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Monsoon is a time we all get our snack bibs on, ready to pounce on seasonal fritters or pakoda platters as well as steamed goodies. As long as the snacks are delicious and pair well with our hot tea and coffee choices, we love indulging in all the best dishes monsoon has to offer. But in Kerala, more popularly known as God’s Own Country, monsoon is a time of abundance. Naturally then, monsoon snacks from Kerala must be absolutely delicious, right?
The answer is yes, the monsoon snacks prepared and enjoyed across Kerala during monsoons are simply delicious. In fact, many culinary traditions of Kerala are associated with the produce available in the region at that point in time. This stands especially true for the festival of Onam, which falls bang in the middle of monsoon in Kerala. So, what are some of the snacks from Kerala you should enjoy during monsoon? Here is a whole list to choose from.
Video Credit: YouTube/Hebbars Kitchen
Parippu Vada
Parippu Vada is a crispy and flavorful lentil fritter made with soaked and ground chana dal, mixed with aromatic spices, curry leaves, and onions. Parippu Vada's crunchy texture and savory taste perfectly complement the rainy season. Served hot with coconut chutney or spicy pickles, it's a beloved treat enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, bringing joy and comfort during Kerala's rainy days.
Chakka Ada
Chakka Ada is a steamed dumpling filled with the goodness of jackfruit and grated coconut. The blend of ripe jackfruit pulp, jaggery, and fragrant cardamom wrapped in rice flour dough yields a unique and delectable flavor. As rain showers drench God’s Own Country, Chakka Ada's soft and sweet taste provides a delightful treat to relish with a cup of tea. Its traditional charm captures the essence of Kerala's rich culinary heritage during the rainy season.
Unniyappam
Unniyappam is a sweet and spongy rice and banana fritter. Made from a batter of rice flour, ripe bananas, jaggery, and coconut bits, these small, deep-fried delights offer a burst of flavors. Unniyappam's warm and comforting taste, along with the aroma of ghee and cardamom, makes it a quintessential treat during rainy days. Enjoyed with a steaming cup of chai, Unniyappam embodies the essence of Kerala's monsoon culinary delights.
Pazham Pori
Pazham pori, a beloved monsoon snack cherished in Kerala, is a delectable treat made from ripe plantains or bananas. Slices of ripe banana are coated in a spiced flour batter and deep-fried to golden perfection, resulting in a crispy outer layer and soft, sweet center. The contrast of flavors and textures makes Pazham pori an irresistible snack during rainy days. This delicacy is served hot with a sprinkling of sugar or a drizzle of honey.
Sarkara Varatti
Another banana favourite from Kerala, Sarkara Varatti are crispy banana chips or fritters coated in a sweet, caramelized jaggery glaze. Ripe plantain slices are deep-fried to perfection and then tossed in a blend of jaggery syrup and aromatic spices. The result is a heavenly fusion of sweet and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch. Sarkara Varatti fritters offer a unique and addictive snack to relish during rainy days.
Arikadukka
Arikadukka is a savory delight made from stuffed mussels originating from Kerala's Malabar region. Mussels are removed from their shells, and the meat is mixed with a flavorful mixture of spices, onions, and coconut. The mixture is then stuffed back into the cleaned mussel shells, coated in a spicy semolina batter, and deep-fried to perfection. Arikadukka's crispy exterior and succulent, spiced filling offer a taste of the sea.
Thattu Dosa
Thattu Dosa is a small and crispy dosa variety native to Kerala that captivates taste buds with its simplicity. Made with a blend of rice flour, grated coconut, and a hint of cumin seeds, the batter is spread on a hot griddle to create thin, lacy dosas. Served with a medley of chutneys and sambar, Thattu Dosa offers a burst of flavors and textures, making it a quintessential treat for the rainy season.
Sukhiyan
Sukhiyan is a sweet and crispy fritter that tantalizes the taste buds. Moong bean or green gram paste is mixed with jaggery, grated coconut, and fragrant cardamom, forming a delectable filling. This mixture is encased in a batter made from rice flour and deep-fried to golden perfection. Sukhiyan's crispy outer shell and delightful inner filling create a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making it a cherished treat during rainy days.
Achappam
Achappam is a delicate and intricate fried cookie that delights both the eyes and taste buds. Made using a unique flower-shaped mold, the batter consists of rice flour, coconut milk, eggs, and a hint of cumin seeds. The dough is then carefully molded and deep-fried until it turns crispy and golden. Achappam's beautiful patterns and light, crispy texture make it a charming and nostalgic treat enjoyed during Kerala's rainy season.
Kozhukatta
Kozhukatta is a sweet and steamed rice dumpling filled with a delectable coconut-jaggery mixture. The rice flour dough is kneaded to a smooth consistency and then shaped into small, crescent moon-like dumplings. The luscious coconut-jaggery filling provides a burst of flavor, making each bite a delightful experience. Steamed to perfection, Kozhukatta is soft and tender in texture.
