An Indian Food Blog

Maple Masala Paal
The trees towered above them. The canopy stood high above and dwarfed Poet and Flower. Flower was carefully carrying a a very full bucket of sap when plop, she tripped over her feet and fell into a sweet, sticky mountain of maple sap.

The latest recipes.

8/25/21 8/25/21

The Power of Childhood Experiences - Fish Vada

Childhood memories are powerful. I grew up hearing about my parents' childhood. But it is now only as an adult that I realize the importance of these stories. I would love to share experiences I had as a child with Poet and Flower.

8/19/21 8/19/21

The Charm of the Midwest - Potato Palya

I never thought I'd be living in middle America. But, inevitably, it is now home. Poet and Flower were born here. Their childhood will be marked with Midwestern sensibilities and a place that will hopefully always be an anchor for them.

8/11/21 8/11/21

The Thrill of the Grill - Lamb Kebabs

We are almost out of time. Summer is drawing to a close, and another year of school starts again next week. Where does the time go? Each day is a blur of activities, playing, swimming, reading, and finally, bedtime. But in between there is always time for summer grilling.

8/3/21 8/3/21

Watching the World Go By - Perfect Lamb Kuftas

I don't want to watch the world go by. In my twenties, I spent most of my time doing just that, or at least it certainly felt like it. I applied to college and medical school together while in high school.

7/27/21 7/27/21

Is Life a Race? - South Indian Vaal Dal (Butter beans)

Is life a race? As a kid growing up, it sure felt like one. At least life was a race academically, if not in other aspects. As a child of Indian immigrants, my parents were certain education was the only path to success. Getting good grades was paramount.

7/20/21 7/20/21

Partners in Crime - Flour's Famous Banana Bread

I married a big kid. Or perhaps we are all just kids at heart. G loves all things that are playful and fun. Before we had Poet and Flower, he would climb the kids' play structure and wave from the top.

7/13/21 7/13/21

The Humble Box - Spicy Quick Pickled Radishes

Poet and Flower have slowly accumulated things. Things being a vague term to describe clothes, toys, books, and more toys. These items have slowly accumulated despite my best efforts. They have filled the kids' rooms and have slowly spilled out into other parts of the house.

7/6/21 7/6/21

Cancer Sucks - Hyderabadi Dahi ki Kadhi

Cancer sucks. For the longest time, this phrase would irk me. Perhaps that is an understatement. It was more of an annoyance in a deeply visceral way. I think the words hit so close to home.

6/29/21 6/29/21

The Beauty in Simplicity - Masala Vada (Chana Dal Vadai)

We eagerly looked out the darkened window. Flower was already fast asleep in her bed, but Poet was still up eating his bedtime snack. His snack of choice this week is almonds, cashews, and chocolate chip trail mix. As he munched, we turned off all the lights, and Poet peered out into the darkness.

6/22/21 6/22/21

The Summer of New Memories - Mango Lassi Popsicles

6/14/21 6/14/21

One Year of Food Blogging! - Hyderabadi Dum Biryani

6/6/21 6/6/21

Trying to Unplug From the World - Pistachio Marshmallows

We drove, finding ourselves on a one-lane road with signs saying 'high elevation, drive in the lowest gear'. We turned onto an even smaller road deep in the woods. It was our first vacation in over a year, and we were looking forward to being out in nature and simply relaxing.

Hi! I’m Sameena

Welcome! I'm Sameena. I'm a physician by day, mom on call round-the-clock and avid cook. Poet and Flower is an Indian food blog celebrating my passion for food and family. I learned to cook in my mother's kitchen. My kids, Poet and Flower, are both the inspiration for the blog and the main distraction which keeps me from it.