough words were being exchanged.  There was the pressing question of 'Where am I going?'. Am I really going home or leaving home?

Kheema Pav - Indian Sloppy Joes

Hiding our smiles with little or no show of excitement, we exchanged glances - the type which only sisters understand the secret language of. Later, we would discuss feeling guilty for being happy about dad's immediate business plan to Thailand.

Dad's travel plans meant late night movies, television soaps and parties with friends but most of all it meant dinners could be sandwiches, burgers and other quick bites. Within a week, we wanted to eat everything that dad wasn't fond or approved of.

Masala Egg Scramble - Anda Bhurji

I sat on the staircase cuddling the bundle of clothes I had tied in my mom's dupatta (a multi purpose long scarf worn by South Asian women). The scent of my mom's on the dupatta was reassuring that I wasn't far from home. Far as much as a couple of metres feel like when you are a 10 year old. Dad and I had got into an argument over the volume of the television which disturbed his precious afternoon nap. I protested as I always did until dad went ahead the unplugged the wire. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I went to my room.