It was an interesting evening. None of the dishes were familiar to us. Or, indeed, familiar to the restaurant owner (who is from Mumbai) or his chef (who is from Goa). However, the owner cooked most of the dishes, including the dal, up to the point of “finishing off” (where the chef took over plating and so on) - under constant phone instruction from his wife (who is Gujarati). This was the third regional tasting menu they’ve done - the other two were Punjab and Goa. He promises a literal homestyle menu at some point - the dishes his wife really does cook at home. But, before that, there will be the annual Parsee menu - celebrating the Irani cafes in Mumbai. But he’s thinking they may go very Persian this time - in recognition that his business partner is Iranian.
Ooh! I actually was gifted grains of paradise and had no idea what to do with them. Thanks for this link!
Congratulation on the new grandson!
This has become a family favorite
It’s similar to the one from Serious Eats that small-h posted, except adds some potato. I’ve made the Serious Eats version and can vouch for it, too.
This Chickpea Stew is another family favorite. I think it’ll freeze okay but I’m not positive. Maybe some get oil separation at thawing, but I think it’d stir back in okay. A note here - it calls for a teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which ends up pretty powerful in this dish. After the first time I made it, I’ve always backed down to a half teaspoon. (send me a PM if paywall issues)
This one’s also quite tasty but her instructions leave a bit to be desired but if you’re good fudging on your own it’ll work. We sometimes add some sweet potato chunks and nearer the end, some large dice zucchini. It’s titled “soup” but really more stew-like.
[Edit - nevermind, her website’s messed up - now the page talks about the soup and shows pics of it but the recipe is a broccoli salad…]
Congratulations to the happy family, and I wish you all a happy and healthy life together.
I remembered another oldie but real goodie. This eggplant soup is from the book Veganomicon that came out years and years ago. It’s vegan as the cookbook name implies and I loved it then and (note to self) must remake it soon.
Here are a couple of links:
Ingredients from Eat Your Books: https://www.eatyourbooks.com/library/recipes/163733/spicy-peanut-and-eggplant-soup
Some cooking comments and suggestions here: http://omni-vegan.blogspot.com/2008/11/spicy-peanut-and-eggplant-soup.html
And I think this is the actual recipe: https://www.theppk.com/2008/10/spicy-peanut-eggplant-and-shallot-stew/
It’s really good.
Congratulations on the safe and early arrival! My oldest was 3 weeks early as well - so when my 2nd arrived at 39 weeks it seemed sooooo much longer. I digress
I don’t have any soups to add, but suggestion of salad. When my babies were a few weeks old and Mr Autumm went back to work, a cousin dropped off a bag of salad ingredients all prepped but in individual containers so I could assemble and eat. A big bag of greens, shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, pepper slices, etc. with a nice bottle of vinaigrette. She included non- vegan things such as shredded cheese and I believe grilled chicken strips I loved it as I could have a nice entree salad with minimal prep
Obviously you could substitute your daughter’s favorite salad fixings and toppings.
Congratulations! Mejadra would freeze well. I make it from a mish mash of recipes and sources and have been making it with baharat and enjoying that.
Ina Garten’s pea soup is vegan if you use the water option.
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/parkers-split-pea-soup-recipe-1916855
As a card-carrying Korean, I would be remiss not to mention seaweed soup (miyuk guk). It’s traditionally eaten by new moms to replenish their iron. It’s a somewhat acquired taste if your daughter has never had it but it’s one of my favorite soups. The maangchi recipe has beef which is traditional but my mom always made it vegan for me.
I’ve made Parker’s Split Pea Soup and loved it. Thanks for reminding me!
