Jhaaneko Kaalo Maas ko Daal - (झानेको कालो मास को दाल) Maas ko Daal , or black gram beans, need little introduction in Nepali cuisine. They are among the most loved type of daal , considered flavorful, satisfying, and extremely nutritious. Maas ko daal differ from other daals in that they are cooked in an iron pot ( falaam ko tapke - फलाम को ताप्के ). When simmered in this pot, the daa l transform into deep black color with rich flavor. Jhaneko (झानेको), simply means adding more flavor to the cooked dishes. In this process, the oil or the clarified butter (gheu) is heated separately in a pan with several spices & herbs. It is cooked until the spices release distinct aroma and turn few shades darker, then the entire content is poured in the prepared dish. The preferred combination of spices for Maas ko daal is jimbu (Himalayan herb), whole dried red chilies , asafetida and fresh garlic to create an authentic taste. The Black gram is highly prized pulse corp grown al...

There is always a festival going on in Nepal. In fact, they say there are more festivals in Nepal than days of the year. They are always amazing to see, too. So, when my friend, Rajani, offered to take go with me Saturday to a special festival on tourism I knew I was in for a treat. Rajani is about my daughter's age, soon to be 26 and she is a lovely young, Newari woman-kind, sweet, polite and patient. When we go out for a day together she always helps me to do a bit of shopping and I always save money with her. This day was no exception. This day I bought fabric for queen size bed sheets for only 350 NRs. ($4.00). I had bought another one a few months ago in Kathmandu for 750 NRs. Quite a bargain at either price! For another 200 NRs. I will take it to a tailor to have them made. I also bought a natural fiber shawl for around three dollars along with some felt items I will use as gifts. I just couldn't pass them up.  One of the first things we saw was dancing goddesses in a cer...