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.

6/12/22 6/12/22

Happy Birthday! - Bagara Khana (Hyderabadi Rice with Peas)

12/7/21 12/7/21

Scrooge No More - Hyderabadi Halwa Puris

I've never been a fan of Christmas. I sound like a scrooge when I say that. Growing up, we did not celebrate Christmas. We did not have a Christmas tree, or lights, or gifts. I would go to school in the New Year feeling empty-handed. All the little kids, talking about how they had made out like bandits with gifts and toys from family and friends. I always felt left out of the cold, both literally and figuratively.

11/9/21 11/9/21

The Meaning of the Holiday - Hyderabadi Shami Kebab

Thanksgiving has been an evolution for me. It has always been my favorite holiday, a time for my mother and me to cook together. For years, the goal was to have a beautiful Thanksgiving table with the classic roast turkey and all the sides. I will always miss cooking with my mom, but I know I am making new traditions with Poet and Flower.

10/28/21 10/28/21

What is Authentic? - Aloo Katli

Authentic is a tall order. In food, is anything truly authentic? As recipes are passed down during the generations, they slowly change. They are adapted to new tastes and ingredients. The food may change but it retains its essence.

6/14/21 6/14/21

One Year of Food Blogging! - Hyderabadi Dum Biryani

1/16/21 1/16/21

The Illusion of the Bubble - Hyderabadi Keema Rice

This has been the year of the bubble. Or perhaps the illusion of a bubble. We have spent the good part of the year spending time with family and friends who have been carefully screened and scrutinized.

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.