#Indian spices and their use

[demigod-of-the-agni]

Spider-Man India, but... where from India?

A SUPER long post featuring talks of: cultural identity, characterisation, the caste system, and what makes Spider-Man Spider-Man.

I’m prefacing this by saying that I am a second-generation immigrant. I was born in Australia, but my cultural background is from South India. My experiences with what it means to be “Indian” is going to be very different from the experiences of those who are born and brought up in India.

If you, reader, want to add anything, please reblog and add your thoughts. This is meant to be a post open for discussion — the more interaction we get, the better we become aware of these nuances.

So I made this poll asking folks to pick a region of India where I would draw Pavitr Prabhakar in their cultural wear. This idea had been on my mind for a long while now, as I had been inspired by Annie Hazarika’s Northeastern Spidey artwork in the wake of ATSV’s release, but never got the time to actually do it until now. I wanted to get a little interactive and made the poll so I could have people choose which of the different regions — North, Northeast, Central, East, West, South — to do first.

The outcome was not what I expected. As you can see, out of 83 votes:

THE RESULTS

South India takes up almost half of all votes (44.6%), followed by Northeast and Central (both 14.5%) and then East (13.3%). In all my life growing up, support towards or even just the awareness of South India was pretty low. Despite this being a very contained poll, why would nearly half of all voters pick South India in favour of other popular choices like Central or North India?

Then I thought about the layout of the poll: Title, Options, Context.

Title: "Tell us who you want to see…"

Options: North, Northeast, Central, East, West, South

Context: I want to make art of the boy again

At first I thought: ah geez. this is my fault. I didn't make the poll clear enough. do they think I want them to figure out where Pavitr came from? That's not what I wanted, maybe I should have added the context before the options.

Then I thought: ah geez. is it my fault for people not reading the entire damn thing before clicking a button? That's pretty stupid.

But regardless, the thought did prompt a line of thinking I know many of us desi folk have been considering since Spider-Man India was first conceived — or, at least, since the announcement that he was going to appear in ATSV. Hell, even I thought of it:

Where did Spider-Man India come from?

FROM A CULTURALLY DIVERSE INDIA

As we know, India is so culturally diverse, and no doubt ATSV creators had to take that into account. Because the ORIGINAL Spider-Man India came from Mumbai — most likely because Mumbai and Manhattan both started with the same letter.

But going beyond that, it’s also because Mumbai is one of the most recognisable cities in India - it’s also known as Bombay. It’s where Bollywood films are shot. It’s where superstar Hindi actors and actresses show up. Mumbai is synonymous with India in that regard, because the easiest way Western countries can interact with Indian culture is through BOLLYWOOD, through HINDI FILMS, through MUMBAI. Suddenly, India is Mumbai, India is a Hindi-only country, India is just this isolated thing we see through an infinitely narrow lens.

We’ve gotten a little better in recent years, but boy I will tell you how uncomfortable I’ve gotten when people (yes, even desi people) come up to me and tell me, Oh, you’re Indian right? Can you speak Hindi? Why don’t you speak Hindi? You’re not Indian if you don’t speak Hindi, that’s India’s national language!

I have been — still am — so afraid of telling people that I don’t speak Hindi, that I’m Tamil, that I don’t care that Hindi is India’s “national” language (it’s an administrative language, Kavin, get your fucking facts right). It’s weird, it’s isolating, and it has made me feel like I wasn’t “Indian” enough to be accepted into the group of “Indian” people.

So I am thankful that ATSV went out of their way to integrate as much variety of Indian culture into the Mumbattan sequence. Maybe that way, the younger generation of desi folk won’t feel so isolated, and that younger Western people will be more open to learning about all these cultural differences within such a vast country.

BUT WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH SPIDER-MAN INDIA?

Everything, actually. There’s a thing called supremacy. You might have heard of it. We all engaged with it at some point, and if you are Indian, no matter where you live, it is inescapable.

It happens the moment you are born — who your family is, where you are born, the language you speak, the colour of your skin; these will be bound to you for life, and it is nigh impossible to break down the stereotypes associated with them.

Certain ethnic groups will be more favourable than others (Centrals, and thus their cultures, will always be favoured over than Souths, as an example) and the same can be said for social groups (Brahmins are more likely to secure influential roles in politics or other areas like priesthood, while the lowers castes, especially Dalits, aren’t even given the decency of respect). Don’t even get me started on colourism, where obviously those of fairer skin will win the lottery while those of darker skin aren’t given the time of day. It’s even worse when morality ties into it — “lighter skinned Indians, like Brahmins, embody good qualities like justice and wisdom”, “dark skinned Indians are cunning and poor, they are untrustworthy”. It’s fucking nuts.

