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A jar of homemade Kerala prawn pickle.
Delve into Authentic Kerala Prawn Pickle
 

 "Pearly Aunty's Culinary Legacy: A Heartfelt Journey with Kerala Prawn Pickle"

    In my kitchen, every food holds a story and every dish is a labour of love. It all started with a tale from my daughter, studying medicine miles away in Georgia. She shared anecdotes of her friends carrying bottles of pickles from home, a taste of India in a foreign land.

    My children never had much of a palate for pickles.  So, when she told me about her friend's batch of prawn pickle, I was intrigued. Despite watching my mother-in-law's sister, Pearly aunty, craft pickles with finesse, I had reservations about preserving non-vegetarian items. But my daughter's enthusiasm sparked something within me, a desire to recreate those flavours in my own domain.

 

Egyptian pasta bake, freshly out of the oven, featuring layers of penne, meat sauce, and béchamel topped with melted cheese.
"Egyptian Macarona Bechamel: A Culinary Journey"

     Welcome to a culinary adventure unlike any other! Today, let's delve into the heart of Egyptian cuisine with a dish that's as comforting as it is flavourful – Makarōna bashamel in Egyptian Arabic which is simply Macarona Béchamel.

    Originating from the vibrant streets of Egypt, Macarona Béchamel holds a special place in the hearts and homes of many. This beloved dish is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Egypt, combining layers of penne pasta, spiced meat sauce, and creamy béchamel into a symphony of flavours and textures.



A flat lay image of various spices arranged in a circle, with a bowl of homemade Hawaij spice mix placed at the center."
"Homemade Hawaij Spice Mix: A Vibrant Array of Flavours"


 

Discover the Rich Flavours of Hawaij Spice – A Staple in Yemeni Cuisine

    Embark on a flavourful journey to the heart of Yemeni cuisine with the enchanting Hawaij Spice recipe. Known for its robust aroma and versatility, Hawaij is the secret behind the vibrant flavours in many Arabian and Mediterranean dishes. Today, I’m thrilled to share how you can create this exotic spice blend right in your own kitchen!

    Hailing from Yemen, Hawaij translates simply to 'mixture' in Arabic. This spice blend is deeply ingrained in Yemeni culture and is crucial for creating the authentic tastes found in traditional dishes like Chicken Mandi and Yemeni soup. While it's readily available in some Arab markets, making Hawaij at home brings a fresher, more potent kick to your meals.


A close-up shot of perfectly cooked and drained Kerala Matta rice in a banana leaf, showing separated red grains and soft texture.

Kerala Matta Rice – Perfectly Fluffy Grains

Perfect Kerala Matta Rice Recipe: Your Foolproof Guide to Cooking Palakkadan Matta Rice

    Welcome to the foolproof guide for cooking Kerala Matta Rice (Rose Matta/Palakkadan Matta).  This indigenous red par-boiled rice from Palakkad, colloquially known as Kuthari or Chembavu Ari, is a nutrient dense powerhouse. Rich in fibre with a low glycaemic index, it’s the heart of every traditional Kerala Sadhya. 

    Whether you’re making a comforting Kanji, fermenting batters for Appam and Idli, or pairing it with a spicy fish curry, getting that perfectly fluffy, separated grain is key. In this updated guide, I’ll share my foolproof techniques for stovetop, pressure cooker, and Instant Pot methods. 

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"A tantalizing bowl of Pegaga Masak Lemak Chili Api, a traditional Malay coconut milk curry with aromatic herbs and spices."
"Indulge in the Exquisite Flavours of Pegaga Masak Lemak Chili Api"
 

Pegaga Masak Lemak Chili Api: A Culinary Nod to Health and Heritage

    Ah, the infamous memories of being nudged into eating something for its alleged health benefits! That's exactly what comes to mind when I think of Vallarai Keerai (Indian Penny wort). My experience with this green was less than fond, and I suspect many of you can relate to these childhood recollections.  

