In the southernmost tip of India lies a paradise known as Kerala, ‘God’s own country.’ While its picturesque landscapes and tranquil backwaters are highly acclaimed, Kerala’s culinary world remains a treasure chest waiting to be explored. Boasting a diverse platter rooted in history and culture, Kerala’s cuisine offers an array of flavors that can tantalize any palate.
The Famous Kerala Sadhya
When it comes to iconic Kerala cuisine, the traditional Sadhya is hard to surpass. This vegetarian extravaganza, typically featured at festivals and weddings, is a buffet of more than 24 distinct dishes presented on a banana leaf. Each component of the Sadhya, from the sour pulissery, a curry made from yogurt, to the sweet payasam, a dessert comprised of milk and rice, is meticulously prepared. The standout star of this meal, however, is the parippu curry. This lentil curry, poured over rice and complemented with ghee, captures Kerala’s culinary identity in every flavorful bite.
Seafood Delights of Kerala
Taking full advantage of its lengthy coastline, Kerala’s menu is generously dotted with seafood specialties. A feast for the senses, the Karimeen Pollichathu is a local favorite, featuring a pearl spot fish that’s marinated, carefully enveloped in a banana leaf, and then flawlessly cooked. Another dish that seafood enthusiasts will relish is the Kerala-style prawn curry. Its spicy and tangy essence, enhanced with thick coconut milk and kokum, leaves an unforgettable imprint on your taste buds. The diversity of Kerala’s seafood is further highlighted by an assortment of other dishes like the succulent crab roast, delectable squid fry, and mouthwatering clam curry, each presenting a unique culinary experience.
Kerala’s Meaty Affair
The essence of Kerala’s culinary heritage can also be found in its remarkable variety of meat dishes. Among the must-tries is the Erachi Varutharacha Curry, a rich mutton curry that is laced with roasted coconut and spices, and pairs perfectly with both rice and bread. Then, there’s the Kerala-style chicken fry. This dish, drenched in a concoction of aromatic spices before being fried to a crisp, golden-brown hue, promises a burst of flavors with every bite. Lastly, no mention of Kerala’s meat dishes would be complete without the Kerala beef fry. This dish, characterized by its fiery spice blend and caramelized texture, is commonly paired with Malabar parottas, a type of Indian bread. Indeed, these meat dishes, teeming with rich flavors, are a testament to Kerala’s diverse and vibrant culinary scene.
Vegetarian Cuisine in Kerala
Even with its notable affinity for seafood and meat, the vegetarian food scene in Kerala is just as enchanting. A classic meal often includes Avial, a curry filled with assorted vegetables and steeped in coconut. It’s praised for its elegant medley of flavors. Another staple is the Olan, a light, comforting dish featuring ash gourd and red beans immersed in coconut milk, offering a counterbalance to the area’s more fiery offerings. More vegetarian delights include the Thoran, a sautéed vegetable dish, and the Pachadi, a side dish rooted in yogurt. The Kootu curry, crafted from yam and raw banana, further enriches Kerala’s plant-based food tapestry. Vegetarianism isn’t just an afterthought in Kerala’s food culture; it’s an integral part of its culinary fabric.
Sweet Tooth of Kerala
No culinary journey through Kerala would be complete without indulging in the region’s sumptuous array of sweets and desserts. The dessert course usually begins with Payasam, a beloved sweet treat that takes many delightful forms. Among the favorites are the lusciously smooth Palada Payasam and the robustly flavored Chakka Pradhaman, made from jackfruit. But the sweetness doesn’t stop there. Sharkara Varatti, crispy banana chips glazed with a jaggery syrup, offers a sweet crunch that perfectly complements the creaminess of the Payasam. Another much-loved dessert is the Pazham Pori, delectable banana fritters that strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory. These sweets, each as tantalizing as the last, offer a fitting finale to Kerala’s lavish culinary spread.
