Ideas for joyful living

Now that our evenings are longer and we’re spending more time indoors, I’d like to share the cookbooks I’ve fallen in love with and keep turning to when I’m looking for inspiration from India...

This risotto is for a night when you need a treat. Whether you’re home after a long day’s work or shutting your laptop at your desk-cum-so-to-be-kitchen table, the stirring will put you in a Zen-like state. Then 18 minutes later, dinner's done!

  If you're Intimidated by Indian cooking, here’s a set of five recipes to get you started. Each recipe will introduce you to key steps and once y...

Matar Paneer is an Indian classic, a curry that’s buttery, indulgent and rich. This version is no less tasty, but much healthier—the flavour comes from allowing the onion and tomato base to cook down slowly, and the spices to assimilate in it. It’s the perfect a dish for a Saturday night, and tastes more decadent than the effort that actually goes into it—all you need is an hour max!

Three  breakfast ideas that will be real highlights of your weekend. They're easy to make, yet delicious enough that they feel like a great treat. Light and nutritious, all are vegan, some are gluten free (and the rest are easily adaptable). Which ones will you be making this weekend?

This recipe brings together a whole variety of favours and textures, layered one on top of the other. It’s inspired by the classic Turkish döner kebab, and has mushrooms marinated in an aromatic spice base playing the main role, layered with tangy coleslaw and a fresh, sumac-inflected yoghurt. A soft chapatti serves as the base holding everything together.

Poha is a golden bowl of sunshine that packs a delicious punch. Each bite is a revelation: tender flakes of beaten rice studded with crunchy peanuts, grated coconut, fresh coriander and squares of soft potato, all tied together with a squeeze of fresh citrus. Usually eaten as a quick breakfast or a snack, it is simple to make and very addictive.

This signature dish is by chef Benjamin Hübner — friend, food collaborator and a familiar face on the Frankfurt dining scene. It looks fancy, yet is a simple, two-step dish — you'll never guess how much life this spice-infused, citrusy butter brings to humble cauliflower! This is a crowd-pleaser: Serve with some naan and eating straight with your fingers!

If you’re looking for a homemade gift this Mother’s Day, we recommend this delicious, addictive granola. Point to note: it is extremely versatile and can be eaten at all time of day. Perfect for breakfast with some cold milk or plain yoghurt; equally good as a snack for in between; sprinkled over some oven-roasted fruit and a touch of cream for a quick dessert. You’ll likely come up with other uses as well.

Upma is a dish my mother occasionally made for breakfast on the weekend. It was soft and comforting surprisingly full of flavour given that it was...

Here’s a recipe that could be lovely for an Easter Sunday breakfast or brunch. It combines the fun and colour of decorated eggs with great flavour...

Last week I delved into some basics about Indian spices and how to build a little spice box with essentials that most Indian recipes call for. The...