Known for its scenic backwaters, lush hill stations, and mesmerising views, ‘god’s own country’ Kerala is also home to mouth-watering delicacies that are popular around the world. The coastal state’s cuisine is diverse, and both comforting and flavoursome. Whether you are a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian, you will not be disappointed when ordering food from a Kerala menu. No wonder the cuisine has a celebrity fan following too. Anushka Sharma is one actor who has expressed her love for Kerala food time and again.
A foodie at heart, Anushka never shies away from expressing her love for delicious dishes, and her Instagram is proof of that. Be it her vacation diaries, shoot shenanigans, or a casual lunch at home, Anushka makes sure to share a glimpse of her platter with her fans and followers on social media. And her latest spread (on a banana leaf) was some yummy food from Kerala.
Taking to her Instagram stories, Anushka shared the picture of her wholesome Sadya, spread over a banana leaf, featuring a couple of rice dishes, accompanied by a range of curries. Anushka’s meal was all about traditional Kerala delicacies - including Avial, Thoran and Pachadi. We could also see papadam and banana chips on the side. Take a look:
The meal was sent to Anushka by Chef Marina Balakrishnan, who is better known by her Instagram handle @thatthalassery. She runs a home kitchen, called Oottupura, that serves authentic Kerala vegetarian meals. Chef Marina - who has her roots in Thalassery - offers a holistic experience, with traditional plant-based delicacies from the Malabar region, compiled with the Ayurvedic philosophy of using seasonal ingredients. This is why she makes sure to change the menu every week.
For the unversed, a traditional Sadya is made on the occasion of Onam. The much-awaited meal comprises 26 dishes that vary from savoury to sweet and more. Avial is the highlight of a Sadya. It is also an integral part of Kerala cuisine, where the dish is cooked using parboiled vegetables, going up to 13 vegetables in some places. The vegetables are cut into thick strips, and flavoured with a tangy coconut-yoghurt paste, bringing in a plethora of textures - from mushy ash melon to crumbly plantain. If you are craving a wholesome bowl of Avial already, here’s a recipe for you to try at home.