Tamil New Year: Must-try recipes for your Puthandu feast

Puthandu is a season of vibrant celebration, family gatherings, and traditional feasts that capture the heart of Tamil culture. The festive menu offers a beautiful balance of sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy flavors—symbolising the diverse experiences of life. From comforting classics to festive specialties, here are six must-try recipes for a wholesome Tamil New Year spread. (unsplash)

Avial: A wholesome mixed vegetable dish cooked with coconut and yogurt, avial is mildly spiced and incredibly nutritious. It brings a traditional and earthy flavour to the plate. (unsplash)

Mango Pachadi: A signature dish of Puthandu, mango pachadi perfectly blends sweet, sour, and bitter flavours using raw mango, jaggery, and neem flowers. It symbolises the different emotions of life and is a must have on the festive menu. (wikipedia)

Paruppu Vadai: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, paruppu vadai is a delicious lentil-based snack that adds crunch and flavour to the festive spread. (unsplash)

Payasam: A festive dessert made with milk, jaggery, vermicelli or rice, and dry fruits, payasam is the sweet highlight of the meal and signifies joy and celebration. (unsplash)

Sambar: No Tamil feast is complete without a hearty bowl of sambar. Made with lentils, tamarind, and vegetables, it adds warmth and depth to the festive meal. (unsplash)

Ven Pongal: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, paruppu vadai is a delicious lentil-based snack that adds crunch and flavour to the festive spread. (unsplash)