Once, during an interview with a prominent newspaper in India, one of the questions alluded to a disappearing trend of good ole Parsi food delicacies – like Parsi-style sweetened crepes or pancakes called ‘Chapat’. My mind was filled with images of the many Chapat I’ve savored as a child…happy memories of my Mamaiji (maternal grandma) plating hot off the pan Chapat for us eager-n-hungry grandkids.

Well, Chapat ain’t going anywhere – not on my watch!

We (by which I mean my ancestors) came to India from Persia around the 8th Century CE. Parsi Zoroastrians follow the teachings of Prophet Zarathustra/Zoroaster and his ancient religion of Zoroastrianism. (Wikipedia offers detailed information on Parsis in India.) Most settled on the west coast of India and adopted Indian food habits and culture. Over the past 1300 years thanks to our love for food, Parsi cuisine has grown into a unique west coast Indian cuisine which still retains some food flavors and techniques from ancient Persia.

It’s like a slice of history on your plate…and here’s why:

Melt-in-your-mouth Parsi Kavab or Kebab using ground meat of choice, potatoes and a blend of delicious spices, herbs and aromatics. Serve as an appetizer with chutney or as an entree with lentils and flatbread.

This is the first post on Peri’s Spice Ladle, published in January 2012.