Cilantro Cucumber Dip!

The cooking today was inspired by minimalism and availability of ingredients on hand. The perfect combination. This dip or chutney is simple and versatile in its use.

1 medium size cucumber, rough chopped

2 bunches of cilantro, washed 

1 teaspoon of fresh ginger- turmeric paste ( optional)

3 Tablespoons of almond butter

1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or 1/8 teaspoon vanilla powder

1 Tablespoon Amla ( Indian gooseberry) powder ( optional )

2 limes juiced ( add 1 more if not using amla

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper powder 

• Put everything in the food processor and grind to desired dip consistency.

Enjoy as:

• Dressing for pasta or noodle salad
• Spread on sandwiches
• Sauce for grilled fish,chicken or vegetables
• Potato or cauliflower salad for picnics
• Sauce for tacos

Reaffirms that Simple is tasty. Less is better. 

Broth and Spice! Makes simple and nice !

Hello Namaste All! A visit to the farmer's market always brings joy to me. This corn and miso broth soup was inspired by the market ingredients, the weather and the Whisperings of the spices !

6 ears of corn, husked 4 medium carrots, scrubbed, cut diagonally 2 cups shelled edamame 1 teaspoon garlic, minced 1 teaspoon ginger, minced 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, minced ( optional ),your choice. I used, cilantro, mint, tarragon 8 cups of water 2 tablespoons light miso paste 1 tablespoon Spice Whisperer blend ( you can substitute a good curry powder)

In a large pot bring the water and corn to a boil. Then simmer for about 30 minutes. When cool , slice the kernels off the cob and put back into the corn stock. I added the denuded cobs too. Add the spice blend, ginger, garlic, edamame and carrots and simmer another 15 minutes or more. Just before serving stir the miso paste and fresh herbs!!

Enjoy!

Note: You can customize the vegetable combinations to your taste and availability. Serve it with a plate of noodles and stir fried greens and you have a full meal !