From grandmother’s kitchen: Traditional Indian dishes and timeless flavours

We grew up seeing our grandmothers work their magic in the kitchen, unhurried, graceful, and full of care. No written recipes, just instincts sharpened over time and a deep understanding of flavour passed down through generations. The clinking of spice boxes, the slow roasting of ingredients, and the comforting aroma of something simmering on the stove are memories etched in our senses. These old-school recipes weren’t just about food; they were rituals of love, patience, and tradition. From ghee-laden rotis to tangy homemade pickles and soft, melt-in-the-mouth mithais, every dish carried a story, a season, and a memory.

These old-school recipes were rituals of love, patience, and tradition

In a world of quick fixes, these timeless tastes bring us back to our roots, reminding us that some things are best made the slow, soulful way.

Take a look at some famous recipes in India that most of us fondly associate with our grandmothers 

1)     Aam ka Achar (Raw Mango Pickle)

This one brings back a flood of memories with granny! Sun-soaked on terraces, stirred with seasoned hands, and stored in big ceramic jars, this spicy, tangy delight wasn’t just a pickle; it was a summer ritual and a jar full of love.

2)     Khichdi with ghee

The ultimate comfort dish made from rice and lentils, often served with ghee, pickle, and roasted papad light, nourishing, and packed with nostalgia.

3)     Baigan ka bharta

We still cherish the way our grandmothers would cook bharta so lovingly at home. The smoky, mashed brinjal cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices is pure comfort. Paired with warm rotis, classic baingan ka bharta is that humble yet hearty escape we all turn to simple, soulful, and always satisfying.

4)     Khatti meethi dal

A bowlful of comfort that’s close to every Gujarati heart. With its delicate balance of sweet, sour, and tangy notes, this dal is a celebration of flavours in every spoonful. Often paired with steaming rice or soft rotlis, it’s a dish generations have grown up loving, simple, soulful, and deeply nourishing, just like home.

5)     Halwa

Whether it’s suji, atta, or gajar, halwa has always been more than just a sweet treat. It’s the scent of ghee wafting through the house, the clinking of steel bowls, and the joy of being served that extra spoonful by grandma. Warm, rich, and made with love, halwa is tradition on a plate and happiness in every bite.