Chakka Kuru Kuzhambu (Jackfruit Seed Curry)

Jackfruit is a popular fruit/vegetable in many parts of the country. The unripe jackfruit is used to make many different kinds of dishes. The ripe version is eaten as a fruit – really delicious. The ripe fruit is also used to make sweet pastes and jams. The seeds are also consumed. My biggest disappointment is…

Murungaipoo Vadai (Moringa Blossom Fritters)

Vada is a savoury fried snack from India. Different types of vadas can be described variously as fritters, cutlets, doughnuts, or dumplings. Alternative names for this food include wada, vade, vadai, wadeh and bara. The various types of vadas are made from different ingredients, ranging from legumes (such as medu vada of South India) to…

Beetroot Cutlet

I am not very fond of beetroot as I do not have a sweet tooth. However, this is one of my favourite cutlets. This recipe was taught me by my friends Nandini Gulati and Mala Barua. It also features in their fabulous WFPB cookbook. This cutlet is filling, healthy and tastes wonderful. Though potatoes are…

Farali Pattice

Farali Pattice is street food from Mumbai, India’s largest commercial city. It is often consumed when fasts are observed and only specific kinds of food are eaten. This is normally a breakfast dish, but I like it as a tea-time snack. In the Mumbai street food version, it is deep-fried. But it need not be…

Eggplant Chutney

I never tire of reciting this anecdote. A few years ago, I had a young colleague over for lunch. Amongst other dishes, Hari had made an eggplant curry. When my friend saw this, he declared that he HATED eggplant. And refused to touch it. I felt really bad that I could not serve my friend…

Idli (Rice & Lentil Dumplings)

Like the dosa, idli has also become a kind of a national dish in India. Though originating from South India, if has aficionados all over the country. It is normally had for breakfast in South India (though occasionally for dinner too). In the rest of the country, it is an anytime snack or a meal…

Dosa (Rice & Lentil Crepe)

Dosa has become almost a national dish in India. It is widely available all over the country, even with street vendors. Though the basic ingredients are the same, the preparation varies widely to suit individual tastes. Some like their dosa soft, others crisp. The homemade ones are about 6″ in diameter whereas the ones served…

Peanut Poha Patties

I have been experimenting with tea-time snacks. Because I am bored with the 7 or 8 that I have been rotating for the last four years. There is so much of street food in our country that are ideal for an evening snack. But as I am WFPB, it takes a lot of customisation. Here is…