Puttu is a Kerala breakfast staple made by steaming layers of coarse rice flour and grated coconut in a cylindrical mould. Its crumbly, mildly sweet texture pairs perfectly with a savoury kadala (black chickpea) curry or ripe bananas.
Puttu at a Glance CuisineKerala CountryIndia MealBreakfast CourseMain / Breakfast Food TypeVegan DifficultyMedium Preparation15 minutes Cooking20 minutes Total timeAbout 45 minutes Servings4 Suggested serving1 puttu Puttu Ingredients 2 cups puttu podi (coarse rice flour); 1 cup grated fresh coconut; 1 tsp salt; water as needed. How to Make Puttu Mix the rice flour with salt; sprinkle water gradually while mixing with your fingers until the flour reaches a coarse, slightly moist, crumbly texture that holds together when pressed. Cover and rest for 10 minutes. Fluff the mixture again with your fingers to break up any lumps. In a puttu maker, layer a portion of grated coconut at the bottom, followed by a layer of the rice flour mixture…Litti Chokha
Litti Chokha is Bihar's signature dish — roasted wheat balls stuffed with spiced sattu (roasted gram flour), served with smoky mashed vegetables called chokha. Rustic and deeply flavourful, it's a wholesome, protein-rich traditional meal.
Litti Chokha at a Glance CuisineBihari CountryIndia MealLunch CourseMain Food TypeVegetarian DifficultyHard Preparation30 minutes Cooking40 minutes Total timeAbout 90 minutes Servings4 Suggested serving2 littis with chokha Litti Chokha Ingredients For litti: 2 cups whole wheat flour; 2 tbsp ghee; salt to taste; water as needed. For sattu filling: 1.5 cups sattu; 1 tbsp mustard oil; 1 tsp ajwain; 1 tsp nigella seeds (kalonji); 1 tbsp pickle masala or chopped pickled mango; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 green chilli, chopped; a squeeze of lemon juice; salt to taste; water as needed. For chokha: 2 medium potatoes, boiled; 1 medium eggplant, roasted; 1 tomato, roasted; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 green chillies, chopped; mu…Sarson Da Saag
Sarson Da Saag is a hearty Punjabi winter dish made from slow-cooked mustard greens and spinach, mashed to a rustic texture and finished with ghee. Traditionally paired with makki di roti (corn flatbread), it's a beloved seasonal comfort food.
Sarson Da Saag at a Glance CuisinePunjabi CountryIndia MealDinner CourseMain Food TypeVegetarian DifficultyMedium Preparation20 minutes Cooking40 minutes Total timeAbout 60 minutes Servings4 Suggested serving1 cup Sarson Da Saag Ingredients 500g mustard greens (sarson), washed and chopped; 200g spinach, chopped; 100g bathua leaves (or extra spinach if unavailable), chopped; 2 green chillies; 1 inch ginger; 1 onion, chopped; 2 tomatoes, chopped; 2 tbsp makki (corn) flour; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; a pinch of hing; salt to taste; 3 tbsp ghee or white butter. How to Make Sarson Da Saag Boil the mustard greens, spinach and bathua with green chillies and ginger in a little water until fully soft, about 20-25 minutes. Cool…Dal Baati Churma
Dal Baati Churma is Rajasthan's signature meal — firm baked wheat balls (baati) served with a mixed-lentil dal and a sweet, crumbled churma. Rich, hearty and deeply traditional, it's a celebratory dish often served at festivals and special occasions.
Dal Baati Churma at a Glance CuisineRajasthani CountryIndia MealLunch CourseMain Food TypeVegetarian DifficultyHard Preparation30 minutes Cooking50 minutes Total timeAbout 100 minutes Servings4 Suggested serving2 baatis with dal and churma Dal Baati Churma Ingredients For baati: 2 cups whole wheat flour; 1/2 cup semolina; 1/2 cup ghee; 1/2 tsp baking soda; salt to taste; water as needed. For dal: 1/2 cup each of toor dal, chana dal and moong dal; 1 onion, chopped; 1 tomato, chopped; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp red chilli powder; a pinch of hing; salt to taste; 2 tbsp ghee. For churma: reserved crumbled baati; 1/4 cup ghee; 1/2 cup jaggery or powdered sugar; 1/2 tsp …Murukku
Murukku is a crunchy, spiral-shaped South Indian snack made from a rice flour and urad dal dough, pressed into shapes and deep-fried until crisp. A festival staple, especially during Diwali, it also keeps well for weeks as an everyday tea-time snack.
