cooking Archives - Page 2 of 2

Cilantro. Parsley. What’s the difference?

Posted on February 8, 2016April 22, 2019 by Indrani

One day when I was in high school, I was sent to the grocery store to get dhono patha. When I came home with parsley, I was informed by my father that I bought the wrong ingredient. Before that day, I did not know the word cilantro. I had heard of parsley, but only as…

Dak Nam (Nick Name)

Posted on January 21, 2016April 22, 2019 by Indrani

For as long as I can remember, art, music, food, and good company have always been a part of my life. Growing up, our home had an open door policy. Family and friends would be over for tea time most days of the week. There was always some sort of food, chai, a Kishore Kumar…

What does monbool mean? monbool is a word I made up. Mon (pronounced mōn) was my mother’s childhood nickname and Bool was my father’s childhood nickname. The passion I have for what I am doing came from them, so I have named this journey in their honor.

I am Indrani, a first generation Indian-American whose parents originally migrated from Kolkata, India. My passion and inspiration for cooking developed from spending time in the kitchen and learning from my father who would cater for large gatherings. My mother encouraged all forms of art, including drawing, dance and music. Growing up with a strong, traditional Indian upbringing, my parents also encouraged participation in the American culture. And now in my own mixed culture family, the fusion of Indian and American traditions is embraced by my husband and children.