Thursday 25 January 2007

Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani......

People are often surprised at just how "Indian" I am despite being out of the country for the last Seventeen years, yes, seventeen years this month. They also ask me how "I do it". How I do it? Do what? I really have no answer for that.
I may be out of India...but India still resonates in everything I do, say and think. It lives on when I automatically start talking in Gujarati or Hindi with my parents, and family members and any other Indians that I come across....It lives on when I read the famous Gujarati books that my dad gives me from his library, it lives on through the music of India, most of you by now know my love for Indian Classical music - especially the Santoor, it lives on when I follow the traditions, rituals that I have been taught, and that I now teach to my two little kids. So, I guess, that is how "I do it". Though I haven't been back in the last 17 years, I still keep the culture alive, both in me and my family. It is also thanks to my family who gave me the best of both the worlds - India and Canada. I do consider Canada to be my home, but I will always remain grateful to the country that gave me my culture, values ,an identity and that is India...and hence the saying..."phir bhi dil hai Hindustani...."!

With an ode to India's Republic Day, I present a recipe for Gajar Ka Doodh depicting the colors of the Indian flag.... This is also my entry for my dear Pooja's Orange White Green theme of the week.

Gajar Ka Doodh ( Carrot Milk )

1 large carrot- shredded
5 cups Milk, 1/2 cup Sugar (or less, if you like).
1 Tbsp Custard powder-dissolved in Milk first,
1 tbsp Cardamom Powder,
1/2 tbsp- Nutmeg powder
Toasted Almonds, Pistachios
1/2 tbsp Ghee

Shred the carrots and set aside. In a deep pan, heat the ghee. Add the cardamom powder and the carrots, stir for around 5 minutes. Now add the milk and sugar. Bring to a boil. Add the custard powder that has been dissolved in milk along with the nutmeg powder. Simmer on low heat till the carrots are soft and the milk has thickened to the consistency you like. Garnish with toasted almonds and pistachios. Chill in the refrigerator before serving. Serve with Puris.....and enjoy!

Happy Republic Day! See you all next week...enjoy the weekend.

30 comments:

Bong Mom said...

That's so beautiful Trupti. I really admire you for being an Indian at heart inspite of being away from India for so long, I respect your parents too for this

The Gajar Doodh looks very beautiful, true to your spirit and honest "Dil"

Anonymous said...

Thats a true Indian I must say!!!! Clap, Clap, Clap for you!!!!!
I am sure your kids will be saying the same when they grow up :)

Sangeeta said...

Hi Trupti,

Like they say "...Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani". :) Great presentation and a wonderful recipe. Happy Republic Day !! :)

Kavitha said...

Happy republic day!!
I think somethings can never change completely. Like they say u can taken me out of India but cannot take India out of me. Sounds very cliched but is true in a way.

Pooja said...

Trupti,
each word you said is true. It doenst depend to be in Inai for being a true Indian .We love India that is what matters. I have seen many many NRIs having doing good charity work and welfare programs to help Indian people.
Gajar doodh to bahu mast lage chhe ne ! tar oemail malyo tyar thij me to banavavanu nakki kari lidhu chhe:D, simple pan tasty ane dekhay chhe pan Yummy Yummy !
thanks for participating with sucha novel idea.
take care
-Pooja

FH said...

Happy Republic day T! Beautiful Kheer!Yummy!and the colors!!

Meri Jhoote aur Pathloon to amreekawali,magar mera dil abhi bi Hindustani!:D

Jai Hind!!

USHA said...

It was really very emotional and live..that float in your thoughts...Hats off my gal..

Really a good entry for Poojs' event,it looks very awesome...

HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY...

Sri said...

Happy Republic Day to you too Trupti. How far we are from our country, Phir bhi dil hai hindustani!!!!
Gajar Doodh looks very hindustani...with all the three colors:)

Seema Bhat said...

Beautiful presentation Trupti, Loved your post too. Just be the way you are gal!!!
-
Seema

Anonymous said...

Happy republic day!!
Awesome post.

Ultimate Foodie said...

That was touching Trupti...the visit to the blog was a treat to eyes,ears and heart!

Anonymous said...

Well said Trupti.it was as if you read our minds and wrote those lovely words expressing our sentiments towards our nation !

Manjula said...

Trupti, that was very touching. Gajar kheer looks very good. Delicious dessert with the colors of the flag.

Nidhi said...

Hey Trupti, You are very Indian no matter if you are out of India for last 17 years and it shows in whatever you do, really. I really enjoyed reading your post today.

Your recipe for carrot milk is very nice and the pics are beautiful too! This is a great entry for Pooja's Republic day cooking! We call it gajar ki kheer at home :D

swapna susarla said...

hi trupti
happy republic day..

Anonymous said...

Loved both the chimichangas and the carrot milk. Beautiful !

Shilpa said...

Jai Hind! Lovely colours and such a touching gesture...

lagta nahin hai, lekin mera dil hindustani hi hai! :) (sincere apologies if there are mistakes)

Sia said...

lovely music sweetie:)

Lotus Reads said...

Ahhhhh, what a beautiful, beautiful post. Although I've only been in Canada for 7 years, I am like you, Trupti, in that, I love Canada, but I am fiercely Indian! Like they say, you can take the girl out of India, but you can't take India out of the girl!

The carrot milk looks delicious! I will try to tempt my daughters with a glass of that good stuff. THanks for sharing this recipe, Trupti.

Happy Republic Day!

p.s. I recently sent my friend a copy of "Confluence"...this will be her first exposure to the Santoor. I'm sure she'll love it!

Manasi said...

Hi Trupti! What a nice write up! Felt good .. I dunno why people think that one will change completely if they are not in India!! ??!! Do they really think we can forget the great culture and heritage, just because we are away? sheesh!!
As usual a wonderful recipe!
And love the addition of music to ur blog... I might wanna try it too!
JAI HIND!!

Prema Sundar said...

Nice presentation Trupti.. Happy Republic day.

Mandira said...

It looks fabulous Trupti. I would have never guessed that you have been away for so long! Happy Republic Day to you too.

Rajani Rayudu said...

Hi Trupti
Happy Republic Day and a nice write up.
cheers
rajani

Anonymous said...

Hi Trupti -- photos and the sentiments you have expressed are lovely, thank you for sharing them. Home is where the heart is -- trite but true; if that can be two places at once -- all the better :)

Dr. Soumya Bhat said...

hi trupti,
Now this is awesome.Nice pics dear.Look perfet to me ...hmmm

Anonymous said...

hey.... whats up??? Long time no see???? All fine???

Sia said...

trupti i have tagged u for MEME. plz chk my blog... have a good day:)
hugs
sups

HAREKRISHNAJI said...

It's called nostalgia.
Mera Bharat Mahan.

Inji Pennu said...

"phir bhi dil hai Hindustani...."! - Bless your heart! Bless your heart!

Unknown said...

That looks so delish. My sister-in-law, Harmeet, makes something like this pretty often. Soooo shibby good.

Search this Blog: