What's cooking? - Top 3 recipes

- You don't cook anymore? My friend, the one with the never-ending-confronting-questions, looks at me, expecting an answer. - What do you mean, I say, of course I cook. Why? Hm. Offended or not, of course I cook, right. What on earth?

- Well, you don't post any exciting recipes on your blog anymore, she replies. - You don't put any recipes, actually. Why? I miss them.

Aaaaww. She is right, I realize. Not a lot of recipes lately.

And then, with my friend's words on my mind, I go to check out my present blog recipes. And I had to giggle as I discovered some surprising facts about my recipe collection:

My all time most read blog post is a recipe post: Expat Epidorpio with a shocking 4 times as many readers as the second most read post. This recipe is most popular with readers in Russia, France and US.

My second most read recipe post is the one on Tzatziki and Raita. That is also the fifth most read post of all times. And I discovered that this was most popular with readers from USA, India and Germany.

My third most read recipe post is the one on Pita, Spring Rolls and Samosa. Yet another global recipe, where you can mix and adjust - and make your own version. This post had most readers from India, USA and Singapore.

Conclusion
So, my little research showed me that all the Top 3 recipes are global flexible recipes - meaning that you, with the same basic ingredients, can make a version - after your own choice - whether you prefer an Indian version, an Asian version, a European version or your very own special version...

Isn't that great? I like to discover new dishes, and I enjoy to experiment with ingredients, and I ust love to taste and eat all kinds of food - wherever I am. And I try to adjust - wherever I live.

But. Ok ok. I will not rest on my glorious recipe past forever. Oh no. I will experiment more and I will let myself be inspired. Thinking of which, I will head off to some of my favorite food bloggers now- that's often where I end up in my search for new culinary ideas. Hm, I think I might make another post on my top favorite food bloggers, my source of inspiration.

So, what do you do, dear reader? What's cooking in your kitchen right now? And where do you find inspiration for new culinary adventures? Any favorite food bloggers? Please share.

My 7 top Goa Monsoon Moments

Every time I have been to Goa, the sky has been blue. The sun has been shining and it has been filled up with tourists from all over. Hectic, busy, fun and a bit exhausting.

This week, when I went, the sky was grey. The clouds were dark and rain was pouring constantly. But you know what, dear reader: I totally loved it.

Back in Norway we say: "There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing" - so I put on my monsoon plastic shoes and headed off to explore monsoon Goa. These were my top favorite moments:

1. Nothing beats the vibrant colors and the freshness that the rain brings out. The coconut trees seems taller, the rice fields seems brighter and the nature comes to life again. And as I was strolling around in the fields, mesmerized by the green beauty, clicking away - I just hear my friends going: " - Oh, we are impressed Eli - see you walking around without fear for all the snakes and crocodiles." - Eeeeeeeeeeeeek....

2. Having Chicken Cafreal - and lots of other goodies at the local Florentines restaurant. I like the Goan cuisine for their smart use of spices. The restaurant is great: visited by locals, genuine and clean, cheap prices and most important: very tasty food:

3. Feeling the amazing and including atmosphere at The Miraculous Cross at the Holy Cross church in Bambolim:

4. Shopping the best cashew nuts (in the world ?)- in Sawantwadi. A long drive, but totally worth it. A beautiful place - and back in "my" state - Maharashtra.

5. Being the almost only (playful) tourist in a normally very crowded tourist area. How peaceful and calm to go for a stroll along the sea - feeling the breeze and rain at the beautiful Dona Paula beach area - famous for the myths of the Portugese lady Dona Paula and for shooting of the Bollywood films Ek Duuje Ke Linge and Singham. Usually packed with people, but not this week. Not even possible to buy the Fresh Lime Soda with Singham Masala  and Bombay Masala..:-) Hm - gotta come back here:-)  

6. Being invited to new friends' homes and feel happy when they show me their gardens with blooming flowers, the little birdie that they saved, their new kittens, the newly born calf or their old Portugese home which has been in the family for centuries and that they preserve with love, respect and pride.

7. Just sitting there, watching the rain pour down - feeling relaxed and happy - and knowing that the sun is waiting. Patiently. Because over the dark clouds, the sky is always blue..

Bye for now, dear Goa - see you again:-) 

And then the Prime Minister came to town..

