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Until the 1990s, there were very few Indians in the top tiers of corporate America. The glass ceiling was broken in the mid-1990s, with the rise of Indian executives in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields. For example, Sundar Pichai became the CEO of Google, Satya Nadella as the CEO of Microsoft, Ajay Banga becoming CEO of MasterCard, and Shantanu Narayen as CEO of Adobe Systems, to name a few.

It is widely acknowledged that Indians have made it big in the STEM path, however, Indians have represented themselves in other industries apart from the STEM field as well. When it comes to aromatic and flavorful food or vibrant and colorful clothing, Indian culture is unparalleled. Surprisingly, Indian restaurants and attires have become increasingly popular in the United States. Additionally, Indians have also received much recognition in the entertainment field. From television drama series and films to comedy shows, Indians have made great progress in today’s era by choosing unconventional careers.

Food:‍

In an effort to offer a variety of cultures and tastes, big name Indian chefs are creating Indo-fusion recipes to appeal to wider audiences. Therefore, having complete Indo-Fusion menus has become a trend for many upscale restaurants in big metropolitan cities like Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and Houston. Foods like turmeric lattes, naan pizzas, butter chicken, paneer, and biryani are enjoyed among many Americans.

Floyd Cardoz, who recently passed away due to Covid-19, had his own Netflix cooking show titled “Ugly Delicious”, was a chef of the New York City restaurant “Tabla”, and also won “Top Chef Master” in 2011. His restaurant Tabla has received numerous accolades from the press and three star ratings. Celebrity favorite Padma Lakshmi is another popular Indian individual known for her role as a co-host of the reality cooking show “Top Chef.” She has also written cookbooks and a collection of multiple recipes. Lastly, Chef Vikas Khanna of New York City’s restaurant “Junoon” has a long list of his own accomplishments. Junoon has been lauded as upscale Indian cuisine and has also received many awards for its innovation.

Fashion:‍

Additionally, dresses including sarees, kurtis, and jewelry like tikas attract the attention of more than just other desis in the United States. With a strong presence at award shows and premieres, we tend to overlook those who perform right alongside names like Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez. We’re talking about the outfits that captivate everyone's attention at the red carpets. Competition isn’t just fierce among actors, actresses, singers, and performers, but also amongst fashion designers. Indian designers have made big debuts in the United States dressing up big celebrities for a long time. You’ll always find dresses, gowns, and suits made by Indian designers such as Sachin & Babi, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, Falguni and Shane Peacock, Naeem Khan dressing up famous personalities like Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood, Nicki Minaj, Meta Golding, Michelle Obama, Beyonce, Blake Lively, Demi Moore, Leighton Meester, and more. Another in demand Indian jewelry designer, Rachel Roy, has dressed countless others alone-- including Diane Sawyer, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner, Kim Kardashian, Tyra Banks, Penelope Cruz, Lucy Liu, and Wendy Williams. Additionally, apart from red carpets and celebrities, Indian embroidered prints with delicate lace, thread, and stone work have become increasingly popular among clutches, bags, coats and dresses with international brands like Gucci and Christian Dior as well.

Entertainment:‍

Moreover, Bollywood stars have recently had a really big reach within the United States. With actors like late Irfan Khan from Life of Pi and Slumdog Millionaire, Indian talent shone through receiving Academy Awards. Other actresses and actors include Priyanka Chopra from Quantico and Baywatch, Anil Kapoor as a main lead from the hit TV show 24 on Fox Television, and Anupam Kher from Silver Linings Playbook and NBC drama TV series New Amsterdam.

Comedians:

From Lily Singh to Hasan Minhaj, a number of Indian Americans have become legitimate A-Listers in the past few years. Popular Indian comedian Lily Singh started off as a Youtuber, and has successfully built a career as the first South Asian female to host a late night show on NBC called “A Little Late with Lily Singh”. She has recently been renewed for another season. Another millennial favorite comedian Hasan Minhaj was a featured speaker at the 2017 White House Correspondents Dinner, and continues to delight audiences with his own Netflix show titled Patriot Act. He remains one of the few political satirists who are effectively using humor to fill the gap between the society as it is and as it should be. The comedian, writer, TV host, producer and commentator effectively checks lists of all the experiences of a brown kid in America. Minhaj rose to fame with his work on the Daily Show, and from small performances to being on “TIME’s list of 100 Most Influential People for 2019”, he has traveled far and wide. Another popular comedian, Aziz Ansari’s career took off when he starred in NBC comedy, Parks and Recreation. He was also on the TIME list of 100 most influential people in 2016 and had a show on Netflix called Master of None.

In the past decades, we have seen Indians make great progress in representing Southeast Asia in the United States apart from doctors and engineers. This new generation of Indians has recognized that they no longer want to limit their careers to traditional paths like medicine or IT. From food and fashion to entertainment and comedy, they are no longer afraid to take risks and follow atypical methods.

The History and Rise of Yoga:‍

Despite many years of research, we still don’t know much about the origins of yoga. However, we do know that it originated in India 5,000 or more years ago. Some historians connect yoga practices to as far back as around 500 BCE. In the early 1920s, archeologists surprised the world with the discovery of the so-called Indus civilization. This was the largest civilization in early antiquity. In the ruins of the big cities of Mohenjo Daro and Harappa, excavators found depictions engraved on soapstone seals that strongly resemble yogi-like figures. Many other finds continued to show the amazing continuity between that civilization and later Hindu society and culture.

In Mahāyāna Buddhism, the notion of yoga as a spiritual or meditative practice was referred to as Yogachara (Yogācāra). Yogachara involved eight steps of meditation that was known as “calmness” or “insight.”

For a while, yoga was a loose notion, its meaning difficult to pin down. It was more of a notion of meditation and a religious practice than it was exercise as we know today. However, around the 5th century, it became more of an established core practice among Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. They began associating yoga and its poses around several core values.

The first value involved analyzing one’s own perception and cognitive state-- understanding the root of suffering and using meditation to solve it. The second aimed to uplift or broaden consciousness, and the third involved using yoga as a path to “transcend” bodily pain or suffering. The fourth was using yoga to enter other bodies and act supernaturally — perhaps the strangest and most mystical value of all.

