Masala Limca

This post isn’t about Bhindi, Paratha, or the chutney and onions you see in the picture. It's about something I tried for the first time at home—Masala Limca. A perfect summer refresher that brings back the essence of Indian summers. All you need is Jaljeera, and for this, I’ve used the Jalani brand, along with some ice cubes. Here’s how you can make it: Take a glass and add 1 tablespoon of Jaljeera. Pour in your Limca (or any lemon-lime soda). Add ice cubes. That’s it! You can optionally dress it up with mint leaves and a slice of lemon, but I decided to keep it simple this time. The flavor was enough to transport me straight to the heat of an Indian summer! Refreshing, tangy, and with just the right kick—Masala Limca is a drink that takes you down memory lane with every sip. Perfect for those hot afternoons when you need something cool and flavorful!

Layered Love - Indian Street Food Fruit Cream

You don’t need much to bring the flavor of home to the plate. Start with a bowl and add a generous layer of homemade rabdi. Then, top it with fresh mango pulp—the kind that’s sweet and ripe, bursting with flavor. Sprinkle a few blueberries over the mango, adding a hint of freshness. Finally, finish it off with a dollop of whisked cream. Serve this as a surprise after dinner, and watch how your kids’ faces light up. It will be a memory they’ll carry with them for years to come. In moments when they’re weighed down by the heaviness of anxiety, this little treat will be that slice of sunshine in their lives—a reminder of your love and the simple, comforting sweetness of home. Smother them with love, especially when life feels overwhelming. This delicate dessert will be a reminder of your warmth, no matter where they are.

What's for Dinner - Mutton Biryani

"Can I take this for tiffin tomorrow?" That’s what he said last night when he saw that I had cooked Biryani for dinner. Biryani is more than just a meal for me; it’s a form of therapy—a comforting embrace on a stressful day. So, the Biryani was cooked with love, paired perfectly with some cooling raita and a refreshing coriander chutney. Every bite, rich with spices and flavors, was a reminder of how food can be a source of comfort, bringing peace and joy with every spoonful. For me, Biryani is the ultimate stress-buster. It’s one of those dishes that never fails to lift my spirits and take me back to simpler, comforting moments. And the best part? It’s even better the next day, whether it’s for tiffin or just another soothing meal.

Allahabadi Samosa

It’s funny where a dream can take you—and that’s exactly what happened today. I woke up with the vivid image of a halwai shop from my hometown. In my mind, I know I’ll be able to visit there sometime in 2023, but today, it was the shop and its delicacies that kept playing in my mind. Thanks to that dream, samosas had to be cooked at home. If it had been any other snack, I could have easily ordered it from somewhere. But the filling—that’s what mattered most. The familiar taste of my hometown samosa is something I know I can only recreate at home or experience when I visit. And for now, a visit seems impossible. So, it was decided—I’m going to make samosas from scratch. As soon as the words left my mouth, someone was thrilled, knowing these wouldn’t be the ready-to-eat ones from the store. Making samosas from scratch is a big deal in our house, and I have to admit, I was a little nervous. But in a way, it became a family activity as someone quietly joined in to help me prepare the filling and fold the dough. The crust could have been a little crispier, but the sight of those golden, stuffed pockets paired with tamarind chutney and a steaming cup of adrak chai was pure therapy for our souls. And for me, this was Allahabadi Samosa—a taste of home, a slice of my childhood. Although the name of my hometown has changed, for me, it will always be Allahabad.