This means, of course, you have a billion people trying to make themselves heard in a system that tries to crush everyone who is not privileged. It only makes sense that people want to elevate themselves and break free from a society that refuses to acknowledge them. These frustrations manifest outwardly, like in protests, but other times — most times — it goes unheard, quietly shaping your way of life, your way of thinking. It becomes a fundamental part of you, and it can go unacknowledged for generations.

So when you have a character like Pavitr Prabhakar enter the scene, people immediately latch onto him and start asking questions many Western audiences don’t even consider. Who is he? What food does he eat? What does he do on Fridays? What’s his family like, his community? All these questions pop up, because, amidst all this turmoil going on in the background, you want a mainstream popular character to be like you, who knows your way of life so intimately, that he may as well be a part of your community.

BUT THAT'S THE THING — HE'S FICTIONAL

I am guilty of this. In fact, I’ve flaunted in numerous posts how I think he’s the perfect Tamil boy, how he dances bharatanatyam, how he does all these Tamil things that no one will understand except myself. All these niche things that only I, and maybe a few others, will understand.

I’ve seen other people do it, too. I’ve seen people geek out over his dark brown skin, his kalari dhoti, how he fights so effortlessly in the kalaripayattu martial arts style. I’ve seen people write him as Malayali, as Hindi, as every kind of Indian person imaginable.

I’ve also seen him be written where he’s subjected to typical Indian and broader Asian stereotypes. You know the ones I’m so fond of calling out. The thing is, I’ve seen so much of Pavitr being presented in so many different ways, and I worry how the rest of the desi folk will take it. 

You finally have a character who could be you, but now he’s someone else’s plaything. Your entire life is shaped by what you can and can’t do simply because you were born to an Indian family, and here’s the one person who could represent you now at the mercy of someone else’s whims. He’s off living a life that is so distant from yours, you can hardly recognise him.

It shouldn’t hurt as much as it does, yeah? But, again, you’re looking at it from that infinitely narrow lens Westerners use to look at India from Bollywood.

AND PAVITR PRABHAKAR DOESN'T LIVE IN INDIA

He lives in Mumbattan. He lives in a made-up, fictional world that doesn’t follow the way of life of our world. He lives in a city where Mumbai and Manhattan got fucking squashed together. There are so many memes about colonialism right there. Mumbattan isn’t real! Spider-Man India isn’t real!! He’s just a dude!! The logic of our world doesn’t apply to him!!!

“But his surname originates from ______” okay but does that matter?

“But he’s wearing a kalari dhoti so surely he’s ______” okay but does that matter?

“But his skin colour is darker so he must be ______” okay but does that matter?

“But he lives in Mumbai so he must be ______” okay but does that matter?

I sound insensitive and brash and annoying and it looks like I’m yapping just for the sake of riling you up, so direct that little burst of anger you got there at me, and keep reading.

Listen. I’m going to ask you a question that I’ve asked myself a million times over. I want you to answer honestly. I want you to ask this question to yourself and answer honestly:

Are you trying to convince me on who Pavitr Prabhakar should be?

... but why shouldn't i?

I’ll tell you this again — I did the same thing. You’re not at fault for this, but I want you to just...have a little think over. Just a little moment of self-reflection, to think about why you are so intent on boxing this guy.

It took me a while to reorganise my thinking and how to best approach a character like Pavitr, so I will give you all the time you need as well as a little springboard to focus your thoughts on.

SPIDER-MAN (INDIA) IS JUST A MASK

“What I like about the costume is that anybody reading Spider-Man in any part of the world can imagine that they themselves are under the costume. And that’s a good thing.”

Stan Lee said that. Remember how he was so intent on making sure that everybody got the idea that Spider-Man as an entity is fundamentally broken without Peter Parker there to put on the suit and save the day? That ultimately it was the person beneath the mask, no matter who they were, that mattered most?

Spider-Man India is no less different. You can argue with me that Peter Parker!Spidey is supposed to represent working class struggles in the face of leering corporate entities who endanger the regular folk like us, and so Pavitr Prabhakar should also function the same way. Pavitr should also be a working class guy of this specific social standing fighting people of this other social standing.

But that takes away the authenticity of Spider-Man India. Looking at him through the Peter Parker lens forces you to look at him through the Western lens, and it significantly lessens what you can do with the character — suddenly, it’s a fight to be heard, to be seen, to be recognised. It’s yelling over each other that Pavitr Prabhakar is this ethnicity, is that caste, this or that, this or that, this or that.

