#SharingPlates of vegan mithai, ramen bowls and Koli-style curry

I am over the moon to report that the same team that brings you the yum content listed below (if we may say so ourselves), is also the team that has a whole new show titled #SharingPlates that released this week on our sister platform Tastemade India. Four girls from my team challenged me to cook classic Indian recipes, me versus them, and an external judge to evaluate our dishes. Catch the first episode on August 1.

Like me, if you're a desi kid who enjoys cooking, you'll have a strong personal relationship with your masale ka dabba. That round box with multiple katoris that hold spices dearly, is as important to me as a CTM routine is to a beauty editor. So when our Senior Digital Writer Devika Manghnani wanted to pay homage to homegrown brands that are celebrating traditional Indian cookware and acquainting enthusiasts with eco-friendly kitchenware, I was all for it. This piece talks about brands like Thenga, Studio Coppre and Rustik Craft that will help you upgrade your kitchen into a conscientious space and also host parties in style.

And when we think of parties, the mind levitates towards the upcoming festive season, which to be fair, is still a bit far. But we're the kind of people who like to do their homework. This piece is all about adding sweetness sans dairy to our festive spread. Our newest writer Samika Aurora throws a bunch of vegan mithai ideas here.

But let's rewind and take stock of the season that we're actually in—the month of chai, pakoda and frizzy hair. Keeping this in mind, Digital Writer Tarini Sood rounded up some of the tastiest seasonal monsoon recipes from six communities that are indigenous to the west of India. From a tangy Goan vindaloo to the Koli community's Bombay duck gravy, here are six delicacies from the OG communities that you need to check out.

What we also hope will keep you cosy this week (or at least, comfort you on a gloomy day) is writer Manal Doshi's piece on hot chocolate. Doshi scoured through our library to find you 10 hot chocolate recipes so good, you practically will be making them, monsoon or not. From a classic version, spiced gently with cinnamon to a boozy variant spiked with Irish cream, this list has it all.

For those of you cooking at home this weekend, we have a mawa cake video, but with a massive twist. Topped with the seasonal peaches, this recipe shows you the ins-and-outs of whipping up a decadent treat, soaked in nostalgia and from scratch. Does that sound like a bit much? Don't worry, we've got just the lazy, easy-peasy, good-old chocolate cake for you too. That it needs no sugar, but relies on jaggery for the sweetness instead is an added bonus. As is the fact that we'll be back next time with a lot more for you.

Until next time,
Sonal