Chevdo is a crispy, addictive savory snack made of poha aka beaten/flattened rice flakes and other yummy bits. The Chevdo made for Diwali has poha fried in oil, and even when it is roasted, the amount oil is considerable. Now yes, thats how it's made and maybe thats how grandma made it. But we don't have the same lifestyle as grandma, so it doesn't make sense to eat everything the same way. Sure, there are some things that are better pristine, but a lot can reimagined in our modern context and updated lifestyles. Don't you agree?

Shrikhand or flavored strained yogurt, is the creamiest, yummiest and fastest indian dessert you can ever make! To get nice and thick Shrikhand that would put store-bought ones to shame, you want to start with a really good quality full fat greek yogurt. I use Fage yogurt - it’s my absolute favorite. It’s less tart than any other yogurts I’ve tried and great for making Kadhi and Shrikhand.

Broccoli florets are tossed in avocado oil, tandoori masala and salt seasoning, charred on grilled or regular iron skillet, and served with creamy, tangy, medium spicy (😉) yogurt sauce.

Upma is a porridge-like dish from southern India. It’s made of semolina and commonly eaten as breakfast or snack. It was my one of favorite things to eat at grandmas; my aunts/mamis would make it for us cousins in the summer afternoons when we’d come running in the kitchen with our tummies rumbling.

At one of my childhood homes, we were next door neighbors to a family from Kerala. Their youngest college-going daughter was my idol - I loved how she carried fresh mogra flowers in her ebony black hair, how she talked with kindness and played with me and my sister for hours.

This bad boy has a flavorful veggie patty that resembles the cutlet you get in a frankie (Indian fast food) #IYKYK. With veggies, Amul cheese, chaat masala, and Maggi Ketchup, this is going to trigger memories of your favorite college fast food joint!

This is a perfect make-ahead and crowd-friendly meal, ideal for a picnic or a to-go.

Strawberries by itself are delightful, but especially more when you combine it with cream and nuts. Instant snack or dessert for the guests or to finish off that candle light dinner 😉- you will make this again and again.