What is the first word that pops up in your head when I say – South Indian Cuisine? Dosa, Idli, Sambar, Coconut Chutney, Upma? Correct? However, this is not all that is available in the vast platter of south Indian dishes. We all crave idli and dosa all the time! For most people, a south Indian breakfast which includes dosas, idlis, filter coffee, coconut chutney and sambar is heaven on their breakfast table.
South India has been infamous for its cuisine. With just coconut alone as the main ingredient, South Indians can prepare over 100 dishes. Being a land of exotic spices, the spiciness in the dishes will make you sing the cuisine stories. Of the many south Indian states, Kerala has the most assuring south Indian cuisine. Patent ingredients being spices, coconut milk and rice, yet no two dishes will remotely taste the same.
Known for being health and filling, South Indian dishes rarely disappoint. Here we present to you, the traditional and lip-smacking dishes of Kerala.
1. Puttu and Kadala Curry
A popular breakfast item, Puttu is a cylindrical steamed rice cake cooked with coconut shavings. Kadala curry which is served along with Puttu is essentially black chickpeas. This combination for all the rice lovers. It is one of the quickest and easiest recipes to make.
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2. Avial
Mixed veggies in a grounded coconut paste with generous flavour of coconut oil, Avail is one of the healthiest and most traditional dishes of Kerala being an imperative component of the Kerala feast called sadya. The dish came into being when Bhima, from Hindu Mythology, was forced to cook during his exile, chopped whatever vegetables he could find and cooked them together. Truly, necessity is the mother of Invention.
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3. Ada Pradhaman
It is dessert time already. Nuts and spices, yet the sweetness hovers all over this dish. Payasam or kheer as its famously called, is a unique blend of thick coconut milk, jaggery and baked rice. Ada Pradhman is the king of kheers in Kerala.
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4. Ethakka Appam
Ethakka Appam also known as Pazham Pori is a popular south Indian snack made of ripened banana. It is one of the best tea time snacks one can have in south India, along with Filter Coffee. It is easy to make and the taste totally depends on the ripened banana.
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5. Erissery.
Traditional dishes of Kerala always have two patent ingredients, Coconut and spices. Erissery, is one of the main side dishes. It is usually served with hot rice for better experience. The taste of the spices will linger in your mouth for the longest time, making you want some more, some more, just a little more!
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Before your mouth waters and you google the recipe, since we are all, lockdown master chefs, do tell us which one you’d love to try first.