My mom works for local grocer New Seasons Market and frequently brings me free produce that no longer meets the New Season’s standard. Thankfully, their standards are quite high. After one such delivery, I found myself with approximately 4 pounds of carrots and a few days in which to use them. Lacking the motivation and the hunger to risk jaundice by mass consuming them in their raw form, I sought alternatives. Stubbornly refusing to make copious amounts of carrot cake or carrot muffins (mostly because I don’t need all of the cream cheese frosting that they would inevitably be covered in), I endeavored to find a recipe for carrot burfi, my favorite childhood treat from the Indian bakery. While searching for instructions and guidance, I found videos on Youtube of a woman cooking all manner of tasty Indian treats. Though there were no posts in which she prepared carrot burfi, I continued watching. As she prepared spinach paratha, I fell in love.

Ah, how I have come to further love Manjula’s Kitchen, the San Diego based website of (surprise, surprise) Manjula Jain. According to the website, Manjula was born and raised in North India and moved to the United States as an adult. A strict adherent of the Jain religion, her recipes and instructions are all vegetarian and include appetizers, beverages, breads, chaat, chutneys / pickles, dal (lentils), desserts, paneer (indian cheese, rice, soups, salads, and subji (vegetables). There is even a section of vegan recipes. In addition to the written recipes are videos in which she walks the audience through a cooking demonstration, narrating each step of preparation in, what appears to be, her home kitchen.

From the accent to the sari to the food she prepares, Manjula maintains an charming authenticity. However, avoiding post-colonial stereotyping, she is clearly an entrepreneur in the traditional mythology of the United States. Using the internet, she is creating a small empire. I anticipate that a clever publisher or producer will engage her at some point to capitalize upon her fan base and knowledge. Seemingly, she could be the next Madhur Jaffrey. Currently, Manjula’s kitchen boasts an active forum, in which visitors are invited to ask questions and seek advice. Manjula always responds. Additionally, the site features a FAQ section a well as pages regarding stocking the pantry, presentation, planning a menu, and cookware. This woman has it all (I told you already, I am deep in spinach paratha love). She even gives personal cooking lessons in the San Diego area. Perhaps, one of the few good things about living in southern California.

The aforementioned Spinach Paratha:

The equally love inducing Toor Dal:

My mom’s favorite Indian dessert, Ras Malai:

All courtesy of Majula: