Cauliflower can be made into a smoky, tasty bharta, with a little roasting and the addition of a few simple ingredients.
Kala Chana Guguni is a Bihar staple. It surfaces at family gatherings or festive celebrations. And is usually whipped up when guests come visiting and homes are filled with laughter and stories.
One of Odisha's oldest and most cherished sweets is Arisa Pitha.
Heerekayi ennegai is a stuffed curry from Karnataka made with ridge gourd cooked in a masala of peanuts, coconut, jaggery, tamarind and spices.
Kanika is a fragrant, mildly sweet rice dish from Odisha, traditionally prepared as an offering or bhog to Jagannath Temple. It is especially popular during festivals, weddings and special occasions, and is often served alongside dal, vegetable curries and khatta.
Bihari Dalpuri is a festive stuffed flatbread made with spiced split Bengal gram or chana dal.
An okra dish with peanuts and sesame that will win you over in a jiffy.
Thekua, a very representative sweet snack of Bihar and Jharkhand, Nepal too, recently gained special attention after it was presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a gift to Richard Rai, speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, when he visited India.
When golden-fried baingan, or eggplant, is coated in creamy roasted poppy seed paste and the preparation is finished with green chillies and mustard oil, you have the authentic taste of Bengal on your plate.
Ambila is a typical Odia mixed vegetable curry known for its sweet, tangy, delicately-spiced flavor. It's considered a comforting, satvik dish.
Senaga Pappu Kobbari Curry is a simple and comforting dish from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
A simple, humble grain-based drink, popular in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, is the secret to better digestion and sustained energy in the height of summer.
Santula is a wholesome Odia vegetable dish, known for its subtle flavours. Unlike heavily-spiced curries, Santula relies on the natural taste of fresh vegetables enhanced only by minimal spices.
Ghanta Tarkari is a classic Odia dish prepared using a mix of seasonal vegetables, often cooked in large batches and shared with family and neighbours.
Dal Dulhan is a warming traditional dish from Bihar, says Pratibha Kumari Singh, often prepared on relaxed family days when something hearty yet homely is desired.
