Visista recreates traditional Indian recipes using natural ingredients

Visista, a 20-year-old living in Karnataka, India, recreates traditional and forgotten recipes using natural ingredients and ancient cooking methods.

She works at Aikanthika, a farm founded in 1996 that follows a self-directed learning philosophy called Swashikshan. Rather than attending a conventional school, Visista learned through observation, books, and hands-on experience on the farm. Visista documents her culinary experiments through a website section called TRUE FOOD.

She researches the history and origins of dishes to understand the traditional ingredients and processes used before modern refined flour and sugar became common. She uses farm-grown produce, jaggery, and freshly milled whole grains to prepare meals. This includes making traditional Indian sweets, sourdough bread, and even healthy versions of pizza and street food. The project aims to preserve culinary heritage and prove that healthy food can be flavorful.

Visista shares her documented recipes with visitors, volunteers, and an online audience to encourage others to cook traditional meals in their own homes. She continues to research recipes from different regions and cuisines to expand her collection and ensure these old traditions do not disappear.