tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908Fri, 02 Jan 2026 08:19:55 +0000BakingVegetarianClickChocolateDessertNon VegetarianSouth IndianCookiesNorth IndianCakeSnacksSouth Indian - MalabarAlmondCurriesPistachioBreakfastFood photographyMince MeatRiceAsparagusBreadCheeseChickenDalDessert - IndianIndian SnacksItalianLemonLoafMuttonPathiriRCIRoasted Coriander PowderSea FoodShrimpSide dishraspberrytartBBC GoodFoodBananaBengalCashewsCharoliCoconutCorianderCucumberDairyDatesDrumsticksEggless BakingEggplantEggsFacts and FiguresFishFlourGarbanzo beansGlossaryGluten freeGujaratHazelnutHoneyIndian BreadMain courseMiscMousseNutsOatsOkraOlivesPeasPoppy seedsPotatoRaisinsRaitaRhubarbSaladSemolinaSpicesStrawberrySubstitutesSundried TomatoesTomatococoahttp://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)Blogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-2195859475035496500Sat, 22 Jan 2011 18:47:00 +00002011-01-26T15:53:40.044-05:00Garbanzo beansMain courseNorth IndianRoasted Coriander PowderVegetarianPunjabi Chole is one of our favorite dishes. As a newlywed, I used to make bhatura (fried bread) to go with the chole but over the years replaced the bhatura with chapatis (flat Indian bread) - the bhatura, although delicious, is a calorie and cholesterol bomb.My chole has also come a long way. I used to make it by simply sautéing onions and tomatoes with the three basic Indian spices - turmeric http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2011/01/panjabi-cholegarbanzo-beans-in-rich.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-2590232588552111092Thu, 06 Jan 2011 22:57:00 +00002011-01-13T19:34:32.997-05:00MiscI know, I know, it's 2011. I last blogged in 2009. Where did the years go? Although I read recipes from my favorite blogs, I haven't had the time to do some myself. The past year/years have been hectic, my little one is almost 4 and goes to play school. But there's so much to do when he's in school. Also, a temperamental oven and a traveling husband(who is my critic and taster) have meant http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2011/01/2011.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-6654689323595365790Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:01:00 +00002009-11-19T12:54:31.299-05:00In an attempt to eat well, I usually look for healthy alternatives at the supermarket when shopping for snacks. I almost always stop at the dry fruits section and buy dried figs, apricots and raisins. Some are consumed within a week whereas the others (like the figs) sit in my refrigerator for a while.Last year I came across this fig cake at the supermarket. You could either buy the whole cake http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2009/11/pan-de-higospanish-fig-cake.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-4895420049555857424Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:12:00 +00002009-09-22T18:15:18.677-04:00CorianderRoasted Coriander PowderSouth IndianSpicesIn the front bowl is the roasted coriander powder (vartha malli podi ) and the bowl at the back is the store bought coriander powder. I've showcased the podi with my grandma's errnanam (her belt) that I inherited from her. She wore it on her traditional kachi kupayum, a traditional outfit.The above photo is the route that Vasco Da Gama took on his voyage - photo taken in Lisbon.Vasco da Gama http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2009/09/malabar-roasted-coriander-powdervartha.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-7237547913069481913Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:23:00 +00002009-09-15T14:56:12.787-04:00CakeCashewsDessert - IndianEggsFlourPathiriPoppy seedsRaisinsSouth Indian - MalabarWe are back from 2 short trips. We all had a relaxing vacation, which we all needed so badly. Now coming back after almost 2 weeks of not being in the kitchen, I kind of feel lost in my own kitchen. Do you feel lost in your kitchen when you come back from vacation? It took me sometime to get used to what was there in the fridge or pantry and what wasn't. It is a strange feeling to feel lost in http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2009/08/chatti-pathiri.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-2014684959488106599Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:16:00 +00002009-07-29T00:40:59.952-04:00BBC GoodFoodChocolateClickDessertFood photographyMousseStrawberryWhenever I have people over for a meal, I almost always end up making chocolate-based desserts. Last week we had some friends over for lunch and I made this dessert using fresh summer berries with of course, some chocolate! I've been meaning to make this ever since I read the recipe in this magazine. To read the story on how I got the magazine click here. The dessert was delicious. The strawberryhttp://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2009/07/white-chocolate-and-strawberry-mousse.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-5804521974391792067Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:27:00 +00002009-07-27T18:10:41.367-04:00BreakfastSemolinaVegetarianUpma, pronounced Oop-ma, is usually had for breakfast in southern India. Made from semolina flour, it is a hearty dish with great nutritional value. I make mine with sautéed onions, tomatoes and some veggies (typically peas and chopped carrots but you can add other vegetables like green or red peppers (capsicum), french beans and even tiny florets of broccoli. We usually have Upma for breakfast http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2009/07/upma.