Berry Pulao has a unique story. It’s a dish that was brought to western India by Iranian immigrants in the 19th century. Over time, it absorbed Parsi culinary influences and evolved into its present form, becoming a staple of ‘Irani Cafes’ all over Mumbai, with the famous Britannia Cafe leading the way—one of my favorite places to hang out during my college and work days. These charming cafes have played a significant role in shaping modern Parsi cuisine.

I’m excited to share a recipe creation for a decadent, creamy halwa that uses the convenience of pureed pumpkin and goat cheese, creating a delightful blend of flavors. This version is enriched with ghee, nuts, and spices, delivering a warming, festive treat. If you prefer, you can easily substitute goat cheese with ricotta for a similar tangy note. And feel free to use fresh grated pumpkin for a heartier outcome.

These classic west Indian treats, Shakarpara are perfect for serving, especially around festivals and occasions. Made with a simple dough, my version carries a whiff of rose water and a hint of cardamom.

This week’s recipe will feel like a ‘food hug’; a warm slaw made with shredded cabbage and grated coconut, cooked down in an oil tempering of whole spices and fresh aromatics, all brought together with a hint of nutmeg and drizzle of tangy lime juice.

A delicious Indian-style creation using quinoa with caramelized onion, walnuts, and cranberries, infused with whole spices and topped with cilantro and lemon.

Aloo Mutter is a popular Indian restaurant favorite…a delicious preparation of peas (Muttar) and potatoes (Aloo), cooked together in Indian aromatics and spices.

This healthy, vegetable-rich, gluten-free Parsi stew looks and tastes unlike any other you’ve ever had! It’s made using hearty vegetables like sweet potatoes or yams along with regular potatoes, carrots, green peas, and bell peppers, with a unique flavoring blend of cider vinegar and sugar.

This Parsi specialty, to me, brings back childhood memories of family dinners around our cozy dining table. As we kids chatted about our day at school, all five of us would happily soak up the home-cooked goodness of Parsi chicken Bafat, at times made with mutton in place of chicken.

Parsi homes celebrate the start of auspicious days and special occasions with sweet servings (you’ve probably heard that before.)

Growing up, it often meant a delightful breakfast of ‘Ravo’, a semolina and milk pudding, or Parsi ‘Sev-dahi’ which is sweetened fragrant vermicelli topped with cardamom vanilla yogurt.

Served at most Parsi events and occasions, ‘Chicken Farchas’ are a uniquely Parsi cuisine serving of chicken pieces that are crisp on the outside and succulent on the inside, much like a spiced version of the western concept of fried chicken.

Add a handful of sweet corn to a spinach curry, and you have a flavor-filled and colorful Makai Palak (palak is spinach and makai is corn), a truly delicious Indian preparation, worth bringing to your meals.

An Indian meal is considered incomplete unless it is accompanied by Daal, a word that applies to cooked and raw lentils. Daal preparations differ from one part of India to another; each one is equally delicious.

The flavorful cup of Indian tea coming up today is a personal favorite Parsi-style ‘Choi’ (as pronounced by us Parsi folk.)

Infused with mint leaves and optionally lemongrass, along with fresh ginger and cardamom, this cuppa ‘Choi’ has been kick starting my mornings ever since I can remember; a tea I can prepare with my eyes shut (most mornings, I’m pretty sure I do just that.)

Let’s Go Chutney and Pickle Hunting

Get ready to be dazzled by colorful, tangy, spicy, and sweet chutney and pickle condiments; each one is a mouthwatering bite worth tasting.

A unique set of flavors add depth to this easy-to-prepare white chicken curry made with cashew nuts, onion and coconut along with a touch of whole spices and herbs. Makes a hearty weekday meal or an impressive entertaining option; best served with Indian bread Naan or steamed Basmati rice.

Almost a generic term for comfort food, India’s favorite ‘Khichdi’ (pronounced and spelled in a variety of ways based on the tongue being spoken), in its many avatars definitely fits the bill.
A word that means 'mixture', Khichdi in its most basic version is a combination of basmati rice and moong/mung lentils, with minimum spices and aromatics, simmered in a covered pan till the rice and lentil grain are well cooked.