Well, what can I say, I’m so excited about my new venture, Spicella.
I’ve always loved cooking, but over the last year or so I’ve put in that little extra effort to make food that the family have very much enjoyed.
So much so, that having them tell me I’ve ‘up’d my game’, made me feel I was churning out some pretty good stuff! It did make me wonder though, what they thought of my cooking prior!
As much as I love Indian food, I only cooked it once, maybe twice, and even then I made repetitive meals that I was comfortable cooking.
Since experimenting with different ingredients and cooking techniques, it became apparent that, attempting to cook something new, became easier on subsequent occasions.
I became intrigued about Indian cooking and wanted to explore more on what it had to offer given my Indian heritage and the lovely food cooked by our parents, so here I am with Spicella!
In this first post, I thought it only right to tell you a bit out about me/Spicella, as I begin this wonderful hobby, which has challenged me and duly kept the family well-fed.
What is Spicella about?
Spicella is a recipe website, where I’ll be sharing my Indian recipes, tips and techniques on cooking Indian food, demonstrating how easy it can be to make something tasty in a few easy steps and with some preparation.
The recipes are my take on traditional Indian food whilst some have a modern twist and are an adaptation of the original dish.
I’m grateful to our Mums, who complete my proposition and are fantastic aids, I couldn’t do this without them.
What’s your favourite Indian food?
My favourite Indian food differs depending on whose made it, to be honest. Whether it’s cooked in a restaurant or at home, makes all the difference.
If going out to a restaurant, I’d say it’s a Chicken Karahi accompanied by a dollop of Tikka Masala sauce, (which the boys normally order). Love it with rice and Garlic Naan!
If it’s family cooking, then my husband’s Tandoori Chicken Burgers (they’re divine), my father in law’s Lamb Curry, my mum’s Samosa’s (they’re the best) and my mother in law’s Mattar Paneer. Not a direct answer to the question, I know! But, I must keep those dear to me happy 
 There are however, too many tempting options to pin down an actual favourite.
What’s your favourite spice?
Cinnamon, all day long! I think it’s such a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury foods. I love using it when cooking different cuisines, not just Indian food. My sister will tell you hands-down, if you asked her what my favourite food was comprising of cinnamon…it would be an Apple Crumble; she thinks I eat it too often!
Which recipes will you share?
The idea is to share as many different dishes from across India. India has 29 states; each one has it’s unique style of cooking and dishes known to that region. I’ll recreate meals using an array of vegetables, beans and lentils, seafood and meats as well as spices to bring out the flavours associated with those regional dishes.
I’m a big fan of desserts, however prefer savoury over sweet food, any day. I plan to share my desserts and attempt making Indian sweets, keeping it as healthy as possible (I will try!).
At the time of writing this post, I’ve already shared some recipes, which include food that I regularly cook at home that my boys love. So do have a browse at the recipes section.
Do you work with any Charities?
Spicella is a part-time blog site, however any advertising revenue generated will be donated to Tommy’s. This charity is close to my heart and I would love to contribute something to the fantastic research their teams undergo.
Tommy’s is a registered charity that fund research into miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth. One in four women lose a baby during pregnancy or birth and their aim is to want every parent to have the best possible pregnancy outcomes and to take home happy, healthy babies.
Hopefully you’ve got to know a little more about Spicella, . If you have any questions, want to request recipes, or simply feel to say hi, please use the comments box below. For more information about the motivations and how this all began, have a read of my journey to Spicella.