Recipes

"The Flavor That Brings Her Back

I grew up surrounded by spices even in the Midwest, where our Indian home cooking made sure of that. The smell of tempered cumin, the crackle of mustard seeds, the swirl of turmeric in hot oil—it was second nature. But this curry blend goes beyond fresh ingredients or the most authentic recipe. It does something deeper. It connects me to my grandmother and my time at home in East Africa with her.

This golden Curry powder from Burlap & Barrel’s partner farmers in Tanzania has become the kitchen hero I never expected. The complex and rich aroma of this curry powder transports me back to her kitchen in nearby Kenya. Where onions slowly caramelized while she told me stories of her life, culture, and faith, and where every dish—bogas, curries, kadhi, chai—was layered with her love and nourishment. She passed in 2018, but her presence comes alive when I cook with this curry powder.

Ours is a diaspora story, and this curry has found its way into kitchens across the U.S., where my parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins now cook their own versions of her recipes with it. That flavor— sunny and bright, balanced, unmistakably home—has become a shared memory we can all taste. It's more than nostalgia; it’s a connection to a home we once shared.

This curry reminds me of more than just her cooking. It reminds me of:

• Mornings filled with the scent of strong Kenyan tea with cardamom
• Her love of open-air markets, which sparked my own passion for farmers markets as an adult
• The quiet ritual of grinding spices, boiling lentils, and cooking with fresh ingredients

It’s also the reason I’ve adapted family recipes like Kadhi Pakora, Curry Kebab Burgers, and Anda Wala Gobi (Cauliflower & Egg) with this blend. Dishes that hold time, memory, and flavor together in one bite. The versatility of this spice blend shines through in my home kitchen on a regular basis and entices and welcomes my community into my home.

Thanks to Burlap & Barrel and the Tanzanian farming partners, I get to keep my grandmother with me—on my stove, in my meals, and always in my heart. I invite you all to share in Krishna’s kitchen with me."