Food from the heart and the hearth

About Mads’ Cookhouse
Hello there! I am Madhu, a young woman of seventy-plus who loves to cook, feed, and eat. My family calls me Mads. I cook up a storm in my cookhouse and my home always smells delicious. Borrowed teeth (dentures), borrowed leg (titanium rod), and borrowed eyes do not hold me. I am notorious for increasing waistlines and decreasing will power.
If you love to cook or just starting out, follow me as I cook up and share some lip smacking recipes. Food should be simple and easy to cook. I share secrets from my kitchen (and those of my mother). So grab that pen and paper (share/bookmark button) and let’s get going.
Lip-smacking Recipes

Za’atar and Yoghurt Dip
A yummy snack needs a great dip to elevate it. If you are sick of serving ketchup, mayonnaise, and chutneys, try out this simple dip.

Yakhni Pulao
Yakhni Pulao is a popular rice dish from North India. Each rice grain soaked in flavor, my recipe is as easy as it gets.

Mutton Xacuti
A popular Goan dish, Xacuti is rich in taste and flavor. This is my take on the classic recipe that is easy to cook.

Breakfast Waffles
Missing out on waffles? You can now re-create them at home with ingredients already in your pantry.

Vegetable Vermicelli
I first discovered Vermicelli when we were posted in Hyderabad and it has been a family favorite ever since.

Rava (Semolina) Upma
Rava (Semolina) Upma is a popular breakfast dish from southern India. This is my take on a healthy version loaded with vegetables.

Chicken Tikka
If you think succulent Chicken Tikkas are tough to make, you have come to the right place. It does not get easier than this.

Sesame Toast
Sesame Toast is a popular appetizer. This is my take on the deep-fried version that works for breakfast or a tea time snack.

Pan Roasted Potatoes
Looking for a perfect side dish for your roasts and pies? Pan Roasted Potatoes is the recipe for you.

Easy Whole Wheat Quesadilla
There is nothing quite as easy to make as a Quesadilla. With lots of options, it is perfect as an evening snack for kids or a meal in itself.