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In Kerala, rice isn't just a staple food it's the heart of cooking, shaping countless traditional dishes, both savoury and sweet. The tropical climate nurtures perfect rice crops, making it a prominent ingredient in Kerala's cuisine. There are many dishes from breakfast to dinner, like puttu, a soft rice cake, delicate idiyappam and many more. In Kerala rice is prepared and paired with curries, stir-fries, and pickles.
Desserts too are made with rice, like Payasam, a creamy rice pudding or milk kheer, which is a festival favourite. Rice's versatility makes it key to diverse dishes, from the comforting puttu to the festive dishes. It's not just food; it's a connection to their culture and heritage, enjoyed every day and cherished during celebrations. Delve into six rice-centric dishes that truly define the authentic cuisine of Kerala, each showcasing the region's love for rice in unique and delectable ways.
Appam and Stew
This dish is famous in Kerala as a breakfast option, Appam is a soft, lacy rice pancake-like dish with a crispy edge, often paired with a rich, creamy vegetable or meat stew. The stew is made with coconut milk, and flavoured with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, and includes vegetables or meat. This combination is a popular breakfast or dinner choice in Kerala, reflecting the region's love for coconut-infused dishes and aromatic spices.
Puttu and Kadala Curry
Puttu is a steamed rice cake made from ground rice and grated coconut, shaped into round moulds. It's typically served with kadala curry, a spicy black chickpea curry cooked with coconut, onions, and a blend of Kerala spices. This hearty breakfast combination is a staple in many Keralite households, providing a nutritious and satisfying start to the day, its healthy and satisfying.
Appam
Appam is a soft and thin rice pancake that has crispy edges, made with fermented rice batter often paired with a rich, creamy vegetable or meat stew. The stew is made with coconut milk, and flavoured with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, and includes vegetables or meat. This combination is a popular breakfast or dinner choice in Kerala, reflecting the region's penchant for coconut-infused dishes and aromatic spices.
Malabar Biryani
This aromatic dish is made with fragrant basmati rice. Originating from the Malabar region, tender pieces of chicken, mutton, or fish, and a blend of exotic spices are added to make this biryani. Cooked in layers with caramelized onions, cashews, and raisins, Malabar Biryani is renowned for its unique flavour and rich aroma. This dish is often a special delicacy for festivals and special occasions in Kerala.
Matta Rice
Kerala red rice, also known as matta rice, is a staple in many Keralite households. This unpolished rice variety has a distinctive flavour and chewy texture, making it a perfect combination to various curries, stir-fries, and pickles. Red rice is rich in fibre, antioxidants, and essential minerals like iron and zinc. Kerala red rice is eaten not only for its taste but also for its health benefits, making it an important part of everyday meals.
Idiyappam
Idiyappam, are delicate rice noodles made by pressing rice flour dough through a mould. These are steamed noodles which are typically served with a flavourful egg curry, made with boiled eggs simmered in a spicy, coconut-based gravy. This combination is honestly satisfying and enjoyed at breakfast, lunch, or dinner in Kerala.
Payasam
Payasam is a traditional Kerala dessert made with rice, milk, coconut milk, and jaggery, flavoured with cardamom, raisins, and cashews. This sweet pudding is mostly prepared during festivals and celebrations. It's rich and creamy in texture, a must- have dish from Kerala.
Also Read- 5 Traditional Vegetarian Dishes Of Kerala
These were some rice from dishes that are made with rice, and spices and are paired with aromatic spicy curries. Whenever you are planning to visit Kerala do try these or make these dishes at your home.