Murukku at a Glance CuisineSouth Indian CountryIndia MealSnack CourseSnack / Festival Snack Food TypeVegan DifficultyMedium Preparation20 minutes Cooking30 minutes Total timeAbout 50 minutes Servings6 Suggested serving4-5 pieces Murukku Ingredients 2 cups rice flour; 1/2 cup urad dal flour; 2 tbsp butter or oil; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1 tsp sesame seeds; a pinch of hing; salt to taste; water as needed; oil for deep frying. How to Make Murukku Mix rice flour and urad dal flour with butter, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, hing and salt. Add water gradually and knead into a smooth, soft, pliable dough, similar to chapati dough consistency. Fill a murukku press with a portion of the dough. Heat oil for deep frying on medium heat.…Mysore Bonda
Mysore Bonda is a soft, fluffy South Indian snack made from a lightly fermented flour-and-curd batter, deep-fried into golden balls. With a mildly tangy flavour from the resting batter, it's a favourite tea-time treat, especially in Karnataka.
Mysore Bonda at a Glance CuisineSouth Indian (Karnataka) CountryIndia MealSnack CourseSnack Food TypeVegetarian DifficultyMedium Preparation15 minutes Cooking20 minutes Total timeAbout 2 hours 35 minutes Servings4 Suggested serving4 bondas Mysore Bonda Ingredients 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup curd; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 green chilli, chopped; 1/2 inch ginger, grated; a few curry leaves, chopped; 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped; a pinch of hing; salt to taste; oil for deep frying. How to Make Mysore Bonda Whisk all-purpose flour with curd and a little water into a thick, smooth batter, similar to a thick pancake batter. Rest the batter for about 2 hours at room temperature to slightl…Rava Dosa
Rava Dosa is a crispy, lacy South Indian crepe made from a thin, instant semolina batter, needing no fermentation. Its delicate, holey texture and quick preparation make it a popular choice for a fuss-free weekday breakfast.
Rava Dosa at a Glance CuisineSouth Indian CountryIndia MealBreakfast CourseMain / Breakfast Food TypeVegetarian DifficultyMedium Preparation10 minutes Cooking20 minutes Total timeAbout 50 minutes Servings4 Suggested serving2 dosas Rava Dosa Ingredients 1 cup rava (semolina); 1/2 cup rice flour; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup curd; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 green chilli, chopped; 1/2 inch ginger, grated; a few curry leaves, chopped; 1/4 tsp cumin seeds; a few crushed black peppercorns; salt to taste; water as needed; oil for cooking. How to Make Rava Dosa Whisk rava, rice flour, all-purpose flour and curd with water into a very thin, watery batter, similar to neer dosa consistency. Rest the batter for 20 minutes to let the rava absor…Thalipeeth
Thalipeeth is a savoury Maharashtrian flatbread made from a multigrain flour blend of rice, wheat, millets and lentils, hand-patted rather than rolled. Hearty and nutritious, it's a popular breakfast that keeps you full for hours.
Thalipeeth at a Glance CuisineMaharashtrian CountryIndia MealBreakfast CourseMain / Breakfast Food TypeVegan DifficultyMedium Preparation15 minutes Cooking20 minutes Total timeAbout 45 minutes Servings4 Suggested serving1 thalipeeth Thalipeeth Ingredients 1 cup thalipeeth bhajani (multigrain flour blend) or a homemade mix of equal parts rice flour, whole wheat flour and besan; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 green chilli, chopped; 1/2 inch ginger, grated; 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped; 1/4 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp cumin seeds; salt to taste; water as needed; oil for cooking. How to Make Thalipeeth Mix the multigrain flour with onion, green chilli, ginger, coriander leaves, turmeric, cumin seeds and salt. Add water gradually and knead in…Gajar Ka Halwa
Gajar Ka Halwa is North India's classic winter dessert, made by slow-cooking grated carrots in milk until rich and fudgy, then finished with ghee and nuts. A festive favourite, it's especially popular during the colder months when fresh red carrots are in season.
