Celebrate with this glorious Mango Murraba anyday. #mangoseasonison #ilovemangoes #mangoisthekingoffruits #mangolove #mango Ingredients 1 kg semi-ripe mangoes (any variety, but for best results and taste, either alphonso, or, even better still, the `bottle’ mango, `batli keri’. Best to use are small green, totally unripe mangoes. But then add more jaggery, according to taste.) White or […]
An old parsi favorite, White Pumpkin Preserve “Kohra no Murambo”. Saw the white pumpkin today at the garden center in Home Depot !!! Murambo goes with toast (burnt or lightly toasted), Fried eggs (half – fried eggs or fully fried crisp). My mother in law, Jalloo used to make it and add peaches or […]
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INGREDIENTS 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise 6 garlic cloves, finely grated 4 teaspoons finely grated peeled ginger 4 teaspoons ground turmeric 2 teaspoons garam masala 2 teaspoons ground coriander 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1½ cups whole-milk yogurt 1 tablespoon kosher salt 3 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or vegetable oil 1 small onion, […]
Tanaz Godiwalla
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
Fish wrapped in Banana Leaf with delicious Chutney: Parsi Patra ni Maachi
Navroze / Nowruz / Nooruz 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 especially for the festival. On […]
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A cup of tea shared with another person is known to create a new karma each time. So next time you have a cup of tea with someone, have good thoughts, and share good words. Health value: Antioxidant Removes Headaches, Muscle aches, soothes and relaxes. Ingredients: 2 cups water 4 tea bags, black tea 2 […]
Ginger Garlic Paste 1 cup of peeled and washed ginger, garlic and green chillies. (Equal amount ratio) 1 tsp salt 1 tsp cumin seeds Grind to a paste Store in glass jar for use in refrigerator ParsiCuisine.com Books available on Amazon Manna of the 21st Century: Parsi Cuisine Paperback https://www.amazon.com/dp/1090868391 Hardcover https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0962FML7W Indian Parsi Kitchen […]
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.
Milk Pudding Serves 4 Ingredients 6 cups milk 1/4 cup raw Rice 1 cup sugar Few pistachios, almonds and saffron strands for garnish 1 tsp cardamom powder Method 1. Process the raw rice in any food chopper till it is broken up in small bits. 2. Boil the rice, milk and sugar till creamy consistency. […]
Vegetarian Dhansak Dal. Also known as parsi masala dal. Note: You will need a Pressure Cooker or an Instant Pot. All spices are available on Amazon.com (click on link) Ingredients 1 cup yellow lentils (tuvar daal) 60 gm pumpkin-peeled and diced (about 1/2 cup) 60 gm egg plant/baingan-diced 1 cup fenugreek leaves (methi)-washed and chopped […]
by Meherwan D.Mehta 1 Kg. Coriander seeds – Dhanya 200 gms. Jeera 100 gms. Black Pepper – Kali Mirchi 100 gms. Fenugreek seeds – Menthi 100 gms. Mustard seeds – Rai 300 gms. Red Chillies 200 gms. Haldi – Tumeric 50 gms. Tej Patta – Tamal Patta 20 gms. Badyan (Black – Flower shaped) 20 […]
