How to Make Aravana Payasam: Rituals and Ingredients

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…

Mochar Ghonto: Traditional Bengali Banana Blossom Curry

Mochar Ghonto is a quintessential Bengali vegetarian delicacy made with mocha—the banana blossom—slow-cooked with potatoes, grated coconut, and an aromatic medley of spices. In many Bengali homes, especially during festive vegetarian days or when guests prefer a no-onion, no-garlic spread, this dish holds a place of pride. Preparing mochaa is a labor of love: the…

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…

Nutrient-Dense Button Mushroom Soup

Mushroom soup, especially when made with tender white button mushrooms, is a creamy, earthy delight with a soft beige hue and a velvety, spoon-coating consistency. The finely blended mushrooms give it a smooth yet slightly textured mouthfeel, making each sip both comforting and satisfying. Button mushrooms, though mild in flavour, are rich in B vitamins,…

Wholesome Sweet Potato Salad with Tangy Dressing

Sweet potato salad is a wholesome, nourishing dish that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious. Rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, and beta-carotene, sweet potatoes support digestive health and boost immunity. This salad offers a delightful mouthfeel with creamy chunks of roasted or steamed sweet potato, paired with crunchy vegetables and zesty dressings. It’s naturally sweet,…

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!