Vidya Narayan

Hi Everyone, I am Vidya Narayan & Welcome to my blog MasalaChilli.

Born in a Traditional Palakkad Iyer (South Indian) Family with strong value systems to an exceptionally strong and independent Single Mom, spent most of my childhood studying well (as most Iyer girls do). A Commerce Graduate and MBA in Human Resources, I worked as an HR professional for quite a few years until I quit to settle down post marriage to Narayan. It turned out to be the best decision of my life. I could focus on things I missed out amidst the maddening corporate life and focus on home, hobbies and cooking.

Cooking has been a passion since childhood and my Ma always encouraged us (me and my elder sis) to cook and experiment with new dishes. With the exception of garlic, she tried everything that we made on weekends. I can proudly say that I have had the privilege of eating the best meals at home, cooked by Ma with so much love.

Me and Narayan are complete foodies and we relish the most simple and humble comfort food Dal rice or Rasam Rice down south as much as we indulge in other cuisines, be it Italian, Mexican etc. We are not choosy or fussy eaters, eat all veggies and that’s really positive coz I can experiment with all veggies. What matters immensely to us is the taste!

Apart from cooking, there are certain other aspects of my life that I enjoy like teaching school kids at a private classes which I have been doing since the last 5 years. I thoroughly enjoy this experience, look forward to spending time with them not only to educate them but to have fun and in turn learn a lot about life. I feel really proud to see them successful in their chosen path, be it higher education or career.

Gardening is also something that I enjoy thoroughly. In Mumbai space is a major issue but I have managed to keep few potted plants in my balcony. I care about my plants immensely and always hope I had more space to plant fruits and veggies too. Someday, I hope to own a small farm that grows organic veggies and fruits. Ah!! Someday!!

Narayan and me also love travelling and exploring new places. Since long leisure holidays are not always possible, we make up by visiting few nearby places, take short breaks to rejuvenate ourselves too.

This blog, Masalachilli is a part of me, my way of expressing love through cooking and sharing. Cooking for me is just pure passion. I have taken 4 years to finally do this..compile my recipes that I kept scribbling on several diaries to a platform that will now showcase what I have always loved doing! Narayan has been my biggest strength and the very reason that Masalachilli exists today! Thank You Love!

Through this blog, I shall focus in bringing complete vegetarian meals (no eggs too) for your everyday consumption. Simple cooking with fewer ingredients (mostly available in your pantry), something that you can find in your refrigerator easily and healthy, which is most important as all of us are being health conscious.

I believe that Simple cooking always touches your heart and soul.

I hope you wish me all the luck for my journey into the world of Food Blogging.

I dedicate this blog to my Ma (My Guru and MasterChef)! She is the voice in my head and heart that keeps pushing me to do more. Thank you for Everything and you are deeply missed.

Happy cooking folks!!

Be Generous, Enjoy life and smile more!!

Love,

Vidya Narayan