What are some of the food you used to eat when you were younger that you would like to pass on to the next generations?
We Used to Eat These Foods Regularly in Our Childhood
These foods formed an integral part of our childhood, and while they are still eaten today, they are gradually fading into obscurity. Each dish carries not only nutritional value but also a unique memory, making them treasures worth passing on to future generations.
1. Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are smoked on fire, much like corn cobs. The process is simple yet delightful: just peel and eat. This traditional preparation enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes, making them a nutritious snack rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The smoky aroma takes you back to cozy evenings spent around a fire.
2. Smoked Tender Palm Shoots (Thati Thegalu in Telugu)
These have an acquired taste that grows on you. Once you start eating them, it’s hard to stop. Sellers typically smoke them in bulk, giving them a unique flavor. Rich in fiber and low in calories, these shoots were a healthy and rare treat.
3. Thati Munjelu (Ice Apple)
Sections of palm fruit, known as ice apple, are loved for their cooling and soothing effects during summer. They are hydrating, packed with essential nutrients, and offer a natural way to beat the heat.
4. Sweet Potatoes in Jaggery Syrup
Sweet potatoes are simmered in jaggery syrup to create a simple yet divine dessert. The combination of natural sweetness and iron-rich jaggery makes this a healthy and satisfying treat.
What are some of the food you used to eat when you were younger that you would like to pass on to the next generations?
5. Seema Chinta Kayalu (Pithecellobium dulce)
Many homes had this tree in their compound. The sweet-and-sour fruit is a childhood favorite, enjoyed as a refreshing and tangy snack. Rich in antioxidants, it’s a perfect balance of taste and health.
6. Thati Thandra/Thati Chapa (Sun-Dried Palm Fruit Jelly)
This rare delicacy, now available online, is made from the pulp of palm fruit. It’s chewy, sweet, and a wonderful source of natural sugars and minerals.
7. Regi Palla Vadiyalu (Indian Jujube Fritters)
Sun-dried fritters made from jujube fruit are a mix of sweet, salty, and sour flavors. They’re eaten as-is, making them a convenient and nutritious snack.
8. Gulabi Jama Kayalu (Rose Apples)
These sweet, slightly astringent fruits have the aroma of roses. Found in weekly markets, they’re a refreshing and fragrant treat rich in water content and vitamins
9. Karambola (Star Fruit, Ambanam in Telugu)
Star fruit is a tangy, nutrient-rich fruit. The ripe yellow ones make excellent preserves or pickles, while unripe green ones are enjoyed with a sprinkle of salt and chili powder. It’s great for diabetics and is grown in select months of the year
What are some of the food you used to eat when you were younger that you would like to pass on to the next generations?
10. Tamara Thoolla Kura (Lotus Stem Curry)
Made with lotus stems cut into round disks, this curry is both flavorful and nutritious. Rich in fiber and vitamins, it’s a must-try dish for curry lovers.
11. Jeedi Pandu & Jeedi Pandu Pulusu (Cashew Apple and Stew)
Cashew apples are enjoyed fresh or as a stew. They are tangy and high in vitamin C, offering a burst of flavor and health benefits.
What are some of the food you used to eat when you were younger that you would like to pass on to the next generations?
12. Badam Kaya/Pandu (Almond Fruit)
Sweet and sour with a lot of fiber, almond fruits were a delight. Breaking them open to get to the nut was a fun challenge, making it an engaging snack.
13. Velaga Pandu (Wood Apple)
Children loved eating the sour pulp of this fruit, often sprinkled with salt and chili powder. It’s also used to make chutneys and is rich in antioxidants.
14. Kommu Senagalu (Green Chickpea Pods)
Sprigs of green chickpeas were sold in bunches. Pressing the pods with fingers created a satisfying ‘tup’ sound, and the sweet seeds inside were a simple yet delightful snack.
15. Eetha Pallu (Indian Palm Dates)
These sweet-and-sour fruits are packed with medicinal properties and were a favorite among kids for their unique taste.
What are some of the food you used to eat when you were younger that you would like to pass on to the next generations?
16. Udikinchina Kandi Kayalu (Boiled Tender Pigeon Peas)
Boiled in salt water with their pods, tender pigeon peas made for a delicious and protein-rich snack.
17. Udikinchina Karra Pendalam (Boiled Tapioca)
Though also used in curries, boiled tapioca was a popular street food. It’s starchy and filling, perfect for satisfying hunger.
18. Panasa Peechu Pulusu (Jackfruit Fiber Stew)
Made from the fiber of ripe jackfruit, this stew is a sweet-and-savory dish with a unique flavor profile. It’s a labor of love and a rare delicacy.
19. Thati Bellam (Palm Jaggery)
Palm jaggery, made from palm fruits, was not used in daily cooking but consumed by kids in small quantities for its medicinal benefits.
20. Mini Banana Dosa
Sold outside schools, this was a favorite snack. These mini dosas are sweet, soft, and an excellent way to use overripe bananas.
Each of these foods carries a piece of history and a wealth of flavors. Reviving and sharing these traditional recipes can ensure they remain alive for generations to come.