Our eyes turned wider the further down in Colaba we drove .. There we were - in the back seat of the car cruising down the street - but where was the usual vibrant Colaba causeway scenery? No shops open. Hardly any people around. Cafes closed. Stalls closed. Streets closed. Only police. Heavy armed police in their khaki uniform and soldiers with bullet proof vests.

- The prime minister is in the area, they told us. Yes, it turned out that India's prime minister Narendra Modi was also in Colaba that Saturday morning, so what did we do? Well, I for one, suppressed my instant urge to drag up my camera. I politely listened to advice given to me - and I did not start to click pictures of that highly unfamiliar scenery...

And in the end - what a beautiful perfect south-Mumbai day it became....

We strolled around, viewed some sights, architecture, green spots, did some shopping, had a good lunch and lots of good laughs. And with my enthusiastic friend Alice - we also decided it was high time we had our names written on a grain of rice. And ta ta: a new key chain for 20 rupees... How awesome art is that?:-)

And after a good lunch and some parsi refreshments (with a guarantee: contains no fruit:-))...

... we were still in an artistic mood, so we decided to pop by one of the many amazing Art Galleries that are in this part of Mumbai. Great decision! So many young artists showcased their work, and I got hung up in this one painting: "Fairies taking away the books". The artist, Shahed Pasha, was there himself and it was so fun to talk with him.

And then - what could be a better way of ending the day - than on my good friend's balcony - sipping a cup of tea, chat, and watch an amazing day turn to evening in this way...:

PS: And if you have been wondering throughout this whole post what on earth the Prime Minister was doing in Mumbai on that particular Saturday - check out Times Of India:-) Wouldn't want to leave you sleepless dear reader:-)

Hope you had a good weekend and I wish you a good start of the week:-) We have the amazing Ganesha festival coming up- and for me also some traveling... Stay tuned:-)

Ta ta from Mumbai!

Summer salad blues

Ya ya. I know. Not exactly super active on the bloggers front lately. Well, I do have a lot of things on my mind, and somehow my writings seems to get stuck back in the thinking phase.. They all bottle up soooo well in that comfy zone.. That, combined with long bright nordic summer days (and nights), make my thoughts take it really slow in materializing themselves into words and actually managing the journey - from my mind - all the way to the pc - and on to the blog. Go figure?!

Today I did it. Because today I was thinking about salads. Yup. Perfect food for long warm summer days, I think. And I was applauding myself for this summer having pushed my salad comfort zone to the limits (oh yeah) and thrown myself out in new and unknown salad territory. This summer I have been such a brave salad explorer. Very adventurous, I tell you:-)

So, let me show you my favorites so far, and please do feel free to tell me yours. First up: a green salad with tomatoes, asparagus, salmon and avocado. With a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds, some nuts and the crispy green lettuce the flavors went so well together. That rich nutty/sweet texture of the avocado went so well with the light salty fish:

The next runner up had crispy fresh lettuce, spicy red chili, salty shrimps and (my Mumbai favorite) sweet mango. What a great combination of flavors also - that balance of spicy, sweet, bland and salty... Perfect!

One of my favorite ingredients in salads are tomatoes, and I couldn't help laughing thinking back to some shopping vegetable moments in India. So fresh. So tasty. And those guys who thought it was hilarious with this foreign lady who wanted to take pictures of something so ordinary as vegetables.. But hey guys: you presented them so well,, that's why:-) 

I think my conclusion is that I am a big fan of salads with balanced flavors: salty with sweet for example. Like the shrimps&mangoes, avocado&fish - and of course: sweet watermelon&salty feta cheese:

And let us not forget that balanced Greek salad: freshly cut red sweet tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, olives and onion - always a perfect dish on a hot summer day:

So, besides eating my way through the worlds salads, what have I been up to lately? Well, a bit of this:

- Sweating myself up steep hills to reach mountain tops ....

 ... to feel like I am on top of the world...

... and topping that feeling with throwing my sweaty self in to ice cold mountain water..: 

So, peace and quiet and just some blues to go along, and as we are hooked on salads, what can be a more perfect dessert that fresh blueberries and strawberries:

And in a few days I am going traveling...

Do you remember the crazy AtoZ challenge I participated in in April? When I traveled around the world - and took you along? 26 days and 26 dream destinations. Well, now I am going to travel to one of them.

Stay tuned to see where I will take you along dear reader... Buckle up...

Ta ta! 

An expat in disguise

- Would you like to taste a shrimp? I look around me. Who is she talking to, the fishsellerlady? Oh, to me?