This is also where the difference between “yogi practice” and “yoga practice” is differentiated. Yoga practice essentially denotes mind-training and meditation issuing in the realization of enlightenment, liberation, or isolation from the world of suffering existence, at least in ancient terms. Yogi practice, meanwhile, lies more in the supernatural — i.e., when yogis are able to enter other bodies to expand their consciousness.

In the late 1800s, yoga spread West, and in the 1920s, the “Modern Yoga Renaissance” began. This is where the physical practice of yoga evolved dramatically. Yogis began to pioneer yoga as exercise, infusing them with Western gymnastics, wrestling, and other practices. At this point, traditional yoga contained very few standing poses. Today, yoga is a staple of holistic health and has grown into a massive industry, with an estimated 300 million practitioners worldwide and counting!

Types of Yoga:‍

There are twelve different types of yoga. There is no right and wrong, but whatever fits you and your personality. See the list below.

1. Kundalini Yoga is where everyone wears white to deflect negativity, consists of chanting, singing and meditation.
2. Vinyasa yoga or “flow yoga” is often interpreted as linking breath and movement, where the poses are synchronized with the breath in a continuous rhythmic flow.
3. Ashtanga yoga consists of six series of specific poses taught in order. There is no music played in Ashtanga yoga, and each practitioner moves to their own pace. Each pose and each series is “given” to a student when their teacher decides they have mastered the previous one.
4. Yin yoga is a slower style of yoga in which poses are held for a minute and eventually up to five minutes or more. It has roots in martial arts.
5. Iyengar yoga utilizes multiple props such as chairs, walls, and benches. It is suitable for people of all ages and skill levels.
6. Bikram Yoga is a form of hot yoga and has many set rules.
7. Power yoga is more active and is done at a quicker pace than other styles. It is preferred among those that want to get in a good workout.
8. Sivananda yoga is done in a more gentle form and focuses more on the spiritual aspect associated with the poses.
9. Restorative yoga focuses on relaxing and down-regulating the nervous system. It is easy to drift off to sleep during its poses.
10. Prenatal yoga can do wonders for mothers-to-be. It helps ease pain associated with pregnancies, such as in the lower back or hips.
11. Aerial yoga involves traditional yoga poses with the added support of a strong, silky hammock that hangs from the ceiling.
12. Acro yoga takes familiar transitional poses and changes them up by adding a partner. It develops effective communication skills with a partner, and aids in setting appropriate boundaries.

Benefits of Yoga:‍

Due to its ample health benefits, yoga has grown massively in popularity around the globe over the decade. Yoga improves average quality of life, helps fight depression, promotes better sleep quality, increases body strength, improves breathing, and promotes healthy eating. Yoga also helps with relaxation of the mind and body, increased flexibility, improved energy and vitality, and improves posture.

Yoga is considered an approach to osteopathic medicine. According to the American Osteopathic Association, some of the physical benefits of yoga include maintaining a better body tone and balanced metabolism, improved respiration, energy and vitality, weight reduction, and improved athletic performance. Similar to how different exercises target different parts of your body, there are more than 100 different types, or schools, of yoga, that stretch and flex various muscle groups. Most sessions typically include breathing exercises, meditation, and assuming postures, also called asana or poses. Many people also use yoga as a coping mechanism for anxiety, or to better learn discipline and communication. Yoga has grown to become one of the hottest fitness trends in the United States, and is enjoyed among the highest ranked fitness activities.

How Yoga Gained Popularity in the U.S:‍

As indicated above, yoga is seen as a positive activity for physical and mental health. According to a survey conducted in 2016 by the Yoga Alliance and Yoga Journal, between 2012 and 2016 the number of Americans doing yoga rose from 20.4 million to 36 million. Before, yoga was dominated by women. However, since key findings of the survey included that Yoga is for all ages, there have been more males and older practitioners than before. In 2016, there were approximately 10 million male practitioners and almost 14 million practitioners over the age of 50. This is up from about 4 million men and 4 million 55+ year olds in 2012. Yoga has become an increasing part of American life. 1 in 3 Americans have tried yoga on their own (not in a class) at least once. 75% of all Americans agree “yoga is good for you.” In addition, yoga is strongly correlated with having a positive self image.

The survey also indicates that yoga practitioners live green, eat sustainably and donate time to their community. Moreover, yogis have stronger minds, 86% of practitioners report having a strong sense of mental clarity, compared to 77% of non-practitioners. The survey further shows that yoga practitioners have a more positive view of their capabilities than non practitioners. 80% of practitioners self-report they have good balance and 75% self-report being physically strong compared to 64% and 57% of non-practitioners, relatively.

Yoga as an influential fitness form that is embraced by the West while reflecting positively on its cultural aspects has become widely recognized. It is about acclimating one to his or her individual self — body and mind. Yoga poses can be modified based on your physique, including your degree of flexibility or how you’re feeling that day. It is not about perfection, performing a beautiful pose to show others, or a competition of flexibility. Instead, yoga increases your mindfulness and connection to spirituality. As the famous verse from the Bhagavad Gita go, “Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self," and everyone should try it at least once.

You know when a certain healthy lifestyle is on the rise, when it gains a cult following of top Bollywood celebs. In the last few years, Veganism has gained widespread popularity, as Bollywood celebs have opted from vegetarianism and veganism to switch to a healthier, and a "cruelty-free" lifestyle. Top celebs like Sonam Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut, Sonakshi Sinha, Amir Khan, and Jacqueline Fernandez have turned vegan and pledged their support towards animal rights.

Veganism is a plant-based diet requiring less land than a meat and dairy diet. With the current pandemic and rising global food and water insecurity due to a multitude of environmental and socio-economic problems, there's never been a better time to adopt a vegan diet. Plant-based living is also a more sustainable way of looking after our planet and feeding our families.

