Moringa Stir-fry | Muringaella Thoran

Moringa Stir-fry | Muringaella Thoran

Moringa is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree native to the Indian subcontinent. Its leaves and fruits are a staple in Kerala households. Almost all parts of the tree are eaten or used as ingredients in Ayurvedic medicine.   Moringa leaves are rich in many important nutrients, 

Banana Blossom Coconut Chutney | Vazhakoombu Chamanthi

Banana Blossom Coconut Chutney | Vazhakoombu Chamanthi

Coconut chutneys are another one of my all-time favorite foods. So here is a great way to up the nutrition and flavor of your coconut chutney while doing your small part to reduce food wastage. Let’s put those beautiful, nutritious purple leaves from the outer 

Banana Flower Fritters | Vazhapoo Bajji

Banana Flower Fritters | Vazhapoo Bajji

I make these with the flowers in the outer layers of the banana blossom. The blossom gets turned into a stir fry and these get turned into crunchy snacks for tea. There’s no reason to throw away the outer purple layers that you peel off 

Banana Blossom Stir Fry | Vazhakoombu Thoran

Banana Blossom Stir Fry | Vazhakoombu Thoran

Banana blossom is the superfood you haven’t heard of yet! It’s packed with essential nutrients such as phosphorous, calcium, potassium, copper, magnesium, iron, antioxidants, and fiber. According to Ayurveda, it balances pitta and is used to treat bronchitis, constipation, and ulcer, among other things. If 

Kerala Style Mango Pickles | Kadumanga Achar

Kerala Style Mango Pickles | Kadumanga Achar

These wild fermented mango pickles are my all-time favorite pickles and an absolute must-have for a sadhya. I can happily eat a big plate of rice or idlis with just these pickles. Not only is it incredibly flavorful, it also has chock-full of nutrients. I like 

Candied Plantain Chips | Sharkara Varatti

Candied Plantain Chips | Sharkara Varatti

These thick-cut plantain chips coated in coconut sugar and spices are another important part of any sadhya that can be a hit or a miss. For some, these are the first things they reach for when they sit down in front of the banana leaf, 

Plantain Chips | Ethakka Upperi

Plantain Chips | Ethakka Upperi

There is nothing like fresh homemade plantain chips! Once you make them at home you’ll never go back to store-bought chips, I promise you.

How To Fry Pappadams

How To Fry Pappadams

Papadum is a side dish often served with rice in Southern India. Well, it’s a side dish depending on who you ask because my daughter will try to convince you that it’s a proper meal. In all fairness, pappadams are well-loved by people of all ages 

Divine Chocolate Cupcake

Divine Chocolate Cupcake

Get ready to taste the best chocolate cupcake ever! They are super moist and airy, with a flavor that’s oh-so divine. Be prepared to make more than one batch because these little guys are really addictive. I’ve made these cupcakes with cane sugar, dates puree, 

Sesame Seed Brittle (Til Chikki)

Sesame Seed Brittle (Til Chikki)

Ellunda, as it’s called in Kerala, was a staple while I was growing up. It’s not only delicious and easy to make but also has a chock-full of nutrients. It is an excellent source of copper, manganese, calcium, magnesium,phosphorous, iron, zinc, molybdenum, selenium, vitamin B1,