Food Styling made easy
Sometimes the simplest of dishes are more fulfilling. Spaghetti with roasted cherry tomatoes and basil is one such dish and my go-to pasta when I am not in the mood to cook an elaborate meal. I love the simplicity and freshness of this pasta.
Sweets are part of our Indian culture and tradition; halwa is a quick, easy way to make special occasions. A couple of years ago, I created mango malai laddoo (Indian sweet) for a special occasion, and this year it had to be halwa. The leftover mango puree, which I had frozen, went into my halwa. Mango Kesar halwa has to be hands down my current favorite.
What did you do when you did not go for your grocery shopping on time? You search the pantry and fridge to fix a quick meal. I am glad I always keep a can of chickpeas. Chickpeas stew to the rescue on a hectic day.
Eid celebration is incomplete without some dessert. I kept it simple this time with Rose phirni. It is semolina pudding with rose flavor. It has a lovely shade of pink and looks elegant on your lunch table.
What started as an experiment became the hero on my brunch table. This light crostini can be described as caramelized sweet potato bits on toasted baguette slices with creamy labneh. It needs a handful of ingredients and gets done in no time.
As a food stylist, I know how crucial it is to keep the garnish fresh and perfect. And when I say garnish, I mean the herbs, microgreens, fruits, flowers, etc. In the beginning, during a shoot, I would rush to my nearest grocery when the garnish would wilt. And wilted or discolored herbs do not make great pictures.
A crispy salad with the right balance of sweet and citrus flavors. Kale raspberry and pear salad with grapefruit dressing is one salad you have to try this summer.
Palak or spinach gravy with paneer is a popular Indian dish. It is vegetarian and loved by all in the subcontinent. There are numerous versions of this dish with cottage cheese, chicken, and even potatoes or chickpeas. However, growing up on the cottage cheese version, I am kind of partial to it.
A light summery bowl of kebabs and salads for lunch makes the day perfect. Greek-style salmon kebabs with tzatziki sauce will transport you to Greece while you are still at home.
I feel ice cream is an indulgence that I cannot deny myself and my family. This easy, no-churn, no-brainer ice cream recipe will help you get over the craving for ice cream in no time. Of course, mango icecream had to be the first one.
Mahalabia is a Middle eastern rice pudding with a gorgeous texture. It is a dessert that has simplicity and elegance. Flavored with cardamom, orange blossom, or rose water, it tastes unique. It took me less than 15 minutes to prepare this dessert.
Summers are meant for light, healthy salads. I prefer the Thai flavors more during summer. Asian noodle salad with peanut sauce tastes and looks delicious. Asian salads have the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and heat. And this salad has the perfect balance of textures too.
Turkish eggs are one of my favorite ways of eating eggs. Soft poached eggs with yogurt and some crispy bread make a great weekend brunch. I added a twist or two to make it better.