Gajar Ka Halwa at a Glance CuisineNorth Indian CountryIndia MealDessert CourseDessert / Festival Sweet Food TypeVegetarian DifficultyMedium Preparation20 minutes Cooking45 minutes Total timeAbout 65 minutes Servings6 Suggested serving1/2 cup Gajar Ka Halwa Ingredients 1 kg carrots, grated; 1 litre full-fat milk; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup ghee; 1/2 tsp cardamom powder; 2 tbsp chopped almonds and cashews; 1 tbsp raisins. How to Make Gajar Ka Halwa Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan; add grated carrots and sauté for 5-7 minutes. Add milk and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the milk is fully absorbed and reduced, about 30-35 minutes. Add sugar and continue coo…Rava Kesari
Rava Kesari is a quick South Indian sweet made by cooking roasted semolina in sugar syrup until glossy and fragrant with cardamom and saffron. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a popular festive treat and a common temple prasadam across South India.
Rava Kesari at a Glance CuisineSouth Indian CountryIndia MealDessert CourseDessert / Festival Sweet Food TypeVegetarian DifficultyEasy Preparation5 minutes Cooking20 minutes Total timeAbout 25 minutes Servings4 Suggested serving1/2 cup Rava Kesari Ingredients 1 cup rava (semolina); 1 cup sugar; 2.5 cups water; 1/4 cup ghee; a few saffron strands or a pinch of orange food colour (optional); 1/2 tsp cardamom powder; 2 tbsp cashews and raisins. How to Make Rava Kesari Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a pan; fry cashews and raisins until golden, then set aside. In the same pan, add rava and roast on low-medium heat, stirring continuously, until lightly golden and aromatic. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil with saffron or fo…Dalma
Dalma is Odisha's everyday comfort dish — toor dal slow-cooked with a mix of vegetables like raw banana and pumpkin, finished with a fragrant panch phoron tempering. Simple, wholesome and vegetable-forward, it's a lentil dish unlike any other regional dal.
Dalma at a Glance CuisineOdia CountryIndia MealLunch CourseMain Food TypeVegan DifficultyEasy Preparation15 minutes Cooking30 minutes Total timeAbout 45 minutes Servings4 Suggested serving1.5 cups Dalma Ingredients 1 cup toor dal; 2 cups mixed vegetables (raw banana, pumpkin, eggplant, carrot); 1/4 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp cumin seeds; a pinch of hing; 1-2 dried red chillies; 1 tsp panch phoron; a small piece of ginger, grated; salt to taste; 2 tbsp ghee or oil; coriander leaves to garnish. How to Make Dalma Pressure-cook toor dal with turmeric, mixed vegetables and salt until both the dal and vegetables are fully soft, about 15-18 minutes. Lightly mash the mixture with a ladle, keeping some texture from t…Masor Tenga
Masor Tenga is a light, tangy Assamese fish curry, soured with tomato, green mango or elephant apple rather than heavy spices. This refreshingly simple curry reflects the Northeast's preference for lighter, less oil-heavy cooking styles.
Masor Tenga at a Glance CuisineAssamese CountryIndia MealLunch CourseMain / Curry Food TypeNon-Vegetarian DifficultyEasy Preparation15 minutes Cooking20 minutes Total timeAbout 35 minutes Servings4 Suggested serving2 fish pieces with gravy Masor Tenga Ingredients 500g fish (rohu or similar), cut into pieces; 1/4 tsp turmeric (for marinating fish); 2 tomatoes, chopped; 1 small green mango or a handful of dried elephant apple, for sourness; 1 tsp mustard seeds; 2 green chillies, slit; a few fenugreek seeds; salt to taste; mustard oil; coriander leaves to garnish. How to Make Masor Tenga Marinate the fish pieces with turmeric and salt; let sit for 10 minutes. Heat mustard oil in a pan until it just begins to smoke, then lightly…Kashmiri Dum Aloo
Kashmiri Dum Aloo is a distinctive curd-based curry made with fried baby potatoes simmered in a mildly spiced, vibrant red gravy coloured by Kashmiri chilli powder. Traditionally made without onion or garlic, it showcases the delicate, aromatic style of Kashmiri Pandit cuisine.