There’s a reason why he’s called Spider-Man India, infuriatingly vague as it is. And that’s the point — the vagueness of his identity fulfils Lee’s purpose for a character that could theoretically be embodied by anyone. If he had been called “Spider-Man Mumbai”, you cut out a majority of the population (and in capitalist terms, you cut out a good chunk of the market).

And in the case of Spider-Man India? Whew — you’ve got about a billion people imagining a billion different versions of him.

Whoever you are, whatever you see in Pavitr, that is what is personal to you, and there is nothing wrong with that, and I will not fault you for it. I will not fault you for saying Pavitr is from Central due to the origins of his last name. I also will not fault you for saying Pavitr is from South due to him practising kalaripayattu. I also will not fault you for saying he is not Hindu. I also will not fault you for saying he is a particular ethnicity without any proof.

What I will fault you for is trying to convince me and the others around you that Pavitr Prabhakar should be this particular ethnicity/have this cultural background because of some specific reason. I literally don’t care and it is fundamentally going against his character, going against the “anyone can wear the mask” sentiment of Spider-Man. By doing this, you are strengthening the walls that first divided us. You’re feeding the stratification and segmentation of our cultures — something that is actually not present in the fictional world of Mumbattan.

Like I said before: Mumbattan isn’t real, so the divides between ethnicities and cultural backgrounds are practically nonexistent. The best thing is that it is visually there for all to see. My favourite piece of evidence is this:

It’s a marquee for a cinema in the Mumbattan sequence, in the “Quick tour: this is where the traffic is” section. It has four titles; the first two are written in Hindi. The third title is written in Bengali*, and the fourth title is written in Tamil. You go to Mumbai and you won’t see a single shred of Bengali nor Tamil there, much less any other language that's not common in Maharashtra (Western India). Seeing this for the first time, you know what went through my head?

Wow, the numerous cultures of India are so intermingled here in Mumbattan! Everyone and everything is welcome!

I was happy, not just because of Tamil representation, but because of the fact that the plethora of Indian cultures are showcased coexisting in such a short sequence. This is India embracing all the little parts that make up its grander identity. This scene literally opened my eyes seeing such beauty in all the diverse cultures thriving together. In a place where language and cultural backgrounds blend so easily, each one complementing one another.

It is so easy to believe that, from this colourful palette of a setting, Pavitr Prabhakar truly is Spider-Man India, no matter where he comes from.

It’s easy to believe that Pavitr can come from any part of India, and I won’t call you out if the origin you have for him is different from the origin I have. You don’t need to stake out territory and stand your ground — you’re entitled to that opinion, and I respect it. In fact, I encourage it!!!

Because there’s only so much you can show in a ten minute segment of a film about a country that has such a vast history and even greater number of cultures. I want to see all of it — I want him to be a Malayali boy, a Hindi boy, a Bengali boy, a Telugu boy, an Urdu boy, whatever!! I want you to write him or draw him immersed in your culture, so that I can see the beauty of your background, the wonderful little things that make your culture unique and different from mine!

And, as many friends have said, it’s so common for Indian folks to be migrating around within our own country. A person with a Maharashtrian surname might end up living in Punjab, and no one really minds that. I’m actually from Karnataka, my family speaks Kannada, but somewhere down the line my ancestors moved to Tamil Nadu and settled down and lived very fulfilling lives. So I don’t actually have the “pure Tamil” upbringing, contrary to popular belief; I’ve gotten a mix of both Kannada and Tamil lifestyles, and it’s made my life that much richer. 

So it’s common for people to “not” look like their surname, if that’s what you’re really afraid about. In fact, it just adds to that layer of nuance, that even despite these rigid identities between ethnicities we as Indian people still intermingle with one another, bringing slivers of our cultures to share with others. Pavitr could just as well have been born in one state and moved around the country, and he happens to live in Mumbattan now. It’s entirely possible and there’s nothing to disprove that.

We don’t need to clamber over one another declaring that only one ethnicity is the “right” ethnicity, because, again, you will be looking at Pavitr and the rest of India in that narrow Western lens — a country with such rich cultural variety reduced to a homogenous restrictive way of life.

THE POLL: REINTERPRETED

This whole thing started because I was wondering why my little poll was so skewed — I thought people assumed I was asking them where he came from, then paired his physical appearance with the most logical options available. I thought it was my fault, that I had somehow influenced this outcome without knowing.

