Tempering: The Magical Simple Technique That Wakes Up Hunger, Homes, and Hearts

Do you know, there is a technique that I use in my Indian recipes that wakes hunger in everyone at home? It naturally pulls the humans in my house straight into the kitchen and makes them ask, “Is lunch ready?” “Is dinner ready?” Every. Single. Time. Well… this simple technique is called tempering. It amazes me how something that takes less than a minute can create such a powerful reaction. The moment mustard seeds start …

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 …

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 …

How to Make Crispy Uzhunnu Vada

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 them piping hot with coconut chutney and tea. It wasn’t just at home either. Every time we hit the road …

How to Make Delicious Rajma Chawal – A Cozy Indian Classic

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 Bengaluru for my first job, it was a whole new world. Not just the independence, but the food from all …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Homemade Protein Powder: Boost Your Smoothies and Bakes

If you’re looking to add a clean, nutritious protein boost to your diet, making your own proteinpowder at home is a fantastic choice. Unlike store-bought options that may contain additives,this homemade protein powder is simple, wholesome, and made entirely from natural ingredientsyou can feel good about. With the below ingredients this blend is a powerhouse of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential fatty acids. According to Healthline Whether you’re adding it to smoothies, baking it into …

Rava Kesari – How to make it perfect?

When I think of Kesari, I’m instantly transported back to memories from my primary school days. You might find this unusual, but my first taste of this delicious, saffron-colored dessert came at a school picnic. During snack time, our teachers surprised us with warm, soft Kesari. I took one bite, and I was hooked! Years later, I found myself captivated by this sweet dish again when a dear friend brought pineapple Kesari to the work. …