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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Homemade Podi – Authentic and Easy Chutney Powder Recipe

In my family, when we have idli or dosa for breakfast, it isn’t complete without a side of this Homemade Podi, a spiced chutney powder that adds a burst of flavor to any South Indian meal. Podi means powder and this spice blend is a combination of lentils, dry red chilies, and aromatics. Whether we’re enjoying a pot of steaming sambar or a bowl of freshly made chutney, there’s always a request for this must-have …

Turmeric Milk: The Golden Potion, An Age Old Home Remedy

Turmeric milk, also known as “Golden Milk,” is an age-old Ayurvedic remedy from India, traditionally used to alleviate ailments such as cold and flu. Growing up, whenever I had a cold or flu, my mum used to make a warm cup of turmeric milk. Its soothing effect would bring comfort and relief, and now I do the same for my family. While the modern world may know it as Turmeric Latte, this humble drink has …