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- Lovingly given the moniker ‘God’s Own Country,' Kerala lies on the southwestern coast of the county. While there are some dishes that it has in common with India’s other Southern states, certain dishes are unique to this region. The cuisine has many dishes that are perfect for breakfast. The uniqueness of Kerala’s breakfast dishes lie in its harmonious blend of local ingredients health benefits, variety, cultural significance, innovative use of spices, and ease of preparation.
Video Credit: Hebbar's Kitchen
From the soft, steamed goodness of Puttu and Idiyappam to the crispy texture of Dosa and Pazham Pori, each dish offers a unique taste experience that is deeply rooted in Kerala's rich culture. Apart from vegetarian options such as appam with vegetable stew there are non-vegetarian dishes such as Idiyappam with egg curry and pathiri with chicken curry, as well.
These easy-to-make dishes are not only delicious but also provide a nutritious start to the day, reflecting the essence of Kerala's traditional food practices. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, these seven breakfast dishes from Kerala are sure to bring a taste of the region's vibrant cuisine to your table.
Puttu And Kadala Curry
Puttu is a cylindrical steamed rice cake made from ground rice layered with grated coconut. It is a staple breakfast item in Kerala and is often paired with Kadala Curry, a spicy chickpea curry. The combination of the soft, fluffy puttu and the robust, flavourful kadala curry is a match made in culinary heaven. Puttu is made by steaming rice flour and grated coconut in a puttu maker, while the kadala curry is cooked with black chickpeas, coconut milk, and a blend of spices such as turmeric, chilli, and coriander.
Appam With Stew
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Appam, the fermented rice pancake with a soft and spongy centre and a crispy edge is loved all across India and originated in Kerala. It is typically served with a vegetable or meat stew. The stew is prepared using coconut milk, vegetables, or meat, and flavoured with ginger, garlic, and green chilies. The mild and creamy stew complements the slightly tangy appam, creating a balanced and satisfying breakfast.
Idiyappam With Egg Curry
Idiyappam, also known as string hoppers, is made from rice flour dough which is then brought out into thin noodles and steamed. It is light and versatile, making it a perfect match for various curries. One popular pairing is with Egg Curry, where hard-boiled eggs are cooked in a spicy, coconut-based gravy. The delicate texture of idiyappam absorbs the rich flavours of the egg curry, resulting in a delightful meal.
Dosa With Sambar And Chutney
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Dosa the thin, crispy crepe made from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal (black gram) is a popular breakfast choice not just in Kerala but across South India. Dosa in Kerala dosa is slightly different as the ratio of rice and Urad dal differ and also the duration of fermentation. It is typically served with Sambar, a lentil-based vegetable stew, and an array of chutneys such as coconut chutney and tomato chutney. The combination of crispy dosa, tangy sambar, and flavourful chutneys offers a wonderful contrast of textures and tastes.
Pathiri With Chicken Curry
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Pathiri is a traditional rice flatbread that is soft and light. It is usually served with Chicken Curry in Kerala. The chicken curry is rich and flavourful, made with a blend of spices including garam masala, turmeric, coriander, and coconut milk. The soft pathiri acts as a perfect vessel to soak up the delicious curry, making each bite a burst of savoury goodness. Pathiri is made by kneading rice flour into a dough, rolling it into thin circles, and then cooking it on a hot tava.
Upma
Upma is a simple and quick breakfast dish made from semolina (rava). It is a savoury porridge-like dish that is often prepared with a variety of vegetables and seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. The semolina is toasted to a shade of golden brown, then cooked with sautéed onions, ginger, and vegetables in water until it reaches a creamy consistency.: Kerala upma often includes grated coconut, which adds a subtle sweetness to the dish. A squeeze of lemon juice and a handful of fresh coriander leaves are added for a refreshing finish.
Pazham Pori
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Pazham Pori, also known as Ethakka Appam, is a popular and simple snack-like breakfast item in Kerala. It consists of ripe bananas dipped in a sweet, spiced batter and deep-fried to a golden crisp. The batter is typically made from flour, sugar, turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Pazham Pori is a delightful combination of sweet, soft bananas encased in a crunchy outer layer, making it a favourite among children and adults alike. It is often enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
