I love to learn about other cultures and their food traditions. And I love Indian food! Our good friends, Sumantra (from Calcutta) and Indrani (from Delhi), threw a big Indian feast on Friday night. We were celebrating Sumantra’s son, Sourav, heading off to Oxford for a year abroad of studying economics and Sumantra’s mom, who has been visiting for the past 6 months, returning to Calcutta this coming week. Her name is Manisha.
When Indrani invited us, I naturally asked if I could bring anything and she’s so sweet, she said, no it was a working day for me so I shouldn’t be bothered about bringing anything, just bring myself and my husband. Ha! It was a working day for her too. She came home at 2 pm and here’s the spread she had ready at 7 pm. Isn’t it gorgeous?
So from the top, going clockwise, we have an amazing roasted goat dish using Manisha’s recipe, a bean dish with wonderful complex layered flavors, terrific vegetable patties, dal, a delicious paneer, boxes of dessert cheese balls waiting for their presentation time, homemade chutney with dates, a shrimp dish and rice and peas in the middle.
Manisha – she told me she likes big bindi dots!
Indrani is a great cook and she has often remarked about how Manisha is a really wonderful cook. So we were the lucky beneficiaries of both on Friday. Indrani used Manisha’s recipe for the goat, which was wicked good. And you can tell that Indrani instinctively cooks with LOVE, as everything was so delicious and their apartment was brimming with all good feelings. I ate more than I should have, but I’m not sorry!
Indian food is layered with complex flavors. Sometimes the spice kicks in on the back end. The ingredient list for any of the recipes is always long, yet the flavor payoff is great. And as Indrani says, the best part about cooking Indian food is that you can make everything ahead of time and just keep it warm in the oven until ready to serve.
This was quite a celebration of all good things and a wonderful party. A great time was had by all. But I forgot to take a picture of Indrani, Sumantra and Sourav. 🙁 Next time!!
After the move.
Friday night super food!
One dish meals
Easy Friday night shrimp salad
What to do?
There’s nothing I love more than a good friend cooking a meal for me with love (*and* telling me I don’t need to bring anything on a day I’m working!). That is a fabulous feast–I can almost smell it!
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com recently posted…Fig Upside-Down Cake
Yes – it was great!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
How delicious does that look? I’m so so envious – India is my absolute favourite cuisine – the spicier the better! Having been brought up in London, I’m used to having a wide selection of good Indian restaurants to chose from, which is something I miss living in the South of France – we have virtually none 🙁 I have to make it myself now, which is of course never the same. In fact, I’ve got some chicken tandoori marinating to eat tomorrow 🙂
The Healthy Epicurean recently posted…Sardine and tomato tart and terribly vain dogs
Oh I’m so sorry to hear – and making it yourself is a ton of work – and you’re right, it’s never the same. Maybe your tandoori will be just perfect this time!!
A friend of mine brought over a beef curry last night and John fried up some pappadums and I was in heaven. This meal must have been so much fun.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef recently posted…Carnival of Flowers
Pappadums!! I forgot about those – I LOVE them!!
Delicious feast:)
Roger Stowell recently posted…A tart for all reasons…
Yes!! Totally!!
What a wonderful day! And I can’t believe that they managed to prepare all of that delicious looking food! 😀
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella recently posted…Fu Manchu, Darlinghurst
I know – and in such a short time!!!
What a wonderful feast! Eating with friends is so refreshing, giving positive strength in our everyday lives. Thank you for sharing!
So true!! Thanks for visiting!
Looks like a lovely evening 🙂
Francesca recently posted…Tahini Cookies
Totally!!
How beautifully you’ve described Indian food and flavor 🙂
Lovely, lively photos.
Adorable post. Following you, dearie 🙂
Nusrat Azim recently posted…Mango Chutney
Thank you!! 🙂
I just introduced my honey to Indian food and so far, so good! I wish we’d been part of this feast, looks incredible!
The Squishy Monster recently posted…The Bahamas, Bites & Sights
I know – I have a lot of jealous people! It was amazing!
what an amazing spread!
Tandy | Lavender and Lime recently posted…I Made It Challenge: Nougat
Yes – it was truly amazing!
Oh, what a fantastic Indian food feast!
yummychunklet recently posted…Ohio Buckeye Treats
Yes – it most certainly was!
LOVE curries and indian food!
I’m with you on that, Sunnie!