Authentic Kerala Dishes to Master During Your Long Homestay

13 May, 2024 By Admin

Have you ever considered what makes a long homestay with a swimming pool in Kerala extra special? It’s not just the scenic views or the leisurely swims—it’s the food! Kerala, a state on India's tropical Malabar Coast, has a rich culinary heritage that reflects its diverse history and cultural influences.

From seafood to coconut-laden delights, the local cuisine is flavorful and uniquely Keralan. If you're planning a long homestay in this beautiful region, mastering some of its authentic dishes can transform your experience from good to unforgettable.

This blog will guide you through mastering dishes that are as delightful to make as they are to eat, making your stay richer and tastier.

1. Mastering Fish Curry Meals During Your Long Homestay in Kerala

Imagine the aroma of simmering fish curry wafting through your kitchen as you enjoy a serene view from your homestay. Fish curry meals are known for their depth of flavor and use of fresh, local ingredients.

Start by marinating the fish in a mixture of turmeric and salt. Then, prepare a paste of onions, tomatoes, and green chilies sautéed in coconut oil, a staple in Kerala kitchens. Add the marinated fish to the bubbling mixture, pour in the coconut milk, and let it simmer until the fish is tender and the flavors are melded.

Serve this delightful curry with a bowl of hot rice or fluffy appams to enjoy a traditional Keralan feast right at your homestay.

2. Cooking Puttu at a Long Homestay

Puttu is a beloved breakfast dish in Kerala, and it's a delightful challenge to perfect during long homestays in Kerala with a swimming pool. This steamed rice cake is unique, requiring a cylindrical puttu maker, and is often served with ripe bananas, grated coconut, or kadala curry.

The process begins with mixing rice flour with water and salt until it reaches a crumbly texture. The key is to ensure the mixture is moist but not wet. Layer this mixture with coconut shavings in the puttu maker and steam it until it's cooked through.

The result is a soft, fluffy Puttu with a mild flavor that is incredibly comforting. Enjoy it as a serene morning meal while admiring the lush surroundings of your homestay, and you’ll see why it’s a staple in every Kerala home.

3. Learning Appam at Long Homestays in Kerala with Swimming Pool

Appam, a type of pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, is the perfect dish to master during your stay. This lacy, soft pancake with a crispy edge is a favorite in Kerala and pairs wonderfully with a variety of curries.

Making Appam involves mixing rice, a bit of sugar, and yeast with coconut milk and letting the batter ferment overnight. The trick to getting the perfect Appam is in the consistency of the batter and the heat of the appachatti (the special pan used for cooking Appam).

Pour a ladleful of batter into the hot pan, then quickly swirl it to spread evenly. Cover and cook until the edges are golden and crispy. The joy of making your own Appam in the comfort of your homestay kitchen, perhaps after a refreshing swim, adds a special touch to the experience.

4. Experiencing a Banana Leaf Feast During Your Long Homestay in Kerala

A banana leaf feast is a celebration of Kerala’s culinary riches. During your long homestay in Kerala, organizing a banana leaf feast can be an exhilarating experience. The meal is typically served on a clean, green banana leaf, and it starts with placing small portions of different dishes—rice, sambar, various vegetable preparations, and pickles, and ends with sweet payasam.

Eating from a banana leaf is believed to enhance the food's flavors due to the infusion of phytonutrients from the leaf. Learning to serve and enjoy a meal this way lets you savor flavors in their most authentic form while participating in a deeply traditional practice that is both humble and enriching.

5. Perfecting Idiyappam at a Long Homestay with Swimming Pool in Kerala

Idiyappam, affectionately known as string hoppers, is a delightful dish you can learn to make while enjoying your long stay at a serene homestay with a swimming pool in Kerala. This dish consists of thin, noodle-like strands made from rice flour, pressed out of a mold into a steamer.

Start by making a smooth dough with rice flour and hot water, then season with a pinch of salt. The dough is then filled into an Idiyappam maker, resembling a press, and squeezed onto banana leaves or directly into a steamer.

Steaming for just a few minutes will cook them perfectly. Served with a side of sweet coconut milk or a fragrant curry, Idiyappam can turn any meal into a special occasion.

6. Frying Pazhampori (Banana Fritters)

Pazhampori, or banana fritters, is a snack you’ll find hard to stop eating once you start, especially when it’s freshly fried and still warm. This popular Kerala snack involves slices of ripe banana coated in a sweetened wheat flour batter and deep-fried until golden brown.

The preparation is easy, making it a fun cooking activity during your Anamala homestay. Mix wheat flour, a bit of rice flour for crispiness, sugar, and a pinch of turmeric for color in a bowl. Dip the banana slices into this batter, ensuring they are well coated, then fry them in hot oil until they puff up and turn crispy.

The result is a caramelized, crispy outside with a sweet, soft banana inside—a treat that perfectly accompanies a cup of tea or coffee during a relaxed evening.

Conclusion of Your Culinary Journey During Long Homestays in Kerala with Swimming Pool

As your culinary journey during your long homestay with swimming pool in Kerala ends, you'll find that each dish you’ve mastered is not just about the taste but also about the experience and memories you've created.

Carry these recipes home with you, and remember the warm hospitality of Kerala. And if you’re ever looking to relive this experience, Anamala Homestays awaits to welcome you back with open arms and a kitchen full of possibilities.