Oats and Red Rice Idli | Oats and Rosematta Rice Idly

Of late idlis have become a staple in our diet. No, they longer belong to the weekends. The steamer is always ready in my kitchen now. The regular idlis area  combination of rice and urad dal and are the best part of any gluten free diet. However, I love to experiment with new foods and create nutritious recipes in my kitchen - trying different grains to create a yummy and healthy idli is my current fix.

Pakora Khuzambhu | Onion Fritters Curry

Kuzhambu  is a cherished curry dish in my home. Combining flavors of spicy, sweet, tart - it makes for the perfect curry. I blogged about my favorite Tomato Kuzhambhu a couple of years back. Today its a recipe for yet another delicious and tangy curry - Pakora Kuzhambu. Crispy onion pakoras, deep fried and golden, dipped in a spicy tamarind and coconut milk curry!! Could you ask for more?

Hara Chana Sundal | Green Chickpea Salad

Back in the day when we lived in Mumbai, Sundals featured heavily on the Navratri menu. Delicious warm salads made with lentils or beans, seasoned with asafoetida, curry leaves, chilies, and freshly shredded coconut. After moving away from Mumbai, I pretty much forgot about these power packed protein rich salads. Then I came to know a great family that celebrated Navratri the traditional way complete with a new Sundal recipe each day!!

Tomato Garlic Kuzhambu | Tomato and Garlic in a Tamarind Curry

Onions, Tomatoes, and Garlic in a curry - a whole host of Indian cooking count this trifecta as the basis of delicious curries that we enjoy in our homes almost everyday. But onions, garlic, and tomatoes as the curry? Why yes and why not?? Seasoned to perfection this combination makes for a perfect side dish for a sit down dinner or lunch any day. In northern parts of India these three ingredients make the most simple but utterly delicious tomato chutney that accompanies so many meals in the winter months. And in the southern and western parts is a differently seasoned curry that makes for the most divine accompaniment to a homely lunch of rice, dal, and vegetables - the kuzambu!!

Fada Idli | Dalia Idli | Broken Wheat Idli | Steamed Black Gram and Wheat Cakes

Idlis have always been a weekend staple at my home. Usually I pair idlis with a sambar and coconut chutney. But on occasion we also like them with rasam and milaga podi or gunpowder are it is know around here:) I have been experimenting with making all sorts of idlis and today I wanted to share a favourite recipe - dalia idli or broken wheat idli.

Masala Chana Dal Vadas | Spicy Lentil Fritters

This year I decided to make some typical and traditional treats for Diwali. Apart from the sakarparas and namakparas, I thought it might be a good idea to have some nice food from the South for Choti Diwali and something from Delhi for Diwali. So I made tamarind rice, masala vadas, and sambar on the 27th! And while I often make tamarind rice from scratch at home, I usually make my sambar using MTR sambar masala. I always plan to make the sambar masala at home but just never get round to it. So this time I decided I just had to make the masala at home and I did. And I have to confess - the sambar was the best I have ever tasted. Well, enough said about my adventures with masalas and onto the Masala Vadas!! (And of course, you might well ask: what did you make for Diwali? Keep tuned for some delicious Delhi Chaat!!)