Learn How to Paint with Spices

We have jetted off from Russia and we've landed in India this month. We did things a little differently this month. While we searched out books to learn about the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Russia, this month we turned to the web. I decided that the images of India are so beautiful and compelling that they would be the best way to educate my girls about India. We visited National Geographic, National Geographic Kids, and Frommer's and we love flipping through the pictures on Google. They were taken in by the images of artistically decorated elephants and mountains of brightly colored dye powders and spices. We were so inspired by the decorative beauty that we launched into an art project...spice paintings and elephant paintings.

How to Paint with Spices

First, we scoured our cupboards for common spices used in India; turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cumin, allspice, garam masala, and coriander seed. We piled about 2 teaspoons of each spice into a mini-muffin tin.

We then added about 1 teaspoon of water, until we had a paint-like consistency.

My girls began painting. They were inspired to create designs reminiscent of the Indian pieces we had seen online. As she painted my eldest daughter said, "My paintbrush smells delicious!" She loved this activity and ended up making many, many pictures..smelling everything as she went.

My youngest daughter knew instantly that she wanted to make a painting of elephants. And, she did.

Now, I must admit I wasn't really certain what to make for our Indian dish. When we eat Indian it tends to be ordered in or at a restaurant. After considering my options I landed on making simple and sweet mango chutney. Most of the recipes I found were for making a large amount, so I modified the amounts and created a yummy accompaniment for our samosas.

Mango Chutney

2 under-ripe mangoes, sliced thinly
¼ cup sugar
¼ garlic clove, thinly sliced
¼ inch ginger root peeled
½ teaspoon garam masala
¼ teaspoon white vinegar
salt to taste

1. Place sliced mangoes in a small pot, and heat until softened, about 5 minutes

2. Add sugar and mix

3. Wrap garlic, ginger, and garam masala in a piece of cheesecloth - drop the bundle into the sauce and cook until the sauce reaches a jam consistency

4. Add vinegar and salt...cook for another 2 minutes

5. remove from heat and serve

We enjoyed our chutney with samosas that we purchased at a great local shop called the Sultan of Samosas. My girls went with my husband to pick out the samosas. When they came running out to the car, after getting the samosas, they said to me, "We totally saw the Sultan!" Very cute.

The girls and I had a great time in India. To be honest, in the end, I think they like the smells of India the best...what a sensory experience. I know we will be painting with spices again, maybe we'll try dying something with spices!

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