What is Veganism and a Vegan Diet?‍

Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty for food, clothing, or any other purpose as much as possible. A vegan diet focuses on plant-based foods and beverages and excludes all animal products. The goal is to eliminate the use and harm of living beings. What’s the difference between being vegetarian and being vegan? While vegetarians still eat dairy and eggs, vegans remove any and all animal byproducts and foods that involve animals in their processing methods. For vegans, not only are meat, poultry, and fish taken off the plate, but so are products derived from animals including honey, eggs, and dairy. 

What Can Vegans Eat:‍

Vegans consume a variety of whole grains including oats, rye, barley, buckwheat, rice, and pasta, as well as a wide array of fruits and vegetables. In addition, foods such as beans, lentils, tofu, seitan, tempeh, nuts, avocados, and seeds like quinoa fuel their body with protein and healthy fat. Finally, vegans can also choose from an ever-growing selection of ready-made vegan products, including vegan meats and burgers, fortified plant milks, vegan cheeses, and desserts. Dairy products can be replaced with plant milks, scrambled eggs with scrambled tofu, and honey with plant-based sweeteners like molasses or maple syrup. Some of the benefits vegans experience include higher energy levels, lower cholesterol, clearer skin, and better sleep.

Hinduism and Veganism:‍

A majority of Hindus are already mostly vegetarian, but veganism is on the rise as people are learning more about animal cruelty. In India, cows endure pain and suffering to produce milk as they eat plastic inadvertently while looking for food. Hindus especially, focus on the treatment and consumption of cows, as they are considered a sacred animal in the Hindu religion. Many Hindu vegans point out that by consuming diary products, one is supporting animal cruelty which goes against the core Hindu values-- as according to the Bhagavad Gita, the lord resides in animals. Hinduism practices ahimsa (non-violence), an important virtue that advocates for the total avoidance of harming all living creatures. 

One of the biggest animal rights organizations, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), has raised awareness about the inhumane treatment of animals. The modern food industry keeps animals in closed confined spaces, feeding them antibiotics and hormones until they are slaughtered. 

Thanks to increased animal treatment awareness, individuals are seeing an escalation in veganism and even vegan options in restaurants. Vegan diets have also grown in areas with yoga and meditation retreats and ashrams, such as Goa, Rishikesh and Dharamshala. There are also several fantastic local and international initiatives that have really moved the needle on vegan education in India. The best part about being vegan in India is that it is more straightforward than other countries because they are already meat conscious. You won't find accidental chicken broth or fish broth in things like soup, rice, and curries that seem to be vegetarian. 

‍

Veganism in the US‍

Veganism has also become popular among non-Hindus. Recent studies have shown that veganism is definitely on the rise in the United States as growing trends like plant-based meals are becoming more widely available. Rising veganism and awareness of the impact of meat consumption are driving demand for meat-free products substitutes. Consumers are also now focusing more on their health and the environment. They are becoming savvier about food ingredients, so offering alternative prepared foods with enhanced health benefits is appealing as a healthy swap. In addition, the production of meat places a heavy burden on the environment - from the large amount of crops and water required to feed the animals, to the transport and other processes involved from farms to our plates. The vast amount of meat consumption is a significant contributor to deforestation, habitat loss and species extinction. Due to consumer demand, restaurants that used to primarily serve meat are now showcasing healthier plant-based options as well. In the future, we are likely to see further growth in veganism as people are becoming more health and animal conscious. 

Indian Vegan Cuisine:‍

Just because vegans can’t eat meat, doesn’t mean their meal options have to be bland and boring.   Essential Indian spices such as Red Chili Powder (lal mirch), Turmeric Powder (haldi), Cumin seeds (zeera), Coriander Seeds (dhania), and Garam Masala, and Saffron make vegan cuisine so much more flavorful. Some famous scrumptious Indian vegan dishes include Chana Masala, Vegetable Biryani, Malai Kofta, Bhindi Masala, Rajma, Dal Palak, Medhu Vada, Pav Bhaji, Masala Dosa, Tofu Makhani, Baingan ka bhurtha, and Bombay Potatoes.

Here is a delicious recipe for spicy aloo gobi (potato cauliflower) that will leave you licking your fingers.

Spicy Aloo Gobi:‍

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQWcVWrvJ54

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons of oil
• 1 medium size chopped onion
• 2 medium tomatoes (blended)
• ½ teaspoon of ginger & garlic paste
• ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon of cumin powder
• ½ teaspoon of red chilli powder
• ½ teaspoon of coriander powder
• 2 chopped green chillies
• Salt to taste
• 3 cups cauliflower florets
• 2 medium-size potatoes (cubed)
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• Handful chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. In a heated oil pan, add onions and stir fry until golden.
2. Add tomatoes and ginger & garlic paste.  
3. Let this mixture cook together for 10 minutes and stir as needed. 
4. Add turmeric, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, chopped green chillies, salt and saute for a few minutes. 
5. Add cauliflower and let it cook for a few minutes.
6. Add potatoes and stir well and let it cook for a few minutes.
7. On medium heat, stir fry the mixture for about 5 minutes. 
8. As the veggies began to soften, add mixed veggies.
9. Cover the pan and let the mixture cook together for about 15 minutes.
10. Dish out and garnish with cilantro.

Times are tough and everyone out there is getting used to the “new normal”. The busy life we are all used to has somewhat come to a halt and in an effort to flatten the curve, people are practicing social distancing and are spending more time at home. As more people find themselves at home, they’re collectively gravitating toward certain activities in hopes of feeling connected to the outside world even if they might be alone. Quarantine has set off people hosting Zoom virtual parties for happy hours, family get-togethers, and even religious events. Now more than ever, people are working out at home, doing yoga, meditating, and doing many popular challenges originating on the ever growing platform called TikTok to keep themselves entertained. Challenges like the flip challenge, pillow challenge, and don’t rush challenge are gaining an audience around the globe.

Another hot trend that calls out to the many folks missing the main start to their day is the Dalgona Coffee or whipped coffee challenge. This is a great budget and quarantine friendly alternative for people who miss picking up their coffee from their favorite cafe every morning on their way to work. Phenti Hui Coffee aka whipped coffee has been the way to make coffee in desi households for decades. This decadent drink is now also known as Dalgona Coffee. This name originated in South Korea. Thanks to Tiktok, phenti hui coffee or whipped coffee has become the latest micro- trend of quarantine on social media and is receiving its much needed recognition. Wondering how to make this aesthetically pleasing frothy coffee at home? Follow the recipe down below and join the bandwagon! 

