Mushroom in Garlic Sauce Recipe | Indo-Chinese Recipe for Mushroom in Creamy Garlic Gravy

Learn how to make Mushrooms in Garlic Sauce ~ Quick and simple Indo-Chinese recipe for mushrooms cooked in spicy garlic gravy

You know that last 5-10 minutes of time just before you close your eyes and go to dreamland or dreamless sleep at night after you finish reading the book and then turn off all the lights? Yes, the same moments where you are alone with your thoughts… Most of my thoughts these days revolve around Lil Dumpling and his antics, about DH and his love, about my family and their care and I feel blessed to have them in my life. Sometimes I think about the most basic things like planning menus for the next day or thinking about the things to do at work or mentally prepare the notes for the meetings on next day. And then there are times when my thoughts wander off to my past, the days spent with my parents, siblings and friends; like a movie roll changing colours, characters and scenes from one minute to the next…

Masala Aloo/Potato Roast Recipe | Simple Indian Style Potato Roast Recipe

Learn how to make Masala Aloo or Potato Roast ~
Spicy and crispy pan fried potato roast with aromatic Indian spices

There is something about Potato! Isn’t it? The humble, modest and unassuming tuber grows out of sight, underground and when pulled up it looks like a part of earth. Have you ever seen it competing with other colourful vegetables or trying to take away the spotlight from other vegetables? This spud is neither good looking with frills of cauliflower, nor has beautiful glossy colours of bell peppers. This tuber neither has the clear complexion of white eggplants, nor the radiance of sweet corns. It is oddly shaped unlike slender beans or round tomatoes and sometimes even comes with ugly black spots on its muddy body! Have you ever seen any vegetable seller singing its songs of praise, trying to attract his buyers? When he is praising the goodness and beauty of other vegetables, you will find the dirty sack of potatoes sitting quietly in some dark corner, trying very hard to stay out of spot lights and looks of admiration!

Palak/Spinach Ambat Recipe | Konkani Style Spinach in Coconut Gravy

Learn how to make  Konkani Style Palak/Spinach Ambat ~
Mildly spiced Konkani recipe for spinach cooked in coconut and toor dal gravy flavoured with a hint of sourness from tamarind

Coconut + Vegetables = Awesome

Coconut + Spices = Awesome

Coconut + Legumes = Awesome

Coconut + Sugar = Awesome

Coconut + Fruits = Awesome

In short, Coconut + Anything = Awesome-st! (?)

Winter Wonderland!

The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?

~ J. B. Priestley

Achari Baingan Recipe | Eggplants with Pickling Spices

Learn how to make Achari Baingan ~
Baby eggplants cooked with aromatic pickling spices (No onion and garlic, vegan recipe)

When the cold months of winter arrive, it also brings along the desire to eat food that not just nourishing but is also comforting and warming. The focus shifts from a plate of cold salads and tall glass of chilled drinks of summer to the bowl of hot soups and spicy curries. And then there are pickles… Spicy, astringent, tart and oh-so-comfortingly-delicious pickles!!!

Ragda Patties Recipe | How to Make Ragda Patties

Learn how to make Ragda Patties ~ Potato patties served in a spicy peas gravy and topped with assortment of chutneys and garnished with crispy sev, chopped onions, tomato and coriander leaves; a famous and much loved street food of Indian sub-continent

Where do I begin to tell you my love story…? Love story that is sweeter than any greatest love stories of Shakespeare’s tragic Romeo and Juliet, Punjabi folk tale of Heer-Ranjha or Kalidaasa’s Dushyanth-Shakntala! Love story that is spicier than all of masala movies that Hindi Cinema keeps churning every year! Love story which is juicier than thousands of Mills and Boons with millionaires or billionaire dark, tall and handsome business/shipping tycoons who sweep beautiful woman off their feet! Love story that will not be documented in romantic novels to be read by millions of romantic souls late into nights or whispered in hushed voice!

Peanut Chikki/Laddu Recipe | How to Make Peanut Brittle

Learn how to make Peanut Chikki or Peanut Laddu or Peanut Brittle ~ Sweet vegan treats of roasted peanuts and jaggery

It was a good 2012 for Monsoon Spice. Unlike the year before, I was regular at posting the recipes that left a deep impression on our taste buds and it was a wonderful experience sharing them with you all… 49 posts in 12 months!!! The number sounds really good to my ears as I was balancing full time job, home, travelling (both business and family trips), family, friends and one really hyperactive toddler. Having my own space in the form of food blog not only gives me the freedom to express myself, but also challenges my creativity. Monsoon Spice has proved once again that if you love something and are really passionate about it, you will somehow find time for it! :) Everyone needs a space/place of their own where they can let their creativity go wild and speak for themselves! And my creative outlet is here, at Monsoon Spice. :)