Green Quinoa Dinner
I have a confession to make. For almost two years, I have been burnt out. That is why this blog has been unpopulated or atleast infrequently populated.
Earlier, this year, actually as late as March, I finally accepted all this and myself. No, I am not the person, who wants to cook everyday. I am not the person who will therefore post here or on social on a dependable frequency. Yet, I am the person, who will enjoy the time I choose to spend in the kitchen. I am the person, who will henceforth acknowledge I don't feel like cooking and ask for help or order in. I am the person, who will have frozen food at home, so I can get to eat something quick.
I am the person who will continue to share with you, what I am enjoying, what I am inspired by and what makes my palate sing.... Like this simple green Spring filled bowl!
Hello April! And, a Farro Primavera
Bursting with the colors and flavors of the season, I have been making this farro version so many times lately. So, I felt it was only appropriate to share the bounty with you! Meanwhile, artichokes are back in season and this time, the little baby ones are totally calling me. And, unlike the globes, they are much easier to prep and have a soft, delicate taste. It works as a great balance to the rich, deepness of the farro itself!
Imperfect and Comfortable
Travel my dear is the real essence of life....
That is truly something I believe. And, I have been on the road more than I ever imagined for the last three months. In my own version of around the world in 40 days, I went from the comfortable to the nostalgic to the challenging to the global and back. From US to Italy back to both coasts of US to Japan to China to Singapore back to Italy to London to Ireland to North Italy and, finally back again to central Italy, my temporary home!
To me, Panzanella feels the best way to reintroduce myself back into the world of reality from the surreality of the last few months. It also brings me a whole circle to my Italian present, the dreams of my past, and the groundedness I have always sought......
Where are the Tomatoes?
It is really hard to not talk about tomatoes when in Italy. I thought I had discovered a mother lode in the Brooklyn farmer's market. This year, there was a variety of heirloom tomatoes that were actually affordable (Whole Foods take note!) and, tasted, OMG! Awesome!! I mean, I could not keep my hands off them.
When I came here, I picked up a ripe tomato from the market, sliced into it and ate it with a little olive oil. Then, I died and went to heaven. Or maybe hell
Whipped Goat Ricotta + Figs - An affair to remember
It is a simple thing. Come Summer and it is time to let the real fruit shine.
I have always had a fascination with figs. In India, I only had access to it in the dried form and that was rather expensive. So, it was a treasure that I occasionally got to indulge in, only in the form of sweets - Anjeer Burfi. A paste of dried figs wrapped in a cooked cashew paste. A delight all its own!