Thamel

My mom's childhood home in Thamel (in Kathmandu, Nepal). The house could be 300-600 years old. No one really knows. The ceilings are so low. The house is made out of mud and brick.

Graffiti art in Nepal

The colors and the messages in this graffiti art are so positive. I was surprised seeing it. These photos were taken in Jawalakhel, near my grandfather's house.

My Nepal board on Pinterest

Check out my Pinterest board on Nepal! I'm constantly adding to it. There is so much great stuff to pin on the web. Most if not all the pins are credited to other sources. The links will take you off my blog.

Follow Sangi Rajbhandari's board Nepal on Pinterest.

Favorite vegetarian scrambled eggs with mushrooms and greens

Coming soon!

How to make your own Nepali tea [chai]!

Nepali milk tea [Masala chai]

Here is a simple recipe for Masala Chai, a popular drink in Nepal and other Asian countries. Nepalese often pronounce it "Chia." There are many different variations of this tea--here is mine!

Makes 3 small cups of tea or 2 large cups.

What you need:

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup milk [I use 2% cow's milk but you can try almond/soy milk or nonfat versions]*
• 2-3 whole cloves [optional]**
• 1 whole cardamom [optional]**
• 2-3 tea bags [black tea--I use Lipton] 
• Pinch of cinnamon [optional]
• Sugar to taste [I generally stir in 1 heaping teaspoon into my mug]

*The ratio of milk to water is based on personal preference. Some people use the same amount of milk as water for a creamier taste. My directions are based on using 2% milk. I would probably increase the proportion that is milk if I were using nonfat/skim milks. Experiment and see what you like!

**If you're not sure what cloves and cardamom look like, see below.

Directions:

1. Put water, cloves, cardamom and cinnamon [if desired] into a cooking pot. 
2. Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a boil.
3. Once the water boils, pour in milk. Keep watching the pot as the milk will rise and can overflow.
4. Once the milk rises, you can turn the heat to low and let the milk simmer for a creamier taste. Or, you can turn off the heat at this point.
   
   
5. Pour the foamy water-milk mixture into 2 or 3 mugs. 
6. Add sugar to taste [I use a heaping teaspoon for my cup of tea].
7. Add a tea bag to each cup. Let it steep for 1-2 minutes, then remove the tea bag. Serve and enjoy!
   
   

How to make masala chai [Nepali tea with milk]

Masala chai

Here is a simple recipe for Masala Chai, a popular drink in Nepal and other South Asian countries.

Coming soon!

Sel

Don't have the recipe for this one, but it's one of my favorite Nepali snacks/desserts! It's made out of rice four and is deep fried, like a "Nepali donut." 

This is a "sometimes" food. We eat it on special occasions, such as religious rituals. Or, it's served as an appetizer for a party alongside aloo achaar (spicy potato salad).

How to make Nepali pickles in 3 steps!

Pickled cucumbers - Nepali style

This recipe is fresh, easy to make and colorful. It's great as an appetizer or a side. 

What you need:

• Cucumbers [1 cucumber serves approximately 4]
• Salt and red pepper to taste
• Squeeze of lemon [optional]

Directions:

1. Wash and slice cucumbers into circles.
2. Sprinkle with salt and red pepper.
3. Squeeze lemon over the cucumbers [if desired]. Serve and enjoy!

Happy Nepali New Year!

Happy Nepali New Year 2071! 

This photo was taken outside of my mom's childhood home in Thamel--an old part of Kathmandu--during my trip to Nepal in Fall 2013.

There are many groups of people that celebrate their new years in this time of the year, such as Bengal, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Nice of Secretary of State John Kerry to acknowledge them on behalf of the president.  Happy New Year!

Happy by Pharell

Love this song!

Nepali song: Ukali Orali Haru Ma [cover] by Hari

Check out this Nepali song by my dad! It's one of my favorites. He did the vocals, photography and background music.

How to make delicious smoothies with just 2 or 3 items!

My favorite smoothies

Shown:  Strawberry, tangerine and vanilla yogurt [my favorite]

Perfect for spring and summer! Have kids? They can help choose the ingredients.

What you need: 

Ingredients of choice! I usually like to balance one sweet fruit with one tart fruit. Here are some of my favorite combinations:

• Option 1. Banana and vanilla yogurt [sweeter--makes a great ice cream or milkshake alternative!]
• Option 2. Mixed berries, kale and plain yogurt [healthier--sneak in those greens!]
• Option 3. Tangerine/orange, banana and plain yogurt [classic]
• Option 4. Strawberry, tangerine/orange and vanilla yogurt [more tart--tastes like my favorite drink at a certain smoothie shop]

The beauty of these smoothies is you do not need to add any sugar! If you use flavored yogurt, that usually has some added sugar. However, you can always use plain.

Plan ahead tip:

Keep a bag of clean, frozen fruit in the freezer, so you don't have to add ice to your smoothie or run to the store for fruit. Peel fruit before freezing!

Directions: 

1. Prepare ingredients. The amount of yogurt and fruit/veggies that you add up to you. I usually add equal amounts of each ingredient. Experiment and see what you like.
2. Put ingredients in a blender or food processor. If not using any frozen items, add a handful of ice if you want it cold [otherwise you can make juice].
3. Blend until smooth. Serve and enjoy!

Which combinations do you like? If you tried something different, what did you try?