Some of the things you can find at Patel Brothers in Jackson Heights

Image source: City Spoonful – a popular processed cheese product in India

Over on the City Spoonful Facebook page they have posted some wonderful photos of a recent jaunt to Patel Brothers, the biggest Indian grocery store in Jackson Heights. Ingredients are plentiful, interesting, and cheap here, making this a go-to shopping destination for those interested in cooking Indian and other South Asian food.

We were intrigued by this handle-less pot… which you manipulate on the stove with a set of pliers. Later on we saw that you can buy this same pot with its own handle attached.

Image source: City Spoonful – this is called a tadka

What a beautiful vessel. It makes us want to cook some spices in ghee right now.

This Chana Jor Garam sounds pretty tasty – “black chickpeas that have been soaked and softened, then smashed, deep-fried, and sprinkled with an addictive spice mixture.” Um, super yum!

Image source: City Spoonful

So head on over to their whole photoset – it’s very cool. And educational!

Desify: On Cooking Pliers & India’s Beloved Spreadable Cheese [City Spoonful Facebook Page]