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South Indian cuisine never fails to surprise. In this cuisine, the species play a huge role in deriving the characteristic depth and flavour, which is rare to see in any other cuisine. In the diverse culinary landscape, there are hundreds of dishes that are worth exploring, but some of them have become world-famous for their simplicity and extravagance.
In South Indian cuisine, you get to savour all the flavours you ask for. Savoury, sweet, tart or tropical. The dishes intricately display the harmonious play of varied textures and flavours, which, despite being contrasting, never cancel out each other. That's the beauty of South Indian cuisine that wins the heart instantly.
Despite being so delicious, numerous dishes from South India receive less attention in the US compared to those from Northern India. Where North Indian cuisine features dishes loaded with fats and carbs, South Indian cuisine is rather lighter and represents rice as a main ingredient in many recipes. Many South Indian delicacies are also spicier as compared to those from North India, but there are also milder variations that focus on highlighting every ingredient in the recipe.
While there are hundreds of recipes to explore, today we will talk about the basic dishes well known throughout the world and learn a little about their ingredients, making process, taste and what they are served with.
7 Classic South Indian Dishes You Should Know About
1) Idli
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Idli is among the most popular dishes in South India and it is made of fermented rice and lentil batter. The batter is steamed in circular moulds until it becomes cakey and soft. The fermentation derives a delightful tangy flavour and it is paired with coconut chutney and sambar.
2) Dosa
The crispy, tangy and savoury crepes made with fermented rice batter taste wonderful with aloo masala filling and spicy sambhar on the side. The batter is seasoned with salt and made into extremely thin sheets over a hot dosa pan. There are many variations of dosa in different regions of South Indian states, of which the most popular is masala dosa with a standard spiced mashed potato filling.
3) Sambhar
Popularly served with dosa and idli, sambhar is a lentil dish that combines the influences of Maharashtrian cuisine. The lentil curry features a spicy blend of crushed whole spices, tamarind, vegetables and a lentil base. Different varieties of vegetables can be used for this curry. And the sambhar goes well with steamed rice, idli, dosa or vada as well.
4) South Indian Biryani
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Bringing Mughal influences to the cuisine, Biryani is one of the most beloved staples in South India. You may find many variations of biryani dishes across the region, including Hyderabadi Biryani, Malabar Biryani, Kozhikode Biryani, Ambur biryani and so on, with each highlighting a new dimension of the rice base.
5) Upma
Upma is a beloved breakfast recipe in South India, made with semolina and vegetables. In this, semolina is roasted in ghee and then mixed with sautéed vegetables. The flavours and ingredients vary based on different regions. Some use a lot of spices, while others keep the flavours mild.
6) Payasam
Payasam is a milk-based dessert made with ghee-roasted vermicelli noodles simmered in flavoured milk. The milk is flavoured with spices like ground cardamom, and cinnamon and dry fruits are added to give it a delectable texture.
7) Vada
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Vada is a lentil-based snack often served with sambar and tamarind chutney. The round-shaped fritters are made with fermented lentils blended to a thick paste and mixed with spices and seasonings. With a crispy exterior and a tender interior, it is a famous breakfast dish all across India.
If you haven't explored the flavours of South Indian cuisine, you're missing out on a world of flavours. Go beyond the classic samosa and butter chicken to discover what more South Indian cuisine has in store for you.
