Family Favorite Recipes

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with our wide range of mouth-watering recipes. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned chef, we have something for everyone!

Breakfasts & Brunch 

Masala Dosa with Cheese & Maple Drizzle – A fusion of classic dosa with a Canadian maple twist.

Masala dosa is a family favorite in our house, but Masala Dosa with Cheese & Maple Drizzle? That took things to the next level. The kids were so excited when I said I was putting a Canadian twist on this classic South Indian dish. My 14-year-old even said, “Mom, I didn’t think you could improve on dosa, but you did.” Cue applause. Of course, my toddler decided to cover the dosa in maple syrup like it was her own personal dessert, but hey, at least she was eating it. It’s a perfect example of how food can bring the family together, even when there’s a bit of a sticky mess involved. 

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Spicy Egg Bhurji Breakfast Wraps – Scrambled eggs with Telugu-style spices in a whole wheat wrap.

If you’re looking for something quick, hearty, and packed with flavor, Spicy Egg Bhurji Breakfast Wraps are the way to go. I first made them one morning when I had zero energy to cook and was about to default to cereal. But when I remembered I had eggs and some leftover spices, I got creative. The kids loved it—my toddler, not so much. After her first bite, she decided it was “too spicy,” which resulted in her blowing on every bite like it was too hot. My 7-year-old, however, couldn’t get enough. It’s a nice little win, especially when I need to get everyone fed quickly before we head out the door. 

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Ragi Maple Muffins – Nutritious finger millet muffins with a touch of maple syrup.

We’re a muffin-loving family, and when I made Ragi Maple Muffins, the kids couldn't get enough. It’s a nice twist on the usual muffin recipe, thanks to the addition of finger millet (ragi) and maple syrup. When they came out of the oven, the smell was so amazing that my toddler decided to stand by the oven and chant “muffin, muffin!” like it was her new favorite word. My 7-year-old, who’s a self-declared “muffin expert,” gave them a thumbs-up, and I was secretly high-fiving myself for sneaking something healthy into their breakfast. It’s the little victories, right? 

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Jaggery & Cardamom French Toast – A sweet breakfast with warm Indian spices.

French toast is a family favorite, but when I added jaggery and cardamom to the mix, Jaggery & Cardamom French Toast became our new obsession. I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure how my kids would react to the twist, but my 14-year-old practically inhaled his portion. “Mom, this is like French toast, but BETTER,” he said between bites. I guess I’ll take that as a win! Of course, my toddler just wanted to pour syrup over everything, and the 7-year-old kept asking for just one more slice. But that’s the fun of it, right? Watching them enjoy something so simple, and knowing that I definitely nailed it this time. 

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Turmeric Honey Granola – A healthy, crunchy granola with nuts and turmeric.

If there’s one thing my family loves, it’s snacks. But when I want to feel like I’m doing something good for everyone, I whip up some Turmeric Honey Granola. This granola is crunchy, flavorful, and a little bit of a healthy win in the morning chaos. My teenager will eat it by the handful (and I mean handful) while pretending he’s “too cool for granola.” Meanwhile, my toddler snacks on it like it's candy, and I try to sneak a little for myself before it's all gone. Of course, the real drama comes when the toddler decides to pour the whole jar into a bowl—granola everywhere. It’s always a race to get the last bit before he does. 

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Upma Pancakes – Fluffy pancakes made with upma-inspired savory flavors.

I never thought Upma Pancakes would be a hit with my kids, but here we are—debating whether these savory pancakes should become a regular part of our breakfast routine. I first made them on a lazy Saturday, trying to use up some leftover upma. When my 7-year-old tasted them, he exclaimed, “It’s like upma and pancakes had a baby!” And honestly, that’s the perfect way to describe them. My toddler, on the other hand, decided to take a bite, then fling it across the kitchen (because why not?), but even he managed to munch down the rest. It was a total win, and now, I’m the one being asked to make them every weekend. Parenting: when your kids start giving you breakfast requests. 

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Paratha Breakfast Wraps – Stuffed whole wheat flatbreads filled with eggs, cheese, and veggies.

Breakfast wraps have quickly become a staple in our home, especially when time is tight. But when I made Paratha Breakfast Wraps for the first time, my whole family was hooked. It’s like a portable breakfast burrito with all the goodness of a paratha stuffed with eggs, cheese, and veggies. I was feeling pretty proud of myself, but then my toddler tried to stuff an entire wrap in his mouth at once. Cue the meltdown when he couldn’t chew it fast enough. The kids love it, though, and it’s become our go-to for busy mornings when I don’t have time to make anything too complicated. Plus, it’s always fun to see who can create the biggest mess. 

