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 …

Labneh with Roasted Broccoli: How to make this perfect Appetizer

If you’ve been searching for creative ways to include more vegetables in your family’s diet, this Labneh with Roasted Broccoli recipe might just become your new favorite. Whether you’re trying to get your kids to enjoy broccoli or aiming to impress guests, this recipe is a true game-changer. Labneh—a creamy, tangy cheese made from strained Greek yogurt—pairs perfectly with the smoky, garlicky goodness of roasted broccoli. What is Labneh? Labneh is a Middle Eastern cheese …

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. …

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 …

Aval Vilayichathu – A Wholesome and Authentic Snack

Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite childhood snacks—Aval Vilayichathu, flattened rice flakes mixed in jaggery syrup. Growing up, this sweet snack was a big part of our holidays. All of us cousins would gather together in one of our homes to spend the holidays. My mom or aunts would prepare this for evening tea to feed all of our hungry bellies. Earlier today, while looking through some old photos, I was reminded of those …