Pappula podi is a versatile spiced powder that enhances the flavor profile of vegetarian dishes lending them a unique taste. Most vegetables on the likes of okra, eggplant, ivy gourd and bitter gourd taste remarkably good when seasoned with Pappula podi.

A much cherished and relished vegetable in our home is bitter gourd. A favorite of mine is today’s bitter gourd pickle with a sweet flavor that happens to be one of Amma’s specialty dishes. What makes it palate pleasing is the addition of jaggery and tamarind combined with a tempering of curry leaves and dals that add for a bit of crunch. Sweet, sour and tangy flavors that are enticing and addictive.

An exotic Andhra-style rich celebration dish with smooth, warm and rich flavors. No onions or tomatoes go into its making, the main player being poppy seeds which lend the dish its body and a subtle sweet flavor. As you bite into the eggplant, you can savor layers of roasted sweet, tangy and savory flavors.

Have you tried cabbage in the form a crispy pakoda? If you haven’t and are fond of cabbage then you should try today’s recipe. To many, cabbage may not be the prettiest or tastiest of vegetables but it more than makes up in flavor in the garb of a besan coated, golden crisp pakodi.

The kitchen smelt remarkably delicious with warm aromatic flavors while cooking today’s recipe, mixed vegetable kootu. The reason for the wonderful aroma were the roasted spices and lentils – asafoetida, cinnamon, bengal gram and poppy seeds that were ground to a paste with fresh coconut forming the main masala base of the kootu.

Idli Manchurian What do you do with left over idlis? In my home, they take the form of Upma as a quick tiffin on a busy day, Fries as a tea time snack and Manchurian as a starter to serve friends on a rain filled day. This unusual yet unique fusion food that takes an [...]

A vibrant, hearty, soothing, chunky tomato soup to brighten up the rainy season! The key to a delicious tomato soup is in roasting the tomatoes. Use herbs of your choice. My favorite herb is fresh coriander leaves and I like a chunky tomato soup.

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.

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.

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.