Kerala food is defined by the magic of coconut meeting spices in the pan. One dish that beautifully captures this essence is thoran. Traditionally, a thoran is a dry stir-fry made with finely chopped vegetables, grated coconut, and a tempering of mustard seeds, red chilies, and curry leaves. You’ll find it as a staple side […]
Onam is one of those times of the year that instantly fills the air with nostalgia from back home. It’s the harvest festival of Kerala, celebrated with grandeur and joy, and of course the Onam Sadya—a traditional feast served on banana leaves. Each dish in the Sadya has a unique role to play, from the […]
Some recipes are so simple that you almost take them for granted, yet they end up being the ones you keep making again and again. For me, pan-fried potatoes in a cast iron skillet fall into that category. They’re quick, they’re versatile, and they taste like home. Whether I’m putting together a comforting plate of […]
Friday nights in my family’s reset button. We finally relax and unwind, grab our blankets, and sink into the couch for a movie or our favorite show. That’s when my kids start with the dessert cravings.“Amma… do we have any dessert?” It’s almost a ritual now. In the past, this question might have led to […]
Every weekend morning, my whole family gathers in the kitchen. We all cook breakfast together — and one of our favourites has to be pancakes. Of course, there’s a happy mess everywhere — flour on the counter, syrup drips on the table, and kids calling out, “Can I flip the next one?” In the end, […]
Some snacks go beyond taste — they become a feeling. They remind you of slow, comforting weekends brunches or tea time, the clink of steel tumblers, and the stories and laughter shared with family. For me, Uzhunnu Vada is one of those nostalgic dish. Amma always made it for tea time on weekends. She’d serve […]
I wasn’t really a tea person growing up. Coffee was more my thing — especially strong filter coffee from back home. But then I married a chai lover. He makes tea like it’s a daily ritual, not just a quick fix. Slowly, I started sipping from his cup… and somewhere along the way, that habit […]
Some dishes bring comfort and having them bring back lots of fond memories. For me, Uppumavu is that dish. A classic Kerala breakfast staple, often served with kadala curry (black chickpea curry), it’s as simple as it is satisfying. But it wasn’t always a regular on our table. Growing up, breakfast was mostly mum’s department. […]
I’ve been trying to be more mindful about how I start my mornings. I try to make something light but nourishing, tasty but not sugar-loaded, and definitely quick. Because let’s face it, we don’t all have the luxury of leisurely chopping papayas or waiting for oats to soak. Now, this Berry Blast Smoothie is my […]
Rajma Chawal. Just the name brings a sense of comfort, doesn’t it? In most Indian homes—including mine—it’s not just food, it’s an emotion. Rajma (red kidney beans) cooked in a luscious, spiced tomato-onion gravy, served over warm rice… it’s not only simple but also hearty, and hits all the right notes. When I moved to […]