Quick Meals for Busy Families
Quick Meals for Busy Families
Quick Meals for Busy Families
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Asha GUpdated on Leave a Comment on How to Make Delicious Rajma Chawal – A Cozy Indian Classic3 min readRajma 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 …
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 …
Asha GUpdated on Leave a Comment on Easy and Authentic Ven Pongal Recipe with a Healthy Twist2 min readPongal 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 …
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, 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 …