Welcome to Malabar Cuisine of Kerala! In this blog, I present to you the rich and delectable cuisine of the Malabar Muslims of Kerala. The Malabar cuisine , with its distinct taste has a great deal in common with food in other parts of Kerala ; boiled rice eaten as a staple, along with a large variety of rice based dishes and the excessive use of coconut and coconut oil are a few of them. The Malabar muslims excel in the preparation of ‘Malabar Biriyanis’, a rich rice preparation, cooked with meat, onions, chilies and other spices. Seafood is very popular in Malabar and is served with almost every meal. Mussels are an all time favourite in seafood. ‘Arikkadukka’ is one among the delicacies made with mussels. Everyday meals of Malabar homes consist of wholesome preparations. A typical Malabar breakfast may comprise ‘Puttu’ (a dish of steamed rice powder garnished with coconut) and banana or hot fish curry, ‘pathiris’ or ‘dosas’ eaten with egg curry or egg masala .The main course of lunch consist of plain rice with some form of fish mostly , alternated by meat and chicken with dal and vegetables. Pathiris or Chapatis are served for dinner. Welcoming the bridegroom is a great festive occasion still at majority of Malabar homes, with a large variety of traditional malabar delicacies prepared. The night on the wedding day , the groom and his relatives n friends are treated with an extravagant feast at bride’s place ; Irachippathiri, Meenpathiri, Unnakkaya,Pazham nirachthu, Muttamala and Pinhanathappam, Alisa etc are some of the mouth watering dishes . On the next morning after wedding, stuffed chicken , Mutton stew, Mutton head curry and ‘Pathiris’ would array the tables to make a fabulous breakfast. Sending snacks and sweets to bridegroom’s residance is one among the other customs associated with a Malabar wedding. ‘Panjaarappaatta’ is a main item that would be sent, which is a snack fried in oil and it is kept for about 5-7 days just to drain the oil ! Many other snacks and halwas filled in big vessels would reach the grooms’s place. The malabar muslims also prepare many specialities during the holy month of Ramadan, to break the religious fast from dawn to sunset , as well as for the light meal before the Fajr prayer. The Malabar cuisine is impressive not only in its abundance and variety, but the care that went into the preparation and the delicate flavors it showcases. Come lets explore through the cuisine!