Hot Peppery Rasam
Tangy tomato rasam with freshly ground black pepper, tamarind, and a sizzling garlic-curry leaf tadka. Comfort in 35 minutes.
Month: April 2026
South Indian Tofu Fry
Crisp, golden tofu tossed with curry leaves, garlic, ginger, and a punchy chilli masala. Ready in 30 minutes with pressed tofu.
Onion Pakora with Chai
Rain outside, hot chai inside, and a plate of pakoras that never lasts long. These craggy, golden fritters are packed with red onion, spinach, and fresh herbs, with just enough besan to hold all that crunch together. Pair them with ginger-cardamom chai for a monsoon snack worth slowing down for. Rain is optional; a second helping probably is not.
Continue reading Onion Pakora with Chai
Crispy Mashed Potato Patties
Golden, cheesy edges and a soft potato centre make these patties a very good reason to save leftover mash. Garlic, spring onions, and chilli bring plenty of flavour, while sumac adds a tangy twist. Shape them into small patties and pan-fry until crisp, then serve straight from the pan.
Breakfast Bagel 3 Ways
One bagel, three very good breakfast moods: creamy avocado, a crisp cheese skirt with an egg in the middle, or a spinach-and-cheese omelet tucked into a warm sandwich. Each version brings a different mix of soft, crunchy, and melty. I like having the bagels ready so breakfast is mostly a question of what sounds good today. Pick your favourite, or make all three and share.
Homemade Everything Bagels with Herb & Garlic Cream Cheese
Golden crusts, a proper chewy bite, and a generous herb-and-garlic schmear make these homemade bagels worth a slow morning. A quick boil before baking gives them their distinctive crust, while everything seasoning brings plenty of savoury crunch. I make a batch of eight so there are a few ready for the freezer, too. Toast one, spread it thickly, and enjoy the reward for a little dough patience.
A quick ‘pro-tip’ from my own trial and error: My first batch lost its holes during the boil and came out looking more like golden buns than bagels. We ate them very happily anyway. Stretch those holes wider than you think they need to be; even if they close up, there is still a very good breakfast waiting.
Continue reading Homemade Everything Bagels with Herb & Garlic Cream Cheese
Roasted Veggie Panini with Basil Pesto & Tomato Spread
Honey-balsamic roasted vegetables, basil pesto, tomato spread, and melted mozzarella in a golden panini. Ready in 45 minutes; makes 4 sandwiches.
Pistachio & Cranberry Biscotti
Buttery biscotti studded with green pistachios and ruby cranberries make the coffee break feel a little more special. The nuts bring a mellow richness, the cranberries add tart, chewy pockets, and a second bake gives every slice its satisfying crunch. I love them plain for dunking, or with a little white chocolate when the occasion calls for something festive. Make a pot of coffee and save a few for tomorrow.
Spicy Black Bean & Corn Fusion Burgers
Friday-night burger cravings, meet your new freezer favourite. These black bean and corn patties bring smoky spice, a little chilli heat, and crisp golden edges, with crushed cornflakes giving the mixture extra bite. Tuck them into toasted buns with melted cheese and creamy guacamole for a burger worth staying in for. Make a few extra patties and your next dinner is halfway done.
Continue reading Spicy Black Bean & Corn Fusion Burgers
Creamy Broccoli & Almond Soup with Grilled Cheese
This broccoli and almond soup is comfort food with a silky side. Lightly toasted almonds blend with broccoli and broth into a rich, velvety spoonful, with garlic, ginger, and a little chilli warmth keeping it lively. A touch of honey rounds out the flavour, while the grilled cheese brings the crunch: buttery golden bread with cheddar and Swiss melting into every corner. It feels indulgent without being heavy, especially with a crisp sandwich edge ready to dip. Pull up a chair, tear off a piece, and settle into a very good lunch.