Parippu Vada

When it comes to South Indian snacks, Parippu Vada holds a special place in every food lover’s heart. These golden-brown lentil fritters are a quintessential part of Kerala’s culinary landscape and are often enjoyed with a steaming cup of tea or coffee. Crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside, it is famous snack that you see on “thattukada” (street shops) Parippu Vada is made from chana dal (split Bengal gram) mixed with shallots, …

Easy Vegetable Kuruma : An Irresistible South Indian Coconut Curry

One of the dishes that holds a special place in my heart is my mum’s vegetable kuruma. She used to sneak in all sorts of vegetables into it. Not only was it delicious, but it was also a clever way to get us to eat a variety of vegetables without any complaints. The best part? It worked like a charm! Over time, I’ve learned to make this comforting dish just like my mum did, and …

Curd Rice (Thayir Sadam): The Ultimate Comfort Food

Today, as the temperature soared to a sweltering 40 degrees Celsius, all I could think of was the ultimate comfort food that cools and soothes your body and soul. Curd Rice or Thayir Sadam – yes, that is just what the family needs! No meal feels complete without a bite of curd rice. It can be as simple as mixing curd and rice for a quick fix, or you can elevate it to something grand …

Kerala Style Chicken Stew – Easy and Flavorful Recipe

Kerala Style Chicken Stew, locally known as Ishtu, is a flavorful and fragrant dish that brings together the culinary traditions of Kerala and its colonial influences. The beauty of this dish lies in its creamy coconut milk base and the awesome spice blend that provides its signature aroma. This dish, despite its sophisticated flavors, is incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal effort and equipment. Here is a simple summary of how to make this …

Mango Chia Pudding Recipe

It’s summer in Australia – the mango season and the Christmas holidays are here! What better way to celebrate the sunshine and vibrant summer than with a refreshing Mango Chia Pudding? This no-cook recipe is light, creamy, and bursting with tropical flavor, making it the perfect healthy treat for warm mornings, afternoon snacks, or even a festive dessert for your holiday table. The preparation is so simple that means you can whip this up in …

Labneh with Roasted Broccoli: How to make this perfect Appetizer

If you’ve been searching for creative ways to include more vegetables in your family’s diet, this Labneh with Roasted Broccoli recipe might just become your new favorite. Whether you’re trying to get your kids to enjoy broccoli or aiming to impress guests, this recipe is a true game-changer. Labneh—a creamy, tangy cheese made from strained Greek yogurt—pairs perfectly with the smoky, garlicky goodness of roasted broccoli. What is Labneh? Labneh is a Middle Eastern cheese …

Easy 3 Ingredient Fruitcake Recipe

Christmas always stirs up warm memories from my childhood—visiting friends to marvel at their beautifully decorated cribs, waiting for and listening to the carols, and, most importantly, indulging in plum cakes. Yes, that’s what we call a fruitcake in Kerala. Every friend and family visit were accompanied by a plum cake, and despite the abundance, we never got tired of its delightful taste. As I grew older and started my own family, we also started …

South Indian Filter Coffee: How to Brew?

Making coffee is a ritual for many, with each culture having its unique traditions. Being from South India, my favorite way of making coffee is the beloved South Indian filter coffee—or Kaapi. Every morning, I need a piping hot cup of Kaapi on my desk when I begin work, and since this brew takes time to prepare, the process begins before anything else. Every morning, I start my day by setting up the coffee filter. …

Cauliflower Pakodas: Simple Snacks and Beautiful Memories

Rainy days call for something warm, crispy, and utterly satisfying. When the weather turned gloomy today, my family craved a comforting snack to pair with steaming cups of tea. And what better choice than Cauliflower Pakodas, or fritters, made from a fresh head of cauliflower I had picked up at the local market? Everyone loved the idea, and soon, we were all in the kitchen, busy preparing this irresistible treat. From separating florets to frying …

Mango Avocado Salsa: Simple, Easy and Delicious

Mango seasons hold a special place in my heart, bringing up cherished childhood memories of summer holidays spent under the canopy of a sprawling mango tree at my grandparents’ home. The tree stood tall and mangoes would ripen and fall to the ground. The thrill of running to claim a fallen mango, with the rule of “finders keepers,” made those moments even sweeter. We spent countless afternoons in its shade, savoring the juicy delights and …