Are you bitten by the travel bug? If you have packed your bags to head down south this time then we have something for you. And those of you, who have not, don’t be disappointed. We won’t let you miss out on the fun. Whether you are travelling to southern India or exploring a south Indian eatery in your city… Or hunting for a new recipe for this weekend… We bring you a perfect food guide of 10 traditional South Indian dishes you need to try. Southern India is a treasure trove of vibrant landscapes, rich languages and not to miss lip-smacking cuisines. The cultural diversity of India is known for its uniqueness globally and southern India has a distinct identity on the food map of the country.
South Indian dishes include cuisines of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. Equally rich in their contribution are union territories of Pondicherry, Lakshadweep, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Here are the 10 traditional South Indian dishes you need to try. A mix of famous dishes and lesser-known ones, we bet you will love to try out each of them.
Iconic Dosas – Each South Indian State To Its Own
Prepared with fermented lentil and rice batter, a dosa is a regular feature in most south Indian households. The dish is equally popular with Indians living in other parts of the country. While there are several varieties of dosas, masala dosa is one of the all-time favs. These are dosas stuffed with mashed potatoes and onion. Did you know each south Indian state has its own version of dosa!
Taste bud guide: Have it with hot sambar (lentil soup) and/or coconut or groundnut chutney
Kuzhi Paniyaaram – As You Like It
Prepared with dosa/idli batter, the dish can be had in a sweet or spicy version. The ball-shaped dumplings are prepared across South India. It is yet another breakfast regular and a must-try.
Taste bud guide: Try it with kara chutney made of onions, tomatoes, lentils and tamarind extract
Idlis – The Fluffy Little Bites
If you are health-conscious in the true spirit, then you can’t miss out on these light, steamed, fluffy rice cakes.
Taste bud guide: Tastes best when served with sambar and chutneys.
Bisi Bele Bhaat – Flavourful Mix Of Rice, Daal & Veggies
If you are looking for comparisons, north-Indian khichadi is the closest you can get. Prepared with rice, daal, veggies and masala, this one is the iconic South Indian dish from Karnataka.
Taste bud guide: Don’t forget to treat yourself with a spoonful of ghee
Vada – Crispy Delights
Well, folks think beyond doughnuts! These crispy, hot, deep-fried delights may look like doughnuts but they actually are the famous Vadas and they are sure to satiate your savoury craving. They are prepared with black lentil batter, curry leaves, cumin, onion and chillies.
Taste bud guide: Dip them in hot sambar and chutneys.
Sweet Pongal – Ultimate South Indian Comfort Food
Pongal is the name of the harvest festival which is celebrated by preparing a dish by the same name – sweet Pongal: It is made with rice, jaggery, lentils, and not to forget ghee.
Taste bud guide: Add raisins fried in ghee and a dash of cardamom powder
Uttapam – South Indian Pizza
Rice and lentils batter spread like thick dosa and topped with finely chopped onion, chillies, tomato and carrots toppings… Uttapam is ready! You won’t mind ditching the pizza for these fluffy delights, they are also known as the South Indian Pizza.
Taste bud guide: Good to go on their own or with chutneys
Koottukari – Distinct Flavours
A part of the South Indian festive Onam Sadhya meal, Koottukari is a Malayali curry from the state of Kerala. You can easily prepare this dish with veggies, including banana and coconut.
Taste bud guide: Serve it with rice and do not forget to munch along papadum
Kerala Parotta – Flaky Flatbreads
These are sinfully flaky flatbreads made with plain flour. One of the iconic South Indian dishes whose origin is from Kerala, the parottas are relished with meaty delights.
Taste bud guide: Make the curry slightly spicier to relish the curry to its fullest
Meen Kuzhambu – Coastal Treat
Well, no mention to the South Indian cuisine is complete without talking of seafood. Meen Kozhambu is a fish curry busting with Tamil flavours. Chilli and tamarind paste lend a distinct tangy and spicy touch and will surely hit the spot.
Taste bud guide: If you are a true fish lover, you know it goes best with rice
From coastal lands enriched with coconut to semi-arid terrains spiced up with chillies, traditional South Indian flavours are delightfully wholesome. While some dishes traverse regions but the others have a distinct identity of their own. For all those you looking for nutritious yet delicious recipes for your family, here it is. Most of these delights make for perfect breakfast items. But if you like to keep your dinner simple, light and tasty, then why not!
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