Basil For The Soul

                                   I think fancy fine-dine restaurants should have pictures of their food on their menu cards. If you walk into a Shanti Sagar or an Udupi hotel, you know what the items in the menu are, what they look and taste like. But in fine dining, the chefs are introducing you to dishes whose names you barely know to pronounce. I think it's only fair that they give you some idea about what to expect when you ask for a 'farfalle con formaggio' or a 'bruschetta al pomodoro'.  This is where I come in- your friendly neighbourhood guide through the confusing maze of Italian food terminology!  Of course, this post is not for everyone. Take this quick test- can you tell the difference between mozzarella and parmesan? Do you know your pasta shapes? If it's a yes to both, skip the line, go over to the recipe below or the next post! Others, read on! When you'...

A few months ago, I visited a dear friend of mine, Tanvi, in New Delhi. It was a short visit, just a long weekend but a heavenly three days for my taste buds! We are both foodies, so it was only natural that every meal she planned for me was one to remember. From her home-cooked rajma and laccha parathas to dining on fine Italian, each dish was perfect and one that I simply must share with you all! Quinoa burger : Quinoa. My lesson started from the right pronounciation, it's "keen-wah", folks! Tanvi brought out this very interesting point that non-vegetarian burgers have such protein-packed patties with all their meats. But for us vegetarians, the default option is to go for potatoes, which ends up as carbs on more carbs. And the quinoa burger addresses just that. Her Patty was a mix of quinoa with finely chopped onions and tomatoes, some fresh green peas, mixed herbs and just a tiny bit of grated cheese (cz we just love cheese!). Set between two soft buns, her quinoa ...