Thali Method

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About

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Balanced Indian Eating

Hi, I'm Abhi, and I'm here to show you that Indian food can be incredibly healthy when you know how to balance it properly.

When I moved to the US as a teenager, everything about my eating habits changed. I tried to adapt to a completely different diet, but like many of us, I kept falling back to Indian food, except it was just rice and curry. I thought I had to choose between my cultural foods and being healthy.

The real turning point came during my pregnancy when I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Suddenly, understanding nutrition wasn't just important, it was essential. That's when I rediscovered the traditional thali method and realized I didn't need to replace my entire plate. I needed to focus on balanced eating with lots of side dishes, just like our ancestors did.

My Mission: Making Indian Food Work for Modern Life

I don't want you to abandon the foods you love. Instead, I want to show you how to eat them in a way that nourishes your body and satisfies your cravings. Through Thali Method, I share authentic South Asian recipes with complete nutritional breakdowns, portion guidance, and meal planning strategies that actually work for busy lives.

Every recipe includes detailed instructions for freezer meals and make-ahead components, so you can maintain consistency without spending hours in the kitchen every day.

What You'll Find Here

  • Complete thali meal guides with nutritional breakdowns
  • Traditional recipes adapted for balanced eating
  • Meal planning strategies with freezer-friendly options
  • Make-ahead side dishes for consistent healthy eating
  • Portion control tips that don't sacrifice flavor
  • Step-by-step cooking instructions for authentic Indian cuisine

Whether you're looking for healthy Indian breakfast recipes, protein-rich curries and dals, or nutritious side dishes, you'll find recipes that prove you don't have to sacrifice tradition for health.

Balanced chicken curry thali with rice, spinach, cucumber carrot salad, and yogurt - nutritionally complete Indian meal

My Approach: Balance, Not Restriction

I believe that food should nourish both your body and your soul. When you understand how to balance your plate with multiple side dishes and plan ahead with freezer meals, every meal becomes an opportunity to feel energized, satisfied, and connected to your heritage.

This isn't about perfection, it's about creating sustainable habits that honor your love for Indian cooking while supporting your health goals.

Ready to transform your relationship with Indian food? Start with my most popular balanced thali recipes and discover how delicious and achievable healthy eating can be.

Balance your Plate

Find what you're looking for:

Browse full recipe index

Connect with me on social media for daily inspiration and meal planning tips.

Latest Recipes

  • tamarind onion tomato base in a freezing tray showing one cup filled
    Tamarind Onion Tomato Base for Easy South Indian Curries
  • Completed egg pulusu served in a ceramic bowl, garnished with fresh curry leaves
    Egg Pulusu Recipe - Authentic South Indian Tamarind Egg Curry
  • Homemade spice powder served in a polished steel bowl on wooden cutting board with scattered ingredients
    Roasted Chana Dal Coconut Powder (Senaga Pappu Podi Recipe)
  • Golden brown coconut garlic podi served in a stainless steel bowl on wooden cutting board
    Coconut Garlic Podi Recipe - 5-Minute South Indian Spice Powder
  • Fragrant sesame curry leaves powder served in traditional steel bowl ready to eat
    Sesame Curry Leaves Powder
  • Aromatic Peanut Podi Recipe served in a small ceramic bowl on wooden table
    Peanut Podi Recipe
  • Fine reddish-brown Kandi Podi powder in small ceramic bowl on wooden table, ready to serve with rice
    Kandi Podi Recipe - Authentic Andhra Toor Dal Powder
  • Traditional moong dal payasam served in ceramic bowl on wooden table
    Moong Dal Payasam
  • horse gram curry with bottle gourd raita & rice in mini bowls on a plate
    Balanced Indian Thali #7: 18g Protein, 16g Fiber | 469 Cal
  • Bottle gourd sorakaya raita garnished with coriander in traditional serving bowl
    Bottle Gourd (Sorakaya) Raita
Thali Method Author

Welcome!

I'm on a mission to bring balance back to our plates, one delicious Indian meal at a time. ThaliMethod is my way of shaking up how we think about our kitchens and our food. We're not about restrictive diets; we're about smart portions and celebrating the incredible variety of Indian cuisine. Join me, and let's redefine what a 'balanced meal' really looks like.

More about me

Popular

  • Creamy horse gram curry garnished with fresh herbs in ceramic bowl
    Horse Gram Curry
  • Nutritious Indian thali featuring high-protein rice, creamy methi paneer, vibrant broccoli eggplant chutney, and a refreshing glass of homemade buttermilk. Perfect for a healthy, balanced meal.
    Balanced Indian Thali #6: 26g Protein Vegetarian Meal
  • Vibrant South Indian carrot moong dal kosambari garnished with fresh coriander in a traditional serving bowl
    Carrot Moong Dal Kosambari
  • A glass of chilled homemade buttermilk, garnished with optional roasted cumin powder, ready to enjoy as a refreshing and healthy drink.
    Homemade Buttermilk

Thalis

  • Balanced Thali with white rice, flavorful Ulavacharu Rasam, protein-rich omelet, & crisp salad on a plate.
    Ulavacharu Rasam & Egg Thali
  • Overhead view of a colorful Indian thali featuring protein rice, carrot chutney, spiced shrimp fry, and horsegram snack arranged on a traditional plate
    Shrimp Fry & Horsegram Thali
  • Traditional South Indian upma thali served on a banana leaf with fluffy upma, peanut chutney, egg bhurji, and boiled edamame, showcasing a balanced and nutritious meal with vibrant colors and variety.
    Upma Thali
  • Delicious and Nutritious South Indian Tomato Pappu Thali featuring Tomato Pappu, White Rice, Oven Baked Chicken Thighs, Mushroom Fry, and Homemade Yogurt.
    Tomato Pappu Thali: Balanced with Chicken & Mushrooms

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