Aravana payasam is a sacred sweet offering prepared at the famed Sabarimala temple in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. This thick, rich payasam is made with jaggery, rice, and generous amounts of ghee, symbolizing abundance and devotion, and is distributed as prasadam to devotees who complete the rigorous 41-day vratham (austerity and fasting) before undertaking…
Tag: #SouthIndian
Versatile Eggplant Recipe with Nutritional Perks
“Ennai” means oil in Tamil, and “kathrikkai” means eggplant — hardly the most appetising name for one of the tastiest dishes I’ve ever eaten. Eggplant, like the universally beloved potato, is a remarkably versatile vegetable, lending itself to innumerable dishes across the globe. Yet, unlike potatoes, eggplants evoke sharply divided opinions — people either relish…
Healthy WFPB Raw Banana Roast Recipe
The super-tasty raw banana roast. Avery versatile dish that pairs well with several dishes. And raises the dish several notches.
Traditional Pineapple Payasam Recipe for Festive Occasions
Pineapple payasam made with cooked fruits is a glowing example of how tradition and whole-food plant-based values can beautifully align. In the WFPB world, opinions differ—some discourage mixing fruits with cooked foods, citing digestive concerns, while others support the use of cooked fruits, especially when they are seasonal, ripe, and rich in antioxidants. Cooking ripe…
Refreshing Pachi Pulusu: A Summer Delight
Pachi Pulusu is a wonderfully cooling summer rasam from Andhra Pradesh, a dish my sister first introduced me to over 50 years ago. Unlike traditional rasams, it is made almost raw—there’s no boiling involved, just a gentle tempering at most—allowing the tangy tamarind, fresh onions, green chilies, and coriander to retain their bright, bold character….
Nutrient-Dense Jackfruit Seed Pudding Benefits
Jackfruit Seed Pudding is a wholesome, nutrient-dense dessert that transforms a commonly discarded ingredient into a delicious and satisfying treat. Jackfruit seeds are rich in protein, resistant starch, iron, and antioxidants, supporting digestion, immunity, and sustained energy. This pudding is naturally creamy, subtly sweet, and easy to prepare—just boil the seeds, blend with dates or…
Easy Yogurt Dip Recipe with Ginger and Mustard Seeds
This recipe outlines a flavorful yogurt preparation. It involves whisking thick yogurt until smooth, then combining sautéed mustard seeds, ginger, and chillies, seasoned with salt. The mixture can be served with various types of rice or as a dip, making it versatile for meals or festive occasions. Enjoy!
Authentic Chena Mezhukkupuratti: A Kerala Tradition
Mezhukkupuratti is a traditional dry stir-fry from Kerala, South India, known for its simplicity and depth of flavor, typically made without a gravy and using minimal spices. The term “mezhukkupuratti” roughly translates to “coated with oil,” but Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) adaptations use water-sautéing instead. Among the many vegetables used, elephant yam (chena) is especially…
Delicious Vellarikka Pachadi Recipe from Kerala
Vellarikka Pachadi is a traditional Kerala dish made from yellow cucumber (vellarikka), coconut, green chilies, and yogurt, tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves. It has a creamy texture with a mild spiciness and a hint of tang from the yogurt, beautifully balanced by the sweetness of fresh coconut. Visually, it’s a light yellow curry…
Nutrient-Rich Nenthran Pazham: A Vegan Delight
Nenthran Pazha Pradhaman is a traditional Kerala dessert reimagined the WFPB way—made with ripe nenthran bananas that are steamed, mashed, and gently simmered with date paste and creamy homemade coconut milk, without any jaggery, oil, or refined ingredients. Garnished with dry-roasted cashews and raisins, it has a naturally rich brown color and deep, caramel-like sweetness…
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