The culinary corner

 Container Gardening   Container gardening has become one of the most versatile and rewarding ways to grow plants—whether you live in a high-rise apartment, have a tiny balcony, or simply want more flexibility in your gardening routine. With the right containers, soil, and plant choices, you can transform even the smallest space into a lush, productive garden. In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to start and succeed with container gardening. Why Container Gardening? 1. Grow Anywhere—Really Containers allow you to garden on balconies, patios, rooftops, fire escapes, or indoors with sufficient light. 2. Flexible and Mobile Plants can be moved to take advantage of changing sunlight, seasonal temperatures, or simply to refresh your outdoor decor. 3. Fewer Weeds, Less Hassle Containers mean less bending, fewer pests, and minimal weeding—perfect for busy gardeners or those with limited mobility. 4. Easy Experimentation Curious about growing tomatoes...

 Mixed Vegetable Sambar for Dosa A Comforting South Indian Classic You Can Make at Home There are few South Indian breakfasts as universally loved as crispy dosa with hot, aromatic sambar . While dosa brings the crunch, it’s the Mixed Vegetable Sambar that adds soul—earthy lentils, and a gentle heat from spices. This version uses a medley of vegetables for a rich, wholesome bowl that works equally well with idli,or even plain rice. If you’ve always wanted restaurant-style sambar that’s easy and foolproof, this recipe is for you! What Makes This Sambar Special? Uses everyday vegetables you likely already have Perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory Thick and flavorful with toor dal ,mung bean Dal and red lentils A great make-ahead dish—tastes even better the next day Wash lentils thoroughly for several times   Cook Lentils separately    Heat some oil in a pan and Add a teaspoon mustard seeds,and chopped dried red chillies.Let mustard seeds pop. ...

   Spicy red Lentils     Spicy Red Lentils  — Sri Lankan Style (No Coconut Milk) If you’ve ever tasted Sri Lankan home cooking, you know that parippu curry (red lentils) is the heartbeat of the meal. It’s the dish that shows up at breakfast with roti, at lunch with rice, and at dinner alongside sambols and stir-fries. Traditionally, lentils are simmered in coconut milk for a creamy finish — but today, I’m sharing a no-coconut-milk version that’s just as delicious, lighter, and even faster to cook. This version leans on roasted spices, caramelized onions, and a touch of tanginess to bring out deep, bold flavors without creaminess. Perfect for anyone avoiding coconut or simply wanting something a little brighter. Let’s dive in!   Why You’ll Love This Recipe Naturally vegan & high-protein Budget-friendly and made with pantry staples Ready in under 30 minutes The spices create a rich, smoky, savory flavor even without coconut milk Easi...

 Crispy Roast Potatoes.   The Ultimate Crispy Roast Potatoes (Foolproof Every Time!) There are few kitchen joys as satisfying as pulling a tray of perfectly crispy roast potatoes out of the oven. Golden edges, fluffy centers, and that irresistible crunch—this simple side dish transforms any meal into something special. Whether you're pairing them with a Sunday roast, serving them alongside chicken or steak, or just eating them with a dollop of mayo (no judgement here!), these roast potatoes will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Today, I’m sharing my tried-and-true method for getting super crispy outsides with soft, buttery insides , using simple ingredients and a few clever techniques.  Ingredients 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes  3 tbsp vegetable oil (or goose fat for extra crispiness) 1 tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper 1 tsp garlic powder (optional) 1 tsp paprika (optional) Fresh herbs to finish (rosemary, thyme, parsley) Or use garlic and herb mix (i...

  Asparagus, Bacon & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast A Juicy, Flavor-Packed Dinner You’ll Want on Repeat If you’re looking to elevate your weeknight chicken routine, this Asparagus, Bacon, and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast is the perfect way to do it. It’s simple enough for busy nights but impressive enough for guests — a delicious combination of creamy, crunchy, smoky, and savory flavors that bake together beautifully. This recipe gives you tender, juicy chicken filled with crisp asparagus , garlicky spinach , and salty bacon , all hugged together with just the right amount . Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a restaurant-quality dinner at home. Why You’ll Love This Recipe R estaurant-style dish with simple ingredients High protein, low carbohydrates, and keto-friendly Customizable stuffing options Bakes in under 40 minutes Perfect for meal prep or entertaining   For the Chicken: 3–4 chicken breasts Salt & pepper...

  Homemade Dosa – A Crispy South Indian Classic There’s something truly magical about a homemade dosa. The gentle hiss as the batter hits the hot pan, the aroma of fermented rice and lentils, and the golden crisp edges forming right before your eyes—dosa isn’t just food, it’s an experience. Homemade dosa carries the comfort of tradition: simple ingredients transformed through time, patience, and a little love. Whether you enjoy it thin and crispy, soft and spongy, folded, rolled, or stuffed with spicy potatoes, dosa is one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table with excitement. Pair it with coconut chutney, sambar, or a spicy tomato chutney, and you’ve got a wholesome meal that tastes like home. I will write sambar recipe in my next page and link it here.           Homemade Dosa Recipe (Traditional Fermented Batter) Ingredients 1 cup rice flour 1 cup  urad dhal (split black gram) 1 tsp fenugreek seeds  Salt to ta...

Stir fried  beet root leaves Stir-Fried Beetroot Leaves: The Delicious Zero-Waste Side Dish You’re Probably Missing When most people buy fresh beetroots, they focus on the vibrant bulb and toss the leafy tops without a second thought. But those greens? They’re one of the most underrated vegetables you can bring into your kitchen. Tender, earthy, nutrient-packed, and incredibly versatile,  beetroot leaves are a zero-waste cook’s dream . One of the simplest and tastiest ways to enjoy them is with a quick stir-fry. How to Prep Beetroot Leaves Choose fresh, crisp leaves with firm stems. Rinse well—sand loves to hide in the folds. Trim off any tough ends, then chop the leaves and stems separately (stems need a little extra cooking time). A nd if you’re working with limited space, don’t worry—beetroots are wonderfully container-friendly. A deep pot, a sunny spot, and regular watering are all they need to flourish.     Pick the freshest beetroot leaves you can find, choos...