Mysore Bonda (Savory Snack)

I had denied myself the pleasure of many snacks, including the delectable Mysore bonda, for decades since the air fryer had not been invented. Not so anymore! I am going to town enjoying my ‘deep fried’ snacks. Pleasures of youth, revisited.I’ve had Mysore bonda whenever there was a wedding or an occasion for family and…

Elavan Kootu (Ash Gourd Curry)

Kootu (a wet curry) is almost a staple in most South Indian homes. It is invariably bland and there are several types of kootu. Often paired with a sambar (or any other spicy curry that is mixed with rice), kootu is the perfect counterbalance to a spicy curry. There are several ways of preparing kootu…

Lo Mein Noodles

With my stock of noodles, planning meals has become easier. In an earlier avatar, I used to visit a Chinese restaurant whenever the mood for noodles was upon me (which was often). Having become more conscious of ingredients after I turned vegan, this became a difficult exercise. Because it was difficult, if not impossible, to…

Manga Inji Kuzhambu (Mango Ginger Curry)

Crucuma amada is a rhizome related to the ginger and turmeric families. It has a distinct raw mango flavour. Called manga inji in South India and amba (or ambad) haldi in other parts of the country, it is a delicious root and has several medicinal properties. Having said that, it is also very tasty. It…

Mullangi Chutney (Radish Dip)

Chutneys are a regular feature in my home. We make a chutney about 3-4 times a week. That’s because I like a cooked breakfast rather than one from a packet. Therefore, it is invariably a dosa, idli, utthapam, pesarattu… These pair well with chutneys. The classic in chutneys is the popular coconut chutney. But I…

Varagu Idli (Kodo Millet Dumplings)

Idlis are really healthy. I read somewhere that doctors are recommending this dish for heart patients. I normally make idli using brown rice. The milllet version is even healthier. Given that it is fermented, it is easy on the digestive system and good for the gut. I was a little worried that the idlis may…

Varagu Dosai (Kodo Millet Crepe)

I often have millets as part of my diet. My personal favourite is kodo millet, but I love all the other millets too. One of the things that I really miss, after adopting a WFPB diet, is rava (semolina) dosa (crepe). I have tried several substitutes for rava, but it is not quite the same…

Chettinad Kara Chutney (Spicy ‘Dip’ From Chettinad)

Chettinad cuisine is often spicy with any or all of chilli, onion, garlic and black pepper added generously. Though the cuisine is known for non-vegetarian dishes, there are several wonderful vegetarian dishes too. As winter approaches North India, my body craves spicier food that what I normally have. This chutney is spicy (you can adjust…

Grapefruit Salad

I have never been a grapefruit lover – until I discovered this wonderful salad. Not that I dislike grapefruit. It is a difficult fruit to clean – and the taste, after all the effort, is sour. But I have often been told that it is great for diabetics. And, therefore, virtuously have it every time…

Cholam Madura Sundal (Sweet Corn, Makai Snack)

A few days ago, I had posted that I intend to make a sweet dish using corn. Several people have asked me for the recipe. I am giving this top priority since it is Navratri now and those interested can prepare it in the next few days. My own experiment turned out very successful. All…