Cookilicious

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About

hi there!

Welcome to Cookilicious!

I'm so glad you're here.

I'm the recipe developer, food stylist, photographer, creative writer, and the face (and appetite!) behind Cookilicious - a colorful corner of the internet where Indian home flavors meet global inspiration.

Cookilicious is my happy place-a collection of vegetarian and vegan recipes rooted in fresh, seasonal ingredients and inspired by the flavors of my childhood as well as the global tastes I've fallen head-over-spoon for.

Let's be friends!

How it all began

Cookilicious was born in June 2014 on a total whim. Back then, it was called Confessions of a Foodie, and it started simply as a way to preserve my mom's recipes, and to share the everyday meals I cooked for my friends and family on social media. It quickly became more than just recipes - it became a space where I could tell stories, share memories, and bring a little bit of my kitchen into yours.

In 2016, the name "Cookilicious" came from my younger brother Pravin who said, "You cook delicious food - so call it Cookilicious!" And honestly… it stuck.

Sweet, right?

a collage of family pictures

❤️ Get To Know Me

I was born and raised in Bombay (Mumbai) - a city as lively, bold, and food-obsessed as New York. Mumbai shaped my palate in the best possible ways: street food that defines your childhood, home-cooked meals shaped by generations, and local versions of world cuisines that somehow taste even better.

We have our own versions of "global" dishes-like Savory French toast, Chinese Bhel, and Hakka Noodles that can't be found anywhere else!

My love for cooking started early. When I was around 10, I hosted my own imaginary cooking show for my brother (who was a very patient audience). I learned by watching my parents and grandmother cook, and soaking up techniques and traditions from our wonderfully diverse neighborhood. Later, while studying Food & Nutrition during my Bachelor's in Home Science, I discovered the science behind the magic.

Today, I live in sunny Orlando, Florida, with my husband Kartik (KR), who helped design this blog and taste-tests everything before you see it. Our home is also ruled-lovingly-by our fur baby Joey. And yes, we are a fully vegetarian household, as we've been for generations.

Also… living in the backyard of the Mouse? A dream for a Disney fangirl like me!

a collage of food images from Cookilicious.

What You'll Find on Cookilicious

Recipes - and lots of them! Easy weeknight meals, nostalgic Indian classics, fun fusion dishes, vegan makeovers, Instant Pot and Air Fryer magic, and globally inspired plates I picked up through life and travel.

No matter what you choose, each recipe is:

  • Tried and tested in my kitchen multiple times
  • Packed with flavor (because bland food? Not happening)
  • Clearly explained with step-by-step photos
  • Designed for everyday home cooks
  • Inspired by both Indian and global cuisines
  • Vegetarian or vegan - always!
  • And never super-time-consuming or over-the-top elaborate - I keep things doable!

You can use the search bar or visit the Cookilicious Recipes page to browse all the recipes by category.

Here's a taste of what you'll discover:

Classic Indian Recipes

Comforting classics like Punjabi Chana Masala, Green Peas Pulao, Jeera Rice, Kadai Paneer, Rava Idli, Rava Dosa, Arachuvitta Sambhar, and Dal Tadka, and family favorites that have been passed down for generations… plus lesser-known gems like Bafauri, Patra, Ammini Kozhukattai, and Sultani Dal that deserve their moment in the spotlight.

Vegan Converts

I love giving traditionally non-vegan recipes a delicious plant-based spin - think Vegan Ghee, Tofu Tikka Masala, Soya Chunks Biryani, Chettinad Chickpea Curry, Vegan Mango Lassi, Black Eyed Peas Chili, and Vegan Paella, and more. No one misses the meat in these!

Fusion Recipes

Mixing cuisines is my JAM. Paneer Naan Pizza? Chai Cheesecake? Sindhi Dal Pakwan Tostadas? Carrot Halwa Baklava? Biscoff Mysore Pak? I'm in!

Instant Pot Recipes

From Tomato Soup, Mexican Rice to Rasedar Aloo Poori to desserts like Carrot Halwa and Kheer - yes, it all works in the Instant Pot.

Global Recipes

Food is universal, and I love bringing flavors from around the world into my kitchen - like Moroccan Zaalouk, Chinese Scallion Pancakes, Japanese Mushroom Fried Rice, Korean Dalgona Coffee, Italian Breadcrumbs Pasta Salad, and Mexican Enchilada Casserole.

Sponsored Recipes

I partner only with brands I truly love and trust. Every product you see here is one I've used in my own home and cooked with for my family.

🎥 Media, Press and Proud Moments

A few pinch-me highlights:

And one of my favorite experiences ever? Attending a food photography workshop in Italy - cooking, learning, shooting, and living in a Tuscan villa felt like a dream.

Cookbook Author

Publishing my first cookbook was a surreal "pinch me" moment.
The Essential Vegan Indian Cookbook celebrates plant-based Indian cooking in all its vibrant, flavorful glory - from traditional dishes to restaurant favorites reimagined with a vegan twist.

Buy It Today!

If you're a brand or business and would love to collaborate, visit my Work with Me page or email me at contactthechef@cookilicious.com

🤗 Thanks for Being Here

Cookilicious is all about celebrating good food, family traditions, new flavors, and the joy of cooking. I'm so grateful you're here - and I hope my recipes bring as much happiness to your home as creating them brings to mine.

Keep cooking delicious… with Cookilicious! 💖

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