Foodiedoll

Ambula diya macha holds a special place in my heart—it’s my absolute favorite! I carefully preserve my ambula every year, using it sparingly until my next trip home. The way the besara (mustard masala) blends with the tangy ambula is simply irresistible. Pohala macha, my all-time favorite fish, is now available in Bengaluru markets, but the nostalgia it brings is unmatched. Whenever I’m home,…

ମାଛ ବିହନ A traditional Odia delicacy, Macha Bihana Bara (ମାଛ ମଞ୍ଜି ବରା) is made from fish eggs, typically of Rohu fish. These crispy fritters are a summer favorite, especially paired with fermented rice (Pakhala Bhaata). It’s a dish that balances the less flavorful fish fry with the richness of fish egg fritters. I will always cherish those moments when I stood near the kitchen, impatiently…

This recipe is perfect for cold, rainy days when you want something warm, delicious, and easy to make. You eat and sip at the same time, just like the old Indian ad goes: “Pii ke khao, khake piyo!” (I cn’t recollect the name of the ad). Everyone at home loved it, just like I did after discovering it on Instagram and inspired by some Pakistani food series! Recipe: Preparation Time: 25-30…

On a lazy Monday afternoon, while working from home, I decided to whip up a quick yet delicious dish: chicken and vegetables together. I love how green veggies and protein come together in a salad, and this combination was perfect. While I know cooking and cleaning can be a hassle, trust me, this recipe requires minimal effort and doesn’t need multiple dishes or chores. Just a few ingredients,…

Ah, you see quite a lot of other things here, but today, I’m going to share about Podo Pitha. Raja Parba is incomplete without it! This traditional Odia delicacy is a labor of love and patience. I feel it’s one of the most challenging recipes to master, but once you get it right, it’s a cakewalk every time after that. Podo Pitha is customized across Odisha—some use sugar, others jaggery, and…

Mangsa Jhola Mangsa Jhola / Tarkari! There’s something magical about the winter sun, isn’t it? Back in my hometown, winters were all about gathering under the sun, sitting in a circle, and enjoying meals that stretched endlessly. No phones, no distractions—just hearty conversations, shared laughter, and plates full of homemade goodness. Sundays had their own charm, especially with the ritual…

Mushroom Patra Poda I remember those summer vacations in my village. We used to go there without fail every year during that time. I recall gulping down breakfast and cha before rushing out to the fields with my Mausi. Yes! A scavenger hunt! For mushrooms, soap nuts, raspberries, tamarind, kanchan pool (edible flowers), and so much more. I remember the no man’s land with lots of abandoned…

Ah, Ghuguni or Ghugni! When you think about Ghuguni, your mouth waters. Same with chaat, right? Now, imagine when both come together – it’s pure magic! Right? My Aja (Grandpa) would bring it home with some Singadas (samose) on a cold winter evenings. That’s my beloved Chaat!It was comfort food at its best. My grandmother would make it home if there was any leftover Ghuguni curry from the…

କଦଳୀ ଭଣ୍ଡା ପକୁଡ଼ି | Kadali Phoola ra Pakudi | Kele ke Phool ke Pakode The banana tree is truly a wonder of nature! It’s incredibly versatile—almost every part of it is useful and packed with health benefits. Growing up, we had a banana tree in our backyard, and it wasn’t just a tree; it was part of our daily life and cultural practices. I still remember how Aja (Grandpa) would tell me stories…

Stuffed Okra | ଗୋଟା ଭେଣ୍ଡି ମସଲା ଭଜା | भरवा भिन्डी Growing up, I’ll admit it—I had a complicated relationship with okra. Its slimy texture made me squirm, and as a child, I would outright refuse to touch it. But here’s the twist: my Grandpa grew okras in our backyard, and I was always fascinated by how they sprouted, adorned with those delicate yellow flowers. Who knew that as I grew older, this…

Mudi—just the mention of it brings back a flood of nostalgic memories. Growing up, I loved jhaal mudi, but my deep connection with mudi truly blossomed after I got married. In my extended family, mudi is like a staple—something we can devour any day, anytime. It’s the ultimate comfort food, ready to eat when you’re running short of rice, and always there when hunger strikes. I was introduced to…

Raja Parba Pahili Raja – ପହିଲି ରଜ “Celebration of Womanhood Mother Earth” and today is the first day ” Pahili Raja. After the “Sajabaja” day, Maa used to put “Tippa tippa” on my forehead (kumkum). I wasn’t much interested in the beautifying ritual & I will be restless to go out to play with my friends. Specially the rope swing decked up with mango leaves and marigold tied to the jamun tree in…

This rose pattern is very crowd pleasing! I am a fan of this creativity now!

Thinking about Peda / Pera reminds me of Diwali. In Diwali, pedas played an important role instead of the ladoos! All ladies in the house would sit down to make pedas, boondi, gujiya and some savories. This is milk/doodh Peda !! The process of making the Peda is super easy!

How to make it?

Let me take you through…

Kakara Pitha – Raja Sankranti Pithas – କାକରା ପିଠା

It was on the occasion of ବାସୀ ରଜ (Basi Raja). The third day of celebrating motherland and womanhood!! Every occasion is traditionally important and also an excuse to cherish Pithas.

I love my kitchen for the redolence during Raja! Pithas, Mithas and lunch are joyful. Alas! It’s gonna end now and will wait until next year Rajjaw Sankranti.

But I am gonna share a quick recipe –

You need…

Vanilla Cream Cake – Eggless

This is a basic vanilla cake! Also, my family prefers eggless cakes always!

When it comes to baking, I am self motivated! My younger sister likes all flavours except chocolate! I love chocolate flavour than anything else! How should we compromise?? Hahaha! I agreed for vanilla flavour finally! Here it is!

Simultaneously, I made a batch of homemade butter too with leftover milk.

Powercut…

Its nostalgic when I hear the name “Khiri” Back in my hometown, this recipe weaves many memories of my Ayi and Bapa!

I believed that Khiri shouldn’t be white and the brownish aromatic pudding can only satiate my cravings!

I remember sitting cross legged in Mandir Bhoji, waiting eagerly for Khiri to be served on my Khali Patra(Plate made of dried leaves). Slurping all the khiri and was shy…

This palatable delight pud is one of my fav!! Last time I made it, unfortunately it spilled from my hands and my cravings were all in vain..

I could make it successfully this time and our midnight dessert cravings are sorted! Actually the cravings of my husband is higher than mine 

Even my mom and sister have a sweet tooth ☘️ Before they turn into Dora the explorer, I try to refill my…