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Savory Masala Oatmeal – Oats cooked with Indian spices, tomatoes, and onions.

Oatmeal doesn’t exactly scream “exciting breakfast” in our house. That is, until I made Savory Masala Oatmeal. I remember my 7-year-old’s face when he took his first bite: "Mom, this is the best oatmeal ever!" Of course, my toddler, who prefers to eat things with his hands, ended up smearing oatmeal all over his face and the kitchen floor, but I could see he was loving it. What started as a quick “let’s get breakfast done before we’re late” turned into a new family favorite. Now, it’s our go-to when we need a hearty meal that doesn’t take much time, but it also comes with a little extra cleanup thanks to the toddler’s creative eating methods. 

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Cardamom Maple French Toast – Classic French toast with a cardamom-spiced maple syrup twist.

French toast is one of those dishes that everyone in my house loves. But what happens when you add a little cardamom and maple syrup to the mix? Magic. The first time I made Cardamom Maple French Toast, my 14-year-old started talking about it like it was the greatest thing to ever happen to French toast. “Mom, this is next level,” he said, as if I’d just discovered the secret to the universe. Honestly, it’s just a sprinkle of cardamom and a splash of maple syrup, but it was enough to make them feel like breakfast royalty. The toddler? He was more interested in how much syrup he could get on his face than in the actual toast, but hey, it’s progress. 

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Masala Chai Pancakes – Fluffy pancakes infused with chai spices.

Mornings in our house are usually a whirlwind. Between getting the kids ready for school, making breakfast, and trying to sneak in a cup of coffee (for me, not them), things can get pretty chaotic. But when I made Masala Chai Pancakes one Saturday morning, it felt like a little win. The kids went wild for them, and my toddler’s eyes lit up like I’d just served him a pile of gold. The only downside? Trying to get him to eat his pancakes instead of pouring syrup on everything in sight. He made a mess, but the whole family agreed these pancakes were worth it—and that’s saying a lot when you're feeding a picky 7-year-old and a teenager who’s too cool for breakfast. 

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Snacks & Appetizers

Main Courses

Hyderabadi Style Chicken Biryani Recipe

Hyderabadi Biryani is a regal dish, famed for its rich aroma, tender meat, and flavorful rice. This iconic Indian dish is a must-try for biryani lovers who crave a perfect blend of spices. The recipe for this biryani uses the dum cooking method, which makes the rice and chicken cook together, allowing the flavors to infuse deeply.

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Easy and Delicious Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

In my house, this chicken meatloaf is a regular request for dinner. My kids absolutely love it, and it gets devoured every single time! It’s one of those meals that I can always count on to be a hit at the dinner table, and I love that it’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional meatloaf or just need a quick, family-friendly dinner idea, this recipe has got you covered.

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Side Dishes & Accompaniments 

Masala Fry Poutine: Where Canadian Comfort Meets South Indian Spice

There’s something magical about poutine — those crispy fries loaded with cheese curds and smothered in hot gravy. It’s a beloved Canadian classic that evokes cozy winter nights, hockey games, and comforting family dinners. Growing up Canadian, poutine was one of those soul-warming foods I always looked forward to.

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Desserts & Sweets

Gulab Jamun Butter Tarts – A fusion of the classic Canadian butter tart and Indian gulab jamun.

When I first married my husband, one of the sweetest surprises was discovering how beautifully Indian and Canadian desserts could come together. Growing up Canadian, butter tarts were one of my favorite nostalgic treats — flaky pastry shells filled with a gooey, buttery, and sweet filling that simply melts in your mouth. For my husband, nothing says comfort like the soft, syrup-soaked sweetness of gulab jamun, a beloved Indian dessert that graces every festive table in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

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World’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you're searching for the ultimate chocolate chip cookie, look no further! These cookies are soft, chewy on the inside, and perfectly crisp on the outside with just the right amount of gooey chocolate chips. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe will become your go-to for perfect cookies every time.

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Drinks

Maple Masala Chai Latte – A comforting blend of Indian chai and Canadian maple.

There’s a quiet joy in learning someone else’s rituals.For me, it began in the kitchen on a rainy Calgary morning. My husband stood at the stove, a small pot bubbling with unfamiliar warmth. Cardamom pods cracked open, cinnamon curled in the steam, and fresh ginger made my nose tingle. He didn’t measure—just tossed things in like he was following music only he could hear. I hovered nearby, curious and a little suspicious.“It’s just tea,” he said. “Masala chai.”

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About us

At Small Steps to Giant Leaps, we are passionate about sharing our love for cooking and helping you discover new flavors and techniques. Join us on this flavorful journey!