Gowri Nataraj: South Indian Food Through the eyes of an Artist

Gowri Nataraj has a unique IG profile and YouTube channel focusing on South Indian food. It is a different take on food. I talk to her about her thought process behind her creative ideas.

Gowri welcome to my blog and I want to know something unique about you?

Though an engineer by profession, I’m an artist by passion. I’m a good painter and photographer. I try to achieve what I set my mind on.

I love your IG handle as a food blogger. Every picture of South Indian food is unique, playful, and different. Gowri talk to me about how your YouTube channel and IG got started? 

Thank you Jerry for the kind words. Adding a little creativity to food is fun.

Sornam Kitchen is a mom-daughter team. We focus on healthy dishes for the whole family. The YouTube channel was started by my mother in 2017. She was visiting us (her children) in the USA and was inspired by other cooking channels. She started her own almost immediately. We (daughters & daughter-in-law) helped her set up the channel and taught her to use video editing tools. My mom does not have much knowledge about technology considering her generation, so we were all amazed by how she picked up and was able to work on the channel. All her recipes are traditional South Indian dishes that are famous for their flavors. Most recipes are curated by her. She is such an inspiration for us all.

I started to get involved at the beginning of this year. I contribute some baking recipes and fusion recipes. The Instagram channel was started by me this year in early 2020. I started it to make a statement for our YT channel and for the traditional dishes we make.

Are your meals, vegetarian, or also vegan?

It is vegetarian and we do non-veg dishes also but they are not that many.

My knowledge of South Indian food is Dosa, Idli, Vada Sambhar, and eating on a plantain leaf. Educate me on the intricacies of South Indian food?

You are right! South Indian food is Idli, Dosa, Sambar along with rice, Rasam, Poriyal, and curd. No South Indian meal is complete without these dishes.  Though Dosa and Idli are our staple dishes, we make them using different types of grains/lentils packed with nutrients. So many of our dishes are simple and easy to make. All the ingredients are preservative-free and no artificial flavors.

I want to know about the unique spices and masalas of South Indian food?

Ah! Spices. As far as I know, each household will have their unique homemade spice. We have never brought spices from stores. My Mom grinds all the spices by getting the raw ingredients to name a few spices we use would be turmeric powder, chili powder, and coriander powder. A unique spice we use for gravy is “Kulambu Millagai Podi”. My mom makes this and we now use it literally for all the gravies we make.

What is women’s empowerment to you?

It starts early from our childhood. Being accepted, respected, and valued right from the start. Being taught and allowed to explore their own ideas.

How has the modern Indian woman evolved from your mother’s and grandmother’s generation?

We have come a long way. My grandmother didn’t go to school at all. My mother studied only till 10th grade. She was married at 17.  However, we [her daughters] have finished our undergrad and my sister is working as an engineer. Looking back and seeing how much we have moved forward is pure bliss.

Are Indian men cooking and helping around the home?

Yes, in nuclear families for sure.

Name me your favorite ingredients and least favorite ingredients?

Turmeric and cumin are my favorite ones. Nothing specific as least favorite but I tend to use less of garam masala and poppy seeds.

You are chosen to go to MARS. You can only take 5 ingredients. What are those ingredients?

Turmeric powder, Mustard, Chili Powder, Salt, and Coriander Powder.  With these five I can make about any dish.

Give me your favorite dishes for breakfast, lunch, teatime, and dinner?

Breakfast – Dosa and Cilantro Chutney

Lunch – Rice, Dhal, Rasam, and Potato Fry

Tea Time – Egg Puffs, Bajji

Dinner – Chapathi and Paneer Gravy