Indian Food Explained by Cook Like An Aunty

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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 function (yes, we're talking about that omnipresent gulab jamun) and a few specialties you might've missed.

Sources used to make this episode: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/sweets

Background music by Shobana Music: https://youtu.be/Cwd6yDksuBI?si=GdUj2oeWp2-n5CRL

Title music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges License code: M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP

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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 generations of American born desis.

Sources used to make this episode: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/diwali

Want to talk to Rameya? Learn more at her website here: https://www.rameyas.com/

Background music by Shobana Music: https://youtu.be/AywZjko24Yc?si=MQjmUasZ-qytOuVB

Title music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges License code: M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP

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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 recipe video: How to wash rice

Indian Ecologist Debal Deb: Preserving rice
Sources and References: Cook Like An Aunty

Background music from Shobana Music: Shobana Music YouTube

Intro music:

• Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
• https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges
• License code: M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP

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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 tarka:

Tarka for Lemon Rice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsrWVuZTMCY

Tarka for Khichdi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAqAelyOb1c

Tarka for Sambar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7xkIjRQuf4

Tarka for Rasam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORd-Gy-8fPQ

Credits:

Sources used to make this episode: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/tarka

Background music by Shobana Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orlHlf-t6js

Title music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flo... License code: M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP

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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 Music YouTube

Intro music:

• Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
• https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges
• License code: M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP

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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 from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
• https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges
• License code: M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP

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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: Cook Like An Aunty

Background music from Shobana Music: Shobana Music YouTube

Intro music:

• Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
• https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges
• License code: M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP

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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/

Background music from Shobana Music: https://youtu.be/AywZjko24Yc?si=zRRG_UuVaEg8oSa1

Intro music:

• Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
• https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges
• License code: M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP

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Today we discuss the very popular, and very old Indian favorite, lemon rice.

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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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQz2fmHy1kA

Background music from Shobana Music: https://youtu.be/Cwd6yDksuBI?si=LniQ1X4_UZIY6IIG

Intro music:

• Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
• https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges
• License code: M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP

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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 for American born desis.

Show notes:
Neelima Prabhala (Psychology Today)

Theme music

• Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
• https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges
• License code: M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP