BAKED Kale Vada – Kale Lentil Fritters – tastes just as delicious and crispy as the deep-fried version. A perfectly healthy indulgence.

That there must be chaos before order is the way of the world, and it has always been and always will forevermore hold true. The last few months stand testimony to that fact in my small, slightly insignificant existence. Not a moment of peace was to be had as one upheaval after another was constantly thrown our way since October, the way only life can seem to do.

But something happened last weekend. Sunday afternoon, as we lay stretched out on the couch after a particularly heavy meal, my husband and I realized that we had nothing pressing to take care of. We just lay there, watched TV and did nothing else till the sun went down. And suddenly, for the first time since moving in, it felt like home.

We’ve managed to put away all the moving boxes for now (well most, save one or two) and the mayhem of the move is slowly giving way to the feeling of home. Little things, like getting to a room to find something now comes without much thought – my mind thinks it and my feet walk there instinctively. And several times in the day, I’m drawn to this window by the kitchen, to sit and watch the birds, squirrels and trees in the backyard. It is now my favorite spot in the home. There is an indescribable calm there that my heart desires.

The gloominess of a particularly cold and rainy day begged for a batch of something savory and indulgent to go along with a hot cup of vegan chai. And so, I made these BAKED Kale Vada (pronounced va-duh)- lentils and kale mildly flavored with ginger and curry leaves and baked till a crisp golden crust if formed. The oil, is absolutely optional, the crust forms either way. And if there are Kale haters you wish to share these with, well, just tell them it was cilantro and they won’t know the difference!

Pair the BAKED Kale Vada with a simple, but creamy coconut chutney – with the cold chutney, the piping hot fritters transcend into a sort of a delicacy, beloved by millions in the Indian subcontinent. Surrounded by the fragrant steam emanating from my cup, I stole a few minutes of the day to do absolutely nothing – nothing but enjoy the dribbling rain under the blissful silence of a quiet evening.

And it is something that you also should do. Once every day, amidst the chaos and mayhem, steal a few moments just for yourself. Go to that corner in your home where you feel most yourself – your sanity and well-being will thank you for it. Don’t forget to nourish your body with a plate of healthy indulgence on the side as well.

When you make these BAKED Kale Vada (which I really think you SHOULD!), be sure to SHARE YOUR PHOTOS with me through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. I’d love to see what you cook from here!