A warm sunny afternoon….sounds of light banter coming from the courtyard…..the aroma of strong spices being roasted separately…followed by the sweet smell of all roasted spices being ground together……every soul would be attracted to the vortex of such a utopian kitchen. This was the setting I grew up in and learnt different kinds of spice blends. The one I’m recounting here is a speciality my Eldest cousin, Kalyani makes for dual use – as a curry spice, as well as when mixed with salt and jaggery and served with a dollop of ghee ,makes for a yummy chutney podi.







