Easy Garlic Butter Broccoli with a Creamy Twist

If you’ve been searching for the perfect garlic butter broccoli recipe, you’re in the right place! Broccoli and I have a story. Believe it or not, this vibrant green vegetable was once the most hated item on our family’s plate. It sat there, ignored and unloved. But everything changed the day I learned how to cook broccoli perfectly. Steaming it just right—bright green, tender yet crisp—was the first step. Then came the revelation: sautéing it …

Chicken Thoran – An Easy Coconut Chicken Stir-Fry

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 dish in everyday Kerala meals and also gracing festive sadyas. It is humble, nourishing, and deeply connected to the agrarian …

Apple Pachadi: A Sweet and Spicy Surprise

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 tangy pickles to the mellow curries and the sweet payasams. Among them, pachadi holds a special charm. Pachadi is usually …

Skillet-Fried Potatoes – Easy and Quick Comfort Food Fix

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 rice and rasam or serving roast chicken for dinner, this little potato side dish fits right in. What I love …

Adai Dosa and Chutney

Tomato Coconut Chutney – An Easy South Indian Chutney

What better accompaniment to a meal than a spicy, tangy chutney? This Tomato Coconut Chutney pairs beautifully with breakfast staples like idli and dosa. Growing up, our breakfast was often served with sambar, podi, or chutney, and among the many variations of coconut chutney, this one was a family favorite. Weekends were special—Amma would make this chutney alongside an elaborate breakfast, and we would compete to see who could eat the most hot dosas. Fast …

How to make Yogurt using an Instant Pot?

If you’re looking for a fail-proof way to make yogurt at home, you’re in the right place! Today, we’ll explore how to make creamy, delicious yogurt using an Instant Pot, ensuring perfect results every time. Yogurt is a staple in most households, enjoyed at breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as a quick snack. Loved by both kids and adults, yogurt is not just delicious but also packed with probiotics, which promote gut health and overall …

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 …

Muthira Thoran (Horse Gram Stir-Fry)- Easy and Protein Packed

If you’re looking for a protein-packed, nutritious, and flavorful dish, Muthira Thoran, or Horse Gram Stir-fry, is a great choice. Horse gram (Muthira) is a versatile legume that is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Traditionally, it’s known for being rich in iron, protein, and fiber, making it a staple in many Indian households, especially in South India. Thoran is a common side dish in Kerala, typically made with vegetables, grated coconut, …

Avial: A Wholesome, Healthy, and Easy Recipe

Avial is one of the most iconic and inevitable side dishes served in any Kerala meals. It’s not only a favorite in my household but also a brilliant way to add more vegetables to your diet! A delicious mix of various vegetables like yam, plantain, carrots, and drumsticks, this dish is bound together by a luscious coconut mixture and tangy curd (yogurt) for flavor. The origins of Avial trace back to the great epic Mahabharata, …

Kaalan: A Kerala Feast Essential

Kaalan, a dish from the heart of Kerala, plays a vital role in any traditional feast, Sadya. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it a perfect side dish with rice, especially when paired with thoran—a stir-fried vegetable dish. With the addition of papadum and pickles, you can create a meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome. This dish typically features vegetables like raw banana and tubers such as yam or taro (chembu). The veges are …