Spiced Pineapple Carrot cake ~ Not your usual upside down fare   

The makings of this spiced cake took root, when this utterly sweet-smelling golden pineapple sitting on our kitchen counter, literally piqued my imagination wild.

Of earthen pots & nostalgic reflections - Peach Mitha Dahi / Mishti Doi 

The words Mitha Dahi paint one of the most dynamic, colorful and picturesque scene in my mind - one of dainty, little earthen pots, of inviting dark beige yogurt served at the most pious places - The Puri Jagannath temple.

Schezwan Chicken Frankie - A treat for spicy, street food lovers

We were in a “Thursday evening limbo” - referring to the liberating “Friday feel” but not without the pressure of having to endure yet another long working day.

Of nostalgia & adventure - A memorable Ganesh Chaturthi with Mango Kalakand/ Aam Kalakand

This year Ganesh Chaturthi was very special and that’s because of so many reasons.

The mushroom debate - Love it or leave it? |~Malai Matar Mushroom~ 

Mushroom, that one ingredient that evokes as many opinions as does any political debate, is one of my very favorites.

Mitha Gaja / Shankarpale ~ The Diwali faraal making escapade-Part I ~

The glittering diyas, the bright, vivid hues of a meticulously rendered rangoli and the warm appetizing aroma of fried snacks hanging buoyantly in the air while my spirited family and friends gather around the porch to light up firecrackers– this is all that Diwali means to me.

Oh! the joys of entertaining ~ Ragda Pattice / Aloo tikki chaat~

In our frenzied and increasingly impersonal world of late work nights, busy schedules and conveniently located restaurants luring us with elaborate menus, who takes an effort to cook anything for a meal time - leave alone a party?

Recreating the Mexican fare ~ Mexican rice w/ Smokey Chicken fajitas & chunky guacamole~

When I think intently about that one cuisine that's closest to Indian flavors, my personal preference has always been Mexican.

A page from my Ma's cookbook ~Odia style fish curry/ Maachha Aloo Jhola/Macha Tarkari~

As the aroma of the fish curry wafted through the hallway into the bedroom, M (that’s my hubby) came sniffing into the kitchen.

Fresh, light and effortless ~Pudina Murg Masala / Mint Chicken Masala~

How often have you fancied the idea of breaking away from the conventional and just drifting along with the flow?

Vegetarian croquette from modern Odia cuisine & the Cuttacki street-food ~ Vegetable Chop

There’s never been a cold, rainy day when I haven’t yearned to cuddle up in my cozy comforter gazing out of the window while sipping on a cup of chai generously laced with ginger and munching on crispy home-made pakodas.

Thinking out-of-the-box with baby eggplants ~ Achari Baingan~

Our Sunday morning visits to the local farmer's market have become a weekly ritual that I really look forward to these days.

The simple Odia classic - Chingudi Dahi Besara/ Steamed yogurt and mustard shrimp curry

Before I begin, I must admit that this post is sure going to have a counter for the word “simple” and might even break the records - the only reason being that this recipe is truly-that-SIMPLE.

The quintessential Cuttacki fare - Dahi Vada Aloo Dum aau Guguni Chaat aka Dahi Bara Aloo Dum

The name itself conjures up thousands of memories and for anyone who’s everbeen to Cuttack or hails from the same, needs no intro to this legendary street food – Dahi Bara Aloo Dum and Guguni, mostly known as “Dahi Bara Aloo Dum”.

A vegetarian's delight - Quick Paneer Biryani

So…here I am back again!

Royally simple yet simply royal ~Mughlai Paratha~

Of all the numerous culinary impressions I have formed while growing up, one particular dish that has always stood out has been this fluffy yet crunchy, simple yet with-an-impressionable-bite - Indian-egg stuffed-flour tortillas.