Muttamala

M uttamala is yellow noodles made of egg yolks, popularly served with an egg-white pudding called Pinjanathappam, together making a sweet snack from the Malabar region. It’s made with just eggs and sugar, ingredients easily found in most kitchens. Muttamala means ‘egg necklaces’ in Malayalam and literally looks like strings. Sugar syrup is brought to a boil and egg yolk is squeezed into the pot so that eventually, yellow strings of hardened yolk emerge from the foam.

Muttamala, although popular with the Muslim community of the region, has Portuguese origins. As colonisers, they greatly impacted and influenced India’s food culture. The story goes that in the 14th and 15th centuries, egg whites were used to stiffen the vests of the priests residing in Portuguese convents. Instead of throwing away the remaining yolks, they decided to turn them into a dessert, called Fios De Ovas (egg threads), of which the Muttamala is a variation.

The dish’s high egg content also makes it a healthy snack. Eggs are nutritious foods consisting of high levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, phosphorus, and more. While they’re high in cholesterol, consuming eggs importantly doesn’t impact one’s cholesterol levels, while also increasing the body’s good cholesterol. Eggs are also a great source of choline, which builds cell membranes. They contain antioxidants, which keep the body healthy, promoting eye health. They're also full of protein, which helps one feel full, meaning we consume less calories, thus leading to better weight management.