Indian food needs a little getting used to, especially the procedures and spices. This article attempts to simplify the basics behind cooking Indian food, lists some of the most commonly used spices and includes three recipes in different degrees of complexity.

I’ve dabbled with different types of cooking, but never really paid a great deal of attention to my roots – Punjabi food. Perhaps I’d had enough of Punjabi food or maybe it was too much hard work, but most of my focus was on western and East Asian cooking. It isn’t that I don’t cook [...]

During my stay at Hollingwood Hall, I had a few opportunities to cook for my housemates. The first of these meals comprised of an elaborate pork dish that was stewed in coconut milk and a bunch of spices, simple potatoes flavored with cumin seed, a salad, rice and some wine. I’m quite used to people [...]

We had these crunchy, spicy pakodas for lunch yesterday. While not usually lunch material, they provided a nice change as pakodas are normally snack food in India. One of the most common times they’re made is when it’s raining outside. Most houses will then deep fry this delicious snack and the whole family consumes copious [...]

Jeera Aloo is a typical North Indian dish, probably made in thousands of homes every day. Easy to make and quick too, it goes equally well with rotis or parathas. Boil and dice some potatoes. Heat oil, add jeera (cumin seed), put in the potatoes, add salt, red chilli powder, turmeric (haldi), dhania (coriander) powder [...]

My mother in law spent the week end with us. Ignoring the traditionally spouted disadvantages of having MIL in the house, the most obvious advantage is her cooking. Good, old fashioned, hearty Punjabi / North Indian food at its best. She took on the job of making breakfast and she made what she calls ‘Makki [...]

This is a very simple curry that will only take you a few minutes to make, without looking for anything special. You’ll need: Chicken Black Mustard Seeds Diced onion(s) Diced tomato(es) Kadi patta Ginger paste Garlic Paste Chilli powder Green chillies Aamchur powder Haldi powder Method: Heat oil. Add mustard [crackle], haldi, chilli powder, salt. [...]

Made this yesterday, when I didn’t have the patience for some of the elaborate mutton dishes. You’ll need: 1 Kg Leg Mutton [gol meat] 1/2 tsp ginger powder [saut] 1 tsp aamchur 1 tbsp chilli powder [or to taste] 1.5 tsp garlic paste 250gms finely sliced onions [about 3 large] 1.5 tsp haldi 1 bay [...]