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Kalanda Chadam
With Rice
Kalanda Chadam - literally 'mixed rice' in Tamil
Rice mixed with tamarind, lemon, coconut or curd — simple food to share, offer or pack.
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AMMAMMA'S NOTES.
Coconut Rice
A fragrant coconut rice made with freshly grated coconut fried in a spiced mustard-lentil tempering with sambar powder.
Lemon Rice
A bright, tangy lemon rice tempered with mustard, urad dal, green chilli, ginger, and curry leaves - a quick favorite for lunchboxes and festival prasadam alike.
Mango Rice
A tangy raw mango rice made with grated mango and carrot sautéed in a quick tempering.
Tamarind Rice
A tangy-spicy rice dish made with tamarind pulp and a freshly ground roasted spice powder.
Diwali Mixture
Savouries and sweets made in the days before Diwali, packed up to share with family and visitors.
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Paysam Varieties
Paysam - a sweet, milk-based South Indian dessert, similar to kheer
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I REMEMBER KEEPING KALANDA CHADAM (MIXED RICE) ON THE TERRACE FOR THE CROWS TO FEAST ON — WAKING UP EARLY, HALF ASLEEP, TO ROLL BALLS OF RICE FOR CROWS IS ONE OF MY MOST PAINFUL MEMORIES UNFORTUNATELY. THE RICE STUCK TO YOUR HAND, YOUR EYES KEPT CLOSING, AND IT WAS BITING COLD OUTSIDE IN BANGALORE AT 5AM. AMMAMMA WOULD GENUINELY GET UPSET IF A CROW DIDN'T EAT HER RICE ON THOSE DAYS. THE BEST PART CAME AFTER, WHEN WE GOT TO EAT ALL OF IT FOR LUNCH AFTER SCHOOL.
YAMINI VENKATESAN
WHAT'S FOR LUNCH, 2026