- Oh, ok, I hear myself answer so politely: - yes, thank you. In English. English. And who am I to taste a shrimp? I know what they taste like. I am a native. And what is that - me talking English? I am not a tourist?

But, you see, I do get a bit carried away, because I am in tourist land, at the fish market in Bergen. And while tasting the shrimp (of course I did ), I look around: a large Japanese group, some Italians, Spanish and Russians. Yup, I am the only native person here.

But do I really look like a tourist to the fish-seller? Hm. Could it be the huge camera dangling around my neck? Or my bling bling sandals, my colorful clothes, flashy sunglasses or just my attitude? Yes, I guess I am an expat in disguise, a secret visitor. How great is that. I can explore my home town with new eyes, check out every single tourist spot (or trap). So, watch out Bergen: the Mumbai expat is back, disguised as a tourist...

And as I read through my old post How to spot a Mumbai expat? - 7 signs to look for - I feel myself nodding and giggling... Oh yes, I am so still there. Having that odd feeling of belonging but also of being foreigner..But I am:

...blending in with the tourists:

..and getting friendly with the locals:

And on this sunny day, I look up towards mount Fløien. Another popular tourist activity is taking the funicular up to the mountain top - for the view or for hiking further to the other mountains surrounding the city. So of course, I also did that. But let me just assure you that I have also walked all the way up there. Hey, I am (also) a native after all, right?

It is never far from the mountain top to the sea shore in Bergen, and as I, the disguised expat, am heading home, (after playing tourist for a day), I am walking along the sea and feel that fresh cool breeze in my hair, oh yes, this is home..... this too... Just like every other place where I have left a piece of my heart.. 

Yup, I guess home is where your hearth is... I wish you a wonderful weekend dear reader -  wherever you are, home or away and whether you are a tourist, a native or some kind of interesting mix of both:-) 

Ta ta from Bergen:-) 

A Foodie's favorites in Matunga

So, I had a revelation. You see, exploring Matunga, there was an aspect (of the exploration) that I instantly knew deserved a blogpost of its own. And if you are a foodie like me, you will completely understand....

Because, dear reader, those south Indian flavors...oooooh yum!

We started our morning at Cafe Mysore - or as the sign outside says: The oldest restaurant in Mumbai for South Indian delicacies. The coffee here is served like this:

... and then you have to mix the coffee, milk and sugar yourself by pouring from one tin cup to the other - a few times. Or have a skilled waiter do it for you in a very elegant way. Our attempt ended ... well on the table in a not so elegant way - but fun and very tasty. We were told that coffee is more of a south Indian drink than India's national drink tea. Our tour guide from Travel-logs told us that a popular story goes that a Muslim saint on a pilgrimage to Mecca, smuggled 7 coffee beans from Yemen into India, and planted them in the hills of Chandragiri in Mysore. But think again if you think this is a place for coming and hanging out over your coffee while chatting with friends for hours. The message is clear:

I have to admit we might have bended the rule a bit because we did a lot of chatting over those coffee cups... However, we did try the local specialty: 

At Cafe Mysore we had toast omlet - because as being (the first ) udipi restaurant in Mumbai .. for the south Indians coming to Mumbai to work and settle down these restaurants were set up to provide quick, simple and cheap meals. And the omlet had no eggs in it  ---- a very tasty vegetarian version.

And the foodies moved on, and I tell you now: if you love idlis, like I do, you will be in paradise at The Idli House. Also a small come-order-eat-and-leave place, and with a "waiting room " on the pavement outside - because this is a popular place!

...and if you do not finish your pudi, you will have to pay 8 rs penalty.. Ha ha - how great is that?!

.....aahhhh - in idli heaven... before:

..and during.. My favorite was the coconut idli - with a sprinkle of chili powder on top, but all so yum!!

After the idlis we were strolling on, and passed this cute little book store - can you imagine going treasure hunting in there? - and what could be more perfect than having a coffee bean outlet next door:

Ayappan Idli Stall was a very busy place - perfect for dosas and vadas - a quick bite on the sidewalk - a very popular place.  Centred on a busy street corner you could also drive up, jump out and get your fast food - but so not for a minute think it is a drive-in-restaurant- . You have to get out of your car/bike/rickshaw and yourself go up and order...

