Pumpkin Sambar recipe, a vegan stew with pigeon peas and pumpkin, spiced with turmeric, coriander and warm Indian spices, is a great way to welcome Fall. Sambar is a staple in South Indian cooking, with a signature flavor and taste that can be attributed to curry leaves, tamarind and spices. Sambar is eaten almost everyday…
Coconut Rice – Vegan Indian Rice Recipe [Meatless Monday]
Coconut rice is inspired by South Indian cuisine. We have a sweet coconut rice in Maharashtrian (my native) cuisine called Narali Bhat, which I am not very fond of. I had mulled over a savory version for a long time. I had heard of Thengai Sadam, a savory coconut rice made in South India. I…
Peanut Sundal – No Onion No Garlic Recipe [Vegan]
Peanut Sundal is an easy nutritious salad or snack that can be very addictive. And no, you don’t have to wait for any holy occasion to indulge in it. I recently blogged about the Bhog festival at the Four Points by Sheraton Pune. Navratri or Durga Pooja has spurred local restaurants and hotels to hold…
Milagu Rasam – Black Pepper and Daal Soup
Milagu Rasam or Molagu Rassam is so simple and comforting. It is my go-to dish when I get the shivers or a touch of fever. The heat from the black pepper makes you sweat reducing your body temperature. It can be a natural antipyretic and also soothes the throat. #30daysofdaal is on and I hope…
Kanchipuram Idli Recipe – South Indian Brunch
Kanchipuram Idli has been on my to-do list for a long time. I heard about this years ago from a friend but was always skeptical. When I think Idli, I think of the pure white snowy pillows that just dissolve in your mouth. Adding spices or turmeric seemed like sacrilege. Like throwing a stone in…
Sambar – South Indian Lentil Stew with Vegetables
Sambar or Sambhar is a lentil based stew loaded with vegetables that comes from South India. It’s wed for life to Idlis, Dosas, Vadas and Uttappams, sometimes even to rice. ( Yeah, that’s some polygamy goin’ on here). Actually, sambhar can be slurped by itself, and it is the Indian low carb one pot meal…
Coconut Chutney for Idli and Dosa – Easy Recipe
Coconut chutney is made with fresh coconut and is a condiment served with any South Indian snack like Idli, Dosa, Vada etc. It is as common to see this chutney in Indian restaurants as ketchup or mustard is at a McDonald’s. I am doing a series on some South Indian food, and this coconut chutney…
Sambar Powder Recipe – Homemade Spice Mix
Sambar powder or sambhar powder makes or breaks a good Sambar. Sambhar or Sambar is a South Indian lentil stew that is served with Idlis, dosas and vadas. It is a popular side for a popular snack that you get throughout India and even elsewhere in the world. ( I have found that South Indians…
Potato Stuffing for Dosa Recipe
Potato Stuffing for Dosa is a must have for a great Masala Dosa. The ‘Masala‘ here refers to the vegetable stuffing and not a spice. Who doesn’t love a Masala Dosa? Whether you’re Indian or not, and whether you live in India or not, the Masala Dosa is so popular that people all over the…
Madras Tomato Chutney Recipe
I call this Madras Tomato Chutney or Andhra Tomato Chutney. Yes, yes! I know the two places are completely different in terms of language, culture, eating habits etc. But what I mean to say is that this is a South Indian style chutney, and uses ingredients that are predominantly used in Southern Indian cooking. If…