Welcome to the wild and wonderful world of Kerala cuisine. If you’re a fan of bold flavours, aromatic spices, and dishes that pack a punch, you’ve come to the right place. But what if your friends are not so familiar with this type of cuisine? Fear not, for I am here to guide you through the ins and outs of cooking Kerala food for your non-Indian friends.
Step 1: Start with the basics
Before you start cooking, it’s essential to understand the basics of Kerala cuisine. This cuisine is known for using coconut, spices, and seafood, which can be a lot for some palates to handle. It’s best to start with some of the milder dishes, such as appams or dosa, and work your way up to the spicier options.
Step 2: Know your spices
Kerala cuisine is all about the spices, and there’s no holding back here. But how do you know which spices to use and how much to use? The answer is simple: as much as possible. Just kidding. But seriously, spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cardamom are essential to the flavour of Kerala food. So don’t be afraid to use them generously.
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Step 3: Coconut, the great equalizer
Coconut is a staple in Kerala cuisine, giving the dishes unique flavour and texture. Whether it’s coconut milk, coconut oil, or grated coconut, make sure to include it in your dishes. And if your friends are not fans of coconut, tell them it’s like eating a tropical vacation in every bite.
Step 4: Don’t forget the seafood
Kerala is a coastal state, and seafood is a big part of the cuisine. Include some seafood in your spread, whether prawns, fish, or crab. And if your friends are not fans of seafood, tell them it’s like eating the ocean in every bite. They’ll love it, trust me.
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Step 5: Embrace the heat
Kerala cuisine is known for its spiciness, and there’s no holding back here. So if you’re not used to spicy food, be prepared for a bit of a shock. But don’t worry; the heat makes the food so delicious. And if your friends can’t handle the heat, give them a glass of milk and tell them it’s like a cool breeze in every sip.
And there you have it, folks. A guide to cooking Kerala food for your non-Indian friends. Just remember to have fun, embrace the bold flavours, and ensure that there is enough food for everyone.
Disclaimer: The above essay is meant to be taken light-hearted and humorously. It is not meant to be taken as a serious cooking guide. Please use your discretion when you cook for your non-Indian friends and cater to their tastes and dietary restrictions.
Here are two simple and traditional Kerala recipes that you can try:
Kerala Fried Fish:
Ingredients: fish filets, turmeric powder, chilli powder, coriander powder, salt, and oil.
Instructions:
– Mix the spices and salt.
– Coat the fish filets with the spice mix.
– Heat oil in a pan, add the fish and fry until both sides are golden brown.
– Serve hot with rice.
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Vegetable Stew:
Ingredients: mixed vegetables, coconut milk, green chillies, ginger, garlic, shallots, turmeric powder, coriander powder, salt, and oil.
Instructions:
– Heat oil in a pan and sauté ginger, garlic, and shallots.
– Add the mixed vegetables, green chillies, and spices.
– Pour in the coconut milk and bring it to a boil.
– Simmer until the vegetables are cooked.
– Serve hot with rice or roti.
Enjoy your cooking!
