Coconut Vada

The Coconut Vada is a recipe popular across much of South India, also called Chakkalu and Tattayi. A sumptuous evening snack, they’re quick and easy to make. Simply mix together rice flour, grated coconut, ginger, cumin seeds, green chillies, salt, and hot water as needed, and fry in oil.

Coconut has much value in India, especially south of the country. It’s called Kalpavriksha, which is a mythological tree known to grant all of life’s necessities. This is true in that every part of the tree is useful and nothing goes to waste. In Indian mythology, the sage Vishwamitra is credited with creating the palm tree to hold up his friend King Trishanku who was thrown out of heaven for his misdeeds by Indra. In the Vadakurungaduthurai, it's laid out that Lord Kulavanangeesar takes the form of a coconut tree to quench a pregnant lady’s thirst. In Kerala, it’s believed that Goddess Bhagavati is the coconut tree’s soul. Folk tales of several areas say that the coconut originated from the head of a dead man or dead eel.

Besides its rich connection to the Indian psyche, the coconut also has several health benefits. Its antioxidants protect cells from damage and prevent chronic diseases. Their nutrients increase the body’s good cholesterol, help manage high blood pressure, and improve hair and skin quality.