Truth is, I will never really know. But I will be thankful for it, because it gave me the opportunity to finally broach this topic, something that many of us desi folk are hesitant to talk about. I hope you have learned something from this, whether you are desi or a casual Spider-Man fan or someone who just so happened to stumble upon this. 

So just…be a little more open. Recognise that India, like many many countries and nations, is made up of a plethora of smaller cultures. And remember, if you’re trying to convince Pavitr that he’s a particular ethnicity, he’s going to wave his hand at you and say, “Ha, me? No, I’m one of the people that live here in the best Indian city! I’m Spider-Man India, dost!”

(Regardless, he still considers you a friend, because to him, the people matter more to him than you trying to box him into something he’s not.)

*Note: thank you dear anon for letting me know that the third title was Bengali, twas my mistake for literally completely forgetting

[flustersluts]

recently i have realised that. cooking is so good 10/10 actually 1 of my main sources of (non-social) joy. if u do not cook try and cook just a little somethin somethin. it can be so so easy i promise it can be a little rice with sum broccoli. it can be whatever u want. it is so fun

[james-sunshine-potter]

What would each Marauder characters smell like in Amortentia:

James: Broom polish, cinnamon, fresh spring air, oranges (like a tangeriney smell) .

Sirius: Hairspray, Ash (the smell of a campfire), vanilla lip balm, basil.

Remus: Black coffee, a brand new book, caramel, whiskey.

Peter: Sunscreen, watermelon (but the artificial smell), mint (fresh, like you’re smelling the herb directly), fresh laundry.

Lily: The sea, strawberries (fresh not artificial), lavender, dewy grass.

Marlene: Broom Polish, cigarettes, rain, apples.

Dorcas: Coconut, Acrylic Paint, Cold Air (it has a fresh scent imo), Cherry Coke.

Mary: The Earl Grey Tea She Drinks, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Sweet Cream, Her Vanilla Purfume.

Regulus: Cold Water, Pine, Musk (it’s in his cologne), Expensive Ink.

Pandora: Seaweed, Limes, Rosemary, Soil.

Barty: Oil (don’t ask why), Cedar, Rain Water, Copper.

Evan: Sandalwood, Coffee (with milk), Coconut Conditioner, Grapefruit.

[look-at-the-stars-tonight]

the amount of effort that goes into figuring out what to cook and eat every day is RIDICULOUS. i used to think people were so weird and boring for eating the same thing every single day but it truly does make life so much easier

[sherlock-is-ace]

i just bought an ungodly amount of curry powder so i better learn how to cook

[trentskis]

happy friday hope its a lovely one 💓

[kn11ves]

people overestimate how much spices are put in mexican cooking. its truly not that many. maybe a few herbs for caldos here and there, salt pepper ......................... we genuinely dont use that much. i mean i use garlic salt but its garlic salt. its just garlic garlic isnt a spice. most of the heat comes from chiles. of which we only use like 5 types regularly. maybe for some special dishes we need different spices like cinnamon or smthn but thats if youre making mole sauce which most of us would just buy the glass container from the store. indians actually use a lot more spices than mexicans even tho our foods r usually called super spicy we get heat from different places

[call-me-overcomer]

Guys I think the new curry powder I opened today is spicier than the old one 🔥

[sustenance-soon]

23 / 52 recipes in 2024 | bhindi via indian-ish

well, turns out i dont like okra. also oh my fuck okra is SO MUCH WORK?? for slime in your mouth??? you have to SCRUB THE SPIKY FLUFF OFF and then trim stems and then cut up... i felt so smug getting these from the farmer's market but good lord i understand now why the recipe calls for frozen. burned them a bit and they were still slimy inside ... worst of all worlds lol. i might try this recipe with like green beans or something ...

adjustments:

used fresh okra instead of frozen (BIG MISTAKE LOL)

🥚 / 5 - i dont like okra .....

[avatar-aaang]

I had such a good day oh my god

[gourde]

Okay but on the topic of wonderful food around the world and how narrow people's (WHITE) views are on it

Every time I see a goddam post about "Autism dinner" and it's some shit ass fries and nuggets pisses me off so bad like why is it always that. And then I think about how white families really don't give their kids anything outside of american and italian and then I really think that. There's just a culture of "Kids' food" and "Adult's food" in the west ESPECIALLY USAmerica while in most other countries it's just food. It's food the family eats together. Which creates an artificial pickiness since they simply weren't exposed to different foods as a kid. And also the culture surrounding foods too such as kids not liking broccoli or their greens which is made up. I hate that shit. Food is amazing I love food we need to rewrite the whole of culture

[chaskka]

Paneer Tikka Med Rice: A Flavorful Fusion Delight

When it comes to culinary delights, the melding of distinct traditions often results in dishes that surprise and delight the palate. One such fusion is Paneer Tikka med Rice, a harmonious blend of Indian and Scandinavian influences. This dish combines the rich, smoky flavors of Indian Paneer Tikka with the simple elegance of Scandinavian-style rice. It’s a perfect example of how diverse food cultures can come together to create something truly extraordinary.

