Pasta with Paneer Ragu

Shuchi Naidoo August 24, 2016

For those who have been following my recipes & work for a while, or have attended any of my dining experiences, know that I love to create. Using everyday Indian ingredients and traditional home style cooking, I explore new dishes that are healthy, out of the ordinary and fun!

Corn Lemon Rice (Vegan / Glutenfree)

Shuchi Naidoo August 10, 2016

My first memories of eating lemon rice are from our days in Bangalore, India. Not being a big rice eater in those days, I always marvelled how a subtle lemony rice always managed to get my attention. And for good reason. For this quick & simple dish has a few ingredients, but bursting flavours that need no accompaniments whatsoever. Of course, a little pickle on the side never hurts though!

Turmeric Nimbu Pani (Lemonade)

Shuchi Naidoo July 27, 2016

Summer is all about cool drinks. From bubbles to lemonades, everyone brings out their A game to create their own versions of the best thirst-quenching, throat soothing, ice crackling jugs of flavour. Summer is also about outdoor activities, public spaces, and germs. Lots of germs. So for this recipe, I decided to fuse the ever popular Indian Nimbu Pani (sweet & salty lemonade) with a touch of health. After all, what could be better than having your lemonade and drinking health too ;)

Cardamom Coffee Popsicles

Shuchi Naidoo July 13, 2016

I love cardamom coffee. In my mind it's the cousin to the Indian staple masala chai, and since I love all things spice, definitely a favourite in our household for those grey winter mornings. But, summer is a different story. While I still need my early morning cuppa joe, I rarely ever feel for the hot steam during those sultry months. The answer? These cooling coffee flavoured popsicles with hint of cardamom and creaminess from condensed milk! Think a frozen iced latte, only yummier.

Zaalouk - A Vegan/Glutenfree Eggplant Dip

Shuchi June 1, 2016

I first tried Zaalouk at a Mediterranean restaurant in Hong Kong. After several coy tries of figuring out what exactly went into this delectable dip, I had asked the owner for the recipe (none of the ones online did it any sort of justice!). He obviously didn't reveal it all, but did mention that its "simply a blend of roasted eggplant, garlic, red pepper, lots of tomatoes and common spices". Ha, a sentence that didn't give away much, but just enough for the sleuth in me to set off on a culinary mission and decipher this recipe! After a few tries, I felt I had come pretty close to what I tasted in the restaurant - the missing ingredients was probably just the amount of oil I could get myself to use at home!

Revealing 29.1 ... and Pandan Kaya Pound Cake

Shuchi Naidoo May 10, 2016

"Toast & tea, with friends of the soul

Many a heartbreak, and damage control,

Rainy days, and nights at end

Rules that were always available to bend,

Party nights, indecisive future to seek

Graduations, new jobs, love so meek

And even though life moves along,

Oh Singapore, you will always be home!"

I apologise it took me so long to post this recipe. It has been due for a while. But there is good reason behind it. I promise.

Strawberry & Cardamom Atta Cake

Shuchi March 28, 2016

This is a deliciously easy cake that has a subtle flavour of cardamom and tart bites of strawberry. The brown sugar adds a slight caramel flavour, which I absolutely adore in my baked goods! I never ever bake with white flour or refined/white sugar anymore, and I guarantee you this healthier version is just as addictive as any traditional cake. In fact, better ingredients just means you can have more guilt-free ;). Bake this pronto!

Sweet & Spicy Beetroot Chutney

Shuchi February 23, 2016

This all-natural indian-style chutney made with fresh beets, raisins, tamarind and spices is a deliciously balanced sweet & spicy condiment on crackers, breads, dosas, idlis or even eggs!

For a recent event, I served this chutney with kale paniyarams (pan fried semolina cakes - pics below) and the guests licked off every last bit. Truly versatile, and fast becoming a must-have condiment in my kitchen.

Spicy Breakfast Muffins

Shuchi February 10, 2016

"I want muffins, and I want them now,

Sweet, savory or spicy, i'll devour them any how!

A cold winter storm, and baked so fresh

Melted cheese and butter, and soft soft flesh

A bite or two, and boy I was hooked

Never did I ever, for spicy muffins look!

Now breakfast is served, and lunch & dinner

I think my friends, we have a baked winner!"

Superbowl Sunday: Pulled Chicken & Tomato Chutney Sliders

Shuchi February 3, 2016

I hate change. As I reluctantly accept that we're in the midst of winter, I needed something to look forward to as we inch towards spring. For me, food is the answer. In fact, food is the answer to most questions. So as we move from one season to the next, I adapt by immersing in new discoveries, relentless failures and as a result, highly acclimatised taste buds. For few can match the warmth & comfort of a pretty plate of food.

