Compilation of allingredients- wild, local, seasonal and exotic ingredients along with their nutritional values, culinary usage and recipes/
Cassia Tora aka Takla pronounced as टाकळयाची भाजी is a leafy vegetable that is specifically available during monsoons. It is a ran bhaji aka wild food and is found in many regions of India eg. Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, etc.
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With the arrival of the first few showers of rain, nature comes alive with a variety of seasonal greens. You also get a variety of these interesting leafy vegetables in the local markets for a short time. One such vegetable is Dragon Stalk Yam which is mainly available just before the monsoons begin. While it may continue to be available during the early monsoons, the ones you get just before the rains are said to be tastier and flavourful.
Traditionally used in regional cuisine, this wild food not only adds variety to the plate but connects us to nature, local wisdom and even our food traditions.
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Malabar Spinach was one of my grandma’s favourite leafy vegetables. Ever since she passed away somehow we never made it even though it is my mother’s favorite too.
Suddenly around 1.5 months back my mother walked in with a Mayalu plant. My joy knew no bounds and I couldn’t resist going down memory lane and thinking of her. Growing the Mayalu was comparatively easier as compared to growing any other leafy vegetable.
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One thing I love about winters in Mumbai is the colourful fresh fruits and vegetables that are available in the market. The seasonal fruits and vegetables available at this time in the local markets are my personal favourites. One such favourite is Harbhare or Fresh Bengal Gram.
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Quinoa also pronounced as “Keen-wah” is an old plant and hence also commonly known as an “ancient grain”. It is a seed and not a grain/cereal but it can be used as a cereal hence it is known as a pseudocereal or pseudo-grain.
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Ask a Maharashtrian what’s for breakfast and you will usually get to hear its-Pohe ( Pohe is a traditional breakfast recipe made with poha/Flattened rice).
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Wheatgrass is the young grass of wheat plant-Triticum aestivum belonging to the family of Gramineae. Delicate and lush green, Wheatgrass is a powerhouse of nutrients and also considered as a complete food by many. It contains many essential and non-essential amino acids, vitamin-A, E, K, B Complexes, and minerals like iron, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper etc.
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