"You'll know which jar is the garam masala and which is the chaat masala because the chaat is the one that smells funky," I explained to my mom, who was worried by having to distinguish between two unmarked jars in her cupboard. To me, the different was as clear as night and day. … [Read more...] about Chaat Masala-Spiced Chicken Wings and Cherry Bomb Peppers: Stinky Feet and Crispy Skin
Indian
Turmeric-Sage Rice with Pickled Kale Stems
"Yellow is my favourite rice!" said my brother as I lifted the cover of the rice cooker to reveal a turmeric-tinged batch of Basmati. "It's seriously just turmeric and rice," I said, but it did look good. Sometimes it takes a brother to point out how delicious a colour can … [Read more...] about Turmeric-Sage Rice with Pickled Kale Stems
Black Chickpeas: Kala Chana and What to Do With Them
Have you ever heard of black chickpeas? They're completely natural. There's no squid ink involved. And they're a bit of a misnomer. They're actually naturally dark brown (not black) on the outside and yellow like regular chickpeas on the inside. And they have a slightly nuttier … [Read more...] about Black Chickpeas: Kala Chana and What to Do With Them
Vegan Feast: Cauliflower Korma, Healthy Ratatouille à la HelloFresh and Herbs With Rice
I'm basically fake-vegan. I'm just lactose and gluten intolerant. But we could all stand to eat a little less meat – which for me, by default, means vegan. No sweat off my back, since I can still make creamy cauliflower korma from a Meera Sodha recipe in The Guardian's food … [Read more...] about Vegan Feast: Cauliflower Korma, Healthy Ratatouille à la HelloFresh and Herbs With Rice
Garam Masala Roasted Cauliflower “Wings”
When I ate my first vegan buffalo "wings," I was floored. They had to be deep-fried. They were chewy and spicy and warm and rich. I even kept pestering the cook, trying to get her to admit there was gluten in the breading. Nope, no breading, she said. Worcestershire? No. Soy … [Read more...] about Garam Masala Roasted Cauliflower “Wings”
Braised Lamb Shoulder with Cumin and Apricots
Comfort. We all crave it. Well, except maybe my friend who winter-ran the White Mountains in a day-and-a-half. But even he enjoys a glass of red wine with his sweet potatoes. In French, the term is "gourmand," but that doesn't translate directly. It's not quite "gourmet" and … [Read more...] about Braised Lamb Shoulder with Cumin and Apricots
Healthy Whole Grain Indian Recipes: Buckwheat, Corn and Traditional Lentil & Rice Idli
As I remove item after item from my reusable shopping bag to fit the idli steamer inside, I wonder if Nantha Kumar really knows what he's getting himself into. The kind chef and Malaysian cooking class instructor has offered to lend me his idli steamer, because the things are … [Read more...] about Healthy Whole Grain Indian Recipes: Buckwheat, Corn and Traditional Lentil & Rice Idli
Cooking with Seal, Part 3: Rogan Josh
Alright, last kick at the can, I thought as I stared at the cubes of defrosted seal meat in front of me. I'd bought pounds of it at The Fish Depot in downtown St. John's over Christmas and brought this last pound of meat home with me in my luggage. Direct flight with good … [Read more...] about Cooking with Seal, Part 3: Rogan Josh
NOW Macadamia Nut Oil, Available at the Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert
I'm testing a couple of products from the upcoming Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert (March 11-13, 2016) and first up is a expeller-pressed macadamia nut oil from NOW. If you've never been to the expo before, it's a weekend-long exhibition at the Palais de Congrès (metro Place … [Read more...] about NOW Macadamia Nut Oil, Available at the Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert
Indian White Bean Coconut Curry
I have a secret. I'm a lactose-free eater who hates coconut. "Oh my God! What ice cream do you eat?" you ask – the obvious question. Either Solo Fruit Sorbet, So Delicious almond ice cream (though for legal reasons it's called "non-dairy frozen dessert") or I make my own almond … [Read more...] about Indian White Bean Coconut Curry