One-Pot Chicken & Veggie Stew

Shuchi January 19, 2016

“As winter creeps up

We snuggle and hide,

From that frosty cold

That does indeed bite.

A warm meal

Makes us drool and dream,

A steamy sinful stew

With dollops of cream.

A movie and a blanket

A loving kiss,

Comfort for that hunger

That’s one granted wish.

And with a stomach full

We in happiness sway,

Winter isn’t that bad

When summer is on it’s way..”

Game Day Recipe : Chana Masala Sloppy Joes

Shuchi January 11, 2016

I applaud extraordinary. I smile at eccentric. And I adore weird concoctions.

Chana Masala or Chole is one of the most common and loved dishes of Northern India. It consists of a semi-dry curry made with chickpeas, and seasoned with spicy and tangy spices, simmered for hours. Probably the most common way to devour this delicious dish would be as Chola Bhatura or Chickpea Curry eaten with leavened Deep Fried Bread. Mmmm, it’s hard not to salivate just writing about it. This dish also happens to be really versatile. How you ask? Read on.

Kale Upma

Shuchi October 21, 2015

Upma is a quintessential breakfast/brunch dish in the southern part of India. Fragrant, light, low on spices and a very satisfying bowl on rainy day, it's my constant go to when I find myself cooking for 1. It not only comes together in minutes, but can also be adapted to seasons by using any produce abundant at the local farmers market. Here is my nutrient packed version with Zucchini & Kale - a healthy kickstart for a cool autumn day!

Oatmeal Atta Cookies

Shuchi October 8, 2015

I am not a cookie lover, but I get cravings. And always at the busiest, oddest and most inappropriate of times. So there is nothing left to do but to make a quick batch that will satisfy the palate without completely tipping the calorie balance.

Baked Masala Fish

Shuchi September 30, 2015

"The feeling of holiday, slow ripples in a boat

That warm summer day, fishermen at work,

Lunch beckons, just as the catch comes in

So fresh, the fish almost seem to smirk!

Spiced & roasted, ready in minutes ten

Flaky goodness, the devours the best of you,

Ah, if only day we ate this well everyday

A fish, a boat & a wide ocean blue!"

Dinner Under the Bridges (DUTB) - A Photo Essay

Shuchi September 28, 2015

Oops, we did it again.

For the second time round, Komeeda and 29. teamed up to create a unique Brooklyn picnic flanked with a stupendous skyline, a mystical sunset, fabulous company and a seasonal, picnic & Indian-inspired tasting menu.

Chocolate Coconut Atta Pound Cake

Shuchi August 26, 2015

"Bakes brown & moist, this loaf for morning tea,

With coconut & a crunch, no sampling, gotta have a whole piece.

Atta takes over that dreaded flour, healthier, but tastes just as good,

Experiments in the kitchen, oh! aren't they fun with food!"

Go ahead, get that apron on, and put on your baking shoes,

If you're feeling down today, this will drive away those weekday woes.."

Spicy Vermicelli Poha

Shuchi August 13, 2015

"Breakfast of champions, this gotta be

Flavourful, and packed with nutrients you cannot see..

A warm comforting bowlful, or some quick spooned bites

Putting the muffin aside? Yes, you just might!

Inspired by home, and the bright summer sun

Perfect for meatless monday, or after that morning run,

It's vegan, but fancy a dollop of yogurt? Feel free

Specially if you're a spice wimp, like me!

West Elm Pop-Up Dinner : KYC Dinner Series

Shuchi August 3, 2015

KYC [Kay. Vai. See] - Know.Your.Client. A common phrase in the Investment Banking world that refers to knowing detailed information about who you do business with. In our world, it is simply knowing who stirred the curry.

Last week, we launched the 29. KYC Dinner Series. A series of dinners focussed on learning, interacting, collaborating, sharing and of course...eating. Our first dinner was held with our favorites - the ever creative team at West Elm Market in Dumbo, Brooklyn - a spot that all food, condiments or table/dining ware fanatics like myself must must check out! Warning : it's hard to leave the store empty handed.

Butter Chicken Noodles

Shuchi June 18, 2015

Here's the truth. I have no idea how I came up with this recipe.

A lazy Saturday lead to me cook up a quick, yet comforting, dinner where I could use up all that was in my fridge (as I was going on holiday soon). I found tomatoes, onions, red pepper, zucchini, some frozen leftover chicken meatballs and a packet of chinese noodles. I love creating recipes with what's on hand, so I decided to use the noodles as a 'spaghetti' base, and create an Indian-inspired spicy sauce with he remaining ingredients to go along. And what could be better than the much loved Butter Chicken?!With a few twists, out came a perfectly balanced and super satisfying Indo-Italian-Chinese fusion that worked in every way, and came together in under 30 minutes.