The Grain Awakening

The Grain Awakening

Organised by Chutneyverse in collaboration with artist Vaidehi Kinkhabwala and her Mother-in-law Tina Patel. Hosted at the lovely Potato Farm Project, art residency.

Immerse yourself in authentic Indian culinary heritage where tradition and family converge at the Gujarati table. Experience the timeless ritual of fresh roti-making that unites millions of Indian families daily—a cornerstone of Indian life beyond mere sustenance.

Chutneyverse presents another unique encounter with regional delights from India's rich cultural landscape.

11:00 am to 1:00 pm | Workshop: BYORP – Bring Your Own Rolling Pin Join two generations of Gujarati women, as they share their communal bread tradition. Learn practical dough-working techniques and discover it's nutritional gems from the pickle making and frementation.

1:30 pm to 3:00 pm | Enjoy an authentic homestyle meal with fragrant bhaaji, hearty daal, vibrant chutneys, fresh salads, and hot rotis—served in the serene spring beauty of North Fork made by Tina, and collaborative artistic kitchen crew. Experience the joy of sitting down to eat like an Indian family—and take home lasting insights from this regional Indian tradition.

Roti | Bread the centerpiece of civilisation

From the dawn of civilization, breaking bread together has transcended mere sustenance to become humanity's universal language of connection. 

The simple roti—a perfect circle of wheat transformed by fire—echoes bread-making rituals practiced across continents for millennia.

A Conversation with Vaidehi: Honoring Gujarat’s Culinary Heritage

The State of Gujarat, nestled above the northern edge of India’s Deccan plateau, has a cuisine shaped by its arid terrain and communal values. Vaidehi Kinkhabwala shares stories of her mother-in-law Tina’s cooking, and the deeper cultural meaning behind the food she grew up with.

“The rich culture of Gujarat is intricately intertwined with its food, traditionally prepared with care by women—often without recognition. Its cuisine blends sweet and savory, with jaggery adding subtle sweetness, suited to the warm climate.

From both my mother and mother-in-law, I’ve learned not just recipes, but love, cleanliness, and the science of spices. These teachings—on gut health, fermented foods, and medicinal herbs—are now part of my life and art. I hope to pass them on.

See Vaidehi's art

Hosted at the Potato Farm Project, in Jameport, North Fork.. 

the space offers artists a unique platform, providing dedicated studio space and private housing to foster focused creation. This residency prioritizes artistic development through studio visits and meaningful dialogues, encouraging engagement with the local vibrant community and culminating in events at the William Ris Gallery.

Honoring the Potato Farm Project's spirit of community and creativity, this event redefines “artist” by spotlighting the culinary talents of home cooks—especially mothers. It offers a platform for these often-overlooked voices, enriching the residency with intimate, personal expressions of artistry. The mother's expertise will be central to this celebration of these overlooked artistic voices.

At the Grain Awakening we offer practical tips for working with dough, guided instruction, and a chance to lovingly break bread together while learning a new skill that could expand ones own diet.

Menu

Palak Moong Dal

 Earthy spinach and protein-rich moong lentils, simmered to a velvety texture.

Potato Sabji with Gravy

 Locally sourced, tender potatoes, gently enveloped in a meticulously crafted gravy of fragrant Indian spices.

Sev Tameta nu Shaak (Kathiawadi Style)

 Tangy-sweet tomatoes from the southern reaches of Gujarat, infused with garlic, accompanied by delicate crisps of traditional chickpea flour noodles "Sev."

Rice

 Steamed rice, gently infused with the aromatic notes of clove, cardamom, and cinnamon.

Papad

 Crisp, sun-dried lentil wafers, lightly spiced with black pepper corn.

Mango Onion Kachumber (Kanda Kairi nu Athanu)

 A vibrant relish of raw mango and red onion, offering a lively sweet-tartness, reminiscent of summer's past.

Cauliflower Pickle

 Delicately preserved cauliflower florets, infused with a traditional blend of aromatic spices including fenugreek, mustard and dried fennel, finished with aged vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.

Artisanal Chutney

 A vibrant blend of fresh herbs and spices."

Nimbu Pudina Drink

 A refreshing infusion of zesty lemon and cooling mint.

Snacks - Bakharwadi 

An artfully twisted savory pastry, featuring the textures of coconut and sesame, enhanced by a subtle blend of spices.

Roti

Freshly made Indian flatbread, enhanced with a delicate smear of Ghee.

Dessert - Vegan Rose Pistachio Phirni

 Fragrant, slow-cooked rice pudding, enriched with finely crushed pistachios and a delicate whisper of rose.

Artistic Collaborations of the Heartfelt

Rajvi, Shraddha, and Vaidehi came together last autumn, bonded by a shared reverence for the often-unseen architects of culinary heritage—mothers and homemakers whose hands have nourished generations.

Their collaboration is a tribute to these women: the true cultural torchbearers who, through the simple act of making fresh roti everyday, weave the very fabric of family life.

We extend this lens—so central to our shared artistic practices—through a featured relationship between mother and daughter. Together, they reveal the tender threads of intergenerational learning, where knowledge, care, and nurturing are passed hand to hand.

At the heart of this collaboration lies the Roti bread: a symbol of health, heritage, and the quiet strength that brings this matter home as a shared experience with all. It is time to awaken within ourselves, a way to preserve the earlier generational knowledge and share its gifts. 

Let Co-Create a Traditional Gujrati Meal

These delicate, warm flatbreads aren’t just food—they’re carriers of flavor and connection, nourishing both body and soul in every Indian home.

Chutneyverse, Tina and Vaidehi invite you to a unique encounter with this nourishment, love, and regional delights as a tactile experience. 

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The Grain Awakening : May 31st , Saturday from 11am to 4pm, Jamesport, New York State.