Archives of INGREDIENT KNOW-HOW

Life updates over a plate of chestnuts

I think we need to sit down and have a chat. Over some roasted chestnuts. Because that’s what I’m obsessed with these days. Before one of you jumps up and asks me, “Oh! where do you get these in Bombay?” you’ll figure where soon enough. There have been a lot of things that have happened […]
13 years ago

Vanilla Bean 101

When I was in college, I remember an economics class where one of the basic financial instruments was called a vanilla bond. Having never seen a vanilla bean before, the only thing associated it to the basic ice cream flavour and didn’t pay much heed. Years later when I had my brush with the real […]
15 years ago

What makes an Indian summer better? Jamuns!

Jamuns (aka jambuls, jambun or java plums) are fruits that are exclusive to the subcontinent. And for once, I’m happy to say I’d have these over any of the berries (or rather the lack of them) I’ve been crying over. No, I don’t need raspberries,cranberries and blackberries, I’d much rather have jamuns. Jamuns are fruits […]
15 years ago

Thyme Roasted Pecans

Besides having a rich history as a mystical and medicinal herb, thyme is also one of the most versatile culinary herbs. They get their characteristic fragrance because of the chemical thymol. It’s easy to confuse Ajwain with thyme, since the chemical is common to both.Whenever I buy herbs, I get a lot of flak from […]
16 years ago

Bombay Duck

Ever heard of Bombay Duck? It isn’t a duck, but a fish; and it isn’t found in Bombay, but pretty much all along the Indian coastline. Then why is it called Bombay Duck? I’ve come across two fairly reasonable arguments for it: When the dried fish was transported by the Bombay Mail it became notorious […]
16 years ago

Za’atar

Za’atar is an aromatic spice mixture used in the Middle East. Like many spice mixtures, there are many variations, but all contain toasted white sesame seeds, ground sumac, thyme and salt. Za’atar has a unique pungent and zesty flavor. A friend of mine got me Za’atar from Dubai (I love it when I get authentic […]
17 years ago

What is Kokum?

The then NY Times food critic, Ruth Reichl (Garlic and Sapphires) was on one of her visits to the New York restaurant, Lespinasse. One of the dishes she sampled was a Braised salmon and crisped Artichoke with a syrah wine reduction. It looked familiar – a fat slice of salmon on a bed of crispy […]
17 years ago

The Stinking Rose

The Egyptians worshipped it and the Greek athletes turned not to steroids, but to this bulb vegetable to enhance their performance. Garlic was so highly-prized; it was even used as currency. That is the power of the Stinking Rose. That said, garlic is something you’d either love or loathe. There is no in-between. I for […]
17 years ago

Lemongrass

The fragrance of lemongrass never ceases to refresh me. Lemongrass has a distinct taste of its own. A little woody but not quite lemony. You’ll know it’s taste if you’ve had Thai food. I’m not too fond of Thai food, but I love using lemongrass in my cooking. It comes in a stalk. Much like […]
17 years ago