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-5408012364845016721Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:33:00 +00002009-07-13T12:11:42.638-04:00BakingBreadDatesHoneyLoafI'm back! Our family and friends who were visiting us have left and the house now feels empty and calm (except for the kids). We miss all the fun we had with people around the house. While my in-laws were staying with us, I didn't have to entertain the kids rather they were getting spoilt with all the attention they got from their grandparents and older cousins. Now I have to keep them http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2009/05/date-and-honey-loaf.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-433458165469595697Thu, 28 May 2009 22:03:00 +00002009-05-29T23:53:31.962-04:00AlmondChocolateCookiesThe above photo is going for Click - a food photography event hosted by JugalbandiI have been swamped these past few months, what with, I really don't know. Now June approaches and we will have visitors (family and friends) visiting one after the other the entire month.  So, I am sure with the kids, family and friends visiting and the weather getting warmer, there will be hardly anytime to blog. http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2009/05/florentines.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-7905315594898854693Sun, 10 May 2009 14:45:00 +00002009-05-10T18:49:14.388-04:00BakingBananaCakeDessertraspberryI woke up this morning to pretty roses on my door step, a warm hug from my 2 beautiful kids and a bunch of gifts my 5 year old made in school. She made 2 beautiful cards, a bright colored jewelry box, nicely wrapped in pink tissue paper and before I could unwrap the tissue she was jumping around saying open it mama, open it. There was a bracelet in the box that she had made, orange, purple and http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2009/05/raspberry-banana-upside-down-cake_10.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-4602440460254575051Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:45:00 +00002009-04-30T19:46:11.424-04:00AsparagusBreadCheeseLoafOlivesSundried TomatoesVegetarianThis picture is going for Click hosted by JugalbandiMy husband surprised me a few years ago and as I continue to enjoy it.  I often use the recipes in the "in season" section of the magazine.  This month, asparagus is in season and I happen to be a big fan.  I love it as thoran/side dish, and in salads or just grilled and garnished with olive oil. Asparagus in bread seemed like a fantastic idea.http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2009/04/asparagus-sundried-tomato-and-olive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-7381113720529012977Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:36:00 +00002009-09-23T14:55:54.534-04:00CucumberDalMince MeatRaitaRiceA decade or so ago I was visiting my brother in Dubai. Those were the carefree days. I was newly married and was on my way to the US to join my husband and to start a new journey together with him. My sister in law,who is also an excellent cook, was treating me to all types of delicious food including introducing me to the Arab/Middle eastern food that I had never eaten before. I was having a http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2009/04/kheema-masoor-dal-pulao-with-cucumber.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-744103482403051050Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:09:00 +00002009-03-26T21:19:47.335-04:00CheeseClickCookiesEggless BakingFood photographySnacksThe above picture was my last months entry to Click.So I was at the supermarket and while browsing through the aisle, this lady and I made eye contact, exchanged smiles and walked past each other.  I bumped into her again at another aisle, this time she starts a conversation.  The Lady,"Are you Indian?"Me, "Yes"The next question believe it or not was...The Lady," Do you speak English?"Me, a http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2009/02/curried-cheese-bites.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-2794486535489466184Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:58:00 +00002009-02-26T10:13:37.659-05:00SaladI had this Asian coleslaw at a recent pot luck party. I am not a salad person and was staying away from this salad. But when I heard everyone rave about this salad, I just had to try it.  It was fantastic. The crunch from the raw noodles gives this coleslaw a whole new dimension.  Coleslaw that I have had is usually smothered in mayonnaise and is unimaginative.  But this Asian coleslaw is light, http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2009/02/asian-coleslaw_25.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-1846112079240916415Wed, 04 Feb 2009 11:46:00 +00002010-05-24T15:08:38.192-04:00AlmondCakeChocolateGluten freeRoberto, my husband's Italian friend is from Capri and gets us this lovely chocolate mocha nut cake from his home town every time he goes there on vacation. It is beautifully packed in the bakery's green gift wrap. The cake is packed on a hard golden scalloped cardboard base with a hard plastic cover that keeps it intact and moist. My daughter and I can't wait to unwrap it when my husband http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2009/02/torta-caprese-chocolate-mocha-nut-cake.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-4716549999462777350Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:55:00 +00002009-01-28T10:50:33.804-05:00ClickFood photographyRhubarbRhubarbRhubarb is in season from April to September in the United States.  I bought some when it was in season last year and clicked these photos then.  I made cake with it on the day I got to know about my son's food allergies - It was indeed a depressing day and I almost ate the whole cake.  I first tasted rhubarb when we lived in Belgium in a restaurant that served it with venison.  It went http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2009/01/click-red-rhubarb.