We grow different kinds of vegetables in our backyard every summer. This year, while ordering seeds online, we also found Snap Melon seeds. Hence, after many years, we finally got to enjoy Mekkehannu payasa again! This fruit - also called Ibbudla or Kyakarike Hannu - gives a wonderful taste to the payasa. When it is still unripe, it tastes extremely bitter, but once it ripens and cracks open, it becomes soft and melts in the mouth.

The kids really enjoyed watching this fruit split open on its own, and our little boy even calls it “Hatch melon”!

Here is the recipe for this payasa, which can be prepared using just a few ingredients:

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ. 

Finger millet is one of the millets which I prefer to use in our daily diet in one form or the other, due to its health benefits. It can be included in preparing Indian foods like Dosa, idli, rotti, ragimudde, malt, etc. 

Biscuits and cookies are typically made with maida or all-purpose flour, but I enjoy experimenting with healthier alternatives in my baking. A good combination of different flours gives the recipe a unique taste and texture. 

Here is my version of healthy biscuits using Finger millet flour / Ragi hittu. These tasty biscuits are kids favourite too, a healthy treat to add to your kids lunchbox! 

 ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ 

'Burfi' is a very sweet which is prepared in Indian households. This sweet can be prepared using variety of ingredients. Since its made using very rich ingredients like ghee / clarified butter, sugar, cream, etc., it will have a rich taste too. 

Here is the recipe of Carrot burfi to share with you all!

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ 

'Tambli' is a yogurt based gravy which is easy to prepare and has the health benefits too. When its summer, one or the other variety of Tambli is very common in Havyaka homes, to serve with rice. Here is a unique Tambli recipe which is prepared using Tindora which is known as 'Tonde Ele' in Kannada.

 ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ. 

We had a huge crop of pumpkins this summer. Growing our own veggies during different seasons is not only pocket saver, its stress burster too, in my opinion. It needs a bit of regular maintenance, but seeing the garden brimming with flowers, fruits and veggies, it feels worth the effort. 

Pumpkins last upto 6 months if they are harvested after ripening well. We enjoy pumpkin soup every now and then for our dinner during winter nights. Other dish which my family loves is Pumpkin Sambar. This Sambar won't need onion and garlic, its vegan friendly and tastes similar to the Temple style Sambar. 

• Preparation time: 45 minutes
• Soaking time: 20 minutes
• Serves: 6
• Difficulty level: Difficult