Phenti Hui Coffee

Ingredients:
•  2 tablespoons instant coffee
•  2 tablespoons of hot water
•  2 tablespoons sugar (can adjust to your liking)
•  1 cup whole milk

Directions:
1. Combine instant coffee, sugar and hot water in a mixing bowl.
2. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the color changes to golden brown and the mixture takes on a thick consistency. 
3. Pour milk into a cup and add the mixture on top. This can also be made into a cold version by adding iced cubes into the milk before pouring in the mixture on top.

You’ll definitely want to pair this delicious coffee with an even tastier treat. Chana Dal halwa is an all time favorite in South Asian households and is liked by all ages. Now that you have extra time on your hands and a packet of chana dal in your pantry, you can make this and all of the other scrumptious halwas you’ve always wanted to make for your family. 

Chana Dal Halwa

Ingredients:
•  2 cups milk 
•  2 cups chana dal (soaked overnight)
•  2 sticks butter 
•  2 cups sugar
•  1 tsp cardamom powder 
•  3 tbsp mixed Nuts  

Directions:
1. In a pot,  boil chana dal with milk and let it cook to 30-40 mins or until milk dries. Once done let it cool and put in a blender to make a thick paste
2. In a pan heated, add ghee, cardamom powder and chana dal mixture. Stir until the oil separates.
3. Add sugar and stir again until the oil separates.
4. Once the oil separates, add nuts and mix well. 
5. Take a flat dish and spread it with ghee, spread the halwa with a spoon, sprinkle remaining nuts on top, and cut with a greased knife into squares. 

These trends, which include everything from virtual zoom parties to dance challenges, all share a few things in common. Like whipped coffee, they are easily achievable from the comfort of your home, shareable online, and easily participatory (even though virtually). In today’s time of uncertainty and crisis, these activities bring many a feeling of comfort and joy. This strange time period will definitely be remembered for decades to come. Until then, let us make the most of it by spending time with our loved ones, cooking up new recipes, and relaxing. This too shall pass.

Check out our first part of the Indo-Fusion cuisine blog here!  

Apart from savory main dishes, chefs are now also pushing the envelope with their sweet concoctions. Chef extraordinaires are putting their creativity to the test, experimenting with ingredients, marrying flavors and presenting fusion Indian desserts like never before.  As East meets West, fusion desserts have become the new chic. We present to you the show-stopper desserts and drinks, the ones that hold a sweet surprise and make you marvel at the creativity. The trend is timely, given the affinity and access to global tastes. Indo Fusions desserts such as Ras Malai Cake, Gulab Jamon Cheesecake, Parlee G Ice Cream Sandwiches,  Paan Shots,  and Turmeric Lattes are among some of the masterpieces.  ‍

Ras Malai Cake or Indian Tres leches‍

Let’s start off with everyone’s favorite dessert at weddings, Ras Malai. Ras Malai Cake was the most highly trending dessert last year. It is often compared to the Indian version of tres leche cake. Ras Malai Cake is basically a cardamom flavored cake, the layers of which are soaked with “ras” (thickened, sweetened milk infused with cardamom and saffron). It is then frosted with “ras” flavored whipped cream, sprinkled with nuts, and dried rose petals. Baking this cake alone leaves the kitchen brimming with exotic flavors!  

Gulab Jamun Cheesecake‍

Gulab Jamuns are the most liked mithai in the mithai box. They have fans all over the world, but a Gulab Jamun Cheesecake beats all records. This spongy cake is soaked in sugary rose petals, cardamom infused syrup, and layered with sliced jamuns. Cheesecakes are classic yet elegant desserts, and adding gulab jamuns to it is the cherry on top.  

Parle-G Ice Cream Sandwiches‍

Everyone loves Parle-G biscuits with their evening chai. Now you can try them out with your favorite ice cream as well! Spread your choice of fruit flavored jam on one side of each biscuit. Top of the jam with a scoop of any flavored heavenly ice cream, and join the biscuits together. To make things even more interesting, roll the ice cream sandwich in crushed nuts and enjoy.  

Paan Shots‍

You have most probably seen elders in your family eating paan. Made from betel leaves and areca nuts, paan is widely consumed throughout southeast Asia. A paan shot is a mouthwatering combination of paan and rose gulkand with spices and ice cream. It melts in your mouth and tickles your taste buds! In a blender,  blend betel leaves, paan masala, gulkand (a rose paste), fennel seeds, and ice cream. Garnish with pistachios and refrigerate for an hour before serving.  

Turmeric Latte‍

Also known as Golden Milk or Haldi Dhood, a Turmeric Latte is a warm drink made from steaming milk with aromatic turmeric powder and spices. It is a perfect alternative to coffee, and actually has many magical prolonging life benefits.  To create this drink, blend your choice of milk, turmeric powder, cinnamon powder, a pinch of black pepper, and ginger powder in a blender. Then heat it in a small saucepan until hot, and serve.  Can’t wait to make Turmeric Latte? Check out our delicious full recipe here.

Above listed are some of the top trendiest desserts found in upscale Indo-fusion restaurants. Other famous contenders include: Gajar Ka halwa rolls, Dirty Masala chai affogato, Masala chai gelato, Kashmiri chai cupcakes, and Masala chai macarons. Try out the recipes for yourself or at a restaurant near you, and let us know what you think of these delectable desserts gaining a cult following everywhere.

Just like the high fashion design industry where designers take the next big step and come up with avant-garde fashion, it has become popular in many parts of the United States for big name chefs to experiment with flavors and combine the various cuisines of different Asian countries. 

In an attempt to offer the next best food item and to be more innovative, chefs across the globe are taking inspiration from Indian cuisine and are creating Indo-fusion recipes. Having a complete Indo-Fusion menu has become a trend for many upscale restaurants in big metropolitan cities like Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and Houston. 

