This dish is sometimes called Involtini or Roulades, but my family has always referred to it as Braciole after the cut of beef used. This is my mother’s signature dish and it is my absolute favourite food in the whole wide world.

In India, a chat is a snack, an appetizer or a light salad.

For those of you who missed it last time round, here’s a refresher on how to put together your own garam (warm) masala (spices), a component of, or a topping for your curry. It comes from friend Meeru Dhalwala, the culinary queen of Vij’s famed restaurant in Vancouver. The whole spices listed below are available from most Indian grocers. Meeru suggests that while you’re preparing your masala, it’s a good idea to close the bedroom and bathroom doors and to turn on the kitchen fan. Your call.

Panko is a Japanese bread crumb with a crisper, lighter texture than other bread crumbs. You can use panko in any recipe that calls for dry bread crumbs. Stuff poultry, top casseroles and use as a filling for meatloaf and hamburgers. Panko has an affinity for seafood, as witnessed in this savoury salmon dish.