There is no point in trying to hide my obsession with Indian food. It’s just too good!
It’s all about connection
Just two nights ago I met an absolutely lovely group of people, all of them, but one, strangers to me. I could not have forseen that 3 hours later we’re all invited to an after-midnight dinner. To a house of a person that I didn’t even know a couple of hours earlier… That’s unheard of these days!
It wasn’t Indian food that was served yet I realised once more how many meaningful connections are made at a dinner table, over a fine meal and a glass of wine. Good home-made food just has this magic to connect people of all different walks and talks of life, and for that reason alone I love it!
So why did I pick this Punjabi dish for today’s World Vegan Month contribution? Amongst the friendly and open hearted group of people was a sweet young lady from Bombay with family ties to the Punjab and Assam region. We were all dazzled by the stories she shared with us that night. We spoke about Assam tea plantations and Punjabi food, and my mind travelled to these far places whilst she passionately narrated her family stories.
Despite the fact that we stayed late that night I made a promise to myself. To prepare a Punjabi dish as soon as I’d get the opportunity. I now have a very different relation to Punjabi dishes, thinking of this lovely night and unique connections that were made. It just makes me smile 🙂
Beans are back
Beans are an absolute staple in my kitchen as they are super healthy and nutritious. Oh, and they’re featuring in so many delicious vegan recipes. I always stock up on black beans, butter beans, kidney beans, and mung beans. I’ve already hyped black beans when sharing my favourite vegan feijoada recipe, so please check it out if you want to learn more about health benefits of beans.
This dal uses kidney beans, not black beans, but those fair really well on nutritional value too!
Good things take time
This creamy and rich dal takes some time in preparation. More time that I’d usually give myself for cooking – BUT it’s totally worth it. There is a direct correlation between my growing anticipation and appetite and the time it takes to simmer. I love the power of a mouthwatering aroma spreading through your entire apartment!
This said, to not use up any more of your time – here’s the link to another popular veganized dish I cannot imagine living without. A mouthwatering vegan Dal “Makhani”.
A good home-made dish deserves a good home-made spice mix to further enhance the sensational experience for your taste buds. Please check out my recipe for the Punjabi Garam Masala.
Be ready to be dazzled!