Hi, my dear readers!

Warm greetings to you all this winter. Comfort food—the very thought of it is so comforting, right? We all have our go-to foods. I am not hinting at one-pot meals in a hurry or emergency. I am talking about the food we look up to, especially when we are down, feeling low and not in good spirits or health, having a slight tummy upset, or wanting a mood uplift. Something that is prepared with love and warmth and tasty and comforting at the same time.

Who can forget the brain-gut connection, where good food affects an individual’s mood and behavior by giving the dopamine rush and lowering the serotonin levels? And it is here that comfort foods come into play. Certain foods take us back to childhood, reminding us of all the warmth, care, and affection our mothers put into them while preparing a meal. It may be a simple food like kanji or sambar rice, yet its smell is reminiscent of our good old days! Isn’t it true? 

Kanji (porridge) along with papad, kanji manga (unripe mango pickle), and cheru pyarr (moong dal sabji)

After living in North India for many years, I often hear kichadi or kadhi chawal as the go-to food of many North Indians. Coming from the South of India, I tend to differ a little – the taste pallets are sure different! My best bets are piping hot kanji (porridge) with papad and pickle, tangy sambar/rasam rice, spicy pulav, and cooling daddojanam (tempered curd rice) in summer. Yum – isn’t it?

These are my personal choices. For me, they are soothing for the stomach and mind! These foods give you instant energy and pep and leave you feeling refreshed and full. Whether you eat it alone or in the company of your family, these comfort foods made at home make you and your family feel warm and connected.

Why late? Try it for yourself and see!