So what are fusion recipes? It is the process of mixing and matching various ingredients from different flavors and cultures to create new and unconventional recipes. In short, it is a mix and match of different cuisines. We all need variety, and fusion is able to provide us with the wide array of tastes we like to have in our food. Fusion recipes provide a modern twist to classic and popular dishes from Indian, Italian, Chinese, and American cuisines by blending them with each other.

Without further ado, let's explore the world of Indo-Fusion dishes:

Indo-Mexican Fusion Appetizers/ Small Plates

• Mexican samosas 
• Chicken Tikka Nachos
• Tandoori Chicken Quesadillas
• Cholay Salsa (see recipe below)
• Fried Paneer Tacos 

Mexican cuisine includes nachos, guacamole, tacos, quesadillas, and lots of salsa. Combining those flavors with those of paneer, tandoori chicken, and samosas makes for a delicious union exploding with spices and flavor. A delicious example includes Mexican samosas, which are filled with ground beef, black beans, corn, onions, jalapenos, and cilantro rather than just spiced potatoes. They are served with guacamole chutney instead of mint chutney. Another example would be chicken tikka nachos, which are made with tasty shredded chicken tikka, plenty of cheese, pico de gallo, creamy cooling yogurt sauce, and a spicy red chili sauce! An alternative option is making tandoori chicken quesadillas by adding cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and chat masala to make the chicken filling for the tortillas. Pair up the quesadillas with cholay salsa, a spin-off of black bean salsa, where chickpeas and spices such as chat masala and cumin powder are used instead of black beans to make the perfect Indo-Mexican dip. And lastly, a vegetarian friendly recipe includes paneer tacos, in which paneer is seasoned and fried to be used as filling in place of chicken or ground beef. 

Indo-Italian Fusion Main Dishes

• Naan Pizza (chicken tikka pizza, saag paneer pizza)
• Penne Makhni
• Hariyali Spaghetti

Italian cuisine is all about raviolis, lasagna, pizza, and spaghetti known for bursting with paramount flavors of basil, oregano, tomatoes, and cheese. Combining these tastes with tandoori masala, red chili powder, saag, cumin powder, and ginger-garlic paste creates a divine concoction, perfect for impressing your guests. Adding toppings such as tandoori chicken, saag paneer, or gyros to the fundamental base of pizza dough, tomato sauce, and cheese is the perfect blend of Indian and Italian. Another twist on traditional pizza is using naan bread as a base instead of pizza crust. It is fast and easy, not to mention still delicious. A third innovative creation is saag paneer pizza, which uses traditional pizza dough and includes adding a sauté of frozen spinach with onion, garlic, ginger, and garam masala, and heavy cream at the end to hold everything together. In addition, penne, pasta, and spaghetti can have an Indian spin of their own. For example, instead of tomato or alfredo sauce, Penne Makhni uses a cream base mixed with red chili powder, tomatoes, ginger garlic paste, garam masala, and fenugreek leaves. Similarly, Hairyali Spaghetti consists of a green chutney base. 

Indo-American Cuisine 

• Masala Mashed Potatoes (see recipe below)
• Masala Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Popular American comfort food includes grilled cheese sandwiches and mashed potatoes. Additional ingredients like red chilis, garlic paste, turmeric powder, and cumin seeds to mashed potatoes and sandwiches can make these foods more enjoyable!

Now that we have introduced you to the world of fusion recipes, which of these recipes is more to your liking? Let us know in the comment section, and stay tuned for the second part of this Indo-Fusion Blog which includes mouthwatering out-of-the box desserts that you’ve probably never heard of before. 

Check out our versions of the Indo fusion dishes for your next soiree.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DaD9_d-F1w

Quick & Easy Cholsay Salsa Recipe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XABGLr8t-x0&t

Quick & Easy Masala Mashed Potatoes Recipe

With our busy lives, we always look for ways to cook more quickly and efficiently. In trying to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with our loved ones, here is a list of three time saving kitchen appliances that can help you prepare tasty and healthy Indian meals in no time.‍

Hello Instant Pot, Good Bye Pressure Cooker

If you cook Indian food often, then chances are you’re already familiar with using a pressure cooker. However, a pressure cooker needs to be monitored and is often subject to causing messes, explosions, and even burns or other injuries. An instant pot, on the other hand, is designed with safety mechanisms for safer usage because the heat source is electric. It does not require a gas or a stove, and consumes 70% less energy while still efficiently preserving nutrients in foods. An instant pot is also better than a pressure cooker because it is faster and actually does the job in half the time-- not to mention it’s a breeze to clean up. 

You’ll be able to make more lunches and dinners in a hurry, since it is tailored to replace most kitchen appliances including a steamer, rice cooker, food warmer, yogurt maker, sautéing vessel, and so much more, speeding up the cooking time by 2 to 6 times. In addition, instant pots make food more flavorful; spices seem to infuse better in a closed heated pot than they do when cooking on a stove top. And last but definitely not least, instant pots do a much better job at containing smells. Although the aroma of ginger, garlic, onion, and spices smell delicious, no one necessarily wants the smell on their clothes. 

What Can I Make In An Instant Pot?

‍Here are some recipes to try out in an instant pot: dal tadka, basmati rice, baigan ka bhurta, palak paneer, dhokla, idli, sambar, and more. The list is endless. You can find a recipe for instant dal tadka at the end. 

Rotimatic - An Easier Way to Make Fresh Rotis

‍Who doesn't love homemade rotis? Yet, sweating and toiling in the kitchen to make dough balls and puff them manually is not always feasible. A rotimatic is a robotic Indian flat bread maker. It makes round rotis (whole wheat, gluten free, your choice), and can also make pizza crusts and naans. A rotimatic mirrors human judgment and automatically measures to adjust the proportion of flour and water in real-time, so that every dough ball is consistently kneaded, evenly thin and round. It then roasts each roti until puffed.

What Can I Make In a Rotimatic?

Rotimatics can also make pooris, aloo parathas, methi parathas, onion parathas, gobi parathas, and multigrain parathas with multigrain atta. Fresh rotis can be a great addition to your instant pot recipes.

