Sip sip hooray! That’s how most of us feel when summer rolls around. There is something about the sun-filled heat and celebratory libations. Its not a far stretch of the imagination that we’ll all be lifting our glasses at some point to the sun gods.
Lychee Summer Sparkler
Salmon and Guava Stacked Salad with Horseradish Raita and Tamarind Dressing
This salad embodies me on a plate. It takes childhood experiences and intersects them with South Asian flavours and ingredients. Each bite is a redefinition of the journey towards home.
Born and raised in Kamloops, the Adams River salmon run was a huge part of the field trip experience of my elementary school years. I admit at the time, I was dismissive of nature. My naive approach to life didn’t really understand the connection to nature. Something so far removed from now, when I am constantly humbled and fascinated by it. The cyclical nature of the salmon run hits a nerve; the no end and no beginning is poetic.
Upscaled Saag and Makki Di Roti
A balance of comfort, ’sans precedent’ of the familiar Sarson da Saag and Makki di roti.
Nothing is more Punjabi or Desi than saag and and makki di roti. In the Lehail household, saag is a favourite and like so many, I can attest that my mom’s is the best. My parents, both foodies, have fond memories of saag and associate eating it with love for their India, their villages, and their families. If you mention the dish, they both dreamily think of at least a dozen, if not more, childhood memories that include their own parents, siblings, joyous interactions.