The Hungry Notebook

  Kheechu: The Traditional Gujarati Steamed Rice Dish That Deserves a Place in Every Food Lover’s Kitchen Introduction: A Simple Dish with an Incredible Texture Some foods become memorable because of their rich sauces, elaborate preparation, or expensive ingredients. Others win people over through simplicity. Gujarati Kheechu belongs to the second category. Soft, warm, mildly spiced, and wonderfully comforting, Kheechu is a traditional Gujarati dish prepared primarily with rice flour, water, cumin seeds, green chillies, and a few everyday spices. Its texture is somewhere between a thick porridge and a soft steamed dough, making it quite different from the rice dishes most people know. Kheechu is traditionally enjoyed as a snack or a light meal, particularly in Gujarat. It is commonly served hot with a little oil and chilli powder, although different households have their own favourite ways of preparing and serving it. What makes this dish especially interesting is its cooking tech...

  Sweet Appam: The Golden South Indian Treat with a Soft Centre and Crispy Edges Introduction: A Little Sweetness in Every Bite Some desserts are remembered for their elaborate decorations, while others win hearts through their simplicity. Sweet Appam belongs to the second category. With its golden-brown exterior, soft centre, and gentle aroma of cardamom, this traditional Indian sweet proves that a handful of everyday ingredients can create something genuinely special. Popular in different forms across South India, sweet appam is especially associated with festive occasions, temple offerings, and family celebrations. Depending on the region and household, it may be prepared using rice flour, wheat flour, ripe bananas, jaggery, coconut, or a combination of these ingredients. What makes homemade sweet appam particularly appealing is its versatility. You can prepare a traditional version with jaggery and banana or experiment with coconut and sesame seeds for additional flavour and t...