And if you have eaten south Indian food, you have probably, like us, had some kind of banana - or maybe had it beautifully served in banana leaves. Well, the banana market said it all:  

In my quest to explore my adopted city Mumbai, I have, in addition to heading around (sometimes like a headless chicken) on my own, also tried out different tour guides and companies. Walking tours are my favorite, and this time I for the first time went with Travel-logs. According to their site they are: a bunch of intrepid travellers, who love travelling … seeing new places, experiencing different cultures, trying to de-mystify history, and of course eating different foods! We are a team of loosely connected but tightly bonded individuals. And what binds us together is our deep passion for India and discovering her, everyday.

I have to say I felt that passion:-) I enjoyed their enthusiasm and level of knowledge, so Chief Explorer Dhiresh and co: you will see me again for sure. Your tour was interesting, varied and fun:-)  

NB: This tour was not sponsored. And as always: my opinion is mine and mine alone:-)

Ta ta from Mumbai! 

A thing for tea

Yes, I am a tea person. Te, tea, thé, té, τσάι, tsai, चहा, चाय, chai, herbata, çay - call it what you like, but it has always been my drink - whether it is that big steaming hot cup I can curl up in the sofa with, on a cold winter night, ready to chat with that good friend, while seeing the snowy wind outside the window. Or how about that feeling: coming home from the beach in the summer and head straight for the fridge to pour a big glass of that cooling iced tea just waiting to be consumed. Or that lovely moment after strolling at the market and sweaty stumbling in to this small cute shop and being welcomed with a big smile and the question: chai?

And lucky me for being in a country where tea is passion and science. Where the varieties are endless, and the spices and aromas divine. India has taken my love for tea - and my knowledge - to another level. For not did I know that the brewing times differ or that the recommended water temperatures varies. Just to make that perfect cup of tea. The one you sense the aroma of  - long before the first taste reach your lips.

Now, let me assure you: I have (had) a firm stand against having commercials or sponsored products on my blog. I have had some - let us call it pretty interesting and tempting offers, but ... nah... I kind of like the free feeling I get by writing only about what I like, and not what I feel I have to...

But then one day, I had an offer which I could simply not refuse (like the Godfather). This small tea company called the Tea Trunk invited me to test their teas.. Oh, The tea lover in me jumped excitedly. That I could do. That I wanted to do.

Go to teatrunk.com

The Tea Trunk is a Goan based company, and they offer Gourmet Tea. I think their products are beautifully presented with their cute little blue elephant symbol that appears on their gift boxes in tin, and on the tea bags. Each tea bag also gives you a small advice on how to prepare that special tea: recommended brewing time, water temperature and whether this tea goes with milk or not.

The tea trunk sells only tea that are blended with natural ingredients: Our teas are blended with only 100% natural, fresh-from-the-earth ingredients like rose petals, ginger root, and lemon peels. No artificial fragrance. No added color. No nonsense. (from teatrunk.com) The tea trunk also claims that by buying their tea, we get the very best from India’s tea gardens, since they use only the finest quality teas - and delivered directly from tea estates.

So, dear reader, the presentation is great, and according to information on the site: this is quality, but is it enough to satisfy my tea lover? How is the - after all - most important thing - The Taste?

Well, I tasted White tea, Black tea, Green tea with lemon, Oolong tea, Chilli Chai, Saffron Kahwa and Berry Blush. Two other tea lovers in my domestic surroundings: my daughter and a friend was also involved in the tasting process, and some took it more serious than others. We all agreed that the White tea was a bit too light and flowery for our taste, and that the Saffron Kahwa both smelled and tasted d.i.v.i.n.e. But that was all we could agree on. My friend's favorite was the Black tea (which reminded her of masala tea), because that is in general her favorite. My daughter loved the Chilli Chai, but also enjoyed the Green tea. I loved the Green tea and Oolong tea, but I couldn't really say there was any that I did not like. Maybe the Berry Blush, because in general I am not too fond of teas from fruit and berries. Oh, wait, we also agreed that each tea could be perfect for its purpose, right? That Green fresh tea in the morning, and the more spicy ones in the evening? Or the other way around? It comes down to taste, really.

In general, all the teas were very aromatic, and I loved the feeling of opening the box, and just smell the scent of the teas coming out. And great ideas for gifts for people back home, I think. A taste of India - in a cup. 

This was lovely, tea trunk! Thanks for letting me taste, and I'll see you again for sure - my little blue elephant:-)   


More info: teatrunk.com

I wish you a wonderful weekend ahead - with a teacup or two:-)
Ta ta!