Suvir

Addendum: Recipes

Dear friends,

I did not intentionally omit the instructions for the Chicken-Chickpea Harira yesterday: it was an oversight on my part. The entire recipe is now posted here, with the photograph by the oh-so talented Ben Fink.

(Some of my family let me know that they thought I was being cheap, dangling the recipe so that they would buy the book!)

I included the recipe for my Muslim friends observing Ramadan, but anyone can enjoy the spice blend, which is warm and not at all heavy.

Here is another recipe, courtesy of my publishers, Clarkson-Potter, for Goan Shrimp Curry.

Enjoy!

Suvir

American Masala Cookbook Released

Friends:

I am presented with a great moment of pride and nervousness as my second cookbook, American Masala, was officially released into the world by Clarkson-Potter publishers.

I have written more here in my newsletter—please see it, and enjoy new recipes and photos.

Excerpts from the newsletter announcement:

"When my skin color, foreign accent, and recent immigrant-like mannerisms could have robbed me of the pleasures of knowing people, food came wholly to my rescue. Friends and family invited me to their tables and came to mine (even during my first years in America when I lived in modest roommate situations in Manhattan). Food brought us together, spices captivated us, and through their expected and unexpected flavors, we found a communication so sincere that it felt old and tested.

"After a brief exchange or two of nervous stereotypical fears, it was masala that dispelled the unfounded angst and opened the doors to the exploration of the unknown. Food became my weapon of choice and my comfort to ease my homesick mind, soul, and stomach. It also became the seduction that captivated and preserved my relationships."

And below follows the recipe for Chicken Chickpea Harira.

Turning Leaves

Much has changed this year. And of course the seasons are changing and it seems life at the farm, life at Dévi and my own personal life are all following the lead of nature—changing away!