You don't have to be an aunty to make delicious Indian food.
Cook Like An Aunty shares the history, cultural significance, and recipes of your favorite Indian dishes. It specifically focuses on how American born desis, spouses, and friends experience Indian food in North American.
Whether you are cooking to impress your in-laws, connect your children with your Indian heritage, or cure homesickness, you will learn to cook like an aunty.
Mithai: Sugar, spice, and everything nice! An overview of Indian sweets.
Send us a text Growing up between two cultures means navigating two different dessert tables—and let's be honest, the Indian one hits different. In this episode, we're unpacking the world of Indian sweets, or mithai as it's known in many parts of India, and why they hold such a special place in ABCD culture. Join us as we explore the classics you grew up with at every family function (yes, we're talking about that omnipresent gulab jamun) and a few specialties you might've missed. Sources use...
2 Oct 2025
Diwali for ABCDs
Send us a text Learn about the Diwali traditions most ABCDs don't know and let's discuss celebrating the holiday as adult ABCDs. It's essentially a balance between preserving traditional practices and adapting to North American life. Plus, we'll talk about the origins of Diwali, how Indians celebrate the five days of the holiday, and some traditions we can pass on to future generations of American born desis. Sources used to make this episode: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/diwali Want to talk t...
24 Jul 2025
Rice: Everything you need to know about South Asian rice
What is white rice so popular in Indian cuisine instead of brown rice? Why do we make idli with parboiled rice? How should you cook rice to make the best lemon rice? We explore the answers to all of these questions in this episode and talk about several rice varieties from the Indian subcontinent. Listen to the episode to hear all about Indian rice! Cook Like An Aunty Lemon Rice recipe video: How to wash rice Indian Ecologist Debal Deb: Preserving rice Sources and References: Cook Like An...
8 May 2025
Tarka: the most important technique in Indian cuisine
Today we talk about the one universal cooking technique in South Asia: tarka! It is also known as chhaunk and many other names in India. You will recognize it instantly as the popping of mustard seeds and the crackle of curry leaves in hot oil. Let’s talk about how this technique can take your Indian food to the next level and why it is so important for Indian food. Examples of tarka: Tarka for Lemon Rice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsrWVuZTMCY Tarka for Khichdi: https://www.youtube.com/...
13 Mar 2025
Why does Indian cuisine only use one type of cheese, paneer?
Is paneer the only cheese used in Indian cuisine? Listen to this episode to discover why many people don't know about the other types of cheeses in India! Also, we'll talk about a brief history of cheese and paneer. Join the Cook Like An Aunty community: Cook Like An Aunty Sources and References: Cook Like An Aunty - Cheese Background music from Shobana Music: Shobana Music YouTube Intro music: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-gangesLice...
14 Jan 2025
What is hing and why is it so popular in Indian cuisine?
What is hing (asafoetida/asafetida)? Why is hing so popular in Indian cuisine but not others?We explore the answers to all of these questions in this episode and talk about how to include hing in your Indian recipes. Listen to the episode to hear all about it!Sources and References: Cook Like An AuntyBackground music from Shobana Music: Shobana Music YouTubeIntro music:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-gangesLicense code: M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP
27 Jun 2024
Atta and Maida: All about Indian Breads
What is the difference between roti and chapati? What about naan and kulcha? How are paratha and parotta different?
We explore the answers to all of these questions in this episode and talk about other breads from the Indian subcontinent. Listen to the episode to hear all about Indian breads!
Table of bread comparisons: Cook Like An Aunty Atta and Maida (https://cooklikeanaunty.com/atta-and-maida)
Sources and References: Cook Like An Aunty (https://cooklikeanaunty.com/atta-and-maida)
Background music from Shobana Music: Shobana Music YouTube (https://youtu.be/SlUgA_4Ka-E?si=RFH4y1D5PfpcWF8s)
Intro music:
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges
License code: M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP
4 Apr 2024
What is Indian fine dining and a brief history of Indian restaurants in North America
After a recent visit to the fine dining restaurant Indienne Chicago, I looked into the history of Indian restaurants in North America. Also, I give a review of my experience eating at Indienne Chicago.