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-8620498308574324247Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:58:00 +00002009-01-22T10:14:09.497-05:00EggplantItalianVegetarianAfter Indian, the one cuisine that we make a lot at home is Italian. Both my husband and I like to try different Italian sauces and soups.  Jamie Oliver's - Jamie's Italy is one book that we make most of our pasta dishes from.  I almost always have all the ingredients for this pasta recipe in my fridge and pantry.  I love the use of eggplant in this dish as it soaks in the flavors from the tomatohttp://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2009/01/pasta-alla-norma-pasta-norma-style-with.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-5474364053893846969Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:47:00 +00002009-09-23T14:54:28.856-04:00RiceShrimpSouth Indian - MalabarIt has been a year since I started blogging and after an initial flurry of activity, the frequency of my posts has reduced significantly. My son is now 20 months old and a very active little guy. He keeps me on my toes all day. There is very little that I can do when he is awake, and a lot to do while he naps. Plus, he now only naps once a day.Since it was Eid-ul-Adha on the 8th, here's http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2008/12/chemeen-birayni.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-7212432400086964556Sat, 25 Oct 2008 21:29:00 +00002008-11-10T13:24:39.220-05:00ChickenCoconutNon VegetarianRiceSouth IndianChicken Istew and Ghee RiceWe recently got to know that my one and half year old is allergic to eggs, all tree nuts, shell fish, sesame seeds and believe it or not coconut. Imagine Kerala cuisine without coconut. We put coconut in everything, curries, side dishes, rice, condiments, even desserts.  Coconut is used in various forms such as coconut oil, grated coconut, dried coconut and coconut milkhttp://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2008/10/victory-award-chicken-istew-and-ghee.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-3565761666258358788Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:07:00 +00002008-10-21T12:44:35.987-04:00Growing up in India, this question never crossed my mind, until a dear friend asked me what it was when she had sheer kurma at my place.  Charoli is often found in some Indian desserts like sheer kurma, phirnis, kheers to name a few.  At times it is also used to add flavor and to thicken sauces, like in some meat stews or kurmas . Charoli has a nutty flavor and the inside part of the nut almost http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2008/10/so-what-is-charoli_03.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-2255849725973290668Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:31:00 +00002008-10-21T16:45:23.165-04:00CharoliDairyDessert - IndianNutsPistachioGrowing up in Mumbai, every Eid my mom used to make Sheer Kurma.  Not something you would typically find in a Keralite home, this dish is similar to "paysam" but with a lot more different nuts to the list of ingredients.  While paysam is made with vermicili, milk, cashews, raisins and sugar/condensed milk. Sheer Kurma is made with all of the above plus other nuts like pistachios, almonds, dried http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2008/10/sheer-kurma.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-3580042938256802055Thu, 18 Sep 2008 02:38:00 +00002008-10-01T06:16:25.059-04:00BakingCakeClickcocoaZebra CakeIt has been a while since I blogged.  First, it was my three-week vacation that I extended to two and half months as we were having so much fun.  Then, the two little ones had to deal with jet lag when we returned and this was followed by my 5 year old starting kindergarten. I was more anxious about her first day then she. Just when we were getting into a routine...Ramadan started.  So http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2008/09/faridas-zebra-cake.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-1130337036893437865Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:38:00 +00002008-06-10T23:31:09.782-04:00AlmondBakingClickDessertLemontartLemon Almond Tart I had couple of friends come over for lunch.  As I was planning the menu for lunch, I realized that one didn't like chocolate and the other didn't like anything fruity for dessert.  I was stumped - what can I make for dessert that both of them will enjoy.  None of the recipes in my extensive collection gave me any ideas.  Then as I was strolling in the supermarket to get some http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2008/06/lemon-almond-tart.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-5563004022360046607Tue, 10 Jun 2008 02:47:00 +00002008-06-10T20:12:10.706-04:00Over the years, you hear more and more about the big C.  In the last 6 years I have lost my friends father, a friends sister, a family friend, and an aunt who have all suffered till their last breath from this deadly disease.  They say that cancer not only kills the person diagnosed with cancer but also the people around physically, mentally and emotionally.   Bee and Jai from Jugalbandi http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2008/06/for-all-things-yellow.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4656705478264678908.post-3387595710377186072Wed, 28 May 2008 03:10:00 +00002008-05-29T00:00:25.032-04:00ClickPanchameel dalLike I mentioned in my earlier post that I was late to submit for RCI:Rajasthan. This photograph was taken just before I was getting ready to make the Rajasthani panchmeel dal for the RCI:Rajasthan event. Panchameel dal is made by using 5 different lentils. Urad, moong, toor, chana & whole moong dal. Of the photos that I clicked I have short-listed these two. As usual I can't http://mycomfortfoodnetwork.blogspot.com/2008/05/clickbeans-and-lentils.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (My comfort food network)2