Month: June 2020

Rootsandleisure_Lockdown home

21 Things to Do During Lockdown – by Ikaty Kinimi from Nagaland

Halfway through 2020, and we are still uncertain about how and when this pandemic situation is going to clear up. During this time, each new day brings a new surprise .. a new story.. a new challenge. And to think – most of us stayed in (inside our homes) as early as March this year, thinking things will go back to normal soon enough. Well, from where we stand today, that timeline looks blurry. That being said, how many of us here have some regret about the way we dwindled months (4 months and counting..) spent indoors to forgettable moments under the guise of chaos and uncertainties that will soon vanish as the situation gets better? If you have raised your hand, you are not alone. Because these are not ordinary times, and indeed chaotic outside. But if this is the new normal – at least for a little more time, can we take reign of how we spend the remainder of our days? How do you want to freeze this COVID period in your …

rootsandleisure_axone_fermentedsoyabean

Recipe | Learn How to Make The Famous Axone (Fermented Soyabean) From Nagaland

[First published on 25th May, 2019] Axone (pronounced ‘Aakhuni’) is a fermented soybean paste with a very strong pungent smell, and it is one of the most popular spices from Nagaland, in the North East of India. It is indigenous to the ‘Sumi’ Naga tribe but is widely used across all Naga dishes. While locals in Nagaland usually buy it from the market, it is also made at home. Axone made by the Sumi tribe is most favored, obviously. Today, we have Inali Jane Ayemi, a passionate cook from Nagaland, to guide us through the entire process of making Axone at home. All we need are soybeans, a pressure cooker, and leaves to wrap them for fermentation. The complete process takes about a week. Let’s get started! Preparing Axone (aakhuni) at home: Wash the soya beans and soak them for about 20-30 mins Cook it in a pressure cooker, then strain it dry Then pound the soyabean to make it into a paste (as shown in the photo) Wrap portions of the pounded soyabean paste …