Sambar is made many different ways. In fact, different districts within South India all seem to have their own variation. From the types of vegetable used to the spice blends, the combinations are vast.
Tandoori Pizza with Tamarind Mint Chutney
Here it is in all its glory! Behold! The Tandoori Pizza with Tamarind Mint Chutney! Let’s call it the “red crust pizza” for short? If you ask me how I came up with this recipe, honestly, it’s like that scene…
Gulab Jamun Cheesecake with Saffron Rose Cream
Where do I even begin with this Gulab Jamun Cheesecake? This recipe idea came about from my friend Tina so I decided to make it for her birthday. I knew it’d be the perfect edible gift to celebrate her day…
Kerala Beef Ularthiyathu (Beef Fry)
Funny thing about this Beef Fry recipe is that my favorite part is not even the spicy, roasted pieces of beef! It’s the thing my mom would make at the end. Once the beef was roasted, you’d see the most…
Jackfruit Seed Mango Curry (Chakkakuru Manga Curry)
Did you know you could use the seeds of a jackfruit to make delicious meals? That’s precisely what I used to make this Jackfruit Seed and Raw Green Mango Curry, otherwise known as Chakkakuru Manga Curry. Never had jackfruit seeds?…
Kerala Shrimp n’ Grits
I’ve been dreaming about this Kerala Shrimp and Grits recipe. How I could create a true ode to my double Southern roots. See, I was born in North Carolina with a love for Bojangles biscuits and sweet tea, but also…
Uppumav/Upma (Spiced Semolina)
You know, as a kid I wasn’t really crazy about uppumav. The sweet, salty, spicy crumbly and steamy plate my mom would serve with a banana had my tastebuds going wild. But the older I get, the more I find myself loving these old childhood dislikes.
Kerala Red Fish Curry
With its nostalgic, bright red color, tangy tamarind flavor, and perfect level of heat, this classic Kerala Red Fish Curry recipe is truly a pot of joy.
Kerala Appam/Palappam
My all-time favorite South Indian food combo is these cripsy-edged appams paired with a ladle full of tangy, sweet chicken curry poured on top of the pillowy center. Growing up, this was my breakfast. My brunch. Our special occasion table special for holidays like Christmas and Easter. Nothing beats eating this, except being able to make it from scratch!
Gulab Jamun (Soaked Indian Fried Donuts)
Often described as fried donuts soaked in a spiced sugar syrup, Gulab Jamuns are so much more than that. These plump sweets are infused with so much flavor and impossible to limit to one bite.
Parippu Payasam
Parippu payasam is another version full of delicious flavor. It’s made using green gram (moong dal) and sabudana (tapioca pearls) with ghee-roasted coconut, raisins, and cashews then stewed in jaggery and coconut milk.
Kerala Chicken Fry (Ularthiyathu)
For those nights when you want some authentic tasting South Indian food, but you don’t feel like adding in a ton of ingredients, this Kerala Chicken Fry (Ularthiyathu) is perfect.