Kashmiri Dum Aloo at a Glance CuisineKashmiri CountryIndia MealDinner CourseMain / Curry Food TypeVegetarian DifficultyMedium Preparation20 minutes Cooking30 minutes Total timeAbout 50 minutes Servings4 Suggested serving5-6 potatoes with gravy Kashmiri Dum Aloo Ingredients 500g baby potatoes, boiled and peeled; 1 cup curd, whisked; 2 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder; 1/2 tsp fennel powder; 1/4 tsp dry ginger powder (saunth); a pinch of asafoetida (hing); 1/2 tsp garam masala; salt to taste; mustard oil or ghee; a few whole spices (2 cloves, 1 bay leaf, 1 black cardamom). How to Make Kashmiri Dum Aloo Lightly prick the boiled, peeled baby potatoes all over with a fork, then shallow-fry in mus…Papdi Chaat
Papdi Chaat is a popular North Indian street snack made by topping crisp flat wafers with chickpeas, potato, curd and tangy chutneys. Layered with textures and flavours, it's a favourite party appetizer and evening treat.
Papdi Chaat at a Glance CuisineNorth Indian CountryIndia MealSnack CourseSnack / Street Food Food TypeVegetarian DifficultyEasy Preparation20 minutes Cooking0 minutes Total timeAbout 20 minutes Servings4 Suggested serving1 plate Papdi Chaat Ingredients 20-24 papdi (flat crisp wafers); 1 cup boiled chickpeas; 1 boiled potato, chopped; 1/2 cup curd, whisked; 3 tbsp tamarind chutney; 2 tbsp green mint-coriander chutney; 1/2 tsp chaat masala; 1/4 tsp red chilli powder; 1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder; 1/4 cup sev; 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped; salt to taste. How to Make Papdi Chaat Arrange the papdi on a serving plate. Top with boiled chickpeas and chopped potato. Drizzle whisked curd generously over the top. Add tamarind chutney and green chu…Chana Madra
Chana Madra is a mellow, curd-based chickpea curry from Himachal Pradesh, gently spiced with whole spices rather than heavy chilli. A staple of the traditional Himachali feast called dham, it showcases the region's distinctive, comforting cooking style.
Chana Madra at a Glance CuisineHimachali CountryIndia MealLunch CourseMain / Curry Food TypeVegetarian DifficultyMedium Preparation15 minutes Cooking30 minutes Total timeAbout 8.5 hours Servings4 Suggested serving1 cup Chana Madra Ingredients 1.5 cups chickpeas, soaked overnight; 2 cups curd, whisked smooth; 2 tbsp ghee; 1 bay leaf; 2-3 cloves; 1 small cinnamon stick; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp red chilli powder; 1/2 tsp garam masala; a pinch of hing; salt to taste; a handful of raisins (optional). How to Make Chana Madra Pressure-cook the soaked chickpeas with salt and enough water until fully soft. Heat ghee in a pan; add bay leaf, cloves and cinnamon, let them sizzle briefly. Add hing and turmeric; stir qui…Thattai
Thattai is a crisp, savoury Tamil Nadu rice cracker made from rice flour, roasted chana dal and peanuts, deep-fried into thin, flat discs. A festival staple, especially for Krishna Jayanthi and Diwali, it also keeps well for weeks as an everyday snack.
Thattai at a Glance CuisineSouth Indian CountryIndia MealSnack CourseSnack / Festival Snack Food TypeVegan DifficultyMedium Preparation20 minutes Cooking25 minutes Total timeAbout 45 minutes Servings6 Suggested serving4-5 pieces Thattai Ingredients 2 cups rice flour; 1/4 cup roasted chana dal; 2 tbsp peanuts, roughly crushed; 1 tsp white sesame seeds; 1/4 tsp hing; 1/2 tsp red chilli powder; 2 tbsp butter or oil; salt to taste; water as needed; oil for deep frying. How to Make Thattai Mix rice flour with roasted chana dal, crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, hing, red chilli powder, butter and salt. Add water gradually and knead into a smooth, firm dough. Take small portions of dough and flatten between your palms or on…Dabeli
Dabeli is a Kutchi Gujarati street snack made from a spiced potato filling stuffed into a bun and topped with pomegranate, peanuts and sev. Tangy, sweet and crunchy all at once, it's a beloved regional take on the classic Indian stuffed bun.
Dabeli at a Glance
Cuisine
Gujarati
Country
India
Meal
Snack
Course
Snack / Street Food
Food Type
Vegetarian
Difficulty
Medium
Preparation
20 minutes
Cooking
15 minutes
Total time
About 35 minutes
Servings
4
Suggested serving
1 dabeli
Dabeli Ingredients
4 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed; 2 tbsp dabeli masala; 1 tbsp tamarind chutney; salt to taste; 2 tbsp oil; 4 pav (soft bread rolls); butter for toasting; pomegranate seeds; roasted peanuts; fine sev; 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped; extra tamarind and garlic chutney for spreading.
