Indian Food Explained by Cook Like An Aunty

Send us Fan Mail Growing up between two cultures means navigating two different dessert tables—and let's be honest, the Indian one hits different. In this episode, we're unpacking the world of Indian sweets, or mithai as it's known in many parts of India, and why they hold such a special place in ABCD culture. Join us as we explore the classics you grew up with at every family funct...

Send us Fan Mail Learn about the Diwali traditions most ABCDs don't know and let's discuss celebrating the holiday as adult ABCDs. It's essentially a balance between preserving traditional practices and adapting to North American life. Plus, we'll talk about the origins of Diwali, how Indians celebrate the five days of the holiday, and some traditions we can pass on to future g...

Send us Fan Mail What is white rice so popular in Indian cuisine instead of brown rice? Why do we make idli with parboiled rice? How should you cook rice to make the best lemon rice? We explore the answers to all of these questions in this episode and talk about several rice varieties from the Indian subcontinent. Listen to the episode to hear all about Indian rice! Cook Like An Aunty Lemon Rice r...

Send us Fan Mail Today we talk about the one universal cooking technique in South Asia: tarka! It is also known as chhaunk and many other names in India. You will recognize it instantly as the popping of mustard seeds and the crackle of curry leaves in hot oil. Let’s talk about how this technique can take your Indian food to the next level and why it is so important for Indian food. Examples of ta...

Send us Fan Mail Is paneer the only cheese used in Indian cuisine? Listen to this episode to discover why many people don't know about the other types of cheeses in India! Also, we'll talk about a brief history of cheese and paneer. Join the Cook Like An Aunty community: Cook Like An Aunty Sources and References: Cook Like An Aunty - Cheese Background music from Shobana Music: Shobana Mu...

Send us Fan Mail What is hing (asafoetida/asafetida)? Why is hing so popular in Indian cuisine but not others? We explore the answers to all of these questions in this episode and talk about how to include hing in your Indian recipes. Listen to the episode to hear all about it! Sources and References: Cook Like An Aunty Background music from Shobana Music: Shobana Music YouTube Intro music: Music...

Send us Fan Mail What is the difference between roti and chapati? What about naan and kulcha? How are paratha and parotta different? We explore the answers to all of these questions in this episode and talk about other breads from the Indian subcontinent. Listen to the episode to hear all about Indian breads! Table of bread comparisons: Cook Like An Aunty Atta and Maida Sources and References: Coo...

Send us Fan Mail After a recent visit to the fine dining restaurant Indienne Chicago, I looked into the history of Indian restaurants in North America. Also, I give a review of my experience eating at Indienne Chicago. See photos of the dishes: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/indienne-chicago-restaurant/ See the sources used to make this episode: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/indienne-chicago-restaurant...

Send us Fan Mail Today we discuss the very popular, and very old Indian favorite, lemon rice. Help improve Cook Like An Aunty. I want your feedback. Fill out a short two minute survey through this Google Forms link . Get the recipe: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/lemon-rice/ See the sources used to make this episode: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/lemon-rice/ Video of Chitranna Center food cart: https:/...

Send us Fan Mail Join the Cook Like An Aunty community: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/ In this episode, Licensed Social Worker and Therapist Neelima Prabhala (they/them) shares their experience growing up as an American born desi and their relationship with Indian food. They also gives great advice about learning to cook Indian food from their dad. Listen to this episode with many relatable topics f...

Send us Fan Mail Listen to this interview with Keith Sarasin, the American Chef learning Indian food from aunties and Indian Chefs. We discuss: How he got interested in Indian food His travels around India The differences between Indian food in North America and India Indian food's role in his career His suggestions for people who want to start cooking Indian food at home More about Chef Keit...

Send us Fan Mail Today we talk with Danée Shows, Founder of Ministry of Kaapi. She explains how she sources her Indian grown coffee, how Indian filter coffee differs from other coffees, and what it would take to popularize it in North America. Find Danée and Indian coffee at the links below: https://www.ministryofkaapi.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ministryofkaapi/ Title music from #Uppbeat (free...

Send us Fan Mail Will South Indian Filter Coffee become the next coffee trend in North America? India is certainly trying to make it that way! Join us as we discuss South Indian Filter Coffee: What it is, how to make it, and how India's coffee industry is trying to get on the global stage. Get the recipe: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/south-indian-filter-coffee/ Madras style coffee: https://you...

Send us Fan Mail  Listen to this interview with Taimoor Shahid, a full-time scholar who built a South Asian popup restaurant in only 2 weeks with his friends. The Dal House opened in Columbia, South Carolina for a weekend in December 2022 with positive reviews. Hear the story of his transformation from aunty-level home cook to professional chef in this interview, along with a few tips to make deli...

Send us Fan Mail Join me for this episode about comforting and nostalgic Khichdi, a dish made from rice and lentils. We'll talk about khichdi's very old history, variations from across the Indian subcontinent, and a quick recipe to make this easy but delicious dish. Show notes, references, credits, and links: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/khichdi/

Send us Fan Mail Learn how to make a shaadi quality cup of chai, Indian chai culture, and how masala chai came to be a staple drink in India. Get the recipe and see the YouTube video at: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/masala-chai Dolly Ki Tapir chaiwalla: https://youtu.be/7Y8j1QK3ktY Background music by Shobana Music: https://youtu.be/gHRmeQXXL3o Title music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https:...

Send us Fan Mail Let's talk about sambar. It's a piping hot dish from South Indian. We'll talk about its history and how it changes depending on when and where it is made. I'll also give you an aunty-approved sambar recipe using ingredients you can easily find in North America. For a full recipe see the show notes at this link: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/sambar/ Background Mus...

Send us Fan Mail Travel to South India and taste piping hot rasam. Hear about it's origins, health benefits, and use in an Indian diet. Finally, I share a recipe for a classic tomato rasam. For a full recipe see the show notes at this link: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/rasam/ Background Music: Raghu Vamsa by Shobana Music Title Music: Flow of The Ganges by Simon Folwar From #Uppbeat (free for...