The Origins of Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka is a beloved North Indian dish known for its robust flavors and satisfying texture. Paneer, a type of Indian cottage cheese, is marinated in a mix of yogurt and spices, then grilled or baked until it develops a slightly charred exterior while remaining tender inside.

The traditional spices used in the marinade include:

Turmeric: for its earthy flavor and vibrant color.

Cumin: adds a warm, nutty flavor.

Coriander: for its citrusy, slightly sweet notes.

Garam Masala: a blend of spices that gives a complex, aromatic kick.

Chili Powder: for a hint of heat.

The paneer is typically threaded onto skewers with bell peppers and onions, which complement the cheese’s creaminess and add a burst of color and crunch.

Scandinavian Twist: Med Rice

In Scandinavian cuisine, simplicity and balance are key. Rice, or “ris,” is often prepared in a straightforward manner that allows the main dish to shine. For this fusion dish, we draw inspiration from traditional Scandinavian rice preparations, emphasizing clean, delicate flavors that provide a perfect canvas for the vibrant Paneer Tikka.

Bringing It All Together

In Paneer Tikka med Ris, these two culinary traditions meet to create a dish that is both comforting and exciting. Here’s how you can bring this fusion delight to life in your kitchen:

Ingredients:

For Paneer Tikka:

300g paneer, cut into cubes

1 cup plain yogurt

1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks

1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks

1 large onion, cut into chunks

For Scandinavian-style Rice:

1 cup basmati rice

2 cups water

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon salt

Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Paneer Tikka Marinade:

In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, chili powder, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well.

Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and coat them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Cook the Rice:

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the butter and salt, then stir in the rice.

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.

Fluff the rice with a fork and keep warm.

3. Grill the Paneer Tikka:

Preheat your grill or oven to high heat (around 200°C/400°F).

Thread the marinated paneer, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers, alternating each piece.

Brush the skewers with vegetable oil and place them on the grill or in the oven.

Grill or bake for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the paneer is golden brown and the vegetables are slightly charred.

4. Assemble the Dish:

Spoon the cooked rice onto a serving platter.

Arrange the Paneer Tikka skewers on top of the rice.

Garnish with fresh dill or parsley, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Paneer Tikka med Ris is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it as a main course, accompanied by a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a touch of indulgence, pair it with a refreshing cucumber raita or a tangy tomato chutney.

The Fusion Factor

The fusion of Paneer Tikka with Scandinavian-style rice highlights the versatility of paneer and the adaptability of rice as a base. This dish exemplifies how blending different culinary traditions can result in a unique and delightful dining experience.

By embracing both the robust spices of India and the clean simplicity of Scandinavian cooking, Paneer Tikka med Ris offers a flavorful journey that celebrates the best of both worlds. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, Scandinavian fare, or simply love exploring new flavor combinations, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Conclusion

Fusion cuisine like Paneer Tikka med Ris not only brings together diverse flavors but also bridges cultural culinary traditions, creating new opportunities for taste and enjoyment. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of culinary creativity and the endless possibilities of combining global flavors. Enjoy this delightful fusion dish and savor the harmonious blend of Indian and Scandinavian influences!

Try It at Chaskka

If making this at home sounds daunting or if you simply want to enjoy a well-prepared meal, visit us at Chaskka. Our chefs craft this dish with the freshest ingredients and a passion for blending flavors. Come and experience the taste of Paneer Tikka med Ris – a delightful journey on a plate.

[delusionalrobot]

once again ruining the vibes of a family dinner im forced to attend w my three least favourite family members at a place where i cant eat most of the food by complaining incessantly before its even happened

[tendercoretroglodyke]

if anyone has any book (or article/website) recommendations for white people who want to travel more responsibly (NOT like white savior volunteer tourism or anything but like how to plan trips that minimize colonialist harm while also visiting places that aren't just western europe), PLEASE send them my way!

[wonderfullyalone]

going out to eat makes me think every time that there should be a review site that only allows people of that ethnicity to rate the food

[duckmumbo]

You ever look at a food and wish you had already acquired that taste