See photos of the dishes: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/indienne-chicago-restaurant/ (https://cooklikeanaunty.com/indienne-chicago-restaurant/)
See the sources used to make this episode: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/indienne-chicago-restaurant/ (https://cooklikeanaunty.com/indienne-chicago-restaurant/)
Background music from Shobana Music: https://youtu.be/AywZjko24Yc?si=zRRG_UuVaEg8oSa1 (https://youtu.be/AywZjko24Yc?si=zRRG_UuVaEg8oSa1)
Intro music:
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges
License code: M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP
7 Mar 2024
Lemon Rice: A 900 Year Old Classic
Today we discuss the very popular, and very old Indian favorite, lemon rice.
Help improve Cook Like An Aunty. I want your feedback. Fill out a short two minute survey through this Google Forms link (https://forms.gle/YeGhG1m7gDezDe6y7).
Get the recipe: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/lemon-rice/ (https://cooklikeanaunty.com/lemon-rice/)
See the sources used to make this episode: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/lemon-rice/ (https://cooklikeanaunty.com/lemon-rice/)
Video of Chitranna Center food cart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQz2fmHy1kA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQz2fmHy1kA)
Background music from Shobana Music: https://youtu.be/Cwd6yDksuBI?si=LniQ1X4_UZIY6IIG (https://youtu.be/Cwd6yDksuBI?si=LniQ1X4_UZIY6IIG)
Intro music:
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges
License code: M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP
23 Jan 2024
Learn to cook Indian food from your parents: Interview with Neelima Prabhala
Join the Cook Like An Aunty community: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/ (https://cooklikeanaunty.com/)
In this episode, Licensed Social Worker and Therapist Neelima Prabhala (they/them) shares their experience growing up as an American born desi and their relationship with Indian food. They also gives great advice about learning to cook Indian food from their dad. Listen to this episode with many relatable topics for American born desis.
Show notes:
Neelima Prabhala (Psychology Today) (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/neelima-d-prabhala-oak-brook-il/1114952)
Theme music
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges
License code: M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP
7 Jan 2024
The American Chef learning traditional Indian food from Aunties and Indian Chefs: Keith Sarasin Interview
Listen to this interview with Keith Sarasin, the American Chef learning Indian food from aunties and Indian Chefs. We discuss:
How he got interested in Indian food
His travels around India
The differences between Indian food in North America and India
Indian food's role in his career
His suggestions for people who want to start cooking Indian food at home
More about Chef Keith Sarasin:
Keith Sarasin (website) (https://www.keithsarasin.com/)
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/keithsarasin/)
YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/KeithSarasin1)
More about Cook Like An Aunty:
Cook Like An Aunty (website) (https://cooklikeanaunty.com/)
YouTube (https://youtube.com/@cooklikeanaunty)
Background music credit:
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges
License code: M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP
13 Dec 2023
Popularizing Indian Coffee in North America: Interview with Danée Shows of Ministry of Kaapi
Today we talk with Danée Shows, Founder of Ministry of Kaapi. She explains how she sources her Indian grown coffee, how Indian filter coffee differs from other coffees, and what it would take to popularize it in North America.
Find Danée and Indian coffee at the links below:
https://www.ministryofkaapi.com/
(https://www.ministryofkaapi.com/)https://www.instagram.com/ministryofkaapi/ (https://www.instagram.com/ministryofkaapi/)
Title music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges (https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges) License code: M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP
16 Nov 2023
South Indian Filter Coffee: The next North American coffee trend?
Will South Indian Filter Coffee become the next coffee trend in North America? India is certainly trying to make it that way!
Join us as we discuss South Indian Filter Coffee: What it is, how to make it, and how India's coffee industry is trying to get on the global stage.
