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.