Air Fryers - Less Oil, Less Calories

‍Along with the instant pot and rotimatic, another kitchen appliance gaining a lot of attention and popularity recently is the air fryer. An air fryer is an appliance that uses hot air and a bit of oil to "fry" food. Air fryers require less oil than traditional fried foods, making them generally healthier than their oil-immersed counterparts. Using an air fryer to cook can cut calories and fat content. With a fraction of the oil, cooking experts say it can "fry" certain foods as well as a deep-fryer. Not to mention, just one deep-frying session can leave your place smelling and feeling as greasy as a fast food kitchen. 

What Can I Make In An Air Fryer?

‍Here are a few delicious Indian snacks and meals you can cook up in an air fryer, while using less oil and without compensating on taste: french fries, fried chicken, tandoori aloo tikka, tandoori paneer naan pizza, samosas, vada pav, charga, tandoori aloo gobi, and many more. As stated before, the possibilities are endless. 

Chances are you may have at least one of these kitchen appliances at home. If not, you should definitely consider buying them because we have a delicious new recipe for you to try down below!

Instant Dal Tadka:

‍Ingredients Needed:

• 1 tbsp of oil
• 1 tbsp of Cumin seeds
• ½ Onion finely chopped 
• 6 Curry leaves
• ¼ tbsp Asafoetida
• 1 /4 tsp Turmeric powder
• ½ tsp Coriander powder
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 cloves of Garlic
• 1 cup of Toor dal
• 3 cups of Water 

Instructions:

1. Start the instant pot in sauté mode and heat the oil in it. Add cumin seeds, green chili, curry leaves, garlic and asafoetida.
2. After the garlic turns light brown, add the chopped onions and cook for 2 minutes until the onions turn golden brown.
3. Add tomatoes, turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the washed toor dal and water. Stir it all up. 
5. Change the instant pot setting to manual or pressure cook mode at high pressure for 5 mins. After the instant pot beeps, let the pressure release for 5 minutes.
6. Garnish with cilantro and additional garam masala.
7. IP Instant Daal Tadka is now ready!

In India, festivals are always celebrated with lights and colors, and Christmas is no exception. Unlike some occasions like Thanksgiving and Halloween, which India learned to celebrate more recently, the history of Christmas celebrations in India is perhaps as old as the arrival of Christianity. Granted that Hinduism is the predominant religion of India, the country also has a fairly large population of Christians.

There are over 25 million Christians in India. One of the largest Indian Christian communities resides in a big city like Mumbai. Additionally, many of the Christians live in or have roots in Goa, India's smallest state located on the west. The states of Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Mizoram have substantial populations of Christians as well.

‍Mango Christmas Tree and Indian Santa Claus:

‍Like any other major holiday in India, Christmas is also celebrated with multitudes of festivities. Santa Claus, also known as “Christmas Baba, Christmas Tatha, Natal Bua, or Christmas Papa,” brings presents to children. Churches are decorated with Poinsettia flowers and candles. Similarly, people decorate their homes with mango leaves, star shaped lanterns, and manger scenes. They also decorate mango and banana trees instead of traditional Christmas trees to set the festive mood. In Goa, which follows lots of western customs because of its historical connections with Portugal, people like to go caroling around their neighborhoods. They also hang up giant star shaped paper lanterns between their houses, so that the stars float above as people walk down the streets. Mainly, Christmas festivities begin the night before the 25th as families attend Christmas Eve Midnight Mass together. This is followed by a massive feast.

‍Christmas Fruitcake and Consuadas:

‍At the feast, popular Christmas entrees include roast turkey or chicken. Moreover, Gujiya, which is a Holi dish, is also made for Christmas. There are two kinds – keema gujiya and sweet gujiya. In Meghalaya- doh jem (a meat preparation), putharo (steamed rice cakes), jadoh (a rice and meat preparation), and doh sniang nei-iong (a pork and sesame preparation) are notably favorites.

Christmas in India brings also brings with it a variety of desserts as well. Christmas sweets — mainly originating from Goa and adapted in the rest of the country — are traditionally called “kuswar.” They include neureos (small pastries which are stuffed with dry fruit and coconut and fried), dodol (toffee that has coconut and cashew in it), kidiyo (deep-fried curly dough balls dusted in powdered sugar), and sweet dumplings called newrio (stuffed with palm sugar, sweet grated coconut, and sesame seeds). These delicious delicacies are often part of a 'consuada'--a Portguese word for Christmas feast--where people make sweets before Christmas and share them with their family, friends, and neighbors. Desserts also range from rose cookies to deeply delicious multi-layered Christmas fruitcakes. These traditional dense Christmas fruitcakes are an elaborate, labour-intensive process made with coconut milk and flour. Savoury banana chips, crisp chaklis (a round, deep-fried savoury made with lentils), and cardamom and cashew macaroons round up a versatile collection of Christmas goodies.

Many American Indians in the United States celebrate the holiday differently than they would in India. However, regardless of where you are, Christmas is a time for family, friends, and food. And one cannot ask for anything more than to be surrounded by tradition, love, and happiness during this most joyous of seasons.

The frenzy of Thanksgiving is approaching fast! It is one of the many anticipated holidays as it brings families and friends from all around the country to break bread together. It also starts the official countdown to Christmas and New Year. Along with community building and a big turkey dinner, Thanksgiving is everyone's favorite excuse to go on an extreme shopping spree with Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Many South Asian families, especially in the States, save up money and gear up for huge savings as they wait to purchase big items during this weekend. These shopping marketing tactics have started surfacing in South Asian countries such as India and Pakistan as well with different names, like “White Friday” or “Blessed Friday”.

Apart from this, Thanksgiving is every foodie’s favorite holiday as they are able to satisfy their year long cravings in one sitting. One of the best parts about being South Asian is being able to add a “desi” touch to Western foods. Since turkey is known to be a bit bland, many people add Indian spices to their turkeys to make it more flavorful, such as Tandoori Turkeys, while others opt out of turkey to make whole tandoori chickens instead. Some even try cooking up new dishes like turkey curry (see recipe below)  and pumpkin and chickpea curry. Additionally, people further “desi-fy” their Thanksgiving feasts by concocting sides like masala mashed potatoes or sweet and sour tomato chutney, instead of the original basic mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. Check out our new masala mashed potato recipe below. It is guaranteed to be a hit on your Thanksgiving dinner table! Other sides include, caramelized cumin-roasted carrots, tamarind gravy, and Indian-styled stuffed mushrooms. Along with savory entrees, many people deck out their tables with scrumptious desi desserts like pumpkin halwa, cardamom custard, and buttermilk-cardamom pie. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XABGLr8t-x0&t‍

Quick and Easy Masala Mashed Potatoes Video Recipe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14a6h5_H7Vk

‍Quick and Easy Turkey Curry Video Recipe

In all the excitement of food, let’s not forget about one of the main sentiments that comes with Thanksgiving, giving thanks. There is always something to be thankful for: the family and friends that make up our support system, good health, the food on our table, a roof over our head, and even the internet that allows us to read this blog at this current moment. In this fast-paced digital culture that can leave us mentally exhausted and disconnected with nature, personal relationships, and our inner selves, practicing gratitude has become more important than ever for our well being. In the wise words of internationally-recognized inspirational speaker Eleanor Brown, “you only have one life to live. Make sure it’s yours.” We’ll never stop wanting more and comparing our lives to others, but if we don’t learn to be grateful for what we have, we’ll never be satisfied. Expressing gratitude goes much deeper than giving and receiving gifts and compliments. It is a practice of being accepting of our changing world, and for being grateful for belonging in it. Practicing gratitude can further strengthen our immune system, help us feel less lonely, and even encourage us to find compassion and generosity toward others. It is the key to happiness and positivity.  

With that said, the Patel Brothers would like to thank each and every one of you for giving us the opportunity to serve you. We wish you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving! 

One of the most awaited Hindu holidays is Diwali. It is a festival of lights and a festival of flavors. See below, our exquisite quick recipe for everyone’s favorite mithai.  In the Gregorian calendar, the festival generally falls between mid-October and mid-November. Diwali signifies the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance." Read more about “Diwali, Dharma, and Resistance” here.

Giving Back:‍

During Diwali, people are strongly encouraged to give back to the community. There are many different non profit organizations that do charity work, especially during Diwali. They include centers for the deaf, handmade cards made by underprivileged children whose proceeds go towards their education, organizations working for the betterment of orphans, and centers providing education for children from low-income families.‍

Preparing for Diwali:‍

As Diwali begins to approach, people start preparing for it in advance by cleaning, renovating, and decorating their homes, temples, and workplaces. Paper lampshades are a novel oriental way of decorating on Diwali. Other decorations include creative and colorful rangolis, diwali torans, diyas, and flowers. During this festive celebration, people light up the interior and exterior of their homes with oil lamps and candles because it is believed that the Goddess Lakshmi graces those homes which are brightly illuminated on Diwali with wealth and prosperity. Additionally, people wear their finest clothes and offer puja to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, light fireworks, and take part in big family feasts, where mithai (sweets) and gifts are given.

Heavenly Diwali Foods:‍

Lets face it, food is the most important any celebration. Some of the mouth watering mithai include Kaju Katli, Barfi, Motichoor, Besan and Coconut Ladoos, Rasgullas, Suji Halwa, Jalebi and Gulab Jamun.  Some of the succulent savory snacks and entrees include samosas, aloo tikkis, dahi vadas, pooris, dal maharani, and khasta aloo. Samosas are small pockets of pastry, usually shaped into a triangle, stuffed with minced meat, peas, lentils and other vegetables. Aloo tikkis are made with potatoes that are shredded and formed into small patties before being fried. They are served hot with mint or tamarind chutney. These aloo tikki Diwali snacks can also be served as a side to a main meal. Also a popular dish, Dahi Vaadas are prepared by soaking fitters made from lentil and chickpea flour in yogurt (dahi), topped with cilantro, chili powder, crushed black pepper, chaat masala, cumin, green chilis, or boondi. Furthermore, pooris are fried soft round breads and can be eaten with foods like dal maharani- a combination of three different dals mixed, or khasta aloo- curried potatoes. Other entrees include paneer tikkas, saag, navratan korma, malai wali ki sabzi kofta, and nariyal aur badam wale chawal. 

Diwali is a good time to indulge in delicious foods and sweets without feeling guilty.  With that being said, looking for an easy mithai recipe to wow your guests at your next Diwali party? We got you covered with this easy fingerlicking coconut Ladoo recipe that will leave your guests wondering about it for days.

Crazy for Coconut Ladoos:

Ingredients:
•  1 and ½  cups of desiccated coconut
•  1(14 ounces) can of condensed milk  
•  ½  cup of chopped pistachios
•  1 tsp of cardamom powder
•  4tsp of desiccated coconut for garnishing
•  1 tsp of oil
•  Cupcake liners (optional)

Directions:
1)  In a wide pan on low heat, add the desiccated coconut milk and keep stirring.
2)  Add cardamom powder, condensed milk, and chopped pistachios and keep stirring until the mixture begins to come together.
3)  Add the mixture into a bowl and let it cool
4)  Grease your hands with oil and take small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite size ladoos.
5)  Roll the ladoos in coconut and place them into cupcake liners.
6)  Refrigerate in an airtight container until it’s ready to be served.

Searching for some fun fall recipes to kick off the autumn season? Scroll to the bottom for a Pumpkin Spice Lassi and Cranberry Chutney recipe that will make you fall in love. 

You know fall is near when your favorite cafes start carrying pumpkin spice lattes, and stores are filled with orange and yellow decor items. Weather over the United States this year has been much warmer than before; therefore, most people are anticipating the cooler, crisper, and fresher air autumn brings along. Along with the fluctuation in the weather, autumn brings along with it changes in the colors of leaves, cute sweaters, boots, scarves, and the first day of school! In a way, it is an opportunity for a  fresh start before the new year.

