Wake Up To Kerala: A Flavorful Breakfast Guide

Kerala, a verdant paradise on the southwestern coast of India, is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene. breakfast in Kerala is a delightful affair, often featuring a medley of flavors and textures. Inspired by the region’s rich culinary heritage, I’ve crafted a dish that pays homage to its diverse influences.

Ingredients:

For the Coconut Milk Rice:

1 cup basmati rice

2 cups coconut milk

1 cup water

1 teaspoon ghee

1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

A pinch of saffron

For the Vegetable Curry:

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

2 green chilies, slit

1 inch piece of ginger, grated

4 cloves of garlic, minced

1 onion, finely chopped

1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans)

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

1 cup coconut milk

Salt to taste

For the Appam:

1 cup rice flour

1 cup coconut milk

1/2 cup water

1 teaspoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

Image Source: ndtvimg.com

Preparation Process:

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Coconut Milk Rice:

1. Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. In a pot, combine the soaked rice, coconut milk, water, ghee, cardamom powder, and saffron.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
4. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.

Vegetable Curry:

1. Heat coconut oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add cumin seeds, green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for a few seconds.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until golden brown.
4. Add the mixed vegetables, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder. Sauté for a few minutes.
5. Pour in the coconut milk and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.

Appam:

1. In a bowl, combine rice flour, coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth batter.
2. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
3. Heat a non-stick pan or appam pan over medium heat.
4. Pour a ladleful of batter into the center of the pan, swirling it to create a thin, circular layer.
5. Cook until the appam is golden brown and set.

Serving Ideas:

Serve the coconut milk rice topped with the flavorful vegetable curry. Accompany it with crispy appams, which can be enjoyed plain or with a drizzle of honey or coconut milk. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a sprinkle of grated coconut.

A Fusion of Flavors

This Kerala Sunrise is a harmonious blend of traditional Kerala flavors and modern culinary techniques. The fragrant coconut milk rice, the spicy vegetable curry, and the delicate appams come together to create a truly unforgettable breakfast experience. Each component of this dish is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Kerala, where culinary traditions have been passed down through generations.