South Indian cuisine is one of a kind. It has got it all with a variety that boasts of distinct delicacies, from comforting and light sambar to fiery, zesty curries. And you can find the distinctness of each different region of the south. While you can savour aromatic biryanis in Hyderabad, experience the best of seafood in the coastal regions of Kerala. And if you are someone with a thing for spicy food, Tamil Nadu’s Chettinad region is the place to be! Dominated by the Chettiar community, the Chettinad region offers the famous Chettinad cuisine, believed to be the spiciest cuisine of India! Its distinctness lies in the extensive use of local spices like star anise, stone flower and maratti mokku (dried flower pods), lending various flavours. Chettinad delicacies also boast aromatic herbs including clove, cumin, tamarind and turmeric, while the fiery gravy is made with a combination of freshly ground spices, tomato, chillies, coconut, ginger and garlic. Being a cuisine from the coastline means loads of seafood on the table besides sumptuous meat delicacies, but Chettinad cuisine offers various vegetarian dishes.
Here are 4 Chettinad recipes you can try at home:
One of the most popular Chettinad delicacies, chicken Chettinad, is packed with tangy tomato, red chillies, onion and a whole lot of spices that are sure to get you drooling.
This one has mushrooms tossed in with fiery spices lending a bold flavour with tamarind, coconut, chillies and a host of freshly ground spices. A true vegetarian delight with a punch of spices!
Soft, succulent and packed with homemade Chettinad masala, this fish fry is a perfect appetizer for a dinner party at home!
For all the eggetarians! This yummy Chettinad egg curry made with a host of spices, including local, homemade ones, is a perfect delicacy to sate your cravings for egg curry.
Indulge in these mouth-watering Chettinad delicacies and share your experience with us.