    Introducing Pegaga - the Indian Penny wort, or Vallarai Keerai, as it's known in Tamil, is a green that’s woven into the fabric of many childhood memories, including my own. Back in the day, this leaf was almost a celebrity in local communities across India for its reputed health benefits, particularly its ability to boost memory power. My mother, ever the health enthusiast, believed fervently in its benefits. As a result, Vallarai Keerai featured prominently in our meals, often paired with green moong beans to soften its bitter notes. As a child, I wasn't a fan—mostly I’d just gulp it down to avoid the formidable gaze of my mum. While I can’t vouch scientifically for its memory-enhancing properties, it certainly quickened my pace at finishing meals—I was quite the slow eater back then!


"Bowl of creamy vermicelli and sago payasam garnished with nuts, a traditional South Indian dessert."
"Vermicelli & Sago Payasam: A Silky, Sweet Delight"

"Sago and Vermicelli Payasam: Mastering the Art of a Decadent Delight!"

    Indulge in the timeless comfort of South Indian households with this classic Vermicelli and Sago Payasam. Colloquially called as Semiya Javvarisi Payasam is a cherished dessert that weaves together the delicate strands of vermicelli alias Semiya and the chewy pearls of sago, also known as Javvarisi. This authentic Indian Payasam is a milk-based concoction, sweetened with just the right amount of sugar, is not just a dessert; it's a tradition passed down through generations, bringing families together with each velvety spoonful. Picture this: as the aroma of roasted vermicelli fills the air, memories of childhood gatherings and festive feasts come flooding back. It's more than just a dish; it's a story woven into the fabric of our culinary heritage, waiting to be savoured with each delightful bite. Let our Vermicelli and Sago Payasam take you on a journey through the rich tapestry of South Indian flavours and traditions.


"An image featuring a bowl of dates and a cup of tea, emblematic of the traditional iftar and Eid menu."

Iftar & Eid Menu: Breaking Fast with Dates and Tea

"Feasting on Faith: An Iftar & Eid al-Fitr Culinary Journey from Tamil Muslim Cuisine"

Tamil Muslim Cuisine: A Legacy of Trade, Culture & Flavours

    Tamil Muslims, also known as Tamil Nadu Muslims or Tamil-speaking Muslims, have a deep-rooted culinary heritage shaped by centuries of trade, migration, and cultural fusion. Their cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of South Indian traditions interwoven with Persian, Arab, and Mughlai influences—resulting in an exquisite blend of aromatic spices, slow-cooked meats, and indulgent sweets that define Tamil Muslim feasts.


Freshly ground turmeric powder displayed with vibrant turmeric roots resting on a lush turmeric leaf, capturing the essence of pure, homemade spice creation.
From Roots to Powder: Crafting Homemade Turmeric Gold


Aromatic Alchemy: The Magic of DIY Turmeric Powder in Your Oven

    Turmeric! That golden touch of a turmeric that turns every dish it touches into a vibrant masterpiece. But before we dive into the sunny world of making your own turmeric powder, let’s pause and soak in the essence of summer in India, a season that paints my memories with the most delightful culinary traditions.

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I Me Myself

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Essence of Life - Food is all about daily cooking with a simple sense of taste and health. It is all about food. Not a day goes by without eating for most of us, so what we eat matters on the whole. Food in the mode of goodness increases the duration of life, purifies one's existence, and gives strength, health, happiness, and satisfaction. Above all ingredients, the most vital one in my kitchen is love.

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Ebook - What I Cook - For Onam

Ebook - “What I Cook - For Onam”

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Indulge in Kerala’s Culinary Heritage: Traditional Onam Sadhya Recipes, with Expert Serving Tips! Celebrate Onam the authentic way! Discover 25 timeless Kerala Sadya recipes in my ebook. From avial to payasam, bring home the flavours of tradition. Available now on Amazon!

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