Aviyal

Another vegetable dish from Kerala. A medley with a coconut-cumin-green chili-shallots-yogurt sauce. A staple in sadya. Excellent with rice and sambar or rasam. Add a piece of fried fish, it is a comforting meal.

Kinnathappam

A childhood favorite, this steamed rice cake is another Kerala staple. But while many make this flavored with cumin or cardamom, I always prefer the one that my grandmother and mother used to make -- with pieces of banana on top. you will need the sweet naadan Kerala plantain to make it awesome.

Oalan

One of the staples in a Kerala sadya, I love this mildly spiced coconut milk based vegetable dish. Usually use cucumber, but I have used zucchini here. Cn be made with or without the little red beans. Both versions are delicious with rice.

Hungarian beef and potato soup

On one of those cold early spring days, when winter is over, but has not yet moved away, a hearty beef and potato soup is welcome. And for a change of flavors, I made this Hungarian one. The caraway seeds, paprika and marjoram are what makes this one different.

Paniyaram

A South Indian favorite made with the idli/dosa batter. Can add anything to the batter like you would for uthappam, the only difference being that you cook these in the paniyaram/kuzhiappam/unniappam pan. Serve with sambar, and/or any chutney. There is a sweet version to this too. The Indian answer to the Scandinavian aebleskiver.

Southern potato - sausage hash