1 cup Freshly grated 5 turmeric roots. (Amba Harad, Indian herb root) 10 tsp Salt 3 tsp balsamic vinegar Mix all and put in glass jar.. Enjoy after 5 days in salads, relish and grated carrots. Rita Jamshed Kapadia Cookbooks are available on Amazon. Rita has published the MEGA "Manna of the 21st Century Parsi Cuisine […]
Iodized salt is the best, and in many settings, the only dietary source of iodine. For a heart-healthy diet, we should consume salt in moderation. Iodine is an element that is needed for the production of thyroid hormone. The body does not make iodine, so it is an essential part of your diet. Iodine is found in […]
Best Biriyani Around the world and its OriginBiryani was originated in Iran (Persia) and it was brought to South Asia by Iranian travelers and merchants. Local variants of this dish are popular not only in South Asia but also in Arabia and within various South Asian communities in Western countries. The spices and condiments used […]
Curry Paste 5 to 6 red chillies roasted 2 tsp jeera 2 tsp coriander seeds 1 tsp ginger garlic paste 2 tsp sesame seeds 5 to 6 cashews some kokam 250 gms freshly grated coconut few curry leaves 1 small onion 1 small tomato 1 tsp kashmiri red chilly powder In a pot, heat 3 […]
Served as an appetizer Paneer Tikka is very healthy for kids and adults alike. INGREDIENTS : 2 cups paneer cubes, about 1″ each 2 tsp garlic paste 2 tsp ginger paste 1 tsp chaat masala 2 tsp chilli powder tandoori masala 1 tsp powdered black pepper 1 tbsp salt A few drops of red colour […]
Ever wonder what Dhanshak is? (Also spelt as Dhansaak, Dhanshak, Dhunsak, Thansak) Vegetarians can leave the meat out and make the lentil dal, it comes out very good. Learn step by step how to make the Parsi Dhanshak and Brown Rice. Rita Jamshed Kapadia Cookbooks are available on Amazon. Rita has published the MEGA "Manna of the […]
To order Dhansak Masal, Indian Curry Powder, Spices and Herbs, Nuts and Parsi Vasanu, Badam Pak items
For any occasion, whether it is Diwali, Rakhsa Bhandhan (Raki Time) or Parsi mithu monu. These besan ladoo are so easy to make. I used to make them at 7 years of age playing with my friend.
You can use the whole pods (remove them before serving the dish) or powder the seeds. The famous Indian masala chai gets it’s flavor from green cardamom and ginger. 10 Health Benefits of Cardamom, Backed by Science Cardamom is a spice with an intense, slightly sweet flavor that some people compare to mint. It originated […]
Saffron Elaichi Gulab Jamun by Rita Jamshed Kapadia The Gulab Jamun is one of the most popular indian sweet, served at restaurants in the states.”Gulab” means “Rose” and “Jamun” means a “Drop”. Translated these are literally “Drops of Rose”. In this recipe the flavor is real kesar (saffron) *and elaichi (cardamom) * so I call these “Drops […]
Fish wrapped in Banana Leaf with delicious Chutney: Parsi Patra ni Maachi
The place of Tea in Indian Culture
Indians love tea, they are crazy about it – and they even have a special word for it – chai.
India is one of the largest tea growers in the world. Tea is grown in the north and the south – in exotic places like Munnar in Kerala, Darjeeling, Assam, and Nilgiri Mountains. The tea gardens are a sight to see. Beautiful terraces are carved into the earth and from far they look like manicured gardens. Tea from Darjeeling and Assam is world famous for its aroma and taste.
Tea was introduced in India by the British during early 1900’s, those were early days of the British Raj. Large swaths of land were converted for mass tea-production. Ironically, the British introduced tea in India to break the Chinese monopoly. Tea was originally consumed by the westernized Indians, but it became widely popular over time. Today, looking at the popularity of tea one cannot tell of its origins from China.
But the story of story of tea in India goes beyond the tea gardens in exotic mountains and valleys, covered with mist and lush greenery. Tea is woven intricately into the Indian social fabric.
Chai is the common equalizer in India – from the rich to the poor. No matter what their position in life, an Indian relishes a cup of tea. The rich ones have their tea served in fancy tea-pots, delicate porcelain cups on well laid out tables with cookies and pastries. The not-so-affluent have it in more humble settings. But the joy and satisfaction is the same.
No matter where you go in India, even the remote village, you are likely to find a tea-stall, with a Chai-walla brewing the concoction, squeezing every last flavor. There is always a crowd of eager and tired folks waiting patiently for their chai. Tea re-vitalizes your body. It is a great anti-oxidant.
India has one of the largest railway networks in the world. Every train station has tea-stalls. Hawkers carry tea-buckets doling out hot cups to weary travelers as the trains pull into the train stations. One of my enduring memories growing up in India is traveling on the train in the sleeper-coach and waking up to the lilting calls of the tea-hawkers.
There are many stories of how tea brings people together. When you visit friends – tea and snacks are probably the most common offering. A cup of tea bonds friendships and heals differences. A guest rejecting an offer of a cup of tea may even hurt their feelings. The ultimate bonding is sharing a cup of tea – between two people – albeit in different saucers. When you visit a commercial establishment, as a sign of respect for the customer, tea is offered. Read more in my cookbook for Tea.
Recently, I was invited to speak and present “The Place of Tea in Indian Culture and the Kerala Tea Gardens” at the Boston Athenaeum. Here is a short synopsis. I am delighted that my Cookbooks were displayed and showcased in the museum! Thanks Hannah Weisman! Hannah is the Director of Education at Boston Athenaeum.
The museum is a historical place and encourages historical books. The Boston Athenaeum is steeped in history. Founded in 1807, the Boston Athenæum is one of the oldest and most distinguished independent libraries and cultural institutions in the United States.
Tea / Chai Recipes:
Ginger Tea
Masala Chai
Parsi Chai
Cardamom Tea
Teas of India Cookbook
More on The place of Tea in Indian Culture on ParsiCuisine.com
Navroze / Nowruz / Nooruz is on March 21, 2020. Commemorated in a grand and elaborate fashion, preparations for Navroze begin well in advance. Houses are cleaned to remove all the cobwebs and painted new. They are then adorned with different auspicious symbols, namely, stars, butterflies, birds and fish. New attires are ordered and made […]
