Last weekend we went to our favorite Indian restaurant,
Minerva in Fairfax VA. As we headed out, this sweet mystery kitty came by, basking in the bright sun...and checking out the tiny new shoots of rebounding catmint:
Before experiencing Minerva's rich, amazing flavors, I was fairly neutral about
Indian cuisine. And now, I can't think of another that induces this degree of sheer sensory joy--zinging endorphins fired by intricate patterns of spice and heat! In no particular order...some of the exciting flavors and textures that keep us coming back to Minerva:
Crispy masala dosa:
Aloo masala, a nice balance of soothing starch and piquant spice:
Guthi vaankya is a favorite--baby eggplants in a savory peanut curry with dried chilis, fresh cilantro and subtle layers of spice:
Or how about some chat: chickpeas and crisp chickpea filled dumplings...
dusted with mango powder, diced onions, tamarind chutney, tomato, yogurt, cilantro sauce, and a lovely scattering of fresh cilantro? Divine!
Pepper okra:
A peppery, gingery chicken special:
My plate at the table...
Coconut chutney (top) is so refreshing! I love munching on the dried red chili pods...
Smoky, sinfully rich butter chicken:
Sweet gulab jamun:
Later, we stopped by Indo-Pak Spices in Herndon...
Bitter melon and green chilis:
These rose syrups look magical:
Today's "Babar" bento features vegetable curry with peppers, peas, asparagus, paneer, and almonds, a mango chutney shrimp skewer, a methi parantha elephant, beluga black lentils with ginger chutney, snow pea shoots, cinnamon banana-blueberry skewer and red grapefruit...
