Typical South Indian style vegetable stir fry, Carrot beans vepudu, is healthy, easy to make with perfect combination of flavors. Curry leaves, hing and fresh coconut are my top most ‘essential’ ingredients whenever I venture out to make this vegetable fry recipe.

One of the best vegetarian recipe I have had in a long time is a stuffed okra with its origins in Gujarat. Tarla Dalal’s recipe for a Gujarati stuffed bhindi is simply out of the world. Those who hate okra will definitely fall in love with it when they try Bhindi Sambhariya.

Though I am not too fond of cabbage, I find myself enjoying a North Indian style cabbage dry saute that calls for the inclusion of potato. Its a fabulous combination and a drizzle of lemon juice gives it a flavor that is so satisfying. Its amazing how the simplest of recipes are the most flavorful.

I’m a podi freak. I keep trying various podi recipes that have their origins in different regions of South India. One such podi that is aromatic with a unique flavor is Milagai Podi. The secret ingredient here is roasted sesame seeds. Sprinkle some of this magic spice powder over dosas or idlis along with a generous drizzle of gingelly oil or ghee.

Last week was a rain filled week. On one such rainy day, I prepared spinach soup. I sat in the veranda relishing a bowl of vibrant green spinach soup, watching the rain and waiting for Nehal to come home from school.

I love the combination of flavors in today’s stuffed ridge gourd recipe. Nutty sesame seeds, coconut and tangy tamarind are the secret weapons that lend that perfect flavor to the Gutti beerakaya curry. Those allergic to peanuts can substitute with melon seeds or cashew nuts.

Its no secret that I love Indian Chinese fusion cuisine. On many a special occasion its Indian Chinese fusion food for starters and Sweet Corn Chicken Soup is a must. Nehal is extremely fond of American Chop Suey and I created magic at my stove, replicating the restaurant flavor. He loved it and am one happy mommy!

As long as there’s lots of peanuts, this Ivy gourd stir fry recipe is a winner. A classic vegetarian dish served on special occasions as part of an elaborate Andhra thali.

Any dish I prepare with left over idlis makes my stomach happy. Masala Idli is a favorite and takes me less than 15 minutes to prepare. Usually prepared as a breakfast fare with a good dose of lemon juice and fresh coriander as garnish. Lively, invigorating flavors!

Summer at its worst! Lived off salads, juice, tender coconut water and fruits for a good part of last week. Our backyard mango trees have given a reasonably good yield this year. A salad I prepared recently is a mango based one with iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes and cucumber.