The autumn season welcomes a lot of different things: from new holidays to certain fruits and recipes. For example, Onam is an annual Harvest festival that originated in the state of Kerala in India and falls around August–September.  This year, Malayalis around the world celebrated from September 1st to September 13th, making it an almost “pre-fall” festival. Some of the tasty delicacies consumed during Onam include: upperi or banana chips, kaalan, pulissery, and naranga curry.

Additionally, Navratri, another Hindu festival observed for different reasons spans over nine nights every year in the fall. Navratri is also known as Ma Durga Puja and is a vital festival held in honor of the divine feminine. It chiefly celebrates the victory of good over evil wherein Devi Durga defeats and overpowers the buffalo demon in the form of Mahishasura. A few of the delicious foods eaten during Navratri include: sabudana khichdi, aloo ki kadhi, chawal ka dhokla, and singhare atte ka halwa. Interestingly enough, there are nine colors of Navratri to symbolize one color for each day, and they happen to concur with the shades of the autumn season: red, orange, yellow, purple, and blue. 

Apart from religious holidays, fall also welcomes seasonal fruits like pumpkins, apricots, cranberries, and apples, along with new pastimes. Family friendly activities like drinking warm mugs of apple cider, apple picking, picking out the perfect pumpkin, leaf leaping, baking pies, and trying out new foods and recipes are the highlight of September through December. Nevertheless, allow us to introduce to you two new fall recipes that blend the autumn season with the desi culture!

Pumpkin spice latte who? Introducing the pumpkin spice lassi!

Ingredients:

‍• 2 cups peeled pumpkin pieces, chopped into 1” cubes
• 1 cup Whole Milk
• 1 cup Plain Yogurt
• ½ cup Sugar
• 1 cup Cold Water
• ¼ tsp Cinnamon
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

‍1. In a medium pan, heat oil, and add chopped pumpkin and whole milk. Cook until slightly soft.
2. Let the mixture simmer until thickened.  
3. In a blender, add the pumpkin mixture, plain yogurt, white sugar, and cinnamon and blend for one minute.
4. Pour cold water slowly into the blended mixture and blend again until it reaches the desired consistency.
5. Ice is optional.
6. Enjoy!

A cranberry chutney you’ll love berry much!

Ingredients:

‍• 12 oz bag fresh whole cranberries
• 4 oz dried candied mango (small diced)
• Lemon zest (1 lemon)
• Orange zest (1 orange)
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ⅓ cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 2 diced green chilies
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

‍1. Mix all the ingredients except cranberries in large pot on medium heat. Bring to a boil.
2. Add cranberries to the boiling sauce, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until all cranberries burst.
3. Remove from heat and cool completely. Remove cinnamon stick and star anise.
4. The chutney is now ready!

Where in the world would you find two countries with so many similarities? Colorful and vibrant are the words that come to mind when speaking about both the Indian and Pakistani culture and lifestyle. Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and Gujurati are the four major high-spirited languages spoken by a multitude of people from both countries. In fact, most Bollywood movies and songs are filmed in the Hindi/ Urdu language. This commonality applies to other performing arts as well. Bhangra, a high-energy, Punjabi style of dance music performed at weddings and parties is common in both India and Pakistan. When you think of Punjabis, you think of bhangra--and vice versa. Speaking of music, Qawwali, a form of Sufi Islamic music performed at shrines and dargahs is also notably popular throughout South Asia.

Similarly, both countries share an array of similarities in regards to the customs and traditions that characterize a “desi” wedding. Unlike Western weddings, South Asian marriages are a week-long affair, including multiple events such as: a haldi/mayoun, followed by a sangeet/mehendi, concluding with a grand wedding reception. Brides tend to steer away from dressing in lighter colors, and strongly prefer wearing intricately designed red or maroon outfits, accompanied by dramatic hair and makeup, and gold jewelry. In both cultures, you will find the hands of the bride and her closest family members decorated with ornate henna designs.

Although the music, dancing, and newly married couple are important aspects of a wedding, the best part about a desi wedding, as we all know, is the food. Ranging from delicious appetizers such as pakoras, aloo tikkis, chaat, and pani poori, to entrees like palak paneer, pilau, bhindi masala, and curry, Indian and Pakistani food is sure to make your mouth water. Pakistani weddings tend to focus on a mix of meat and vegetarian foods like korma, biryani, chana masala, and barbecue items; whereas, the majority of Indian weddings include vegetarian and vegan items like daal makhani, paneer tikka, and gobi manchurian. Especially important in both cultures is ending the meal with heavenly desserts including gulab jamun, ladoos, gajar ka halwa, mango kulfi, and kheer.

Moreover, like the love of football stands strong in America, in both South Asian countries you will find that the love and passion for the cricket sport encompasses all crowds in every household. The love of this sport, and values such as family and education keep loved ones close. Unlike other cultures, it is more common--and actually encouraged--that children live with their parents until they are married, and are raised to take care of their parents in their old-age. Additionally, since poverty is more pervasive among the populations in both countries, the importance of education is heightened among children early on as a path to breaking that cycle.

Certainly both countries share vital features of their cultures with each other, but the similarities do not stop there. They both also share their borders with the Arabian Sea and the village of Wagah. Flag lowering ceremonies at the Wagah-Attari border end in handshakes of good faith between the head guards of each nation, symbolizing brotherhood. In addition, both India and Pakistan have stunning, yet indistinguishable landscapes. From Stok Range, Nubra Valley, and the Central Highlands in India, to Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Naltar Valley in Pakistan, thousands of tourists visit these breathtaking sceneries every year. Speaking of tourism, some of the must-see landmarks in India include: the Taj Mahal, Charminar, and the India Gate; whereas in Pakistan, similar bucket list spots are the Badshahi Masjid, Minar-e-Pakistan, and Shalimar Garden.

Both India and Pakistan are united in their aspects of culture, traditions, values, and beauty. To this day, people residing in Pakistan and India share a special bond as their forefathers are linked to one another. From similarities in languages, to foods, to landscapes, man-made lines cannot change common ancestry, and the two young nations can be considered family. As Lailah Gifty Akita said: “There is beauty and power in unity. We must be united in heart and mind. One world, one people”.