Gourmet inspiration from Kerala

If Kerala is God’s own country, then its food is manna from heaven.

The rich aroma of peppercorn, cardamom, mustard seeds, curry leaves crackling merrily away in piping hot coconut oil sets the initial tone to this cuisine nicely. The culture in the state is a mélange of Portuguese, Jewish, Dutch, Syrian and its own remarkable influences which is reflected, rather magnificently, in the local culinary delights. Whether it’s a tenderly prepared appam (rice pancake) or a cylindrical puttu (made from rice and coconut), pairing it up with a vegetable dish, avial or thoran or kadala (black chickpeas cooked in coconut gravy), is the perfect comfort food. The seafood and non-vegetarian aspects of the cuisine is as sumptuous as its vegetarian fare. Fish stewed in spice infused gravy, the soothing flavours of mutton cooked in a coconut curry, or seafood marinated in local spice grilled to perfection, there is something for every discerning palate.

Our friends at Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa, Kovalam have shared a couple of easy recipes from the region for our readers to try at home and taste the flavours of Kerala themselves!

Prawn Chuttathu

Ingredients: Medium prawns 40-45: 800 gm | Red chili paste: 40 gm | Small onion: 40 gm | Curry leaves: 5 gm | Lemon: 01 piece | Ginger garlic paste: 20 gm | Coconut oil: 50 ml | Salt: 20 gm

(1 gm = 0.035 oz)

Preparation: Marinate the prawns in lemon juice, red chili paste, chopped curry leaves, sliced shallots, salt, ginger garlic paste for 15 minutes. Grill the prawns in coconut oil. Serve with a lemon wedge.

Ulli Theeyal

Ingredients: Shallots: 1000 gm | Curry leaves: 5 gm | Coconut oil: 200 gm | Coriander seeds: 250 gm | Whole red chillies: 250 gm | Jaggery: 20 gm | Ginger: 10 gm | Garlic: 5 gm | Grated coconut: 2000 gm | Tamarind: 20 gm | Mustard seeds: 3 gm | Deggi mirch powder: 10 gm | Salt: 4 gm

(1 gm = 0.035 oz)

Preparation: Dry roast grated coconut, whole red chili, and coriander seeds till it is light golden brown and make a fine paste of the mixture. Heat coconut oil and add mustard seeds, red chilies and curry leaves. Then add garlic, ginger, peeled whole shallots and roast it well. Add turmeric powder, deggi mirch powder, and add the fine paste. Sautee it. Add enough water to cook it. Add tamarind juice and jaggery syrup. Serve hot with Kerala rice and a garnish of fried curry leaves.

Bon Appetit!

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Exploring tribal culture in Odisha

Apart from its rich history that is echoed in its culture, architecture and way of life, Odisha boasts of considerable tribal populace. A foray into rural Odisha, a state in the eastern region of India, will unveil unique homestays hosted by erstwhile royal families of the region. These pastoral parts are also home to many tribal communities, the Santhals being one such group. Visiting their village entails unlocking their unique heritage, lifestyle, how they sustain themselves in the forest, their livelihood, religion and festivals, handicrafts and more. This ethnic group immerse themselves in music and dance, their unique garb during performances being as distinctive as their art. The Mundas are yet another ethnic group who call Odisha their home. Interaction with them brims with interesting facts circling around their traditional lifestyle, their remarkable methods of rice cleaning; activities like visiting the goatery and the fishponds used for pisciculture are perfect ways to get an insight to their lives and livelihood.

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A&K Favourite Travel Moments

A&K Favourite Travel Moments is a new series of favourite travel moments from A&K India staff sharing their own unique experiences and insights from their past travels, whether from the places they call home, the places they are looking forward to returning to or memorable FAM trips, along with expert travel tips. One day, we will travel together again and experience the unique rewards of exploring in person, side by side. Until then, keep an eye on this space for an inspiring view of our beautiful India at this unforgettable moment in time, as only A&K's team can reveal it to you.

In this very first edition, we quizzed Rishi Kapoor, Vice President - A&K Operations, on his Favourite Travel Moments.

• Favourite Indian destination and why -  

There have been so many destinations that could be my favourite but if I am to pick one, I would say Leh in Ladakh occupies the top spot for its seemingly unending open expanses, ruggedness and absolute beauty all around, literally 360 degrees! It is, of course, a harsh place to visit, being a rarefied oxygen region, but the pure and natural beauty make you forget everything else. I have been there three times so far and would not hesitate to visit again whenever the opportunity pops up.

• Favourite place in your city -

I live in Delhi and, being a very passionate motorcycle rider, my favourite place has to be the area we call Lutyens’ Delhi. The wonderfully laid out boulevards, open roads and stunning scenery are just like riding in paradise. No matter how many times I have ridden my motorcycle here, it is amazing that I’m still able to explore a new street, a new nook, every time I visit this part of Delhi, the city where I was born and bred.

• The best trip in India for first-time visitors…

… has to be one that covers the highlights of India that I call the Big Five must-have travel elements: (1) Taj Mahal (2) Tigers (3) Forts & Palaces (4) Spirituality (5) Cuisine 

• Favourite restaurants in your favourite city –

Being an unapologetic foodie, my list of favourite restaurants is endless. I will, however, strive to pick my Top 3, ones we go back to again and again

1. Bukhara for North West Frontier cuisine at the ITC Maurya 
2. Guppy by AI for the best Sushi and Japanese cuisine in town
3. Karim’s in Old Delhi for the best Mughlai food ever! It’s a calorie overdose, but, what the heck, YOLO!

• Best wildlife experience so far –

Nothing can match seeing the Royal Bengal Tiger in the wild, up close, and if you are lucky enough, a charge by the beast can run shivers through your entire body!

• Activity guests cannot leave India without experiencing

1. North India – A sunrise visit of the Taj Mahal and going on safari in search of the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger
2. South India – A relaxed day spent on a traditional rice barge in Kerala paired with freshly cooked lunch by your personal chef onboard the houseboat

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