I love bittergourd and all bitter foods. It is in my genetic makeup. Here is a basic genetics lesson on the science of bitterness. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes. Each chromosome is made up of a double helix of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid). These long DNA molecules have strings of information called genes that, in turn, code for proteins. The proteins are the functional molecules in the body. For bitter taste, the specific proteins involved are called TAS2R proteins, as t

Okra is favoured in Turkish cuisine, and interestingly, it is used as a thickener for stews and soups. But, like us in India, they prefer not to have the slimy palate feel. They get around this by adding lemon or lime juice that is added to the dish to prevent the mucilage from forming. This is a simple dish, easy to make yet so delicious. The baby okra is soft and tender, without the slime, and the tomatoes add an acidic, mild sweetness to the dish. It is perfect as a side d

It is hot in Gurgoan, really hot. I have been striving to cool down, and sorbets are one way I have found to keep cool. One of the main reasons I bought my own ice cream maker a few years ago was to be able to make low-sugar ice creams and sorbets. I was getting frustrated by commercial ice creams that load their products with excessive sugar, so I wanted to move past that. The world of ice creams is large and complex. This is my attempt to break this world down as I picture

Cold soups are the perfect dish for summer, and this one makes the most of sun-ripened melons that flood the market during these hot months. This is an exceedingly simple soup, but one that is superb. The sweet melon, make sure you have an exceedingly ripe melon, is balanced by a touch of heat from the ginger and the freshness of mint. Together, this combination is superb. The strawberries add a nuance of sweet-tart freshness to the soup. This is the perfect chilled soup to k