The Best of Kerala Cuisine: A Flavorful Excursion for Couples

Kerala, a coastal state in South India, is not just known for its breathtaking natural beauty, but also for its rich and diverse cuisine. The cuisine of Kerala is a perfect blend of flavors, spices, and techniques, resulting in a unique culinary experience. If you are a couple who loves exploring different cuisines, then Kerala should definitely be on your bucket list. In this blog post, we will take you on a flavorful excursion of the best of Kerala cuisine.

The Staples

Kerala cuisine revolves around rice, coconut, and spices. Rice is the staple food of the state and is usually served with a variety of curries and accompaniments. The use of coconut is predominant in Kerala cuisine, be it in the form of grated coconut, coconut milk, or coconut oil. The cuisine also makes use of an array of spices like black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and turmeric.

Breakfast Delights

Kerala offers a delectable range of breakfast options that are sure to please any food lover. Puttu, a popular breakfast dish, is made from steamed rice flour and is usually served with banana and kadala curry. Appam, another breakfast favorite, is a fermented rice and coconut pancake that is crispy on the edges and soft in the center. It pairs perfectly with coconut milk or any spicy curry. Idiyappam, also known as string hoppers, is made from rice flour and is best enjoyed with sweetened coconut milk or egg curry.

Seafood Delicacies

Being a coastal state, Kerala is a paradise for seafood lovers. Whether you are a fan of fish, prawns, crabs, or mussels, Kerala offers an array of lip-smacking seafood delicacies. Meen Curry, a spicy fish curry made with coconut milk and a blend of spices, is a must-try. Prawn Roast, marinated prawns cooked with spices and onions, is another popular dish. For those who want to try something unique, Karimeen Pollichathu is a must. It is a whole fish marinated with spices, wrapped in banana leaf, and grilled to perfection.

Vegetarian Delights

Kerala cuisine has a wide range of vegetarian options that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. Avial, a medley of vegetables cooked in a coconut and yogurt sauce, is a popular dish that is often served with rice. Thoran, a dry vegetable dish made with grated coconut, is another delicious option. For those who love spicy food, Erissery, a curry made with pumpkins and lentils, is a must-try. Puttu with Kadala Curry, mentioned earlier, is a classic vegetarian combination.

Street Food

If you are a fan of street food, then Kerala will not disappoint. The streets of Kerala are filled with small stalls and carts selling a variety of snacks and treats. One such delight is the famous Banana Fry. Ripe bananas are coated in a batter made from rice flour, maida (all-purpose flour), and sugar, and deep-fried to perfection. It is a sweet and crispy treat that makes for a perfect snack. Parippu Vada, a deep-fried snack made from lentils, and Pazham Pori, deep-fried banana fritters, are also popular street food options.

Traditional Sadya

No trip to Kerala is complete without experiencing a traditional sadya. Sadya is a grand feast consisting of a variety of vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf. It is usually served on special occasions and festivals. The highlight of a sadya is the Payasam, a sweet dish made with rice, milk, sugar, and dry fruits. With its combination of sweet, sour, spicy, and tangy flavors, a traditional sadya is truly a treat for the taste buds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kerala cuisine offers a wide range of flavors and dishes that are sure to delight every food lover. From the traditional sadya to the mouthwatering seafood delicacies, Kerala has something to offer for every palate. Exploring the culinary delights of Kerala can be a wonderful experience for couples who are looking to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the state. So, be sure to add Kerala to your travel itinerary and indulge in the best of Kerala cuisine.

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