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 …

Vibrant, Comforting Savoury Beetroot Porridge for a Nourishing Morning

Most mornings, I want something warm and savoury for breakfast. It just makes the day start right. But not every day calls for something heavy like upma or dosa. Some days I want something warm, light, creamy, and still flavour-packed. That’s how this Warm Savoury Beetroot Porridge came together. Porridge is usually sweet — fruits, honey, all of that. But on mornings when I don’t feel like sugar, this savoury pink bowl hits the spot. …

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 …

Berry Blast Smoothie – My Go-To for a Quick, Healthy Pick-Me-Up

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 little secret weapon. This smoothie came about during one such chaotic morning. I had a few strawberries and blueberries that …

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 …

Lemon Pound Cake: Easy, Buttery, Tangy, and Irresistible!

Every weekend, I try to meal prep for the upcoming week. It helps keep things organized, ensures that there are quick meals ready to go, and most importantly, means that there are always some homemade snacks on hand. One of my go-to recipes for this is this Lemon Pound Cake. I stumbled upon this recipe a few years back, and since then, it has been my absolute favorite for tea-time treats. Not only is it …

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 …

Easy and Authentic Ven Pongal Recipe with a Healthy Twist

Pongal is more than just a dish in South India—it’s a symbol of tradition, gratitude, and celebration. This iconic dish holds a special place in the hearts of people, especially during the harvest festival of Pongal, which is celebrated with immense joy and reverence in Tamil Nadu. The word “Pongal” means “to boil over,” representing abundance and prosperity. Traditionally it is prepared with freshly harvested rice and lentils. Over the years, Pongal has evolved into …

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 …