How to Make Dabeli
Heat oil in a pan; add mashed potato, dabeli masala, tamarind chutney and salt; mix and cook for 5-7…
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Aloo Chaat
Aloo Chaat is a quick, tangy North Indian snack made by pan-tossing spiced potato cubes and topping them with chutneys and crunchy sev. Ready in half an hour, it's a satisfying light bite for any time of day.
Aloo Chaat at a Glance
Cuisine
North Indian
Country
India
Meal
Snack
Course
Snack / Street Food
Food Type
Vegan
Difficulty
Easy
Preparation
15 minutes
Cooking
15 minutes
Total time
About 30 minutes
Servings
4
Suggested serving
1 cup
Aloo Chaat Ingredients
4 medium potatoes, boiled and cubed; 1 tbsp oil; 1/2 tsp cumin seeds; 1/2 tsp red chilli powder; 1/2 tsp chaat masala; 1/4 tsp roasted cumin powder; a pinch of black salt; 2 tbsp tamarind chutney; 1 tbsp green mint-coriander chutney; 1/4 cup sev (optional); 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped; a squeeze of lemon juice; salt to taste.
How to Make Aloo Chaat
Heat oil in a pan; add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
Add the boiled potato c…
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Kanchipuram Idli
Kanchipuram Idli is a spiced, robust idli originating from temple kitchens in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, made by folding pepper, cumin, ginger and cashews into fermented idli batter. Flavourful enough to enjoy on its own, it's a distinctive twist on the classic South Indian idli.
Kanchipuram Idli at a Glance
Cuisine
South Indian
Country
India
Meal
Breakfast
Course
Main / Breakfast
Food Type
Vegetarian
Difficulty
Medium
Preparation
15 minutes
Cooking
25 minutes
Total time
About 9-13 hours
Servings
4
Suggested serving
3 idlis
Kanchipuram Idli Ingredients
2 cups idli rice; 1/2 cup urad dal; 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds; salt to taste; 1 tsp black peppercorns, coarsely crushed; 1 tsp cumin seeds; a pinch of hing; 1 inch ginger, grated; 10-12 cashews, chopped; a few curry leaves, chopped; 2 tbsp ghee.
How to Make Kanchipuram Idli
Soak idli rice and urad dal (with fenugreek) separately for 4-6 hours, th…
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Dalia Khichdi
Dalia Khichdi is a light, fibre-rich breakfast made by cooking broken wheat with vegetables into a soft, savoury porridge. Easy on the stomach and quick to prepare, it's a popular choice for a wholesome, low-effort start to the day.
Dalia Khichdi at a Glance
Cuisine
North Indian
Country
India
Meal
Breakfast
Course
Main / Breakfast
Food Type
Vegetarian
Difficulty
Easy
Preparation
10 minutes
Cooking
25 minutes
Total time
About 35 minutes
Servings
4
Suggested serving
1 cup
Dalia Khichdi Ingredients
1 cup dalia (broken wheat), lightly roasted; 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, beans); 1 small onion, chopped; 1 tomato, chopped; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1/4 tsp turmeric; a pinch of hing; salt to taste; 3 cups water; 1 tbsp ghee or oil; coriander leaves to garnish.
How to Make Dalia Khichdi
Heat ghee in a pressure cooker; add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
Add onion and sauté until translucen…
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Indori Poha
Indori Poha is Madhya Pradesh's beloved take on the classic flattened rice breakfast, distinguished by a generous use of fennel seeds and a topping of tangy jeeravan masala. Often paired with a side of jalebi, it's a defining street-food breakfast of Indore.
Indori Poha at a Glance
Cuisine
Madhya Pradesh (Indori)
Country
India
Meal
Breakfast
Course
Main / Breakfast
Food Type
Vegan
Difficulty
Easy
Preparation
10 minutes
Cooking
15 minutes
Total time
About 25 minutes
Servings
3
Suggested serving
1 cup
Indori Poha Ingredients
2 cups thick poha; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 green chilli, chopped; a few curry leaves; 1/2 tsp mustard seeds; 1 tsp fennel seeds (saunf); a pinch of turmeric; 1 tsp sugar; salt to taste; 2 tbsp oil; fine sev for topping; pomegranate seeds; a squeeze of lemon juice; coriander leaves, chopped; jeeravan masala to taste.
How to Make Indori Poha
Rinse the poha briefly …
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