The monsoon season is at its peak in India right now. While I love the rain, I prefer to be a spectator rather than be outdoors getting soaked in the deluge. It is amazing how hot, muggy India is transformed by the rain! Temperatures drop dramatically and as the skies open up, everything looks washed clean, fresh and renewed.

My favorite thing to do when it's pouring outside, is settle down with a steaming cup of Masala Chai (spiced tea). Nothing goes as well with Masala Chai as a plate of piping hot Bhajias (fritters)! If you are looking to spice things up a bit, Mirchi Ka Pakoda (chilli Bhajias) - pictured above - is the way to go. While Bhajias are 'technically' snack food, Bread Pakoda Sandwich, a cross between a Bhajia and a sandwich, is so filling, it can easily be eaten as a meal!

It's actually raining right now where I live and all this talk of Chai and Bhajias has got me excited to go and make some. Why don't you give them a shot too? Enjoy.

_{Image © 2009 Petrina Verma Sarkar, Licensed to About.com}

My Mom often tells my sons, both fussy eaters, how good I was about food as a child. They listen wide-eyed as she regales them with stories of how I could polish off half a dozen eggs at a time! This is no tall tale! I still love eggs and while I can't uphold my previous record any longer, I will still happily tuck into a good egg dish - savory or sweet - any day. Here are some of my favorites...

• Egg Curry
• Deemer Patudi
• Nargisi Kofta
• Kati Kabab Roll
• Pyaaz-Tamatar Ka Omlette
• Bebinca
• Caramel Custard (pictured above)

_{Image © Photographer:}

_{Image © Photographer: / Getty Images}

/ Getty Images

They are the perfect accompaniment to practically every Indian dish there is, so Chapatis (Indian flatbread) - also called Rotis - are a staple food in India. Making them, while not simple, isn't too difficult either. It's a matter of pratice - the more you make, the better you get at making them. Learn how to turn out, super-soft, tasty Chapatis with my detailed step-by-step guide.

While you're at it, here are some handy hints for:

• Making softer Chapatis
• Making Chapatis really quick

Since they're made in large numbers at most meals in Indian homes, Chapatis often get left over. Check out these tips for freshening old leftover Chapatis or turning them into tasty snacks.

_{Image © 2009 Petrina Verma Sarkar licensed to About.com}

The people of Punjab (in North India) love to eat and this is reflected in their delicious, hearty regional cuisine. So tasty is Punjabi fare that it has not just wowed Indians all over the country, but the world at large. Punjabi food is probably the most popular and in-demand in any Indian restaurant! There're few who haven't heard of Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Chole and Bhaturey....

Find out firsthand what all the excitement is about. Sample some genuine Punjabi fare.

_{Rajma (red kidney bean curry) Image © 2009 Petrina Verma Sarkar licensed to About.com}

Related:
North Indian Recipes | North Indian Desserts | The Cuisine of North India