Recreating restaurant style food at home is fun but can be frustrating when the same flavor cannot be replicated at home. In most restaurants, while ordering biryani, they serve a gravy to go with it. The gravy that accompanies the biryani differs from restaurant to restaurant.

There are many coffee cakes but this is a classic recipe with the flavors spot on. A moist, deep flavored cake that sports a topping with an unmistakable coffee aroma. The addition of coffee to the cake batter not only infuses the cake with more flavor but also perfumes your home with the heavenly aroma of coffee.

Among the many versions of Aloo Dum, today’s recipe is a favorite in our home. Cute round baby potatoes are slowly simmered in a yogurt based gravy this is subtly rich in flavor and spice but least bit heavy. Makes for a lip smacking side with rotis or flavored rice.

Another great monsoon treat that is savory and perfectly crisp with the minty flavor shining through every bite. Ginger and mint are the key players so if you venture to prepare them on a rain filled day, do use both. Your chai experience will be memorable. My guarantee.

Easy home made honey roasted mixed nuts that are better than store bought ones. And addictive too. A simple yet divine recipe. Crunchy nuts with a deep honey flavor. You cannot stop munching on them.

Chicken stew with Appam is a popular breakfast fare in Kerala. Simple, aromatic, hearty stew that is sure to win many a heart. Chicken and potato cubes are slowly simmered in a subtly spiced coconut milk base. You can even add vegetables like carrot, beans and peas and increase the nutrition profile of the stew.This culinary gem of Kerala cuisine makes for a decent side with roti, paratha and rice too other than appam and puttu.

Quick boiled egg stir fry that is slightly similar to the simple egg roast I blogged a while ago. An amalgamation of North and South Indian style of culinary preparation. Aromatic curry leaves and spices, kasuri methi, fresh coriander leaves and caramelized onions give the quartered boiled eggs an addictive taste. Serve as an appetizer or a dry saute with rice or rotis.

Cold and wet weather is pleasant and a welcome change from the sultry summer we’ve had this year. Comforting, like an occasional deep fried indulgence. But unabated rain is anything but enjoyable. I prepared a spicy Indo-Chinese appetizer, Chilli Baby Corn, which served as a perfect antidote, adding a cheerful note to the day. Makes for a warm, well spiced appetizer.

We would relish these addictive chocolate wonders during our growing years. In recent past these impressive treats have re-appeared in my kitchen. For Nehal. They are incredibly sweet, making them an ideal dessert for kiddy parties. You can add nuts for some crunch or decorate with granulated sugar, sprinkles or coconut flakes.

Spring onion Pakoda – A perfect monsoon snack! Its been pouring all day long and my palate has been craving for a deep-fried comforting snack. These pakodas have a soft texture as compared to the crispy ‘gatti pakodi’. Make for a wonderful savory tea time snack or appetizer.