The food of Kerala is one that needs no introduction: It's simple, zesty, flavourful and offers an intelligent combination of potent spices. Unlike the cuisine of its neighbouring states, the food of Kerala prides itself on being predominantly non-vegetarian. You've got chicken, mutton, pork, beef and a thrilling range of seafood - mussels, crab, tiger prawns, king prawns, tiny prawns, oysters, sardines, mackerel, tuna and gorgeous red lobsters.
Mallu food isn't just about the recipes; it reflects a meeting of cultures. Kerala hindus have a largely vegetarian menu and use coconuts that grow along the coast. Syrian Christians eat more fish and meat, and the Muslims make delicious breads and sizzling biryani. But some techniques and habits remain common through the state; vegetables are cooked with mild spices and steamed in their own juices or cooked in yogurt/ coconut milk. Rice is the staple food and red rice is commonly eaten. Coconut oil is preferred for cooking and is what givesMalayali cuisine a distinct taste. (Why people eat with their hands in Kerala)
Kerala is also known as the 'land of spices' and has attracted traders and travelers for centuries. Its mountainous terrain has the perfect climate to support the cultivation of pepper, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and turmeric. It's probably why they're prominently used in Mallu cooking. Coconut is an indispensable hero of the Kerala cuisine. It's used in everything - from hot curries to soothing desserts. Besides enhancing the taste of the dish, it blends and tones down the potency of the spices. Unripe mango is also used in some fish and vegetable preparations. So is lime juice and vinegar. The pulp extraction of tamarind (in the form of pulp) is also used very often to give the food a unique sour taste. (10 things you must eat in Kerala)
We at NDTV Cooks are crazy about Mallu food which is why we take great pride in listing down some of the most top-rated recipes we've gathered through the years. Most of them are ridiculously easy while others need some serious craft, but we promise you're going to love them all.
Chemeen Pollichathu (Pan seared prawns)- Recipe by Chef Laiju Jameson, Taj Kumarakom, Kerala
This will get you drooling over your keyboard. Prawns are marinated in beautiful spices and lime juice, and cooked in coconut milk till the they've soaked in all the piquant masala they possibly can.
Recipe video
Fish Mappas (Fish curry) - Recipe by Chef Laiju Jameson, Taj Kumarakom, Kerala
An elegant fish curry cooked in coconut milk that makes the perfect partner for a plate of steamy appams.
Meen Murringakka Curry - Recipe by Chef P.T Mathai, Taj Varkala, Kerala
This killer fish curry comes from the house of Taj in Kerala. Sardines are cooked with pulp-y tamarind, coconut and drumsticks and then tempered with onions and red chillies.
Cheera Thoran - Recipe by Chef Ritesh Venu, Marriott Welcome Hotel
Kerala style stir-fry is a beautiful way to cook fresh vegetables. It can be served a side dish with some kind of curry or grilled meat of your choice. It's got clean, simple flavours that work well with rice, appams, dosa and malabar paratha.
Recipe video
Kozikode Biryani - Recipe by Chef Veena Arora, Chef De Cuisine, The Spice Route
Don't mistake this for just another biryani recipe. It's crossed generations and is made all along the Malabar area in Kerala - from Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thalassery to Kasargod. What you need for this stellar dish is a huge amount of spices, a small amount of chilli and one perfectly boiled egg.
Kerala Fish Curry- Recipe by Chef Aruna Kirpal
This features high on every Mallu restaurant's menu and lunch table. All you need to do is pick a fleshy white fish and smear it with onion, tomatoes, garlic, green chillies and coconut paste - Fry, temper and serve!
Pomfret Moilee - Recipe by Chef Asif Ali, Casino Hotel,Cochin, Kerala
The recipes is simple, easy and sensational. A fleshy pomfret, some mustard seeds, curry leaves, tomatoes and turmeric and you've got yourself a cracker of a dish.
Chicken Stew with Appams - Recipe by Chef Joey Matthew
Appam is a revolutionary food. It's got a soft and thick center, a paper thin outside and can be paired with almost anything. Chicken stew on the other hand is also a regular Mallu delicacy. Chunks of chicken or meat are bathed in a beautifully spiced and dreamy coconut gravy and served steaming hot.
Erissery - Recipe by Chef Ambili Kurian
This dish is enjoyed as a side dish throughout Kerala in weddings and festivals. It's two star ingredients are pumpkins and coconut.
Karimeen Pollichathu - Recipe by Chef Raju, Hotel Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom, Kerala
Unwrapping a steamed fish is as good as unwrapping a new present. Marinated pearl spot fish is wrapped in a huge banana leaf, steamed still done and served with parboiled rice.
source - ndtv
