Saffron Mussel Stew

Posted on 03. Sun, 2011 by grace in Fast Asian Recipe, Indian, Seafood

By Monica Bhide, Author, Modern Spice,Inspired Indian Flavors for the Contemporary Kitchen

This is a super simple dish to make, perfect for a fall evening when the weather is getting cold and you feel like something warm and spicy to comfort and soothe you. Buy a nice loaf of crusty bread to mop up this curry.

Celebrating Holi

Posted on 02. Tue, 2011 by admin in Holi, Indian

The Indian celebration to usher in the springtime is Holi, the “Festival of Colors.” This year, the holiday is celebrated on March 1, 2010. The photo above is for Saffron and Mango Cannoli (Pichkari) by my good friend, Monica Bhide who writes for The Washington Post and her own site at A Life of Spice. Monica is also a cookbook author of Modern Spice: Inspired Indian Flavors for the Contemporary Kitchen. You can find Monica’s list of Holi recipes at “Bright Tastes And Colors Of India’s Spring: Holi” on NPR including: Dahi Aloo Curry Saffron Rice (Kesari Chawwal) Saffron and Mango Cannoli (Pichkari) Chef Seth’s Kanji

Paneer and Fig Pizza

Posted on 03. Tue, 2010 by grace in Appetizers/Dim Sum, Breads, Indian

By Monica Bhide, Author, Modern Spice,Inspired Indian Flavors for the Contemporary Kitchen

I call this a gentle pizza; the flavors are mild, yet so satisfying. This dish is sweet thanks to the figs—which are, I think, the world’s sweetest fruit. While paneer gives this dish a unique taste, it is not a melting cheese. I have added some ricotta to make the topping a bit creamier.

Rice Pudding and Mango Parfait

Posted on 03. Mon, 2010 by grace in Indian, Sweets

By Monica Bhide, Author, Modern Spice,Inspired Indian Flavors for the Contemporary Kitchen

This dish is not only tasty (of course!) but has a very striking presentation. I have served it at many dinner parties just after guests have announced, “I could not eat another bite of anything. I am so full.” And then they have proceeded to polish off this entire dessert!

Monica Bhide

Posted on 01. Mon, 2010 by admin in Chefs

Monica Bhide is a cookbook author and freelance food writer. Her work has appeared in the New York times, Chicago Tribune, Food and Wine, Cooking Light, Christian Science Monitor, Virginia Living, Washington Post, AARP Magazine, Departures, Washingtonian, FabulousFoods.com, Seasoned Cooking, DeliciousIndia.com, India New England News and India Abroad. She is the founder of Spice is Right Culinary Consulting Growing up outside of India, Monica learned authentic Indian dishes from the talented and knowledgeable hands of Indian women in her family and neighborhood. Her website is www.monicabhide.com.