Kozhukkatta (or Pidi) is a classic example of how traditional kitchens turn simple pantry staples into a nutritious, oil-free meal. Unlike the sweet versions, Upma Kozhukkatta is a savory, steamed dumpling made from broken rice and lentils. Because it is steamed, it is incredibly light on the stomach, making it a perfect fuel for a … Continue reading Steamed Rice & Lentil Dumplings – A Simple Traditional Homestyle Healthy Breakfast
Tag: side dish
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us rush through meals using forks and spoons while scrolling on our phones or watching television. Yet our grandmothers often insisted that the best way to eat was with our own hands. This was not merely a cultural habit—it was a mindful and traditional wellness practice. Eating with your … Continue reading The Wisdom of Eating with Your Hands – A Simple Traditional Way to Support Healthy Digestion
This is a simple vegetarian salad or light bowl commonly prepared in home kitchens using leafy greens, roasted chickpea dal, and gentle seasoning. Made in a traditional homestyle manner, it is light on the stomach, easy to digest, and suitable for everyday meals for both young and old. Ingredients Lettuce – 1 cup, torn into … Continue reading Panikoorka & Chickpea Homestyle Salad
Ingredients Cheera/spinach – 2 Cups (Cut into fine)Onion – 1Turmeric – 1/2 TeaspoonGreen Chilli – 2 or 3Ginger – 1 small pieceCoconut Oil – 1Table spoonEggs – 2Curry leave – 5 leavesPepper powder – ½ Teaspoon Preparation Chop the Muta Cheera (Ceylon Spinach), Onion, Ginger and Green Chilly into fine pieces. Beat the eggs adding … Continue reading Muta Cheera Thoran
Ayala Mango Fill is a vibrant and flavourful Kerala fish dish that brings together mackerel (ayala) and sour raw mango in a delicious, tangy spice mix. With a bold red colour, rich spice balance, and satisfying texture, this recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and spicy — ideal with rice or enjoyed on … Continue reading Ayala Manga Fill – Mackerel with Raw Mango (Kerala Style)
A bold and flavourful chutney made with small Indian anchovies, raw mango, coconut, and gentle spices—simple, nourishing, and deeply rooted in coastal home cooking. About This Chutney Anchovy chutney was a practical and flavour-packed preparation in many coastal homes, especially when larger fish were unavailable. Known as Kozhuva in Malayalam and by many other names … Continue reading Fried Anchovy (Kozhuva) Chutney
Chacka kuru, or jackfruit seeds, are an often-overlooked part of Kerala’s traditional cooking. In earlier households, nothing from the jackfruit tree was wasted. The seeds were cleaned, cooked, and turned into nourishing side dishes that were filling, flavourful, and economical. This chacka kuru olath is a simple stir-fry made with cooked jackfruit seeds, onions, spices, … Continue reading Chakka Kuru Olath – Jackfruit Seed Stir-Fry (Kerala Style)
Today I am presenting to you a rare fruit which has earned name and fame lately for its benefit in preventing or curing cancer. In some parts of Kerala it is called Mullatha, it is also known as Piruthi Chacka/Plathi Chacka. In English it is called Sour soup. Mostly people use its ripe fruit for … Continue reading Mullatha Thoran
Fish pickle has long been a treasured preparation in traditional Kerala kitchens, especially in coastal homes. Made to preserve fish for longer periods, it was prepared with care using generous spices, oil, and vinegar. What began as a practical method of preservation is today enjoyed as a rich delicacy, valued for its deep flavour and … Continue reading Traditional Spicy Fish Pickle
Instant Onion and Lemon Pickle is a quick, no-cook accompaniment made with raw onion, lemon juice, spice, and oil. It is prepared in minutes and pairs well with simple meals, adding freshness and mild heat without the need for cooking or long resting time. Why This Pickle Works for Quick Meals No Cooking Required All … Continue reading Instant Onion and Lemon Pickle (No-Cook Recipe)
Eggless Chicken Cutlets are a popular homemade snack prepared using cooked minced chicken, gentle spices, and mashed potato for binding. These cutlets are shallow-fried until golden and crisp, making them suitable for evening snacks, gatherings, or light meals. Prepared without egg, this recipe relies on traditional spice combinations and bread crumbs to achieve good texture … Continue reading Eggless Chicken Cutlets – A Simple Homestyle Snack
Sweet potato has been a quiet staple in traditional homes for generations. Long before packaged snacks and refined foods became common, families relied on boiled sweet potato dishes to stay full, nourished, and energetic through the day. Prepared with minimal ingredients and gentle seasoning, sweet potato salad reflects the same food wisdom seen in traditional … Continue reading Sweet Potato (Puzhungiya Mathura Kizhangu) Salad – Quick & Simple Homemade Dish
Egg Thoran is a quick, homely Kerala-style stir-fry made with egg, onion, tomato, and mild spices. Prepared in minutes, this dish is a lifesaver on busy days, unexpected guest visits, or when you want a nutritious side without elaborate cooking. Rooted in Kerala’s everyday kitchen traditions, Egg Thoran follows the same philosophy as most Thoran … Continue reading Quick and Easy Egg Thoran – A Simple Kerala Side Dish
Curd Potato Pachadi is a gentle, comforting dish made with soft boiled potatoes simmered in a lightly spiced yogurt base. This mild curry is commonly prepared when a cooling, non-spicy accompaniment is preferred, especially alongside rice-based meals. With its creamy texture and subtle flavours, this pachadi offers balance and softness to a traditional meal. Why … Continue reading Curd Potato Pachadi – A Mild Yogurt-Based Side
Crispy Bitter Gourd Kondattam is a bold and flavourful side dish prepared using sun-dried bitter gourd slices coated with simple spices and deep-fried until crisp. This preparation transforms the natural bitterness of pavakka (bitter gourd) into a crunchy, savoury accompaniment that enhances everyday meals. Traditionally prepared in batches and stored, kondattam reflects Kerala’s age-old practice … Continue reading Bitter Gourd Kondattam – Traditional Pavakka Varuthathu
Spiced Potato Curry without onions is a quick and comforting preparation made using basic pantry spices and coconut oil. This dish is ideal for days when onions are avoided or unavailable, yet a flavorful curry is still desired. With soft potatoes gently coated in spices, this curry is light, satisfying, and easy to pair with … Continue reading Spiced Potato Curry Without Onion – A Simple Home-Style Dish
Instant Tomato Chutney is a quick and flavorful side dish prepared using ripe tomatoes, basic spices, and coconut oil. This chutney is commonly made when fresh tomatoes are available and time is limited, making it a practical everyday addition to meals. With its balance of mild spice, warmth, and natural tanginess, this chutney pairs well … Continue reading Instant Tomato Chutney – A Simple Homestyle Accompaniment
Kaya Upperi, a beloved everyday dish in Kerala homes, turns humble raw banana into a soft, flavourful stir-fry in minutes. Before packaged snacks and heavy foods became common, this simple banana dish was a go-to for busy mornings, quick lunches, or a light side with rice. Here, un ripe Kerala banana meets mild spices, curry … Continue reading Kaya Upperi – Kerala-Style Raw Banana Stir-Fry
Grandma’s Holistic Wellness 