Get the recipe: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/south-indian-filter-coffee/ (https://cooklikeanaunty.com/south-indian-filter-coffee/)
Madras style coffee: https://youtube.com/shorts/lFBhW1HvRoI?si=MTMZfjB3T4E0e3oy (https://youtube.com/shorts/lFBhW1HvRoI?si=MTMZfjB3T4E0e3oy)
Annapoorna - The Pride of Coimbatore: https://youtu.be/utqjhnrilog?si=Op_WxFA6YGKOvv2t (https://youtu.be/utqjhnrilog?si=Op_WxFA6YGKOvv2t)
Annapoorna - The world's best filter coffee: https://youtu.be/2SJ9FxbJdhM?si=8ah9yoOd8gQFToq9 (https://youtu.be/2SJ9FxbJdhM?si=8ah9yoOd8gQFToq9)
2023 World Coffee Conference vlog by Kripal Amanna: https://youtu.be/c_Qghulw30Q?si=pFqm6pGqmuxelNI3 (https://youtu.be/c_Qghulw30Q?si=pFqm6pGqmuxelNI3)
Sources used to make this episode: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/south-indian-filter-coffee/ (https://youtube.com/shorts/lFBhW1HvRoI?si=MTMZfjB3T4E0e3oy)
Background music by Shobana Music: https://youtu.be/orlHlf-t6js?si=iAGtErkL0wImH_0i (https://youtu.be/orlHlf-t6js?si=iAGtErkL0wImH_0i)
Title music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges (https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges) License code: M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP
27 Sept 2023
Building a South Asian popup restaurant in 2 weeks: Interview with Taimoor Shahid of The Dal House
Listen to this interview with Taimoor Shahid, a full-time scholar who built a South Asian popup restaurant in only 2 weeks with his friends. The Dal House opened in Columbia, South Carolina for a weekend in December 2022 with positive reviews. Hear the story of his transformation from aunty-level home cook to professional chef in this interview, along with a few tips to make delicious South Asian food at home.
Links to press and photos of The Dal House: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/taimoor-shahid-the-dal-house (https://cooklikeanaunty.com/taimoor-shahid-the-dal-house)
14 Sept 2023
Khichdi: India's Ultimate Comfort Food
Join me for this episode about comforting and nostalgic Khichdi, a dish made from rice and lentils. We'll talk about khichdi's very old history, variations from across the Indian subcontinent, and a quick recipe to make this easy but delicious dish.
Show notes, references, credits, and links: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/khichdi/ (https://cooklikeanaunty.com/khichdi/)
26 Jul 2023
Chai culture in India and the complicated history of Masala Chai
Learn how to make a shaadi quality cup of chai, Indian chai culture, and how masala chai came to be a staple drink in India.
Get the recipe and see the YouTube video at: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/masala-chai (https://cooklikeanaunty.com/masala-chai)
Dolly Ki Tapir chaiwalla: https://youtu.be/7Y8j1QK3ktY (https://youtu.be/7Y8j1QK3ktY)
Background music by Shobana Music: https://youtu.be/gHRmeQXXL3o (https://youtu.be/gHRmeQXXL3o)
Title music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges (https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges) License code: M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP
26 Jun 2023
Sambar
Let's talk about sambar. It's a piping hot dish from South Indian. We'll talk about its history and how it changes depending on when and where it is made. I'll also give you an aunty-approved sambar recipe using ingredients you can easily find in North America.
For a full recipe see the show notes at this link: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/sambar/ (https://cooklikeanaunty.com/sambar/)
Background Music: Vathapi Ganapathim by Shobana Music (https://youtu.be/SlUgA_4Ka-E?si=CmhWEyLTEsS8IBU4)
Title Music: Flow of The Ganges by Simon Folwar (https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges) From #Uppbeat (free for Creators!) with License code M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP
9 Jun 2023
Rasam (Saru/Charu/Saar)
Travel to South India and taste piping hot rasam. Hear about it's origins, health benefits, and use in an Indian diet. Finally, I share a recipe for a classic tomato rasam.
For a full recipe see the show notes at this link: https://cooklikeanaunty.com/rasam/ (https://cooklikeanaunty.com/rasam/)
Background Music: Raghu Vamsa by Shobana Music (https://youtu.be/1qCM4I7TNJ8)
Title Music: Flow of The Ganges by Simon Folwar (https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/flow-of-the-ganges) From #Uppbeat (free for Creators!) with License code M1ADLQ9V0KCQ3ECP
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
6,440
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
3.7 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 35 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
23
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
51
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